This episode looks at Johnny Cash’s “The American Recordings”, a series of 6 albums released on American Records between 1994 and 2010.  By 1994, when he signed to Rick Rubin’s American Records, it looked like Cash’s career was all but done. However, Rubin had other ideas and, over the next 10 years, worked with Cash to produce some of the most memorable work of his career.  Part of this process involved Cash covering songs by some of the greatest artists of the late 20th Century - U2, Nine Inch Nails, Nick Cave, Tom Petty and Leonard Cohen.  He’s not performing the songs in his ..read more

“Songs for Drella”, Lou Reed & John Cale’s marvelous 1990 posthumous tribute to Andy Warhol, offers an intensely personal view of Warhol with songs and playing that rank among the finest in either man’s career. Their first collaboration since The Velvet Underground, nearly 20 years earlier, led to both artists vowing never to work with the other again.  Our album today, suggested by listener Nick Farmer, is “El-Rayo-X" (1981) by multi-instrumentalist David Lindley. We hadn’t come across this album before, and we both agree it’s a lot of fun - mainly reggae-influenced beat, but clearly ..read more

Bob Mould is the founding member of Husker Du, one of the most influential guitar bands of the 80’s.  Husker Du’s wall-of-sound guitar approach was as influential as REM in creating alternative rock, and created an environment which allowed Nirvana, The Pixies and The Foo Fighters to succeed.  In the early-90's, Sugar, Bob’s next band, built on that with a thrash/melodic collection of songs, particularly on “Copper Blue”.  Since then, Bob’s kept the flame alive for guitar-based rock with a solo career that is still giving us marvellous albums like 2012’s “Silver Age” and 2020’s ..read more

Have you ever NOT bought an album based on a poor review?  You’re not the only one!  Would it shock you to learn that the critics likely know less than you about music?    This episode, we look at how often (supposed) expert critics got it so wrong with some of the best albums of our time.  Victims of such poor efforts include Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, AC/DC and The Beatles!    We also start a new segment we think we’ll call, “The Crazy World of the Rock Gods”, where we look at things rock stars have done that are so absurd, you couldn't possibly ..read more

Rolling Stone just released “The 250 Greatest Guitarists of all Time”.  Naturally, we take issue with the list, who's on it, who’s been left out, the balance, and everything else!  We’re back for another season of opinionated comment on all things from the golden era of rock’n’roll.  Hold on & enjoy the ride!    References: Rolling Stone’s “250 Greatest Guitarists”, Globite School Case, David Lindley, Mick Ronson, Shane MacGowan, Nick Cave, Wrecking Crew, Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram, Bob Mould,   Shane McGowan’s funeral - YouTube  Playlist - Greatest Gui ..read more

We all know that rock and pop stars live in a different universe to us mere mortals.  Many make strange demands for things that must be provided before they’ll perform a show.    Today, we look at stars’ demands – whether extreme or reasonable, or blindingly hilarious!  You won’t believe some of them.      In Jeff's Rock News, Keith Richards has covered Lou Reed’s, “Waiting for the Man”, U2 has played a residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, an unheard Jimi Hendrix song has been included in a time capsule placed on the moon, Deep Purple has released a 50th Annive ..read more

Have you ever NOT bought an album based on a poor review?  You’re not the only one!  Would it shock you to learn that the critics likely know less than you about music?    This episode, we look at how often (supposed) expert critics got it so wrong with some of the best albums of our time.  Victims of such poor efforts include Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, AC/DC and The Beatles!    We also start a new segment we think we’ll call, “The Crazy World of the Rock Gods”, where we look at things rock stars have done that are so absurd, you couldn't possibly ..read more

Have you ever NOT bought an album based on a poor review?  You’re not the only one!  Would it shock you to learn that the critics likely know less than you about music?    This episode, we look at how often (supposed) expert critics got it so wrong with some of the best albums of our time.  Victims of such poor efforts include Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, AC/DC and The Beatles!    We also start a new segment we think we’ll call, “The Crazy World of the Rock Gods”, where we look at things rock stars have done that are so absurd, you couldn't possibly ..read more

REM is often viewed by casual listeners as a lighter-style rock band.  This is deceptive, with the band offering complex songs with obscure lyrics, brilliant playing, covers, and an incredible refusal to compromise.  Mick and Jeff talk through REM's development from their rock cliche start – the singer, Michael Stipe, met guitarist Peter Buck in the record shop where Buck worked - to their becoming one of the biggest-ever bands in the world – all without selling out.    MOJO Magazine called them "an ensemble growl adorned with heavenly harmonies"  which describes perfe ..read more

This week, we talk about successful artists who blew it all with dumb decisions.  Youth, fame and amazing amounts of money – what could go wrong?    Our “Album You Must Hear Before You Die” is the wonderful Aladdin Sane, by David Bowie. The cover artwork, featuring a lightning bolt across his face is one of the best-known images in rock, while the album marks Bowie’s tougher, heavier attempt to conquer America.      In Rock News, we hear about Gene Simmons, The Eagles, Iron Maiden, Journey, Judas Priest, Kansa, Lynard Skynyrd and ZZ Top, and raise the age-old ques ..read more