The Kinks earned their place in Rock History on the basis of "You Really Got Me", "All Day & All Of The Night", and "Where Have All The Good Times Gone" alone. But it didn't take long for Ray Davies to stretch out beyond riff-driven, teenage anthems to write songs that could only have come from his imagination. "Autumn Almanac" is one of the first Kinks songs to show Davies reaching for a whole new level of songwriting-- both musically and his interest in writing about characters, which would become the focus of his songwriting over the ensuing years. 

"Autumn Almanac" (Ray Davies) Copyright 1967 Davray Music Ltd. Carlin Music Corp.

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Stevie Wonder was on an unrivaled creative streak starting in 1972, releasing 5 brilliant albums in a row, culminating with Songs In The Key Of Life in 1976. That album spawned 2 hit singles, including "I Wish", the subject of this episode. A masterpiece blending funk with pop sensibilities, it's a celebration of youthful innocence and simpler times. How does this song make *you* feel? Let me know on Facebook, write a review on iTunes or wherever you listen to this show. And share it with your friends!

"I Wish" (Stevie Wonder) Copyright 1976 Jobette Music Co. Inc, and Black Bull Music c/o EMI April Music Inc.  

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After a few longer-than-usual episodes, I thought it was time for a quick take on a straight-forward rocker with a premise not often heard in rock, pop, metal or rap -- Graham Day & The Gaolers (pronounced "Jailers") with "Glad I'm Not Young". 

"Glad I'm Not Young" (Graham Day) Copyright 2008 Graham Day (MCPS)

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Few bands have changed their sound as drastically as Yes did on their 90125 album, a radical departure from their previous progressive rock style. But it ended up giving them their one & only #1 hit, "Owner Of A Lonely Heart". In this episode, we follow the song's evolution from Trevor Rabin's solo demo to the final production, including its innovative production techniques (such as being one of the first rock songs to use samples). This was the most challenging episode I've done yet, but I think it was worth it. If you enjoyed it, share it with your friends! 

"Owner Of A Lonely Heart" (Trevor Rabin, Jon Anderson, Trevor Horn & Chris Squire) Copyright 1983 Carlin Music Corp, Unforgettable Songs And Affirmative Music

— This show is one of the many great podcasts on the Pantheon Podcasts network. Check ’em all out!

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50 years ago today -- July 16, 1969 -- Apollo 11 was launched and human beings first stepped on the moon. Let's celebrate that occasion with the most famous song about space travel: David Bowie's "Space Oddity", a song that exploits our fear and wonder of the final frontier. In lesser hands, this track could've been nothing more than a goofy, one-joke song for the Dr. Demento crowd, but the clever songwriting, brilliant production and a vocal performance that captures Bowie's innate other-worldly, alienated style makes this track so much more than a novelty song.

"Space Oddity" (David Bowie) Copyright 1969 Onward Music Limited

If you enjoyed this episode, check out these:

https://lovethatsongpodcast.com/david-bowie-station-to-station

https://lovethatsongpodcast.com/david-bowie-time

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Among the many high points in David Bowie's catalog, "Station To Station" stands as one of his most epic compositions. Written when Bowie's life was at its most fractured point-- having split with his longtime manager, suffering from cocaine psychosis and obsessed with the occult, "Station To Station" transcends the insanity to become one of his most monumental works. This episode, we're taking a deep dive into the live version of "Station To Station" from the 1978 Isolar II Tour, as captured on the Stage live album featuring brilliant guitar work from Adrian Belew. 

"Station To Station" (David Bowie) Copyright 1976 EMI Publishing Ltd., Tintoretto Music and Moth Music

Related episodes:

https://lovethatsongpodcast.com/david-bowie-time

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Aqualung was the album that made Jethro Tull famous, and features 3 songs that became classic hits. But the song at the heart of the album is "My God", Ian Anderson's very personal statement on religious institutions. It's the most instrumentally adventurous track on the album and features great guitar by Martin Barre and a flute workout from Anderson. 

"My God" (Ian Anderson) Copyright 1971 Chrysalis Music, Ltd. 

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70 years ago this month, George Orwell's "1984" was first published. So let's give George an ol' Rock & Roll salute by looking at one of the many songs inspired by his book. Sure, I could've done David Bowie's "1984", but that would be too easy. I'm a big Utopia fan, so this is a good excuse to take a look at another one of their tracks. It's Utopia in dystopia! 

For more 1984-inspired songs, check out Eurythmics “Ministry of Love”, Radiohead's “2+2=5”, or "Standards" by The Jam, just to name a few. 

"Winston Smith Takes It On The Jaw" (Utopia) Copyright 1983 Unearthly Music/Fiction Music (BMI) Terrestrial Music/Fourth Floor Music (ASCAP)

If you enjoyed this show, please check out these related episodes:

https://lovethatsongpodcast.com/utopia-the-road-to-utopia

https://lovethatsongpodcast.com/todd-rundgren-cliche

https://lovethatsongpodcast.com/todd-rundgren-parallel-lines

https://lovethatsongpodcast.com/xtc-thats-really-super-supergirl

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When Brian Wilson heard The Beatles Rubber Soul album, it inspired and challenged him to create an album of his own that would stand as an equal. And he pulled it off. Universally considered one of the greatest albums of all time, Pet Sounds is a testament to Brian's genius as a songwriter, arranger & producer.  

The album includes some all-time classics like "God Only Knows" and "Wouldn't it Be Nice", but on this episode, I'd like to focus on one of my favorites on the record-- "You Still Believe in Me".  

Like most of the songs on Pet Sounds, this is a very personal song, a confession of a young man who knows he's failing as a husband, but can't help himself. Brian's vocal is pure, honest, and perfect. And when those harmonies come in... I melt. Let's listen together.

"You Still Believe In Me" (Brian Wilson & Tony Asher) Copyright 1966 Sea Of Tunes Publishing Company/Irving Music Incorporates, USA, Rondor Music International

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Another overlooked gem in the McCartney catalog, "Little Lamb Dragonfly" is an emotional piece, composed of 3 sections in different keys that effortlessly moves between each segment. A wistful, haunting song about loss and the struggle to accept it. How does this song affect you? Let me know-- write a review, post on Facebook, and share this episode with your friends. 

"Little Lamb Dragonfly" (Paul & Linda McCartney) Copyright 1973 Administered by MPL Communications Limited

If you liked this episode, please check out:

https://lovethatsongpodcast.com/paul-mccartney-wings-daytime-nighttime-suffering

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