Show Notes
What happens when an avant-garde progressive rock icon decides to strip away prog complexities and embrace the soul, pop, and world rhythms of the mid-1980s?
On this episode of 300 Favorite Albums, I am joined by filmmaker E.J. Eaton (David Crosby: Remember My Name) to dissect Peter Gabriel’s landmark 1986 release, So.
We unravel the unexpected stories behind the album’s legendary tracks—from the ominous, dream-inspired origins of "Red Rain" to the rhythmic, funk-infused powerhouse of "Sledgehammer," and the haunting psychological weight of "We Do What We're Told." Along the way, we explore how session giants like Tony Levin and Manu Katché helped sculpt these monumental soundscapes, and we reveal a surprising connection between David Crosby and Gabriel's later orchestral reimagining of his catalog.
There is a deep, emotional core to this record that we have only begun to scratch—listen to the full episode to discover the secrets and artistic risks that still make this masterwork breathe today.So"Red Rain""Sledgew Hammer""Don't Give Up""That Voice Again""In Your Eyes""Mercy Street ""Big Time""We Do What We're Told (Migram's 37)""This is The Picture (Excellent Birds)"Additional Selections:"In Your Eyes" 12" inch extended mix"In Your Eyes (Live) - Bootleg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from 300 Favorite Albums with James Campion
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In Episode 116 of 300 Favorite Albums, host James Campion is joined by acclaimed music journalist and author Steven Hyden (There Was Nothing You Could Do, Twilight of the Gods) to dissect one of the most flawless, prescient debut records in rock history: The Cars (1978).
Welcoming in my dear friend, book tour compatriot, and former bandmate, Mr. Berry Geller—a master multi-instrumentalist who once played with legends such as The Coasters, Bo Diddley, and many others, including the subject of this week's episode, Chuck Berry, as we discuss the master's third studio album, Berry is on Top. The hits, the inventiveness, the fun, fury and everlasting boogie woogie goodness of the complicated but uber-talented American poet and guitarist, Chuck Berry, are on display on this incredibly diverse and entertaining long player.
Having a blast with fellow music geek and entertainment / music journalist, Ashley Oken, as we celebrate the raucous and secretly poppy debut album for Bay Area punk rockers, Green Day! We get deep into the nihilistic themes and the courage of lead singer and songwriter, Billy Joe's battles with bisexual confusion.
A genuine celebration of the one of the most talked-about bands and albums of the 20th century, Big Star and their lauded yet lost album, #1 Record. Joining me to break it all down is host of the popular, entertaining and controversial podcast, Ranking the Beatles, as well as a guitarist and singer for a Beatles experience band. The Walrus, Jonathan Pretus.