Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities: Episode "Falsetto" Summary

Release Date: March 25, 2025
Host: Erin Menke
Production: iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild

Introduction

In the episode titled "Falsetto," Erin Menke delves into two captivating and unconventional stories that embody the essence of the Cabinet of Curiosities. From the intriguing tale of resurrected bands in the late 1960s to a dramatic episode from the War of 1812, this episode offers listeners a journey through the unbelievable, the unsettling, and the bizarre.

Story 1: The Resurrection of The Zombies and the Rise of Fake Bands

[00:36]
Erin Menke opens with the story of the British rock band The Zombies, whose 1969 hit "Time of the Season" unexpectedly catapulted them to fame despite the band's dissolution in 1967. The resurgence of their popularity led to a peculiar situation orchestrated by Delta Promotions, a company eager to capitalize on the newfound success.

The Zombies' Resurrection:

• Early Years: The Zombies, formed by schoolboys in St. Albans, London, enjoyed modest success with hits in 1964 but struggled to maintain their momentum, especially in the American market.
• Disbandment: By December 1967, internal challenges led to the band's breakup. Although their American label, Dates Records, released a few singles post-breakup, none achieved significant chart success until "Time of the Season."
• Sudden Fame: Released in the US in 1968, the song became a radio staple, elevating The Zombies' status overnight. However, many band members were unaware of this resurgence due to delayed news communication.

Delta Promotions' Scheme:

• Creating Fake Bands: Capitalizing on the lack of widespread visual recognition of The Zombies, Delta Promotions assembled a four-piece blues band from Texas. These musicians were tasked with emulating The Zombies' sound and repertoire without any formal association.
• Operational Tactics: Without prominent media coverage like Rolling Stone featuring The Zombies, Delta Promotions exploited the anonymity, allowing fans to remain oblivious to the band's real identity. This led to performances that often diverged significantly from the original recordings, including deviations in song selection and instrumentation.
• Expansion of the Scheme: Delta Promotions didn't stop with The Zombies. They also fabricated touring versions of The Animals and The Archies—the latter being a fictional band from the Archie Comics animated series known for the hit "Sugar Sugar."

Consequences and Exposure:

• Legal Challenges: The ruse began to unravel when legal pressure from Archie Comics intensified, and members of the real Zombies and The Animals publicly denounced the fraudulent tours in prominent publications like Rolling Stone.
• Collapse of the Scheme: By May 1970, Delta Promotions ceased operations as legal actions mounted, bringing their deceptive practices to an end.

Aftermath and Legacy:

• Musical Talent Unveiled: Despite being imposters, members of the fake Zombies showcased genuine musical talent. Notably, former members Frank Beard and Dusty Hill went on to form the iconic Southern blues band ZZ Top, marking a successful pivot from deceit to legitimate acclaim.

Notable Quote:

"Delta Promotions ended up creating two different versions of the Zombies, which toured at the same time." – Erin Menke [03:36]

Story 2: A Divine Storm During the War of 1812

[09:34]
Transitioning from the world of music to historical warfare, Erin Menke narrates a lesser-known yet dramatic event from the War of 1812 that played a pivotal role in shaping American defense strategies.

Background of the War of 1812:

• Causes: Tensions escalated as the British impounded American trade ships and forcibly enlisted American sailors, prompting the U.S. to declare war in June 1812.
• American Limitations: Lacking a formidable navy, the United States set its sights on invading British-controlled Canada, a vast and heavily fortified territory.

The Failed Invasion and Retaliation:

• April 1813 Offensive: The Americans launched an assault on a minor fort in Toronto, hoping to spark a broader campaign. However, the British retaliated by detonating gunpowder during the American retreat, resulting in significant casualties, including the death of General Zebulon Pike.
• Burning of York: In response, the enraged American forces razed the nearby town of York, exacerbating hostilities and highlighting the grim realities of warfare.

The March on Washington and the Divine Intervention:

• August 24, 1814: A large contingent of 5,000 British troops advanced on Washington, D.C., underestimating American defensive capabilities. President James Madison and his administration found themselves unprepared as volunteer forces were quickly overwhelmed.
• Destruction in the Capital: The British successfully occupied Washington, burning numerous buildings, including the White House, intending to demoralize the American populace.

The Turning Point – A Tornado Strikes:

• Unexpected Natural Disaster: As the British paraded through the city, a sudden and violent tornado unleashed chaos upon the invading forces. Erin Menke vividly describes the scene:

"A massive wind kicked up throughout Washington, D.C., and it only seemed to get worse by the second." – Erin Menke [07:45]

• Devastation of the British Army: The tornado wreaked havoc on the British forces, toppling heavy artillery into rivers, disorienting soldiers, and uprooting structures. The ensuing torrential rain extinguished the fires set by the British, effectively nullifying their deliberate destruction.
• Perception of Divine Intervention: Witnesses, including a British admiral and a local reporter, interpreted the storm as a supernatural act favoring the Americans, reinforcing nationalistic sentiments and discouraging future invasions.

Aftermath and Long-Term Impact:

• British Retreat: Severely damaged and demoralized, the British forces retreated, their ships suffering extensive damage from the storm. The event underscored the vulnerability of foreign invasions and bolstered American focus on coastal defense.
• Historical Significance: This anomaly not only altered the immediate course of the war but also left a lasting legacy; Washington, D.C., has experienced only seven tornadoes since, with the storm of 1814 standing as a legendary defense mechanism against foreign aggression.

Notable Quote:

"Just as the tornado subsided, a torrential rain blanketed Washington, extinguishing all the burning buildings." – Erin Menke [08:50]

Conclusion

Episode "Falsetto" of Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities masterfully intertwines tales of deception in the music industry with a dramatic episode from early American history. Through meticulous storytelling and vivid descriptions, Erin Menke invites listeners to explore the unexpected and extraordinary aspects of both cultural phenomena and historical events.

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts and visit curiositiespodcast.com for more intriguing episodes. Additionally, Aaron Mahnke highlights his other award-winning projects, including the popular podcast and book series "Lore."

Remember to stay curious!