This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with author Erin Osmon about her new book on "heartland rock." She argues that artists like John Mellencamp and Tom Petty filled stadiums in the 1980s, but also pushed back against the politics of the Reagan era. The hosts also pay tribute to Irish troubadour Glen Hansard.
The hosts talk to author Erin Osmon about how artists like John Mellencamp and Tom Petty filled stadiums in the 1980s, but also pushed back against the politics of the Reagan era. She calls it "Heartland Rock."
Featured Songs:
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "I Won't Back Down," Full Moon Fever, MCA, 1989
The Beatles, "With a Little Help from My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967
The Frames, "Fitzcarraldo," Fitzcarraldo, ZTT, 1995
The Swell Season, "Falling Slowly (Live On Sound Opinions)," Swell Season, Overcoat, 2006
Bruce Springsteen, "Born In The U.S.A.," Born In The U.S.A., Columbia, 1984
John Cougar Mellencamp, "Pink Houses," Uh-Huh, Riva, 1983
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, "Like A Rock," Like A Rock, Capitol, 1986
Neil Young, "Keep On Rockin' In The Free World (Live on SNL)," Freedom, Reprise, 1989
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "Don't Come Around Here No More," Southern Accents, MCA, 1985
Bonnie Raitt, "Nick Of Time," Nick Of Time, Capitol, 1989
Stephen Wilson Jr., "Gary," (Single), Big Loud, 2026
Don Henley, "The Boys of Summer," Building the Perfect Beast, Geffen, 1984
John Cougar Mellencamp, "Rain on the Scarecrow," Scarecrow, Riva, 1986
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