Today's forecast calls for blue skies, and today's Strong Songs calls for an in-depth analysis of Electric Light Orchestra's "Mr. Blue Sky."
Apr 17
"Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" by Megadeth
Kirk surfs an avalanche straight into Thrash Valley, where he delves into the depths of Megadeth's 1990 opus "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due." It's an unstoppable rockslide of layered riffs, tempo shifts, power chords, and... power thirds? Written by: Dave Mustaine Album: Rust i ... Show More
59m 3s
Mar 20
"Both Sides, Now" by Joni Mitchell
Kirk returns to the world of Joni Mitchell for a look at the many sides of her masterpiece "Both Sides, Now." From her initial 1960s live performances, to her 1969 studio recording, to the Grammy-winning orchestral rendition she released in 2000, each version of "Both Sides, Now" ... Show More
58m 2s
Feb 20
"Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie
Kirk heaps on a second helping of TWO previous Strong Songs artists: Queen and David Bowie, whose 1981 collaboration "Under Pressure" topped the charts while showing how a mid-song transformation is done.Written by: David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon, Roger Tayl ... Show More
1 h
May 2025
Best Music To Start Your Day
In today's episode, we're discussing the best songs and albums to start your day with. This list includes ‘The Spins’ by Mac Miller, ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ by Electric Light Orchestra, ‘Lifting You’ by Jungle & more.-List of Songs Discussed •The Spins by Mac Miller•Mr. Blue Sky by Electr ... Show More
37 m
Oct 2024
Neil Finn's songs of ascension
<p>Neil Finn is one of our greatest living songwriters. In Split Enz and Crowded House, solo and in his collaborations, his tunes have become the soundtrack to our lives. </p><p>I’ve been chasing Neil to Take 5 for the TV series since the beginning, and finally he said yes. Even ... Show More
1h 1m
Oct 2024
The virtuosity of Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder may be our modern day Mozart. A child prodigy, he joined Motown as a preadolescent where he was marketed as “Little” Stevie Wonder. He wowed audiences with his virtuosic command of the piano, harmonica, drums and of course, vocals. At just 13, he had his first numbe ... Show More
1h 5m
Nov 2024
A Thanksgiving mix: Songs of joy and gratitude
Hosts Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson share stories and songs of gratitude from NPR listeners.Featured songs and artists:1. Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss: "Simple Gifts," from Classic Yo-Yo2. Bill Withers: "Lean On Me," from Still Bill3. The Mountain Goats: "This Year," from The S ... Show More
38m 35s