Our 200th episode comes with a very special guest, guitar and jam band icon Warren Haynes! We're talking about a song that somehow it feels like everyone knows from birth, the Allman Brothers and Gov't Mule classic, "Soulshine," hitting our usual shenanigans, and more, like: - Jam chemistry - Tradition vs invention - Magic with Dave Matthews Thanks so much for listening! Here's to 200 more! --- The Great Song Podcast is a Tiger Leap Production. Check out the other fine Tiger Leap podcasts like C...
Jun 01, 2022•1 hr 4 min
Ladies' Month concludes with a tough track from punk-spirited Scottish rocker KT Tunstall, from her debut album "Eye to the Telescope." We'll discuss why this album was immediately re-released, the power of early American Idol, and of course KT's favorite gas station snack. Plus: - The Power of early American Idol - Automatic writing and connecting to your subconscious - “Punk Spirit” - When the mix doesn’t sound like what was in your head --- Join us on PATREON for early access, extended interv...
May 25, 2022•1 hr 5 min
You surely know big brother James, but have ya met Sister Kate? As unpredictable a career as you could imagine, and as sweet a soul as you could meet, Kate Taylor reunited with an amazing who's who crew in 2021 to release her latest record "Why Wait!" But Kate also was the first to record several well-known favorites, and we're going to dig into a couple on this week's episode. Gilmore Girls, anyone? --- Join us on PATREON for early access, extended interviews, weekly reaction mini-sodes, full b...
May 18, 2022•56 min
Tracy Bonham is the woman who broke the algorithm. After "Mother Mother" in 1996, no other female solo artist topped the modern rock charts until Lorde in 2013(!). In this week's episode we break down her breakout single and lament, once more, the industry politics that kept her next album on the shelf for 4 years before its release. Plus we talk to Tracy about her passion for music education, her song "Devil's Got Your Boyfriend" becoming the theme song for Dirty John, and much more, like: - Th...
May 11, 2022•1 hr 6 min
"Kiss Me" is one of the biggest hits of the '90s, and the self-titled Sixpence None the Richer album is an enduring classic full of rich songs and complex emotions, a real standout in the CCM genre, and a major pop crossover that *should* have won the band a couple of Grammys--but we'll get into that. Lead singer Leigh Nash joins us to talk about her Sixpence days, her latest project "The Tide," and more. Plus: - A really wack year for “Song of the Year” Grammys - Listening to a guitar part for ...
May 04, 2022•1 hr 17 min
Cardinal Black are so new they don't even have an album out yet. But when we heard them, we couldn't wait to talk to you about them. One of the smoothest, most interesting groups to come along in a while is bound to be one of your new favorites, and they're a perfect way to close out Modern Men of Pop month. Enjoy meeting Cardinal Black! Also: The “Clue” of pop/rock bands One of the literal Best New Guitarists in the World What rock legend did the band try to charge to get into an early showcase...
Apr 27, 2022•58 min
Modern Men of Pop Month continues with one of our favorite up-and-coming acts, who we've affectionately dubbed "The Ultimate Touring Partner." Stephen Day can do it all, and we're digging into his musical fun-bag this week. We'll talk about a few favorite tracks, and the diversity of his latest project, "The Shapes I'm In." Also In this episode: “Just based on his face, I would trust Stephen Day in any industry.” - Mustaches and Musical Diversity - The John Mayer artistic leap - Acting with Alle...
Apr 20, 2022•53 min
The Whitney Houston of male singer-songwriters (there's more context in the Patreon version, but that'll do for now) brought us a fire album in 2014 appropriately titled "Heatwave," and the opening track "Get to You" is our focus this week for Modern Men of Pop month. We'll chat with Matt Wertz about insecurity, jorts, and much more. Oh, and we have an impromptu rap battle. Join us on PATREON for early access, extended interviews, weekly reaction mini-sodes, full bonus shows, and more ways to be...
Apr 13, 2022•1 hr 4 min
Modern Men of Pop month kicks off with boy genius Cody Fry, a brilliant young talent whose sentimental anthems and grooving pop tracks have set TikTok and Spotify ablaze. We'll talk about the opening track to his 2021 album Pictures of Mountains , as well as several other tracks from that album and his career, including his latest gorgeous outing, Symphony Sessions. Also: “Cody Fry will give you feelings. If you want to feel some feelings, listen to this album.” “Don’t ever let your foot off the...
Apr 06, 2022•1 hr 22 min
YES, it's baseball season once again, and we're celebrating in style with not one, but TWO of our favorite baseball-related creators, social media legend Aaron Chewning and Atlanta Braves organist Matthew Kaminski ! We're fully covering two songs, both connected to baseball and specifically the Braves, and believe us when we tell you--you have no IDEA the impact of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." Plus: “P.O.D. Butt Rock” -The Towering Song Award and Songs of the Century - The origin(s) of the 7th...
