2025 A Year In Music - Reflections on Seasons 1 & 2

This special Year in Music Highlights episode of Backwards Beats is a curated reaction show built from our 10 most popular episodes of the year. For each episode, we selected one standout moment the clip that generated the strongest response, and then reflect back on what we learned.
Join us as we reflect on our journey through podcasting in 2025.
The highlights come from episodes covering:Arcade Fire (Funeral), Sheryl Crow, Selena, Lady Gaga, Bonnie Raitt, Muddy Waters, John Mayer, Harry Styles, and LTJ Bukem.
This episode works as:• A best-of entry point for new listeners• A recap of the year’s most engaging musical conversations• A behind-the-scenes look at how we actually listen to records
This episode captures the core of what Backwards Beats is about!
Albums Discussed:
-- Funeral by Arcade Fire
-- Born This Way by Lady Gaga
-- Continuum by John Mayer
-- Nick of Time by Bonnie Raitt
-- Sheryl Crow by Sheryl Crow
-- Amor Prohibido by Selena
-- The Journey Inward by LTJ Bukem
-- FIne Line by Harry Styles
-- Muddy Waters Anthology

Ace Frehley Remembered (Sidetrax)

In this Sidetrax Episode, Dan is flying solo digs in to Ace Frehley's amazing contributions to the original 6 KISS records. This episode features a cover of the song Fractured Mirror.
 
Go over to our Patreon for the full - uncut episode at https://patreon.com/backwardsbeatspodcast.

The Isley Brothers - If You Were There - Carl's Covers

It's that time again! Carl will roll for his fate and create a cover off one of the albums reviewed in season 2! Come check out his process and hear what his silly mind comes up with in this exclusive Sidetrack season short!

Too Much Stereo - The Urge (Convince Me!)

In this Side Tracks episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl tear into Too Much Stereo (2000) by The Urge—a band they both respect but feel never got the recognition their musicianship deserved. They explore the group’s blend of ska, rock, punk, reggae, and 80s–90s alt flavors, and break down why this record is so energetic, so well-played, and unfairly overlooked. Between deep dives into bass lines, vocal technique, and production choices, they also wander into some unhinged tangents (including what you can hide inside a turkey), plus plenty of 311 references and genre-nerd enthusiasm.
Key Points
Album Background – Too Much Stereo dropped in 2000 on Immortal Records; polished, high-energy, genre-blending, and arguably one album too late for the scene shift.
The Urge’s Sound – A fusion of ska horns, rock aggression, punk energy, reggae undercurrents, and 80s-tinged melodic instincts.
Musicianship Spotlight –
Bass: Carl Grable’s playing is the standout of the entire album as fluid, melodic, precise, loaded with tension notes, but always tasteful.
Drums: Creative fills, tight pocket, and fearless choices that somehow work.
Vocals: Steve Ewing’s delivery is distinct, articulate, bold, and genre-fluid.
Arrangement: Strong dynamic layering, bright verse/chorus contrast, and thoughtful instrumentation throughout.
Themes –
Why this band didn’t blow up despite having the chops.
The late-90s/early-2000s shift that buried bands like this.
The tension between brilliant musicianship and commercial timing.
Verdict – Dan and Carl both agree: the album absolutely holds up, deserves more attention, and delivers banger after banger with zero filler.
Music Referenced
Receiving the Gift of Flavor by The Urge
Master of Styles by The Urge
Galvanized by The Urge
Beautiful Disaster by 311
Less than Jake
Goldfinger
Incubus
Korn
Rearranged by Limp Bizkit
Glorified G by Pearl Jam
Supermassive Black Hole by Muse
One Week by Barenaked Ladies
Karma Police by Radiohead
Paranoid Android by Radiohead
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Blues Traveler
Brand New Heavies
Pepper by Butthole Surfers
Damaged by Black Flag
Pictures of Nectar by Phish
Journey
Faith No More
Mike Patton
Avett Brothers
Snarky Puppy
Tower of Power
The Heavy Metal Horns
Nelly
Kiss
Linkin Park
Foo Fighters
INXS
The Cult
King's X

Discipline by King Crimson (Convince Me!)

Dan and Carl dive into Discipline by King Crimson for a Convince Me! episode. Dan brings the 1981 reinvention-era Crimson to Carl, who’s heard of the band more than he’s actually heard the band. What follows is a deeply nerdy, musically technical, and surprisingly heartfelt discussion about prog rock, mis-buying albums as teenagers, King Diamond confusion, interlocking guitar madness, Adrian Belew’s vocal chops, Fripp’s strict musical geometry, and why this seven-track album still hits like a brick of ideas.
They break down each song, calling out rhythmic trickery, Chapman Stick wizardry, Talking Heads DNA, Zappa-esque spoken-word chaos, unexpectedly gorgeous balladry, and the political undercurrent inside “Thela Hun Ginjeet.” Carl even makes a compelling case that the entire record functions as a narrative arc.
By the end, Carl is fully convinced: Discipline outperforms a chunk of the official Rolling Stone list.
Key Points
Album Setup: Dan chose Discipline as a non-500-list entry he suspected Carl would appreciate due to Carl’s love of complex, groove-heavy music.
King Crimson Primer: Quick history lesson — original late-60s/70s Crimson, the Red era, the 1980 breakup, and the 1981 rebirth with Fripp, Belew, Levin, and Bruford.
Why This Era Matters: This lineup shifted from mystical/psychedelic prog to interlocking rhythmic systems, polyrhythms, and angular art-rock.
Musicianship: High-level execution across all instruments, especially the dual-guitar architecture and Levin’s Stick work.
Production Notes: For 1981, the album sounds crisp, detailed, and roomy; the only minor nitpick is the lower-end punch by modern standards.
Carl’s Verdict: Strong yes — he’d buy it, he’ll revisit it, and it outshines many albums on the official list.
Music Referenced
Discipline by King Crimson
Red by King Crimson
In the Court of the Crimson King by King Crimson
Beat by King Crimson
Three of a Perfect Pair by King Crimson
King Diamond
Jefferson Airplane
Talking Heads
Frank Zappa
David Bowie
Steve Vai
Fear and Innoculum by Tool
Chocolate Chip Trip by Tool
46 & 2 by Tool
Mars Valta
Tony Levin
S.C.I.E.N.C.E. by Incubus
Money by Pink Floyd

666 The Number of the BEAT (BONUS)

In this Sidetrax episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl explore the pull of songs built on 6/8 and other six-based feels. They break down why this meter hits differently, how it shapes emotion and groove, and why it shows up everywhere from soul classics to modern pop. The discussion moves from music theory basics to a curated tour of standout tracks across decades, plus a few surprises, fake sponsors, and a live listening reaction.
Key Points
How 6/8 differs from 3/4 and 4/4, and why the “feel” matters more than the notation.
Why the six-feel creates sway, momentum, and emotional weight.
Historical roots in church music, blues, and early soul.
Why shuffle feels, triplet feels, and swing blur into the same rhythmic family as 6/8.
Examples where the meter is ambiguous but the feel is undeniable (Toto, Dave Matthews Band, System of a Down, A Perfect Circle).
Live reaction to Led Zeppelin’s Since I’ve Been Loving You from The Song Remains the Same.
The 6/8 connection back to blues and gospel as the foundation for countless modern ballads.
Sidetrax flavor: fake sponsors, foraging paranoia, and Dan and Carl being Dan and Carl.
Extended version with music clips available on Patreon.
Music Referenced
Iron Maiden
House of the Rising Sun by The Animals
I've been loving you so long by Otis Redding
Dreams to remember by Otis Redding
Richie Valens
Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, OP. 125 "Choral": II. Scherezo. Molto vivace - Presto
Chicago Transit and Authority
Colour My World by Chicago
O'Darlin' by The Beatles
Norwegian Wood by The Beatles
Bella Flek and the Flek tones
Johnny C
Quadrophenia by The Who
Love, Reign O'er Me by The Who
Eminence Front by The Who
Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Breaking the Girl by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Give it Away by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Under The Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Porcelain by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Never Tear Us Apart by INXS
Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
Kiss from Rose by Seal
One more try by George Michael
kissing a fool by George Michael
Untitled (How Does It Feel) by D'Angelo
Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande
Lose control by Teddy Swims
Wildflowers & Wine by Marcus King
Stay Awhile by Edie Brickell
Picture Perfect Morning by Edie Brickell
The Song Remains the Same by Led Zeppelin
Since I've Been Loving You - (Live at MSG 1973)[Remaster] by Led Zeppelin
The Hollow by A Perfect Circle
Rosanna by Toto
Hold the Line by Toto
Drive In, Drive Out by Dave Matthews Band
Satellite by Dave Matthews Band
Fine Line by Harry Styles
Harry's House by Harry Styles
She by Harry Styles
Sometimes salvation by the black crow's

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago (#461)

Episode 46 dives deep into For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver — an album born from heartbreak, illness, and isolation in a Wisconsin cabin that has since become modern indie folklore. Dan and Carl unpack the myth and the reality behind Justin Vernon’s retreat, his shift into the Bon Iver moniker, and how a small self-released record snowballed into a career-defining breakthrough.
The guys also weave in their trademark sidebars: regional listener stats, sausage and kielbasa taxonomy, chicken-butchering trauma, and seasonal talk of Advent calendars and questionable Christmas songs. It’s all here.
 
The Best Christmas Song in the Universe
An Old Fashoned Christmas (Daddy's Home)
 
Drip by Tigran Hamasyan
YouTube
 
Key Points
The album comes from Justin Vernon’s period of illness, heartbreak, and reclusion in his father’s hunting cabin — the “cabin myth” that helped shape its legacy.
Bon Iver’s name stems from a French phrase meaning “good winter,” pulled from the TV show Northern Exposure.
“Lump Sum,” “The Wolves (Act I and II),” and “re: Stacks” emerge as standout cuts — with strong arguments for the latter two as the album’s emotional high points.
“Skinny Love,” while the commercial hit, isn’t necessarily the musical centerpiece.
Billie Eilish has cited “Creature Fear” as an influence, specifically inspiring a melody in when the party’s over.
The album operates as a loose concept arc: descent, confrontation, collapse, clarity, and release.
Music Referenced
When the Party Is Over by Billie Eilish
Phineas
One direction
My Morning Jacket
Jim James
Jacob Collier
Hey Ho by the Lumineers
That lady by The Isley Brothers
Who's that lady by The Isley Brothers
Porcelain by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Coldplay
Chris Martin
into the wild by Eddie Vetter
Every breath you take by The Police
If you love somebody, set them free by Sting
Beirut
Nine Inch Nails
St. Vincent
Miley Cyrus

The Flying Burrito Brothers- A Gilded Palace of Sin (#462)

In this episode, Dan and Carl dive deep into The Gilded Palace of Sin — the 1969 debut from The Flying Burrito Brothers, ranked #462 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Formed by Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman after leaving The Byrds, this record pioneered the fusion of country, rock, and soul — laying the foundation for Americana and alt-country decades before those genres had names.
Through witty banter, historical context, and musical analysis, the hosts unpack the album’s cosmic twang, its groundbreaking use of pedal steel, and the strange brilliance of songs like “Hot Burrito #1” and “Sin City.” Along the way, they explore Gram Parsons’ ties to The Rolling Stones, the LA country-rock scene, and the tension between parody and sincerity in a record that shaped future giants like The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris.
Key Points
Origins & Context
Formed in Los Angeles by Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman after their departure from The Byrds.
Recorded at A&M Studios (later Jim Henson Studios) in late 1968 and released in February 1969.
Featured the legendary Sneaky Pete Kleinow on pedal steel, also known for his animation work on Gumby and Star Wars.
Blended country, blues, soul, R&B, and psychedelic influences into what Parsons called “cosmic American music.”
Signature Sound
Prominent use of fuzzed-out pedal steel guitar and unconventional mixing choices (hard-panned vocals and instruments).
Juxtaposes authentic country stylings with experimental textures and R&B harmonies.
Introduced a sonic palette that inspired countless artists in the 1970s country-rock boom.
Legacy
Though initially a commercial failure, The Gilded Palace of Sin became a touchstone for country-rock and Americana.
Influenced artists like The Eagles, Poco, and Emmylou Harris.
Gram Parsons’ vision and tragic early death cemented his status as one of rock’s mythic figures.
Music Referenced
Sweetheart of the Rodeo by The Byrds
Gram Parsons
Chris Hillman
Sneaky Pete Kleinow
Chris Etheridge
Michael Clarke
Fast Eddie Ho
John Corneal
International Submarine Band
Keith Richards
Exile on Main St. by The Rolling Stones
Honky Tonk Women by The Rolling Stones
Lou Reed
Stephen Stills
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Otis Redding
The Temptations
The Everly Brothers
Hank Williams
Merle Haggard
George Jones
City of New Orleans by Arlo Guthrie
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man by Aretha Franklin
Dark End of the Street by Aretha Franklin
Dark End of the Street by James Carr
Heart Like a Wheel by Linda Ronstadt
Faithless Love by Linda Ronstadt
Dark End of the Street by Linda Ronstadt
Willie Nelson
Ry Cooder
Joni Mitchell
Stevie Wonder
Emmylou Harris
Take It to the Limit by The Eagles
Poco
The Desert Rose Band
Biding My Time by Tom Petty
Johnny Cash
Procol Harum
Little Feat
Little River Band
Bernie Leadon
Damon Albarn
Synkronized by Jamiroquai
Canned Heat by Jamiroquai
The Light For Days by Jacob Collier
Join us next week when we dive into the Hipster's dream... For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver

Laura Nyro - Eli and the Thirteenth Confession (#463)

Dan and Carl dive deep into Laura Nyro’s Eli and the Thirteenth Confession, the 1968 album sitting at #463 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Known for her blend of pop, jazz, gospel, and soul—and her influence on artists like Elton John and The 5th Dimension—Nyro’s work is both ambitious and divisive. The hosts unpack her fearless songwriting, theatrical delivery, and chaotic arrangements while wrestling with whether the record truly earns its critical acclaim. Along the way, they highlight standout musicians like bassist Chuck Rainey and arranger Charlie Calello, compare the album’s structure to a Broadway production, and even drop in a few of their signature fake ads.
Key Points
Artist Background: Laura Nyro was a Bronx-born prodigy who taught herself piano, began composing at eight, and wrote hits later covered by major artists including The 5th Dimension, Barbra Streisand, and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
Album Context: Released in 1968, Eli and the Thirteenth Confession blends pop, gospel, soul, and musical theater influences. Despite critical acclaim, it wasn’t a commercial hit and peaked at #181 on the Billboard 200.
Production Notes: Co-produced and arranged by Charlie Calello, featuring elite session players like Chuck Rainey and Zoot Sims. The album’s lush instrumentation and complex arrangements hint at a conductor’s precision.
Signature Tracks: “Eli’s Comin’” (later a hit for Three Dog Night), “Sweet Blindness” (covered by The 5th Dimension), and “Stone Soul Picnic.”
Critical Take: While Nyro’s ambition and musicianship are undeniable, Dan and Carl ultimately agree that Eli and the Thirteenth Confession doesn’t belong on the Rolling Stone Top 500. It’s inventive, but overindulgent and uneven in execution.
Music Referenced
Wedding Bell Blues by The 5th Dimension
Sweet Blindness by The 5th Dimension
Stone Soul Picnic by The 5th Dimension
Stoney End by Barbra Streisand
And When I Die by Blood, Sweat & Tears
The Four Seasons
Engelbert Humperdinck
Neil Diamond
Emily by Frank Sinatra
Bruce Springsteen
Elton John
Nina Simone
Eli’s Comin by The Three Dog Night
Joy To The World by The Three Dog Night
Rare Earth
Saturday in the Park by Chicago
Aretha Franklin
Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye
Carol King
Quincy Jones
Chuck Rainey
Zoot Sims
Charlie Calello
Still Live by Keith Jarrett
Jack DeJohnette
Gary Peacock
Oscar Peterson
Bob James
Neon by John Mayer
Harry Styles
Lu by Peggy Lipton
Kanye West
Gracie Lawrence
Jacob Jeffries
Vulfpeck
Emily by The Singers Unlimited
Try to Remember by The Singers Unlimited
Join us next week when we cover The Guilded Palace of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers.

The Isley Brothers - 3+3 (#464)

Dan and Carl dive into 3 + 3, the 1973 soul-funk classic by The Isley Brothers—album #464 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. This episode explores the band’s transformation from their doo-wop roots to a fully self-contained funk powerhouse. From iconic covers like “Summer Breeze” and “Listen to the Music” to original gems like “That Lady” and “What It Comes Down To,” the hosts unpack the musicianship, harmonies, and sonic evolution that made this record a defining statement for the group. Expect laughs, deep dives into theory, and the usual mix of heartfelt appreciation and comedic tangents that make Backwards Beats a must-listen.
Key Points
Album Context: Released in 1973, 3 + 3 marked The Isley Brothers’ creative rebirth, blending soul, funk, and gospel influences while debuting their expanded six-member lineup.
Recording & Influences: Recorded at The Record Plant in Los Angeles, during the same era Stevie Wonder was working on Innervisions. The interplay between these artists helped define 1970s R&B sound design.
Signature Sound: Features the legendary guitar tone of Ernie Isley—fuzzed-out, sustained, and way ahead of its time.
Musicianship: The Isley Brothers’ self-contained approach shines—tight rhythm section, rich harmonies, and inventive chord work. Dan and Carl break down progressions, vocal textures, and clever rhythmic layering.
Legacy: The album’s versatility—balancing hits, covers, and musical sophistication—cements it as a timeless entry in funk and soul history.
Verdict: A unanimous “Would You Hit It? Absolutely.” Dan and Carl both praise the album’s cohesion, groove, and staying power.
Music Referenced
Footsteps in the Dark by The Isley Brothers
Innervisions by Stevie Wonder
Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder
Please Please Me by The Beatles
Twist and Shout by The Beatles
Rolling Stones
Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight by James Taylor
Dreams to Remember by Otis Redding
You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker
Let's Stay Together by Al Green
Tell Me Something Good by Rufus
Listen to the Music by The Doobie Brothers
Queen of Hearts by Juice Newton
Sunshine by Juice Newton
Sunshine by Jonathan Edwards
Summer Breeze by Seals and Crofts
Reminiscing by Little River Band
Boston
Toto
Gorillaz
Sparks
Big Girls Don’t Cry by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Sherry by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Fly by Michael Mayo
Giant Steps by Michael Mayo
Fore by Michael Mayo
Nate Smith
💿 Next week: Eli and the Thirteenth Confession by Laura Nyro.🕺 Salt your melons, and keep those grooves alive.