Rock Talk with Dr. Cropper

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we rank my favourite Beach Boys songs, continuing the 'Top 31' theme for my champagne birthday this year...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss Phish's recently-concluded summer tour — Labour Day weekend shows in Colorado, notwithstanding — focusing especially on the Madison Square Garden run, of which I attended the fourth show.Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I rank my personal favourite 31 Doors songs. The Doors were my first favourite band, my first concert, and my number one song here has been my favourite song by anyone since I was 5 years old, so this was a fun one for me!Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss my personal favourite Led Zeppelin songs. I went with a Top 31 because I turn 31 on the 31st next week. Think of it like Baskin Robbins: 31 flavours of Led Zeppelin...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Season 12! In this episode, I unveil my personal favourite — not the "best" — Taylor Swift songs. I went with a Top 31 in honour of this, my birthday month.Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we are joined once again by my good friend, David Carson, to discuss Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here album in belated celebration of the 50th anniversary of its September 12, 1975 release.For a more detailed examination of the musical theory behind the album, I highly recommend Doug Helvering's reaction to the album.Check out David's singing project, Sons of Sinatra, as well!Merry Christmas! I will see you all shortly in 2026...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we are joined by my good friend, Alex, to discuss 'Led Zeppelin III' in belated celebration of the 55th anniversary of its October 5, 1970 release. Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we are joined for the first time by my friend and loyal listener, David Carson, to rank the Grateful Dead's best live months from 1972-74 — my favourite era of live Dead. I thought this would be a fun way to recap our detailed examinations of that period over the past three years. We conducted it draft-style, resulting in a 'roster' of 15 months for each of us. Comment who you think won!Check out David's singing project as well — @sonsofsinatra on Instagram.Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailRock Talk turns 5! Thank you all so much for your continued interest and support!In this episode, we discuss Led Zeppelin's 1975 North American Tour, which we previously covered way back in Episode 3, but I wanted to discuss it again to commemorate the 50th anniversary. It's the first year of live Zeppelin I got into back in high school, so I've always had a soft spot for it, and with it being five years since we last talked about it, my opinions have shifted some...I also ranked the 1975 versions of "No Quarter" back in Episode 40 — one of my personal favourite episodes to create!Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss Led Zeppelin's double album, 'Physical Graffiti,' in belated celebration of the 50th anniversary of its February 24, 1975 release. It's rare for me to do one of these album deep-dives these days, but an over-the-top album warrants an over-the-top episode, right?Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailSupport the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailNFL Draft season is upon us, so I thought I would come up with my "first round picks" for a few of my favourite artists, thus the unconventional "Top 32." Last week was the Rolling Stones, so it's only fitting that we tackle the Beatles this week.As with my Stones list, I tried to stick to my personal favourites as the criteria, as opposed to "best" or "most impressive," so there are bound to be some surprising inclusions, as well as omissions...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailNFL Draft season is upon us, so I thought I would come up with my "first round picks" for a few of my favourite artists, thus the unconventional "Top 32." We'll start with the Rolling Stones, but I'm planning on covering the Beatles and Led Zeppelin as well.I tried to stick to my personal favourites as the criteria, as opposed to "best" or "most impressive," so there are sure to be some surprising inclusions, as well as omissions — you can't always get what you want...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I go over the factors I consider when determining what to wear to a concert. A friend of mine interviewed me about this for a school assignment of hers last week, and I had so much fun crafting my answers that I decided to record them!Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Season 10! In this episode — fitting for Valentine's Day weekend — we dive into one of my favourite Bob Dylan songs, "Simple Twist Of Fate," in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the release of 'Blood On The Tracks,' the album it hails from.Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this, the Season 9 finale — as we've done for 1972 and 1973 the past two years, respectively — we rank the 1974 Grateful Dead shows in celebration of the 50th anniversary of that venerable year in their live history.This will likely be the last time I undertake this exercise, as they only played four shows during their "hiatus" in 1975, and both my interest and expertise in post-hiatus Dead is considerably less.However, 1975 is one of my favourite years for live Led Zeppelin, controversial as that may be, so look forward to lots of content on that front in the new year...Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss the second instalment in the Rolling Stones' legendary four-album run from 1968-72, that being 'Let It Bleed,' released on this day in 1969. Few albums so accurately capture the mood of their time, and even fewer hit just as close to home 55 years later as they did on release day...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss Led Zeppelin's second album in celebration of the 55th anniversary of its October 1969 release. I forgot to mention this in the episode, but 'II' eventually unseated 'Abbey Road' from the top spot on the charts. In this way, with the Beatles' breakup privately decided and (relatively) soon-to-be-announced, this album really functioned as a passing of the torch from the Beatles, who ruled the '60s, to Zeppelin, who would rule the '70s in much the same way...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss Supertramp's third album, 'Crime Of The Century,' in celebration of the 50th anniversary of its October 25, 1974 release. "Bloody Well Right" is one of the first songs — by anybody — that I recall really falling in love with, and was probably the most played song on my old iPod with the wheel, so I was excited to dig into this one. I used to imagine it being played when Major League Baseball inevitably retired my jersey number someday...LOL!Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we pay tribute to Phil Lesh, bassist and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, who passed peacefully one week ago at the age of 84. His singular approach to the bass is utterly inimitable, and he will be dearly missed...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss the Rolling Stones' twelfth album, 'It's Only Rock 'N' Roll,' in celebration of the 50th anniversary of its October 18, 1974 release. While far from their best album, it's still close enough to their creative peak that it has some great stuff on it!The speed-corrected version of "Fingerprint File," finally liberated on the 2011 Japanese CD release of the album, can be found here.Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss the Beatles' final album, 'Abbey Road,' in celebration of the 55th anniversary of its September 26, 1969 release. Yes, 'Let It Be' was released six months later, but 'Abbey Road' is the last album they created together. Its cover art is iconic, but do its contents hold up? Listen to find out...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss Led Zeppelin's eighth and final studio album, 'In Through The Out Door,' in belated celebration of the 45th anniversary of its August 1979 release. I forgot to mention this in the episode, but "Fool In The Rain" is the song that started my fandom in January 2011, so this album holds a special place in my heart for that reason...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Season 9! In this episode, we discuss one of the very best Grateful Dead songs, "Scarlet Begonias," which turned 50 three weeks ago. It's been one of my favourites since I first got into the band about a decade ago, yet my preparation for this episode still led me to discover many details I had glossed over in both the lyrics and the music! I'd love to know what the song means to you as well...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss the Rolling Stones' concert in Cleveland this past Saturday, which I had the pleasure of attending. It was my sixth Stones show, and I would have to say one of the best!Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss Bob Dylan's 'Nashville Skyline' album in celebration of the 55th anniversary of its April 9, 1969 release. I've always loved his uncharacteristically warm, smooth vocals on this album, as well as the 'Blonde On Blonde'-descendant sonic palette...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss Led Zeppelin's eponymous debut in celebration of the 55th anniversary of its 1969 release. It hasn't lost any of its power to drive you back in your seat; I can only imagine what it was like dropping the needle on it for the first time back then...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Season 8! In this impromptu episode, I provide some loose thoughts on Usher's halftime show from Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas this past weekend.Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I recap 2023 and provide a brief update on what to expect moving forward. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Talk to you in a month or so...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, having now gone through the complete ranking exercise for both years, I discuss the differences I hear between 1972 and 1973 Grateful Dead, and tell you which year I prefer...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, as we did for 1972 last year, we rank the Grateful Dead's 1973 concerts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of their finest touring years!Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we are joined by my brother, Spencer Cropper, to discuss the Rolling Stones' 'Beggars Banquet' album in celebration of the 55th anniversary of its December 6, 1968 release.Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we are joined by my brother, Spencer Cropper, to discuss the Beatles' 'White Album' in celebration of the 60th anniversary of its November 22, 1968 release.Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss the Jimi Hendrix Experience's third and final studio album, 'Electric Ladyland,' in celebration of the 55th anniversary of its October 16, 1968 release.Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss AC/DC's first live album, 'If You Want Blood You've Got It' in celebration of the 45th anniversary of its Fall 1978 release.Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss the Rolling Stones' 'Goats Head Soup' album in belated celebration of the 50th anniversary of its August 31, 1973 release. Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss Marvin Gaye's 'Let's Get It On' album in belated celebration of the 50th anniversary of its August 28, 1973 release.Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss the Grateful Dead's second studio album, 'Anthem Of The Sun,' in belated celebration of the 55th anniversary of its July 18, 1968 release.Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWe're trying something new in this episode. The Grateful Dead's 'American Beauty' is one of my absolute favourite albums, securing a place on my personal "Mt. Rushmore," and is an album I always associate with this time of year. This time two years ago, I was writing and editing for a music magazine, and wrote an article on 'American Beauty' that was never published. I stumbled upon it recently and thought I would read it to you all, more like a bedtime story than a typical episode...For an extensive examination of the album, please refer to Episode 26, which happens to be one of my personal favourites...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we review the Grateful Dead's latest box set, Here Comes Sunshine: 1973, which contains five complete shows from Spring '73, and can still be ordered in various formats here. For those of you who don't wish to spring for the box, the June 10 show at RFK Stadium has been selected as the "breakout" show from the box, and can be found here.I also had the pleasure of being a guest on Workingman's Pod about a month ago to discuss the June 10 show, so check it out too!Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, building off of last week's discussion of Led Zeppelin's 1973 North American Tour, we rank the 1973 versions of "No Quarter," just as we did for the 1975 versions two years ago in Episode 40, and for the 1977 versions last year in Episode 104.Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, joined by one of my best musical friends and collaborators, ledzepfilm, we discuss Led Zeppelin's record-breaking 1973 North American Tour in celebration of its recently-concluded 50th anniversary. I first discussed this tour three years ago, way back in Episode 7, so it was a lot of fun to put it "under the microscope" once again...This episode is really the third instalment in a trilogy of '73 Zeppelin episodes this year, as ledzepfilm and I also discussed their 1973 United Kingdom Tour in Episode 124, and their 1973 European Tour in Episode 139.Additionally, ledzepfilm first joined me back in October 2021 to discuss Zeppelin's 1971 Japanese Tour for its 50th anniversary — Episode 67.I highly recommend you follow ledzepfilm on all platforms, as he is, in my opinion, the best in the community at syncing concert footage with the best available audio.Stay tuned for next week, when we will rank the 1973 versions of "No Quarter" in Episode 162!Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this, the Season 7 opener, we review the recently-released Speak Now (Taylor's Version), the latest instalment in Taylor Swift's re-recording campaign. Speak Now has long been my favourite of Swift's albums, so this was a fun one for me!As I already analyzed the original album in depth in my ranking of Swift's discography — way back in Episode 9 — I did not do so here, so I encourage you to check out that episode as well.Additionally, I have reviewed the following releases of hers: Fearless (Taylor's Version)Red (Taylor's Version)FolkloreEvermoreMidnightsFurthermore, I offered my predictions for how she might tackle the setlists on the Eras Tour before it began, then offered some suggestions for modifications to the setlist once it was unveiled. I also ranked the surprise song pairings about a month into the tour.Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this, the Season 6 finale, we recap my trip to San Francisco this past weekend, centred around a review of Dead & Company's tour-closing show at Oracle Park on Sunday.I'll be taking a few weeks off now, but will be back for Season 7 in no time!Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we are joined by my brother, Spencer Cropper, to discuss his recently-released debut album, 'Love/Misery." It may be a bit outside the scope of what we usually talk about, but it's inspired by much of what we typically discuss, so I think you'll dig it...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThis is the second in a two-part series recapping my trip to Chicago this past weekend, centred around reviewing the Dead & Company shows at Wrigley Field that were the purpose of my trip. In this episode, we pick up Saturday morning and cover a lakeside bike ride, a half-rack of ribs, a massive blueberry muffin and an Allagash White — oh, and the main event: the June 10 show!Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThis is the first in a two-part series recapping my trip to Chicago this past weekend, centred around reviewing the Dead & Company shows at Wrigley Field that were the purpose of my trip. In this episode, we briefly recap my Deadhead journey to this point, discuss the first half of my trip, review the June 9 show, and leave off with me going to bed early Saturday morning...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss the Rolling Stones' 'Some Girls' album in celebration of the 45th anniversary of its June 9, 1978 release. We are joined by both my brother, Spencer Cropper, and my great friend, Alex Mihalopoulos — simultaneously!Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we are joined by my great friend, Alex Mihalopoulos, to discuss the Rolling Stones' iconic "Jumpin' Jack Flash" in celebration of the 55th anniversary of its release.Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss AC/DC's fifth album, 'Powerage,' in celebration of its May '78 release. You may recall that we did the same for its predecessor, 'Let There Be Rock,' just over a year ago in Episode 92. I also reviewed 'Power Up' upon its November 2020 release, way back in Episode 22...Support the showInstagram — @rocktalk.dr.cropperEmail — [email protected]