Finding genius in the process: remembering Brian Wilson
Release Date: 06/16/2025
Creative evolution: exploring Led Zeppelin's "Houses of the Holy"
Rock and Roll Reclaimed
“We’ve done four already, and now we’re steady:” Led Zeppelin’s first four albums Led Zeppelin III is my favorite Zeppelin album, with great tracks like Gallows Pole, That’s The Way, Out on the Tiles, and Since I’ve Been Loving You. It’s the one I put on when I want to be immersed in classic Zeppelin. Their first four records are iconic. You can draw a straight line from what guitarist Jimmy Page was doing with Jeff Beck in the Yardbirds to what started to happen with Led Zeppelin. Blues-inspired rock & roll with a heaviness and urgency that hadn’t really been reached by...
info_outline
Hip-hop and human creativity
Rock and Roll Reclaimed
Hip-hop and human creativity: what can one of the most groundbreaking musical genres tell us about our creative future in the age of AI? This episode of Rock and Roll Reclaimed explores themes of creativity, authenticity, and humanity through the lens of AI, inspired by rock and roll and hip hop. The host reflects on experiences at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and parallels between hip hop and generative AI. Key topics include remixing and repurposing, technological innovation, sampling, legal and ethical issues, and the democratization of technology. The show underscores the importance of...
info_outline
Going back to the beginning
Rock and Roll Reclaimed
This episode of Rock and Roll Reclaimed reminisces about the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, detailing a tribute concert held on July 5, 2025, in Birmingham, England, which marked Ozzy's final performance before his passing. The episode reflects on the significance of Black Sabbath's evolution in heavy metal, Ozzy's larger-than-life persona, and the individual contributions of each band member. Additionally, it contemplates the role of AI in music creativity, contrasting it with the human spirit and story behind legendary artists. The show concludes with a whiskey pairing segment,...
info_outline
Finding genius in the process: remembering Brian Wilson
Rock and Roll Reclaimed
We celebrate the life and legacy of Brian Wilson, the visionary behind the Beach Boys. Wilson's innovative approach to music production, exemplified by his use of the recording studio as an instrument and pioneering modular recording techniques, reshaped the music industry. His process was marked by experimentation, persistence, and a willingness to push beyond commercial norms for artistic vision. As we advance into an era where AI can generate "art" from simple prompts, Wilson's legacy underlines the irreplaceable value of human creativity and emotional depth. The episode argues that future...
info_outlineWe celebrate the life and legacy of Brian Wilson, the visionary behind the Beach Boys. Wilson's innovative approach to music production, exemplified by his use of the recording studio as an instrument and pioneering modular recording techniques, reshaped the music industry. His process was marked by experimentation, persistence, and a willingness to push beyond commercial norms for artistic vision.
As we advance into an era where AI can generate "art" from simple prompts, Wilson's legacy underlines the irreplaceable value of human creativity and emotional depth.
The episode argues that future creators who succeed will be those who, like Wilson, embrace risk, authenticity, and innovation, using AI as a tool rather than a crutch.
Get the written companion to this podcast episode at rockandrollreclaimed.substack.com
00:00 Introduction to Rock and Roll Reclaimed
00:24 Remembering Brian Wilson
01:28 Wilson's Innovative Recording Techniques
03:39 The Smile Sessions: Learning from Failure
06:53 The Human Element in Creativity
09:05 Optimism for the Future of Creativity
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rockandrollreclaimed.substack.com