Episodes
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It's time once again for our annual ho-ho-holiday episode and this year, we're talking about the classic first issue of Marvel Team-Up #1 from 1972, in which Spider-Man and The Human Torch go up against -- who else -- the Sandman, in the aptly titled "Have Yourself A Sandman Little Christmas."
It's a fun story, set against the backdrop of Christmas in New York City in the early 70s, written by Roy Thomas, with art by Ross Andru and Mike Esposito. It's always fun going back to the Marvel age of comics, back during a time when a single issue comic could tell a complete story with fun, plenty of action, and heroes cracking wise and trying to crack the villain's plans.
Will Spidey and the Torch vanquish the Sandman and get some holiday spirit? LIsten to this podcast and find out!
Your ho-ho-hosts are Brad Page and Chris Karam.
Happy Holidays to one and all! -
We're taking another look at that rock and roll chameleon, David Bowie.
And this time, Brad Page (I'm In Love With That Song podcast) and me picked five of our favorite David Bowie albums and talked about why we like them so much. With a catalog as vast as Bowie's, five albums only scratch the surface of what made him great, but if we discussed every album he made, this podcast would go on forever and we'd be two lads insane.
We had fun talking up our favorite tracks, as well as the trivia and Ziggy-zags that are a part of each episode. We hope you'll rock and roll with us and that this episode is just hunky dory. -
Missing episodes?
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Here at Back Issue Banter, we try to come up with answers as to why we love classic comics, but this time we're examining The Question.
We're taking a look at DC Comics' 1987 revival of The Question and to help us unravel this, we brought on a guest. Brian Linnen (Permanent Record Podcast) chose this month's topic, so it's only fitting that he chatted with us about this enigmatic character created by Steve Ditko, who originally appeared as one of the Charlton Comics heroes...or anti-heroes.
The Question is a different type of comic -- no long underwear types here -- and it was great fun dissecting and talking about this.
Hosted by Chris Karam and Brad Page.
Check out Brian Linnen's Permanent Record Podcast: https://www.permanentrecordpodcast.com/ -
With the recent announcement that Aerosmith will no longer be touring, we decided it was time to assess Aerosmith and their considerable legacy as one of America's greatest rock and roll bands.
Julian Gill (KISS FAQ podcast) and me discuss Aerosmith, what they mean to us, and how we think Aerosmith will be remembered by rock fans. We also discuss some stuff we forgot to mention on our two previous Aerosmith episodes!
As always, it's fun to talk to Julian and he also discusses his work on the two books he wrote titled Aerosmith On Tour, the second volume of which was released earlier this year.
Check out Julian Gill's book Aerosmith On Tour 1973-85: https://www.amazon.com/Aerosmith-Tour-1973-85-Julian-Gill/dp/1734441291
Check out Julian Gill's book Aerosmith On Tour 1985-2000: https://www.amazon.com/Aerosmith-Tour-Vol-2-1985-2000/dp/1734441283/ref=pd_lpo_sccl_2/138-0933538-5118826?pd_rd_w=pv3S0&content-id=amzn1.sym.4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_p=4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_r=HZ0EC08ZE3K9XRJF8BHY&pd_rd_wg=spRXm&pd_rd_r=3ffc89e0-13d1-4bfc-8e2d-29e0a0f652c3&pd_rd_i=1734441283&psc=1
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Journey back with us into Jack Kirby's Fourth World as we examine the first four issues of...The Forever People!
See what sci-fi teenagers from a different universe say when their dialogue is written by a middle aged man! Groove to the strains of Glorious Godfrey as he preaches doom and gloom and the gospel according to Darkseid! Check out the far out character names such as Beautiful Dreamer, Big Bear, and Mark Moonrider...among others!
The concepts and craziness fly fast and furious in yet another early 70s comic that can only be described as Pure, Unadulterated Kirby! Give this podcast a listen -- Granny Goodness commands so!
Hosted by Brad Page and Chris Karam -
In this episode, Chris Czynszak (Decibel Geek Podcast) and me celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of KISS"s most over-the-top albums, Animalize. We also explore a related album also celebrating a 40th anniversary; the first solo album by Wendy O. Williams of The Plasmatics, titled W.O.W. These two albums have more in common that you might think.
We'll get into the trivia, the drama, and of course, the music!
Who played bass on KISS's Animalize? Which KISS member had to leave the sessions in order to act in a feature film? Who's the future KISS guitarist who ghosted on two Animalize songs? Who is Reginal Van Helsing? The answers to these -- and many other burning questions can be heard on the podcast!
Enough hype -- let's get Into The Fire! -
True believers, once again, we're going back to the 70s and the Marvel Age of Comics with an Avengers saga that spans nine-issues (#89 - 97) with the epic "Kree-Skrull War."
You'll get whiplash trying to read this saga, so fear not, because we did it for you. All the crazy plot twists, and stuff that could only have happened in a 70s Marvel comic (brainwashed cows are not a joke when it comes to Marvel) make this storyline fun, engaging and a must-read.
However, we do hope that after listening to this episode, you'll seek out these issues and read it for yourself!
As always, your hosts (the Siskel & Ebert of comic book podcasters) are Brad Page and Chris Karam. -
In this episode, Brian Linnen (Permanent Record Podcast) and me delve into the 1970s catalog of Queen, one of our favourite groups of all-time.
Listen as we discuss the albums from Queen's first decade. A decade where Queen not only found their sound, but refined it over a series of over the top classic albums that built the Queen legacy as we know it today. If you're Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon -- or any other time of the day, night, or week -- it's a deep dive into the catalog that only we can take.
We will rock you....or at least give you everything short of a sheer heart attack, darlings! -
In this episode, we take a look at the groundbreaking first company crossover by DC and Marvel, 1976's Superman Vs. The Amazing Spider-Man. This oversized tabloid edition clocked in at well over 90 pages and was truly an epic!
We discuss all aspects of the delightfully over the top plot (t was the 70s, after all) and associated trivia, as these two heroic titans from two different companies (and universes) collide before putting their efforts towards vanquishing their super foes, Lex Luthor and Doctor Octopus.
We also discuss the sequel, 1981's Superman and Spider-Man. How does it compare to the original. Listen to the podcast, true believers, and find out!
Hosted by Chris Karam and Brad Page. -
In this episode, we chronicle one of the most successful American bands of all time, Journey.
Specifically, the period where Steve Perry took the reins as Journey's singer and frontman with 1978's Infinity, through their seeming 1986 finale, Raised On Radio, with one final reprise a decade later with 1996's Trial By Fire.
We go through the group's history, with an album-by-album discussion. Returning guest Jeff Hogland offers his unique insights into these classic albums, albums that helped propel Journey from a middling progressive band with a cult following, to pop superstars whose music resonates to this day, with evergreens such as "Don't Stop Believin'," among many others.
Come with us as we embark on new frontiers as we chart Journey's evolution. -
A nation in turmoil! A hero questioning his relevance in an age where being an American is being redefined! The values of a nation coming under fire!
Sound familiar?
In this episode, we examine Captain America and The Falcon #153-156, in which not only do Cap and his sidekick The Falcon face off against the usual super-foes, but they also come up against...Captain America and Bucky from the 1950s!
If you think that sounds bizarre, just wait until you hear how these issues -- no pun intended -- get resolved. We had lots of fun examining and re-living Marvel during the swingin' seventies! As we always do.
Hosted by Brad Page and Chris Karam. -
This time, we're talking about one of the biggest bands of the '80s and of all-time, The Police!
Author Pete Braidis discusses his book, The Police: On Track, as we delve into the five studio albums released by this legendary band.
It's not "just the facts" as we also discuss the musical aspects of these albums and songs. Pete spent a couple of years researching and writing his book, and it shows. We had a great time delving into Police matters and also had some great sidetracks along the way.e
But what else is new, right...?
Pete's book, The Police: On Track is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Police-every-album-song-Track/dp/1789521580/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?crid=2JHHAV537WLNZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ztwkniI-wssFhjgThTP1jbF7wzu4gp9mOO0zU6F6YprenLOJBBAXTfy1nwmVZYT-.7Y0JJ_zxfzxbzLTEExStDF1Jh1FeZuXpJF6jQtr3pIQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=pete+braidis+the+police&qid=1719791819&s=books&sprefix=pete+braidis+the+police%2Cstripbooks%2C78&sr=1-1-fkmr0
The Police On Track's official website: https://www.sonicbondpublishing.co.uk/on-track/the-police-on-track -
In 1986, DC Comics did something pretty radical for that time. -- they rebooted Superman. In the wake of the landmark mini-series Crisis On Infinite Earths, DC was relaunching its universe and they went back to the hero that started it all for them.
This time, fan favorite writer and artist John Byrne was lured from Marvel Comics to redefine DC's flagship hero for a new generation. And Byrne wasted no time putting his stamp on the classic hero.
We will examine The Man Of Steel issues #1 - 6, the mini-series that served as the launching pad, and talk about Byrne's reimagining of Superman and his supporting cast. Some of the changes were considered very different, and yet, somehow, Superman remained Superman. But with a fresh injection of creativity that allowed readers a new jumping on point that paved the way for a very successful new direction for the character and his monthly books going forward.
Hosted by Brad Page and Chris Karam. -
It's 5150 time, y'all!
This episode, Alex Alt (Slydog Music Cast) and me delve into the Sammy Hagar era of Van Halen. While it's an era that divides some fans, it's also an era that produced some great, enduring music and we had a lot of fun going into the band's four studio albums as well as their one "live" album.
Although a lot of people call them "Van Hagar,"we're gonna call 'em "Sam Halen." Whatever you call them, ultimately it's still Van Halen, and this was a very exciting and productive time for the band. At the core of it was Eddie Van Halen, who was still blazing away through some of the band's most successful music.
We had fun talking about Sam Halen and we hope you'll have fun listening to this episode. -
Once again, we go back to the Marvel age of comics, a swingin' time when the cold war was hot and spies were everywhere...even Marvel Comics! We look at the comics Strange Tales #166 & 167 and Nick Fury, Agent Of SHIELD #1-3, & 5.
Nick Fury, once the leader of a group of commandos during World War II, had been refashioned as a 1960s spy as the leader of an organization named S.H.I.E.L.D. Shepherding this change was a young writer / artist named Jim Steranko, who not only took the character into the modern day '60s, but updated the art style as well.
The original Nick Fury wasn't psychedelic, but the art style certainly was and we had fun discussing Marvel's foray into cold war adventures that, while of their time, are a fun romp through the tropes of late '60s storytelling. And while this is serious stuff, it's a lot of fun as well. As comics should be.
Hosted by Brad Page and Chris Karam. -
In this episode, guest co-host Jeff Harris (Behind The Grooves) and me explore the musical enigma known as Steely Dan! And for the record, Steely Dan is a group, not just one guy.
A group that defies easy categorization, as they mix rock, jazz, pop, funk, and lyrics that are sometimes inscrutable, but always interesting. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were two friends who met in college and set about writing songs that were an arty blend of their many musical and literary influences.
We explore the original era of Steely Dan, spanning 1972-1980. We delve into each album, the songs, the stories, the many musicians who helped Becker and Fagen realize their esoteric musical visions and ultimately, why we love these albums so much. We try and shed some light on what Steely Dan was all about.
Check out Jeff Harris's Behind The Grooves music blog: https://www.patreon.com/behindthegrooves/about?fbclid=IwAR3TFDb9hvywTPXcYlTaD5OgTloCjDHcGYJzOSG4uh-hDkd-OzfhvXkJHGM -
We take a soujourn to the Hyborian age of sword and sorcery with a young barbarian known as...Conan!
In this episode, we take a look at Conan's comic roots, beginning in 1970 with the classic Conan The Barbarian series written by Roy Thomas and drawn by Barry Windsor-Smith. We not only talk about the stories and art, but also how Marvel Comics came to be the first publisher to adapt the classic character by Robert E. Howard into comics!
Know, oh princes and princesses, that between the years of 1970 - 1973, the classic era of Conan comics was upon us, and it paved the way for other heroes of sword and sorcery and that it begat these enduring works.
Fetch yourself a flagon of good ale and listen as we analyze and discuss this classic era of everyone's favorite rogue...Conan! By Crom, you'll have a good time! -
50 years ago, the music world got its' first KISS, in the form a debut album by four young men who not only played hard and heavy rock, but had the audacity to wear makeup, over the top costumes, and platform shoes that made them seem bigger than life.
1974's self titled debut album by Gene, Paul, Ace, and Peter fired the first shot of KISS's kinetic sound and it was a mission statement that their unique brand of hook-filled glitter rock was not to be denied. And just in case that wasn't enough for ya, later that year, they issued a second album, Hotter Than Hell. Two albums by a new group in one year -- these guys were serious.
I talked with Bakko (Cobras And Fire podcast) about the debut album and with Jeff Hogland about Hotter Than Hell, and we had a fun time talking about our favorite songs, trivia, and how these albums effected us in the days of our impressionable youth. Both of these guys brought their own unique perspectives on the records and how these records helped to shape our appreciation of music.
Check out Bakko on the Cobras And Fire podcast: https://cobrasandfire.com/ -
In this episode, we tackle one of the Marvel Universe's most epic anti-heroes, the mutant known as...Wolverine!
More specifically, we tackle 1982's Wolverine mini-series by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller as well as X-Men #172 and 173 by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith. To do this, we needed some help doing the heavy lifting, so we brought on our first ever guest star: Eric Miller (Pods and Sods)!
The three of us had a great time dissecting the convoluted backstory of Marvel's favorite mutant and the various plot threads and machinations that make for great comics! If you like Wolverine and the X-Men, you'll like this episode!
Listen to Eric Miller on the Pods and Sods music podcast: https://podsodcast.com/
Listen to Eric Miller on the Foreign Comics Calling podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ken-worthing?fbclid=IwAR1Xzg2vTX-CNn3HoMvSZ2D_HPVzdSEtLGfJ3VmDuqNwMI5VYXB4KZ6_nrY -
What would happen if the legendary teen pop group The Bay City Rollers dropped the "Bay City" from their name, their signature tartan garb, and pursued a new sound?
The year is 1979 and after a tumultuous 1978, The Bay City Rollers have a new singer, a new sound, and a new look. Hoping to stake out a post-teen idol territory in anticipation of the 1980s, the Rollers are now clad in bright new wave colors, skinny ties and have rechristened themselves simply, "The Rollers."
Guest co-Host Debbie Smith-Clarke and me explore this segment of (Bay City) Rollers history. A segment largely unknown to casual fans and the general public. We will explore the origins of this new incarnation as well as take an in-depth look at the three albums this lineup produced: Elevator, Voxx, and Ricochet.
We'll delve into why these albums are so great and why they didn't connect with music buyers in the way that their previous albums did. As always, we had a lot of fun talking up The Rollers!
Check out Dedication -- Fans Remember The Bay City Rollers podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dedication-fans-remember-the-bay-city-rollers-podcast-2/id1535575923 - Show more
