Show Notes
What happens when a celebrated singer-songwriter decides to step out from behind clever pop-culture references and let the raw, melodically infectious energy of a full rock band take over?
In this episode of 300 Favorite Albums, host James Campion is joined by his long-time friend Dan Bern to dissect the creation of Burn’s pivotal 2001 masterpiece, New American Language. Together, they pull back the curtain on the album's legendary sessions—from Chuck Plotkin’s distinct production touch to the accidental green-room discovery of a key band member who changed their sound forever.
But what quiet realization drove Dan to radically shift his creative trajectory just as his career was taking off? And what is the true story behind the late-night, Keith Richards-inspired fever dream that birthed "Alaska Highway"?
To uncover how a folk icon transformed himself and his band into a bruising, Keith Moon-style rock powerhouse, you’ll have to listen to the full, unfiltered conversation.New American Language"Sweetness""New American Language""God Said No""Turning Over""Black Tornado""Albuquerque Lullaby""Tape""Honeydoo""Toledo""Rice""Thanksgiving Day"Additional selections:"Black Tornado" - live with Sydney Leigh, Mercury Lounge 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.