The Imbalanced History of Rock and Roll

40 Episodes
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By: The Imbalanced History of Rock and Roll

This is a podcast that was created to discuss the humongous tree of music known as Rock and Roll. There are thousands of branches. There is so much information out there with even more to be learned. Together, we are going to have fun talking about our passion, the Imbalanced History of Rock and Roll. Between Ray and Markus, we have 50+ years of rock and roll radio experience and a thirst to know more! With your input we want to begin to balance the imbalanced. We look forward to connecting and sharing with you as we dig deep into the...

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Albums Turning 50 in 2026!
Today at 2:49 PM

How do you encapsulate an incredible Rock & Roll year like 1976??? It's a trick question...

Markus and Ray literally take a sonic dive in the Imbalanced Time Machine, back fifty years to a different time in life. The guys timestamp themselves on the way in, and offer their take on a shit ton of music that came from the American Bicentennial year!

You might have your own story on this topic. Email us to [email protected] with the details...


The Mighty WMMR with Erin Riley!
11/02/2026

When we heard about the book, The Mighty WMMR, we wanted to read it! Once we did, we wanted to have its author, and old friend, Erin Riley come on to talk about the hazy heyday from the station's Marconi inception through the 1980s, into the '90s! Powerhouse isn't too strong a word.

Erin discusses how she came to write this book, and

Her book is an incredible read about this iconic radio station, and it's selling well! Get it at your local bookstore, or hit it here...


Urgh! A Music War
10/19/2026

In 1982, the world first saw and heard Urgh! A Music War, which was a culmination of planning and filming in 1980, capturing an incredible point in time for music! Spurred on by the Copeland brothers, Derek Burbidge, Michael White and Lyndall Hobbs organized the bands with tour plans, and cool venues in multiple cities.

The format was one band, then another, and another, battle of the bands-style! The list of the bands is astounding!

Looking back, not only were the bands amazing, but the film and audio quality, especially for 1980...


'Gettin' Slayed' With Slade drummer Don Powell!
10/09/2026

Don Powell was in the drum seat for Slade from before the beginning, thinking of The In-Betweens, until his retirement in 2020! This week he shares his role, both in the band and the scene, as they added a bit more Rock to the Rock & Roll of the era!

Don walks us through the years, from Ambrose Slade, through the decades as Slade, sharing quite a few fun tales along the way! There's also some interesting comparative discussion of record company "policies" in the U.S., U.K. and elsewhere. Some interesting characters are "...


Sh*ts & Giggles with Neanderpaul
10/09/2026

Markus and Ray love them some Neanderpaul, as in radio great Paul Marshall! It's been a while since they've heard from Paul, with his unique wit and outlook! He checks in from Arizona...we think...

Hit us up for direct contact 411 at [email protected]

 

 


Episode Exchange with The Takin' A Walk Podcast: Grandmaster Flash
09/30/2026

This week, we are part of an episode exchange with our dear friend Buzz Knight, and his Award-Winning Takin' A Walk podcast! For our part, we are thrilled to present Buzz's recent amazing talk with Hip Hop maestro, Grandmaster Flash!

Enjoy their conversational "walk" as they discuss life, and its effects on the music, and in no small way, Buzz and he discuss how Flash personally discovered music and records (a superb tale in this episode), and all about the essence of our youth!

For our part, we "traded"...


The Many Phases Of Pat Mastelotto
09/28/2026

Having seen him play with Stick Men, and heard his playing with King Crimson, it was great to spend time with Pat discussing those two bands he has been a part of. He and the Imbalanced Ones also talk about his other projects and this episode's surprises: his first big band (you know their songs), and the identity of Mastelefto, a friend who turned into a social media identity among Pat's fans!

Find out more about Pat, and his projects, on his web site: patmastelotto.com

 


Brand New Beat with Peter Richardson
09/16/2026

Author Peter Richardson (No Simple Highway/Savage Journey) comes to visit to discuss his newest book, Brand New Beat, The Wild Rise Of Rolling Stone Magazine! He gives the Imbalanced History of Rock and Roll an outline of the book, then "fills it in" with their questions, and some great insights on the era and, of course, on the birth of Rolling Stone.

Thanks to Peter for filling in so many missing parts of the overall story about the magazine, but also the vibrant telling of the tales within his book!

<...


Prog Goes Pop with Zack Morse
09/10/2026

The concept of a form of Rock as unfettered by convention as Progressive Rock going Pop might seem counterintuitive. Perhaps impossible...

But through the decades, varied forces have worked to capture the fanbase of bands who play in this sonic area. Sometimes with mixed results.

This week, the Imbalanced Boy are joined by their friend and co-worker, Zack Morse! He works as an audio wizard by day, and a caped crimefighter by night! He also spends a considerable amount of time in the realm of Progressive Rock, leading to...


Lost Albums: The Beatles "Hey Jude"
09/02/2026

In their first new release of the Fall, Markus and Ray introduce a new "Imbalanced" concept, Lost Albums! Being one of the most famous of "the lost," The Beatles' Hey Jude is this episode's topic. Starting life under a different title, The Imbalanced Ones will discuss that, and the many other factors that led to this being lost (and rare) in the long run.

The guys "rediscover" this record, song by song, with quite a few fun surprises along the way!

Reach out via email: [email protected] & hit...


Echo In The Canyon
08/27/2026

When Folk went Electric, a lot credit goes to Roger McGuinn and the Byrds! They also were among the first to move to Laurel Canyon along with the Beach Boys, Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa, members of Buffalo Springfield and a lot more. There was a lot of magic being created in those hills.

This was the time of The British Invasion, but the Canyon gave Americans, and Brits alike, a place to hang.

Dig in and enjoy the lifestyle, the sounds and the magic of Laurel Canyon.

<...


That Little Ol' Band From Texas: ZZ TOP!!!
That Little Ol' Band From Texas: ZZ TOP!!! episode artwork
08/24/2026

When we dug into major bands who combined longevity and the same lineup, few have even come close to that band from H-Town, ZZ Top! Formed in 1969, their brand of Texas Boogie has a legacy all it's own, even as the form it takes has changed. They celebrate their Lone Star influences, while blazing a trail that's pure ZZ!!!

Add your voice on email: [email protected]

And check out all of our episodes on our web site: ImbalancedHistory.com

This week's release is dedicated to ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard, who passed...


That Little Ol' Band From Texas: ZZ TOP!!!
That Little Ol' Band From Texas: ZZ TOP!!! episode artwork
08/18/2026

When we dug into major bands who combined longevity and the same lineup, few have even come close to that band from H-Town, ZZ Top! Formed in 1969, their brand of Texas Boogie has a legacy all it's own, even as the form it takes has changed. They celebrate their Lone Star influences, while blazing a trail that's pure ZZ!!!

Add your voice on email: [email protected]

And check out all of our episodes on our web site: ImbalancedHistory.com

This week's release is dedicated to ZZ...


The Story Of The Pretenders
08/17/2026

Chrissie Hynde and her fellow Pretenders set out on paths that brought them together for an amazing, but all too short run, in their original form. We explore the sad stories about Jimmy and Pete passing, and how Chrissie and drummer Martin Chambers have carried on through the decades. We seem to learn new things about people, who we have followed for years, on a weekly basis. This episode is no exception!

Get all of our episodes on our web site: Imbalanced History!

Email us: [email protected]

Learn...


The Story Of The Pretenders
08/17/2026

Chrissie Hynde and her fellow Pretenders set out on paths that brought them together for an amazing, but all too short run, in their original form. We explore the sad stories about Jimmy and Pete passing, and how Chrissie and drummer Martin Chambers have carried on through the decades. We seem to learn new things about people, who we have followed for years, on a weekly basis. This episode is no exception!

Get all of our episodes on our web site: Imbalanced History!

Email us: [email protected]

<...


Ol' Black Eyes: Alice Cooper
08/10/2026


From his early days as the name and face of the band, through a 50-year solo career, Alice Cooper has evoked a certain response! His fans have stayed with him, adding new generations, well into the 21st Century!

But in the early days, there was hell... From the parents and some critics who just never got it. By the time the band split up, Alice knew he had to go forward, leading to Ray's very first concert.

The Imbalanced Brothers go digging deep in the story with some surprising results! Tell us...


Ol' Black Eyes: Alice Cooper
08/10/2026


From his early days as the name and face of the band, through a 50-year solo career, Alice Cooper has evoked a certain response! His fans have stayed with him, adding new generations, well into the 21st Century!

But in the early days, there was hell... From the parents and some critics who just never got it. By the time the band split up, Alice knew he had to go forward, leading to Ray's very first concert.

The Imbalanced Brothers go digging deep in the story with some surprising results! Tell us...


Out Of Joy Division; New Order
08/02/2026

To understand the story of Joy Division, and how they became New Order requires some patience, and more. The "why?" in the equation is also discussed, including the lack of support in the area of mental health in that era. The suicide of Ian Curtis might have crashed most bands, but the survivors carried on with a New Order! The impact of both bands carries on today.

The full story unfolds in this episode: joy, pain, recovery, fortitude and incredible music!

Tom Taylor wrote an article about Ian Curtis's final days for Far Out Magazine...


Out Of Joy Division; New Order
08/02/2026

To understand the story of Joy Division, and how they became New Order requires some patience, and more. The "why?" in the equation is also discussed, including the lack of support in the area of mental health in that era. The suicide of Ian Curtis might have crashed most bands, but the survivors carried on with a New Order! The impact of both bands carries on today.

The full story unfolds in this episode: joy, pain, recovery, fortitude and incredible music!

Tom Taylor wrote an article about Ian Curtis's final days for Far Out Magazine...


From Venice Beach, California! The Doors!!!
07/20/2026


The Doors were a groundbreaking band that changed the rules in so many ways. They made their mark, burned brightly, then faded after Jim Morrison's death. This week The Imbalanced Brothers talk about the spark, the era, and the ways the band's legacy continues in the 21st century!

"Ladies and gentlemen, from Venice Beach, California... THE DOORS!!!"

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


From Venice Beach, California! The Doors!!!
07/20/2026


The Doors were a groundbreaking band that changed the rules in so many ways. They made their mark, burned brightly, then faded after Jim Morrison's death. This week The Imbalanced Brothers talk about the spark, the era, and the ways the band's legacy continues in the 21st century!

"Ladies and gentlemen, from Venice Beach, California... THE DOORS!!!"

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


The Man In Black: Johnny Cash!
07/13/2026

He was a complex man who struggled with demons while always trying to do what was right, in his own way. Along the road, he and June created amazing music, crossing all kinds of musical barriers, and real ones, to become beloved American icons!

This week, the Imbalanced Ones delve into, and reveal, their love for The Man In Black! Find all of their Imbalanced History episodes here, on the Imbalanced History web site!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


The Man In Black: Johnny Cash!
07/13/2026

He was a complex man who struggled with demons while always trying to do what was right, in his own way. Along the road, he and June created amazing music, crossing all kinds of musical barriers, and real ones, to become beloved American icons!

This week, the Imbalanced Ones delve into, and reveal, their love for The Man In Black! Find all of their Imbalanced History episodes here, on the Imbalanced History web site!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Ladies & Germs, The Sex Pistols!
07/06/2026

There were many bands that were part of that first wave of Punk Rock, but slovenly and pointed, The Sex Pistols, cracked the egg, and opened the door a bit, including for many other bands, some who were already working at it.

An integral part of both Markus' and Ray's musical paths, the guys highlight the band's role for them, and try to show their current relevance!

Hit 'em with your feedback at [email protected]

All episodes always available at: imbalancedhistory.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...


Ladies & Germs, The Sex Pistols!
07/06/2026

There were many bands that were part of that first wave of Punk Rock, but slovenly and pointed, The Sex Pistols, cracked the egg, and opened the door a bit, including for many other bands, some who were already working at it.

An integral part of both Markus' and Ray's musical paths, the guys highlight the band's role for them, and try to show their current relevance!

Hit 'em with your feedback at [email protected]

All episodes always available at: imbalancedhistory.com

Learn more about your...


"Dreaming Japanese" With Co-Author Jon Wiederhorn!
06/29/2026

Markus and Ray welcome Jon Wiederhorn back to discuss, Dreaming Japanese, the story of Marty Friedman of Megadeth and so much more, which he co-wrote! We discuss Marty's life, told amazingly in the book, and his bold career moves, as well as his long-time associations!

Jon informs on Marty's first person telling of his life story! Out now, get it for yourself or the Mega-fan in your life!!! Support your local book store!!!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


"Dreaming Japanese" With Co-Author Jon Wiederhorn!
06/29/2026

Markus and Ray welcome Jon Wiederhorn back to discuss, Dreaming Japanese, the story of Marty Friedman of Megadeth and so much more, which he co-wrote! We discuss Marty's life, told amazingly in the book, and his bold career moves, as well as his long-time associations!

Jon informs on Marty's first person telling of his life story! Out now, get it for yourself or the Mega-fan in your life!!! Support your local book store!!!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


They Might Be Giants
06/23/2026

One of the most interesting, and truly independent bands of our times, They Might Be Giants are the subject of this week's episode. Markus recently had the opportunity to speak with John F. of the band.

While the discussion is more current, the discussion includes his take on their multi-decade/seriously-layered legacy!

Hit us with your TMBG stories: [email protected]

All of our episodes are here: Imbalanced History Central!!!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


They Might Be Giants
06/23/2026

One of the most interesting, and truly independent bands of our times, They Might Be Giants are the subject of this week's episode. Markus recently had the opportunity to speak with John F. of the band.

While the discussion is more current, the discussion includes his take on their multi-decade/seriously-layered legacy!

Hit us with your TMBG stories: [email protected]

All of our episodes are here: Imbalanced History Central!!!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Tony Burrows: One Hit Wunderkind!
06/15/2026

This week, The Imbalanced Brothers dig into the story of Tony Burrows, British singer of note, who put together an amazing run of hits in the 1970s!

He had considerable help, so Markus & Ray delve into the whole scenario! Their recollection of these hit songs, and the artists to whom they were attributed, comes from being kids who grew up with 45s in the house.

Add your two cents (which was actually a thing in the '70s) via email: [email protected]

Dig into all of the Imbalanced History episodes right here...


Tony Burrows: One Hit Wunderkind!
06/15/2026

This week, The Imbalanced Brothers dig into the story of Tony Burrows, British singer of note, who put together an amazing run of hits in the 1970s!

He had considerable help, so Markus & Ray delve into the whole scenario! Their recollection of these hit songs, and the artists to whom they were attributed, comes from being kids who grew up with 45s in the house.

Add your two cents (which was actually a thing in the '70s) via email: [email protected]

Dig into all of the Imbalanced History episodes right here...


5 Favorites: Summertime Songs Of The 21st Century
06/08/2026

This week, Markus and Ray (dis)align their more recent Summer musical memories in an episode of 5 Favorites! Taking all of the music that's been part of Summertime since Y2K, and distilling down to one powerful 5 faves list? They CAN try...LOL!

Dive into it, and be sure to put on your sunscreen! And email the Boys your list of 5 Favorite Summertime Songs Of The 21st Century!!! [email protected]

Find all of our 5 Favorite episodes by searching it on our web site: imbalancedhistory.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...


5 Favorites: Summertime Songs Of The 21st Century
06/08/2026

This week, Markus and Ray (dis)align their more recent Summer musical memories in an episode of 5 Favorites! Taking all of the music that's been part of Summertime since Y2K, and distilling down to one powerful 5 faves list? They CAN try...LOL!

Dive into it, and be sure to put on your sunscreen! And email the Boys your list of 5 Favorite Summertime Songs Of The 21st Century!!! [email protected]

Find all of our 5 Favorite episodes by searching it on our web site: imbalancedhistory.com

Learn more about...


(Still) Chillin' With David Sancious
06/01/2026

Sometimes in the course of this podcast, Ray and Markus have spoken with guests, not knowing what to expect. This conversation with David Sancious was one of those occasions! His E Street Band days aside, the man is amazing, as are the ensuing decades of his musical journey. Checking in (supremely chill) from his home in Hawaii, he told the guys about many things, including one of their burning questions.

Time to learn stuff about stuff you already know stuff about!

Listen to this cool episode, and then get caught up here!!!

Learn...


(Still) Chillin' With David Sancious
06/01/2026

Sometimes in the course of this podcast, Ray and Markus have spoken with guests, not knowing what to expect. This conversation with David Sancious was one of those occasions! His E Street Band days aside, the man is amazing, as are the ensuing decades of his musical journey. Checking in (supremely chill) from his home in Hawaii, he told the guys about many things, including one of their burning questions.

Time to learn stuff about stuff you already know stuff about!

Listen to this cool episode, and then get caught up here!!!

<...


Jimmy Buffett: Summer Party Time!
05/26/2026

Go ahead and try to focus on "the major period" of an artist whose career is as expansive as Jimmy Buffett's! The Imbalanced Brothers tried... So they dove into the juicy(fruit) center and worked their front and backwards, trying to cover what is essentially a fraction of the story. But it's a start...

There are quite a few interesting characters in this story, including a surprise member of the Coral Reefers! Now go find your Parrot Head gear, crack that bottle of rum, and hit "play!"

And play we shall...

Hit us...


Jimmy Buffett: Summer Party Time!
05/26/2026

Go ahead and try to focus on "the major period" of an artist whose career is as expansive as Jimmy Buffett's! The Imbalanced Brothers tried... So they dove into the juicy(fruit) center and worked their front and backwards, trying to cover what is essentially a fraction of the story. But it's a start...

There are quite a few interesting characters in this story, including a surprise member of the Coral Reefers! Now go find your Parrot Head gear, crack that bottle of rum, and hit "play!"

And play we shall...

Hit us...


5 Favorites: Summertime & Live Albums!
05/18/2026

First, The Imbalanced Boys take turns laying out their 5 Fave Summertime albums, and then some! Albums that remind them of Summer!

After a quick refreshment stop they dig into their 5 Fave live albums, the ones that really stuck with them! Concerts and live music are a part of Summer, and that means a lot to all of us!

Email your 5 Faves in both categories to [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


5 Favorites: Summertime & Live Albums!
05/18/2026

First, The Imbalanced Boys take turns laying out their 5 Fave Summertime albums, and then some! Albums that remind them of Summer!

After a quick refreshment stop they dig into their 5 Fave live albums, the ones that really stuck with them! Concerts and live music are a part of Summer, and that means a lot to all of us!

Email your 5 Faves in both categories to [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


It's Sizzlin' Memphis Naturel Jon Scott!!!
05/12/2026

Jon Scott has visited the Imbalanced Boys before, but frankly, it's been too long! He gives the guys an update on sales for Tom Petty & Me, and talks about the #Audible version of the book.

What also is inside this week's visit is Jon's intersection with The Sixties & #worldhistory.

Markus & Ray really enjoyed the other stories Jon told them about hang time with Tom Petty, the Wilburys' fax promotion, being on the road with Olivia Newton-John, our friend Kevin Gunn, and Little Johnny Cougar! Plus, major league music biz players galore!

Learn more...