I'm In Love With That Song Podcast
The "I'm In Love With That Song" Podcast - Music Commentary, Song Analysis & Rock History.
Welcome to the “I’m In Love With That Song” Podcast. Each episode, we’ll take one of my favorite songs and dive deep into it, listening to all the nuances that make it a great song. You may be unfamiliar with some of these songs, while others you’ve probably heard a hundred times, but I bet if we listen closely, we can discover something new. Of course, there’s no definitive answer to what makes a great song—beauty is in the ear of the beholder—these are just my personal favorites, but I hope you love these songs, too. We're proud to be a part of Pantheon - the podcast network for music lovers.
26
Be-Bop Deluxe - "Sleep That Burns"
Guitarist/singer/songwriter Bill Nelson combined Prog Rock, Glam and Art Rock into the unique sound that was Be-Bop Deluxe. They were musically adventurous, but always maintained a strong sense of melody and a memorable hook or two, as evidenced by this track from their 3rd album "Sunburst Finish", released in 1976. Let's explore the "Sleep That Burns".
15 min
27
Paul McCartney - "Back On My Feet"
In the late 1980's, Paul McCartney took a shot at writing some songs with Elvis Costello. The ultimate result was a set of 15 songs, some of them never seeing the light of day until years later. But "Back On My Feet" was the first song that was released, buried as a B-side on the "Once Upon A Long Ago" single. It deserved better. Here, we explore the song in detail and shine a light on this overlooked gem.
17 min
28
Black Sabbath - "Spiral Architect"
Black Sabbath were at a standstill when it came time to make their 5th album. The ideas just weren't coming to guitarist Tony Iommi, and without his massive guitar riffs… well, there just wasn't any Black Sabbath. Weeks were wasted in the studio until he stumbled onto the riff that became "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath", and then they were off to the races. That song became the opening cut from the album that would bear its name; and the song that would bring that album to a close is "Spiral Architect", one of the most epic songs the band ever produced. On this episode, we explore the making of this album along with an examination of one of their most ambitious tracks, "Spiral Architect".
27 min
29
Queen - "Somebody To Love"
Queen were at the top of their game and weren’t resting on their laurels when they released “Somebody To Love” as a single in 1976. Building on the layered vocals they pioneered on “Bohemian Rhapsody” the year before, “Somebody To Love” was inspired by Freddie’s love for Aretha Franklin. On this episode, we examine the various elements of this outstanding track.
22 min
30
Starbelly - "This Time"
Never heard of Starbelly? You should have. But it's not your fault. There was a bit of a resurgence of "power pop" bands in the late-90's/early 2000's that generated a lot of GREAT albums, but for some inexplicable reason, not much commercial breakthrough (Fountains Of Wayne being one of the few exceptions). Starbelly's debut album "Lemon Fresh" was simply brilliant, and it's one of my favorite records. On this episode, we dive into "This Time", the song that opens this album, along with a special guest to tell the story-- Cliff Hillis, Starbelly guitarist & vocalist who played on this album.
26 min
31
Ike & Tina Turner - "Nutbush City Limits"
On this episode, we pay a little tribute to the great Tina Turner, with an exploration of the song she wrote about her humble beginnings in a little town called Nutbush, TN. Join us on a journey down Highway 19 to visit “Nutbush City Limits”.
24 min
32
The Shazam - "On The Airwaves"
When The Shazam tumbled out of Nashville in 1994, they should've landed as one of the biggest rock bands in America. Instead, they merely left us with 5 fantastic albums of hard-rocking power pop that lodged them on my list of all-time favorite bands. If you've never heard them before, here's your chance to discover their greatness with a song called "On The Airwaves" - officially certified one of the Coolest Songs In The World.
23 min
33
Gary Moore - "Over The Hills and Far Away"
Gary Moore was never a household name, but among guitar players, he was a legend. He reinvented himself multiple times over his 40-year career: first as a hard-rocker with Thin Lizzy, then a jazzy prog-rocker with Colosseum in the 70’s; pioneering a modern heavy-metal sound in the 80’s, and playing the blues in the ‘90’s. On this episode, we delve into a track from his 1987 Celtic-flavored hard rock album, “Wild Frontier”.
17 min
34
Thin Lizzy - "Dancing In The Moonlight"
Thin Lizzy is known for their hard rockin’ songs and their trailblazing twin guitar sound, but vocalist/bassist/songwriter Phil Lynott had an ear for melody, a way with words, and could write a damn fine pop song when he wanted. “Dancing In The Moonlight” has everything you want in a great Thin Lizzy song: fantastic guitar playing, wonderful lyrics, and Lynott’s one-of-a-kind voice—he could sound tough as nails, but sensitive & vulnerable, too. Let’s give this one a spin.
18 min
35
Nazareth - "Holiday" (with guest Robert Lawson)
If you're looking for a prime example of a hard-working, dues-paying, doggedly dedicated rock band, you won't find better one than Nazareth. Launching in 1968 and continuing through today, Nazareth rode the wave of success up and down over 50 years, peaking with their classic album "Hair Of The Dog" in 1975. The last time they hit the charts was with the song "Holiday" in 1980. On this episode, we tap into this classic track. And, with the help of author Robert Lawson, we take a quick tour of the history of Nazareth.
39 min
36
Deep Purple - "Highway Star"
We celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the greatest live albums of all time, Deep Purple's "Made In Japan". This is a truly live album-- no doctored-up, overdubbed fixes here, just a killer band at the top of their game, tearing through a live set with little thought to the recording process. They thought this album would only be released to a limited audience in Japan... turned out to be a huge hit and the ultimate Deep Purple album. This episode, we explore the power of Deep Purple in all their glory with the definitive version of "Highway Star".
16 min
37
Rush - "The Camera Eye"
In 1981, Rush had planned to release a live album, but riding a wave of good vibes & inspiration, they changed their minds and decided to record an album of new material instead. It turned out to be their best-selling album, and years later the band would still look back on it fondly. Most of their biggest hits are on this album titled Moving Pictures, but this episode we're turning our ears on a lesser-known (but fan favorite) track, "The Camera Eye".
32 min
38
5 More Favorite Guitar Solos
Back on Episode 25, we listened to 5 of my favorite guitar solos; here on Episode 125, we revisit that idea and listen to some more great guitar moments. As before, I’m not saying these are the greatest solos of all time-- a great solo doesn’t have to be flashy or technically brilliant, but it does have to be memorable, it has to fit the song, and it should take the song to another level. So let's hear 5 more favorite guitar solos.
15 min
39
Etta James - "Love's Been Rough On Me"
Etta James lived quite a life; some incredible highs and heartbreaking lows throughout her 73 years. From hit songs to heroin addiction, from critical acclaim to violence and bad behavior & jail time, Etta experienced it all. And you could hear every bit of that experience in her voice. I've wanted to feature Etta on this podcast for a while; the easy choice would be to pick one of her early classic songs... but instead, let's listen to an overlooked track from late in her career, when she might have been "past her prime" but more than capable of delivering a heart-wrenching performance.
16 min
40
The Beatles play Shea Stadium, 1965 (with speci...
The Beatles had many peaks in their career, but their August 15, 1965 concert at Shea Stadium may be the high point. It was certainly their ultimate live performance and the pinnacle of Beatlemania. On this episode, I'm joined by author Laurie Jacobson; her new book, "Top Of The Mountain", tells the story of that record-breaking concert. It's a behind-the-scenes look at the events leading up to the performance, including the tale of the man who made it all happen, Sid Bernstein.
56 min
41
Fleetwood Mac - "You Make Loving Fun"
When Christine McVie passed away on Nov. 30, 2022, the tributes poured in from around the world. Deservedly so. We pay our respects to the legendary Christine Perfect the way we do best-- by taking an in-depth look at one of her biggest hits from the classic "Rumours" album, along with an overview of Fleetwood Mac's tortured history.
39 min
42
1973: Rock At The Crossroads (with special gues...
Let's kick off our first episode of 2023 with a look back 50 years to 1973. I'm joined on this episode by Andrew Grant Jackson, author of 1973: Rock At The Crossroads for a discussion of the music and history of the year that was 1973.
53 min
43
BONUS HOLIDAY SONG: Sheila Swift - "Christmas W...
Join me and my special guest Mike Wagner to celebrate the holidays with his song "Christmas With You", as performed by Sheila Swift. It's time for some end-of-year thank-you's as well. Happy Holidays!
12 min
44
Bangles - "Tell Me"
pulled away from the British Invasion and Power Pop sound that inspired them. But their first full-length album, All Over The Place, is one of the best records of the era. Before they were swayed by Prince or walked like Egyptians, they were one of the most promising successors to the sound of 60's jangle pop.
12 min
45
Tom Petty - "I Need To Know"
At the time they released their 2nd album in 1978, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers were a struggling band hoping to break through. They had plenty to prove, and there was still a punky edge to their sound-- clearly evident on the first single from the album, "I Need To Know". At a tight two-minute-and-twenty-six-seconds, there's no fat on this track-- just a great song, a taste of the brilliant music to come.
13 min
46
The Albums That Made Us - with special guest Cr...
It's time for another episode in our "Albums That Made Us" series: this time, I'm joined by Craig Smith from the Pods & Sods Network to discuss a much-maligned album that happens to hold a special place in his heart-- the soundtrack to the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" movie. This was how Craig discovered The Beatles. We also discuss "Wings Over America", which was my entry point into Beatles fandom.
49 min
47
The Temptations - "Papa Was A Rolling Stone"
Norman Whitfield turned The Temptations from a typical Motown vocal group into Psychedelic Soul pioneers. Their collaboration reached its zenith with "Papa Was A Rolling Stone", a dark, atmospheric, orchestral showcase for both the Temptations and Whitfield's genius. This would be the last #1 hit for The Temptations, and they would stop working with Norman Whitfield soon after. But they left behind this monumental masterpiece.
21 min
48
Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psyc...
Perhaps the most influential compilation album of all time, the original "Nuggets" album was lovingly assembled by guitarist/author Lenny Kaye in 1972. Collecting some of the greatest psychedelic garage rock onto one collection was no small feat, but the album went on to inspire tons of musicians in the US and the UK. On this episode, we honor the 50th anniversary of this landmark collection with a look back at some of the best tracks by these long-gone, and mostly forgotten, bands.
27 min
49
Pink Floyd - "See Emily Play"
"See Emily Play" was only Pink Floyd's 2nd single, but it was a watershed moment in psychedelic rock history. Though Syd Barrett's body of work was relatively small, he left behind a huge legacy that's still influencing people today. This song is one of the highlights of his short and tragic career.
23 min
50
B.B. King: The King Of The Blues (with author D...
B.B. King created a sound with his electric guitar that changed the world and made him a legend around the world. In this episode, I'm joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Daniel De Vise, author of "King Of The Blues: The Rise & Reign of B.B. King" to share 5 songs that encapsulate the story of this iconic musician.
47 min