251 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
    • 4.7 • 12 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.

    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”


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    • 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”


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    • 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”


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    • 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”


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    • 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”


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    • 39 min
    Covers on Debuts

    Covers on Debuts

    In Episode 246, Martin explores the whys and hows of band who included cover songs on their debut album.

    38 Special – “Around and Around”

    Winger – “Purple Haze”

    Kiss – “Kissin’ Time”

    Great White – “Substitute”

    Cheap Trick – “Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace”


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    • 37 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
12 Ratings

12 Ratings

Lazarus5687 ,

Perfect for Metal enthusiasts!

I consider myself quite knowledgeable on modern Heavy Metal (2000s onwards) but do know my fair share about traditional metal, but I found myself wanting to dig deeper and go further into the roots and origins ans then I found this amazing podcast that does exactly that - Martin is very knowledgeable and certainly knows his Metal. I’m going to begin a study of Metal based on my prior knowledge, what I’m reading and Martin’s podcast in the hope to understand the lineage of Metal and create a timeline - Martin’s podcasts are a crucial element to my research! Excellent stuff!

ejahdiancy ,

Amazing

It is the best

SurreyTaff_83_ ,

Superb

A fantastic podcast on the history of hard rock and heavy metal told in 5 songs. Martin really knows his stuff.

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