Mr. K's Super Show

This episode, Brad and me pick 3 lame villains each and talk about why they're...well...so lame!And while lame, they do provide a certain entertainment value.  Hey, they can't all be winners, right?  While our writers and artists generally provide us with solid stories and art, sometimes fatigue or flights of fancy make them create these rather, um, questionable adversaries for our heroes!We had fun talking about these peculiar characters and it was a nice change of pace episode for us.Hosted by Brad Page and Chris Karam

In this episode, Ryan Daly (Cheers Cast) and me pick our top 5 albums by one of America's greatest rock and roll bands, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers!This classic band was responsible for so many great songs and albums and while it's tough to whittle it down to five absolute favorites, somehow, we managed.  With their trademark jangly, melodic sound, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers created the soundtrack for a generation and we talk about our favorite albums and songs here.  It was a fun conversation and hopefully some of our favorite albums will be some of yours!

It was Frank Miller's year in 1986 and at the center of it was his seven-part return to Daredevil; this time with artist David Mazzuchelli to chronicle the epic saga known as "Born Again."This was such an epic task, we once again brought in our good friend Eric Miller (Pods & Sods) to break down this tale of destruction and redemption.  We had a lot of fun ruminating on the many aspects of this storyline, which redefined Daredevil during a year in which Frank Miller would demonstrate how deep his artistry and storytelling was and this story also brought the artwork of David Mazzuchelli to a level never seen before.This is a long episode, but necessary to chronicle this major turning point in the history of Daredevil.Hosted by Chris Karam and Brad Page.

Pull up a bowl of your favorite sugar cereal and get ready for an episode where Laura Donahue Brady (Dedication: Fans Remember The Bay City Rollers Podcast) and me talk about the famous (or perhaps infamous) Bay City Rollers Show (aka The Krofft Superstar Hour)!What happens when you combine one of the biggest teen pop groups with the likes of Witchiepoo, Stupid Bat, and Mr. Munchie?  A Saturday morning kids' show with the music of the Bay City Rollers and crazy comedy skits that was so over the top, the lead singer left the band as soon as the show filmed it's last episode!But there was some fun to be had in re-watching these classic shows featuring Scotland's greatest export next to Sean Connery, The Bay City Rollers, and Laura and me certainly had fun re-living our respective memories of this classic piece of Saturday morning schtick.

This time, the rock and comic worlds collide as we tell the story of how Marvel's KISS comics from 1977 turned two young lads into music fans via a super special issue that cast Gene, Paul, Ace, & Peter as superheroes battling Doctor Doom!A year later, a second KISS comic was also released, and this one further cemented our KISS mania!This canny bit of branding and marketing not only made for fun reading, but it turned us into KISS fans and was our gateway into the world of...ROCK AND ROLL!!!!!!!! (screamed, of course, in Paul Stanley's inimitable wail).  So, get out that old, beat up KISS lunchbox, chow down on your Hostess Twinkies, and give this episode a listen!

It may be April Fools Day, but the only fools you'll hear are me and Jeff Harris (Behind The Grooves) talking once again about...The Beatles!In this episode we go back 60 years to the pivotal year of 1965, when The Fab Four released their movie and accompanying soundtrack album for Help!, as well as the other major release of the year, their classic album Rubber Soul.And while Jeff and I attempt to stay on topic, of course we go off in different directions and ponder things such as the connection the Beatles have to Superman circa 1983, and various other zigs where we should zagged!As always with Mr. Harris, a spendid time was had by us and hopefully you'll say the same thing after listening to this podcast!* 

We're back with a Very Special Episode of The Pod Remains The Same!This time, we tackle the new documentary, Becoming Led Zeppelin.  This long awaited documentary delves into the origins of the band, from their upbringings in England, to how they came to be musicians, and finally, how they...became Led Zeppelin.The documentary is chock full of new interviews with John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant, as well as newly discovered audio interviews with the late John Bonham that tell the story of how this legendary band came together to conquer the rock world like no other.Hosted by Chris Karam and Brad Page

This time, we tackle the solo works of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen (aka Steely Dan), and to do that, I brought on someone new to talk about them, Mr. Andy Schaal.Andy and me discussed Fagen's The NIghtfly, Kamakiriad, Morph The Cat, and Sunken Condos, as well as Becker's 11 Tracks Of Whack and Circus Money.  A lot of fun was had as we discussed the musical and lyrical quirkiness of the solo works of the duo who comprised Steely Dan.  There are some great songs within these works and any fan of music would be advised to listen and check these out.

Once again, we go back to the 1970s for an obscure DC hero named...Manhunter!Manhunter (aka Paul Kirk) plays the world's most dangerous game  -- hunting criminals -- amid international intrigue and machinations with all the twists and turns that you might see in a classic James Bond film.  With the exception that Manhunter dies and is resurrected, but with a major twist...he goes up against an army of his own clones!This series, which played out as a backup story in Detective Comics, was the work of veteran writer and editor Archie Goodwin, and was an early work by a young penciler named Walter Simonson.  Together, they crafted a saga that while short-lived, had an impact on comics fandom, and set Walt Simonson on the path to other things (Thor, etc).Your dangerous hosts are Brad Page and Chris Karam

We celebrate the 40th anniversary  of KISS's Asylum album by taking a look at the Bruce Kulick era of KISS.In 1984, after a series of revolving door guitarists came and went, Bruce Kulick became the permanent lead guitarist for the band during their non-makeup era and brought some stability to the veteran band.  He also helped bridge the gap between the group's classic sound and the 80s "hair metal" sound that was hip and "rad" at the time.Jeff Hogland (Classic Rock Bottom) and me take a deep dive into the 5 studio albums that Mr. Kulick recorded with KISS: Asylum, Crazy Nights, Hot In The Shade, Revenge and Carnival Of Souls.  And of course, we get into all the backstage drama and shenanigans that goes along with KISS in the 80s and 90s.Just don't look too closely at the band's Asylum-era stage outfits, because, well...they don't say that Gene Simmons looked like Golden Girl Bea Arthur for nothing!  

Once again, we delve into the JLI universe for a series of stories where the JLI (that's Justice League International, friends) faces off against the nefarious Manga Khan with their usual blend of comedy, action, and a Green Lantern who goes by the name of...G'nort!Well, at least they've got a Green Lantern who's become the nicest GL in the universe -- Guy Gardner  -- but he'll face off against the fraggin' bastich Lobo!  Not to mention an interlude with Wayne, Bruce Wayne, where he and Fire and Ice pose as glamourous spies.This mighty 80s saga was brought to you by the usual cohorts: Writers Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis,, and artists Steve Leialoha and Kevin Maguire, And this podcast was brought to you by Chris Karam and Brad Page.Tell all your friends...seriously!

We're heading Southbound on this episode and talking about one of the greatest bands of all time, The Allman Brothers Band.Craig Cohen (The G.O.A.T - A Brian DePalma fan podcast) and me go back to the beginnings of this legendary Southern band  (just don't call them a Southern Rock band) and how Duane Allman cobbled together a diverse group of musicians whose common cause was to blend, rock, r&b, jazz, blues, and country into a unique sound and take jamming to new heights...and lengths.We focus on the classic era of the band from 1969-1973, and while it was an era beset by tragedy, it yielded some of the finest music ever made and made legends out of Duane, his brother Gregg, Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jaimoe.Stand back and give this episode a listen!

It's time once again for our annual ho-ho-holiday episode and this year, we're talking about the classic first issue of Marvel Team-Up #1 from 1972, in which Spider-Man and The Human Torch go up against -- who else -- the Sandman, in the aptly titled "Have Yourself A Sandman Little Christmas."It's a fun story, set against the backdrop of Christmas in New York City in the early 70s, written by  Roy Thomas, with art by Ross Andru and Mike Esposito.  It's always fun going back to the Marvel age of comics, back during a time when a single issue comic could tell a complete story with fun, plenty of action, and heroes cracking wise and trying to crack the villain's plans.Will Spidey and the Torch vanquish the Sandman and get some holiday spirit?  LIsten to this podcast and find out!Your ho-ho-hosts are Brad Page and Chris Karam.Happy Holidays to one and all!

We're taking another look at that rock and roll chameleon, David Bowie.And this time, Brad Page (I'm In Love With That Song podcast) and me picked five of our favorite David Bowie albums and talked about why we like them so much.  With a catalog as vast as Bowie's, five albums only scratch the surface of what made him great, but if we discussed every album he made, this podcast would go on forever and we'd be two lads insane.We had fun talking up our favorite tracks, as well as the trivia and Ziggy-zags that are a part of each episode.  We hope you'll rock and roll with us and that this episode is just hunky dory.  

Here at Back Issue Banter, we try to come up with answers as to why we love classic comics, but this time we're examining The Question.We're taking a look at DC Comics' 1987 revival of The Question and to help us unravel this, we brought on a guest.  Brian Linnen (Permanent Record Podcast) chose this month's topic, so it's only fitting that he chatted with us about this enigmatic character created by Steve Ditko, who originally appeared as one of the Charlton Comics heroes...or anti-heroes.The Question is a different type of comic -- no long underwear types here -- and it was great fun dissecting and talking about this.Hosted by Chris Karam and Brad Page.Check out Brian Linnen's Permanent Record Podcast: https://www.permanentrecordpodcast.com/

With the recent announcement that Aerosmith will no longer be touring, we decided it was time to assess Aerosmith and their considerable legacy as one of America's greatest rock and roll bands.Julian Gill (KISS FAQ podcast) and me discuss Aerosmith, what they mean to us, and how we think Aerosmith will be remembered by rock fans.  We also discuss  some stuff we forgot to mention on our two previous Aerosmith episodes!  As always, it's fun to talk to Julian and he also discusses his work on the two books he wrote titled Aerosmith On Tour, the second volume of which was released earlier this year.Check out Julian Gill's book Aerosmith On Tour 1973-85: https://www.amazon.com/Aerosmith-Tour-1973-85-Julian-Gill/dp/1734441291Check out Julian Gill's book Aerosmith On Tour 1985-2000: https://www.amazon.com/Aerosmith-Tour-Vol-2-1985-2000/dp/1734441283/ref=pd_lpo_sccl_2/138-0933538-5118826?pd_rd_w=pv3S0&content-id=amzn1.sym.4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_p=4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_r=HZ0EC08ZE3K9XRJF8BHY&pd_rd_wg=spRXm&pd_rd_r=3ffc89e0-13d1-4bfc-8e2d-29e0a0f652c3&pd_rd_i=1734441283&psc=1-

Journey back with us into Jack Kirby's Fourth World as we examine the first four issues of...The Forever People!See what sci-fi teenagers from a different universe say when their dialogue is written by a middle aged man!  Groove to the strains of Glorious Godfrey as he preaches doom and gloom and the gospel according to Darkseid!  Check out the far out character names such as Beautiful Dreamer, Big Bear, and Mark Moonrider...among others!The concepts and craziness fly fast and furious in yet another early 70s comic that can only be described as Pure, Unadulterated Kirby!  Give this podcast a listen -- Granny Goodness commands so!Hosted by Brad Page and Chris Karam

In this episode, Chris Czynszak (Decibel Geek Podcast) and me celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of KISS"s most over-the-top albums, Animalize.  We also explore a related album also celebrating a 40th anniversary; the first solo album by Wendy O. Williams of The Plasmatics, titled W.O.W.  These two albums have more in common that you might think.We'll get into the trivia, the drama, and of course, the music!Who played bass on KISS's Animalize? Which KISS member had to leave the sessions in order to act in a feature film?  Who's the future KISS guitarist who ghosted on two Animalize songs?  Who is Reginal Van Helsing?  The answers to these -- and many other burning questions can be heard on the podcast!Enough hype -- let's get Into The Fire!

True believers, once again, we're going back to the 70s and the Marvel Age of Comics with an Avengers saga that spans nine-issues (#89 - 97) with the epic "Kree-Skrull War."You'll get whiplash trying to read this saga, so fear not, because we did it for you.  All the crazy plot twists, and stuff that could only have happened in a 70s Marvel comic (brainwashed cows are not a joke when it comes to Marvel) make this storyline fun, engaging and a must-read.However, we do hope that after listening to this episode, you'll seek out these issues and read it for yourself!As always, your hosts (the Siskel & Ebert of comic book podcasters) are Brad Page and Chris Karam.

