Judging from all the reviews, I am in a distinct minority. However, even though there has always been a distinct leftist slant to this podcast, the slant has gotten significantly worse since the 1st episode, much to the detriment of the podcast. To that point, the warnings at the beginning of each episode are arrogant and condescending, treating the audience in an infantile manner. Perhaps if the podcast may disturb you, maybe podcasts are the least of your problems. Otherwise, the music information, although getting progressively tautological, is very interesting. For me, the podcasts are getting to be almost unlistenable. But again, I am probably in a very small minority.

This podcast is my refuge from the chaos of the current news cycle. I find myself relistening to certain episodes over and over again. To anyone new to the podcast, I recommend starting with #169.

Well then! A story often told in many parts, but it’s never been told like this. A very humane and thoughtful approach that sweeps nothing under the rug, but that’s how one would want it. That’s what makes it so human. Unbelievable storytelling ability. As someone who has loved this music my whole, this has changed my perspective on it and, to be honest, changed my perspective a little on everything.

At 15 I found Carl Sagan and fell in love with cosmology. At 55 I found Andrew Hickey and fell in love with music. He brings that same sense of excitement, wonder, compassion and humility to his chosen subject. These episodes are so rich with information that I just bought the first two volumes of his book so I can follow along on my Kindle. Pick a song you like and give this a try. You just may find yourself as happily lost in the subject as I have . . .

If your a music lover this is the podcast for you .Andrew Hickey does a great job of gathering information about various groups and musicians.I appreciate his knowledge in music.I have learned so much about many of the bands and artists he discusses.Its really cool how he will play parts of different songs that helped inspire a band or solo artists.it truly is a historical music show !love going on my hikes and listening.Dive In !

I cannot believe how informative and interesting this podcast is! It’s not just the selected song that gets discussed, all of the history and connections get brought up too and it is riveting. I love the clips that are used to emphasis all of the points made, it’s like going to the most fascinating class on rock and roll. Andrew is incredible - respectful, amusing, intelligent, polite, and possessing the perfect voice to impart so much factual information in a way that is easy to digest and retain. I cannot praise this podcast enough. It’s quite simply a marvel and I love everything about it! Thank you, Andrew :)

A friend referred this podcast to me. I’m 36 episodes in. Amazing. I hope Andrew explores the post-punk Athens, Georgia music scene in the early 1980s! McP

The four episodes on Sympathy were amazing. Thank you Andrew.

I’ve listened to every episode. Many of them multiple times. It’s a fascinating story and told in perfect context. Researched extremely well and expertly constructed. Ignore the trolls, it’s not at all political but it does display a sensitivity to the opinions and experiences of all, not just the right leaning trolls. Start at episode 1 and work your way up to the present it’s an education.

This podcast is amazing. It brings together awesome music and incredible accounts of history. A truly captivating and epic podcast.

Ah, finally. It’s all here. Three episodes on the Stones. I’ve been a huge fan since 1964 when I heard Not Fade Away. I love this show.

This is the finest podcast concerning rock music I’ve heard. Kudos and thank you to Andrew Hickey!!

Pulling together the development of Rock, Soul, and the interplay of various genres, this podcast is an amazing and constantly rewarding journey through several decades of pop culture. But make no mistake: this is one of the gold standards of podcasts, up there with Dan Carlin and a few others. Hickey meshes a terrific approach to structure and detail with his enthusiasm for the material and his knowledge of music. He may play a few chords to demonstrate a musical innovation, or read a passage from a primary source to describe the Watts riot; he might close an episode with a touching coda on how a rockabilly singer in her later years got to sing with her R&B hero, or start an episode about The Velvet Underground not with Lou Reed but with the life & work of composer John Cage. The point is to convey the main point of the material yet in a way that also illuminates aspects of the narrative that might get overlooked. Along the way, Hickey doesn’t shy away from recurring themes such as racism, misogyny, the mendacity of record labels, and the sidelining of black artists as “rock” became whiter in the 60s. If you dip into this podcast to sample a few episodes on favorite songs/artists, you’ll learn a bunch but you may end up deciding that you need to start with Episode 1 and listen to everything Hickey has done. It would be an enjoyable obsession.

Hickey leaves no stone unturned in his masterful work here. This is a document for eternity.

great info but the PC language is histrionic and i fast forward through the overly long woke explanations of some british guys opinions on american culture, which he doesn't fully understand. trying to 'correct' the past through language reinforces the segregation. luckily the music is more powerful than 'colour' or ethnic boundaries.

In the beginning of each episode the author takes the time to point out words that may arise during show that weren’t offensive during the period but what he feels maybe offensive to some today and for that reason those listeners may not want to listen to the show. GIVE ME A BREAK! I would guess 99% of those listening grew up in the 50’s-70’s and heard / used these words countless times growing up. Yet Mr. Hickey feels some will melt and shrivel when they hear them. And the teal kicker is that while he anoints himself as the gatekeeper of what is or isn’t offensive, he has no problem using “honkey” or “red neck” which are just as racially offensive to many as the words he is trying to censor!

I was recommended this podcast and it took me a while to get around to it. But once I did I couldn’t believe how thoroughly the stories are told. This sounds like hyperbole, but there’s literally a revelation in every sentence. I used to consider myself a knowledgeable music fan. This podcast showed me how much more I needed to learn, and luckily I can learn it by listening. Can’t recommend this strongly enough.

This is not like the other podcasts I follow. This is one man, Andrew Hickey, who has chosen to devote untold hours to tell a story over the course of around 10 years. Please start at episode one to appreciate what he is presenting. One becomes accustomed to his laconic British baritone to find a person who has dug into amazing details and connected uncountable dots between all the threads of each time period - the people who know people, the money, the racism, the artists, the abused and the abusive, the record industry, the broader cultural Zeitgeist and more. This is top shelf storytelling for those who relish who really love music, delivered by the truest of fans. But that’s not all! The podcast is backed up by a website with complete transcriptions and links to - well, everything. This is the work of a man who really cares. 6 stars!! I must commend Mr. Hickey for his handling of sensitive subjects. The history of rock and R&B is full of unsavory people and violence, and he makes sure to alert listeners to upsetting elements in each show.

I am addicted to your podcast. The depth of your research and knowledge on music generally and rock specifically is unbelievable. I am also impressed with your sensitivity not only to your listeners but also to any biases that may come from being a white British male. Thanks for all the hard work in putting together this awesome podcast.

Listener needs to overlook his boring personal political currentthing hot takes. The heavy handed partisan bias distracts from an otherwise solid affair

I’m only a few episodes in, but the amount of work that goes into this is astonishing. Already the best music podcast I’ve heard and one of the best podcasts regardless of category. Anyone who complains that he’s not getting through the 500 quickly enough should start over at the beginning. You could spend a full workweek going back and exploring all the songs and artists Hickey mentions in an episode. He’s also got a ton of books out and the Kindle versions are a bargain.

Brilliant podcast that’s entertaining and informative; thoughtfully delivered fun and interesting stuff. Thanks goodness we have Andrew Hickey’s work to listen to. Even makes me look forward to commutes - so I can listen - or re-listen - to another episode of this! Crossroads (Robert Johnson and Cream) episode is always worth a re-listen.

In the sly stone story you say that Rolling Stone doesn’t know anything about criticizing musicians, and shouldn’t be taken seriously and in the same story, you say the Rolling Stone criticizes Robert Plant vocals youcan’t have it both ways again. again, I think your podcast is great. That makes you wonder how accurate is if every chance you get you tan like them zeppelin maybe you’re doing it about other people I don’t know about.

I love Andrew and this entire show. Even when he covers artists I don’t think I’ll care about, I still learn so much. His books are great as well. I tell everyone I know anytime someone asks about podcasts or when music conversations come up to listen to this show. It’s a game changer!

Where have I been? I am late to this amazing history of rock n roll, but fortunately not too late. I am catching up quickly with 5 or 6 shows a week of the comprehensive and entertaining history. I had read Andrew’s LA book so knew he was a meticulous researcher, but was clueless about this podcast until he was at 170 or so. So now I get to binge listen as I catch up. If you are into popular music and it’s history and roots, this podcast is a must.

I enjoy hearing about what these musical geniuses had going on in their lives. It’s amazing some of them produced excellent music at all.

Astonishingly good. Highly recommended.

This show is a gift. I have next to nothing bad to say about it. But my gawd, the people criticizing the show are just ridiculous. Embarrassing. “I like _______ so why report bad things about them and not about _________?” “This guy is taking too long to research, write, and record thousands of pages worth of insight.” “This guy is sooo woke!” Ugh, it’s nauseating. Keep up the excellent work, Mr. Hickey. And take as long as you need.

By far the best music criticism I've ever heard. Not just talking podcasts here, but in the whole history of music writing, I can't think of anything more interesting .

The deeper into the history of rock this show goes, the richer the telling becomes. Beyond a compilation of these 500 tracks, beyond how they interconnect and inform one another, beyond the behind-the-scenes history of the men and women that made the music we love, Hickey tells the tale of rock music with the operatic depth of a Russian novel. A tremendous piece of scholarship and storytelling, on top of being one of the greatest love letter to rock music ever made. If you like COCAINE

I started listening out of curiosity and every episode widens my understanding and apprehend for bands I don’t much like (sorry Velvet Underground). The amount of information that Andrew incorporates without ever getting pedantic is incredible. I also love how he frames the focus of each week with cultural and historical contexts.

It makes my day when a new ep pops up in my feed. Andrew has so many tidbits about the music I love that I never knew. The Hey Joe ep blew my mind. Andrew’s voice and writing style are fantastic, can hardly believe that some eps are over two hours, the time just flies by. I wish I could leave a 7 star review!

My man pots and pans did the first 100 songs in two years. He’s into year 4 for the second 100, with no end in sight. So far this year he’s done one song in three months. This was following the announcement of a new, speedier schedule (he’s almost instantly ignored newly announced schedules several times over the years - it’s always good for a laugh to watch how quickly it happens.) The math on getting to 500 at the pace of the last few years was not favorable but at 4 songs a year it would be about 2100 before he’d finish. I think our boy has pretty much called it quits, he just wants to milk a few more backer bucks before it’s time for another major announcement. Talk about an over-promise. Hope I’m wrong but this is looking like it will be the History of Rock in 500, no 400, 250?, maybe 200ish Songs.

was the Tuesday review written by Gino Vannelli the Canadian musician. had all his albums in the 80s worth checking it out. Great singer kind of jazz rock fusion. Besides that Andrew is the man. !!

It’s staggering the amount of information contained in this series. I’m in my 50s and have been a music obsessive for most of those years and even so I have learned an incredible amount from listening. Can’t recommend highly enough.

Although the trigger warnings and preciousness about sex/decadence (a huge part of rock music) are annoying sometimes. 5 stars.

I have happened upon this podcast today; I am very glad I did. I cannot stop listening. Beyond educational, it is among the most enthralling audio content one can discover, music or otherwise. That said, if you value music, it is mandatory listening. The writers and producers have crafted compelling, memorable non-fiction. Better than any book ever on tape a listener will find: painstaking thoughtful research with wise insight that truly delights and inspires one to take an even deeper dive. Reviewers often say they never review content. I am one, believe it or not. If you want to establish stronger connections to the music that you treasure, download and be taken away. Thank you again to the committed folks who really deliver the goods.

