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!

Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde by The Pharcyde (#482)

Dan and Carl ride the rollercoaster that is Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, the kaleidoscopic debut from L.A.’s most eccentric hip-hop quartet. Between hilarious skits, jazz-laced beats, and outlandish rhymes, the duo dives into a '90s rap record that defied the gangsta template of its era. Along the way, they unpack the group's roots in dance, Jay Swift’s genius production, and why this album still slaps decades later.
Key Points
Released in 1992, Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde features 16 tracks and runs just under an hour, including several skits that blur the line between comedy and chaos.
Imani, Slimkid3, Bootie Brown, and Fatlip formed initially as dancers before emerging as one of hip-hop’s most playful and unpredictable crews.
Producer Jay Swift helped shape their jazzy, left-field sound, contrasting sharply with the prevailing gangsta rap of the era.
Music Referenced
J Dilla
Papa's Got a Brand New Bag by James Brown
Funky Drummer by James Brown
Cold Sweat by James Brown
Sing a Simple Song by Sly and the Family Stone
Main Squeeze by Quincy Jones
Summer in the City by Quincy Jones
Time to Change by Brady Bunch
Hey Last Minute by The Meters
Beale Street by Donald Byrd
Honeysuckle Rose by Thelonious Monk
Autumn Serenade by John Coltrane
It's a New Day by Skull Snaps
Jam On It by Newcleus
Prince
Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix
I Wish by Skee-Lo
Licensed to Ill by Beastie Boys
Brass Monkey by Beastie Boys
You Be Illin by Run DMC
Walk This Way by Run DMC
LL Cool J
Debbie Harry
Rapture by Blondie
A Tribe Called Quest
De La Soul
Jurassic 5
Wu-Tang Clan
E. 1999 Eternal by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Tha Crossroads by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
1st of tha Month by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Gimme Some More by Busta Rhymes
Ms. Jackson by Outkast
Hey Ya! by Outkast
B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad) by Outkast
Humble Mumble by Outkast
Kendrick Lamar
Twista
Rap God by Eminem
Daydreaming by Harry Styles
Ice-T
N.W.A
The Chronic by Dr. Dre
Most Def
Talib Kweli
The Roots
Parents Just Don't Understand by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Join us next week when we dive into If You're Feeling Sinister by Belle and Sebastian.

The Muddy Waters Anthology by Muddy Waters (#483)

In Episode 18 of Backwards Beats, Dan, Carl, and the podcast's first-ever guest, Lee McAdams from @squatchsounds, dive deep into the iconic blues legacy of Muddy Waters through the expansive 50-track compilation The Anthology (1947–1972). With decades of music to explore, they abandon the usual track-by-track format for a broader, decade-spanning approach, picking personal favorites and discussing Muddy’s profound influence on rock, blues, and guitar-driven music. Along the way, they blend heartfelt appreciation with irreverent humor, touching on everything from harmonica roots to slide guitar legends.
Music Referenced
I Just Wanna Make Love To You by Foghat
Rolling Stones
Muddy Waters
Primus
Robert Johnson
Charlie Patton
Son Sims
Son House
Blind lemon Jefferson
Blind Blake
Big Jo Williams
Catfish Blues by Jimmy Hendrix
Voodoo Child by Jimmy Hendrix
Rollin' and Tumblin' by Eric Clapton
rollin' and Tumblin' by Canned Heat
rollin' and Tumblin' by Bob Dylan
Allman Brothers
Humble Pie
Supertramp
Hoochie Coochie man by Fear
You Shook Me by Led Zeppelin
Chuck D
Public Enemy
Keith Richards
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Corey Wong
BB King
Derek Trucks
Joe Bonamassa
Steely Dan
Eddie Cleanhead Vinson
Marcus King
Marcus Miller
Chris Stapleton
Cosmic Factory
McAdams Brothers
Albert King
Buddy Guy
Freddie King
Howlin Wolf
Beefheart
Primus
Rollin' and Tumblin' by Jeff Beck
You Shook Me by Jeff Beck
Jelly Roll
I'm a man by Bo Diddley
I'm a modern man by Cheech and Chong
Tyrone Shoelaces
Blue Guitar by Earl Hooker
You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC
Cypress Hill
Jump Around by House of Pain
Bone Thugs N Harmony
Bruno Mars
Herbie Hancock
Fugees

Born This Way by Lady Gaga (#484)

In this high-energy episode of Backwards Beats Podcast, Dan and Carl dive into Lady Gaga’s bold and eclectic 2011 album, Born This Way (Rolling Stone’s #484). Recorded during a sleepy spring evening, the hosts bring humor, insight, and deep musical analysis to Gaga’s electronic, dance-driven celebration of identity, empowerment, and defiance. They explore Gaga's musical fandom, theatrical flair, and fearlessness in confronting social issues, all while unpacking the album’s rich production and music theory layers — and of course, throwing in a few fake ads and laughs along the way.
Key Points
Context & Impact: Born This Way is rooted in Gaga’s advocacy for self-love and LGBTQ+ rights, wrapped in high-energy dance pop with religious and personal themes throughout.
Production & Style: A diverse producer roster (including RedOne, DJ White Shadow, and Mutt Lange) creates a vibrant mix of electronic subgenres, classic rock influences, and theatrical flair.
Musical Theory Insights:
Frequent use of minor keys, Lydian mode lifts, and even rare touches like Locrian melodies.
Club-ready four-on-the-floor beats dominate, but Gaga infuses operatic intros, unexpected chord shifts, and stylistic surprises.
Standout Tracks:
"Marry the Night" – Sets a cinematic and energetic tone with a Lydian bridge lift.
"Born This Way" – A defining empowerment anthem influenced by Carl Bean’s 1977 song.
"Government Hooker" – Dark, industrial flavors and a hint of Locrian melody.
"Americano" – Flamenco and mariachi influences collide with theatrical flair.
"You and I" – A country-rock departure featuring Brian May of Queen.
Album Flow:
Strong, unified front half; a brief slump in the middle; a rallying, arena-sized finish with "You and I" and "Edge of Glory."
Cultural Commentary:
Discussion of Gaga’s homage to Madonna, her complex relationship with religion, and her legacy of embracing musical diversity and showmanship.
Music Referenced
Harry Styles
Kenny Loggins
Shakira
Bonnie Raitt
Marvin Gaye
Kylie Minogue
U2
AC/DC
Def Leppard
Shania Twain
Radio Gaga by Queen
We Will Rock You by Queen
The Beatles
Love Song by The Cure
I Was Born This Way by Carl Bean
Nine Inch Nails
DJ White Shadow
Die Eier von Satan by Tool
Rihanna
La Bouche
Real McCoy
Crazy Nights by Kiss
Turn On The Night by Kiss
My Way by Kiss
God Gave Rock 'N' Roll to You II by Kiss
Shout It Out Loud by Kiss
Iron Maiden
Bruce Springsteen
Never Gonna Get It by En Vogue
Reload by Rob Zombie
Metallica
Brian May
Join us next week when we cover The Anthology by Muddy Waters