The hottest Music history Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Music Topics

The Music of 'Samurai Champloo'

Animation Obsessive • 20809 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
🎶 Music Music history
  1. A director deliberately fused hip hop with samurai-era storytelling and made music a central, visible part of the show instead of just background accompaniment.
  2. He hired underground, jazzy hip-hop producers like Nujabes, Tsutchie, Fat Jon, and Force of Nature and gave them creative freedom so the soundtrack often competes with the visuals, creating tension and unexpected emotional layers.
  3. That melancholic, lo-fi, jazz-influenced sound didn’t catch on in Japan at first but became a big international hit and helped popularize the lo-fi/jazz-hip-hop aesthetic in animation and beyond.

The Live Music Event That Changed My Life

The Honest Broker • 15825 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
🎶 Music Music history
  1. A single live performance can instantly reveal a life-changing passion and point someone toward their true vocation. It can feel like everything in life led up to that one moment.
  2. The immediacy of live jazz — close quarters, improvisation, and subtle musician interactions — creates unique, unrepeatable experiences that recordings can’t fully capture. Those in-the-moment events are often the real heart of the music.
  3. A transformative musical experience can trigger intense practice and dedication, leading to real skill development and professional opportunities. Even if a performing career later ends, the direction and meaning given by that moment endure.

Towards an Alternative Canon of Millennial Pop

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1244 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Between roughly 2009 and 2018 a loose, internet-native wave of artists fused electronic production with strong pop songwriting to make some of the era's best, most timeless songs. Many of these tracks were anthemic and inventive but never became mainstream hits.
  2. There was no central curator like MTV’s 120 Minutes, and music media and industry shifts (including commercialization and 'poptimism') meant this music stayed scattered in niche corners instead of reaching wide audiences.
  3. Naming and defending this alternate Millennial pop canon matters — building new ways to curate and promote these artists could help the best music reach more people and alter contemporary pop culture for the better.

Four Perspectives on Bing Crosby

The Honest Broker • 17853 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🎶 Music Music history
  1. His singing had a powerful, real-world effect for troops in WWII. It comforted and softened soldiers, showing how popular music can sustain humanity in extreme times.
  2. He was musically adaptable and unflappable, effortlessly navigating advanced jazz changes and staying cool when playing with younger, avant-garde musicians.
  3. He influenced technology and teamwork by funding tape recording innovations that helped launch later data storage advances, and by modeling long-lasting, ego-free partnerships like his friendship and films with Bob Hope.

A Deep Dive Into 'I Feel Fine'

The Ruffian • 1014 implied HN points • 21 Feb 26
🎶 Music Music history
  1. I Feel Fine compresses a long musical lineage into two minutes — its riff can be traced from Dizzy Gillespie’s Latin-jazz ideas through Bobby Parker and R&B into the Beatles’ pop form.
  2. The Beatles used simple material with bold studio and arrangement choices — a riff-based structure, Ringo’s Latin-jazz beat, three-part harmonies, and the first deliberate guitar feedback — to turn a throwaway tune into something memorable.
  3. The song shows how 20th-century music mixed across genres and borders — Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz, R&B and rock fed into each other and then were broadcast worldwide through popular acts.
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’Fast Car‘

Steady • 23998 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Tracy Chapman's performance of 'Fast Car' with Luke Combs at the Grammys was a standout and resonated with many fans both old and new.
  2. Chapman's iconic performance of 'Fast Car' at the 1988 Nelson Mandela tribute concert propelled her to new heights, earning her three Grammys.
  3. The song 'Fast Car' continues to have a lasting impact, with Luke Combs' cover reaching number one on the country charts and introducing the song to a new generation of fans.

Brian Wilson Is My Brick

The Honest Broker • 26397 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Having a special object, like a brick from school, can remind us of our roots and where we come from. It's important to cherish those memories as they shape who we are.
  2. Being different or feeling like an outsider can be tough, especially in youth, but it can also be a strength later in life. Embracing that uniqueness can lead to personal growth and success.
  3. Music can express feelings that are hard to put into words. Artists like Brian Wilson show us that being open about our struggles can connect us with others who feel the same way.

The Soul of the Soul of 1960s Soul

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 552 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🎶 Music Music history
  1. A revisionist take on 1960s soul spotlights artists like Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Etta James and Freddie King and a landmark 1966 Dallas TV show as crucial to post‑war American musical culture.
  2. All profits from the post are being donated to an immigrant legal services and defense fund, with a promise to publish receipts.
  3. The fundraising pitch is wrapped in a bizarre, attention‑grabbing anecdote about a community member’s run‑in with ICE and a withheld recording, used to drive subscriptions and support.

Both Sides Now

Steady • 24057 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Jann Wenner's book focuses on white male musicians, igniting a discussion on diversity in music.
  2. Joni Mitchell's song 'Both Sides Now' holds deep wisdom and brilliance in its lyrics and music.
  3. The song has been embraced by various artists and was notably featured in the film 'CODA'.

How Lalo Schifrin Composed the Mission Impossible Theme Song

The Honest Broker • 12700 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Lalo Schifrin created the famous 'Mission Impossible' theme by using Morse code from its initials. The rhythm of the song reflects the Morse code for M and I, giving it a unique pattern.
  2. Schifrin's theme has become iconic over the years, even though it didn't top charts when first released. Its exciting sound has kept audiences engaged in the movies for nearly sixty years.
  3. Themes for heroes in movies have lasting power, often outliving the actors and stories themselves. The 'Mission Impossible' theme is a perfect example of this enduring appeal.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘White Christmas’ Is a World War II Anthem

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2123 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Today it’s treated as a classic secular Christmas song, but when it debuted during World War II listeners immediately heard it as a wartime anthem.
  2. The lyrics capture a longing for snow and simpler times, channeling the homesickness felt by soldiers and families separated by the war.
  3. Bing Crosby’s recording (with backing vocals) turned the tune into the best-selling single ever and locked it into popular Christmas culture.

John Coltrane's Love Is Still Supreme at Age 60

The Honest Broker • 20113 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎶 Music Music history
  1. John Coltrane was incredibly busy in 1964, recording a lot of music and practicing hard. He often practiced so much that fans would overhear him in unusual places, showing his deep commitment to music.
  2. Coltrane's album 'A Love Supreme' was more than just music; it was a gift to God and a spiritual journey for him. The album's liner notes expressed his devotion, which was quite rare in jazz at the time.
  3. Even decades after its release, 'A Love Supreme' remains influential in jazz music. Many modern musicians still draw inspiration from Coltrane's style, showing that his music continues to resonate with new generations.

What Were the 1990s?

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 622 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Music criticism isn’t just decoration — it’s a key way to understand culture and history.
  2. Different generations interpret past music in different ways; those disagreements can be annoying but often spark productive insight.
  3. The 1990s were a rich, complex musical era that rewards close listening and re-examination, revealing overlooked artists and unexpected cultural meanings.

What Can Music Do Today?

The Honest Broker • 12101 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Music still holds a powerful role in our lives, influencing healing and emotional well-being. Recent studies show that sounds can even help revive people from comas.
  2. Many modern music events have a ritualistic feel, much like ancient practices. People seek transformative experiences through music, whether at a major festival or a local concert.
  3. The music industry often overlooks the deeper, transformative potential of music. Instead of creating meaningful connections, it tends to focus on short, entertaining tracks that don’t satisfy our deeper needs.

O Generous One!

Thinking about... • 653 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🎶 Music Music history
  1. The melody known as "Carol of the Bells" actually comes from the Ukrainian folk song "Shchedryk," a shchedrivka used to welcome the new year and call for spring’s bounty, and its four-note ostinato and polyphony set it apart from typical Western carols.
  2. In the twentieth century the song was rearranged and repurposed—Mykola Leontovych set the folk tune to music, then an American rewrote the lyrics in 1936 into a Christmas song, which largely erased the Ukrainian spring-ritual meanings and origins.
  3. Ukrainians are making huge sacrifices defending their country, and remembering the song’s Ukrainian roots (as recent bilingual performances have done) is a simple way to honor their struggle and the debt others owe them.

"Stage Fright" by The Band (1970) with Todd Rundgren as engineer/producer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 559 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Todd Rundgren worked as the engineer and producer for The Band's album 'Stage Fright,' which showed his skills in the studio. He had to face challenges while recording, like setting up a makeshift control room.
  2. The song 'Stage Fright' is about the feelings many artists face, capturing the emotion of performing. It became one of the highlights of the album and a classic rock song.
  3. Despite being younger and less experienced than The Band members, Todd's dedication and hard work helped make the project a success, boosting his reputation in the music industry.

16 YouTube Videos I'm Watching This Week

The Honest Broker • 6848 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎶 Music Music history
  1. There are many interesting YouTube videos available this week, covering a wide range of topics. You might find something that really catches your interest.
  2. Some artists are pushing boundaries, like a young pianist who composes chamber music or a K-Pop group that performs live without auto-tune. It's great to see talent showcased in different ways.
  3. The blend of old styles with modern songs is intriguing, like rock songs performed in a swing jazz style. It's a fun way to explore how music can change across genres.

"I'm a Believer" by the Monkees (1966)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 399 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. The Monkees were a popular band created for a TV show, and they captured the hearts of many young fans with their music and antics.
  2. Their song 'I'm a Believer' was a huge hit written by Neil Diamond, making it one of the best-selling albums in the U.S. during its time.
  3. The B-side 'I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone' shows a different side of the band with a more psychedelic and edgy vibe.

My favourite works and recordings of J.S. Bach

The Common Reader • 3118 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Listening to Bach can be a lifelong journey, starting from childhood experiences like watching a movie. Many people find their love for his music grows as they discover new recordings and performances over time.
  2. Different artists bring unique interpretations to Bach's works. Some recordings, like Glenn Gould's, are especially cherished for their emotional depth and creativity.
  3. Bach's music is diverse and includes many forms, from orchestral pieces to solo works. Exploring various recordings can lead to discovering favorites and enjoying his music in new ways.

My 10 Favorite Paul McCartney Post-Beatles Musical Moments

The Honest Broker • 7014 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Paul McCartney had a successful solo career after the Beatles, showcasing his incredible talent beyond the famous band. His post-Beatles work is impressive enough to secure his legendary status.
  2. A touching moment from McCartney's 2022 performance featured him singing with a video of John Lennon, highlighting their deep connection even years after the band's breakup. This moment resonated with many fans, evoking strong emotions.
  3. In a lesser-known performance, McCartney played with an Afrobeat band from Malawi, demonstrating his versatility as a bassist. It's surprising that this performance didn't get more attention, as it showcases his unique style.

"You Can't Always Get What You Want" by the Rolling Stones (1969)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 319 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. The Rolling Stones' song 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' reminds us that we may not always get what we desire, but sometimes we get what we need instead.
  2. The song features notable piano and organ work, showcasing the talent of the musicians involved.
  3. Many people enjoy learning about artists' creative processes and the stories behind their music.

"Chain of Fools" by Aretha Franklin (1967)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 299 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Aretha Franklin's song 'Chain of Fools' is a powerful anthem about heartbreak and feeling trapped in a relationship. It's a classic hit that resonates with many people.
  2. The song showcases Aretha's incredible talent not only as a singer but also as a captivating live performer. Her ability to connect with the audience makes her performances special.
  3. The post suggests upcoming songs, encouraging listeners to engage with requests and offers a fun vibe like a retro DJ. It's a great way to discover new music and reminisce about the past.

Todd Rundgren as a producer - The Creator Series #4

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 199 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Todd Rundgren has a unique approach to production, focusing on helping artists get their music out of their heads and into a record. He believes each song is a new challenge and works closely with artists to find their best material.
  2. He emphasizes the importance of preparation before hitting the studio. Todd thinks that having a strong collection of good songs makes the recording process smoother and more enjoyable.
  3. Todd's commitment is to the artist rather than the label. He sees himself as working for the artist, understanding their financial struggles, and creating platforms that allow them to connect directly with their audience.

How I Stopped Hating Steely Dan

The Honest Broker • 21177 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. The author's initial resistance to Steely Dan changed as they discovered the band's depth and artistry.
  2. Steely Dan's music challenged pop banality and conventionality, offering a unique and edgy perspective.
  3. The fusion of jazz elements in Steely Dan's art pop style inspired the author to appreciate skilled studio musicians and rethink elitist attitudes in music.

"We Gotta Get You a Woman" by Todd Rundgren (1970)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 219 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Todd Rundgren's song 'We Gotta Get You a Woman' was inspired by his experiences as a young man in New York, feeling lonely and wanting to connect with others.
  2. The song faced some controversy over its lyrics, with some people feeling they were misogynistic while others saw it as just a story from a character's perspective.
  3. Songs can reflect different meanings depending on who sings them and when, so it's important to remember they aren't always giving advice, but are telling stories instead.

Carole King: The Creator Series #2

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 319 implied HN points • 23 Jun 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Carole King started making music at a very young age, with supportive parents and lots of practice. She began writing songs at just three years old.
  2. She faced challenges throughout her career but never gave up. Her perseverance helped her succeed in the music industry, and she learned a lot from her experiences.
  3. Carole's creative process involved teamwork and collaboration, especially with her husband. Together, they wrote many hit songs, including classics like '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.'

"I Say a Little Prayer" - The enduring magic of Hollywood's greatest songwriters, Burt Bacharach and Hal David

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 419 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Burt Bacharach and Hal David were an amazing songwriting team that created many famous songs together. They made music that took listeners on an emotional journey, combining catchy melodies with deep lyrics.
  2. Dionne Warwick was a key artist for their songs, bringing a unique style and emotion to their music. Her ability to handle complex tunes made her the perfect fit for their unique sound.
  3. The song 'I Say a Little Prayer' has been reimagined by many artists, showing its versatility. Aretha Franklin's cover turned it into a soulful classic, proving great songs can be interpreted in fresh and powerful ways.

The Todd Rundgren Creator Series

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 99 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Todd Rundgren has had a big impact on music as both a songwriter and a performer, especially during his time with The Nazz.
  2. He is also known for his work as a producer, where he has helped create hits for many famous artists over the years.
  3. The series includes insights into his career and aims to introduce new fans to his work while reminding old fans of his achievements.

In Search of Dupree Bolton

The Honest Broker • 8245 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Dupree Bolton was a mysterious and talented jazz trumpeter who emerged suddenly on the West Coast jazz scene in the 1950s, made recordings marked by his unique style, but then disappeared abruptly.
  2. Despite his brief career, Dupree Bolton left a lasting impact with his remarkable trumpet playing on records like 'The Fox' and 'Katanga!' alongside saxophonist Curtis Amy.
  3. Researcher Ted Gioia tracked down Dupree Bolton years later in San Francisco, where the musician was playing on the streets, revealing a complex and troubled life story that included struggles with drugs and internal conflict.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 100 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Welcoming 2026 with a musical retrospective that sets a celebratory New Year tone.
  2. The author anticipates skeptics who will say the music is AI-generated, acknowledging that criticism up front.
  3. The piece is behind a paywall and aimed at paid subscribers, with clear subscription and sign-in prompts.

"I Heard It Through the Grapevine"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 219 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. The song 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine' has many great versions by famous artists like Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight. Each version brings something special to the song.
  2. The song was created by talented Motown songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, who wrote many hits for various artists. Their work has had a lasting impact on music.
  3. Many artists have covered this song across different genres, showing its versatility and appeal. It's a song that continues to resonate with both old and new fans.

Brian Wilson didn't even surf

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 499 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Brian Wilson, despite not surfing, captured the essence of surfing in his music. His songs are about fun and carefree moments but also touch on deeper feelings.
  2. The Beach Boys combined catchy pop tunes with complex music, making their songs enjoyable for both kids and music lovers. Their harmonies are especially special because they were family members who had a unique bond.
  3. Brian's songwriting and music arrangements were genius-level. He created music that evokes hope and nostalgia, making listeners feel like everything will be okay.

The Eagle who soared with Steely Dan

Expanding Dan • 727 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Timothy B. Schmit was a significant figure in both Steely Dan and Eagles, serving as a bass player and backing vocalist in each.
  2. Schmit made his debut with Steely Dan in 1974 and contributed to hits like 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number'.
  3. There was no vocal contribution from Don Henley or Glenn Frey in the Steely Dan song 'FM (No Static at All)', with Schmit being the sole Eagle member on that track.

The Tour '74 That Coulda Been

Flagging Down the Double E's • 393 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Bob Dylan had a list of potential songs for his 1974 tour, including some he never played live before.
  2. There were possibilities for an alternate Tour '74 setlist with unreleased songs and different arrangements.
  3. Despite not performing all these songs, Bob Dylan's 1974 tour generated excitement and interest among fans.

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 759 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Songs can have hidden meanings that you might not notice when you're younger. Even if the lyrics sound clean, they might carry deeper, unexpected themes.
  2. Harmonies in music can create strong emotional reactions. Perfect musical intervals can bring joy and even make people feel overcome with emotion.
  3. Music connects us to memories and experiences, like family moments or simple past joys. It can remind us of good times that may seem lost now.

A Playlist for a Blue Valentine

SBJournal • 275 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. The playlist is inspired by stages of love, from infatuation to contempt, and finally to picking yourself up again.
  2. Each stage is paired with a song that captures the emotions and experiences of that particular phase of a relationship.
  3. The author draws on personal experiences and literary references to create a deeply emotional and relatable playlist for a Blue Valentine.

Ryuichi Sakamoto 1952-2023

S/FJ • 550 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Ryuichi Sakamoto was a remarkable musician who passed away in 2023 after a battle with cancer.
  2. Sakamoto's career was diverse, encompassing piano performances, electronic collaborations, and unconventional music-making methods.
  3. His creative life exemplified spiritual integrity and his music remains influential and timeless.