The Story Behind Nirvana's Era-Defining Anthem "Smells Like Teen Spirit," As Told by Producer Butch Vig

In this episode of The Story Behind the Song, join host Peter Csathy as he chats with UK-based singer-songwriter Howard Jones to discuss how he broke all the rules when he arrived as a one-man band and topped the charts with "New Song," a song he wrote to be his debut and artist manifesto to the world.Literally singing, "I don't wanna be hip and cool. I don't wanna play by the rules," Jones was literally ahead of his time as Jones' use of drum machines and synthesizers ruffled so many feathers that the musicians union tried to ban him.In his interview, Howard Jones recounts being influenced by David Bowie, that epic Live Aid concert in 1985, his thoughts about AI and songwriting, and his 40th-anniversary tour, which kicks off later this year.Listen to Howard Jones' full conversation about "New Song" and more in this episode, and watch some of the interview highlights on YouTube. Then, make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes.You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZVAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

17 Apr 202338min

There is something about the drums and trans-inducing hook of Toto's Africa. that draws you in every time you press play. The song is an earworm that has been streamed over 1 billion times on Spotify alone!David Paich of Toto joins us on the Story Behind the Song to talk about this timeless and cross-generational song, which celebrates its 40th year this year and almost didn't see the light of day to make it onto Toto IV.How did David Paich come up with Africa's hook and lyrics? What did the band think about the Weezer cover in 2017 to have their biggest hit in years? Find out about all that and more on the Story Behind the Song.Listen to the latest episode learn about it all from David Paich of Toto on The Story Behind the Song, and then make sure to like, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZVAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

20 Mars 202336min

In this special bonus episode of The Story Behind the Song, join host Peter Csathy as he revisits his interview with Gerald Casale of Devo about the band’s seminal 1980 single “Whip It.”Released as the second single off Devo’s Freedom of Choice, “Whip It” remains instantly recognizable with it’s hooky synthesizer lines, over-the-top vocal delivery, and overall silly tone. While it quickly became an anthem of fun, the tune was originally expected to flop. Devo’s left-field creativity proved to be too out-there for their label, who braced for the worst. Instead, it peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a relevant favorite over 40 years later.In this previously unreleased interview, Casale tells the tale of how the song came to be, speaks to the influence of R&B, and how the tune changed the trajectory of the band (who celebrate their 50th anniversary this year). Listen to Casale’s full conversation about Devo’s “Whip It” and more in the episode above, and watch some of the interview on YouTube. Then make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes.You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZVAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

20 Feb 202350min

For the first episode of the New Year, The Story Behind the Song is celebrating the 40th anniversary of A Flock of Seagulls by diving into their new wave classic "I Ran (So Far Away)." The track and the band's look were some of the defining styles of the '80s, and their presence in our collective pop culture psyche flies right into today.On the episode, A Flock of Seagulls frontman Mike Score recounts the origins of the band, the hair, the song, and so much more. He also shares his experience of becoming an international sensation while not finding popularity in his home country and a connection to Bon Jovi that you might not be aware of.You can listen to this episode of The Story Behind the Song now, and then make sure to like, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also watch a segment of the interview on YouTube.You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZVAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

16 Jan 202344min

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of his signature songs, Billy Idol joins The Story Behind the Song podcast to discuss "White Wedding."Who can forget that epic music video of Billy Idol attending a goth wedding where the bride is played by Perri Lister, Idol's real-life girlfriend at the time?We also learn about how his recent banger "Cage" was actually inspired by COVID and his granddaughter.You can listen to the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song now, and then make sure to like, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZVAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

21 Nov 202245min

In various incarnations for the last 40 years, true renaissance man Danny Elfman has delivered it all. As performer, frontman, composer, conductor, and visualizer, he is the consummate multi-dimensional innovator. Always unconventional, always out of place -- and always slightly dangerous because of it -- the man and his body of work is genius -- and also all a bit mad.The frenetic and haunted mind of so many mediums, Danny Elfman was meant for Halloween. For this special Halloween edition of The Story Behind the Song, Elfman -- Jack Skellington himself -- joins host Peter Csathy to discuss his jaw-dropping body of work and his remarkable journey. He begins with Oingo Boingo's 1986 "new wave" classic "Dead Man's Party," and takes us up to "sorry," a raging, shocking track form his recent album, Big Mess.(A remix version of the album, Bigger. Messier., was released in August, and the video for Boy Harsher's remix of "Happy" from that LP dropped last week.)Listen to the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song now, or watch video of the chat via Consequence.You can also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZVAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

31 Okt 202249min

Classic rock legends Blue Öyster Cult may be the first band to feature an umlaut in their name, but the band -- which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year -- was no gimmick. They released a string of major hits in the '70s, with their most transcendent classic of course being 1976's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper." The record that still haunts as deeply as ever, continually finding new ways to enter the zeitgeist.Of course, that's partially due to that iconic cowbell. The use of the instrument was given even more attention thanks to Will Ferrell's classic 2000 Saturday Night Live sketch featuring Christopher Walken’s inimitable deadpan as Bruce Dickinson incessantly demanding, “More cowbell!”Interestingly, Dickinson wasn't even involved in making the record -- and "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" isn't about what you might think it is. In this 14th episode of The Story Behind the Song podcast, Blue Öyster Cult's Buck Dharma discusses "The Reaper" with host Peter Csathy, touching on the song's lasting impact, its position in the modern music pantheon, and, of course, that cowbell.Listen to the podcast above, or watch a segment of the discussion via YouTube. Make sure you're following The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcast, as there will be a special Halloween episode featuring Danny Elfman discussing Oingo Boingo’s “Dead Man’s Party." You can also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.Blue Öyster Cult are currently on the UK leg of their 50th anniversary tour, but they have more US dates lined up for November. Get tickets here.Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZVAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

17 Okt 202242min