It's 5150 time, y'all! This episode, Alex Alt (Slydog Music Cast) and me delve into the Sammy Hagar era of Van Halen. While it's an era that divides some fans, it's also an era that produced some great, enduring music and we had a lot of fun going into the band's four studio albums as well as their one "live" album. Although a lot of people call th…

Once again, we go back to the Marvel age of comics, a swingin' time when the cold war was hot and spies were everywhere...even Marvel Comics! We look at the comics Strange Tales #166 & 167 and Nick Fury, Agent Of SHIELD #1-3, & 5. Nick Fury, once the leader of a group of commandos during World War II, had been refashioned as a 1960s spy as the lead…

In this episode, guest co-host Jeff Harris (Behind The Grooves) and me explore the musical enigma known as Steely Dan! And for the record, Steely Dan is a group, not just one guy. A group that defies easy categorization, as they mix rock, jazz, pop, funk, and lyrics that are sometimes inscrutable, but always interesting. Donald Fagen and Walter Bec…

We take a soujourn to the Hyborian age of sword and sorcery with a young barbarian known as...Conan! In this episode, we take a look at Conan's comic roots, beginning in 1970 with the classic Conan The Barbarian series written by Roy Thomas and drawn by Barry Windsor-Smith. We not only talk about the stories and art, but also how Marvel Comics came…

50 years ago, the music world got its' first KISS, in the form a debut album by four young men who not only played hard and heavy rock, but had the audacity to wear makeup, over the top costumes, and platform shoes that made them seem bigger than life. 1974's self titled debut album by Gene, Paul, Ace, and Peter fired the first shot of KISS's kinet…

In this episode, we tackle one of the Marvel Universe's most epic anti-heroes, the mutant known as...Wolverine! More specifically, we tackle 1982's Wolverine mini-series by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller as well as X-Men #172 and 173 by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith. To do this, we needed some help doing the heavy lifting, so we brought on our f…

What would happen if the legendary teen pop group The Bay City Rollers dropped the "Bay City" from their name, their signature tartan garb, and pursued a new sound? The year is 1979 and after a tumultuous 1978, The Bay City Rollers have a new singer, a new sound, and a new look. Hoping to stake out a post-teen idol territory in anticipation of the …

In this episode, we revisit an Avengers saga with so many turns and twists -- not to mention flashbacks -- that you'll get whiplash from reading it! We go back to the Marvel Age of Comics to examine The Avengers #57 - 60 by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, a saga that introduces a character that will have a major impact on the Marvel Universe, The Visi…

It was sixty years ago this month that The Beatles set foot in America and our country has never been the same ever since! Guest Co-Host Brad Page (I'm In Love With That Song podcast) and me delve into the frenzied state known as Beatlemania, that took over in February 1964, when The Beatles first played to the American TV audience on The Ed Sulliv…

While things were getting grim an' gritty in 1980s comics, the antidote was a dose of BWAH-HA-HA, which came in the form of Justice League International. We take a deep dive into issues #5-8. In the post-Crisis, cold war decade of the '80s, a new Justice League was needed, and while this version of the league took their heroics seriously, it didn't…

On this show, we accentuate the positive, so we start off 2024 with an episode about the band Yes. More specifically, their 1978 album Tormato. Special Guest Kevin Mulryne (Yes Music Podcast) discusses his book Yes: The Tormato Story, in which he delves into the making of this over the top prog rock classic. We had a lot of fun discussing this book…

It's our ho-ho-holiday show and for this one, we decided to go back to the distant past for a story that's so groovy, it's almost far out! Dig it, we're talking about "The TT's Swingin' Christmas Carol" from Teen Titans #13 (1967), in which The Titans (Robin, Wonder Girl, Aqualad, & Kid Flash), become the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and futu…

This episode goes to 11! Guest Co-Host Terry Hamblin and me explore the cult "mockumentary" film This Is Spinal Tap, which is celebrating 40 years of one of the greatest fake bands ever, Spinal Tap. In an episode that walks the fine line between stupid and clever, we had fun going over the many sights, sounds, and yes, great gags, that have turned …

