Rock 'n' Roll with Me

Rock 'n' Roll with Me offers daily insights into rock 'n' roll and sixties onward music, focusing on notable songs, artists, and producers like Todd Rundgren. It explores influential tracks, the backstories of their creation, artist biographies, music industry dynamics, and nostalgic elements connecting listeners to music's legacy.

Music Analysis Artist Biographies Music Production Historical Music Context Music Industry Songwriting Cultural Impact

The hottest Substack posts of Rock 'n' Roll with Me

And their main takeaways

MacArthur Park — that 7½-minute "cake out in the rain" song that mesmerized us

119 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🎶 Music Pop Jazz Songwriting Music history
  1. The song 'MacArthur Park' tells a story about losing true love and the deep emotions connected to that loss. It's a journey of heartache that many can relate to.
  2. There are famous versions of the song by Richard Harris, Donna Summer, and Maynard Ferguson, each bringing a different vibe, from emotional ballad to upbeat disco.
  3. The lyrics are both literal and symbolic, with imagery that represents beauty lost, like a cake left out in the rain, and the songwriter wanted to capture that feeling in both music and words.

The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show

119 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🎶 Music Rock History Performance Artists Culture
  1. The Beatles made their famous debut on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, capturing the attention of millions of viewers. People were excited about their music and unique style, which changed pop culture forever.
  2. Before their big show in America, the Beatles played long hours in clubs in the UK and Germany. This experience helped them become amazing performers with a wide range of songs.
  3. Paul McCartney mentioned that many of his love songs had themes of attraction and desire, even if he didn't realize it at the time. Songs like 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' became classics that people still love today.

The Haunting Beauty of "Wichita Lineman" - Glen Campbell and James Taylor

99 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🎶 Music Artists Songs History Genres Memories
  1. The song 'Wichita Lineman' by Glen Campbell evokes deep emotions, often making listeners feel nostalgic or even cry.
  2. Glen Campbell and James Taylor both have a special talent for connecting with people's feelings through their music, making their songs resonate with many.
  3. Glen Campbell had a remarkable career and was part of the famous Wrecking Crew, a group that played on many hit songs in the 60s and 70s.

George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"

79 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
🎶 Music Rock History Artists Songwriting Culture
  1. George Harrison's song 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' was not just about music; it shows how the Beatles were starting to drift apart. Harrison faced challenges getting his songs recognized while John and Paul took the spotlight.
  2. Eric Clapton's contribution to the song was significant, as he was invited to play guitar, something that hadn’t happened with other artists on Beatles records. This added a new dynamic and was part of Harrison's growth as a musician.
  3. The song represented a shift in rock music during the late 1960s, marking a divide between the pop music of the past and the heavier, more political sound that was emerging. This change in style played a role in the band's eventual breakup.

"The Letter" - The Box Tops and Joe Cocker

79 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎶 Music Music history Artists Albums Rock Soul
  1. The Box Tops had their big hit 'The Letter' when their lead singer, Alex Chilton, was just 17, showing that young talent can shine quickly in the music industry.
  2. Joe Cocker's version of 'The Letter' three years later highlighted his unique voice, even though he faced tough times with stress and financial troubles during his career.
  3. The Box Tops and Joe Cocker both represent lasting legacies in music, illustrating how artists can influence each other and continue to be celebrated over time.
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The Hits of The Mamas & the Papas

59 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🎶 Music Pop Rock History Culture Entertainment
  1. The Mamas & the Papas were a short-lived but influential band from 1965 to 1968, making a big impact on music and culture during that time.
  2. Their breakout was largely thanks to their appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show, which helped them reach a huge audience and boost record sales.
  3. Many of their songs reflect personal experiences, and their unique style combined fun with deep themes, which made them stand out in the music scene.

Deep Purple's debut hit "Hush"

59 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🎶 Music Rock History Cultural impact Music videos Song analysis
  1. Deep Purple's first hit, 'Hush', was a catchy song from 1968 that many remember fondly. It was fun to sing along, even if the lyrics weren't fully understood.
  2. The band's lineup changed over time, moving towards a hard rock sound and introducing new members. This led to classic songs like 'Smoke on the Water' and 'Space Truckin'.
  3. Deep Purple's legacy continues, as they are still touring today. Ian Paice is the only original member who has been part of the band throughout its long history.

"Love Child" by Diana Ross & the Supremes (and bonus tracks)

19 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🎶 Music Soul Pop History Entertainment
  1. Diana Ross and the Supremes were a major Motown group in the 1960s, known for their stylish performances and hit songs.
  2. Their success helped pave the way for future African-American artists in pop and soul music, with twelve of their singles hitting number one on the Billboard charts.
  3. Behind their hits, there were talented songwriters and musicians, although not all voices on their recordings belonged to the group members themselves.