Old Man Yells at Music: Recent Episodes
Roger Stroop
A podcast where an oldish man talks measuredly about the pop music and pop charts of the past, looking at the songs and artists that have succeeded to varying degrees over the years.
Finally, The Old Man is back with more of his unique perspective on pop of the past. This time he looks at the hits of a month in which brutalizing house guests meant box office. There's gothiness, CanCon, returning teen idols, a song to look for a murderer in an odd Pacific Northwest town by, a rapping, crying soccer star, and a hit that is practically synonymous with early 90s cheese. YouTube has all the songs and the background: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnNsq2SN9LWoKvLHeIbLHT_&si=MpSPUgLrQBvyLy0_Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?view_as=patronAnd find all the links on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic This episode may or may not improve your ability to stop, elaborate and/or listen.
This time Roger looks back at a time when Sam Malone + Thomas Magnum + Carey Mahoney = blockbuster. The hits of the moment included a Ray Charles cover by a Tipper Gore target, a military exercise, a matrimonial anthem, lovers who show varying degrees of devotion, accompaniment for women writhing on automobiles, and an operatic rocker meeting the real thing. There's a lot of background on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQklFzI1zkCdIhBZNSd_-zXe&si=YSzbVytN-bPYSjHv You can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic And find all of the show's links on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic Listening to this episode will be the time of your life.
Another one so soon? Roger's really pressing to get even close to caught up, so here he is again to talk about the hits of the month Bo Derek became a thing. There's punk destruction, sappy closing credits music, mixed feelings about the wireless, counterintuitive action, a band's other dirty-minded hit, and a twangy boat trip. Explore on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnWvdISM0h3viPrhBN1pUzG&si=XYHilN1AjeVKqOW9Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic And find Roger everywhere on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusicListen to this one, lest you run afoul of the Dream Police.
This time Roger looks back at the CanUKUS hits from the month when the movies helped make Jack Skellington and Rudy Ruettiger household names. The charts featured some bedroom boasting, reefer-fueled madness, anti-consumerist Swedish rap, an icon's first major pop hit, possibly the best disco hit of the 90s, and that song that those guys on that show did that thing to. You remember the thing, don't you? If you don't, there's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlQdMUfWcJWe-tKhdKeWgg5To support the show, check out the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic And to find the Old Man everywhere else, there's the Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic This episode may or may not be hotter than a hoochie coochie
Finally, Roger returns with an episode about the hits of the month when Madonna truly began her legend. There's two songs sort of about coke, a victim of the prejudices of the time, superstar indulgent pretentiousness, British wedding music, and political wrestling. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlNQW_EpDr7O9JXah8_lZrM&si=Eji6cKXrFq_G7A65 and https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic/about and https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic are the links. Don't believe John Waite. I was missing you.
Roger is way behind on the chart shows, and the latest attempt to catch up begins 51 years ago. There's a tale of a post-apocalyptic Big Apple, a legend's shockingly successful genitalia joke, an ode to a biker chick, primitive electronic music, the prog beginnings of a metal legend, and one of the biggest downers to ever hit #1. Get out of the road, clear the smoke from your eyes, and take the knife out of your back to enjoy this episode. YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkLY1RQZqM5fFlcvH1JZady&si=pmDTSTixTju6AyLqPatreon page: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusicLinktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic
For his latest celebration of Spooky Season, Roger changes things up. First, he invites his comedian brother on to discuss this year's subject. And second, that subject is not a TV show but rather a theatrically released movie: 1986's Trick or Treat, the story of a teenage boy who brings his favorite heavy metal singer back to life by playing a record backwards. We discuss the cast, the acting, the effects, the plot holes, and of course the soundtrack. And many Simpsons and wrestling references are made. So have a listen. And then play it backwards...if you're not a wuss.YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkZUjtURWENUAB7nWsceJN7&si=wK_V5-wlTr3U3al9Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true&view_as=publicLinktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic
This time Roger looks at the hits from a time when America's final answer for entertainment was watching a kid who saw dead people. There was room boomin', love seekin', bottom droppin', view sharin', war profiteerin', and farewell smoochin'. You will have my love if you listen to this one.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmPRZ6IGVYrSOfm9bs7AZER&si=bq4LFC9X-vdAZ1KlPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true&view_as=publicLinktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic
This time Roger looks back 35 years to a month when the Brat Pack went west and Public Enemy went to prison...for a few hours. The hits of the day included second-generation reggae, a fine Springsteen knockoff, a revived Motown chestnut, a solo Go-Go (not that one), and a guy who could, and perhaps should, have been a superstar. Oh, and Roger tries to explain Michael Jackson's psyche. Start a good tradition by listening to this episode. YouTube playlist for Episode #139:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkrlgurCKIcXYQKzZ2XWUsx&si=0-JQilewTPOtIP9UOld Man Yells at Music Patreon page:https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true&view_as=publicOld Man Yells at Music Linktree:https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic
This time Roger goes back to a time when he was about a month away from starting kindergarten. While a shark gobbled up moviegoers' dollars, radios were playing songs about a nobody dreaming of a glittery future, the danger of firearms (by a band from the American South, no less), blabbermouth vegetation, a horse that definitely did have a name, sexy furniture, tropical vacation fantasies, and a mispronounced word made famous by TV. So join the Old Man as he sorts all of it out and gives his semi-informed opinions on the hits from the middle of the summer of '75. It will not be a wasted hour.
YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaamBe6o7UE&list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkP9VommUM3okOp9_YwzuhF
Patreon Page to support the show and get bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic
Roger's two months behind, but the comeback begins with a look at the hits of the summer Will Smith punched an alien and some Scots clones a sheep. There was bilingual rap, a thwarted tryst, a teenage torch singer, a tune to drop from the ceiling by, and some Eastern dabbling from the child of a child star. This episode loves you all.YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlALuy7ksYAEfnv695QitCF&si=Wvt-bs1tn9RKJ6yVPatreon page: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true&view_as=publicLinktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic
The tournament to crown the most Uneasy Riderish US Top 40 hit continues with a bracket containing songs about school kids, songs by school kids, good days, wishes, girls, losers, sunshine, units of time, being famous, self-identification, breakfast, trailers and more. You'll enjoy this one even if you don't wear Abercrombie and Fitch.
YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmYafQ3Pv_SfOSMgBi_fQXD
Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true&view_as=public
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic
This time Roger goes back to the beginning of the 2nd Star Wars summer to check out the charts. He finds some metal about a plane that almost crashed, fake siblings kicking it old school, a punk who can't get service, music for a cosmic beach party, a one-hit wonder with a pedigree, an intentionally "stupid" movie theme, and a guy who went from yacht rock to riding with wrestlers. Warning: listening to this episode may cause some kind of ecstasy to get a hold on you.
YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkm5AFr9Oi0_uuIRfknzEp1
Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true&view_as=public
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic
This time Roger travels back to those simpler days when 25 years on the British throne was seen as an impressive accomplishment and we were in the final days of people finding words like "lightsaber" and "Wookiee" kind of odd. On the charts, you had some Caribbean calypso via South America and the Netherlands, a yacht rocker initiating the "relationship talk," a lady questioning her soon-to-be-ex-roomie's questionable baked goods habits, a gentleman having dream sex with his future, disco dancing danger, a song inspired by nudity that inspired puppetry, and a dude who won't touch a potential one-night-stand because he knows where she's been. And more. So grab your things and let this episode take you home.
YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkEIaVLJ9g2rCX-l7Q8xakx
Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic
This time Roger goes back to a time when a guy named Johnny announced his retirement and started a war. On the charts, you had droney jealousy, successful soundalikes, old lust, funny cheese, a pop masterpiece, an Italian guy who didn't sing opera, and a dated come-on. Everything you need is on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkblx4RoosMEdD1_UCCLgM7 Support is welcome and comes with bonus stuff on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true&view_as=public And everywhere else you can find the show is on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic Feel free to invite this episode to your neighborhood.
This time Roger looks at a time when moviegoers felt the need for speed, while TV viewers wondered why there was a dead guy in the shower. The chart hits of the day included a returning rock original, musty Britishness, some seaworthy Swiss pop, metalheads showing their compassionate side, a top-tier one hit wonder, bland "country," and multiple stars of the telly singing for or about important causes.
Watch it all unfold on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnjuMzsegpVVeFsPkcJq6eR
Support the show on Patreon and get bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true&view_as=public
Follow all the links on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic
Listen to this episode, whether your at home or on a vacation far away.
In 1978 space and aliens were the hottest trend in pop culture. They were dominating the movies, and the TV and music industries wanted in on it too. This is how we ended up with Karen and Richard Carpenter meeting some far out extraterrestrial beings played by...a blow-dried All American type and a buxom blonde sitcom star. Will the Carpenters teach the Pluterians the magic of music? Is Charlie Callas a robosexual? And who's on The Love Boat this week? Find all the answers on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmBg5JEf10CeO2PBqQwbOhA Support the show and get a bonus Microdose episode about what kids these days think of The Carpenters here : https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic/posts And find me at all my links on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic Zip up your white jumpsuit and enjoy this one.
Roger continues to run behind on his episodes, but while he works on his current Turn On Tune In Rock Out Episode, he's offering one of his Patreon-only Microdose episodes for free in exchange for your patience. To accompany the Halloween episode about punk-themed TV episodes, he had a look at the time John Belushi got his favorite LA punk band booked on a Halloween edition of SNL, and the chaos that ensued. Enjoy, and if you would like to hear more of Roger's Microdoses, including the one coming up very soon, please subscribe to my Patreon. This episode's all right, whether you like saxophones or not.
Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true&view_as=public Fear's performance on SNL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frud5RFtTi0
This time Roger goes back to a time when a Swedish quartet was winning with an ode to a big historic loss. On the charts, a tune about a hot-button issue was flopping, while more successful songs included a paean to sex in the sand, a tearjerker by a funnyman who would later be accused of consuming a rodent, an invitation to deception, a tribute to a booty-shaking apparatus, and a singing nun who became the most successful singing nun since...The Singing Nun. There's a YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnglKiaWWSrjokwQgDKg-B- You can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic/posts And you can find all my links on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusicCome and get this episode.
This time Roger goes back four score and eight April Fool's Days. While moviegoers were being introduced to a fat man in a little coat, the charts contained a trip-hop ode to uniqueness, a Britpop awakening, a cover of a Japanese translation, a premium 90s party-starter, and some all-star metaphorical engineering. Learn about it all on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkqzx0UCJdKZM1tJPIVZyvX Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic/posts And find all the links on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic Enjoy this episode. And don't forget to laugh.
This time Roger goes back to a month when one of the countries whose charts we cover was on the brink of war over a land with more sheep than people. The hits of the day included some Irish patronizing, romantic crime, a very cold breakup, music for slow-motion beach running, a song with lofty ambitions, and a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him a question. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmo1ekyF8RYuWMGjVv4o6D1 is where the playlist is.Patreon for support and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic/postsLinktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusicListen to this episode. You won't hate it.
Yes, the Old Man isn't flying solo for once, as he's invited music instructor and classically trained singer Lynda Quigg to join him on this look back at the hits from the very early end of my chart timeline. (Oh yeah, she's my wife as well). She provides a different and more technical perspective to this week's songs. Find out how the person hired to design one single's sleeve fell (felt?) flat on their face, whether Cass Elliot could have made it on Broadway, when "messy 70s" began, what British Invasion band was making "clown music," and whether a grizzled action star was suited to a big Hollywood musical. Hear this one. It's gonna make your life so sweet.YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnb9SRPLlTwc8IhybuyQNNeSupport the show on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic/postsLinktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic
Roger goes back 25 years to the heart of Titanic mania. While Jack and Rose were enjoying themselves in that old timey car, the charts featured jumpy fruit, stars gathering to promote public broadcasting, a song that includes 70s television in ideal romantic scenarios, one about making out with the weather, and one requesting an FBI investigation into a breakup. Here's the YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnPowG1dhhk1oAESs7aHhcM Here’s the Patreon to support the show and get extra stuff: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic And here's the Linktree for everything else: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic Find out what would happen if you listened to this episode.
This time Roger looks back to a time when over four dozen Americans were enjoying their regained freedom, and two of the decade's biggest TV dramas were making their debuts. On the charts, you had the national breakthrough of a local legend, a plea for some truly special education, some sexy sleuthing, an unremarkable booty call, a pop superstar going to the movies, and the personification of a musical element. See and hear it all on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQko-68WtmiSgjiaa7tYdzo5 Look into supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic And find all the links on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic This episode is gonna be your Number One. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The search for the most odd and unique American Top 40 hit continues with the second first-round bracket. The songs here are about moms and dads and life and death and God and such. There are big names aplenty, along with the usual one hit wonders. But which 16 songs will move on? Listen to the contenders on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnc5eep-pXiueDItGNCXT6p Check out opportunities to support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic And find all of the links on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic You can listen to this episode right here, right now.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This time Roger goes back to a time of heavy weather and heavy messages in sitcoms (don't make Doobie Brothers bootlegs, kids). On the charts, there were TWO songs about alien encounters, as well as an instrumental that doesn't really live up to either half of its title, a diss of the diminutive, a description of how Jamaican girls show out, and a song about a hot dance craze of 1790s Britain. Fill in the blanks on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlhutlBqFFzdjZAS37PdD-R See how you can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic And find all of my links on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic If you listen to this episode, I know I'll love you better.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This time Roger goes back to Boxing Day 1992, when Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson were yelling at each other at a theater near you. Hits this week included a posthumous gem from a legend, a rock star dissing certain elements of his audience, a 90s icon in her first incarnation, an alt-rock cover of a song from an angsty 60s movie, an interesting trade proposal, and some budding R&B royalty. Also, "singing" wrestlers. Listen and watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnDWFvEOQa68qId6vD8iaDU Check out the tiers and the content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic And find all of my links on Linktree https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic If you listen to this episode, I will love you more than you will know, whoa whoa whoa. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This time Roger goes back to the month Chevy Chase went overboard on his Christmas decorating. On the charts there was an ode to the Almighty, songs about birth and what leads to it, rock going rave, and a group that would soon take a lot of blame putting their own blame on precipitation. Learn more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnuNAnMjHVzpVANBsYxhoS4 Look into the Patreon page here: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic And find all my links on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic Hey men...and women, listen to this episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Roger's way behind, but the push to catch up by the first days of 2023 begins in 1971. While America was crying for a football player, the charts contained a breakup mashup, a peace allegory from a Satanic source, a guitar genius, a calming poem, an ode to powerlessness, and a comedian's dairy-based Western ballad. See and hear it all on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQm8ArM-8q6Wcb_gc-DgD6Hm Visit the Patreon page to support the show and get bonus material: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic And find all my links on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic I'm talking about this episode, and you can dig it.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The Old Man's running behind, but he's starting his attempt to catch up with a look at the month that Montreal became the most infamous city in professional wrestling. On the charts, you had an electronic music innovator teaming with a rap legend, some Newfoundland optimism, an Aussie little sister, a confession of romantic crime, a soul loverman's breakthrough, and a critique of sellouts from a band that wouldn't take long to sell out themselves. Listen and watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkETB6wBzoJqMDS-jNKd4rD Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic And find me wherever I am on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic You don't want to wait to listen to this episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This time Roger looks at a month when a 300-plus pound man became a Chicago sports legend. On the CanUKUS charts, there was a tribute to a religious martyr, a sad boy classic, metaphorical demolition and construction, and a future movie star taking his Latin lover stereotype character to the club. Plus there's a song good enough to make the Old Man drop an F-bomb, and one awful enough to render him nearly incoherent. Learn about it all on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlJKIz8--_T1Om21R9w6-FZ Support the show and access bonus content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic And find all my links on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic Will you like this episode? Oh honey baby, just you wait and see.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
It's scary season again, and Roger marks the occasion this year by looking back at when the King of Shock Rock got 90 minutes of network TV to promote his new LP. He pushed his typical cartoon horror act to new heights, and to help him do so he brought in the chairman of cinematic chills himself, Vincent Price! So how scary is it? Roger tells you, but you can see for yourself on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQm4yXmxk01DsSDFpflMJ4gs You can also access a bonus episode about Alice on The Muppet Show by signing up for the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic And you can find all my links on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic This episode has been approved by the Department of Youth.
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This episode takes us back to the month Lawrence Olivier first asked Dustin Hoffman whether or not it was safe. The hits of the day included a song to watch a Romanian tumble by, some experimental Germans, a soul smoothie, the ballad of a maritime tragedy, a lesson in American geography, hustling waterfowl, and a request for blue-eyed soul. The YouTube playlist is here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmaMxkYfsx9KIak8qa1wJet Consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic And find all the show's media pages on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic You'll never find another episode like this.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Roger goes back to that magical container of lost long playing records and finds a concept album that attracted some big names in British and American rock, headlined by Alice Cooper and half of The Who. It was a collection of songs about a space hero and his battle with a race of insatiable female aliens. Somehow, it never caught on, but the Old Man found it, and he'll tell you all about it. Listen on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQl2Fskzs3eUzthaDBRMcvnH Consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true&view_as=public And find all of the show's social pages on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oldmanyellsatmusic This episode is feared by every outlaw from Jupiter to Mars.
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On this one Roger goes back to the fall without a Fall Classic to talk about the hits of the time. There's some spacey trip-hop, brats British and American, a modern murder ballad, one of the combatants in the Battle of Britpop, an African superstar, and the late great Coolio. Watch and listen on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlrDpameDyS8DdcnspAvKm7 And you can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true&view_as=public Get busy livin' and listen to this episode.
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The time has come for the 1990s to crown its own champion of pop peculiarity. This episode covers the first 32 contenders and whittles them down to 16. Warning: this bracket contains mature themes. Adultery, glorification and shaming of body parts, BDSM, masturbation, one-night stands, and public acts of a oral nature. We’re talking about sex, baby! Also, both Salt-n-Pepa and Aerosmith fight amongst themselves, and Poison and Warrant engage in hair-to-hair combat. Listen to all the competitors on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnZQm7YenCKJwjZEb90bYDE And you can support the show and get extra content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic This is an episode that will make you go hmmm...
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This time Roger goes back to the month a 139-year sports winning street was ended, and boomer nostalgia was big at the box office. The hits includes a tribute to an industry in a slump, an audio bike ride, a Hollywood superstar's little bro, a request for personal space, and a pair of songs that accompanied a Pittsburgh welder's pursuit of a dream. The YouTube playlist will reveal more: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmp-pld5YbXWpUeX58BnIJ4 And there's the opportunity to support the show on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic Everybody's looking for something, and who knows? For you, it might be this episode.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This time Roger goes back to the month the movies asked "Where were you in '62?" and musicians and automobiles were a dangerous mix. The hits of the day included a tale of cheating spouses, a fictional dogfight, wild times on tour, an icon's response to being passed over for Paul Anka, rock against racism, and some influential nonsense. See and hear more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkwVSBzhMnsUm2liAXHgj-e And check out the show's Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic This is a three dog episode.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This time Roger goes back to the first summer of the 90s and finds charts containing jazzy rap, hair metal and hair metallish coattail riders, a blind man who cares more than he should, looks that deceive, and a cover of a band's 78th best song. Oh, and there's also opera about a guy who's keeping a secret as if his life depends on it...because it does. See and hear all about it on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlGjs6_JmW0CZ2c9l-HxXh2 And support the show and access bonus content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic I had a vision of this episode, and now I'm giving it to you.
This time Roger looks at what was on the charts during a month of iconic movies and terrible sequels. There were comedic TV tributes, Brits delving into American history, issue-oriented folk pop, retro acts, and song to make you think and pump your fist simultaneously. All you need to follow along is on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnAbPFOROn_oeG9ezTJKPdr And you can support the show and get bonus material on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic It's something to listen to while waiting for ketchup to come out of the bottle.
This time Roger looks at a month when disco was literally blowing up and people were going to the movie house to see a haunted house. On the charts, there was a danceable dirge, a self-pitying single man, some regional obscenities, a Fleetwood Mac-assisted ode to aspiring musicians, masked cowboy mockery, and a soda pitchman's one (and mercifully only) hit. Learn more on YouTube: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true&view_as=public And you cab support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic Chuck E. loves this episode.
In the 60s, London Bridge didn't quite fall down, but it was torn down, bought by an American chainsaw tycoon, and rebuilt in Arizona. And NBC turned it into a TV special starring Carlton Banks' favorite singer, along with a bunch of movie and TV stars and pop's top brother-sister act of the day. Roger watched it, and he's going to tell you all about it. Watch along on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQltmErOKoLiWi7ze6WxZ5cq And support the show on Patreon to hear about more Tom Jones TV fun: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic It's more exciting than a tennis match between Charlton Heston and Michael Landon.
Roger's running a month behind, but he's still here, and this episode completes his second journey through all the years from 1970-1999. In the month when dinosaurs ruled the box office, the charts featured some remixed cartoon crooning, a lot of concern for our world, a Eurovision winner, hippieish hip-hop, and the crowning achievement of Swedish to English lyricism. Learn more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmDMRyOwrVxigIK8_jeXo2x And if you'd like, you can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true Content warning: extremely white recitation of a rap classic.
This time Roger goes back to a time when Gremlins and Ghostbusters were about to hit the screens and metal fans tore up the world's most famous arena. On the charts, there was a story of escaping bigotry for a better life, a big band throwing something together to fulfill a contract, swinging mood swings, an exhausted dark lord, rock and jazz legends embracing new sounds, a comedienne going retro, and the end of the world. See and here more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmG24LGBK2SyTKDv22O_ct9 And if you'd like you can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true It is this episode you're looking for.
This time we go back 44 years to look at songs that were not quite hits. You might even say they were not quite not quite hits. Among them were a tale of a publicity stunt gone wrong, a legend trying to cope with disco, an ex-glam musician hitting the floor, and two different takes on country music. YouTube has more: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmcOvhFbJGy9_VCi27lKou8 And you can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true This episode may make you exclaim "Wha-Koo!"
This time Roger goes back to a time when a geologist claimed to be Jesus and Bewitched was still making new episodes for some reason. The hits of the day included a retro raveup, a tale of a kid from the American southwest who goes whatever the old timey version of viral is, the Chicano national anthem, a street racing story, some modified Poe, and a couple guys who did something questionable near a playground. Make sense of this on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkL6X0YKRTDW86UhW9AhjBs And support the show if you'd like to on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true I'm not sure where, but this episode will take you there.
This week Roger goes back to the month to when the world got a glimpse of Darth Vader's childhood and Erica Kane finally got what was coming to her. On the charts, there was the latest from one of Florida's greatest gifts to the world, a dance hit driven by pants and puppetry, a boy band's confusing request, a New Kid becoming a man, a cover of some proto-Chipmunk nonsense, and a playful phallic euphemism for a new generation. Watch and learn more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnaCAK41rl7YPyPqCmnNiwu And support the show if you like on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true This episode will make you feel like you're 12 years old...if you're 35 now, of course.
Roger starts the road to 200 episodes by going back to a time when Sonny went from ex-Mr. Cher to newly elected Mr. Mayor. On the charts, there were songs about flawless romance, childbirth, taking sex more seriously, regret tinged with Catholic guilt, the darkness within us all, and how amazingly great the world around us is. Listen and learn on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlCq9VLcxiAHKnQc-Tm5h2i And if you'd like, support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true Get outta my dreams, get into this episode.
Somehow, Roger has made it to 100 shows. To celebrate, he presents a dramatic conclusion over 2 1/2 years in the making. What's the oddest hit of the 80s: The Curly Shuffle or 19? And as if that weren't enough, he's going to start all over with a 90s tourney, beginning now with the announcement of all 256 entries. There's a short yet informative YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkcyh-Gcm8Vi2PsjCTuzWi4 And anniversary gifts are welcome on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true Thanks for getting me this far. You have truly turned on my heartlight.
This time Roger looks at the month the world was introduced to group of Knights who were fond of uttering a particular nonsensical syllable. On the charts, there was a celebration of birth control, a song about a vehicular encounter in which birth control would be useful, a song that made a dairy product sound dirty, and oh yes, a song about a hooker. Plus there's a bald actor talk-singing a sappy ballad, a plea for the return of a better President, and a band getting jerked around by the music industry. The proof of all this can be found on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkAgZV3Ah54YVnUpSiiMkkd And you can support the show on Patreon if you like: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic Try this episode, it's the best in all the land.
This time Roger goes back a mere quarter century to when you could see a pregnant sherrif on the big screen and an Irish angel on the small one. Meanwhile, the charts were populated by player putdowns, Rush without Rush, sped-up space rock, the guy ladies love loving a lady, a fiddler kicking it old school (be careful doing that in a kilt, buddy), and a confident gentleman announcing his comeback to an audience who didn't know he was here in the first place. YouTube explains a lot of this for you: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlIvxi9cCrH0-m9Zq0eFlpz And Patreon is the place to financially support the show: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic This show's got you all in check. Woo-Hah!
This time Roger goes back 42 years to the month a famous fictional oil man became the centre of a mystery that captivated the world. The hits of the day included angsty new wave, the singles chart swan song of a rock institution, a minimalist Motown cover, a look at some strange children’s games, a modern murder ballad, a hit that launched a revolution, and a tale of animals heroically taking on a potentially innocent snake. Make more sense of this on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnKqcFj2FwluhQVCFozpwC5 And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic This episode is a knockout.
Our latest dip into the deep well of forgotten albums pulls out the one and only LP by a retro-sounding band whose lead singer would later become a star on her own by embracing her desire to have fun. Listen and watch her and her old band in action on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlwaLK6luY4OH0Ly0unGdOw And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic Listen to this episode when the working day is done...or before, or during, that's your business.
This week Roger goes back to the middle of the winter of '77. Paul Newman was playing hockey on the big screen, while Abe Vigoda was adopting orphans on the small one. On the charts, you could hear a deceptively serious party record, little furry creatures getting busy, some guys from Philly taunting a spoiled brat, reminiscence of teenage boning, entertaining heartbreak, and a song that people thought mentioned Summer's Eve or Massengill. Experience it all on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnJmniJaA4U53fseUYJwtNc And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true This episode may not make you rich, but it’s better than digging a ditch.
In an example of the adage "Big things come in small packages," the shortest episode to date is an important one: the show that determines who will make the final of the tournament of 80s outliers. Vietnam, video games, vocal gymnastics, and violence of the comedic kind. Which two of these will be a magic formula that moves a song to within a step of the title? View the contenders on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlEpzCKME0nHbBpfg4qRYr3 And you can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true Get Old Man Yells at Music Fever!
Roger heads back to February 1991, a time when presidential dogs "wrote" bestsellers and film goers learned what human body part was best served with Fava beans and a nice Chianti. On the charts, there was a song about laying down arms, a hit by a Stooge not named Curly, Larry or Moe, some superstar offspring, an Aussie vanishing act, a call to perspiration and booty-shaking, and a naughty cartoon rapper. Find out more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmQyCYvkQvH3Wy-RtkpHwcG And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true This episode is gonna rock ya!
This time Roger looks back at charts from 36 years ago. There's suggestive funk, a murder case, a boy soprano, a Greek songbird, speaking pavement, and a hit that won a whopping wager. Find out more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkloHoYNJ6oHQinXo8uzboI And you can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=truehttps://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true Enjoy this episode. And I apologize for not realizing that Patrick Chung had retired.
This week Roger pays tribute to the recently passed Michael Nesmith by covering two Monkees TV specials. First, it's a 1969 show where two British musicians play aliens/and or supervillains want to use the Prefab Four to brainwash the world. This plan also somehow involves Charles Darwin, interpretive dance, and three of rock's earliest stars. Then, we jump ahead to 1997, when the boys did a new show where they pretend they never stopped doing their old show. And are you aware that they have a new album? Chuck Woolery is. Check it all out on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkBx3UzP25vbb1Da-q6I1WI And go here to join my Patreon and get a bonus episode about another Monkee TV appearance: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true This episode will make you a Believer.
Roger's last show of the year examines the hits of a time when the cinemas were full of flaming disasters, funny monsters, and fratricidal gangsters. On the radio, you could hear an introduction to Polish, some French heavy breathing, a Beatle collaborating with the new hotness, a song not about a dog, an enthusiastic offer of assistance, and an anthem of paternal regret. Oh, and in Britain, a song or two might have reminded you what was happening in four days. Learn more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQm-ke8lgPdk4Pvkn8fEx8fG And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true This is a wombling good episode.
The Old Man tries to catch up on his schedule by finally looking at the charts of early December 1995. There's a future chef, an oddly-named lady, meth addiction, dad rock, a weird Icelandic take on big band jazz, our first look at a superdiva, and some TV hunks competently crooning old stuff. Make sense of it all on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmSKTo-t1fx8xF8Uf9eePnL And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true The deserts might miss the rain, but you shouldn't miss this episode.
This week Roger continues his series of looks at near misses by talking about almost-almost hits of 1977. There's a disco update of a French instrumental, another artist from the Rock n'Roll Sports Classic, the king of rock eccentrics taking on leisure suit lotharios, a lone Blue Note, and a song to smuggle beer by. You can hear everything on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlSZx1gyQGnmCXygzgyum-e And you can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true This podcast will give you something to listen to while you're running to the toilet to comb your hair.
This time Roger goes back to late autumn of 1982, when a football player crashed into a tuba player and into legend, and the music world didn't know what was about to hit it a few days later. The hits of the moment included Scottish longing, a clownish band in it for the affection, an Italian and and Englishwoman going way, way over the top, a rockabilly revival, a dessert band, a future superstar's surprising debut as a credible white rapper, some catchy German efficiency, and a woman pushing 40 who stormed the charts armed with just an earworm and a cheerleader outfit. Listen and learn all about it on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmIhUOTHGXHvPqDVsZV_w9z And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true Listen to this one, it's a thriller.
Roger goes back to his days in utero to look at the hits of November 1970. There's some exotic sounding wedding rock, a flute subbing for a Plant, funky expression, a posthumous smash for a legend, a lady who once played a biker wedding, a man who performed for animated astronauts, and some metallic psychosis. Learn all about it on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlPA71MeVyePmXJzSmdpP9l And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oldmanyellsatmusic?fan_landing=true Just click on play, and this episode will be there.
At long last Roger looks back at the CanUKUS charts of the fall of '98. While the Yankees were winning yet another championship, the pop scene contained songs about mother love, being as cool as a deposed Central American dictator, life at the end of a thousand-year period, romantic rivalry, love of all shapes and sizes, and teenage crises of faith. Listen and watch along on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQknenNA3m4ItQfbHgp-q43H And you can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true This podcast sounds better with you.
After a long hiatus. Roger returns with a long episode with a long title. After celebrating All Hallows' Eve with Kiss battling robots in a theme park last year, he returns by looking at two 80s shows about the scourge of punk. First it's the episode of Quincy where the intrepid coroner and his psychologist girlfriend try to save a young girl from the horrors of slam dancing and ice pick stabbings. Then it's an Afterschool Special where Doc from The Love Boat and Helen Willis from The Jeffersons are horrified by a boy's transformation from a nice kid to a nice kid with weird hair. Watch the shows on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQniwQ4f6fHENhEu79mRfjaT And subscribe on Patreon to hear about the night John Belushi's buddies punked up SNL: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Listen, then ask your doctor how your children can avoid Punk Syndrome.
This week Roger looks back at the height of the disco era, when NBC decided to pre-empt SNL for a special shot in a soundstage turned into a club. There's a dance contest, a fashion show, magic, a trapeze artist, and the Village People. Plus we take a detour to Studio 54, which apparently used to be the home of What's My Line. And oh, the 1978 commercials. Watch it on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQm2QICMfqN6SYE_7F4V2I_w And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true And listen to the end to find out about a new Patreon bonus. Outta sight!
The Old Man goes back 40 years to look at the of an early 80s autumn. There's rock from multiple countries, an ode to international female industry, old school gangster music, heartbreak, suicide, and the most retrospectively embarrassing song we've come across so far. See it all on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQn8vNfKZ2BCTM1dlcmHDBiK And consider supporting the show on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true You can make fun of this episode, I'm not afraid.
This week Roger goes back to a time when stoners ruled the box office, hippies played the Pyramids, and everyone else was getting down and boogie oogie oogie-ing. The charts of the time included songs about suspicions of infidelity, mutant animal revolution, getting robbed on vacation, and getting dumped in favor of a moron. And it helped to either have an automotive band name or friends in Fleetwood Mac. Make sense of this on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmVPPpLGVZvavpFQsSgndxk And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true You won't like this episode...you'll love it!
This week it's the Round of 8 in the search for the most atypical US pop hit of the 80s. War battles horniness, traditional gender roles take on vocal gymnastics, serial drama faces serial comedy, and video games meet horse racing. Which songs will remain? Get more on the songs and their subjects on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmJIZB47dh09e2qLjf8yuEx And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Join in the dance by listening to this episode.
Roger returns to the discount rack to talk about an album he paid actual Canadian cents for nearly 30 years ago. It's the only album by a group led by a guy who was integral in a pop superstar's success who now wanted to do quirky rock songs about subjects like a surrealist artist and an Eastern European writer. And one that may have predicted a key plot thread of a future blockbuster. Plus a song that's probably about the woman who made him famous. See and hear more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmNUlR8GFRMCP1a6ymZ7-GZ And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true I've saved a seat for you on this episode.
This week Roger goes back to when the kids were going back to school 29 years ago. There would be no cartoons for them on NBC that year, but on the radio, there were songs for and against drugs, a portrait of a false prophet, rambunctious rap, a giddy goth, some bad boy do-gooders, and a band managed by a dog. Allegedly. Follow along on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQns9Eh5rGpK0uggSkNm1lrK And you can support the show if you'd like on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true This show is The One...until the next one.
This time Roger looks at the hits from the late stages of the last summer of the 80s. We've got crazy people offering comfort, a hair metal band's idea of paradise, a group with no fear of distortion pedals, a guy who thanked the superstar who revived his only hit with a lawsuit, a choreographer calling out cads, and a second generation showbiz legend trying out synthpop. And a whole lot more, which you can find on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnYBP755m-wxpCzYMHiZdjM And you can support the show if you'd like on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true I bet you will enjoy this episode. What I don't bet on is baseball.
Roger’s Busted Bubbles series continues with a look at songs that couldn't quite make it to the big time of the Hot 100 in 1976. They were loveable palookas, like the hero of that year's biggest movie, but unlike him, they never got their shot at the title. Among these are a comeback attempt by one of rock n’rolls originators, a song slower and sax-ier than its band's calling card, a tune to exterminate insects by, and the man behind the Monster Mash's venture into the monkey business. There's also prog rock, sap, a TV theme, and a single Wing. Follow along on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQk7tVE1J3SUoVGJAMBOdPko And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Keep your eye on this episode.
This time Roger goes back 50 years to look at the charts of the summer of '71. We've got hippy-dippy folk, preaching greasers, a legend getting bluesy, suspicious soul, naked women, naive children shaming the intolerant, guys who dressed like American revolutionaries pretending to be indigenous, and a group whose success may have been aided by prostitution. Follow on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlz6_yfpCIOmm_HbqOvnNEz And if you like, support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Listen to this episode. It's got macaroons.
This week Roger looks back to a time when Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones were erasing memories on the big screen, Chuck Norris was showing why you don't mess with Texas on the small one, and the pop charts contained songs about SoCal intoxication, bidding farewell in multiple languages, wanting to eat a sugary treat in the air, collegiate tragedy, vengeful arson, rejecting materialism, and appreciating true friendship while you have it. Listen and learn on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmVR80-QCmNvFjaTO_U-4Ix And you can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Enjoy this episode. It's got a lot of verve.
To mark the upcoming 40th anniversary of the channel formerly known as MTV, Roger looks back at an ABC special that celebrated the pop video station's first ten years. There are montages galore, clips of the network’s most iconic videos and personalities, gratuitous movie star cameos, and musical performances by George Michael, Aerosmith, R.E.M. and The King of Pop Michael Jackson (which at the time was for all intents and purposes his full name. Plus Madonna delivers a slightly unhinged monologue. Watch the show and other related material on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlqnrSr_pXql8rcgEXBQrvi And you can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Video may have killed the radio star, but it gave birth to this episode.
July 1985. The month Marty McFly went back 30 years to rip off Chuck Berry, and a bunch of bands played all day one Saturday in Philadelphia and London. Roger goes back to look at the charts and finds a Christian star crossing over, some jazzy Germans, relentless optimism, megalomania, shushing, and much more. Follow on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlEI9jkEBMg78t8ITSCoPxn And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Fortunately, this is not a never-ending podcast.
The tournament to determine the most unique hit of the 80s is down to the last 16 songs. Is the horror of war stranger in danceable or headbangable form? Can a song about a video game beat one about a vapid teen who plays it? Soaps or sci-fi? Comedy or vocal gymnastics? These are among the battles that will determine our quarterfinalists. Follow the action on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmF7gAGmM-wFnHlNCEuHLCk And show your support for the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true It’s high time you joined in this dance.
In 1978, two teenage siblings who had built careers in TV and film were given the chance to be pop stars. They were sent to a couple of the guys who sang The Lion Sleeps Tonight, given a few oldies to cover and some other inoffensive pop and disco. And it went nowhere. Roger listened to it so you don't have to, and he tells you all about it. Listen and watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkBwP1R3muIppJS2dnx8NVB And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true This episode is so fine, doo lang, doo lang.
This week Roger travels back to when the United States was approximately 199 and twenty-five twenty-sixths old, the Antichrist had come...to your local cinema, and disco was beginning to colonize the charts. The hits included a cover band trying to do their own thing, a funky demolition crew, a song for sweathogs, a good Christian's encounter with a satanic sexpot, a housewife's plea to the town beauty, and a farmer who hopes the neighbor lady will take hold of his equipment. It all makes more sense with YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkbcLwLOfedqtS1gHmq20fb And you could give me some cents on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true This episode will leave you wanting more, more, more.
Roger is back looking below the charts to find songs that didn't quite get on to the Billboard Hot 100. Among his subjects are a tribute to a DJ, a bunch of rich kids promoted by a smut peddler, a band proving a point to some young upstarts, an ode to unclad feet, a couple of recorded responses to the year's biggest blockbuster, and a misogyny anthem with a twist. Watch the bubbles burst on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQk2OFxy5wmBYgPJ0-rpdnjf And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Stoke your fireplace and join in on the pop popping action.
This week Roger goes back to the month that brought us The Lion King, the Bronco chase, and a World Cup in a country that preferred a different kind of football. Meanwhile, the charts featured lots of dance music and alternative, plus a future action heroine, a massive soundtrack ballad, veteran prog rockers teaming up with a famous scientist, some surrealist folk, a fractured nursery rhyme, a robbery, a song for an animated jungle dance party, and more. Follow along on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlY2kmaWLPBxtAo8LdA32l3 And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Have a listen. I swear, you'll like it.
In 1973, ABC decided that they needed another singing heartthrob on their network to go with the Partridge Family's David Cassidy. After flipping through a stack of Tiger Beats, they picked an Australian with a single American hit. And what vehicle did they have in mind for him? Why, a Saturday morning cartoon where he played second fiddle to a teacher with magic powers, of course. Roger looks at the first episode of this extremely 70s TV show and tries to make sense of things when they seem backwards. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmvFP_PB7p5WqYctUHS3LEk And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Listen alone, or alongside your nameless henchman.
Roger's back in 1983, when the Jedi returned, a computer mogul put on a music festival just for Us, and the pop charts contained a lot of synthesizers. We've got funny-haired birds, girls who cry while wearing parkas, auto accident love, lizard-based cuisine, and SEX! Find out more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlo886ebmyXOEb59f8oa3Em And consider donating to the show's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true You'll like this one, I know this much.
We're now into the fourth round of a tournament to determine the strangest American Top 40 hit of the 80s. Roger breaks down the matchups between all 32 remaining songs and is left with a Sweet? 16. Listen to the contenders on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQli4wdWVohdk1VQRUSFI4rt And you can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Turn on your heartlights, bust some moves, and listen.
This week Roger goes back 48 years to look at the songs that were hits while Congress was looking into some little burglary that a R. Nixon may have known more about than he said. There's a song about a creepy-crawly who really gets down, some nursery rhymes that aren't suitable for children, the early years of a metal icon, a preachy extraterrestrial, and a song to perform a very close shave by. Try to make some sense of it all on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmcvokZSOyXBm2e1jM7VqVd And you can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Listen to the show, then call your mother!
Spring 1990. Environmental issues are beginning to move to the forefront, and cartoon characters are banding together to warn three dimensional beings of the dangers of narcotics. Meanwhile, on the charts, rap is on the rise, but their are also songs about tiny lights, filthy lucre, and a treatment for infertility that is simultaneously very simple and extremely complicated. Follow along on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkaj_MkfhlMUIXDn2xYXsK3 And you can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Nothing compares to this episode.
Roger reaches into the Bargain Bin again and finds a Russian rock legend taking advantage of Mikhail Gorbachev's softening of barriers to the West to make an album with both Eurythmics and a Pretender. Was America ready for rock with an Eastern European accent, or was this guy's poetic and esoteric approach to pop met with a "nyet"? Hear most of the album on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQk36Byno9Fhhezs9u3XdyHs And you can support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true And remember, in Soviet Union, podcast listens to you!
This week Roger looks back at the hits from shortly after a certain irresistible force met a certain immovable object just outside Detroit. There's a movie hit written by The Boss, a potential theme song for the Chippendales, a British bassist's childhood memories, a superstar duet, a song that took six years to hit #1, and more. And everywhere you turn, there's something that reminds you of a Canadian actor. See and hear more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkCC7Eqncgtx79Gog8B_eeT And you can support the show on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Have a listen to the podcast where it's always Gino Time.
This week Roger takes a look at some songs that made the Bubbling Under the Hot 100 chart but didn't make the main list. Hear about some not quite hits by gospel funksters, one half of a legendary brother combo, a guy less well known than the band that took part of his name, the other King of Las Vegas, and more. Find out more about these songs on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnLrLmZQtek8uXzmPV-Svzn And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Listen to some bubbles getting burst. It's much less dangerous than trying to jump the fountain at Caesars Palace.
At first, Roger was afraid of going back to St. Patrick's Day of 42 years ago. You might even say he was petrified. But in spite of it being a time when the movies were depicting the dangers of nuclear power, pop music was glowing with the heat of disco and the incendiary sound of punk. But there was still room for a lushly-maned teen idol, a song about a band bucking popular trends, a tune to watch orangutans by, and even a lesson about Imperial Russia. The Old Man will make sense of it all, with a little help from YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQl0HqGe6SHCcV8SbuM8zd9R And if you'd like to support the show, there’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true You listen, I feel good that someone's listening. Everyone's a winner.
This week Roger dials back to 1990 to look at the first two episodes of a British series where everyday people dressed up and sang like their favorite stars. See a travel agent become Kylie Minogue, a bartender channel George Michael, a portrait painter recreate Madonna, and other transformations that happen after people walk through the Magic Sliding Doors. Watch the episodes and the original stars here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkaGwCenXvD0sOgey_YtIcj And if you'd like to be like the great Mike Birmingham and support the show on Patreon, go here: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Be my star guest and have a listen.
Roger finishes off the third round of his tournament to crown the strangest and most unique US Top 40 hit of the 1980s. Who you got, Gary Numan or Rockwell? Neil Diamond or Michael Jackson? Frank Sinatra or ZZ Top? Dan Fogelberg or the Fat Boys? These and other matchups will be decided in this episode. Follow the action on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlTTJLUeU1Qamc-oc738yQ2 And if you like this, consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Have a listen. You won't have to pay any ferrymen.
Roger's journey through the 70s, 80s and 90s comes full circle with a look at a set of charts from his last uncovered year, 1993. He looks at a song by Canada’s mumbly poet king, a couple of alternative bands whose hits haven't aged well, a couple sweet flavors of hip hop, classic rockers and the people who want to sound like them, some radio unfriendly loudness, and a superstar in her most dominant period. Have a look at the scene on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnzu8urGtRr01BUDSokauLc And if you like it, consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true This show hits as hard as a Van Daminator.
Roger returns to the Bargain Bin and finds one of the many previously successful acts who, at some point, got Lost in the 80s. In this case, it's a band of Boston bad boys who were hard rock titans in the late 70s. But as the new decade dawned, they had lost one of their creative engines, were facing declining album and ticket sales, and the remaining members were struggling with addiction issues. Could they overcome those issues and pull it together to turn things around, or would their first record of the 80s take them to even lower lows? Roger gives his take, and you can make up your own mind with the help of YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlSaEpndWAajXMCmD620hCM And if you'd like to support the show, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Enjoy this episode. Just don't get mad and throw milk at anyone.
This week Roger goes back to the second month of the year George Orwell predicted we'd be obeying Big Brother. Instead, we were watching the Winter Olympics and listening to songs about apathy, the joy of mistreatment, fast women, a romantic war zone, people who don't get what's coming to them, and whatever a "lizard mixture" is. And a certain bespectacled Englishman was big on the charts and at the movies. Find out more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQk2zQfKawsPxriG0_NAQp-e And consider supporting the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Nobody told you there'd be a podcast like this.
This time Roger goes back 49 years to a time when John Wayne was still making movies and World War II wasn't quite over for everyone. On the charts, a TV couple lamented a changing society, funk rock explored family dynamics, and a strange mini-Afterschool Special of a song managed to do both at the same time. There was also a boy exalting his beloved Mater, a band named after a city an hour away from him and Ireland's answer to Perry Como. Plus a song about a pastry. Or a woman. Or the entire history of rock n’roll up to that point. One of those. Learn more with the YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkNWYD7ScMAu8Y4-bUpu2f8 And if you'd like to show your support and maybe get some extra content on Patreon: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkNWYD7ScMAu8Y4-bUpu2f8 Listen to this old fashioned podcast, coming down in one part harmony.
We return to our tournament of odd and interesting 80s hits at the start of the 3rd round. Do the big stars like Prince, Billy Joel, and Metallica have what it takes to compete with known weirdos like Falco, Frank Zappa and Jump N the Saddle? Follow the competition on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQm1CBS-6ymUckVlYwATIv40 And you can support the show and get bonus content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true This podcast probably won't take you to paradise, but it won't take you to you.
The latest episode covers the latest chart to date, the beginning of the end of a century. There's African royalty, Biblical anatomy, and schoolboy poetry, Plus gangsta rap goes Broadway, an ex-teen popper gets all metaphysical, a new teen popper breaks through, and a cartoon character has a recipe for ecstasy. But is any of it original, or has it all been done before? Answer that question and others on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQk6cdlz6Pe2VpWQg_r4OX5I And you can get my opinions on more of this week’s hits and support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=35903110&fan_landing=true Have a listen, It’s more entertaining than a Fingerpoke of Doom.
It's the end of a year, and for much of the Old Man's lifetime, that meant staying home and watching the man known as the World's Oldest Teenager stand in Times Square as the big ball dropped, in between taped performance by music stars. So this week Roger looks at one of the earliest editions that aimed to take down CBS' Canuck New Year’s juggernaut Guy Lombardo with Chicago, The Beach Boys, Olivia Newton-John, the Doobie Brothers, and Herbie Hancock. And Dr, Pepper. Lots of Dr. Pepper. And Dick overseeing it all from...Miami? Experience the thrills on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQl4zwe0z--V3o0BjV4nCfag This show may or may not stop you from hating your hair.
We're headed back to Christmas Eve 1988, when sneaky French nobility and the return of the quintessential 70s family were on screens. On the radio, there were songs about being grateful for motherhood, romantic espionage, a family of outlaws, and people who were famous, but not to me. Plus there were songs from a soda commercial and a fictional Australian wedding. And the all important UK Christmas #1. Listen on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkkNr6DqTjCzJcuxLlQteFS Listen to this show and you'll always remember who John Kettley is.
This week Roger is in the holiday mood as he tells the story of a Christmas album featuring a dozen up and coming artists on the Atlantic Records label. There are a couple stars, but most of the acts featured here remain unknown to the vast majority of listeners. And there's a mix of traditional carols, popular favorites, and lesser known songs. Hear it on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnIXEpjo6LORTTvNeRRAeIA Hang this episode upon the highest bough.
This week we had back to 1975. Just when you thought it was safe to turn on the radio...disco is on the rise, whether that's the way you like it or not. But rock was still around: sometimes showy, sometimes funky, and sometimes eeeEEEvil. Also a song that’s not really about eating (food, at least), a small town gridiron tearjerker, and another case of movie stars becoming hit makers...nearly 40 years later. See and hear more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlY_sA8qnCEtl8MfO9n0T1M . Have a listen to this fine mess of a podcast.
It's the final set of second round matchups in the 80s Uneasy Rider Tournament. There's sex, murder, Australia, boat travel, surfing, mistaken identity, surfing, and more. And a new theme! Have a look and a listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQk7eqMOJS0BX5DqEXDqawEa Listen to this episode. Listen to it good.
This time Roger goes back to late 1996. While Michael Jordan was jamming in space, people on earth were singing about what made them happy, what it would be like to meet God, and line dancing. And also love, sex, and lack of Diggity. Hear about all the hits and listen to them and more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnGGxZopx8TVzjuDBsmmOQF I promise you a stress-free experience.
This week Roger turns on the machine that allows him to access TV shows of the past, tunes in to an episode of the biggest syndicated American pop music show of the 80s, and rocks out to Paul Simon, Dire Straits, Andy Gibb, Grace Jones and more. There’s also everyday Americans singing bland jazz pop, watermelons being smashed, Geraldo Rivera jokes, and of course The Solid Gold Dancers. Plus 1980 commercials! See it all on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQn1_58SRxkLkR3-hdMjDITZ I am already declaring this episode a Solid Gold Hit!
This week Roger looks back at another US election year in which the incumbent president lost. Wait...does saying that make me part of the Lamestream Media? Wow, that was easy. Anyway, on the charts, rock was pushing back to the front, with mainstream stars leading the way, but there were younger acts with newer (and sometimes older) sounds right behind. And disco wasn't quite completely dead, and it wasn't just confined to that Queen bassline. Peruse this weeks highlighted hits on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmC2m_QjAwpitOWrHxNmFSt Take a listen to the podcast that asks the question: What's that in your pocket, and what are your plans for it?
More action from the event that aims to determine the most unique and interesting US Top 40 hit of the 1980s. By land and sea, with anxiety or blissful ignorance, on TV or at the movies, on Earth or in space, this set of contenders cover a variety of topics and points of view. Follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlTLx_mefKS5WO0cCH48hQm And I promise, you will know the winners by the end of the show.
This week the Old Man goes back to the fall of 1977, when the world was still mourning Elvis. There were hits looking to the future, others looking to the past, and another one that reminded people of ancient Chinese outlaws. There were also songs about predatory record company fish, women who seek financial security, and iris-altering heartbreak. And a huge hit sung by a nice girl but written by a horrible, horrible man. Complement the experience with the YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlbwfHBWp1mSYePoPF8BYDa Listen to this episode, because this podcast is always the best in town.
It's the scariest time of a scary year, and Roger marks the occasion by turning on, tuning in and rocking out to look at a 1978 TV movie in which the rock band for whom every day is Halloween try to expand their fan base by portraying cosmic-powered superheroes who stop a mad genius from using robots and gizmos on people's necks to destroy an amusement park and make a young woman really sad. Will they show up to save the day? Will they show up at all? Was that one robot's head actually modeled after Lionel Richie? Find out by listening, and get some other goodies on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmPzVdna-AwxmCE3ogZLWm6 This podcast will be my instrument!...to talk about this movie. BWAAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
This week Roger sifts through the cutouts in the mid-90s record store in his mind and pulls out a copy of the major label debut of a trio of Japanese ladies who loved the Ramones, fishing, candy, and Barbie dolls. Kurt Cobain was a big fan, but would his fans feel the same? The Old Man has a listen, and he breaks the album down, in the process talking about Speed Racer, beef dishes, bad NBC programming decisions, Donnie Wahlberg, introducing foreign species into ecosystems, Quentin Tarantino, "Gangnam Style," and more. YouTube helps it all make slightly more sense: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlfwpUDnjLBUmiCDv1U4kFn Have a listen, and remember, they don't sell chewing gum in Singapore.
This week Roger takes you back to October 1991. A lackluster month for movies and a horrible month for Bulgarian communists. And for music...well, there was techno with good advice for children, metal to scare the crap out of children, a deep voiced Canadian, a high voiced New Zealander, a comic take on mortality, and an achingly sincere declaration of love. Plus, all the Philly steaks you can eat. Survey the scene on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmdIAAjzQSSFYSCcqWXUgD2 Give it a listen, and please, don't cry.
It's another leg of the journey to determine the most unique and unlikely hit of the 80s. Roger runs down another set of second round matchups, featuring skippers, gamers, robots, scientists, talkers, apocalypses, wars, needs, knuckleheads, cowboys, dancers, "actresses", nuts, hosers, and it don't stop. Watch and listen to the contenders on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkHAMRZo6un7lu49-Kif05c This episode is bitchin' to the max, fer sure.
This week Roger steps back to 1986, a year that could very much be described as "peak 80s." But there was quite a bit of looking to the past, whether it was covering or borrowing from old hits, bringing back a voice that hadn't been heard for a while, or waxing nostalgic about cheaply lit teenage get togethers. There's also smooth jazzy soul, thirst for a gender archetype, a couple clunkers from artists with long and storied careers, and one of the most unintentionally hilarious metaphors in the history of pop lyricism. Listen to all of it and more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQm6xNhwK5x50rNI7_lcGGul Give this a listen, but remember, there are things about this episode you wouldn't understand. Things you couldn't understand. Things you SHOULDN'T understand.
In 1978, NBC saw the success of ABC's Battle of the Network Stars and decided to do their own...with pop stars! Michael Jackson swimming! Anne Murray sprinting! Rod Stewart kicking balls! Joan Jett on a non-motorized bike! And Sha Na Na, all ten of them. Add Phyllis Diller, Sandy Duncan, Fred Travalena and more, and you've got a 70s sundae that Roger could not resist. And if you watch it and other related clips on YouTube, you won't either: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlSnE6UY1fbNkeC87tKMCbe This is a must-listen. You've gone too long without experiencing the wonder that is Helen Schneider.
This week Roger looks back at September of 1974, when a new president let the old one off the hook, readers were hooked on a story about a big nasty fish, and radio was full of hooks of the musical kind. This week's hits included a song about the power of positive thinking by a band named after an irritating childhood prank; glam rock about picking up the pieces of someone's shattered dreams; a comedy duo's take on the generation gap; a tune about the stress relief habits of a record mogul; a hit about the power of the voices who tell you the names of the songs; and a song that used to make people think of badass hand to hand combat but now is more associated with a panda. More details on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmiRIGgegbOMBj08T2QIlck Hang on in for this one, you'll dig it till the day you die.
We're now into the second round of Roger's quest to determine the most unique US Top 40 hit of the 1980s. The songs here are about war, drugs, crime, history, motherhood, sex, TV, aging, racism, economic inequity, and more. The songs are on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQku206PzO_mdlEzm6fWrqNP You don't need no education to enjoy this episode, but hopefully you're wearing clean clothes.
This week Roger concludes his look at late August 1995 by looking at the race for the UK #1 between the new singles by the bands Blur and Oasis. But this was more than a battle of bands: it was a clash of styles, classes and personalities. And it was the biggest event in a period where British guitar bands were considered part of the national fabric. The Old Man takes you through it, and you can follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmiwRassvL7qLEGluo7bw8v Listen, pick a side, and find out who won the battle, and the subsequent war.
In this episode, the Old Man begins his look at the charts of a late summer week in the middle of the decade. While PC owners were learning the ins and outs of Bill Gates' latest upgrade, the radio played songs about the wonders of the city, alcoholic codependency, females who probably weren't extraterrestrial, and intimate encounters with flowers. And the band names were inspired by such things as weird college nicknames, a pretty crime, a snitch, and one of the most cringeworthy words in the English language. And also superiority to some guy with an old-timey name. Maybe this will make sense with the YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkfolI2JCcvu7PLMyQ4Y86W But it definitely will if you just listen to the show. And remember to tune in next week for...the rrrrest of the story!
The Old Man sifts through pop history's discount rack and pulls out his most intriguing find yet: the debut album of a former piano prodigy and musical theater actor who, under the guidance of a veteran pop Svengali, aimed to out-glam Britain's glammiest glam rockers while becoming mainstream music's first openly gay star. The fact that he's the subject of this episode should tell you how well that went. But beneath all the makeup and the hype, did the music deserve to be so scorned? Was there genuine talent buried under all the pre-release publicity? Roger gives his take, and you can judge for yourself with the help of YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlOpjiSL4ecYzDMmr-bTYDc Take this episode, it's yours!
This week we're going back to 1982, when new wave was waving, from England to East California. The songs on the radio told of unsatisfying holidays, men who were scared of bodies of water, loneliness, regret, going out on the prowl, turning state's evidence, and of course, getting up off life's canvas and coming back hard under the watchful gaze of a jungle cat. Follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQl_P4OPe_SUPalFzi9_72Ps Whether you're a strange little girl or a homo...sapien, you'll love this episode.
At last, the eighth and final first round bracket of the tournament to determine the Uneasiest Rider on the US Top 40 of the 80s is upon us. There are horses, cats, criminals, lawyers, old ladies, obese young men, dubious boat captains, mistaken identity, symphony orchestras, and so much more. Keep track of the action on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkENFmYDZQItPOlSz-HYeuA Slip inside this episode, but no, you can't call me Al.
This week Roger goes back a whole half century to July 1970 - he wasn't even born yet! The 60s were technically over, but from the sights and sounds of things, a lot of people were still puffin' stuff. The charts featured songs about environmental issues, government sanctioned brutality, and all the other ills of the day. But there was still plenty of love, sex, and silliness for the listening pleasure of the masses. The Old Man covers it all, and the YouTube playlist fills in the cracks: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkD9xC5juJOXJbPeHXUuYHI Have a listen. It'll tell you everything you always wanted to know about the pop music of 50 years ago. but were afraid to ask!
Quite a long title for one of the shorter episodes. This week, Roger begins a new series of shows about pop music TV specials with a look at the 1983 show on which the record label that helped give Detroit its nickname welcomed many of it's biggest stars home...to Pasadena. It's got Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Richard Pryor, Dick Clark, Smokey Robinson back with the Miracles, and Diana Ross back with the Supremes. Oh, and Michael Jackson did something that some people thought was kinda cool. Watch the show and some other relevant clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQliHlvVbfeoE6wcfcpR2GZK . You won't find a better podcast, no matter how much you shop around.
This week Roger takes you back to the summer of 1998, when you could go see the world threatened by an asteroid at the movies, turn on your TV and watch New York women get it on, or listen to the radio and hear an update of a Greek standard, the start of the American boy band revival, a rock song about a suspicious mix of aromas, the second wave of world conquering Canadian women, and an Australian soap star turned singer not named Kylie. And it's an even numbered year, so there's a song about soccer high in the British charts. Listen to Roger talk about these and other hits (and the fact that the show has an Instagram now @oldmanyellsatmusic), and follow along on the longest YouTube playlist to date: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnwUWMy0wm3PXiQukcYh3pD Have a listen. You may just find out what those poets are doing.
SEX! Now that I have your attention, it's another bracket of the 80's Uneasy Rider Tournament, as Roger continues to pit songs against each other to determine the most unusual and unique American Top 40 hit of the decade. This section has a lot of, shall we say, suggestive material. There is nudity, glorification of certain body parts, advice, restraint, commerce, betrayal, medicine, genius, and much more. Listen to the matchups, then decide for yourself if the right songs won on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQm_0hu3_w9BCBiGFUQZ1m5Y . And remember, you don't have to take your clothes off to enjoy this podcast. And you don't need cherry wine, either.
This time Roger goes back to early summer 1981, a time when the movies seemed much more exciting than what was on Top 40 radio. But the Old Man Wade's through the muck to find some overlooked power pop, a major second generation talent, a funky newsman, and a human public service announcement. There's also lust, jealousy, domestic bliss, and medieval combat. And if that's all too much excitement for you, there's a warm bath of nostalgia waiting for you at the end. And a YouTube playlist to help you make sense of it all: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnyXLozoftJqUuSMxwed4kV . Thinking of missing this episode? Whatsamatta you?
Hair metal was perhaps the defining musical genre of the 80s. Flashy fashion, arena ready anthems, and of course, YUGE hair. We all remember the Crues, the Jovis, the Poisons, but there were many other groups of spandex and makeup adorned young men who got onto record store shelves but never headlined arenas, collected platinum discs, or had so many groupies they needed to create a database. In this episode, Roger looks at one such band and the album they released in the waning days of the genre, when the Headbanger's Ball was closing in on midnight. Who were these Leather Boyz? What were their Electric Toyz? Were they at all influenced by Motley Crue? And how could a major label career that began on the soundtrack of the third Karate Kid movie not lead to superstardom? Find out in the Old Man's second thrilling Tale From the Bargain Bin. And dive deeper into the Prettiness on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmM8iiwHVDDdueP2ypwl4Wa Get ready to make noise, set the night on fire, and above all, Rock and Roll!!!
This episode sees Roger heading back to June of 1978. Musically, you might be thinking disco and punk. And you're right. On the charts, you couldn't swing a gold medallion without hitting a Gibb brother. And rawer rock was making inroads on both sides of the Atlantic. But in amongst all that were naughty nursery rhyme characters, ground beef, a future senior citizen anthem, and a Scotsman getting his samba on for his soccer heroes. Plus the movie star of the moment learns that he needs improvement, and the defining song of the BiblicalEuroDisco microgenre. Follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQknMK574lNh4Cj6omnCyWRn . Enjoy this episode. It will glide for you, ooh ooh ooh ooh.
This time, Roger looks back at the hits of the Memorial Day/Victoria Day/Spring Bank Holiday season of 28 years ago. The Old Man talks about an overnight sensation 20 years in the making, a Scottish band named after an American state, a pop star who found out that the real money was in cellphone ringtones, and a couple of kids who convinced the world that just wearing your hat backwards wasn't cool enough. As for the songs, they are about such subjects as sexual healing, self-cannibalism, rear end dimensions, and who, what, and which body parts should be informed of a breakup. And there's a YouTube playlist to help clarify things: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmzkld2TuZ4AE4LMpNKKWgK I would love it if you listened, but of course, the choice is yours.
This time, Roger unveils another bracket of his tournament to determine the most atypical U.S. Top 40 hit of the 80s. There are superstars, 80s staples, and one hit wonders. There's hard rock, soft rock, funk, soul, rap, even a bit of disco and an old school crooner. The songs are from movies and TV shows, are about movies or TV shows. There are even a couple songs about characters from other songs. And there's some animal hijinks at the end. And Liza Minnelli is mentioned twice. Listen to the Old Man talk, and if you'd like, check out the contending songs on YouTube and see what you think: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmN0BmbjYmIkx2-_d8koXfY Be a part of it! Just watch out for the thing with 40 eyes.
We're off to the spring of 89 this week, when Don Johnson and Philip Michael Tubbs were hanging up their suits, people were learning what a "fatwa" was, and Russians could finally experience the joy of being asked if they wanted fries with that. And on the radio, you could hear the following: a song that brought ABBA, rap, and yodeling together as nature intended; hard rock about megalomaniacs; a Swedish duo's "golden gibberish"; and some white guydoing some third rate new jack swing...wait, Donny Osmond, what rock did you crawl out from under. Plus there's some rock songs about horny teenagers. And if it's the 80's, there's probably a hit in Britain about how much Thatcher sucks. And if it's the late 80s, Madonna's doing something that's got people talking. So join Roger to relive all this and more, and get even more into it with the YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQk7aAWI-nUH1RVTOiACX8f2 So get in you buffalo stance and have a listen.
Roger's taking you waaay back this time, all the way to the spring of 1971. There's plenty of rock here, but there's also room for rheumatic rabbits and guys who are desperate to reach the women they love, or at least are infatuated with. So keep your toking on the right side of the line, know that you are the magnificent, and hitch a ride on this diesel traveling 49 years back in time. Follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQku20z6tKRZrtDeCW24coeR And remember, listening to the Old Man Yells at Music podcast means never having to say you're sorry.
This time Roger takes you back to 1997 to talk about a band named after a magician's trick, lots of Canadian rock, happy pop, multiple flavors of rap, and a little bit of spice. And let me be clear, there's nothing wrong with Ginger. You can follow along with the YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkYzdnv13T9kyYaH_UsICBu . Enjoy this episode, and Zigga Zig-AH!
Well, after a roughly 6000% increase in listenership (thanks, Minifans!) Roger returns with a new episode, covering a bracket to determine the strangest, most distinctive, most atypical U.S. Top 40 hits. The contenders in this section include multiple hits written and performed by a certain purple-loving Minnesotan, songs about feeling afraid of the world around you, songs about cars, songs about boats, songs about drinking, money, working, food, nostalgia, and much, much more. And have a look and a listen to the YouTube playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmHpAf88K9ZYt25x2YXDBJ- and see if you agree with the winners the Old Man picks. Enjoy these fake football games. Anything that remotely resembles sports is welcome at the moment.
No joke, the Old Man has spent the quarantine putting together another tri-national, transatlantic pop chart lookback. This time we're in the heart of the 80s, when on the radio you could hear about watching chess in Asia, the working man's fight for dignity, the need to help our fellow humans in need, and an unapologetic menace to society. And sex. Having it, wanting it, begging for it, and even who you should and shouldn't have it with. And regardless of what you may have heard, there wasn't just one guy writing all these songs. Join Roger as he guides you through all of it, and if you get lost, there's a YouTube playlist to keep you on the path: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnyVvh8ozzc2ctOwyudCGKZ I don't know if the wolf will survive, but I believe we will, and if this helps by providing you a brief distraction, all the better.
As the world shuts down, the Old Man reopens for...well, not business. Join Roger as he takes a trip back to the spring of 1976, a simpler time when truckers put the hammer down, disco ladies (and gents) staked their place in singles bars (probably not practicing social distancing), and we all wanted to rock all night (on the "accordion," wink wink) and party out our golden years, And you can make more sense of all this by following along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQks1AhqmdxJ8z9jgX0bNM58. So give it a listen. It's great accompaniment for vigorous hand-washing.
This week Roger takes you back to February of 1994. A time when people were fascinated by the antics of a pet detective and riveted by the acrimony and intrigue of...figure skating. Join him as he scours the North American and British pop charts and finds women with distinctive points of view, dance music that adds exotic touches, and lots of party rap. There's also some Celtic tinged country, insight from Down Under, and the future lead singer of Styx (yes, I said "future" not "former." Sorry, Dennis DeYoung fans). And our first encounter with a superstar to top it all off. As always, there's a YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQluFStTGYFXFOtVRTwadpfs It's as rewarding an experience as taking pictures of bridges in Iowa. You don't want to miss it. And if you do, well, in the immortal words of Gerard Depardieu, "Are you out of your mind?"
This week, Roger looks at the hits he calls Uneasy Riders. These are hit songs that stand out from the crowd for one reason or another. If you're thinking of the Disco Ducks, the Convoys, the Pac-Man Fevers, and the Rock Me Amadeuses of the world, you're right. But there are so many more, so many that the Old Man has done tournaments to determine the Uneasiest Riders of all. He's already finished the 70s tourney, and you can look at parts of it here: https://bobbyglovescasey.blogspot.com/2018/03/the-old-mans-ultimate-grand.html https://bobbyglovescasey.blogspot.com/2018/04/the-old-mans-ultimate-grand.html https://bobbyglovescasey.blogspot.com/2018/04/the-third-group-of-32-songs-in-our.html https://bobbyglovescasey.blogspot.com/2018/06/you-can-call-this-sex-and-drugs-and.html https://bobbyglovescasey.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-fifth-set-of-first-round-matchups.html https://bobbyglovescasey.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-old-mans-70s-grand-championship.html https://bobbyglovescasey.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-old-mans-ultimate-70s-uneasy-rider.html https://bobbyglovescasey.blogspot.com/2018/11/the-old-mans-ultimate-70s-at40-uneasy.html https://bobbyglovescasey.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-omusurt-final.html But the 80s tournament is in the early days, so you can get in on the process as it happens. Exciting! And there's a YouTube of course https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQm_lRRvpWmxMFSyjDBJEFOR So listen. It's a fun journey, and it won't bite. One of the songs might, though.
Join the Old Man as his music-yelling leads him to 1983, where he finds a Dutch band pretending they're in a spy movie, one of the popularized of punk deciding that hip hop is the future, and graphic sex and murder in...Canada? There's an Austrian rapper, a Texan whose mad at fake news, and an English guy with his duck. So follow the drums that are echoing in the night, stop staring at your reflection, and join the gang listening to this episode. The password is...Wah!
The Old man is still yelling, this time at rock that goes big. He looks at rock opera, with its deaf dumb and blind kids, conflicted messiahs, starving and dying artists, and American idiots. Then he examines the Met- ready pop epics of Jim Steinman, with and without Meat Loaf. And finally, he examines Winnipeg's favorite movie, the horror musical that made Paul Williams...sexy? And you can follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmm50uFdCiIGQx10nIXIZik So join Roger on this amazing journey, for the Hell of it.
Lucky number 7 sees the Old Man go all the way back to 1973. As always, Britain gives us something odd, but they also stick to the Status Quo. American soul was spinning gold, especially when it was inspired by movies. Canada, meanwhile, was singing along to songs about the Roma, while a lady from Nova Scotia (apparently a good place to view solar eclipses) was becoming the nation's sweetheart. So live in the past for 50 minutes or so and join Roger to recall a time when people felt like birds looking for the meaning of life, and maybe a little action, while watching movie stars drown and wondering if maybe, just maybe, we knew who that song was about. And follow along on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmxtfr7_9h2bkzrGiqzF7jH
In 1986, a production company decided to search for four young men to be a Micky, Davy, Peter and Mike for a new generation. They assembled Marty, Larry, Jared and Dino, gave them songs, studio time, and a TV show. And also Coca-Cola. Success was expected to follow. It didn't. But why not? In this episode, Roger looks at who these guys were, the show they starred in, and the music they made, and wonders if perhaps they deserved a better fate than being punished by the public for who they weren't. And you can judge for yourself with the help of my YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmUezIbRJ6qme5DWDi_kf22
New year, old man Yes, he's back and diving deeply into the music of the beginning of a new decade...the 90s. Join Roger as he confesses his weakness for "chick rock," finds another case of English lit seeping into British pop, examines Very Serious Singles, looks at two very different Stewarts, and gets annoyed at Billy Joel for being too fond of the 50s, baseball, and 50s baseball to give props to The Greatest. And there's more, all of which you can follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnqgGKPySO75PPUL2vES7Lt . So no matter what side of love you're on, join Roger in the Forbidden Dance that is the Old Man Yells at Music podcast.
The old man gets festive with some of his favorite holly jolly pop. From Floridians cashing in on someone else's IP, to an Englishman slipping naughty words into the Yuletide festivities, to a Godfather asking for a favor, this is a look at a few tracks that help make his season bright. And you can listen along with the YouTube playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmX7KOXWeGnHu1oij8SY4r_ Raise a toast, serve your fanciest mac and cheese, and don't let those bells end.
The Old Man is still yelling. This week he's focused on December 12, 1987, back when dancing was dirty and Donald Trump was some rich guy who just put out a book. Join Roger as he finds out that the line between glam punk and lounge wizardry is a suit and a new hairstyle, why Donna Summer wants to hang out with dead people, how the Bangles made Paul Simon's pretentiousness gritty, and why Britain thinks a song about a guy who was arrested for public drunkenness and called his lover a nasty name is the height of Christmas cheer. We'll also learn about Scottish history, Steven Tyler's open-mindedness, Frankenstein, and the greatest song you've probably never heard unless you live in Canada. You can follow along on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQn7ZO1SPvu_sqq6klwjv8hS or just listen to my soothing voice, Check out this show...it's got The Look!
Sex! Murder! Madness! Magic shrinking powers! Bob Mackie gowns! Carol Burnett! All of these things are connected to varying degrees with this episode, which looks at three thematically connected early 70s hits each from legends Helen Reddy and Cher, as well as another song that could have been Cher's but instead became a hit for the songwriter's wife. There are references to Dickens, Tennessee Williams, Roald Dahl, and Billie Jean King. And you can keep up with the companion YouTube playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQnKj3DuUfIR8E-0xMrxDGNa Join me as we listen to ladies tell stories about othe ladies. But they sing them, so it's not gossip.
The blog non-sensation is now a podcast. Join Roger Stroop as he looks back at a sampling of hits from the American, Canadian, and British pop charts of the last week of November 1979. Were the Village People truly prepared for a new decade? Were Trooper qualified to judge female attractiveness? What is a "monkey chop?" How did Herb Alpert become associated with tales of violence and kidnapping? Since when were ABBA so horny? And how many drugs do you need to take to decide that what your hugely successful band needs for their next hit is more hitting meat with a spatula? If you're curious about these things, and you believe that dreaming is free and there's nothing weird about Kermit the Frog being a pop star, this is the podcast for you. It's a very DIY, low tech production, but you will be informed and entertained, or my name isn't Bobby Glovehead...oh, wait. But still, try it, you'll like it. You can follow along on the YouTube playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQkAj8MhxUKbL41em-Bd8qCi and visit the blog at https://bobbyglovescasey.blogspot.com/ if you want more from me for some reason.