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.
In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl dive into Surrealistic Pillow (1967) by Jefferson Airplane, ranked #471 on Rolling Stone’s Greatest Albums list. They explore how the album defined the San Francisco sound, the role of Grace Slick in reshaping the band’s identity, and Jerry Garcia’s surprising influence as “musical and spiritual advisor.” The conversation blends deep analysis, fun tangents, and reflections on the counterculture movement that shaped the record.
Key Points
Surrealistic Pillow marked Jefferson Airplane’s breakthrough and cemented them in the Summer of Love era.
Grace Slick brought two of the band’s biggest hits, “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit”, from her previous group The Great Society.
Jerry Garcia contributed guitar parts and guidance, inspiring the album’s title.
The record blends folk, rock, blues, and early psychedelia, showcasing a wide stylistic range.
Discussion of mono vs stereo cuts reveals different listening experiences, with White Rabbit favored in mono.
Music Referenced
Jefferson Airplane Takes Off by Jefferson Airplane
Flight Log by Jefferson Airplane
Somebody to Love by The Great Society
White Rabbit by The Great Society
Magic Bus by The Who
I Want Candy by The Strangeloves
The Boys of Summer by Don Henley
Don't Stop Believin' by Journey
Never Going Back Again by Fleetwood Mac
Hearts and Bones by Paul Simon
Extreme
They Reminisce Over You by Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth
The Honeysuckle Breeze by Tom Scott
Rickie Lee Jones
Paul Butterfield
Sara by Stevie Nicks
Janis Joplin
Nine Inch Nails
Trent Reznor
Jesus and Mary Chain
Right Here Right Now by Jesus Jones
Where It's At by Beck
Moonlight Drive by The Doors
Riders on the Storm by The Doors
Watermelon Man by Herbie Hancock
Law & Order Theme
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Join us next week when we cover 400 Degreez by Juvenile.
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.
