Episodes

  • History in Five Songs Episode 289: False Endings

    History in Five Songs Episode 289: False Endings
    Jan 8 2025
    In Episode 289 of History in Five Songs, Martin Popoff plays with the concept of "false endings" in music, examining iconic songs that deceive listeners into thinking the track is over, only to resume with additional riffs, reprises, or unexpected shifts. Wings – “Let ‘Em In” Rush – “Big Money” Pantera – “Hollow” Manowar – “Blood of the Kings” The Tubes – “White Punks on Dope” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 288: Gillan, Rainbow, Whitesnake and the NWOBHM

    History in Five Songs Episode 288: Gillan, Rainbow, Whitesnake and the NWOBHM
    Jan 1 2025
    In Episode 288, Martin delves into the influence of bands like Gillan, Rainbow, and Whitesnake on the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), examining their evolution from cult favorites to guilty pleasures, with a focus on how these acts navigated mainstream success while maintaining their heavy metal integrity. Rainbow – “Eyes of the World” Whitesnake – “Ready an’ Willing” Gillan – “Future Shock" Rainbow – “Death Alley Driver” Whitesnake – “Standing in the Shadow” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 287: Where do I start?

    History in Five Songs Episode 287: Where do I start?
    Dec 23 2024
    In Episode 287, Martin wrestles with the challenging question of "where to start" when diving into a band's extensive catalog, discussing strategies like starting with the latest or best album, while also reflecting on how listener preferences, social media, and music algorithms shape the listening experience. Judas Priest – “Giants in the Sky” The Clash – “Clampdown” Queen – “Don’t Stop Me Now” The Cure – “Accuracy” Killing Joke – “The Gathering” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 286: A New Theory on What Caused Punk

    History in Five Songs Episode 286: A New Theory on What Caused Punk
    Dec 17 2024
    In Episode 286, Martin posits a new theory about the origins of punk, arguing that it was less a reaction to progressive rock or metal and more a result of a growing disillusionment with established UK rock institutions from the 1960s. Ringo Starr – “Snookeroo” The Kinks – “Have Another Drink” Led Zeppelin – “The Crunge” The Who – “However Much I Booze” The Rolling Stones – “Dancing with Mr. D.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 285: Vocal Intros

    History in Five Songs Episode 285: Vocal Intros
    Dec 10 2024
    In Episode 285, Martin delves into the world of vocal intros, exploring how different artists use unique vocal openings to set the tone for their songs, from crowd participation and bluesy phrases to iconic calls and dramatic showcases of vocal prowess. Max Webster – “The Party” Led Zeppelin – “I Can’t Quit You Baby” Last Crack – “Love or Surrender” Status Quo – “Most of the Time” Queen – “You Take My Breath Away” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 284: Bands Ruined by Hair Metal

    History in Five Songs Episode 284: Bands Ruined by Hair Metal
    Dec 3 2024
    In Episode 284, Martin laments bands that were negatively impacted by the rise of hair metal, examining how their attempts to adapt to the trend led to commercial failure and a shift in their musical identity. Krokus – “Out to Lunch” Uriah Heep – “Party Time” April Wine – “Hard Rock Kid” Cheap Trick – “I Can’t Understand It” Blue Öyster Cult – “Make Rock Not War” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 283: Totally Invested in Title Tracks

    History in Five Songs Episode 283: Totally Invested in Title Tracks
    Nov 26 2024
    In Episode 283, Martin recognizes bands that take their title tracks seriously, showcasing how these songs often define albums by being the standout tracks, iconic hits, or even the only memorable song from the album. Alice Cooper – “School’s Out” Accept – “Breaker” Dio – “Dream Evil” Judas Priest – “Killing Machine” AC/DC – “Stiff Upper Lip” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 282: Not Big on Title Tracks

    History in Five Songs Episode 282: Not Big on Title Tracks
    Nov 19 2024
    In Episode 282, Martin explores bands that show little interest in title tracks, who often bypass or subvert traditional title track conventions in favor of other creative approaches. Van Halen – “Could This Be Magic?” Blue Oyster Cult – “Mirrors” April Wine – “Future Tense” UFO – “No Place to Run” Led Zeppelin – “Houses of the Holy” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins