History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff

By: Pantheon Media
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  • Summary

  • History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff is the show that aims to make grand and often oddball hard rock and heavy metal points through a narrative built upon the tiny idea of a quintet of songs. Buttressed with illustrative clips, Martin argues quickly and succinctly why these songs - and the specific sections of these tracks - support his mad professor premise, from the wobbly invention of an “American” heavy metal, to the influence of Led Zeppelin in hair metal or to more succinct topics like tapping and twin leads. The songs serve as bricks, but Martin slathers plenty of mortar. At the end, hopefully he has a sturdy house in which this week’s theory can reside unbothered by the elements. At approximately 7000, Martin has had published in books more record reviews than anybody in the history of music writing across all genres. Additionally, Martin has penned approximately 85 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock and record collecting. Proud part of Pantheon - the podcast network for music lovers.
    2019-2023 Pantheon Podcasts
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Episodes
  • History in Five Songs Episode 304: The Best Real Estate on a Vinyl Album

    History in Five Songs Episode 304: The Best Real Estate on a Vinyl Album
    Apr 22 2025
    In Episode 304 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin ponders the underrated power and artistry behind the opening track of side two on vinyl albums—“the best real estate” on a record—highlighting how bands like AC/DC, Golden Earring, and Rush use that spot to make bold, surprising, or rewarding musical statements for dedicated listeners. AC/DC – “Guns for Hire” Golden Earring – “D Light” Derringer – “Let’s Make It” Iron Maiden – “Killers” XTC – “Towers of London” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 303: The Stealth Platinums

    History in Five Songs Episode 303: The Stealth Platinums
    Apr 15 2025
    In Episode 303 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin explores the phenomenon of "stealth platinums" — albums from hard rock and metal bands that unexpectedly went platinum in the U.S. despite being critically dismissed, commercially forgotten, or largely unloved by fans. AC/DC – “Two’s Up” Blue Oyster Cult – “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” Kiss – “Let’s Put the X in Sex” Scorpions – “Hold Me Tight” Nazareth – “Miss Misery” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 302: Prog Bands’ Top Ten Seconds

    History in Five Songs Episode 302: Prog Bands’ Top Ten Seconds
    Apr 8 2025
    In Episode 302 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin relives his favorite top 10-second moments from progressive rock bands, highlighting magical and iconic passages that encapsulate the peak musical achievements of bands like Porcupine Tree and King Crimson. Porcupine Tree – “Fear of a Blank Planet” King Crimson – “Three of a Perfect Pair Genesis – “Abacab” Rush – “Tom Sawyer” Yes – “Close to the Edge” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
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Profile Image for Jason Pawlak

cool stuff.

I was absolutely convinced that Whitesnake was going to get an honorable mention. Cool list man. Great to hear someone give Brian Howe some love.

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Profile Image for plofvus

Professor Popoff

Love hearing this guy talk about music.Discovered him on a YouTube channel called Sea Of Tranquility.He is a regular guest on there.Was hoping to find his book about Blue Oyster Cult on here but this show will keep me occupied for awhile.

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