popular music

“Endless Summer Vacation” by Miley Cyrus finds the singer achieving her biggest hit with “Flowers” and winning Grammys for the first time in her 17-year career. This week, Keith Montena and Carly Giacoio rewind and discuss how prior career moves and projects like She Is Coming & Plastic Hearts led the singer into a rough commercial territory despite being packed with solid material. With a label switch and new management, the pair investigate how her album rollout surrounding a New Years Eve special and fan-driven narrative surrounding Liam Hemsworth sculpted a huge commercial resurgence. Plus, hear about the album’s singles and creative collaborators through a track-by-track discussion.

Lady Gaga's "Joanne" showcases the singer ditching dance-pop in exchange for country and americana. Hear about the creative process behind the 2016 album, as well as the aftermath of 2013's ARTPOP album and how this shift helped the singer recover. The album marked a commercial resurgence for Lady Gaga with performances at The Super Bowl Half Time Show and Coachella, projects like Five Foot Two and A Star Is Born. Plus, discussions on "The Cure" and puzzled fan reception to her new sound. Also, is Lady Gaga releasing a new album this year? Hear about rumored collaborators for her seventh LP, and if Joanne is the best indicator of her next artistic venture.

We're back again with our most loaded pod episode in a while, talking about how Scream VI stole our bodega horror story idea, The Last of Us and zombies vs. human characterization, and then a check-up on new albums coming from Fall Out Boy, Paramore, and more of our pop-punk favorites. 

Thanks for joining me again for another edition of tales from a very minor celebrity…a look back at my life in the media, specifically radio and TV and the many celebrities I’ve interviewed and adventures I’ve had during that time…and continue to do so..I still work in radio as a freelance roving reporter for a radio station based in Colchester, a newly created city in the UK for anyone listening from another country...and there are loads of you…always really amazes me how many people from different countries love listening to my stories so thank you very much…

This week two very different interviews…

First my only experience of ‘fan mania’ when I went to meet McFly at the height of their popularity at a record signing and then Steve Hackett who gained prominence as the lead guitarist of Genesis before leaving to pursue a solo career…

Welcome to anther episode of my podcast Tales From a Very Minor celebrity, a delve into my celebrity archive, a look back at some of the very famous people who I have interviewed over the years and the stories behind those interviews…we continue a series of well known musicians and singers and in this episode  you’ll hear from Roger Mcguinn, frontman of the legendary Byrds, considered by critics to be among the most influential bands of their era, and then the late Robert Palmer who tragically died in 2003 at the age of just 54…he talks to me about growing up in Malta, an island we share a connection with! 

INTRO

With pianist Greg Kane

1min - "Prince is the teacher", and why the 1980s needs more respect. Funk as social commentary.

3min - Covering Sign 'O' The Times,  audiophiles, working with jazz musicians and having no fear.

5mins30s - Seeing Prince after hours at the Garage in Glasgow.

7mins - Near misses with Wendy and Lisa, Bobby McFerrin and Paisley Park.

With vocalist Pat Kane

10mins - Musical background, jazz heritage, hearing Prince for the first time and the ambition of 1999.

13mins30s - the 80s as the era of 'half-punk, half synthesizer'. 

15mins - the influence of 1986 album Parade on the band, and its 'majestic landscapes'.

17mins - The Family album, Prince's side projects and Eric Leeds ('the best funk saxophonist ever').

18mins45s - Sign O The Times: 'his sense of taste, and his choices are incredible'. Prince's phrasing and genius.

23mins - Horn riffs and discord in Prince's music, Alphabet street and arrangements in jazz, pop and soul.

26mins - the musical work and career of Clare Fischer and Rufusized by Chaka Khan.

28mins30s - Prince's solo piano and microphone work, Pat's favourite eras of Prince and reflection on his late career. 

32mins30s - Acoustic album The Truth and solo piano album One Nite Alone.

33mins30s - Money Don't Matter 2Nite and Diamonds & Pearls (big band version on Bandzilla).

35mins - Music as protest, social commentary and rebellion in Prince's music.

36mins30s - Prince as the 'link' in African American roots music.

37mins30s - Gett Off: "Jazz is the preacher, but funk is the teacher" and the Pharaoh Saunders mode.

38mins - Funk like an elephants foot, George Clinton and musical theories.

39mins - Creating a zone of freedom for black artists, and The Work.

41mins30s - Creating tracks and new songs forming organically at jam sessions.

43mins - Memories of musical celebrations at Paisley Park with Prince.

45mins - Hoping to work with Quincy Jones at the height of their fame in the 1980s (and recording at Paisley Park).

47mins - Jamming with Stevie Wonder and D'Angelo.

49mins - Pat asks a Prince fan for thoughts on his untimely death.

56mins - Funk revivals, snap bass and Pop Life.

58mins - A Prince cover the band are ashamed of! And 80s nights at Butlins.

60mins - What question would Pat ask Prince if he were still alive today?

How Can U Just Leave Me Standing? In Search of Prince... is produced and arranged by Sam J. Bleazard - but couldn't exist without the fabulous contribution from all of our guests!

The show also features significant original music compositions from Gavin Calder.

LINKS

Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook if you'd like to interact with the show on social media.

Email me at: bleazas@hotmail.com if you have any ideas for future episodes, or if you'd like to share any feedback on the show. 

#prince4ever #love4oneanother

Keith Montena returns this week with previous co-host Ashley Tatum to discuss one of the world's best-selling girl groups, The Pussycat Dolls. The groups sophomore (and last) era was helmed by collaborators like Polow Da Don, Timbaland, and Darkchild. The album, interestingly, was sculpted by beginning sessions for Nicole Scherzinger's debut solo album, "Her Name Is Nicole". Listen to hear about the group's evolving dynamics, why we feel it was always bound to cause drama, and where the girls are now after reuniting in 2020 with "React". While instances of drama at Britney Spears' Circus Tour or the American Music Awards became bait for tabloid culture of the 2000s, the girls still delivered some discography highlights and a huge hit with "When I Grow Up".

We discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine, how disinformation has spread online, and more. Then, we revisit the ongoing pop-punk revival and ask - who is this for? Singles like 'Emo Girl' and albums like 'Love Sux' leave us confused. Also, prepare for a deluge of content in March. It's all here on Post-Weird. Thank you for listening!

Hosted by Zack Miller and Stephen Williams

Red (Taylor's Version) is the second installment of Taylor Swift's re-recorded albums. Drawing comparisons to the originals and discussing vault tracks, Keith Montena was happy to welcome back Katie Hausler and Hannah Relovsky to the podcast. In Vinyl Drop's first-ever round table, the trio touches on the politics behind the re-recordings, the highlights (and low points) across both versions, and the intricacies of All Too Well's multiple recordings are discussed. Also, is Speak Now (Taylor's Version) next? We'll see.

Keith Montena returns to Vinyl Drop this week with a discussion on "Chromatica" by Lady Gaga. With special guest Logan Powers, the pair dive into Lady Gaga's first dance-pop release in nearly seven years, the rush of "Rain On Me" with Ariana Grande, and how the campaign attached got halted during Covid-19. Diving into every track and video, fan reactions, and how it compares to past efforts like "The Fame", the album still remains a celebration.

Was 1981 the best year for popular music? That thought wasn’t even on Elizabeth’s radar until Spotify presented her with a Top Hits of 1981 playlist (link in notes) – is it just nostalgia or was it a stellar year for music? Listen to this week’s episode and let her know what you think.

Radiant Badass

Chris Martin, Creativity Coach

Top Hits of 1981 - Spotify

Radiant Badass

Chris Martin, Creativity Coach

 Keith Montena discusses Rihanna's fifth studio album, "Loud". With returning guest Andi Stebbins, the pair talk about the singer's notable singles discography and how the album is jam-packed with only potential hits. Released following "Rated R", an album released a year prior with a much darker edge, Rihanna was in the perfect position to continue her reign in the mainstream. With the red hair carving out a signature look and three number ones, this feels like Rihanna at the height of her powers... Before ANTi of course. Hear Keith and Andi discuss their thoughts on the album. Remember to follow @vinyldropodcast on instagram to keep up with all updates.

Keith Montena welcomes Logan Powers to discuss Lady Gaga's sophomore studio album, "The Fame Monster". Released with her famous debut, "The Fame", the singer's follow-up project featured eight songs that brought a more intense sound, and cemented her "Little Monster" base with darker imagery and concepts. While Bad Romance alone is hailed as one of pop's best songs, the entire collection see's the singer write and create some of her best songs to date. Hear Keith and Logan discuss their thoughts on the album. Remember to follow @vinyldropodcast on instagram to keep up with all updates.

This week Keith Montena welcomes back Carly Giacoio to discuss Avril Lavigne's sophomore studio album, "Under My Skin". The pop-rock singer's debut brought hits like 'Complicated' and 'Sk8er Boi', but when she went back into the studio for this project she channeled a harder, more rock-heavy direction. With lyrics detailing heartbreaking and the career highlight of "My Happy Ending", Carly and Keith talk about what aspects of the release work best, and what don't, seventeen years after release. Follow @vinyldropodcast on Instagram for updates, and follow the "Vinyl Drop Music" playlist on Spotify for top-rated songs from each episode.

Keith Montena and special guest Andi Stebbins discuss Lil Nas X's highly anticipated debut studio album, "MONTERO". The self-titled project follows some of the biggest singles of 2021, and an artist who has become a topic of conversation for being so true to himself and expressive. While carrying the longest number one single of all-time with Old Town Road, Keith and Andi dive into how Lil Nas X has carved a name for himself and grew so far past his initial EP. Discussing all the visuals, performances, and promotion, check this week's episode out to hear about an amazing debut era. Make sure to follow @vinyldropodcast on Instagram, and stay tuned for more episodes.

Keith Montena welcomes back Katie Hausler to discuss Halsey's debut studio album, "BADLANDS". Cultivating an indie/alt-pop following throughout the previous year, Halsey's first album came at the perfect time for a mainstream breakthrough. While radio wasn't always the most friendly toward New Americana or Colors, the album became a huge success within her catalogue and carries impressive streaming numbers. Hear Keith and Katie touch on the singer's best moments in her musical introduction, the highs and lows across the album, and how Halsey's shifted since. Make sure to follow @vinyldropodcast on Instagram, and stay tuned for more episodes.

This week Keith Montena and special guest Carly Giacoio discuss Marina's fifth studio album, "Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land". Formerly known with the "Diamonds" tag, the singer released a project which seemed to sonically pay homage to her earlier days. Preceded by "Love + Fear", an album which explored feelings of happiness and on-trend synth pop, Marina faced mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. On this project, Marina discusses societal and political issues, and deals with the heartbreak from her most recent relationship. Hear Keith and Carly discuss the ballads and pop productions across the project, and what aspects Marina excels with. Make sure to follow @vinyldropodcast on Instagram, the "Vinyl Drop Music" playlist, and stay tuned for more episodes.

This week Keith Montena and special guest Hannah Relovsky discuss Taylor Swift's sixth studio album, "reputation". Coming off the back of an untouchable run of hit singles from "1989" at the height of her pop fame, Swift also dealt with public feuds and her first storm of media backlash. This became a clear through-line for the lyrical content across the album, and this sparked a conversation about if this laid the best groundwork for an album concept. Hear Keith and Hannah touch on how the singer experimented with more synth and dubstep, and argue if she was successful in utilizing her feuds with Kanye West, Katy Perry, and Kim Kardashian as inspiration. Make sure to follow @vinyldropodcast on Instagram, and stay tuned for more episodes.

Vinyl Drop returns this week with a discussion about Olivia Rodrigo's "SOUR". Olivia's first studio album is home to three huge singles, and has cemented itself as one of the biggest debut eras of all time. Starting off 2021 with a ballad, Keith Montena and special guest Katie Hausler discuss how fast the singer blew up, and the different influences found on her debut material. Make sure to follow @vinyldropodcast on Instagram and the playlist "Vinyl Drop Music" for top-rated songs from the show. Stay tuned for more episodes.