Wilco’s most iconic album was an artistic breakthrough. But line-up shifts and a record-label dispute made the process of making it almost as famous as the LP itself.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Category: The Definitives
The Definitives is a limited-time music podcast detailing the makings and legacies of some of the greatest rock albums ever made.
PJ Harvey’s most commercially successful album, “To Bring You My Love,” marked her first and arguably most drastic reinvention. In this episode of “The Definitives,” we take a look back on what inspired the unpredictable changes in her presentational and sonic directions, and why the shift remains among the most compelling moments in her prolific career.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Categories
The Making of “Master of Puppets”
Now considered one of the masterpieces of thrash metal, “Master of Puppets” was borne at the acme of Metallica’s artistic prowess. But its breakthroughs were bookended by a tragedy that would change the group’s dynamic permanently.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Serge Gainsbourg’s ambitious concept album is among the most influential records of the 1970s. But despite the timelessness of its innovative compositions, its controversial central “concept” has aged poorly.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s third — and best — album of 1969 both captured the disaffection of war-era America and the band’s iconic, blues-inspired sound at its peak.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Categories
The Making of “White Blood Cells”
On this episode of The Definitives, we’ll be talking about the White Stripes’ breakthrough album, “White Blood Cells,” which was made in an unthinkably short amount of time in early 2001.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Categories
The Making of “Live Through This”
Hole’s sophomore effort, 1994’s “Live Through This,” is among the grunge era’s most essential — and misunderstood — works. In the fourth episode of The Definitives, we’ll talk about how the LP came to fruition, why it remains a striking testament of survival, and what makes Courtney Love one of rock’s great frontwomen.
Songs from the episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1vlqpVE6m4Ylkpi3pABJYL
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Categories
The Making of “Remain in Light”
In the third episode of “The Definitives,” we explore the artistic innovation and interpersonal clamor surrounding the making of “Remain in Light,” Talking Heads’ innovative magnum opus from 1980.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Categories
The Making of “Exile on Main St.”
Though this double album is considered a touchstone for both The Rolling Stones and rock in general, its production was rife with behind-the-scenes disarray, drug use, and disillusionment.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Categories
The Making of “Dusty in Memphis”
In the first episode of “The Definitives,” we dive into Dusty Springfield’s rock-soul masterpiece “Dusty in Memphis,” an influential album that famously flopped when it was initially released in 1969.
Check out the songs discussed in the episode below:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3e1NBw9GTqdp4oN3GsDdSI
Podcast: Play in new window | Download