The Opus

Bob Dylan’s iconic 15th studio album Blood on the Tracks was released on January 20th, 1975. To celebrate the landmark record’s 50th anniversary, we’ve dug into the archives all the way back to 2018 to re-release the very first season of The Opus! Hosted by journalist and author Paula Mejía, The Opus: Blood on the Tracks explores the legacy of both the record and Dylan himself, with special guests including Kevin Morby and Beth Orton, as well as episodes focusing on things like Dylan’s cinematic legacy. That’s especially fitting in light of the new biopic A Complete Unknown, starring Consequence’s 2024 Film Performer of the Year Timotheé Chalamet as Dylan. Take some shelter from the storm and tune in to The Opus: Blood on the Tracks, with re-released episodes dropping every other day this whole week. In our prior episode, film critics Monica Castillo and Jordan Hoffman joined Paula to unpack Dylan's vast life in film, from Todd Haynes avant garde biopic portrait I'm Not There to the forthcoming adaptation of Blood on the Tracks by Luca Guadagnino. In this episode, the season finale, Paula is joined by three critics, record collectors, and Dylan fans, Jesse Jarno, Alison Fensterstock, and Jeff Slate. Together, they discuss the distinctive bootleg culture that's been Dylan's studio recordings, shedding some light on the myths surrounding this record and exploring how Dylan keeps reinventing these songs in the present. Consequence is also holding the All for LA benefit on the Consequence Shop in response to the deadly wildfires still burning in Los Angeles. 100% of proceeds from our new “Protect Live Music: All for LA” short sleeved T-shirt will be donated to MusiCares as they work to help music industry professionals recover; 100% of proceeds for all other All for LA merch, including The Opus T-shirts, will go to benefit One World Kitchen in their efforts to help feed those battling the fires and communities impacted by the destruction. Find out more at the Consequence Shop. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bob Dylan’s iconic 15th studio album Blood on the Tracks was released on January 20th, 1975. To celebrate the landmark record’s 50th anniversary, we’ve dug into the archives all the way back to 2018 to re-release the very first season of The Opus! Hosted by journalist and author Paula Mejía, The Opus: Blood on the Tracks explores the legacy of both the record and Dylan himself, with special guests including Kevin Morby and Beth Orton, as well as episodes focusing on things like Dylan’s cinematic legacy. That’s especially fitting in light of the new biopic A Complete Unknown, starring Consequence’s 2024 Film Performer of the Year Timotheé Chalamet as Dylan. Take some shelter from the storm and tune in to The Opus: Blood on the Tracks, with re-released episodes dropping every other day this whole week. In our prior episode, Paula spoke with songwriters Beth Orton and Kevin Morby about the gripping nature of these heart-wrenching tunes. On this episode, Paula is joined by two fabulous film critics, Monica Castillo and Jordan Hoffman to discuss Dylan's life on the silver screen. Consequence is also holding the All for LA benefit on the Consequence Shop in response to the deadly wildfires still burning in Los Angeles. 100% of proceeds from our new “Protect Live Music: All for LA” short sleeved T-shirt will be donated to MusiCares as they work to help music industry professionals recover; 100% of proceeds for all other All for LA merch, including The Opus T-shirts, will go to benefit One World Kitchen in their efforts to help feed those battling the fires and communities impacted by the destruction. Find out more at the Consequence Shop. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bob Dylan’s iconic 15th studio album Blood on the Tracks was released on January 20th, 1975. To celebrate the landmark record’s 50th anniversary, we’ve dug into the archives all the way back to 2018 to re-release the very first season of The Opus! Hosted by journalist and author Paula Mejía, The Opus: Blood on the Tracks explores the legacy of both the record and Dylan himself, with special guests including Kevin Morby and Beth Orton, as well as episodes focusing on things like Dylan’s cinematic legacy. That’s especially fitting in light of the new biopic A Complete Unknown, starring Consequence’s 2024 Film Performer of the Year Timotheé Chalamet as Dylan. Take some shelter from the storm and tune in to The Opus: Blood on the Tracks, with re-released episodes dropping every other day this whole week. In our prior episode, NPR Music's Anne Powers and the Lincoln Center's Jill Sternheimer talked about musical canons, what makes an opus, and how legacies evolve. In this episode, Paula speaks with two gifted songwriters, Kevin Morby and Beth Orton. Together, they unpack the distinctive way that Dylan unfurls his narratives within song, the model of confessional songwriting that Blood on the Tracks helped build, And what makes these heartbreaking tunes endlessly listenable. Consequence is also holding the All for LA benefit on the Consequence Shop in response to the deadly wildfires still burning in Los Angeles. 100% of proceeds from our new “Protect Live Music: All for LA” short sleeved T-shirt will be donated to MusiCares as they work to help music industry professionals recover; 100% of proceeds for all other All for LA merch, including The Opus T-shirts, will go to benefit One World Kitchen in their efforts to help feed those battling the fires and communities impacted by the destruction. Find out more at the Consequence Shop. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bob Dylan’s iconic 15th studio album Blood on the Tracks was released on January 20th, 1975. To celebrate the landmark record’s 50th anniversary, we’ve dug into the archives all the way back to 2018 to re-release the very first season of The Opus! Hosted by journalist and author Paula Mejía, The Opus: Blood on the Tracks explores the legacy of both the record and Dylan himself, with special guests including Kevin Morby and Beth Orton, as well as episodes focusing on things like Dylan’s cinematic legacy. That’s especially fitting in light of the new biopic A Complete Unknown, starring Consequence’s 2024 Film Performer of the Year Timotheé Chalamet as Dylan. Take some shelter from the storm and tune in to The Opus: Blood on the Tracks, with re-released episodes dropping every other day this whole week. Consequence is also holding the All for LA benefit on the Consequence Shop in response to the deadly wildfires still burning in Los Angeles. 100% of proceeds from our new “Protect Live Music: All for LA” short sleeved T-shirt will be donated to MusiCares as they work to help music industry professionals recover; 100% of proceeds for all other All for LA merch, including The Opus T-shirts, will go to benefit One World Kitchen in their efforts to help feed those battling the fires and communities impacted by the destruction. Find out more at the Consequence Shop. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re opening up The Opus podcast archives to re-release seasons focused on some of history's most legendary rap albums. Next up we revisit Cyrus Hills self-title record — a landmark of West Coast hip-hop that pioneered the “weed rap” movement. What’s more, Cypress Hill’s own B-Real, Sen Dog, and DJ Muggs all joined us for the journey through the album’s legacy. For more from Cypress Hill, check out Sen Dog’s Crate Digging into 10 essential hip-hop albums.”, and there will be loads of artist interviews, essays, and more coming throughout the month, so make sure to check it all out at Consequence.net. You can also snag some of our exclusive Hip-Hop 50 merch at the Consequence Shop. Season 15 of Consequence Podcast Network and Sony’s The Opus comes to its conclusion on a high point as we explore how Cypress Hill put weed rap on the map. Within a few months of its release, the impact of Cypress Hill and the subject matter of some of the raps therein was apparent. Other rappers started writing songs that expanded more on the glory of marijuana. While we think of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre as pioneers in the art of weed rap, it’s often forgotten that Dre once bragged on record about never smoking weed. But, after Cypress Hill lifted their veil of smoke, Dre got to work on an album called The Chronic. And Cypress Hill’s cannabis candidness wasn’t just relegated to their raps, either. The group became outspoken advocates for the legalization of marijuana, ushering in a new era of pot positivity that Cypress Hill are still pushing forward to this very day. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re opening up The Opus podcast archives to re-release seasons focused on some of history's most legendary rap albums. Next up we revisit Cyrus Hills self-title record — a landmark of West Coast hip-hop that pioneered the “weed rap” movement. What’s more, Cypress Hill’s own B-Real, Sen Dog, and DJ Muggs all joined us for the journey through the album’s legacy. For more from Cypress Hill, check out Sen Dog’s Crate Digging into 10 essential hip-hop albums.”, and there will be loads of artist interviews, essays, and more coming throughout the month, so make sure to check it all out at Consequence.net. You can also snag some of our exclusive Hip-Hop 50 merch at the Consequence Shop. On the previous episode of Consequence Podcast Network and Sony's The Opus Season 15, we explored the chemistry between the voices of Cypress Hill’s B-Real and Sen Dog. In Episode 3, we look at the unique alchemy of their beats. The place where rock and metal meet has always been a part of Cypress Hill's