In The Past: Garage Rock Podcast
The usual format is this: we pick a song from the 1950s or 1960s (genres range from garage, R&B, Girl Groups, Motown and Doo-Wop), and discuss three versions of that song, or sometimes we just play a song we haven’t heard before and react to it. We’ve covered classics like “Little Bit o’ Soul” and “Psychotic Reaction” to rarities like “Jump and Dance” by the Carnaby, and “Ringo I Love You” by Bonnie Jo Mason (aka Cher). Our aim is to discuss what makes these songs interesting, ineffable, or even intolerable. We place special emphasis on the “moments” in these songs where, perhaps, a new interpretation will emerge from. A close look at song structure is also present in our discussions. If that sounds academic, maybe it is a little bit, but we like to keep the analysis in the spirit of the songs we speak of – which means we drink some spirits (for Erik, it’s bourbon, for Weldon, it’s Stambecco) – and that means by the third song, things can get a little wild. Basically, we talk about rock!
In The Past: Garage Rock Podcast
Gara-ha!-ha!-ge Rock: 5 Serious Songs About Laughing
Back with another one of those block-rocking themes! All of this episode's songs center on laughter, but very few of our subjects this week seem too mirthful. The first funny guy is "Ho Ho Rock n' Roll" by Peter Roberts & Sid Ramin. This 1956 tune is mostly instrumental, featuring the goofy guffaws of broadcaster PB set to a "Las Vegas Grind" arrangement. The second stand up song is "Laughing at Me" by Barbara J & The Silver Slippers. A sweet, if paranoid doo-wop/girl group number that introduces the motif of schadenfreude to the assembled students. Next up is "Laugh Laugh" by The Beau Brummels, an undisputed 60s classic and a textbook example of BUG MUSIC!! We're in the garage for the next two: "I'll Laugh at You" by The Jesters from 1966 and appropriately, "The Last Laugh" by The Cholos. It was only a theme!!