Rod's Ramblings
A podcast reminiscing about cultural events and how they affected this sixty something. Join me as we travel on a nostalgic journey through the cultural events that have shaped our lives. From classical composers, iconic music moments, rock stars and unforgettable TV shows. Let’s reminisce about how these events have influenced us all. Whether you’re a fellow baby boomer or just love a good story, Rod’s Ramblings offers a heartfelt, informative and entertaining look at the stories behind these great events. Cheers, Rod.
Episodes
27 episodes
Exploring The Blues - Series Trailer
Step into the soulful world of the blues as we embark on an auditory journey through one of music's most influential genres. The blues isn't just music—it's a feeling, a story, raw and timeless. From its humble beginnings in the cotton fields o...
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Season 4
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Episode 1
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5:48
Harmonious Histories - Richard Wagner and his Ring Cycle Part 4 - Gotterdammerung
The twilight of a controversial genius unfolds in this exploration of Richard Wagner's final opera and complex legacy. As we follow the dramatic conclusion of Der Ring des Nibelungen with Götterdämmerung, we confront the challenging duality of ...
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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29:06
Harmonious Histories - Richard Wagner and his Ring Cycle Part 3 - Siegfried
Dive into the complexities of Richard Wagner's "Siegfried," one of the most celebrated operas in classical music. This week, we explore the potent themes woven into Siegfried's narrative, reflecting Wagner’s own tumultuous life, societal upheav...
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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34:44
Harmonious Histories - Richard Wagner and his Ring Cycle Part 2- Die Walkure
Ever wondered how myth and music intertwine to create legends? On this episode of Rod's Ramblings, we unravel the fascinating world of Richard Wagner's "Die Walküre" and the Norse mythology that inspired it. Discover the legendary Valkyries, th...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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28:46
Harmonious Histories - Richard Wagner and His Ring Cycle Part 1 - Das Rheingold
Discover the enduring allure of epic storytelling as we explore both contemporary cinema and classic opera. Ever wondered how a film like "The Brutalist" can captivate audiences for 215 minutes? Or why Richard Wagner's 16-hour "Ring Cycle" rema...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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26:14
Authors Under The Spotlight - Mark Edwards
Imagine a world where a psychological thriller is inspired by real-life experiences. That’s exactly what happened with Mark Edwards’ hit novel "The Magpies," which marked my first exploration into the realm of e-books. In this episode of Rod's ...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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19:54
The Rewind Series - Shane MacGowan and The New York Fairy Tale
What makes a song last and linger in our hearts every holiday season? Remember Shane McGowan, his incredible musical legacy, and the timeless charm of "Fairy Tale of New York" as we explore its cultural impact and the heartfelt tributes from mu...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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19:08
Harmonious Histories - Opera's Origins, Caruso's Legacy, and Titanic Triumphs
Ever wondered how an overheard debate in a restaurant could ignite a burning passion? That's exactly how my opera journey began. From the electrifying performance of "Sancta" that left Stuttgart buzzing to Beethoven's relentless struggle with "...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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31:31
Harmonious Histories - Beethoven's Enigmatic Letters and the Immortal Beloved Mystery
Discover the tantalizing mystery behind Beethoven's enigmatic "immortal beloved" letter and explore how the lost art of letter writing wove through the lives of classical composers like Mozart and Bach. As we reflect on the dramatic decline of ...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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32:54
Harmonious Histories - Mussorgsky's Masterpiece and the Muse Behind It
Unlock the secrets behind Modest Mussorgsky's transformative masterpiece, "Pictures at an Exhibition," and traverse a compelling narrative that intertwines music, art, and Russian cultural heritage. We'll guide you through the imaginative sound...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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28:48
Harmonious Histories - Sonatas, Concertos, Symphonies. What's the Difference?
In this latest episode in the Harmonious Histories series we answer the question, 'What is the difference between a Sonata, a Concerto and a Symphony?' We also include a bit of history along the way. We discuss Beethoven's 'Moonligh...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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16:40
Harmonious Histories - Its Only Baroque 'n' Roll
In this episode of my Harmonious Histories series I talk about The Baroque Period, specifically the 2 composers, Handel and Bach. There are sections about each composer along with a story of their disastrous meeting with John Taylor. ...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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32:40
Harmonious Histories - A Hero, a Swan and a Broken Toe
In this episode of Rod's Ramblings I continue to share my discovery of classical music in the Harmonious Histories series. I share the stories behind Beethoven's relationship with Napoleon, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and how Horrible Histori...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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15:54
Harmonious Histories - A Love Song, a Violinist, Travels with my Father and a Little Night Parody
The first episode in My Classical Music Discovery Series - Harmonious Histories. It covers the stories behind Beethoven's Fur Elise, the English Violinist George Bridgetower, one of Mozart's travels with his father, and a parody of Ei...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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23:51
The Rewind Series - Tom Petty's Journey from Gainesville to Global Stardom
Exciting News! 🎧 I've uncovered the original audio files from the very first series of "Rod’s Ramblings" which was broadcast in 2022 and am thrilled to share them with you. Thus, I proudly present "The Rewind Series." Tom Petty's musical...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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23:14
The Rewind Series - The Tumultuous Legacy of the Red Hot Chili Peppers
Exciting News! 🎧 I've uncovered the original audio files from the very first series of "Rod’s Ramblings" which was broadcast in 2022 and am thrilled to share them with you. Thus, I proudly present "The Rewind Series." What if the c...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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16:06
The Rewind Series - Let's Talk about Guitars
Following the 'accidental' loss of my original rambles, I am pleased to report that the recordings have been found and are being republished as part of The Rewind Series. This episode was originally broadcast as Series 1 Episode 8. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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19:32
The Rewind Series - Concept Albums, Rock Operas, and the Evolution of Rock Musicals
Exciting News! 🎧 I've uncovered the original audio files from the very first series of "Rod’s Ramblings" which was broadcast in 2022 and am thrilled to share them with you. Thus, I proudly present "The Rewind Series. "Can you disti...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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12:32
The Rewind Series - Thin Lizzy - Live and Dangerous
In anticipation of Series 3 of Rod's Ramblings this is the episode from Series 1 regarding one of the best live albums ever recorded. The episode contains contributions from the band members. Brian Downey, Scott Gorham and Brian ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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22:36
The Rewind Series - Remembering The Old Grey Whistle Test
In anticipation of Series 3 of Rod's Ramblings this is episode was originally broadcast in 2022. In it I discuss my memories of the programme and include Bob Harris recalling his infamous run in with Sid Vicious.Theme tune is 'Late Ni...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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13:20
The Rewind Series - Genesis - The Peter Gabriel Years
In recognition of Season 3 of Rod's Ramblings this episode, originally broadcast in 2022, covers the band from their inception through to the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway album, Peter Gabriel's outrageous stage outfits, the album Genesis Live, an...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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18:53
The Rewind Series - Remembering Top of The Pops
In anticipation of the launch of Series 3 this is the second ever episode, originally broadcast in 2022. I talk about my memories of Blackfoot Sue, a local band, appearing on the show, The Elecrtic Light Orchestra, Alice Cooper and Salvad...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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11:59
The Rewind Series - Kevin Rowland and Dexy's Midnight Runners
In anticipation of Series 3 of Rod's Ramblings this is the episode from series 1 regarding Kevin Rowland and Dexy's Midnight Runners. It was originally broadcast in August 2022 following their appearance at The Commonwealth Games.Them...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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17:42
The Rewind Series - Unwrapping Fireball: A Musical Journey with Deep Purple
Exciting News! 🎧 I've uncovered the original audio files from the very first series of "Rod’s Ramblings" which was broadcast in 2022 and am thrilled to share them with you. Thus, I proudly present "The Rewind Series." Imagine the t...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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13:30
See Later Episode - The Rewind Series - My First Podcast - Fireball by Deep Purple
In anticipation of Series 3 of Rod's Ramblings, this is the very first episode, originally broadcast in 2022. I discuss the first album I ever owned, and the famous introduction to the title track. There are contributions from membe...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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13:30
