Rock Music with guests: Mick Lawless, Darren Dowler, and Jeremy Clyde

Show Topic: A Tribute to Paul Simon – His Music & Legacy

The latest episode of my podcast, aired on Thursday, March 13th, 2025, was a special celebration of Paul Simon’s legendary career in promotion of his Spring and Summer 2025 tour, “Paul Simon in Concert: A Quiet Celebration.”

We took a deep dive into Paul Simon’s musical journey, from his early days with Simon & Garfunkel to his groundbreaking solo career, exploring the genres and influences that shaped his sound.

Listeners heard a mix of Simon & Garfunkel’s timeless classics, highlights from Simon’s acclaimed solo albums, and his most influential collaborations and innovations in folk, gospel, reggae, and world music.

What to Expect:

• Simon & Garfunkel Era – We revisited the beautiful harmonies and poetic storytelling of Simon & Garfunkel, with songs like:
• The Sound of Silence
• Mrs. Robinson
• The Boxer
• America
• Bridge Over Troubled Water
• Solo Career & Musical Exploration – Paul Simon’s solo years saw him embracing diverse musical styles, from gospel and reggae to jazz and soul. We highlighted tracks from his early solo albums:
• Paul Simon (1972) – Featuring Mother and Child Reunion and Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard
• There Goes Rhymin’ Simon (1973) – With Kodachrome and Loves Me Like a Rock
• Still Crazy After All These Years (1975) – Including 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
• The Graceland Phenomenon – Paul Simon’s most commercially successful and influential album, Graceland (1986), blended South African rhythms with Western pop, creating a revolutionary sound that introduced audiences worldwide to Afropop influences. We discussed how this genre-blending masterpiece changed the landscape of world music.

This was an episode listeners won’t want to miss! If you haven't already, be sure to tune in for an in-depth journey through Paul Simon’s extraordinary career.

This episode of my podcast, aired on Monday, February 3rd, 2025, celebrated '60s Music and British Music, featuring an exciting mix of artists from the British Invasion and beyond.

This episode explored the defining sounds of the '60s, including Merseybeat, Pop, Rock, Power Pop, Blues Rock, Folk Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Garage Rock, and more.

From the energetic rhythms of Merseybeat to the mind-expanding explorations of Psychedelic Rock, we highlighted the genre-defining artists who made the 1960s one of the most revolutionary eras in music history.

The episode featured legendary tracks from some of the most influential British artists who shaped the global rock scene and paved the way for generations of musicians.

Exploring Key Music Genres

Merseybeat

Originating in Liverpool in the early 60s, Merseybeat was a high-energy blend of rock and roll, skiffle, and pop. Defined by catchy melodies and tight vocal harmonies, bands like The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers, and The Searchers led this movement, which became the driving force behind the British Invasion.

Pop & Rock

60s Pop and Rock blurred the lines between radio-friendly hooks and the raw energy of rock and roll. Bands like The Hollies, The Kinks, and The Zombies crafted timeless melodies that defined an era, while The Rolling Stones and The Who brought a harder edge to the genre, influencing the evolution of rock music.

Power Pop

Power Pop combined the energy of rock with pop's bright harmonies and infectious hooks. Influenced by The Beatles, bands like Badfinger and The Raspberries carried the sound forward, proving that high-energy pop music could have a lasting impact.

Blues Rock

Blending traditional blues with electrified rock elements, Blues Rock flourished in the UK with artists like The Yardbirds, Fleetwood Mac, and Cream. This genre laid the groundwork for hard rock and heavy metal, making it a crucial part of music history.

Folk Rock

Bringing together the acoustic storytelling of folk with the amplified power of rock, Folk Rock became a major force in the 60s. Artists like Bob Dylan, The Byrds, and Donovan helped shape this socially conscious genre, influencing generations of songwriters.

Psychedelic Rock

Born from the counterculture movement, Psychedelic Rock was defined by surreal lyrics, experimental sounds, and extended instrumental jams. Bands like Pink Floyd, Jefferson Airplane, and The Jimi Hendrix Experience pushed musical boundaries, creating a genre that symbolized artistic freedom.

Garage Rock

Garage Rock was raw, rebellious, and full of attitude, often recorded with a DIY spirit that gave it an edge. Bands like The Troggs, The Standells, and 13th Floor Elevators created music that was loud, simple, and packed with energy, influencing the later punk movement.