252 episodes

History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff is the show that aims to make grand and often oddball hard rock and heavy metal points through a narrative built upon the tiny idea of a quintet of songs. Buttressed with illustrative clips, Martin argues quickly and succinctly why these songs - and the specific sections of these tracks - support his mad professor premise, from the wobbly invention of an “American” heavy metal, to the influence of Led Zeppelin in hair metal or to more succinct topics like tapping and twin leads. The songs serve as bricks, but Martin slathers plenty of mortar. At the end, hopefully he has a sturdy house in which this week’s theory can reside unbothered by the elements. At approximately 7000, Martin has had published in books more record reviews than anybody in the history of music writing across all genres. Additionally, Martin has penned approximately 85 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock and record collecting. Proud part of Pantheon - the podcast network for music lovers.

History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff Pantheon Plus

    • Music
    • 5.0 • 8 Ratings

History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff is the show that aims to make grand and often oddball hard rock and heavy metal points through a narrative built upon the tiny idea of a quintet of songs. Buttressed with illustrative clips, Martin argues quickly and succinctly why these songs - and the specific sections of these tracks - support his mad professor premise, from the wobbly invention of an “American” heavy metal, to the influence of Led Zeppelin in hair metal or to more succinct topics like tapping and twin leads. The songs serve as bricks, but Martin slathers plenty of mortar. At the end, hopefully he has a sturdy house in which this week’s theory can reside unbothered by the elements. At approximately 7000, Martin has had published in books more record reviews than anybody in the history of music writing across all genres. Additionally, Martin has penned approximately 85 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock and record collecting. Proud part of Pantheon - the podcast network for music lovers.

    Joke About The Police

    Joke About The Police

    In Episode 252, Martin rebuts his friend's mockery of those people who think the Police are the best New Wave band ever (or if they're even truly New Wave)!

    The Police – “Omegaman”

    XTC – “Grass”

    Joy Division – “A Means to an End”

    Magazine – “Shot by Both Sides”

    The Clash – “Last Gang in Town”


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 40 min
    Barely Written Songs

    Barely Written Songs

    In Episode 251, Martin complains about 'lazy' songwriting and 'underwritten' songs.

    AC/DC – “There’s Gonna Be Some Rockin’”

    Van Halen – “Source of Infection”

    Deep Purple – “Never Before”

    Ted Nugent – “Backstrap Fever”

    Thin Lizzy – “Are You Ready”


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 36 min
    Their Future in One Song

    Their Future in One Song

    In Episode 250, Martin ponders the question "when has a band 'found' their future sound in one song/album?"

    Ted Nugent’s Amboy Dukes – “Living in the Woods”

    Rolling Stones – “If You Can’t Rock Me”

    Rush – “Anthem”

    Scorpions – “In Trance”

    The Saints – “Memories Are Made of This”


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 40 min
    First Person Perspectives

    First Person Perspectives

    In Episode 249, Martin pays homage to Black Sabbath's song "I" and explores some "self centered" songs.

    Thin Lizzy – “Soldier of Fortune”

    Blue Oyster Cult – “Flaming Telepaths”

    The Damned – “These Hands”

    Iron Maiden – “Running Free”

    Black Sabbath – “Trashed”


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 34 min
    Metal History in First Verses

    Metal History in First Verses

    In Episode 248, Martin dissects the first verse of the first track of some seminal metal gods.

    Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Purple Haze”

    Montrose – “Rock the Nation”

    Judas Priest – “One for the Road”

    Diamond Head – “Lightning to the Nations”

    Metallica – “Hit the Lights”


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 36 min
    Wrapping Up the Album

    Wrapping Up the Album

    In Episode 247, Martin wonders aloud about the meaning and intent of tracks that wrap up albums.

    Rush – “La Villa Strangiatto”

    Slayer – “Raining Blood”

    Black Sabbath – “Lonely Is the Word”

    Van Halen – “Happy Trails”

    Queen – “More of That Jazz”


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 39 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
8 Ratings

8 Ratings

Top Podcasts In Music

THE MORNING SHIFT
YOUKNOW MEDIA
The Story of Classical
Apple Music
A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
Andrew Hickey
Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond
Pushkin Industries
The Zane Lowe Interview Series
Apple Music
Strong Songs
Kirk Hamilton

You Might Also Like

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
Nate Goyer, Record Collector, Music Fan, Vinyl Maniac
The Eddie Trunk Podcast
SiriusXM
Dean Delray's LET THERE BE TALK
Cactus Radio Network
The Album Years
Steven Wilson & Tim Bowness
No Guitar Is Safe
Jude Gold
Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond
Pushkin Industries