History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff

Pantheon Media
  • 4.7 (98)
  • MUSIC HISTORY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff

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.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Not Big on Title Tracks

    In Episode 282, Martin explores bands that show little interest in title tracks, who often bypass or subvert traditional title track conventions in favor of other creative approaches. Van Halen – “Could This Be Magic?” Blue Oyster Cult – “Mirrors” April Wine – “Future Tense” UFO – “No Place to Run” Led Zeppelin – “Houses of the Holy” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min

  2. NOV 12

    Early Rush Songs About Mortality

    In Episode 281, Martin explores early Rush songs through the lens of mortality, focusing on lyrics from the band's first five albums that reflect themes of aging, existential reflection, and the inevitability of time passing. Rush – “Finding My Way” Rush – “Rivendell” Rush – “I Think I’m Going Bald” Rush – “2112” Rush – “A Farewell to Kings” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min

  3. NOV 5

    Heaviest Canadian Albums of the ‘70s

    In Episode 280, Martin probes the heaviest Canadian albums of the 1970s, presenting a ranking based on five impactful songs from ten notable bands, highlighting the unique sound and musical evolution of Canadian rock during that era. Rush – “Working Man” Trooper – “All of the Time” Teaze – “Rockin’ with the Music” Goddo – “Let That Lizard Loose” Moxy – “Rock Baby” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min

  4. OCT 29

    Which bands do comedy?

    In Episode 279, Martin explores the comedic side of classic rock, categorizing bands by their approach to humor and showcasing how elements of comedy—or the lack thereof—are woven into their music and lyrics. Slayer – “Cast Down" Morrissey – “I Have Forgiven Jesus” Gillan – “Sacre Bleu” Iggy Pop – “Eggs on Plate” The Tubes – “Wild Women of Wongo” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min

  5. OCT 22

    Sacred Songs I’ve Always Rejected

    In Episode 278, Martin rants about why certain tracks, despite their popularity, just don’t resonate with him. Throughout, he delves into the difference between fan-revered “sacred songs” and mainstream hits, questioning whether the songs deemed sacred truly deserve their status. Deep Purple – “Child in Time” Iron Maiden – “Run to the Hills” Ted Nugent – “Stranglehold” Black Sabbath – “Paranoid” Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min

  6. OCT 15

    Missed the Boat on an '80s Live Album

    In Episode 277, “Missed the Boat on an Eighties Live Album,” the host discusses iconic bands from the 80s, such as Van Halen, Def Leppard, and The Police, who may have missed significant opportunities by not releasing live albums during their prime, potentially leaving money and legacy on the table. Van Halen – “Drop Dead Legs” Def Leppard – “Stagefright” Aerosmith – “Permanent Vacation” Alice Cooper – “Lock Me Up” Dio – “Just Another Day” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min

  7. OCT 8

    Live Albums: The Decade-by-Decade Fade

    In Episode 276 of History in Five Songs, Martin explores the rise and fall of live albums across five decades, from their golden age in the 1970s to their fading significance in the 2000s. He dives into the cultural and commercial shifts that led to the decline, sharing stories of iconic albums from Kiss, Thin Lizzy, and more, while unpacking how live recordings once captured the essence of rock but lost their impact over time. Kiss – “Black Diamond” Thin Lizzy – “Got to Give It Up” AC/DC – “Who Made Who” Rush – “Armor and Sword” Judas Priest – “Dragonaut” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min

  8. OCT 2

    Which Deep Purple era has the best intros?

    In Episode 275 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin dives into the different eras of Deep Purple, analyzing which period boasts the best song intros and how these intros reflect the band’s internal dynamics and evolving leadership. Through an exploration of Deep Purple’s iconic tracks, from Chasing Shadows to Highway Star, Martin uncovers the stories behind the music, highlighting the band’s creative interplay and the way intros capture the essence of their musical journey. Deep Purple – “Chasing Shadows” Deep Purple – “Highway Star” Deep Purple – “Comin’ Home” Deep Purple – “King of Dreams” Deep Purple – “Sun Goes Down” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min
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4.7
out of 5
98 Ratings

About

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.

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