In this episode, Brian Linnen (Permanent Record Podcast) and me delve into the 1970s catalog of Queen, one of our favourite groups of all-time.Listen as we discuss the albums from Queen's first decade.  A decade where Queen not only found their sound, but refined it over a series of over the top classic albums that built the Queen legacy as we know it today.  If you're Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon -- or any other time of the day, night, or week -- it's a deep dive into the catalog that only we can take.We will rock you....or at least give you everything short of a sheer heart attack, darlings!

In this episode, we take a look at the groundbreaking first company crossover by DC and Marvel, 1976's Superman Vs. The Amazing Spider-Man.  This oversized tabloid edition clocked in at well over 90 pages and was truly an epic!We discuss all aspects of the delightfully over the top plot (t was the 70s, after all) and associated trivia, as these two heroic titans from two different companies (and universes) collide before putting their efforts towards vanquishing their super foes, Lex Luthor and Doctor Octopus.We also discuss the sequel, 1981's Superman and Spider-Man.  How does it compare to the original.  Listen to the podcast, true believers, and find out!Hosted by Chris Karam and Brad Page.

In this episode, we chronicle one of the most successful American bands of all time, Journey.Specifically, the period where Steve Perry took the reins as Journey's singer and frontman with 1978's Infinity, through their seeming 1986 finale, Raised On Radio, with one final reprise a decade later with 1996's Trial By Fire.We go through the group's history, with an album-by-album discussion.  Returning guest Jeff Hogland offers his unique insights into these classic albums, albums that helped propel Journey from a middling progressive band with a cult following, to pop superstars whose music resonates to this day, with evergreens such as "Don't Stop Believin'," among many others.Come with us as we embark on new frontiers as we chart Journey's evolution.

A nation in turmoil!  A hero questioning his relevance in an age where being an American is being redefined!  The values of a nation coming under fire!Sound familiar?  In this episode, we examine Captain America and The Falcon #153-156, in which not only do Cap and his sidekick The Falcon face off against the usual super-foes, but they also come up against...Captain America and Bucky from the 1950s!If you think that sounds bizarre, just wait until you hear how these issues -- no pun intended -- get resolved.  We had lots of fun examining and re-living Marvel during the swingin' seventies!  As we always do.Hosted by Brad Page and Chris Karam.

This time, we're talking about one of the biggest bands of the '80s and of all-time, The Police!Author Pete Braidis discusses his book, The Police: On Track, as we delve into the five studio albums released by this legendary band.It's not "just the facts" as we also discuss the musical aspects of these albums and songs.  Pete spent a couple of years researching and writing his book, and it shows.  We had a great time delving into Police matters and also had some great sidetracks along the way.eBut what else is new, right...?Pete's book, The Police: On Track is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Police-every-album-song-Track/dp/1789521580/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?crid=2JHHAV537WLNZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ztwkniI-wssFhjgThTP1jbF7wzu4gp9mOO0zU6F6YprenLOJBBAXTfy1nwmVZYT-.7Y0JJ_zxfzxbzLTEExStDF1Jh1FeZuXpJF6jQtr3pIQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=pete+braidis+the+police&qid=1719791819&s=books&sprefix=pete+braidis+the+police%2Cstripbooks%2C78&sr=1-1-fkmr0The Police On Track's official website: https://www.sonicbondpublishing.co.uk/on-track/the-police-on-track

In 1986, DC Comics did something pretty radical for that time. -- they rebooted Superman.  In the wake of the landmark mini-series Crisis On Infinite Earths, DC was relaunching its universe and they went back to the hero that started it all for them.This time, fan favorite writer and artist John Byrne was lured from Marvel Comics to redefine  DC's flagship hero for a new generation. And Byrne wasted no time putting his stamp on the classic hero.We will examine The Man Of Steel issues #1 - 6, the mini-series that served as the launching pad, and talk about Byrne's reimagining of Superman and his supporting cast.  Some of the changes were considered very different, and yet, somehow, Superman remained Superman.  But with a fresh injection of creativity that allowed readers a new jumping on point that paved the way for a very successful new direction for the character and his monthly books going forward.Hosted by Brad Page and Chris Karam.

