Front Row & Backstage

Front Row & Backstage is a Substack dedicated to chronicling music history, focusing on rock, pop, and jazz from the 1970s and 1980s. It features behind-the-scenes insights, song analyses, artist interviews, and reflections on influential music and musicians, drawing from the author's experiences in FM rock radio and the record business.

Music History Rock and Pop Music Song Analysis Artist Interviews Radio and Record Industry Insights Music Production Musical Influences

The hottest Substack posts of Front Row & Backstage

And their main takeaways

The Beatles Diaries: Celebrating 60 Years and The Feb 9, 1964 Appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show"

589 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎶 Music History Impact Artists Memories
  1. The Beatles made a significant impact on American culture with their first appearance on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' in 1964, influencing a generation of musicians and fans.
  2. The Beatles had a strong sense of identity and confidence in their music, which helped them stand out in the rock 'n' roll industry at the time.
  3. The Beatles' innovative sound, style, and attitude during their 'Ed Sullivan Show' appearance changed the course of pop music history, inspiring many musicians to pursue music careers.

Inside Tracks #32: Plimsouls, 1983, "A Million Miles Away" w/1990 Cover by Goo Goo Dolls (A Collab with Keith R. Higgons of "Abandoned Albums")

471 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎶 Music Artists Albums Music Production
  1. The article discusses the original and cover versions of the song 'A Million Miles Away'.
  2. The author shares personal stories related to the two recordings and the emotional connection to music.
  3. There is a comparison between The Plimsouls' and Goo Goo Dolls' versions, showcasing different interpretations and personal preferences.

Inside Tracks #31: "Rosecrans Boulevard" by Jimmy Webb, 1967-5th Dimension, w/Covers by Johnny Rivers, Gordon Waller, Zumpano

412 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Albums Cover songs Music genres Music Production
  1. Jimmy Webb was a young, talented songwriter recognized by artists and producers in the 60s.
  2. The song 'Rosecrans Boulevard' by Jimmy Webb was covered by various artists like Johnny Rivers and Gordon Waller.
  3. Zumpano, a Canadian power pop band, produced a compelling version of 'Rosecrans Boulevard' in the 90s.
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Audio Autopsy, 1991: "Perspex Island"-The Robyn Hitchcock Interview by Amy Hughes

373 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🎶 Music Interview Albums Songs Artists Performance
  1. Robyn Hitchcock's music defies typical pop sensibilities with clever, eccentric, and thought-provoking lyrics.
  2. The interview gives insight into Robyn Hitchcock's songwriting process, choice of songs for albums, and collaboration with producers.
  3. Robyn Hitchcock reflects on his music career, changes in his style, and the impact of commercial success on his artistic expression.

Raspberries, Surprise! Your Fave Rock Stars Love the 1970s Power Pop Kings!

452 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🎶 Music Rock Pop Influences Albums Live Performances
  1. Many famous rock stars like Lennon, The Boss, Axl Rose, and Dave Edmunds love the 1970s power pop band Raspberries.
  2. Raspberries are considered pioneers of power pop, featuring catchy tunes, jangly guitars, and harmonies.
  3. The Raspberries had an impact on music history, inspiring modern acts, receiving critical acclaim, and even drawing admiration from legends like John Lennon and Bruce Springsteen.

Audio Autopsy, 1985: Prefab Sprout, Paddy McAloon: Steve McQueen UK/Two Wheels Good US Album + 2023 Acoustic Vinyl

353 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🎶 Music Albums Artists Genres Reviews Music Production
  1. The album 'Steve McQueen' by Prefab Sprout has an interesting history of different titles between the UK and the US.
  2. Prefab Sprout's music from the mid-'80s is considered sophisticated and beautiful, standing out from other popular music of that time.
  3. In 2023, an acoustic version of 'Steve McQueen' album was released in the US, bringing a new take on the classic songs.

Audio Autopsy 1975: Head East "Never Been Any Reason," A&M Records (+ Petra, John Schlitt)

353 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🎶 Music History Bands Musicians Albums Genres
  1. Head East's hit song "Never Been Any Reason" caught the attention of A&M Records and lead to a re-release of their album.
  2. Lead singer John Schlitt's musical journey with Head East and Petra showcases a career transformation from rock band to Christian music.
  3. The song features unique Minimoog solos and vocal arrangements that contributed to its classic rock success.

Audio Archaeology, 1971: Barbra Streisand Sings the First Recorded Steely Dan Becker/Fagen Song

393 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🎶 Music History Songwriting Producer Musicians Albums
  1. The songwriters of Steely Dan, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, had an interesting origin story starting from Bard College.
  2. Kenny Vance played a crucial role in discovering and managing Becker and Fagen, leading to the formation of Steely Dan.
  3. The journey of the Steely Dan songwriting team from anonymous staff writers to successful recording artists is a testament to their talent and perseverance.

Audio Autopsy, 1984: The Difford & Tilbrook Duo LP, Labelled With Squeeze

353 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎶 Music Songwriting Album review Music journalism
  1. The album 'Difford & Tilbrook' was released in 1984 as a project by the key songwriters of the band Squeeze.
  2. The album was considered a mix of blue-eyed soul and synthesizer sounds, but failed to achieve commercial success.
  3. Despite its lack of commercial success, the album is still appreciated by serious fans of Squeeze for its consistency and unique sound.

Tina Turner, The Link Between Legends, 1966: Phil Spector's "River Deep-Mountain High"

353 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🎶 Music Legends Production History
  1. Tina Turner was a legendary artist who inspired other musicians like Phil Spector.
  2. The song 'River Deep-Mountain High' marked a significant collaboration between Tina Turner and Phil Spector, showcasing their talents.
  3. The recording process for 'River Deep-Mountain High' was intense and intricate, leading to a masterpiece in pop music history.

Audio Archaeology, 1973: The Legacy of Jobriath as Morrissey, Numan, Def Leppard Remember

393 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🎶 Music Influences Music Industry Documentary Performance
  1. Jobriath was a pioneering openly gay rocker signed to a major label in the 1970s, but faced challenges due to homophobia
  2. Influential musicians like Morrissey, Numan, and Def Leppard have been inspired by Jobriath's music and image
  3. Despite his initial hype and record deal, Jobriath's career struggled due to lack of promotion and personal struggles, leading to his untimely death

Audio Autopsy, 1986: XTC "Season Cycle" from Skylarking LP, Produced by Todd Rundgren

334 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🎶 Music Artists Albums Songs Influences Production
  1. XTC's song 'Season Cycle' from the 1986 Skylarking LP is deeply influenced by 1960s music and the Beach Boys.
  2. The album 'Skylarking' by XTC was a loose concept album produced by Todd Rundgren.
  3. The songwriting and recording process of XTC, especially during their Dukes of Stratosphear project, showcased a creative homage to 1960s music.