RTL Today - Song 2

"I wouldn't put any song on an album unless, I wanted the audience to go WOW!" Today, we have a rock legend in the mix: Alice Cooper! Known for his theatrical performances and groundbreaking sound, Alice has been a pivotal figure in the music world for decades. In this episode, we’ll dive into the often-overlooked topic of tracklisting. Alice will share his insights on how he carefully curates the order of songs on an album, discussing the emotional journey that each track takes listeners on. We’ll explore how the arrangement can transform an album from a collection of songs into a cohesive experience, and why each placement matters. But does he agree that the second track is the best? Let’s find out.

For this week’s episode, we’ve gone a bit META and employed AI to try and take this argument to it’s natural, or rather artificial conclusion. And before anyone scream out about the threat of SKYNET taking over track listing, I remind you that most of the songs you get, an the order in which you get them are being pumped and parped out by the ALGORITHM, anyway. This pod has always been a subtle love letter to the albums and mixtapes of the world and the range of answers we have had over our 4 seasons…and counting, goes to show just how personal a thing it really is. The two questions: we asked CHAT GPT on our theme were: “Why is the second song on an album the best or most important” And: “Which is the most important track on an album and why?”

"Two? Two is all about what it does to your body. But for me, four and seven are absolutely crucial!" Known for their catchy hooks and electrifying sound, Razorlight has made a significant impact on the music scene since their debut. In this episode, Johnny joins us to discuss one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of making an album: tracklisting and tells us if he’s a Song 2 fan. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the artistry behind the music, sit back and enjoy our conversation with Johnny Borrell. (image: Rob Crawford via Facebook)

Celebrated for its unparalleled ability to get just about anyone airborne, Jump Around is as strong an argument for Song 2 as it gets. It is a rather safe bet to say that if you’ve ever been to a sporting match, a rowdy get together or even just a social gathering where alcohol and personal interaction go hand in hand, odds on you have gone a bit salmon-like and leapt around to House of Pain’s 1990s jam ‘Jump Around’.

"Nope - I think it's very important but not THE most important. We often put a very Shed Seven sounding song as Track 2, it's kinda like a safety blanket" Hello and welcome to the second episode from the fourth season of Song 2. Don’t tell anyone but we were also surprised that Episode 1 came out when it did, we thought we had a couple more weeks to go. We will go ahead and blame calendar formatting. Right then, excuses out of the way, let’s get into this week’s episode and we are back nattering with Rick Witter singer and founding member of UK Britpop revivalists Shed Seven, whose 2023 album A Matter Of Time hit number one for a good for weeks and did tidy business for the band to boot. Not bad for an act that have been written off more times than the end of The Lord Of The Things movies amirite? Check out the interview I had with Rick available on RTL Play…. For now, though, lets see what the Shed Seven frontman has to say on the Song 2 Theory.

For this particular episode we are looking at Dua Lipa’s song ‘Houdini’ which was released as a second song on Radical Optimism. Even though the singer also says of herself ‘I come and I go’, she adds the ‘they’ seemingly to imitate people’s rumours, or to prove she is popular for her ways. Dua Lipa picks up on the fast pace of the dating sphere, if you don’t act fast it necessarily means that you’ve missed your chance and will have to move on just as quick.

In case you were wondering where the pods were, we’ve been mad busy with LIVE Radio Fear not, admin, broadcasting, scheduling and interviewing can only keep us away for so long. We’ve heaps of new content on the boil, including Mike Portnoy, Billy Corgan, Alice Cooper, Cola, Bdrmm and many, many more. See you soon. And remember, it’s two or nothing.

On today’s episode we will be taking a look at the tremendous band Foals and their song Mountain at my Gates off their fourth studio album What Went Down. Having firmly established themselves as icons in the UK indie rock scene, there was a certain level of expectation on their shoulders in 2015 before releasing their album, but the band from Oxford delivered on all fronts and their second song is an absolute banger.

"I've probably screwed some up and put a turd on second occasionally but I think mostly, they're pretty solid" Now, for this week’s Song 2 I have to call myself out. Why? Well, first, this has been in the to do file for a long while. Sam Steen spoke with E of The Eels last year, yes, 20 frikkin' 23 and we are just getting to it now. AND, well, would go and believe it, E, has no hesitation in agreeing with the theory. None at all. Which is nice, considering The Eels have recently released another cracking record this year in Eels Time! Which I suggest you check out… don’t forget to star, review, comment and recommend… oh and subscribe, please and thank you.

In this episode we are looking at what could arguably be described as a one hit wonder... ...the amazing Ms. Dynamite and her song Dy-na-mi-tee (you have to sing it!). Ms Dynamite, born Niomi Arleen McLean-Daley, is raw UK R&B, her attitude and energy epitomize the scene and no song more so than Dy-na-mi-tee which is a reflection on her youth. It's a story reflecting someone who had to mature quicker than she might have wished.

"I've never thought of that before, but I agree, and I can see how that (Song 2) makes a lot of sense" - Chino Moreno In this week’s song 2 we are having a quick turnaround for our chat with Chino Moreno (of Deftones of course) and Shaun Lopez (formerly of the band Far)… ahead of their scheduled show at den A performing as Crosses – there’s a full length interview with them available on RTL Play. Here, I am delighted to report that I have full support, with Chino very much on side and Shaun happy to be on that train too… after last week’s Chastity Belt flat refusal, I was due a win… check out what Shaun and Chino have to say on the matter. (image: Brian Ziff)

"I don't think there is a definitive answer to this... the second song is often times a single but I don't think a single is the best song" - Julia Shapiro Having only recently performed in Luxembourg at the Rotondes no less, Chastity Belt are on a European leg of promotion for the current LP, the really rather splendid, Live, Laugh Love, here we quiz Julia and Lydia on the importance of the second song. Please also check out the two-part interview available on RTL Play.

"El Beach" by the Limiñanas is a masterclass in captivating its audience. Hello and welcome to another episode of Song 2, the podcast where we take a look into why the second track on an album holds such significance, and in many cases the first track often serves as an introduction, a way to hook the listener. The second track, however, is where the artist starts to reveal their true intentions. It's a critical moment, where the listener decides whether to continue the journey or not.

Today, we're diving into a song that perfectly exemplifies the Song2 concept: "If You Wanna" by The Vaccines. This track is the second song on their debut album, "What Did You Expect from The Vaccines?", which was the best selling album of 2011 and the song is nothing short of iconic. Released in 2011, "If You Wanna" quickly became an anthem for indie rock fans with its infectious energy. So sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into the brilliance of The Vaccines and their unforgettable second track.

"I leave it to Carl to sort that out (track listing), I just write the fucking songs" Pete Doherty A rather ramshackle and impromptu take on Song 2 featuring Pete Docherty and Gary Powell, Charlie does his best to get back from QPR, 'Purple Pig Puppies', Lichtenstein and landlubbers.