Backwards Beats Podcast

By: Tunawood Productions
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  • Summary

  • Backwards Beats – The music podcast where we give every album a fair chance. Join lifelong musicians Carl and Dan as they break down and analyze Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time—in reverse order. Honest Reviews with Depth – We dive deep into the good, the bad, and the brilliant with thoughtful critiques. Humorous & Insightful Discussions – Expect real talk with plenty of laughs and some wild takes along the way. Celebrating Musical Legends – From timeless classics to albums that spark debate, we explore the artistry, history, and production behind each one. We love great music and appreciate the legends—but we won’t shy away from honest takes when an album misses the mark. Whether you’re a music expert or just love the tunes, Backwards Beats brings you insightful, entertaining music analysis with a touch of humor. New episodes every week! Subscribe and join the conversation.
    Copyright 2024 - 2025 Tunawood Productions. All rights reserved.
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Music
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Episodes
  • I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight - Richard & Linda Thompson (#485)

    I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight - Richard & Linda Thompson (#485)
    Apr 22 2025
    In this episode, Dan and Carl dive deep into I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight, the 1974 debut collaborative album by British folk-rock icons Richard and Linda Thompson. The duo explores the album's rich musical textures, varied instrumentation, and emotional range, offering technical insight and personal reactions. From Celtic-tinged folk ballads to moody rock moments, the album’s instrumentation (featuring mandolins, tin whistles, crumhorns, and concertinas) celebrates diverse timbres and musical ambition. Carl shares the surprising story behind his family’s connection to vinyl needle manufacturing, while Dan breaks down modal scales like Mixolydian and Phrygian with real-time examples. The hosts unpack the slow-burning melancholy of tracks like “Withered and Died,” the pub-ready energy of “We Sing Hallelujah,” and the absolute musical brilliance of “The Great Valerio.” Key Points Album Context: Released in 1974 on Island Records; Richard and Linda Thompson's first official album as a duo.Genre Blending: A fusion of British folk, country, and folk-rock with inventive instrumentation and experimental production choices.Thematic Core: Recurring themes include disillusionment, longing, loneliness, and spiritual searching. Instrument Highlights: Features unique folk instruments like the crumbhorn, concertina, and tin whistle, alongside rich guitar textures and vintage electric piano tones. Music Referenced Fairport ConventionGary RaffertyLil WayneAnthraxBob DylanJoan BaezJoni MitchellCourtney LoveJoan JettAnn WilsonHeartStairway to Heaven by Led ZeppelinNancy WilsonJason BonhamJohn BonhamFuneral by Arcade FireBackseat by Arcade FireBlueberry HillYellow by ColdplayHocus Pocus by FocusI'll Be Around by The SpinnersThis Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) by Talking HeadsCloser by The ChainsmokersAC/DCGrateful DeadCreep by RadioheadBohemian Rhapsody by QueenNick of Time by Bonnie RaittKurt CobainStone Temple PilotsNirvanaTogether Again by Buck OwensMalagueña by Roy ClarkVince GillHerbie HancockSteely DanCool and the GangBlack MidiLewis ColeMars VoltaPeripheryRushKing Crimson Join us next week when we cover Born This Way by Lady Gaga
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Continuum - John Mayer (#486)

    Continuum - John Mayer (#486)
    Apr 15 2025
    Overview In Episode 15, Dan and Carl finally hit a record they both adore—John Mayer’s Continuum, ranked #486 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The fanboying is real, but so is the deep analysis. This episode covers Mayer’s transition from pop darling to a serious blues craftsman, from subtle production choices to guitar tone breakdowns and harmony dives. With legendary players like Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino, Continuum serves up soulful grooves, emotional depth, and masterful songwriting. Key Points Personal Bias Admitted: Dan and Carl are massive fans of Continuum—this is one of their “desert island” albums.Mayer’s Career Shift: Discussion of Mayer’s evolution from Room for Squares pop fame to a blues-rooted, emotionally introspective artist.The Trio Effect: Deep appreciation for the influence of the John Mayer Trio (with Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino) on this record’s vibe.Guitar Tone & Production: Praise for Steve Jordan’s dry snares, Mayer’s tasteful guitar phrasing, and Charlie Hunter’s influence.Lyrical Depth: Songs like “Belief” and “Gravity” reveal Mayer’s internal struggles, philosophical reflection, and social commentary.Theory Corner Highlights: Dan breaks down modal shifts, bridge tricks, and harmonic depth in “Gravity” and “Stop This Train.”Emotional Arc: The album’s track list flows through apathy, introspection, fame fatigue, relationship collapse, and hard-won wisdom. Music Referenced Room for Squares by John MayerHeavier Things by John MayerBattle Studies by John MayerBorn and Raised by John MayerThe Search for Everything by John MayerTry! by John MayerYour Body Is a Wonderland by John MayerDaughters by John MayerSteve Ray VaughanJimi HendrixBurn One Down by Ben HarperSteal My Kisses by Ben HarperCharlie HunterVoodoo by D'AngeloBonnie RaittColdplayChris MartinNever Gonna Be Alone by Jacob CollierLizzy McAlpineI've Got Dreams to Remember by Otis ReddingWhat I Am by Edie BrickellStay Awhile by Edie BrickellMore Than Words by ExtremeJack BlackOn Bended Knee by Boyz II MenAdeleSatellite by Dave Matthews BandLindsey BuckinghamStevie NicksSimon & GarfunkelPaul SimonPeter GabrielNuno BettencourtAnita BakerJames TaylorStevie NicksBilly JoelStingSnarky PuppyCrazy by Gnarls BarkleyJennifer Love HewittJessica Simpson Join us next week when we cover I Want To See The Bright LIghts Tonight by Richard and Linda Thompson Got thoughts? Disagree? Just want to scream about “Vultures”? Hit us up: 📧 backwardsbeatspodcast@gmail.com 📷 Instagram: @backwardsbeatspodcast 🌐 Bluesky: @backwardsbeats
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    1 hr and 45 mins
  • Episode 14: Damaged by Black Flag

    Episode 14: Damaged by Black Flag
    Apr 8 2025
    In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl tackle Black Flag's ferocious 1981 debut, Damaged — an album that defines hardcore punk with raw energy, cathartic aggression, and DIY ethos. Coming in at #487 on Rolling Stone's list, Damaged is an iconic record that helped shape the sound and spirit of American punk. The guys also kick things off by recapping their weekend trip to the GroundUP Music Festival in Miami and all the incredible artists they encountered. Key Points 🎶 Punk Iconography: Damaged is discussed as a landmark hardcore punk record with a gritty visual and sonic aesthetic — from its cover art to its aggressive sound and anti-establishment themes.🎤 Band Origins & Lineup Shifts: Formed in 1976 as Panic, Black Flag underwent several member changes before Damaged, with early members like Keith Morris (later of Circle Jerks) and the arrival of Henry Rollins.🧠 Greg Ginn & DIY Spirit: Founding guitarist Greg Ginn created SST Records to independently release Black Flag’s music, setting a precedent for punk labels and the underground music scene.📚 Cultural Commentary: The band’s art and lyrics often critique societal norms, domestic life, and conformity — giving Damaged a raw, confrontational stance.🥁 Musical Style: Fast, furious, and over in 35 minutes — the album exemplifies hardcore punk: stripped-down production, relentless tempo, and emotional outbursts.🌀 Descent into Madness: From the rebellious intro "Rise Above," the arc of the album slowly becomes darker and more self-absorbed until the traumatic finale of "Damaged I"🏝️ GroundUP Music Festival Recap: Carl and Dan share highlights from the Miami festival hosted by Snarky Puppy, including performances by Eric Gales, Bill Frisell, John Scofield, and more. Music Referenced Snarky PoppyEric GalesBill FruzelJohn ScofieldMadison McFarronNever mind the bollocks by Sex PistolsMisfitsHüsker DüSonic YouthMinutemenCircle JerksBon JoviFugaziMinor ThreatTrue colors by Cindy LauperOrnette ColemanEd SheeranAja by Steely DanBodhisattva by Steely DanFresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables by Dead KennedysIn God We Trust by Dead KennedysIll in the Head by Dead KennedysNazi Punks Fuck Off by Dead KennedysFits Like a Glove by KissSeek & Destroy by MetallicaRage Against the MachineFuck the Police by NWAThe DoorsThe UrgeUrge OverkillSuperman by GoldfingerCrucial Bar-B-Q by Murphy's LawManic Depression by King's XManic Depression by Jimi Hendrix Join us next week when we discuss album 486, Continuum by John Mayer
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    1 hr and 38 mins
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