It’s The Hits Of July-ish 1995!
It’s all here: rock star rage, sitcom boyfriends, monkey-faced Britpop legends, and a 14-year-old R&B prodigy singing about dem days. As one does.
Contributing Author DJ Professor Dan dives into the pop-cultural snapshot that was July, 1995 and dares to ask: was “You Oughta Know” really about good ol’ Uncle Joey?
The Norman “Hurricane” Smith Story
Norman “Hurricane” Smith may not be a household name, but his fingerprints are all over some of music’s most iconic sounds.
In this captivating profile, Contributing Author and Music Historian Bill Bois unpacks the understated brilliance and surprising turns of a man who went from EMI engineer to become an unlikely pop star.
Who Wins This Cross-Language Showdown?
In this good natured but spirited cross-language clash, Contributing Author and Bueno Amigo Rollerboogie pits fiery Spanish covers against beloved English #1 hits.
Put on your favorite pair of auriculares – the showdown starts now.
Five Classic Billboard Chart Books
Contributing Author Ozmoe spins through five classic Billboard publications with the same wit and sharp eye that built his own AC reference book.
Enjoy these playlist-worthy reviews through pop’s printed past.
Volume 8: The Pride Edition
From Elton and RuPaul, to Stevie and Destiny’s Child, this playlist spins with the full-spectrum brilliance of sometimes obscure pop partnerships.
Contributing Author Chuck Small curates this sparkling Pride month finale mixtape with flair, finesse, and the heart of a record collector.
It’s The Hits Of July-ish 1985!
What do you get when you mix wartime statistics, jungle yodels, Prince’s five-and-dime fantasies, and Madonna’s, um, armpits? A bonkers 1985 summer soundtrack, expertly unpacked just 4 U by Contributing Author DJ Professor Dan,
Chrissie Hynde And Holly Beth Vincent
Contributing Author and Punk Historian Bill Bois unravels a riveting dual portrait of two women who dared to chase guitars across continents. Expect sharp insight, sly humor, and a soundtrack you’ll be humming all week.
Dexys Midnight Runners
From stolen tapes to faked Irish names, Dexys Midnight Runners weren’t just a band – they were a controlled explosion of style, soul, and stubborn vision.
Rediscover their chaotic brilliance in this sharp and scholarly portrait from Contributing Author JJ Live At Leeds.
Casey Kasem’s Best Random “Specials” Selections
Who else but Contributing Author Chuck Small could deploy the word “yuck” with such panache? Wander in chartland with Chuck in this Part 2 look at Casey Kasem’s AT40 Special Countdowns with a grin, a wince, and perhaps the occasional cringe.
Strap in for a boogie back to June of 1975, where piccolos seduced, Aerosmith double-entendred, and ABBA sent out the saddest distress signal ever sung in sequins. It’s a jam-packed nostalgia bomb from DJ Professor Dan who proves that 50 years ago, music was groovier, weirder, and fond of bumping hips.