sonic and cultural identity. Sen Dog's first concert was thrash-metal band Slayer; that band's drummer, Dave Lombardo (who, like Sen, is Cuban-American), was his high-school friend. At the end of "How I Could Just Kill a Man," someone quotes Suicidal Tendencies' "Institutionalized." Cypress Hill's sound had its origins as much in hard rock as it did with Latin funk. The group put their guitar-based influences under every one of their raps. In this episode, host Jill Hopkins and her guests talk about that intersection between rock and hip-hop, and examine how other artists found themselves at the center of the Venn diagram Cypress Hill first drew. Original music by Tony Piazza. Subscribe now so you can keep up on all the new Opus episodes. Also, keep an eye out for a special giveaway in the coming weeks to continue the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Cypress Hill. Also, grab yourself an official Opus hoodie or T-Shirt at the Consequence Shop or using the buy-now buttons below. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re opening up The Opus podcast archives to re-release seasons focused on some of history's most legendary rap albums. Next up we revisit Cyrus Hills self-title record — a landmark of West Coast hip-hop that pioneered the “weed rap” movement. What’s more, Cypress Hill’s own B-Real, Sen Dog, and DJ Muggs all joined us for the journey through the album’s legacy. For more from Cypress Hill, check out Sen Dog’s Crate Digging into 10 essential hip-hop albums.”, and there will be loads of artist interviews, essays, and more coming throughout the month, so make sure to check it all out at Consequence.net. You can also snag some of our exclusive Hip-Hop 50 merch at the Consequence Shop. Consequence Podcast Network and Sony’s The Opus Season 15 continues as we explore the unparalleled chemistry between Cypress Hill’s B-Real and Sen Dog. B-Real’s high-pitched, nasal rap style played off the boom of Sen Dog’s authoritative baritone for a sound unlike anyone else. In Episode 2 of The Opus: Cypress Hill, the two rappers discuss finding their voices, while the legendary Chuck D (Public Enemy, Prophets of Rage) heaps praise on the group’s unique sound. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re opening up The Opus podcast archives to re-release seasons focused on some of history's most legendary rap albums. Next up we revisit Cyrus Hills self-title record — a landmark of West Coast hip-hop that pioneered the “weed rap” movement. What’s more, Cypress Hill’s own B-Real, Sen Dog, and DJ Muggs all joined us for the journey through the album’s legacy. For more from Cypress Hill, check out Sen Dog’s Crate Digging into 10 essential hip-hop albums.”, and there will be loads of artist interviews, essays, and more coming throughout the month, so make sure to check it all out at Consequence.net. You can also snag some of our exclusive Hip-Hop 50 merch at the Consequence Shop. Season 15 of The Opus, presented by the Consequence Podcast Network and Sony, travels back to the Southern California in which Cypress Hill’s sound exploded onto the scene. The sonic sense of urgency in the hip-hop group's self-titled debut album was a time-and-place thing -- a product of late '80s/early '90s Los Angeles that was swept up in the tension just before the Rodney King verdict and the uprising that followed. Cypress Hill's lyrics and beats were tailor made for the subwoofers in the trunks of the low riders that played them, and would echo around rap's landscape in the years to come. And it served as representative for the Black and brown voices who felt the need to protest as much as they felt the desire to party in the face of a community that would soon be national news. In this first episode of The Opus: Cypress Hill, we venture into Cypress Hill’s Southern California, and the powder keg that made their debut album important, necessary, and seemingly ubiquitous. And who better to give host Jill Hopkins a tour of this era than the members of Cypress Hill themselves, as B-Real, Sen Dog, and DJ Muggs guest on Episode Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re opening up The Opus podcast archives to re-release seasons focused on some of history's most legendary rap albums. First up, we revisit Fugees’ classic The Score, which comes in at number 15 on Consequence’s list of the 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time. You can see the full list on Consequence, and there will be loads of artist interviews, essays, and more coming throughout the month, so make sure to check it all out at Consequence.net. You can also snag some of our exclusive Hip-Hop 50 merch at the Consequence Shop. Here on The Opus, we’ll also be re-releasing our season about Cypress Hill’s self-titled record, so make sure to check back every Wednesday and Friday for fresh episodes from the