Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot sit down with Jason Schneider, author of That Gun in Your Hand: The Strange Saga of ‘Hey Joe’ and Popular Music’s History of Violence. The hosts also review the new album from Lifeguard.
Lifeguard are part of the young indie rock cohort in Chicago. In fact, one band member’s sister is in Horsegirl. After gaining buzz for a few years, Lifeguard released their debut full length, “Ripped and Torn,” on Matador this summer. The hosts are split on the merits of the band.
"Hey Joe"
Jim and Greg talk with author Jason Schneider about his book “That Gun in Your Hand: The Strange Saga of ‘Hey Joe’ and Popular Music’s History of Violence.” They focus on the many cover versions of the song and how they reflect changing attitudes about violence in America.
Featured Songs:
The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967
Lifeguard, "It Will Get Worse," Ripped and Torn, Matador, 2025
Lifeguard, "Ripped + Torn," Ripped and Torn, Matador, 2025
Lifeguard, "Under Your Reach," Ripped and Torn, Matador, 2025
Lifeguard, "How to Say Deisar," Ripped and Torn, Matador, 2025
Wilson Pickett, "Hey Joe," Right On, Atlantic, 1970
Jimi Hendrix, "Hey Joe," Are You Experienced, Polydor, 1967
Tim Rose, "Hey Joe," Live on Later With Jools Holland, NA, 1997
The Byrds, "Hey Joe (Where You Gonna Go)," Mr. Tambourine Man, Columbia, 1965
Lee Moses, "Hey Joe," Time and Place, Maple, 1971
The Leaves, "Hey Joe," Hey Joe, Mira, 1966
Patti Smith, "Hey Joe (Version)," Hey Joe (Version) / Piss Factory, Mer, 1974
Charlotte Gainsbourg, "Hey Joe," Nymphomaniac (soundtrack), Zentropa, 2014
Body Count, "Hey Joe," Born Dead, Virgin, 1994
Roy Buchanan, "Hey Joe," That's What I Am Here For, Polydor, 1973
Spirit, "Hey Joe," Spirit of '76, Mercury, 1975
Golden Cups, "Hey Joe," The Golden Cups Album, Capitol, 1968
Bruce Springsteen, "Dancing in the Dark," Born in the U.S.A., Columbia, 1984
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