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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

Yes were at their peak when they released their "Close To The Edge" album in 1972. This episode, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of what many consider to be the greatest Progressive Rock album of all time with a deep dive into the song "Siberian Khatru".

Cheap Trick is one of the great American bands. The new book, "This Band Has No Past: How Cheap Trick Became Cheap Trick" by Brian Kramp details their history from the very beginning up to their breakthrough album, "Cheap Trick At Budokan". It's an incredible story of hard work & dedication. On this edition, Brian joins me to discuss 5 songs that reveal how unique and special Cheap Trick was in their early years. If you only know this band from their hits, this episode is a good introduction to what makes Cheap Trick Cheap Trick. Besides being an author, Brian Kramp is the host of the "Rock And/Or Roll" podcast, one of my all-time favorite podcasts-- an absolute must-listen for every music junkie. Check it out.

Few albums in history have had the cultural impact as Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On". Universally loved by music fans around the world, it's an album like none before it. Few records have captured the zeitgeist and remained as relevant as this album -- Marvin's crowning achievement. On this episode, we take a deep dive into the title cut to discover the elements that make up this masterpiece.

The Angels (known as "Angel City" in the US) are one of those fantastic bands that made it big in their home country-- in this case, Australia-- but never caught on in the US. A shame, because these guys had it all: big riffs, great hooks, and clever lyrics. Let's check out this great track from the band I like to think of as "the intellectual AC/DC".

Creedence Clearwater Revival were quite the phenomenon from 1967 to 1972. During that short period-- only 5 years-- they racked up ten songs in the Top 20, 5 of them making it to #2. In the middle of that run, they released "Run Through The Jungle" in April 1970. The song is often identified with the Viet Nam war, but we explore the true roots of the song and listen to the individual elements that make up this great track.

Todd Rundgren never became a household name, but he has legions of fans around the world. I'm one of 'em. What has always drawn me to Todd, then and now, is not just his way with a tune and a willingness to do anything musically-- it's his search for something deeper, more meaningful, than your typical pop song. This is a prime example of melding melody and message, producing pop with purpose. What does it mean to be a "real man"? Todd answered that question in 1975.

It's nearly impossible to pick the "best" Beatles song, but by nearly every measurement-- sales, chart success, cultural impact-- it's hard to beat "Hey Jude". Author James Campion's new book, "Take A Sad Song", is an in-depth look at the history and legacy of "Hey Jude". He joins us on this episode for a deep dive into this legendary, iconic song. A true classic.

Music was expanding in all directions in the 1960's; one of my favorite genres is the psychedelic/garage rock from that era. Few songs capture the sound & the spirit of that style as "I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)" by The Electric Prunes. Take a trip with me back to those halcyon days with one of the flagship songs from the psychedelic period.

Greg Renoff, author of “Van Halen Rising: How a Southern California Backyard Party Band Saved Heavy Metal” and “Ted Templeman: A Platinum Producer’s Life in Music”, joins us to talk about a pivotal album in his youth, "Burn" by Deep Purple. It also happens to be one of my favorite albums, too. We also spend some time talking about the first solo LP from bass player Glenn Hughes, another personal favorite of mine.

Before there was Ziggy Stardust, there was Arnold Corns... Thanks to a legendary performance on "Top Of The Pops", "Starman" was Bowie's first hit since "Space Oddity" and proved he wasn't a one-hit wonder. In this episode, we dig into the history of this song and the origin of Ziggy Stardust.

After almost 2 years of COVID-19 shutdowns, live music is beginning to return. Let's celebrate the power & importance of live music by looking back at a critical moment in history. April 5, 1968: Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated the day before. America was on edge and riots were breaking out in cities across the country. But the city of Boston, MA held it together. Why? Because the Godfather Of Soul-- James Brown-- was in town.