Rooks and Becords Podcast

Spring 2025 Season Finale Host Ted Asregadoo closes out the spring season by shining a spotlight on the most essential—yet often overlooked—members of any great band: the drummers. Reuniting with John Young (John was a co-host during the first year of Planet LP's existence in 2021), this episode serves as both a musical celebration and a reminder that creativity and joy persist even in the darkest of times. Or, to quote Sting, "When the world is running down, you make the best of what's still around." Rhythm Masters Featured:

This episode of the Planet LP Podcast, hosted by Ted Asregadoo, delves into the unexpected musical blind spots of even the most accomplished music journalists. Ted is joined by prolific music writer and co-host of The Record Player podcast, Jeff Giles (Popdose, Ultimate Classic Rock, Diffuser FM, Jefitoblog, and Harmonic.fm). The discussion centers on highly-regarded albums that, despite their critical acclaim or widespread popularity, have somehow been overlooked by these experienced listeners. Prepare for candid revelations as Ted and Jeff explore records that often elicit the incredulous response: "Wait, you've NEVER listened to that?!" The episode features a diverse selection of genres and eras. It begins with Gang of Four's Entertainment! (1979), examining its groundbreaking sound and lasting influence on popular music. Next, the focus shifts to Jefferson Airplane's Surrealistic Pillow (1967). While acknowledging its iconic status and memorable tracks, the host shares a surprisingly critical perspective on this San Francisco classic. Finally, the conversation turns to Donna Summer's Bad Girls (1979). The episode explores its commercial success, Grammy recognition, and even an unexpected link to New Order, while posing the question of how such a significant album could have been a "miss" for a dedicated music aficionado. Tune in for an engaging and often surprising exploration of influential albums that, for some, remained undiscovered territory.

In this episode of The Planet LP Podcast, host Ted Asregadoo takes listeners on a deep dive into Pat Benatar's groundbreaking early career, examining her first four albums that established her as a pioneering force in hard rock. The episode explores how Benatar shattered the glass ceiling for female artists in a male-dominated genre during the late 1970s and early 1980s, while also revealing the creative challenges that emerged with her fourth release. The journey begins with Patricia Mae Andrzejewski's transformation from a military wife to rock icon, following her path from New York City through various singing gigs to her breakthrough 1979 debut "In the Heat of the Night." Ted analyzes the album's standout tracks, including the chart-topping "Heartbreaker," the new wave-influenced "We Live For Love," and her cover of Johnny Cougar's (later known as John Mellencamp) "I Need a Lover." The episode highlights "Crimes of Passion" (1980) as Benatar's commercial and artistic peak, featuring the iconic "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" and reaching 4x platinum status. Ted shares personal anecdotes about discovering the album during high school and addresses the controversy surrounding the song "Hell Is for Children," clarifying its powerful message about child abuse rather than satanic themes. Moving through "Precious Time" (1981), the discussion covers Grammy-winning track "Fire and Ice" and the explosive "Promises in the Dark," while examining Benatar's creative partnership with guitarist Neil Giraldo. However, the episode takes a bit of a critical turn when analyzing "Get Nervous" (1982), revealing how, despite producing solid singles, the album as a whole felt uneven and suggested that the signature "Pat Benatar Sound" had begun to lose its edge. Ted discusses how the formula that had worked so well across three albums was showing signs of creative fatigue, setting the stage for the dramatic reinvention that would come with "Love is a Battlefield" – a song that would refresh her sound and prove she could evolve beyond her established hard rock persona.

In this Spring 2025 episode of the Planet LP Podcast, host Ted Asregadoo shares his first-hand experience at the Cruel World Music Festival in Pasadena, California, held on May 17, 2025. Attending his very first music festival to celebrate a milestone birthday, Ted is joined by longtime friend and fellow music superfan John Maschino for a lively recap of the day's highlights. Together, they dive into performances from a stellar lineup of 1980s new wave, post-punk, and synthpop icons, including: Midge Ure (Ultravox) Alison Moyet (Yaz) A long-awaited Til Tuesday reunion Nation of Language She Wants Revenge Devo Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds The Go-Go's New Order Whether you love '80s alternative bands, live music experiences, or just want the inside scoop on the 2025 Cruel World Festival, this episode is packed with nostalgia, highlights, and passionate commentary.

In this episode of "The Planet LP Podcast," host Ted Asregadoo welcomes back guest Scott Malchus for a nostalgic dive into the world of midnight movies. Remember those late-night screenings of cult classics like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "Pink Floyd: The Wall"? Scott and Ted share their favorite music-related films, including Ted's picks like "This is Spinal Tap," "Stop Making Sense," and "Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage." Scott's selections include "Almost Famous," "A Hard Day's Night," "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin' Down a Dream," and more. The guys also discuss how groundbreaking and weird David Lynch's "Eraserhead" was and the pros and cons of the Bob Dylan biopic, "A Complete Unknown." Get ready for a lively discussion on the magic of cinema and the enduring power of music in film!

IT'S THE FINAL EPISODE OF 2024! Join Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo and Popdose's Keith Creighton as they wrap up an incredible year of music! In this jam-packed episode, Ted and Keith dive into their favorite songs and albums of 2024—not with a ranked list, but with thematic categories that make for a thoughtful and entertaining retrospective. In the first segment, Keith and Ted talk about bigger music trends like: -- The deluge of streaming content. -- The impact of AI on music creation -- and how Spotify reaps the profits from these non-human-created songs. -- The importance of human creativity in cultural expressions like music. Breakthroughs and Debuts Keith talks up the music by and film about Kneecap -- a hip-hop trio whose raps are entirely in Galic. Their current album Fine Art is available now. Fat Dog also tops Keith's breakthroughs and debuts this year. If you're into the early Ministry and that whole industrial genre, you'll love Woof by Fat Dog. Finally, The Waeve, a UK duo featuring singer-songwriters Graham Coxon and Rose Elinor Dougall. Keith said that if he did rank his albums this year, City Lights by The Waeve would top his list. Ted's Single Play picks are: "The Flood" by Allie Sandt. If you're a fan of Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Paul Simon, or Madison Cunningham, Allie's music is a must-listen. With songwriting that reflects the depth and wisdom of an old soul, Allie weaves timeless influences into a sound that's uniquely her own. Her heartfelt lyrics and melodic craftsmanship show incredible promise, and Ted is rooting for her career to take off— because she truly deserves it. The second song is As For The Future's track "The Mob" -- a sly, samba-infused commentary on populism that's as counter-cultural as it is catchy. If you're a fan of Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66 or were hooked on Swing Out Sister back in 1987, this song will strike a chord. With its smooth grooves and clever lyrics, "The Mob" blends nostalgia with a fresh, modern edge—proof that As For The Future knows how to make a bold musical statement. Another UK Invasion The Last Dinner Party is a UK band that formed during COVID-19. Surprisingly, before they had a single out, they opened for The Rolling Stones. The Last Dinner Party is what Keith called a total "buzz band" that entertained the public and press with their live shows, fashion, and visual style. Their album, Prelude To Ecstasy did deliver the goods -- as it were -- and lived up to its hype. Irish shoegaze band NewDad, which Keith describes as "very sweet, tender, dark, shoegazing music," reminds him of Lush -- which made him spin the album many times since its release. And while Brigitte Calls Me Baby are not from the UK (they are from Chicago), Keith connected with their music because their style reminds him of The Smiths crossed with Elvis Presley. Their debut album is The Future Is Our Way Out. Ted's sort of Single Play picks for this segment are: A Planet LP favorite! Ward White's "Continuity" is a masterclass in wit, quirky storytelling, and exceptional musicianship. The opening line is irresistibly catchy—it sneaks into your head and stays there, a sure sign the song is working its magic. Ward's sharp sense of humor shines throughout, making "Continuity" both clever and captivating. It's a standout track that showcases his unique charm and talent. Though Ward is not from the UK, he sure sounds like he could be -- kind of like the band Brigitte Calls Me Baby. It Leads to This by The Pineapple Thief has been Ted's most-listened-to album of 2024—and for good reason. He was hooked after seeing them live in San Francisco on December 9th. While he admits to unfamiliarity with their older work, It Leads to This completely won him over. It balances heavy guitar riffs with a meditative, Pink Floyd-like, immersive, and introspective vibe. It might not be for everyone, but if atmospheric, thoughtful rock is your thing, It Leads to This is absolutely worth a listen. New Power Pop When it comes to power pop, think The Knack's "My Sharona," or Rick Springfield, and Cheap Trick. But what's when it comes to power pop in 2024 sometimes what's old is new again. Keith recommends a band that opened for The Beatles during the final tour and shared the same manager. That band is The Cyrkle -- whose unusual spelling was suggested by John Lennon. Their 2024 release on Big Stir Records is called Revival, and it's among Keith's most-played albums this year. Fun fact: Band member Tom Dawes (alas, he died in 2007) was a successful jingle writer after The Cyrkle disbanded. He wrote "Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz" for Alka-Seltzer, which ran in their ads from 1975-1980. Another power pop gem is The Half-Cubes, whose album Pop Treasures is a carefully curated album of cover songs that mine some tracks from 10cc, OMD, Del Amitri, and Trashcan Sinatras. Ted's Single Play picks are: Kula Shaker's "Indian Record Player" is a catchy pop anthem that seamlessly blends Western pop music sensibilities with a nostalgic nod to the golden age of Bollywood in the lyrics. Check out their latest release, Natural Magick. Galantis, David Guetta, and 5 Seconds of Summer team up for "Lighter," a feel-good anthem that's pure pop perfection. Clocking in at just 2:52, the song is packed with infectious hooks and an upbeat vibe that'll have you dancing from start to finish. It doesn't overstay its welcome or try to be overly complicated—it's simply a joyful, high-energy track with a great beat that's impossible to resist. Sometimes, all you need is a song like this to brighten your day and get you moving. Best Comebacks Keith's first comeback record is from The Libertines, All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade -- which is an astonishing comeback considering the substance abuse problems of some of the band members, like vocalist and guitarist Pete Doherty. Check out the single "Run, Run, Run" which excels at presenting what a good pub band sounds like when they are sober. Guess who's back? The Zutons! Best known for writing Amy Winehouse's most famous cover song ("Valarie"), their latest album The Big Decider is such a strong album from a band that was on hiatus for years that most folks probably thought they broke up for good. Nope. Ted's picks center on bigger names like The Cure's Songs Of A Lost World. While the album is light on hooks, it's pretty heavy on misery, which, considering Robert Smith world view is not a surprise. While The Cure's music is not for everyone, those who loved their 1989 release Disintegration will find The Cure's latest album a very familiar experience. Pearl Jam knocked it out of the park with Dark Matter. The title track and the song "Won't Tell" are two that stood out in this incredibly strong collection of songs. Keith notes that a good amount of credit goes to producer Andrews Watt, who has a knack for bringing out the best in older acts like Pearl Jam, The Rolling Stones, Ozzy, and the like. Single Play highlights not related to comebacks: Paper Citizen's "Car Stereo"-- a song dedicated to the importance of friendship in one's life and right up there in Ted's top singles of 2024. Linkin Park's "The Emptiness Machine" is a welcome return to form. Now that they have a new singer, it has brought to the forefront a very 20-something energy that recalls Paramore back in the day. Music Royals While the boys like Kendrick Lamar and Drake dissed each other in 2024, the girls like Charlie XCX (brat), Ariana Grande (Eternal Sunshine and Wicked), Sabrina Carpenter (Short n' Sweet), Dua Lipa (Radical Optimism), and Chappell Roan where all about community and supporting each other's music and careers. And finally, as the Eras Tour came to a close, Taylor Swift showed what spreading the wealth means. She's now a billionaire, but she gave back to her employees with $100,000 bonuses after the tour ended. Now, as the year is winding down, Keith said he's going to spend a lot of time with Swift's The Tortured Poets Department, while Ted is going to spend more time looking for rock bands with whom he is unfamiliar -- you know, if we're being grammatically correct here.

On this episode of the Planet LP podcast, host Ted Asregadoo meets up with novelist, pop culture writer, and podcast host Jeff Giles to recommend some essential reads for music lovers. Ted and Jeff dive into a curated selection of rock biographies, behind-the-scenes histories, and critical perspectives on some of music's biggest names. Get ready for some deep talk about My Effin' Life by Geddy Lee, Nothing But A Good Time: The Uncensored History of the '80s Hard Rock Explosion by Tom Beaujour and Richard Bienstock, Surrender by Bono, All Over The Place: The Rise of The BANGLES From The L.A. Underground by Eric M. Shade, A Few Words in Defense of Our Country: The Biography of Randy Newman by Robert Hilburn, Rememberings by Sinéad O'Connor, and more. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering these artists, Ted and Jeff's recommendations are sure to add some rock & roll to your reading list!

American Idiot: A 20th Anniversary Retrospective Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo and guest pop culture and sports writer Beau Dure commemorate the 20th anniversary of Green Day's iconic album, "American Idiot." In this in-depth discussion, Ted and Beau delve into the political and social climate that shaped "American Idiot," exploring themes of generational alienation, disillusionment, and the impact of significant events like the 2000 presidential election, the 9/11 attacks, and the Iraq War. The album's central character, St. Jimmy/Jesus of Suburbia, is at the heart of the conversation -- which Beau wrote about in 2017 in an article published on Popdose. Ted and Beau explore the complexities of St. Jimmy/Jesus and how he/they embody the frustrations and anxieties of a generation coming of age in a tumultuous time. From the album's iconic tracks to its enduring legacy, this episode offers an in-depth look at "American Idiot" and its continued relevance in today's world.

Purple Rain Revisited Forty years after its release, Purple Rain continues to cast a mesmerizing spell. Join Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo as he delves deep into this iconic album and film with a panel of Prince experts: Keith Creighton from Popdose, Ultimate Prince and frequent Planet LP contributor, Matthew Wilkening from Ultimate Classic Rock and Ultimate Prince, and Theo Gonzalves who is part of the Prince fam. From their earliest encounters with Prince's music to dissecting the flawless tracks on Purple Rain, our guests share their journeys as devoted fans. They dive deep into the album's impact, choose their favorite songs from the record, and dive into the highs and lows of the Purple Rain film. This episode is a must for both Prince fans and casual listeners.

Single Play with Popdose founder and Mayor of the Humanities, Jeff Giles In episode 102 of Planet LP, host Ted Asregadoo is joined by Popdose founder Jeff Giles for a special Single Play episode. Get ready to expand your playlist and discover hidden gems from legendary artists like The Clash and concept project, Largo -- alongside impressive new music from As For The Future and Cold Specks. But this episode is more than just a "you should listen to this song" episode. Jeff and Ted jump into the deep end of the cultural pool to talk about the challenges of discovering new music in an era when we're offered an endless buffet of musical delights for very little money and effort. The result of all this abundance is a cheapening of the arts to the point where one artist featured (Cold Specks) is currently unhoused. Speaking of the arts, Jeff Giles has a new novel! Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane published by Humorist Books is the story of a man who spent his life debunking the supernatural and magic only to be killed by a falling piano -- and discover, much to his annoyance, that he is a ghost.

Concert Confessions: Planet LP Dives Deep on Live Shows! Inspired by their recent reviews of Echo & The Bunnymen and The Chameleons, Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo joins forces with Popdose writer Keith Creighton. Together, they unpack their wildest concert experiences – the good, the bad, and the truly bizarre. Get ready for insider stories, legendary live recordings, and discussions about unforgettable performances by Prince, KISS, The Frames, Talking Heads, Mike Watt, Rush, and Fleetwood Mac.

Blast from the Past & Music Biz Future This milestone episode reunites OG Planet LP co-host John Young with Ted Asregadoo! Forget reminiscing - the guys are diving DEEP into making it in the music business. Part 1: From Wickerfish to Bon Jovi - Was "all or nothing" the only way? John, co-founder of '80s indie band Wickerfish, clashes with Jon Bon Jovi's "no Plan B" approach (courtesy of Hulu's "Thank You, Goodnight: The Jon Bon Jovi Story"). Compelling stories and hard-earned wisdom collide as John reveals the realities of the LA indie scene when he and his bandmates, Jack and Paul Pitsker, were rockin' in clubs, recording their debut album, and trying to get signed to a major label. Part 2: The Music Industry - Metamorphosis or Mayhem? Social media's impact on promotion. With new paths to success - are the old ways still relevant? John and Ted dissect the ever-evolving music landscape, offering insights for aspiring artists as they try to stand out in the crowded field of performers. Songs featured: Shadows on the Sun, Wickerfish "Livin' On a Prayer" (Demo), Bon Jovi "That's Ted," John Young

On this episode, Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo and Popdose writer Keith Creighton revisit two albums that left a lasting impression on them 40 years after their initial releases. Ted dives into the Pretenders' "Learning to Crawl," a pivotal album that marked the band's resilience after the tragic deaths of two original members from drug overdoses. Keith focuses on The Go-Go's third album, "Talk Show." Released during a period of internal strife, this record has surprisingly stood the test of time, showcasing a collection of strong songs that some argue is The Go-Go's finest work.

Taylor Swift knows how to launch an album. Her marketing is a machine, and her fans eagerly devour every detail. Her 11th studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department," arrived in a surprising double dose! First came 15 songs at midnight on April 19th, followed by another 15 just two hours later. This 31-song release marks a return to familiar territory for Swift: exploring the complexities of relationships, especially when they fall apart. On this episode of Planet LP, host Ted Asregadoo and Popdose writer Keith Creighton dive into The Tortured Poets Department just a day after its release. As you might expect when discussing Taylor Swift, the conversation goes beyond the music. They delve into her personal life (a constant theme in her songs), Keith's Taylor Swift music collection obsession, and they offer some hot takes on this massive album release that was unleashed with firehose-like force.

For decades, the sale of single songs was dominant in the music industry. Singles are still popular, and in the age of streaming, single plays make up the bulk of how most people listen to music. Not a lot has changed since radio was dominant in terms of single songs that become hits. However, with the firehose of music at our fingertips, finding standout single songs that aren't from the pantheon of superstars who dominate streaming and album sales can be a challenge. What are some of your favorite singles? Sometimes, a single song remains happily lodged in your head and its lyrics, its melodies, and its whole vibe take up a large part of your mental real estate. So much so, that you may find yourself whistling the tune, or bursting out into song from time to time. In this episode, Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo talks to and features music from two artists whose singles have really made an impression. First up is Allie Sandt, the former member of Seeing Double whose track "Bygones" made waves on Ted's Top 10 list back in 2022. Now embarking on a solo career, Allie shares her latest creation, "The Flood," which debuted on April 5th, 2024. Written when Allie was just 17, "The Flood" has undergone multiple iterations with various musicians, ultimately culminating in a version that Allie finds deeply fulfilling creatively. Then, we turn our attention to indie sensation Ward White, whose upcoming album "Here Come the Dowsers" is set for release on May 17th, 2024. However, it's the lead single "Continuity" that's been generating buzz in the music scene. Ward joins Ted to discuss the evolving landscape of the music industry and delves into the intricate characters and themes woven into "Continuity." Through this song, Ward offers a poignant exploration of the gritty realities lurking beneath the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Ted Asregadoo and Keith Creighton dive deep into new releases from Ariana Grande, Green Day, Honeymoon Suite, The Pineapple Thief, and more! They also discuss the struggle of separating the artist from the art, using Ariana Grande as an example. Is it possible to love her music but not care about her personal life? Ariana Grande - Eternal Sunshine: We debate the merits of this new album, including the speculation that it's a "divorce album" and whether you can enjoy the music without following the drama. Green Day - Saviors: Did this album take some time to grow on you, or were you hooked from the start? We discuss the band's return to form and their exploration of bisexuality on the track "Bobby Sox." Honeymoon Suite - Alive: We celebrate the return of this Canadian band and their latest album. Should you stream it or buy the CD for the full experience? The dreamy prog rock brilliance of The Pineapple Thief's It Leads to This is also in the spotlight. This grower of an album might take some time, but the hypnotic and aggressive riffs of "The Frost" and other songs are worth repeated listens. This record might end up on Ted's Best of 2024. Ministry - hopiumforthemasses: This album is a wild ride! We discuss the challenges of listening to Ministry's music at high volume and Al Jourgensen's message about the dangers of a "Trump planet." RAYE - My 21st Century Blues: This independent success story is one to cheer for. We discuss how RAYE bought back her masters and released a chart-topping album. The Last Dinner Party - Prelude to Ecstasy: This hyped band has a lot to live up to. We explore their sound, their influences, and their critical reception. NewDad - Madra: Get ready for the next big thing out of Ireland! We discuss the struggle of finding a physical copy of this album and the band's musical influences. New Discoveries Them • "Can't Call it Mine:" This up-and-coming band is changing their sound with each release. We explore their latest track and their potential. Tish Melton: We introduce you to this new singer-songwriter and her beautiful song “Michelle." We end the show with a sample from Your Future Ghost's new song "Pritty" to leave you on a high note!

The Music That Made Us Ever wondered what albums shaped your musical DNA? In this supersized episode, we dive deep into the most influential records that have soundtracked the lives of Ted Asregadoo, his former colleagues, listeners, and even his daughter Maya! First up, a blast from the past! Ted's former iHeartMedia co-worker Michael McGauley returns to the pod, sharing his top 10 picks, heavily influenced by the classic rock giants of the 60s and 70s. Names like The Who, Led Zeppelin, and Steely Dan paint a picture of Michael's musical foundation. Then, Ted takes the mic, tracing his musical journey chronologically. From the early sparks ignited by KISS, Rush, and the Pretenders, we travel through Dire Straits, X, and Kate Bush, culminating in the present with artists like Steven Wilson and Tanya Donelly. But wait, there's more! In the second segment, we open the floor to Planet LP listeners and guests. iHeartMedia reporter Jeff Knox brings the punk rock energy with NOFX and Pennywise, while another iHeart album from Ted and Michael's past, Andrea Winkler, showcases her diverse tastes, ranging from Hanson's pop to E-40's hip-hop. Independent musician Nat Jay shares her love for Janet Jackson and John Mayer, while Big Stir Records recording artist Dolf Chaney champions the timeless sounds of The Beatles and XTC. Former Seeing Double member Allie Sandt reveals her Paul Simon and Steely Dan obsession, and Ted's daughter Maya chimes in with her Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Paramore favorites. Finally, Ted sits down with his wife Julie for an intimate conversation. She unveils her own top 10, featuring a captivating mix of artists like The Beatles, XTC, 'Til Tuesday, The Cure, The Waifs, and New Order. This episode is a treasure trove of musical discovery, guaranteed to inspire you to explore your musical DNA. P.S. Don't forget to share your own most influential albums by leaving a voicemail at PlanetLP.com

Bonus Blast from the Dial-Up Era Remember dial-up modems and AOL CDs that came in the mail? 1995 was a transition year in culture. Yes, there were iconic albums (covered in Episode 94) but there were cultural shifts that shaped the years going forward. Ted and Keith talk about: Dial-up days: The internet was in its infancy, and well, people weren't quite sure what to do with it. Just listen to the compilation from the "Today" show that featured to hear how confusing, hopeful, fearful, and annoying the early Internet was to the hosts of the show. Culture in flux: The Telecommunications Act and the Decency Act on media and the rise of social media were two laws that really brought us the reality we're living in today -- for better or worse. What was Keith doing in 1995? Short answer: a new career, attended a lot of live shows in Chicago, and found new music recommendations from a local VJ who had a localized version of MTV. What was Ted doing in 1995? Short answer: losing his hair, on the cusp of becoming a father, and knee-deep in grad studies at UPenn in Philadelphia. 1995. A year of transition.

This episode kicks off a new series on Planet LP called "A Great Year in Music?" by focusing on mostly alternative music in 1995. Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo and Popdose writer Keith Creighton delve into 1995 by spotlighting 10 albums that, for them, marked some truly great work by artists that they admire. Tricky, Prince, Bjork, Pulp, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Bogmen, Whipping Boy, Belly, Aimee Mann, Rancid and more are in the spotlight for an exciting discussion that will make you want to listen to many of this iconic albums again.

Staying True To Her Musical Indie Roots While Soundtracking To Success This week, Planet LP welcomes Canadian indie artist Nat Jay for a conversation that defies conventional paths to music industry success. Forget the grueling tours and viral challenges - Nat carved her niche by writing infectious songs that landed on shows like Netflix's "My Life with the Walter Boys," MTV's "Awkward," and Nickelodeon's "The Astronauts." Join host Planet LP Host Ted Asregadoo and Popdose writer Keith Creighton as they chat with Nat about her unique journey, navigating sync licensing, and staying true to her sound. Dive into the stories behind her latest EP, "Turns Out It's Not The End," featuring "I Do What I Want (Marlowe's Song)" and tracks from other albums and singles like "Built A Wall," "Can't Getcha Out," and "I Will Keep You Warm." Whether you're a music industry insider or a lover of catchy tunes, this episode is a fresh perspective on chasing your dreams and making your voice heard. Episode highlights: Nat's unexpected rise through sync licensing in television. Navigating the world of songwriting for the screen. Balancing creative integrity with commercial appeal. Insights for aspiring musicians on carving their unique path.

From Jam Band Roots to Arena Rock Titans: Diving into Journey's 50-Year Odyssey with Ultimate Classic Rock Editor, Nick DeRiso Between 1978 and 1986, Journey ruled the airwaves. Multi-platinum albums, chart-topping singles, and packed arenas were their norm. But then, silence. A decade went by with little to no band activity. In 1996, Journey roared back with "Trial By Fire," boasting a #1 Adult Contemporary hit in "When You Love a Woman." However, touring plans were delayed by Steve Perry's hip injury. Undeterred, Journey replaced Perry with Steve Augeri, navigating a new era -- one that, surprisingly, saw another frontman change with Arnel Pineda taking the mic after Augeri's vocal struggles. In this episode of Planet LP, host Ted Asregadoo welcomes author Nick DeRiso to dissect his deep dive into Journey's history: Journey: Worlds Apart (Time Passages). DeRiso unveils the band's origins as a Santana spin-off, where their early records leaned more towards jam band vibes than the arena rock they'd become known for. He also delves into the post-Perry period, exploring how Journey has kept the music alive for a whopping 50 years.

Celebrate the grand finale of 2023 with episode 91 from Planet LP! Join your host, Ted Asregadoo, and Popdose writer Keith Creighton as they take a retrospective glance at the year's standout albums. Keith recently unveiled his curated list, "An Aging Hipster's Top 50 Albums of 2023," on Popdose. However, as Ted unveils his picks, it becomes evident that their musical tastes are diverse and unique. Ted and Keith bring insightful commentary about the following artists as they countdown their top albums of 2023: The legendary Rolling Stones K. Flay, whose must-see mini-documentary adds depth to her artistry The iconic Peter Gabriel The enchanting Americana sounds of Mikaela Davis Lil Yachty's exploration of psychedelic rock with a hip-hop twist OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) Extreme makes a solid album to rock out to Immerse yourself in the unique world of The Coral, and don't miss out on "Holy Joe's Coral Island Medicine Show" in its physical format at the band's store Steven Wilson displays musical brilliance in "The Harmony Codex" Christian Kjellvander's captivating compositions Jessie Ware's excellent disco album is a celebration of sexual liberation Iggy Pop keeps getting better and better on "Every Loser" The XX's Romy's goes solo with a surprising dance album. Madison Beer's standout album should vault her to the pop realm of Taylor, Olivia, and Ariana Everything But The Girl Angela Perley's album is flavored with elements of country and Laural Canyon stylings Mammoth WVH's sophomore powerhouse LP Robin Taylor Zander's excels in his musical abilities on his debut album Lol Tolhurst, Budgie, and Jacknife Lee find redemption in the City of Los Angeles

Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo welcomes the founders of Popdose, Jeff Giles and Jason Hare to talk about holiday music. Jeff and Jason were the brains behind a long-running series on Popdose called Mellowmas. If you've ever watched Mystery Science Theater 3000, you'll love Jeff and Jason's snarky take on some of the worst Christmas and holiday-themed music released. The series ran for about 10 years and almost extinguished the love Jeff had for Christmas music. But, Jason seemingly never tires of it. In the first segment, the guys talk about the genesis of Mellowmas, how it migrated from their blogs to Popdose, how it evolved, and why they decided to end the series. The series got so popular that they had two theme songs written for it. One was by Alan O'Day, whose big hit, "Undercover Angel" went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977. The other theme song was written by fellow Popdose writer and all-around creative genius, Terje Fjelde. Ted also surprises Jeff and Jason with an AI-generated audiobook reading of a portion of Mellowmas post with Jeff as Santa Claus and Jason as Fin, a vaguely Irish-accented fella. Finally, what "Mellowmas" would be complete without a painfully extended version of "Wonderful Christmastime" and bleating sheep in the holiday classic, "Silent Night." Segment two is about unironically loving certain holiday songs. The guys each feature five of their favorites that they don't get tired of. And look here's a playlist of them!

Geddy Lee, the vocalist and bassist for the iconic progressive rock band Rush, shares his life story in his memoir "My Effin' Life." From his childhood in Toronto, where he faced bullying and found solace in music, to his lifelong musical partnership with guitarist Alex Lifeson (Alex Lifeson), Lee recounts his journey with honesty and humor. Lee's memoir delves into his early life as Gershon Weinrib, the son of Holocaust survivors. He describes his struggles in school and his eventual decision to drop out to pursue his dream of becoming a rock musician. Along the way, he meets Lifeson, and together they form Rush, a band that would go on to achieve legendary status. The memoir also touches on the passing of Neil Peart, Rush's drummer, who died in 2020. Lee reflects on their friendship and the profound impact Peart had on his life and music. Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo, a longtime Rush fan, provides a detailed and personal review of Lee's memoir, offering insights and anecdotes that resonate with fellow Rush enthusiasts.

Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo and Popdose writer Keith Creighton are inching closer to the end of the year with the November New Music Report. This episode is jam-packed with some stellar music recommendations just in time for the holidays. Segment One: The Big Album It's Prince! Known at various times as The Purple One, Christopher, His Royal Badness, The Artist, or Jamie Starr, Prince was at the top of his game between 1980 and 1987 with an impressive music output that few in the music world could match. Why? Because of The Vault. A prolific writer, Prince vaulted roughly 8,000 songs.  In 1991, after a series of lackluster albums, Prince released “Diamonds and Pearls” with his new backing band, the New Power Generation. The result was his fifth (and final) #1 hit in the US with “Cream,” a #3 hit with the title track, and two top 20 hits with “Gett Off” and Money Don't Matter 2 Night.” Overall, “Diamonds and Pearls” was an absolute commercial success for Prince.   On October 27, 2023, Sony released a super deluxe version with three CDs of vaulted tracks, a double live album, a remaster of the original record, and a disc with singles and different mixes. That's a lot of music, and Ted and Keith break it all down into digestible bits to highlight what's brilliant about the super deluxe edition, what's good, and what misses the mark.   Segment Two: New Music Releases The Transcanada Highwaymen's “Explosive Hits Vol #1 is mostly a carefully curated album of cover songs popular in the 1970s. These are Mellow and Radio Gold songs sung by a supergroup consisting of Moe Berry from The Pursuit of Happiness, Chris Murphy from Sloan, Craig Morthey from Odds, and Steven Page formerly of the Barenaked Ladies, but has gone on to a fantastic solo career. Featured songs include their cover of Andy Kim's “Rock Me Gently, and “Which Way You Goin' Billy” by The Poppy Family. Samples of both songs are embedded in this episode.  Lol Tolhurst (former drummer from The Cure), Budgie (from Siouxsie & The Banshees), and producer Jackknife Lee have created a cinematic mindscrew of an album entitled “Los Angles.”  Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark are back with what will likely be the final album of their career, and boy what a way to go out! Nowhere on the record are songs that sound like their biggest US hit, “If You Leave.” Rather, as Keith says, this is a soundtrack for the end of the world. Ted compares “Bauhaus Staircase” to Tears for Fears' “The Tipping Point” for its strength, its familiarity at times, and the satisfying way it's all put together. Duran Duran is back with Dance Macabre, a Halloween-theme mashup of covers, updated obscure deep cuts, and some originals. Also, guitarist Andy Taylor returns to the group, and so does the drummer of 17 years with the band, Warren Cuccrullo.  If you want to go on a journey with a musician who is a bit of an acquired taste, give Christian Kjellvander a try. “Hold Your Love Still” may not be for everyone, but once you become familiar with Kjellvander's voice, you'll find this record mesmerizing — as you will hear. Nat Jay's latest EP, “Turns Out It's Not The End” is one of Keith's favorites this year. Comparing her to an outlier star to Taylor Swift's galaxy-consuming supernova, Jay's song “Something More” could have been included in the new Hunger Games soundtrack — and you'll be able to hear why. Shplang! has been on the music scene for almost three decades, and is part of the International Pop Overthrow scene. Their latest song, “Understood” is featured in this episode.  Segment Three: Stream It Before You Buy It Quick hit recommendations. "Pretty Vicious" by The Struts “Telephone Line” by Juliana Hatfield “New Blue Sun” by Andre 3000 “Revisions of Truth” by One Square Mile “Chronicles of a Diamond” by Black Pumas “Can't Find The Brakes” by Dirty Honey “Purple Rain” by Dolly Parton “Harridan” (Live) by Porcupine Tree

In the November 2023 issue of Rolling Stone magazine, there's a big takedown of rock music by the current generation of music writers who work for the publication. The editor, Noah Shachtman, writers Latonia Davis, Earl Douglas, Darrell McNeill, and Althea Legaspi all call out co-founder of Rolling Stone Jann Wenner for his stupid comments in the New York Times about women and black folks not being articulate or philosophers of rock worthy of inclusion in his book, The Masters: Conversations with Dylan, Lennon, Jagger, Townshend, Garcia, Bono, and Springsteen. Words like "problematic," "accountable," "boys' club," and "exclusion" were peppered into the criticism of Wenner. The writers are correct. Rock music from the 60s to the 2000s has been an exclusive club that favored straight white men by elevating their creations as worthy of attention to the exclusion of others. We live in a world where we can't cleanse the past like a Maoist cultural revolution. But even with 99 problems of rock music, there's no denying the cultural significance of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles in the history of rock. Both bands have released new to newish music into the world this year, and "Planet LP" host Ted Asregadoo offers up his views not only on rock music but also on The Rolling Stones and The Beatles' latest releases. He also brings in his family to react to the song "Now and Then" — and the results of this roundtable of sorts are mixed.

Ted and Keith chitty chat about Taylor Swift's new concert film and October's new music releases by Volk, boygenius, The Rolling Stones, The Jack Rubies and more The post Episode 86: New Music Report October 2023 first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Robin Taylor Zander visits Planet LP to talk about the making of his first solo album, "The Distance," and his role as a rhythm guitarist when touring as a member of his dad's band, Cheap Trick. The post Episode 85: Interview with Robin Taylor Zander first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

September's new music releases were so big that Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo and Popdose writer Keith Creighton had to split the conversation into two parts. Hi! This is part two. The post Episode 84 New Music Report September 2023 Part 2 first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Part one of Septembers New Music Report features a slew of new releases from Olivia Rodrigo, Orbis Max, Dolph Cheney, Cindy Wilson, Steven Wilson, The Pretenders, Best Ex and more! Plus, Ted and Keith talk about the MTV VMAs and Jann Wenner's view of musicians who are masters of their craft. The post Episode 83: New Music Report Sept 2023 (Part 1) first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

In this episode, Robbie Robertson is remembered and the Popdose New Music Report with Keith Creighton has a diverse group of new CD releases for August 2023 The post Episode 82: Remember Robbie Robertson and the New Music Report August 2023 first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Writer Annie Logue visits Planet LP to talk about the cultural importance of Sinead OConnor with host Ted Asregadoo The post Episode 81: The Cultural Importance of Sinead O'Connor first appeared on Planet LP Podcast. The post Episode 81: The Cultural Importance of Sinead O'Connor first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Writer Annie Logue visits Planet LP to talk about the cultural importance of Sinead O'Connor with host Ted Asregadoo The post Episode 81: The Cultural Importance of Sinead O'Connor first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Ted Asregadoo and Keith Creighton talk new music releases on the Popdose New Music Report for July 2023. The post Episode 80: New Music Report July 2023 first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Ted Asregadoo, host of the Planet LP podcast, invited his former podcasting partner, John Young, to join him on a musical adventure. They decided to broaden their musical horizons by asking their Gen Z children to pick out some albums for them to listen to. The post Episode 79: Listening Without Prejudice first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Wow! "Synchronicity" by The Police is 40 years old. Popdose writer Keith Creighton Returns to the pod to talk about this landmark album with Ted and spotlight new music releases for June 2023. The post Episode 78: Synchronicity at 40 and New Music for June 2023 first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Relationships. They're complicated. Maybe that's why they make for good songs. In Episode 77 of the pod, Ted Asregadoo and guest Danielle Jennings talk about the good, the toxic, and the dysfunctional side of our connections with one another. The post Episode 77 Songs About Relationships first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Episode 76 features Ted Asregadoo talking to Popdose founder Jeff Giles about the music of Gordon Lightfoot and Popdose writer Keith Creighton talking about new music in his monthly report. The post Episode 76: Remembering Gordon Lightfoot and The Popdose New Music Report first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Steve and Gerry from the Something for Nothing podcast visit with Ted from Planet LP to talk about Rush and rank the last song on each studio album The post Episode 75: The Enduring Music of Rush first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

It's April...and that means Planet LP's monthly feature: The Popdose New Music Report with Keith Creighton. The latest from Metallica, Peter Gabriel, Orbis Max, Peggy Lee, Lousie Burns and a whole lot more are featured! The post Episode 74: Popdose New Music Report April 2023 first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Author and founder of the LA-based rock band The Joneses, Jeff Drake talks to Ted Asregadoo about his book "GUILTY! My Life in The Joneses..." and how a heroin addiction led to him robbing a bank and serving 3 years in federal prison. The post Episode 73: Jeff Drake from The Joneses first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Popdose's Keith Creighton is back with a boatload of CDs to recommend to Planet LP listeners. The post Episode 72: New Music Report March 2023 first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Do you like the cover version or the or the original version of a song? Ted Asregadoo and guest Michael McGauley dig deep into cover songs in this episode. The post Episode 71: Cover Songs first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Ted Asregadoo and Keith Creighton talk about The Grammys, The Rock Hall nominees for 2023 and new music releases. The post Episode 70: Grammys, Rock Hall of Fame, and New Music first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

A present/past episode where Ted Asregadoo reviews Surrender by Bono and features a 2009 Popdose interview with country pop artist, Jessica Harp. The post Episode 69: Words by Bono & Music by Jessica Harp first appeared on Planet LP Podcast. The post The post Episode 69: Words by Bono & Music by Jessica Harp first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

A present/past episode where Ted Asregadoo reviews "Surrender" by Bono and features a 2009 Popdose interview with country pop artist, Jessica Harp. The post Episode 69: Words by Bono & Music by Jessica Harp first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Gen X is a generation born between the years 1965 and 1980. Sometimes called the middle child generation — as they are sandwiched between Baby Boomers and Millenials — they are anything but when it comes to pop culture. In this episode, Ted Asregadoo welcomes back two of his Popdose colleagues, Dw Dunphy and Beau... The post Episode 68: The Music of Gen X first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

The first episode of 2023 is a big, big show! New music from Iggy Pop, Angela Perley, We Are Scientists, Robert Forster, and interview with Ward White and Brad Hallen from The Nervous Eaters The post Episode 67: New Music Report. Plus, Interviews with Art Rock Singer-Songwriter Ward White and Bassist with The Nervous Eaters, Brad Hallen first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Ted Asregadoo and Keith Creighton count down their top 10 albums and songs for 2022 in this final episode of the year. The post Episode 66: Top 10 Songs and Albums of 2022 first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Noah Rough, founder and CEO of the Groupie music app, talks to Ted Asregadoo about Groupie and shares his Hot Five club songs. The post Episode 65: The Ultimate Groupie with Noah Rough first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.

Author Michael Goldberg visits the pod to talk about his book "Addicted to Noise." It's a collection of pieces featuring John Lee Hooker, Devo, The Clash, Prince and others he wrote for Rolling Stone, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Berkeley Barb and other publications. The post Episode 64: Addicted to Noise with Author Michael Goldberg first appeared on Planet LP Podcast.