I'm In Love With That Song Podcast

Brad Page

The "I'm In Love With That Song" Podcast - Music Commentary, Song Analysis & Rock History. Welcome to the “I’m In Love With That Song” Podcast. Each episode, we’ll take one of my favorite songs and dive deep into it, listening to all the nuances that make it a great song. You may be unfamiliar with some of these songs, while others you’ve probably heard a hundred times, but I bet if we listen closely, we can discover something new. Of course, there’s no definitive answer to what makes a great song—beauty is in the ear of the beholder—these are just my personal favorites, but I hope you love these songs, too. This podcast is perfect for anyone interested in music history, songwriting, and music lovers in general who want to learn more about classic songs. We're proud to be a part of Pantheon - the podcast network for music lovers.

  1. 15. Aug.

    The Curious History of "It Ain't Easy"

    Have you ever noticed a song that seems to follow you through your record collection, appearing in different forms across decades and genres? This episode explores the fascinating journey of "It Ain’t Easy", a song that found a home in the repertoire of David Bowie, Three Dog Night, Long John Baldry, Mitch Ryder, Shelby Lynne and more. We trace the song back to its source: Ron Davies, a prolific but often-overlooked songwriter who came out of the Pacific Northwest garage rock scene. Despite never reaching the top of the Billboard charts himself, Davies created a song with musical bones so strong that it transitioned seamlessly from the glam-rock harpsichord of Bowie’s sessions to the stripped-back folk of Chris Smither. We take a look at the specific production touches of the most significant versions, including the "all-star" original recording featuring Leon Russell and Jim Keltner. We discuss the tragic "lost" sessions of Bettye LaVette at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, the Rolling Stones-style swagger of Claudia Lennear’s version (featuring Ry Cooder), and even modern interpretations by The Raconteurs and Alexis P. Suter. Whether filtered through blues, country, glam, or soul, "It Ain’t Easy" remains a masterclass in songwriting consistency. Join us as we explore the lifespan of a track that proved a great song doesn't need to be a commercial smash to become a timeless classic. "It Ain't Easy" Ron Davies Copyright 1970 Irving Music Inc. (BMI) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 15. Juni

    The Band - "Life Is A Carnival"

    By 1971, The Band was one of the most influential forces in rock music, having steered the genre away from psychedelic excess toward a more rustic, roots-based sound. However, the recording of their fourth album, Cahoots, was a period of high tension within the group.  Despite these fractures, the album’s opening track, "Life is a Carnival," stands out as a masterpiece of groove and atmosphere, drawing on Robertson’s real-life experiences working in a traveling circus to paint a vivid picture of life as a relentless "hustle." Let’s dive inside the track to examine the individual elements that make it work: the interplay between Levon Helm’s "behind the beat" drumming, Rick Danko’s fretless bass, Robbie Robertson’s funky guitar work, and the "calliope" atmosphere created by Garth Hudson’s Lowrey organ. And a major highlight is Allen Toussaint’s contribution; the New Orleans legend’s horn arrangements were written specifically to weave around Robertson’s existing guitar solo, resulting in a rhythmic conversation that remains irresistible decades later. This episode is a tribute not just to a great song, but to the enduring legacy of five musicians who changed the landscape of American music. Words & Music by Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm and Rick Danko, Copyright 1971 WB Music Corp and Canaan Music, Inc. All Rights Administered by WB Music Corp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Info

The "I'm In Love With That Song" Podcast - Music Commentary, Song Analysis & Rock History. Welcome to the “I’m In Love With That Song” Podcast. Each episode, we’ll take one of my favorite songs and dive deep into it, listening to all the nuances that make it a great song. You may be unfamiliar with some of these songs, while others you’ve probably heard a hundred times, but I bet if we listen closely, we can discover something new. Of course, there’s no definitive answer to what makes a great song—beauty is in the ear of the beholder—these are just my personal favorites, but I hope you love these songs, too. This podcast is perfect for anyone interested in music history, songwriting, and music lovers in general who want to learn more about classic songs. We're proud to be a part of Pantheon - the podcast network for music lovers.