This is the second installment of a three-part podcast with my friend RJ. He’s a talented percussionist and straight-up badass drummer. Furthermore, he’s smart, passionate, charismatic, funny, and incredibly thoughtful. This makes for what turns out to be a booze-soaked master class on music criticism and appreciation. If you skipped part one but love music…not just listening to it but thinking about it, not just as background but as an integral part of your life and happiness, not as a soundtrack but as a primary focus…you should NOT miss this one.

I asked RJ to tell me why Ringo Starr is such an important drummer, and why the majority of casual Beatles fans, who generally consider him to be the least important, least talented Beatle by far, should lay off of Ringo.  RJ’s responses are outstanding, original, and extremely thought provoking. Keep in mind as you listen, we’d consumed 3+ big beers each by this point…so we were skating around this sophisticated rink in full-on drunken revelry.

Things you’ll learn today:

1. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is close to a perfect album…except for that stupid fucking George Harrison song. (Within You, Without You)
2. The Beatles sound…is Ringo.
3. The Beatles didn’t groove until Abbey Road, and that’s because Ringo, like Stella, got his groove back. Listen to the song, “Sun King.”
4. Ringo is to the Beatles as Nick Mason is to Pink Floyd. Or Flink Poyd. (Remember, beer.)
5. How the fuck do you say the name: Neil Peart? (“Pert” or “Peert”)
6. Nirvana’s “Breed,” from Nevermind, is, from every technical perspective (i.e. lyrics, composition, arrangement, musicality, mix), complete and utter shit. However, R.J. simply can’t get enough of it, and neither could most of us in our late 30’s to early 40’s.

Also, a question for you, loyal listener and reader: What album before “Nevermind” was as culturally and historically significant? And have there been any after?

We end on a good RJ rant.

A very good one.

But then again, every RJ rant is better than average.

Have fun with this!

(Oh hey…the music.  Here’s the list, in order of appearance: The Beatles, “One After 909.” The Beatles, “Sun King.” Nirvana, “Breed.”  I know I’m missing a couple RJ played in the body of the recording.  For now, let’s just assume I intend all credit where due and required, take none, earn no money from the use of unsaid credited music [oxymoron much, Del Duca?], and will remove it if someone legitimately threatens to sue me.)

-G

  We hope you have enjoyed the show!