Shows
Backwards Beats PodcastAmor Prohibido - Selena (#479)This week, Dan and Carl dive into Amor Prohibido, Selena's 1994 breakthrough and a landmark in Tejano and Latin pop. Positioned at #479 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, the album blends cumbia, pop, and Tejano styles with digital instrumentation and deeply emotional themes—though often delivered through upbeat, danceable grooves.
The hosts explore Selena’s unique vocal control, her genre-defining influence, and the tragic story of her life cut short. They wrestle with the album's heavy use of MIDI production, ultimately acknowledging both its cultural context and experimental ambition. Plus, fake sponsors make their return...2025-07-151h 11Backwards Beats PodcastThe Weight Of These Wings - Miranda Lambert (#480)In episode 1, season 2 of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl dive deep into Miranda Lambert’s emotionally charged double album The Weight of These Wings (2016). Released in the wake of her public divorce from Blake Shelton, this sprawling 24-track project is divided into two thematic discs: The Nerve and The Heart. The hosts explore the album’s sonic risks, lyrical introspection, and Lambert’s evolving artistic voice, praising her fearless honesty while critiquing the occasionally muddy production.
🎧 We also just launched our Patreon — it’s totally free right now, and we’ll be using it as a home for behin...2025-07-081h 45
Backwards Beats PodcastThe Sounds of Iceland or Dan's Icelandic SoundscapeIn this final episode of our Sidetrax bonus series, Dan takes us deep into the land of fire, ice, and... Beyoncé?
Dan’s Icelandic Soundscape is part travelogue, part personal audio diary, and part homemade soundtrack — recorded across 13 days of hiking, kayaking, glacier climbing, and river crossings in one of the most surreal places on Earth.
From snorkeling in the Silfra fissure to nearly summiting Rjúpnafell in Þórsmörk, this episode captures the emotional arc of the trip — scored with original music, covers, and reinterpretations of songs by Icelandic artists like Sigur Rós, Björk, and J...2025-07-0132 minBackwards Beats PodcastCarl's Covers - Season 1In the first ever "Carl's Covers" segment, Carl rolls a 20 sided die to find out which album of season one he'll be choosing a song to attempt to cover in one night while Dan stares at waterfalls halfway across the world. Tune in for pure chaos and a surprise cover song!
2025-06-2421 minBackwards Beats PodcastConvince Me! Journey Inwards by LTJ Bukem
In this "Convince Me" sidetrax episode, Carl challenges Dan with Journey Inwards, the immersive double album from UK drum & bass pioneer LTJ Bukem. Known for his lush atmospheres, jazz-inflected harmonies, and meticulous production, Bukem's 2000 release is both a vibe and a craft lesson.
Dan—unfamiliar with the genre—dives into the world of liquid drum & bass, navigating breakbeats, live instrumentation, sampling, and surprising emotional depth. What begins as a daunting 88-minute listen becomes an exploration of sonic therapy, underground electronica, and personal nostalgia. It's ambient, it’s jazzy, it’s jungle—and it sparks an unexpectedl...2025-06-1743 minBackwards Beats PodcastConvince Me! Billion Dollar Babies by Alice CooperA Convince Me Sidetrax Episode
This week on Backwards Beats, we're on a mid-season break – but not really. Dan kicks off our first ever Convince Me Sidetrax episode by assigning Carl an album he’s never heard and would likely never seek out on his own: Alice Cooper’s 1973 shock rock epic Billion Dollar Babies. Known for theatrical excess, guillotines, and glam-goth energy, this album challenges Carl’s deep-rooted skepticism of makeup-wearing rockers. What unfolds is a surprising deep dive into a shockingly competent – and conceptually ambitious – hard rock record.
From dental drills to ragtime pianos, from outrageous l...2025-06-1034 minBackwards Beats PodcastFine Line - Harry Styles BONUSIn this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl tackle Harry Styles’ 2022 album Harry’s House. But not before they confess to accidentally reviewing the wrong Harry Styles album first — because why make it easy? Along the way, they unpack Harry’s House track by track, dive into Harry’s evolution from One Direction heartthrob to solo superstar, and discover just how many legends quietly contributed to this pop powerhouse.
Key Points
The Great Mix-Up: Dan and Carl originally reviewed Fine Line by mistake — that episode’s coming later as bonus content.
About the Album: Released in 2022, Harry’s House blends s...2025-06-031h 33Backwards Beats PodcastBest Breakup Songs Ever! BONUSIn this special BONUS Sidetrax episode, Dan and Carl explore the ultimate breakup anthems from each decade—spanning the 1970s through the 2020s. Inspired by their not-so-loving take on Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye, the duo softens their edge to reveal their emotional (and still hilarious) sides. With personal rules, heartfelt justifications, and a few sharp jabs, they each select one breakup song per decade that defines heartbreak, healing, or hell-yeah-I’m-free energy. No honorable mentions—just the definitive list, as decided by the Backwards Beats team.
Key Points
Sidetrax Defined: Bonus episodes where Dan and Carl chase...2025-05-2737 minBackwards Beats PodcastIf You're Feeling Sinister by Belle and Sebastian (#481)In this milestone 20th episode—and the wrap-up to Season 1—Dan and Carl dive into If You're Feeling Sinister by Belle and Sebastian, the Scottish indie-pop group that emerged in the mid-90s with delicate arrangements, soft-spoken vocals, and sharp lyrical themes. With no prior exposure to the band, both hosts approach this album with fresh ears and an open mind.
As always, this episode blends honest reactions, deep musical insight, and hilarious tangents—including one about mispronouncing “Stuart” and a shout-out to international listeners (Hallo, Germany!). Whether you're new to Belle and Sebastian or already a fan, this...2025-05-201h 16Backwards Beats PodcastBizarre Ride II The Pharcyde by The Pharcyde (#482)Dan and Carl ride the rollercoaster that is Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, the kaleidoscopic debut from L.A.’s most eccentric hip-hop quartet. Between hilarious skits, jazz-laced beats, and outlandish rhymes, the duo dives into a '90s rap record that defied the gangsta template of its era. Along the way, they unpack the group's roots in dance, Jay Swift’s genius production, and why this album still slaps decades later.
Key Points
Released in 1992, Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde features 16 tracks and runs just under an hour, including several skits that blur the line between comedy and...2025-05-131h 29Backwards Beats PodcastThe Muddy Waters Anthology by Muddy Waters (#483)In Episode 18 of Backwards Beats, Dan, Carl, and the podcast's first-ever guest, Lee McAdams from @squatchsounds, dive deep into the iconic blues legacy of Muddy Waters through the expansive 50-track compilation The Anthology (1947–1972). With decades of music to explore, they abandon the usual track-by-track format for a broader, decade-spanning approach, picking personal favorites and discussing Muddy’s profound influence on rock, blues, and guitar-driven music. Along the way, they blend heartfelt appreciation with irreverent humor, touching on everything from harmonica roots to slide guitar legends.
Music Referenced
I Just Wanna Make Love To You by Foghat
Rolling Stones
Mudd...2025-05-061h 50Backwards Beats PodcastBorn This Way by Lady Gaga (#484)In this high-energy episode of Backwards Beats Podcast, Dan and Carl dive into Lady Gaga’s bold and eclectic 2011 album, Born This Way (Rolling Stone’s #484). Recorded during a sleepy spring evening, the hosts bring humor, insight, and deep musical analysis to Gaga’s electronic, dance-driven celebration of identity, empowerment, and defiance. They explore Gaga's musical fandom, theatrical flair, and fearlessness in confronting social issues, all while unpacking the album’s rich production and music theory layers — and of course, throwing in a few fake ads and laughs along the way.
Key Points
Context & Impact: Born This Way is roo...2025-04-291h 35Backwards Beats PodcastI Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight - Richard & Linda Thompson (#485)In this episode, Dan and Carl dive deep into I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight, the 1974 debut collaborative album by British folk-rock icons Richard and Linda Thompson. The duo explores the album's rich musical textures, varied instrumentation, and emotional range, offering technical insight and personal reactions. From Celtic-tinged folk ballads to moody rock moments, the album’s instrumentation (featuring mandolins, tin whistles, crumhorns, and concertinas) celebrates diverse timbres and musical ambition.
Carl shares the surprising story behind his family’s connection to vinyl needle manufacturing, while Dan breaks down modal scales like Mixolydian and Phrygian with...2025-04-221h 27Backwards Beats PodcastContinuum - John Mayer (#486)Overview
In Episode 15, Dan and Carl finally hit a record they both adore—John Mayer’s Continuum, ranked #486 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The fanboying is real, but so is the deep analysis. This episode covers Mayer’s transition from pop darling to a serious blues craftsman, from subtle production choices to guitar tone breakdowns and harmony dives. With legendary players like Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino, Continuum serves up soulful grooves, emotional depth, and masterful songwriting.
Key Points
Personal Bias Admitted: Dan and Carl are massive fans of Continuum—this is one of their “...2025-04-151h 45Backwards Beats PodcastDamaged by Black Flag (#487)In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl tackle Black Flag's ferocious 1981 debut, Damaged — an album that defines hardcore punk with raw energy, cathartic aggression, and DIY ethos. Coming in at #487 on Rolling Stone's list, Damaged is an iconic record that helped shape the sound and spirit of American punk. The guys also kick things off by recapping their weekend trip to the GroundUP Music Festival in Miami and all the incredible artists they encountered.
Key Points
🎶 Punk Iconography: Damaged is discussed as a landmark hardcore punk record with a gritty visual and sonic aesthetic — from its cover a...2025-04-081h 38Backwards Beats PodcastThe Stooges by the Stooges (#488)This week, Dan and Carl dive into the raw and rebellious energy of The Stooges’ self-titled 1969 debut. A proto-punk classic that laid the foundation for punk and garage rock, this album is as chaotic as it is influential. From Iggy Pop’s unhinged vocals to Ron Asheton’s sludgy guitar riffs, we break down why this record was both ahead of its time and completely out of control.
Key Points
Background & Context – The late 60s rock scene, the rise of punk influences, and how The Stooges fit into the era.
Album Breakdown – Track-by-track discussion, including the hypnotic repetition of We Will...2025-04-011h 14Backwards Beats PodcastBack to Mono by Phil Spector (#489)In this episode, Dan and Carl dive into Back to Mono (1958-1969), a massive 73-song compilation produced by Phil Spector. The duo discusses the challenges of covering such an extensive box set, the impact of the "Wall of Sound" production style, and how Spector’s legacy complicates the album’s place on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Instead of focusing on Spector, they highlight the incredible artists featured on this compilation, including The Ronettes, The Righteous Brothers, and Darlene Love.
Key Points
The Wall of Sound – How Phil Spector’s signature production style shaped 1960s pop music...2025-03-251h 24Backwards Beats PodcastHeart Like A Wheel by Linda Ronstadt (#490)In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl take a deep dive into Heart Like a Wheel, Linda Ronstadt’s 1974 breakthrough album. They explore Ronstadt’s immense vocal talent, her impact on the Southern California music scene, and her impressive ability to cross musical genres. With a mix of country, rock, and pop influences, Heart Like a Wheel cemented Ronstadt’s place as a powerhouse in the music industry. Dan and Carl also discuss the album’s historical significance, standout tracks, and how it stacks up against other classic records.
Key Points
Linda Ronstadt’s Background: Born in 1946 in...2025-03-181h 08Backwards Beats PodcastHarry's House by Harry Styles (#419)In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl tackle Harry Styles’ 2022 album Harry’s House. But not before they confess to accidentally reviewing the wrong Harry Styles album first — because why make it easy? Along the way, they unpack Harry’s House track by track, dive into Harry’s evolution from One Direction heartthrob to solo superstar, and discover just how many legends quietly contributed to this pop powerhouse.
Key Points
The Great Mix-Up: Dan and Carl originally reviewed Fine Line by mistake — that episode’s coming later as bonus content.
About the Album: Released in 2022, Harry’s House blends s...2025-03-111h 26Backwards Beats PodcastNick of Time by Bonnie Raitt (#492)In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl dive into Bonnie Raitt’s Nick of Time, a landmark album that was her breakthrough after years in the industry. They explore the album’s unique blend of blues, country, folk, and soft rock, discuss the impact of its production, and highlight some of its most compelling musical moments. Along the way, they touch on Bonnie Raitt’s career resilience, her Scottish ancestry (including a chilling ghost story), and her influence on modern Americana.
Key Points
Bonnie Raitt’s Career Arc – How *Nick of Time marked her mainstream breakthrough after a decade...2025-03-041h 19Backwards Beats PodcastHere, My Dear by Marvin Gaye (#493)In this episode, Dan and Carl take on Here, My Dear, Marvin Gaye’s 1978 album that Rolling Stone ranks at #492 on its 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. This record, infamous for being written as part of Gaye’s divorce settlement, is one of the most personal and emotionally raw works in music history. But does that make it good? The guys grapple with their conflicted feelings, breaking down the album’s unique concept, unfiltered lyrics, and unconventional production.
Key Points
Marvin Gaye’s Legacy – A look at Gaye’s legendary career and why this album stands apart from his gre...2025-02-251h 26Backwards Beats PodcastPresenting the Ronettes (#494)In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl take a deep dive into Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica, the only album released by the legendary girl group The Ronettes. From Phil Spector’s infamous Wall of Sound to the tragic personal struggles of Ronnie Spector, the duo explores the album’s history, production, and cultural impact. Along the way, they discuss its influence on artists like Bruce Springsteen, Amy Winehouse, and Brian Wilson, and share their candid opinions on whether this album is a true classic or a relic of its time.
Key Points
The Rone...2025-02-181h 22Backwards Beats PodcastII by Boyz II Men (#495)
Welcome to Episode 6 of the Backwards Beats Podcast! This week, Dan and Carl dive into II by Boyz II Men, an R&B masterpiece from the 90s. They explore the album's highlights, discuss its nostalgic impact, and debate whether it holds up today. From middle school dance memories to deep dives into harmonies and production quirks, this episode is a must-listen for fans of vocal perfection and 90s vibes.
Key Points
Album Background:
II is Boyz II Men’s sophomore album, released in 1994, featuring hits like "I’ll Make Love to You" and "...2025-02-111h 13Backwards Beats PodcastShakira - Dónde Están Los Ladrones (#496)Dan and Carl explore Shakira's groundbreaking 1998 album "Dónde Están los Ladrones?" in this episode. This record, often overshadowed by her later global hits, showcases a raw, authentic side of Shakira that marries Latin American roots with rock influences and poignant storytelling. Join us as we unpack the artistry behind an album that solidified her as a global icon and continues to resonate decades later.
📀 Album Highlights
Breakthrough Roots: While not Shakira’s commercial debut, this album represents a pivotal moment in her career. It propelled her from Latin America’s rising star to a globally recognized artist, b...2025-02-041h 35Backwards Beats PodcastThe Indestructible Beat of Soweto Vol. 1 (#497)
In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl dive into album #497 from Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of All Time: The Indestructible Beat of Soweto. This South African compilation album, released in 1985, introduced many Western listeners to the vibrant music of South Africa, featuring influential artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
The hosts explore the cultural and historical context of the album, its unique musical styles such as mbaqanga and isicathamiya, and its undeniable connection to Paul Simon's Graceland. With humor, insight, and plenty of respect for the artistry, they grapple with the challenge of critiquing...2025-01-281h 25Backwards Beats PodcastSuicide by Suicide (#498)Backwards Beats Podcast: Episode 3 - Suicide by Suicide
Artist Connections
The track "Frankie Teardrop" directly inspired Bruce Springsteen's "State Trooper", showcasing its reach into unexpected musical territories. - R.E.M. covered "Ghost Rider (YouTube)," though it remains an obscure part of their repertoire.
Final Thoughts:
Would You Hit It?: Dan gives a resounding NO, while Carl adds that recommending this album might end friendships.
Quality Time Segment: Dan compares this album to baking soda—a raw ingredient necessary for better music to follow, but tough to consume on its own.
Music Referenced
Closer by Nine Inc...2025-01-211h 10Backwards Beats PodcastAsk Rufas - Rufas and Chaka Khan (#499)Backwards Beats - Episode 2: Ask Rufus by Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
Episode Summary
In this episode, Dan and Carl dive into Ask Rufus, the 499th album on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of All Time. This marks a significant departure for Rufus from their funk roots, as the album embraces orchestral arrangements and jazz influences, showcasing Chaka Khan's extraordinary vocal range and the band's musical prowess. They break down the tracks, explore the musical transitions, and debate whether this album deserves its spot.
Key Points Discussed
Album Overview: Rufus' transition from funk to a more jazz and R&B...2025-01-141h 08Backwards Beats PodcastFuneral by Arcade Fire (#500)Funeral by Arcade Fire (Album #500)
Hosts: Carl Pfanstiehl and Dan Woodard
Recorded at: Thought Shack Studio
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Episode Summary
Welcome to the debut episode of Backwards Beats! Carl and Dan dive into the 500th album on Rolling Stone's 2023 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time: Funeral by Arcade Fire. This debut album from the Canadian indie rock band, released in 2004, brings themes of loss, nostalgia, and celebration. Dan and Carl discuss the album's dynamic energy, orchestration, and Arcade Fire's willingness to explore a wide range of instruments and influences. They share their initial skepticism...2025-01-071h 06Backwards Beats PodcastEpisode 0: Introduction to Backwards Beats PodcastIn this introduction, meet you hosts Carl and Dan where they introduce themselves and you to Backwards Beats Podcast. We're a weekly show where we cover an album off of Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list... from back to front.
2024-12-0409 min