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
126
History in Five Songs 218: Hair Metal Wins by ‘...
In Episode 218, Martin explore bands that came of age in the '70s and their forays into hair metal.
39 min
127
History in Five Songs 217: This Band's (Police ...
In Episode 217, Martin explores albums which share characteristics with each of the Police's five studio albums.
35 min
128
History in Five Songs 216: Finding Value in Ins...
In Episode 216, Martin explores what makes an instrumental improve and elevate a song.
34 min
129
History in Five Songs 215: Song Title Non-Starters
In Episode 215, Martin blabs about song titles that don't necessarily do the songs any favors.
41 min
130
History in Five Songs 214: This Band's "Smoke o...
In Episode 214, Martin rhapsodizes on bands' riff-heavy masterpieces.
33 min
131
History in Five Songs 213: I can't unhear that.
In Episode 213, Martin pontificates on albums that cannot be unheard.
37 min
132
History in Five Songs 212: Drummers. Who's left?
In Episode 212, Martin explores the (arguably) most "dangerous" position in the band.
34 min
133
History in Five Songs 211: What's the point of ...
In Episode 211, Martin explores the pros and cons of bands with diverse styles.
32 min
134
History in Five Songs 210: Zeppelin and Sabbath...
In Episode 210, Martin delves into the points of comparison between two of foremost metal bands of the '70s, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.
33 min
135
History in Five Songs 209: UFO and Thin Lizzy a...
In Episode 209, Martin compares and contrasts the career paths and musical output of UFO and Thin Lizzy.
32 min
136
History in Five Songs 208: Glad They Went Poppy
In Episode 208, Martin delves into bands that 'successfully' stepped into a more 'poppy' lane.
35 min
137
History in Five Songs 207: Grunge Requiems
In Episode 207, Martin discusses songs which were written to honor 'fallen' grunge icons.
33 min
138
History in Five Songs 206: Bands That Went New ...
In Episode 206, Martin puts a spotlight on bands that put a new wave spin on their music.
33 min
139
History in Five Songs 205: Triple Crown Rockers
In Episode 206, Martin highlights rock stars who have been on three different classic albums by three different bands.
34 min
140
History in Five Songs 204: But for That One Song
In Episode 204, Martin discusses songs that "stand out" from the rest of the album and may be hard to rate.
38 min
141
History in Five Songs 203: Bands Get Smart
In Episode 203, Martin reflects on "gummed down" bands making critically acclaimed, brightly produced albums that are musically superior to the norm of their catalog.
34 min
142
History in Five Songs 202: The Ballad
In Episode 202, Martin discusses the criteria for a good ballad and who is qualified to make 'em.
32 min
143
History in Five Songs 201: Asterisk Albums
In Ep. 201, Martin celebrates his birthday and bands you have to qualify for (and to) your friends.
36 min
144
History in Five Songs 200: Triple Anniversary Show
It is episode 200- the Triple Anniversary Show!
44 min
145
History in Five Songs 199: Why is This Depressing?
Here in episode 199 Martin wonders "Why is this depressing?"
32 min
146
History in Five Songs 198: Heavy Metal Gallop
In episode 198 Martin explains what the 'Heavy Metal Gallop' is!
32 min
147
History in Five Songs 197: Why Go Solo?
In episode 197, Martin asks the question Why did these 5 artist's go solo?
37 min
148
History in Five Songs 196: Slow Songs
Martin lays out the top five slow songs from these bands Black Sabbath – “Black Sabbath” AC/DC – “For Those About to Rock” Max Webster – “Battle Scar” Dio – “Lock Up the Wolves” Scorpions – “Animal Magnetism”
36 min
149
History in Five Songs 195: Paying Your Dues
Paying Your Dues Black Sabbath – “Hand of Doom” Van Halen – “On Fire” Rush – “Best I Can” The Clash – “Safe European Home” Starz – “Subway Terror”
38 min
150
History in Five Songs 193: Bad Drum Sounds
Which five bands had some really 'Bad Drum Sounds'? Cheap Trick – “Dream Police” Black Sabbath – “Digital Bitch” Paul McCartney and Wings – “Band on the Run" Husker Du – “These Important Years” King Diamond – “Welcome Home”
33 min