Welcome to our annual Bonus Holiday Episode, where I dig through my collection of Christmas & Holiday songs and pull out one of my favorites to play for you. No deep dive here, just a nice little holiday ditty to add to your playlist if you're so inclined. Also, join me at the end as say a few "thank you's" to friends, family, and most importantly, to you-- my heartfelt thanks for spending your time with the show this year. More to come in 2025, so I hope you keep listening!

"All I Want For Christmas Is A Go-Go Girl" - Copyright B.G. Hinds, Westex Music BMI

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For one hot moment, Broken Homes were the buzzed-about new band in LA, and big success was ahead. It never materialized. The band cut 3 albums for MCA, but they went nowhere. On this episode, we dig into a track from their first album, one of my favorite LP's from the '80's and a real "desert island" record for me. The album never came out on CD, but if you can track down a copy on vinyl, I highly recommend it.

"An L.A. Rain" (Mike Doman) Copyright 1986

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In this epic episode, we embark on a sonic exploration of The Who's towering anthem "Won't Get Fooled Again." We explore the song that encapsulates the very essence of rock music-- its intensity, grandeur, and unyielding spirit. We dive deep into the tumultuous history behind one of the most ambitious projects in rock history, The Who's "Lifehouse," and how it gave rise to an album that, despite its fraught genesis, stands as a masterpiece of the genre.

From Pete Townsend's futuristic visions to the band's quest for a universal musical connection, we unravel the tapestry of a song that has been both celebrated and misunderstood. With a careful ear, we dissect the iconic keyboard riff, Keith Moon's explosive drumming, John Entwistle's virtuosic bass lines, and Roger Daltrey's soul-stirring vocals. This episode isn't just a tribute to a classic track; it's a deep dive into the heart of rock music and the relentless pursuit of artistic vision.

"Won't Get Fooled Again" Pete Townshend Copyright 1971 Towser Tunes, Inc., Fabulous Music Ltd. and ABKCO Music Inc.

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 No genre had greater impact of the development of Rock & Roll than the Blues. And no instrument has contributed more to Rock than the electric guitar. In this episode, I’m joined by author Pete Prown to talk about the blues guitarists who influenced the sound of Rock (and all the genres & offshoots that followed). Some of these players became icons, others were forgotten; but they are all important figures in the evolution of the Blues and Rock—and all featured in Prown’s new book, “The Ultimate Book Of Blues Guitar Legends”, available now.

Get your copy of Pete Prown's book here:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-ultimate-book-of-blues-guitars-the-players-and-guitars-that-shaped-the-music-pete-prown/21008373?ean=9780760387566

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One of our greatest singer/songwriters, Matthew Sweet, suffered a stroke recently. He's facing some tough times ahead, but this isn't the first challenge he's faced. Things were not going Matthew Sweet’s way in 1990; his first two albums flopped, and his marriage fell apart. His 3rd album was make-or-break, do-or-die. If this one failed, he may never get to do another record. So he & his producer went back to basics, recording a batch of guitar-oriented songs that sound both retro and refreshingly new. The album that became known as Girlfriend saved his career and has become a true classic. On this episode, we explore the album’s brilliant opener, “Divine Intervention”. Let's hope he rebounds as well this time.

Please donate to support Matthew's recovery here:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-matthew-sweets-stroke-recovery

"Divine Intervention" (Matthew Sweet) Copyright 1990 EMI Blackwood Music, Inc/Charm Trap Music

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It's time for our occasional, somewhat-annual Halloween Spooktacular episode, where we pick a song appropriate to the season and see what terror awaits us. And what better way to get into the Halloween spirit than an examination (autopsy?) of the original “shock rock” song—“I Put A Spell On You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.

"I Put A Spell On You" (Words & Music by Jay Hawkins) Copyright 1956 (Renewed 1984) EMI Unart Catalog Inc.

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Aerosmith were at their commercial & creative peak in 1976 when they released Rocks, a high-water mark in their career. The album opens with “Back In The Saddle”, one of their hardest-rocking songs and the perfect way to kick off their heaviest album. There’s lots to uncover in this song, so join us for this episode where we explore this classic track.

"Back In The Saddle" (Steven Tyler & Joe Perry) Copyright 1977 Music Of Stage Three, All Rights Administered by Stage Three Music US Inc.

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On this episode, we take a journey through the rich history of Stax Records, the iconic label that defined Southern Soul music, and I play some of my favorite Stax tracks from their earliest years, 1959 to 1963.

Stax produced some of the most unforgettable songs in music history. Join us as I spin up some of my personal favorites, featuring legends like Booker T. and the MGs, Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, The Mar-Keys and Carla Thomas. Learn about the unique sound of Stax, the community that fostered it, and the incredible music that continues to resonate today.

Take advantage of our discount code lovethatsong and save 15% off t-shirts & merch from your favorite bands at OldGlory.com!

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One song can’t really define a whole genre, but “September Gurls” by Big Star comes pretty damn close – it IS the sound of Power Pop. Jangly guitars, plaintive vocal, angelic harmonies, all neatly wrapped up in under 3 minutes. It became a template to inspire bands as diverse as R.E.M., Cheap Trick, The Bangles, KISS, and The Replacements. Discover why Big Star is often called “the most influential band you’ve never heard of”.

“September Gurls” (Alex Chilton) Copyright 1974 Koala Music Corporation/Almo Music Corporation, USA

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Titanic Love Affair never got a big break and flew under the radar with a couple of albums before calling it quits. On this episode, we explore a song by this underappreciated band—a supremely catchy number called “Happy” that shoulda been a contender. Join us in appreciation for this song, this band, and the late, great Jay Bennett.

“Happy” (Jay Bennett, Ken Hartz, Michael Trask, Lars Gustafsson) Copyright 1991 Virgin Music, Inc./Say Jim Music (ASCAP)

Here's the link to the GREAT episode of the "Rock And/Or Roll" Podcast that turned me on to Titanic Love Affair in the first place. Check it out:

Rock and/or Roll Episode 245 - TITANIC LOVE AFFAIR (rockandorrollpodcast.blogspot.com)

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