Backwards Beats Podcast

Britney Spears - Blackout (#441)

Carl and Dan dive into the 2007 "comeback" album that shifted the landscape of pop production but left our hosts feeling colder than a "hot as ice" synth line. Recorded during one of the most publicized and turbulent periods of Britney’s personal life, Blackout is often cited by critics as a pioneering masterclass in dark electro-pop. However, the team questions its placement on the Rolling Stone Top 500 list, critiquing its sterile production, lack of vocal dynamics, and the "Xanax-infused" energy that permeates the tracks. From the iconic "It's Britney, bitch" opener to the deep-cut fan favorites, the guys peel back the layers of vocal fry and saw-wave synths to see if there's any heart left in the machine. Key Points * The "Comeback": A look back at the tabloid-heavy era of 2007, the infamous VMA performance, and how Britney's personal turmoil influenced the "minimalist and dry" production style of the album.   * Production Over Persona: The hosts discuss the shift toward producer-driven pop, comparing the work of Danja and Bloodshy & Avant to the more successful industrial-pop sounds of Justin Timberlake and Timbaland.   * Season 3 Wrap-Up: Celebrating the end of the season and their successful live show, plus a preview of the upcoming "Sidetrax" break featuring album assignments like Real Big Fish and Jane’s Addiction.   * In Your Ears: Carl highlights the "low-brow" grunge-surf energy of Viagra Boys, while Dan finds his groove again with the melodic drumming of Benny Greb. Music References * future sex love sounds by Justin Timberlake [https://open.spotify.com/album/2scB1uhcCI1TSf6b9TCZK3]   * sexyback by Justin Timberlake [https://open.spotify.com/track/0O45fw2L5vsWpdsOdXwNAR]   * christine agulara [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5dgmwbLZhKGY3sCtCgx30i]   * rung hustling [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rXP8td70IMENU4jSaq724]   * max martin [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1rjeVTt9Ra1ldvN7SpeK0G]   * my prerogative by bobby brown [https://open.spotify.com/track/0v9kGNjkKdQUdDoBIuiph4]   * bobby brown [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1rjeVTt9Ra1ldvN7SpeK0G]   * Madonna [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6tbjWDEIzxoDsBA1FuhfPW]   * Janet Jackson [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qwGe91Bz9K2T8jXTZ815W]   * justin bieber [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1uNFoZAHBGtllmzznpCI3s]   * scary pockets [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1e16kiJQtCTveTl7TQnkFN]   * Neptunes [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0KuF7reCTOZwV7YJnHQqgr]   * Timberland [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Y5TRrQiqgUO4S36tzjIRZ]   * lady Gaga [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HY2Jd0NmPuamShAr6KMms]   * Charlie XCX [https://open.spotify.com/artist/25uiPmTg16RbhZWAqwLBy5]   * the weekend [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Xyo4u8uXC1ZmMpatF05PJ]   * Nelly fertado [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2jw70GZXlAI8QzWeY2bgRc]   * blue Monday by orgy [https://open.spotify.com/track/5267gVdYWrLoz6ClOhlqmE]   * orgy [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2jw70GZXlAI8QzWeY2bgRc]   * Tyler the creator [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4V8LLVI7PbaPR0K2TGSxFF]   * Jimmy Cliff [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3rJ3m1tM6vUgiWLjfV8sRf]   * boys to men [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6O74knDqdv3XaWtkII7Xjp]   * Fergie [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3r17AfJCCUqC9Lf0OAc73G]   * will i am [https://open.spotify.com/artist/085pc2PYOi8bGKj0PNjekA]   * prince [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5a2EaR3hamoenG9rDuVn8j]   * the clutch [https://open.spotify.com/artist/161AC1AVRkIGIMxyj5djFQ]   * Bruno Mars [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0du5cEVh5yTK9QJze8zA0C]   * bury a friend by Billie Eilish [https://open.spotify.com/track/4SSnFejRGlZikf02HLewEF]   * Billie Eilish [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0du5cEVh5yTK9QJze8zA0C]   * happy together by the turtles [https://open.spotify.com/track/1JO1xLtVc8mWhIoE3YaCL0]   * the turtles [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0du5cEVh5yTK9QJze8zA0C]   * Thundercat [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4frXpPxQQZwbCu3eTGnZEw]   * hear my dear by Marvin Gaye [https://open.spotify.com/album/1iVf41qWHZsAk9DwY43WnV]   * Marvin Gaye [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4frXpPxQQZwbCu3eTGnZEw]   * Boston by Boston [https://open.spotify.com/album/2QLp07RO6anZHmtcKTEvSC]   * Boston [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4frXpPxQQZwbCu3eTGnZEw]   * turn the radio off by real big fish [https://open.spotify.com/album/5nO5x1Qgnf7zwmO83qrHRn]   * real big fish [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4frXpPxQQZwbCu3eTGnZEw]   * nothing shocking by James addiction [https://open.spotify.com/album/4DVBJPJyizvHfJQt5pYaCa]   * James addiction [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4frXpPxQQZwbCu3eTGnZEw]   * Dave Navarro [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3JTMBiL0Bmrxv41WJ8V8cu]   * one hot minute by chili peppers [https://open.spotify.com/album/74cQBDmkkzRBntR064f0SD]   * blood sugar sex magic by chili peppers [https://open.spotify.com/album/30Perjew8HyGkdSmqguYyg]   * chili peppers [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3JTMBiL0Bmrxv41WJ8V8cu]   * sports by Viagra boys [https://open.spotify.com/track/5aLD8CPaEu3Cj9ZcAqWWA6]   * Viagra boys [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3JTMBiL0Bmrxv41WJ8V8cu]   * moving parts live by Benny grab [https://open.spotify.com/album/6vccS7Cu6uaKeaUrL9PYOo]   * grebfruit by Benny grab [https://open.spotify.com/album/1sKqham86DDRADXxGLRmsG]   * Benny grab [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3JTMBiL0Bmrxv41WJ8V8cu]   * Nate Smith [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4NYMUsIcUUsBHbV9DICa5x]   * s os by Rihanna [https://open.spotify.com/track/2DCCA7AwEslJ7jEaEX4Frf]   * Rihanna [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4NYMUsIcUUsBHbV9DICa5x]   * jock jams [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7dGJo4pcD2V6oG8kP0tJRR] Join us next week for the release of our LIVE episode!

The Weeknd - Beauty Behind The Madness (#442)

In this episode of the Backwards Beats Podcast, hosts Carl and Dan take a deep dive into album #442 on Rolling Stone’s "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list: Beauty Behind the Madness, The Weeknd’s 2015 breakthrough. The duo explores Able Tesfaye's journey from anonymous YouTube uploader to global superstar, dissecting the "dark pop" aesthetics that defined an era. While acknowledging the album's astronomical streaming success and chart-topping hits, Carl and Dan offer a critical look at whether the 14-producer project maintains enough cohesion to justify its place among the all-time greats. Key Points * The Origin Story: A look at Able Tesfaye’s "misfit mattress" departure from Scarborough and his early partnership with producer Jeremy Rose. * Rolling Stone Debate: The hosts question the criteria for the Top 500 list, debating whether billion-plus streaming numbers correlate with superlative album quality. Music References * One Week by Barenaked Ladies [https://open.spotify.com/track/29hBRadFZf9QTGRHZmxm65] * Billie Jean by Michael Jackson [https://open.spotify.com/track/7J1uxwnxfQLu4APicE5Rnj] * Prince [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5a2EaR3hamoenG9rDuVn8j] * R. Kelly [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3fMbdgg4jU18AjLCKBhRSm] * Frank Ocean [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2h93pZq0e7k5yf4dywlkpM] * Kanye West [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5K4W6rqBFWDnAN6FQUkS6x] * walk off the earth [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6jEiUoyyJNPHzSR0Nib6HX] * Billie Eilish [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qqNVTkY8uBg9cP3Jd7DAH] * Lorde [https://open.spotify.com/artist/163tK9Wjr9P9DmM0AVK7lm] * the ink spots [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5bOsFzuJ6QZMr86ezC4oXY] * Here my dear by Marvin Gaye [https://open.spotify.com/album/1iVf41qWHZsAk9DwY43WnV] * Marvin Gaye [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5bOsFzuJ6QZMr86ezC4oXY] * Bruno Mars [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0du5cEVh5yTK9QJze8zA0C] * Adam Levine [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4bYPcJP5jwMhSivRcqie2n] * Justin Timberlake [https://open.spotify.com/artist/31TPClRtHm23RisEBtV3X7] * Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette [https://open.spotify.com/album/09AwlP99cHfKVNKv4FC8VW] * Alanis Morissette [https://open.spotify.com/artist/31TPClRtHm23RisEBtV3X7] * Rick Rubin [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1EpmQFTiJbcxzwbLpuUL8L] * Soul Dog [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1EpmQFTiJbcxzwbLpuUL8L] * Me So Horny by 2 Live Crew [https://open.spotify.com/track/6VmhXZ7mS30uWNecHkFouO] * 2 Live Crew [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1EpmQFTiJbcxzwbLpuUL8L] * Gin and Juice by Snoop Dogg [https://open.spotify.com/track/39QBkWKnap8wRSW4WB9OK0] * Snoop Dogg [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1EpmQFTiJbcxzwbLpuUL8L] * Gin and Juice by The Gourds [https://open.spotify.com/track/6CeszonFOlgp7HiawTSqCu] * The Gourds [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1EpmQFTiJbcxzwbLpuUL8L] * Peaches & Cream by Beck [https://open.spotify.com/track/3KpJPXxp3IV1ka1YnkRIVd] * Milk & Honey by Beck [https://open.spotify.com/track/56F7imK3kWAzpxl4vmoX5z] * Beck [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1EpmQFTiJbcxzwbLpuUL8L] * A Taste of Honey by Herb Alpert [https://open.spotify.com/track/2XmLd81D7jT8Ell9lmvApe] * Herb Alpert [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1EpmQFTiJbcxzwbLpuUL8L] * Billie Joel [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1EpmQFTiJbcxzwbLpuUL8L] * Shameless by Garth Brooks [https://open.spotify.com/track/5yIsenAzY9NSwqTh1Enmdh] * Garth Brooks [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1EpmQFTiJbcxzwbLpuUL8L] * She by Harry Styles [https://open.spotify.com/track/6SQLk9HSNketfgs2AyIiMs] * Harry Styles [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1EpmQFTiJbcxzwbLpuUL8L] * Stevie Wonder [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7guDJrEfX3qb6FEbdPA5qi] * You Belong to the City by Glenn Frey [https://open.spotify.com/track/26bNrOZYAO8MISgmJ0aj11] * Glenn Frey [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7guDJrEfX3qb6FEbdPA5qi] * Hard Times by Paramore [https://open.spotify.com/track/0w5Bdu51Ka25Pf3hojsKHh] * Paramore [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7guDJrEfX3qb6FEbdPA5qi] * Dynasty by Kiss [https://open.spotify.com/album/3VfeeJElCEDeXlDiNZbn3E] * Hard Times by Kiss [https://open.spotify.com/track/3sy8VUikaAQv1SKPK2EsMi] * Kiss [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7guDJrEfX3qb6FEbdPA5qi] * Lana Del Rey [https://open.spotify.com/artist/00FQb4jTyendYWaN8pK0wa] * California Gurls by Katy Perry [https://open.spotify.com/track/6KOEK6SeCEZOQkLj5M1PxH] * Katy Perry [https://open.spotify.com/artist/00FQb4jTyendYWaN8pK0wa] * I Feel Good by Pitbull [https://open.spotify.com/track/2hZTeA6c94dBoiuGcBv3R0] * Pitbull [https://open.spotify.com/artist/00FQb4jTyendYWaN8pK0wa] * Robocop by Jacuzzi Fire [https://open.spotify.com/track/6a0ls34qhQHVL8Aa444axU] * Jacuzzi Fire [https://open.spotify.com/artist/00FQb4jTyendYWaN8pK0wa] * Fugazi [https://open.spotify.com/artist/62sC6lUEWRjbFqXpMmOk4G] * Rift by Phish [https://open.spotify.com/album/3iiHj2P7DD5omB11AtNd97] * A Picture of Nectar by Phish [https://open.spotify.com/album/7A1l4RxB2pUxv6kU6ynUSF] * Phish [https://open.spotify.com/artist/62sC6lUEWRjbFqXpMmOk4G] * David Bowie [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0oSGxfWSnnOXhD2fKuz2Gy] Join us next week for ... Blackout by Britney Spears [https://open.spotify.com/album/1ePkYcH5ZQCb1b4tQeiEDj].

David Bowie - Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) (#443)

In this episode of the Backwards Beats Podcast, Carl and Dan dive into David Bowie’s 1980 landmark album, Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps). Positioned at #443 on Rolling Stone’s "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list, this record serves as the critical bridge between Bowie’s experimental Berlin Trilogy and his impending 80s pop superstardom. The hosts explore the album's aggressive energy, its iconic sequel to "Space Oddity," and the incredible musicianship of legendary contributors like Robert Fripp and Pete Townshend. Key Points   * The 1980 Transition: How Scary Monsters consolidated Bowie's avant-garde artistry with the emerging New Wave and Post-Punk sounds of the decade.    * Closing the Major Tom Chapter: A deep dive into "Ashes to Ashes," its role as a darker sequel to "Space Oddity," and the story behind its groundbreaking (and expensive) music video.    * Legendary Collaborators: Analyzing the "f***ed up carnival" guitar work of Robert Fripp and the wine-fueled, high-energy session with Pete Townshend.    * Production & Fidelity: A comparison between the original release and the 2017 remaster, highlighting how modern engineering brought new life and separation to the album's dense textures.    * Dystopian Themes: Exploring the Cold War anxiety, surveillance narratives, and manic energy that permeates tracks like "Scream Like a Baby" and "It's No Game."    * The Final Verdict: Carl and Dan weigh the album's massive influence against its musical consistency, ultimately debating whether it truly deserves its spot in the Top 500. Music References  * Mark Ronson [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3hv9jJF3adDNsBSIQDqcjp]    * Brian Eno [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7MSUfLeTdDEoZiJPDSBXgi]    * Tony Visconti [https://open.spotify.com/artist/46ISQ20xfCvHum4YeV08XF]    * Carlos Alomar [https://open.spotify.com/artist/51NLH9gqyYgsCHSsUKHjaa]    * Robert Fripp [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5HKpBHDxIDNdtmEAGXGntl]    * King Crimson [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7M1FPw29m5FbicYzS2xdpi]    * Roy Bittan [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0H9neflj4Rv5JjHZYzEdo5]    * Nine Inch Nails [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0X380XXQSNBYuleKzav5UO]    * Blur [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7MhMgCo0Bl0Kukl93PZbYS]    * Gary Neuman [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5KQMtyPE8DCQNUzoNqlEsE]    * Daddy Yankee [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4VMYDCV2IEDYJArk749S6m]    * Jack White [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4FZ3j1oH43e7cukCALsCwf]    * Close to the Edge by Yes [https://open.spotify.com/track/1oJ2a13bVN1RssKIWxKLe2]    * Yes [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4FZ3j1oH43e7cukCALsCwf]    * Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N' Roses [https://open.spotify.com/track/7snQQk1zcKl8gZ92AnueZW]    * Guns N' Roses [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4FZ3j1oH43e7cukCALsCwf]    * Miranda Lambert [https://open.spotify.com/artist/66lH4jAE7pqPlOlzUKbwA0]    * Joy Division [https://open.spotify.com/artist/432R46LaYsJZV2Gmc4jUV5]    * Iggy Pop [https://open.spotify.com/artist/33EUXrFKGjpUSGacqEHhU4]    * Dancing with Myself by Billy Idol [https://open.spotify.com/track/3rQfYDjgpRy5LFlClpPQW9]    * Billy Idol [https://open.spotify.com/artist/33EUXrFKGjpUSGacqEHhU4]    * Psycho Killer by Talking Heads [https://open.spotify.com/track/7dSCxR4LqkmxoBrq9MzVSD]    * Talking Heads [https://open.spotify.com/artist/33EUXrFKGjpUSGacqEHhU4]    * David Byrne [https://open.spotify.com/artist/20vuBdFblWUo2FCOvUzusB]    * Raspberry Beret by Prince [https://open.spotify.com/track/2I1W3hcSsPIsEJfD69pHrW]    * When Doves Cry by Prince [https://open.spotify.com/track/6sby78fghipoXHQLeeZFFH]    * Purple Rain by Prince [https://open.spotify.com/track/1uvyZBs4IZYRebHIB1747m]    * Vogue by Madonna [https://open.spotify.com/track/7j5TIXPi0cCbSSqItmbyZy]    * Madonna [https://open.spotify.com/artist/20vuBdFblWUo2FCOvUzusB]    * Morrissey [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3iTsJGG39nMg9YiolUgLMQ]    * The Smiths [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3yY2gUcIsjMr8hjo51PoJ8]    * The Beach Boys [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oDbviiivRWhXwIE8hxkVV]    * Kingdom Come by Tom Verlaine [https://open.spotify.com/track/75yTZJEnxRnP9YNIK2n0cB]    * Tom Verlaine [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oDbviiivRWhXwIE8hxkVV]    * Television [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0S7Zur2g8YhqlzqtlYStli]    * Phil Spector [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3jVMgT4X7YeuYE4aludcmE]    * Any Way You Want It by Dave Clark Five [https://open.spotify.com/track/3knxNDCnivVLjUy8IAfcf2]    * Dave Clark Five [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3jVMgT4X7YeuYE4aludcmE]    * Any Way You Want It by Kiss [https://open.spotify.com/track/4Gu8yunMBKYSMuD85riSj5]    * Kiss [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3jVMgT4X7YeuYE4aludcmE]    * Any Way You Want It by Journey [https://open.spotify.com/track/71SvEDmsOwIWw1IozsZoMA]    * Journey [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3jVMgT4X7YeuYE4aludcmE]    * Pete Townshend [https://open.spotify.com/artist/24Wa5wIZIo1sPkzVGP0B5p]    * Under Pressure by Queen [https://open.spotify.com/track/11IzgLRXV7Cgek3tEgGgjw]    * Queen [https://open.spotify.com/artist/24Wa5wIZIo1sPkzVGP0B5p]    * Ram by Paul McCartney [https://open.spotify.com/album/4ZLVPyXVXeMbnxyhxvsF7m]    * Paul McCartney [https://open.spotify.com/artist/24Wa5wIZIo1sPkzVGP0B5p]    * Breakfast in America by Supertramp [https://open.spotify.com/album/7i75GRwJbhDDiLi2uQHTtZ]    * Supertramp [https://open.spotify.com/artist/24Wa5wIZIo1sPkzVGP0B5p]    * ELO [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7jefIIksOi1EazgRTfW2Pk]    * Somi by Snarky Puppy [https://open.spotify.com/album/7kzDwWj4jOfCl2IYepW4z1]    * Snarky Puppy [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7jefIIksOi1EazgRTfW2Pk]    * Metropole Orkest [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7JYdpWAsiqzrmMB3qxkEbI]    * Jay Jennings [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3UIRDoB0S8JI9VclmPyJav]    * Bobby Sparks [https://open.spotify.com/artist/230coKMlIqckCdCumrrCkG]    * Jean-Luc Ponty [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3SInttLnvf5G4Aa95aAYPr]    * Walk Off the Earth [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3SInttLnvf5G4Aa95aAYPr]    * New Kids on the Block [https://open.spotify.com/artist/55qiaow2sDYtjqu1mwRua6] Join us next week for Beauty Behind the Madness by The Weeknd [https://open.spotify.com/album/0P3oVJBFOv3TDXlYRhGL7s].

Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine (#444)

In this episode of the Backwards Beats podcast, hosts Carl and Dan dive into Fiona Apple’s 2005 release, Extraordinary Machine. Ranked at #444 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, the album is a midpoint in Apple’s career, marked by a notorious production history and a shift toward more idiosyncratic, orchestral arrangements. The hosts explore the "Free Fiona" campaign, the influence of classical training on her songwriting, and the contributions of legendary drummers Questlove, Abe Laboriel Jr., and Jim Keltner. Before the deep dive, Carl and Dan share their experience seeing Snarky Puppy at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C. Key Points * The "Free Fiona" Saga: Discussion of the album's troubled production, from the initial orchestral sessions with Jon Brion to the label-mandated re-recordings with Mike Elizondo, and the subsequent fan campaign that led to its eventual release. * Vocal Mastery and Artistry: An analysis of Fiona Apple’s alto range, her "killer annunciation," and her cynical, disdainful storytelling that sets her apart from her 90s contemporaries. * The Final Verdict: While both hosts highly recommend the album for its variety and technical brilliance, they ultimately agree that it might not earn a spot in their own Top 500, suggesting her debut album, Title, might be a stronger contender for that distinction. * In Their Ears: Carl recommends the shreddy violin work of Jean-Luc Ponty (Enigmatic Ocean), while Dan suggests Duke Ellington's tribute album, ...And His Mother Called Him Bill. Music References * saw me by Snarky Puppy [https://open.spotify.com/album/1scEb1rBC9sjdraHWylI4W] * Metropolitan Orchist [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7JYdpWAsiqzrmMB3qxkEbI] * Alanis Morrisette [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ogn9necmbUdCppmNnGOdi] * Billy holiday [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1YzCsTRb22dQkh9lghPIrp] * Nina Simone [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7G1GBhoKtEPnP86X2PvEYO] * Lana Del Rey [https://open.spotify.com/artist/00FQb4jTyendYWaN8pK0wa] * Eddie Vetter [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0mXTJETA4XUa12MmmXxZJh] * Chris Isaac [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7290H8m1Dwt8G7jm1y9CQx] * Amy Mann [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3UpIbyXfGzmHG6TMH4dJEk] * Questlove [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1h2OVSKRdJHnVqyCKqCLkf] * the roots [https://open.spotify.com/artist/78xUyw6FkVZrRAtziFdtdu] * D'Anjalo [https://open.spotify.com/artist/336vr2M3Va0FjyvB55lJEd] * Erica Baadu [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7IfculRW2WXyzNQ8djX8WX] * in the meantime by spacehog [https://open.spotify.com/track/02lTDOxHeXTHsdwXoz6lpC] * spacehog [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7IfculRW2WXyzNQ8djX8WX] * Abe Laboriel Jr. [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4johBpu4QDhRL1GnowEo6A] * Abe Laboriel [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1rbFjxuHqTBA6OXrZpput9] * Paul McCartney [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4STHEaNw4mPZ2tzheohgXB] * Kenny logins [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Y3xIwWyq5wnNHPp5gPjOW] * Jeff Piccaro [https://open.spotify.com/artist/40sK9Bf2lzP9G6WntTE618] * Chester Thompson [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5kZjp3xEnIL1bQJYyJRK3k] * the climb by no doubt [https://open.spotify.com/track/2Ux8K31dr7EJUPcs7EVmtt] * no doubt [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5kZjp3xEnIL1bQJYyJRK3k] * Bonnie Raitt [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KDyYWR7IpxZ7xrdYbKrqY] * Cheryl Crow [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4TKTii6gnOnUXQHyuo9JaD] * Brian May [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2NcbLU1bW55eahD0UgD7U3] * Anna Molly by Incubus [https://open.spotify.com/track/0uLhNT7UIH3nZCCDZd3OBl] * Incubus [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2NcbLU1bW55eahD0UgD7U3] * the Alabama song by the doors [https://open.spotify.com/track/0JNZGIavoUrdup1NsgJOQs] * the doors [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2NcbLU1bW55eahD0UgD7U3] * Tom Wait [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7x83XhcMbOTl1UdYsPTuZM] * Florence the Machine [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1moxjboGR7GNWYIMWsRjgG] * back from black by Amy Winehouse [https://open.spotify.com/album/0ixsh7TOHzZAqjsFtdeMtL] * Amy Winehouse [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1moxjboGR7GNWYIMWsRjgG] * Sigur Ros [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6UUrUCIZtQeOf8tC0WuzRy] * the Joshua Tree by U2 [https://open.spotify.com/album/5vBZRYu2GLA65nfxBvG1a7] * Running to Stand Still by U2 [https://open.spotify.com/track/741AUHHkjuWe9wSNIhmApn] * U2 [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6UUrUCIZtQeOf8tC0WuzRy] * please, please by James Brown [https://open.spotify.com/track/7bFfjakySYhojqSPrAPtc3] * James Brown [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6UUrUCIZtQeOf8tC0WuzRy] * please, please by Sabrina Carpenter [https://open.spotify.com/track/2tHwzyyOLoWSFqYNjeVMzj] * Sabrina Carpenter [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6UUrUCIZtQeOf8tC0WuzRy] * Aja by Steely Dan [https://open.spotify.com/album/5TkfP3cqWgeBvCugPeiGNl] * Josie by Steely Dan [https://open.spotify.com/track/1QgLpUJsmrLG61KDVGT0Ux] * Steely Dan [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6UUrUCIZtQeOf8tC0WuzRy] * Joe Walsh [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5bDxAyJiTYBat1YnFJhvEK] * Vulfpec [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7pXu47GoqSYRajmBCjxdD6] * Genesis [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3CkvROUTQ6nRi9yQOcsB50] * Rush [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Hkut4rAAyrQxRdof7FVJq] * Inigmatic Ocean by John Luke Ponte [https://open.spotify.com/album/7Der8eY3aiNi3cieeMBRFB] * John Luke Ponte [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Hkut4rAAyrQxRdof7FVJq] * Van Halen [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2cnMpRsOVqtPMfq7YiFE6K] * Mark and Terry [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4eCqNzzeN8lH0gINwtiSiu] * and his mother called him Bill by Duke Ellington [https://open.spotify.com/album/39ZPIDYNwj9B5x9eUpE2Ie] * daydream by Duke Ellington [https://open.spotify.com/track/1VT4mdGCX7lDo7lQmBl3Rd] * Duke Ellington [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4eCqNzzeN8lH0gINwtiSiu] * Billy Strayhorn [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6RbBDzGJqAROG0LP9TrXfW] Join us next week for scary Monsters and Super Creeps by David Bowie [https://open.spotify.com/album/5fxvWHvIDPIALfTfRiwyB0].

Yes -Close to the Edge (#445)

In this episode of the Backwards Beats podcast, hosts Carl and Dan take on the "chewy" and virtuosic 1972 masterpiece Close to the Edge by progressive rock legends, Yes. Ranked at #445 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, this three-track epic is a masterclass in musical ambition, featuring complex symphonic movements, spiritual themes, and world-class musicianship. The duo breaks down the album's demanding structure, its diverse influences ranging from Sibelius to Eastern philosophy, and why it remains a definitive "alpha album" that set the bar for the entire prog-rock genre. Key Points * The Virtuosic Lineup: Deep dive into the "classic" lineup featuring Jon Anderson’s ethereal vocals, Steve Howe’s eclectic guitar styles, Rick Wakeman’s keyboard wizardry, and the legendary rhythm section of Chris Squire and Bill Bruford. * Bruford’s Swan Song: Insight into why drummer Bill Bruford left the band for King Crimson immediately after these grueling sessions, feeling he had reached the apex of what he could contribute to the Yes sound. * Spiritual and Classical Roots: How the lyrics were influenced by Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha and the compositional structure was inspired by the symphonies of Jean Sibelius. * Technical Highlights: Analysis of Chris Squire’s aggressive "lead bass" tone, Rick Wakeman’s recording of a real pipe organ in a London church, and the "Siberian Khatru" riffs that later inspired Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante. Music References * Simon & Garfunkel [https://open.spotify.com/artist/70cRZdQywnSFp9pnc2WTCE] * Cream [https://open.spotify.com/artist/74oJ4qxwOZvX6oSsu1DGnw] * Rush [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Hkut4rAAyrQxRdof7FVJq] * Genesis [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3CkvROUTQ6nRi9yQOcsB50] * Emerson, Lake & Palmer [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0nCiidE5GgDrc5kWN3NZgZ] * Locomotive Breath by Jethro Tull [https://open.spotify.com/track/0MYNeFsKpzBHwrJGfWZysV] * Jethro Tull [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0nCiidE5GgDrc5kWN3NZgZ] * Symphony No. 6 by Sibelius [https://open.spotify.com/album/1kGJis704qkvZIWOIsKjA0] * Symphony No. 7 by Sibelius [https://open.spotify.com/album/2rDGSx0x32946XliHrB9EU] * Sibelius [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0nCiidE5GgDrc5kWN3NZgZ] * Wes Montgomery [https://open.spotify.com/artist/03YhcM6fxypfwckPCQV8pQ] * Allan Holdsworth [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5CK3a77IzCSHjNqzRcbhuG] * Kansas [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hl0xAkS2AIRAu23TVMBG1] * Marillion [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ai5TWiOG8g9Hds5AATS28] * The Beach Boys [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oDbviiivRWhXwIE8hxkVV] * AC/DC [https://open.spotify.com/artist/711MCceyCBcFnzjGY4Q7Un] * Grateful Dead [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4TMHGUX5WI7OOm53PqSDAT] * Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven [https://open.spotify.com/album/3PFXzb8ySwZMDjyD25c6Bt] * Ode to Joy by Beethoven [https://open.spotify.com/track/40gRh2ZURv5tYBo8yB9Lu3] * Beethoven [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4TMHGUX5WI7OOm53PqSDAT] * Snarky Puppy [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ENzCHnmJUr20nUjoZ0zZ1] * The Mars Volta [https://open.spotify.com/artist/75U40yZLLPglFgXbDVnmVs] * Scorpions [https://open.spotify.com/artist/27T030eWyCQRmDyuvr1kxY] * Devo [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0UKfenbZb15sqhfPC6zbt3] * Brother Louie by The Stories [https://open.spotify.com/track/6ema2XuVv5UxrvWGpU2Jdz] * The Stories [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0UKfenbZb15sqhfPC6zbt3] * Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder [https://open.spotify.com/track/0dMd4rilfd6gPbXaLpNYhu] * Stevie Wonder [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0UKfenbZb15sqhfPC6zbt3] * The Mamas & the Papas [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1bs7HoMkSyQwcobCpE9KpN] * The Monkees [https://open.spotify.com/artist/320EPCSEezHt1rtbfwH6Ck] * Nate Smith [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4NYMUsIcUUsBHbV9DICa5x] * Christian McBride [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ACxPOI9gR3l0cyy2dvkHv] * The Fearless Flyers [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1JyLSGXC3aWzjY6ZdxvIXh] * Pink Floyd [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0k17h0D3J5VfsdmQ1iZtE9] * Stravinsky [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ie36YytMoKtPiL7tUvmoE] * Bo Diddley [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2bmixwMZXlkl2sbIbOfviq] * Steve Vai [https://open.spotify.com/artist/32Jb1X3wSmmoHj2epZReZA] * Robert Fripp [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5HKpBHDxIDNdtmEAGXGntl] * John Frusciante [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5HKpBHDxIDNdtmEAGXGntl] * Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers [https://open.spotify.com/album/30Perjew8HyGkdSmqguYyg] * Stadium Arcadium by Red Hot Chili Peppers [https://open.spotify.com/album/7xl50xr9NDkd3i2kBbzsNZ] * Red Hot Chili Peppers [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5HKpBHDxIDNdtmEAGXGntl] * Taylor Swift [https://open.spotify.com/artist/06HL4z0CvFAxyc27GXpf02] * Bad Bunny [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4q3ewBCX7sLwd24euuV69X] * The Weeknd [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Xyo4u8uXC1ZmMpatF05PJ] * Bonnie Raitt [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KDyYWR7IpxZ7xrdYbKrqY] * Linda Ronstadt [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1sXbwvCQLGZnaH0Jp2HTVc] * Wicked Garden by Stone Temple Pilots [https://open.spotify.com/track/7FblcKgEyo6zZjSMAnYpOX] * Plush by Stone Temple Pilots [https://open.spotify.com/track/0CkspLl535ZxdwCRs8AdZ4] * Stone Temple Pilots [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1sXbwvCQLGZnaH0Jp2HTVc] * Brandon Boyd [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0QmjlE852mAIaEt2IpBquO] * Incubus [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YcBF2ttyueytpXtEzn1Za] * Scott Weiland [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0RMOWaq3zw0fdgvaGRMcdA] * Wolfgang Van Halen [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WKdhhc03LqnixYI2ZzWzO] * Van Halen [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2cnMpRsOVqtPMfq7YiFE6K] Join us next week for Extraordinary Machine by Fiona Apple [https://open.spotify.com/album/1z0O8lKuQRs974S8wcRiAs].