Ann and Nancy were more than suburban babes. From a young age, the sisters exhibited talent that turned heads everywhere they went. Their questionable decision making and unquestionable talent would lead to Heart’s breakout album, Dreamboat Annie. Really, what better way to skyrocket into the rock n’ roll industry than having Ann shack up with a Vietnam-dodging music man? And how else do you build a healthy work environment by having little-sister Nancy settle for the music man’s brother, even if it’s just for convenience? And what could possibly be wrong with being women on tour when a toxic war is going on in the background? Buckle up, Heart has a lot to say about that!
Marvin Gaye was on a roll. He had worked his way up from a studio musician to a solo artist in record time. In fact, by 1971, his talent transformed him into the face and voice of Motown. But behind the scenes of the great Marvin Gaye, he was tired. He was tired of the lovey dovey love songs that got him his fame. Real things like the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War had captured his attention. Marvin had the voice, and wanted to use it to spread awareness of the atrocities happening in his community. But Marvin was told no. Motown wasn’t supposed to be edgy, it was supposed to pump out a variation of the same-old love song to get the American dollar. Marvin was tired of following the rules though. He was tired of doing everything everyone told him to do. So Marvin rebelled and made a masterpiece of a protest album we now know of as What’s Going On. This defiance marked the beginning of Marvin’s best work...and the beginning of his dramatic demise.
This episode features rock and roll "screw ups" that finally got their act together: The Red Hot Chili Peppers. In the late 90s, hardly anyone was taking the band seriously. They had some funky success in the 80s, turned heads with Blood Sugar Sex Magik in the early 90s, then descended into drug fueled chaos. The band decided to (figuratively and literally) clean up their act and create an album with poignant statements about capitalism and all its glamour: Californication. Learn about their rocky road to success and legacy in this special edition episode with Gabe giving the details behind the band.
The Beatles were the first of their kind. They were charismatic, creative, confident, and chaotic. From 1963-1969, they rocked the world with their evolution of music. However, things took a turn for the worse after the death of their beloved manager in 1967. Bad financial decisions and too many egos in the studio made the tension unbearable. Their last hurrah, Abbey Road, would go on to showcase the strengths of the band and represent an epic finale for decades to come.
Consisting of T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chilli, TLC was meant for greatness. This debut album was a smash hit; but unfortunately, smashing seemed to be an obstacle in their career. Lisa made national news by smashing-up her boyfriend’s house, and the AIDS epidemic was in full blown crisis. Luckily, the band knew exactly what to do by playing it CrazySexyCool.
Amy Winehouse was a rare talent. So rare, in fact, the world wasn't sure what to do with her. Amy was nothing but chaotic. She loved a good joke, a properly-timed f-bomb, and her music. Her light shone bright at a young age, but media pressures led to addition after addition. Amy would end up joining the 27 Club, but she still managed to put out an album the most talented songwriter would dream of creating.
Notable Tagline: Chaotic Bitch
In 1984, "the Boss" Bruce Springsteen decided it was time to release another album. He was in a dark place. At this point in his life, Bruce thought he would never be able to settle down and enjoy life's simple pleasures. So he dove into his role as the rock 'n' roll story teller who could tell stories about the American people.
For his album "Nebraska," Bruce used his platform to share stories of Vietnam Veterans and other Americans. Many of the songs he develop during the "Nebraska " sessions would make their way into his next album:, "Born in the U.S.A." And yet, Bruce was torn. He received word from his manager that he needed to spend more time in the recording studio and create more "pop" songs, something he hated to do. These demands would lead to the creation of Bruce's most commercially successful album...and the beginning of his happily ever after.
After releasing his first solo album "Off the Wall in 1979, Michael Jackson had one goal: make the best album of all time. He knew he had the skills and the grit to do it, and he would achieve this not-so easy goal in no time. However...he would soon learn there were monsters in his life beyond the dancers in the "Thriller" music video. Michael began to find them while recording the "Thriller" album and would be haunted by them for the rest of his life.
Notable Taglines are:
Smelly
I'm a Lover, Not a Fighter
Talk. About. Drama. Fleetwood Mac saw themselves as a hot mess express when they gathered to record their second album as a "British-American" band. And yet...their chaos created something beautiful, traumatic, and remarkable...something they could never again replicate once they weathered their storms...
Notable Taglines are:
"Slay Stevie Slay"
"It's Not You, It's My Dog"
"Vibe Like Thee John McVie"