Planet LP

On this episode of the Planet LP podcast, host Ted Asregadoo meets up with novelist, pop culture writer, and podcast host Jeff Giles to recommend some essential reads for music lovers. Ted and Jeff dive into a curated selection of rock biographies, behind-the-scenes histories, and critical perspectives on some of music’s biggest names.

Get ready for some deep talk about My Effin' Life by Geddy Lee, Nothing But A Good Time: The Uncensored History of the '80s Hard Rock Explosion by Tom Beaujour and Richard Bienstock, Surrender by Bono, All Over The Place: The Rise of The BANGLES From The L.A. Underground by Eric M. Shade, A Few Words in Defense of Our Country: The Biography of Randy Newman by Robert Hilburn, Rememberings by Sinéad O'Connor, and more.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering these artists, Ted and Jeff's recommendations are sure to add some rock & roll to your reading list!

American Idiot: A 20th Anniversary Retrospective

Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo and guest pop culture and sports writer Beau Dure commemorate the 20th anniversary of Green Day's iconic album, "American Idiot." In this in-depth discussion, Ted and Beau delve into the political and social climate that shaped "American Idiot," exploring themes of generational alienation, disillusionment, and the impact of significant events like the 2000 presidential election, the 9/11 attacks, and the Iraq War.

The album's central character, St. Jimmy/Jesus of Suburbia, is at the heart of the conversation -- which Beau wrote about in 2017 in an article published on Popdose. Ted and Beau explore the complexities of St. Jimmy/Jesus and how he/they embody the frustrations and anxieties of a generation coming of age in a tumultuous time. From the album's iconic tracks to its enduring legacy, this episode offers an in-depth look at "American Idiot" and its continued relevance in today's world.

Purple Rain Revisited

Forty years after its release, Purple Rain continues to cast a mesmerizing spell. Join Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo as he delves deep into this iconic album and film with a panel of Prince experts: Keith Creighton from Popdose, Ultimate Prince and frequent Planet LP contributor, Matthew Wilkening from Ultimate Classic Rock and Ultimate Prince, and Theo Gonzalves who is part of the Prince fam.

From their earliest encounters with Prince's music to dissecting the flawless tracks on Purple Rain, our guests share their journeys as devoted fans. They dive deep into the album's impact, choose their favorite songs from the record, and dive into the highs and lows of the Purple Rain film. This episode is a must for both Prince fans and casual listeners.

In episode 102 of Planet LP, host Ted Asregadoo is joined by Popdose founder Jeff Giles for a special Single Play episode.

Get ready to expand your playlist and discover hidden gems from legendary artists like The Clash and concept project, Largo -- alongside impressive new music from As For The Future and Cold Specks. But this episode is more than just a "you should listen to this song" episode. Jeff and Ted jump into the deep end of the cultural pool to talk about the challenges of discovering new music in an era when we're offered an endless buffet of musical delights for very little money and effort. The result of all this abundance is a cheapening of the arts to the point where one artist featured (Cold Specks) is currently unhoused.

Speaking of the arts, Jeff Giles has a new novel! Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane published by Humorist Books is the story of a man who spent his life debunking the supernatural and magic only to be killed by a falling piano -- and discover, much to his annoyance, that he is a ghost.

Concert Confessions: Planet LP Dives Deep on Live Shows!

Inspired by their recent reviews of Echo & The Bunnymen and The Chameleons, Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo joins forces with Popdose writer Keith Creighton. Together, they unpack their wildest concert experiences – the good, the bad, and the truly bizarre.

Get ready for insider stories, legendary live recordings, and discussions about unforgettable performances by Prince, KISS, The Frames, Talking Heads, Mike Watt, Rush, and Fleetwood Mac.

This milestone episode reunites OG Planet LP co-host John Young with Ted Asregadoo! Forget reminiscing - the guys are diving DEEP into making it in the music business.

Part 1: From Wickerfish to Bon Jovi - Was "all or nothing" the only way?

John, co-founder of '80s indie band Wickerfish, clashes with Jon Bon Jovi's "no Plan B" approach (courtesy of Hulu's "Thank You, Goodnight: The Jon Bon Jovi Story"). Compelling stories and hard-earned wisdom collide as John reveals the realities of the LA indie scene when he and his bandmates, Jack and Paul Pitsker, were rockin' in clubs, recording their debut album, and trying to get signed to a major label.

Part 2: The Music Industry - Metamorphosis or Mayhem?

Social media's impact on promotion. With new paths to success - are the old ways still relevant? John and Ted dissect the ever-evolving music landscape, offering insights for aspiring artists as they try to stand out in the crowded field of performers.

Songs featured:

Shadows on the Sun, Wickerfish

"Livin' On a Prayer" (Demo), Bon Jovi

"That's Ted," John Young

On this episode, Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo and Popdose writer Keith Creighton revisit two albums that left a lasting impression on them 40 years after their initial releases.

Ted dives into the Pretenders' "Learning to Crawl," a pivotal album that marked the band's resilience after the tragic deaths of two original members from drug overdoses.

Keith focuses on The Go-Go's third album, "Talk Show." Released during a period of internal strife, this record has surprisingly stood the test of time, showcasing a collection of strong songs that some argue is The Go-Go's finest work.

Taylor Swift knows how to launch an album. Her marketing is a machine, and her fans eagerly devour every detail. Her 11th studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department," arrived in a surprising double dose! First came 15 songs at midnight on April 19th, followed by another 15 just two hours later. This 31-song release marks a return to familiar territory for Swift: exploring the complexities of relationships, especially when they fall apart.

On this episode of Planet LP, host Ted Asregadoo and Popdose writer Keith Creighton dive into The Tortured Poets Department just a day after its release. As you might expect when discussing Taylor Swift, the conversation goes beyond the music. They delve into her personal life (a constant theme in her songs), Keith's Taylor Swift music collection obsession, and they offer some hot takes on this massive album release that was unleashed with firehose-like force.

For decades, the sale of single songs was dominant in the music industry. Singles are still popular, and in the age of streaming, single plays make up the bulk of how most people listen to music. Not a lot has changed since radio was dominant in terms of single songs that become hits. However, with the firehose of music at our fingertips, finding standout single songs that aren't from the pantheon of superstars who dominate streaming and album sales can be a challenge.

What are some of your favorite singles? Sometimes, a single song remains happily lodged in your head and its lyrics, its melodies, and its whole vibe take up a large part of your mental real estate. So much so, that you may find yourself whistling the tune, or bursting out into song from time to time.

In this episode, Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo talks to and features music from two artists whose singles have really made an impression.

First up is Allie Sandt, the former member of Seeing Double whose track "Bygones" made waves on Ted's Top 10 list back in 2022. Now embarking on a solo career, Allie shares her latest creation, "The Flood," which debuted on April 5th, 2024. Written when Allie was just 17, "The Flood" has undergone multiple iterations with various musicians, ultimately culminating in a version that Allie finds deeply fulfilling creatively.

Then, we turn our attention to indie sensation Ward White, whose upcoming album "Here Come the Dowsers" is set for release on May 17th, 2024. However, it's the lead single "Continuity" that's been generating buzz in the music scene. Ward joins Ted to discuss the evolving landscape of the music industry and delves into the intricate characters and themes woven into "Continuity." Through this song, Ward offers a poignant exploration of the gritty realities lurking beneath the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Ted Asregadoo and Keith Creighton dive deep into new releases from Ariana Grande, Green Day, Honeymoon Suite, The Pineapple Thief, and more! They also discuss the struggle of separating the artist from the art, using Ariana Grande as an example. Is it possible to love her music but not care about her personal life?

New Discoveries

We end the show with a sample from Your Future Ghost's new song "Pritty" to leave you on a high note!