Wilson Pickett, a name synonymous with soul music, has a catalog filled with timeless classics. From "In the Midnight Hour" to "Mustang Sally," his influence on the genre is undeniable. But in this episode, we focus on one of his lesser-discussed yet equally powerful tracks, "Get Me Back on Time, Engine Number 9 (Parts 1 & 2)". This song is a testament to Pickett's versatility and the genius of Gamble & Huff and the production team at Sigma Sound.

We celebrate the 201st installment of the podcast by revisiting one of our first subjects-- the legendary Paul McCartney and his band Wings, with the non-album single “Junior's Farm.” Released in November 1974, this track developed during McCartney's escape to a Nashville farm during a tumultuous time in his life, following the breakup of The Beatles. Join us as we explore the song's origins, the dynamic lineup of Wings during this period, and the memorable guitar work of Jimmy McCulloch, who made his mark with this track. We’ll dissect the song's unique structure, the production choices, and the whimsical lyrics that embody McCartney's signature style. This episode is a deep dive into a classic that showcases the artistry and evolution of one of music's most beloved figures.

Welcome to the 200th episode of the "I'm In Love With That Song" Podcast. To mark the occasion, we're celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Fender Precision Bass: the bass guitar that would revolutionize the role of the bass in all forms of popular music-- Rock, Jazz, R&B, Country and beyond. On this episode, I'm joined by Joe Branton (host of the "Guitar Nerds" podcast) to delve into the rich history of the electric bass, particularly the Fender Precision, which would have a profound impact on all the music we love.

Celebrate Mardi Gras by diving into the rich musical heritage of one of New Orleans' favorite sons? In this week’s episode, we explore one of the city’s most iconic musicians, Dr. John, and his classic track, "I Walk on Gilded Splinters". Released in 1968, this song is a perfect example of the unique blend of voodoo culture and psychedelic sound that characterizes Dr. John's early work.

In this episode, we pay homage to the legendary Curtis Mayfield, a pivotal figure often overlooked in discussions about the great artists of the '60s and '70s. Join us as we explore his poignant track "Hard Times" from the album "There's No Place Like America Today". We delve into the rich history of his career, from his early days with The Impressions to his groundbreaking solo work that tackled social and political issues head-on.

Dive into the world of Blue Oyster Cult with our latest episode, where we explore their fan-favorite track, "Transmaniacon MC" from their debut album. Discover the band's history, the creative minds behind their lyrics, and the unique sound that defined them as the "Thinking Man's Heavy Metal Band." Curious about the story behind their enigmatic lyrics? Tune in now.

Join us as we kick off 2026 with a celebration of one of America's most electrifying party bands, The J. Geils Band! This episode dives deep into the infectious "(Ain't Nothin' But A) House Party," a party anthem that perfectly encapsulates the essence of a good time. We explore the band's origins, looking at how the J. Geils Band blended classic R&B with Rock, creating a legacy that resonates through their catalog. We'll reflect on the band's rise to fame, and the bittersweet nature of their journey, culminating in their eventual split after achieving commercial success. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the band, this episode is a perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the J. Geils Band and the joy of their music.

Our special Bonus Holiday Episode for 2025 features a song that should be a Christmas staple-- a brilliant power-pop gem from Doug Powell called "God Bless Us All". Originally written for Ringo Starr's 1999 Christmas album but didn't make the cut, this is a lost Christmas classic that deserves to be a holiday favorite.

In this episode, we welcome back author Gillian Gaar to discuss her new book, Tom Petty: The Life and Music. We'll take a look at the fascinating career of one of rock's most beloved figures. From Petty's early encounter with Elvis Presley to the eventual rise of The Heartbreakers, this episode is packed with anecdotes and insights that shed light on Petty's enduring legacy.

Released in 1979, "Message in a Bottle" was the opening track on The Police's second album, Regatta de Blanc. The song features the signature sounds of the band: Sting's evocative vocals and bass, Andy Summers' intricate guitar work, and Stuart Copeland's dynamic drumming. But what exactly makes this song resonate with so many listeners, even decades later? Listen to this episode and we'll find out.

In the latest episode of our podcast, we take a fascinating journey into the world of music trends and data with Chris Dalla Riva, author of "Uncharted Territory: What Numbers Tell Us About the Biggest Hit Songs and Ourselves." This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever been curious about the stories behind the hit songs songs and the charts that track their popularity.

When it comes to classic rock albums, few are as iconic as "Machine Head" by Deep Purple. Released in 1972, this album has cemented its place in rock history, not just for its groundbreaking music but also for the incredible story behind its creation. In this episode, we take a journey through the making of this legendary album, and focus on the track "Never Before", the song they thought was going to be the hit from this record.

On this annual Halloween Spooktacular episode, we take a haunting journey through the whimsical world of Robyn Hitchcock, focusing on his early classic, "My Wife and My Dead Wife." With a blend of the mundane and the macabre, we explore how Hitchcock weaves a tale of domesticity intertwined with the supernatural. From the catchy chorus to the clever lyrics, we dissect the song's unique storytelling and how it captures the listener's imagination. We’ll also dive into Hitchcock's musical roots, his time with The Soft Boys, and the quirky charm of his solo work. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Hitchcock’s artistry, this episode delivers a mix of chills and thrills!

This episode, we take a deep dive into one of the funkiest singles ever recorded: "For the Love of Money" by The O'Jays. Join us as we explore the intricate production techniques, the powerful social message, the rich history behind this iconic track. and why this track remains a cornerstone of Philly Soul. Don't miss out on this deep dive into one of the funkiest singles ever!

This episode, we return to the "Creation & Evolution" theme as we trace the history of the song called "Black Betty". It's a fascinating story, from its origins as an African-American work song to its transformation into a rock anthem by Ram Jam. We'll explore the musical evolution of this enduring track. Join us for this captivating musical journey.

Humble Pie is often overshadowed by bands like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and Queen, but they were a considered a "supergroup" when they formed in 1969-- fronted by Steve Marriott from the Small Faces and Peter Frampton from The Herd. Their first 2 albums are a mixed bag, but by the time they signed with A&M Records in 1970 they had refined their style down to a bluesy, hard-rockin' sound. "Rock On" was most successful album to date, and features "Stone Cold Fever" which is itself a stone cold classic.

The Plimsouls, led by guitarist/singer/songwriter Peter Case, released a couple of terrific albums in the early ‘80’s, fusing power pop, punk and R&B into their own unique blend. “A Million Miles Away” was featured in the film Valley Girl, and should’ve catapulted The Plimsouls onto greater fame, but their career stalled and the band split up by the mid-’80’s. To some, this song marks The Plimsouls as One-Hit-Wonders, but their albums are chock-a-block with great songs. Still, there’s no denying the brilliance of “A Million Miles Away” and on this episode, we take a close look at this timeless classic.

Many bands would be running out of ideas by their 8th album, but not Earth, Wind &Fire – many consider “All ‘n All” to be their best record. Freshly inspired by the varied sounds & rhythms of South America, Maurice White brought his genre-blending compositions to new heights on this 1977 album, as evidenced by the opening track, “Serpentine Fire”, which White himself described as Earth Wind & Fire’s “most ambitious single”.

Imagine a time when a band could sell out Shea Stadium faster than The Beatles, without the support of radio airplay or the blessing of music critics-- and no social media. Grand Funk Railroad did just that, and in this episode, we're back with another look at the high-octane world of live rock concerts. Discover how Grand Funk Railroad became a music phenomenon, becoming one of the biggest bands of the '70's. We're delving into a live album where the opening tracks weren't just songs but declarations of a rock and roll manifesto. From the adrenaline rush of "Footstompin' Music" to the soulful grooves of "Rock 'N Roll Soul," this episode isn't just a history lesson-- it's a backstage pass to one of the greatest shows on earth.

Strap in for a wild ride with Elvin Bishop and his fiery ensemble as they tear through the raucous track "Calling All Cows", from the rollicking 1977 live album Raisin' Hell. We dig into this electrifying live performance that showcases a band at the top of their game. A prime example of the musicianship that made the '70s a golden era for live albums; Elvin Bishop's Raisin Hell stands out as a testament to that time.

Dive into the electrifying atmosphere of live music on this episode, as we take a detour from studio recordings to explore the raw energy and spontaneous magic of live performances. This time around, we're sizing up "Meadows" by Joe Walsh, from his dynamic 1976 live album, You Can't Argue with a Sick Mind.

Throughout the tapestry of music history, certain figures stand out not just for their talent but for their sheer courage and resilience. Count Jackie Shane among them-- a groundbreaking black trans woman who made a mark on the music scene in the 1950's and 60's. In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Jackie Shane, a trailblazer whose story is as compelling as her music.

In this episode, we take a fascinating journey into the world of obscure Psych and Hard Rock from the 1970's with the "Brown Acid" series. Brown Acid is not just a collection of music; it represents a moment in time, a period that falls between the peace and love of the hippie era and the aggressive sounds of punk rock-- a vital documentation of a lost chapter in American music history. In this episode, you'll be treated to a selection of tracks from the series, showcasing the eclectic and often wild sounds that characterize the Brown Acid compilations.

Join us as we dive deep into one of Queen's most iconic tracks, "Death on Two Legs," from their legendary album A Night at the Opera, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. This episode features an in-depth analysis of the song's history, production, and the individual tracks that make up this classic, along with performance insights from Tyler Warren, who has played this music live with the Queen Extravaganza. Don't miss this chance to celebrate the music that shaped rock history.

This episode we celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the greatest ever made-- "A Night At The Opera" by Queen. I'm joined by author Gillian Gaar, whose new book, Queen and A Night at the Opera 50 Years, offers a fascinating look at the making of this legendary record. Together, we explore the unique personalities of the band members, the pressures they faced leading up to the album's release, and the innovative production techniques that defined their sound.