History in Five Songs 252: Joke About The Police

In Episode 257, Martin posits the notion that the devolution of Black Sabbath as a band exists in parallel with their song introductions. Black Sabbath – “Scarlet Pimpernel” Black Sabbath – “The Sign of the Southern Cross” Black Sabbath – “No Stranger to Love” Black Sabbath – “Orchid” Black Sabbath – “Johnny Blade” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 256, Martin celebrates heavy metal duets that are collaborations between singers and some of his personal faves. Max Webster – “Battle Scar” Motorhead/Girlschool – “Please Don’t Touch” Gary Moore – “Out in the Fields” Halford – “The One You Love to Hate” Jackyl – “Locked & Loaded” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 255, Martin finds inspiration in the opening riffs from Status Quo's "golden era" albums. Status Quo – “Is There a Better Way” Status Quo – “Down Down” Status Quo – “Big Fat Mama” Status Quo – “Just Take Me” Status Quo – “Little Lady” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 254, Martin scoffs at 'sing songy,' goofy riffs that may undermine the band's 'seriousness' or lessen his taste for the band. Ozzy Osbourne – “Crazy Train” Aerosmith – “Shame on You” AC/DC – “Can’t Stand Still” Rush – “I Think I’m Going Bald” Thin Lizzy – “Fighting My Way Back” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 253, Martin explores albums that bands' fanbase want to intellectualize into being good (even if they're maybe not). Queen – “The Hitman” Black Sabbath – “Letters from Earth” Rush – “Carnies” Kiss – “Easy as It Seems” The Clash – “Movers and Shakers” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 252, Martin rebuts his friend's mockery of those people who think the Police are the best New Wave band ever (or if they're even truly New Wave)! The Police – “Omegaman” XTC – “Grass” Joy Division – “A Means to an End” Magazine – “Shot by Both Sides” The Clash – “Last Gang in Town” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 251, Martin complains about 'lazy' songwriting and 'underwritten' songs. AC/DC – “There’s Gonna Be Some Rockin’” Van Halen – “Source of Infection” Deep Purple – “Never Before” Ted Nugent – “Backstrap Fever” Thin Lizzy – “Are You Ready” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 250, Martin ponders the question "when has a band 'found' their future sound in one song/album?" Ted Nugent’s Amboy Dukes – “Living in the Woods” Rolling Stones – “If You Can’t Rock Me” Rush – “Anthem” Scorpions – “In Trance” The Saints – “Memories Are Made of This” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 249, Martin pays homage to Black Sabbath's song "I" and explores some "self centered" songs. Thin Lizzy – “Soldier of Fortune” Blue Oyster Cult – “Flaming Telepaths” The Damned – “These Hands” Iron Maiden – “Running Free” Black Sabbath – “Trashed” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 248, Martin dissects the first verse of the first track of some seminal metal gods. Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Purple Haze” Montrose – “Rock the Nation” Judas Priest – “One for the Road” Diamond Head – “Lightning to the Nations” Metallica – “Hit the Lights” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices