The Indie 500 Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

#339 - Pearl Jam - Ten

Ohhohhhh feeeeeeeelin’ herewegoagainspitingtherandomnumbergenerator oooohooo yeah That’s right we’re taking the wheel and picking our own album this week, it’s Helio’s bday special: Pearl Jam’s Ten. And it’s all business as we talk PNW scene history, what makes PJ different, how crazy it is that this is in the rear 1/3rd of the list, venue insurance issues, and the shocking cast of “The Grunge That Stole X-mas”.It’s an ep you’ll clearly remember

Ho ho ho! Now we have a holiday episode.

It’s a holly jolly pitstop, it’s the best ep of the year (maybe), gifts are exchanged, Beatles are harangued, and Bob Geldof saves Africa! We also power rank the modern canon of new-ish Xmas songs, review some even newer ones and figure out which hymnals are naughty and nice. So gather loved ones near, light a fireplace and put on your favorite podcast based on a specific 2013 issue of a British music magazine

In this episode of the Indie 500, Breddy & Helio sit down with Ian Williams, guitarist for the band Battles, to discuss their album "Mirrored" which lands at #436 on NME's top 500 albums of all-time list. We touch on a variety of topics including evolving technologies in music, when do you just KNOW you've found a good loop you want to use, the evolution of the band from guys with day jobs to putting together a landmark album, touring and the evolution of the band. Ian also shares with us a glimpse into the randomness of life with a hilarious anecdote involving a recording studio, Kid Rock, and an indoor hot tub.

#436 Battles - Mirrored

After more delays than you could shake a Line6 DL4 at, the long awaited episode on the 00’s classic "Mirrored" by Battles finally arrives with an incredible bonus: our own interviews with the band themselves, John Stanier and Ian Williams. Helio and Breddy quiz John and Ian on topics like signing with Warp records as a group with a real drummer,

how do you know when a loop is ready? how do you know when a loop is ready?

how do you know when a loop is ready? Oops we left our echoplex on! and what’s changed for the band since Mirrored. Keep an eye on this spot in the future for the full uncut versions of the interviews.

#116 The White Stripes - ElephantIt’s two on two ball (and biscuit) as Breddy and Helio take on a fellow duo we all knew would show up sooner or later: The White Stripes, and at the height of their powers with songs and riffs that resonated across the globe and catapulted them into stardom. The boys also begin a new long term project, recite monologues from Spielberg movies, and literally fiddle with guitar pedals. Also odd coincidences pile up, breaking the boys’ minds and driving them into the arms of Doop. Note: this episodes audio is best experienced over phonograph or dictaphone.

00:00 Welcome to the Indy 500 Podcas

t01:03 Introducing the Smarch Madness Tournament

04:33 Redemption Conference: Albums We Want Included

04:55 Shame Conference: Albums We Could Do Without

05:53 Brady's Picks for the Redemption Conference

16:40 Helio's Picks for the Redemption Conference

32:38 Listener Contributions and Call to Action

35:39 This Week's Album: The White Stripes' Elephant

52:17 Early Concert Experiences and Band Recommendations

53:56 The White Stripes' Breakthrough with 'White Blood Cells'

54:32 Iconic Music Videos and Their Impact

55:41 The Rock Revival Era

56:36 Exploring the Multiverse of Bad Lists

57:44 The Cure's 'Disintegration' and Its Legacy

01:02:08 Movie Spotlight: 'Catch Me If You Can'

01:07:09 Video Game Highlight: Gears of War II

01:12:13 Blues Legend: Blind Blake

01:15:32 Cultural Context and Coincidences

01:35:15 Band's Transitional Phase

01:35:47 Square Enix Merger and Final Fantasy

01:37:34 Political Climate: George W. Bush Era

01:39:11 White Stripes' Simplicity and Experimentation

01:41:31 Recording 'Elephant' at Toe Rag Studios

01:46:02 Jack White's Unique Equipment Choices

02:03:53 The Impact of 'Seven Nation Army'

02:10:12 The White Stripes' Final Days

02:14:10 Jack White's Post-White Stripes Ventures

02:28:21 Analyzing the Album's Riff and Beat

02:28:57 Band Dynamics and Support

02:29:16 Comparing Two-Person Bands

02:29:40 Track-by-Track Album Review

02:30:22 Discussing the Album's Poetry and Depth

02:30:55 Favorite Tracks and Riffs

02:36:28 The Influence of Grunge on Jack White

02:38:04 Blues Influence and Favorite Songs

02:38:52 Reflecting on 'Seven Nation Army'

02:40:00 Album's Final Track and Conclusion

02:42:45 Breaking News: Coachella 2026 Lineup

02:45:31 Detroit Pizza Recipe and Music Recommendations

02:47:14 Homework Albums and Live Album Discussion

03:03:42 Random Number Generator: Next Album

#317 Gram Parsons - Grievous Angel

Pull up to your porch or step into your parlor as an extra large, country-fried episode of The Indie 500 Podcast tells you how it all went down with Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, and the rest of the Ex-Byrds Extended Cinematic Universe. Will Breddy be fully lost to Alt-country? Will Helio find the yeehaw in his heart? Will a myriad of NFL week 1 references and segments cause a listener revolt? All these things and more, cowpokes. So hitch up and settle in.

00:00 Welcome to the Indy 500 Podcast League

02:00 NFL Teams as Bands: AFC West

29:35 Transition to Gram Parsons Discussion

30:50 The Life and Times of Gram Parsons

35:32 Early Life and Musical Beginnings

39:07 Tragedy and Musical Pursuits

43:05 Harvard and the International Submarine Band

52:16 Transition to Country Rock

53:32 Joining The Byrds

55:26 Sweetheart of the Rodeo

56:09 Clashes in Nashville

57:08 Power Struggles and Departure

01:02:37 Flying Burrito Brothers Formation

01:03:35 Gilded Palaces of Sin

01:06:13 Downfall of the Flying Burrito Brothers

01:11:02 Multiverse of Lists

01:31:34 Gram Parsons' Solo Career

01:39:05 Legendary Collaborations and Contributions

01:41:23 Emmylou Harris: The Key Partnership

01:43:14 Emmylou Harris' Early Career Struggles

01:48:37 Gram Parsons' Solo Career and Touring Band

01:56:41 Recording 'Grievous Angel' and Personal Struggles

02:00:47 The Tragic End and Unusual Funeral

02:09:06 Legacy and Influence of Gram Parsons

02:33:13 Discussing Standout Tracks

02:35:04 The History of 'Love Hurts'

02:36:38 Album Highlights and Session Musicians

02:39:01 Reflecting on Gram Parsons' Legacy

02:42:08 Exploring Other Music and Artists

02:46:34 Concluding Thoughts and Next Week's Album

#354 - Isaac Hayes - Hot Buttered Soul

I'm talking about the power of podcasting about the NME top 500 now.

I'm gonna tell you what a podcast can do.

You know when they say podcasts make the world go 'round, that's the truth.

Certain episodes can make you or break you.

They can make you laugh, they can make you cry.

they can make you happy, they can make you sad.

Aw, it'd get hung out real bad.

In a case of Patti Smith, podcasts can make you mad.

Oh, yeah.

Now everybody, everybody's got it's own thing.

Everybody's got it's way of doing a thing.

Now we should attempt to do an episode that is very popular its about one of the great young songwriters of the 70s, Isaac Hayes.

Now I don't know what he was thinking about or what inspired him to write Hot Buttered Soul, but it's a deep album.

There's a deep meaning to this album because it shows you what the power of podcasts can do.

Now I should attempt it to do it my way, my own interpretation of it.

Like I said, everybody's got it's own thing.

I'm gonna bring it on down to Soulsville.

Now I want you to bear along with me for a few minutes while I set it up.

Now I want your imagination.

I want you to travel with me.

Oh, come on, come on, come on.

00:00 Welcome to the Indy 500 Podcast

01:24 Tribute to Brent Hines of Mastodon

03:29 Memories and Stories of Brent Hines

13:45 Isaac Hayes' Hot Buttered Soul

22:12 Breaking News: Big Boi and Whirlpool Collaboration

30:51 Exploring the Multiverse of Bad Lists

42:34 Historical Context of 1969

50:33 Ad Break and Podcast Economics

54:38 Sponsor Message: Colonel Morrisey's BBQ

56:19 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey

57:13 Isaac Hayes' Musical Evolution

58:27 The Stax Records Saga

01:09:51 Recording Hot Buttered Soul

01:21:47 Track-by-Track Breakdown

01:24:03 Legacy and Impact of Hot Buttered Soul

01:39:31 Final Thoughts and Reviews

01:42:46 Exploring the Duality of Funk and Soul

01:43:23 Weekly Music Homework Assignments

01:44:27 Diving into Steven Wilson's Hand Cannot Erase

01:46:36 The Emotional Depth of Steven Wilson's Music

01:48:36 Rediscovering Steve Wilson's Influence

01:54:31 The Unique Sound of Plini

01:56:31 Discussing Mastodon and Other Music

01:57:01 Trail of Dead's So Divided: A Critical Reassessment

02:02:25 The Emotional Weight of So Divided

02:12:45 Random Album Selection and Podcast Banter

Find this weeks guest, Hudson Ludy, on his YouTube page

https://www.youtube.com/@hudsonludyIn this episode of the Indie 500 Podcast, Helio discusses Tom Waits with massive fan Hudson Ludy. Hudson shares insights on Tom Waits' music, his unique narrative style, and how Waits has influenced his own artistic journey. The conversation covers Hudson's beginnings with Waits' music, the impact of Waits' relationship with his wife Kathleen on his music, and other key influences on Hudson's life. The episode concludes with Hudson sharing a cover of 'Take It With Me' and offering advice for those interested in diving into Waits' discography.

00:00 Introduction to the Indie 500 Podcast

00:58 Meet the Guest: Hudson Ludy

01:03 Discovering Tom Waits

02:10 First Impressions of Tom Waits' Music

02:40 The Influence of 'Over the Garden Wall'

04:01 Diving Deeper into Tom Waits' Albums

04:41 Creating Playlists and YouTube Content

09:47 Favorite Tom Waits Songs and Albums

14:31 Artistic Inspirations and Influences

20:30 The Love Story of Tom and Kathleen

24:26 Musical Interlude: 'Take It With Me' Cover

28:23 Recommendations for Tom Waits Fans

29:05 Exploring Tom Waits' Discography

30:16 Nighthawks at the Diner: A Unique Album

32:22 The Influence of Kathleen Brennan

32:32 Top 500 Albums and Tom Waits' Place3

5:51 Artists with Similar Appeal to Tom Waits

36:45 Will Wood: A Modern Influence

39:09 Fiona Apple's Unique Sound

41:40 Frank Sinatra's Influence on Tom Waits

43:18 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

48:25 Hudson Ludi's Upcoming Projects

In this episode of the Indie 500 Podcast, we examine Tom Waits' debut album 'Closing Time,' with special guest musician and fan, Trent Hamilton. The discussion delves into the evolution of Tom Waits' music, personal anecdotes about discovering Waits, and the unique experience of seeing him live. The conversation also recommends other artists similar to Waits and explores some interesting stories and trivia about his life and career.

00:00 Introduction to the Indie 500 Podcast

01:45 Special Guest: Trent Hamilton

02:31 Discovering Tom Waits

03:27 First Impressions and Growing Appreciation

06:27 The Live Experience

12:46 Top Tom Waits Albums

18:57 The Mythical Story of Tom Waits

19:29 Artists Similar to Tom Waits

20:11 Richard Buckner: An Underrated Talent

22:12 Jesca Hoop: From Nanny to Musician

23:35 Tom Waits' Influence on Modern

:52 Tom Waits' Sobriety and Musical Evolution

28:23 Memorable Tom Waits Anecdotes

32:51 Touring Life and Final Thoughts

#341 - Tom Waits - Closing Time

Episode 20 - Tom Waits - Closing Time - Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings endThe show is graced by another multi-spot holder from the NME Top 500 albums list: Tom Waits! And we start at the start with his debut album, something altogether different from what the boys expected. Will The Eagles (bad band) of it all ruin things for our hosts? Will The Eagles (football team) of it all ruin things for the listeners? Do you know who you want to take you home? Waits waits, don’t tell me….i’ll just tune in and find out.You sentDamn fine description lolZakZakWhere have I heard “walk on by” used befireZakAlso jesus christ:ZakSongs that Sampled Walk on By by Isaac Hayes on WhoSampledDiscover all songs that sampled Walk on By by Isaac HayesSun 11:19 PMYou sentLol holy shit

00:00 Introduction and Tour Rider Demands

02:21 NFL Season Kickoff and "Lynyrd Sportsnyrds" Segment

03:23 NFC East Team Comparisons

05:58 NFC Central Team Comparisons

17:58 Tom Waits and Other Music Discussions

40:44 Multiverse Segment Introduction

41:58 Discussing Smashing Pumpkins' 'Siamese Dream'

43:51 Analyzing 'Don't Worry Darling'

47:58 Exploring 'Mark of the Ninja' and Xbox Live Arcade

51:00 Sponsor Segment: Tom's Tonsil Tonic

52:53 Historical Context of 1973

01:10:51 Tom Waits' Early Career and 'Closing Time'

01:34:28 The Struggles of Finding a Studio

01:35:04 Recording Process and Creative Tensions

01:36:16 Finalizing the Album

01:37:09 Critical Reception and Reviews

01:38:38 Personal Reflections on the Album

01:39:20 Comparisons and Influences

01:44:14 Favorite Tracks and Covers

01:45:53 Tom Waits' Storytelling and Interviews

02:01:07 Album Summary and Legacy

02:03:44 Next Week's Album and Closing Remarks