Planet LP – Details, episodes & analysis

Spring 2025 Season Finale 

Host Ted Asregadoo closes out the spring season by shining a spotlight on the most essential—yet often overlooked—members of any great band: the drummers. Reuniting with John Young (John was a co-host during the first year of Planet LP’s existence in 2021), this episode serves as both a musical celebration and a reminder that creativity and joy persist even in the darkest of times.

Or, to quote Sting, "When the world is running down, you make the best of what's still around."

Rhythm Masters Featured:

🥁 Ringo Starr - John Young champions the Beatles' timekeeper with infectious enthusiasm on “I Feel Fine.” This 1965 classic demonstrates why Ringo Starr is such an inventive drummer, who fashions an R&B rhythm with roots in Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say.”

🥁 John Bonham - A masterclass breakdown of Led Zeppelin's "Fool in the Rain," exploring how Bonham seamlessly weaves samba rhythms with Bernard Purdie's signature shuffle. Zep gets rightly criticized for ripping off black musicians, and while Bonham does use the Purdie shuffle on this song, he does so in a way that serves the song well. 

🥁 Clyde Stubblefield - The funky foundation of James Brown's "Cold Sweat" and his lasting impact on groove-based music. What makes this rhythm so great is that it’s not only funky as hell, but Stubblefield also pulls the time in the song ever so slightly to make it a unique funk rhythm.

🥁 Gina Schock - The Go-Go's powerhouse, whose driving beat combines punk energy with pop sensibility, creating the infectious rhythm that made "Head Over Heels" such a fantastic tune and The Go-Go’s a band that has consistently rocked it for over four decades. 

🥁 Neil Peart - Rush's mathematical drummer dissected through the complex patterns of "Subdivisions." Peart was a very much a compositional drummer, whose approach to the instrument was more from the head than the heart. His drum composition on “Subdivisions” is some of the most complex and exciting drumming in Rush’s catalogue. Although most people would point to “Tom Sawyer” as the pinnacle of Peart’s drumming, “Subdivisions” is right up there in terms of compositional ingenuity, rhythmic variety, and just effing awesome chops. 

🥁 Karen Carpenter - Celebrating her overlooked drumming prowess before she became known primarily as a vocalist for The Carpenters. Karen’s mastery of the drums can be seen in this 1976 performance. While the music is kind of cheesy, her abilities behind the kit are not. John Bonham infamously slagged Karen when she won a Playboy magazine survey of best rock drummers (with Bonham as number two), saying that she wouldn’t last two minutes drumming on a Zep song. One look at her soloing on YouTube will disabuse you of that notion.

A concluding note:  this episode isn't about ranking the "best" drummers—it's about appreciating the artists who make our ears perk up and remind us why the beat is essential to a lot of the music we love. 

Episode 111 proves that sometimes the best medicine for troubled times is simply great music and the people who create it.

This episode of the Planet LP Podcast, hosted by Ted Asregadoo, delves into the unexpected musical blind spots of even the most accomplished music journalists. Ted is joined by prolific music writer and co-host of The Record Player podcast, Jeff Giles (Popdose, Ultimate Classic Rock, Diffuser FM, Jefitoblog, and Harmonic.fm).

The discussion centers on highly-regarded albums that, despite their critical acclaim or widespread popularity, have somehow been overlooked by these experienced listeners. Prepare for candid revelations as Ted and Jeff explore records that often elicit the incredulous response: "Wait, you've NEVER listened to that?!"

The episode features a diverse selection of genres and eras. It begins with Gang of Four's Entertainment! (1979), examining its groundbreaking sound and lasting influence on popular music. Next, the focus shifts to Jefferson Airplane's Surrealistic Pillow (1967). While acknowledging its iconic status and memorable tracks, the host shares a surprisingly critical perspective on this San Francisco classic.

Finally, the conversation turns to Donna Summer's Bad Girls (1979). The episode explores its commercial success, Grammy recognition, and even an unexpected link to New Order, while posing the question of how such a significant album could have been a "miss" for a dedicated music aficionado.

Tune in for an engaging and often surprising exploration of influential albums that, for some, remained undiscovered territory.

Concert Confessions: Planet LP Dives Deep on Live Shows!

Inspired by their recent reviews of Echo & The Bunnymen and The Chameleons, Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo joins forces with Popdose writer Keith Creighton. Together, they unpack their wildest concert experiences – the good, the bad, and the truly bizarre.

