Épisodes

  • Hearts and Bones by Paul Simon...Episode #11

    Hearts and Bones by Paul Simon...Episode #11
    Nov 18 2025
    In this episode of Classic Rock Album Olympics music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez dig into Paul Simon’s 1983 album Hearts and Bones. The album was written and recorded following Simon and Garfunkel’s Concert In The Park in 1981 and their world tour of 1982–1983. Some of the songs intended for Hearts and Bones were performed on the tour. Paul and Art began recording and intended that the finished product would be an all-new Simon & Garfunkel studio album. However, tensions during recording led to the project being released as a Paul Simon solo album. Hearts and Bones peaked at #35 in the U.S. Commercially, it was Paul Simon’s poorest performing solo album to date. The initial single Allergies only reached #44 and the follow up single Think Too Much (A) did not chart. To our ears, however, the album is innovative, insightful and deeply moving. The case can be made that Hearts and Bones is an important transition album between Simon’s 1970s solo success and his 1986 smash Graceland. With Hearts and Bones, Simon began experimenting with unusual rhythms, layered production, and a more adventurous studio approach. This laid the foundation for Graceland’s fusion of pop and world music. Medal Winners Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After The War Think Too Much (B) Hearts And Bones Train In The Distance Bonus Tracks Allergies Cars Are Cars Think Too Much (A) Rene And Georette Magritte With Their Dog After The War with Art Garfunkel Song About The Moon Side One Allergies Hearts And Bones When Numbers Get Serious Think Too Much (b) Song About The Moon Side Two Think Too Much (a) Train In The Distance Rene And Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After The War Cars Are Cars The Late Great Johnny Ace Hash Tags #PaulSimon #HeartsAndBones #MusicPodcast #AlbumDeepDive #80sVibes #ClassicAlbum #SongwriterSpotlight #MusicLegends #BehindTheMusic #VinylVibes #LoveAndLoss #HeartbreakSongs #StoryBehindTheSong #MusicThatMovesYou #EmotionalLyrics #SoulfulSounds #FromHeartsToGraceland #PaulSimonFans #GracelandJourney #MusicHistory #CreativeEvolution #ArtistsJourney #NowPlaying #MusicRewind #PodcastLife #PopCulture #OnThisAlbum #ThrowbackTunes #IconicAlbums Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Voir plus Voir moins
    1 h et 2 min
  • Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles...Episode #10

    Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles...Episode #10
    Nov 4 2025
    In this episode of Classic Rock Album Olympics music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez discuss The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and award their gold, silver and bronze medals accordingly. Often considered the most important rock album ever made, it saw The Beatles abandon touring to focus on studio recordings. Adopting the alter-ego of a fictional Edwardian-style band, they experimented with new sounds, orchestration, and studio techniques, pushing rock into the realm of art. Released during the “Summer of Love,” it became a cultural touchstone of 1967 and stayed atop the US Billboard charts for 15 weeks. It was a cultural phenomenon. Everyone was playing it. Everyone was talking about it. Sgt. Pepper won 4 Grammy Awards in 1968, including Album of the Year (first rock album to do so) and paved the way for albums (not singles) becoming the coin of the realm in pop/rock music. The album is also credited with expanding the artistic scope of rock music and influencing generations of musicians to come. As Rodger Waters from Pink Floyd said “It gave me and my generation permission to branch out and do whatever we wanted.” Medal Winners Good Morning Good Morning Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds Lovely Rita A Day in the Life Hash Tags TheBeatles #SgtPepper #SgtPeppersLonelyHeartsClubBand #ClassicAlbum #1967 #SummerOfLove #PsychedelicRock #RockHistory #MusicLegends #BeatlesForever #VinylCommunity #NowSpinning #OnTheTurntable #IconicAlbum #GreatestAlbum #FlowerPower #SixtiesVibes #Counterculture #JohnLennon #PaulMcCartney #GeorgeHarrison #RingoStarr #George Martin #BritishInvasion #AlbumOfTheYear #MusicHistory #TimelessMusic #LegendaryBand Something About The Beatles Podcast with Robert Rodriguez 259: Sgt. Pepper Olympiad – SATB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Voir plus Voir moins
    1 h et 6 min
  • Straight Up by Badfinger...Episode #9

    Straight Up by Badfinger...Episode #9
    Oct 21 2025
    In this episode of Classic Rock Album Olympics music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez go deep on Badfinger’s Straight Up. Badfinger’s story is one of great songs and huge heartbreak. Formed in the mid-1960s in Wales, the group began as The Iveys, playing a mix of British rock and pop. In 1968 they became the first band signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records. Paul McCartney gave them “Come and Get It” to record which became a worldwide hit in 1969 and they changed their name to Badfinger. Under Apple, Badfinger released — Magic Christian Music (1970), No Dice (1970), and Straight Up (1971). But their success was marred by disastrous management and legal disputes. After leaving Apple for Warner Bros. in 1973, the band recorded two more excellent albums, but financial mismanagement — particularly by manager Stan Polley — left them unable to access royalties from their hit records. In April 1975, overwhelmed by despair, lead singer and songwriter Pete Ham took his own life at age twenty-seven. In 1983 Tom Evans did the same. Straight Up is Badfinger’s third studio album with production support from Todd Rundgren, George Harrison and Geoff Emerick. It is their most commercially successful release. Two singles were released from the album Day After Day (US Billboard Hot 100 #4) and Baby Blue (US Billboard Hot 100 #14). Baby Blue’s popularity peaked again in 2013 when used in the Breaking Bad finale Medal Winners Perfection Baby Blue Name of the Game Day After Day Sweet Tuesday Morning Bonus Tracks Without You No Matter What Take It All Name of the Game (Geoff Emerick version) Carry On Till Tomorrow Suitcase (Live) Hashtags #Badfinger #StraightUp #PowerPop #ClassicRock #1970sMusic #AppleRecords #DayAfterDay #BabyBlue #ToddRundgren #GeorgeHarrison #Leon Russell Home - Classic Rock Album Olympics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Voir plus Voir moins
    1 h et 4 min
  • Who By Numbers by The Who...Episode #8

    Who By Numbers by The Who...Episode #8
    Oct 7 2025
    The Who by Numbers is the seventh studio album by The Who, released in October 1975. It follows an impressive run of deep, successful, and respected work by the band: Tommy, Who’s Next and Quadrophenia. Understandably, Pete Townsend and company might have felt spent. That said, the album contains great performances by Pete, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle and Keith Moon with straight-forward production by Glynn Johns. On Who By Numbers principal songwriter Pete Townsend grapples with disillusionment, midlife anxiety, and questions about The Who’s future. Though not as thematically grand as Tommy or Quadrophenia, The Who by Numbers is respected for its honesty and stripped-down rock sound. It’s often seen as an underrated gem in The Who’s catalog. The album peaked at #8 on the US Billboard 200, becoming a solid commercial success despite its darker tone. The lead single “Squeeze Box” hit #16 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Surprisingly, the second single “Slip Kid” did not chart in the US. Bassist John Entwistle drew the album’s whimsical connect the dots cover art. Medal Winners (Click title to hear the song) Dreaming from the Waist Squeeze Box However Much I Booze Blue Red and Grey Bonus Video Squeeze Box on Freaks and Geeks #TheWho #TheWhoByNumbers #ClassicRock #PeteTownshend #RogerDaltrey #KeithMoon #JohnEntwistle #1970sRock #VinylRecords #MusicHistory https://classicrockalbumolympics.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Voir plus Voir moins
    49 min
  • Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan...Episode #7

    Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan...Episode #7
    Oct 2 2025
    Highway 61 Revisited is Bob Dylan’s sixth studio album and a defining moment in rock history. Released in 1965, it marked Dylan’s full embrace of electric instrumentation after his transitional album Bringing It All Back Home. With its biting lyrics, surreal imagery, and raw rock-and-roll energy, the album reshaped popular music’s sense of what a song could be. The album reached #3 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and #4 on the UK Albums Chart. Its lead single, “Like a Rolling Stone,” became Dylan’s biggest hit, peaking at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The opening track “Like a Rolling Stone,” is an acknowledged masterpiece - a six-minute single with a sneering vocal and memorable organ riff that shattered expectations for what could succeed on AM radio. With this album Dylan abandoned the folk revival’s acoustic purity, using a full rock band to create a hard-edged, blues-infused sound. The songs weave satire, absurdity, and social commentary into dense, cinematic narratives—ranging from carnival-like chaos (“Desolation Row”) to biblical-blues parables (“Highway 61 Revisited”). Highway 61 Revisited is widely hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time, regularly appearing near the top of “best album” lists. It set the template for ambitious rock records, proving popular music could be literate, confrontational, and epic in scope. Medal Winners (Click to the hear the song) Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues Highway 61 Revisited Ballad of a Thin Man Like a Rolling Stone It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry Bonus Tracks (Click to hear the song) Highway 61 Revisited – Johnny Winter Twist and Shout – The Beatles #BobDylan #Highway61Revisited #LikeARollingStone #1960sRock #ClassicRock #FolkRock #MusicHistory #VinylRecords #RockLegends #AlbumAnniversary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Voir plus Voir moins
    59 min
  • Can't Buy A Thrill by Steely Dan...Episode #6

    Can't Buy A Thrill by Steely Dan...Episode #6
    Sep 9 2025
    In this episode of CLASSIC ROCK ALBUM OLYMPICS, music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez pull Steely Dan’s Can’t Buy A Thrill off the shelf and discuss which songs earn their gold, silver and bronze medals. Can’t Buy A Thrill was the band’s 1972 debut. It reached #17 on the album charts and placed two songs in the Top Twenty: Do It Again and Reelin’ in the Years. Songwriters Walter Becker and Donald Fagen delivered a gender-bending album with jazz and Latin rhythm tones, pop/rock hooks and cryptic lyrics. Steely Dan made pop music for people who did not think they liked pop music. Medal Winners: Reelin’ In The Years Only A Fool Would Say That Midnite Cruiser Do It Again Dirty Work Visit: classicrockalbumolympics.com for more information and episodes #Hashtags: #SteelyDan #CantBuyAThrill #DoItAgain #ReelinInTheYears #DirtyWork #ClassicRock #1970sMusic #AlbumDeepDive #VinylCommunity #NowPlaying #MusicHistory #RockPodcast #SteelyDanFans #WalterBecker #DonaldFagen #StudioMagic #YachtRockOrigins #DebutAlbums #BehindTheMusic #PodcastRecommendations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Voir plus Voir moins
    46 min
  • Born In The U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen...Episode #5

    Born In The U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen...Episode #5
    Aug 26 2025
    In this episode of Classic Rock Album Olympics music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez tackle one of the most iconic albums of the 1980s—Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A.. Packed with 7 (!) Top Ten hits and stadium-shaking anthems, this summer of 1984 release cemented “The Boss” as a global superstar. The album hit #1 and it stayed there for almost 2 months. Besides its popularity, the album had social commentary too as evidenced by the tension of the patriotic perception and political reality in the title track. But which tracks stand tallest in this blue-collar masterpiece? The hosts dissect the album’s legacy, lyrical contradictions, and sonic evolution—then award gold, silver, and bronze medals to the top three songs. Medal Winners: Cover Me Downbound Train My Hometown Born in the U.S.A. I’m On Fire Hashtags: #BruceSpringsteen #BornInTheUSA #SoundtrackStandings #TheBoss #80sRock #ClassicRock #SpringsteenPodcast #MusicPodcast #EStreetBand #MaxWeinberg #DancingInTheDark #GloryDays #GoldSilverBronze #GaryWenstrup #RobertRodriguez #NowPlaying Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Voir plus Voir moins
    52 min
  • Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones...Episode #1

    Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones...Episode #1
    Aug 18 2025
    In this episode of Classic Rock Album Olympics, music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez dive deep into the legendary Rolling Stones' 1971 masterpiece, Sticky Fingers. With its raw energy, soulful ballads, and iconic riffs, this album is packed with timeless gems. But which three tracks will earn their gold, silver annd bronze medals? Join in as they debate, dissect, and ultimately crown the top songs that define this rock 'n' roll classic. From the swaggering groove of "Brown Sugar" to the electrifying energy of "Bitch," the bluesy brilliance of "Can't You Hear Me Knocking," and the haunting beauty of "Moonlight Mile," they’ll explore the stories, emotions, and unforgettable sounds crafted by Mick Jagger’s charismatic vocals, Keith Richards' iconic guitar work, and Mick Taylor’s extraordinary playing. Medal Winners Brown Sugar (https://youtu.be/Bar7SzNLnY0) Bitch (https://youtu.be/VH2LipXrKkQ) Moonlight Mile (https://youtu.be/qpB8XyFSY5E) Can’t You Hear Me Knocking (https://youtu.be/nkQ0LhcTNsY) #RollingStones #StickyFingers #RockAndRoll #BrownSugar #MoonlightMile #MusicPodcast #RockMusic#ClassicRock #CantYouHearMeKnocking #Bitch #MickJagger #KeithRichards#MickTaylor #AlbumReview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Voir plus Voir moins
    53 min