Episodes

  • Born In The U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen...Episode #5

    Born In The U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen...Episode #5
    Aug 26 2025
    In this episode of Classic Rock Album Olympics music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez tackle one of the most iconic albums of the 1980s—Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A.. Packed with 7 (!) Top Ten hits and stadium-shaking anthems, this summer of 1984 release cemented “The Boss” as a global superstar. The album hit #1 and it stayed there for almost 2 months. Besides its popularity, the album had social commentary too as evidenced by the tension of the patriotic perception and political reality in the title track. But which tracks stand tallest in this blue-collar masterpiece? The hosts dissect the album’s legacy, lyrical contradictions, and sonic evolution—then award gold, silver, and bronze medals to the top three songs. Medal Winners: Cover Me Downbound Train My Hometown Born in the U.S.A. I’m On Fire Hashtags: #BruceSpringsteen #BornInTheUSA #SoundtrackStandings #TheBoss #80sRock #ClassicRock #SpringsteenPodcast #MusicPodcast #EStreetBand #MaxWeinberg #DancingInTheDark #GloryDays #GoldSilverBronze #GaryWenstrup #RobertRodriguez #NowPlaying Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones...Episode #1

    Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones...Episode #1
    Aug 18 2025
    In this episode of Classic Rock Album Olympics, music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez dive deep into the legendary Rolling Stones' 1971 masterpiece, Sticky Fingers. With its raw energy, soulful ballads, and iconic riffs, this album is packed with timeless gems. But which three tracks will earn their gold, silver annd bronze medals? Join in as they debate, dissect, and ultimately crown the top songs that define this rock 'n' roll classic. From the swaggering groove of "Brown Sugar" to the electrifying energy of "Bitch," the bluesy brilliance of "Can't You Hear Me Knocking," and the haunting beauty of "Moonlight Mile," they’ll explore the stories, emotions, and unforgettable sounds crafted by Mick Jagger’s charismatic vocals, Keith Richards' iconic guitar work, and Mick Taylor’s extraordinary playing. Medal Winners Brown Sugar (https://youtu.be/Bar7SzNLnY0) Bitch (https://youtu.be/VH2LipXrKkQ) Moonlight Mile (https://youtu.be/qpB8XyFSY5E) Can’t You Hear Me Knocking (https://youtu.be/nkQ0LhcTNsY) #RollingStones #StickyFingers #RockAndRoll #BrownSugar #MoonlightMile #MusicPodcast #RockMusic#ClassicRock #CantYouHearMeKnocking #Bitch #MickJagger #KeithRichards#MickTaylor #AlbumReview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • Fulfillingness' First Finale by Stevie Wonder...Episode #4

    Fulfillingness' First Finale by Stevie Wonder...Episode #4
    Aug 12 2025
    In this episode of Classic Rock Album Olympics music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez return to the mic for a deep dive into Stevie Wonder’s 1974 classic Fulfillingness’ First Finale. As part of Stevie’s “classic period,” this 4x Grammy-winning album blends soulful introspection with social consciousness and studio innovation. Gary and Robert unpack the album’s cultural context and lasting influence—then award gold, silver, and bronze medals to its three greatest tracks. Released in the summer of 1974 the album peaked at #1 on Billboard and both “Boogie On Reggae Woman” and “You Haven’t Done Nothin’” hit #1 on the Billboard singles chart. Medal Winners: Boogie On Reggae Woman Creepin’ You Haven’t Done Nothin’ They Won’t Go When I Go Hashtags: #StevieWonder #FulfillingnessFirstFinale #SoundtrackStandings #MusicPodcast #ClassicSoul #70sSoul #AlbumOfTheYear #MotownMagic #GoldSilverBronze #BoogieOnReggaeWoman #YouHaventDoneNothin #GaryWenstrup #RobertRodriguez #DeepCuts #NowPlaying #They Won’t Go When I Go #Creepin’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • After The Gold Rush by Neil Young...Episode #3

    After The Gold Rush by Neil Young...Episode #3
    Jul 29 2025
    This week on Classic Rock Album Olympics we dust off a cornerstone of classic rock: Neil Young’s After the Gold Rush (1970). Blending folk, country, and a whisper of psychedelic surrealism, the album captures Young at his most introspective and influential. The album peaked at #8 on Billboard. Two singles were released from the album: “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” peaked at #33 and “When You Dance I Can Really Love” peaked at #93. Take a listen and see which songs music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez awarded their gold, silver and bronze medals. Medal Winners: When You Dance I Can Really Love Don’t Let It Bring You Down Southern Man Only Love Can Break Your Heart After The Gold Rush #NeilYoung #AfterTheGoldRush #ClassicRock #FolkRock #VinylVibes #70sMusic #AlbumReview #MusicPodcast #SoundtrackStandings #NowPlaying #RockLegends #DeepCuts #When You Dance I Can Really Love #Only Love Can Break Your Heart #Southern Man #Don’t Let It Bring You Down Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Fleetwood Mac by Fleetwood Mac...Episode #2

    Fleetwood Mac by Fleetwood Mac...Episode #2
    Jul 15 2025
    In this episode, music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez dive deep into Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled 1975 album — the one that launched the band into a new era with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joining the lineup. It marked a major turning point for the band. Founding members Mick Fleetwood (drums) and John McVie (bass) remained the rhythmic heart of the group, while Christine McVie (keyboards and vocals) continued to shine as a songwriter. The addition of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks in 1974 transformed the band’s sound, blending their California folk-rock style with the band’s British blues roots. It’s Fleetwood Mac’s 10th album and its first to reach #1. Gary and Robert listen, debate, and ultimately crown three songs with their gold, silver, and bronze medals. Will it be a Stevie classic like “Rhiannon,” a Buckingham guitar masterpiece like “I’m So Afraid,” or a Christine McVie gem like “Over My Head?” What about “Landslide?” Tune in for a spirited discussion and plenty of love for this iconic album. #FleetwoodMac #FleetwoodMac1975 #MickFleetwood #JohnMcVie #ChristineMcVie #StevieNicks #LindseyBuckingham #ClassicRock #AlbumRankings #MusicPodcast #PodcastEpisode #FleetwoodMacFans #Rhiannon #SayYouLoveMe #OverMyHead #MusicLegends #RecordOfTheYear #BillboardTop #MedalistsofMusic #PodcastLife #NewEpisode #Landslide #Monday Morning #Warm Ways #World Turning Medal Winners: Warm Ways Monday Morning Over My Head World Turning Landslide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 mins