Backwards Beats Podcast

In this episode, Dan and Carl dive deep into I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight, the 1974 debut collaborative album by British folk-rock icons Richard and Linda Thompson. The duo explores the album's rich musical textures, varied instrumentation, and emotional range, offering technical insight and personal reactions. From Celtic-tinged folk ballads to moody rock moments, the album’s instrumentation (featuring mandolins, tin wh...

In Episode 15, Dan and Carl finally hit a record they both adore—John Mayer’s Continuum, ranked #486 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The fanboying is real, but so is the deep analysis. This episode covers Mayer’s transition from pop darling to a serious blues craftsman, from subtle production choices to guitar tone breakdowns and harmony dives. With legendary players like Steve Jordan and Pino ...

In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl tackle Black Flag's ferocious 1981 debut, Damaged — an album that defines hardcore punk with raw energy, cathartic aggression, and DIY ethos. Coming in at #487 on Rolling Stone's list, Damaged is an iconic record that helped shape the sound and spirit of American punk. The guys also kick things off by recapping their weekend trip to the GroundUP Music Festival in Miami and all the in...

This week, Dan and Carl dive into the raw and rebellious energy of The Stooges’ self-titled 1969 debut. A proto-punk classic that laid the foundation for punk and garage rock, this album is as chaotic as it is influential. From Iggy Pop’s unhinged vocals to Ron Asheton’s sludgy guitar riffs, we break down why this record was both ahead of its time and completely out of control.

• Background & Context – The late 60...

In this episode, Dan and Carl dive into Back to Mono (1958-1969), a massive 73-song compilation produced by Phil Spector. The duo discusses the challenges of covering such an extensive box set, the impact of the "Wall of Sound" production style, and how Spector’s legacy complicates the album’s place on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Instead of focusing on Spector, they highlight the incredible artists featured on ...

In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl take a deep dive into Heart Like a Wheel, Linda Ronstadt’s 1974 breakthrough album. They explore Ronstadt’s immense vocal talent, her impact on the Southern California music scene, and her impressive ability to cross musical genres. With a mix of country, rock, and pop influences, Heart Like a Wheel cemented Ronstadt’s place as a powerhouse in the music industry. Dan and Carl also di...

In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl tackle Harry Styles’ 2022 album Harry’s House. But not before they confess to accidentally reviewing the wrong Harry Styles album first — because why make it easy? Along the way, they unpack Harry’s House track by track, dive into Harry’s evolution from One Direction heartthrob to solo superstar, and discover just how many legends quietly contributed to this pop powerhouse.

In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl dive into Bonnie Raitt’s Nick of Time, a landmark album that was her breakthrough after years in the industry. They explore the album’s unique blend of blues, country, folk, and soft rock, discuss the impact of its production, and highlight some of its most compelling musical moments. Along the way, they touch on Bonnie Raitt’s career resilience, her Scottish ancestry (including a ch...

In this episode, Dan and Carl take on Here, My Dear, Marvin Gaye’s 1978 album that Rolling Stone ranks at #492 on its 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. This record, infamous for being written as part of Gaye’s divorce settlement, is one of the most personal and emotionally raw works in music history. But does that make it good? The guys grapple with their conflicted feelings, breaking down the album’s unique concept, unfiltered...

In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl take a deep dive into Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica, the only album released by the legendary girl group The Ronettes. From Phil Spector’s infamous Wall of Sound to the tragic personal struggles of Ronnie Spector, the duo explores the album’s history, production, and cultural impact. Along the way, they discuss its influence on artists like Bruce Springsteen, Am...

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Backwards Beats Podcast! This week, Dan and Carl dive into II by Boyz II Men, an R&B masterpiece from the 90s. They explore the album's highlights, discuss its nostalgic impact, and debate whether it holds up today. From middle school dance memories to deep dives into harmonies and production quirks, this episode is a must-listen for fans of vocal perfection and 90s vibes.

• Album B...

Dan and Carl explore Shakira's groundbreaking 1998 album "Dónde Están los Ladrones?" in this episode. This record, often overshadowed by her later global hits, showcases a raw, authentic side of Shakira that marries Latin American roots with rock influences and poignant storytelling. Join us as we unpack the artistry behind an album that solidified her as a global icon and continues to resonate decades later.

In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl dive into album #497 from Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of All Time: The Indestructible Beat of Soweto. This South African compilation album, released in 1985, introduced many Western listeners to the vibrant music of South Africa, featuring influential artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

The hosts explore the cultural and historical context of the album, its unique musical style...

• The track "Frankie Teardrop" directly inspired Bruce Springsteen's "State Trooper", showcasing its reach into unexpected musical territories. - R.E.M. covered "Ghost Rider (YouTube)," though it remains an obscure part of their repertoire.

• Would You Hit It?: Dan gives a resounding NO, while Carl adds that recommending this a...

In this episode, Dan and Carl dive into Ask Rufus, the 499th album on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of All Time. This marks a significant departure for Rufus from their funk roots, as the album embraces orchestral arrangements and jazz influences, showcasing Chaka Khan's extraordinary vocal range and the band's musical prowess. They break down th...

• Hosts: Carl Pfanstiehl and Dan Woodard
• Recorded at: Thought Shack Studio
• Release Date: January 7, 2025

Welcome to the debut episode of Backwards Beats! Carl and Dan dive into the 500th album on Rolling Stone's 2023 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time: Funeral by Arcade Fire. This debut album from the Canadian indie rock band, released in 2004, brings themes of ...