Music becomes a vessel for expressing feelings we can't put into words ourselves, as Jim recounts how he used a Beatles song to declare his teenage affection on a college radio station and how Billy Joel's lyrics helped him navigate heartbreak.

• Using Beatles song "I Should Have Known Better" to woo a girl via radio dedication at age 13
• Billy Joel's Glass Houses album as soundtrack to adolescent heartbreak in 1980
• Live concert review of Gang of Four's recent April 29, 2025 show at Variety Playhouse
• Meeting original Gang of Four members and REM's Mike Mills' surprise appearance

Whether you're nostalgic for the days of handwritten radio dedications or simply appreciate how certain albums become emotional lifelines during formative years, this episode reminds us that music doesn't just mark time—it helps us navigate life's most challenging moments while creating connections that span decades.

"Music in My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine.

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We transport listeners into the futuristic world of the Sphere in Las Vegas as Jim shares his whirlwind 24-hour trip to see Dead & Company in this revolutionary venue. Through vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes, we explore the cutting-edge technology that creates an unprecedented concert experience.

• Jim scores a last-minute ticket to Dead & Company at the Sphere
• The Sphere features 16K resolution LED screens surrounding the audience
• Dead & Company's setlist and the mind-blowing visual experiences that accompanied each song
• Tribute to legendary producer Roy Thomas Baker who died April 12, 2025, at age 78. Baker's production genius helped create some of rock's most iconic albums—Queen's first five records, The Cars' debut, Journey's breakthrough hits, and many more. 
• 35th Anniversary of Social Distortion's self-titled album
• "Minute with Jimmy" segment featuring The Jam's accidental hit "Going Underground"
• Exploration of Pete Townshend's 1980 solo album "Empty Glass"

"Music in My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine.

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Looking back exactly 50 years, we explore the Billboard Hot 100 charts from April 26, 1975 – a time capsule that reveals a diverse musical landscape. From America's "Sister Golden Hair" to Queen's "Killer Queen," each song carries its own fascinating backstory that connects to broader cultural moments of the era.

We share personal memories of these songs, including childhood misinterpretations (like thinking Pure Prairie League's "Amie" was actually singing "Hey Me") that reveal how differently we experience music as young listeners.

Listen now, for more stories on songs that rocked the charts back then. We also discuss Elton John's contribution to The Who's 'Tommy' film soundtrack. We compare the soundtrack vs the original album. Ready to rediscover the sounds that defined spring 1975? Let the musical memories transport you.

"Music in My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine.

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Join us on a journey through musical touchstones and cultural milestones, weaving together fascinating stories that connect the dots between film, music, and innovation.

• The 1985 film "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" featured Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt
• "We Are the World" by USA for Africa reached #1 on April 13, 1985, featuring an unprecedented lineup of 21 solo vocalists including Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan
• A&M Studios in Hollywood began as Charlie Chaplin Studios in 1917 before housing Hanna-Barbera cartoons, "Perry Mason" filming, and countless classic album recordings
• Ronnie Wood joined the Rolling Stones in April 1975
• Bush's album "Sixteen Stone" dominated alternative radio from 1994-1996 through their strategy of releasing songs to radio before making them available as singles
• Blondie drummer Clem Burke, who recently passed away, brought a Keith Moon-inspired style that defined classics like "Heart of Glass"

"Music in My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine.

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We delve into meaningful musical coincidences and explore music history, from supernatural car incidents to the legacy of the "More Cowbell" SNL sketch.

• Strange collision of musical omens when "I'm a Loser" by the Beatles coincides with a New York car accident
• Reflections on April 1980 as a pivotal moment in my musical awakening through WPLJ radio specials and deep music exploration
• Celebrating the 25th anniversary of SNL's "More Cowbell" sketch and its lasting cultural impact
• Behind-the-scenes look at Record Store Day 2025 and the challenges facing independent labels and artists
• Historical milestones including The Beatles' "Let It Be" reaching #1 in April 1970 and Judas Priest's "British Steel" release in April 1980
• Personal stories of musical discovery featuring Squeeze, Pavement, and Sinead O'Connor

Visit your local record store on April 12th for Record Store Day 2025 and pick up special releases, including "Songs from the Astral Plane: A Tribute to Jonathan Richmond, Volume Two" featuring The Violets and other independent artists.

"Music in My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine.

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Ever had a concert experience so powerful it stays with you for decades? Those magical nights when the music and memories fuse together to create something truly unforgettable? That's what we're exploring in this deeply nostalgic journey through legendary concert moments.

We kick things off with spontaneous concert adventures from the pre-internet era. Remember when buying tickets meant physically going to a record store and getting whatever seats they handed you? Jim recounts how an impulse decision led to witnessing U2's iconic ‘The Unforgettable Fire’ tour at Madison Square Garden in 1985, while Jimmy shares his technique for sneaking into better seats at Atlanta's Omni arena.

The narrative shifts to one of rock's most celebrated collaborations - the night jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis joined the Grateful Dead at Nassau Coliseum in 1990. What began as one song invitation turned into an entire set of improvisation that produced some of the Dead's most transcendent music.

We then travel to spring 1995 for a poignant look at Jerry Garcia's final tour. Despite his weakened voice, these Atlanta and Tampa shows represent the last opportunity I had to see the legendary guitarist before his untimely death. 

The episode isn't just concert tales - it's filled with fascinating musical connections across generations. From The Who's power chords on "I Can't Explain" to Billy Bragg borrowing Simon & Garfunkel's lyrics, we trace the lineage of influence that keeps music in constant conversation with itself.

Have you experienced a concert moment that changed everything? Share your stories with us - we'd love to hear how music has shaped your most cherished memories too!

"Music in My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine.

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The legendary sounds of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" come alive as we explore this revolutionary anthem that dominated airwaves and captivated a generation in 1980. This cultural phenomenon wasn't just a song – it was everywhere, playing in homes, game rooms, and wherever young people gathered to shout "We don't need no education!"

Delving into the innovative construction of the track, we unpack how Pink Floyd boldly incorporated a disco beat at a time when the genre was fading, creating something utterly transcendent with David Gilmour's guitar work and that unforgettable children's choir. The conceptual origins of "The Wall" reveal Roger Waters' growing alienation from audiences, which sparked his radical idea to build an actual wall between band and crowd during performances.

Our musical journey through March 1980 continues with explorations of Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker," Van Halen's "Women and Children First" album, The Cure's "A Forest," and Rush's "The Spirit of Radio." Each track represents the incredible boundary-pushing innovation happening across music as a new decade dawned.

Whether you're rediscovering these classics or hearing these stories for the first time, this episode connects personal memories with musical milestones in ways that will have you reaching for your air guitar – or perhaps practicing your air drums with the proper technique! Join us for this nostalgic yet fresh look at some of rock's most transformative moments.

"Music in My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine.

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An unexpected music miracle unfolded in Athens, Georgia when all four original members of REM reunited on stage during a Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy performance celebrating the 40th anniversary of "Fables of the Reconstruction." This rare convergence became the highlight of a music-packed fortnight in Athens, GA that I'm thrilled to share with you in vivid detail.

The magic moment happened at the legendary 40 Watt Club when Michael Stipe took the microphone, joining Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry for a performance of "Pretty Persuasion." As someone witnessing this unicorn of rock reunions, I found myself torn between capturing the moment on my phone and simply absorbing the once-in-a-lifetime experience with my own eyes.

My Athens immersion continued with visits to iconic landmarks like the Murmur Trestle and Weaver D's (of "Automatic for the People" fame), followed by four days at Cracker's annual "Camp in" event. This gathering of devoted fans—affectionately called "Crumbs"—featured intimate performances ranging from David Lowery and Johnny Hickman's acoustic sets to full-band experiences. A particularly moving moment was Ike Reilly's performances featuring his adult children, weaving themes of redemption and musical legacy.

We dive into musical history with explorations of Depeche Mode's "Violator" album and its transformative impact on their fanbase in 1990, plus Mike Watt's collaborative 1995 album featuring members of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and the Foo Fighters. "Minute with Jimmy" spotlights The Vapors' surprising return with a new album 45 years after their hit "Turning Japanese," proving great music transcends time.

Whether you're a devoted fan of Athens' storied music scene or simply love discovering musical connections across generations, this episode captures those special moments when music history unfolds before your eyes—and why sharing these experiences matters now more than ever.

"Music in My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine.

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Step into an engaging episode of *Music in My Shoes*, where we dive into nostalgic memories and family connections cultivated around great music.

We then take a humorous turn examining an article that lists the ten healthiest and unhealthiest fast food sandwiches. We share opinions on our favored guilty pleasures and reflect on health versus taste. 

As the episode winds down, we tackle thought-provoking questions about funeral playlists, diving deep into how music speaks to our final moments. What songs would you want to represent your life? This personal segment brings warmth as we ponder the enduring legacy of music, creating connections as we reminisce about the soundtracks that define our experiences. 

We look back at Creedance Clearwater Revival's last single from "Cosmo's Factory,' The Guess Who "American Woman,' and The Psychedelic Furs debut album. Join us for an episode rich in laughter, reflection, and music appreciation.

"Music in My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine.

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Join us as Lenny Kaye of Patti Smith Group and Kevn Kinney of Drivin N Cryin, join us in studio for an insightful conversation. This episode highlights their inspiring friendship between them, showcasing their mutual influence on each other's artistic journeys. 

• Discover the moments that bonded Kevn and Lenny in the music scene 
• Reflect on Patti Smith's 'Horses' and its historical significance 
• Explore the relationship between poetry and rock music 
• Hear about the spontaneity and magic of live performances 
• Discuss the importance of versatility in artistic expression 
• Understand how early experiences shaped their identities as musicians 
• Learn about their perspectives on musical collaboration 
• Delve into memories of the legendary CBGB club 
• Reflect on the journey of understanding and evolving through music 

"Music in My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine.

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