History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff-logo

History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff

Podcasts

History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff is the show that aims to make grand and often oddball hard rock and heavy metal points through a narrative built upon the tiny idea of a quintet of songs. Buttressed with illustrative clips, Martin argues quickly and succinctly why these songs - and the specific sections of these tracks - support his mad professor premise, from the wobbly invention of an “American” heavy metal, to the influence of Led Zeppelin in hair metal or to more succinct topics like tapping and twin leads. The songs serve as bricks, but Martin slathers plenty of mortar. At the end, hopefully he has a sturdy house in which this week’s theory can reside unbothered by the elements. At approximately 7000, Martin has had published in books more record reviews than anybody in the history of music writing across all genres. Additionally, Martin has penned approximately 85 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock and record collecting. Proud part of Pantheon - the podcast network for music lovers.

Location:

United States

Genres:

Podcasts

Description:

History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff is the show that aims to make grand and often oddball hard rock and heavy metal points through a narrative built upon the tiny idea of a quintet of songs. Buttressed with illustrative clips, Martin argues quickly and succinctly why these songs - and the specific sections of these tracks - support his mad professor premise, from the wobbly invention of an “American” heavy metal, to the influence of Led Zeppelin in hair metal or to more succinct topics like tapping and twin leads. The songs serve as bricks, but Martin slathers plenty of mortar. At the end, hopefully he has a sturdy house in which this week’s theory can reside unbothered by the elements. At approximately 7000, Martin has had published in books more record reviews than anybody in the history of music writing across all genres. Additionally, Martin has penned approximately 85 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock and record collecting. Proud part of Pantheon - the podcast network for music lovers.

Language:

English


Episodes
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History in Five Songs 257: The Devolution of Sabbath Intros

5/28/2024
In Episode 257, Martin posits the notion that the devolution of Black Sabbath as a band exists in parallel with their song introductions. Black Sabbath – “Scarlet Pimpernel” Black Sabbath – “The Sign of the Southern Cross” Black Sabbath – “No Stranger to Love” Black Sabbath – “Orchid” Black Sabbath – “Johnny Blade” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:34:31

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History in Five Songs 256: Heavy Metal Duets

5/21/2024
In Episode 256, Martin celebrates heavy metal duets that are collaborations between singers and some of his personal faves. Max Webster – “Battle Scar” Motorhead/Girlschool – “Please Don’t Touch” Gary Moore – “Out in the Fields” Halford – “The One You Love to Hate” Jackyl – “Locked & Loaded” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:34:24

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History in Five Songs 255: Golden Era Quo Intros

5/14/2024
In Episode 255, Martin finds inspiration in the opening riffs from Status Quo's "golden era" albums. Status Quo – “Is There a Better Way” Status Quo – “Down Down” Status Quo – “Big Fat Mama” Status Quo – “Just Take Me” Status Quo – “Little Lady” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:32:31

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History in Five Songs 254: Goofy Riffs

5/7/2024
In Episode 254, Martin scoffs at 'sing songy,' goofy riffs that may undermine the band's 'seriousness' or lessen his taste for the band. Ozzy Osbourne – “Crazy Train” Aerosmith – “Shame on You” AC/DC – “Can’t Stand Still” Rush – “I Think I’m Going Bald” Thin Lizzy – “Fighting My Way Back” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:37:44

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History in Five Songs 253: Albums That Don't Deserve the Love

4/30/2024
In Episode 253, Martin explores albums that bands' fanbase want to intellectualize into being good (even if they're maybe not). Queen – “The Hitman” Black Sabbath – “Letters from Earth” Rush – “Carnies” Kiss – “Easy as It Seems” The Clash – “Movers and Shakers” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:40:30

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History in Five Songs 252: Joke About The Police

4/23/2024
In Episode 252, Martin rebuts his friend's mockery of those people who think the Police are the best New Wave band ever (or if they're even truly New Wave)! The Police – “Omegaman” XTC – “Grass” Joy Division – “A Means to an End” Magazine – “Shot by Both Sides” The Clash – “Last Gang in Town” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:40:00

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History in Five Songs 251: Barely Written Songs

4/16/2024
In Episode 251, Martin complains about 'lazy' songwriting and 'underwritten' songs. AC/DC – “There’s Gonna Be Some Rockin’” Van Halen – “Source of Infection” Deep Purple – “Never Before” Ted Nugent – “Backstrap Fever” Thin Lizzy – “Are You Ready” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:36:36

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History in Five Songs 250: Their Future in One Song

4/9/2024
In Episode 250, Martin ponders the question "when has a band 'found' their future sound in one song/album?" Ted Nugent’s Amboy Dukes – “Living in the Woods” Rolling Stones – “If You Can’t Rock Me” Rush – “Anthem” Scorpions – “In Trance” The Saints – “Memories Are Made of This” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:40:55

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History in Five Songs 249: First Person Perspectives

4/2/2024
In Episode 249, Martin pays homage to Black Sabbath's song "I" and explores some "self centered" songs. Thin Lizzy – “Soldier of Fortune” Blue Oyster Cult – “Flaming Telepaths” The Damned – “These Hands” Iron Maiden – “Running Free” Black Sabbath – “Trashed” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:34:58

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History in Five Songs 248: Metal History in First Verses

3/26/2024
In Episode 248, Martin dissects the first verse of the first track of some seminal metal gods. Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Purple Haze” Montrose – “Rock the Nation” Judas Priest – “One for the Road” Diamond Head – “Lightning to the Nations” Metallica – “Hit the Lights” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:36:02

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History in Five Songs 247: Wrapping Up the Album

3/19/2024
In Episode 247, Martin wonders aloud about the meaning and intent of tracks that wrap up albums. Rush – “La Villa Strangiatto” Slayer – “Raining Blood” Black Sabbath – “Lonely Is the Word” Van Halen – “Happy Trails” Queen – “More of That Jazz” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:39:03

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History in Five Songs 246: Covers on Debuts

3/12/2024
In Episode 246, Martin explores the whys and hows of band who included cover songs on their debut album. 38 Special – “Around and Around” Winger – “Purple Haze” Kiss – “Kissin’ Time” Great White – “Substitute” Cheap Trick – “Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:37:37

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History in Five Songs 245: Ancient Zeppelin Reviews Part 2

3/5/2024
In Episode 245, Martin continues his dive into artists who are compared and contrasted to the mighty Zep in reviews of their albums. Black Sabbath – “Laguna Sunrise” The Who – “How Many Friends” Yes – “Sound Chaser” Electric Light Orchestra – “Last Train to London” Status Quo – “Too Far Gone” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:40:50

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History in Five Songs 244: Ancient Zeppelin Reviews

2/27/2024
In Episode 244, Martin focuses on the first four Led Zeppelin albums. He delves into artists who are compared and contrasted to the mighty Zep within reviews of those albums covering 1969 to 1971. Jeff Beck – “Let Me Love You” Blue Cheer – “Second Time Around” Rolling Stones – “Live with Me” Faces – “Around the Plynth” Jefferson Airplane – “Triad” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:36:14

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History in Five Songs 243: Ancient Sabbath Reviews

2/20/2024
In Episode 243, Martin focuses on bands that are referenced to compare Black Sabbath to, for better or worse. Cream – “N.S.U.” Grand Funk – “Paranoid” Led Zeppelin – “Black Dog” Todd Rundgren – “Black Maria” MC5 – “Miss X” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:36:32

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History in Five Songs 242: This Band's British Steel

2/13/2024
In Episode 242, Martin explores bands who replicate the magic of Judas Priest's seminal 1980 album British Steel with a simplified, straightforward killer album. Megadeth – “Countdown to Extinction” Yes – “Owner of a Lonely Heart” Black Sabbath – “Neon Knights” Whitesnake – “Would I Lie to You” Saxon – “Stand Up and Be Counted” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:37:01

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History in Five Songs 241: Contrarianism

2/6/2024
In Episode 241, Martin proves to himself that he may not be as contrarian as he thinks while he picks *his* favorite albums from artists whose catalogues he knows well. Alice in Chains – “Rain When I Die” Stranglers – “The Raven” Rolling Stones – “Lies” Ozzy Osbourne – “You’re No Different” Dio – “Night People” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:39:27

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History in Five Songs 240: Producer Chris Tsangarides

1/30/2024
In Episode 240, Martin celebrates late, great producer's Chris Tsangarides' catalog. Judas Priest – “Victim of Changes” Thin Lizzy – “Angel of Death” Tygers of Pan Tang – “Slave to Freedom” Lords of the New Church – “Kiss of Death” Y&T – “Breaking Away” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:34:59

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History in Five Songs 239: Biggest Heavy Metal Stars

1/23/2024
In Episode 239, Martin ponders who are the biggest LIVING heavy metal stars. Black Sabbath – “Shock Wave” Judas Priest – “Reckless” Guns N’ Roses – “Bad Apples” Kiss – “Any Way You Slice It” AC/DC – “This House Is on Fire” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:37:15

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History in Five Songs 238: A Different Kind of Genius

1/16/2024
In Episode 238, Martin explores artists who are "creative geniuses" who surround themselves with the best musicians, collaborators and influences. Peter Gabriel – “The Family and the Fishing Net” King Crimson – “Three of a Perfect Pair” Robert Plant – “Come into My Life” Bjork – “Black Lake” David Bowie – “Love Is Lost” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:37:27