On episode #86 of “Sound Up!,” Mark Goodman and Alan Light welcome guitarist/songwriter Ricky Byrd—a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee as a member of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts—to talk about his new album “NYC Made.” Alan recaps the Grand Ole Opry 100th anniversary TV special, and in music news, Kiss announce a return to the stage, Taylor Swift breaks her Instagram silence, and the Jonas Brothers reveal a 20th anniversary tour. We report your responses to our Throwback Thursday question: What was your first outdoor concert? Pod Squadder Scott has a review of Inhaler,, and our New Music picks this week include songs from the Waterboys with Fiona Apple, LP Giobbi, ZZ Ward, Eric Church, and Sombr.

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On episode #85, Alan has a review of The Roots at NYC’s club The Blue Note, and Mark recaps a performance by ZZ Ward. In music news, Lizzo returns to the stage, Frank Beard takes a break from the ZZ Top tour, Disturbed’s pyro damages the championship banners in Chicago’s United Center, and the South by Southwest music conference faces an uncertain future. Pod Squadder Gretchen emailed her highlights from the ‘80s Cruise, and our New Music picks this week include songs from Arooj Aftab and Khruangbin, Brad Paisley and Dawes, HAIM, Matt Berninger, Chappell Roan, Dorothy, and Miranda Lambert.

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On episode #84 of “Sound Up!,” Mark Goodman and Alan Light welcome Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Neil Giraldo to talk about his spirits company Three Chord Bourbon, upcoming tour dates with Pat Benatar, and much more. Mark recaps his time hosting last week’s ‘80s Cruise, which offered both musical highlights and genuine tragedy. Alan reviews the Love Rocks NYC benefit concert, which featured performances from the likes of Alicia Keys, Beck, and Cher. We give our thoughts on Lady Gaga’s new album, “Mayhem,” and her appearance as host and musical guest on “Saturday Night Live,” and we cover the passing of Tony! Toni! Tone! founding member D’Wayne Wiggins. We share Pod Squadders’ memories of their oldest ticket stubs and get a series of concert reviews from a listener in Houston. Our New Music picks this week include songs from I’m With Her, Dolly Parton, Chloe Qisha, Jonah Kagen, and Ingrid Andress.

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On episode #83 of “Sound Up!,” Mark Goodman and Alan Light welcome legendary actress and musician Amy Irving, to talk about her new album “Always Will Be,” a tribute to her friend Willie Nelson. Producer Roger Coletti reviews a recent NYC show by singer/songwriter Ike Reilly. We have a recap of music moments at the Academy Awards, and in music news, we mark the passings of three music legends this weekend—David Johansen, Angie Stone, and Badfinger’s Joey Molland—and Neil Young’s announcement that he will be launching his tour with a free show in Ukraine. We share Pod Squadders’ memories of their first music posters, and our New Music picks this week include songs from Little Simz and the Head and the Heart.

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On episode #82 of “Sound Up!,” Mark Goodman and Alan Light welcome Richard Bienstock and Tom Beaujour, authors of the new oral history “Lollapalooza: The Uncensored Story of Alternative Rock’s Wildest Festival.” Alan reviews NYC appearances by Billy F. Gibbons and Jason Isbell and a preview the “Buena Vista Social Club” Broadway musical. We have news about Timothee Chalamet winning the SAG Award for his role as Bob Dylan, some Mariah Carey tour dates, a new Santana album, and the record-breaking ratings for Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show. We also say goodbye to the late Roberta Flack, and share Pod Squadders’ memories of making mix tapes. New Music picks this week include songs from Fontaines DC, Avery Anna, and Franc Moody.

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On episode #81 of “Sound Up!,” Mark Goodman and Alan Light welcome KISS co-founder and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Paul Stanley, who talks about his passion for painting and an upcoming exhibit of his art. We examine this year’s newly-announced nominees for the Rock Hall, and look at this past week’s special broadcasts honoring the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live” as well as Questlove’s new Sly Stone documentary. We pass along the Pod Squad responses to Throwback Thursday question “What was the first song you remember disliking?,” and our New Music picks this week include songs from the Lumineers, Ani DiFranco, Candi Staton, mehro, and the Velveteers.

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On episode #80 of “Sound Up!,” Mark Goodman and Alan Light welcome modern rock legend Bob Mould to discuss his upcoming album “Here We Go Crazy.” We dive into all the music of the Super Bowl, from Kendrick Lamar’s controversial halftime show to the pregame performances and prominent songs in the commercials, and recap a Record Store Day event announcing this year’s list. In music news, Netflix’s long-awaited Prince docu-series is officially cancelled and the legendary David Johansen reveals his health struggles. We pass along the Pod Squad responses to the listener question “What are great guitar riffs in not-so-great songs,” and our New Music picks this week include songs from the Black Keys, Lady Gaga, Lisa with Doja Cat and Raye, and Michigander.

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On Episode #79 of Sound Up!, Mark Goodman and Alan Light recap all the events of music’s biggest weekend, starting with the all-star FireAid benefit on Thursday night and culminating in Sunday’s Grammy Awards. With the help of Shirley Halperin, Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Hollywood Reporter, we look at the highlights and memorable moments from those two mega-events, plus the MusiCares concert honoring the Grateful Dead and Clive Davis’s pre-Grammy gala—and how it all played out against the backdrop of LA’s recent tragic wildfires.On top of all that, Beyonce announced her “Cowboy Carter” tour, and our New Music picks this week include songs from Grammy winner Doechii, Momma, Lord Huron (featuring Kristen Stewart) and Tunde Adebimpe.

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