I'm In Love With That Song Podcast

Join us for a journey through the beginnings of Elton John’s monumental career, from his start as Reginald Kenneth Dwight playing pubs at age 15, to answering the fateful New Musical Express ad that united him with lyricist Bernie Taupin, and began a songwriting team for the ages. After his pivotal breakthrough at LA's Troubadour in 1970, which instantly transformed him from a promising British import into an American sensation, Elton was on his way to a historic run of seven consecutive number-one albums.

At the heart of the episode is a deep dive into the Honky Chateau sessions and the beloved album track, "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters." Settle in with Elton’s band at France's Château d'Hérouville, where his first #1 album was created. We’ll uncover the dark inspiration behind Taupin's lyrics, triggered by a fatal shooting outside his New York hotel window, and explore this track's musical brilliance.

"Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters" by Elton John & Bernie Taupin Copyright 1972 Dick James Music Limited

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Celebrate this Halloween with a ride in our wayback machine to 1957 to explore the out-of-this-world history of Billy Lee Riley's "Flying Saucers Rock and Roll." This classic track sits at the fascinating crossroads of Cold War sci-fi paranoia and the rebellious rise of 1950s rockabilly culture. We dive into Riley’s journey from a rural Arkansas upbringing to his pivotal recordings at Sun Records. Along the way, we break down the unforgettable performances by the legendary Sun house band, including guitarist Roland Janes' masterful licks, Jerry Lee Lewis' driving piano, and explore the quintessential analog “slapback” echo that defined the era. Whether you're a die-hard rock and roll fan or just love a good UFO story, this episode is an extraterrestrial blast from the past.

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On this episode of the podcast, we explore the fascinating career and musical genius of Terry Reid, the legendary English rock vocalist and guitarist who famously turned down offers to front Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. Instead of conforming to the commercial pressures of the industry, Reid fiercely protected his artistic independence, carving out a unique path that led to his 1976 album, Seed of Memory. We take a deep
dive into the album's title track, analyzing Reid's custom drop-C guitar
tuning, his masterful vocal restraint, and the stellar contributions of session legends like David Lindley and producer Graham Nash. It is a celebration of a true "artists' artist" who prioritized his creative vision above superstardom.

"Seed Of Memory" - Music & Lyrics by Terry Reid, copyright 1976 Irving Music, Inc. and House of Dreams Music (BMI)

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Following the unprecedented success of Rumours, Fleetwood Mac found themselves at a crossroads: deliver a safe sequel or redefine their sound. Driven by Lindsey Buckingham’s obsession with the burgeoning punk and New Wave scenes, the band spent a then-unheard-of $1.4 million to create Tusk, a lo-fi, experimental double album recorded in upgraded studios and tiled bathrooms alike. While the industry initially labeled the project a failure compared to its predecessor, time has vindicated
the record as a brave artistic pivot. At the heart of this transition stands “Sara”.

We’ll peel back the layers of the track’s amalgamation of inspirations. The episode investigates the delicate, sweeping drum patterns of Mick Fleetwood, the "Ice Cream Changes" chord structure, and the deeply private stories buried in the mix—including Stevie Nicks’ complicated
fallout with her best friend and her secret history with the Eagles’ Don
Henley. By isolating vocal tracks and exploring the instrumental performances, this episode demonstrates how Fleetwood Mac turned personal turmoil into a song that continues to strike a heartbeat in millions of listeners.

"Sara" (Words & Music by Stevie Nicks, Copyright 1979 Welsh Witch Music administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing)

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In the late 1960's, a group of London teenagers emerged from the blues-rock underground to form Free, a band that would prioritize emotional weight and groove over flashy speed. Led by the soulful, hyper-masculine vocals of an 18-year-old Paul Rodgers, Free created a sound that felt massive yet remarkably sparse. This episode deconstructs the song "Mr. Big" from their 1970 breakthrough album, Fire and Water, highlighting the interplay between Paul Kossoff’s legendary guitar vibrato and the melodic counter-melodies of bassist Andy Fraser.

"Mr. Big" - Andy Fraser, Paul Rodgers, Paul Kossoff, and Simon Kirke Copyright 1970 Irving Music, Inc. BMI

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