Rock N Roll Archaeology

Explore the power of myth with Drive-By Truckers' landmark album, Southern Rock Opera. This RNRA Short dissects how Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley used the legend of Lynyrd Skynyrd to confront "The Duality of the Southern Thing." Uncover the stories behind this ambitious double album, its challenging creation, and its lasting impact on Southern rock and the band's "golden era" with Jason Isbell. Host and Producer: Christian Swain Head Writer: Richard Evans Sound Designer: Jerry Danielsen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Synopsis The fuse was lit in 1966. Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Keith Moon came together to record a proto-metal classic. After the session an offhand quip from Keith Moon sticks with Jimmy Page. Then we meet The G; the imposing Peter Grant. Led Zeppelin’s fearsome tough-guy manager was a key reason why Zep dominated the rock landscape in the early 70s. Well away from Swinging London, in the grimy industrial town of Birmingham, Black Sabbath comes together. We’ll also take a look at one of the greatest Jam Bands ever, Deep Purple. Then on to probably the single saddest story in all of Rock History, the final days of Jimi Hendrix. Jimi towers over all of it, the late, lamented godfather of Heavy Rock--Rock that centers around the guitar and celebrates blazing virtuosity on that instrument. Complete show notes: ⁠⁠file:///C:/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Users/59tel/Downloads/Episode%2021%20Show%20Notes%20(1).pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rock N Roll as the First Draft Of History. We begin in the midwest college town of Kent, Ohio, in the late spring of 1970. We’ll meet three future rockers--students at Kent State University, barely out of their teens--who will be changed forever by what they witness. We’ll check in on Motown, where the fluffy pop “Sound of Young America” is still alive, but there's a big change coming, a movement towards a tougher, more topical sound. We’ll foreshadow that just a little--lots more to come in a later chapter. Rock N Roll is now Rock, and it is mainstreamed now, big and getting bigger. It set out to subvert the dominant paradigm, now it is the dominant paradigm. It can be downright paradoxical at times; defined by its own contradictions. We come back to the campus for the shattering events of May 4th. They inspire a unique musical response, something we really haven’t seen since then. Written by Richard Evans and Christian Swain Hosted and Produced by Christian Swain Sound Design by Jerry Danielsen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rock N Roll Archaeology (RNRA) presents "Southbound," an exploration of 1970s Southern Rock. Through detailed storytelling, RNRA chronicles The Allman Brothers Band, Duane Allman's impact, and their resilience with Eat a Peach and Brothers And Sisters. The episode offers commentary on Lynyrd Skynyrd's rise, along with a feud and a flag. RNRA examines the artists, musical roots, studio successes, and tragic losses, with a look at this significant rock era and how it still resonates today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Christian Swain relaunches the interview show "Deeper Digs in Rock" on the Rock N Roll Archaeology feed!  Initially focused on academics and journalists, the show plans to evolve into a LIVE, interactive panel discussion format using the Gigaverse app.  This episode revives a highlight from 2018: an insightful interview with renowned former LA Times music critic Robert Hilburn.  This archival conversation delves into Hilburn's Paul Simon biography and offers much more from his storied career covering pop and rock music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For nearly 30 years, Randy Newman has been the musical voice behind Pixar’s most beloved films—Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Cars, and more—earning multiple awards and generations of fans. But beyond these nostalgic soundtracks lies a body of work that’s often overlooked. Newman’s solo career is a masterclass in sharp, literate satire, tackling America’s deepest flaws with a deceptively laid-back style. From Sail Away to I Love L.A., his songs blend humor with biting social commentary. In this Rock N Roll Archaeology Short, we explore Newman’s 1970s-era music and the new biography A Few Words in Defense of Our Country by legendary rock critic Robert Hilburn. Join us for a deep dive into the genius of Randy Newman! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glam rock was more than just a sound—it was a shift in how music, fashion, and identity intertwined.  We explore the rise of Glam in the early ‘70s, with David Bowie as its central figure. Through alter egos like Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke, Bowie use theatricality, androgyny, and science fiction themes to push the boundaries of rock music and stardom.  But Glam wasn’t just Bowie. UK Artists like T. Rex and Slade, and Americans like Lou Reed and Alice Cooper each brought their own take, blending rock with elaborate visuals and a playful disregard for traditional norms.  Glam faded after a few short years, but its influence is lasting. Glam style and attitude reappear, over and over, in Rock Music.  Producer and Host: Christian Swain  Head Writer: Richard Evans  Sound Designer: Jerry Danielsen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special RNRA Short, we set our sights on Bob Dylan’s journey from scrappy young folksinger to the electric wonder who rocked the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. We’re talking about “A Complete Unknown,” James Mangold’s new biopic starring Timothée Chalamet, and how it blends faithful biography with a dash of good old mythmaking. We’ll uncover the inspiration Bob drew from Woody Guthrie, spotlight the unwavering support (and frustrations) of Joan Baez, and check in on cameo moments from that Nashville cat Johnny Cash. Along the way, we’ll talk “poetic truth,” break down some of the film’s creative liberties, and dig deep into Dylan’s own transformation—how he blew open the boundaries between folk and rock for generations to come. If you love the idea of cinematic storytelling that captures both the magic and the mess of a music legend, then you’re in the right place. Let’s get to it, friends! https://www.rocknrollarchaeology.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A deep dive into three iconic films that showcase Bruce Springsteen across fifty years in Rock N Roll. Wings for Wheels: The Making of Born to Run offers an intimate look at the painstaking creation of his career-defining album. The 1979 Legendary No Nukes Concert captures Springsteen’s electrifying live performance at a critical moment in rock and activism history. Finally, Road Diary provides backstage access to the E Street Band on their current world tour, revealing the heart and hustle behind the music. Host and Producer: Christian Swain Head Writer: Richard Evans Sound Designer: Jerry Danielsen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey there, rock fans! In this Rock and Roll Archaeology Shorts we’re calling "The Politics of Dancing," I’m diving deep into how music and presidential campaigns have intersected through the years. From Bill Clinton’s unforgettable use of Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop” in ’92 to DJ Cassidy spinning records at the 2024 DNC, we’re looking at how rock, pop, and politics come together to tell a bigger story. We’ll hit all the major moments—like Al Gore’s cheeky Macarena—and dig into how these tunes help craft the political narrative. So, crank it up and let’s get into it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Progressive Rock reached its zenith during the early 1970s, a period often celebrated as the genre's golden age. This era of Prog Rock has inspired intense opinions—both positive and negative—that rival those of any other rock movement or genre throughout music history. Fans of Progressive Rock are known for their passionate dedication. On the flip side, critics, including renowned voices like Lester Bangs, Robert Christgau, and Robert Hilburn, were notoriously dismissive of Progressive Rock. Despite their often harsh criticisms, we believe that time has proven them wrong. Our perspective has evolved, and we now view the best of 70s Progressive Rock as a genre with substantial depth and intellectual substance. The music from this era isn't just enjoyable; it’s some of the most significant work of the 20th century. Not all Prog Rock from this period hit the mark—there were certainly moments of excessive self-indulgence. However, the Prog bands and songs that have stood the test of time are truly exceptional and worth celebrating. Producer and Host: Christian Swain Head Writer: Richard Evans Sound Designer: Jerry Danielsen RockNRollArchaeology.com RNRA on Patreon RNRA on TeePublic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A little about Country, a little about Soul, and more about how they are really just the same thing. And why it’s not at all surprising that a big Pop-Soul star like Beyoncé is releasing a Country album. For this RNRA Short, we tapped the expertise of Professor Charles Hughes of Rhodes College in Memphis, author of “Country Soul: Making Music and Making Race in the American South.” We’ll look at the origins of the Alt Country Revolt, and name-check some great artists working very loudly and deliberately outside the Nashville Pop Country machine. Y’all keep up the rockin’ now, hear? Producer and Host: Christian Swain Head Writer: Richard Evans Sound Designer: Jerry Danielsen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To mark the 60th anniversary of The Beatles' inaugural performance on U.S. soil, we decided to do a quick compare-and-contrast. We’ll revisit that watershed moment in music and culture, and talk about something recent that actually comes close to matching that moment: the ongoing Eras Tour from Taylor Swift. Not “Bigger THAN The Beatles,” but in our not-so-humble opinion, “Biggest SINCE The Beatles.” Listen in and let us know what you think! www.rocknrollarchaeology.com/listen Producer and Host: Christian Swain Head Writer: Richard Evans Sound Designer: Jerry Danielsen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Soul of the 1970s. First, Marvin Gaye kicked the door open with “What’s Going On,” and then Stevie Wonder barged in. The Wonder Years spanned 1971 to 1976; when the transcendent, diverse talent of Stevie Wonder was in its fullest flower. That five-album span is one of the most successful and impactful creative runs in the history of recorded music. Our podcast offers immersive storytelling, insightful commentary, and a stellar musical playlist. Join us as we delve deep into the lives and musical genius of these iconic Soul-Music luminaries. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7s4Vyw1FLb4XpJnANduFPs?si=14746e9dd53049b1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Rock N Roll Archaeology! Got another RNRA Short Podcast for you. This one is named after the Kinks song “Celluloid Heroes.” Rock N Roll goes to the movies (and television) in this one. We’ll take a look at three shows that feature fictional Rock bands: the movies “Almost Famous” and “This Is Spinal Tap,” and the television miniseries “Daisy Jones & The Six.” Visit our website for more about this and all our other podcast episodes, and for links to our Patreon and Social Media. Keep up the Rockin’! Dramatis Personae Kellen Reiche played Danny Failson Lynly Ehrlich played Liz Limer Jerry Danielsen played Joe Conrad Courtney M. Anderson played Heller Joseph Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

RNRA Shorts: Disco Demolition!  Take us back to the Distant Days of Disco, Summer of 1979. Steve Dahl, a brash young DJ at WLUP- FM (“Chicago’s Best Rock!”), has declared war on Disco.  On July 12, 1979, he took the fight to Comiskey Park, in between games of a doubleheader between the home-team Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers. Things…got out of hand.  Since then, the “Disco Demolition” at Comiskey has achieved no small amount of notoriety, and at least according to Steve Dahl, it was a turning point, the beginning of the end for Disco.  Was it really? Well, yes and no. In our view, the Disco trend was already on the decline; it had pretty much run its course. But there was a powerful backlash to Disco, that’s undeniable. What motivated that backlash? And what was the fallout from the actual event?  Let’s discuss! For sources and show notes, visit rocknrollarchaeology.com ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We want the airwaves, baby! Chapter 23 of Rock N Roll Archaeology tunes into radio and radio culture in America and elsewhere. There was a brief moment in the 70s and early 80s where FM Rock Radio was something pretty special.So what was that like, and where have all the good times gone? Some storytelling in this one, but it’s a little heavier on the commentary…and of course we’re featuring some killer songs, because that’s how we roll. “Begin the day with a friendly voice, a companion unobtrusive, Plays that song that’s so elusive” For full show notes and to support Rock and Roll Archaeology visit www.rocknrollarchaeology.