The hottest Rock Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Music Topics

"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 Rock
  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.

"Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin and Big Brother & the Holding Company (1968)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 379 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Janis Joplin was full of life and passion, especially during her time in San Francisco's vibrant counterculture scene. She really embraced the rock and roll lifestyle.
  2. Her hit song 'Piece of My Heart' helped make her a star, showcasing her powerful voice and unique style. It was a big moment for her career.
  3. Even though Janis was a natural performer, she sometimes struggled with the recording process. She preferred the excitement of live shows over studio work.

"Last Night I Had a Dream" by Fanny (1973) with Todd Rundgren as producer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 459 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Fanny was a pioneering all-female rock band formed in 1969, recognized for their talent and influential music. They had several hits and were supported by notable music figures.
  2. Todd Rundgren produced Fanny's fourth album, emphasizing their song structure and harmonies, which earned positive reviews despite no chart-topping hits.
  3. Although Fanny faced challenges in the tough music industry and eventually broke up, their legacy inspired future all-female bands and individual members continued to make their mark in music.

Things Worth Remembering: Why the Critics Got Billy Joel Wrong

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3023 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Billy Joel has sold over 160 million records and is highly successful, but some critics still look down on him. That's surprising given his achievements.
  2. Despite the harsh criticism, many legendary musicians admire Billy Joel and view him as a true artist. This shows that talent can be recognized in different ways.
  3. Joel has a strong connection with his fans and often stands up against critics, even using humor to push back and keep performing. His resilience is inspiring.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

"Dancing Barefoot" by the Patti Smith Group (1979) with producer Todd Rundgren

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 379 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. The song 'Dancing Barefoot' by the Patti Smith Group is a notable track from their 1979 album 'Wave', produced by Todd Rundgren. It's well-loved and has been covered by many artists.
  2. Patti Smith and Todd Rundgren share a deep friendship that began in the late 60s. Their bond was built on mutual respect and admiration for each other's artistic talents.
  3. The song is dedicated to women artists, showcasing Patti's love for strong female figures. It's recognized as a powerful piece about love and longing.

"Baby Blue" by Badfinger (1972) with Todd Rundgren as producer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 339 implied HN points • 20 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Todd Rundgren took over as the third producer for Badfinger's album _Straight Up_, stepping in after the previous producers faced challenges. He worked quickly to finalize the album in under two weeks.
  2. The hit song 'Baby Blue' was written by Pete Ham about a woman he met on tour. It became popular, hitting #14 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in the U.S. and was later featured in _Breaking Bad_.
  3. Todd's approach to production was more controlling than the previous producers, which caused some tension with the band. However, his work led to successful singles and helped build his reputation as 'The Fixer'.

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

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 399 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock
  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.

"We're an American Band" by Grand Funk Railroad (1973) with Todd Rundgren as producer/engineer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 299 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. The song 'We're an American Band' by Grand Funk Railroad, produced by Todd Rundgren, became a major hit and solidified Rundgren's reputation in the music industry.
  2. The recording of the song was quick, done within a few days, and it topped music charts, marking a successful moment for the band.
  3. Personal memories connected to the song highlight family dynamics and how music can create lasting memories, even amidst sibling rivalry.

Skylarking by XTC (1986) with Todd Rundgren as producer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 239 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Todd Rundgren produced the album Skylarking by XTC, which was a big deal because the band needed a successful record to stay with their label. They had many songs but no clear direction when they started.
  2. To create a more cohesive sound, Todd visualized each song with images, connecting music to themes like seasons and emotions. Most of the album turned out great, but one song, 'Another Satellite,' didn't quite fit and caused some tension.
  3. Despite some challenges during the album's creation, Skylarking ended up being successful, helping XTC to continue making music. The album received recognition and is considered one of the top albums of the 1980s.

"Shambala" by Three Dog Night (1973)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 179 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. The song 'Shambala' by Three Dog Night emphasizes positivity and kindness as a way to improve our lives and the world.
  2. Shambala is a legendary place in Tibetan Buddhism that symbolizes hope and peace, especially in tough times.
  3. Three Dog Night was a successful band known for their strong vocals and hit songs, including 'Shambala' which reached #3 on the charts.

Bat Out of Hell by Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman (1977) with producer Todd Rundgren

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 239 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Todd Rundgren took a chance on producing 'Bat Out of Hell' when many record labels rejected it. He saw potential in the theatrical style and unique vision of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman.
  2. The album combined rock music with a theatrical feel, challenging the norms of what a rock album should be. Jim Steinman's songwriting created a cinematic experience for listeners.
  3. Despite initial rejection and skepticism, 'Bat Out of Hell' became a worldwide success, proving that unconventional ideas can lead to incredible outcomes in music.

From "Iron Man" to D’Angelo: A year of music notes

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 285 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Some rock songs feel eternal—like 'Iron Man,' 'Smoke on the Water,' or 'Seven Nation Army'—they seem dug up rather than written.
  2. Drummers get a playful defense that if you can keep the beat, you can handle multiple partners, so drummers should be allowed to be polyamorous.
  3. Prince's solo on 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' is criticized as showy and self-indulgent, while 'Marquee Moon' by Television is offered as an example of a truly glorious guitar solo.

"Purple Haze" by the Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 279 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Jimi Hendrix is considered one of the greatest guitarists ever, and his song 'Purple Haze' showcases his unique style and innovative techniques.
  2. The live performance of 'Purple Haze' captures Jimi's impressive guitar work and the skill of his bandmates, making it memorable for fans.
  3. The song has become iconic in rock music and is loved for its energetic rhythm, perfect for dancing and acrobatics.

The Jonathan Fire*Eater Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1387 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Jonathan Fire*Eater brought a new energy to the 90's rock scene in New York when it felt stale. They were different and drew attention, leading to a bidding war from record companies.
  2. The band's unique sound mixed retro and modern styles, influencing many future bands despite their short career. They shaped how indie rock was created and promoted in the years that followed.
  3. Their story serves as a warning about the risks of personal struggles and the music industry's challenges. Even though they faced many issues, their legacy continued to inspire other artists after they broke up.

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

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 219 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock
  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.

Strawberry Alarm Clock's "Incense and Peppermints" (1967)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 239 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. The song 'Incense and Peppermints' by Strawberry Alarm Clock is a classic from 1967 that brings back nostalgic vibes for many.
  2. Strawberry Alarm Clock is still active and performing, with some original band members still making music today.
  3. A new piece about Todd Rundgren, focusing on his creative journey and honest reflections, is coming soon.

Let’s Overanalyze: ‘Cattle and the Creeping Things’ By The Hold Steady

Singal-Minded • 179 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🎶 Music Rock
  1. The song uses biblical imagery and jittery vocals to show jaded, addicted characters who treat sacred stories like worn-out scripts.
  2. The Hold Steady’s plainspoken bar-rock leaves room for dense storytelling, with recurring characters across songs and albums forming a dark arc from teenage parties to druggy, violent consequences.
  3. Repetition and unreliable narration are central: stories get retold and distorted so sacred and profane blur and cycles of addiction keep repeating.

What We've Lost in Music Criticism

Freddie deBoer • 8787 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Indie rock no longer exists in 2024, with no cool clubs or scene left to produce new albums, showing a cultural shift away from 'indie' music.
  2. The embrace of poptimism in music criticism led to a shift towards conformity and popular music elevation, changing the role of the critic from highlighting underappreciated music to reassuring popular tastes.
  3. Music criticism has lost its diversity and focus on challenging artistic expressions due to the dominance of poptimism, impacting the vibrancy and depth of music discussions.

Petula Clark - The other British invasion

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 459 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Petula Clark had a huge impact in the 1960s music scene with several hit songs, showcasing her talent and staying power even at age 91.
  2. She collaborated with songwriter Tony Hatch to create many popular songs and was a top-charting artist, rivaling even The Beatles.
  3. Petula also had a successful career in film and television, gaining recognition for her acting and her efforts to promote inclusivity in entertainment.

“She makes me nervous”

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 777 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Brenda Lee was a key figure in the early rock and roll era, showcasing a mix of innocence and surprising power at a young age. She captured audiences with her unique performances that hinted at deeper themes.
  2. The shift from rock and roll to country music in the late 1960s reflected a larger cultural change. Artists like Brenda Lee felt the need to disconnect from the counterculture, which led many back to their roots in country music.
  3. Brenda's journey shows the challenges women face in the music industry as they age. Unlike some of her male counterparts, she adapted her style and image in ways that reflected the societal expectations for female artists.

"Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 279 implied HN points • 11 May 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. The song "Just Dropped In" was originally meant to warn kids about the dangers of LSD, showing the weird experiences of an acid trip. Over time, it became associated with fun and comedy, especially with the character of the Dude in 'The Big Lebowski.'
  2. Mickey Newbury, the songwriter, had a unique background as an Air Force veteran turned hippie cowboy. Despite his influence on many famous artists, he never achieved mainstream success like others did.
  3. Kenny Rogers led the First Edition, which blended styles like rock and country. Although they had hits, they struggled to define their identity as a band, leading to their eventual breakup.

"I Heard It Through the Grapevine"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 219 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🎶 Music Rock
  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.

Mom Punk

Sucks to Suck • 943 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Getting older doesn't mean you have to stop enjoying music and youth culture.
  2. Supporting small acts and discovering new music can be fulfilling at any age.
  3. Music can speak to you in different ways throughout your life, even addressing adult experiences like parenthood.

How Eric Clapton got "Bell Bottom Blues" and wooed away George Harrison's "Layla"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 179 implied HN points • 22 May 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Eric Clapton wrote many songs for Pattie Boyd, who was originally married to George Harrison. His famous songs like 'Layla' and 'Bell Bottom Blues' were inspired by his love for her.
  2. The band Derek and the Dominos formed when Eric was struggling with his feelings for Pattie. They recorded an album that was initially not very successful but later became a classic.
  3. Pattie felt a lot of pressure being a muse for two rock stars. She eventually left George and married Eric, but their relationship had its challenges.

