“Rock in Retrospect” focuses on the lives, careers and legacies of artists who made a significant impact on the music industry. Host Nick Bambach invites a guest to discuss their favorite artists and why they matter. We also occasionally create episodes focusing on awards shows and music-related institutions such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Oscars, and the Grammys. If you enjoy stimulating and often-humorous discussions about music history in a laid-back environment, then this is the podcast for you!
Darren Hines and Peter Waters return to discuss the nominees in the music categories at this year's Academy Awards. We analyze each nominated song and score, give our personal rankings, our predictions on who will win and cap it off with great works that were snubbed. Send us a text
Music industry veteran Mark Satlof joins us to discuss the legendary Detroit rock band MC5 who are nominated again for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year. Topics discussed included Mark meeting Wayne Kramer in the 1980s, the band's political and social activism, their iconic debut album Kick Out the Jams (1969) and their impact on latter-day hard rock, metal and punk bands. Yes, we're looking at you....because you need to listen to this episode!!!! Send us a text...
Emmy-winning graphics operator David Festini comes on to discuss the vastly underrated classic rock band Foreigner. Topics discussed include the band's' formation, the often-strained partnership between Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, their greatest songs and why they should be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Listen to this episode because it's urgent!!!!! Send us a text
Author David Cantwell ( The Running Kind: Listening to Merle Haggard ) and music critic Tom Lane ( Tom Lane's Music Blog ) come on to talk about country music's place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Topics discussed include the difference between the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock Hall, the 13 people inducted into both institutions, the significance of Dolly Parton's recent Rock Hall nomination and which country artists might be considered soon. Send us a text...
Josh Fitzgerald ( Movies That Rock: The Post ) and John Mutford come on to discuss The Tragically Hip, one of Canada's most beloved rock bands. Topics discussed include the band's formation and earliest recordings, their popularity in certain regions of the U.S., their social activism, our favorite Hip songs and their final concert in 2016. Hopefully we don't have to twist your arm to listen to this episode! Send us a text...
Mark Lempke ( The Also-Rans ) returns to the show to discuss our thoughts on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's official Class of 2022 ballot...on the day they were announced! We provide an in-depth analysis of each artist on this year's ballot and their chances for induction. Send us a text
Music journalist David Schnelwar comes on the show to discuss the life and career of singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow. Topics discussed include Crow's time as a backup singer (for the likes of Michael Jackson, Don Henley and Jimmy Buffett), her collaborations with other musicians, her political and social activism and which of her songs have been featured in movies and television series over the years. A change might do you good, but only after listening to this insightful conversation. Send us a t...
In a roundtable discussion of Nick's recently-revised rankings of his Top 100 Rock Hall Prospects Project (aka Top Rock Hall Snubs), he is joined by 4 guests who are incredibly knowledgeable of all things Rock Hall: Joe Kwaczala ( Who Cares About the Rock Hall? ) , Mark Lempke ( The Also-Rans ), Tom Lane ( Tom Lane's Music Blog ) and Troy Smith ( CLE Rocks ). While we focus primarily on the artists added and removed from the original list, we also discuss a wide number of issues related to the R...
On our season two premiere, we talk to the Induct Cyndi Lauper team (Joe, Colin and Bay) about their ongoing campaign to get this 80s icon into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (sign their petition here ). We also have an in-depth discussion of Lauper's life, career and impact on American popular culture. Topics discussed include Lauper's iconic debut album She's So Unusual , her involvement with the then-WWF in the mid-1980s, her ventures into other forms of art (including television, film and ...
Friend and music fan Greg Peurach comes on to discuss the life and career of Joe Cocker, one of rock and roll's greatest vocalists. Topics discussed include Cocker's iconic performance at the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival, his infamous Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour in 1970, his many comebacks over the years and his baffling omission from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. After listening to this episode, you'll be feelin' alright and eagerly seeking out Joe Cocker's legendary records! Here is Ni...
Blogger and educator Stephanie Carta ( Spaces and Society ) comes on the show to discuss the legendary alternative rock duo Tears for Fears. Topics discussed include the political messages of their music, their often-strained professional partnership and their latest single "The Tipping Point." As we all eagerly await their new album next year, you'll be head over heals in love with this episode! Send us a text...
Music blogger Michelle Bourg ( Iconic Rock Talk Show ) and returning guest Mary Layton ( Hall Watchers ) come on the show to discuss one of the most prestigious awards in the American arts: The Kennedy Center Honors. We narrowed down a list of 40 prospective candidates from the music world who need to be recognized for their incredible contributions to American culture. Artists discussed include The Rolling Stones, Mariah Carey, Aerosmith, Janet Jackson, Queen, Cyndi Lauper, ABBA, Fleetwood Mac,...
Comedian and writer Murray Valeriano (host of For What It's Worth ) comes on the show to discuss the 90s alternative rock band Cake. Topics discussed include the band's many musical influences, their cover of Gloria Gaynor's classic "I Will Survive" and their zany music videos. You should go the distance and check out this hilariously insightful episode! Send us a text...
Archivist Lisa S. comes on the show to discuss Bauhaus, one of the most original and influential bands of the last four decades. Topics discussed include Lisa's experiences at Peter Murphy concerts, the band members' contentious relationships with one another, their appearance in the film 'The Hunger' (1983) and their status as goth-rock legends. All any Bauhaus fan should've ever wanted is this incredible tribute to these post-punk pioneers! Send us a text...
Peter Waters ( Talking the Talkies ) joins us to discuss the life and career of living metal legend Rob Zombie. Topics discussed include Zombie's early odd jobs, his time with former band White Zombie and his successful turn to horror filmmaking. We hope you’re never gonna stop listening to this episode! Send us a text
Joe Kwaczala ( Who Cares About the Rock Hall? ) comes on the show to discuss his all-time favorite band Nirvana. Topics discussed include their legendary MTV Unplugged performance, the ongoing Marc Jacobs lawsuit and their 2014 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Come as you are and listen to this terrific conversation about the most legendary rock band of the last 30 years. Send us a text...
Wes Gabrielsen, an educator and friend who teaches a rock music history course, comes on the show to discuss classic rock hitmakers Toto. Topics discussed include the members' extensive work as session musicians, their long-standing feud with Rolling Stone magazine and Weezer's recent cover of the legendary song "Africa." Hold the line...this episode's on-time and waiting to be heard! Send us a text
Critic and friend Tom Lane ( Tom Lane's Music Blog ) comes on the show to discuss the career and legacy of Philly Soul legends The Spinners. Topics discussed include their earliest struggles working at Motown, relationship with legendary producer Thom Bell, songs featured in famous movies and their absence from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It'd be a shame if you didn't listen to this fantastic episode! Send us a text...
Eric Layton ( E-Rockracy and Hall Watchers ) comes on the show to discuss the career and impact of alternative rock legends Jane's Addiction. Topics discussed include the members' traumatic childhoods, the formation of Lollapolooza, the band's side projects and making a case for their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Send us a text...
Friend and music fan Darren Hines joins Nick as they discuss the iconic 80s British rock band The Smiths. They talked about several topics including our ongoing Rock Hall Reconsidered Project, the Simpsons’ recent parody of Morrissey and favorite Smiths songs. Please stop if you don’t think you heard this one before and give it a listen! *Please note this episode includes occasional background noise and other sound issues. Send us a text...
Josh Fitzgerald ( Movies That Rock: The Podcast ) joins Nick as they discuss the life and career of singer-songwriter Judee Sill, a beautiful soul who left this world far too soon. She was famously the first artist signed to David Geffen's legendary Asylum Records in 1971. But her troubled private life prevented her from becoming a bigger star and died at age 35 in 1979. Although she's largely an unknown figure in popular music, her influence and stature has considerably grown in recent years. S...
Nick and special guest Dr. Mark Lempke ( The Also-Rans ) discuss the musical and cultural significance of the 60s folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary. When they formed in 1961, it didn’t take long for them to become one of the most popular musical acts of their time. Along with Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, Peter, Paul and Mary were at the forefront of the folk revival scene of the early 1960s. They famously covered Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” and even performed the song at the March on Washington demon...
Nick and guest Jon Lamoreaux ( The Hustle Podcast ) dissect the musical legacy of new wave icons Duran Duran. Taking full advantage of the music video medium in the early 1980s, Duran Duran quickly became global superstars only a few years after their formation. Beyond their photogenic good looks and trendy outfits, they wrote and performed universal anthems that transcended generations. They experienced several ups and downs throughout their career, but they never gave up and continue to make n...
Let’s get caught up in all things Millie Jackson on this special debut episode of Rock in Retrospect . Nick and guest Mary Layton ( Hall Watchers ) discuss Jackson's life, career and impact on the music industry. Often hailed as the mother of rap, Jackson’s raspy spoken-word vocals and sexually charged lyrics made her one of R&B’s most consistently popular stars. She may not be a household name, but Jackson is an undeniably talented and supremely influential legend who deserves more of our a...
