Booked On Rock

XTC's 1986 album Skylarking is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of the decade, but its creation was anything but smooth.

Author Alfredo Marziano joins me to discuss his book XTC: Skylarking – A Life in a Day: The Making of a Pop Classic. We explore the legendary creative clash between Andy Partridge and producer Todd Rundgren, the stories behind songs like "Dear God," "Grass," and "Earn Enough for Us," the album's controversial artwork, and how a record born from tension became a beloved masterpiece.

Was Todd Rundgren the perfect producer for XTC? How did "Dear God" become one of the band's defining songs? And why does Skylarking continue to captivate listeners nearly 40 years after its release?

Find out in this deep dive into one of rock's most celebrated albums.

Purchase a copy of XTC: Skylarking. A Life in a Day: The Making of a Pop Classic (Milestones)

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Visit the L.I.L.Y. Publishing website

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

When Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac, some critics dismissed her as frivolous, overly romantic, and lacking substance.

In this highlight from my conversation with author Rachel Brodsky, we explore the sexist criticism Stevie faced early in her career, why her songwriting was often misunderstood, and how she ultimately proved her doubters wrong to become one of rock's most enduring and respected artists.

This clip is taken from our discussion of Rachel's book Lessons & Lace: Everything I Know About Dreams, Heartbreak, and Magic I Learned from Stevie Nicks.

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Was 'Press to Play' really a failure—or is it one of Paul McCartney's most misunderstood albums?

In this episode of Booked On Rock, I sit down with author Luca Perasi to explore the fascinating story behind McCartney's 1986 album Press to Play. Drawing from extensive research and interviews with key figures involved in the project, Luca examines the album's ambitious blend of cutting-edge 1980s production, experimental songwriting, and classic McCartney melodies.

We discuss the album's troubled reputation, McCartney's creative partnership with Eric Stewart, the influence of producer Hugh Padgham, the impact of Live Aid and the Michael Jackson catalog controversy, and why Press to Play may deserve a major reappraisal. If you're a Paul McCartney fan—or simply curious about one of the most debated albums of his solo career—this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Purchase a copy of Paul McCartney: Press to Play. That Unmistakable 80s Sound (Milestones)

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Visit Luca Perasi's YouTube channel PaulMcCartneyMusicIsIdeas

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🎧 Listen Ad-Free on Patreon
Support Booked On Rock and get every new episode completely commercial-free with the Backstage Pass.
Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BookedOnRock

🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch
💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK
https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK

Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
 
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Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
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Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
 
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

What can Stevie Nicks teach us about creativity, love, independence, spirituality, resilience, and survival?

Author Rachel Brodsky joins me to discuss her book Lessons & Lace: Everything I Know About Dreams, Heartbreak, and Magic I Learned from Stevie Nicks. We explore the wisdom Stevie gained throughout her remarkable life and career—from her early days chasing musical dreams, to overcoming addiction, navigating heartbreak, embracing change, trusting intuition, and becoming one of rock's most beloved and enduring icons.

Along the way, we discuss Stevie's beliefs about destiny, guardian angels, creativity, truth-telling, independence, and why her lessons continue to resonate with generations of fans.

Rachel Brodsky is a music journalist whose work has appeared in SPIN, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Stereogum, and other major publications.

Purchase a copy of Lessons & Lace: Everything I Know About Dreams, Heartbreak, and Magic I Learned from Stevie Nicks

Enter To Win A Copy Of Lessons & Lace through Goodbooks

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🎧 Listen Ad-Free on Patreon
Support Booked On Rock and get every new episode completely commercial-free with the Backstage Pass.
Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BookedOnRock

🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch
💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK
https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK

Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
 
BookedOnRock.com
 
The Booked On Rock Store
 
The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel
 
Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
FACEBOOK
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TIKTOK
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Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
 
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Could The Clash have reunited?

In this Booked On Rock highlight, author Pat Gilbert discusses why he believes a Clash reunion may not have been far off when Joe Strummer passed away in 2002. As the author of Passion Is a Fashion: The Real Story of The Clash, Gilbert spent years researching the band and interviewing its members, giving him a unique perspective on the group's final chapter.

Was the legendary punk band's story truly over, or was a reunion beginning to take shape? Listen as Gilbert explores one of the biggest "what if?" questions in rock history.

🎧 Watch & listen to the full episode

🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch
💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK
https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK

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Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network

BookedOnRock.com
 
The Booked On Rock Store
 
The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel
 
Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
X
 
Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
 
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe