The internet’s favorite music show, now in podcast form! Each episode explores a theme through 10 songs, taking listeners on a deep dive into a specific artist, genre, or era of music through the perspectives of musicians, historians, journalists and fans. Also available in video on YouTube! Hosted by Jack Coyne.
In today’s episode of Track Star* Warren Haynes, best known for his work as a member of the Allman Brothers Band, joins us to listen to some iconic, genre-defining Blues and Rock songs, and to discuss the influence they had on the development of Rock. Haynes takes the time today to give us an important lesson on the history of the guitar and how it defined Blues and Rock and Roll music. Diving into the music that influenced him as a child to pick up the guitar and learn to play, Jack and Warren take us on a walk through Rock and Blues history, giving us advice on how to listen to and make music along the way. In discussing his own music alongside the music that came before him, Haynes offers a unique and important perspective on the narrative of Rock history. This Episode's Track List: Fire - The Jimi Hendrix Experience Lay Down Sally - Eric Clapton Sweet Little Angel - B.B. King Going Down - Freddie King Born Under a Bad Sign - Albert King Brokedown Palace - Grateful Dead Midnight in Harlem - Tedeschi Trucks Band Cortez the Killer - Neil Young & Crazy Horse Statesboro Blues - Blind Willie McTell If This Is Just a Game - David Allan Coe Mississippi Queen - Mountain
Testing This Punk Legend's Music Knowledge
Lenny Kaye is an icon of the punk rock scene. As a member of the Patti Smith Group, as well as in his work as a solo artist and rock critic, Kaye joins us today on Track Star* to listen to a few songs and break down some important Punk history. Beginning with a discussion of the songs and movements that influenced Kaye himself as a child, the conversation soon shifts to a broader discussion of what defined the punk scene and mindset, and how that developed over time. Kaye joins us today for an invaluable, first-person perspective on the New York punk movement of the late 70s, interrupted only occasionally by singing and dancing. This Episode's Track List: Gloria - The Cadillacs Never Let You Go - The Five Discs Johnny Too Bad - The Slickers Know Your Rights - The Clash The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion) - Grateful Dead Sonic Reducer - Dead Boys White Wedding - Billy Idol
Swamp Dogg Teaches Us About Country and R&B
Today on Track Star* we are joined by legendary singer, songwriter, and producer Swamp Dogg to cover some of the songs that defined his career and discuss the complicated and somewhat blurred relationship between country and R&B. Swamp Dogg takes some time today to break down a few classic country and R&B songs, giving us an insider perspective on the hit-making process and a unique view of the people behind the iconic songs. Between the songs and the stories, Swamp Dogg gives an important analysis of Country and R&B and the similarities and differences between the two. This Episode's Track List: Cry to Me - Solomon Burke She’s All I Got - Johnny Paycheck She’s All I Got - Freddie North In the Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett Please Don’t Bury Me - John Prine Quarter to Three - Gary U.S. Bonds You Ain’t Woman Enough - Loretta Lynn Knock on Wood - Eddie Floyd He’s Sure the Boy I Love - The Crystals Acid Tongue - Jenny Lewis Searching For Heaven - Swamp Dogg
KISS's Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley Unpack the Importance of Songwriting
Today on the Track Star Podcast, we are joined by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS to talk about rock and roll songwriting, the New York City music scene, and what it really takes to make a song, or a band, truly great. With a collection of songs spanning American and English rock, punk, Motown, and more, Paul and Gene share their thoughts on how different artists and movements engage with the craft of songwriting and balance the art of the song with the energy of performance and the demand of the public. Gene and Paul join us today for a crash-course on rock and roll songwriting, emphasizing, as they have throughout their careers, that the most important thing is the song. This Episode’s Tracklist: 00:00 - Intro 00:12 - I Want To Hold Your Hand - The Beatles 03:54 - Then He Kissed Me - The Crystals 05:20 - Then She Kissed Me - KISS 09:35 - I Can’t Explain - The Who 13:52 - Personality Crisis - New York Dolls 18:37 - Rock & Roll - The Velvet Underground 23:35 - Cum On Feel The Noize - Slade 24:58 - Ballroom Blitz - Sweet 26:16 - Bang a Gong (Get It On) - T. Rex 29:18 - The Tracks Of My Tears - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles 30:44 - New York Groove - Ace Frehley New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every week. Let us know what artist, theme, or unexpected guest you want us to explore next.
The Governor of Maryland was Built on Hip Hop Influences
This week on the Track Star Podcast, Jack is joined by Maryland Governor and Music-Obsessed Wes Moore. In this episode, he sits down with Jack to unpack the songs that have shaped his life, from the music that soundtracked his childhood and helped form his identity to those that continue to inspire his work today. He reflects on his childhood, the influence of hip-hop, and how music became such a big part of his life. Sharing stories behind the songs and artists that left a lasting impact, they go from the cultural significance of The Notorious B.I.G. and A Tribe Called Quest to the messages found in Sam Cooke and Nina Simone, exploring the intersection of music, leadership, politics, and storytelling. This Episode’s Track List: 00:00 - Intro 01:41 - People Everyday - Arrested Development 03:00 - Hypnotize - The Notorious B.I.G. 14:20 - Award Tour - A Tribe Called Quest ft. Trugoy the Dove 16:17 - You Got Me - The Roots ft. Erykah Badu & Eve 22:45 - Mean Old World - Sam Cooke 26:19 - Baltimore - Nina Simone
Song Exploder’s Host Hrishikesh Hirway Plays Track Star
Today we are joined by Hrishikesh Hirway, musician and host of the hit podcast Song Exploder, to listen to and discuss some of the songs that have influenced and defined his work, both in his music and his show. In this episode, Jack chooses a few songs to play for us, and Hrishikesh explains the personal and professional significance they have had on his life and career. Hrishikesh talks about his love for exploring and investigating the stories and influences behind songs, as well as what made him start his podcast, and how it reconnected him to music. Hrishikesh takes the time today to teach us what it means to dive into a song and share with us how curiosity and passion can change the way we see the world. This Episode's Track List: The District Sleeps Alone Tonight - The Postal Service Our House - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Jeremy - Pearl Jam Ivy - Frank Ocean Stranger - Ken Pomeroy Seventeen - Sharon Van Etten Red Moon - Big Thief Born in the U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen
David Porter Recounts the Hits He Made At Stax Records
David Porter, one of the key figures behind Stax Records, joins us today on the Track Star Podcast to discuss his role as one of the primary songwriters, hitmakers, and creative forces behind the Memphis soul movement. Starting with his youth in Memphis, Porter brings us along for a trip through his life, exploring the complex influences that came together in Memphis in the early 60s to define the Stax sound. Porter explains the importance of Stax Records’ position as a collective movement coming out of a segregated Memphis at the time. In today’s episode, David Porter tells a story of the race, music, unity, and respect that defined Stax Records, setting it apart from the music of its time and creating an iconic and timeless sound. This Episode’s Tracklist: 00:00 - Intro 00:14 - Soul Man - Sam & Dave 04:43 - Sincerely - The Moonglows 07:22 - Blue Monday - Fats Domino 14:27 - Cause I Love You - Carla and Rufus 19:37 - Green Onions - Booker T. & The M.G.’s 20:01 - Last Night - The Mar-Keys 23:56 - Heat Wave - Martha and the Vandelles 24:21 - Hold On, I’m Comin - Sam & Dave 28:03 - B-A-B-Y - Carla Thomas 35:25 - These Arms of Mine - Otis Redding 42:08 - (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every week. Let us know what artist, theme, or unexpected guest you want us to explore next.
Testing Jack Johnson's Music Knowledge
Jack Johnson joins Track Star* today to listen to a few songs and chat about the impact they had on his life, personally and professionally, and how those songs and artists continue to inform the work he does today. In this episode, Jack Johnson gets into the role music played in his childhood, his falling in love, and his life as a surfer, a filmmaker, and finally a musician. Exploring the power of music to make us laugh and cry, and to transport us to different times and places, Johnson emphasizes, above all else, the importance of love and hope in his music and in his life. Jack teaches us, ultimately, that music exists so that we might meet each other, share experiences, and learn to understand and love each other in new ways. This Episode's Track List: If 6 Was 9 - Jimi Hendrix Steal My Kisses - Ben Harper These Arms of Mine - Otis Redding Bad Mouth - Fugazi Box Full of Letters - Wilco All The Time - Bahamas Night Nurse - Gregory Isaacs Driftless - Greg Brown
The Perfect Song Challenge ft. Este Haim
Today on the Track Star Podcast, Este Haim joins Jack to talk about a few perfect songs. Este and Jack each brought 3 (ish) songs to the table to discuss what makes them perfect, the influences they have had, and the personal significances they carry. Taking us on a journey through time and genre, Este and Jack cover everything from transcendental meditation to Britney Spears’ Pop perfection. As Este walks us through a few of her perfect songs, she reveals the songs, artists, and moments that inspired her to make music, and how her family supported and encouraged that dream. In this episode, Este and Jack teach us the importance of appreciating life and the people around us as they share some of the songs they consider to be perfect. This Episode’s Tracklist: Intro Genius of Love - Tom Tom Club Serpentine Fire - Earth, Wind & Fire …Baby One More Time - Britney Spears Oops!... I Did It Again - Britney Spears Toxic - Britney Spears When Doves Cry - Prince Little Red Corvette - Prince The Love I Lost (ft. Teddy Pendergrass) - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes Nick of Time - Bonnie Raitt Have A Heart - Bonnie Raitt Not The Only One - Bonnie Raitt
Testing Johnny Knoxville's Music Knowledge
Johnny Knoxville, the acclaimed stuntman, actor, comedian, and producer known best for his role as co-creator and star of Jackass, joins us today to listen to a few songs and share stories of how the show came to be and what it means to him. Covering a few classic Outlaw Country songs as well as some iconic Jackass songs, Johnny explains the influence of music on him personally, as well as the role it played in the development and creation of the show. In today’s episode, Johnny reflects on the time he spent working on Jackass, discussing the people who made it special and how he feels now that it has ended. This Episode's Track List: Shine A Light - The Rolling Stones Corona - Minutemen Me and Paul - Willie Nelson If You’re Gonna Be Dumb, You Gotta Be Tough - Roger Alan Wade Banana In Your Fruit Basket - Bo Carter The Pill - Loretta Lynn Mystifies Me - Ron Wood Motherf***er Got F*cked Up - Folk Uke 96 Quite Bitter Beings - CKY My Cricket - Leon Russell
Jeff Ament Unpacks The Artists that Influenced Pearl Jam
Today on Track Star*, Jack is joined by legendary Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament to discuss his life and work, and the wide variety of music that inspired it. In this episode, Jeff and Jack have a conversation about music, community, and the glue that binds us together as they talk about the moments and memories that made Jeff Ament. Covering everything from his early childhood in rural Montana to his youth in Seattle to his time with Pearl Jam and beyond, Jeff shows us how building community and encouraging positive human interaction can change lives. This Episode's Track List: Stir It Up (Jamaican Version) - Bob Marley & The Wailers The Lemon Song - Led Zeppelin The Magnificent Seven - The Clash Never Fight a Man with a Perm - IDLES Could You Be The One? - Hüsker Dü Poptones - Public Image Ltd. Roundabout - Yes Glue - SS Decontrol Sludgefest - Dinosaur Jr. Rain - The Beatles Protest and Survival - Discharge
Testing John Leguizamo's Latin Music Knowledge
This week on Track Star* Jack is joined by comedian, actor, and producer, John Leguizamo to cover some iconic Latin artists and discuss how Latin music speaks for and resonates with populations around the world. Along the way, John and Jack consider how Bad Bunny became the #1 artist in the world, how salsa in the 70s created a space for Latin people in New York, and the cultural significance of the breakthrough by Latin artists in the past few years. John takes us on a brief and powerful journey through a slice of the history of Latin music, with many dance breaks to accompany. This Episode's Track List: EoO - Bad Bunny La Freak - Paloma Mami & Rauw Alejandro The Message - Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five El Cantante - Héctor Lavoe Despídase bien - Carin León Get Up (I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine) - James Brown
Finneas O’Connell Reacts to These 10 Weird Production Choices
Finneas O’Connell joins The Track Star Podcast to explore some of the most fascinating and unconventional production choices behind iconic songs and compositions. Armed with five song picks each, Finneas and Jack take turns sharing tracks that span everything from film scores to classic records. Along the way, they break down the creative techniques that make each piece unique, uncovering what it really takes to push boundaries and create something unforgettable. From the role inspiration plays in shaping a song to the ways production itself can become a form of storytelling, Finneas offers a rare look inside the creative process. Together, they examine how bold decisions, unexpected sounds, and meticulous details can transform a great idea into a lasting piece of music. This Episode’s Tracklist: 00:00 - Intro 01:16 - Money - Pink Floyd 06:28 - Ms. Jackson - Outkast 09:02 - Nikes - Frank Ocean 12:25 - Aloha! (Main Title Theme) - Cristobal Tapia De Veer 14:35 - Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes 16:52 - Blue Jay Way - The Beatles 19:53 - L’AMOUR DE MA VIE - Billie Eilish 24:14 - O Green World - Gorillaz 28:30 - Supermarine - Hans Zimmer 34:29 - The Mandalorian - Ludwig Göransson 39:38 - Vicious Thoughts - Finneas O’Connell
Testing Glen Hansard’s Music Knowledge
Today on Track Star*, Jack is joined by Glen Hansard, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, musician, and actor known for his work as a founding member of the band the Frames, as well as his prolific solo musical and acting careers. In this episode, we take a musical journey through his multi-dimensional career, discussing the songs that defined his artistic development from busking on the streets of Dublin to starring in an award-winning movie to working with artists like Eddie Vedder and Bob Dylan. Glen and Jack discuss good people and good music, and the power they have to change lives. This Episode's Tracklist: Jokerman - Bob Dylan Down Payment Blues - AC/DC Rise - Eddie Vedder Same Old Blues - Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band The Makings of You - Curtis Mayfield Disconnection Notice - Sonic Youth Thru and Thru - The Rolling Stones
A U.S. Senator Stops by Track Star HQ to Talk Music
Today on the Track Star Podcast, Jack is joined by Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy for a conversation about everything from touching grass to the pursuit of happiness, discussing how community engagement and human connection have the power to uplift and heal. With a carefully curated playlist, Jack walks Senator Murphy through different times and different lives, and facilitates a conversation about how consumerism and globalization have contributed to a cultural disconnect. Today’s episode shows how music can lead to important discussions, as Senator Murphy explains how genuine connection is the most important thing in society today. This Episode’s Tracklist: 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - Your Body Is a Wonderland - John Mayer 06:27 - End of the Road - Boyz II Men 11:01 - Rich Men North of Richmond - Oliver Anthony 16:18 - The Way It Is - Bruce Hornsby and the Range 25:16 - Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers 34:36 - Could It Be Another Change - The Samples 34:56 - Carry On - The Samples
Questlove Teaches Us How to Listen to Earth, Wind & Fire
This week on the Track Star Podcast, Jack is joined by six-time Grammy-winning drummer and record producer Questlove. The genre-defining drummer and co-founder and co-frontman of The Roots as well as an acclaimed director and filmmaker, is the director and producer of the new documentary: Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That's the Weight of the World). In this episode, Jack and Questlove dive into the songs that have deeply influenced Questlove’s musical upbringing and modern-day career. He reflects on his journey and discusses his lifelong connection to Earth, Wind & Fire and the documentary. Watch on Spotify Here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1d5i6AQX4dZaO4MDCbdhjR This Episode’s Track List: 00:00 - Intro 00:45 - September - Earth, Wind & Fire 8:06 - That’s The Way of The World - Earth, Wind & Fire 18:46 - Wade In The Water - Ramsey Lewis 21:15 - Smokestack Lightning - Howlin’ Wolf 27:10 - Spinning Wheel - Blood, Sweat & Tears 32:14 - Kalimba Story - Earth, Wind & Fire 37:38 - Can You Get To That - Funkadelic 42:17 - Shining Star - Earth, Wind & Fire 48:54 - Boogie Wonderland - Earth, Wind & Fire 49:06 - Let's Groove - Earth, Wind & Fire
Andrew Watt Teaches Us How to Produce a Hit Song
This week on the Track Star Podcast, we’re joined by Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, and musician Andrew Watt, one of the defining hitmakers in modern music. From pop stars to rock legends, Andrew has worked with some of the biggest artists in the world, including Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Ozzy Osbourne, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga. In this episode, Jack plays through a list of songs Andrew has helped create, many of which became chart-topping hits. Andrew reflects on his journey from producing pop records to collaborating with some of rock music’s most iconic artists, and shares his philosophy on creating the right environment for artists to do their best work. From building trust in the studio to understanding what truly makes a great record, this conversation offers a rare look into the mindset and process behind some of today’s biggest songs. This Episode’s Tracklist: 00:00 - Intro 00:23 - Rough And Twisted - Rolling Stones 6:22 - Señorita - Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes 10:08 - Gabriela - KATSEYE 14:05 - Die With A Smile - Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars 16:48 - Days We Left Behind - Paul McCartney 22:06 - Peaches - Justin Bieber (ft. Daniel Caesar, GIVEON) 26:10 - Take What You Want - Post Malone (ft. Ozzy Osbourne, Travis Scott) 31:01 - RUNWAY - Lady Gaga, Doechii
Testing Death Cab for Cutie's Music Knowledge
On this episode of Track Star*, we're joined by Ben Gibbard and Dave Depper of Death Cab for Cutie. Known for their thoughtful songwriting and influence on indie rock, the two bring decades of musical curiosity to a conversation filled with the records and artists that have stayed with them over the years. Ben, Dave, and Jack dive into the songs that helped shape their tastes, from alt rock, indie pop, post-punk, and emo classics. From the The Cure and New Order to favorites like Built to Spill, Rilo Kiley, and Sunny Day Real Estate, they reflect on inspiration . This episode is packed with great stories and plenty of insights from the guys of Death Cab for Cutie. This Episode's Tracklist: In Between Days - The Cure Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town - Pearl Jam Heart Cooks Brain - Modest Mouse Such Great Heights - The Postal Service Portions For Foxes - Rilo Kiley Bizarre Love Triangle - New Order In Circles - Sunny Day Real Estate Carry The Zero - Built To Spill Strange Powers - The Magnetic Fields What You Do To Me - Teenage Fanclub Falling And Laughing - Orange Juice
NY Times Critics Unpack Their Controversial Songwriters List
This week on the Track Star Podcast, we’re joined by New York Times music reporters Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli following the publication of the NYT’s “The 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters.” As the hosts of the popular music podcast “Popcast,” Jon and Joe are no strangers to passionate debate. Their work often explores contemporary music through both a critical and historical lens, helping listeners make sense of today’s artists in the broader context of popular music. Although we only have time to dive into a handful of names from the list, Jon and Joe unpack the thinking behind their selections, discuss the challenges of being music critics and reporters in the modern media landscape, and share what continues to inspire their curiosity about music far beyond their own tastes and expertise. This Episode’s Tracklist: 00:00 - Intro 1:03 - This Is What You Came For - Calvin Harris, Rihanna 10:26 - Digits - Young Thug 18:47 - I Don't Want to Miss a Thing - Aerosmith 27:19 - The Book of Love - The Magnetic Fields 32:23 - Obsesión - Aventura, Judy Santos 47:29 - The Rising - Bruce Springsteen
Testing Eric André's Music Knowledge
Comedian, actor, and musician Eric André joins Jack for a conversation packed with punk legends, underground hip-hop, and some amazing music stories and further proves his musical knowledge runs just as deep as his comedy. A lifelong musician who started on piano at age five before moving through tuba, cello, and upright bass, Jack and André trace the artists, records, and experiences that shaped his taste and ultimately led to his own music project, BLARF, which released a new album this year. They chat Death Grips, and him being the only person ever to witness a rehearsal of theirs, the chaos and influence of Butthole Surfers, and the importance of Frank Zappa especially as someone who attended Berklee College of Music. This Episode's Track List: All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Richie Giant Steps - John Coltrane Poppin' My Collar (feat. Project Pat) - Three 6 Mafia Get Got - Death Grips I - Bad Brains I'm The Slime - Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention Pepper - Butthole Surfers Black Satin - Miles Davis War Over Land - JPEGMAFIA All Caps - Madvillain War - Edwin Starr
