
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
Dirty Water
It's time to dip your toes into "Dirty Water" - The Standells and their enduring 1965 hit, that is! We gab about the snotty vocals, their appearance on The Munsters, we rank the drum fills - and of course, we crack the code of the song's lyrics. The next version is by The Gants - who add fuzz and relocate the song to Miami. But they musta forgot to learn the song! The Apollos are some North Carolina kids who keep the song in Boston but their accents would rarely be heard in Southy! The song crossed the pond to Ol' Blighty when The Inmates authored a very Dr. Feelgood-y version. And finally, back to Boston, for a risible, post-World Series win version by Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo. Pee-yew - go jump in the Charles, Bronson!