archives. So much of hip-hop is built on the notion of creating something from something. Call it covering, call it borrowing, call it sampling, but don't call it unoriginal. For decades, samples have helped musicians turn some of greatest hits into even greater hits. Fugees are no exception to this. They built upon this legacy, The samples and covers included on 1996's The Score range everywhere from The Delphonics to Enya -- and yet they’re seamlessly woven together to create a distinct, singular album. In the Season 13 finale, host Jill Hopkins heads to the operating room to dissect three songs off The Score that best embody the art of the sample and the depth of knowledge the Fugees brought to the studio: "Zealots", "The Score", and "Ready or Not". Surrounding Jill at the table with scalpels and insight are Ruffhouse Records co-founders Chris Schwartz and Joe Nicolo; rapper Psalm One; and music journalist Insanul Ahmed. Together, they discuss why certain bits were used, why whole songs were sometimes included, and how the Fugees turned existing classics into their own -- read: completely new -- classics. Original music by Tony Piazza. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re opening up The Opus podcast archives to re-release seasons focused on some of history's most legendary rap albums. First up, we revisit Fugees’ classic The Score, which comes in at number 15 on Consequence’s list of the 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time. You can see the full list on Consequence, and there will be loads of artist interviews, essays, and more coming throughout the month, so make sure to check it all out at Consequence.net. You can also snag some of our exclusive Hip-Hop 50 merch at the Consequence Shop. Here on The Opus, we’ll also be re-releasing our season about Cypress Hill’s self-titled record, so make sure to check back every Wednesday and Friday for fresh episodes from the archives. The Fugees were culturally unique in myriad ways. They were a trio comprised of one American-born Black woman and yet also two Haitian immigrants, who both took pride in their heritage. Naturally, this pride was weaved into the fabric of 1996's The Score, and the album's success meant that they were able to champion Haitian music in both America and abroad. In this episode, host Jill Hopkins speaks to the trio's family, friends, and fans about Haiti’s effect on the Fugees and the Fugees effect on Haiti, Haitians, and their fans who saw their own American immigrant and refugee experiences reflected back at them. Along for the journey are award-winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jon Batiste, producer Jerry Wonda, Ruffhouse Records co-founder Chris Schwartz, music journalists Dometi Pongo and Insanul Ahmed, and reggae legend Sly Dunbar. Together, they study the symbiosis between band and homeland as it pertains to the Fugees. Original music by Tony Piazza. Don't forget to enter our giveaway to win a Fugees prize pack, which includes vinyl, a turntable, and headphones. (Note: If you’re having trouble seeing the widget, enter here.) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re opening up The Opus podcast archives to re-release seasons focused on some of history's most legendary rap albums. First up, we revisit Fugees’ classic The Score, which comes in at number 15 on Consequence’s list of the 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time. You can see the full list on Consequence, and there will be loads of artist interviews, essays, and more coming throughout the month, so make sure to check it all out at Consequence.net. You can also snag some of our exclusive Hip-Hop 50 merch at the Consequence Shop. Here on The Opus, we’ll also be re-releasing our season about Cypress Hill’s self-titled record, so make sure to check back every Wednesday and Friday for fresh episodes from the archives. Instead of returning to the studio with outside producers, the Fugees took their $150k advance from Ruffhouse Records and ventured off to … the basement. Specifically, the Booga Basement in East Orange, NJ, where Wyclef Jean’s uncle and his cousin Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis lived. Booga, along with The Dungeon in Atlanta (where OutKast cut their debut), were two of the most successful underground studios in the game circa the mid-90s. These locales came with a productive, family vibe and endless head bobs to judge the quality of work. In this episode, host Jill Hopkins speaks to producer Jerry Wonda about building a studio and a sound that would continue the tradition of great New Jersey hip-hop. They also discuss why this kind of DIY ethos is so important to groups in the process of defining their sounds. Also heading into the basement are special guests Chris Schwartz and Joe Nicolo of Ruffhouse Records, in addition to MTV’s Dometi Pongo and Genius executive editor Insanul Ahmed. Original music by Tony Piazza. Don't forget to enter our giveaway to win a Fugees prize pack, which includes vinyl, a turntable, and headphones. (Note: If you’re having trouble seeing the widget, enter here.) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re opening up The Opus podcast archives to re-release seasons focused on some of history's most legendary rap albums. First up, we revisit Fugees’ classic The Score, which comes in at number 15 on Consequence’s list of the 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time. You can see the full list on Consequence, and there will be loads of artist interviews, essays, and more coming throughout the month, so make sure to check it all out at Consequence.net. You can also snag some of our exclusive Hip-Hop 50 merch at the Consequence Shop. Here on The Opus, we’ll also be re-releasing our season about Cypress Hill’s self-titled record, so make sure to check back every Wednesday and Friday for fresh episodes from the archives. In the Season 13 premiere, we’ll find out what it took for a group in its own artistic and personal transition to find their place at the top of the charts and on the Grammy stage as the biggest hip-hop act of 1996. Hip-hop had considerably changed from when the Fugees started recording their first album in 1992 to just three years later when they began working on their second effort. The “Golden Age'' was coming to a close, and the genre was at a crossroads. So were the Fugees, though. Coming off their critically and commercially divisive first album, 1994's Blunted on Reality, the New Jersey trio of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel were similarly looking to reinvent themselves Join host Jill Hopkins as she dials the clock back to the mid-'90s alongside producer Jerry Wonda, Ruffhouse Records co-founders Chris Schwartz and Joe Nicolo, and rapper Psalm One. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

While Billy Joel’s last studio album was released on August 10th, 1993, it was The Stranger that catapulted him to the iconic, internationally renowned venue he is happy to call home: Madison Square Garden. He first played there in 1978 and has since played there a record-shattering 133 times. Playing MSG is an accomplishment for any artist, but Joel's legacy includes selling out the iconic venue every month since 2014 -- and that's just part of what makes Billy Joel such a legend. On Episode 4 of The Opus: The Stranger, we close out the season by taking a look at what came next for Joel after The Stranger: his incredible 50+ year career, his history-making residency at Madison Square Garden, and the enormous impact he’s had on his fellow musicians. Presented by Consequence Podcast Network and Sony Legacy, host Adam Unze speaks with Regina Spektor, Ben Folds, Bayside's Anthony Raneri, Rozzi, The Arkells' Anthony Carone, Billy Joel's biographer Fred Schruers, Ken Weinstein, and Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness Keep up to date with what's next from The Opus by liking, reviewing, and subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. You can also stream and download The Stranger here, and relive Joel's 1990 concerts at Yankee Stadium with the recently released Live at Yankee Stadium. To catch a more modern Joel concert -- including his co-headlining tour with Stevie Nicks -- get tickets here. Fans of The Opus can show their love with an official Opus hoodie or T-Shirt, available now at the Consequence Shop. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Many classic albums have their share of hits, but Billy Joel’s The Stranger is simply full of them. How did this happen in just about three weeks? The truth is none of the songs' paths overlapped and truths are often stranger than fiction. On Episode 3 of The Opus: The Stranger, we explore each of these classic tunes to discover what made them such lasting contributions to American music. Presented by Consequence Podcast Network and Sony Legacy, this new episode digs into six of the album's classics with the help of archival interviews from the Billy Joel and producer Phil Ramone, plus host Adam Unze speaks with Regina Spektor, Ben Folds, Bayside's Anthony Raneri, The Arkells' Anthony Carone, and Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness You can keep up with the rest of Season 19 by liking, reviewing, and subscribing to The Opus wherever you get your podcasts. You can also stream and download The Stranger here, and relive Joel's 1990 concerts at Yankee Stadium with the recently released Live at Yankee Stadium. To catch a more modern Joel concert -- including his co-headlining tour with Stevie Nicks -- get tickets here. Fans of The Opus can show their love with an official Opus hoodie or T-Shirt, available now at the Consequence Shop. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Stranger wasn't only Billy Joel’s critical breakthrough, but it was the start of a decade-long creative partnership with producer Phil Ramone. Together, the two created some of the most lasting songs in music, and it all began with those first sessions in the summer of 1977. Joel had a specific vision for what would be his fifth studio album, and that meant finding the right person to work the boards. It wasn't until Ramone -- known then for hits like "It's My Party" in the '60s and working with Paul Simon in the '70s -- expressed his enthusiasm for working with Joel's touring band that the Piano Man knew he'd found his producer. Together, they captured the energy of a Billy Joel concert on tape, with Joel's band pounding away live in studio (leading to utterly in-the-room sound leakage). Add in Ramone's innovative recording techniques, and they were able to fully realize the sound that had always been in Joel's head. It was a collaborative environment that allowed the best of everyone to come out and led to one of the best albums in the history of music. Presented by Consequence Podcast Network and Sony Legacy, Episode 2 of The Opus: The Stranger explores how working with Ramone allowed Joel to ascend to a new level of legend. In addition to archival interviews from the two icons, host Adam Unze speaks with Ben Folds, Joel's drummer Liberty DeVito, Arkells' Max Kerman, Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness, and Rozzie. Keep up with the rest of Season 19 by liking, reviewing, and subscribing to The Opus wherever you get your podcasts. You can also stream or download The Stranger here, and check out the recently released Live at Yankee Stadium, capturing Joel’s 1990 two-night stand at famed stadium. Fans of The Opus can show their love with an official Opus hoodie or T-Shirt, available now at the Consequence Shop. Snag tickets to Joel's upcoming concerts, including a 2023 co-headlining tour with Stevie Nicks, here. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Stranger was Billy Joel's fifth album, but in some ways, it felt like his debut because it’s the album that catapulted him to superstardom. Before its release, he’d had a radio hit with "Piano Man," but his genius was hampered by a string of overly slick producers who didn’t connect with his musical vision. But all that started to change leading up to The Stranger. With no hits to his name, his own wife as a manager, and a refusal to work with big-name producers, Joel finally had a chance to make an album on his own terms. Then came a performance at Carnegie Hall, and soon after, a meeting with Phil Ramone, the producer that finally understood what Billy was trying to do. With Joel's insistence on bringing his touring band into the studio and Ramone on his side, The Stranger finally began falling into place. On Episode 1 of The Opus: Billy Joel's the Stranger, host Adam Unze takes a look at the groundwork for what was to come, going through the history of Billy Joel's first four records to his landmark performances at Carnegie Hall, meeting Phil Ramone, and finally finding a recording process that gave him creative freedom and the ability to capture the magic of his live band. On this debut episode, you'll hear archival interviews with Billy Joel and mega-producer Phil Ramone, plus a fresh discussion with Joel's long-time drummer Liberty Devitto, Please and make sure to like, review, and subscribe to The Opus wherever you get your podcasts for updates on the new season from Consequence Podcast Network and Sony Legacy. For more from Billy Joel, stream or download the The Stranger here, and also check out the recently released Live at Yankee Stadium, capturing Joel’s 1990 two-night stand at the iconic venue. You can also snag tickets to Joel's upcoming concerts, including a 2023 co-headlining tour with Stevie Nicks, here. Fans of The Opus podcast can also pick up an official Opus hoodie or T-Shirt at the Consequence Shop Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Opus returns this holiday season with a true gift for music fans. Season 19 of the hit music history podcast from Consequence Podcast Network and Sony Legacy is set to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the album that made Billy Joel a world renowned star: The Stranger. The new season premieres on Thursday, December 22nd, with new episodes of the four-part season arriving every Thursday after that, concluding with Episode 4 on January 12th, 2023. To keep up with The Opus: The Stranger, subscribe now to be notified when each new episode drops, and also revisit our 18-season archive. Also pick up an official Opus hoodie or T-Shirt at the Consequence Shop. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

To close out this season of The Opus podcast, we explore how all the reasons Alice in Chains’ Dirt is considered such a classic album -- its place in the '90s Seattle scene, unique sonics, deeply personal lyrics. -- have folded into a lasting legacy for this iconic collection that continues to impact music to this day. As the ‘90s grunge bubble burst, a new crop of bands emerged wearing their Dirt love on their sleeves. The Seattle sound gave birth to alt-rock radio, but AIC’s harder edge continued to have a presence across the charts. The band's influence can be heard throughout the rock sub-genres that have appeared over the last 30 years and in the generations of musicians that has followed. Acts as disparate as Godsmack and Alter Bridge have cited Dirt as a major inspiration, cementing its place as one rock’s most important albums. It takes a special kind of magic to maintain that hold on the cultural conversation, and it's that legacy that we explore on the season finale of The Opus: Alice in Chains' Dirt. Joining host Adam Unze in this discussion of AIC's lasting influence on the charts and their fellow musicians are Mastodon's Bill Kelliher, Anthrax's Charlie Benante, City and Colour's Dallas Green, Alter Bridges' Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti, Tetrarch's Diamond Rowe, and GOON's Kenny Becker. Listen to the final episode of this season of The Opus now wherever you get your podcasts. For updates on the next season of the podcast, make sure to like and subscribe to the show, and drop a review if you liked our deep dive into Dirt. Be sure to check out the Consequence Podcast Network for information on all our shows, and snag an official Opus hoodie or T-shirt at the Consequence Shop or via the buy-now buttons below. You can also grab a copy of Dirt in physical and digital formats here. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This season on The Opus: Alice in Chains' Dirt, we've looked at how the band went against the grain of the Seattle scene and how they set themselves apart with their unique compositional approach. Now we peel back perhaps the most powerful layer of, Dirt: its dark, personal lyricism. Alice in Chains’ Layne Stayley and Jerry Cantrell packed Dirt with deeply personal lyrics full of emotional weight. The lyrics read like journal entries, telling stories about the horrors of war, mental health struggles, intra-band conflict, and other heavy topics. And yet the songs' confessional poetry leaves ample room for interpretation, allowing fans to reexamine the words as they bend the meanings to reflect events in their own lives. In Episode 3 of The Opus: Dirt, we deconstruct the lyrical genius of Dirt, discovering the ways in which the songwriters channeled their most private struggles into their very public lyrics. Joining host Adam Unze this week are Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti, Papa Roach's Jacoby Shaddix, Dallas Green of City and Colour, Anthrax's Charlie Benante, and Airbourne's Joel O'Keeffe. Listen to this episode now, and don't forget to like and review The Opus and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to be notified of each new episode of Season 18. Make sure to check out the Consequence Podcast Network for information on all our shows. Fans of The Opus can also pick up an official Opus hoodie or T-shirt at the Consequence Shop. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When you think of the Seattle Sound, certain sonic hallmarks likely come to mind. As we explore in Episode 2 of The Opus: Dirt, however, Alice in Chains occupied a unique space in this musical landscape. The band didn't ease its fans into the sound of Dirt. The opening notes of "Them Bones" jolt you directly into an aggressive energy and there’s barely room to catch your breath over the length of the LP. But at the heart of this sensory assault lies an intricate web of virtuoso musicianship and dynamic vocal harmonies. The chunky, muscular guitar riffs and multi-layered vocals created a sound that spurred a generation of imitators. On this episode of the music history podcast The Opus: Alice in Chains' Dirt, host Adam Unze dives into the unique backstory of the album's composition and discovers why its particular musical alchemy set it apart from the other monster hits of the grunge scene. Joining him on the journey are Baroness' Gina Gleason, Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante, City and Colour musician Dallas Green, Layne Ulrich of Taipei Houston (and son of Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich), and Goon's Kenny Becker and Andy Polito. Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to be notified of each new episode of Season 18. Also, check out the Consequence Podcast Network for information on all our shows. Fans of The Opus can also pick up an official Opus hoodie or T-shirt at the Consequence Shop. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy