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
Better Than The Beatles: The Dave Clark Five
Paul McCarthy is in shambles! The third in our “Better than the Beatles” series features the Dave Clark Five, the southern rivals of the Fab Four. Both Erik & Weldon list their reasons why the DC5 are superior in every way and scientists and philosophers alike have described their logic as “airtight.” Our discussion of “Bits and Pieces” (5:24) reveals Dave to be a true 60s auteur who beats the Beatles in revolutionary strategy. We then break down how “Anyway You Want It” (44:55) is a sterling example of the two-minute Tottenham symphony which still echoes in our collective ears, and Erik explains how Mike Smith is the Serpentor (GI Joe fans will understand...). “Nineteen Days” (1:16:09) is a ‘countdown’ song that distorts time and space, as our appreciative garage philosophers assert. And finally, Weldon contemplates the bleak, organ-less musical landscape of today when we talk about “Come Home” (1:39:10), and Erik points out the literal heights the DC5 could reach, compared to the Liverpool losers.