Mar 30, 2022•1 hr 54 min
The ultimate trio of adult contemporary powerhouse dudes gave us one of the absolute hardest movie songs of all time, so it's only fitting that we become a trio once again with our very own D'Artagnan, mister Dave Barnes! We dig deep into this incredible track from Disney's The Three Musketeers soundtrack, plus discussions of all things relevant, and some of course irrelevant. Check out Dave's latest tunes and the "Nights Like These" tour at davebarnes.com. Get the extended version of this and m...
Mar 23, 2022•46 min
Movie Month's third tasting comes from the 1989 classic/disappointment/dud The Wizard, starring Fred Savage, Beau Bridges, Christian Slater and more. The movie may have flopped as well as the Nintendo Power Glove it promoted, but "Send Me an Angel" from its soundtrack became a hit for Australian outfit Real Life not once, but twice! We chat with frontman and synth wizard David Sterry about the songs popularity, its rebirth as a remix, and more. Also: - The Inaugural Great Song Pod Video Game Gau...
Mar 16, 2022•1 hr 5 min
From Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey comes our next Movie Month entry, the grand, uplifting power ballad, "God Gave Rock and Roll to You"...2? We'll answer all the questions and cover the significant versions leading up to this rock monster's inclusion in the film, and we'll chat with writer and original performer (as part of Argent) Russ Ballard. Also: - The wild journey to the opening key of this song - Argent and the ‘70s rock that birthed the original Join us on PATREON for early access, extend...
Mar 09, 2022•1 hr 16 min
Movie Month returns with one of the all-time iconic soundtrack songs. From Rocky III (and pretty much every Rocky movie thereafter) comes Survivor's signature hit, "Eye of the Tiger." Original Survivor lead vocalist Dave Bickler joins us to discuss this song's journey to the big screen, why the movie version differs from the album cut, and oh yeah...being the voice of the single most successful radio commercial franchise of all time, Bud Light's "Real Men of Genius!" Join us on PATREON for early...
Mar 02, 2022•1 hr 8 min
Multi-talented writer, producer and scorer Chad Fischer chats with us this week about his Lazlo Bane track "I'm No Superman," the story behind its inclusion in the TV show "Scrubs," his friendships with Zach Braff, Lisa Loeb, Colin Hay and more. Oh and rocket ships. Also: - Jimmy the cab driver - The song's serendipitous path from a backyard barbecue to Scrubs - The incredible connection/love triangle scenario connecting Chad Fischer, Colin Hay and a female cast member of "The Office" - Chad's h...
Feb 16, 2022•56 min
Valentine's Day calls for a great love song, and they don't come much better than Lanco's #1 smash "Greatest Love Story." Frontman and eponym Brandon Lancaster joins us, and the conversation starts off with some fascinating revelations! Also in this episode: — The NSYNC secret hidden in plain sight — Lanco’s “Bachelor” moment — JP and Brandon’s mirror life — Fat Giraffe --The artist Brandon Lancaster would “Yesterday” if he could --Sonic evolution in country music ---------------- The Great Song...
Feb 09, 2022•1 hr 6 min
Season 9 kicks off with a worldwide classic! Get your disco boots with the goldfish in 'em and let's get to dancing with the Village People classic, YMCA. In this episode we'll learn the origin of the group, the song, and the dance, and we chat with founding member Felipe Rose, aka "The American Indian Chief." Also: - A touching song from a fart, - Are you a lazy emmer? - Stump the Genius from our guest! Welcome to Season 9! Join us on PATREON for early access, longer interviews, weekly reaction...
Feb 02, 2022•1 hr 5 min
Some of the funniest and favorite clips from seasons 4-8 of The Great Song Podcast, presented with almost zero context. Highlights include: Bette Middler and Linda Ronstadt Chocolate Rain Rod Stewart and Sandpaper Toast Farmers Only The Thin Blue Line Mariah Carey and Tiffany Amber Thiessen Philanthropiness Finger Love NASCAR names ...and much more. Enjoy! Your friends, Rob and JP
Jan 26, 2022•1 hr 26 min
Stuck with no TP, a desperate spouse struggles with the betrayal and downright stench of the realization that there's no paper. This real-life suggestion from Jeremy Parker leads us to a rather unique playlist. Enjoy. What did we leave out? Let us know what song belongs on the official playlist, and we'll add our favorite! Best of The Great Song Podcast Vol. 4 next week, followed by the Season 9 premiere!
Jan 19, 2022•17 min
A tale as old as time. No, not THAT one. This week's prompt comes from Rich, and it's a perfect example of reconciliation and the power of forgiveness. What did we leave out? Let us know what song we should have included in the playlist, and we'll add our favorite selection!
