Long Live Rock 'N' Roll

From pioneering guitar effects like fuzz, distortion, and feedback to groundbreaking studio techniques, Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Purple Haze’ crafted sounds that redefined the guitar’s role in rock music. The song’s iconic opening chord and layered production pushed boundaries, while its sci-fi-inspired lyrics and spacey feel turned it into a psychedelic anthem. ‘Purple Haze’ pushed rock into experimental and heavier territory, inspiring a generation to explore bold, intense musical styles.

#JimiHendrix #PurpleHaze #Rock #Guitar

Yes’ ‘Close To The Edge’ was a bold, innovative leap that transformed how rock albums could be constructed - both musically and thematically. Its long compositions, technical prowess and depth of concept pushed the boundaries of rock music and inspired a generation of musicians to explore the more progressive aspects of Rock music. To this day, the album remains a pinnacle of what progressive rock could achieve and continues to be admired for its pioneering vision and legacy.

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6wuEu5aF9oHtXxdOKzTYpO?si=d252445e3b8e4b22

#Prog #ProgRock #CloseToTheEdge #Yes #ProgressiveRock

Nazareth's iconic 1975 album ‘Hair Of The Dog’ cemented their legacy in the Rock annals. The album became a commercial breakthrough, propelled by the timeless hits singles ‘Hair of the Dog’ and ‘Love Hurts’. The album's impact on hard rock and heavy metal, influenced bands like Guns N' Roses and Twisted Sister as well as popularising the power ballad. The album’s no-nonsense production and gritty, raw energy secured its place as one of the 70s best Rock albums.

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2xbB7syo5t9xw1bPXi5hmW?si=6e9c466e29234538

#Nazareth #HairOfTheDog #Rock

Jerry Lee Lewis revolutionised Rock 'n' Roll. He made the piano a lead instrument, fused genres, delivered high-energy performances and defied social norms with his image. Having influenced future artists and genres to such an extent, we take a look at his iconic ‘Great Balls Of Fire’ and a handful of his other hits which undoubtedly helped shape, innovate and pioneer the rebellious spirit of Rock 'n' Roll.

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7BdnSIAA3E8NlHdUolxYmh?si=054602a14d82470e

#JerryLeeLewis #GreatBallsOfFire #RockNRoll

In 1995, Blur released 'The Great Escape', an album that not only marked the height of the Britpop movement but also reflected the cultural and musical shifts of Britain in the mid-90s. Coming at the peak of their rivalry with Oasis in the infamous Battle of Britpop, the album saw Blur pushing beyond traditional Britpop boundaries, incorporating lush orchestration, genre experimentation, and character-driven storytelling. Though it became an instant chart success, The Great Escape also hinted at the band's desire to evolve, setting the stage for their later, more experimental work.

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7qMDRoLEPncM8ibh57JBMX?si=44c10b78e71f4179

#Blur #TheGreatEscape #Britpop #DamonAlbarn #Oasis #BattleOfBritpop

‘The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan’ marked a significant turning point in Dylan's career and folk music in general. Dylan's transition from traditional folk songs to original songwriting revolutionised folk music, introducing a new era of the singer-songwriter. The album's socially and politically charged lyrics addressed contemporary issues, influencing the Civil Rights Movement and anti-war protests. Its enduring popularity and influence on music, culture, and society established Dylan as the voice of his generation and cemented its legacy as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7L9HMx9NLw5DZoJ2d6s5fF?si=e6807d8f7051463c

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

#bobdylan #thefreewheelinbobdylan #folk #folkrevival #folkrock #singersongwriter

Following the success of the eponymous, grunge inspired debut album, Dave Grohl recruited Pat Smear and Nate Mendel to join the Foo Fighters and help him write the next record. Also enlisting producer Gil Norton to infuse some pop sensibilities into the album, 1997’s ‘The Colour And The Shape’ would go on to be one of the definitive post-grunge albums - bridging that gap between the distorted, heavy, dark characteristics of grunge and the anthemic, accessible, softer side of Rock..

#FooFighters #TheColourAndTheShape #DaveGrohl #Nirvana #Grunge #PostGrunge

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5akb1dgHssAaM5Lw2HLqAx?si=d6bd9b7d13e04d6e

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

Fats Domino was born in Louisiana on 26th February 1928 to a musical family. He enjoyed and was heavily influenced by the vibrant Jazz and Blues scene of New Orleans in the 1940s. Credited as one of the pioneers of Rock ‘N’ Roll, his music incorporated elements of boogie-woogie, R&B and traditional New Orleans Jazz - creating a sound that was both innovative and accessible!   

Episode 79 Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3otfynMZ3ikSKUpIMpdOaK?si=ca20b30efe104c41   

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL   

#fatsdomino #rocknroll

Oasis are back! Having announced a multitude of dates in what promises to be the biggest live music occasion of the decade, Noel and Liam have put their differences aside to return and bring that 90s Britpop goodness back to UK audiences! We talk about the reunion and our thoughts on it!  

But first, 30 years prior to their 2025 tour…  

In 1995, Oasis departed from the raw, energy of ‘Definitely Maybe’ in favour of a much richer and complex sound. '(What's The Story) Morning Glory?' was significant not just for its commercial success but for its role in defining a cultural and musical movement - perfectly capturing the spirit of Britain in the 90s. Its innovative approach to production, its impact on the Britpop scene, and its anthemic choruses all contributed to it becoming one of the most famous and best selling albums of all time.   

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cxXTAx2tBXp3hGS32nT8Y?si=rI2b9dGIRe69arPK2JQUjg&pi=e-JzalronDSdyG  

#Oasis #NoelGallagher #LiamGallagher #Wonderwall #WhatsTheStoryMorningGlory #DefinitelyMaybe #ChampagneSupernova #DontLookBackInAnger #Oasis2025

In the wake of a 1978 Genesis World Tour, Phil Collins found himself alone and without his family - having been left by his then-wife who took their two children to Canada. Amidst the heartache and the uncertainty, Collins wrote and executed one of the most honest and emotional pop albums of the 80s. ‘Face Value’ utilises great production, genre-blending and emotional lyrics to portray Phil Collin’s feelings of the time - and what we got was one of the most introspective and heartfelt pop albums of the 80s that set a lyrical and musical standard for generations to come.

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40RxSaKqRyitFdDH5j02vm?si=71b2264765de4096

#PhilCollins #Genesis #FaceValue #InTheAirTonight #IMissedAgain #PopRock #Pop