takin' a walk – This Week in Music History (Nov 3): Episode Summary

Podcast: takin' a walk
Host: Buzz Knight
Guest: Harry Jacobs
Release Date: November 3, 2025
Episode Focus: A conversational look at the week in music history for November 3–9, featuring personal reflections, deep dives into iconic albums, and memorable moments in music.

Overview

In this episode, Buzz Knight and recurring guest Harry Jacobs—jokingly dubbed the "master of music mayhem"—walk listeners through notable events in music history for the week of November 3rd. They spotlight the emotional impact of the new Bruce Springsteen movie "Deliver Me From Nowhere" and discuss anniversary milestones for legendary artists and albums, with plenty of personal anecdotes and critical insights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Springsteen’s New Movie: "Deliver Me From Nowhere"

(02:40 – 12:27)

• Harry’s Review:
  • Harry found the film "incredibly heavy," highlighting its exploration of Springsteen's mental health and his complex relationship with his father.
  • The depth of the material was unexpected, and the movie’s emotional impact lingered with Harry well after leaving the theater.
• Personal Impact:
  • "I watched the credits… sat in my car and I literally opened up my iTunes and realized that they had released the whole project to Apple Music while I was in the theater. That literally happened." – Harry Jacobs (05:33)
  • Harry stayed in his car for half an hour afterward, processing the film’s impact with Springsteen’s music.
• Insight into Springsteen’s Process:
  • The movie delves into the creative and psychological struggles behind "Nebraska," highlighting the critical role of John Landau as producer and confidant.
  • "You see him [Landau] handle Bruce… and there are some lovely moments between the two of them." – Harry Jacobs (07:03)
• Noteworthy Scenes & Cameos:
  • Memorable band moments (like the full band version of "Born in the USA"), and a Jimmy Iovine cameo—playing himself.
• Overall Verdict:
  • Harry calls the film "brilliant" (10:00) for its emotional honesty and insight into artistry, likening its effect to "a whack across the forehead."
  • Buzz responds: "The fact that it touched you personally, I think that's one of the biggest criteria." (08:18)
  • Harry: "I'm glad I got the whack across the forehead with it." (10:00)

2. Anniversaries & Milestones in Music History

(12:44 – 22:35)

Derek and the Dominoes – In Concert (1973)

(12:44 – 14:45)

• Significance: The only recorded live album from Derek and the Dominoes, featuring jams at Fillmore East.
• Highlights: Versions of "Let It Rain" and "Blues Power," with praise for Jim Gordon’s drumming.
• Buzz on Fillmore East: "Just imagining the Fillmore East. Oh, my God, you know, what a place." (14:06)

The Police – Outlandos d’Amour (1978)

(14:46 – 15:36)

• Breakout Hits: "Can't Stand Losing You," "So Lonely," and "Roxanne."
• Rock Radio’s Embrace: "Rock radio played the daylights out of it." (14:45)

The Monkees – Debut Album Hits #1 (1966)

(15:36 – 19:03)

• Reflection on the Monkees’ Credibility:
  • Both hosts reevaluate the band’s musicianship and cultural value.
  • Michael Nesmith’s legacy: Buzz considers him "most fascinating" for his solo genius and creativity.
• Musicianship Behind the Scenes:
  • "The Wrecking Crew" and guitarist Louis Shelton gave their pop hits surprising depth and complexity.
  • "Musically, they were pretty good. I stand by that." – Harry Jacobs (18:56)

Sex Pistols – First Gig Ever (1975)

(19:09 – 19:51)

• Personal Hurdles: Neither host connected with punk as teens.
• Buzz: "It was too extreme for a city boy from Stamford, Connecticut, like me…" (19:37)

AC/DC – Back In Black’s Success (1980)

(19:51 – 21:50)

• Post-Bon Scott Recovery: The band quickly rebounded after Bon Scott's death, introducing Brian Johnson and crafting one of the best-selling albums ever.
• Stats: "Sold 50 million copies… on Billboard charts for, I think, 500 weeks…" (20:43)
• Standout Tracks: Every song is celebrated, with particular reverence for "Hell’s Bells" and "You Shook Me All Night Long."
• Buzz: "Literally almost every song is great on that album." (21:25)
• Harry: "9 Great Barn Burning songs." (21:28)

Led Zeppelin IV (1971)

(21:50 – 22:22)

• Brief nod to its enduring influence: "Just, you know, an amazing record for so many reasons."

Rolling Stones – Their Satanic Majesties Request (1967)

(22:22 – 22:35)

• Described as: "A weird period for the Stones" (22:22), echoing the Beatles’ psychedelic era.

Memorable Quotes

• On the power of music and artistry:
  "The music has kind of been the soundtrack of our lives or the fabric of my life, in a way. … To see what your hero went through hit me on an emotional level… I'm glad I got the whack across the forehead with it."
  — Harry Jacobs, 10:00

• On evaluating legendary albums:
  "Literally almost every song is great on that album."
  — Buzz Knight, 21:25

• On musicians behind the scenes:
  "Musically, they were pretty good. I stand by that."
  — Harry Jacobs, 18:56

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:40 – 12:27: Review and reflection on Bruce Springsteen’s "Deliver Me From Nowhere"
• 12:44 – 14:45: Derek and the Dominoes’ "In Concert" (1973)
• 14:46 – 15:36: The Police, "Outlandos d’Amour" (1978)
• 15:36 – 19:03: The Monkees’ debut and musicianship
• 19:09 – 19:51: Sex Pistols’ first gig (1975)
• 19:51 – 21:50: AC/DC, "Back in Black" (1980)
• 21:50 – 22:22: Led Zeppelin IV (1971)
• 22:22 – 22:35: Rolling Stones’ "Their Satanic Majesties Request" (1967)

Tone and Style

• Conversational and reflective, mixing nostalgia, deep dives, and candid personal insights.
• Harry’s humor and emotional honesty balance Buzz’s inquisitiveness and respect.
• Listeners are left with both music trivia and poignant reminders of music’s power to shape and reflect our lives.

For Further Listening:
The hosts hint at a deeper discussion of Springsteen’s film in future episodes, alongside more music history rabbit holes.