No genre had greater impact of the development of Rock & Roll than the Blues. And no instrument has contributed more to Rock than the electric guitar. In this episode, I’m joined by author Pete Prown to talk about the blues guitarists who influenced the sound of Rock (and all the genres & offshoots that followed). Some of these players became icons, others were forgotten; but they are all important figures in the evolution of the Blues and Rock—and all featured in Prown’s new book, “The Ultimate Book Of Blues Guitar Legends”, available now.

Get your copy of Pete Prown's book here:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-ultimate-book-of-blues-guitars-the-players-and-guitars-that-shaped-the-music-pete-prown/21008373?ean=9780760387566

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One of our greatest singer/songwriters, Matthew Sweet, suffered a stroke recently. He's facing some tough times ahead, but this isn't the first challenge he's faced. Things were not going Matthew Sweet’s way in 1990; his first two albums flopped, and his marriage fell apart. His 3rd album was make-or-break, do-or-die. If this one failed, he may never get to do another record. So he & his producer went back to basics, recording a batch of guitar-oriented songs that sound both retro and refreshingly new. The album that became known as Girlfriend saved his career and has become a true classic. On this episode, we explore the album’s brilliant opener, “Divine Intervention”. Let's hope he rebounds as well this time.

Please donate to support Matthew's recovery here:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-matthew-sweets-stroke-recovery

"Divine Intervention" (Matthew Sweet) Copyright 1990 EMI Blackwood Music, Inc/Charm Trap Music

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It's time for our occasional, somewhat-annual Halloween Spooktacular episode, where we pick a song appropriate to the season and see what terror awaits us. And what better way to get into the Halloween spirit than an examination (autopsy?) of the original “shock rock” song—“I Put A Spell On You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.

"I Put A Spell On You" (Words & Music by Jay Hawkins) Copyright 1956 (Renewed 1984) EMI Unart Catalog Inc.

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Aerosmith were at their commercial & creative peak in 1976 when they released Rocks, a high-water mark in their career. The album opens with “Back In The Saddle”, one of their hardest-rocking songs and the perfect way to kick off their heaviest album. There’s lots to uncover in this song, so join us for this episode where we explore this classic track.

"Back In The Saddle" (Steven Tyler & Joe Perry) Copyright 1977 Music Of Stage Three, All Rights Administered by Stage Three Music US Inc.

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On this episode, we take a journey through the rich history of Stax Records, the iconic label that defined Southern Soul music, and I play some of my favorite Stax tracks from their earliest years, 1959 to 1963.

Stax produced some of the most unforgettable songs in music history. Join us as I spin up some of my personal favorites, featuring legends like Booker T. and the MGs, Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, The Mar-Keys and Carla Thomas. Learn about the unique sound of Stax, the community that fostered it, and the incredible music that continues to resonate today.

Take advantage of our discount code lovethatsong and save 15% off t-shirts & merch from your favorite bands at OldGlory.com!

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One song can’t really define a whole genre, but “September Gurls” by Big Star comes pretty damn close – it IS the sound of Power Pop. Jangly guitars, plaintive vocal, angelic harmonies, all neatly wrapped up in under 3 minutes. It became a template to inspire bands as diverse as R.E.M., Cheap Trick, The Bangles, KISS, and The Replacements. Discover why Big Star is often called “the most influential band you’ve never heard of”.

“September Gurls” (Alex Chilton) Copyright 1974 Koala Music Corporation/Almo Music Corporation, USA

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Titanic Love Affair never got a big break and flew under the radar with a couple of albums before calling it quits. On this episode, we explore a song by this underappreciated band—a supremely catchy number called “Happy” that shoulda been a contender. Join us in appreciation for this song, this band, and the late, great Jay Bennett.

“Happy” (Jay Bennett, Ken Hartz, Michael Trask, Lars Gustafsson) Copyright 1991 Virgin Music, Inc./Say Jim Music (ASCAP)

Here's the link to the GREAT episode of the "Rock And/Or Roll" Podcast that turned me on to Titanic Love Affair in the first place. Check it out:

Rock and/or Roll Episode 245 - TITANIC LOVE AFFAIR (rockandorrollpodcast.blogspot.com)

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60 years ago—July 1964 in the UK, August 1964 in the US—The Beatles film A Hard Day’s Night was unleashed, driving Beatlemania to even greater heights. Accompanying the film was the album of the same name, and its classic title cut. One of The Beatles’ finest singles, “A Hard Day’s Night” features all the elements that made The Beatles so special. On this episode, we break down this legendary track to see what makes it such a great song.

“A Hard Day’s Night” (Lennon/McCartney) Copyright 1964 Sony/ATV Music Publishing

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Small Faces are one of the all-time great British bands from the 1960's but they never got the attention, success or respect they deserved. (Some of that was due to self-inflicted damage, but still...) Their biggest hit was "Itchycoo Park", 2:45 of psychedelic pop perfection. All 4 members of the band shine, and engineer Glyn Johns gets to introduce the world to the sound of flanging. Feel inclined to blow your mind? Check out this episode.

"Itchycoo Park" (Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane) Copyright 1967 United Artists Music Limited, EMI United Partnership Limited

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William "Smokey" Robinson was the man behind many of Motown's greatest hits-- not just the tracks he recorded himself with The Miracles, he also wrote many hits for other Motown acts. But perhaps his greatest achievement was "Tracks Of My Tears". It was selected by the RIAA & NEA as one of the 365 Greatest Songs of the 20th Century; it's on the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame's list of 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll, and Rolling Stone magazine named it The Greatest Motown Song Of All Time. Join us for this episode as we explore this masterpiece.

"The Tracks Of My Tears" (William "Smokey" Robinson, Warren Moore, Marvin Tarplin) Copyright 1965 Jobete Music Co. Inc. (ASCAP)

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Singer/Songwriter Al Stewart came out of the London Folk scene, but by the mid-70's struck it big with MOR/AM Radio hit, "Year Of The Cat". But there's more to this Mr. Stewart than just this one hit. On this episode, I'm joined by fellow podcaster (and Al Stewart fan extraordinaire) Craig Smith to discuss the deep cut "Life In Dark Water".

"Life In Dark Water" - Al Stewart Copyright 1978 D.J.M./Frabjous Music Approximate Music

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