Explore every episode of the podcast Backtracking
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3E31 Men At Work "Business As Usual" Side A | 14 oct. 2026 | 02:05:59 | |
Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Who can it be knocking at my email?: backtrackingrox@gmail.com LISTEN TO THE ALBUM CHAPTERS
BACKTRACKING SOCIALS
SEASON 3 BAND DIRECTORY
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| S3E30 Asia "Alpha" Side B | 07 oct. 2026 | 00:45:28 | |
Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Open your email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com LISTEN TO THE ALBUM CHAPTERS
BACKTRACKING SOCIALS
SEASON 3 BAND DIRECTORY
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| Asia "Alpha" (1983), Side A: Don't Cry, The Smile Has Left Your Eyes | 30 sept. 2026 | 01:24:45 | |
Asia's 1983 album "Alpha", Side A: "Don't Cry", "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes", "Never in a Million Years", "My Own Time (I'll Do What I Want)" and "The Heat Goes On". With JW away, Dan and Raf get into how Raf discovered Asia, prog's turn to pop, and a production debate over a crowded mix and a buried Steve Howe, plus the album as the soundtrack to an eighth-grade breakup in the Walden Galleria food court. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: - 0:00: All Things Considered - 0:21: Two Old Friends Take a Second Listen - 1:24: The Asia Trilogy & a One Direction Advocate - 3:45: Housekeeping & Schedule Switch - 8:50: Underrated vs. Overlooked: A Subreddit Rebuttal - 18:19: How Raf Discovered Asia - 22:40: When Prog Went Pop - 29:40: The Basics - 30:48: Asia, Le Studio & Pop-Prog Dynamics - 38:57: Production, Wall of Sound & Geffen Pressure - 44:32: Overall Impressions & Lyrics - 48:46: The Walden Galleria Food Court - 50:46: Side A, Track 1: Don't Cry - 56:31: Side A, Track 2: The Smile Has Left Your Eyes - 1:04:20: Side A, Track 3: Never in a Million Years - 1:10:27: Side A, Track 4: My Own Time (I'll Do What I Want) - 1:18:29: Side A, Track 5: The Heat Goes On - 1:22:37: Until Side B, the Heat Goes On BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Asia Official Website | Facebook | X (Twitter) Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Don't cry, it's only an email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Asia "Alpha" (1983): Interview with Asia Producer Dax Kimbrough | 23 sept. 2026 | 00:58:41 | |
Asia's 1983 album "Alpha", with Dax Kimbrough, a producer on a number of Asia albums, on Wetton, Downes and 80s prog. We cover a brief history of Asia, how Dax discovered the band, "Alpha" and the 1980s prog rock transition, the John Wetton and Geoff Downes partnership, album and song sequencing, and a touching personal tale. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: - 0:00: What happens to the heat again? - 0:18: Nihau, Asia! - 1:24: The Barenaked Asian Dynamic - 2:30: A Brief History of Asia, The Band - 4:01: Dax Kimbrough, an Asian Producer, Friend, & Guest - 7:05: How Dax Discovered Asia - 13:47: “Alpha” and the 1980’s Prog Rock Transition - 30:27: The Wetton and Downes Partnership - 34:45: A Teachable Moment - 39:45: Albums & Song Sequence - 47:10: A Touching Personal Tale - 59:36: Until the Sun Rises in the Far East BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Asia Official Website | Facebook | X (Twitter) Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. It was the heat of the email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Barenaked Ladies "Gordon" (1992), Side B: If I Had $1000000, The Flag | 16 sept. 2026 | 01:02:32 | |
Barenaked Ladies' 1992 album "Gordon", Side B: "The King of Bedside Manor", "Box Set", "New Kid (on the Block)" and "If I Had $1000000". Plus "I Love You", "Blame It on Me", "The Flag" and "Crazy", JW's "Gordon: Dressed Up" retrack, and the best and the worst. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: - 0:00: You Are What You Eat - 0:04: Excellent Editing, Not Technical Problems - 3:02: Michael Presents: Cover the Cover - 9:14: Side B, Track 1: The King of Bedside Manor - 12:50: Side B, Track 2: Box/Set - 17:53: Side B, Track 3: I Love You - 20:30: Side B, Track 4: New Kid (on the Block) - 26:40: Side B, Track 5: Blame It on Me - 31:06: Side B, Track 6: The Flag - 35:50: Side B, Track 7: If I Had $1,000,000 - 42:10: Side B, Track 8: Crazy - 46:10: “Gordon: Dressed Up,” A Backtrack Retrack® - 55:27: The Best and the Worst - 59:09: The Naked End BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Barenaked Ladies Official Website | Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. I love email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Barenaked Ladies "Gordon" (1992), Side A: Enid, Grade 9, Brian Wilson | 09 sept. 2026 | 01:34:37 | |
Barenaked Ladies' 1992 album "Gordon", Side A: "Hello City", "Enid", "Grade 9", "Brian Wilson", "Be My Yoko Ono" and more. We place BNL on the comedy music continuum, cover the production, get to "Wrap Your Arms Around Me" and "What a Good Boy", and survive a major technical error. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: - 0:00: Herzog on Schwarzenegger - 0:18: Hello Podcast - 1:18: A Major Technical Error - 2:30: Nein Hauskeepen - 2:44: Barenaked Ladies, & the Comedy Music Continuum - 7:32: The Basics - 25:33: The Production & Overall Impressions - 36:33: Side A, Track 1: Hello City - 44:02: Side A, Track 2: Enid - 55:08: Side A, Track 3: Grade 9 - 1:01:25: Side A, Track 4: Brian Wilson - 1:12:35: Side A, Track 5: Be My Yoko Ono - 1:20:42: Side A, Track 6: Wrap Your Arms Around Me - 1:27:08: Side A, Track 7: What a Good Boy - 1:31:05: A Million Dollar Cliffhanger BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Barenaked Ladies Official Website | Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. If I had a million emails, I’d buy you a green dress (but not a real green dress, that’s cruel): backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| The Chameleons "Strange Times" (1986), Side B: Swamp Thing | 02 sept. 2026 | 01:16:09 | |
The Chameleons' 1986 album "Strange Times", Side B: "Swamp Thing", "Time / The End of Time", "Seriocity", "In Answer" and more. Plus "Childhood" and "I'll Remember", why "Strange Times" is out of print, another Backtrack Retrack, and a eulogy for the Columbia House Record and Tape Club. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: - The Chameleons “Strange Times” CHAPTERS: - 0:00: Social Cohesion - 0:48: Intro Cathedral - 1:51: Why is “Strange Times” Out of Print? - 4:23: Cover the Cover - 15:18: Side B, Track 1: Swamp Thing - 25:47: Side B, Track 2: Time / The End of Time - 34:10: Side B, Track 3: Seriocity - 39:45: Side B, Track 4: In Answer - 43:40: Side B, Track 5: Childhood - 49:50: Side B, Track 6: I’ll Remember - 56:00: Another Backtrack Retrack - 1:03:03: RIP Columbia House Record and Tape Club - 1:07:40: Die Bestenwurst - 1:12:00: The End of Time BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - The Chameleons Official Website | Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Alive in here, I’ll email in here: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| The Chameleons "Strange Times" (1986), Side A: Soul in Isolation | 26 août 2026 | 01:41:55 | |
