I'm In Love With That Song Podcast

By Brad PageMusic Music Commentary Music History

I'm In Love With That Song Podcast episodes

October 01 Terry Reid - "Seed Of Memory"
On this episode of the podcast, we explore the fascinating career and musical genius of Terry Reid, the legendary English rock vocalist and guitarist who famously turned down offers to front Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. Instead of conforming to the commercial pressures of the industry, Reid fiercely protected his artistic independence, carving out a unique path that led to his 1976 album, Seed of Memory. We take a deep
dive into the album's title track, analyzing Reid's custom drop-C guitar
tuning, his masterful vocal restraint, and the stellar contributions of session legends like David Lindley and producer Graham Nash. It is a celebration of a true "artists' artist" who prioritized his creative vision above superstardom.

"Seed Of Memory" - Music & Lyrics by Terry Reid, copyright 1976 Irving Music, Inc. and House of Dreams Music (BMI)

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28 min
September 15 Fleetwood Mac - "Sara"
Following the unprecedented success of Rumours, Fleetwood Mac found themselves at a crossroads: deliver a safe sequel or redefine their sound. Driven by Lindsey Buckingham’s obsession with the burgeoning punk and New Wave scenes, the band spent a then-unheard-of $1.4 million to create Tusk, a lo-fi, experimental double album recorded in upgraded studios and tiled bathrooms alike. While the industry initially labeled the project a failure compared to its predecessor, time has vindicated
the record as a brave artistic pivot. At the heart of this transition stands “Sara”.
We’ll peel back the layers of the track’s amalgamation of inspirations. The episode investigates the delicate, sweeping drum patterns of Mick Fleetwood, the "Ice Cream Changes" chord structure, and the deeply private stories buried in the mix—including Stevie Nicks’ complicated
fallout with her best friend and her secret history with the Eagles’ Don
Henley. By isolating vocal tracks and exploring the instrumental performances, this episode demonstrates how Fleetwood Mac turned personal turmoil into a song that continues to strike a heartbeat in millions of listeners.

"Sara" (Words & Music by Stevie Nicks, Copyright 1979 Welsh Witch Music administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing)

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41 min
September 01 Free - "Mr. Big"
In the late 1960's, a group of London teenagers emerged from the blues-rock underground to form Free, a band that would prioritize emotional weight and groove over flashy speed. Led by the soulful, hyper-masculine vocals of an 18-year-old Paul Rodgers, Free created a sound that felt massive yet remarkably sparse. This episode deconstructs the song "Mr. Big" from their 1970 breakthrough album, Fire and Water, highlighting the interplay between Paul Kossoff’s legendary guitar vibrato and the melodic counter-melodies of bassist Andy Fraser.

"Mr. Big" - Andy Fraser, Paul Rodgers, Paul Kossoff, and Simon Kirke Copyright 1970 Irving Music, Inc. BMI

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27 min
August 15 The Curious History of "It Ain't Easy"
Have you ever noticed a song that seems to follow you through your record collection, appearing in different forms across decades and
genres? This episode explores the fascinating journey of "It Ain’t Easy",
a song that found a home in the repertoire of David Bowie, Three
Dog Night, Long John Baldry, Mitch Ryder, Shelby Lynne and more. We trace the song back to its source: Ron Davies, a prolific but often-overlooked songwriter who came out of the Pacific Northwest garage rock scene. Despite never reaching the top of the Billboard charts himself, Davies created a song with musical bones so strong that it transitioned seamlessly from the glam-rock harpsichord of Bowie’s sessions to the stripped-back folk of Chris Smither.
We take a look at the specific production touches of the most significant versions, including the "all-star" original recording featuring Leon Russell and Jim Keltner. We discuss the tragic "lost" sessions of Bettye LaVette at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, the Rolling Stones-style swagger of Claudia Lennear’s version (featuring Ry Cooder), and even modern
interpretations by The Raconteurs and Alexis P. Suter. Whether filtered through blues, country, glam, or soul, "It Ain’t Easy" remains a masterclass in songwriting consistency. Join us as we explore the lifespan of a track that proved a great song doesn't need to be a commercial smash to become a timeless classic.
"It Ain't Easy" Ron Davies Copyright 1970 Irving Music Inc. (BMI)

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37 min
August 01 The Temptations - "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)"
By 1970, the "Psychedelic Soul" movement was beginning to wane, leading producer Norman Whitfield and The Temptations to return to their ballad roots—but with a sophisticated, dream-like twist. This episode
deconstructs the instrumental layers of “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” and explores the brilliant production of Whitfield, the
legendary contribution of The Funk Brothers, and the heartbreaking
reality behind the lyrics. This episode serves as a bittersweet tribute to a
group at a crossroads, marking the final appearances of both Eddie
Kendricks and Paul Williams.
Beyond the music, this episode explores the history of The Temptations during this recording session. As the classic lineup began to fracture, the song became a final curtain call for Eddie Kendricks’ ethereal falsetto and features Paul Williams’ single poignant line. Let’s celebrate the enduring legacy of a song that remains one of the most perfect three-minute stories ever committed to tape.

"Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" by N. Whitfield, B. Strong Copyright 1970 Jobete BMI

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27 min
July 15 Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Green River"
In 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival accomplished
the unthinkable: releasing three career-defining albums in a single year. At
the heart of this creative explosion was "Green River," a track that reached #2 on the charts and perfectly encapsulated the band’s "swamp rock" aesthetic. Let’s dive deep into the mastermind of John Fogerty, revealing how he his Rickenbacker and a solid-state Kustom amp to create the raw guitar tone that created an indelible riff. We also look at the locked-in rhythm section of Stu Cook and Doug Clifford and the driving force
that Fogerty famously dubbed "chooglin’."
Beyond the music, this episode uncovers the nostalgic and sociopolitical layers of the lyrics. While the song evokes the bayous of Louisiana, its true origins lie in Fogerty’s childhood memories of Putah Creek in California… and a lime-flavored soda pop. We’ll look at how the smoldering world of 1969—marked by the Vietnam War and recent political assassinations—crept into Fogerty’s writing, transforming a childhood reminiscence into a plea for a simpler time. Whether you are a recording nerd interested in the studio minutia, or a casual fan of great rock, this episode offers a comprehensive look at a timeless American masterpiece.
Words & Music by John Fogerty Copyright 1969 Jondora Music

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24 min
July 01 Foghat - "Fool For The City"
In this episode, we’ll explore the story and sonic architecture behind Foghat’s 1975 arena rock anthem, "Fool for the City". Tracing the band's roots back to British blues rockers Savoy Brown, we dive into how Foghat solidified their heavy boogie sound and retreated to a remote studio in Vermont to record their breakthrough platinum album. And we’ll take a tour through the song's isolated instrumental tracks, uncovering the characteristically dry 1970’s drum mix, producer Nick Jameson's funky bass contributions, the one-of-a-kind voice of Lonesome Dave Peverett, and Rod Price's classic guitar work.
Words & Music by Lonesome Dave Peverett Copyright 1975 Kohaw Music o/b/o Knee Trembler Music (ASCAP) c/o The Bicycle Music Company

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27 min
June 15 The Band - "Life Is A Carnival"
By 1971, The Band was one of the most influential forces in rock music, having steered the genre away from psychedelic excess toward a more rustic, roots-based sound. However, the recording of their fourth album, Cahoots, was a period of high tension within the group. Despite these fractures, the album’s opening track, "Life is a Carnival," stands out as a masterpiece of groove and atmosphere, drawing on Robertson’s real-life experiences working in a traveling circus to paint a vivid picture of life as a relentless "hustle."
Let’s dive inside the track to examine the individual elements that make it work: the interplay between Levon Helm’s "behind the beat" drumming, Rick Danko’s fretless bass, Robbie Robertson’s funky guitar work, and the "calliope" atmosphere created by Garth Hudson’s Lowrey organ. And a major highlight is Allen Toussaint’s contribution; the New Orleans legend’s horn arrangements were written specifically to weave around Robertson’s existing guitar solo, resulting in a rhythmic conversation that remains irresistible decades later. This episode is a tribute not just to a great song, but to the enduring legacy of five musicians who changed the landscape of American music.

Words & Music by Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm and Rick Danko, Copyright 1971 WB Music Corp and Canaan Music, Inc. All Rights Administered by WB Music Corp.

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28 min
June 01 The Beastie Boys - "So What'cha Want" & "Gratitude"
The Beastie Boys’ trajectory is one of the most unique in music history, moving from underground punk, to the "frat-rap" superstardom of Licensed to Ill, to socially-conscious stars of both hip-hop and alternative rock. In this episode, we explore the pivotal moment when the band faced an artistic crisis following the commercial failure of Paul’s Boutique. Severing ties with Def Jam and moving to Los Angeles, the trio—Mike D, MCA, and Ad-Rock—found absolute creative freedom in their own L.A. studio. With the help of Mario Caldato Jr. and Money Mark, they began to blend their hip-hop roots with live funk, punk, and rock, resulting in the 1992 triumph, Check Your Head.

We’ll do a track-by-track breakdown of "So What'cha Want" and "Gratitude," revealing the secrets behind their signature sounds. We’ll see how the Hammond organ and distorted karaoke vocals created the atmosphere of "So What'cha Want," and how Adam Yauch’s (MCA) spiritual journey influenced the heavy, fuzz-drenched riff of "Gratitude." The episode concludes with a poignant look at the band's legacy following Yauch's passing in 2012, celebrating a group that proved innovation often comes from looking back at your roots while moving fearlessly forward.

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36 min
May 15 Favorite STAX Trax - Part 2: 1964-1966
On this episode, we continue our journey from last year through the history of Stax Records, the iconic label that defined Southern Soul music, as I play some of my favorite Stax tracks from 1964 to 1966. Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Booker T & The MG's, Albert King, Rufus & Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd... they're all here on some of the greatest singles ever released. Let's dig in, shall we?

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35 min