Andy Fenstermaker - Podcast Details

Shows

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesHow The Beach Boys & David Bowie Inspired Rock’s Most Unexpected AlbumIn 2001, the most unlikely rock album took the world by storm. It didn't feature seasoned musicians. It featured 200 elementary school kids in a school gym, performing rock and pop songs of the 1970s, in the 1970s, in a single take. It's backbone: the music of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys. A main attraction among many: a song by David Bowie that he felt was the best cover of one of his songs he had ever heard. This is the story of The Langley Schools Music Project, the release of Innocense & Despair, and the teacher behind it, Hans Fenger. I...2025-07-2937 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Surreal SECRETS Behind Mellon Collie’s Iconic Album ArtIt's time to peel back the layers of The Smashing Pumpkins’ iconic 1995 masterpiece "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" to explore how the haunting artwork shaped the emotional world created within the album. We jump into Billy Corgan and John Craig’s creative dialogue: the faxed prompts, the evocative collage of Greuze, Raphael, and found imagery, and how those visuals echo the album’s themes of longing, wonder, and melancholy. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Substack 🎧 Get The Smashing Pumpkins on Vinyl: https://amzn.to...2025-07-2213 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesMorrissey, the Kray Twins, and the Glamour of Violence"The Last of the Famous International Playboys" was a critique of the media's idolizing tendencies that, decades later, has consistently gotten worse. This episode unravels the depths of Morrissey's third single and its dark ties to real-life gangsters (Ronnie and Reggie Kray), the glamorization of violence, and the media’s obsession with infamy. This story traces the song’s roots in British crime history, its place in Morrissey’s post-Smiths identity, and the dangerous allure of being seen, even if it means becoming the villain. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️...2025-07-1510 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesRock’s Strangest Prank: Elton John’s Gorilla Suit Attack on Iggy PopIn 1973, at the height of glam rock chaos, Elton John pulled one of the strangest pranks in music history: storming a Stooges concert in a full gorilla suit and tackling a drug-addled Iggy Pop onstage. We unpack the bizarre true story behind that moment, tracing Iggy’s downward spiral after Raw Power, the chaos surrounding its infamous mix by David Bowie, and how Elton’s surreal prank became a weirdly touching gesture between two rock legends. It’s a snapshot of a wilder time when even the most absurd moments carried real meaning. Watch the episode on YouTub...2025-07-0810 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesSaint Etienne’s Forgotten Gem: A Love Letter to British SuburbiaWhat happens when a pop band turns a London council block into a concept album? In 2005, Saint Etienne released "Tales from Turnpike House," a quietly radical record that captured the rhythms, routines, and quiet poetry of suburban life. Today we explore the album’s architectural inspiration, its place in the revival of the concept album, and how it laid the groundwork for Saint Etienne’s later work. From Xenomania pop polish to David Essex bedtime tales, this is the story of one of British pop’s most overlooked masterpieces. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with mo...2025-07-0110 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesCYHSY: The Internet’s First DIY Indie Rock PhenomenonClap Your Hands Say Yeah didn’t sidestep the music business. They bulldozed right past it. And in doing so, they changed how bands could break through. This is the story of the band that went viral before “going viral” was really even a thing. It’s a story of raw sound, right timing, and one album that rewrote the rules. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 🎧 Get Clap Your Hands Say Yeah on Vinyl https://amzn.to/4kOxKxn Poetic Wax is a wee...2025-06-2511 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesWhy Brian Wilson’s Passing Hit Harder Than I ExpectedToday, we remember Brian Wilson, the soul of the Beach Boys and a true voice of a generation. His unforgettable melodies defined an era, spanned generations, and shaped the early days of pop music. It's time to reflect on his legendary career and the impact he had on music, and on me. RIP Brian Wilson. This is why your passing hit me harder than I expected. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 🎧 Get The Beach Boys on Vinyl https://amzn.to/3FDqyFj 2025-06-1706 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesHow a Broken Jaw and Existential Dread Shaped Modest Mouse’s Darkest AlbumIn the summer of 2000, Modest Mouse released The Moon & Antarctica, and today we take a deep dive into the stories, sounds, and strange mythology behind Modest Mouse’s major-label debut. From cosmic themes and broken jaw myths to existential dread and the Volkswagen controversy, this video explores how the band created one of indie rock’s most haunting and forward-looking albums just as the world itself began to fracture. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 🎧 Get The Moon And Antarctica on Vinyl https...2025-06-1013 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesJack White and the Gospel According to NoiseBefore becoming a worldwide rock icon, Jack White almost became a priest. And nowhere is the parallels between rock and roll and religion more present than on The White Stripes' 2005 album "Get Behind Me Satan." This video documents the story of Jack White's pivot away from priesthood, giving up the alb for an amp, and how he continues to weave his own parables of faith and morality into his music to this day. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 🎧 Get Jack White on V...2025-06-0314 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesHow Charles Bradley Turned Pain Into LovePain and tragedy were no stranger to Charles Bradley, who struggled throughout his life to find his footing yet never gave up on his dreams of being a musician. At age 62, he released his debut album, "No Time For Dreaming." Over the next 5 years, he recorded 3 more, the final being released after he passed in 2017. Known as the Screaming Eagle of Soul, this is the story of Charles Bradley. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 🎧 Get Charles Bradley on Vinyl https://amzn.to/3S...2025-05-2708 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesEvil Morty's Theme: How Blonde Redhead Created "For the Damaged Coda"This is the story of how Blonde Redhead created Evil Morty's theme song, and how Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons and "For The Damaged Coda" went from a cult classic to a cultural phenomenon thanks to Rick & Morty. ACCIDENTAL OMISSION: In addition to the core trio of Blonde Redhead, Tobias Nathaniel also contributed to this piece, providing the haunting piano part that dominates the song. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 🎧 Get Blonde Redhead on Vinyl https://amzn.to/4diKCJy ...2025-05-2112 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe CHAOS Behind Hawkwind’s "Warrior On The Edge of Time"With just two months to craft an album to support an upcoming tour, Hawkwind created "Warrior on the Edge of Time," and it very nearly broke them. Members left, including the infamous departure of Lemmy Kilmister, who would then form Motörhead. This is the story of the chaos behind that album, its sci-fi cred, the fall out, and its lasting legacy. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 🎧 Get Hawkwind on Vinyl https://amzn.to/4diKCJy Poetic Wax is a weekly mu...2025-05-1309 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesHow Thom Yorke’s Breakdown Created Radiohead’s "KID A"After touring to support OK Computer, Radiohead was at a breaking point. Thom Yorke more so than the rest of the band. And as they approached the album that would follow, he fell into a slump. He couldn't write, he couldn't create, and he was spiraling toward complete destruction. Then something miraculous happened. One song formed out of snippets he began to collect after a period of throwing everything away, and suddenly everything came together. This is the story of KID A, and how Thom Yorke's breakdown led to a major breakthrough. Watch the episode on YouTube a...2025-05-0816 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesPicaresque at 20: How The Decemberists Made History CoolBy the time The Decemberists released "Picaresque" in 2005, frontman Colin Meloy had been honing his narrative, storytelling style of songwriting for more than half a decade. Despite having dabbled in the theatrical side of indie rock with both Castaways & Cutouts and Her Majesty, Picaresque brought it to a whole new level. This is the story of that album, and how The Decemberists made history cool. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. The YouTube episode includes reference links to audio/video clips featured in the episode. 🎧 THE DECEMBERISTS ON VINYL: ...2025-04-3011 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe WILD Truth Behind David Bowie’s EyesEver wonder why David Bowie’s eyes looked like they belonged to an alien? If you’ve ever wondered why Bowie’s gaze felt like it could pierce through dimensions, you’re about to find out why. This is the weird truth of David Bowie and his strange eyes... Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 🎧 DAVID BOWIE ON VINYL: Station to Station on Vinyl 👉 https://amzn.to/3XBDxNd Young Americans on Vinyl 👉 https://amzn.to/4hXY32S More Vinyl by David Bowie 👉 https://amz 2025-04-2609 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesHow a NAKED Manager Saved New Order’s "The Perfect Kiss"In 1985, New Order released 'Low Life.' It's time to dive into the wild story behind "The Perfect Kiss" and discover how a naked manager, Rob Gretton, sparked a synth-pop classic with a desktop rant, and how Jonathan Demme’s iconic video sealed its legacy. From studio chaos to dance floor glory, this is Low-Life’s craziest tale! 🎵🔔 Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. The YouTube episode includes reference links to audio/video clips featured in the episode. 🎧 NEW ORDER ON VINYL: Low Life on Vinyl https://amzn.to/3YCLdPS Sub...2025-04-2208 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesFrom 1968 to Severance Season 2: The Wild History of 'The Windmills of Your Mind'EVERYONE is talking about Severance Season 2. Today we look at the WILD history behind the Apple TV series finale's "The Windmills of Your Mind" and its journey from 1968 to 2025. This one includes it all -- a high flying playboy (Steve McQueen), an olympic skier, an Oscar, and about 5000 covers from the likes of Mel Torme, the Muppets, Dusty Springfield, Sting, Jose Feliciano, and countless others. This is the story of "The Windmills of Your Mind." Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. The YouTube episode includes reference links to audio/video clips f...2025-04-1811 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesGOD IS EMPTY: The Nihilism in The Smashing Pumpkins' "Zero""‘God is empty, just like me’—this single line fueled the iconic track "ZERO" off The Smashing Pumpkins' monumental 1995 album 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.' How did Billy Corgan channel his self-loathing into a track that redefined The Smashing Pumpkins, and what made it resonate with a ‘messed-up generation’? Was it the nihilism? The desire for controversy? Corgan's negation? Join me as I explore the history and heart of 'Zero.'" Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. The YouTube episode includes reference links to audio/video clips featured in the episode...2025-04-1312 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe DARK History of The Smiths' "Suffer Little Children"One of the first songs Morrissey wrote for The Smiths was "Suffer Little Children" and it was also one of his darkest. This is the story behind the song, its relation to the Moors Murders, the controversy it caused locally in Manchester, and its legacy. You DON'T want to miss this one! Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. The YouTube episode includes reference links to audio/video clips featured in the episode. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter. 🎧 THE SMITHS ON VINYL & MORE: The Smiths Debut LP: http...2025-04-0915 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Baroques: The Band RUMORED To Have Outsold Sgt. PepperReleased the same day in 1967 as The Beatles’ infamous Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Baroques’ lone release is rumored to have outsold the much more wildly popular release in the local Wisconsin market. This is the story of a band that should have garnered more clout, and the struggles they had along the way during their short-lived tenure as a band. It’s the story of a song that was banned for being too pro-drug despite definitely being anti-drug. This is the story of The Baroques. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more...2025-04-0712 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe TRAGIC History of Stone Temple Pilots "Interstate Love Song""Interstate Love Song" by Stone Temple Pilots is a story of deception, of heartache, and of addiction. This is the history of the song off the band's 1994 album Purple, and how it reflected the inner struggles of frontman Scott Weiland. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 🎧 STONE TEMPLE PILOTS ON VINYL & MORE: STP Purple on Vinyl (Amazon Exclusive) 👉 https://amzn.to/4ccUBiT More Vinyl from STP 👉 https://amzn.to/4hSaegY Not Dead & Not For Sale 👉 https://amzn.to/3E8ZP2p 2025-04-0208 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe GHOSTS of Broadcast’s ‘The Noise Made by People’In March of 2000, Broadcast (helmed by Trish Keenan and James Cargill) released their debut album "The Noise Made By People." Blending a dreamy psychedelia with both futuristic and vintage inspired pop sensibilities, their sound was one that has built quite the cult following over the years. This is the story of that album and how the ghosts within linger, long after Keenan's passing. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 🎧 BROADCAST ON VINYL: The Noise Made By People on Vinyl 👉 https://amzn.to/4hXC...2025-03-2907 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesHow Sonic Youth’s “Bad Moon Rising” Captured the Dark Side of AmericaBefore they became the patron saints of noise rock, before the major labels and festival headlining slots, Sonic Youth were a band lurking in the dark corners of the New York underground. And in 1985, they released Bad Moon Rising, an album that captured both the decay of America and the restless experimentation of a band on the verge of something bigger. This is the story of that album and how it still resonates more than 40 years later. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 🎧...2025-03-2510 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Exorcism of David Bowie's Swimming PoolIn the mid 1970s, David Bowie released "Station to Station" as he transformed into the Thin White Duke. His mental and physical state was in major decline due to addiction. Becoming obsessed with the occult, he felt Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin was casting dark spells on him. And then there was his haunted Los Angeles swimming pool. This is the story of David Bowie around that time, how he spiraled into madness, and how he hired a white witch to help him conduct an exorcism on his possibly possessed pool. CLARIFICATION: In Angela Bowie's memoir Backstage P...2025-03-2012 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Censorship of "Sister" by Sonic YouthTwice censored, this is the story of Sonic Youth's pivotal release "Sister" from 1987, how and why the album's unique cover art got those black boxes, and the story of the photographer that sparked the change. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 🎧 SONIC YOUTH ON VINYL: Sonic Youth Sister on Vinyl: https://amzn.to/3VTb04q Sonic Youth Daydream Nation on Vinyl: https://amzn.to/3L7xutu More Sonic Youth on Vinyl: https://amzn.to/4ckDGtP 2025-03-1611 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesHow ‘The Bends’ by Radiohead Changed Alternative Rock ForeverAfter the success of "Creep," Radiohead was at a crossroads. They struggled to cope with the potential of being a 'one-hit-wonder.' While their label EMI sought another big hit, they went a different direction. The result was The Bends, an album that saw them redefining their sound, and thus, the trajectory of alternative rock for the next decade. This is the story of Radiohead and The Bends, and how it set the stage for Radiohead becoming one of the biggest bands in the world at the time. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with m...2025-03-1316 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesAre The Kinks a MOD Band?Are The Kinks a MOD band? When you look at The Kinks' early work from the mid 1960s, they seem to fit the part. Sharp suits, R&B influences. But it's not as simple as that. Today, we break it down, defining what a MOD band is, and sharing the arguments for and against the claim. ▶️ Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more Poetic Wax video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 🎧 Get THE KINKS on Vinyl 👉 https://amzn.to/3Dczxfj 2025-03-1108 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe DARK History Behind David Bowie's 'Young Americans'As David Bowie transitioned out of his glam phase, he set his sights on Philadelphia and Philly Soul. What came from this was the upbeat "Young Americans" and the album of the same name. This is the story of how that coincided with an incredibly dark period if Bowie's life as he transitioned from glam to plastic soul to the thin white duke. This is the dark history behind Bowie's "Young Americans." Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. You can also subscribe to the Poetic Wax Podcast Newsletter. ✉️ Join the P...2025-03-0710 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesWas "Kinks-Size" The Kinks' Forgotten Album or Just a Cash-Grab?Released in March 1965 as a US and Canada only compilation, is "Kinks-Size" The Kinks' forgotten album, or was it just a label cash grab? This is the story of that album, why it was released, and how it sizes up today. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 🎧 THE KINKS ON VINYL: Kinks-Size on Vinyl 👉 https://amzn.to/4kmYZ2h More Vinyl by The Kinks 👉 https://amzn.to/3Dczxfj 2025-03-0406 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesA Complete History of Bright Eyes’ “I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning”In January 2005, Bright Eyes released two albums, among them the widely acclaimed "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning." This is the complete history of that album, a look at where frontman Conor Oberst was in his career at that time, and some of the events that led up to the stunning double release and the standout singles "The First Day of My Life," and "Lua," as well as other highlights on the album like "Road to Joy" and "Land Locked Blues." Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax P...2025-02-2615 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe REAL History and Meaning Behind Radiohead's "Fake Plastic Trees""Fake Plastic Trees" is one of Radiohead's most heartbreaking songs. But what does it mean? And how did Thom Yorke come up with those lyrics? This is the REAL history and meaning behind the classic song off Radiohead's sophomore album The Bends, how they recorded it, and how it became one of their most endearing tracks. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 🎧 RADIOHEAD ON VINYL: Get The Bends on Vinyl: https://amzn.to/42Ze7Nc More Radiohead on Vinyl: https://amzn.to/42 2025-02-1814 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesWhy "Meat is Murder" by The Smiths Still Matters TodayIn February 1985, The Smiths released Meat is Murder, an album that connects the dots between various forms of violence that perpetuate our society. This is the story of that album and why it still matters today. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. The YouTube episode includes reference links to audio/video clips featured in the episode. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter. 🎧 THE SMITHS ON VINYL: Get Meat is Murder on Vinyl Get The Smiths on Vinyl 2025-02-1116 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesDid Marianne Faithfull Inspire "Wild Horses" by The Rolling Stones?Did Marianne Faithfull really inspire Mick Jagger to pen "Wild Horses" off The Rolling Stones' 1971 album 'Sticky Fingers?' In this video, we look at the lore and the legend of one of the hottest It Couples of the Swinging Sixties, and how the song may (or may not) have been about the late muse. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. The YouTube episode includes reference links to audio/video clips featured in the episode. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter. 🎧 THE ROLLING STONES & MARIANNE FAITHFULL ON VINYL:2025-02-0109 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesWhy ‘Pygmalion’ by Slowdive FailedIn early 1995, Slowdive released an album so misunderstood that it effectively ended their career. But today, Pygmalion is hailed by some as a masterpiece. How did something so ahead of its time fail so spectacularly? This is the story of that ill fated album and why it ultimately led to the band calling it quits. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. The YouTube episode includes reference links to audio/video clips featured in the episode. ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter. 🎧 SLOWDIVE ON VINYL: Get Pygmalion on Vinyl...2025-01-2815 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesGOD IS EMPTY: The Controversy of The Smashing Pumpkins’ “ZERO”From the lyric that shocked the world to the visual traits that Billy Corgan embodied, "ZERO" by The Smashing Pumpkins created a cultural firestorm upon its release on 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness' in October of 1995. This is the story of the song and the controversy that followed, and how it created fans and haters alike, becoming one of the most misunderstood anthems for Generation X. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. The YouTube episode includes reference links to audio/video clips featured in the episode. 🎧 THE SMASHING PUMP...2025-01-2118 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe WILD Story of ‘Soldier’ by Iggy PopIt's a miracle Iggy Pop finished 'Soldier' with the amount of chaos an infighting that took place during the recording sessions late in 1979. Within the album is a fever dream cast of stars from David Bowie and ex Sex Pistols' bassist Glen Matlock to XTC's Barry Andrews and The Patti Smith Group's Ivan Kral. Love it or hate it, this is the wild story of how the album came to be, and how Iggy Pop rang in the new decade with his 1980 release 'Soldier'. Watch the episode on YouTube and go deeper with more video episodes. The Y...2025-01-1319 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Untold Story of Blonde Redhead’s Explosive BeginningsConflict and creativity. Connection and chaos. Love and hate. These all defined Blonde Redhead in their early days, and the themes continue to drive them after more than three decades. This is the story of how three foreigners on the streets of New York City to create one of the most fascinating bands in modern alternative and indie rock. This is the story behind Blonde Redhead's debut self-titled album. 👉 Subscribe to the Poetic Wax YouTube Channel ✉️ Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 👉 https://poeticwaxpodcast.com/join 2025-01-0714 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesHow Going Solo Changed Everything for M83Before the Dawn Heals Us by M83 was a big departure from the band's first two records. We know M83 as a synth-heavy electronic pop outfit centered around Anthony Gonzalez, made famous the world over by the GRAMMY nominated 2011 hit "Midnight City," but back in 2004 they were more known for electronic-based shoegaze. The departure of Nicholas Fromageau changed everything. This is the story of how M83's "Before The Dawn heals Us" was made. 👉 Subscribe to the Poetic Wax YouTube Channel 👉 Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter 2025-01-0213 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesDavid Bowie's GREATEST EmbarrassmentHow and why did David Bowie, one of the most iconic musicians of all time, create such an embarrassing song? And why does it keep rearing its head? This is the story of Bowie's 1967 single "The Laughing Gnome," how it returned with a vengeance in 1973, and how it caused mischief in 1990. This episode contains a clip called "Requiem for a Laughing Gnome" which was recorded for Comic Relief in 1999. For the full effect of the clip, including humorous textual commentary from the original video, you can see it on the video version of the episode. 👉 Sub...2024-12-3014 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesDavid Bowie and the Story of 'Andy Warhol'On David Bowie's "Hunky Dory" is a track titled "Andy Warhol" which Bowie wrote about the pop art icon, whom he admired. But what did Warhol think of it? Not much... so goes this week's episode of Poetic Wax. Today, host Andy Fenstermaker pulls out his copy of the album, dives into the lead up to "Hunky Dory," the history of the song, and the time he went to The Factory and played it for the artist himself. This episode is pulled from before I had a fancier microphone and before I officially launched this series as...2024-12-2712 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesWhen Modest Mouse Built Nothing Out of SomethingBefore Modest Mouse achieved critical acclaim with their 2004 album "Good News for People Who Love Bad News" on Epic Records, the band had become indie rock darlings of the Pacific Northwest. In 2000, they’d give us their major label debut, "The Moon And Antarctica," but before that came an indie culmination of creativity — a compilation on their soon-to-be former label Up Records, released in January of 2000 and dubbed "Building Nothing Out Of Something." This is the story of their transformation and the compilation that sealed their indie years as they looked forward to major label success. Poetic Wax...2024-12-2409 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Story of the Failed Television & Brian Eno SessionsIn December of 1974, an Island Records A&R exec out of London put together a demo session for punk pioneers Television. They were joined in the studio by Brian Eno, formerly of Roxy Music, who had gone solo that same year. With hopes of a promising endeavor to pitch the band to label heads, the sessions instead were a complete failure with the band and Eno leaving frustrated. This is the story of those fateful demo sessions, the stakes on the table for both Television and Eno, and why they went so catastrophically wrong. CLARIFICATION: The original...2024-12-2219 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe 10 BEST Indie Rock Albums of 2024These are my picks for the 10 best albums of 2024, mostly spanning the indie rock genre. What's missing, and what's not worthy? Visit my channel on YouTube and share your thoughts! Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. Get the video version on my YouTube Channel. Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter. Subscribe to my Substack. 2024-12-1418 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Tormented Soul of Jason Molina: The Story of ‘The Lioness’In January of 2000, Songs: Ohia, the project of Jason Molina, released The Lioness. Ripe with metaphor and deeply personal lyrics, this album is among the many pillars of Molina's vast career. This is the story of that album, the songs within, and the hint of Jason Molina's tragic fate 13 years later. Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. Get the video version on my YouTube Channel. Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter. 2024-12-0912 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesDown With Wilco: When Jeff Tweedy Met The Minus 5Between the chaotic recording of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and the success that followed, Wilco had a meeting of the minds with The Minus 5, a collaborative effort from Scott McCaughey (pronounced McKoy, not McKai, as I say throughout this video) of The Young Fresh Fellows. Joined by R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and The Posies' Ken Stringfellow, this collective came together to create "Down With Wilco," and this is the story behind that 2003 album by The Minus 5. Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy...2024-12-0709 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesBefore Loveless: My Bloody Valentine’s Forgotten Goth EraIn the early days, My Bloody Valentine was far from the iconic shoegaze band they'd become know as. Today we look back at "This Is Your Bloody Valentine." Released in January of 1985, it was the band's debut, and its goth undertones would help shape the sound they'd eventually pioneer: shoegaze. This is the story of that mini album, and the transformation the band underwent to become the #1 shoegaze band of all time. Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. Get the video v...2024-12-0408 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Kinks and the Mystery Girl Behind "You Really Got Me"In October and November of 1964, The Kinks released their debut studio album, "You Really Got Me." The title track was raw and gritty with an enormous sound that caught the world off guard. This is the story of that song, how Dave Davies got that sound, the mystery girl who inspired Ray Davies' lyrics, and the rumor that Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin played that famed guitar solo. Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. Get the video version on my YouTube C...2024-11-2614 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Legacy of The Beach Boys Christmas AlbumReleased in November of 1964, The Beach Boys Christmas Album saw America's biggest pop band blend their signature sunny surf rock with a California holiday. Over the last 6 decades, this album has come to include go-to Christmas music spanning generations. Today, we look at the surprising story of The Beach Boys Christmas Album. Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. Get the video version on my YouTube Channel. Find the Transcript on and Subscribe to my Substack. 2024-11-1810 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Stooges and the Legend of the Painted GuitarThe Stooges are pioneers of the proto punk movement, with Iggy Pop often hailed as the Godfather of Punk. In this album story, we explore the origins of the title, and trace it back to a bad decision -- something The Stooges kinda made part of their career. This is the story of how a painted guitar led to Iggy being crowned the Godfather of Punk Rock. Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. Get the video version on my YouTube Channel. F...2024-11-1408 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesHow Le Tigre Changed Feminist Punk in 1999In the fall of 1999, Le Tigre released their self-titled debut album. The band stemmed from Riot Grrrl pioneer Kathleen Hanna's desire to create music more playful and light-hearted than that of Bikini Kill while also maintaining the inspiration from feminism and political activism of her other band. This is the story of that debut album, how the band formed, and the members within. Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. Get the video version on my YouTube Channel. Find the Transcript on a...2024-11-1112 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesCAN’s Bold New Era: The Story of ‘Soon Over Babaluma’In 1973, legendary Krautrock band CAN lost their charismatic lead singer Damo Suzuki. A year later, in November of 1974, they remade themselves and gave us Soon Over Babaluma. This is the story of that album, how a band can indeed find success after their frontman leaves. Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. Get the video version on my YouTube Channel. Find Transcripts on and Subscribe to my Substack. 2024-11-0413 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesHow The Beach Boys Influenced Kraftwerk’s "Autobahn"This is the unlikely story of how the sun-soaked sounds of The Beach Boys struck a cord with the cold, electronic stoicism in post-war Germany and influenced Kraftwerk's breakout hit "Autobahn." Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. Get the video version on my YouTube Channel. Find the Transcript on and Subscribe to my Substack. 2024-10-2816 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Double-Edged Sword of The Smiths' "Bigmouth Strikes Again"The Smiths are among the most influential indie bands of all time. Led by confrontational artist Morrissey, the controversial frontman has never been one to keep quiet. He seemed to know this as far back as 1985, when he and Johnny Marr wrote "Bigmouth Strikes Again." This is the history of that song, the Rolling Stones song that inspired Marr's guitar riff, and the subtle nod to the Ancoats district in Manchester. Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. Get the video version on...2024-10-2411 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesNirvana’s MTV Unplugged in New York: The Tragic Beauty of Kurt Cobain’s Last StandOn November 18, 1993, Nirvana took the stage for MTV’s Unplugged series—a moment in music history that no one could have predicted would become one of their most defining live performances. This is the heartfelt story of that show and the live recording that graced so many of our speakers when it was released a year later on November 1, 1994 on CD and vinyl, just months after Kurt Cobain's death. Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. Get the video version on my YouTu...2024-10-2111 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesNew Order and the Story of 'Blue Monday'The success of "Blue Monday" by New Order was a mistake. The song was a joke. New Order never intended for it to be a hit. In this week’s episode of Poetic Wax, we pull out the 1988 reissue of "Blue Monday" on vinyl and give it a spin. We'll dig into the surprising history of the song that blended alt rock, new wave, and electronic dance music and changed the course of music history. The Poetic Wax Podcast is hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. What began as a weekly music history video series on his Yo...2024-10-1708 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Kinks and the Inside Joke That Inspired 'David Watts'When people ask The Beatles or The Rolling Stones, I push back and say give me The Kinks! This troupe began as mod rockers in the 1960s and came to weave theatrics into their music by the turn of the decade. Opening their 1967 album Something Else, "David Watts" plays into that playfulness with a slyness that makes you think. This is the story of David Watts and the inside joke between the Davies brothers that inspired it. The Poetic Wax Podcast is hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. What began as a weekly music history video series on his Y...2024-10-1405 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesHow A Horse Accident Drove Blonde Redhead's TransformationIt's time to go deep into the history and story of Misery is a Butterfly, the 2004 album by Blonde Redhead. We'll go deep, exploring the band's noise pop origins and their move from Smells Like to Touch & Go Records. For Misery, we'll dig into their decision to strike out on their own, ultimately landing at the legendary label 4AD. We explore the album's origins and the impact of a tragic horse accident member Kazu Makino sustained in 2002, of which traces of influence can be found within. I explore and share my personal connection to the...2024-10-1114 min

