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At the age of 11, I embarked on an adventure that would shape my life—I moved from Italy to Montreal. While my family hesitated about the change, I was thrilled, feeling as if I were heading to the moon. It wasn’t just a relocation; it was the beginning of my long-standing love affair with music.

Hello, music lovers! I'm Robbie, and welcome back to Chatting Tracks. We're thrilled to have you here as we dive into the B-side of David Bowie's iconic album, "Hunky Dory". We adore this album, and we can't wait to flip the record and explore the lighter side. Please drop us a comment with your favourite Bowie album or share if you ever had the chance to see him live.

Cars have always represented more than just transportation. In popular music, they symbolise freedom, escape, rebellion, romance, ambition, and identity. For decades, songwriters across rock, pop, soul, funk, and electronic music have used automotive imagery to tell powerful stories — and many of those songs became massive commercial hits.

Hue and Cry, led by the talented Pat and Greg, have been delighting fans since their early days as blue-eyed soul musicians. Remember hits like Looking for Linda and Ain't Going to Work for You No More?

As we mark 32 years since Kurt Cobain's untimely passing, the circumstances surrounding his death remain a topic of debate. Welcome to Chatting Tracks. I'm Robbie, here with Andy. Recently, a new article surfaced that challenges the original narrative of Cobain's death, and it's caught my attention.

Welcome to Chatting Tracks! I'm Robbie, and I'm joined by Andy, my partner in crime. We're diving deep into David Bowie's iconic album, Hunky Dory. This album, recorded during the summer of 1971 at London's famed Trident Studios, marks a significant shift in Bowie's musical journey. With Ken Scott as producer and the original Spiders from Mars lineup, this album truly stands out.

Introducing transformative 1970s music The 1970s were a pivotal era in music, marked by unprecedented innovation, genre experimentation, and cultural commentary. The decade was a creative explosion in which artists such as Stevie Wonder and David Bowie elevated the album format to an art form, creating bodies of work that have inspired generations. It was the era when the concept of album trilogies emerged as a means for artists to explore complex themes and narratives.

Record Store Day started in 2007 as a pretty modest idea cooked up by a handful of independent record store owners in the U.S. who wanted to celebrate the places that kept music physical, local, and human in an increasingly digital world. The first official Record Store Day took place in April 2008, with Metallica showing up at Rasputin Music in San Francisco, and that surprise moment set the tone: this wasn’t just a sale, it was a party.

The pulsating Moog synthesiser riff in "More, More, More" is instantly recognisable. This distinctive sound is part of what makes the song timeless, capturing the vibrant feel of the disco era while remaining appealing to new generations. The synth line hooks the listener from the outset, setting the stage for a track that is as infectious today as it was at its release.

"Mull of Kintyre" remains one of Wings' most beloved songs, emerging as a cultural touchstone in the late 1970s.

The recent closure of MTV's music channel has stirred memories and emotions for music lovers everywhere, especially for those of us who grew up watching legendary performances on MTV Unplugged. For my mate Andy and me, these broadcasts were more than just music; they were cultural events. So, as we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, let's dive into why these gigs were so iconic and explore our favourite performances.

The claim that Stayin' Alive was built from a sample of Night Fever has intrigued music enthusiasts for decades. But did the Bee Gees truly invent sampling?

In the landscape of pop music, certain controversies stand out due to their cultural impact and the questions they raise about creativity. One such case involves Huey Lewis and the News' "I Want a New Drug" and Ray Parker Jr.'s "Ghostbusters" theme. These two tracks have been frequently mentioned together in discussions of musical similarity, bringing both artistic and legal questions to the forefront.

Rubber Soul boasts a variety of tracks, but Michelle stands out with its French twist. Interestingly, this track might trace its roots back to 1959. Its chilled vibes and unique guitar solo make it feel like an earlier Beatles song. Don’t you just love its meaningful lyrics? Though you might chuckle at their playful use of French, it all adds to the charm.

In the 1990s, Madonna's influence on both the music and fashion industries was nothing short of extraordinary. During this decade, she emerged not only as a pop sensation but also as a trendsetter whose bold and innovative style choices were emulated by countless fans and aspiring pop stars worldwide. Her fearless willingness to push boundaries in both her music and her wardrobe set new standards for those who followed in her footsteps.

Meet Xiu Xiu—a band that has just released their 18th album. This one’s a covers album, and it’s already considered one of their best. I’ve got a soft spot for the 80s, so we couldn’t resist checking out their cover of Anola Gay. Fun fact: I recently met the lead singer, and he gave me a David Bowie book. But that’s a story for another day. This cover is from their album titled "Xiu Xiu Mother Funking Xiu Volume One." Let’s dive in!

Recently, we received an enthusiastic email urging us to check out a band called Long Fling. This intriguing group consists of Pip Bloom from Pip Bloom and Villim Smith from Personal Trainer. Based in Amsterdam, they've been collaborating creatively for a decade, and now, they bring us their first album, also titled "Long Fling."

MTV Unplugged has gifted us unforgettable moments where bands and singers strip down their hits to raw, acoustic brilliance. From legendary performances to hidden gems, these sessions have left an indelible mark on music history. At Chatting Tracks, we’re all about celebrating those musical moments that come to life, and what better way than to revisit these iconic performances?

Ship Says Om is the solo project of Jenny Gillespie Mason, based in San Francisco. With a rich history, including collaborations with Sis and the Lower Wisdom, Jenny is also the founder of Native Cat Recordings, a feminist label supporting fellow artists.

Hey there, Robbie from Chatting Tracks here. I recently caught up with Kane Hibbard, the mastermind behind an extraordinary guitar photography exhibition. Kane's journey into music photography began back in 2005.