Backwards Beats Podcast

The Kinks - Something Else (#478)

In this episode, Dan and Carl dive into Something Else by The Kinks, #478 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. Released in 1967 (UK) and early 1968 (US), this album shows The Kinks moving from garage rock into baroque pop, British folk, and psychedelic sounds, with Ray Davies taking complete creative control. The hosts explore sibling tension, touring bans, Beatles comparisons, wild harmonic shifts, and why Spotify’s album cataloging drives them nuts.
Key Points
🎙️ Album Context: Released during The Kinks’ U.S. touring ban, Something Else reflects a more introspective, studio-based approach. Ray Davies wrote nearly the whole album, while Dave Davies contributed two standout tracks.
🇬🇧 Baroque Pop Influences: The hosts examine the album’s baroque elements—like harpsichord, vocal doubling, and experimental song structures—while noting its British charm and post-Beatles vibe.
🧠 Music Theory Deep Dive: “No Return” earns high praise for its unpredictable harmonic shifts and jazzy, Latin-inspired structure. We dissect modulations, tritones, and non-functional harmony with excitement.
🤡 Death of a Clown: Dave Davies’ top-three UK hit gets analyzed lyrically and emotionally—an introspective, Dylan-esque track about the exhaustion of touring.
🔊 Production Woes & Wins: The mix across the album varies wildly. Dan and Carl debate whether production inconsistency hurts or helps the listening experience.
🍻 Pub Rock Energy: “Harry Rag” becomes a surprise favorite—a rowdy drinking song that combines Cockney energy with expert handclaps and tongue-in-cheek lyrics.
Music Referenced
You Really Got Me by The Kinks
Lola by The Kinks
Tomorrow Never Knows by The Beatles
Strawberry Fields by The Beatles
Lady Madonna by The Beatles
Oasis
The Stooges
Bob Dylan
The Doors
The Zombies
The Point by Harry Nilsson
Coconut by Harry Nilsson
Simon and Garfunkel
Nirvana
Foo Fighters
Eminem
Cream
The Who
Brian Wilson
Synchronicity by The Police
Synchronicity II by The Police
The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd
Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Animals by Pink Floyd
The Wall by Pink Floyd
Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin
Houses of the Holy by Led Zeppelin
Thriller by Michael Jackson
Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
Harry Styles
Englishman in New York by Sting
Shaggy
Jim Morrison
Donald Fagen
Cake
Join us next week when we cover Moanin' in the Moonlight by Howlin' Wolf

Amor Prohibido - Selena (#479)

This week, Dan and Carl dive into Amor Prohibido, Selena's 1994 breakthrough and a landmark in Tejano and Latin pop. Positioned at #479 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, the album blends cumbia, pop, and Tejano styles with digital instrumentation and deeply emotional themes—though often delivered through upbeat, danceable grooves.
The hosts explore Selena’s unique vocal control, her genre-defining influence, and the tragic story of her life cut short. They wrestle with the album's heavy use of MIDI production, ultimately acknowledging both its cultural context and experimental ambition. Plus, fake sponsors make their return with fiery critiques of Tesla performative activism and reusable toe separators turned tea stirrers.
Key Points
Selena's Legacy: Rising from a family band in Texas, Selena became one of the most influential Latin artists ever, blending genres like Tejano, cumbia, and pop. Her murder at 23 shocked the world and arguably ended a musical era.
Production Style: The album is drenched in early-90s digital production. MIDI horns, synth pads, and drum machines dominate the sound—an aesthetic choice, not a budget constraint, reflecting Tejano trends of the time.
Cultural Disconnect: Dan and Carl, as non-Spanish speakers, confront how the album’s sonic brightness masks often heartbreaking lyrical themes. Songs like “Tus Desprecios” (Your Scorn) sound joyful while describing emotional devastation.
Selena's Voice: Despite the sterile production, Selena’s performances are captivating. Her control, tone, and emotional delivery cut through every track. Even without understanding the lyrics, the conviction is palpable.
Music Referenced
Miranda Lambert
Bruno Mars
Hopelessly Devoted by Olivia Newton John
Back on the Chain Gang by The Pretenders
The Sign by Ace of Base
(What A) Wonderful World by Sam Cooke
That's the Way Love Goes by Janet Jackson
Emotions by Mariah Carey
Have a Heart by Bonnie Raitt
Red Red Wine by UB40
John Mayer
Pat Benatar
Cinderella
The Barrio Boyzz
My Morning Jacket
Join us next week when we cover the album, Something Else by The Kinks

The Weight Of These Wings - Miranda Lambert (#480)

In episode 1, season 2 of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl dive deep into Miranda Lambert’s emotionally charged double album The Weight of These Wings (2016). Released in the wake of her public divorce from Blake Shelton, this sprawling 24-track project is divided into two thematic discs: The Nerve and The Heart. The hosts explore the album’s sonic risks, lyrical introspection, and Lambert’s evolving artistic voice, praising her fearless honesty while critiquing the occasionally muddy production.
 
🎧 We also just launched our Patreon — it’s totally free right now, and we’ll be using it as a home for behind-the-scenes content and extra goodies. All content is free! We’re looking to build our community here. Come join the community as our first members only content will be dropping on Thursday.
Key Points
🎤 Background & Legacy: Lambert, a Texas native and outlaw-country heir, delivered this album as a post-breakup catharsis, citing it as a “seven stages of grief” journey. The lead single “Vice” went double platinum.
🧠 Disc One – The Nerve:
A stylistic mash-up of country, rock, and experimental pop textures.
High points include “We Should Be Friends” (tight structure, clever writing) and “Vice” (dark, layered, and emotionally raw).
Production is a recurring sore spot—particularly the bottom-heavy mix and gratuitous overdrive on vocals.
Carl and Dan agree Lambert’s performance is consistently strong, but some arrangements suffer from over-ambition.
❤️ Disc Two – The Heart:
A pivot to more traditional country storytelling with refined arrangements.
The production is notably improved, allowing the songwriting to shine.
🥁 Musicianship:
Frequent praise for drummer Matt Chamberlain’s tasteful Tom fills, when not buried in the mix.
Rich instrumentation throughout, though sometimes overcrowded or poorly balanced.
🧠 Final Thoughts:
Lambert proves she’s a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter with wide emotional range.
While The Weight of These Wings could’ve benefitted from tighter editing, it remains a bold and personal work deserving of its place on the list.
Music Referenced
Platinum by Miranda Lambert
Blake Shelton
Dear John by Taylor Swift
Battle Studies by John Mayer
Continuum by John Mayer
Paper Doll by John Mayer
Love on the Weekend by John Mayer
Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer
The Beatles
Sonny & Cher
Reba McIntire
Anderson East
Tammy Wynette
Dolly Parton
Sheryl Crow
Edie Brickell
Devil's Haircut by Beck
Garbage
In Bloom by Nirvana
Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
Lucille by Kenny Rogers
Me and Bobby McGee by Kris Kristofferson
Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin
Nick of Time by Bonnie Raitt
Melissa Etheridge
The Pixies
You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette
Courtney Love
Robert Randolph
Guy Clark
Jerry Jeff Walker

The Sounds of Iceland or Dan's Icelandic Soundscape

In this final episode of our Sidetrax bonus series, Dan takes us deep into the land of fire, ice, and... Beyoncé?
Dan’s Icelandic Soundscape is part travelogue, part personal audio diary, and part homemade soundtrack — recorded across 13 days of hiking, kayaking, glacier climbing, and river crossings in one of the most surreal places on Earth.
From snorkeling in the Silfra fissure to nearly summiting Rjúpnafell in Þórsmörk, this episode captures the emotional arc of the trip — scored with original music, covers, and reinterpretations of songs by Icelandic artists like Sigur Rós, Björk, and JFDR.
There’s also:🧊 A grocery store that plays The NeverEnding Story theme🎹 A frozen lagoon echoing with the pulse of “Hyperballad”🐑 Sheep who do not care about your hike🌋 And a decision to turn around, not because you fail — but because you understand where you are.
We also share a custom Icelandic playlist on Spotify featuring many of the artists referenced in the episode.
Find the playlist here.
 
🎧 Featured Icelandic Artists:
Björk
Sigur Rós
Ólafur Arnalds
JFDR
Sóley
Jóhann Jóhannsson
Grýlurnar
📌 Next week:
We return to the Rolling Stone Top 500 list with Miranda Lambert’s The Weight of These Wings. Country’s coming.
#BackwardsBeats #IcelandicMusic #Björk #SigurRós #TravelPodcast #RollingStone500 #SnorkelingSilfra #GlacierHike #Hyperballad #Jokulsarlon #Sidetrax #MirandaLambert #IcelandSoundtrack #IndiePodcast #MusicAndTravel

Carl's Covers - Season 1

In the first ever "Carl's Covers" segment, Carl rolls a 20 sided die to find out which album of season one he'll be choosing a song to attempt to cover in one night while Dan stares at waterfalls halfway across the world. Tune in for pure chaos and a surprise cover song!

Convince Me! Journey Inwards by LTJ Bukem

 
In this "Convince Me" sidetrax episode, Carl challenges Dan with Journey Inwards, the immersive double album from UK drum & bass pioneer LTJ Bukem. Known for his lush atmospheres, jazz-inflected harmonies, and meticulous production, Bukem's 2000 release is both a vibe and a craft lesson.
Dan—unfamiliar with the genre—dives into the world of liquid drum & bass, navigating breakbeats, live instrumentation, sampling, and surprising emotional depth. What begins as a daunting 88-minute listen becomes an exploration of sonic therapy, underground electronica, and personal nostalgia. It's ambient, it’s jazzy, it’s jungle—and it sparks an unexpectedly rich conversation about music’s place in running, healing, and the evolution of DJ culture.
Key Points
LTJ Bukem’s Style: Bukem blends drum & bass, ambient, jazz, and soulful house, creating smooth, spacious tracks with live instrumentation (double bass, flute, Rhodes, cello) and tight programmed drums.
A Primer for Electronic Music: Carl pitches this as a "gateway" album into EDM-adjacent sounds—calming, meditative, and sonically pristine.
Production & Sampling: Bukem’s meticulous layering includes both digital samples and live players. Dan highlights how his approach resembles treating samples as real instruments.
Genre Fluidity: From the Miles Davis-inspired bassline on "Journey Inwards" to the Twin Peaks-esque mixing of "Real Indication", the album floats between jazz, film score ambiance, and club minimalism.
Favorite Tracks:
"Watercolours" – Standout hit with lush saxophone and chromatic dissonance.
"Sunrain" – Dan’s favorite; evokes Sade with vocals and deep groove.
"Inner Guidance" – Listener favorite, likened to Crystal Blue Persuasion.
"Feel What You Feel" – Dan notes a Pat Metheny with a house groove vibe.
Comedic Tangents & Chemistry: As always, the hosts’ banter adds charm—Goldfinger references, vibraphone jokes, Mario Kart comparisons ("Rainbow Road", anyone?), and Carl’s David Ruffin fandom.
Music Referenced
Billion Dollar Babies by Alice Cooper
RJD2
DJ Qbert
I Saw You When I Met Her by David Ruffin
A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
So What by Miles Davis
Real Indication by Angelo Badalamenti
Jojo Mayer
Johnny Rabb
Chick Corea
Sade
Pat Metheny
Dieselboy
Aphrodite
Join us next week for an episode of Carl's Cover? Not sure what that is? Stay tuned.

Convince Me! Billion Dollar Babies by Alice Cooper

A Convince Me Sidetrax Episode
This week on Backwards Beats, we're on a mid-season break – but not really. Dan kicks off our first ever Convince Me Sidetrax episode by assigning Carl an album he’s never heard and would likely never seek out on his own: Alice Cooper’s 1973 shock rock epic Billion Dollar Babies. Known for theatrical excess, guillotines, and glam-goth energy, this album challenges Carl’s deep-rooted skepticism of makeup-wearing rockers. What unfolds is a surprising deep dive into a shockingly competent – and conceptually ambitious – hard rock record.
From dental drills to ragtime pianos, from outrageous lyrics to airtight musicianship, Billion Dollar Babies proves far more complex than its outrageous stage persona suggests. Carl, who comes in expecting clown makeup and chaos, walks away... kinda into it?
Key Points
🎭 Concept Album? – While not officially a concept album, Carl and Dan note the thematic cohesion across tracks. Songs like “Unfinished Sweet” and “Raped and Freezin’” paint vivid scenes and explore fame, vanity, and discomfort with theatrical flair.
🧠 Initial Skepticism – Carl admits a strong bias against Alice Cooper’s persona, comparing it to Kiss, Slipknot, and Guar. By the end, he calls parts of the record “brilliant” and confesses that it’s won him over more than expected.
🥁 Standout Track – “Billion Dollar Babies” (the song) is the breakout track for Carl. He describes the drumming as “a non-stop solo” and praises its tight arrangements and aggressive energy.
🤘 Skip Proof? – Carl says it’s not quite a no-skip record, but he’d happily own it on vinyl. Highlights outweigh the few misses (“I Love the Dead,” “Sick Things”).
Music Referenced
School's Out by Alice Cooper
The Wall by Pink Floyd
Destroyer by Kiss
Alive by Kiss
Music from 'The Elder' by Kiss
Lou Reed
Gwar
Slipknot
Rob Zombie
Ministry
Ozzy Osborne
Iggy Pop
Coheed and Cambria
Tool
Yes
LP
ELO
David Bowie
Krokus
To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
 
Next week, Dan gets surprised with LTJ Bukem’s Journey Inward in part two!

Fine Line - Harry Styles BONUS

In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl tackle Harry Styles’ 2022 album Harry’s House. But not before they confess to accidentally reviewing the wrong Harry Styles album first — because why make it easy? Along the way, they unpack Harry’s House track by track, dive into Harry’s evolution from One Direction heartthrob to solo superstar, and discover just how many legends quietly contributed to this pop powerhouse.
Key Points
The Great Mix-Up: Dan and Carl originally reviewed Fine Line by mistake — that episode’s coming later as bonus content.
About the Album: Released in 2022, Harry’s House blends synth-pop, 80s callbacks, and modern production across 13 tracks.
Production Powerhouse: Produced by Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson, and Samuel Witte, with session players like Pino Palladino and surprise guitar work from John Mayer.
Standout Tracks: From the quirky funk of Music for a Sushi Restaurant to the emotional gut punch of Matilda, Dan and Carl debate their favorites — and agree surprisingly often.
80s Influence: Expect callbacks to Prince, The Cure, Todd Rundgren, and even a dash of Daft Punk.
The Tuna Incident: Carl’s infamous pre-gig sushi disaster resurfaces, because raw fish always comes back to haunt you.
Music Referenced
Luck of the Draw by Bonnie Raitt
Fleetwood Mac
Music by 311
Homebrew by 311
311 (The Blue Album) by 311
Down by 311
All Mixed Up by 311
Stop This Train by John Mayer
Shania Twain
I Can't Go for That by Daryl Hall & John Oates
Take Me to the River by Talking Heads
Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon
All Summer Long by Kid Rock
Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits
David Crosby
Graham Nash
Family Dinner - Volume 1 by Snarky Puppy
Family Dinner - Volume 2 by Snarky Puppy
Something by Snarky Puppy
Lalah Hathaway
On the Road Again by Willie Nelson
Turn the Page by Bob Seger
Turn the Page by Metallica
Herbie Hancock
Prelude to a Kiss by Duke Ellington
Walking on Broken Glass by Annie Lennox
Here Comes the Rain Again by The Eurythmics
Sting
Jacob Collier
Join us next week for a BONUS episode where we cover the album Billion Dollar Babies by Alice Cooper

Best Breakup Songs Ever! BONUS

In this special BONUS Sidetrax episode, Dan and Carl explore the ultimate breakup anthems from each decade—spanning the 1970s through the 2020s. Inspired by their not-so-loving take on Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye, the duo softens their edge to reveal their emotional (and still hilarious) sides. With personal rules, heartfelt justifications, and a few sharp jabs, they each select one breakup song per decade that defines heartbreak, healing, or hell-yeah-I’m-free energy. No honorable mentions—just the definitive list, as decided by the Backwards Beats team.
Key Points
Sidetrax Defined: Bonus episodes where Dan and Carl chase down tangents that didn’t fit in the regular season.
Breakup Song Criteria:
Dan: Songs about being post-breakup—it’s over, not ending.
Carl: A breakup song could be sad, angry, or even joyful—anything that hits emotionally during or after a breakup.
The Format: One song per host, per decade—from the 1970s to today. No deep cuts or obscure indie picks; these are widely relatable tracks.
Tone: Equal parts sincere reflection and comedy. The hosts blend emotional honesty with their usual satire and banter.
This episode is for anyone who’s loved, lost, or just needs the perfect song to ugly cry or dance through it.
 
1970s
Carl's Pick Baby Come Back by Player
Dan's Pick She's Gone by Hall and Oates
1980s
Carl's Pick Purple Rain by Prince
Dan's Pick And So It Goes by Billy Joel
1990s
Carl's Pick Don't Speak by No Doubt
Dan's Pick Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinéad O'Connor
2000s
Carl's Pick Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer
Dan's Pick Sparks by Coldplay
2010s
Carl's Pick Don't Gotta Work It Out by Fitz and The Tantrums
Dan's Pick I Love You by Billie Eilish
2020s
Carl's Pick You Should Probably Leave by Chris Stapleton
Dan's Pick Drivers License by Olivia Rodrigo
 
Music Referenced
Abandoned Luncheonette by Hall and Oates
Joe Farrell
Return to Forever by Chick Corea
Bernard Purdie
Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac
I Can't Tell You Why by Eagles
Storm Front by Billy Joel
Lost in Love by Air Supply
All Out of Love by Air Supply
Tragic Kingdom by No Doubt
Spiderwebs by No Doubt
Just a Girl by No Doubt
Nothing Compares 2 U by Prince
Chris Cornell
Grassroots by 311
Lose by 311
Luck of the Draw by Bonnie Raitt
I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt
I Can't Make You Love Me by Adele
I Can't Make You Love Me by Boyz II Men
I Can't Make You Love Me by George Michael
Parachutes by Coldplay
Continuum by John Mayer
Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer
Bad Guy by Billie Eilish
Never Gonna Be Alone by Jacob Collier
Ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine
All I Wanted by Paramore
Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye
Join us next week when we cover our mistake recording of the album Fine Line by Harry Styles. Our mistake, your BONUS!

If You're Feeling Sinister by Belle and Sebastian (#481)

In this milestone 20th episode—and the wrap-up to Season 1—Dan and Carl dive into If You're Feeling Sinister by Belle and Sebastian, the Scottish indie-pop group that emerged in the mid-90s with delicate arrangements, soft-spoken vocals, and sharp lyrical themes. With no prior exposure to the band, both hosts approach this album with fresh ears and an open mind.
As always, this episode blends honest reactions, deep musical insight, and hilarious tangents—including one about mispronouncing “Stuart” and a shout-out to international listeners (Hallo, Germany!). Whether you're new to Belle and Sebastian or already a fan, this conversation explores what makes this album resonate—or not—as part of Rolling Stone’s top 500 albums of all time.
Key Points
Season 1 Finale: This episode marks the conclusion of the first 20 episodes, with reflections on the journey so far.
First Impressions: Neither host had heard Belle and Sebastian before; this leads to an exploration of discovery rather than nostalgia.
Band Background: Formed in Glasgow in 1996, the band takes its name from a French children’s book and TV series.
Album Style: Discussed as part of the "indie" ethos—low-production, clean instrumentation, emotionally intimate songwriting.
Instrumentation: Includes trumpet, cello, and dual vocals with minimal studio manipulation—what Carl calls “using what you’ve got.”
Listener Support Shout-Out: A heartfelt thank you to international fans and a reminder to follow, rate, and review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
“If this was a list of albums you should probably listen to, versus the greatest albums, then yeah—it makes more sense.”
Music Referenced
Fine Line by Harry Styles
R.E.M.
Counting Crows
The Decemberists
Iron and Wine
The Point by Harry Nilsson
Weird Al Yankovic
Dr. Demento
Metallica
Wolfpeck
Ben Folds Five
Go Home by Barenaked Ladies
Dark Matter by Pearl Jam
Eddie Vedder
Homeward Bound by Simon and Garfunkel
The Cure
Morrissey
The Smiths
They Might Be Giants
Kind of Blue by Miles Davis
So What by Miles Davis
Carolina in My Mind by James Taylor
Ventura Highway by America
Business Time by Flight of the Conchords
The Most Beautiful Girl (In the Room) by Flight of the Conchords
If You're Into It by Flight of the Conchords
Graduation (Friends Forever) by Vitamin C
Canon in D by Pachelbel
Sweet Jane by Cowboy Junkies
Sweet Jane by The Velvet Underground
Victor Wooten
Live Art by Béla Fleck and the Flecktones
Sinister Minister by Béla Fleck and the Flecktones
Join us next week for some bonus content... The best breakup songs from the 1970s to today!