Lava Lamp Lounge

Our Ivory Idols series continues with an in-depth look at the ultimate showman: Barry Manilow. He just wanted to write and produce hits for others, but his talent was too great to remain in the shadows. Despite his struggles with executives, and a harsh music press, he dominated the charts with thirteen #1 singles, fourteen multi-platinum albums, and even invented the power ballad.

When it comes to rock and roll piano legends, few loom larger than Billy Joel. The first installment of our Ivory Idols series is dedicated to the “piano man” himself, whose long hard climb to the top included battling depression, secret contracts, and even his own record label. Through it all, his gifts as an incredible singer/songwriter earned him #1 singles, Grammys, and worldwide recognition.

There are a surprisingly large amount of songs about Captains, of the nautical variety and otherwise. Find out what inspired Blues Image to write their only Top 40 hit, and discover what sixties American TV show inspired punk legends Spizenergi to write a trilogy of captain related singles. We discuss Neil Diamond and Elton John’s captain connection, and end with an often-misinterpreted epic by Grand Funk. All aboard!

Glam rock was all the rage at the dawn of the 70s, shunning the psychedelic era in favor of good-time fun. Melding 50’s riffs with bubblegum appeal (and a dash of glitter), glam’s gender-bending androgynous performers made image as powerful as the music. The predominantly British movement was pioneered by Marc Bolan’s T.Rex, and made chart-topping heroes of Slade, Sweet, Mud, and more.

Few artists have had the talent and vision equal to David Bowie. In a career that spanned five decades, he effortlessly phased through musical genre and various persona, garnering international acclaim. At his peak in the 70s, Bowie’s 13 albums explored dancehall, glam, soul, and avant-garde electronica. His body of work, multi-generational influence, and legacy of fearless innovation and endless reinvention, will live on forever.

A soul sub-genre known as “city soul” was widespread in the seventies, popularized by harmony groups with predominantly dreamy ballads. Discussions include the barrier-breaking Dynamic Superiors, the Floaters astrology inspired #1 hit, and the tale of The Montclairs one and only album. Freaky Fact: how did the Chi-lites win a 2004 Grammy for a song released in 1970? Hint: Lemonade!

Artists who would become titans of the genre, created some of the greatest soul music of the seventies. Learn about the game-changing advice that lead to Al Green’s string of #1 hits, and the unusual day job Bill Withers held while simultaneously topping the charts. What sixties legend was once a member of the Isley Brothers, and what was Barry White afraid of? Divas Diana Ross and Gladys Knight prove why they are soul royalty.

One of the greatest labels of the seventies is Philadelphia International. Founding legends Gamble and Huff wrote and produced some of the most enduring Philly Soul classics ever. Learn which O'Jays #1 is now in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and which T.S.O.P hit was the theme to "Soul Train"? Dig groovy hits by McFadden and Whitehead, Lou Rawls, and the Three Degrees too.

Aretha Franklin may be gone, but with a career spanning seven decades and 21 #1 hits, her reign as "Queen of Soul" will forever endure. Our tribute features cuts from her early years at Columbia, as well as the game changing classics from the Atlantic years. Learn how Aretha earned her royal moniker, along with an array of her stunning accomplishments. Long live the Queen!

No other band is more synonymous with Prog Rock than Brittan's own Yes, who celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2018. Blending expert musicianship with orchestration, booming choruses, and lyrical tales, they created wondrous soundscapes that brought Prog to the mainstream. Their seventies output yielded timeless radio staples, then boundary-pushing experimentation. Ups and downs followed, leading to a rebirth in the early eighties.

Love it or loathe it, there is no denying the lasting impact of Prog Rock! We examine it's rise, and sample various sub-genres. Discoveries include the "Rosetta Stone" of prog, and the dirty secret of the "Canterbury Scene". Dig the hypnotic grooves of Can, the ironic satire of Jethro Tull, and life on planet Kobaïa. All hail the amazing Greg Lake.

Genesis were one of the earliest prog acts in rock and roll. Their inventive songwriting and expert musicianship propelled the band to stardom, and Peter Gabriel's ever increasing stage personas transcended their live shows from mere concerts into rock theater. Before Phil Collins transformed the band into 80s mega pop stars, Peter Gabriel led the way through their 70s prog era.

The final entry for Jurassic June's "World's Greatest Rock Band" is none other than the mighty Led Zeppelin. Born from the ashes of The Yardbirds, Zep combined folk and blues to create some of the heaviest music ever (but are they heavy metal?). They ushered in the era of album rock, selling over 300 million records. Hammer of the gods indeed!

Another candidate for "World's Greatest Rock Band" is the simultaneously massive and mythic Pink Floyd. The spirit of Syd Barret permeated both the sound and subject matter of much of the band's seventies output. This period saw them transition from space-rock pioneers to achieve worldwide status as rock royalty. We play 8 beautifully mind-bending gems from Roger, David, Richard and Nick.

Jurassic June continues as we sift through the dirt to discover the "World's Greatest Rock Band". This episode unearths eleven gems from the innovative and influential The Who. The band created power pop, pioneered the rock opera, entered the record books as the "loudest band" were forefathers of Mod, Punk, and legendary hotel trashers. They had a few good tunes too.

Its Jurassic June in the Lava Lamp Lounge, and all month we feature one of four bands that, like the dinosaurs of old, loomed large and loud - prime contenders for the title of “World’s Greatest Rock Band”. First up: The Rolling Stones. Hear hits and choice deep cuts from their second decade. Bonus 60 minute podcast because Ronnie Wood said so.. Shedoobie!

Tonight's forecast: 100% chance of rain! Discover the very first #1 single of the 70s, courtesy of B.J. Thomas, and the last #1 single by Brooke Benton (both in 1970). Do you know the rain song that sparked a major comeback for Neil Sedaka, or the autobiographical tune that kick started James Taylor's career? Albert Hammond and The Fortunes think you might need an umbrella.

The 70s was the golden age for comedy records, and this show explores some of the genre's finest (and funniest). Variety show regulars like like George Carlin and Lily Tomlin expanded audiences expectations, wile counter-culture heroes Cheech & Chong expanded their minds. We also hear from the surreal Monty Python, the legendary Rodney Dangerfield, and Steve Martin proves why he's a wild and crazy guy!

What does a fool believe anyway? Discover the true story behind Foghat's name, and learn which foolish tune launched the amazingly prolific career of Chris Rea. You're fooling yourself if you don't think we cover the remarkable tale of The Main Ingredient's Grammy winning single. What song was Keith Moon's last live performance? Miss this show and you're the fool!

You don't need a four leaf clover to enjoy these songs of luck! The amazing Rascals lay down some blue-eyed soul, and Wings board a yacht (its true!) How old was Greg Lake when he wrote ELP's debut single? Hear a gem from soul legends The Persuaders, and learn about the power ballad Kiss almost gave away to Rod Stewart!