Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves

As David Bowie transitioned out of his glam phase, he set his sights on Philadelphia and Philly Soul. What came from this was the upbeat "Young Americans" and the album of the same name. This is the story of how that coincided with an incredibly dark period if Bowie's life as he transitioned from glam to plastic soul to the thin white duke. This is the dark history behind Bowie's "

Released in March 1965 as a US and Canada only compilation, is "Kinks-Size" The Kinks' forgotten album, or was it just a label cash grab? This is the story of that album, why it was released, and how it sizes up today. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. 🎧 THE KINKS ON VINYL: Kinks-Size on Vinyl 👉 https://amzn.to/4kmYZ2h More Vinyl by The Ki

In January 2005, Bright Eyes released two albums, among them the widely acclaimed "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning." This is the complete history of that album, a look at where frontman Conor Oberst was in his career at that time, and some of the events that led up to the stunning double release and the standout singles "The First Day of My Life," and "Lua," as well as other highlight

"Fake Plastic Trees" is one of Radiohead's most heartbreaking songs. But what does it mean? And how did Thom Yorke come up with those lyrics? This is the REAL history and meaning behind the classic song off Radiohead's sophomore album The Bends, how they recorded it, and how it became one of their most endearing tracks. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video epi

In February 1985, The Smiths released Meat is Murder, an album that connects the dots between various forms of violence that perpetuate our society. This is the story of that album and why it still matters today. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. The YouTube episode includes reference links to audio/video clips featured in the episode. 🎧 THE SM

Did Marianne Faithfull really inspire Mick Jagger to pen "Wild Horses" off The Rolling Stones' 1971 album 'Sticky Fingers?' In this video, we look at the lore and the legend of one of the hottest It Couples of the Swinging Sixties, and how the song may (or may not) have been about the late muse. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. The YouTube episod

In early 1995, Slowdive released an album so misunderstood that it effectively ended their career. But today, Pygmalion is hailed by some as a masterpiece. How did something so ahead of its time fail so spectacularly? This is the story of that ill fated album and why it ultimately led to the band calling it quits. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes.

It's a miracle Iggy Pop finished 'Soldier' with the amount of chaos an infighting that took place during the recording sessions late in 1979. Within the album is a fever dream cast of stars from David Bowie and ex Sex Pistols' bassist Glen Matlock to XTC's Barry Andrews and The Patti Smith Group's Ivan Kral. Love it or hate it, this is the wild story of how the album came to be, an

Conflict and creativity. Connection and chaos. Love and hate. These all defined Blonde Redhead in their early days, and the themes continue to drive them after more than three decades. This is the story of how three foreigners on the streets of New York City to create one of the most fascinating bands in modern alternative and indie rock. This is the story behind Blonde Redhead's d

Before the Dawn Heals Us by M83 was a big departure from the band's first two records. We know M83 as a synth-heavy electronic pop outfit centered around Anthony Gonzalez, made famous the world over by the GRAMMY nominated 2011 hit "Midnight City," but back in 2004 they were more known for electronic-based shoegaze. The departure of Nicholas Fromageau changed everything. This is th