With a voice both lugubrious and phlegmatic, Mr. Hickey walks in no straight lines through rock music’s roots and history. Fascinating to learn who was connected with and influenced by whom, when, where and how those interactions advanced musical creativity and inspiration, while also too often resulting in shameful musical and cultural theft, and cruel avarice. Even so, I’m only 110 episodes in and know there’s so much more to be learned—looking forward to 390-ish more!

The best music podcast available. So informative and interesting. I’m a lifelong popular music geek and I’ve still learned so much from this podcast. Brilliant in every way!

This podcast is consistently amazingly great.

Many music and film podcasts are hosted by someone with little knowledge about their subject. This is NOT one of those. Andrew Hickey presents an in depth history that is both scholarly and intuitive. Here you will learn the inside story of popular (and some not so popular) music created in the 2nd half of the 20th century. He discusses Rock’s roots, theories, and place in culture. A must for any audiophile.

I’m so enjoying this very thorough account of the major influencers of rock and roll throughout it’s early history. There’s so much that I had wondered about, particularly the years just before and just after my birth. That stack of vinyl LP’s in our living room when I was a child… how did those get selected by parents and older siblings? The 45’s that we happily spent our allowance money on every week were chosen with care but there was so much more out there that wasn’t available to us. Now it is all making sense thanks to Andrew’s research and connection skills. I’m already dreading the day this podcast comes to its last episode! Keep up the great work, Andrew!

If you are at all a music fan, along with the ‘Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast’, this is the most entertaining and informative podcast out there. The detail is so intricate and astounding I sometimes wonder if Andrew is making it up, although I am sure he is not. Look forward to every episode. The last two, on ‘I Heard it through the Grapevine’ and ‘Everyday People’ (basically on Sly

I’m generally too lazy to write reviews, but in this case i feel it’s worth the small effort to support this thoughtful, deeply informative podcast. This well researched chronicle, along with its honest and compassionate commentary, has brought me and many friends such needed clarity, connected so many dots, and dispelled a walk-in closet full of myths about a subject that I’ve spend most of my life geeking out over. For anyone who has been touched by the glorious hand of rock, with all its diverse and checkered origins, its often dark and tragic back stories and beautiful triumphs, Andrew Hickey delivers a consistent treasure trove. The fact that he is also a musician gives him a steady hand when offering some technical insight as to how certain innovations came about and why they stand out as pivotal. Hickey doesn’t outwardly glorify people, (though you can tell he’s a fan), nor does he vilify this history’s uncool players, but he doesn’t tend to offer any passes on bad behavior, and he’s careful to warn you about potentially uncomfortable topics. It’s all truly great stuff and I dread the day when it’s completed. Listen up, y’all. You won’t regret it.

Fantastic podcast, not only do you get an explanation of the featured song, but entertaining history of the band!

I started at the beginning (a very good place to start) and am up to Episode 150. Hickey is thorough, caring, and often hilarious in his presentation. I wish I’d kept track of how many times he said, "The band auditioned singers and decided they didn’t need Rod Stewart." Got to the pod from Penn’s Sunday School!

This show makes me love music the way I did as a young kid who just started reading about it. When I’m depressed it’s one of those things that lifts my spirits immensely, because it’s such an effective love letter to my favorite art medium that reminds me how much there is to appreciate in human culture. Many music docs glorify musicians as Gods amongst men, but this podcast tries to get at the truth and beauty without papering over many ugly realities. It is not just about the music and musicians but what it means in the context of the whole broader culture.

Thank you

This pod was recommended to me around Christmastime 2022. I thanked my friend and spread the message to others. They’ve all thanked me. My only complaint is that over time Mr. Hickey has adjusted his output so that what was originally a double Herculean feat has become “merely” a Herculean feat. So really not a complaint but an acknowledgement that A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs is Herculean.

I challenge you to find one negative review of this podcast that doesn’t have some ridiculous claim of “wokeness”. Hickey is a true master of his work