I'm In Love With That Song Podcast

In this episode, we’ll explore the story and sonic architecture behind Foghat’s 1975 arena rock anthem, "Fool for the City". Tracing the band's roots back to British blues rockers Savoy Brown, we dive into how Foghat solidified their heavy boogie sound and retreated to a remote studio in Vermont to record their breakthrough platinum album. And we’ll take a tour through the song's isolated instrume...

By 1971, The Band was one of the most influential forces in rock music, having steered the genre away from psychedelic excess toward a more rustic, roots-based sound. However, the recording of their fourth album, Cahoots, was a period of high tension within the group.  Despite these fractures, the album’s opening track, "Life is a Carnival," stands out as a masterpiece of groove and atmosphere, dr...

The Beastie Boys’ trajectory is one of the most unique in music history, moving from underground punk, to the "frat-rap" superstardom of Licensed to Ill, to socially-conscious stars of both hip-hop and alternative rock. In this episode, we explore the pivotal moment when the band faced an artistic crisis following the commercial failure of Paul’s Boutique. Severing ties with Def Jam and moving to...

On this episode, we continue our journey from last year through the history of Stax Records, the iconic label that defined Southern Soul music, as I play some of my favorite Stax tracks from 1964 to 1966. Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Booker T & The MG's, Albert King, Rufus & Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd... they're all here on some of the greatest singles ever released. Let's dig in, shall we? Learn more...

What happens when a record label shelves a band’s most ambitious studio work to capitalize on a surprise live hit? On this episode, we explore this unique moment in rock history and analyze "Dream Police" by Cheap Trick -- the title track of the album that sat on a shelf for nine months while Cheap Trick at Budokan conquered the world. We’ll step through the song’s complex architecture, revealing...

We talk a lot about mixing on this podcast, but we've never explained what that actually means-- until now. Join me and my guest, recording engineer & producer Drew Townson, as we look at the differences between "recording", "mixing" and "mastering". Get a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions made in the studio, the challenges faced, and why you can't really "fix it in the mix". Learn more abou...

Wilson Pickett, a name synonymous with soul music, has a catalog filled with timeless classics. From "In the Midnight Hour" to "Mustang Sally," his influence on the genre is undeniable. But in this episode, we focus on one of his lesser-discussed yet equally powerful--and damn funky-- tracks, "Get Me Back on Time, Engine Number 9 (Parts 1 & 2)". This song is a testament to Pickett's versatility an...

We celebrate the 201st installment of the podcast by revisiting one of our first subjects-- the legendary Paul McCartney and his band Wings, with the non-album single “Junior's Farm.” Released in November 1974, this track developed during McCartney's escape to a Nashville farm during a tumultuous time in his life, following the breakup of The Beatles. Join us as we explore the song's origins, the...

Welcome to the 200th episode of the "I'm In Love With That Song" Podcast. To mark the occasion, we're celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Fender Precision Bass: the bass guitar that would revolutionize the role of the bass in all forms of popular music-- Rock, Jazz, R&B, Country and beyond. On this episode, I'm joined by Joe Branton (host of the "Guitar Nerds" podcast) to delve into the rich h...

As Mardi Gras approaches, what better way to celebrate than by diving into the rich musical heritage of one of New Orleans' favorite sons. In this week’s episode, we explore one of the city’s most iconic musicians, Dr. John, and his classic track, "I Walk on Gilded Splinters". Released in 1968, this song is a perfect example of the unique blend of voodoo culture and psychedelic sound that characte...

In this episode, we pay homage to the legendary Curtis Mayfield, a pivotal figure often overlooked in discussions about the great artists of the '60s and '70s. Join us as we explore his poignant track "Hard Times" from the album There's No Place Like America Today. We delve into the rich history of his career, from his early days with The Impressions to his groundbreaking solo work that tackled so...

Dive into the world of Blue Oyster Cult with our latest episode, where we explore their fan-favorite track, "Transmaniacon MC" from their debut album. Discover the band's history, the creative minds behind their lyrics, and the unique sound that defined them as the "Thinking Man's Heavy Metal Band." Curious about the story behind their enigmatic lyrics? Tune in now. "Transmaniacon MC" - Sandy Pear...

Join us as we kick off 2026 with a celebration of one of America's most electrifying party bands, The J. Geils Band! This episode dives deep into the infectious "(Ain't Nothin' But A) House Party," a party anthem that perfectly encapsulates the essence of a good time. We explore the band's origins, looking at how the J. Geils Band blended classic R&B with Rock, creating a legacy that resonates thr...

Our special Bonus Holiday Episode for 2025 features a song that should be a Christmas staple-- a brilliant power-pop gem from Doug Powell called "God Bless Us All". Originally written for Ringo Starr's 1999 Christmas album but didn't make the cut, this is a lost Christmas classic that deserves to be a holiday favorite. "God Bless Us All" Doug Powell - Copyright 2006 Muse Sickle Productions Learn m...

In this episode, we welcome back author Gillian Gaar to discuss her new book, Tom Petty: The Life and Music. We'll take a look at the fascinating career of one of rock's most beloved figures. From Petty's early encounter with Elvis Presley to the eventual rise of The Heartbreakers, this episode is packed with anecdotes and insights that shed light on Petty's enduring legacy. Gillian shares stories...

Released in 1979, "Message in a Bottle" was the opening track on The Police's second album, Regatta de Blanc. The song features the signature sounds of the band: Sting's evocative vocals and bass, Andy Summers' intricate guitar work, and Stuart Copeland's dynamic drumming. But what exactly makes this song resonate with so many listeners, even decades later? Listen to this episode and we'll find ou...

In the latest episode of our podcast, we take a fascinating journey into the world of music trends and data with Chris Dalla Riva, author of "Uncharted Territory: What Numbers Tell Us About the Biggest Hit Songs and Ourselves." This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever been curious about the stories behind the hit songs and the charts that track their popularity. This episode is a trea...

When it comes to classic rock albums, few are as iconic as Machine Head by Deep Purple. Released in 1972, this album has cemented its place in rock history, not just for its groundbreaking music but also for the incredible story behind its creation. In this episode, we take a journey through the making of this legendary album, and focus on the track they *thought* was going to be the hit from this...

On this annual Halloween Spooktacular episode, we take a haunting journey through the whimsical world of Robyn Hitchcock, focusing on his early classic, "My Wife and My Dead Wife." With a blend of the mundane and the macabre, we explore how Hitchcock weaves a tale of domesticity intertwined with the supernatural. From the catchy chorus to the clever lyrics, we dissect the song's unique storytellin...

This episode, we take a deep dive into one of the funkiest singles ever recorded: "For the Love of Money" by The O'Jays. Join us as we explore the intricate production techniques, the powerful social message, the rich history behind this iconic track. and why this track remains a cornerstone of Philly Soul. Don't miss out on this deep dive into one of the funkiest singles ever! "For The Love Of Mo...

This episode, we return to the "Creation & Evolution" theme as we trace the history of the song called "Black Betty". It's a fascinating story, from its origins as an African-American work song to its transformation into a rock anthem by Ram Jam. We'll explore the musical evolution of this enduring track. Join us for this captivating musical journey. "Black Betty" New Words & Music Adaptation by H...

Humble Pie is often overshadowed by bands like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and Queen, but they were a considered a "supergroup" when they formed in 1969-- fronted by Steve Marriott from the Small Faces and Peter Frampton from The Herd. Their first 2 albums are a mixed bag, but by the time they signed with A&M Records in 1970 they had refined their style down to a bluesy, hard-rockin' sound. Rock On (...

The Plimsouls, led by guitarist/singer/songwriter Peter Case, released a couple of terrific albums in the early ‘80’s, fusing power pop, punk and R&B into their own unique blend. “A Million Miles Away” was featured in the film Valley Girl, and should’ve catapulted The Plimsouls onto greater fame, but their career stalled and the band split up by the mid-’80’s. To some, this song marks The Plimsoul...

Many bands would be running out of ideas by their 8th album, but not Earth, Wind &Fire – many consider All ‘n All to be their best record. Freshly inspired by the varied sounds & rhythms of South America, Maurice White brought his genre-blending compositions to new heights on this 1977 album, as evidenced by the opening track, “Serpentine Fire”, which White himself described as Earth Wind & Fire’s...

Imagine a time when a band could sell out Shea Stadium faster than The Beatles, without the support of radio airplay or the blessing of music critics-- and no social media. Grand Funk Railroad did just that, and in this episode, we're back with another look at the high-octane world of live rock concerts. Discover how Grand Funk Railroad became a music phenomenon, becoming one of the biggest bands...