Get ready for insider stories, legendary live recordings, and discussions about unforgettable performances by Prince, KISS, The Frames, Talking Heads, Mike Watt, Rush, and Fleetwood Mac.

This milestone episode reunites OG Planet LP co-host John Young with Ted Asregadoo! Forget reminiscing - the guys are diving DEEP into making it in the music business.

Part 1: From Wickerfish to Bon Jovi - Was "all or nothing" the only way?

John, co-founder of '80s indie band Wickerfish, clashes with Jon Bon Jovi's "no Plan B" approach (courtesy of Hulu's "Thank You, Goodnight: The Jon Bon Jovi Story"). Compelling stories and hard-earned wisdom collide as John reveals the realities of the LA indie scene when he and his bandmates, Jack and Paul Pitsker, were rockin' in clubs, recording their debut album, and trying to get signed to a major label.

Part 2: The Music Industry - Metamorphosis or Mayhem?

Social media's impact on promotion. With new paths to success - are the old ways still relevant? John and Ted dissect the ever-evolving music landscape, offering insights for aspiring artists as they try to stand out in the crowded field of performers.

Songs featured:

Shadows on the Sun, Wickerfish

"Livin' On a Prayer" (Demo), Bon Jovi

"That's Ted," John Young

On this episode, Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo and Popdose writer Keith Creighton revisit two albums that left a lasting impression on them 40 years after their initial releases.

Ted dives into the Pretenders' "Learning to Crawl," a pivotal album that marked the band's resilience after the tragic deaths of two original members from drug overdoses.

Keith focuses on The Go-Go's third album, "Talk Show." Released during a period of internal strife, this record has surprisingly stood the test of time, showcasing a collection of strong songs that some argue is The Go-Go's finest work.

Taylor Swift knows how to launch an album. Her marketing is a machine, and her fans eagerly devour every detail. Her 11th studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department," arrived in a surprising double dose! First came 15 songs at midnight on April 19th, followed by another 15 just two hours later. This 31-song release marks a return to familiar territory for Swift: exploring the complexities of relationships, especially when they fall apart.

On this episode of Planet LP, host Ted Asregadoo and Popdose writer Keith Creighton dive into The Tortured Poets Department just a day after its release. As you might expect when discussing Taylor Swift, the conversation goes beyond the music. They delve into her personal life (a constant theme in her songs), Keith's Taylor Swift music collection obsession, and they offer some hot takes on this massive album release that was unleashed with firehose-like force.

For decades, the sale of single songs was dominant in the music industry. Singles are still popular, and in the age of streaming, single plays make up the bulk of how most people listen to music. Not a lot has changed since radio was dominant in terms of single songs that become hits. However, with the firehose of music at our fingertips, finding standout single songs that aren't from the pantheon of superstars who dominate streaming and album sales can be a challenge.

What are some of your favorite singles? Sometimes, a single song remains happily lodged in your head and its lyrics, its melodies, and its whole vibe take up a large part of your mental real estate. So much so, that you may find yourself whistling the tune, or bursting out into song from time to time.

In this episode, Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo talks to and features music from two artists whose singles have really made an impression.

First up is Allie Sandt, the former member of Seeing Double whose track "Bygones" made waves on Ted's Top 10 list back in 2022. Now embarking on a solo career, Allie shares her latest creation, "The Flood," which debuted on April 5th, 2024. Written when Allie was just 17, "The Flood" has undergone multiple iterations with various musicians, ultimately culminating in a version that Allie finds deeply fulfilling creatively.

Then, we turn our attention to indie sensation Ward White, whose upcoming album "Here Come the Dowsers" is set for release on May 17th, 2024. However, it's the lead single "Continuity" that's been generating buzz in the music scene. Ward joins Ted to discuss the evolving landscape of the music industry and delves into the intricate characters and themes woven into "Continuity." Through this song, Ward offers a poignant exploration of the gritty realities lurking beneath the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Ted Asregadoo and Keith Creighton dive deep into new releases from Ariana Grande, Green Day, Honeymoon Suite, The Pineapple Thief, and more! They also discuss the struggle of separating the artist from the art, using Ariana Grande as an example. Is it possible to love her music but not care about her personal life?

• Ariana Grande - Eternal Sunshine: We debate the merits of this new album, including the speculation that it's a "divorce album" and whether you can enjoy the music without following the drama.
• Green Day - Saviors: Did this album take some time to grow on you, or were you hooked from the start? We discuss the band's return to form and their exploration of bisexuality on the track "Bobby Sox."
• Honeymoon Suite - Alive: We celebrate the return of this Canadian band and their latest album. Should you stream it or buy the CD for the full experience?
• The dreamy prog rock brilliance of The Pineapple Thief's It Leads to This is also in the spotlight. This grower of an album might take some time, but the hypnotic and aggressive riffs of "The Frost" and other songs are worth repeated listens. This record might end up on Ted's Best of 2024.
• Ministry - hopiumforthemasses: This album is a wild ride! We discuss the challenges of listening to Ministry's music at high volume and Al Jourgensen's message about the dangers of a "Trump planet."
• RAYE - My 21st Century Blues: This independent success story is one to cheer for. We discuss how RAYE bought back her masters and released a chart-topping album.
• The Last Dinner Party - Prelude to Ecstasy: This hyped band has a lot to live up to. We explore their sound, their influences, and their critical reception.
• NewDad - Madra: Get ready for the next big thing out of Ireland! We discuss the struggle of finding a physical copy of this album and the band's musical influences.

New Discoveries

• Them • "Can’t Call it Mine:" This up-and-coming band is changing their sound with each release. We explore their latest track and their potential.
• Tish Melton: We introduce you to this new singer-songwriter and her beautiful song “Michelle."

We end the show with a sample from Your Future Ghost's new song "Pritty" to leave you on a high note!

Ever wondered what albums shaped your musical DNA? In this supersized episode, we dive deep into the most influential records that have soundtracked the lives of Ted Asregadoo, his former colleagues, listeners, and even his daughter Maya!

First up, a blast from the past! Ted's former iHeartMedia co-worker Michael McGauley returns to the pod, sharing his top 10 picks, heavily influenced by the classic rock giants of the 60s and 70s. Names like The Who, Led Zeppelin, and Steely Dan paint a picture of Michael's musical foundation.

Then, Ted takes the mic, tracing his musical journey chronologically. From the early sparks ignited by KISS, Rush, and the Pretenders, we travel through Dire Straits, X, and Kate Bush, culminating in the present with artists like Steven Wilson and Tanya Donelly.

But wait, there's more! In the second segment, we open the floor to Planet LP listeners and guests. iHeartMedia reporter Jeff Knox brings the punk rock energy with NOFX and Pennywise, while another iHeart album from Ted and Michael's past, Andrea Winkler, showcases her diverse tastes, ranging from Hanson's pop to E-40's hip-hop. Independent musician Nat Jay shares her love for Janet Jackson and John Mayer, while Big Stir Records recording artist Dolf Chaney champions the timeless sounds of The Beatles and XTC. Former Seeing Double member Allie Sandt reveals her Paul Simon and Steely Dan obsession, and Ted's daughter Maya chimes in with her Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Paramore favorites.

Finally, Ted sits down with his wife Julie for an intimate conversation. She unveils her own top 10, featuring a captivating mix of artists like The Beatles, XTC, 'Til Tuesday, The Cure, The Waifs, and New Order.

This episode is a treasure trove of musical discovery, guaranteed to inspire you to explore your musical DNA.

P.S. Don't forget to share your own most influential albums by leaving a voicemail at PlanetLP.com

Remember dial-up modems and AOL CDs that came in the mail? 1995 was a transition year in culture. Yes, there were iconic albums (covered in Episode 94) but there were cultural shifts that shaped the years going forward.

Ted and Keith talk about:

• Dial-up days: The internet was in its infancy, and well, people weren't quite sure what to do with it. Just listen to the compilation from the "Today" show that featured to hear how confusing, hopeful, fearful, and annoying the early Internet was to the hosts of the show.
• Culture in flux: The Telecommunications Act and the Decency Act on media and the rise of social media were two laws that really brought us the reality we're living in today -- for better or worse.
• What was Keith doing in 1995? Short answer: a new career, attended a lot of live shows in Chicago, and found new music recommendations from a local VJ who had a localized version of MTV.
• What was Ted doing in 1995? Short answer: losing his hair, on the cusp of becoming a father, and knee-deep in grad studies at UPenn in Philadelphia.
• 1995. A year of transition.