In the 1950s, wholesome whitebread protestants were terrified by the so-called "Race Records" of the likes of Little Richard, Charles Singleton and Nat King Cole. Enter Pat Boone, a palatable alternative to both black musicians and the gyrating hips of Elvis Presley. With his milquetoast covers of black artists' original compositions, Pat Boone quickly surged to superstardom, amassing millions of dollars, jumpstarting a career in film and television, and spreading the good word to his avowedly Christian Conservative audience. In 1997, at age 63, Boone decided to try his hand at an entirely new form of cultural appropriation by shedding his cardigan for a leather vest and choker, and recording In A Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy, an album of cover songs by the likes of Alice Cooper, Ronnie James Dio, Metallica, and his neighbor and friend Ozzy Osbourne. Mike D'Angelo and Ginny Nightshade of Old School Game Show join Heather and Mike to discuss this anomaly and its place in Boone's milieu. What exactly compels a Christian Conservative grandpa, birther and avowed homophobe to give a pass to the most Satanic genre? And is there any value to be found in an album made by such a wretched bigot? It's a long way to the top if you want to croon and crow. Part of the Pantheon Podcast Network.

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