Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves

The Story of the Failed Television & Brian Eno Sessions

In December of 1974, an Island Records A&R exec out of London put together a demo session for punk pioneers Television. They were joined in the studio by Brian Eno, formerly of Roxy Music, who had gone solo that same year. With hopes of a promising endeavor to pitch the band to label heads, the sessions instead were a complete failure with the band and Eno leaving frustrated. This is the story of those fateful demo sessions, the stakes on the table for both Television and Eno, and why they went so catastrophically wrong.
CLARIFICATION: The original video version implied David Bowie tapped Eno to produce his Berlin trilogy. These albums were produced by Tony Visconti. Eno is credited to some extent with arrangement and accompanied Bowie and Visconti in the studio.
Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube Series hosted by Andy Fenstermaker.
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The 10 BEST Indie Rock Albums of 2024

These are my picks for the 10 best albums of 2024, mostly spanning the indie rock genre. What's missing, and what's not worthy? Visit my channel on YouTube and share your thoughts!
Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. 
Get the video version on my YouTube Channel.
Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter.
Subscribe to my Substack.

The Tormented Soul of Jason Molina: The Story of ‘The Lioness’

In January of 2000, Songs: Ohia, the project of Jason Molina, released The Lioness. Ripe with metaphor and deeply personal lyrics, this album is among the many pillars of Molina's vast career. This is the story of that album, the songs within, and the hint of Jason Molina's tragic fate 13 years later.
Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. 
Get the video version on my YouTube Channel.
Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter.

Down With Wilco: When Jeff Tweedy Met The Minus 5

Between the chaotic recording of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and the success that followed, Wilco had a meeting of the minds with The Minus 5, a collaborative effort from Scott McCaughey (pronounced McKoy, not McKai, as I say throughout this video) of The Young Fresh Fellows. Joined by R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and The Posies' Ken Stringfellow, this collective came together to create "Down With Wilco," and this is the story behind that 2003 album by The Minus 5.
Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. 
Get the video version on my YouTube Channel.
Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter

Before Loveless: My Bloody Valentine’s Forgotten Goth Era

In the early days, My Bloody Valentine was far from the iconic shoegaze band they'd become know as. Today we look back at "This Is Your Bloody Valentine." Released in January of 1985, it was the band's debut, and its goth undertones would help shape the sound they'd eventually pioneer: shoegaze. This is the story of that mini album, and the transformation the band underwent to become the #1 shoegaze band of all time.
Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. 
Get the video version on my YouTube Channel.
Join the Poetic Wax Podcast newsletter

The Kinks and the Mystery Girl Behind "You Really Got Me"

In October and November of 1964, The Kinks released their debut studio album, "You Really Got Me." The title track was raw and gritty with an enormous sound that caught the world off guard. This is the story of that song, how Dave Davies got that sound, the mystery girl who inspired Ray Davies' lyrics, and the rumor that Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin played that famed guitar solo.
Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. 
Get the video version on my YouTube Channel.
Subscribe to my Substack.

The Legacy of The Beach Boys Christmas Album

Released in November of 1964, The Beach Boys Christmas Album saw America's biggest pop band blend their signature sunny surf rock with a California holiday. Over the last 6 decades, this album has come to include go-to Christmas music spanning generations. Today, we look at the surprising story of The Beach Boys Christmas Album.
Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. 
Get the video version on my YouTube Channel.
Find the Transcript on and Subscribe to my Substack.

The Stooges and the Legend of the Painted Guitar

The Stooges are pioneers of the proto punk movement, with Iggy Pop often hailed as the Godfather of Punk. In this album story, we explore the origins of the title, and trace it back to a bad decision -- something The Stooges kinda made part of their career. This is the story of how a painted guitar led to Iggy being crowned the Godfather of Punk Rock.
Poetic Wax: Music History Hidden in the Grooves is a weekly podcast, YouTube series, and Substack blog hosted by Andy Fenstermaker. 
Get the video version on my YouTube Channel.
Find Transcripts on and Subscribe to my Substack.