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remembering the late great Jeff Beck, the guitarist’s guitarist. An innovator and an iconoclast with a bold experimental spirit, Jeff left his unique stamp on hundreds of great songs. Songs Jeff Beck: “Diamond Dust,” from Blow By Blow Jeff Beck: “Blue Wind,” from Wired The Yardbirds: “Stroll On,” from the soundtrack to Blow Up Jeff Beck with Bones UK: “The Revolution Will Be Televised” from Loud Hailer Jeff Beck: “Freeway Jam,” from Blow by Blow Bill Haley and The Comets: “Rock Around the Clock,” single released 1955 Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen: “Hot Rod Lincoln” from Lost in the Ozone Stevie Wonder: “Looking for Another Pure Love,” from Talking Book Jeff Beck, “Thelonius,” from Blow by Blow Jeff Beck, “Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers,” from Blow by BlowCredits Author Dennis Hartley voiced by Doug Herzog In Memoriam Chip Isaac tribute charity: Bay Area Border Relief. https://www.bayareaborderrelief.org/ Podcasts Rock N Roll Archaeology, Chapter 21: Guitarmageddon Rock N Roll Archaeology, Chapter 8: Meet the Beatles, Part 2 Deeper Digs in Rock: Bones UK Books Martin Power, Hot Wired Guitar:The Life of Jeff Beck, 2014 Online Sources The Alchemist: RIP Jeff Beck – Digby's HullabalooJeff Beck's favourite guitar solos How Jeff Beck made Stevie Wonder go No. 1 with 'Superstition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Examining–and reconsidering–The Rocky Horror Picture Show. At the time, it was transgressive, outrageous; but now it seems a little bit tame. And…a bit problematic, when taken in a modern context. But it's still the ultimate midnight movie, and it's still…just a jump to the left!  Songs: RHPS Cast: “There’s a Light,” from the soundtrack album RHPS Cast: “The Time Warp,” from the soundtrack album Tim Curry: “I Do The Rock,” from Fearless RHPS Cast: “Sweet Transvestite,” from the soundtrack album Frank Zappa and the Mothers: “Cheepnis,” from Roxy & Elsewhere RHPS Cast: “Science Fiction Double Feature,” from the soundtrack album RHPS Cast: “Hot Patootie - Bless My Soul,” from the soundtrack album RHPS Cast: “Rose Tint My World,” from the soundtrack album RHPS Cast: “Super Heroes,” from the soundtrack Online Resources: First, we want to give a warm and appreciative shoutout to the blogger Alex Mell-Taylor; we leaned heavily on their post for this chapter:     Gently Ripping Apart ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ | by Alex Mell -Taylor Here’s a link to more by Alex Mell - Taylor at Medium.com. The Rocky Horror Wiki How I learned to stop worrying and love the Rocky Horror Picture Show Rock's Back Pages: It's only a movie The 50 Best Sci Fi Movies of the 1970s Golden Age of Science Fiction Books: 11 of the Era's Most Influential Titles Tim Curry The Rocky Horror Picture Show: A Cult Classic that Challenged Sexual Mores | The Artifice Rocky Horror Picture Show – a How-To Guide for Audience Participation We Live in the World ‘Rocky Horror’ Created Written by Richard Evans and Christian Swain Produced and hosted by Christian Swain Sound Design by Jerry Danielsen Partners: Rock's Backpages Voice Actors: Drew H as Alex Mell-Taylor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bands in the van, and a band at the crossroads. In this episode of RNRA Shorts, we’ll get into the early days of Pink Floyd, and the latest from a Pink Floyd member: Nick Mason’s 2022 Saucerful of Secrets tour.  Written by Richard Evans and Christian Swain, Sound Design by Jerry Danielsen.   Sponsors and Partners Nick Mason's Saucerful Of Secrets Rock’s Backpages Songs Pink Floyd, “Echoes,” from Meddle Pink Floyd, “See Emily Play,” from Piper at the Gates of Dawn Pink Floyd, “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” from A Saucerful of Secrets Pink Floyd, “Interstellar Overdrive,” from Piper at the Gates of Dawn Pink Floyd, “Bike,” from Piper at the Gates of Dawn Pink Floyd, “Fearless,” from Meddle Pink Floyd, “One of These Days,” from Meddle Pink Floyd, “Jugband Blues,” from A Saucerful of Secrets Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets: “Arnold Layne,” from Live at the Roundhouse Books Mason, Nick. Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd Chronicle Books LLC. Kindle Edition. Cutler, Sam. You Can't Always Get What You Want: My Life with the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead and Other Wonderful Reprobates . ECW Press. Kindle Edition. Films, Documentaries, and TV Shows “What Drives Us,” Directed by Dave Grohl, 2021 "Omnibus" Syd Barrett: Crazy Diamond (TV Episode 2001) - IMDb Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon (Short 1973) - IMDb Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets: Live at the Roundhouse (2020) - IMDb Online Sources Pink Floyd | Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Why Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason Finally Went Solo at 75 – Rolling Stone How Pink Floyd Carried on With 'A Saucerful of Secrets' Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets Concert Setlist at Zagrebački velesajam - Paviljon 9, Zagreb on May 31, 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices