The Radio Ga Ga Podcast: Recent Episodes
Radio Ga Ga
The Radio Ga Ga Podcast is a weekly album review podcast that explores why we like the music we like. Host Justine Piehowski dives into each album in depth, with artist backgrounds, song-by-song meanings, and notes from the recording studio. The goal of the Radio Ga Ga Podcast is to help you as the listener feel more knowledgeable and connected to the music you love, and maybe even music you didn't know you would.
Available wherever you listen to podcasts.
https://radiogagapodcast.com/
Though Maggie Rogers began songwriting in her teens, it wasn't until Pharrell Williams critiqued her masterclass at NYU when she got her big break. Many of the songs on "Heard It In A Past Life" deal with this overnight success and all the waves of emotion that come with that. She says "Heard It In A Past Life" was the introduction that she never really got to make. We discuss all the different production and writing styles reflected on the album, as well as Maggie's synesthesia and writing process.
In this episode, we're diving into one of punk's most enduring albums, "Marquee Moon" from 1977. We'll talk about Television's role in CBGB & OMFUG becoming the epicenter of American punk and the history of the venue, as well as the friendship and later falling out of Tom Verlaine and Richard Hell. Also–the Lower East Side poetry scene, Patti Smith helping build the mystique around the band, turning down a record contract, and what a good name change can do for the soul. Television, don't go to my head.
"After Hours" is like a film noir in album format. It depicts the rise and fall of an anti-hero, The Character, as he admits that his loneliness is more unbearable than he lets on. In this episode, we discuss The Weeknd's whole visual campaign around "After Hours," including an important series of music videos and appearances where The Weeknd showed up with facial bandages. Also, we'll discuss his evolution from releasing music anonymously to becoming one of the biggest pop stars in the world.
In this episode, I talk to music writer Jamieson Cox, whose work has been featured in Pitchfork, Time Magazine, and more. We discuss how he finds new music, what made him get into criticism, and towing the line between having a hobby and keeping it one. We also get into his role in Pitchfork’s first-ever review of Taylor Swift, how the Pitchfork scoring system works, and Jamieson’s newsletter, One Good Song. Episode includes music by Frank Ocean, Madeline Kenney, Jazmine Sullivan, Mamalarky, and Darkside.
Even though metal isn't at the top of my list, "Colors" is one of the most interesting albums I've heard in a long time. Between The Buried And Me is a progressive metal band made up of virtuosos and friends, most of whom have been playing together since high school. Whether you're already a fan or just curious, my guest Job Fickett is amazingly helpful. He helps guide us through the world of modern prog metal, explains the different vocal styles, and shares all the reasons BTBAM is his favorite band.
Exciting news... The Radio Ga Ga Podcast is now on Patreon! We're talking swag, we're talking exclusive content, all the good stuff. Get all the details in this mini-episode update and join at Patreon.com/radiogagapodcast. Thank you for your ongoing support!
One of my personal goals for 2021 was to listen to a LOT more new music, or at least "new" to me. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 albums I just listened to for the very first time recently. To be fair, a few of these just came out in 2021 so they are actually new. But a lot of these, I wish I would've listened to much earlier. If you're like me and are looking for a refresh of your old go-to playlists, listen to this episode.
In the final installment of our Mariah Carey series, we get into the later years of her career, the tryst with Derek Jeter that was the catalyst to ending her abusive marriage, and the surprising side hustle Mariah was working on during the recording of "Daydream." Also, Christmas wishes, Tommy Mottola's revenge on Mariah via a J.Lo song, and the hunt for a very special white baby grand piano. Episode 2 of 2.
Though we know Mariah Carey as a high-maintenance diva, there's a LOT more to the story. She grew up in an incredibly turbulent environment with a family that could have very easily kept Mariah down (and keeps trying to). Her professional and personal life also merged in her early 20s, when she married a music exec who treated her like a prisoner. We'll get into Mariah's desire to shift "Daydream" to a more R&B sound, her signature whistle tones, and the earliest years of her global success. Episode 1 of 2.
“Spirit In The Sky” by Norman Greenbaum is a fantastic song, and one of rock music’s definitive one-hit wonders. Its omnipresence across television, film, and advertisements has earned it a permanent spot in classic rock history. And from "Apollo 13," to "Remember The Titans," to "Guardians of the Galaxy" and everything in between, "Spirit In The Sky" continues to live on as a cross-generational favorite. We talk about Greenbaum's past, the making of the song, and the reasons it became his only major hit.
I always thought of R.E.O. Speedwagon as an '80s band, but their breakthrough album, "Hi Infidelity" from 1980 was actually the band's ELEVENTH album. Formed in 1967, R.E.O. spent basically the first decade of their career struggling to expand past their Midwestern roots. We'll talk about their major change in sound over the years, and how the pressure to go pop worked really well…until it didn't. Also–the Bo Diddley beat, a Joe Cocker ripoff, and how Netflix's "Ozark" brought R.E.O. back from the dead.
Vince Guaraldi’s soundtrack for "A Charlie Brown Christmas" was perfect for the animation of the Peanuts comics. It’s not just jazz, it’s what Charlie Brown sounds like. It’s what Christmas sounds like. And it perfectly encapsulates that melancholic feeling that comes around this time each year. In this episode, we'll talk about how jazz came to define the Peanuts sound, depression and anxiety as tackled by Charlie Brown, and the little Christmas tree that could.
“Come On Over” is still the all-time best-selling country album, and one of the best-selling albums of all time in any genre. In this episode, we explore Shania Twain's rise to pop-country fame, from her early days as Eilleen Twain in Timmins, Ontario all the way to Nashville. Things were extremely difficult for Shania most of her life growing up, but she fought every step of the way to earn her spot in country music's storied history. Also: Mutt Lange, "shopping" for songs, and Tim the German Shepherd.
"Dig Me Out" is an album that feels harsh and feminine at the same time. It’s not comfortable or nurturing, and in direct contrast with expectations of female vocals at the time. Guest Phoebe Reilly and I discuss Sleater-Kinney's role in the riot grrrl movement, what unique elements Corin, Carrie, and Janet bring to the table, and how Sleater-Kinney broke through walls constantly to create a space in music for themselves and for other women. Also - feminism, the concept of "selling out," and "Portlandia."
American composer Bernard Herrmann is most remembered for his spooky, suspenseful film scores in collaboration with directors including Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles, and Rod Serling. From the shower scene in "Psycho" to some of our favorite episodes of "The Twilight Zone," Herrmann was a master at creating dramatic tension and character development through music. We'll talk about some of his most memorable pieces, his early use of the theremin, and modern composers who still adapt Herrmann's work today.
“Hot Fuss” is one of my all-time favorite albums. In this episode, I'm diving in to the history of the album and how it came to be the Killers' signature work. My guest is Jon Landman of The Syndicate, who worked with the Killers in their earliest days to help promote the band and get “Hot Fuss” on American radio. We talk about the “Murder Trilogy,” the Bruce Springsteen and Duran Duran comparisons, how to write a song about your former bully, and why we don’t see a ton of bands coming out of Las Vegas.
Musically and lyrically, "Dirt" was far more sinister than anything that had come before it in grunge music. Nearly half of the album's songs are explicitly about heroin addiction, which we'll find is the one true villain in the Alice In Chains story. In this episode, we talk about how metal impacted the earliest days of Seattle grunge, the vocal harmonies between Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell, who "Rooster" is, and how drug abuse brought one of the best bands of the early '90s to a screeching halt.
"Take On Me" by Norwegian trio A-Ha is one of the greatest pop songs ever made. We'll talk about the history of the song, Morten Harket's vocal gymnastics, and all the '80s instruments they used including the LinnDrum and the Roland Juno 60 synthesizer. "Take On Me" also had one of the greatest music videos ever made. We'll talk about how the video's animation was created, and how it gave new life to the song for American audiences.
Listening to Halsey is like touching a wire you know is going to give you a shock. But you touch it anyway, letting little sparks of electricity bolt through you. She's an artist who has grown on me over the past few years, and her story is wild. The road was difficult for Halsey, then her entire life changed basically overnight. From the release of "Manic", to her openness about her life and struggles, she's setting the bar for what it means to be a pop star in 2020.
We conclude the story of Jimi Hendrix starting with "Axis" Side 2, which has one of the most beautiful songs Jimi ever wrote, "Castles Made of Sand." We talk about the techniques and gear Jimi used, what it was that made him such a good guitarist, and how things took a turn for The Jimi Hendrix Experience after the release of "Axis" in the U.S. We'll also talk about Jimi's drug use, downward spiral, his untimely death in 1970, and the legacy of the world's greatest guitarist five decades later.
We all know Jimi Hendrix, one of the most legendary and influential musicians to ever walk the planet. But there's a lot about his life we don't hear about. In this episode, we talk about Jimi's rough childhood and life before he had a guitar in his hands, his time in the Army's 101st Airborne Division, and rise to music fame in the late '60s. We'll end with a track analysis of "Axis" Side 1, including two of my all-time favorite Hendrix tracks: "Spanish Castle Magic" and "Little Wing." Episode I of II.
Hole's prophetically titled "Live Through This" would release just one week after the suicide of Courtney Love's husband, Kurt Cobain. The album is haunted, a bit psychic, and stands up against any of the big '90s grunge albums. If you’re like me and only knew Courtney as a tabloid cover girl, listen to this episode. My guest, music writer Phoebe Reilly, has spent significant time interviewing Courtney Love. Phoebe helps us get to know the real Courtney - her brilliance, her messiness, and all.
In this episode, we dive into the world of Ivy League indie pop with Vampire Weekend's third studio album. Though much of the indie world fell in love with this band from the start, some music media pegged Vampire Weekend as privileged, waspy Columbia grads using cultural appropriation to their advantage. My guest Jerry Bell explains how the band rose to popularity, overcame assumptions to bring more international music to the forefront, and evolved both together as a band and as individuals.
