Notes go here

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how David Bowie’s Tonight album reshaped his sound and what it reveals about his artistic evolution in the 1980s.

• Uncover the unique creative spark that ignited when Iggy Pop and David Bowie joined forces, changing the rock scene forever.

• Explore how MTV revolutionized music in the 1980s by transforming artist visibility and fan engagement in ways still felt today.

• Analyze the cultural industry’s influence on music production and distribution, revealing the forces shaping the sounds we love.

• Trace the surprising roots of reggae influences in rock music to understand how genre blending expanded musical boundaries in the 1980s.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction and Performance Setup for David Bowie’s Tonight Album

00:01:06 - Theoretical Framework: Culture Industry and Critical Theory Context

00:04:31 - Star Wars vs Star Trek Metaphor: Capitalism and Post-Capitalist Desire in Music

00:05:36 - Historical Context of Bowie’s Tonight Album: Contractual Obligation and Creative Disengagement

00:11:41 - Iggy Pop’s Influence and Capitalist Industry Pressures on Bowie’s Sound

00:17:01 - MTV Capitalism and the Shift to Visual Music Marketing

00:22:29 - Understanding the Culture Industry and Its Impact on Individuality

00:28:06 - Creative Expression as Natural Metaphor: The Toilet Analogy

00:30:41 - Bowie vs. Iggy: Raw Emotion and Artistic Authenticity

00:32:10 - MTV’s Limitations: Processing Surface-Level Artistry Over Depth

00:33:11 - Marx’s Metaphor of Plumbing and Capitalism in Culture

00:35:59 - Theodor Adorno on Fetishization of Culture and False Freedom

00:38:24 - Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari on Desire and Systemic Blockages

00:39:35 - Analyzing the Album’s Artistic Intent and Production Challenges

00:47:21 - Musical Elements and Initial Reception of the Album’s Opening Track

00:48:59 - Exploring the Meaning Behind "Loving the Alien" Lyrics

00:53:17 - Analyzing "Don't Look Down" and Its Musical Impact

00:55:49 - Comparing "God Only Knows": Bowie's Cover vs. Iggy Pop's Original

01:03:17 - The Energy and Authenticity of "Neighborhood Threat,"

01:05:28 - Reflections on Collaboration and Album Cohesion

01:05:50 - Exploring David Bowie’s “Lust For Life” and “Blue Jean,” Songwriting & Video Insights

01:08:14 - Deep Dive into “Tumble and Twirl” and Borneo Horns Collaboration

01:11:48 - Critiquing Bowie’s Cover and Original Track Interpretations

01:14:17 - The Impact of Fairlight Keyboard and 80s Production on Bowie’s Music

01:21:43 - Evaluating David Bowie’s Later Albums and Their Reception

01:24:42 - Philosophical Metaphors on Failure and Desire in Bowie’s Music

01:26:58 - Predicting Changes in Bowie’s Music and Industry Impact in the Late 1980s

01:29:29 - Navigating Bowie’s Tin Machine Era and Next Listening Options

01:31:19 - Wrapping Up the Episode and Future Podcast Plans

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Notes go here

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how David Bowie’s Let’s Dance album reshaped 80s music with its unique blend of styles and cultural vibes.

• Uncover the profound impact AIDS had on queer musicians and how it transformed the music scene and artist representation.

• Dive into the Cat People soundtrack to explore how its haunting sounds captured the mood of 80s cinema and musical trends.

• Explore how Stevie Ray Vaughan’s guitar genius influenced the direction and soul of 80s rock and blues music.

• Compare original songs and their covers to understand how reinterpretations can redefine a track’s meaning and audience appeal.