In this episode of Back Issue Banter, we take you into a new world...The Fourth World! When artist Jack Kirby left Marvel Comics in the early 1970s, it sent shock waves throughout the industry. Kirby had visions of creating a new group of characters whose adventures were like nothing you'd ever seen. And they were so wild that DC Comics had to publ…

Join us as we celebrate our 50th episode spectacular with a look at the KISS solo albums from 1978 on their 45th anniversary! Guest co-host Eric Miller (Pods & Sods) and me delve into each and every aspect of this unprecedented achievement, in which four solo albums by the members of KISS were released on the same day in 1978! We talk about the mus…

In this episode, we take a look at the classic "Master Planner Saga" from Amazing Spider-Man #31-33. This classic tale by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko represents the peak of their collaboration and is considered by many to be one of the greatest Spidey sagas ever. We go through each issue, discussing every aspect of this iconic storyline. Hosted by Chr…

This episode, we celebrate 40 years of one of the greatest metal groups of all time....Dio! Guest co-host Alex Alt (Sly Dog Music Cast) and me examine the 80s albums that built a rock legend. Founded by legendary vocalist Ronnie James Dio, the Dio band was responsible for metal classics such as "Rainbow In The Dark," "The Last In Line," and "We Roc…

In this episode, we delve into one of Batman's most compelling and most dangerous foes, Ra's Al Ghul. From his debut in Batman #232, to his epic battle with Gotham's Caped Crusader that spans several continents and countries in Batman #242-244. We look at these classic comics, as rendered by writer Denny O' Neil and artist Neal Adams. These are the…

In this episode, guest co-host Lee Conrad (The Scrappy Doo Principle, KISStory Science Theatre) and me explore KISS's Lick It Up album as it celebrates its' 40th anniversary. KISS was at a crucial point in their career, as their glory days were behind them and they chose to bid farewell to that era by taking off the make up that they were so identi…

Welcome to the debut episode of Back Issue Banter, a podcast in which every month, we'll discuss the vintage comic books of the '60s, '70s, and '80s as well as the creators who made them. Join us as we dig deep into our longboxes and pore over those vintage Marvel and DC comics from yesteryear and share our thoughts about them! In this Fabulous Fir…

In this episode, guest co-host Alex Alt (Slydog Music Cast) and me discuss The Mighty Van Halen, whose debut album was released 45 years ago. To say that Van Halen changed rock would be understating things a bit: Eddie Van Halen's emergence signaled a new talent on the scene, one whose influence would profoundly affect the rock scene as we know it.…

In this episode, we take a look at the various attempts at a Led Zeppelin reunion, beginning with their appearance at 1985's Live Aid concert, and culminating in the 2007 concert that would comprise 2012's Celebration Day video and album. Led Zeppelin had a considerable legacy to live up to and we go in depth, discussing the ups, downs, and what wo…

With this episode, Guest Co-Host Julian Gill (KISS FAQ Podcast, Aerosmith on Tour 1973-85) and I discuss those lads from Sheffield, England, Def Leppard. We discuss their meteoric rise in the 80s as one of hard rock and metal's premiere bands. A band that had many great highs and some crushing lows along their rocket to fame. But ultimately, their …

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Led Zeppelin DVD, the band's opening of their video vault in 2003. We talk about this treasure trove of vintage Zeppelin video, including the Royal Albert Hall 1970, Earls Court 1975, and Knebworth 1979 shows, among others. This DVD shows why Zeppelin was one of the greatest rock bands ever to hit the conce…

In this episode, I interviewed Donna Halper, who, in addition to being a pioneering female voice on radio, championed the cause of one of the greatest progressive rock bands of all-time, Rush. As a young program director, she came upon the band's self-titled debut as a Canadian import, and was drawn to the incredible music on it. Thus begins a stor…

In this episode, we take a look at the 1997 release BBC Sessions, drawn from the band's live recordings for the BBC in the late 60s and early 70s. We also take a look at the expanded version, 2016's The Complete BBC Sessions. We delve into these early live documents of a band who are already showcasing their instrumental virtuosity as well as their…

In this episode, Guest Co-Host Jeff Harris (Behind The Grooves) and me discuss the ascent of Michael Jackson as a solo artist via his first two solo albums, 1979's Off The Wall, and its follow-up, 1982's Thriller, which went on to become one of the biggest selling albums of all-time. We discuss how both albums set the stage for "The Jacko Juggernau…

In this episode, we jump into the mid-'90s, when Jimmy Page and Robert Plant reunited and released the No Quarter album (aka Page and Plant 'Unledded"). This time, Jimmy and Robert employed new arrangements and re-imaginings of the classic Led Zeppelin songs as well as some new songs. We also explore Page and Plant's one and only studio album, Walk…

In this episode, guest co-host Debbie Smith-Clarke and me discuss The Bay City Rollers, that tartan-clad boy band from the 70s who induced a world-wide case of "Rollermania" to the music world at large. We talk about the six albums that were released during the band's heyday, starting with the 1974 debut album Rollin' through their final album, 197…

In this episode, Guest Co-Host Russ Roy and myself talk with Steve Fossen, the original bassist for Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees Heart. Heart is one of the most iconic classic rock bands of all-time, and we had a blast talking with Mr. Fossen. You will hear Steve's story. from his beginnings as a young musician to his role in the formation …

Guest Co-Host: Alex Alt In this episode, guest co-host Alex Alt (Slydog Musc Cast) and me delve into an album-by-album look at the original Black Sabbath. Sabbath is credited as being the first heavy metal band and they're one of the greatest ever in our humble opinion. No aspect musical or otherwise is overlooked as we celebrate the music and the …

In this episode, we take a look at the 1982 album Coda, which would serve as a postscript to the legendary catalogue of Led Zeppelin. This album features unreleased studio (and as it turns out, live) tracks spanning the band's entire career. Although it was put together to fulfill a contractual obligation, this album has some gems on it and if you …

In this episode, we pay homage to one of the greatest guitar heroes ever, Jeff Beck, who recently passed away at age 78. Guest Co-Host Brad Page (I'm In Love With That Song podcast, The Pod Remains The Same) and me discuss Beck's music and the impact it had on us and on rock and roll as we know it. We talked about our favorite albums and songs by M…

In this episode, we delve into the origins of Led Zeppelin's final studio album, In Through The Out Door. From the ill-fated 1977 tour to the "satanic" origins of some of the music, we leave no stone unturned as we go track by track through Led Zep's final studio sessions. And we'll explore such mysteries as who REALLY produced this album, which me…

In this episode, we take on Led Zeppelin's feature film and live album The Song Remains The Same. What started out as an attempt to document Led Zep's concerts at Madison Square Garden in 1973 became a film that featured fantasy sequences, backstage drama, and yes, the songs and music that propelled Led Zeppelin to become one of the biggest bands o…

We delve into the mysteries and magic of Led Zeppelin's darkest album, Presence. Though there was much behind the scenes drama, Led Zep was able to turn it into an album that included one of their greatest accomplishments, "Achilles Last Stand," And what exactly is "The Object?" And what does it mean? Hopefully we can shed a light on this. And if w…

Halloween is upon us, so it's time for another KISS episode We discussed the albums KISS Killers and Creatures Of The Night, which are both celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. Guest co-hosts James Hagar (PodKISSt podcast) and Chris Czynszak (Decibel Geek podcast) helped to unravel The Case Of The Mystery Musicians, among other things. And…

Continuing on from our last episode, we examine sides 3 and 4 of Led Zeppelin's pivotal 1975 double album masterpiece, Physical Graffiti. From the psychedelia of "In The Light" to the ferocity of the "The Wanton Song," we go track by track through this classic album, leaving no stone (or riff) unturned. Hosted by Chris Karam and Brad Page…

Guest Co-Hosts Alex Alt (Slydog Music podcast) and Eric Miller (Pods & Sods) help me delve into the legendary progressive band Kansas with a track-by-track deep dive into their first compilation album, The Best Of Kansas. We had fun going into the band's history and their key accomplishment of their golden period spanning the 70s and the 80s.…

In this episode, we delve into the first record of one of the greatest double albums of all-time, Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti. We go track by track on a journey through one of Led Zeppelin's most diverse outings, a collection that emcompasses rock, blues, world music, psychedelia and so much more! The album that gave us "Kashmir," "Trampled Un…

Guest Co-Host: Jeff Harris. In this episode, guest co-host Jeff Harris and me delve into what we call "The Michael McDonald Effect." While he's best known for his hits as a solo artist and lead singer for The Doobie Brothers, Michael McDonald had a wide ranging effect on the musical genre known as "Yacht Rock." He played and sang on many artists' r…

In this episode, we examine one of Led Zeppelin's most eclectic and enduring works, Houses Of The Holy. This album traverses a wide rangs of musical styles (prog, reggae, funk, & rock, among others) and finds the band exploring new techniques and approaches to their craft. We had fun exploring this classic album track by track and we hope you will …

In this episode, guest co-host Brad Page (I'm In Love With That Song podcast) and me discuss Yes's landmark album Close To The Edge, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year! We discuss the intricacies of all three tracks, with their peaks, valleys, and idiosyncrasies and how Yes rallied to make this sonic, musical, and lyrical masterpiece. …

50 years ago, at the peak of their live performance heyday, Led Zeppelin recorded two sold out shows at the L.A. Forum. 31 years later, a live album was compiled from those shows and released as How The West Was Won. In this episode, we talk about this great document of live Led Zeppelin at their finest. Led Zeppelin was giving their audiences thei…

Guest Co-Hosts: Thee Matt Porter and Lee Conrad. Let's go back 45 years, to when a 10 year old boy discovers a new Marvel Comic featuring KISS....a book that will change his life forever, introducing him to the worlds of KISS and music. In 1977, KISS topped the Gallup Poll as most popular group and they were at the peak of their powers, ruling the …

In this episode, we delve into one of the greatest albums of all time, 1971's Led Zeppelin IV. This is Led Zeppelin at the pinnacle and we take a deep dive into this masterwork, with such classic rock tracks as "Stairway To Heaven," "Rock And Roll," and "When The Levee Breaks," among others. We examine each song and it's place alongside the other g…

Guest Co-Host: Julian Gill. Once again Julian Gill (Aerosmith On Tour 1973-85 author) discusses with me The Bad Boys From Boston, Aerosmith. This time, we discuss the period spanning 1985-2012, which saw the band stage a major commercial comeback and once again, take over the rock world. We discuss the peaks and valleys of Aerosmith's post-rehab co…

We're at it again, tackling Led Zeppelin's 1970 album, Led Zeppelin III. Led Zep takes us on some left turns here and we try to keep up with each and every one of them as we go track by track through this classic work. This is one of Zep's most eclectic albums, with a diversity of styles and instrumental approaches that show their willingness to ex…

It's April Fools' Day and we're on a fools mission! A mission from god! Guest Co-Host Terry Hamblin and I delve into The Blues Brothers -- the music & the movie! When original Saturday Night Live cast members Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi turned their passion for rhythm & blues music into a musical act, they became their alter egos, Jake & Elwood Bl…

In our second smash zepisode, we delve into Led Zeppelin's second album, the one that gave us the legendary songs "Whole Lotta Love," "Heartbreaker," and Led Zep's ode to citrus fruit, "The Lemon Song," among others. Each track is analyzed, dissected, and of course, we throw in lots of Zeppelin trivia and musings! Your hosts are Chris Karam and Bra…