In the summer of 1979 came one of the harbingers of disco’s doom, Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park. In this episode, we talk about how that evening at the baseball field got increasingly out of control, and the many other reasons disco fever didn't last. We'll talk about what disco stars did in the 80s to stay relevant, how some of disco's best producers made their mark, and all the ways disco shows up in every decade up to now. In fact, I believe it's about to make a full comeback. Episode 3 of 3.
Get ready to dance! In the second installment of our series, we talk about the artists that brought disco to the mainstream including Donna Summer, the BeeGees, and Gloria Gaynor. There’s also a number of other artists who created songs just to join the trend, including the Rolling Stones, Dolly Parton, and even the Grateful Dead. We’ll talk about the elements of disco music, what it was like going to the disco, and of course, all the classic songs heard on the dance floor. Episode 2 of 3.
Disco is one of just a few music genres that can call itself a full-bodied cultural movement. The history of the discotheque begins as far back as World War II Europe, and by the 60s, begins blossoming in the American epicenter of disco, New York City. Disco music's true roots lie in American R&B, soul, and funk, so we'll talk about the impact of those genres and how they began to evolve by the early 70s. Also David Mancuso's loft parties, the disco as a safe space, and lots more. Episode 1 of 3.
It’s easy to look at Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz and not take him seriously. It seems like 1990-era MTV created him in a lab. But there's more to him, and "August and Everything After," than it seems. In this episode, we're highlighting the Counting Crows biggest hits, the time the mayor of Omaha offered Duritz the key to the city, and the progressive metal band that named themselves after a song on this album.
In this episode, we’re exploring why all the music we hear in the "James Bond" film franchise sounds so undeniably "Bond." Some of these songs were written nearly 40 years apart, yet musically, we immediately associate all of them with 007. I unpack the music theory behind the "Bond sound" and all the musical motifs and chord progressions that have been consistent since the early '60s up to today. Also - Adele gets cold feet, Marvin Hamlisch gets inspired by disco, and Tom Jones passes out.
"Dummy" is one of the defining records of the trip-hop genre, and one of the most unique albums we've covered here. We'll talk about all the elements that defined their otherworldly sound, the film Portishead made to "introduce" the band, and how the band got creative before there was such a thing as ProTools. I also talk to The Syndicate's Jon Landman about his work in music, how the pandemic is changing the industry, and what draws him in the most when he listens to Portishead.
Leon Bridges' music reflects a vintage quietness; an articulation of raw feelings of love and heartbreak that we've all felt, but rarely find the words for. On "Good Thing," he breaks away from the golden age soul comparisons to Sam Cooke to find a voice that's all his own. We also discuss the Grammys, Fort Worth, beauty in simplicity, and how a pair of jeans was the impetus for a conversation that would change Leon Bridges' life.
In Part II, we break down Side 2 of Black Sabbath's second studio album, with "Electric Funeral," "Hand of Doom," "Rat Salad" and "Fairies Wear Boots." We also get into some debaucherous tales of Sabbath on the road, Ozzy's solo career and subsequent Sabbath reunions, the invention of the devil horn hand gesture, and the embarrassing stage gaffe parodied in the film "This is Spinal Tap." We'll also discuss Ozzy's latest solo album, just released in February 2020. Thank you again to my guest, Job Fickett!
Heavy hitter episode! Black Sabbath is one of the most influential bands of all time and the originator of the metal genre. In Part I of our series, we break down Side 1 of the band's second studio album, "Paranoid," diving deep into "War Pigs," "Paranoid," "Planet Caravan" and "Iron Man." Also, a music theory refresher on the tritone or “devil’s interval,” Geezer Butler's heart-wrenching and scary lyrics, and how four blokes from the slums of Birmingham, UK would become the fathers of heavy metal.
This album's dark, depressed lyrics set against DayGlo pink synth-pop is oddly indicative of a band that's been through a lot together. And apart. In this episode, we talk about Hayley as the face of Paramore, the cracks formed by jealousy, and what happens when only one member of a band is signed on the record contract. Also, the time Hayley Williams almost left music for her marriage, the pressure to go solo, and why the gears of Paramore keep turning despite the fact that they should probably stop.
In this episode, I’m talking to music producer and engineer Alex Gibson. Alex has worked with everyone from David Lee Roth to Bon Jovi, and engineered alongside some of music's top producers. We discuss the process of making a record, and Alex’s tips for anyone looking into a career in the music industry. Also, his thoughts on the current state of music, what it was like moving out to LA, and how you tell an artist they don’t sound good. Thanks to Alex for his time! Episode feat. music by Echo Echo.
Even though Lizzo just got popular in 2019, she's been making music for years. Great music. But if a tree falls in the forest, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? In this episode, we look at Lizzo's rise to fame through the lens of Joseph Campbell's 'Hero's Journey' story structure. We'll discuss friends and enemies along her personal yellow brick road, how failure can knock down the most confident of people, and her own Yoda-type mentor. Also lingerie, boy problems, and Sasha Flute.