The Chameleons' 1986 album "Strange Times", Side A: "Mad Jack", "Caution", "Tears" and "Soul in Isolation". Plus the basics, a Chameleons anecdote, and a post-mortem on our interview with Mark Burgess and Reg Smithies. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: - The Chameleons “Strange Times” CHAPTERS: - 0:00: Elias Was a Waterwalker - 0:16: Intro Delirium - 1:20: The Plagues of God - 3:33: The Basic Basics - 6:24: Housekeeping - 12:32: A Chameleons Anecdote - 18:50: An Interview Post-Mortem - 23:30: Overall Impressions - 1:00:05: Side A, Track 1: Mad Jack - 1:14:46: Side A, Track 2: Caution - 1:21:10: Side A, Track 3: Tears - 1:28:23: Side A, Track 4: Soul in Isolation - 1:38:25: Until Side B, You Will Be in Isolation BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - The Chameleons Official Website | Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Alive in here, I’ll email in here: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| The Chameleons' Mark Burgess and Reg Smithies on "Strange Times" | 19 août 2026 | 01:33:50 | |
The Chameleons' Mark Burgess and Reg Smithies join us to go through 1986's "Strange Times", track by track, from the source. We cover signing with Geffen and Tom Zutaut, pre-production and writing, guitar influences, the album covers, every song from "Mad Jack" to "I'll Remember", the tour and the breakup, Tony Fletcher's death, the reunion and "Arctic Moon." LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: - The Chameleons “Strange Times” CHAPTERS: - 0:00: Chamellionaires - 0:23: Enjoy This Week’s Theme Untrammeled - 1:31: Enjoy JW’s Intro Untrammeled - 3:57: Welcome Burgess and Smithies! - 6:06: The Chameleons Leading Up to Recording “Strange Times” - 9:28: Signing with Geffen - 12:48: Contemporary Influences? - 14:48: Geffen & Tom Zutaut - 17:10: Pre-Production & Writing - 19:56: Guitar Influences - 23:23: The Album Covers - 27:00: Side A, Track 1: Mad Jack - 31:43: A Lyrical Interlude - 32:26: Polarizing Fans - 35:10: Side A, Track 2: Caution - 38:55: Side A, Track 3: Tears - 42:25: Side A, Track 4: Soul in Isolation - 50:25: Side B, Track 1: Swamp Thing - 55:25: Side B, Track 2: Time / The End of Time - 1:08:12: Side B, Track 3: Seriosity - 1:11:08: Side B, Track 4: In Answer - 1:13:10: Side B, Track 6: Childhood - 1:17:17: Side B, Track 7: I’ll Remember - 1:20:17: The Release, the Tour, the Breakdown, the Breakup - 1:26:07: Tony Fletcher’s Death & the Tony Fletcher EP - 1:30:40: Reunion and “Arctic Moon” - 1:32:16: That’s it! On to Side A! BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - The Chameleons Official Website | Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. He stalks the night with sonar emails: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| S3 Summer Break Announcement | 12 août 2026 | 00:01:56 | |
We're taking the week off, nerds! We'll be back next week to tackle The Chameleons "Strange Times." Go soak in the sun! | |||
| Rush "Presto" (1989), Side B: Superconductor, Available Light | 10 août 2026 | 01:03:13 | |
Rush's 1989 album "Presto", Side B: "Superconductor", "Anagram (for Mongo)", "Red Tide", "Hand Over Fist" and "Available Light". Then we decide which song gets hand and which gets fist, and roll in the direction of the bones. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: 0:00: King of the Wild Frontier 0:22: Scripted to Manipulate Reaction 0:55: Iranian Aviation 2:22: Side B, Track One: “Superconductor” 17:42: Side B, Track Two: “Anagram (For Mongo)” 30:07: Side B, Track Three: “Red Tide” 39:24: Side B, Track Four: “Hand Over Fist” 46:10: Side B, Track Five: “Available Light” 59:06: Which song gets hand and which gets fist? 1:00:36: With that, we roll in the direction of the bones. ERA CHEAT SHEET PLAYLISTS: SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where two old friends take a second listen to influential bands' catalogs. For our first season, we've selected none other than legendary Canadian power trio Rush. The night is turning thing, the saint is turning to email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com. | |||
| S1E38 Rush "Snakes and Arrows" Sides C&D | 10 août 2026 | 00:57:37 | |
Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where two old friends take a second listen to influential bands' catalogs. For our first season, we've selected none other than legendary Canadian power trio Rush. All my life I’ve been workin’ them emails: backtrackingrox@gmail.com. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: 0:00: Left what? 0:15: Le Script Petite 0:42: Not Burning for Buddy 5:55: Side A, Track One: “The Way the Wind Blows” 19:30: Side A, Track Two: “Hope” 24:40: Side A, Track Three: “Faithless” 31:10: Side B, Track One: “Bravest Face” 38:12: Side B, Track Two: “Good News First” 42:20: Side B, Track Three: “Malignant Narcissism” 46:25: Side B, Track Four: “We Hold On” 52:40: Play along at home! 55:28: Raf’s got a tee time, kids. Let’s wrap it up. ERA CHEAT SHEET PLAYLISTS: SOCIALS:- Twitter: @backtrackingrox- Instagram: @backtrackingrox- Reddit: u/backtrackingrox | |||
| Rush "Snakes & Arrows" (2007), Sides A&B: Far Cry, Armor and Sword | 10 août 2026 | 01:53:14 | |
Rush's 2007 album "Snakes & Arrows", Sides A and B: "Far Cry", "Armor and Sword", "Workin' Them Angels", "Spindrift" and more. We lay out our plans for the rest of Season 1, cover the basics and the Hugh Syme question, and push on through "The Larger Bowl" and "The Main Monkey Business". Two hours in, only halfway there. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: 0:00: Your Kernel of Cold 0:41: Tastee Scripts 3:35: Our plans for the rest of Season 1. 8:50: Raf’s Personal Info for Stalking Purposes 12:10: The Basics 14:30: No time for Syme? 25:05: Rascal Linux? 33:40: Side A, Track One: “Far Cry” 49:18: Side A, Track Two: “Armor and Sword” 1:03:53: Side A, Track Three: “Workin’ Them Angels” 1:16:53: Side B, Track One: “The Larger Bowl” 1:37:53: Side B, Track Two: “Spindrift” 1:44:44: Side B, Track Three: “The Main Monkey Business” 1:50:50: Two hours in / only halfway there / take my hand / we’ll make it I swear ERA CHEAT SHEET PLAYLISTS: SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where two old friends take a second listen to influential bands' catalogs. For our first season, we've selected none other than legendary Canadian power trio Rush. All my life I’ve been workin’ them emails: backtrackingrox@gmail.com. | |||
| The Tragically Hip "Day for Night" (1994), Side B: Scared, Emergency | 10 août 2026 | 00:45:13 | |
The Tragically Hip's 1994 album "Day for Night", Side B: "Thugs", "Inevitability of Death", "Scared", "An Inch an Hour" and more. Plus "Emergency", "Titanic Terrarium" and "Impossibilium", the cover, JW's Backtrack Retrack, and the good and the bad. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: - The Tragically Hip “Day for Night” CHAPTERS: - 0:00: Recycling - 0:08: O Canada! - 1:00: Babies Got Back to Side B - 3:55: Cover the Cover, Sponsored by Michael - 8:33: Side B, Track 1: Thugs - 12:00: Side B, Track 2: Inevitability of Death - 14:45: Side B, Track 3: Scared - 21:22: Side B, Track 4: An Inch an Hour - 25:52: Side B, Track 5: Emergency - 28:47: A Side B Disclaimer - 30:02: Side B, Track 6: Titanic Terrarium - 35:09: Side B, Track 7: Impossibilium - 37:55: JW Presents the Backtrack Retrack - 40:18: Goodman, Badman - 42:59: Time to Tragically Dip BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - The Tragically Hip Official Website | Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Growing up in a biosphere, no respect for bad email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| The Tragically Hip "Day for Night" (1994), Side A: Grace, Too | 10 août 2026 | 01:41:16 | |