Jan 12, 2022•16 min
This week the boys tackle a playlist for the ultimate camping trip—one of the natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon. And it's up to you to tell us what we left out! Check out the official playlists and tell us what song you would add—we'll add our favorite to the list and credit you. Let's go camping! Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/59IxEM24Qt4u7xr48aypb9?si=ebb335e5978149dd Apple Music Playlist: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/playlist-my-life-camping-at-the-gra...
Jan 05, 2022•17 min
Series 2 of Playlist My Life begins with a hilariously awkward, but totally true, scenario set in an '80s Christian recording studio—how could we resist?? Let us know what song is missing, and we'll add our favorite to the official playlist! Got a scenario for Playlist My Life? Submit it by clicking the "messages" button at https://playlistpod.com.
Dec 29, 2021•18 min
It's epic season finale time, and it doesn't get more epic than the Grand Rock of Styx! Lawrence Gowan, Tommy Shaw, James J.Y. Young and the rest of the crew are ready to rock, and JP's ultimate band is great fodder for a walk through the prog-pop-hard rock landscape. Plus lead singer Lawrence Gowan talks with us about upholding the band’s legacy and exploring new territory with the band’s new album “The Crash of the Crown.” -- Join us on PATREON for early access, longer interviews, weekly react...
Dec 22, 2021•1 hr 8 min
Atop the pinnacle of Yacht Rock Mountain, you'll find but a handful of songs, and "Baby Come Back" is definitely one of them. Lead singer Peter Beckett joins us to talk about one of the ultimate make-up songs, his newfound side business (spoiler alert; it's awesome), and we get into our usual shenanigans. Thanks for listening and supporting the show! Join us on PATREON for early access, longer interviews, weekly reaction mini-sodes, full bonus shows, and more chances to be part of the show! patr...
Dec 15, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Rivalry Week continues, as we now go toe-to-toe over another iconic '80s track, Culture Club's "Karma Chameleon," which Rob loves and JP hates. We'll fight over harmonicas, guitar tuning and more as we dig into the signature hit of Boy George and company. Join us on PATREON for early access, longer interviews, weekly reaction mini-sodes, full bonus shows, and more chances to be part of the show! patreon.com/greatsongpod Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @greatsongpod for Shenan...
Dec 08, 2021•38 min
The gloves are off, and we go head-to-head in the first installment of Rivalry Week for Season 8! This week it's Vince Neil, Tommy Lee and the boys of Motley Crüe, with one of the iconic proto-power ballads, "Home Sweet Home." Who do you side with? Plus: - Diacritical analysis (aka the metal ümlaut) - The hidden classic riff in the chorus - The cover version that charted higher than the original Join us on PATREON for early access, longer interviews, weekly reaction mini-sodes, full bonus shows,...
Dec 01, 2021•50 min
The biggest rock band in Christian music history is almost undeniably Petra, and JP is one of their biggest fans on planet Earth. Frontman John Schlitt joins us this week to talk about Petra's legacy, Beyond Belief, getting a kick in the pants from a new production team and more. Plus: - A Deathmatch of Hooks! - The ultimate Petra lyric challenge -- (Ad) Want to drive for Walmart and make up to $8k signing bonus? Fill out an application at drive4walmart.com, use referral name Rich Warne and driv...
Nov 24, 2021•1 hr 28 min
This episode gets burst wide open by JP's brilliant analysis of the guitar riff to this iconic '90s track, and Tonic frontman Emerson Hart joins us to talk about his favorite video memories, roller skating, and getting interrupted by Stone Temple Pilots. (Ad) Want to drive for Walmart and make up to $8k signing bonus? Fill out an application at drive4walmart.com, use referral name Rich Warne and driver ID 37783. Questions? Call Rich at 219.789.5441 or email countrycoincollector@gmail.com. (Ad) G...
Nov 17, 2021•52 min
One of the all-time comedy and Nashville music legends, Ray Stevens, joins us to talk about his song Mr. Businessman, his iconic career and more! Also: - Rob has an epiphany - Freakin’ Ray Perm! - The art of the laugh track - A fake ending! **Ad:** Want to drive for Walmart and make up to $8k signing bonus? Fill out an application at drive4walmart.com, use referral name Rich Warne and driver ID 37783. Questions? Call Rich at 219.789.5441 or email countrycoincollector@gmail.com. **Ad:** Get “Real...
Nov 10, 2021•1 hr 24 min
Might as well face it, this episode is going to be awesome. Uncle Dave Barnes joins us fresh off his new comedy album release "It's Hard Being an Idiot," to cover one of the most rocking songs of the 1980s. We'll talk about: - Nagel Women - Fictional band members that aren't fictional - Dave Grohl's unexpected influence and more. — Get Dave's new albums and upcoming Christmas tour tickets at davebarnes.com! — Ad: Want to drive for Walmart and make up to $8k signing bonus? Fill out an application...
Nov 03, 2021•59 min
