History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff

In Episode 289 of History in Five Songs, Martin Popoff plays with the concept of "false endings" in music, examining iconic songs that deceive listeners into thinking the track is over, only to resume...

8 Jan 202534min

In Episode 288, Martin delves into the influence of bands like Gillan, Rainbow, and Whitesnake on the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), examining their evolution from cult favorites to guilty ...

1 Jan 202540min

In Episode 287, Martin wrestles with the challenging question of "where to start" when diving into a band's extensive catalog, discussing strategies like starting with the latest or best album, while ...

23 Dec 202441min

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 U...

17 Dec 202432min

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 ...

10 Dec 202435min

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 ...

3 Dec 202436min

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 son...

26 Nov 202437min

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. Van Halen – “Co...

19 Nov 202436min