The Tragically Hip's 1994 album "Day for Night", Side A: "Grace, Too", "Greasy Jungle", "Fire in the Hole" and "Nautical Disaster". We cover the basics, CanCon, Gord Downie and his orchestra, the band and the production, and "Daredevil", "Yawning or Snarling" and "So Hard Done By." LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: - The Tragically Hip “Day for Night” CHAPTERS: - 0:00: Ro-Cha-Cha - 0:15: The Tragically Introed - 1:06: America Is Our Copilot - 7:22: Hoosekeepin’ - 15:22: The Basics, and Raf Opines - 23:05: CanCon & Canned Ham - 31:13: Gord Downie & His Orchestra - 35:32: La Banda y El Producto - 44:34: Overall Impressions - 53:30: Side A, Track 1: Grace, Too - 1:08:45: Side A, Track 2: Daredevil - 1:09:49: Side A, Track 3: Greasy Jungle - 1:16:12: Side A, Track 4: Yawning or Snarling - 1:21:08: Side A, Track 5: Fire in the Hole - 1:26:15: Side A, Track 6: So Hard Done By - 1:33:00: Side A, Track 7: Nautical Disaster - 1:39:20: Side Eh is over, eh? BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - The Tragically Hip Official Website | Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. That’s awful close, but that’s not email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| S3E1 Season Premiere & Albums Reveal | 10 août 2026 | 01:05:44 | |
Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Wide Awake in Email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com LISTEN TO THE ALBUMSCHAPTERS 0:00: The Coldest Opens, the Deepest Sighs
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| Candlemass "Tales of Creation" (1989), Side B: A Tale of Creation | 05 août 2026 | 01:35:49 | |
Candlemass's 1989 album "Tales of Creation", Side B: "The Edge of Heaven", "Somewhere in Nowhere", "Dawn" and more. Plus "Into the Unfathomed Tower", "Through the Infinitive Halls of Death" and "A Tale of Creation", a Wilco-versus-Rush bulletin, and the doom worst and the epic best. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: - Candlemass “Tales of Creation” CHAPTERS: - 0:00: All Things Considered - 0:24: Epic Doom Intro - 1:21: Tubi’s Sports Talk - 5:55: Housekeeping Bulletin: Wilco vs. Rush - 14:10: Cover the Cover Brought to You by Michael - 30:00: Side A, Track 6: Into the Unfathomed Tower - 42:29: Side B, Track 1: The Edge of Heaven - 54:20: Side B, Track 2: Somewhere in Nowhere - 1:02:10: Side B, Track 3: Through the Infinitive Halls of Death - 1:11:14: Side B, Track 4: Dawn - 1:17:47: Side B, Track 5: A Tale of Creation - 1:25:10: The Doom Worst and the Epic Best - 1:33:07: The Apocalypse of this Episode BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Candlemass Official Website | Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Into email, misery and death, pain and sorrow: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Candlemass "Tales of Creation" (1989), Side A: Under the Oak, Tears | 29 juil. 2026 | 00:50:09 | |
Candlemass's 1989 album "Tales of Creation", Side A: "The Prophecy", "Dark Reflections", "Voices in the Wind", "Under the Oak" and "Tears". We also get into an unexpected trilogy, a textual examination, the classic lineup and the tempo debate, and the fade-out problem. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: - Candlemass “Tales of Creation” CHAPTERS: - 0:00: We best the competition. Period. - 0:29: Epic Doom Intro - 1:27: An Unexpected Trilogy - 2:10: A Textual Examination - 3:55: The Classic Lineup & the Tempo Debate - 6:06: The Fade Out Problem - 7:37: Track 1: The Prophecy - 17:30: Track 2: Dark Reflections - 28:30: Track 3: Voices in the Wind - 33:40: Track 4: Under the Oak - 42:05: Track 5: Tears - 48:15: We await in purgatory until our next trial. BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Candlemass Official Website | Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. North is cold, summer is late; south is sorrow, surrounded by email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Candlemass "Tales of Creation" (1989): Epic Doom Intro | 22 juil. 2026 | 01:07:23 | |
Candlemass's 1989 album "Tales of Creation": an intro to Swedish epic doom, the classic lineup, and JW's metal problem. We cover teenage metal shows, the basics, the diabolus in musica, the epic production, the Swedishness of it all, and the bands Candlemass influenced. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: - Candlemass “Tales of Creation” CHAPTERS: - 0:00: World Cup Fever - 0:30: Epic Doom Intro - 1:27: The Realm of Metal Is Foreign to JW - 6:39: Tales of Pubescent Metal Shows - 10:25: Keepkeeping - 15:47: Personal Context - 23:27: The Classic Lineup - 25:25: Diablolus en Musica - 28:45: The Basics - 35:48: JW’s Impediments to Candlemass Appreciation - 44:00: The Swedishness of It All - 49:25: The Epic Production - 57:40: Influencers - 1:05:15: Rest For Your Trial BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Candlemass Official Website | Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Can I email where the mighty have failed?: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Cardinal, Self-Titled (1994), Side B: Dream Figure, Silver Machines | 15 juil. 2026 | 00:59:41 | |
Cardinal's 1994 self-titled album, Side B: "Dream Figure", "Tough Guy Tactics", "Angel Darling" and more. Plus "Singing to the Sunshine" and "Silver Machines", a surprise Backtrack Retrack, and the baroque worst and the chamber best. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: - 0:00: Dorm Decor - 0:23: A Baroque Theme - 1:27: The Podcasting Odyssey - 6:50: Cover the Cover - 18:51: Side B, Track 1: Dream Figure - 27:00: Side B, Track 2: Tough Guy Tactics - 32:39: Side B, Track 3: Angel Darling - 39:38: Side B, Track 4: Singing to the Sunshine - 45:17: Side B, Track 5: Silver Machines - 49:43: The Baroque Worst… - 51:51: A Surprise Backtrack Retrack - 53:30: …the Chamber Best - 56:02: Fin BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Cardinal Official Website | Bandcamp | Facebook Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Email me tonight and we will give ourselves away tonight: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Cardinal, Self-Titled (1994), Side A: Big Mink, Public Melody #1 | 08 juil. 2026 | 01:34:44 | |
Cardinal's 1994 self-titled album, Side A: "If You Believe in Christmas Trees", "Last Poems", "Big Mink" and more. Baroque and twee, the quotable Eric Matthews, Portland, Tony Lash and the Elliott Smith connection, influencers and influencees, and "You've Lost Me There" and "Public Melody #1." LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: - 0:00: It’s Gettin’ Hot in the Heat Dome - 0:20: A Twee Theme - 1:19: The Quotable Eric Matthews - 4:46: The Baroque & Twee JW - 10:38: Housekeeping? Homekeeping. - 15:33: The Basics - 24:25: Portland, Tony Lash, & the Elliott Smith Connection - 30:00: Influencers & Influencees - 35:50: Overall Impressions - 50:15: Side A, Track 1: If You Believe in Christmas Trees - 1:04:30: Side A, Track 2: Last Poems - 1:09:49: Side A, Track 3: Big Mink - 1:20:15: Side A, Track 4: You’ve Lost Me There - 1:26:50: Side A, Track 5: Public Melody #1 - 1:31:30: Cliffhanger! BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Cardinal Official Website | Bandcamp | Facebook Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Email me tonight and we will give ourselves away tonight: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Rush Live at the Kia Forum, June 9, 2026: Fifty Something Tour | 24 juin 2026 | 00:40:14 | |
Rush's Fifty Something reunion tour at the Forum in Los Angeles, June 9, 2026: setlist predictions, the actual setlist, and reactions. Hot takes on drummer Anika Nilles, the fan-service setlist, a tearjerker of a show, our favorite and worst songs in the set, and an unrelated Jeff Buckley anecdote. CHAPTERS: - 0:00: Alive She Cried - 0:15: Progintro - 1:06: An Explainer, A Disclaimer - 3:18: En Route, & a Jeff Buckley Anecdote - 7:45: Expectations of “Bonus Rush” - 9:30: Setlist Predictions, Drunken & Spastic - 14:02: The Forum - 15:08: Santa Monica Brewworks (Why? I Don’t Know) - 16:12: Another Explainer, Another Disclaimer - 16:53: More Setlist Discussion - 19:21: An Aside Again, and the Actual Setlist - 23:01: Post-Show Impressions - 24:28: The Hottest Take: Anika Better? - 25:40: Rush Getting Lost? - 27:05: Setlist Thoughts - 27:35: A Tearjerker Show - 30:20: Fan Service Tour & Bonus Rush - 33:03: Favorite Song in Set - 35:01: Worst Song in Set - 37:30: The Hottest Hotter Take: No Bone Rutsey - 38:59: In the End BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Summer’s going fast, email growing colder: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Dumptruck "For the Country" (1987), Side B: Barking Up the Wrong Tree | 10 juin 2026 | 01:01:01 | |
Dumptruck's 1987 album "For the Country", Side B: "Going Nowhere", the title track, "Dead Weight", "Wire" and more. Plus a brief summary of the Dumptruck lawsuit, the cover, JW's Backtrack Retrack, and what song trucks and what song dumps. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: - 0:00: We’re quite professional. - 0:28: Re-intro - 1:21: “Come to Albequerque if Someone Buys You a Ticket” - 4:20: A Brief Summary of the Dumptruck Lawsuit - 12:50: Cover the Cover, Brought to You by Michael - 17:45: Side B, Track 1: Going Nowhere - 25:04: Side B, Track 2: For the Country - 32:13: Side B, Track 3: Dead Weight - 37:52: Side B, Track 4: Wire - 42:44: Side B, Track 5: Barking Up the Wrong Tree - 46:56: JW Presents: Backtrack Retrack - 51:38: What Song Trucks? What Song Dumps? - 57:30: The Dumptruck Load Has Been Delivered BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Dumptruck Bandcamp | Facebook Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Barking up the wrong email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Dumptruck's Seth Tiven on "For the Country" and the Big Time Lawsuit | 03 juin 2026 | 01:34:50 | |
Dumptruck's Seth Tiven joins us to talk "For the Country", Big Time Records, the lawsuit, and Dumptruck in 2026. Seth takes us from his early years through "D Is for Dumptruck", "Positively Dumptruck" and Kirk Swan's departure, recording "For the Country", the legal mess, and song-by-song thoughts on the album today. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: - 0:08: Big Fan - 0:30: Themela - 1:13: An Introduction to Seth Tiven - 2:02: Seth’s Early Years - 6:40: Recording “D is for Dumptruck” - 10:58: “Positively Dumptruck” & Big Time Records Signing - 16:14: The “Positively” Tour & Departure of Kirk Swan - 18:45: Recording “For the Country” - 28:58: The Beginning of the End for Big Time - 32:37: Seth’s “Mistake” & the Big Legal Mess - 44:07: The End of the Suit & Dumptruck Moves Ahead - 46:44: Seth’s Thoughts on “For the Country” Today - 54:16: “Island” - 57:56: “50 Miles” - 1:06:52: “Friends” - 1:11:17: “Carefree” - 1:13:17: “Brush Me Back” - 1:14:45: “Hung Out on a Line” - 1:16:42: “Going Nowhere” - 1:23:45: “Dead Weight” - 1:24:45: “Wire” - 1:25:58: “Barking Up the Wrong Tree” - 1:27:45: B-Sides, Natch - 1:28:30: “For the Country” and Dumptruck 2026 - 1:31:22: Thanks, Seth! Until Side B…. BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Dumptruck Bandcamp | Facebook Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Time for me to make an email, my friend: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Dumptruck "For the Country" (1987), Side A: Island, 50 Miles | 27 mai 2026 | 01:31:28 | |
Dumptruck's 1987 album "For the Country", Side A: "Island", "50 Miles", "Friends", "Carefree" and more. A brief history of Dumptruck, Uncle Tupelo and the No Depression scene, the Gen X aesthetic, the recording and production, and "Brush Me Back" and "Hung Out on a Line." LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: - 0:00: It’s About Sponsor Fit - 0:30: Themania - 1:24: The Smaller the Rabbit, the Deeper the Hole - 5:05: Keepin’ House Before Dumpin’ Trucks - 9:09: The Prelude to an Interview with Seth Tiven - 10:10: A Brief History of Dumptruck - 15:21: Dumptruck, Uncle Tupelo, & the No Depression Scene - 24:09: The Recording & Production of “For the Country” - 33:33: Dumptruck & the Gen X Aesthetic - 42:00: The Last Time Dan Will Talk About Tupelo - 49:37: Side A, Track 1: Island - 1:03:14: Side A, Track 2: 50 Miles - 1:09:45: Side A, Track 3: Friends - 1:16:50: Side A, Track 4: Carefree - 1:21:42: Side A, Track 5: Brush Me Back - 1:25:55: Side A, Track 6: Hung Out on a Line - 1:29:11: And So Ends the First Dump BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Dumptruck Bandcamp | Facebook Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Email an inspiration: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Gang of Youths "angel in realtime." (2022), Side B | 20 mai 2026 | 01:29:28 | |
Gang of Youths' 2022 album "angel in realtime.", Side B: "the kingdom is within you", "spirit boy", "brothers" and more. Plus "forbearance", "the man himself" and "hand of god / goal of the century", Gang of Youths live and the frontman dynamic, and The Best and the Worst. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: - Gang of Youths "angel in realtime" CHAPTERS: - 0:00: The Earnestness Boost - 0:29: Themania - 1:31: Big Intros, Big Music, Big Feelings - 4:58: An Unexpected Detour into Live - 8:36: Gang of Youths Live, & the Frontman Dynamic - 14:08: Michael Presents: Cover the Cover! - 19:15: Side B, Track 1: the kingdom is within you - 27:23: Side B, Track 2: spirit boy - 39:15: Side B, Track 3: brothers - 42:58: Side B, Track 4: forebearance - 53:15: Side B, Track 5: the man himself - 58:12: Side A, Track 6/7: hand of god / goal of the century - 1:23:32: The Best and the Worst, Kids - 1:27:25: Fin BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Gang of Youths Official Website | Instagram | X (Twitter) Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. And head down I write this email on my phone: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Gang of Youths "angel in realtime." (2022), Side A | 13 mai 2026 | 01:45:09 | |
Gang of Youths' 2022 album "angel in realtime.", Side A: "you in everything", "the angel of 8th avenue", "returner" and more. Conflicted feelings in four parts (we are old, the record is new), the Graceland trap, the production, and "in the wake of your leave", "unison" and "tend the garden." Refresh the Kleenex. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: - Gang of Youths "angel in realtime" CHAPTERS: - 0:00: Cardboard Cats - 0:35: A Big Feelings Theme - 1:28: The Podcast Mines - 3:02: Housekeepin’ - 4:40: Conflicted Feelings I: We Are Old, the Record Is New - 16:53: Conflicted Feelings II: A Very Special Episode of Backtracking - 19:22: Conflicted Feelings III: Dance Grooves & the Graceland Trap - 22:50: Conflicted Feelings IV: Earnest Goes to Church Camp - 26:50: Persistence is Rewarded, Starfighters - 29:15: The Basics - 43:38: It’s a Big Production - 44:50: Overall Impressions - 53:37: Side A, Track 1: you in everything - 1:03:50: Side A, Track 2: in the wake of your leave - 1:16:14: Side A, Track 3: the angel of 8th avenue - 1:22:09: Side A, Track 4: returner - 1:28:12: Side A, Track 5: unison - 1:32:00: Side A, Track 6: tend the garden - 1:40:13: Refresh the Kleenex for Next Week, Boys BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Gang of Youths Official Website | Instagram | X (Twitter) Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. I’m only in it for the email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Felt's Lawrence and "Street Level Superstar," with Will Hodgkinson | 06 mai 2026 | 01:02:01 | |
Author Will Hodgkinson joins us to talk Felt, Lawrence and his book "Street Level Superstar". We cover Lawrence's world, his lyrics and his sense of his own career, the pop star fantasy, the outsider artist spectrum, Felt's influence and collaborators, and whether 2026 is the year of Lawrence. Bonus: Will recommends Bongwater's "Too Much Sleep." LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: - Felt "Forever Breathes the Lonely Word" CHAPTERS: - 0:00: You’re going to have a great time, JW. - 0:13: The Production Values of This Podcast Are Great - 1:11: Felt, Lawrence, and “Street Level Superstar” - 5:49: Welcome Will Hodgkinson - 7:22: Lawrence’s World - 11:45: Lawrence as Lyricist - 17:55: Lawrence’s Sense of His Career - 23:25: The Pop Star Fantasy - 27:00: The Outside Artist Spectrum - 32:30: The Influence of Felt - 35:50: Lawrence’s Collaborators - 44:40: 2026: The Year of Lawrence? - 55:45: Buy “Street Level Superstar” Now! - 57:50: Bonus: Will Recommends Bongwater “Too Much Sleep” - 1:00:05: Adieu, Lawrence. WILL HODGKINSON LINKS: - The Times of London: thetimes.com/profile/will-hodgkinson - Website: willhodgkinsonwriter.com - Instagram: @will.hodgkinson - X: @Willjhodgkinson BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Seven emails on the way to Avalon: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Felt "Forever Breathes the Lonely Word" (1986), Side B | 29 avr. 2026 | 00:44:58 | |
Felt's 1986 album "Forever Breathes the Lonely Word", Side B: "All the People I Like Are Those That Are Dead" and more. Plus "Gather Up Your Wings and Fly", "A Wave Crashed on the Rocks" and "Hours of Darkness Have Changed My Mind", and Felt's impact on Britpop, revisited. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: - Felt "Forever Breathes the Lonely Word" CHAPTERS: - 0:00: Make Backtracking Last - 0:28: Another Truly Great Theme - 1:28: Felt & the Cornucopia of Season 3 - 3:58: Cover the Cover, Brought to You By Michael - 9:30: Side B, Track 1: All the People I Like Are Those That Are Dead - 15:53: Side B, Track 2: Gather Up Your Wings and Fly - 22:00: Side B, Track 3: A Wave Crashed on the Rocks - 27:46: Side B, Track 4: Hours of Darkness Have Changed My Mind - 34:01: Felt’s Impact on Brit Pop, Revisited - 38:43: We Felt the Best, We Felt the Worst - 42:06: Felt:Denim::Suede:What? BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. All the people I like are those that email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Felt "Forever Breathes the Lonely Word" (1986), Side A | 22 avr. 2026 | 01:43:44 | |
Felt's 1986 album "Forever Breathes the Lonely Word", Side A: "Rain of Crystal Spires", "Down But Not Yet Out" and more. We fall into the deep pit of Lawrence: Creation Records history, Felt's influences, the departure of Deebank and arrival of Duffy, a discussion of reverb, and "September Lady" and "Grey Streets." LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: - Felt "Forever Breathes the Lonely Word" CHAPTERS: - 0:00: The Weekend Edition Delivery - 0:15: The Best Theme Ever Again - 1:13: Falling into the Deep, Deep Pit of Lawrence - 8:18: Red Up the Haus - 9:15: The Basics - 10:50: A Brief Creation Records History - 14:00: Felt’s Influence & Influences - 24:14: The Band, the Lawrence, & the Strange Legend - 36:08: The Hall Aesthetic, Outsider Art, & Lawrence - 46:10: The Departure of Deebank, the Arrival of Duffy - 48:17: The Production, & a Discussion on Reverb - 1:07:33: Side A, Track 1: Rain of Crystal Spires - 1:21:22: Side A, Track 2: Down But Not Yet Out - 1:28:55: Side A, Track 3: September Lady - 1:33:00: Side A, Track 4: Grey Streets - 1:40:11: We’ll be lonely in our bedsit next week, mates. BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Seven emails on their way from Avalon: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| U2 "Wide Awake in America" (1985): Bad and A Sort of Homecoming, Live | 15 avr. 2026 | 01:51:12 | |
U2's 1985 EP "Wide Awake in America": live "Bad" and "A Sort of Homecoming", plus "The Three Sunrises" and "Love Comes Tumbling". A semi-brief, disorganized history of U2, why this EP is the hinge moment for the band, why it matters so much to Raf, and whether an EP is even legal on this show. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: - 0:00: Nature or Nurture? - 0:10: Anthemic Themic - 1:03: It’s Not a Religion Yet - 2:39: Why an U2 EP Is VIP for RAF - 8:55: The House Must Be Kept - 19:19: A Semi-Brief Disorganized History of U2 - 34:12: The Basics - 42:40: Cover the Cover (Brought to You by Michael’s Patreon) - 46:00: This EP as the Hinge Moment for U2 - 54:45: Is an EP Legal? - 1:00:45: Track 1: Bad (Live) - 1:15:05: Track 2: A Sort of Homecoming (Live) - 1:25:06: Track 3: The Three Sunrises - 1:33:55: Track 4: Love Comes Tumbling - 1:41:59: The Best and the Worst of a Tiny Record - 1:47:06: We’ll miss you, too. BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - U2 Official Website | Instagram | X (Twitter) Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. On the borderland we email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Ozzy Osbourne "Blizzard of Ozz" (1980), Side B: Mr. Crowley | 08 avr. 2026 | 00:48:16 | |
Ozzy Osbourne's 1980 debut "Blizzard of Ozz", Side B: "Mr. Crowley", "No Bone Movies", "Revelation (Mother Earth)" and "Steal Away". Plus a word on sobriety, JW's fear of metal, the ferrous and the non-ferrous, and a farewell: RIP Ozzy. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: - Ozzy Osbourne: Blizzard of Ozz CHAPTERS: - 0:00: A Word on Sobriety - 0:14: Theme Heaven - 1:07: JW is afraid of metal. - 7:19: Side B, Track 1: Mr. Crowley - 17:10: Side B, Track 2: No Bone Movies - 24:32: Side B, Track 3: Revelation (Mother Earth) - 32:50: Side B, Track 4: Steal Away (The Night) - 39:58 : The Ferrous and the Non-Ferrous - 44:40: RIP Ozzy! BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Ozzy Osbourne Official Website | Instagram | X (Twitter) Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Email, but that’s how it goes: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Ozzy Osbourne "Blizzard of Ozz" (1980), Side A: Crazy Train | 01 avr. 2026 | 01:34:38 | |
Ozzy Osbourne's 1980 solo debut "Blizzard of Ozz", Side A: "I Don't Know", "Crazy Train", "Goodbye to Romance", "Dee" and more. We cover Ozzy and Black Sabbath history, making the band, the lawsuits, the production, "Suicide Solution", and the album as a root of the 1980s metal tree. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: - Ozzy Osbourne: Blizzard of Ozz CHAPTERS: - 0:00: Lost in them Baby Blues - 0:15: Another Best Theme Ever? - 1:21: We shall commune with the Prince of Darkness. - 4:30: Why is the term “housekeeping” a podcast term of art? - 17:00: The Basics - 21:00: Ozzy & Black Sabbath: Some History - 24:15: Making the Band - 29:45: Rockin’ the Lawsuits - 31:20: Ye Olde Production - 41:35: The Root of the 1980’s Metal Tree - 48:40: Side A, Track 1: I Don’t Know - 58:40: Side A, Track 2: Crazy Train - 1:10:55: Side A, Track 3: Goodbye to Romance - 1:20:32: Side A, Track 4: Dee - 1:25:14: Side A, Track 5: Suicide Solution - 1:32:35: Not dark enough? It gets darker on B. BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Ozzy Osbourne Official Website | Instagram | X (Twitter) Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Email, but that’s how it goes: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Nathan Larson on Mind Science of the Mind and Shudder to Think | 25 mars 2026 | 00:47:31 | |
Nathan Larson of Shudder to Think joins us to talk Mind Science of the Mind, D.C. punk, film scoring and what's next. We cover Swiz, joining Shudder to Think, recording "Pony Express Record", working with Joan Wasser, Mary Timony and Kevin March, Jeff Buckley's influence, "First Love, Last Rites", his solo work as Jealous God, and a new era for Shudder to Think. GUEST: Nathan Larson: CHAPTERS: - 0:00: Welcome Nathan! - 1:14: Nathan’s early days in the D.C. punk scene - 3:10: Swiz and early influences (Metallica! Megadeth!) - 4:30: Transitioning from bass to guitar and joining Shudder to Think - 6:45: Developing a "guitar pyrotechnics" style influenced by 80s rock like Van Halen and Def Leppard - 8:40: The New York scene: Knitting Factory, The Swans, and noise rock - 10:20: Musical complexity: Finding the balance between Prog and Pop - 12:15: Recording Pony Express Record in Baltimore and the creative process behind Mind Science of the Mind - 15:10: Working with Joan Wasser, Mary Timony, and Kevin March - 16:45: The influence of Jeff Buckley and his love for "weird rock" - 18:15: Lyrical approach: Word games and the "exquisite corpse" technique - 20:50: Transitioning to film scoring and the pop sensibility of First Love Last Rites - 22:30: Solo work: Jealous God and the challenges of being a frontman - 24:10: Personal growth, sobriety, and meditation - 26:00: Looking back at the Mind Science of the Mind record: "Do You Rule" - 28:45: What’s next: New music and a new era for Shudder to Think BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: LISTEN TO THE ALBUMS: BAND LINKS: - Mind Science of the Mind: Bandcamp Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Wrapped around my email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Mind Science of the Mind, Self-Titled (1996), Side B: Do You Rule? | 18 mars 2026 | 00:58:19 | |
Mind Science of the Mind's 1996 self-titled album, Side B: "Oceans Don't Need Us", "Do You Rule?", "Aiwass" and more. Plus "Dutch Ghost Reclamation of the City of New York" and "To the Tender (Beauty Marks/Blisters)", some cross-pollination, and die Besten und die Wurster. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: - 0:00: In the Event of My Kidnapping…. - 0:15: Intro! - 1:30: It’s about cross-pollination. - 7:00: Side B, Track 1: Oceans Don’t Need Us - 16:17: Side B, Track 2: Dutch Ghost Reclamation of the City of New York - 26:42: Side B, Track 3: To the Tender (Beauty Marks/Blisters) - 34:25: Side B, Track 4: Do You Rule? - 39:50: Side B, Track 5: Aiwass - 48:50: Die Besten, Die Wurster - 54:28: Another Huge Win BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: BAND LINKS: - Mind Science of the Mind: Bandcamp Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. There's a line, sister, between beauty marks and emails: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Mind Science of the Mind, Self-Titled (1996), Side A | 11 mars 2026 | 01:54:19 | |
Mind Science of the Mind's 1996 self-titled album, Side A: "Infidels (When Your Hips Came Loose)", "Your Human Spine" and more. First impressions from all three of us, the basics, the production, and "Skirts to Suffer On", "Does It Rain in Your Womb" and "Science of the Mind." Plus a major announcement. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: - 0:00: Bosch: The Fixer - 0:28: The Best Theme Ever - 1:30: Every journey begins with an ill-considered step. - 3:20: The house needs kept. - 15:00: Raf’s First Impression / Soul Search - 19:30: JW’s First Impression / Soul Train - 21:15: Dan’s First Impression / Souly War - 27:45: A Major Announcement! - 29:16: The Basics - 36:50: Cover the Cover, Brought to You by Michael - 43:50: A Niceley Produced Album - 1:02:45: Side A, Track 1: Infidels (When Your Hips Came Loose) - 1:13:05: Side A, Track 2: Skirts to Suffer On - 1:21:26: Side A, Track 3: Your Human Spine - 1:34:57: Side A, Track 4: Does It Rain in Your Womb - 1:43:10: Side A, Track 5: Science of the Mind - 1:51:48: Enough! Side B next week! BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Mind Science of the Email:backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Season 3 Premiere: Our 15 Albums, From Ozzy to Gang of Youths | 04 mars 2026 | 01:05:44 | |
Season 3 album reveal: Ozzy Osbourne, U2, Asia, Sting, Candlemass, The Chameleons, The Tragically Hip, Barenaked Ladies and more. Dan, Raf and JW each pick five: "Blizzard of Ozz", Men at Work's "Business as Usual", "Alpha", "Wide Awake in America", "Strange Times", Felt, Dumptruck, "Tales of Creation", "The Soul Cages", "Gordon", Cardinal, "Day for Night", Mind Science of the Mind, Idaho and Gang of Youths. The most diverse list of albums ever, asterisk included. LISTEN TO THE ALBUMS: CHAPTERS: 0:00: The Coldest Opens, the Deepest Sighs 0:11: A New Intro, a New Era, a New Theme Song? 1:14: Breaking Backtracking Boundaries 4:33: Keeping the House 9:44: We Reveal the Album Reveal 10:30: Raf’s 1st Pick: Ozzy Osbourne “Blizzard of Ozz” 13:24: JW’s 1st Pick: Men at Work “Business As Usual” 16:45: Raf’s 2nd Pick: Asia “Alpha” 18:45: Raf’s 3rd Pick: U2 “Wide Awake in America” 21:45: JW’s 2nd Pick: The Chameleons “Strange Times” 24:45: JW’s 3rd Pick: Felt “Forever Breathes the Lonely Word” 28:58: JW’s 4th Pick: Dumptruck “For the Country” 32:00: Dan’s 1st Pick: Candlemass “Tales of Creation” 36:02: Dan’s 2nd Pick: Sting “The Soul Cages” 39:31: Raf’s 4th Pick: Barenaked Ladies “Gordon” 42:12: JW’s Final Pick: Cardinal (Self-Titled) 45:47: Raf’s Final Pick: The Tragically Hip “Road Apples” 50:10: Dan’s 3rd Pick: Mind Science of the Mind (Self-Titled) 54:40: Dan’s 4th Pick: Idaho “Three Sheets to the Wind” 57:25: Dan’s Final Pick: Gang of Youths “Angel in Realtime” 1:01:59: The Most Diverse List of Albums Ever* 1:04:04: Hasta la Album BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: SEASON 3 BAND DIRECTORY: - Asia - Cardinal - Felt - Idaho - Sting - U2 Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. Wide Awake in Email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com | |||
| Raf and Dan on "Something for Nothing: A Rush Fancast" | 21 janv. 2026 | 01:00:21 | |
Raf and Dan join Steve and Gerry of "Something for Nothing: A Rush Fancast" to talk Rush. Them takes is hot. A bonus Rush episode while Season 3 comes together. Stay tuned. Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/something-for-nothing-a-rush-fancast/id1477994760 Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where three old friends take a second listen to influential bands' albums, track by track. For our third season, we've each selected five albums that we think deserve a good old Backtracking. | |||
| American Music Club Season Finale: The Best and the Worst Song Brackets | 31 déc. 2025 | 02:45:04 | |
Our American Music Club and Mark Eitzel season finale: The Best and the Worst song brackets, best album champions, and the Season 3 reveal. JW and Dan each crown a best album, a best song and a worst song, and we reveal what's next. The back has been tracked. CHAPTERS: 0:00: Build it up, burn it down. 0:28: The Final Intro 1:03: A look back on Big Head Todd & the Monsters. 2:50: Haaskeepin’ and thank y’uns. 14:41: JW’s Worst Song Bracket 27:58: Dan’s Worst Song Bracket 36:50: Michael Presents: Best Cover Ever 43:06: JW’s Best Song Bracket 1:03:39: Dan’s Best Song Bracket 1:12:20: The Huge Season 3 Reveal 1:41:50: JW’s Best Album Bracket & Champion 2:06:18: Dan’s Best Album Bracket & Champion 2:17:21: Dan’s Worst Song Bracket & Champion 2:20:25: JW’s Worst Song Bracket & Champion 2:25:50: JW’s Best Song Bracket & Champion 2:33:10: Dan’s Best Song Bracket & Champion 2:40:40: The back has been tracked, and to all a good night. AMC LINKS: - Mark Eitzel & AMC on the World Wide Web - American Music Club on Bandcamp - American Music Club on Spotify BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where two old friends take a second listen to influential bands' catalogs, track by track. For our second season, we've selected the pioneering indie rockers American Music Club. We all have to find our own email address: backtrackingrox@gmail.com. | |||
| American Music Club and Mark Eitzel Ephemera: B-Sides and Demos | 24 déc. 2025 | 01:26:24 | |
More American Music Club and Mark Eitzel ephemera: 4-track demos, "Everclear", "Mercury" and "San Francisco" B-sides, and guest spots. Plus Toiling Midgets, "Demos Before Lovesongs", "Glory", Vudi, Danny Pearson and Clodhopper, and Kaphan's ambient excursions. LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST: American Music Club & Eitzel Ephemera YouTube Playlist CHAPTERS: 0:00: Take These Broken Wings 0:30: We’re Ephemeracs! 1:00: Preamblin’ Again 2:13: Eitzel’s 4-Track Collection of Shame 6:42: Crystal Always Knows 8:52: Toiling Midgets “Son” 14:08: “Everclear” & “Mercury” B-Sides 24:26: “San Francisco” B-Sides 30:54: Guest Appearances 46:11: Mark Eitzel “Demos Before Lovesongs” 52:25: More Guest Appearances 1:01:01: Mark Eitzel “Glory” 1:04:01: Vudi, Farmers, Clovis de la Floret, Swans 1:11:24: Danny & Clodhopper 1:12:14: Kaphan & His Ambient Excursions 1:17:17: Too Much & Too Deep 1:21:53: On to the finale! AMC LINKS: - Mark Eitzel & AMC on the World Wide Web - American Music Club on Bandcamp - American Music Club on Spotify BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where two old friends take a second listen to influential bands' catalogs, track by track. For our second season, we've selected the pioneering indie rockers American Music Club. I just took two emails: backtrackingrox@gmail.com. | |||
| American Music Club Live Ephemera: Hotel Utah to the Konk Sessions | 17 déc. 2025 | 01:01:24 | |
American Music Club and Mark Eitzel ephemera, part one: AMC live from 1992 to 2008, from the Hotel Utah to Pittsburgh and Cambridge. We also cover "A Toast to You", "Atwater Afternoon", "Food, Sex, and Shelter" and "The Eitzel Ordeal: The Konk Sessions 2013", plus the bracket setup for the finale. LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST: American Music Club & Eitzel Ephemera YouTube Playlist CHAPTERS: 0:00: Dawson’s Peak 1:00: A Long Look Back, a Short Look Ahead 4:50: Housekeeping & the Brackets 7:25: A Prelude to the Preamble 10:55: Preamblin’ Man 12:43: AMC Live 1992 to 1993 23:21: AMC Live at the Hotel Utah SF 1993 29:21: A Toast to You: AMC Live in Pittsburgh 2004 34:32: Atwater Afternoon: AMC Live 2008 40:38: Food, Sex, and Shelter: AMC Live in Cambridge 2008 50:20: The Eitzel Ordeal: The Konk Sessions 2013 59:25: Whoops, We Did It Again AMC LINKS: - Mark Eitzel & AMC on the World Wide Web - American Music Club on Bandcamp - American Music Club on Spotify BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where two old friends take a second listen to influential bands' catalogs, track by track. For our second season, we've selected the pioneering indie rockers American Music Club. How do you pass the President’s email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com. | |||
| American Music Club "The Golden Age" (2008), Side B: One Step Ahead | 10 déc. 2025 | 01:22:21 | |
American Music Club's 2008 album "The Golden Age", Side B: "Who You Are", "The Windows on the World", "One Step Ahead" and more. Plus "The Dance", "On My Way" and "The Grand Duchess of San Francisco", a 2008 time capsule, JW's Backtrack Retrack, and the end of the catalog. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: American Music Club “The Golden Age” CHAPTERS: 0:00: Arrested Development 0:06: Intro 0:38: The 2008 J. W. and Dan Time Capsule 10:21: Side B, Track 1: “Who You Are” 19:55: Side B, Track 2: “The Windows on the World” 28:38: Side B, Track 3: “One Step Ahead” 33:58: Side B, Track 4: “The Dance” 45:01: Side B, Track 5: “I Know That’s Not Really You” 52:19: Side B, Track 6: “On My Way” 1:00:07: Side B, Track 7: “The Grand Duchess of San Francisco” 1:04:55: JW's Backtrack Retrack — “The Golden Age” 1:12:42: The 24 Carat Best and the Gold-Filled Worst 1:19:00: And that’s it. The catalog is complete. AMC LINKS: - Mark Eitzel & AMC on the World Wide Web - American Music Club on Bandcamp - American Music Club on Spotify BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where two old friends take a second listen to influential bands' catalogs, track by track. For our second season, we've selected the pioneering indie rockers American Music Club. My sunsets are always one-sentence emails: backtrackingrox@gmail.com. | |||
| American Music Club "The Golden Age" (2008), Side A: The Stars | 03 déc. 2025 | 01:41:22 | |
American Music Club's 2008 album "The Golden Age", Side A: "All My Love", "The Victory Choir", "Sleeping Beauty", "The Stars" and more. Plus "The Decibels and the Little Pills" and "All the Lost Souls Welcome You to San Francisco", the production, the band, and a chance meeting. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: American Music Club “The Golden Age” CHAPTERS: 0:00: 12 0:15: The Golden Intro 0:49: Talk to my rep, Eitzel. 2:25: “Never Stray from the Chronology!” 5:29: The Basics 8:00: “Michael’s Covers” for the Patreons 20:42: Production, the Band, and a Chance Meeting? 42:14: Side A, Track 1: “All My Love” 54:07: Side A, Track 2: “The Victory Choir” 1:04:57: Side A, Track 3: “The Decibels and the Little Pills” 1:16:32: Side A, Track 4: “Sleeping Beauty” 1:23:41: Side A, Track 5: “The Stars” 1:30:28: Side A, Track 6: “All the Lost Souls Welcome You to San Francisco” 1:39:24: C’est Fin AMC LINKS: - Mark Eitzel & AMC on the World Wide Web - American Music Club on Bandcamp - American Music Club on Spotify BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where two old friends take a second listen to influential bands' catalogs, track by track. For our second season, we've selected the pioneering indie rockers American Music Club. You pulled off your email, went “Girls Gone Wild”: backtrackingrox@gmail.com. | |||
| Mark Eitzel "Hey Mr Ferryman" (2017), Side B: La Llorona, Let Me Go | 26 nov. 2025 | 01:08:15 | |
Mark Eitzel's 2017 album "Hey Mr Ferryman", Side B: "In My Role as a Professional Singer and Ham", "La Llorona" and more. Plus "Mr. Humphries", "Just Because", "Let Me Go", "Sleep From My Eyes", and bonus-track commentary on a song for Jason Molina. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: Mark Eitzel “Hey Mr. Ferryman” CHAPTERS: 0:00: Bored? 0:22: The Hanz. The Fanz. 2:38: Side B, Track 1: “In My Role As a Professional Singer and Ham” 14:30: Side B, Track 2: “Mr. Humpries” 27:50: Side B, Track 3: “La Llorona” 37:49: Side B, Track 4: “Just Because” 42:54: Side B, Track 5: “Let Me Go” 50:04: Side B, Track 5: “Sleep From My Eyes” 57:03: Bonus Tracks Commentary: For Jason Molina 58:50: Die besten und die wursten. 1:05:04: See you next Tuesday. REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: White Bimbo Man’s video for “Just Because” AMC LINKS: - Mark Eitzel & AMC on the World Wide Web - American Music Club on Bandcamp - American Music Club on Spotify BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where two old friends take a second listen to influential bands' catalogs, track by track. For our second season, we've selected the pioneering indie rockers American Music Club. He spent his life on the television. He even had an email of his own: backtrackingrox@gmail.com. | |||
| Mark Eitzel "Hey Mr Ferryman" (2017), Side A: The Last Ten Years | 19 nov. 2025 | 01:33:40 | |
