Al Green's The Belle Album & Opinions on Mitski
Digest
The podcast kicks off with a Patreon plug and a listener's "most Chicago thing" story about scoring Cubs tickets. The hosts then review Mitski's latest album, "What's About to Happen to Me," exploring her diverse background and the album's themes of isolation and mortality. The discussion shifts to Al Green, revisiting a 2017 conversation about his pivotal transition to gospel music with "The Bell Album" and featuring an interview with biographer Jimmy McDonough. They delve into Al Green's spiritual awakening, his decision to pursue gospel, and the making of "The Bell Album" with a new band and self-production. Finally, the hosts share listener messages, including a song recommendation and a personal story, and preview the upcoming "Very Treasures" episode.
Outlines
Introduction, Listener Story, and Mitski Album Review
The podcast begins with a Patreon plug and a listener's "most Chicago thing" story about scoring Cubs tickets. The hosts then review Mitski's latest album, "What's About to Happen to Me," discussing her diverse background, musical evolution, and the album's themes of isolation and mortality.
Revisiting Al Green's "The Bell Album" and Gospel Transition
The show revisits a 2017 discussion about Al Green's career, focusing on his pivotal shift to gospel music with "The Bell Album." The discussion delves into his spiritual awakening, the decision to pursue gospel, and the making of the album with a new band and self-production, featuring an interview with biographer Jimmy McDonough.
Listener Feedback and Future Episodes
The hosts share listener messages, including a song recommendation and a personal story, and preview next week's "Very Treasures" episode.
Keywords
Mitski
Japanese-born singer-songwriter known for introspective, genre-bending music exploring identity, love, and alienation.
Al Green
Grammy-winning soul singer and ordained minister influential in soul and R&B, known for his transition to gospel music.
The Bell Album
A pivotal 1977 album by Al Green marking his transition from secular soul to gospel music, characterized by its raw, spontaneous sound and self-production.
Gospel Music
A genre of Christian music characterized by strong vocal harmonies and spiritual lyrics, influencing soul and R&B.
Soul Music
A genre originating in the African-American community, combining R&B, gospel, and jazz, known for emotional depth and expressive vocals.
Q&A
What is the significance of Al Green's "The Bell Album"?
"The Bell Album" is a crucial transitional album for Al Green, marking his definitive shift from secular soul music to gospel. It showcases his spiritual journey and features a unique, spontaneous sound produced by Green himself with a new band.
How did Mitski's background influence her music?
Born in Japan and raised in various countries, Mitski's diverse upbringing has informed her music's global perspective and lyrical depth, exploring themes of identity and belonging.
What are the main themes in Mitski's new album, "What's About to Happen to Me"?
Mitski's new album delves into themes of isolation, mortality, and the collision of the mundane with the fantastical, featuring a narrative of a recluse experiencing surreal events.
Show Notes
Al Green sang some of the most acclaimed soul records of the 1970s. So when he decided to leave it all behind for the church, many questioned why. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot discuss Al Green's life and his pivotal first gospel album, Belle with biographer Jimmy McDonough. Plus, they review the new album from Mitski.
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Featured Songs:
Al Green, "Belle," The Belle Album, Hi, 1977
The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967
Mitski, "Where's My Phone?," Nothing's About to Happen to Me, Dead Oceans, 2026
Mitski, "That White Cat," Nothing's About to Happen to Me, Dead Oceans, 2026
Mitski, "Lightning," Nothing's About to Happen to Me, Dead Oceans, 2026
Mitski, "Charon's Obol," Nothing's About to Happen to Me, Dead Oceans, 2026
Mitski, "If I Leave," Nothing's About to Happen to Me, Dead Oceans, 2026
Al Green, "I'm Still in Love with You," I'm Still In Love with You, Hi, 1972
Jackie Wilson, "Baby Workout," Baby Workout (Single), Brunswick, 1960
Al Greene, "Back Up Train," Back Up Train , Hot Line Music Journal, 1967
Al Green, "Tired of Being Alone," Al Green Gets Next to You, Hi, 1971
Al Green, "Let's Stay Together," Let's Stay Together, Hi, 1971
Willie Mitchell, "Groovin'," Solid Soul, Hi, 1967
Al Green, "Love and Happiness," I'm Still In Love with You, Hi, 1972
Al Green, "Jesus is Waiting," Call Me, Hi, 1973
Al Green, "Dream," The Belle Album, Hi, 1977
Al Green, "I Feel Good," The Belle Album, Hi, 1977
Al Green, "All 'n' All," The Belle Album, Hi, 1977
Al Green, "Chariots of Fire," The Belle Album, Hi, 1977
Al Green featuring Anthony Hamilton, "You've Got the Love I Need," Lay It Down, Blue Note, 2008
Al Green, "Georgia Boy," The Belle Album, Hi, 1977
Al Green , "Feels Like Summer," The Belle Album, Hi, 1977
Al Green , "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," I'll Rise Again, The Right Stuff, 1983
Niall Connolly, "To Be a Stone," To Be a Stone (Single), self-released, 2025
The Cars, "You're All I've Got Tonight," The Cars, Elektra, 1978
Buffalo Tom, "Tangerine," Sleepy Eyed, Beggars Banquet, 1995
Snow Tha Product, "Alligator," M.a.M.A, self-released, 2025
Private Wives, "Haymaker," Three of Swords, Farmer & The Owl, 2026
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