History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff

History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff is the show that aims to make grand and often oddball hard rock and heavy metal points through a narrative built upon the tiny idea of a quintet of songs. Buttressed with illustrative clips, Martin argues quickly and succinctly why these songs - and the specific sections of these tracks - support his mad professor premise, from the wobbly invention of an “American” heavy metal, to the influence of Led Zeppelin in hair metal or to more succinct topics like tapping and twin leads. The songs serve as bricks, but Martin slathers plenty of mortar. At the end, hopefully he has a sturdy house in which this week’s theory can reside unbothered by the elements. At approximately 7000, Martin has had published in books more record reviews than anybody in the history of music writing across all genres. Additionally, Martin has penned approximately 85 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock and record collecting. Proud part of Pantheon - the podcast network for music lovers.

Music History
Music Commentary
26
History in Five Songs 257: The Devolution of Sa...
In Episode 257, Martin posits the notion that the devolution of Black Sabbath as a band exists in parallel with their song introductions.
31 min
27
History in Five Songs 256: Heavy Metal Duets
In Episode 256, Martin celebrates heavy metal duets that are collaborations between singers and some of his personal faves.
31 min
28
History in Five Songs 255: Golden Era Quo Intros
In Episode 255, Martin finds inspiration in the opening riffs from Status Quo's "golden era" albums.
29 min
29
History in Five Songs 254: Goofy Riffs
In Episode 254, Martin scoffs at 'sing songy,' goofy riffs that may undermine the band's 'seriousness' or lessen his taste for the band.
34 min
30
History in Five Songs 253: Albums That Don't De...
In Episode 253, Martin explores albums that bands' fanbase want to intellectualize into being good (even if they're maybe not).
37 min
31
History in Five Songs 252: Joke About The Police
In Episode 252, Martin rebuts his friend's mockery of those people who think the Police are the best New Wave band ever (or if they're even truly New Wave)!
36 min
32
History in Five Songs 251: Barely Written Songs
In Episode 251, Martin complains about 'lazy' songwriting and 'underwritten' songs.
33 min
33
History in Five Songs 250: Their Future in One ...
In Episode 250, Martin ponders the question "when has a band 'found' their future sound in one song/album?"
37 min
34
History in Five Songs 249: First Person Perspec...
In Episode 249, Martin pays homage to Black Sabbath's song "I" and explores some "self centered" songs.
31 min
35
History in Five Songs 248: Metal History in Fir...
In Episode 248, Martin dissects the first verse of the first track of some seminal metal gods.
32 min
36
History in Five Songs 247: Wrapping Up the Album
In Episode 247, Martin wonders aloud about the meaning and intent of tracks that wrap up albums.
35 min
37
History in Five Songs 246: Covers on Debuts
In Episode 246, Martin explores the whys and hows of band who included cover songs on their debut album.
34 min
38
History in Five Songs 245: Ancient Zeppelin Rev...
In Episode 245, Martin continues his dive into artists who are compared and contrasted to the mighty Zep in reviews of their albums.
37 min
39
History in Five Songs 244: Ancient Zeppelin Rev...
In Episode 244, Martin focuses on the first four Led Zeppelin albums. He delves into artists who are compared and contrasted to the mighty Zep within those reviews.
32 min
40
History in Five Songs 243: Ancient Sabbath Reviews
In Episode 243, Martin focuses on bands that are referenced to compare Black Sabbath to, for better or worse.
33 min
41
History in Five Songs 242: This Band's British ...
In Episode 242, Martin explores bands who replicate the magic of Judas Priest's seminal 1980 album British Steel with a simplified, straightforward killer album.
33 min
42
History in Five Songs 241: Contrarianism
In Episode 241, Martin proves to himself that he may not be as contrarian as he thinks while he picks *his* favorite albums from artists whose catalogues he knows well.
36 min
43
History in Five Songs 240: Producer Chris Tsang...
In Episode 240, Martin celebrates late, great producer's Chris Tsangarides' catalog.
31 min
44
History in Five Songs 239: Biggest Heavy Metal ...
In Episode 239, Martin ponders who are the biggest living heavy metal stars.
34 min
45
History in Five Songs 238: A Different Kind of ...
In Episode 238, Martin explores artists who are "creative geniuses" who surround themselves with the best.
34 min
46
History in Five Songs 237: Genius
In Episode 237, Martin explores the subjective notion of "genius" in the craft of musicianship.
36 min
47
History in Five Songs 236: Fifth Gear Singers
In Episode 236, Martin celebrates singers whose "top gear" is arguably their best gear.
37 min
48
History in Five Songs 235: First Gear Singers
In Episode 235, Martin looks at "low energy crooners" whose singing may not always be the most powerful.
35 min
49
History in Five Songs 234: They Shrunk the Boogie!
In Episode 234, Martin looks at "boogie rock" influenced bands who tightened or shifted their focus.
34 min
50
History in Five Songs 233: OTT Hair Metal Songs
In Episode 233, Martin examines sonically dense, "over the top" hair metal songs.
30 min