"Sound Of Silver" is the perfect blend of irony and earnestness, old and new, the 2am party and the morning after. I always knew LCD Soundsystem was great dance music, but it wasn't until this episode that it reached me on a much deeper level. We discuss the artistry of James Murphy, the ripple effect of 9/11 on New York's music scene, the idea of nostalgia (both earned and not), Kermit the Frog, what "silver" sounds like, and the return of LCDSS after their 2011 sold-out funeral at Madison Square Garden.
"Transatlanticism" is said to be a meditation on the ups and downs of long-distance relationships. In today's episode, we'll discuss how frontman and lyricist Ben Gibbard creates an interesting focal point for Death Cab For Cutie, and why their lyrics always seem to feel so relatable. Also, how music affects our mood, The Postal Service, Seattle, and the caveat I make with myself when I listen to Death Cab.
Welcome back my friends, to the show that never ends. Emerson, Lake & Palmer, a veritable 3-man orchestra of virtuosic talent, was the first band to bring progressive rock to the masses. In this episode, we discuss how "Brain Salad Surgery" marked historic advancements in electronic music, Keith Emerson's influence on Bob Moog and his synthesizer technology, and the insane stage shows that drew millions out to see ELP in the '70s. Also; tank-adillos, the Manticore, & stabbing organs with knives.
From old classics to new songs from 2019, I've compiled a countdown of my absolute 20 favorite songs this holiday season. And you guys helped! Thanks to everyone who sent their favorites in. This playlist features Bing Crosby, The Sonics, Ella Fitzgerald, Sufjan Stevens, Kacey Musgraves, and many more. Light a balsam candle, heat up a hot toddy, and snuggle in for this episode that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Listen to the playlist here: https://spoti.fi/2tiaN0K
In the final installment of our series on "Deja Vu," we break down the songs on Side 2, the story behind the simulated leather album cover, and the disastrous string of tours that followed the album's release. We'll also discuss CSNY's various levels of solo career success, the debaucherous 1974 stadium tour, how any of them survived the 80s, and what everyone's doing nowadays.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released only 22 songs together during 1969 and 1970, many of which have become standards in the classic rock canon. In Part I of our series, I talk about how CSNY got together amidst frustration with their former bands, and the first moment of vocal harmony between Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Also, why they refused to call themselves a "band," the good life in Laurel Canyon, and the events, heartbreak, and drug use that all had a deep effect on the making of "Deja Vu."
Maroon 5 went from being a small-time high school band to selling out stadiums, playing the Super Bowl, and crashing weddings. In this episode, we'll highlight the trajectory of one of today's most popular bands, beginning with their debut album, "Songs About Jane." Jane's a real person, so we'll discuss her relationship to Adam Levine. We also talk about all the other non-Levine guys who make up the hit machine that is Maroon 5, and discuss the band's influences from Stevie Wonder, Aaliyah, and John Mayer.
My Bloody Valentine's groundbreaking "Loveless" remains one of alternative music's most influential albums. In this episode, we discuss MBV's pioneering of the shoegaze genre and its defining production characteristics, the interesting/amazing effects this album has had on my mind, the idea of 'horror vacui' as it pertains to music, and why it took 22 years for the band to follow up "Loveless." Also, stereo v. mono recording, pink noise, and how the Valentines used sleep deprivation to their advantage.
Happy Halloween! John Carpenter is one of the most famous horror filmmakers of all time, creating the "Halloween" franchise, as well as films including "The Thing," "Christine," and "The Fog." But he also composed nearly all the scores to his own films, with a distinct style that's become one of the most iconic in the genre. In today's episode, we'll discuss why we love being scared by horror flicks, Carpenter's process of scoring his films, and what he's up to lately.
"Louie Louie" is one of the most covered songs of all time, with a reported 2,000+ official recordings. So how did "Louie Louie" go from the bargain bin and "Worst Record of the Week" on a popular radio show to one of the most popular rock songs of all time? For one, the FBI investigation of the song in 1964 probably helped. We'll discuss the origins of "Louie Louie," its use of the most popular chord progression in pop music, and the most popular covers of the song, from Otis Redding to Black Flag.
At the beginning of 1998, Jeff Mangum released his masterwork, "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea," now one of the all-time indie records. But by year's end, he would walk away from music, only to be heard from on rare occasion for the next two decades. In today's episode, we discuss how to create distortion without an electric guitar, why Mangum was completely derailed by Anne Frank's diary, and why I've changed my tune about Neutral Milk Hotel. Kind of. My King of Carrot Flowers, D.J. Piehowski, guests.
One of the most important album art designers of our time, Storm Thorgerson counts amongst his credits "Dark Side of the Moon," "Wish You Were Here," "Houses of the Holy" and about a million more. In this episode, we're diving into Storm's history as a high school friend of Pink Floyd, and we'll detail how he concepted and shot some of his most iconic album covers. We've got 40-foot pig balloons flying high over Heathrow, a mustache getting burned off, inspiration from Arthur C. Clarke... this is a fun one.
The Shins had a lot to prove with "Wincing the Night Away." This was the album that would decide whether the Shins would stay in the indie pop conversation, or if their inclusion in Zach Braff's film "Garden State" was just a brief lucky break. The Shins are a band I'm literally always in the mood to listen to, so we'll explore why that is. We'll also discuss the meanings I find in the cover art, James Mercer's songwriting style, and how his insomnia affected the writing and recording of "Wincing."
Karen Carpenter's voice is one you know instantly, and makes you feel like the only one listening. Though on the surface the Carpenters seemed like a squeaky clean brother-sister duo, their story is wrought with family drama, painful emotional scarring, and tragedy. We'll discuss the Carpenters' rise to popularity, as well as Karen's eating disorder, her mother, failed relationships, and Sonic Youth. Karen is one of my biggest influences as a musician, so this is a special and emotional episode for me.
Ween can feel very overwhelming to get into. Their discography is endless, their music odd, and there's an intimidating amount of vocabulary words, culture, and backstory related to these two best friends from New Hope, PA. I'm hoping to detangle it all in this episode with guest Paul Gutkowski, long-time Ween fan and host of the "God Ween Evan" podcast. We discuss lyrics, pants-pooping, love songs, voice modulation, the concept of brown, and the popular cartoon that "The Mollusk" inspired. Hail Boognish!
We've all had those songs that lodge themselves into our brains and refuse to get out. Why are we so prone to this happening, and what certain types of songs are more commonly sticky? We'll discuss a number of factors, plus the science behind what's happening in our brain when a song gets stuck, and how repetition in music feeds into a basic human need for comfort and safety. We'll also talk about supposed cures for earworms - and one thing that is scientifically proven to get rid of them.
"Southeastern" is a stunningly beautiful album, one that will grow with me as I go through life. In this episode, we talk about Jason's upbringing in Muscle Shoals, living hard in the Drive-By Truckers, and getting sober with the help of his now-wife, Amanda Shires. We talk love songs, family, the South, Pedialyte, anchors, and redemption. I'm so happy to welcome Kevin Van Valkenburg again to the podcast! We saw Isbell in concert together, and he's the biggest fan I know. This one's a must-listen.
In Pt. II of our series, we talk about all the new characters and concepts introduced on Side B of "Village Green" and how the album became so popular after commercially failing upon release (on the same day as the Beatles' White Album, too.) We'll also discuss the Kinks' career after "Village Green," including "Lola," their transition to arena rock, and final show in the mid-90s. It's also possible we'll see a rare Kinks revival by the end of 2019, so I'm sharing details on that as well!
In the two years Ray Davies took to write this album, the Kinks went from global stars to has-beens. By 1968, focus had shifted to Jimi, The Stones, and the Beatles, and there was no place for the twee "Village Green." So how has the album since become so legendary? In this episode, we'll talk about the rocky history of the Kinks, and why they got banned from playing in the U.S. at the peak of the British Invasion. We'll also meet the characters on Side A of "Village Green" and explore the place a bit.
In this episode, we dive deep into the viral hit "Old Town Road" and how it has become the most popular song of 2019. We'll discuss the artist, Lil Nas X, how he used the power of internet memes to get this song off the ground, and what happened when Billboard unfairly pulled "Old Town Road" from the Country charts a few months ago. Get some Wranglers on your booty, pour some Yeehaw Juice, and get ready to fall in love with this song if you haven't already.
Today, we're opening our third eye and covering one of my all-time paradigm shifters, "Lateralus" by the progressive metal band Tool. In this episode, we'll talk about frontman Maynard James Keenan's upbringing and how that led to founding Tool, the connection of this album to sacred geometry and the planets, and all the ways this band - made up of four virtuosos - consistently operates on another plane entirely. We'll also talk about what to expect on Tool's new album, coming next month.
It's a grab bag episode to celebrate the start of summer 2019! We'll discuss the annoying similarities between Taylor Swift’s new branding and the one Kacey Musgraves has long been curating, King Crimson’s unprecedented move to streaming services, and a guide to the recent Radiohead hack. I’m also sharing some RGG-approved additions to a sunny summer playlist, the six album releases I’m most looking forward to this summer, and why I’m so massively excited for the 40th episode of The Radio Ga Ga Podcast.
With "Jagged Little Pill," Alanis Morissette found a way to use her anger as a vehicle for personal and social change, contributing to a world in which we all - not just women - feel supported and understood. In this episode, we discuss her start as a pop star in Canada, the moments on this album that really surprised me, and why we may see an Alanissance in 2019. And yes, we're addressing the lack of irony in "Ironic," and her well-known relationship with Dave Coulier, which inspired "You Oughta Know."
"Bringing Down The Horse" is a fresh Americana album that somehow avoids the trendy sounds of the mid-90s while also not sounding like a 60s or 70s throwback. It’s exactly what frontman/songwriter Jakob Dylan was going for. Though his last name is familiar, the path for the son of a generational musician wasn't easy - but he wanted it that way. We'll talk about the role the Hammond B3 organ plays on this album, the involvement of producer T-Bone Burnett, and what all the Wallflowers are up to now.
Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" is one of those songs that seems like it's always been popular, but it hasn't always been that way. Its use in an iconic film scene brought it back to the forefront in 2000 and helped make it the pop staple it is today. We'll talk about who the Tiny Dancer is, how the song chronicles Elton's first adventure in America, and the small details that make this song so beautiful. We'll also discuss some other songs that got their second act thanks to Hollywood.
"The Suburbs" is about a place and time that can now only exist in our memories - our childhood. As Win Butler says, the album "is neither a love letter to, nor an indictment of, the suburbs – it's a letter from the suburbs." It's a punch to the feels, a reflection on friendship, the escape route to individuality, and a mirror held up to the dark side of suburbia. We'll talk about what defines a concept album, how Arcade Fire got its name, and memories that come up for me when I listen to "The Suburbs."
The theremin is one of the most unique instruments in the world, and the only one that is played without touching it. In today's episode, we'll talk about Russian inventor Leon Theremin, and how he pulled this new sound out of thin air, literally. We'll also talk about the theremin's use in modern music like The Beach Boys and Led Zeppelin, how the instrument works, and Theremin's secret identity. This episode features music by thereminists Clara Rockmore, Carolina Eyck, Peter Pringle, and Gregoire Blanc.
In Part II of our "Pet Sounds" series, we finish out the tracks on Side 2, discuss how the cover photo with the goats came to be, and how they came up with "Pet Sounds" for the title of such a sophisticated record. We'll also get into what happens after Brian Wilson's masterwork is released, his decade-long period under a sadistic psychiatrist, and what's happening now for Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys.
After years of constantly touring with The Beach Boys, massive anxiety and stress, and a lifetime of abuse, Brian Wilson finally attempted to put into music the hopelessness, pain, and confusion he could never organize in his own mind. And the result, "Pet Sounds," was a compositional and emotional masterpiece. This album is incredibly special and one of my all-time favorites. In this episode, we'll talk about the band's beginnings in California all the way up through the 7 songs on Side 1 of "Pet Sounds."
The earliest years of Taking Back Sunday marked the end of a friendship between two former best friends - John Nolan from Taking Back Sunday, and Jesse Lacey from Brand New. And "Tell All Your Friends" was the bitter, vengeful lighter fluid on the fire. In this episode, we'll go through each track to highlight the lyrics and vocal work that made the album so effective. I'll also discuss the emo-pop genre, and why I still love "Tell All Your Friends" even 15 years removed from my high school emo phase.
For the better half of the 70s, Swedish band ABBA was one of the most popular acts in the entire world. ABBA created a library of hits that still live on today, soaked in the sparkle of a decade long since gone. Though things quickly went downhill in the early 80s, ABBA saw a huge revival with the release of ABBA Gold in 1992. We'll discuss the band's long-lasting impact, the meanings behind their most famous songs, and why on earth a podcast that worships the full album format would select a Greatest Hits.
In this episode, we discuss the black and white Parental Advisory label that is still today printed on the cover of albums containing explicit content. We'll discuss why & how the label was introduced in the '80s, the major backlash it received, and the musicians that stood up in front of Congress defending themselves and their peers' rights to free speech. I also discuss what power the label has anymore, if any, based on how the music industry – and the devices we use to listen to music – have changed.
Hootie & the Blowfish came on to the scene just as grunge's mainstream moment was ending. And the timing couldn't have been better. After years of angst saturating the airwaves, four nice guys from South Carolina brought the uplifting sound we didn't know we needed. In this episode: Why Darius Rucker isn't actually "Hootie" (and who is), why nostalgia is becoming increasingly sellable, and the gears that turned at the exact right moment to make "Cracked Rear View" one of the best-selling albums of all time.
"Continuum" is the album that changed John Mayer's trajectory in the best way. I'm covering a lot of ground in this episode, including which song on "Continuum" single-handedly turned me into a fan of his (and why I wasn't for the longest time), how "Back to the Future" inspired Mayer to play the guitar, and the medical condition that made him think he might never sing again. We'll talk Dead & Co., all of Mayer's relationships and the songs they inspired, and what's on the horizon for him in 2019.
Ariana Grande's success right now is, in a word, dominant. In this episode, we'll talk all about the specific experiences that provided inspiration for "thank u, next," including her relationship with the late Mac Miller and her called-off engagement to SNL's Pete Davidson. And there's refreshingly a lot more substance to Ariana as a musician and person than it may seem to the casual listener, including her active role in the recording studio, philanthropic efforts, and genuine soul. Don't miss this one.
The Smashing Pumpkins are historically one of rock's most dysfunctional bands. In this episode, I discuss how Siamese Dream was made during the most turbulent time in their career, as well as the clear meanings behind each song. We'll also cover why the Pumpkins' outcast status in Chicago in the late '80s actually helped them in the long run, how I missed the window of being a true Smashing Pumpkins fan, and the variety of things Billy Corgan is involved in now, like tea and wrestling. You know, the basics.
It's Valentine's Day this week, so let's celebrate with a variety show! First, I'm sharing a playlist of songs to inspire your own V-Day mix, including songs by Outkast, Frank Zappa, The Cure, and more. The list includes both my selections and some of yours! And second, if your Valentine's plans are to stay in and snuggle with a movie, I'm sharing 5 music documentaries I've recently seen and recommend, all of which are readily available streaming.
Listen to the playlist here: https://spoti.fi/2GAjvft
In the last 20 years, Coldplay has gone from being called "music for bedwetters" to Grammy winners, and from gigging in the hallways of their college dorm to selling out stadiums. Today I'm going through each of the tracks on their debut album "Parachutes," who the album is dedicated to, and why the music video for "Yellow" turned out a lot different than planned. I also talk about listening to Coldplay myself through the years, with high school stories and concert experiences aplenty.
I'm thrilled to share today's album. It's a favorite for many, and for good reason - it contains some of the most beautiful and affecting music in history. In this episode, I break down the genre of progressive rock in an easy-to-understand way (I hope!) and discuss why King Crimson is the embodiment of the genre. We'll talk about how "In the Court of the Crimson King" became one of rock's defining albums and why this scorched-earth commentary on the future of mankind is just as relevant now as in 1969.
Let's have a ball and a biscuit, sugar. In this episode, I talk about Jack White's furniture upholstering career, why Jack and Meg pretended to be brother and sister as long as they did, and why I believe Meg White is a great drummer. We're going through every track on "Elephant," the instruments Meg and Jack White use, and the fact that they chose to record "Elephant" in a studio where no equipment was newer than 1963. It's punk, it's vintage, it's blues ... it's The White Stripes.
Today, we're diving in on one of the greatest rock songs of all time, Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." I'll talk about the recording process and how all the harmonies were achieved, we'll meet characters including Scaramouche and Galileo, and discuss the song's resurgence in popularity after that iconic scene in "Wayne's World." We'll cover why Bohemian Rhapsody is indeed a rhapsody by definition, theories surrounding the meaning of the song, and why it holds up today as a legendary piece of pop culture.
Fun show today! First, I'm talking about how I'm celebrating the one-year anniversary of Radio Ga Ga + some of my favorite moments from last year. Then so many of you have sent in album recommendations, that I decided to pull a few of them and do some mini-reviews! Lastly, we're looking ahead at the future of Radio Ga Ga and giving you a HUGE sneak peek at a ton of new episodes you can expect. Happy New Year!
Post Malone is one of the most popular artists in the world right now, and it essentially happened overnight. In today's episode, I'm diving in from the beginning of Posty's 23 young years and will talk about his trajectory and validation from fellow artists in the music industry, his Grammy-nominated album "beerbongs & bentleys," and the qualities that make me both like him as a musician, as well as lose all respect for him as a mainstream artist.
For a band like No Doubt to break through in the early '90s, playing unapologetic, sunny ska at a time where everyone just wanted to wear flannel and be angsty, was difficult. But by the time "Tragic Kingdom" came around, grunge was on its way out, and the masses were ready for something new. We'll go into the history of No Doubt, Gwen's entire solo career up to today, and where inspiration came from on songs like "Just A Girl," "Spiderwebs," and "Don't Speak."
In this week's episode, I talk about one of modern music's most iconic duos, and why "Aja" holds up more than 40 years after its release. I also discuss some of the technical aspects of Steely Dan, including standout solos, how Becker and Fagen executed their vision with players from both coasts, and the band's invention of the mu major chord. This week's guest is my dad, who is responsible for both my Dan fandom and overall love of the '70s. We share some fond memories and our own theories on this band.
It's Weezer week on Radio Ga Ga! The history of this band and its frontman, Rivers Cuomo, is pretty nuts. Cuomo was obsessed with metal growing up, idolizing Ace Frehley of KISS & shredding guitar in his own metal bands. And this was after growing up in the Yogaville ashram, practicing spirituality instead of toys and cartoons. In this episode, I explain how he got from the ashram life, to hair metal, to Harvard, to being the king of modern nerd rock. Bring your singing voice and your Flying =W=.
"American Pie" is one of the most well-known - and most cryptic - songs in American popular music. Though Don McLean has confirmed a few of the song's oft-rumored references, including 'the jester' Bob Dylan and the disaster at Altamont, most of the song's meanings are still up for debate. In this episode, I'm giving you a full breakdown of every line of American Pie and their possible meanings, with historical context that begins on February 3, 1959 - The Day The Music Died.
Radiohead's third studio album, OK Computer, is considered one of the most heralded albums of our generation. Many believe the album predicted the future of transportation, technology, and humanity in general, and it's spooky how true I found that to be. In this episode, my guest Kaylee Labor and I discuss the themes, lyrics and other unique things about OK Computer that have made the album so timeless, and why it's even more relevant more than 2 decades after its release.
As kids, the members of Kings Of Leon desired to walk in the steps of their Pentecostal preacher dad. But when they found out even he was only human, they realized they were too, and a whole new world opened to them. Their story is fascinating. My guest is Micah Brown, lead guitarist for the alternative/reggae band Iration! We talk all about how KOL inspires him as a guitarist and songwriter, what it's like as a touring musician, & why WALLS has been one of his most listened to albums in the past few years.
Bon Iver is no doubt one of the most polarizing artists of this generation, with some believing frontman Justin Vernon is the savior of indie music, and others not liking his music at all. In this episode of the Radio Ga Ga Podcast, I talk all about which side I'm personally on, what makes his music so polarizing, and the story of the legendary 'cabin in the woods' where his debut album, "For Emma, Forever Ago" was born.
"A Crow Left Of The Murder..." came at a very interesting time in the Incubus timeline - they had just hired a new bassist and new producer, and everything really seemed to click into place. This band has been together almost 30 years, and is still going strong. I dive into what makes "A Crow Left Of The Murder..." such a timeless album with my guest, Neil Schuster! He has some great takes about Incubus that made me think about this album in a new light.
This episode is a little different! I'm diving deep into an interesting and creepy production technique called backmasking. Listening to music backward can be traced back to the invention of the phonograph in the 1800s, and has since been associated with subliminal messaging, censorship, and in some cases, it's an homage to the devil himself. I'm sharing all my favorite examples, including The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Motorhead, Tool, Prince, Pink Floyd, ELO and so many more. Be warned, this is a creepy one!
In the eighth episode, I'm talking about Kacey Musgraves and her stunning 2018 album "Golden Hour." I'm happy to welcome back Kelly Hawkins to discuss the ways this album has had a positive effect on both of our lives. This was one of those conversations with your friend where you don't have any more words, and you just hug each other at the end of it. This album is a must-listen and one to share with your friends.
In the seventh episode of the Radio Ga Ga Podcast, I'm branching out to an admittedly blind spot in my music knowledge ... rap. But I am so glad I did. This episode breaks down the elements that make up trap music and its cultural significance, as well as Jeezy's rise to fame - from hustling drugs as a teenager to becoming one of trap's pioneers. I'm excited to share my conversation with Phil Landes, who tells me about memories this album reminds him of, and the deeper meanings behind his favorite tracks.
Metamodern Sounds is a beautiful, psychedelic, outlaw country acid trip that explores why we're here and what it all means. Despite being all but blacklisted from the country music industry, Sturgill continues to create some of the best modern country today. I'm joined in this episode by ESPN senior writer Kevin Van Valkenburg, who has some of the best insights I've ever heard on Sturgill and his music. A must-listen both for Sturgill fans, and for those who aren't yet.
In our fifth episode, I'm breaking down how The Postal Service got to be so popular, why they stopped after one album that went platinum, and why some of the songs on Give Up deserve a closer listen. My husband and fellow Postal Service fan D.J. Piehowski joins me for a little after-dinner conversation about Give Up and the controversies surrounding the band - including stolen footage from their music video for an Apple commercial, and a cease-and-desist from the United States Postal Service.
In our fourth episode, we detail Justin Timberlake's rise to stardom, from his earliest days in The Mickey Mouse Club to his official place on the throne as the "Prince Of Pop." Hannah Hawkins joins me to discuss JT's debut solo album "Justified," and our favorite Justin Timberlake moments throughout the years!
In our third episode, we discuss The Grateful Dead's "American Beauty." Whether you've been to Dead shows numbering in the hundreds, or if you're starting out with no knowledge about the Grateful Dead, I promise ... this episode is for all of you. My guest is John McNamara, a devoted Deadhead since the late '60s. He describes what it was like seeing more than 100 shows, shares stories from the parking lots, and how the songs on "American Beauty" have provided comfort through the toughest times in his life.
In the second episode of The Radio Ga Ga Podcast, we get into Taylor Swift's 2017 release, "Reputation." Taylor has broken down barriers her entire career, from marching up and down Music Row with demos as a young girl, to navigating her way through the minefield of celebrity feud storylines. In this episode, we talk about Taylor's rise, explain why the Kanye feud is still going strong, and all the sweet/saucy/revenge-y meanings behind each song on "Reputation." Ryan Young joins this episode to discuss!
In this first episode of The Radio Ga Ga Podcast, we dive deep into Fleetwood Mac's 1977 masterpiece, "Rumours." During recording in 1976, tensions were at an all time high, breakups were happening left and right, and drugs were everywhere. Even still, Fleetwood Mac managed to produce arguably one of the best albums in rock history. Kelly Hawkins joins this episode to discuss!