Explore every episode of the podcast Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| E203: Pink Floyd — 'Wish You Were Here' 50th Anniversary (w/David Carson) | 20 Dec 2025 | 00:45:47 | |
In this episode, we are joined once again by my good friend, David Carson, to discuss Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here album in belated celebration of the 50th anniversary of its September 12, 1975 release. For a more detailed examination of the musical theory behind the album, I highly recommend Doug Helvering's reaction to the album. Check out David's singing project, Sons of Sinatra, as well! Merry Christmas! I will see you all shortly in 2026... Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E202: Led Zeppelin — 'Led Zeppelin III' 55th Anniversary (w/Alex Mihalopoulos) | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:47:03 | |
In this episode, we are joined by my good friend, Alex, to discuss 'Led Zeppelin III' in belated celebration of the 55th anniversary of its October 5, 1970 release. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E192: Grateful Dead — Ranking The 1974 Shows | 22 Dec 2024 | 02:14:02 | |
In this, the Season 9 finale — as we've done for 1972 and 1973 the past two years, respectively — we rank the 1974 Grateful Dead shows in celebration of the 50th anniversary of that venerable year in their live history. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E80: Pink Floyd — 'Animals' 45th Anniversary | 31 Jan 2022 | 01:23:59 | |
In this episode, we discuss Pink Floyd's 'Animals' album, released January 23, 1977. Based off of George Orwell's 1945 novella, 'Animal Farm,' it's long been a favourite of mine and is one that I find to be quite underrated by all but serious Pink Floyd fans... Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E79: Jimmy Buffett — 'Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes' 45th Anniversary | 28 Jan 2022 | 00:52:11 | |
In this episode, we cover Jimmy Buffett for the first time, as his breakthrough 1977 album, 'Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes,' was released 45 years ago last week. Yes, the album with "Margaritaville" on it. There are some other gems on it too, though... Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E78: The Doors — 'The Doors' 55th Anniversary (w/Spencer Cropper) | 20 Jan 2022 | 03:31:40 | |
In this episode, we discuss the Doors' eponymous debut album in celebration of the 55th anniversary of its January 4, 1967 release. I have a longer personal history with this album than any other and it remains one of my favourites, so it was a real joy to dive into it so deeply. My brother, Spencer Cropper, stops by to share his thoughts as well. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E77: Grateful Dead — ‘Listen To The River: St. Louis ’71 ’72 ’73’ Review (Pt. III — 1973) | 28 Dec 2021 | 01:45:13 | |
In this episode, the Season 3 finale, I review the last two shows — the 1973 shows — of the Grateful Dead's latest box set, 'Listen To The River: St. Louis '71 '72 '73.' We discussed the ’71 shows two weeks ago and the ’72 shows last week, so check out Episodes 75 and 76 if you haven’t already. I'm elated to finally be bringing these episodes to you, and can't think of a better way to cap off Season 3 — and the year! Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E76: Grateful Dead — ‘Listen To The River: St. Louis ’71 ’72 ’73’ Review (Pt. II — 1972) | 21 Dec 2021 | 02:41:50 | |
In this episode, I review the middle three shows — the 1972 shows — of the Grateful Dead's latest box set, 'Listen To The River: St. Louis '71 '72 '73.' We discussed the ’71 shows last week and will cover the ’73 shows next week. I'm elated to finally be bringing these episodes to you, and can't think of a better way to cap off Season 3 — and the year! Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E75: Grateful Dead — 'Listen To The River: St. Louis '71 '72 '73' Review (Pt. I — 1971) | 17 Dec 2021 | 01:16:24 | |
In this episode, I review the first two shows — the 1971 shows — of the Grateful Dead's latest box set, 'Listen To The River: St. Louis '71 '72 '73.' We will cover the '72 and '73 shows next week and the week after, respectively. I'm elated to finally be bringing these episodes to you, and can't think of a better way to cap off Season 3 — and the year! Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E74: Taylor Swift — 'Red (Taylor's Version)' Review (w/Spencer Cropper) | 14 Dec 2021 | 04:08:52 | |
In this episode, I review the second instalment of Taylor Swift's re-recording campaign, 2012's 'Red.' My brother, Spencer Cropper, was kind enough to join me for this one! There's a lot to unpack, especially the spectacular "Vault Tracks," so settle in... Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E73: Led Zeppelin — Winter '71 U.K. Tour — 50th Anniversary | 11 Dec 2021 | 01:50:29 | |
In this episode, I discuss Led Zeppelin's final tour of arguably their greatest year (1971) for its 50th anniversary. Their Winter '71 U.K. tour is one of their most underrated, which I hope to help change with this episode... Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E72: Grateful Dead — 'Dave's Picks Vol. 40' Review | 03 Dec 2021 | 00:40:37 | |
In this episode, I review 'Dave's Picks Vol. 40,' the Grateful Dead's latest archival live release. It's comprised of their July 18 & 19, 1990 shows at Deer Creek Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana — the first 'Dave's Picks' from the '90s! Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E71: Led Zeppelin — 'Led Zeppelin IV' 50th Anniversary (w/Spencer Cropper) | 25 Nov 2021 | 04:45:10 | |
In this episode, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of Led Zeppelin's untitled fourth album! Joined by my brother, Spencer Cropper, no stone is left unturned in this examination of one of the greatest albums of all time... Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E191: The Rolling Stones — 'Let It Bleed' 55th Anniversary | 05 Dec 2024 | 00:48:13 | |
In this episode, we discuss the second instalment in the Rolling Stones' legendary four-album run from 1968-72, that being 'Let It Bleed,' released on this day in 1969. Few albums so accurately capture the mood of their time, and even fewer hit just as close to home 55 years later as they did on release day... Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E70: The Rolling Stones — 'Tattoo You' (Super Deluxe Edition) Review | 13 Nov 2021 | 01:33:34 | |
In this episode, I review the recently-released Super Deluxe Edition of the Rolling Stones' 'Tattoo You' album, which happens to coincide with the 40th anniversary of its initial release. The set includes nine previously unreleased bonus tracks, as well as their complete 6/25/82 Wembley Stadium show. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E69: Pink Floyd — 'Meddle' 50th Anniversary | 06 Nov 2021 | 01:07:22 | |
In this episode, I discuss Pink Floyd's 1971 album, 'Meddle,' in celebration of the 50th anniversary of its release. This is my first Pink Floyd episode, but I've been digging deeper into their catalogue — and live performances — recently, so expect more episodes about them going forward... Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E68: Grateful Dead — "Jack Straw" Deep-Dive (w/Spencer Cropper) | 29 Oct 2021 | 01:25:37 | |
In this episode, I finally get around to our second single-song deep-dive, a mere nine months after the first! My brother, Spencer Cropper, joins me as he did on the first — Episode 36 — which covered the Grateful Dead's "Terrapin Station." This time, we cover another Grateful Dead classic..."Jack Straw," which debuted 50 years ago last week on October 19, 1971 in Minneapolis. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E67: Led Zeppelin — Japan '71 (w/ledzepfilm) | 18 Oct 2021 | 04:40:40 | |
In this episode, I am joined by my good friend, Eric — known as "ledzepfilm" in the Led Zeppelin world — to discuss Led Zeppelin's Japan '71 tour in celebration of its 50th anniversary. I retread much of the ground I covered in Episode 13 last year prior to Eric coming on, so those of you who have heard Episode 13 may wish to skip to 1:37:00... Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E66: 'Rolling Stone' "500 Greatest Songs Of All Time" Reaction | 02 Oct 2021 | 01:28:17 | |
In this episode, I react to 'Rolling Stone''s recent do-over of their "Top 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time" list. I have many grievances with it, so as Terrell Owens would say, get'cha popcorn ready! Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E65: The Rolling Stones — No Filter 2021 Setlist Predictions & Wishes | 24 Sep 2021 | 02:32:44 | |
In this episode, I discuss the songs I would most like to see the Rolling Stones play on the upcoming leg of their No Filter Tour. Some have been performed regularly in the past but aren't anymore, some have rarely been performed, and some have never been performed. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E64: Led Zeppelin — North America '71 — 50th Anniversary | 16 Sep 2021 | 01:00:38 | |
In this episode, I revisit this tour for its 50th anniversary, one year to the day of last year's episode about it! I wasn't planning on talking about it again, but some conversations in the Zeppelin community of late prompted me to defend this tour's honour a bit. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E63: Renaming All 32 NFL Franchises After The Best Artist From Their Host City (w/Randy) | 07 Sep 2021 | 02:18:59 | |
In this episode, in honour of the start of football season, my friend Randy and I rename all 32 NFL franchises after the best band/artist from their host city. If a team is named after a state or region, then the entirety of said jurisdiction was fair game to choose from — a clause I took full advantage of. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E62: Grateful Dead — 'Dave's Picks Vol. 39' Review | 03 Sep 2021 | 00:38:24 | |
In this episode, I review the Grateful Dead's latest archival live release, 'Dave's Picks Vol. 39,' which contains the entire 4/26/83 Philadelphia show, along with some bonus material from other shows on the Spring '83 tour. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E61: The Who — 'Who's Next' 50th Anniversary (w/Spencer Cropper) | 01 Sep 2021 | 02:19:23 | |
In this episode, joined once again by my brother, Spencer Cropper, we discuss The Who's 'Who's Next' album to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its release. This is also the first episode about The Who! Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E190: Led Zeppelin — 'Led Zeppelin II' 55th Anniversary | 22 Nov 2024 | 00:35:10 | |
In this episode, we discuss Led Zeppelin's second album in celebration of the 55th anniversary of its October 1969 release. I forgot to mention this in the episode, but 'II' eventually unseated 'Abbey Road' from the top spot on the charts. In this way, with the Beatles' breakup privately decided and (relatively) soon-to-be-announced, this album really functioned as a passing of the torch from the Beatles, who ruled the '60s, to Zeppelin, who would rule the '70s in much the same way... Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E60: The Beatles — 'Revolver' 55th Anniversary (w/Spencer Cropper) | 20 Aug 2021 | 03:21:35 | |
In this episode, joined by my brother, Spencer Cropper, I discuss the Beatles' seventh studio album, 'Revolver,' in celebration of its recent 55th anniversary. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E59: Top 25 (+3) Summer Driving Songs | 06 Aug 2021 | 00:48:53 | |
In this episode, the first of Season 3, I discuss some of my favourite summer driving songs. I called it a "Top 25" because I'm excited for college football season, but it's actually organized by time of day. Check the show's socials for the accompanying playlist! Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E58: The Doors — Albums Ranked | 09 Jul 2021 | 01:31:05 | |
In this episode, the Season 2 finale, I rank the Doors' six studio albums with Jim Morrison to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his passing. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E57: Bob Dylan — 'Blonde On Blonde' 55th Anniversary (w/Spencer Cropper) | 03 Jul 2021 | 02:28:36 | |
In this episode, joined once again by my brother, Spencer Cropper, we take a look at Bob Dylan's 'Blonde On Blonde' album in honour of the 55th anniversary of its release. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E56: Raising Musicians & Music Lovers (w/Dad) | 20 Jun 2021 | 00:57:11 | |
In this episode, in honour of Father's Day, my dad joins the show to discuss raising musicians and music lovers. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E55: Grateful Dead — Spring '77 Tour | 15 Jun 2021 | 01:45:48 | |
In this episode, with the tour's anniversaries having just wrapped up last week, I rank all 30 shows of the Grateful Dead's famous Spring '77 Tour. Yes, the one with Cornell; no, it's not No. 1! Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E54: Grateful Dead — Ranking The Europe '72 Versions Of "Dark Star" (w/Spencer Cropper & Jeremy Shaw) | 12 Jun 2021 | 05:09:18 | |
In this episode, joined once again by Spencer Cropper and Jeremy Shaw, we rank all 11 versions of "Dark Star" from the Grateful Dead's legendary Europe '72 tour. However, as you can no doubt surmise from the extravagant length, which I apologize for, we cover much more ground than simply ranking the 11 versions. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E53: Grateful Dead — Ranking The Europe '72 Versions Of "The Other One" (w/Spencer Cropper & Jeremy Shaw) | 05 Jun 2021 | 03:49:13 | |
In this episode, joined by my brother, Spencer Cropper, and my best friend, Jeremy Shaw, we rank all 12 versions of "The Other One" from the Grateful Dead's legendary Europe '72 tour. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E52: Marvin Gaye — 'What's Going On' 50th Anniversary (w/Spencer Cropper) | 28 May 2021 | 01:51:11 | |
In this episode, joined once again by my brother, Spencer Cropper, we take a look at Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' album in honour of its 50th anniversary — released May 21, 1971. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E51: Grateful Dead — 'Dave's Picks Vol. 38' Review | 27 May 2021 | 01:04:12 | |
In this episode, I review the Grateful Dead's newly-released 'Dave's Picks, Vol. 38,' which is comprised of their September 8, 1973 concert at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, along with two songs from the previous night at the same venue. Since I subscribed this year, I also received the bonus disc, which contains eight additional songs from the September 7 show. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E189: Supertramp — 'Crime Of The Century' 50th Anniversary | 08 Nov 2024 | 00:25:14 | |
In this episode, we discuss Supertramp's third album, 'Crime Of The Century,' in celebration of the 50th anniversary of its October 25, 1974 release. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E50: Cottage Music | 21 May 2021 | 00:35:01 | |
In this episode, with this weekend being Victoria Day here in Canada and next weekend being Memorial Day in the States, I share some of the songs I most strongly associate with cottages and long weekends in the summer. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E49: The Beach Boys — 'Pet Sounds' 55th Anniversary (w/Spencer Cropper) | 19 May 2021 | 01:30:36 | |
In this episode, joined once again by my brother, Spencer Cropper, we take a look at the Beach Boys' 'Pet Sounds' album in honour of the 55th anniversary of its May 16, 1966 release. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E48: Raising Musicians & Music Lovers (w/Mom) | 09 May 2021 | 01:08:29 | |
In this episode, in honour of Mother's Day, my mom joins the show to talk about raising musicians and music lovers. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E47: Led Zeppelin — 5/3/71 Copenhagen 50th Anniversary | 06 May 2021 | 00:35:59 | |
In this episode, continuing with the 50th anniversary theme, I discuss Led Zeppelin's May 3, 1971 concert in Copenhagen. One of Robert Plant's very best shows, it also features extremely rare performances of "Four Sticks" and "Gallows Pole," and is a Top 10 show of their career. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E46: Grateful Dead — April '71 Fillmore East 50th Anniversary | 30 Apr 2021 | 01:37:48 | |
In this episode, I cover the Grateful Dead's April 25-29, 1971 run at the Fillmore East in New York, their final shows at their initial home-away-from-home. The live album 'Ladies and Gentlemen...The Grateful Dead' is compiled entirely from these five nights, and the 'Skull & Roses' live album is compiled partially from these shows. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E45: The Rolling Stones — 'Sticky Fingers' 50th Anniversary (w/Spencer Cropper) | 23 Apr 2021 | 02:56:20 | |
In this episode, joined once again by my brother, Spencer Cropper, we discuss our mutual favourite Rolling Stones album: 'Sticky Fingers,' which was released 50 years ago today. My apologies for it taking so long to get back around to the Stones — I don't expect it to be another seven months before the next one... Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E44: The Doors — 'L.A. Woman' 50th Anniversary (w/Spencer Cropper) | 19 Apr 2021 | 02:33:32 | |
In this episode, joined once again by my brother, Spencer Cropper, we take a look at the Doors' final album with Jim Morrison — 'L.A. Woman' — in honour of its 50th birthday today. I like to think of them more as birthdays than anniversaries when we're talking about albums, as opposed to concerts. However, since I'm alone on that hill for now, I'll keep putting "anniversary" in the titles! Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E43: Taylor Swift — 'Fearless (Taylor's Version)' Review | 16 Apr 2021 | 00:54:11 | |
In this episode I review Taylor Swift's new version of her breakthrough sophomore album, 'Fearless' (2008). The masters of her first six albums were sold without her having an opportunity to bid for them, prompting her to re-record them. This is the first of the re-recordings. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E42: Led Zeppelin — 1973 European Tour | 10 Apr 2021 | 02:21:10 | |
In this episode I discuss Led Zeppelin's legendary 1973 European Tour, considered by many — myself included — to be the band's instrumental peak. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E41: Led Zeppelin — 'Presence' 45th Anniversary (w/Spencer Cropper) | 31 Mar 2021 | 01:53:29 | |
In this episode I am joined by my brother, Spencer Cropper, to discuss Led Zeppelin's seventh studio album, 'Presence,' in honour of its 45th anniversary today. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E188: Grateful Dead — Remembering Phil Lesh | 01 Nov 2024 | 00:15:51 | |
In this episode, we pay tribute to Phil Lesh, bassist and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, who passed peacefully one week ago at the age of 84. His singular approach to the bass is utterly inimitable, and he will be dearly missed... Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E40: Led Zeppelin — Ranking The 1975 Versions Of "No Quarter" | 25 Mar 2021 | 02:32:20 | |
In this episode I rank every 1975 version of "No Quarter" — all 38 for which there is at least a partial recording, that is. I've been looking forward to — and preparing for — this episode for several months and am excited to finally unveil it! This week marks the 46th anniversary of the conclusion of Led Zeppelin's 1975 North American Tour, which I covered in full, along with the Earls Court shows, way back in Episode 3 last June. I figured that the anniversary of the end of the North American tour would be the perfect time to release this, as that final week of the tour in Los Angeles marks the very peak of their popularity and influence in many ways. It was that week that their entire back catalogue joined 'Physical Graffiti' (#1) in the charts, a then-unprecedented feat. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E39: Jethro Tull — 'Aqualung' 50th Anniversary | 19 Mar 2021 | 00:22:45 | |
In this episode I discuss Jethro Tull's legendary album, 'Aqualung,' released 50 years ago today. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||
| E38: The Allman Brothers Band — 'At Fillmore East' 50th Anniversary (w/Spencer Cropper) | 11 Mar 2021 | 02:26:05 | |
In this episode I am joined once again by my brother, Spencer Cropper, to discuss the Allman Brothers Band's legendary live album, 'At Fillmore East.' While it was released on July 1, 1971, it was compiled from their two shows on March 12 and two shows on March 13 earlier in the year, making this weekend the 50th anniversary of the concerts that produced the album. Subscribe to Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper + | |||