The Indie 500 Podcast

Find Melissa's Substack hereOr follow her on Instagram @melissaontheroadIn this episode of the Indy 500 podcast, we dive into the rich tapestry of Bristol's music scene with journalist and author Melissa Chemam. Melissa shares insights from her book, "Massive Attack, Out of the Comfort Zone," exploring how the city of Bristol shaped the iconic sound of Massive Attack. From the city's historical ties to the Caribbean to the punk and reggae influences that fueled a cultural revolution, discover how Bristol became a unique melting pot for musical innovation. Join us as we unravel the stories behind the music and the city's lasting impact on the global stage.

#339 - Pearl Jam - TenOhhohhhh feeeeeeeelin’ herewegoagainspitingtherandomnumbergenerator oooohooo yeah That’s right we’re taking the wheel and picking our own album this week, it’s Helio’s bday special: Pearl Jam’s Ten. And it’s all business as we talk PNW scene history, what makes PJ different, how crazy it is that this is in the rear 1/3rd of the list, venue insurance issues, and the shocking cast of “The Grunge That Stole X-mas”.It’s an ep you’ll clearly remember

Ho ho ho! Now we have a holiday episode.It’s a holly jolly pitstop, it’s the best ep of the year (maybe), gifts are exchanged, Beatles are harangued, and Bob Geldof saves Africa! We also power rank the modern canon of new-ish Xmas songs, review some even newer ones and figure out which hymnals are naughty and nice. So gather loved ones near, light a fireplace and put on your favorite podcast based on a specific 2013 issue of a British music magazine

Find the book here!Follow Selena on InstagramThis episode we are joined by author, Selena Fraggasi, to discuss her epic new book, "Pearl Jam Live! 35 years of legendary music and revolutionary shows." We discuss Pearl Jam's rise from the ashes of Mother Love Bone, the fan first nature of the band and the threads that have kept the band together all these years.Check out other awesome titles from Epic Ink & Quarto

#160 Primal Scream - XTRMNTRWe find our heroes on the front lines of the revolution receiving a 25 year old transmission from the UK that warns of the coming revolution and is oddly prophetic about the rise of the corporate police state. What does it all mean? Anti-establishment? Anti-drug culture? Either way, a menagerie of underground voices come together to create this album that Breddy and Helio attempt to digest.

#297 - Can - Ege BamyasiThis week the boys return to the land of chocolate and krautrock as the NME’s Top 500 list serves them up a part of Can’s legendary run of albums. They extoll the virtues of abandoned theaters over abandoned castles, figure out who can play chess, and take a look at Chuck Berry’s ding a ling. All this, more, and a random roll that perhaps we had coming. Tune in!For more info on Can and Ege Bamyasi don’t forget to check out the previous interview episode with resident Krautrock expert Kyle Reiss

Check out Kyle's Krautrock poster store for some amazing and unique merchHelio catches up with friend of the podcast, Kyle Reiff, and gets his insights into Krautrock legends Can as well as some knowledge about the album that is next on the show, "Ege Bamyasi". They talk influences, unusual recording spaces, Damo Suzuki and pack a ton of knowledge into the episode. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Can and Krautrock01:36 The Cologne Conservatory and Its Influence05:18 Malcolm Mooney's Journey to Can07:13 The Dynamics Within Can10:31 Irmin Schmidt's Musical Background12:57 Damo Suzuki Joins Can19:01 Damo's Unique Performance Style21:56 Can's Commercial Journey and Album Releases25:14 Innerspace: Can's Recording Studio Experience30:06 Innovative Recording Techniques in Music Production33:26 The Reception and Impact of "Ege Bamyasi"38:12 Technological Advances and Their Influence on Sound42:14 The Evolution of Can and Their Musical Journey48:28 Influences and Recommendations for Krautrock Fans52:28 Personal Reflections on Can's Influence in Music

If you're gonna get the guys a christmas gift, consider contributing to funding Duane's project focusing on making a documentary about legendary Baltimore rock band, Crack The Sky!https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1113034335/crack-the-sky-50th-anniversary-documentary-filmHelio and Breddy are given a chance to talk all things Prince with author Duane Tudahl about his incredible book "Prince and the Purple Rain Era Studio Sessions 1983 - 1984" in which he details the day in day out history of the making of Purple Rain, Princes touring life, Purple Rain the movie etc.

Featuring interview clips with Duane Tudahl, check out his kickstarter for his new documentary here https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1113034335/crack-the-sky-50th-anniversary-documentary-filmDig if u will this episode, the long awaited return of the mainline episode where we discuss an album many have noted as a favorite and it’s companion movie: Purple Rain. We hear from one of the worlds most dedicated Prince researchers, ask if Prince is an alien with super powers, ask for The Time, and recount niche competitive fight game beef between Smash Brothers players and Street Fighter lovers.Can u my darling? Can u picture that?

IFP Pit Stop: Season in the abyssThe IFP boys set a demarcation line between season 1 and season 2 with an OOPS! All Segments pit stop. They power rank the albums, assign more NFL teams a vibes matching band, reminisce on the best and most confounding parts of season one, what’s a Graham sandwich? and….is that Taylor Swift!?!?

In this episode of the Indie 500 Podcast, Breddy & Helio sit down with John Stanier, drummer for Battles, to discuss their album ‘Mirrored’, ranked number 436 on NME’s top 500 albums of all time. Stanier talks about his experiences recording at Machines with Magnets studio, his initial reaction to joining Battles, and the band's creative evolution over the years. The conversation also veers into memorable anecdotes, including collaborations, their rapid ascent in the alternative music scene, and behind-the-scenes stories about their notable music videos.

In this episode of the Indie 500, Breddy & Helio sit down with Ian Williams, guitarist for the band Battles, to discuss their album "Mirrored" which lands at #436 on NME's top 500 albums of all-time list. We touch on a variety of topics including evolving technologies in music, when do you just KNOW you've found a good loop you want to use, the evolution of the band from guys with day jobs to putting together a landmark album, touring and the evolution of the band. Ian also shares with us a glimpse into the randomness of life with a hilarious anecdote involving a recording studio, Kid Rock, and an indoor hot tub.

#436 Battles - Mirrored After more delays than you could shake a Line6 DL4 at, the long awaited episode on the 00’s classic "Mirrored" by Battles finally arrives with an incredible bonus: our own interviews with the band themselves, John Stanier and Ian Williams. Helio and Breddy quiz John and Ian on topics like signing with Warp records as a group with a real drummer, how do you know when a loop is ready? how do you know when a loop is ready? how do you know when a loop is ready? Oops we left our echoplex on! and what’s changed for the band since Mirrored. Keep an eye on this spot in the future for the full uncut versions of the interviews.

#116 The White Stripes - ElephantIt’s two on two ball (and biscuit) as Breddy and Helio take on a fellow duo we all knew would show up sooner or later: The White Stripes, and at the height of their powers with songs and riffs that resonated across the globe and catapulted them into stardom. The boys also begin a new long term project, recite monologues from Spielberg movies, and literally fiddle with guitar pedals. Also odd coincidences pile up, breaking the boys’ minds and driving them into the arms of Doop. Note: this episodes audio is best experienced over phonograph or dictaphone.00:00 Welcome to the Indy 500 Podcast01:03 Introducing the Smarch Madness Tournament04:33 Redemption Conference: Albums We Want Included04:55 Shame Conference: Albums We Could Do Without05:53 Brady's Picks for the Redemption Conference16:40 Helio's Picks for the Redemption Conference32:38 Listener Contributions and Call to Action35:39 This Week's Album: The White Stripes' Elephant52:17 Early Concert Experiences and Band Recommendations53:56 The White Stripes' Breakthrough with 'White Blood Cells'54:32 Iconic Music Videos and Their Impact55:41 The Rock Revival Era56:36 Exploring the Multiverse of Bad Lists57:44 The Cure's 'Disintegration' and Its Legacy01:02:08 Movie Spotlight: 'Catch Me If You Can'01:07:09 Video Game Highlight: Gears of War II01:12:13 Blues Legend: Blind Blake01:15:32 Cultural Context and Coincidences01:35:15 Band's Transitional Phase01:35:47 Square Enix Merger and Final Fantasy01:37:34 Political Climate: George W. Bush Era01:39:11 White Stripes' Simplicity and Experimentation01:41:31 Recording 'Elephant' at Toe Rag Studios01:46:02 Jack White's Unique Equipment Choices02:03:53 The Impact of 'Seven Nation Army'02:10:12 The White Stripes' Final Days02:14:10 Jack White's Post-White Stripes Ventures02:28:21 Analyzing the Album's Riff and Beat02:28:57 Band Dynamics and Support02:29:16 Comparing Two-Person Bands02:29:40 Track-by-Track Album Review02:30:22 Discussing the Album's Poetry and Depth02:30:55 Favorite Tracks and Riffs02:36:28 The Influence of Grunge on Jack White02:38:04 Blues Influence and Favorite Songs02:38:52 Reflecting on 'Seven Nation Army'02:40:00 Album's Final Track and Conclusion02:42:45 Breaking News: Coachella 2026 Lineup02:45:31 Detroit Pizza Recipe and Music Recommendations02:47:14 Homework Albums and Live Album Discussion03:03:42 Random Number Generator: Next Album

#317 Gram Parsons - Grievous AngelPull up to your porch or step into your parlor as an extra large, country-fried episode of The Indie 500 Podcast tells you how it all went down with Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, and the rest of the Ex-Byrds Extended Cinematic Universe. Will Breddy be fully lost to Alt-country? Will Helio find the yeehaw in his heart? Will a myriad of NFL week 1 references and segments cause a listener revolt? All these things and more, cowpokes. So hitch up and settle in.00:00 Welcome to the Indy 500 Podcast League02:00 NFL Teams as Bands: AFC West29:35 Transition to Gram Parsons Discussion30:50 The Life and Times of Gram Parsons35:32 Early Life and Musical Beginnings39:07 Tragedy and Musical Pursuits43:05 Harvard and the International Submarine Band52:16 Transition to Country Rock53:32 Joining The Byrds55:26 Sweetheart of the Rodeo56:09 Clashes in Nashville57:08 Power Struggles and Departure01:02:37 Flying Burrito Brothers Formation01:03:35 Gilded Palaces of Sin01:06:13 Downfall of the Flying Burrito Brothers01:11:02 Multiverse of Lists01:31:34 Gram Parsons' Solo Career01:39:05 Legendary Collaborations and Contributions01:41:23 Emmylou Harris: The Key Partnership01:43:14 Emmylou Harris' Early Career Struggles01:48:37 Gram Parsons' Solo Career and Touring Band01:56:41 Recording 'Grievous Angel' and Personal Struggles02:00:47 The Tragic End and Unusual Funeral02:09:06 Legacy and Influence of Gram Parsons02:33:13 Discussing Standout Tracks02:35:04 The History of 'Love Hurts'02:36:38 Album Highlights and Session Musicians02:39:01 Reflecting on Gram Parsons' Legacy02:42:08 Exploring Other Music and Artists02:46:34 Concluding Thoughts and Next Week's Album

#354 - Isaac Hayes - Hot Buttered SoulI'm talking about the power of podcasting about the NME top 500 now.I'm gonna tell you what a podcast can do.You know when they say podcasts make the world go 'round, that's the truth.Certain episodes can make you or break you.They can make you laugh, they can make you cry.they can make you happy, they can make you sad.Aw, it'd get hung out real bad.In a case of Patti Smith, podcasts can make you mad.Oh, yeah.Now everybody, everybody's got it's own thing.Everybody's got it's way of doing a thing.Now we should attempt to do an episode that is very popular its about one of the great young songwriters of the 70s, Isaac Hayes.Now I don't know what he was thinking about or what inspired him to write Hot Buttered Soul, but it's a deep album.There's a deep meaning to this album because it shows you what the power of podcasts can do.Now I should attempt it to do it my way, my own interpretation of it.Like I said, everybody's got it's own thing.I'm gonna bring it on down to Soulsville.Now I want you to bear along with me for a few minutes while I set it up.Now I want your imagination.I want you to travel with me.Oh, come on, come on, come on.00:00 Welcome to the Indy 500 Podcast01:24 Tribute to Brent Hines of Mastodon03:29 Memories and Stories of Brent Hines13:45 Isaac Hayes' Hot Buttered Soul22:12 Breaking News: Big Boi and Whirlpool Collaboration30:51 Exploring the Multiverse of Bad Lists42:34 Historical Context of 196950:33 Ad Break and Podcast Economics54:38 Sponsor Message: Colonel Morrisey's BBQ56:19 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey57:13 Isaac Hayes' Musical Evolution58:27 The Stax Records Saga01:09:51 Recording Hot Buttered Soul01:21:47 Track-by-Track Breakdown01:24:03 Legacy and Impact of Hot Buttered Soul01:39:31 Final Thoughts and Reviews01:42:46 Exploring the Duality of Funk and Soul01:43:23 Weekly Music Homework Assignments01:44:27 Diving into Steven Wilson's Hand Cannot Erase01:46:36 The Emotional Depth of Steven Wilson's Music01:48:36 Rediscovering Steve Wilson's Influence01:54:31 The Unique Sound of Plini01:56:31 Discussing Mastodon and Other Music01:57:01 Trail of Dead's So Divided: A Critical Reassessment02:02:25 The Emotional Weight of So Divided02:12:45 Random Album Selection and Podcast Banter

Find this weeks guest, Hudson Ludy, on his YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@hudsonludyIn this episode of the Indie 500 Podcast, Helio discusses Tom Waits with massive fan Hudson Ludy. Hudson shares insights on Tom Waits' music, his unique narrative style, and how Waits has influenced his own artistic journey. The conversation covers Hudson's beginnings with Waits' music, the impact of Waits' relationship with his wife Kathleen on his music, and other key influences on Hudson's life. The episode concludes with Hudson sharing a cover of 'Take It With Me' and offering advice for those interested in diving into Waits' discography.00:00 Introduction to the Indie 500 Podcast00:58 Meet the Guest: Hudson Ludy01:03 Discovering Tom Waits02:10 First Impressions of Tom Waits' Music02:40 The Influence of 'Over the Garden Wall'04:01 Diving Deeper into Tom Waits' Albums04:41 Creating Playlists and YouTube Content09:47 Favorite Tom Waits Songs and Albums14:31 Artistic Inspirations and Influences20:30 The Love Story of Tom and Kathleen24:26 Musical Interlude: 'Take It With Me' Cover28:23 Recommendations for Tom Waits Fans29:05 Exploring Tom Waits' Discography30:16 Nighthawks at the Diner: A Unique Album32:22 The Influence of Kathleen Brennan32:32 Top 500 Albums and Tom Waits' Place35:51 Artists with Similar Appeal to Tom Waits36:45 Will Wood: A Modern Influence39:09 Fiona Apple's Unique Sound41:40 Frank Sinatra's Influence on Tom Waits43:18 Final Thoughts and Recommendations48:25 Hudson Ludi's Upcoming Projects

In this episode of the Indie 500 Podcast, we examine Tom Waits' debut album 'Closing Time,' with special guest musician and fan, Trent Hamilton. The discussion delves into the evolution of Tom Waits' music, personal anecdotes about discovering Waits, and the unique experience of seeing him live. The conversation also recommends other artists similar to Waits and explores some interesting stories and trivia about his life and career.00:00 Introduction to the Indie 500 Podcast01:45 Special Guest: Trent Hamilton02:31 Discovering Tom Waits03:27 First Impressions and Growing Appreciation06:27 The Live Experience12:46 Top Tom Waits Albums18:57 The Mythical Story of Tom Waits19:29 Artists Similar to Tom Waits20:11 Richard Buckner: An Underrated Talent22:12 Jesca Hoop: From Nanny to Musician23:35 Tom Waits' Influence on Modern :52 Tom Waits' Sobriety and Musical Evolution28:23 Memorable Tom Waits Anecdotes32:51 Touring Life and Final Thoughts

#341 - Tom Waits - Closing TimeEpisode 20 - Tom Waits - Closing Time - Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings endThe show is graced by another multi-spot holder from the NME Top 500 albums list: Tom Waits! And we start at the start with his debut album, something altogether different from what the boys expected. Will The Eagles (bad band) of it all ruin things for our hosts? Will The Eagles (football team) of it all ruin things for the listeners? Do you know who you want to take you home? Waits waits, don’t tell me….i’ll just tune in and find out.You sentDamn fine description lolZakZakWhere have I heard “walk on by” used befireZakAlso jesus christ:ZakSongs that Sampled Walk on By by Isaac Hayes on WhoSampledDiscover all songs that sampled Walk on By by Isaac HayesSun 11:19 PMYou sentLol holy shit00:00 Introduction and Tour Rider Demands02:21 NFL Season Kickoff and "Lynyrd Sportsnyrds" Segment03:23 NFC East Team Comparisons05:58 NFC Central Team Comparisons17:58 Tom Waits and Other Music Discussions40:44 Multiverse Segment Introduction41:58 Discussing Smashing Pumpkins' 'Siamese Dream'43:51 Analyzing 'Don't Worry Darling'47:58 Exploring 'Mark of the Ninja' and Xbox Live Arcade51:00 Sponsor Segment: Tom's Tonsil Tonic52:53 Historical Context of 197301:10:51 Tom Waits' Early Career and 'Closing Time'01:34:28 The Struggles of Finding a Studio01:35:04 Recording Process and Creative Tensions01:36:16 Finalizing the Album01:37:09 Critical Reception and Reviews01:38:38 Personal Reflections on the Album01:39:20 Comparisons and Influences01:44:14 Favorite Tracks and Covers01:45:53 Tom Waits' Storytelling and Interviews02:01:07 Album Summary and Legacy02:03:44 Next Week's Album and Closing Remarks

Exploring Frank Zappa's America with Bradley MorganIn this episode of the Indie 500 Podcast, we have a chance to talk about the book, "Frank Zappa's America" by Bradley Morgan. The episode covers Frank Zappa's musical genius, his strong stances against white Christian nationalism, and his advocacy for free speech and civil liberties. Bradley shares insights into his research, the impact of Zappa's work on race and politics in America, and the challenges and controversies surrounding Zappa's legacy. The conversation also delves into the complexities of Zappa's satire and his cultural significance. 00:00 Introduction to the Indie 500 Podcast00:42 Special Treat: Discussing Frank Zappa's America01:24 Welcoming the Author: Bradley Morgan01:42 Bradley's Gateway into Frank Zappa02:07 Joe's Garage: A Political Rock Opera03:52 Zappa's Critique of White Christian Nationalism05:55 Writing About Frank Zappa and America08:25 Challenges and Controversies in Zappa's Legacy14:53 Fan Reactions and Community Engagement18:16 Zappa's Senate Testimony and Free Speech25:41 Debating National Defense and Fascism27:23 Frank Zappa's Political Commentary31:36 Frank Zappa's Legacy and Influence32:10 Challenges in the Music Industry38:01 Understanding Frank Zappa's Provocative Lyrics43:22 Reflections on Frank Zappa's Cynicism45:45 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts