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
Empty Heart
What the heck is Keith Richards doing on the Rolling Stones' "Empty Heart"? If you know him, ask him. The tune is a down n dirty bluesy number from the band's early days and even Ian Stewart gets in on the action. Thee Midniters did a groovy rendition in '65 - but are the happy horns too much? Later that same year The First Four covered the tune and hoo-boy! is it garagey!! Totally rockin' - and we rename the whole band to fit their sound ... Prepare for FUZZ! when Florida's The Mods get their clean hands on the song. The lead singer has some lung power! The Wallflower Complexion had three guitarists and two of 'em are noodlin' all over their version, but all you need is that string-slingin' rhythm guitarist ... The Laughing Kind put out a weird take on the song that kinda sounds like The Hombres and features FUZZ Organ!! No stick!!