The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction and Context on Bowie’s Album “Let’s Dance”

00:04:00 - Exploring Bowie’s Shift to Pop and Production Changes

00:08:30 - Analysis of “Modern Love” and Bowie’s Artistic Intentions

00:13:00 - The Role of Production and Pop Music Craftsmanship

00:16:30 - Self-Awareness and Artistic Tension in Bowie’s Pop Era

00:17:13 - Embracing Imperfect Performances and Audience Dynamics

00:18:42 - Exploring the Nuances and Controversies of “China Girl”

00:21:00 - Behind the Scenes: Drive-In Theater Memories and Problematic Media

00:27:15 - Marketing Insights: “Don’t Sell the Steak, Sell the Sizzle” Applied to Niche Media

00:30:00 - Lyric Analysis of “China Girl” Reveals Darker Themes

00:34:47 - Exploring Dark Themes and Symbolism in Classic Music Videos

00:45:51 - Clinical Perspective on Iconic Bowie Tracks and Karaoke Challenges

00:48:14 - Contrasting Popular Hits with Less Engaging Bowie Songs

00:52:17 - Analyzing the Unsettling Atmosphere of “Ricochet” and Bowie’s Artistic Choices

00:44:27 - Perspectives on Anime Culture and Its Influence

00:54:18 - Analyzing the Complexities of David Bowie’s Song Ricochet

00:57:52 - The Influence of David Sylvian and Holger Czukay on Bowie’s Sound

01:01:05 - Bowie's "Criminal World": Queer Themes and Cover Song Comparisons

01:06:09 - Rediscovering Metro’s Original "Criminal World" and Its Impact

01:13:45 - Frustrations with Bowie’s “Cat People” and Movie Tie-Ins

01:19:48 - Byron Allen’s Surprising Media Success and Interview Style

01:23:05 - Bowie’s 1980s Pop Star Identity and Major Commercial Success

01:27:24 - Narrative Arcs in Bowie’s Career: From “Let’s Dance” to “Black Tie White Noise,”

01:31:01 - Exploring Iconic Tracks and Artist Covers

01:33:15 - Deep Dive into David Bowie's "Loving the Alien" and 80s Music Reflections

01:34:02 - Anticipation and Listener Connection with the Show’s Music Content

01:34:52 - Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Podcast Plans

01:35:31 - Friendly Farewell and Podcast Sign-Off Tips

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how the Let’s Dance album reshaped David Bowie’s sound and sparked a new wave in 1980s pop culture.
• Explore Bowie’s career evolution to understand how he kept reinventing himself and staying relevant through the decade.
• Wonder why Stevie Ray Vaughn is on this album.
• Find out what Dan loves about this album maybe.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:06:32 - Historical Context and Bowie’s Career Popularity

00:10:02 - Album Artwork and Symbolism Discussion

00:14:05 - Bowie's Transition Toward Mainstream Success

00:24:29 - Comparing “Let’s Dance” to “Young Americans”: Production and Artistic Intent

00:29:43 - From Disco to Corporate Funk: Evolution of Dance Music and Cultural Shifts

00:38:43 - MTV’s Role in Music Industry Transformation and Marginalization

00:42:06 - The Shift to Singles and Pop’s Commercial Pressures in the 1980s

00:50:03 - The Appeal and Reality of Arena Shows for Legacy Artists

01:04:34 - Exploring Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Impact on David Bowie’s Album

01:13:39 - Young Americans Album’s Underrated Brilliance and R&B Influence

01:16:31 - Navigating Bowie’s 1980s Albums: Hits, Misses, and Artistic Context

01:22:04 - Tony Visconti’s Replacement and Production Dynamics

01:33:07 - Discussing Music Criticism and Personal Tastes

01:36:46 - Exploring David Bowie’s Persona and Artistic Values

01:38:25 - Analyzing the Themes and Ironies in Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” Album

01:43:05 - Emotional Response and Critique of Bowie’s Glossy Hits and Album Cohesion

01:47:22 - Critical Review of Specific Tracks and Musical Experimentation on the Album

01:53:02 - David Bowie’s Collaboration with Queen Explored

01:54:15 - Patreon Challenges and Future Content Plans

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how regicide shaped history and altered the course of nations in ways that still echo today.
• Explore the unique sound and energy of Franz Ferdinand’s music to understand what sets them apart in the indie rock scene.
• Uncover the groundbreaking ways David Bowie transformed rock music and influenced generations of artists.
• Analyze David Bowie’s Scary Monsters album to reveal the creative shifts that defined a pivotal moment in his career.
• Trace the evolution of David Bowie’s musical style to see how he continually reinvented himself and stayed ahead of the curve.

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:10 - Introduction to Regicide and Podcast Theme

00:03:27 - Revisiting Scary Monsters Side B and Initial Impressions

00:05:20 - Contextualizing Scary Monsters within Bowie's Career and Industry

00:10:51 - Deep Dive into "Scary Monsters" Opening Track and Sound Quality

00:14:39 - Cultural and Linguistic Nuances in the Album’s Japanese Vocals

00:16:20 - Cultural Significance of Dialect and Language in Music

00:19:01 - Themes of Death and Political Commentary in Lyrics

00:20:22 - David Bowie’s Artistic Evolution and Sincerity

00:22:31 - Spiral Logic and the Mask as a Metaphor in Bowie’s Work

00:28:40 - Musical Complexity and Time Signature Innovation in “Up the Hill Backwards,”

00:32:29 - Exploring Musical Tension and Lyrical Depth in the New Album

00:35:21 - Martin Luther King’s Critique of White Moderates and Its Contemporary Relevance

00:40:09 - Performative Allyship and the Complexities of Social Justice Activism

00:43:01 - Historical Context of Neoliberalism and Its Impact on Political Discourse

00:47:15 - Interpreting the Song “Scary Blasters, Super Grapes, Blue Eyes and Nothing Home,”

00:48:37 - Exploring the Psychopathic Narrative in the Song Lyrics

00:50:02 - Real-Life Horror and David Bowie’s Drug-Fueled Persona

00:52:29 - Horror Aesthetics and Cinematic Influences in the Song

00:58:06 - Bowie’s Candid Reflections on Addiction and Isolation

01:00:17 - Aesthetic Challenges and Mixed Feelings About the Song

01:03:45 - Exploring the Structure and Themes of Bowie’s Album

01:06:13 - Break and Personal Interlude Before Deep Dive into “Ashes to Ashes,”

01:08:19 - Initial Thoughts and Significance of Bowie’s “Ashes to Ashes,”

01:12:56 - Behind the Scenes of the “Ashes to Ashes” Music Video

01:18:56 - Reaction to Watching the “Ashes to Ashes” Video

01:20:30 - Exploring David Bowie’s Dual Identity Through Major Tom and David Jones

01:25:44 - Musical and Thematic Analysis of Ashes to Ashes

01:27:58 - Symbolism and Personal Reflection in Bowie’s Artistic Evolution

01:30:39 - The Complex Relationship Between David Jones and David Bowie

01:32:51 - Contrasting Songs: Fashion’s Catchy Tune vs. Ashes to Ashes’ Depth

01:35:35 - Analyzing the Unconventional Chorus and Cultural Themes in the Song

01:38:41 - Exploring “Goon Squad” and Modern Slang References

01:41:32 - The Significance of the Album in David Bowie’s Career Arc

01:43:38 - Bowie’s Personal and Creative Transformation

01:50:23 - Closing Thoughts and Sponsor Message on Representation and Creativity

01:51:49 - Building Better Content and Emphasizing Representation

01:52:01 - Expressing Strong Opinions About Key Figures

01:52:08 - Promoting Additional Content and Podcast Episodes

01:52:19 - Introducing the Upcoming Podcast "Streamers,"

01:52:22 - Signing Off With Appreciation

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

It's like your favorite podcast went out for cigarettes and actually came back. It just took a bit.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how the concept of regicide has shaped history and influenced the course of nations in unexpected ways.
• Explore the unique sound and energy of Franz Ferdinand’s music that redefined indie rock for a new generation.
• Uncover how David Bowie revolutionized rock music with his bold creativity and genre-defying style.
• Dive deep into David Bowie’s Scary Monsters album to reveal the artistic evolution and hidden layers behind its iconic tracks.

The key moments in this episode are: 00:03:27 - Revisiting Scary Monsters Side B and Initial Impressions

00:05:20 - Contextualizing Scary Monsters within Bowie's Career and Industry

00:10:51 - Deep Dive into "Scary Monsters" Opening Track and Sound Quality

00:14:39 - Cultural and Linguistic Nuances in the Album’s Japanese Vocals

00:20:22 - David Bowie’s Artistic Evolution and Sincerity

00:22:31 - Spiral Logic and the Mask as a Metaphor in Bowie’s Work

00:28:40 - Musical Complexity and Time Signature Innovation in “Up the Hill Backwards,”

00:32:29 - Exploring Musical Tension and Lyrical Depth in the New Album

00:35:21 - Martin Luther King’s Critique of White Moderates and Its Contemporary Relevance

00:40:09 - Performative Allyship and the Complexities of Social Justice Activism

00:43:01 - Historical Context of Neoliberalism and Its Impact on Political Discourse

00:50:02 - Real-Life Horror and David Bowie’s Drug-Fueled Persona

00:52:29 - Horror Aesthetics and Cinematic Influences in the Song

00:58:06 - Bowie’s Candid Reflections on Addiction and Isolation

01:00:17 - Aesthetic Challenges and Mixed Feelings About the Song

01:03:45 - Exploring the Structure and Themes of Bowie’s Album

01:12:56 - Behind the Scenes of the “Ashes to Ashes” Music Video

01:20:30 - Exploring David Bowie’s Dual Identity Through Major Tom and David Jones

01:30:39 - The Complex Relationship Between David Jones and David Bowie

01:32:51 - Contrasting Songs: Fashion’s Catchy Tune vs. Ashes to Ashes’ Depth

01:38:41 - Exploring “Goon Squad” and Modern Slang References

01:41:32 - The Significance of the Album in David Bowie’s Career Arc

01:43:38 - Bowie’s Personal and Creative Transformation

01:50:23 - Closing Thoughts and Sponsor Message on Representation and Creativity

01:51:49 - Building Better Content and Emphasizing Representation

01:52:08 - Promoting Additional Content and Podcast Episodes

01:52:22 - Signing Off With Appreciation

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

We're the podcast that went out for cigarettes but actually did come back!

• Discover how David Bowie's Scary Monsters reshaped music and set new creative standards in the early 80s.
• Explore the hidden ways Bowie’s style and sound fueled the rise of the post-punk movement.
• Uncover the deep connection between Gary Newman’s music and Bowie’s groundbreaking influence.
• Understand Bowie’s sharp criticism of imitators and what it reveals about his artistic integrity.
• Trace the evolution of 80s music genres through Bowie’s innovative shifts and bold experimentation.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:07:55 - Contextualizing Bowie’s Touring Aesthetic and Mental State

00:16:43 - Bowie’s Legacy and the Challenge of Imitation in the Late 1970s

00:17:50 - The Complex Legacy of Torment and Mental Health in Music

00:24:27 - Interpreting Ashes to Ashes and Major Tom’s Symbolism

00:27:59 - Contrasting Sides of Bowie’s Album and Its Experimental Nature

00:32:51 - Bowie’s Album as a Farewell and Creative Reckoning

00:38:57 - The Four Turns of Spiral Logic Explained with Examples

00:40:49 - Metaphor of Pharmacy: Labels, Masks, and Healing Contradictions

00:44:05 - Bowie’s Scary Monsters Album as a Spiral Logic Case Study

00:49:01 - Personal Reflections on Artistic Identity and Cultural Aesthetics

00:50:49 - David Bowie’s Mime Imagery and Identity in Music

00:54:04 - Introduction to Post-Punk, New Wave, and New Romanticism

00:57:22 - Musical Lineage from Bowie and Roxy Music to Post-Punk and Goth

01:02:48 - The 1990s Convergence and Bowie’s Enduring Influence

01:06:53 - Influences and Legacy of David Bowie’s “Scary Monsters”

01:08:06 - Is “Scary Monsters” an Ending or a Bridge? Exploring Album Coherence

01:09:25 - Decoding “Teenage Wildlife” and Bowie’s Message to Imitators

01:15:03 - Bowie’s Personal Struggles and Artistic Resilience during “Station to Station”

01:23:34 - Authenticity and Personal Expression in Podcasting

01:32:26 - Podcast Production Realities and Closing Remarks

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Uncover the innovative recording techniques utilized in David Bowie's Lodger album.
• Explore the fascinating musical evolution of David Bowie and its impact on his diverse discography.
• Delve into the profound influence of Brian Eno on David Bowie's experimental and boundary-pushing music.
• Discover the unique recording methods that revolutionized rock music production.
• Understand the significant impact of world music on Western artists, including David Bowie's artistic journey.

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:01 - Unconventional Sound of "Lodger"

00:07:13 - Bowie's Musical Evolution

00:11:23 - Eno's Influence on "Lodger"

00:14:39 - Bowie's Anti-Brand Statement

00:16:18 - Musical Experimentation

00:17:28 - Interpreting Roles

00:19:35 - Theme of Wanderlust

00:23:16 - Diverse Fan Reactions

00:31:45 - Purposeful Unbalance

00:32:24 - Audio Troubles

00:33:32 - Embracing Accidents

00:35:24 - Unintended Uses of Toilet Paper

00:39:32 - Collaborating with Brian Eno

00:47:28 - Fantastic Voyage

00:48:44 - Analyzing Bowie's Final Episode

00:49:25 - Finding Comfort in Shared Experiences

00:50:40 - The Weight of Global Issues

00:51:52 - Coping with Shared Burdens

01:04:06 - The complexity of the lyrics

01:05:09 - Reversed chord structure in the song

01:07:18 - Cultural appropriation and mockery

01:11:26 - Analyzing the song's haiku-like lines

01:18:39 - Identity theft experience

01:21:32 - Honest Communication

01:22:04 - Data Security Concerns

01:22:50 - Empathetic Customer Service

01:23:33 - Resilience and Moving Forward

01:34:56 - Analyzing Music

01:38:08 - The chilling performance of the song

01:40:25 - The disturbing nature of the song

01:44:55 - Tonal shift and tension

01:49:29 - Bowie's forecast and transition

01:54:24 - The significance of the album

01:54:36 - Bowie's Refusal to Explain Himself

01:55:11 - Questions to Ponder While Re-listening to Lodger

01:56:35 - Reflection on Lodger and Bowie's Artistry

01:58:23 - Anticipation for Scary Monsters

02:01:59 - Closing Thoughts and Miscellaneous Tips

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Uncover the emotional depth and sonic innovation of David Bowie's "Heroes" album.
• Explore the profound influence of Berlin on David Bowie's music and creative process.
• Understand the pivotal role of ambient music in shaping the iconic sound of the "Heroes" album.
• Delve into the cultural and emotional nuances of David Bowie's "Secret Life of Arabia" song.

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introducing the Podcast

00:02:13 - Bowie and Heroes

00:10:05 - Business Proposal Email

00:12:35 - Beauty and the Beast Analysis

00:15:59 - Initial Impressions

00:17:48 - Transition from Analog to Digital

00:19:05 - Unintentional Experimentation

00:21:31 - Self-Referential Lyrics

00:27:56 - Introducing Robert Fripp

00:34:42 - Reflection on "Heroes"

00:35:17 - Emotional nuance in music

00:36:01 - Musical shifts and emotional delivery

00:46:47 - Intended emotional effect of "Sons of the Silent Age"

00:49:37 - Emotional exhaustion and transition to "Blackout"

00:53:33 - Reflection on the Album

00:55:04 - Transition to Instrumentals

00:59:08 - Analysis of "Sense of Doubt"

01:04:01 - Nostalgia and Cultural Appropriation

01:08:39 - Emotional Depth in "I Got a New Colon"

01:11:29 - The Berlin Experience in the 90s

01:12:35 - Berlin's Vibe and Architecture

01:16:35 - Decoding "Secret Life of Arabia"

01:20:48 - The Role of "Secret Life of Arabia"

01:23:16 - Transition to "Lodger"

01:28:29 - Album Analysis

01:29:13 - Listener Appreciation

01:30:13 - Podcast Dynamics

01:31:43 - Workflow Improvement

01:33:30 - Farewell and Gratitude

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.