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
  • History in Five Songs Episode 301: There’s no such thing as proto-punk.

    History in Five Songs Episode 301: There’s no such thing as proto-punk.
    Apr 1 2025
    In Episode 301 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin argues that there's no such thing as proto-punk, exploring how bands like The Saints, MC5, and The Stooges challenged the conventional labels by suggesting that many so-called proto-punk acts are better understood as neo-garage or heavy rock bands, rather than direct precursors to punk. The Saints – “No Time” MC5 – “Call Me Animal” The Stooges – “Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell” New York Dolls – “Jet Boy” The Dictators – “Weekend” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 300: The Guitar Weave

    History in Five Songs Episode 300: The Guitar Weave
    Mar 25 2025
    In Episode 300 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin conceptualizes the "guitar weave," a musical interplay between two guitarists, focusing on examples from bands like The Rolling Stones and AC/DC to highlight how intricate and layered guitar parts create a dynamic, conversational sound. The Rolling Stones – “Rocks Off" AC/DC – “Touch Too Much” The Grateful Dead – “Terrapin Station” Aerosmith – “Adam’s Apple” The New York Dolls – “Human Being” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 299: Punk Albums Late by a Year

    History in Five Songs Episode 299: Punk Albums Late by a Year
    Mar 18 2025
    In Episode 299 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin pontificates on punk albums from 1978 that were released a year later than expected, discussing how these albums reflect a more refined and thoughtful side of punk while still capturing its raw energy. Buzzcocks – “Autonomy” The Adverts – “No Time to Be 21” Johnny Moped – “No One” Generation X – “Ready Steady Go” The Lurkers – “Shadow” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 298: The Yes Solo Album Break

    History in Five Songs Episode 298: The Yes Solo Album Break
    Mar 11 2025
    In Episode 298 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin delves into the solo projects of Yes members between their albums Relayer and Going for the One, discussing the emotional and musical motivations behind each member's work. Steve Howe – “Australia" Chris Squire – “Lucky Seven” Alan White – “Spring – Song of Innocence” Patrick Moraz – “Indoors” Jon Anderson – “Flight of the Moorglade” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 297: Lighter but Better?

    History in Five Songs Episode 297: Lighter but Better?
    Mar 4 2025
    In Episode 297 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin explores how certain bands like Rush, Cheap Trick, and The Damned, surprised him by becoming more melodic and lighter over time, finding these changes to be more appealing than their earlier, heavier work. Rush – “The Analog Kid” The Damned – “Grimly Fiendish” Tygers of Pan Tang – “You Always See What You Want” Vandenberg – “Friday Night” Sepultura – “Cut-Throat” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
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