The story around Hallelujah is an odyssey that Homer would be proud of: a parade of mystical figures – not quite of this earth. Written by Leonard Cohen and rejected by his record label in 1984, it's release was a non-event. Hallelujah became famous via cover versions. Converted to a solo performance by John Cale, Jeff Buckley picked up on this cover version and recorded Hallelujah for his debut album. None of these versions was a hit at the time. But since Jeff Buckleys untimely death, we have had Shrek and Rufus Wainwright, K.D. Lang and the Winter Olympics, Alexandra Burke and The X Factor. Combined with the late in life career resurgence of Leonard Cohen, Hallelujah is now an omnipresent musical icon.

If you have ideas for an episode; general comments to glaring omissions or maybe just want to say hello: originalpod.lastelle@gmail.com

This podcast is assembled and produced by musician, composer, engineer/producer: Chris Lastelle.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How a Dutch band took an 1840's folk tune to the top of the charts.

Shocking Blue created a psychedelic rock anthem by following ‘the folk process’.

A famous song from the 1840’s gets re-interpreted over and over again.

It’s no wonder ‘Venus’ sounds so familiar.

If you have ideas for an episode; general comments to glaring omissions or maybe just want to say hello: originalpod.lastelle@gmail.com

This podcast is assembled and produced by musician, composer, engineer/producer: Chris Lastelle.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talking Heads' rhythm section strike gold - turning a holiday in Barbados into chart-topping hits.

After the end of a long tour, Talking Heads need a break - so everyone goes off to make a solo album.

While many expect frontman David Byrne or keyboardist Jerry Harrison to make the biggest impact, it is drummer Chris Frantz and bassist Tina Weymouth who steal the spotlight.

Their fusion of funk, hip-hop and new wave styles was so in sync with the times that it is sampled by the new breed of hip-hop producers: from Grandmaster Flash to Mariah Carey with Wu Tang Clan.

Tom Tom Club had 2 hit singles and a million-selling album, a happy accident that overshadowed Talking Heads. 'Genius of love' changed everything for the band.

Assembled and presented by Chris Lastelle

If you have ideas for an episode; general comments to glaring omissions or maybe just want to say hello: originalpod.lastelle@gmail.com

This podcast is assembled and produced by musician, composer, engineer/producer: Chris Lastelle.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.