History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff

In Episode 288, Martin delves into the influence of bands like Gillan, Rainbow, and Whitesnake on the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), examining their evolution from cult favorites to guilty pleasures, with a focus on how these acts navigated mainstream success while maintaining their heavy metal integrity. Rainbow – “Eyes of the World” Whitesnake – “Ready an’ Willing” Gillan – “Future Shock" Rainbow – “Death Alley Driver” Whitesnake – “Standing in the Shadow” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 287, Martin wrestles with the challenging question of "where to start" when diving into a band's extensive catalog, discussing strategies like starting with the latest or best album, while also reflecting on how listener preferences, social media, and music algorithms shape the listening experience. Judas Priest – “Giants in the Sky” The Clash – “Clampdown” Queen – “Don’t Stop Me Now” The Cure – “Accuracy” Killing Joke – “The Gathering” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 281, Martin explores early Rush songs through the lens of mortality, focusing on lyrics from the band's first five albums that reflect themes of aging, existential reflection, and the inevitability of time passing. Rush – “Finding My Way” Rush – “Rivendell” Rush – “I Think I’m Going Bald” Rush – “2112” Rush – “A Farewell to Kings” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is Episode 202, in which Martin discusses the criteria for a good ballad and who is qualified to make 'em. Kim Mitchell – “All We Are” Judas Priest – “Beyond the Realms of Death” Blue Öyster Cult – “I Love the Night” Aerosmith – “Home Tonight” Steve Hackett – “Til These Eyes” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here in Ep. 201, Martin celebrates his birthday and bands you have to qualify for (and to) your friends. Kim Mitchell – “Time to Stay” Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow – “Stand and Fight” Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force – “Far Beyond the Sun” Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe – “Brother of Mine” Mudhoney – “No One Has” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

200: Triple Anniversary Show Led Zeppelin – “Black Dog” Nazareth – “Razamanaz” Judas Priest – “Island of Domination” Kiss – “Shout It Out Loud” Aerosmith – “Sick as a Dog” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here in episode 199 Martin wonders "Why is this depressing?" The Doors – “Strange Days” Black Sabbath – “Under the Sun" Blood, Sweat & Tears – “Spinning Wheel” Uriah Heep – “Sweet Freedom” Pixies – “Wave of Mutilation” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 198 Martin explains what the '"Heavy Metal Gallop' is! The Amboy Dukes – “Journey to the Centre of the Mind” Nazareth – “This Flight Tonight” Kate Bush – “Running Up That Hill” Dio – “Holy Diver” Iron Maiden – “Killers” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 197, Martin asks the question Why did these 5 artist's go solo? David Lee Roth – “Big Trouble” Steve Vai – “The Attitude Song” Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros – “Johnny Appleseed” Dio – “Don’t Talk to Strangers” John Waite – “Desperate Love” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Martin lays out the top five slow songs from these bands Black Sabbath – “Black Sabbath” AC/DC – “For Those About to Rock” Max Webster – “Battle Scar” Dio – “Lock Up the Wolves” Scorpions – “Animal Magnetism” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Ep. 194, Martin gets into the bands who were 'Making Bass Interesting' 1. The Jam – “Pretty Green” 2. Aerosmith – “Sweet Emotion” 3. Kiss – “Room Service” 4. The Who – “The Punk and the Godfather” 5. The Damned – “Billy Bad Breaks” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which five bands had some really 'Bad Drum Sounds'? Cheap Trick – “Dream Police” Black Sabbath – “Digital Bitch” Paul McCartney and Wings – “Band on the Run" Husker Du – “These Important Years” King Diamond – “Welcome Home” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which five bands bring 'Good Drum Sounds?' Led Zeppelin – “In the Evening” Saxon – “Warrior” Queen – “Fat Bottomed Girls” U.K. – “In the Dead of Night” Genesis – “Abacab” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is episode 191, Martin gets into Bands with Outside Lyricists Cream – “Take It Back” King Crimson – “Cat Food” Blue Oyster Cult – “Black Blade” Grateful Dead – “Shakedown Street” Max Webster – “America’s Veins” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which bands have the top 5 bad song titles? Status Quo – “Little Lady” Angel – “Can You Feel It?” Van Halen – “Sinner’s Swing” Meat Loaf – “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” Budgie – “Nude Disintegrating Parachutist Woman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices