Classic Replay: The Top Five Most Downloaded Episodes of 2024 Featuring Mike Campbell

Episode Release Date: December 27, 2024
Host: Buzz Knight, iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to the Episode

In this special edition of the "takin' a walk" Music History on Foot podcast, hosted by Buzz Knight, listeners are treated to a retrospective glance at the year's most popular episodes. Topping the list is an in-depth interview with the legendary Mike Campbell, best known for his work with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. This detailed summary delves into the vibrant discussions, insightful anecdotes, and musical explorations shared during the episode.

Recapping the Top Five Episodes

Harry Jacobs, co-host alongside Buzz Knight, introduces the countdown of the year's top-five most downloaded episodes:

1. Carlos Santana
2. John Oates
3. Russell Kunkel
4. Ian Hunter
5. Mike Campbell (Number One)

Lance Morrison joins the conversation, expressing excitement about Mike Campbell's episode being the most popular.

Mike Campbell: An Icon in Music

Meeting Mike Campbell:
The episode features a candid conversation with Mike Campbell, who shares his experiences and insights into his illustrious music career. Buzz Knight reminisces about the initial setup for the interview, highlighting Mike's preference for audio-only participation. However, "suddenly I see the screen pop on and there's Mike Campbell," Buzz recounts ([02:03]).

Personal Interactions:
Mike reflects on personal aspects of his life, mentioning, "My Audi's wife is Ms. Casey. If you want to find out what happened to her, I'll help" ([01:57]). This provides a glimpse into Mike's personable nature and his connections beyond music.

Exploring "Vagabonds, Virgins and Misfits"

Album Creation:
Mike discusses his latest project, "Vagabonds, Virgins and Misfits," detailing the blending of old and new songs. He explains, "Half the record is older songs and half the record is newer songs" ([31:10]). This fusion showcases his ability to blend nostalgia with fresh creativity.

Collaborations with Renowned Artists:
The album features collaborations with notable artists like Lucinda Williams, Chris Stapleton, Graham Nash, and Benmont Tench. Mike shares anecdotes about working with each, emphasizing their unique contributions. For instance, working with Graham Nash required significant courage, as Mike recounts, "I had met Graham before a few times on tour... I kind of sheepishly said, would you maybe want to sing on one of our tracks? He said, sure, I'll make your song better" ([06:02]).

Creative Process and Musical Insights

Improvisation and Spontaneity:
Mike emphasizes his affinity for improvisation in music creation. He states, "I rarely work things out. I like to go off the cuff and try to grab things out of the air while you're playing the song and try to catch a little magic" ([23:18]). This spontaneous approach is evident in tracks like "American Girl," where he improvised guitar parts to achieve a 12-string sound without actually using a 12-string guitar ([21:20]).

Influences and Inspirations:
Discussing his musical influences, Mike highlights legends like Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, and Chet Atkins. He shares, "Chuck had the way. He was quite a performer. Amazing person" ([15:12]), illustrating the depth of his guitar inspirations and how they shape his playing style today.

Notable Stories and Anecdotes

Recording Experiences:
Mike recounts the emotional experience of returning to the Church Studio in Tulsa, where Mud Crutch first took off. He describes it as an "out of body experience" and shares touching memories, including seeing his brother Tom's ghost ([08:29]).

Song Inspirations:
Several songs on the album draw from personal experiences and stories. For example, "Innocent Man" touches on an incident involving a strip search by border authorities, reflecting real-life challenges faced by the Heartbreakers ([42:31]).

Technical Aspects and Musical Techniques

Guitar Techniques:
Mike delves into the technicalities of his guitar work, discussing the importance of tone and technique. On the track "Hands Are Tied," he uses a Graham Clipper guitar with a vibrato arm to create a unique sound: "It's tuned down to D. The low string is tuned down for a deep growl" ([34:52]).

Recording Live:
Emphasizing the raw and authentic feel of his music, Mike explains the benefits of recording live with The Dirty Knobs: "We cut the track live, you know, but mistakes and all, but it's just a burst of adrenaline" ([38:43]).

Collaborations and Guest Appearances

Lucinda Williams:
Mike shares the collaborative process with Lucinda Williams on the song "Hell or a High Water," highlighting how her soulful voice added depth to the track: "She added such a depth of soul to it, you know, God bless her. She's so good and she really makes the song for me" ([37:30]).

Chris Stapleton and Benmont Tench:
The collaboration with Chris Stapleton and Benmont Tench on "Don't Wait Up" brought a humorous and energetic vibe to the song. Mike describes setting up the recording process and the spontaneous creativity that ensued ([39:31]).

Reflections on Music and Personal Growth

Learning from Legends:
Mike reflects on his experiences touring with Bob Dylan and working with Don Henley, emphasizing the valuable lessons learned from these musical icons. He shares, "Bob Dylan showed up in our lives... he was just so full of wisdom" ([44:16]).

Continuous Improvement:
In discussing personal growth, Mike expresses a desire to continually improve his singing, writing, and guitar playing: "I want to learn to be a better singer, a better writer and a better guitar player" ([47:34]).

Upcoming Tours and Future Projects

Tour Preparations:
Mike expresses excitement about upcoming tours with The Dirty Knobs, highlighting the enthusiasm for performing new songs and engaging with audiences in larger venues: "I miss being on the road... we'll have a whole new set" ([45:53]).

Future Endeavors:
Looking ahead, Mike shares his commitment to writing and creating music, even while on tour: "I write all the time... I tend to write more when I'm at home and I have free time" ([47:21]).

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks from both hosts and Mike Campbell, celebrating the enduring legacy and continuous evolution of his music career. Listeners are encouraged to check out Mike's latest work, "Vagabonds, Virgins and Misfits," and anticipate future projects and tours.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "I rarely work things out. I like to go off the cuff and try to grab things out of the air while you're playing the song and try to catch a little magic." — Mike Campbell ([23:18])

• "Chuck had the way. He was quite a performer. Amazing person." — Mike Campbell ([15:12])

• "She added such a depth of soul to it, you know, God bless her. She's so good and she really makes the song for me." — Mike Campbell ([37:30])

• "Bob Dylan showed up in our lives... he was just so full of wisdom." — Mike Campbell ([44:16])

Final Thoughts

This episode of "takin' a walk" offers a comprehensive look into Mike Campbell's musical journey, creative process, and collaborations. Through engaging storytelling and insightful discussions, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Campbell's contributions to music and his ongoing influence in the industry.

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