Episode 316 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff takes a cheeky sideways swipe at the groove: Martin lines up Deep Purple, Queen, The Jam, Boomtown Rats, and The Clash, drops the needle on their “too‑funky‑for‑their‑own‑good” moments, and shows how a fatback beat can splinter line‑ups, sideline guitars, and tank whole careers. If you’re curious why Richie Blackmore bolted, how Freddie’s dance‑floor obsession blindsided Brian May, or where Paul Weller’s mojo wandered, cue this episode and hear Martin’s vinyl‑crackling verdict on bands ruined by funk.

1. Deep Purple – “You Can’t Do It Right”
2. Queen – “Back Chat”
3. The Jam – “Precious”
4. The Boomtown Rats – “Mood Mambo”
5. The Clash – “Ivan Meets G.I. Joe”

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