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History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff

History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff

By: Pantheon Media
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History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff is the show that aims to make grand and often oddball hard rock and heavy metal points through a narrative built upon the tiny idea of a quintet of songs. Buttressed with illustrative clips, Martin argues quickly and succinctly why these songs - and the specific sections of these tracks - support his mad professor premise, from the wobbly invention of an “American” heavy metal, to the influence of Led Zeppelin in hair metal or to more succinct topics like tapping and twin leads. The songs serve as bricks, but Martin slathers plenty of mortar. At the end, hopefully he has a sturdy house in which this week’s theory can reside unbothered by the elements. At approximately 7000, Martin has had published in books more record reviews than anybody in the history of music writing across all genres. Additionally, Martin has penned approximately 85 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock and record collecting. Proud part of Pantheon - the podcast network for music lovers.2019-2023 Pantheon Podcasts Music
Episodes
  • History in Five Songs Episode 356: Histories Waiting for You

    History in Five Songs Episode 356: Histories Waiting for You
    Apr 21 2026
    In Episode 356 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin explores his personal “renaissance” of rediscovering music by using tools like Discogs and curated album runs to acquire and reconnect with the rich, often overlooked histories of bands—from The Pretenders and Siouxsie and the Banshees. He argues that diving into these back catalogs is one of the most rewarding ways to truly get into music. The Pretenders – “Popstar” Midge Ure – “Answers to Nothing” Pete Shelley – “I Surrender” Urban Verbs – “The Angry Young Men” Siouxsee and the Banshees – “Halloween” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 355: Looks Great on Paper

    History in Five Songs Episode 355: Looks Great on Paper
    Apr 14 2026
    In Episode 355 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin grapples albums and bands that seemed perfect on paper due to hype, reunions, image, or pedigree, but ultimately fell short of expectations, leaving a lingering sense of disappointment despite initial excitement. Warrior Soul – “The Answer” Gamma – “Darkness to Light” Uriah Heep – “No Return” Tin Machine – “Under the God” Chequered Past – “A World Gone Wild” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 354: ZZ Top and Billy Idol as Doppelgangers

    History in Five Songs Episode 354: ZZ Top and Billy Idol as Doppelgangers
    Apr 7 2026
    In Episode 354 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin compares and contrasts ZZ Top and Billy Idol as unlikely “doppelgangers,” tracing how both evolved from distinct early roots into MTV-era, dance-infused rock superstars before eventually sliding into formula and diminishing returns. ZZ Top – “Balinese” Billy Idol – “Dancing with Myself” ZZ Top – “Got Me Under Pressure” Billy Idol – “The Loveless” ZZ Top – “Piece” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
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I was absolutely convinced that Whitesnake was going to get an honorable mention. Cool list man. Great to hear someone give Brian Howe some love.

cool stuff.

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Love hearing this guy talk about music.Discovered him on a YouTube channel called Sea Of Tranquility.He is a regular guest on there.Was hoping to find his book about Blue Oyster Cult on here but this show will keep me occupied for awhile.

Professor Popoff

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