Backwards Beats Podcast

About Backwards Beats Podcast

Backwards Beats revisits the Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, one album at a time. We dig into the music, the context, and the reputation, then decide how much of it actually holds up. Sometimes we agree. Sometimes we don’t. The list doesn’t get the final word, but every album gets a fair shake. New episodes every Tuesday.

Publisher

Tunawood Productions

Category

music

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Dec 2024

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

95 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Oct 2026

   Lucinda Williams - Lucinda Wiliams (#426)

   In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl continue their reverse journey through Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time by diving into Lucinda Williams’ seminal 1988 self-titled third album. Before Car Wheels on a Gravel Road made her a household name and an Americana icon, this 1988 release laid down the exact blueprint for the modern alt-country and roots-rock movements. Released on the legendary UK post-punk label Rough Trade Records after being rejected by major L.A. and Nashville labels, Lucinda Williams showcases raw Southern gothic storytelling, Telecaster-driven blues-rock guitar work by Gurf Morlix, and unforgettable songwriting. We trace Lucinda’s bohemian upbringing as the daughter of poet Miller Williams, her early years grinding on the Texas and Los Angeles club circuits, and how her unvarnished depiction of female autonomy and desire bridged the gap between traditional country icons like Loretta Lynn and 1990s roots-pop superstars like Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tom Petty, and Sheryl Crow. Join us for an in-depth track-by-track review, production breakdown, and honest critique of this roots-rock masterpiece. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: The origin story of Lucinda Williams, her southern upbringing, and literary influences. The 1980s music industry landscape and why major labels rejected her uncategorizable sound. How British post-punk label Rough Trade Records gave Lucinda complete artistic freedom. Recording sessions at Mad Dog Studios in Venice, California, with co-producer and guitarist Gurf Morlix and engineer Dusty Wakeman. Deep dives into iconic tracks: "Passionate Kisses," "Changed the Locks," "The Night's Too Long," "Crescent City," and "Side of the Road." How covers by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tom Petty, and Patty Loveless turned Lucinda into a "songwriter's songwriter." Join us next week when we cover Paul Simon by Paul Simon.

2. 

   6 Oct 2026

   Al Green - Call Me (#427)

   Put on your room-temperature sweatpants and get ready to ease into a smooth, soulful masterpiece. This week on the Backwards Beats Podcast, hosts Carl and Dan take a deep dive into Episode 93 to discuss the Reverend Al Green’s seminal 1973 album, Call Me. Coming in at No. 427 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list (a massive tumble from its previous No. 60 spot in 2003), this 9-song, 35-minute record is a clinic in musical restraint, lush arrangements, and vocal genius. From exploring the history of Royal Recording Studios in Memphis to breaking down Willie Mitchell's production wizardry, Carl and Dan dissect the album track-by-track. They analyze the legendary Hi Rhythm section (including the Hodges brothers), debate the role of country music covers in soul, and try to understand how Al Green makes complex modal interchanges feel as effortless as finger painting. Plus, stay tuned for their recurring "In Your Ears" segment, and find out if Call Me gets a definitive "Hit It" or "Skip It." Music References Four Tops Bonnie Raitt Linda Ronstadt Big Star Sparks Clandestino by Mano Chao Mano Chao BLACKsummers'night by Maxwell Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder) by Maxwell Pretty Wings by Maxwell Maxwell Tribute by Jack Black Jack Black Al Green & The Soul Mates Jackie Wilson Ray Charles Call Me by Juvenile Juvenile Chicago Billie Eilish Lizzy McAlpine Dodie Prince Creep by Radiohead Radiohead Trombone Shorty Bobby McFerrin Innervisions by Stevie Wonder Stevie Wonder Respect by Aretha Franklin (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin Aretha Franklin Son of a Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield Dusty Springfield Mustang Sally by Wilson Pickett Wilson Pickett I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry by Hank Williams Hank Williams Hank Williams Jr. The Everly Brothers Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley Elvis Presley The Star-Spangled Banner by Whitney Houston Whitney Houston John Mayer Elmo Johnny Cash Jerry Lee Lewis Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police The Police Ten Summoner's Tales by Sting Seven Days by Sting Sting Erykah Badu Civil War / We Have a Choice by Karma Gods Karma Gods River of Dreams by Billy Joel Glass Houses by Billy Joel The Stranger by Billy Joel All About Soul by Billy Joel And So It Goes by Billy Joel The Downeaster 'Alexa' by Billy Joel Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) by Billy Joel 2000 Years by Billy Joel You May Be Right by Billy Joel Billy Joel Here I Am (Come and Take Me) by UB40 Red Red Wine by UB40 Can't Help Falling in Love by UB40 UB40 Leon Bridges Phoebe Bridgers Bob Marley Willie Nelson Lyle Lovett Lil Dicky Bring It On by Juicy J Juicy J Leonard Cohen Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) by Eagles Eagles Thriller by Michael Jackson Michael Jackson Queen Elliott Smith Steve Miller Band Booker T. & the M.G.'s Jimmy Smith Carl Denson Maceo Parker Kinfolk: Postcards from Everywhere by Nate Smith Nate Smith Across 110th Street by Bobby Womack Bobby Womack No Jacket Required by Phil Collins Phil Collins Genesis Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Join us next week when we cover Lucinda Williams by Lucinda Williams

3. 

   29 Sept 2026

   Hüsker Dü - New Day Rising

   In Episode 92 of Backwards Beats, hosts Dan and Carl review Hüsker Dü's 1985 landmark release, New Day Rising, ranked at #428 on Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The hosts explore the Minneapolis punk scene of the 1980s, the band's transition from intense hardcore to melodic post-punk, and the creative tension between dual songwriters Bob Mould and Grant Hart. Given a divisive, trebly low-fi production style, will our hosts ultimately give the album its due for its undeniable influence on 90s alternative rock—inspiring bands like Nirvana, Green Day, and the Pixies. Music References Dinosaur Jr. Basket Case by Green Day Good Riddance by Green Day Green Day Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks Garth Brooks American Pie by Don McLean Don McLean Buddy Rich Doc Severinsen Ed Shaughnessy Louie Bellson In the Summertime by Ray Dorset / Mungo Jerry Ray Dorset / Mungo Jerry Blue Öyster Cult Motörhead Mötley Crüe Psycho Killer by Talking Heads Talking Heads Suicide Commandos The Replacements Minutemen Document by R.E.M. Reconstruction of the Fables by R.E.M. Shiny Happy People by R.E.M. What's the Frequency, Kenneth? by R.E.M. R.E.M. Eight Miles High by The Byrds The Byrds Prince The Beatles Ram by Paul McCartney Paul McCartney Nirvana Pixies Pearl Jam Jimmy Eat World Foo Fighters The Offspring All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey Dreamlover by Mariah Carey Mariah Carey That's the Way Love Goes by Janet Jackson If by Janet Jackson All for You by Janet Jackson Janet Jackson Charli XCX Ben Harper Jack Johnson Ben Folds Lenny Kravitz Dead End by Dead Kennedys Buzzbomb by Dead Kennedys Dead Kennedys Rockin' in the Free World by Neil Young Neil Young Ball and Chain by Social Distortion Social Distortion The B-52's Severe Tire Damage by They Might Be Giants They Might Be Giants Rush Muse Wilco It's All Been Done by Barenaked Ladies One Week by Barenaked Ladies The Old Apartment by Barenaked Ladies Shoe Box by Barenaked Ladies Brian Wilson by Barenaked Ladies Barenaked Ladies Celebration Summer Fugazi Kenji Haino With or Without You by U2 U2 Taylor Swift Rumours by Fleetwood Mac Fleetwood Mac Tom Petty Ramones Elvis Costello The Who Run Runaway by Slade Slade Quiet Riot TV Party by Black Flag Gimme Gimme Gimme by Black Flag Thirsty and Miserable by Black Flag Black Flag Joy Division 59 Times the Pain Butthole Surfers My Morning Jacket Only the Good Die Young by Billy Joel Angry Young Man by Billy Joel Billy Joel Goldfinger CAN Weird Al Yankovic 3AM by Matchbox Twenty Matchbox Twenty Cloud Nothings War Pigs by Cake Never There by Cake Short Skirt/Long Jacket by Cake Sheep Go to Heaven by Cake Mexico by Cake Cake War Pigs by Faith No More Faith No More Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin Bread Join us next week when we dig into Call Me by Al Green.

Who has been a guest on Backwards Beats Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Jason Isbell
• Julia Cowles
• Nate Danciger
• SZA

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

60,730

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 74 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

87

Social presence

90

YouTube

76

Engagement

32

Contact Backwards Beats Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Backwards Beats Podcast