Bill & Tony’s Excellent Adventure In Music

🎧 SideTracked: Top 20 Classic Rock Songs of All Time (1965–1999) SideTracked: When the conversation takes a detour worth following. Bill and Tony are officially SideTracked. For this special offshoot episode, we put the album format on pause and take a hard left turn into one of rock’s most dangerous debates: What are the Top 20 Classic Rock Songs of All Time? Inspired by SiriusXM’s year-end Classic Rock countdown and armed with decades of listening, arguing, and rewinding cassette tapes, we did what we always do when a list doesn’t quite sit right. We made our own. We enlisted friends and family, gathered rankings, combined the results, and then debated the fine points until the list finally felt right. The final list spans 1965–1999 and is revealed five songs at a time, counting down to number one. You’ll agree with some picks. You’ll question others. You’ll definitely have opinions. Which is exactly the point. Episode Format Why this list needed to exist Countdown discussion: #20–16 #15–11 #10–6 #5–1 Final thoughts 🎸 Another excellent adventure Connect with Bill & Tony Website: https://billandtonypod.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billandtonypod/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/BillandTonypod Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/billndtonypod Email: bill@bntexcellent.com  |  tony@bntexcellent.com Playlists Spotify – Top 20 Classic Rock Songs (1965–1999): https://bit.ly/4jOKyV0 Apple Music – Top 20 Classic Rock Songs (1965–1999): https://apple.co/4t0Wur0 Interesting Links (Classic Rock Context) SiriusXM Top 1000 Classic Rock Songs: https://bit.ly/4r1wfyJ Rolling Stone: The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: https://bit.ly/3YOuB7A Collider Top 25 Classic Rock Songs: https://bit.ly/4qZg1WX Ultimate Classic Rock Top 100 Songs: https://bit.ly/3YKhWm8

Exile in Guyville by Liz Phair – Album Review Bill & Tony head back to the ‘90s to unpack Exile in Guyville, Liz Phair’s raw, fearless, and game-changing 1993 debut. Part confessional, part confrontation, and all attitude, this album shook up indie rock, challenged expectations, and made some guys in “Guyville” squirm. Was this a track-by-track response to Exile on Main St. or something even bolder? How did a lo-fi demo from a Chicago bedroom become one of the most celebrated albums of the decade? And does this brutally honest record still hit as hard in 2025?   In this episode: Our personal memories of discovering Liz Phair A look at what else was happening in music and culture in ’93 The making of Exile, 4-track tapes, Matador Records, and indie DIY energy Track-by-track breakdown and the Song Draft Final thoughts: Is Guyville still a must-listen? 🎙️ Candid, clever, and completely unfiltered, Liz Phair kicked the door open with Exile in Guyville, and we’re here to celebrate every gritty, glorious minute of it.   📱 Connect with Bill & Tony: Website: https://billandtonypod.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billandtonypod/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/BillandTonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billndtonypod Email: bill@bntexcellent.com | tony@bntexcellent.com   🎧 Listen to the album: Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/exile-in-guyville-2018-remaster/1589236833 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7sCpW2cLGcRk1zf9zi0Yqd Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B07BFKHYHW   🔗 Bonus Links for Liz Phair Fans: 1993 in History: https://www.history.com/a-year-in-history/1993 Exile in Guyville Album Page: https://www.lizphair.net/discography/albums/exile-in-guyville/ Pitchfork’s Review Retrospective: https://bit.ly/4kIRTo7 Liz Phair Look-Back Interview: https://bit.ly/3HirGyx Girly Show: The History of Exile in Guyville: https://bit.ly/43NM4PM The Story of Exile in Guyville: https://bit.ly/3SZHUyX

Guns N' Roses – Appetite for Destruction Welcome to the jungle, baby! Bill & Tony are diving headfirst into Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction — the 1987 debut that exploded onto the scene with grit, swagger, and some of the most unforgettable riffs in rock history. We’re talking Paradise City dreams, Nightrain rides, and the firestorm behind a band that made chaos look cool. What made Appetite such a game-changer? And does this album still hold up after nearly four decades? In this episode: Our teenage memories of discovering Appetite What else was everyone playing on repeat  in 1987 Behind-the-scenes madness, trivia & GNR lore Track-by-track breakdown and our epic song draft Final thoughts: Is this still the most dangerous debut in rock? 🎸 Big guitars. Big attitude. Big trouble. Join us as we revisit the album that made the Sunset Strip shake and gave rock its edge back. 📱 Connect with Bill & Tony: Website: https://billandtonypod.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billandtonypod/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/BillandTonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billndtonypod Email: bill@bntexcellent.com | tony@bntexcellent.com 🎧 Listen to the album: Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/appetite-for-destruction/1377813284 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/28yHV3Gdg30AiB8h8em1eW Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B07CQ8B47B 🔗 Bonus Links for GNR Fans: 1987 in History: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/year/1987 16 Appetite Facts: https://bit.ly/3EbHWQu 30 More Appetite Facts: https://ihr.fm/3DZkB4w Axl ‘Out Ta Get Me’: https://bit.ly/3DU0yod Erin Everly Story: https://bit.ly/3Rr5zYo Original Cover Art: https://bit.ly/3ZAD9zw Vocal Ranges: https://www.concerthotels.com/worlds-greatest-vocal-ranges “It’s So Easy” Video: https://youtu.be/FMbl1ntpIXQ?si=wGaUTbqj0ooO3Wih

Bill and Tony are ready to pour some sugar on Def Leppard's Hysteria! It's not just another album review; it's a 'Rocket' ride through the 1987 masterpiece that defined an era. We're sharing our 'Animal' instincts, uncovering long-forgotten stories, and exploring if this album truly deserves 'Love and Affection'. From the dueling guitar magic of Phil Collen and Steve Clark to the 'Pour Some Sugar on Me' tales, we're unpacking the album that topped the charts and rocked the world. Join Bill and Tony as they crank up the volume to explore the Hysteria album legacy. Another rockin' adventure awaits! Connect with Bill & Tony:  Website: https://billandtonypod.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billandtonypod/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/BillandTonypod Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/billndtonypod Email: bill@bntexcellent.com  |  tony@bntexcellent.com Interesting Links: 1987 - This Year in History: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/year/1987 Def Leppard’s ‘Hysteria’: 10 Things You Didn’t Know: http://bit.ly/4hLEdXD Def Leopard Seekis Enlightenment on Hysteria: https://bit.ly/43PNaw3 7 Facts About Def Leppard You May Not Have Known: https://bit.ly/4hU7nnM Beavis and Butthead - Animal: https://youtu.be/UndLd9hbGRI?si=gCga9gR0cygCKKgd Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott: My Life in 15 Songs: https://bit.ly/4caELFf Album Links Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/hysteria/1440903625 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/album/1ja2qzCrh6bZykcojbZs82 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B078VS76QV

Bill and Tony are ready to find out 'Why Can't This Be Love' for Van Halen's '5150'! It's not just another album review; it's a 'Best of Both Worlds' deep dive into the Hagar era. We're sharing our 'Dreams' of 1986, uncovering studio secrets, and exploring if this was truly a 'Summer Nights' triumph. Did the shift to Sammy Hagar 'Get Up' and redefine Van Halen, or was it a natural evolution? From Eddie's guitar magic to the 'Love Walks In' stories, we're unpacking the album that topped the charts. Join Bill and Tony as they crank up the volume to explore the '5150' album legacy. Another rockin' adventure awaits! Connect with Bill & Tony:  Website: https://billandtonypod.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billandtonypod/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/BillandTonypod Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/billndtonypod Email: bill@bntexcellent.com  |  tony@bntexcellent.com Interesting Links: 1986 - This Year in History: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/year/1986 Van Halen: How Millions United, Then Destroyed: https://www.forbes.com/sites/adammorganstern/2017/07/21/van-halen-how-millions-united-then-destroyed-americas-biggest-rock-band/ 20 Interesting Facts about Van Halen’s 5150: https://933theeagle.iheart.com/content/2017-03-24-20-facts-to-celebrate-31-years-of-van-halens-5150/ Van Halen Sammy Hagar Era Begins: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/van-halen-5150/ Replacing David Lee Roth: https://www.loudersound.com/features/van-halen-sammy-hagar-5150 Daryl Hall Turned Down Van Halen: https://loudwire.com/daryl-hall-turned-down-van-halen-david-lee-roth-replacement/ Tonechaser Book: https://www.tonechaserbook.com/ Album Links Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/5150-remastered/1708662989 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/album/1HzO2LvKXM5xnLbACyZ0EO Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0CJMWR5X4

Bill and Tony take it to the IMAX for 'Becoming Led Zeppelin'! Did the legendary band's early days truly come to life on the giant screen? From the band interviews to the early concert footage to the behind-the-scenes glimpses, Bill and Tony are digging deep. They're exploring the raw energy and musical magic that fueled Zeppelin's rise. Did the IMAX format amplify the experience, or was it the music itself that truly commanded the room? Join Bill and Tony as they discuss the movie that tells the story of this iconic band's journey. Another cinematic adventure awaits! Email Us:  bill@bntexcellent.com tony@bntexcellent.com Social Media: Instagram: billandtonypod Twitter: @billandtonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billndtonypod Bill & Tony Led Zeppelin IV Podcast: click here   Interesting Links Becoming Led Zeppelin web page: click here Rotten Tomatoes for Becoming Led Zeppelin: click here

Bill and Tony had so much fun at the movies with “A Complete Unknown”, but are happy to be back with the first album review show of the season.  The Bob Dylan trend continues with a move from the big screen to the record store for a deep dive into Dylan’s classic, “Highway 61 Revisited”.  There is plenty of room in the back of the “Buick 6”, and Bill and Tony have no “secrets to conceal”.   Don’t worry - that’s an Acme slide whistle you hear behind you - not a police siren.  Why not join Bill and Tony as they seek to discover: “How does it feel?”.  We invite you on another excellent music adventure with Bill and Tony! Email Us:  bill@bntexcellent.com tony@bntexcellent.com Social Media: Instagram: billandtonypod Twitter: @billandtonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billndtonypod   Interesting Links How Bob Dylan Made Rock History on ‘Highway 61 Revisited’: click here 'Is It Rolling, Bob?': Remembering Producer Bob Johnston: click here The story of Elston Gunnn, Bob Dylan’s unknown alter-ego: click here Behind the Meaning of “Ballad of a Thin Man” by Bob Dylan: click here Album Links Apple Music: click here Spotify: click here Amazon Music: click here

Bill and Tony kicked off season 3 with a road trip to discuss the concerts they saw in 2024.  Before they get back to their album review shows, they made a pit stop at the movies to see the Bob Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown”, nominated for 8 Oscars this year.  “Don’t think twice, it’s alright”, they’re not “Blowing in the Wind”, they are putting the finishing touches on “Highway 61 Revisited”, the first true album show of season 3.  Grab some popcorn and your favorite movie candy and join Bill and Tony for an excellent adventure in movies! Email Us:  bill@bntexcellent.com tony@bntexcellent.com Social Media: Instagram: billandtonypod Twitter: @billandtonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bntexcellent

Bill and Tony are back with Season 3 of Bill and Tony's Excellent Adventure in Music.  We didn’t put out any new shows in 2024 because we were “on tour” seeing loads of concerts.  We’re back with a full slate of shows for you.  Our opening act for the season will be a recap of the concerts we saw this year.  We will also comment on some of our favorite new albums from 2024 and preview some of the episodes we have planned for you this year.  We invite you to rejoin us as we continue our excellent adventure in music! Email Us:  bill@bntexcellent.com tony@bntexcellent.com Social Media: Instagram: billandtonypod Twitter: @billandtonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bntexcellent Setlist Links January Fillmore, Philadelphia Digable Planets Black Pumas   The Sphere, Las Vegas U2 February The Met, Philadelphia Mitski March Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn The Beaches Boyish Fillmore,  Philadelphia Juanes   April Theater of Living Arts, Philadelphia Maggie Rogers May Metuchen Laura Cantrell The Met, Philadelphia The Black Crowes The Met, Philadelphia Khruangbin June July Citi Field, Queens Foo Fighters Pretenders Mammoth WVH   Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia Blink-182 Pierce the Veil PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel Sammy Hagar Loverboy August Music Fest, Bethlehem Greta Van Fleet The Beaches Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia Green Day Smashing Pumpkins Rancid Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Pink Sheryl Crow September Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park Waxahatchee Snail Mail Tim Hediecker Prudential Center, Newark Kacey Musgraves Father John Misty Nickel Creek  Wells Fargo, Philadelphia Pearl Jam Glen Hansard The Met, Philadelphia St Vincent Yves Tumor The Met Philadelphia PJ Harvey Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park The Beaches Charlie Houston October Wells Fargo, Philadelphia Maggie Rogers Ryan Beatty Kia Forum, Los Angeles ELO Rooney November The Met, Philadelphia Leon Bridges Hermanos Gutierrez Stargazer Lily December Terminal 5, New York Ghostface Killah & Raekwon GZA Underground Arts, Philadelphia LA LOM The National Reserve Underground Arts, Philadelphia The Thing Friend Wax Jaw The 10th Annual Ally Coalition Talent Show - Skirball Center, New York Bleachers Sabrina Carpenter Rachel Zegler Trey Anastasio Remi Wolf   Additional Albums of Note: Wunderhorse - Midas Maggie Rogers - Don’t Forget Me Cindy Lee - Diamond Jubillee The Beaches - Blame My Ex Been Stellar - Scream From New York, NY Fontaines DC - Romance The Marias - Submarine Illuminati hotties - Power Peso Plumo - ÉXODO

Aight, picture this: it's Christmas Eve, the fruitcake's gone stale, and the carols are on repeat for the 5,000th time. You're trapped in a family movie marathon with Aunt Mildred's questionable fashion choices burning into your retinas. Sound familiar? Well, fear not, weary travelers, because Bill & Tony's Excellent Adventure is here to rescue you with a holiday special like no other: This year we take a "Celluloid Sleigh Ride and pick our Our Favorite Holiday Flicks. This is your chance to eavesdrop on two pop culture fiends as they dissect holiday cinema like elves on sugar. So grab your spiked eggnog (or hot cocoa, if you're feeling virtuous) and settle in for a holiday movie chat that's as warm as a crackling fire and as sharp as a snowman's carrot nose. Just remember, if Aunt Mildred asks what you're watching, tell her it's a heartwarming tale about the power of friendship... and questionable fashion choices. Happy holidays, you magnificent misfits!!!!! Email Us:  bill@bntexcellent.com tony@bntexcellent.com Social Media: Instagram: billandtonypod Twitter: @billandtonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bntexcellent Holiday Playlist Links Spotify: click here Amazon Music: click here

Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny premiered on Disney+ on December 1st and judging by the disappointing box office numbers, a lot of folks didn’t go see this in the theater this summer.  Bill and Tony think there is much to commend the movie to you.  While it is not a perfect film, any movie with Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Mads Mikkelsen in it is at least worth watching from home.  Like Indy, Bill and Tony are back in the saddle for another Excellent Adventure in Movies.     Song Draft Poll: click here Email Us:  bill@bntexcellent.com tony@bntexcellent.com Social Media: Instagram: billandtonypod Twitter: @billandtonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bntexcellent Interesting Links Robert Pattinson / Christopher Nolan article: click here

Bill and Tony are hard at work recording season 3 of Bill and Tony’s Excellent Adventure in Music.  We went to a bunch of concerts this year and to get us back in the swing of things, we present to you episodes recapping some of those experiences.  Our first concert episode features Sea Hear Now - the 2-day music festival on the beach in Asbury Park, NJ.  The headliners were The Killers and Foo Fighters and they did not disappoint.  Join us as we recap our festival experiences, then head into the archives for our season 2 episodes featuring “Hot Fuss” and “The Colour and the Shape”. 

There was a near-zero chance we would destroy the world when we pressed the record button, and we taped the pod anyway!  Bill and Tony are back for a summer season of Excellent Adventures in Movies instead of Music.  This week, we're presenting a spoiler free review of Oppenheimer. We were fortunate to see it in the 70mm IMAX format and look forward to sharing our experience with you! To paraphrase J. Robert Oppenheimer: "They won't fear it until they understand it and they won't understand it until they've" listened to Bill and Tony’s Excellent Adventurer in Music. Song Draft Poll: click here Email Us:  bill@bntexcellent.com tony@bntexcellent.com Social Media: Instagram: billandtonypod Twitter: @billandtonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bntexcellent Interesting Links Robert Pattinson / Christopher Nolan article: click here

Hold on tight and get ready to shake your tailfeathers as Bill and Tony take you on a wild musical ride in this special episode of "Bill & Tony's Excellent Adventure in Music"! In loving memory of the iconic Tina Turner, we've compiled a playlist that'll make you wanna roll down the river and shout, "Simply the Best!" From the soul-stirring power of "What's Love Got to Do with It" to the fierce determination of "Private Dancer," this episode is a non-stop blast of Tina's greatest hits. So, grab your dancing shoes, turn up the volume, and prepare to have a "Nutbush City Limits" level of fun as we honor the irreplaceable Tina Turner in the most foot-stompin', shimmy-shakin' way imaginable! Email Us:  bill@bntexcellent.com tony@bntexcellent.com Social Media: Instagram: billandtonypod Twitter: @billandtonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bntexcellent Interesting Links Van Halen debuted in the ‘70s but represented the best of the ’80s:: click here   Playlist Links Apple Music: click here Spotify: click here

Get ready to rock out with Bill and Tony's Excellent Adventure in Music! This week, we have a special treat for you - author and historian Greg Renoff joins us for an in-depth discussion about the legendary band Van Halen and their iconic album "1984". We'll be covering a lot of ground, from the early days of the band to the tense dynamic between Eddie and Dave, to their innovative use of synthesizer on "1984". And with Greg Renoff's extensive knowledge and expertise, we'll gain a unique perspective on the band's history and legacy. So hold on to your guitar picks and get ready to turn up the volume, because this is an episode you won't want to miss. Join us for a fascinating conversation about one of the most influential bands in rock history - Van Halen! Email Us:  bill@bntexcellent.com tony@bntexcellent.com Social Media: Instagram: billandtonypod Twitter: @billandtonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bntexcellent Interesting Links Van Halen Rising: book link here Van Halen Gene Simmons Demos (1976): click here Van Halen Warner Demos (1977): click here Album Links Apple Music: click here Spotify: click here Amazon Music: click here

Are you ready to time travel back to 1984 with Bill and Tony's Excellent Adventure in Music? This week, we're shaking the foundations with Van Halen's electrifying album "1984". Get ready to be transported back to the era of big hair, neon colors, and legendary guitar riffs. From David Lee Roth's signature screams to Eddie Van Halen's epic guitar solos, this album is packed with hits so get ready to "Dance the Night Away", but don't be "Hot For Teacher", because we've got all the rock 'n' roll education you need right here. So, “we might as well Jump" in and start another excellent adventure in music! Song Draft Poll: click here Email Us:  bill@bntexcellent.com tony@bntexcellent.com Social Media: Instagram: billandtonypod Twitter: @billandtonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bntexcellent Interesting Links Van Halen debuted in the ‘70s but represented the best of the ’80s:: click here Eddie Van Halen revisits 1984: click here Tonight, We Eat Brown M&M’s in Eddie Van Halen’s Memory: click here Hot for Teacher Fun Facts: click here “Hot for Teacher” music video: click here “Jump” music video: click here “Panama” music video: click here Voodoo Queen: click here “Panama” isolated guitar track: click here Album Links Apple Music: click here Spotify: click here Amazon Music: click here

It's been a long time since Bill and Tony have rock and rolled.  After episodes on Christmas music and Taylor Swift, let us get it back, let us get it back to where we come from as we return to classic rock with Led Zeppelin IV.  Join us as we battle over  "The Battle of Evermore".  We have so many somethings you might not know, the leavee's goin' to break. But not to worry -  we're buying a stairway to classic rock and getting the Led out! Song Draft Poll: click here Email Us:  bill@bntexcellent.com tony@bntexcellent.com Social Media: Instagram: billandtonypod Twitter: @billandtonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bntexcellent Interesting Links How Led Zeppelin Won Over Critics: click here How Led Zeppelin IV Was Made: click here How Robert Plant Nearly Joined The Who: click here Why Led Zeppelin Brought in Sandy Denny: click here Album Links Apple Music: click here Spotify: click here Amazon Music: click here

Once upon a time, a few mistakes ago, we had Taylor Swift in our sights and we got Red alone…for a podcast.  Red begins Taylor’s transition from country-pop superstar to global media icon.  Come join Bill and Tony as we walk through the door with you - the air might be cold but we promise to make it feel like home somehow on another episode of Bill and Tony's Excellent Adventure in Music. Song Draft Poll: click here Email Us:  bill@bntexcellent.com tony@bntexcellent.com Social Media: Instagram: billandtonypod Twitter: @billandtonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bntexcellent Interesting Links All Too Well Grammys performance: click here Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks Rhiannon performance: click here Bob Lefsetz response to “Mean”: click here All Too Well (10 minute version) SNL performance: click here Folklore: Long Pond studio sessions (featuring Jack Antonoff): click here Album Links Apple Music: click here Spotify: click here Amazon Music: click here

We don’t want a lot for Christmas.  There is just one thing we need…a Bill and Tony’s Excellent Adventure in Holiday Music!  We’ve made our list and we’ve checked it twice.  Now it’s time to find out which holiday classics are naughty and which are nice.  All we want for Christmas is for you to join us on the holiday road for a special adventure in Christmas music. Email Us:  bill@bntexcellent.com tony@bntexcellent.com Social Media: Instagram: billandtonypod Twitter: @billandtonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bntexcellent Holiday Playlist Links Spotify: click here Amazon Music: click here Interesting Links Ally Coalition general info: click here Ally Coalition 8th Annual Talent Show: click here Billy Squier “Rock Me Tonight”: click here

“All Things Must Pass” by George Harrison is the first triple album of original, unreleased music in rock history.  Bill and Tony welcome Laura Cantrell from Dark Horse Radio on SiriusXM’s The Beatles Channel to help navigate our musical journey into this unprecedented masterpiece.  We “really wanna go with you” on this adventure and “we really wanna show you” what we’ve learned.  We promise “that it won’t take long, my Lord”.   Song Draft Poll: click here Email Us:  bill@bntexcellent.com tony@bntexcellent.com Social Media: Instagram: billandtonypod Twitter: @billandtonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bntexcellent Interesting Links Pitchfork 2016 album review: click here The Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp per Wikipedia: click here Dark Horse Radio on SiriusXM: click here Dark Horse Radio show overview: click here Laura Cantrell’s bio: click here Laura Cantrell’s George Harrison playlist: click here Album Links Apple Music: click here Spotify: click here Amazon Music: click here