History in Five Songs 203: Bands Get Smart

Here is Episode 203, in which Martin reflects on "gummed down" bands making critically acclaimed, brightly produced albums that are musically superior to the norm of their catalog. Kiss – “Great Expectations” Saxon – “Warrior” Van Halen – “The Dream Is Over” W.A.S.P. – “The Neutron Bomber” The Clash – “The Card Cheat” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

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.