The White Zombie Edition

Why is this interesting? • 663 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🎶 Music Rock
  1. 'More Human Than Human' by White Zombie mixed industrial metal with themes of horror, influencing music and art for years. It's catchy yet unique, easy to remember but also strange.
  2. The song came out at a crucial time in music history, blending grunge's decline and nu-metal's rise, catching the attention of MTV and mainstream media.
  3. Even with its odd sound, 'More Human Than Human' reached number 7 on the Billboard charts, showing that being different can lead to commercial success.

It's that "Time of the Season" to "Tell Her No," but uh-oh "She's Not There"!

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 199 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. The Zombies are a famous 1960s band known for their unique sound and hit songs like 'She's Not There' and 'Time of the Season.'
  2. Their successful music came from a mix of talent, early musical backgrounds, and the impressive environment at St. Albans School.
  3. After some ups and downs in their career, the band reformed and is still creating new music and touring, showing they still have the magic from their early days.

Doing "The Twist" with Chubby Checker

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 179 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Dancing is for everyone, no matter your age or skill level. You can move to your favorite music in any way that feels good.
  2. Chubby Checker's song 'The Twist' became a huge hit twice, and it's a dance that anyone can do easily and with fun.
  3. Over time, people often lose their confidence to dance, but it's important to embrace joy and creativity, just like we did as kids.

The Trees (The Band) Edition

Why is this interesting? • 542 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Trees was a folk-rock band in the UK during the late 1960s and early 1970s that had a brief career and released two albums. They were known for their unique sound and a mix of traditional and modern influences.
  2. Their music is still appreciated today and they've gained a kind of cult following, alongside a box-set retrospective to celebrate their work.
  3. The band's second album cover, created by the famous design team Hipgnosis, is considered iconic and likely drew many listeners in, even if they were unfamiliar with the band.

Brian Wilson didn't even surf

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 499 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🎶 Music Rock
  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.

Darkness on the Edge of Town: Bruce Springsteen’s American Dream

American Dreaming • 107 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Darkness on the Edge of Town was Springsteen’s angry, mature comeback after a three-year legal and financial fight, and it marked him taking control of his career and artistic identity.
  2. The album shifts from youthful escape to darker, adult themes—working-class struggle, family pain, and a fraying American Dream—backed by a tougher, piano- and guitar-driven sound with autobiographical lyrics.
  3. The 1978 tour turned those songs into powerful live experiences that connected deeply with blue-collar audiences, built a devoted following, and set the blueprint for Springsteen’s later political and musical directions.

A Steely Dan horror story

Expanding Dan • 609 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🎶 Music Rock
  1. A technical calamity during the making of Katy Lied album haunted Steely Dan's sound in 1975.
  2. Guitarist Denny Dias shared a spooky incident involving a mist and a remix of 'Doctor Wu'.
  3. The mixing process and mastering of the Katy Lied album was plagued by challenges and technical issues that required additional adjustments.

Steely Dan's steeliest drummer

Expanding Dan • 668 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Steely Dan's drummers faced intense pressure from the band.
  2. Keith Carlock is a long-standing member and key drummer for Steely Dan.
  3. Carlock's musical style perfectly fits the old-school feel desired by Steely Dan.

Guns N' Roses, Blink-182, Paramore

Stream N' Destroy • 373 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. The post discusses rock music updates and releases from bands like Guns N' Roses, Blink-182, and Paramore.
  2. It highlights recent agency, label, and management signings in the music industry.
  3. The post also covers news about music consumption in 2023, with a focus on rock music's performance.

Reviews Dec 7

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 65 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🎶 Music Rock
  1. The album Geese — Getting Killed is given a low score, rated 2 out of 5.
  2. The record is seen as an example of the ironic pop culture problem: it rejects crude maleness but doesn’t offer a clear, convincing alternative.
  3. It borrows a Talking Heads–like approach but removes the fear or edge that made that style compelling, leaving it feeling hollow.

Welcome to Rock 'n' Roll with Me

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 179 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. The goal is to celebrate and preserve classic rock music from the 60s and 70s, since it often gets overlooked on radio today.
  2. Ellen wants to share songs that make her and others want to dance, and she will focus mainly on rock but might include other genres too.
  3. She encourages comments and song requests, making it a fun community space for music lovers, while keeping copyright rules in mind.

Five Finger Death Punch, Sum 41, Alluvial

Stream N' Destroy • 334 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎶 Music Rock
  1. Five Finger Death Punch received three platinum plaques.
  2. Several bands like Evanescence, Skillet, Sum 41, and Twenty One Pilots earned BRIT certifications.
  3. The post includes updates on top rock and metal albums, label signings, and Spotify's weekly top artists.