Welcome to the first installment of our series on U2! In this episode, Barry dives into U2's early albums, including the lyrical intentionality Bono established for the band right out of the gates. Learn all about the history behind some of U2's earliest hits, as well as the deep meaning behind some of their lesser played tracks on those first few albums. As always, Barry shares some personal stories and connections he has to U2 and their massively prolific catalogue.

Albums Mentioned:

• Boy (1980)
• October (1981)
• War (1983)

Topics: U2 early albums, U2 Boy album analysis, U2 October album meaning, U2 War album review, Bono’s lyrics about grief, U2 songs about loss, New Year’s Day U2 meaning, Spiritual themes in U2 music, U2 and punk rock influence, Like a Song U2 lyrics, Two Hearts Beat as One U2, U2 and social justice, Red Light U2 analysis, Drowning Man U2 meaning, Peace of Music podcast

On this episode, Barry Dwork shares the music and stories behind the evolution of his own feelings toward patriotism over the course of his life. From the mid-1960s through the events of 9/11, music has seen its fair share of hopeful anthems, protest songs, and moments that accurately captured the cultural feeling of the times. On this edition of The Winds of Change series, Barry dives into the music that he connected to the most. Whether it was as a grade school student hearing My Country Tis of Thee or as an adult trying to cope with the horrors of a national tragedy, Barry gives a thorough account of these historic moments in U.S. and music history.

Artists Mentioned in This Episode:

Grand Funk Railroad

U2

Bruce Springsteen

The Highwaymen

Elton John

Styx

Kansas

Topics: patriotic music history, Vietnam War songs, American patriotism evolution, post 9/11 reflections, Bruce Springsteen The Rising, 60s patriotic songs, America the Beautiful history, My Country Tis of Thee meaning, Michael Row the Boat Ashore spiritual, Grand Funk Railroad patriotism, Elton John Daniel meaning, Kansas Song for America lyrics, Styx Suite Madame Blue meaning, U2 In God’s Country analysis, musical evolution and patriotism, songs about American history, Civil Rights era music, emotional impact of 9/11 music, generational views on patriotism, America in classic rock

On this episode, Barry dives into songs of peace, unity, and freedom. From the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in the 1960s right up to the current climate around social justice, Barry explains how and why some of these iconic songs impacted him, as they did so many. Some artists Barry examines within this episode are Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Three Dog Night, Marian Anderson, Joan Baez, and many more.

On this first part of the Winds of Change series, highlighting the many changes we have seen in U.S. since the 1960s, Barry dives into some of the most inspirational, informative, and inspiring music that has helped him understand and cope with the many environmental issues we face as a planet. From early activist anthems by bands of the 1970s to modern protest songs from legendary musicians, this episode puts a spotlight on how the music surrounding climate change has both changed and, in many ways, stayed similar over the course of the last 50 years.

Barry Dwork gives a glimpse at what it was like growing up in the 60s and 70s, to discuss the music, messages, and bands that had the most impact on him. From songs about unity to hard rock that just makes you feel free, this episode goes through the gamut of some of the sounds that not only sparked cultural revolutions, but also, lit a fire in a young Barry just finding his way through a rapidly changing world.

On this inaugural episode, Barry Dwork takes us on a heartfelt journey through the impact of The Who on his life. Like so many of "his generation," The Who impacted Barry profoundly. Why was this band so important? Well, listen as Barry reflects on their profound influence, exploring pivotal songs and albums that shaped him from childhood to adulthood.

Divided into segments discussing the generational impact, love songs, the band's resilience, and the resonance of the rock opera Tommy, Barry delves into how The Who became a source of emotional strength and identity, helping him navigate many challenges he has faced. Discover the transformative power of The Who's music as Barry shares his personal connection with this iconic band!