2447: A Brief Review of the Songs of the Summer, 1958-2025

The first of a new series designed to introduce listeners to bands they have heard of, but might not know where to start with their catalogue. We begin with the Mountain Goats and a series of episodes recorded at Suburbs Fest with Scot Isom, Aaron Houx, Matt Carlson and Patrick. The third song on the list is “No Children” from the band’s 2002 album Tallahassee.Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.Visit our website at SuburbsPod.comEmail Jim & Patrick at [email protected] us on the Threads, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspodIf you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984.Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, next covered by Frank Muffin and now re-done in a high-voltage version by Quartjar again!  Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com.

The first of a new series designed to introduce listeners to bands they have heard of, but might not know where to start with their catalogue. We begin with the Mountain Goats and a series of episodes recorded at Suburbs Fest with Scot Isom, Aaron Houx, Matt Carlson and Patrick. The second song, like the first, is a selection from the 2005 Album The Sunset Tree. It’s called “Dance Music.” Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.Visit our website at SuburbsPod.comEmail Jim & Patrick at [email protected] us on the Threads, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspodIf you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984.Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, next covered by Frank Muffin and now re-done in a high-voltage version by Quartjar again!  Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com.

The first of a new series designed to introduce listeners to bands they have heard of, but might not know where to start with their catalogue. We begin with the Mountain Goats and a series of episodes recorded at Suburbs Fest with Scot Isom, Aaron Houx, Matt Carlson and Patrick. First up, “This Year.” Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.Visit our website at SuburbsPod.comEmail Jim & Patrick at [email protected] us on the Threads, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspodIf you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984.Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, next covered by Frank Muffin and now re-done in a high-voltage version by Quartjar again!  Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com.

We talk with J. Hunter Bennett, longtime friend of the pod, about his new book "More Punk Than the Public Library: The Adventures of a Little Free Punk Rock Bookstore." Hunter talks about how his little library project during the pandemic morphed into a passion project in publishing. Many of the writings featured in his regular communiques are collected in this book.Buy "More Punk Than the Public Library" at microcosmpublishing.com or wherever books are sold.Get with Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, like audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com.Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.Visit our website at SuburbsPod.comEmail Jim & Patrick at [email protected] us on Facebook, Instagram or Threads @suburbspodIf you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984.Theme music: "Ascension Live 2024," by Quartjar. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com

As Labor Day rolls into view, most people’s thoughts turn to the coming autumn, unpacking your hoodie collection and all things Pumpkin. Here at Rockin’ the Suburbs, Labor Day means it’s time to figure out what was the Song of the Summer. We sent Patrick to find the 2026 Song of the Summer, but he stumbled onto something else that he thought he would share with you, dear listener. Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.Visit our website at SuburbsPod.comEmail Jim & Patrick at [email protected] us on the Threads, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspodIf you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984.Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, next covered by Frank Muffin and now re-done in a high-voltage version by Quartjar again!  Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com.

Patrick recently had occasion to look through his books on legendary writer Lester Bangs and before he returned them to the shelves, he shares his thoughts on three volumes: Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung, Let it Blurt and Main Lines, Blood Feasts, and Bad Taste.Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.Visit our website at SuburbsPod.comEmail Jim & Patrick at [email protected] us on the Threads, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspodIf you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984.Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, next covered by Frank Muffin and now re-done in a high-voltage version by Quartjar again!  Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com.

Mark Neese takes on Second Album Syndrome, linking two bands who changed singers after their debut albums. Both Jefferson Airplane (“Surrealistic Pillow”) and Fairport Convention (“What We Did On Our Holidays”) made big artistic strides on their second efforts. Hop in the wayback machine with Mark and learn all about them! Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.Visit our website at SuburbsPod.comEmail Jim & Patrick at [email protected] us on the Threads, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspodIf you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984.Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, next covered by Frank Muffin and now re-done in a high-voltage version by Quartjar again!  Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com.

Episodes 2439-2433 were dedicated to Matthew Sweet’s 90s albums and Kevin Clement, Niklas Nygards and Justin Steiner hosted while Jim and Patrick were on summer vacation. It’s a great listen and friend of the show David Lee (who has also contributed to Joe Ely and Greg Kihn episodes) wanted to share his thoughts. Take it away, David! Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.Visit our website at SuburbsPod.comEmail Jim & Patrick at [email protected] us on the Threads, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspodIf you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984.Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, next covered by Frank Muffin and now re-done in a high-voltage version by Quartjar again!  Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com.

50 years ago this week, a debut album was released that changed the face of rock and roll. Tom Scholz recorded a series of tracks in the basement of a house outside Boston and named his makeshift group for the city. It went on to sell millions of copies. Patrick is joined by George (formerly of Hong Kong, now of West Virginia) to discuss this landmark LP. Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.Visit our website at SuburbsPod.comEmail Jim & Patrick at [email protected] us on the Threads, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspodIf you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984.Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, next covered by Frank Muffin and now re-done in a high-voltage version by Quartjar again!  Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com.

American musical icon Dolly Parton passed away on August 25, 2026 at the age of 80. Patrick takes a look at four different musical periods of Dolly’s career – her early songs, her 1970-1975 classic albums, her duets with Porter Wagoner and her trio work with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris – as a tribute to her amazing talent. Rest in Power, Dolly.   Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.Visit our website at SuburbsPod.comEmail Jim & Patrick at [email protected] us on the Threads, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspodIf you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984.Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, next covered by Frank Muffin and now re-done in a high-voltage version by Quartjar again!  Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com.