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History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff

History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff

By: Pantheon Media
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About this listen

 History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff is the show that aims to make grand and often oddball hard rock and heavy metal points through a narrative built upon the tiny idea of a quintet of songs. Buttressed with illustrative clips, Martin argues quickly and succinctly why these songs - and the specific sections of these tracks - support his mad professor premise, from the wobbly invention of an “American” heavy metal, to the influence of Led Zeppelin in hair metal or to more succinct topics like tapping and twin leads. The songs serve as bricks, but Martin slathers plenty of mortar. At the end, hopefully he has a sturdy house in which this week’s theory can reside unbothered by the elements. At approximately 7000, Martin has had published in books more record reviews than anybody in the history of music writing across all genres. Additionally, Martin has penned approximately 85 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock and record collecting. Proud part of Pantheon - the podcast network for music lovers.2019-2023 Pantheon Podcasts Music
Episodes
  • History in Five Songs Episode 315: Metal Classics That Sold Nothing

    History in Five Songs Episode 315: Metal Classics That Sold Nothing
    Jul 8 2025
    In Episode 315 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin dives deep into the fascinating world of heavy metal albums that never achieved gold certification, spotlighting legendary but commercially underperforming releases from Black Sabbath, Angel Witch, Slayer, Venom, Mercyful Fate, and more — proving that critical acclaim and genre-defining influence don't always come with big sales. Black Sabbath – “Hot Line” Angel Witch – “Atlantis” Venom – “Sacrifice” Savatage – “On the Run” Scorpions – “Pictured Life” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • History in Five Songs Episode 313: What did you do during hair metal?

    History in Five Songs Episode 313: What did you do during hair metal?
    Jun 24 2025
    In Episode 313 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin delves into how a wide range of hard rock and metal bands navigated the hair metal era—from those who ignored it entirely, to those who subtly adapted, stayed the course, or went in completely bizarre directions. Black Sabbath – “Call of the Wild” Scorpions – “Hit Between the Eyes” Queen – “Pain Is So Close to Pleasure” Kiss – “Good Girl Gone Bad” Starz – “Rock Six Times” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
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I was absolutely convinced that Whitesnake was going to get an honorable mention. Cool list man. Great to hear someone give Brian Howe some love.

cool stuff.

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Love hearing this guy talk about music.Discovered him on a YouTube channel called Sea Of Tranquility.He is a regular guest on there.Was hoping to find his book about Blue Oyster Cult on here but this show will keep me occupied for awhile.

Professor Popoff

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