The ALBUMREVIEW.net podcast: Recent Episodes
Greg Potters
Greg Potters from albumreview.net reviews music albums from all genres and gives you behind the scenes insight into the making of popular albums along with rare diamonds in the ruff.
In light of Robbie Robertson's passing at age 80 on August 9, 2023, I wanted to RE - release Episode 17, our review of The Last Waltz - the famed live concert film and live album by the Canadian 60s and 70s musical powerhouse, The Band.
Unlike the first review, this episode was remastered and "re-edited" with added musical clips from the famed live album.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, the rock n’ roll group, The Band, played what was advertised as their last concert. The Band was leaving the road, and they were going to party just one more time with friends, family, and an audience of 5,000 at the famed Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco at the corner of Post Street and Steiner Street.
Each time I listen to this record and watch this film, I get this feeling as if I am remembering what it was like to be there, even though I was not. It is clear that not only was the audio recorded from the concert memorable, but the film brought the music to another level of extraordinary talent. Don’t believe me? Just watch it.
This is Part 2 of a 2-part review. In this episode, Clementine Moss from Zepparella joins Greg again for an in-depth, descriptive, and emotional review of George Harrison’s 1970, debut solo album, All Things Must Pass. Clem was a recent guest on episode #51 of the podcast. She is a founding member and the drummer for the West Coast-based, Led Zeppelin powerhouse tribute project, Zepparella. Clem is also a spiritual counselor and an author. She recently published a book, From Bonham to Buddha and Back. You can check this out and pick up a copy of your own at either clementinemoss.com or clemthegreat.com.
So whether you’re a Beatles fan or not, All Things Must Pass changed my perception of not only George Harrison but of music. So sit back (or keep up that good pace if you’re doing some exercise or washing the dishes right now) and enjoy Part 2 of this 2-Part review of George Harrison’s, All Things Must Pass.
In this episode, Clementine Moss from Zepparella joins Greg again for an in-depth, descriptive and emotional review of George Harrison’s 1970, debut solo album, All Things Must Pass. This is Part 1 of a 2 part review. Clem was a recent guest on episode #51 of the podcast. She is a founding member and the drummer for the West Coast based, Led Zeppelin powerhouse tribute project, Zepparella. Clem is also a spiritual counselor and an author. She recently published a book, From Bonham to Buddha and Back. You can check this out and pick up a copy of your own at either clementinemoss.com or clemthegreat.com.
So whether you’re a Beatles fan or not, All Things Must Pass changed my perception of not only George Harrison but of music. So sit back (or keep up that good pace if you’re doing some exercise or washing the dishes right now) and enjoy Part 1 of this 2 Part review of George Harrison’s, All Things Must Pass.
For this episode, Greg dives into Who's Next. Who's Next is The Who's fifth studio album. Released in 1971, Who's Next is a collection of songs guitarist Pete Townshend, originally wrote for a Rock Opera he titled, Lifehouse. Eventually, Townshend scrapped the project and along with producer Glyn Johns, took 8 of the Lifehouse songs and re-recorded them. The collection would subsequently be Who's Next, which today is considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time.
listen to this and other episodes at https://www.albumreview.net/podcast
Coming off huge commercial success, Licensed to Ill, the Beastie Boys had big shoes to fill. They were entering the studio to record their sophomore record, which many bands fail to achieve the same success as the first.
What came next in 1989 was Paul’s Boutique. This album would blow the doors off the whole genre and send the Beastie Boys in a direction more towards hip-hop.
What’s incredibly unique about Paul’s Boutique, is that it’s an album made up predominately of samples. If you’d asked me in 1989 if I would be reviewing an album made of samples, I would likely have said no. But I wanted to dig the hole, pile the dirt, dive into the hole, and dig deeper into this one. Why did an album filled with samples, an album completely different from a group’s debut, an album that initially was considered a failure, gain so much of a cult following and eventual underground popularity that today it is considered among the top 5 Hip Hop records of all time?
Let’s find out.
Find out more at ALBUMREVIEW.NET
This is Episode 1 of a new, special edition of the ALBUMREVIEW.NET Podcast, titled BAND FANATICS.
In each episode of BAND FANATICS, host Greg Potters talks to multiple music fans as they share their personal stories of their craziest music concert experience.
If you’d like to be a part of BAND FANATICS by ALBUMREVIEW.NET, send a message to gpotters@albumreview.net or you can message us on Instagram at @albumreviewnet.
Tell us briefly about your crazy concert experience. It can be anything! It just needs to be wild! And we will get back in touch with you if your story is right for the podcast!
Come be a part of the Band Fanatics Podcast, part of Albumreview.net !!
This is Episode 1 of a new, special edition of the ALBUMREVIEW.NET Podcast, titled BAND FANATICS.
In each episode of BAND FANATICS, host Greg Potters talks to multiple music fans as they share their personal stories of their craziest music concert experience.
If you’d like to be a part of BAND FANATICS by ALBUMREVIEW.NET, send a message to gpotters@albumreview.net or you can message us on Instagram at @albumreviewnet.
Tell us briefly about your crazy concert experience. It can be anything! It just needs to be wild! And we will get back in touch with you if your story is right for the podcast!
Come be a part of the Band Fanatics Podcast, part of Albumreview.net !!
The ALBUMREVIEW.NET Podcast presents “Rapid-Fire Roundtable”!
Greg is joined by 2 guests and presents questions at a rapid-fire pace where each guest, including Greg, must answer honestly in rapid-fire manner.
For this short episode, the group answers rapid-fire questions covering topics such as DOES MUSIC TODAY SUCK?
Listen and share your opinion by messaging us at gpotters@albumreview.net
The ALBUMREVIEW.NET Podcast presents “Rapid-Fire Roundtable”!
Greg is joined by 2 guests and presents questions at a rapid-fire pace where each guest, including Greg, must answer honestly in rapid-fire manner.
For this short episode, the group answers rapid-fire questions covering topics such as DOES MUSIC TODAY SUCK?
Listen and share your opinion by messaging us at gpotters@albumreview.net
Joining Greg in this episode is Independent music business owner, entrepreneur and all around music aficionado, Brendan Jeannetti.
Brendan hails from the Boston area. Brendan’s resume includes being a current Berklee School of Music student. He has also been employed with music organizations such as Live Nation, iHeart Radio and Sony Music.
Brendan hosts a regular Podcast called Music You're Missing, where he reviews and interviews music from artists that many might argue are not on your radar. You can find Brendan’s podcast wherever podcasts are available.
In 2021, Brendan announced a partnership with Big Night Entertainment Group where he now receives production, marketing, and venue operation support. Music You're Missing has been invited to cover highly attended events including the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards and Boston Calling Music Festival.
With established relationships with various PR companies, global talent agencies, and major record labels, Music You're Missing is growing rapidly, as are the musicians he profiles on the podcast.
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Joining Greg in this episode is Independent music business owner, entrepreneur and all around music aficionado, Brendan Jeannetti.
Brendan hails from the Boston area. Brendan’s resume includes being a current Berklee School of Music student. He has also been employed with music organizations such as Live Nation, iHeart Radio and Sony Music.
Brendan hosts a regular Podcast called Music You're Missing, where he reviews and interviews music from artists that many might argue are not on your radar. You can find Brendan’s podcast wherever podcasts are available.
In 2021, Brendan announced a partnership with Big Night Entertainment Group where he now receives production, marketing, and venue operation support. Music You're Missing has been invited to cover highly attended events including the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards and Boston Calling Music Festival.
With established relationships with various PR companies, global talent agencies, and major record labels, Music You're Missing is growing rapidly, as are the musicians he profiles on the podcast.
__________________
The ALBUMREVIEW.NET Podcast is brought to you by SPI Media and 1-2-3 Affiliate Marketing.
Learn the ins and outs to affiliate marketing – which is helping companies grow their customer base by legally and officially developing a partnership with them.
Pat Flynn is the owner and creator of SPI – Smart Passive Income.
Take Pat Flynn’s course 1-2-3 Affiliate Marketing from the comfort of your own home or office space, whenever you want!
Learn more here:
https://courses.smartpassiveincome.com/courses/123-affiliate-marketing?affcode=30425_6d8wyjni
We all need something to make us feel cozy and comfortable. We all need something to make us feel at home. Heavy metal always did that for me. I was never much into “death” metal, as much of the music focused on Beelzebub, which was not my thing. However, there was a band from East London called Iron Maiden who had guts. They had balls. And one thing many heavy metal bands don’t get enough credit for, is they had talent, significant talent. Although many of Maiden’s songs and album covers have references to demonism, the band addresses their reasoning for this which I will touch on in this episode.
Released on March 22nd, 1982, The Number of The Beast is Iron Maiden’s 3rd studio album. It was produced by Martin Birch, who was well known for also engineering and producing albums for Deep Purple, Blue Oyster Cult, Whitesnake, Rainbow, Fleetwood Mac and Black Sabbath.
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We all need something to make us feel cozy and comfortable. We all need something to make us feel at home. Heavy metal always did that for me. I was never much into “death” metal, as much of the music focused on Beelzebub, which was not my thing. However, there was a band from East London called Iron Maiden who had guts. They had balls. And one thing many heavy metal bands don’t get enough credit for, is they had talent, significant talent. Although many of Maiden’s songs and album covers have references to demonism, the band addresses their reasoning for this which I will touch on in this episode.
Released on March 22nd, 1982, The Number of The Beast is Iron Maiden’s 3rd studio album. It was produced by Martin Birch, who was well known for also engineering and producing albums for Deep Purple, Blue Oyster Cult, Whitesnake, Rainbow, Fleetwood Mac and Black Sabbath.
The ALBUMREVIEW.NET Podcast is brought to you by Podmatch. Are you a podcaster looking for a consistent flow of guests for your show? Look no further! Now there is Podmatch. Take your guest quality to the next level. Sign up for less than $7 and start seeing your podcast content improve overnight!
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The reason I wanted to review this album is because with exception of “Roadhouse Blues”, I believe this album contains the least amount of songs that hit the pop charts. Despite the smashing success of their debut album, The Doors’ 1970 release, Morrison Hotel was arguably their strongest. Recorded as their fifth studio album on Elektra Records, Morrison Hotel offers listeners a peek behind the curtain to when the Doors just jammed.
There is less psychedelia on this album and more Rock n’ Roll. The band creates numerous blues riffs that guitarist Robby Krieger jams over. Morrison puts his smooth, yet raspy vocals on top to complete the finished product. Morrison Hotel will transform any music fan who was previously not fond of The Doors. Listening to their improvisational, psychedelic musical format will make you a firm believer these guys belong in the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
The reason I wanted to review this album is because with exception of “Roadhouse Blues”, I believe this album contains the least amount of songs that hit the pop charts. Despite the smashing success of their debut album, The Doors’ 1970 release, Morrison Hotel was arguably their strongest. Recorded as their fifth studio album on Elektra Records, Morrison Hotel offers listeners a peek behind the curtain to when the Doors just jammed.
There is less psychedelia on this album and more Rock n’ Roll. The band creates numerous blues riffs that guitarist Robby Krieger jams over. Morrison puts his smooth, yet raspy vocals on top to complete the finished product. Morrison Hotel will transform any music fan who was previously not fond of The Doors. Listening to their improvisational, psychedelic musical format will make you a firm believer these guys belong in the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
This is a review including song clips of Santana's 1977 album, Moonflower.On October 1, 1977, singer/songwriter Carlos Santana, released his 8th album, a combination of studio recorded and live recorded tracks, titled, Moonflower.
When I heard Moonflower, I kept shouting, “How could I have been so stupid!!” I would mouth these words a lot throughout the 90s as initial opinions I formed about many artists, were debunked over and over and over and over again. Santana was one I will never forget.
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With musical clips of songs from the 1990s, Greg's guest is sportswriter, music writer and book author Andy Frye. Andy is currently a Chicago-based sportswriter for Forbes and has previously written for Rolling Stone, ESPN, and other publications.
Andy talks to Greg about his recent published book, 90 Days in The Nineties in addition to his other sports writing and music subject writing career.
Andy also hosts a regular podcast called “Andy Frye’s Sports Podcast” where he has interviewed special guests such as Tom Brady, Venus Williams, Rory McIlroy, Shaquille O’Neal, and many others.
In relation to ALBUMREVIEW.NET, Andy also has an affinity for music, especially music from the 90s.
You can find a copy of Andy’s book by going to ALBUMREVIEW.NET and clicking on the bookstore tab. You can also find it at www.andyfrye.com.
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For this episode, Greg is joined by singer/songwriter and an incredibly talented musician, Mark C. Daniel. Mark hails of out the Connecticut/New York area. Greg became aware of Mark on InstaGram and was blown away by his guitar playing, songwriting and the range of his voice. Mark is a full time musician, with a family history that will give you goosebumps. Greg talks to Mark about his life growing up in music, his many records and songs you can hear. The two also talk about the power of positive thinking.
You can find Mark’s music on YouTube and Spotify by searching for Mark C. Daniel. You can also follow Mark on Instagram at “markcdanielmusic” and on Facebook at @MarkCDanielmusic.
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Before The Beach Boys released Pet Sounds in 1966, NOTHING CLOSE TO THIS CONTENT AND ARRANGEMENT HAD EVER BEEN WRITTEN, ARRANGED OR RECORDED IN THIS WAY BEFORE.
Member and lead songwriter, Brian Wilson admits he wrote Pet Sounds after hearing The Beatles Rubber Soul, album. Rubber Soul blew Brian away and inspired him to be better. All four members of The Beatles admitted when each of them heard Pet Sounds, it inspired them to gang together and write their next masterpiece, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, an album many regard as the greatest ever recorded.
This is an album review by Greg Potters of The Beach Boys, 1966 masterpiece, Pet Sounds.
This is an album review of Rage Against The Machine's 1992 self-titled debut.
I want you to try and recall a time when you went to a concert to see one band and were mystified by either the opening act or another band on the bill to the point where you feel this other act dominated the show and upstaged everyone else. This was my experience the first time I saw this band in concert.
In April and May 1992, the California band Rage Against The Machine entered Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, CA to record their very first album, simply titled, Rage Against The Machine.
They ended up re-recording 7 of the 12 songs that were on their original demo they used to sell at shows on cassette tapes for $5 a pop. With musical influences such as Fugazi, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Van Halen (mostly Eddie’s influence on Tom), The Dead Kennedy’s and Faith No More, again Rage was on to something. They had a sound that was unique to the times.
Put your helmet on for this one....
On April 10th, 1996, the members of Alice in Chains gathered at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Majestic Theatrein New York to perform, and record live this small concert. It was recorded specifically for what was then a very popular MTV program, Unplugged.
Unplugged was a groundbreaking television program and unique to MTV at the time. Just as it sounds, Unplugged offered consumers an opportunity to hear and see more aggressive rock bands perform their songs, originally caked in heavy distortion, but this time in more of a stripped-down, no effects, acoustic set. No tricks. No frills. No pedals to hide behind.
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Joining Greg on this episode is singer/songwriter/musician Shayan Regan. Shayan originally hails from the UK, and now resides in Italy. Greg talks to Shayan about his debut album, A Poison With An Aftertaste, released in November of 2021, which is out now on Bandcamp, Spotify and several other platforms. The two also discuss their love for different music and what it means to support those who battle with depression. This is a deep dive into Shayan and Greg's collective souls that you must hear!
Joining me again on this episode is Toronto based musician/singer/songwriter Dany Horovitz. Dany was on episode 23 of the ALBUMREVIEW.NET Podcast and he joins Greg a 2nd time to celebrate the release of "FREE TIMES", his full studio album on April 8th 2022. Dany also gives us a glimpse into his songwriting abilities and how he recorded this album.
I frequently use this platform to share the music of independent artists around the world who I think have tremendous talent. I do this to turn YOU the listener on to new music. Don’t worry, I’m not abandoning the popular album reviews. This is just a different way to help get good music out to the masses.
You can also follow Dany on Instagram at “danyhorovitz” and on Facebook at Dany Horovitz .
In December 1983 while on tour in Los Angeles for their Speaking in Tongues album, Talking Heads recorded three performances at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, cut them together and eventually released it as one concert film on April 24th, 1984, titled, Stop Making Sense. Later that year in September, the live album was released on record and cassette. For the film, the footage, arranged by famed director, Jonathan Demme had been put together without interviews and with very few cutaways. The film was also the very first movie released using digital audio techniques. To make the movie, the band covered the $1.2 million budget themselves.
Talking Heads fan or not, you must listen to this album. And if you have time, double your pleasure by watching the film. Viewing the live performance is better than listening to it. You get to see what the band was up to. You get to see their brilliant stage presence. You get to pay attention to where the sound is coming from.
In the world of the saxophone, Coltrane comes to my mind first, but in 1949 there was a man from Sugar Hill in the neighborhoods of Harlem who played his first concert using his tenor saxophone. Walter Theodore “Sonny” Rollins, was born on September 7, 1930, in New York City. Sonny began his life in music playing the piano. He would later switch to the alto sax and in 1946 made the decision to switch again to the tenor saxophone. This decision would make Sonny one of the most well versed, tenor sax jazz soloists in the world.
I wanted to review what I think is Sonny’s greatest studio album (well, maybe you should be the judge). It’s Sonny’s sixth studio album, titled Saxophone Colossus. Recorded in one day on June 22, 1956 at Van Gelder Studios in Hackensack, NJ, Saxophone Colossus might be an obvious choice as a classic for most jazz fans. However, I’m doing this review today to let my listeners and readers in on a special treat, once again.
Joining Greg on his 30th episode is business owner and author, Kyle Hegarty. Kyle was previously a guest for Parts 1 and 2 for the review of Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite For Destruction. Kyle joins Greg LIVE IN THE STUDIO all the way FROM SINGAPORE to review Guns N’ Roses’ 2nd studio release, GN’R Lies.
Lead Singer Axl Rose's tirade at a GN'R concert in St. Louis in 1990 caused a huge riot and got them band from the entire state of Missouri. Then there was the famous incident in Montreal in 1992 when, while co-headlining with Metallica, singer/rhythm guitarist, James Hetfield got his arm seriously burned by a pyro technic on stage during their intro to their hit song, One. Metallica had to cut their set way short as James was rushed to the hospital with severe burns all over his arm. All GN'R had to do to save the day was to come out and complete a rockin’ set.
But no. A few minutes into the show, Axl grew frustrated with the sound quality from his monitors, threw his microphone down and stormed off the stage. The entire stadium rioted, and parts of Montreal burned that night. Even as a generally angry teenager already, this infuriated me.
Kyle and Greg discuss these incidents which tested our like. But their love (Kyle and Greg) for this band's music is unmatched.
Greg and special guest, musician and professional film editor, Zack Stoff review Rush's 1978 brilliant release, "Hemispheres". The reason we chose to review THIS album over other Rush albums, there are 19 of them ya know, was because we felt this record was likely the most difficult for the band to play and record. For WE feel Rushis most likely the best technically skilled rock band of ALLLLLL time. I want to stay calm during this review because I feel like this is a no brainer. NOO brainer. I hope this review will also launch future debates over what the best Rush album is and who the best technical skilled rock band is. Because it’s Rush guys. Case closed.
In this very short episode, Greg takes time out from doing an album review to announce a resolution and a plea to the listeners. As the years go by and time ticks away, Greg discusses something he feels we've lost and wants to get back, personal connection..
2021's Best Way to Be Free is a fantastic debut album by singer/songwriter Jason Mirek. In this episode, Greg interviews Jason about his life as a musician and how he wrote and recorded his masterpiece. Jason's songwriting is heartfelt, melodic, and real. You can feel his emotion in every song. Jason writes "driving songs". Among many things, I categorize these as songs you can drive to. As you are rolling down the highway or through a windy road up in the northeast woods, this album provides the soundtrack to your view out the windows. As you pass by gas stations, farms, and country stands, Jason's music provides the background to a peaceful drive which gives hope that life is going to be okay. Despite your troubles, Jason's music provides the blanket to your soul and ensures the listener they are on the right path.
Released on August 23, 1994 during the height of grunge, Grace was the only studio album released by Jeff Buckley while he was still alive. The songs on this album were WAAAY ahead of their time. I feel it can most certainly hold up against today’s artists and musical genres. Jeff’s lyrics are telling. I need to pull out the word “romantic” when describing this album. Romantic is the best word. Not in a Sinatra way, where’s he’s talking about cuddling up next to the fireplace with his….”baby”. Buckley’s lyrics are DEEEEEEEP. Just so deep they cut your soul.Ok. What happened? I blacked out…!
Part 2 of a 2 part album review!
Joined by Singapore based wine director, music enthusiast and die-hard Faith No More fan, Joe Keats, Greg reviews the band's 1992 classic release, Angel Dust. Formed in 1979 in San Francisco, CA, the band Sharp Young Men, consisting of keyboard player Wade Worthington, lead singer Mike Morris, drummer Mike Bordin and bass player, Billy Gould, played several small clubs around the Bay Area. The band named soon morphed into Faith No Man and hired keyboard, piano and synth player Roddy Bottum to replace Worthington. The story then takes a twist as a year later Gould, Bordin and Bottom all quit Faith No Man together and formed Faith No More. The story goes that the band actually decided to name themselves Faith No More because the guy who was known as “the man”, lead singer Mike Morris was “no more”, hence the name Faith No More.