WCNC Charlotte To GoGrassroots caravan of volunteers take cold weather supplies to western North CarolinaWhat started as a couple of volunteers looking to help western North Carolina in the wake of Helene has now grown into an effort resulting in hundreds of donations and several volunteers strong."Next thing you know, it just turns into a caravan," said Bryan Pierce, one of the organizers.Pierce teamed up with friends like Merissa Jones and Andy Fenstermaker to take supplies to the hardest-hit areas. For Jones, it's personal."I've been crying for two weeks," she said. "I'm going to try not to cry talking to you, but these are...2024-10-1110 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe BIZARRE Story of How the Velvet Underground Met Andy WarholThe Velvet Underground is one of the most influential bands in rock history, and their collaboration with pop art icon Andy Warhol has a lot to do with that. This is the BIZARRE story of how The Velvet Underground met Andy Warhol, and went on to change the landscape of music forever. Connect with Andy and the Poetic Wax Podcast on YouTube and Instagram. 2024-10-0709 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesHow Arcade Fire Changed Indie Rock: The Story of 'Funeral'From Grief to Greatness: this is a history of Arcade Fire's debut album Funeral and how it changed indie rock. Funeral was released in September 2004, birthed from the collective grief of the band after losing many family members. Finding joy in the sorrow, the album resonated with many across the United States and the world in the post-9/11 days, still fresh from a few years prior. Yet, it almost didn't see the light of day. From death to new life, pain to joy, after 20 years this album still cuts deeply, heals fully, and continues to...2024-09-3012 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesModest Mouse and the Story of 'Float On'This is the story of "Float On" and how a slew of bad events led Modest Mouse to create the greatest perseverance anthem of all time. Their 2004 album "Good News For People Who Love Bad News" turns 20 in 2024, and that means it's the perfect time to look back and see how we got here. Modest Mouse is a band that probably never should have made it big, but defied all odds with a little mindset shift. Let's dig in! Connect with Andy and the Poetic Wax Podcast on YouTube and Instagram. 2024-09-2713 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Story of Mercer Arts Center and the Rise of CBGB's and Punk RockBefore CBGB's there was the Mercer Arts Center. This is the wild story of the hotel that housed that venue, it's collapse, and how it led to the rise of CBGB's and punk rock. Today we touch on a few notable bands from the 1970s, including New York Dolls, Television, Ramones, and The Modern Lovers. From the fanfare of the Grand Central Hotel in the 1870s to the two notable events that took place with its first ten years, to the birth and collapse of the Mercer Arts Center, this fascinating story digs into a little covered...2024-09-2211 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Smashing Pumpkins and the 1979 UltimatumOne of the reasons I started the Poetic Wax Podcast is that I love digging deep into the often little known history of bands, albums, and songs in my record collection. Sometimes it's shocking how quickly a band pulls together an album -- sometimes in the span of a few weeks or less! But just as often, the opposite is true. The songwriter struggles to put the final touches on the song. This is the story of the latter, and how it literally came down to the last day in the studio and an ultimatum...2024-09-2012 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesRadiohead and the Sabotage that Made 'Creep' a MasterpieceSabotage doesn't usually lead to good things. On a rare occasion, however, it does. This is the story of how an act of sabotage in the studio created the defining sound that led to Radiohead's first commercial hit, "Creep." And, how that song became one of the many slacker anthems of the early 1990s. You can connect with Andy and the Poetic Wax Podcast on YouTube and Instagram. 2024-09-1807 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesHow "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana Saved Rock MusicThe speed as which "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and the album it opened, Nevermind, catapulted grunge and alt rock band Nirvana into the mainstream in 1991 is unparalleled. Not just was the song the anthem of a generation, it became a defining cornerstone to the soundtrack of the 1990s. This is the story behind the song, and how it helped save rock music, pushing alt rock and grunge into a worldwide cultural phenomenon. You can connect with Andy and the Poetic Wax Podcast on YouTube and Instagram. 2024-09-1612 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Sonics and the Origins of Punk RockPunk originated during the mid 1970s, but its beginnings are steeped in the underground scene dating back to the mid 1960s. Today, Andy Fenstermaker with Poetic Wax looks at proto punk and its origination, coinciding and clashing with the mid-60s garage rock of the Pacific Northwest. In particular, a little band from Tacoma, Washington called The Sonics. This episode of Poetic Wax digs deep into the music history of one of the earliest influences on punk rock. As The Sonics celebrate their 60th anniversary with a series of live shows (yes, they're STILL performing to this...2024-09-0912 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesJack White and the First Elvis Presley RecordingIn 2015, Jack White anonymously purchased the one off copy of Elvis Presley's first recording, "My Happiness" b/w "That's When Your Heartache Begins." This is the story of how that two-song record came to be, how White acquired it, and what happened next. It's a fascinating story of secrecy, mystery, and good business decisions. This episode of Poetic Wax digs deep into music history and lore, exploring a sixty-year journey from 1953 to 2015, and concludes on a recent moment in White's career with the release of his new album No Name in 2024. Connect with A...2024-09-0711 min

Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the GroovesThe Smashing Pumpkins and the Song From Siamese Dream Saved Billy Corgan's LifeIn 1992, Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins wrote what might very well be the most upbeat song about hopelessness and hitting rock bottom: "Today." Many look no further than the opening line "Today is the greatest day I've ever known," but dig deeper and the dark undertones are undeniable. This is the story and the history of the song off their 1993 album Siamese Dream, and how it came from an incredibly bleak period in the life of the famed frontman. This episode of Poetic Wax digs deep, exploring the period between The Smashing Pumpkins first...2024-09-0610 min

PodcastEWeek 24: Andy Sellers, P.E., hosted by Rhett Hebert, E.I.Andy Sellers joined Fenstermaker’s Lafayette Engineering group in December 2006 and gained professional engineering licensure over a decade ago in 2013. Andy specializes in civil projects for municipal and parish clients. Currently serving as the Engineer for the City of Carencro, Mr. Sellers manages client relations, engineering services, and infrastructure projects. His responsibilities span the design and enhancement of drainage systems, floodplain management, roadway design, utility design, site design, construction administration, and plan review for commercial and residential developments. In his capacity as a Certified Floodplain Manager, Andy collaborates closely with the City of Carencro’s planning department to ove...2024-02-2322 min

FUELED | A Fenstermaker PodcastS4 Ep5 EWeek 24: Andy Sellers, P.E., hosted by Rhett Hebert, E.I.Andy Sellers joined Fenstermaker's Lafayette Engineering group in December 2006 and gained professional engineering licensure over a decade ago in 2013. Andy specializes in civil projects for municipal and parish clients. Currently serving as the Engineer for the City of Carencro, Mr. Sellers manages client relations, engineering services, and infrastructure projects. His responsibilities span the design and enhancement of drainage systems, floodplain management, roadway design, utility design, site design, construction administration, and plan review for commercial and residential developments. In his capacity as a Certified Floodplain Manager, Andy collaborates closely with the City of Carencro’s plan...2024-02-2322 min

SPINNING OUT PODCASTEpisode 157 SONGS FROM A ROOM by LEONARD COHEN with Andy the DoorbumSpinning Out (another music podcast) We talk to artists about their favorite albums and go on wild tangents. Welcome to Spinning Out, I'm your host Josh Robbins. This week on the pod we talked with Andy Fenstermaker aka Andy the Doorbum about Leonard Cohen's second album "Songs From a Room." We also chat about the life of Leonard Cohen, poetry, doing so much with so little and tons of other great tangents. This was a great chat. Andy has a new album coming out on November 1st called "Of Tears, No Amount Can Quench Mouths Maimed By Drought" -- so...2023-10-231h 26

Skydive RadioBrian Pangburn, Joe Thompson, and Andy Draminski on CRW Steve and JaNette join Dave and Stump in the winter studio. Debriefing effectively. Measuring performance. Craig Fenstermaker shares some memories of our friend Mark Vickers. Steve and JaNette Describe Your Jump. Stump buys a trailer in the ghetto. Mike Gruwell discusses a survey on main canopies. Safety First with Brian Germain discusses gear checks. Pic of the Week - No, this is not photoshopped :) You are looking at two simultaneous cutaways - left (Derek Vanboeschoten) is outfitted with a regular RSL while on the right (Brianne Thompson) has a Skyhook equipped RSL. This was an AXIS Flight School and UPT colla...2021-04-011h 59

Listen To Sleep - Quiet Bedtime Stories & Meditations#52 - Guest Artist - Andy The Doorbum - Prometheus And Pandora - Bonus EpisodeOver the past few months, I reached out to some artists whose work I love and respect to ask them if they would be interested in reading to you. This bonus episode is read by Andy Fenstermaker, who makes music and poetry as Andy The Doorbum. He is full of heart and not afraid to dive into the darkness to shine a light or simply sit and wait for the sun to return. During the past few months of quarantine here in California, he put together a haunting and beautiful album of covers as a tribute to t...2020-05-2723 min

Hello From The Magic TavernSeason 2, Ep 98 - Chunt's WeddingYou are humbly invited to the wedding of Chunt the badger and Twosidore the whatever-he-his. CreditsArnie: Arnie NiekampChunt: Adal RifaiUsidore: Matt YoungHugo the Hunger Ghost: Brett LyonsEvil Tannakin the Pinglet: Sarah FineoutEleanor the Manticore: Jill FenstermakerBaron Ragoon: Chris RathjenCerulean/Schnenessa Freshgrave: Jessica McKennaAzure/Snaken Freshgrave: Zach ReinoGerm Crust: Mary TildenCaball'on Valentin: John SabineFlower: Brooke BreitSinging...2019-03-111h 10

Hello From The Magic TavernSeason 2, Ep 97 - Chunt's MomChunt’s mother, Eleanor, a monster with a lion’s mane, bat wings and a scorpion tail, stops by to chat with her son’s friends. CreditsArnie: Arnie NiekampChunt: Adal RifaiUsidore: Matt YoungEleanor the Manticore: Jill FenstermakerMysterious Man: Tim SniffenTricia: Kate JamesCraig: Ryan DiGiorgiProducers: Arnie Niekamp, Ryan DiGiorgi, Evan JacoverEditor: Garrett SchultzTheme Music: Andy PolandMagic Tavern Logo: Allard Laban 2019-02-2551 min