About Underdog Musik Podcast - Between the Hits: Pop Music Stories 1960-1990
Between the Hits: Pop Music Stories 1960-1990
Discover the untold stories behind pop music's greatest era. From the Beatles to Prince, we dive deep into the drama, innovation, and cultural moments that shaped three decades of unforgettable music. Whether you're rediscovering the sound of your youth or exploring the legends that defined an era. Between the Hits reveals what happened behind the scenes—the rivalries, breakthroughs, and unexpected connections that made these albums and songs timeless. Perfect for music lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about how pop culture changed the world. New episodes every fortnight.
POD S1 E12 - Dramarama's Vinyl: An Unlikely Success
Apologies, this took a little longer than usual. A lot of information only emerged right at the end of the research stage and we had to make a couple of corrections.
A 1991 milestone album of a kind was Dramarama’s Vinyl. Their route to national attention in America peaked that year, having had vital exposure through alternative radio.
Dramarama's good fortunes had started in the mid 80s, set off by LA radio station KROQ-FM.
However, just before the recording of Vinyl started, Dramarama’s American record company Chameleon went bust. Their fortunes seemed to change at this point.
After a decade together they hadn’t had a bona fide chart hit, even though they’d capitalised on opportunities and were on the radar of major critics such as Robert Christgau. Could Vinyl get them over to a wider audience?
The essay with videos of rare live performances by Dramarama is available on our Patreon page.
Three more episodes to go in this season before we take a break until the spring of next year.
7 Sept 2026
POD S1 E11 - Led Zeppelin III: That’s The Way (double episode)
The Recording Of Between The Buttons: Musical Re-Invention and Keith Richards Rises To The Occasion, Pt. II (trailer)
Trailer for episode 10: A clip of the upcoming podcast filling out a picture of the era the album was recorded in while understanding the influences that made the period 1966 to 1969 so pivotal in pop music.
10 Jul 2026
He Did What?! : Nick Kent & Sid Vicious, 70s NME Stories
Take a peek into the sources I used for the Mick Taylor podcast 'Why Talent Alone Fails' through a fascinating look at the life and work of Nick Kent.
This podcast highlights Nick's writing and the impact it had on me while sourcing material for the review of British rock music through the 70s. The cast of characters Nick Kent came into contact with was inexhaustible, but non more mind-boggling than Sid Vicious. I have a look at how the NME journalist covered Sid's last weeks and his final descent in the late 70s.
24 Jun 2026
Joan Jett and Independent Music
Joan Jett like Philip Marlowe shouldn’t exist in her time. Both are out of sorts in their era. They are outside of their time, timeless heroes.
“She brought menace and I bought a lot of pop sensibility,” producer Kenny Laguna said about her album debut.
Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna’s take on Joan and Kenny’s unlikely musical partnership is, “You mix that together and you've got a Molotov cocktail that's gonna totally do some damage.”
7 Jun 2026
Mick Taylor: Why Talent Alone Fails, Pt. 2
Members have recently enjoyed exclusive access to part 2 of my Mick Taylor album review, here is a taste. For anyone who is interested in free or full membership check out our channel on Patreon.
In Part 2 we look at how Mick Taylor could have produced a very good debut album to launch his solo career. I've done as much coulda, shoulda, woulda as anyone else when I wanted a favourite artist to knock it out of the park when they actually didn't.
Was he oversteered by Columbia Records to make an album that would have more popular appeal without relying on his time-tested skills?
29 May 2026
Letter Never Sent: Whispers, Jangles, and Indie Revolution - Decoding The Power Of REM’s Mystique
Howlin’ Wolf’s London Sessions: I’ll Be Known For Killing Howlin’ Wolf!
A causal conversation backstage followed by the ramshackle organisation of recording sessions in May of 1970. A blues concept album. A legendary Delta bluesman playing with rock stars in London.
If 300lbs, 6ft 3inch, cranky blues singers make you nervous, please take note; anything could happen when Eric Clapton cuts a record with Howlin' Wolf.
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