After removing lead singer Chuck Mosely in 1988, Mike Patton was hired to complete the vocals on their 1989 release, The Real Thing, which brought the band huge success with the single, Epic. In 1991, the band would reenter the studio to record what would become their greatest album to date, 1992's Angel Dust.
Special RE-RELEASE of this episode (originally released Dec 2020) but this time Greg includes the music of Michael's album for a stronger listening experience.
Born in London, Michael developed an early love for music. After studying for a short time at The University of Westminster, he became a session guitarist and eventually decided to start writing, recording and producing his own music.
This is an audio review of Michael's third studio album, simply titled, "Kiwanuka". Take Stevie Wonder, Funkadelic, Seal, Marvin Gaye, The Band and Bill Withers, put them in a blender, mix it up….out comes Michael Kiwanuka.
Greg interviews Toronto based musician, Dany Horovitz. Dany is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter. Dany’s music is infused with modern takes on familiar melodies, with melodic guitar and piano chords, popping bass licks, and toe-tapping percussion.
In this episode, Dany tells Greg about his life growing up in Montreal and Toronto, the art of writing and recording an album and what to do when you feel like giving up. The two also discuss how they stay motivated to continue writing, and much more!
Listen to clips of Dany's new album and listen to Dany perform live on this episode. Check out his new single, MOVING ON, releasedOct 15th 2021.
Full Album, FREE TIMES, to be released on Bandcamp at:
https://danyhorovitz.bandcamp.com/album/free-times
Streaming Live for everyone April 8, 2022.
Check out Dany's music live at ALBUMREVIEW.NET and at @danyhorovitz on Instagram!
Thank you, Dany!
Joined by Singapore based wine director, music enthusiast and die-hard Faith No More fan, Joe Keats, Greg reviews the band's 1992 classic release, Angel Dust. Formed in 1979 in San Francisco, CA, the band Sharp Young Men, consisting of keyboard player Wade Worthington, lead singer Mike Morris, drummer Mike Bordin and bass player, Billy Gould, played several small clubs around the Bay Area. The band named soon morphed into Faith No Man and hired keyboard, piano and synth player Roddy Bottum to replace Worthington. The story then takes a twist as a year later Gould, Bordin and Bottom all quit Faith No Man together and formed Faith No More. The story goes that the band actually decided to name themselves Faith No More because the guy who was known as “the man”, lead singer Mike Morris was “no more”, hence the name Faith No More.
After removing lead singer Chuck Mosely in 1988, Mike Patton was hired to complete the vocals on their 1989 release, The Real Thing, which brought the band huge success with the single, Epic. In 1991, the band would reenter the studio to record what would become their greatest album to date, 1992's Angel Dust.
This is an audio album review of Widespread Panic's 1993 release, Everyday.What I did not know until I dug deep in research is that the album cover for Everyday, which shows a young woman standing in the desert holding what looks like a white dove, is someone we know. Her hair is blowing in the wind, covering a part of her face while the dove in her hands is covering much of the rest. But those eyes. The cover art is also colored mostly in dark red, symbolizing mystery as you look at this beautiful woman holding the dove. If you just look into her eyes, you may be able to guess. Well, forget that. I never did. The secret woman on the cover happens to be famed actor Angelina Jolie who was 16 when the picture was taken. The band noted in a later interview that, “No, they didn’t let us meet her”…
Joining Greg in his 20th Podcast Episode is professional musician and author, Ivan Bodley. Ivan is a working-class musician who has partnered with SEVERAL artists such as Sting, Elvis Costello, Wynona Judd, Living Colour, Stanley Clark, Bo Didley and many more. In his book, “Am I Famous Yet? Memoir of a Working-Class Rock Star”, Ivan archives his life on the road meeting and performing with many of these musicians I just mentioned.
In this episode, Ivan and I will talk about his life as a professional musician on the road and in the studio as portrayed in his book.
With a career that has taken him to more than 29 countries playing to audiences of up to 82,000 people, it is no wonder that Ivan “Funkboy” Bodley is truly a working-class rock star.
In this episode, I will be interviewing music author Bryan O’Connor. By day Bryan is Vice President of Finance for a Hunger Relief Organization. And by night he is an established music author. Bryan joins me to discuss his most recent 2021 published book, Time Decorated – A History of Popular Music in 12 Playlists and another book he wrote in 2019 titled, For the Record – My 1,000 Favorite Albums from 1957-2017.
Not only was I impressed with Bryan’s intelligence but his music knowledge goes deep and spreads across MANY genres. So we won’t be discussing one type of music in this interview. I think you’ll pick up on Bryan’s modesty as he classifies his knowledge level as “basic”, which I vehemently disagree with and I think you will too.
Band of Gypsys was a small departure for Jimi Hendrix and his successful world touring band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1969 and 1970. Recorded at the Fillmore East in New York City on two nights, December 31st 1969 and January 1st 1970, Band of Gypsys did not include the original band members from Hendrix’s Experience, but instead featured, Billy Cox on bass guitar and Buddy Miles on drums and backing vocals. It is believed that Cox and Miles joined Hendrix in the recording of this live show to help Hendrix settle a contract dispute with a former manager.
Earlier in 1969, while Jimi was wrapping up his world tour with the Experience, he was growing frustrated with his current lineup and explored jamming with new musicians. In October of that same year, he began jamming with Miles and Cox and the three realized they had chemistry together.
As a young teenager, I was at the peak of my Seattle Grunge music phase and had just started the downward curve of my obsession with 80’s hair metal. Although I still love both genres today, I will forever include Band of Gypsys as an album that changed my view of music forever.
This is a special review of a special live concert album and film. You know why? You do not have to be a fan of The Band to enjoy this. I can remember hearing and seeing the recording of The Last Waltz for the first time, shockingly late in the year 2000. My mind was numb. My brain decided to go on vacation after that. For I had not been part of a concert performance (virtually, of course) that moved me when I had known nothing about this band.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, the rock n’ roll group, The Band, played what was advertised as their last concert. The Band was leaving the road, and they were going to party just one more time with friends, family, and an audience of 5,000 at the famed Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco at the corner of Post Street and Steiner Street.
Before the release of their third studio album, Metallica was an up and coming thrash band playing hard and fast metal for fans to swing their necks, bang their heads and throw up their fists in a repetitive motion.
When they released Master of Puppets in 1986, the band really pushed the limits of musicianship, bringing heavy metal and thrash metal to the forefront, requiring technical musicians outside the genre to pay attention and admit this band knew how to play their instruments and knew how to write impressive lyrics.
Album review of the Soundtrack to the Motion Picture - Singles.
Released on June 30th, 1992, just under 3 months before the film, this album ended up going double-platinum, selling more than 2 million copies.
I dug deep trying to remember when I became officially influenced by the 90s Seattle Grunge scene, and it HAD to be because of the movie Singles. I was certainly aware of bands such as Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden before the film release, but not to the extent that I would after this film and soundtrack BLEW UP not only on the Seattle music scene but the international music scene.
Podcast review of Lake Street Dive's 7th studio release, “Obviously”.
"Obviously" is the first word, soulfully sung by lead singer Rachael Price on the album’s opener, Hypotheticals. The album I’m referring to is the seventh studio album from Brooklyn, NY based quintet, Lake Street Dive. In the first twenty seconds, I’m not sure where Hypotheticals is going. But then there’s a pause. Oh I love those pauses,….used to plant them here and there into songs I wrote. I just dig how they leave you guessing. When the next part kicks in, you are almost always unprepared. That is when you know you have a well written song, when the pause comes, and you cannot predict what is coming next.
Part 2 of a two part Podcast review. Author Kyle Hegarty and Greg Potters discuss side R (side two) of the classic 1987 Guns N' Roses album, Appetite for Destruction. An album that changed both our lives.
This is Part 1 of a 2 Part Podcast!
Where do I begin with this one? There is so much to say. In 1987 I entered a small, Mom & Pop record store in Londonderry, VT and I came across a cassette tape hanging on the wall. The cover was black, really black. It had a cross with five separate skulls placed delicately at each end of the cross. The skulls also had long hair, and one of them, wore a top hat. Above and below the cross were ribbons unconnected. Each ribbon had words painted on them. They read, Guns N’ Roses, Appetite for Destruction. I had to have it.
Produced by Rick Rubin, 1986’s Licensed to Ill was the Beastie Boys’ debut album. During a time when artists such as Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, Robert Palmer, Billy Ocean and Madonna ruled the pop music charts, the Beastie Boys were a unique group of young men from New York City that originally formed in 1978. By the time they released their debut album, there were very few bands in popular music that were considered part of the Rap-Rock/Alternative Hip Hop/Jazz Funk multi-genre. Originally a hard-core punk band, the Beasties made their change to more of a rap/rock focus in 1985. They did not experience commercial success until the release of “ill”.
In this special episode, Kyle Hegarty, author of "The Accidental Business Nomad" and musician talks with Greg about living in Singapore, writing his book, building a global business and how music has helped his success.
Buckle your seat belt. For this is like no album I have ever reviewed, nor heard. There is a small community in the US who know these guys, but the word needs to be spread. If you enjoy technical instrumentation, if you enjoy rave music, if you enjoy synth, if you enjoy ripping guitar, if you enjoy crazy drums, drop “everything” and grab this album!
On September 15th, 1983 the Rock & Roll blues band from San Francisco, Huey Lewis & the News released their third studio album, Sports. I am reviewing this album today my friends because, Sports was my very, very first album purchase. I was a little kid and had heard the group on the radio. When Sports was released, I took my own money from doing yard work, went to the record store and purchased it. I still have my original copy today. It still reeks of basement mildew. But it is so special to me. This was my platform into the music world.
I know what you’re thinking. Strange who? Folk what? Who are these guys? There is a reason this album is on my review list and in my album collection. Despite much of the praise I’ve given past albums of different genres, Strangefolk’s 1995 release Lore is on my desert island album list. It has been since I heard it in 1995. Listen to this episode of my podcast and I will explain.
Includes special guest. This is a review of Frank Zappa's 1969 album, "Hot Rats". Joining me is Zappa enthusiast, professional musician whose band opened a US tour for Maroon 5, he is also THE current personal production assistant to famed actor Benicio Del Toro, he’s a Teacher/Instructor at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles and best of all, he has been my friend for 44 years.
Audio review of John Coltrane's album, "My Favorite Things". Break out the scotch, the bourbon or a fine wine when you spin this record. Or for many of you, listen to it on your phone. With only four songs on the album, My Favorite Things clocks in at 40:25. Each song brings a positive, calming vibe that immediately makes you feel as if you are in a dark jazz club in New York or San Francisco.
The basement is filled with tables all pointing towards a very, very small stage. Picture the wait staff buzzing past each table on the floor, serving drink after drink, each occupied table is lit by one candle, and all the patrons are in a trance, staring at the musicians.
This is an audio review of Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble's album, "The Sky is Crying". There is no one, I mean no one who plays guitar like Stevie Ray Vaughn. The age-old argument has always been, Jimi or Stevie? Who do you pick? To many, there is no contest. For others, they believe there can be a debate. For me, I bow to the first King, Mr. James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix. But on October 3rd, 1954, another King was born in Dallas, Texas. His name? Mr. Stephen Ray "Stevie" Vaughan. If you like the Blues, this is for you. If you don't, well come quickly check out what a "other worldly" guitar player sounds like.
This is an audio review of Radiohead's third studio album, "OK Computer". On May 21st, 1997, a rock band with some reasonable commercial success out of the UK, Radiohead that is, released their third studio album, OK Computer.
The album's lyrics and music illustrate what it is like and what it will “be” like eventually to live in a world where computers rule.
Technology and computers certainly played an important, dominant role in society in 1997, but nothing like it is today. For the band I believe was truly ahead of their time, writing lyrics to music that showcased the eventual downward spiral of society, where social media essentially runs the planet. The writing is a message that all this capitalism has not led to survival of the fittest, but more led to emotional isolation and political illness.
This is a review of John Prine's Fair & Square. Released in April 2005, Fair & Square is John Prine's 15th studio album. As a country music album, Prine's writing offers little resemblance to the pop country stars of the 80's, 90's and today.
Fair & Square won him a Grammy award in 2005, giving John his second major music award and his 12th nomination, cementing him in the country folk music Parthenon.
Born in London, Michael developed an early love for music. After studying for a short time at The University of Westminster, he became a session guitarist and eventually decided to start writing, recording and producing his own music.
This is an audio review of Michael's third studio album, simply titled, "Kiwanuka". Take Stevie Wonder, Funkadelic, Seal, Marvin Gaye, The Band and Bill Withers, put them in a blender, mix it up….out comes Michael Kiwanuka.