The hottest Music history Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Music Topics

Behind the curtain of 'The Last Waltz'

Expanding Dan • 373 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Rob Fraboni, producer of 'The Last Waltz', reflects on his experiences and memories from the Band's farewell concert.
  2. The Last Waltz featured an incredible lineup of music legends including Neil Diamond, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and more.
  3. Fraboni's emotional connection to the Last Waltz concert showcases the lasting impact of collaborations with musical geniuses.

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

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 119 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🎶 Music 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 Mono vs. Stereo Edition

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Mono and stereo mixes can sound very different from each other. Mono mixes might feel more powerful and live, while stereo mixes offer more depth and spatial detail in the music.
  2. Collecting both mono and stereo versions of records can lead to exciting new experiences. Some songs might sound better in mono, while others shine in stereo.
  3. When buying reissues of old records, it's important to check who remastered the album. Quality remastering can significantly enhance how the music sounds.
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Peter Farrelly was a Danfan first

Expanding Dan • 314 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Peter Farrelly discovered Steely Dan while at a boarding school and was deeply moved by their music, leading to a lifelong appreciation.
  2. Farrelly's interaction with Walter Becker for the 'Me, Myself & Irene' soundtrack showcased his passion for Steely Dan and the importance of their music in his films.
  3. Farrelly reflects on his career, his love for Steely Dan's less popular songs, and the inspiration he drew from creative duos like the Zucker brothers and his unconventional encounters with musicians.

"The Letter" - The Box Tops and Joe Cocker

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 79 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎶 Music Music history
  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.

August 31 2023

S/FJ • 294 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Documentary film 'Blue Box' addresses legacy of harm by tracing the story of Joseph Weits.
  2. Paul Lansky's music explanation highlights Radiohead's use of his work in 'Kid A.'
  3. Svitlana Nianio's track 'Episode III' evokes emotions, similar to the band Księżyc.

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 459 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Some artists, like Suzanne Vega, are so great that people will buy their music without hearing it first. Her music is special and touches many hearts.
  2. Winning her album on the radio was a memorable moment, and it led to a personal connection when the artist replied to a thank-you letter.
  3. The lyrics of her songs often explore deep and thoughtful themes, connecting listeners to emotions that feel universal.

Why Taylor Swift, the Beatles, and Nirvana are overrated

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 356 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Some popular musicians like Taylor Swift, the Beatles, and Nirvana might not be as great as people think. It's okay to have different opinions about music.
  2. Drummers have a unique way of creating many sounds with just a few basic elements, similar to how Taco Bell mixes its ingredients.
  3. The experience of listening to music has changed over time, especially with DJs taking a more prominent role in performances. Now, people often watch the DJ instead of just dancing with each other.

Those Songs Still Shine

Sounds Good! • 157 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. The Carpenters' music is filled with both joy and sadness, especially in Karen Carpenter's vocals.
  2. Karen Carpenter was a talented drummer, breaking barriers for females in the industry.
  3. The Carpenters' songs are beautifully crafted and continue to shine with emotion and purity.

Friday March 31 2023

S/FJ • 157 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. The newsletter content primarily starts after the paywall.
  2. Mashups can work well when the original elements blend seamlessly.
  3. Exploration of music genres can lead to discovering new favorite artists and mixes.

Songs are shelters in time

Austin Kleon • 619 implied HN points • 14 Jan 22
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Music can be a great source of comfort, helping us feel safe and supported during tough times.
  2. Practicing skills consistently can lead to improvement, and taking part in activities like '100 days of practice' can be a great way to commit to personal growth.
  3. Reading books about grief can help us understand and cope with loss, and sometimes it's good to explore these topics before we face them ourselves.

Nice Opening, Duchamp

Dada Drummer Almanach • 149 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Damon & Naomi are a music duo that formed after their previous band, Galaxie 500, ended. Their new music blends American and Japanese styles.
  2. Ghost is a Japanese band known for its psychedelic sound and creativity, and they collaborated with Damon & Naomi on an album.
  3. The writing and music process for the collaboration was detailed and unique, with strict schedules and a focus on artistic expression.

"My Best Theory," Jimmy Eat World (2010)

The Lost Songs Project • 98 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Jimmy Eat World had a big hit with 'The Middle' in 2001, reaching #5 on the Hot 100 chart.
  2. Despite being known as a one-hit wonder on the Hot 100, Jimmy Eat World has continued to release music and evolve their sound.
  3. The song 'My Best Theory' by Jimmy Eat World, released in 2010, has a different style from their popular power-pop/emo tracks.

The Common Listener

Dada Drummer Almanach • 120 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Music recommendations can be a fun way to explore new sounds. They don't have to follow a strict 'best of' list; just enjoy what you like.
  2. Listening to music should be for your own enjoyment, not just what critics or charts say is popular. Everyone has different tastes.
  3. You can connect music to your personal experiences and moments in life, like what you were cooking or doing at the time.

In praise of David Ackles

Soaring Twenties • 92 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎶 Music Music history
  1. It's good to seek out recommendations from friends instead of relying on algorithms. Friends can introduce you to music and films that you might not find on your own.
  2. Songs can tell powerful stories and change how we see people, like seeing an ex-convict as a human. These stories can influence our empathy and understanding of others.
  3. David Ackles was a talented songwriter who created deep and meaningful songs but never found commercial success. His work inspired many other artists even if he wasn't widely known.

Black-market Bob

Dada Drummer Almanach • 101 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Bob Dylan's bootlegs provide a deeper look into his music that fans enjoy. These recordings include live performances and outtakes that show his artistic evolution.
  2. The 1965-1975 period is a favorite for many Dylan fans, showcasing his unique style as he transitioned from folk to rock music. Key recordings from this time have become legendary.
  3. Despite recent Grammy wins, some feel Dylan's latest work lacks the powerful imagery and creativity of his earlier albums. Fans often discuss his cycles of ups and downs in music careers.

On making music with the machine

#machineCROON • 6 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🎶 Music Music history
  1. AI music tools have evolved from slow, raw, and wildly creative models that produced messy but interesting sounds to faster, more polished apps that are easier to use but less likely to hit that chaotic magic.
  2. Making music with these systems is a hands-on, iterative craft—seed, prompt, generate, edit, listen— and that process can make a creator feel like the voice even while the model borrows heavily from existing artists.
  3. Combining classical seeds and narrative prompts with AI can yield new concept works and powerful stories, but it also raises real questions about authorship and theft, so responsible attribution and effort matter if the work is to be more than mere plagiarism.

Crop Circles in the Carpet

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 5 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Creating art that resonates is a deep desire for many creators. It's about making something that lasts and is remembered over time.
  2. You often need to create a lot before you find the good stuff. Many successful artists have produced thousands of works before hitting it big.
  3. As you age, your creativity might change from raw energy to wisdom, but it can be harder to replicate past successes. The challenge is always to create something great again.

The Prehistory of Music

Dada Drummer Almanach • 52 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Music has deep roots in human history, showing how important it has been in shaping cultures. It connects us to our past and influences how we live today.
  2. The study of music isn't just about its notes and rhythms; it's also about understanding its role in society and culture. Music can help create and define the world around us.
  3. Exploring how humans developed musical abilities can lead to insights about our evolution and what makes us unique as a species. It's fascinating to think about why we can engage with music in such powerful ways.

The New Cue #324 October 6: The Bees, Molly Burch, English Teacher, UNIVERSITY, Sufjan Stevens, A.S.O, Sonic Cathedral, John Grant & Midlake, deary

The New Cue • 39 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. The Bees' breakthrough 2002 hit, 'A Minha Menina', was born out of a moment of spontaneity and led to unexpected opportunities.
  2. The Isle of Wight Festival played a significant role in exposing The Bees to a variety of music genres.
  3. The Bees are planning a comeback, with members looking to create music together again after a period of inactivity.

Songs In Heat

Dada Drummer Almanach • 125 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Music creation requires inspiration and immersion in the art form.
  2. Exploration of different musical genres and influences is essential for growth.
  3. The process of forming a band and creating music can be a fun and enriching experience.

A Farewell Playlist

And It Don't Stop • 0 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Family organized a memorial event combining mourning with celebration.
  2. The event featured Joy Harvey's art, photographs, and a diverse playlist encapsulating her life.
  3. Gwen and Juan engaged in music throughout their lives, creating a salsa combo and organizing jam sessions.

Monday Memo #3

Andrew's Substack • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
💼 Business Music history
  1. Asking for help can be a competitive advantage and enlists people in your journey.
  2. Focus on doubling down on strengths rather than neutralizing non-fatal weaknesses.
  3. Find a balance in your skills - not too specific to limit opportunities, but not too general to be undervalued.

A Consumer Guide To The Music I’ve Devoted My Life To

And It Don't Stop • 0 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. The post is a consumer guide to music and explores a variety of genres and artists.
  2. The author shared personal anecdotes and moments from live events, adding humor and connecting with the audience.
  3. The guide includes reviews and reflections on iconic albums and artists from Louis Armstrong to contemporary bands like Low Cut Connie and Selo i Ludy.

Three By Steve Anderson

And It Don't Stop • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🎶 Music Music history
  1. This post consists of reviews of music by Joan Jett, Slowdive, and the Ramones from the Village Voice, showcasing a rich cultural reach.
  2. Steve Anderson's writing style was diverse and unique, with a mix of cultural references and engaging storytelling.
  3. The Ramones' music is celebrated for its enduring spirit and belief in the lasting impact of short, powerful songs, exemplified in their album 'Acid Eaters'.

Get your ya-yas out!

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 07 Apr 11
🎶 Music Music history
  1. Some live albums become a band's most famous work, like Peter Frampton's 'Frampton Comes Alive!' and Cheap Trick's 'At Budokan.'
  2. It's rare for a live album to be more iconic than a band's studio work, since big bands usually have well-known studio hits.
  3. Not many artists have live albums that overshadow their studio albums, making those that do, like Johnny Cash's 'Live at Folsom Prison,' special.