Backwards Beats is the music podcast where two musicians count down Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time—from #500 to #1—with deep dives, honest reviews, and a whole lot of personality.
Each week, Carl and Dan break down one classic album, exploring the songwriting, production, legacy, and cultural context behind the music. Expect:
🎧 Insightful Album Reviews – Go beyond surface-level takes with in-depth musical analysis and historical perspective.
🎤 Real Talk & Wild Takes – We’re not afraid to say when a “classic” doesn’t hold up—and we’ll explain why.
🎸 A Celebration of Music History – From groundbreaking debuts to genre-defining masterpieces, we revisit the records that shaped generations.
Whether you’re a music nerd, vinyl collector, or just discovering these iconic albums for the first time, Backwards Beats delivers sharp commentary, deep appreciation, and plenty of fun along the way.
New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe now and join the countdown from cult favorites to all-time greats.
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Backwards Beats is the music podcast where two musicians count down Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time—from #500 to #1—with deep dives, honest reviews, and a whole lot of personality.
Each week, Carl and Dan break down one classic album, exploring the songwriting, production, legacy, and cultural context behind the music. Expect:
🎧 Insightful Album Reviews – Go beyond surface-level takes with in-depth musical analysis and historical perspective.
🎤 Real Talk & Wild Takes – We’re not afraid to say when a “classic” doesn’t hold up—and we’ll explain why.
🎸 A Celebration of Music History – From groundbreaking debuts to genre-defining masterpieces, we revisit the records that shaped generations.
Whether you’re a music nerd, vinyl collector, or just discovering these iconic albums for the first time, Backwards Beats delivers sharp commentary, deep appreciation, and plenty of fun along the way.
New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe now and join the countdown from cult favorites to all-time greats.
This week, Dan and Carl dig into the dark, gritty, and groundbreaking Moanin’ in the Moonlight by Howlin’ Wolf — ranked #477 on Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. With a growl like gravel and a presence like thunder, Howlin’ Wolf’s debut album isn't just blues — it's the blueprint for rock ‘n’ roll.
Originally released in 1958 as a compilation of previously recorded singles, this 12-track, 30-minute album is a masterclass in raw expression. The guys explore everything from the origins of the electric blues to bizarre recording choices, and even a few unexpected grooves that feel downright Dilla-esque.
Whether you’re a blues head or a first-time listener, you’ll hear this album — and the blues — with new ears.
🎧 Key Points
Who Was Howlin’ Wolf?Born Chester Arthur Burnett, the man behind the howl was a towering force — literally. At 6'3" and 275 lbs, his presence and voice were larger than life. The guys dig into his history, including his time in the military, his discovery by Ike Turner, and his pivotal move to Chicago and Chess Records.
Format Breakdown & Song StructuresDan and Carl give listeners a crash course in blues forms — 12-bar, one-chord vamps, and even a possible D.C. Shuffle — making this episode perfect for blues newbies and music theory nerds alike.
Influence & LegacyFrom The Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin to The Black Keys, Howlin’ Wolf’s fingerprints are all over modern music — legally or otherwise. His influence extends beyond the music into stage presence, vocal delivery, and raw emotional honesty.
Music Referenced
Muddy Waters
Phil Spector
Floyd Jones
Johnny Shines
Sunny Boy Williams
Robert Johnson
Son House
Willie Johnson
Junior Parker
Willie Steele
Ike Turner
James Brown
Herbert Sumlin
Willie Dixon
Otis Spann
Jody Williams
The Rolling Stones
The Lemon Song by Led Zeppelin
How Many More Times by Led Zeppelin
Smokestack Lightning by The Yardbirds
Smokestack Lightning by Manfred Mann
Jay Dee (J Dilla)
George Benson
Wolfman Jack
Richard Dreyfus
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Frank Yonay
John Popper
Bob Dylan
Steven Tyler
Alanis Morissette
Royals by Lorde
Tove Lo
Devil's Haircut by Beck
Arcade Fire
Join us next week when we cover Kimono My House by Sparks
Backwards Beats Podcast
Backwards Beats is the music podcast where two musicians count down Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time—from #500 to #1—with deep dives, honest reviews, and a whole lot of personality.
Each week, Carl and Dan break down one classic album, exploring the songwriting, production, legacy, and cultural context behind the music. Expect:
🎧 Insightful Album Reviews – Go beyond surface-level takes with in-depth musical analysis and historical perspective.
🎤 Real Talk & Wild Takes – We’re not afraid to say when a “classic” doesn’t hold up—and we’ll explain why.
🎸 A Celebration of Music History – From groundbreaking debuts to genre-defining masterpieces, we revisit the records that shaped generations.
Whether you’re a music nerd, vinyl collector, or just discovering these iconic albums for the first time, Backwards Beats delivers sharp commentary, deep appreciation, and plenty of fun along the way.
New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe now and join the countdown from cult favorites to all-time greats.