Mark Eitzel's 2017 album "Hey Mr Ferryman", Side A: "The Last Ten Years", "An Answer", "The Road" and more. Plus "Nothing and Everything" and "An Angel's Wings Brushed the Penny Slots", the production and arrangements, and the overall vibe. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: Mark Eitzel “Hey Mr. Ferryman” CHAPTERS: 0:00: The Dulcet Tones 0:19: Sheer Volume 6:25: Big Momma’s Housekeeping 13:23: The Basics 19:04: Under the Covers with Michael 25:33: Production, Arrangements, and the Overall Vibe 44:10: Side A, Track 1: “The Last Ten Years” 55:19: Side A, Track 2: “An Answer” 1:03:17: Side A, Track 3: “The Road” 1:11:33: Side A, Track 4: “Nothing and Everything” 1:20:06: Side A, Track 5: “An Angel’s Wings Brushed the Penny Slots” 1:30:36: Like Styx, we’re sailing away. Until next time. AMC LINKS: - Mark Eitzel & AMC on the World Wide Web - American Music Club on Bandcamp - American Music Club on Spotify BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where two old friends take a second listen to influential bands' catalogs, track by track. For our second season, we've selected the pioneering indie rockers American Music Club. To the slots, I go everyday. I know the email will come my way: backtrackingrox@gmail.com. | |||
| Mark Eitzel "Don't Be a Stranger" (2012), Side B: Break the Champagne | 12 nov. 2025 | 00:58:29 | |
Mark Eitzel's 2012 album "Don't Be a Stranger", Side B: "Lament for Bobo the Clown", "Break the Champagne" and more. Plus "We All Have to Find Our Own Way Out", "You're Waiting" and "Nowhere to Run." The worst is first, the best is second. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: Mark Eitzel “Don’t Be a Stranger” CHAPTERS: 0:00: Girl, Don’t Go Away Mad…. 1:26: How Can You Hate Amusement? 10:53: Side B, Track 1: “Lament for Bobo the Clown” 19:15: Side B, Track 2: “Break the Champagne” 26:12: Side B, Track 3: “We All Have to Find Our Own Way Out” 36:11: Side B, Track 4: “You’re Waiting” 42:15: Side B, Track 5: “Nowhere to Run” 48:54: The Worst is First, the Best is Second 55:00: …in the old, familiar places. AMC LINKS: - Mark Eitzel & AMC on the World Wide Web - American Music Club on Bandcamp - American Music Club on Spotify BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where two old friends take a second listen to influential bands' catalogs, track by track. For our second season, we've selected the pioneering indie rockers American Music Club. We all have to find our own email: backtrackingrox@gmail.com. | |||
| Mark Eitzel "Don't Be a Stranger" (2012), Side A: The Bill Is Due | 05 nov. 2025 | 01:42:49 | |
Mark Eitzel's 2012 album "Don't Be a Stranger", Side A: "I Love You But You're Dead", "The Bill Is Due", "Oh Mercy" and more. Plus "All My Love", "Costume Characters Face Dangers in the Workplace" and "Why Are You With Me?". An epic season for an epic songwriter. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: Mark Eitzel “Don’t Be a Stranger” CHAPTERS: 0:00: Cold, Cold Opens 0:17: An Epic Season for an Epic Songwriter 4:15: How much darker? None. 11:11: The Basics 14:00: “Cover Me” by Michael 22:20: The Less Basic Basics 44:30: Side A, Track 1: “I Love You But You’re Dead” 58:26: Side A, Track 2: “The Bill Is Due” 1:05:49: Side A, Track 3: “All My Love” 1:15:35: Side A, Track 4: “Oh Mercy” 1:25:20: Side A, Track 5: “Costume Characters Face Dangers in the Workplace” 1:33:40: Side A, Track 5: “Why Are You With Me?” 1:40:50: Catch You on the Flipside AMC LINKS: - Mark Eitzel & AMC on the World Wide Web - American Music Club on Bandcamp - American Music Club on Spotify BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where two old friends take a second listen to influential bands' catalogs, track by track. For our second season, we've selected the pioneering indie rockers American Music Club. The music it was blasting, and I couldn’t hear what she said. But when she signed my poster, she wrote: backtrackingrox@gmail.com. | |||
| Mark Eitzel Live: "Live Solo Acoustic 2005-2007" and "Copenhagen 2009" | 29 oct. 2025 | 01:14:28 | |
Two Mark Eitzel live albums in one episode: "Live Solo Acoustic 2005-2007" and "Copenhagen 2009", covers and track listings included. Quantity has a quality all its own. We run down both records, and have opinions about how the track breaks were edited. LISTEN TO THE ALBUMS: Mark Eitzel “Live Solo Acoustic 2005 – 2007” CHAPTERS: 0:00: Stay Hydrated! 0:21: Welcome Back 0:59: Quantity Has a Quality All Its Own 3:18: A Double Live Album Week 4:18: Housekeeping 14:30: Eitzel “Live Solo Acoustic 2005 – 2007” 16:10: The Cover 18:12: Track Listing 20:00: The Rundown 42:41: Eitzel “Copenhagen 2009” 43:17: Another Cover for Michael the Cover Lover 44:33: Track Listing 45:27: The Editing of Track Breaks Is Fucked 48:25: Another Rundown 1:09:29: Two Albums, One Bucket AMC LINKS: - Mark Eitzel & AMC on the World Wide Web - American Music Club on Bandcamp - American Music Club on Spotify BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where two old friends take a second listen to influential bands' catalogs, track by track. For our second season, we've selected the pioneering indie rockers American Music Club. The email in my outbox is gone: backtrackingrox@gmail.com. | |||
| Mark Eitzel "Brannan St." (2009), Side B: Ramblin' Man, Tori, River | 22 oct. 2025 | 00:49:26 | |
Mark Eitzel's "Brannan St." (2009), Side B: "Ramblin' Man", "Your Heart", "Eva", "Corny Spaceship Song", "Tori" and "River". Plus the question of how you rewrite perfection, Rush's literal riches, somehow, and the besties and resties. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: 0:00: How can you rewrite perfection? 0:33: Welcome Back 1:10: Rush’s Literal Riches 2:28: Side B, Track 1: “Ramblin’ Man” 12:16: Side B, Track 2: “Your Heart” 17:18: Side B, Track 3: “Eva” 22:47: Side B, Track 4: “Corny Spaceship Song” 30:00: Side B, Track 5: “Tori” 34:33: Side B, Track 6: “River” 42:56: Besties and Resties 47:00: Buh-bye. AMC LINKS: - Mark Eitzel & AMC on the World Wide Web - American Music Club on Bandcamp - American Music Club on Spotify BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where two old friends take a second listen to influential bands' catalogs, track by track. For our second season, we've selected the pioneering indie rockers American Music Club. Your email must haunt you: backtrackingrox@gmail.com. | |||
| Mark Eitzel "Brannan St." (2009), Side A: Friends, Winners Always Win | 15 oct. 2025 | 01:02:43 | |
Mark Eitzel's "Brannan St." (2009), Side A: "Friends (Instant Song)", "There's Someone Waiting", "Please" and more. Plus "Winners Always Win", "It's Never Over" and "ssssss", ten minutes on the cover, and more advanced basics. It was supposed to be a single episode. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM: CHAPTERS: 0:00: The Lost Art of Amateur Diving 0:49: Intro! 1:24: Half passed a monkey’s ass…. 3:44: The Basics 5:50: 10 Minutes on the Cover, Brought to You by Michael 8:13: More Advanced Basics 22:26: Side A, Track 1: “Friends (Instant Song)” 29:12: Side A, Track 2: “There’s Someone Waiting” 36:12: Side A, Track 3: “Please” 45:31: Side A, Track 4: “Winners Always Win” 50:31: Side A, Track 5: “It’s Never Over” 56:40: Side A, Track 6: “ssssss” 1:00:44: Just when I thought this would be a single episode…. AMC LINKS: - Mark Eitzel & AMC on the World Wide Web - American Music Club on Bandcamp - American Music Club on Spotify BACKTRACKING SOCIALS: Welcome to Backtracking – the podcast where two old friends take a second listen to influential bands' catalogs, track by track. For our second season, we've selected the pioneering indie rockers American Music Club. Make some toast, and smoke some emails: backtrackingrox@gmail.com. | |||