History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff
267 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 88 ratingsHistory 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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Episodes
History in Five Songs 251: Barely Written Songs
April 16, 2024 12:00 - 36 minutesIn 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” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 250: Their Future in One Song
April 09, 2024 11:00 - 40 minutesIn 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” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 249: First Person Perspectives
April 02, 2024 14:54 - 34 minutesIn 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” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 248: Metal History in First Verses
March 26, 2024 15:27 - 36 minutesIn 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” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 247: Wrapping Up the Album
March 19, 2024 16:55 - 39 minutesIn 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” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 246: Covers on Debuts
March 12, 2024 17:17 - 37 minutesIn 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” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 245: Ancient Zeppelin Reviews Part 2
March 05, 2024 17:51 - 40 minutesIn Episode 245, Martin continues his dive into artists who are compared and contrasted to the mighty Zep in reviews of their albums. Black Sabbath – “Laguna Sunrise” The Who – “How Many Friends” Yes – “Sound Chaser” Electric Light Orchestra – “Last Train to London” Status Quo – “Too Far Gone” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 244: Ancient Zeppelin Reviews
February 27, 2024 07:16 - 36 minutesIn Episode 244, Martin focuses on the first four Led Zeppelin albums. He delves into artists who are compared and contrasted to the mighty Zep within reviews of those albums covering 1969 to 1971. Jeff Beck – “Let Me Love You” Blue Cheer – “Second Time Around” Rolling Stones – “Live with Me” Faces – “Around the Plynth” Jefferson Airplane – “Triad” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 243: Ancient Sabbath Reviews
February 20, 2024 15:15 - 36 minutesIn Episode 243, Martin focuses on bands that are referenced to compare Black Sabbath to, for better or worse. Cream – “N.S.U.” Grand Funk – “Paranoid” Led Zeppelin – “Black Dog” Todd Rundgren – “Black Maria” MC5 – “Miss X” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 242: This Band's British Steel
February 13, 2024 16:29 - 37 minutesIn Episode 242, Martin explores bands who replicate the magic of Judas Priest's seminal 1980 album British Steel with a simplified, straightforward killer album. Megadeth – “Countdown to Extinction” Yes – “Owner of a Lonely Heart” Black Sabbath – “Neon Knights” Whitesnake – “Would I Lie to You” Saxon – “Stand Up and Be Counted” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 241: Contrarianism
February 06, 2024 13:00 - 39 minutesIn Episode 241, Martin proves to himself that he may not be as contrarian as he thinks while he picks *his* favorite albums from artists whose catalogues he knows well. Alice in Chains – “Rain When I Die” Stranglers – “The Raven” Rolling Stones – “Lies” Ozzy Osbourne – “You’re No Different” Dio – “Night People” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 240: Producer Chris Tsangarides
January 30, 2024 14:00 - 34 minutesIn Episode 240, Martin celebrates late, great producer's Chris Tsangarides' catalog. Judas Priest – “Victim of Changes” Thin Lizzy – “Angel of Death” Tygers of Pan Tang – “Slave to Freedom” Lords of the New Church – “Kiss of Death” Y&T – “Breaking Away” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 239: Biggest Heavy Metal Stars
January 23, 2024 16:56 - 37 minutesIn Episode 239, Martin ponders who are the biggest LIVING heavy metal stars. Black Sabbath – “Shock Wave” Judas Priest – “Reckless” Guns N’ Roses – “Bad Apples” Kiss – “Any Way You Slice It” AC/DC – “This House Is on Fire” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 238: A Different Kind of Genius
January 16, 2024 14:00 - 37 minutesIn Episode 238, Martin explores artists who are "creative geniuses" who surround themselves with the best musicians, collaborators and influences. Peter Gabriel – “The Family and the Fishing Net” King Crimson – “Three of a Perfect Pair” Robert Plant – “Come into My Life” Bjork – “Black Lake” David Bowie – “Love Is Lost” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 237: Genius
January 09, 2024 17:22 - 39 minutesIn Episode 237, Martin explores the subjective notion of "genius" in the craft of musicianship. Frank Zappa – “No Not Now” Snowy Shaw – “Nachtgeist” Elvis Costello – “New Lace Sleeves” Adrian Belew – “1967” Queen – “Flick of the Wrist” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 236: Fifth Gear Singers
January 02, 2024 13:00 - 40 minutesIn Episode 236, Martin celebrates singers whose "top gear" is arguably their best gear. Wings – “Rock Show” Kiss – “Baby Driver” Nirvana – “Serve the Servants” Samson – “Bright Lights” Whitesnake – “Love Ain’t No Stranger” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 235: First Gear Singers
December 26, 2023 16:35 - 38 minutesIn Episode 235, Martin looks at "low energy crooners" whose singing may not always be the most powerful. Blue Oyster Cult – “Mirrors” Robert Plant – “Carry Fire” Yes – “Arriving UFO” Kate Bush – “Sat in Your Lap” ZZ Top – “Rhythmeen” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 234: They Shrunk the Boogie!
December 19, 2023 17:17 - 38 minutesIn Episode 234, Martin looks at "boogie rock" influenced bands who tightened or shifted their focus. Rolling Stones – “She’s So Cold” Status Quo – “Jam Side Down” Foghat – “Too Late the Hero” AC/DC – “Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder” The Black Crowes – “Ozone Mama” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 233: OTT Hair Metal Songs
December 12, 2023 17:02 - 33 minutesIn Episode 233, Martin examines sonically dense, "over the top" hair metal songs. Van Halen – “Get Up” Kiss – “I’m Alive” Dokken – “Tooth and Nail” White Lion – “Let’s Get Crazy” Mr. Big – “Colorado Bulldog” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 232: Celebrating Snare Drum
December 05, 2023 17:17 - 35 minutesIn Episode 232, Martin celebrates the 'center' of the drum kit. Gillan – “I’ll Rip Your Spine Out” Led Zeppelin – “Poor Tom” Judas Priest – “Heading Out to the Highway” U2 – “Sunday Bloody Sunday” Thin Lizzy – “Massacre” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 231: Birmingham’s Black Sabbath Family
November 28, 2023 16:13 - 32 minutesIn Episode 231, Martin digs into bands from Black Sabbath's original stomping grounds. Judas Priest – “Never Satisfied” Trapeze – “Way Back to the Bone” Necromandus – “Nightjar” Quartz – “Pleasure Seekers” Diamond Head – “Starcrossed (Lovers of the Night)” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 230: My Shadow Top Five: A Breaks Study
November 21, 2023 18:47 - 38 minutesIn Episode 230, Martin looks at the 'breaks' on songs from some of his favorite albums of all-time. Queen – “Keep Yourself Alive” ZZ Top – “Avalon Highway” Blue Öyster Cult – “Heavy Metal: The Black and Silver” Thin Lizzy – “The Pressure Will Blow” Rush – “The Analog Kid” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 229: My Top Five Albums: A Pre-Chorus Study
November 14, 2023 17:30 - 35 minutesIn Episode 229, Martin looks at great pre-choruses on songs from some of his favorite albums of all-time. Led Zeppelin – “Down by the Seaside” Black Sabbath – “Megalomania” Judas Priest – “Hell Bent for Leather” AC/DC – “Girls Got Rhythm” Queen – “Dead on Time” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 228: Corporate Solo Albums
November 07, 2023 16:56 - 41 minutesIn Episode 228, Martin dives into solo albums that feel like a cash grab. Lou Gramm – “Just Between You and Me” Eric Martin – “These Are the Good Times” Fee Waybill – “Saved My Life” Kane Roberts – “Twisted” Tommy Shaw – “Lonely School” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 227: Inspired by New York City
October 31, 2023 16:42 - 36 minutesIn Episode 227, Martin explores songs inspired by the Big Apple, New York City. Lou Reed – “Dirty Blvd.” Rolling Stones – “Shattered” Dictators – “Avenue A” King Crimson – “Neurotica” Dead Boys – “Son of Sam” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 226: The Bruce Springsteen Family
October 24, 2023 16:03 - 32 minutesIn Episode 226, Martin explores artists who touch upon Bruce's world and influences. Thin Lizzy – “Having a Good Time” Bob Seger – “Feel Like a Number” UFO – “Back into My Life” John Mellencamp – “I Ain’t Ever Satisfied” Graham Parker – “Endless Night” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 225: Heaviest '70s Live Albums
October 17, 2023 15:50 - 39 minutesIn Episode 225, Martin mulls over the heaviest live albums from the 1970s. Rush – “Something for Nothing” Scorpions – “Dark Lady” UFO – “Mother Mary” Ted Nugent – “Gonzo” Judas Priest – “Genocide” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 224: Sequencing
October 10, 2023 15:52 - 35 minutesIn Episode 224, Martin addresses albums that suffer from poor track ordering. Van Halen – “You’re No Good” Judas Priest – “Don’t Go” Rush – “Limelight” Aerosmith – “Kings and Queens” Led Zeppelin – “The Ocean” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 223: Bands Rarely Copied. But Not Never.
October 03, 2023 16:33 - 36 minutesIn Episode 223, Martin explores bands that are hardly ever copied... except for when they are. Starcastle – “Elliptical Seasons” Blue Öyster Cult – “Baby Ice Dog” Spider – “The Morning After the Night Before” Tiles – “Beneath the Surface” Highway Chile – “Handing You Over” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 222: Recalled Reactions: Big Debut Albums
September 26, 2023 22:13 - 42 minutesIn Episode 222, Martin recalls his reactions to big debut albums of the mid-late '70s and early '80s. Ramones – “Chain Saw” Motörhead – “Lost Johnny” Van Halen – “Atomic Punk” Iron Maiden – “Running Free” Ozzy Osbourne – “Revelation (Mother Earth)” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 221: Recalled Reactions from 1976
September 19, 2023 17:05 - 41 minutesIn Episode 221, Martin recalls his 13 year old self's reaction to new releases from a banner year of music. Black Sabbath – “You Won’t Change Me” Aerosmith – “Lick and a Promise” Thin Lizzy – “Massacre” Judas Priest – “Island of Domination” Boston – “Hitch a Ride” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 220: Hair Metal Skips by ‘70s Bands
September 12, 2023 18:25 - 42 minutesIn Episode 220, Martin looks at bands that 'basically' skipped the hair metal route. Motörhead – “Stand” Deep Purple – “Too Much Is Not Enough” Black Sabbath – “Angry Heart” AC/DC – “Meanstreak” Rush – “Lock and Key” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 219: Hair Metal Fails by ‘70s Bands
September 05, 2023 18:28 - 38 minutesIn Episode 219, Martin. delves into '70s bands that didn't get the hair metal thing quite right. Triumph – “Hooked on You” Saxon – “We Came Here to Rock” Uriah Heep – “Rich Kid” Blue Öyster Cult – “Shadow Warrior” Molly Hatchet – “Stone in Your Heart” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 218: Hair Metal Wins by ‘70s Bands
August 29, 2023 21:11 - 42 minutesIn Episode 218, Martin explore bands that came of age in the '70s and their forays into hair metal. Alice Cooper – “Hurricane Years” Aerosmith – “Monkey on My Back” Van Halen – “Black and Blue” Scorpions – “Media Overkill” Kiss – “Secretly Cruel” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 217: This Band's (Police Album)
August 22, 2023 17:01 - 38 minutesIn Episode 217, Martin explores albums which share characteristics with each of the Police's five studio albums. Riot – “Angel” Graham Parker – “Discovering Japan” XTC – “One of the Millions” Rush – “Between the Wheels” Robert Plant – “Dance on My Own” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 216: Finding Value in Instrumentals
August 17, 2023 17:31 - 38 minutesIn Episode 216, Martin explores what makes an instrumental improve and elevate a song. Def Leppard – “Switch 625” Eno – “Sombre Reptiles” Rush – “Leave That Thing Alone” Led Zeppelin – “Moby Dick” Black Sabbath – “Don’t Start (Too Late)” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 215: Song Title Non-Starters
August 08, 2023 20:07 - 44 minutesIn Episode 215, Martin blabs about song titles that don't do the songs any favors. Gun – “Race with the Devil” Savatage – “Twisted Little Sister” AC/DC – “Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder” Led Zeppelin – “D’yer Mak’er” Deep Purple – “One Night in Vegas” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 214: This Band's "Smoke on the Water"
August 01, 2023 18:14 - 36 minutesIn Episode 214, Martin rhapsodizes on bands' riff-heavy masterpieces. Black Sabbath – “Iron Man” The Stooges – “I Wanna Be Your Dog” Accept – “Balls to the Wall” Metallica – “Enter Sandman” UFO – “Rock Bottom” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 213: I can't unhear that.
July 25, 2023 16:53 - 40 minutesIn Episode 212, Martin pontificates on albums that cannot be unheard. Roger Waters – “The Last Refugee” Judas Priest – “Love You to Death” Genesis – “Silver Rainbow” Mötley Crüe – “Five Years Dead” Pat Travers Band – “Makin’ Magic” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 212: Drummers. Who's left?
July 18, 2023 18:02 - 37 minutesIn Episode 212, Martin explores the (arguably) most "dangerous" position in the band. Whitesnake – “Trouble Is Your Middle Name” The Beatles – “Birthday” Pink Floyd – “Remember a Day” Queen – “Fat Bottomed Girls” Deep Purple – “One Night in Vegas” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 211: What's the point of this band?
July 11, 2023 17:27 - 35 minutesHere is Episode 211, in which Martin explores the pros and cons of bands with diverse styles. Nazareth – “No Mean Monster” Trooper – “3 Dressed Up as a 9” April Wine – “Forever for Now” Led Zeppelin – “Black Country Woman” Queen – “Fun It” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 210: Zeppelin and Sabbath as Doppelgangers
July 04, 2023 15:59 - 36 minutesHere is Episode 210, in which Martin delves into the points of comparison between two of foremost bands of the '70s, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Led Zeppelin – “Dazed and Confused” Black Sabbath – “Paranoid” Led Zeppelin – “In My Time of Dying” Black Sabbath – “Gypsy” Led Zeppelin – “In the Evening” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 209: UFO and Thin Lizzy as Doppelgangers
June 27, 2023 16:00 - 35 minutesHere is episode 209, in which Martin compares and contrasts the career paths and musical output of UFO and Thin Lizzy. Thin Lizzy – “Chatting Today” UFO – “Oh My” Bruce Springsteen UFO – “Getting’ Ready” Thin Lizzy – “No One Told Him” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 208: Glad They Went Poppy
June 20, 2023 15:54 - 39 minutesHere is Episode 208, in which Martin delves into bands that 'successfully' stepped into a more 'poppy' lane. Golden Earring – “D Light” Tygers of Pan Tang – “Paris by Air” Blue Oyster Cult – “Fireworks” Captain Beefheart – “Observatory Crest” Black ‘n Blue – “Stop the Lightning” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 207: Grunge Requiems
June 13, 2023 16:00 - 36 minutesHere is episode 207, in which Martin discusses songs which were written to honor 'fallen' grunge icons. Alice in Chains – “Would?” R.E.M. – “Let Me In” Black Label Society – “Layne” 7 Year Bitch – “M.I.A.” Sarah McLachlan – “Angel” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 206: Bands That Went New Wave
June 06, 2023 15:58 - 37 minutesHere is Episode 206, in which Martin puts a spotlight on bands that put a new wave spin on their music. Queen – “Staying Power” Teaze – “That Kind of Girl” Genesis – “Abacab” Alice Cooper – “Aspirin Damage” Blue Oyster Cult – “Veins” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 205: Triple Crown Rockers
May 30, 2023 16:02 - 37 minutesHere is Episode 205, in which Martin highlights rock stars who have been on three different classic albums by three different bands. Thin Lizzy – “This Is the One” Black Sabbath – “Falling Off the Edge of the World” The Damned – “I Just Can’t Be Happy Today” The Michael Schenker Group – “Samurai” Dio – “Invisible” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 204: But for That One Song
May 23, 2023 20:08 - 41 minutesHere is Episode 204, in which Martin discusses songs that "stand out" from the rest of the album and may be hard to rate. The Beatles – “Revolution 9” Deep Purple – “Bludsucker” Kiss – “Then She Kissed Me” Queen – “Under Pressure” Black Sabbath – “Orchid” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 203: Bands Get Smart
May 16, 2023 17:47 - 38 minutesHere is Episode 203, in which Martin reflects on "gummed down" bands making critically acclaimed, brightly produced albums that are musically superior to the norm of their catalog. Kiss – “Great Expectations” Saxon – “Warrior” Van Halen – “The Dream Is Over” W.A.S.P. – “The Neutron Bomber” The Clash – “The Card Cheat” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History in Five Songs 202: The Ballad
May 10, 2023 05:43 - 35 minutesHere is Episode 202, in which Martin discusses the criteria for a good ballad and who is qualified to make 'em. Kim Mitchell – “All We Are” Judas Priest – “Beyond the Realms of Death” Blue Öyster Cult – “I Love the Night” Aerosmith – “Home Tonight” Steve Hackett – “Til These Eyes” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices