In the latest episode we make sense out of nonsense, meaning we crack open three 'goofy greats' and feast on the goo inside! Back in 1956, The Chips released "Rubber Biscuit," a rockin' doo wop number with insane vocables that we find hides a serious message (1:39). Two years later, David Seville went to visit the "Witch Doctor" (58:54). We don't know if he won his crushes heart, but the squeaky-voiced Doc did give Seville one of the greatest choruses ever. Finally, in 1972 the Italian legend Adrian Celentano recorded "Prisencolinensainciusol," which became a hit and then a viral sensation years after its release (1:34:56). Sometimes it takes a while for the message to sink in! Alright!

In the latest episode we make sense out of nonsense, meaning we crack open three 'goofy greats' and feast on the goo inside! Back in 1956, The Chips released "Rubber Biscuit," a rockin' doo wop number with insane vocables that we find hides a serious message (1:39). Two years later, David Seville went to visit the "Witch Doctor" (58:54). We don't know if he won his crushes heart, but the squeaky-voiced Doc did give Seville one of the greatest choruses ever. Finally, in 1972 the Italian legend Adrian Celentano recorded "Prisencolinensainciusol," which became a hit and then a viral sensation years after its release (1:34:56). Sometimes it takes a while for the message to sink in! Alright!

Nonsense Songs

The usual format is this: we pick a song from the 1950s or 1960s (genres range from garage, R&amp;B, Girl Groups, Motown and Doo-Wop), and discuss three versions of that song, or sometimes we just play a song we haven’t heard before and react to it. We’ve covered classics like “Little Bit o’ Soul” and “Psychotic Reaction” to rarities like “Jump and Dance” by the Carnaby, and “Ringo I Love You” by Bonnie Jo Mason (aka Cher). Our aim is to discuss what makes these songs interesting, ineffable, or even intolerable. We place special emphasis on the “moments” in these songs where, perhaps, a new interpretation will emerge from. A close look at song structure is also present in our discussions. If that sounds academic, maybe it is a little bit, but we like to keep the analysis in the spirit of the songs we speak of – which means we drink some spirits (for Erik, it’s bourbon, for Weldon, it’s Stambecco) – and that means by the third song, things can get a little wild. Basically, we talk about rock!

Music

Music Commentary

Music History

The usual format is this: we pick a song from the 1950s or 1960s (genres range from garage, R&B, Girl Groups, Motown and Doo-Wop), and discuss three versions of that song, or sometimes we just play a song we haven’t heard before and react to it. We’ve covered classics like “Little Bit o’ Soul” and “Psychotic Reaction” to rarities like “Jump and Dance” by the Carnaby, and “Ringo I Love You” by Bonnie Jo Mason (aka Cher). Our aim is to discuss what makes these songs interesting, ineffable, or even intolerable. We place special emphasis on the “moments” in these songs where, perhaps, a new interpretation will emerge from. A close look at song structure is also present in our discussions. If that sounds academic, maybe it is a little bit, but we like to keep the analysis in the spirit of the songs we speak of – which means we drink some spirits (for Erik, it’s bourbon, for Weldon, it’s Stambecco) – and that means by the third song, things can get a little wild. Basically, we talk about rock!

Share Nonsense Songs

Sign up to save your podcasts

Nonsense Songs

Nonsense Songs

More shows like In The Past: Garage Rock Podcast

Pivot

The SBL Podcast

Retrospect '60s Garage Punk Show

Pod Save America

Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

The Al Franken Podcast

Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt

The Daily Beast Podcast

The Rest Is History

The Ezra Klein Show

Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

The Rest Is Politics

Club Random with Bill Maher

The Rest Is Politics: US

Inside Trump's Head