In Episode 286, Martin posits a new theory about the origins of punk, arguing that it was less a reaction to progressive rock or metal and more a result of a growing disillusionment with established UK rock institutions from the 1960s.

1. Ringo Starr – “Snookeroo”
2. The Kinks – “Have Another Drink”
3. Led Zeppelin – “The Crunge”
4. The Who – “However Much I Booze”
5. The Rolling Stones – “Dancing with Mr. D.”

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In Episode 285, Martin delves into the world of vocal intros, exploring how different artists use unique vocal openings to set the tone for their songs, from crowd participation and bluesy phrases to iconic calls and dramatic showcases of vocal prowess.

1. Max Webster – “The Party”
2. Led Zeppelin – “I Can’t Quit You Baby”
3. Last Crack – “Love or Surrender”
4. Status Quo – “Most of the Time”
5. Queen – “You Take My Breath Away”

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In Episode 284, Martin laments bands that were negatively impacted by the rise of hair metal, examining how their attempts to adapt to the trend led to commercial failure and a shift in their musical identity.

1. Krokus – “Out to Lunch”
2. Uriah Heep – “Party Time”
3. April Wine – “Hard Rock Kid”
4. Cheap Trick – “I Can’t Understand It”
5. Blue Öyster Cult – “Make Rock Not War”

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In Episode 283, Martin recognizes bands that take their title tracks seriously, showcasing how these songs often define albums by being the standout tracks, iconic hits, or even the only memorable song from the album.

1. Alice Cooper – “School’s Out”
2. Accept – “Breaker”
3. Dio – “Dream Evil”
4. Judas Priest – “Killing Machine”
5. AC/DC – “Stiff Upper Lip”

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In Episode 282, Martin explores bands that show little interest in title tracks, who often bypass or subvert traditional title track conventions in favor of other creative approaches.

1. Van Halen – “Could This Be Magic?”
2. Blue Oyster Cult – “Mirrors”
3. April Wine – “Future Tense”
4. UFO – “No Place to Run”
5. Led Zeppelin – “Houses of the Holy”

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In Episode 281, Martin explores early Rush songs through the lens of mortality, focusing on lyrics from the band's first five albums that reflect themes of aging, existential reflection, and the inevitability of time passing.

1. Rush – “Finding My Way”
2. Rush – “Rivendell”
3. Rush – “I Think I’m Going Bald”
4. Rush – “2112”
5. Rush – “A Farewell to Kings”

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In Episode 280, Martin probes the heaviest Canadian albums of the 1970s, presenting a ranking based on five impactful songs from ten notable bands, highlighting the unique sound and musical evolution of Canadian rock during that era.

1. Rush – “Working Man”
2. Trooper – “All of the Time”
3. Teaze – “Rockin’ with the Music”
4. Goddo – “Let That Lizard Loose”
5. Moxy – “Rock Baby”

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In Episode 279, Martin explores the comedic side of classic rock, categorizing bands by their approach to humor and showcasing how elements of comedy—or the lack thereof—are woven into their music and lyrics.

1. Slayer – “Cast Down"
2. Morrissey – “I Have Forgiven Jesus”
3. Gillan – “Sacre Bleu”
4. Iggy Pop – “Eggs on Plate”
5. The Tubes – “Wild Women of Wongo”

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In Episode 278, Martin rants about why certain tracks, despite their popularity, just don’t resonate with him. Throughout, he delves into the difference between fan-revered “sacred songs” and mainstream hits, questioning whether the songs deemed sacred truly deserve their status.

1. Deep Purple – “Child in Time”
2. Iron Maiden – “Run to the Hills”
3. Ted Nugent – “Stranglehold”
4. Black Sabbath – “Paranoid”
5. Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”

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In Episode 277, “Missed the Boat on an Eighties Live Album,” the host discusses iconic bands from the 80s, such as Van Halen, Def Leppard, and The Police, who may have missed significant opportunities by not releasing live albums during their prime, potentially leaving money and legacy on the table.

1. Van Halen – “Drop Dead Legs”
2. Def Leppard – “Stagefright”
3. Aerosmith – “Permanent Vacation”
4. Alice Cooper – “Lock Me Up”
5. Dio – “Just Another Day”

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In Episode 276 of History in Five Songs, Martin explores the rise and fall of live albums across five decades, from their golden age in the 1970s to their fading significance in the 2000s. He dives into the cultural and commercial shifts that led to the decline, sharing stories of iconic albums from Kiss, Thin Lizzy, and more, while unpacking how live recordings once captured the essence of rock but lost their impact over time.

1. Kiss – “Black Diamond”
2. Thin Lizzy – “Got to Give It Up”
3. AC/DC – “Who Made Who”
4. Rush – “Armor and Sword”
5. Judas Priest – “Dragonaut”

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