It's 5150 time, y'all!This episode, Alex Alt (Slydog Music Cast) and me delve into the Sammy Hagar era of Van Halen.  While it's an era that divides some fans, it's also an era that produced some great, enduring music and we had a lot of fun going into the band's four studio albums as well as their one "live" album.Although a lot of people call them "Van Hagar,"we're gonna call 'em "Sam Halen."  Whatever you call them, ultimately it's still Van Halen, and this was a very exciting and productive time for the band.  At the core of it was Eddie Van Halen, who was still blazing away through some of the band's most successful music.We had fun talking about Sam Halen and we hope you'll have fun listening to this episode.

Once again, we go back to the Marvel age of comics, a swingin' time when the cold war was hot and spies were everywhere...even Marvel Comics!  We look at the comics Strange Tales #166 & 167 and Nick Fury, Agent Of SHIELD #1-3, & 5.Nick Fury, once the leader of a group of commandos during World War II, had been refashioned as a 1960s spy as the leader of an organization named S.H.I.E.L.D.  Shepherding this change was a young writer / artist named Jim Steranko, who not only took the character into the modern day '60s, but updated the art style as well.The original Nick Fury wasn't psychedelic, but the art style certainly was and we had fun discussing Marvel's foray into cold war adventures that, while of their time, are a fun romp through the tropes of late '60s storytelling.   And while this is serious stuff, it's a lot of fun as well.  As comics should be.Hosted by Brad Page and Chris Karam.

In this episode, guest co-host Jeff Harris (Behind The Grooves) and me explore the musical enigma known as Steely Dan!  And for the record, Steely Dan is a group, not just one guy.A group that defies easy categorization, as they mix rock, jazz, pop, funk, and lyrics that are sometimes inscrutable, but always interesting.  Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were two friends who met in college and set about writing songs that were an arty blend of their many musical and literary influences.We explore the original era of Steely Dan, spanning 1972-1980.  We delve into each album, the songs, the stories, the many musicians who helped Becker and Fagen realize their esoteric musical visions and ultimately, why we love these albums so much.  We try and shed some light on what Steely Dan was all about.Check out Jeff Harris's Behind The Grooves music blog: https://www.patreon.com/behindthegrooves/about?fbclid=IwAR3TFDb9hvywTPXcYlTaD5OgTloCjDHcGYJzOSG4uh-hDkd-OzfhvXkJHGM

We take a soujourn to the Hyborian age of sword and sorcery with a young barbarian known as...Conan!In this episode, we take a look at Conan's comic roots, beginning in 1970 with the classic Conan The Barbarian series written by Roy Thomas and drawn by Barry Windsor-Smith.  We not only talk about the stories and art, but also how Marvel Comics came to be the first publisher to adapt the classic character by Robert E. Howard into comics!Know, oh princes and princesses, that between the years of 1970 - 1973, the classic era of Conan comics was upon us, and it paved the way for other heroes of sword and sorcery and that it begat these enduring works.Fetch yourself a flagon of good ale and listen as we analyze and discuss this classic era of everyone's favorite rogue...Conan!  By Crom, you'll have a good time!

50 years ago, the music world got its' first KISS, in the form a debut album by four young men who not only played hard and heavy rock, but had the audacity to wear makeup, over the top costumes, and platform shoes that made them seem bigger than life.1974's self titled debut album by Gene, Paul, Ace, and Peter fired the first shot of KISS's kinetic sound and it was a mission statement that their unique brand of hook-filled glitter rock was not to be denied.  And just in case that wasn't enough for ya, later that year, they issued a second album, Hotter Than Hell.  Two albums by a new group in one year -- these guys were serious.I talked with Bakko (Cobras And Fire podcast) about the debut album and with Jeff Hogland about Hotter Than Hell, and we had a fun time talking about our favorite songs, trivia, and how these albums effected us in the days of our impressionable youth.  Both of these guys brought their own unique perspectives on the records and how these records helped to shape our appreciation of music.Check out Bakko on the Cobras And Fire podcast: https://cobrasandfire.com/

In this episode, we tackle one of the Marvel Universe's most epic anti-heroes, the mutant known as...Wolverine!More specifically, we tackle 1982's Wolverine mini-series by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller as well as X-Men #172 and 173 by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith.  To do this, we needed some help doing the heavy lifting, so we brought on our first ever guest star: Eric Miller (Pods and Sods)!The three of us had a great time dissecting the convoluted backstory of Marvel's favorite mutant and the various plot threads and machinations that make for great comics!  If you like Wolverine and the X-Men, you'll like this episode!  Listen to Eric Miller on the Pods and Sods music podcast: https://podsodcast.com/Listen to Eric Miller on the Foreign Comics Calling podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ken-worthing?fbclid=IwAR1Xzg2vTX-CNn3HoMvSZ2D_HPVzdSEtLGfJ3VmDuqNwMI5VYXB4KZ6_nrY

What would happen if the legendary teen pop group The Bay City Rollers dropped the "Bay City" from their name,  their signature tartan garb, and pursued a new sound?The year is 1979 and after a tumultuous 1978, The Bay City Rollers have a new singer, a new sound, and a new look.  Hoping to stake out a post-teen idol territory in anticipation of the 1980s, the Rollers are now clad in bright new wave colors, skinny ties and have rechristened themselves simply, "The Rollers."Guest co-Host Debbie Smith-Clarke and me explore this segment of (Bay City) Rollers history.  A segment largely unknown to casual fans and the general public.  We will explore the origins of this new incarnation as well as take an in-depth look at the three albums this lineup produced: Elevator, Voxx, and Ricochet.We'll delve into why these albums are so great and why they didn't connect with music buyers in the way that their previous albums did.  As always, we had a lot of fun talking up The Rollers!  Check out Dedication -- Fans Remember The Bay City Rollers podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dedication-fans-remember-the-bay-city-rollers-podcast-2/id1535575923

In this episode, we revisit an Avengers saga with so many turns and twists -- not to mention flashbacks -- that you'll get whiplash from reading it!We go back to the Marvel Age of Comics to examine The Avengers #57 - 60 by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, a saga that introduces a character that will have a major impact on the Marvel Universe, The Vision.  We also get to meet such characters as Yellowjacket and villains who sound suspiciously like mobsters from a 1930s gangster movie.This saga is over the top in the way only a 1960s Marvel comic could be!Hosted by Chris Karam and Brad Page

It was sixty years ago this month that The Beatles set foot in America and our country has never been the same ever since!Guest Co-Host Brad Page (I'm In Love With That Song podcast) and me delve into the frenzied state known as Beatlemania, that took over in February 1964, when The Beatles first played to the American TV audience on The Ed Sullivan Show.  We trace the back story to the group's debut album in their native Britain in 1963, an album that created such a stir that by years end, not one, but two record companies were vying to be the first to release a Beatles album in the US!And who were the men behind the scenes who lit the fuse for this cultural revolution?  And what is the connection between The Beatles and later rivals The Monkees?  And why did The Beatles take hold like no other band before or since has done?Give this episode a listen and find out!  It's fab!Listen to Brad Page's I'm In Love With That Song Podcast: https://lovethatsongpodcast.com/

While things were getting grim an' gritty in 1980s comics, the antidote was a dose of BWAH-HA-HA, which came in the form of Justice League International.  We take a deep dive into issues #5-8.In the post-Crisis, cold war decade of the '80s, a new Justice League was needed, and while this version of the league took their heroics seriously, it didn't stop them from cracking a joke or two or three or....well, you get the point.  This classic comic re-invented the League for a new era and the inspired creativity of Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire made sure the action and the jokes were fast and furious, sometimes ending in literal punchlines.There's battling, backstabbing, and drama....and that's just amongst the heroes themselves!Needless to say, we had a lot of fun doing this episode.Hosted by Brad Page and Chris Karam

On this show, we accentuate the positive, so we start off 2024 with an episode about the band Yes.  More specifically, their 1978 album Tormato.Special Guest Kevin Mulryne (Yes Music Podcast) discusses his book Yes: The Tormato Story, in which he delves into the making of this over the top prog rock classic.  We had a lot of fun discussing this book and all the behind the scenes anecdotes we could cram into one podcast!Who fiddled with Rick Wakeman's keyboards?  How many copies of Tormato can one man own?  Did Jon Anderson have knowledge of UFOs arriving on this planet? Which version of Tormato is the best one to have?  Listen to this podcast and find out the answers!Check out Kevin Mulryne's Yes Music Podcast: https://yesmusicpodcast.com/Check out Kevin Mulryne's book Yes: The Tormato Story: https://tormatobook.com/

It's our ho-ho-holiday show and for this one, we decided to go back to the distant past for a story that's so groovy, it's almost far out!Dig it, we're talking about "The TT's Swingin' Christmas Carol" from Teen Titans #13 (1967), in which The Titans (Robin, Wonder Girl, Aqualad, & Kid Flash), become the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, as they face off against the evil businessman Ebenezer Scrounge.Any similarities to Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" are purely intentional and...marv!We hope you'll not only like this swingin,'  classic story, but our take on it as well.  Ya Dig?"God Rest Ye Jazzy Gentlemen" arranged and performed by Brad Page.Hosted by Chris Karam and Brad Page.

This episode goes to 11!Guest Co-Host Terry Hamblin and me explore the cult "mockumentary" film This Is Spinal Tap, which is celebrating 40 years of one of the greatest fake bands ever, Spinal Tap.In an episode that walks the fine line between stupid and clever, we had fun going over the many sights, sounds, and yes, great gags, that have turned this film into a cult classic.  No podcasters spontaneously exploded during the making of this podcast.

In this episode of Back Issue Banter, we take you into a new world...The Fourth World!When artist Jack Kirby left Marvel  Comics in the early 1970s, it sent shock waves throughout the industry.  Kirby had visions of creating a new group of characters whose adventures were like nothing you'd ever seen.  And they were so wild that DC Comics had to publish them!The most popular of them was Mister Miracle, an escape artist like no other!  We take a look at the first four issues of Mister Miracle and examine a group of characters and concepts that are Pure Unfiltered KirbyEver heard of Boom Tubes, Mother Boxes, or Doctor Bedlam?  Well, you will after listening to this episode for Granny Goodness' sake!

Join us as we celebrate our 50th episode spectacular with a look at the KISS solo albums from 1978 on their 45th anniversary!Guest co-host Eric Miller (Pods & Sods) and me delve into each and every aspect of this unprecedented achievement, in which four solo albums by the members of KISS were released on the same day in 1978!  We talk about the music, the gossip, the trivia, and leave no stone unturned in this exploration of these very different albums!Hosted by Chris Karam

In this episode, we take a look at the classic "Master Planner Saga" from Amazing Spider-Man #31-33.  This classic tale by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko represents the peak of their collaboration and is considered by many to be one of the greatest Spidey sagas ever.We go through each issue, discussing every aspect of this iconic storyline.Hosted by Chris Karam and Brad Page

This episode, we celebrate 40 years of one of the greatest metal groups of all time....Dio!  Guest co-host Alex Alt (Sly Dog Music Cast) and me examine the 80s albums that built a rock legend.  Founded by legendary vocalist Ronnie James Dio, the Dio band was responsible for metal classics such as "Rainbow In The Dark," "The Last In Line," and "We Rock," among many others.We take a look at the albums Dio released in the 1980s: Holy Diver, The Last In Line, Sacred Heart, Intermission, and Dream Evil.  So get your beverage of choice and listen as we delve into some of the greatest metal music of all time!

In this episode, we delve into one of Batman's most compelling and most dangerous foes, Ra's Al Ghul.  From his debut in Batman #232, to his epic battle with Gotham's Caped Crusader that spans several continents and countries in Batman #242-244.  We look at these classic comics, as rendered by writer Denny O' Neil and artist Neal Adams.These are the stories that launched a legend and set the tone for the Dark Knight for years and decades to come.  A lot of fun was had here and we were only too happy to re-read these classic tales!Hosted by Brad Page and Chris Karam

In this episode, guest co-host Lee Conrad (The Scrappy Doo Principle, KISStory Science Theatre) and me explore KISS's Lick It Up album as it celebrates its' 40th anniversary.KISS was at a crucial point in their career, as their glory days were behind them and they chose to bid farewell to that era by taking off the make up that they were so identified with up to that point.  It proved to be a success and once again, KISS was back on the charts and back on the road.We delve into this album track-by-track, and as always, had a lot of fun doing so!

Welcome to the debut episode of Back Issue Banter, a podcast in which every month, we'll discuss the vintage comic books of the '60s, '70s, and '80s as well as the creators who made them.  Join us as we dig deep into our longboxes and pore over those vintage Marvel and DC comics from yesteryear and share our thoughts about them!In this Fabulous First Issue-- I mean, First Episode, we discuss the legacy of Stan Lee, the man who co-created what we've come to know and love as the Marvel Universe.  We dig deep into the recent Stan Lee documentary on Disney + and talk about not only the characters, but the controversies that ensued as well.We hope you'll enjoy this show and keep coming back every month for more...BACK ISSUE BANTER!Hosted by Brad Page and Chris Karam

In this episode, guest co-host Alex Alt (Slydog Music Cast) and me discuss The Mighty Van Halen, whose debut album was released 45 years ago.To say that Van Halen changed rock would be understating things a bit: Eddie Van Halen's emergence signaled a new talent on the scene, one whose influence would profoundly affect the rock scene as we know it.  Factor in the drumming of Eddie's brother Alex, the angelic harmonies and meaty bass lines of Michael Anthony, not to mention the over the top lyrics, vocals, and image of David Lee Roth, and it's no wonder why Van Halen has gone on to become one of the greatest bands of all-time.We examine the band's original era, spanning 1978-1984, taking a look at all six of the band's classic albums.  We leave no stone unturned, as Van Halen tore up the charts and tore it up in concert halls across the world.Hosted by Chris Karam

In this episode, we take a look at the various attempts at a Led Zeppelin reunion, beginning with their appearance at 1985's Live Aid concert, and culminating in the 2007 concert that would comprise 2012's Celebration Day video and album.  Led Zeppelin had a considerable legacy to live up to and we go in depth, discussing the ups, downs, and what worked and what didn't work.  But it has a happy ending of sorts with the 2007 concert, which solidified Led Zep's reputation as one of the greatest live acts of all time.Hosted by Chris Karam and Brad Page.

With this episode, Guest Co-Host Julian Gill (KISS FAQ Podcast, Aerosmith on Tour 1973-85) and I discuss those lads from Sheffield, England, Def Leppard.  We discuss their meteoric rise in the 80s as one of hard rock and metal's premiere bands.  A band that had many great highs and some crushing lows along their rocket to fame.But ultimately, their music endures and we go deep into their 80s heyday and its impact on the music and video scene of the day and how that music has become a classic soundtrack to the lives of their fans.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Led Zeppelin DVD, the band's opening of their video vault in 2003.  We talk about this treasure trove of vintage Zeppelin video, including the Royal Albert Hall 1970, Earls Court 1975, and Knebworth 1979 shows, among others.This DVD shows why Zeppelin was one of the greatest rock bands ever to hit the concert stage and this DVD set was an eye-opener, as Led Zeppelin was finally letting their fans see these rare, classic shows.Hosted by Chris Karam and Brad Page

In this episode, I interviewed Donna Halper, who, in addition to being a pioneering female voice on radio, championed the cause of one of the greatest progressive rock bands of all-time, Rush.As a young program director, she came upon the band's self-titled debut as a Canadian import, and was drawn to the incredible music on it.  Thus begins a story of Rush's ascent, as well as Donna's ascent from being a woman in the male dominated field of radio to a program director who was able to help young bands like Rush find their way to the FM airwaves.Donna holds nothing back, relating a story that not only ended up in success for Rush, but in a lasting friendship with the band that continues to this day.  Donna tells one hell of a story and if you're a fan of Rush -- or just great success stories -- you need to listen to this episode!

In this episode, we take a look at the 1997 release BBC Sessions, drawn from the band's live recordings for the BBC in the late 60s and early 70s.  We also take a look at the expanded version, 2016's The Complete BBC Sessions.We delve into these early live documents of a band who are already showcasing their instrumental virtuosity as well as their flair for dynamics and showmanship as they tear it up, taking their studio recordings and expanding on them with deft improvisations.Hosted by Chris Karam and Brad Page.