The Track Star Podcast

Jaksot

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  Ravi Coltrane Teaches Us How to Listen to his Father’s Catalog 16.09.2026 43min

  This week on the Track Star* Jack is joined by Ravi Coltrane, Grammy nominated saxophonist, bandleader and composer, as well as the son of the legendary John Coltrane and co-owner of the RKM Music record label. Together Ravi and Jack reminisce about the golden age of jazz and one of jazz’s most influential figures through his most iconic tracks.The soundtrack of this episode takes us through John Coltrane’s transformative career, as Ravi helps describe exactly what made his sound so beautiful. Ravi also shares personal anecdotes about John Coltrane’s recording history and process, while reflecting on the revolutionary legacy that made jazz what it is today.00:00 - Intro00:21 - Miles Davis (ft. John Coltrane) - Round Midnight02:50 - Thelonious Monk (ft. John Coltrane) - Trinkle Tinkle07:54 - John Coltrane - Blue Train11:25 - John Coltrane - Russian Lullaby14:32 - Miles Davis (ft. John Coltrane) - So What16:09 - Miles Davis (ft. John Coltrane) - So What17:10 - John Coltrane - Giant Steps19:58 - John Coltrane - Chasin’ The Trane24:34 - John Coltrane - Alabama27:05 - John Coltrane - A Love Supreme, Part I - Acknowledgement33:34 - John Coltrane - Ascension - Edition I / Pt. 1
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  Testing this Legendary Punk Journalist’s Music Knowledge 11.09.2026 33min

  On today’s episode of the Track Star Podcast, we are joined by a guest who, in his new book, Resident Punk, shares memories from living with some of punk’s most recognizable names. Jack is joined by Legs McNeil, the journalist known as one of the three founders of the legendary Punk magazine, as well as the author of Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk and Resident Punk: How I Smoked, Drank, and Stumbled my way through the ‘70s Punk Scene. ​ Together they reflect legendary figures in the ‘70s punk movement – such as The Ramones, Richard Hell, Heartbreakers, and Blondie – and its origins. Through fascinating personal anecdotes, Legs McNeil guides us through the history of one of music’s most radical genres and shows us the behind-the-scenes of iconic moments. ​ This Episode's Track List: Good Thing - Paul Revere & The Raiders High Tension Wire - Dead Boys Ghost Rider - Suicide No Fun - Sex Pistols Chinese Rocks - Heartbreakers Detroit 442 - Blondie
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  Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh Go Head-to-Head | Track Star Versus 09.09.2026 6min

  Today on Track Star Versus*, Apple TV's MAYDAY stars Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh go head-to-head in a battle of music knowledge. The pair test their expertise across ’80s rock, new wave, and pop classics from artists including Queen, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper and more!   Between competitive guesses, needle drops, and plenty of singing along, Ryan and Kenneth bring their quick wit and undeniable chemistry to an especially lively round of Track Star Versus*.   This Episodes Track List: Under Pressure - Queen & David Bowie Every Breath You Take - The Police Time After Time - Cyndia Lauper Don’t Get Me Wrong - Pretenders Freedom - Wham!    
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  Testing Juanes' Music Knowledge 07.09.2026 5min

  Today on Track Star*, Jack chats with legendary Colombian musician and singer-songwriter Juanes. Juanes shows us how his music taste grew alongside him, from Latin folk in his younger years to hard rock and metal, both in English and Spanish. His deep love for all kinds of music shines as he speaks about the iconic artists and songs that shaped him, especially the sounds of his hometown of Medellin, Colombia. His infectious enthusiasm transports us to his childhood and reveals the wide-range of influences behind his artistsry. This Episode's Track List: Black Dog - Led Zeppelin Seek & Destroy - Metallica No Tengo Dinero - Juan Gabriel Adiós Muchachos - Carlos Gardel Vestido de Cristal - Kraken El Amor Después Del Amor - Fito Páez De Música Ligera - Soda Stereo Como Abeja al Panal - Juan Luis Guerra
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  Testing Andrew Garfield's Music Knowledge 02.09.2026 6min

  Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing Oscar-nominated actor Andrew Garfield on funk, soul as well as some vocal jazz. In this episode, Andrew shares how different styles of music affect his interpretations of the characters he plays, as well as sharing stories about the obscure French Hip-Hop group he was a member of and his life-changing concert experiences.   Watch as he breaks down the soul and vocal ‘purity’ of the timeless classics , and displays the truly special way in which he listens to all kinds of music.   This Episode's Track List:  Tieduprightnow - Parcels Father Figure - George Michael Lovely Day - Bill Withers Mississippi Goddam - Nina Simone Grace - Jeff Buckley Water Get No Enemy - Fela Kuti The Wind That Shakes the Barley - Martin Carthy Just a Gigolo / I Ain’t Got Nobody - Louis Prima
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  Testing an NYC Librarian's Music Knowledge 31.08.2026 7min

  Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing a local librarian from the NY Public Library, Dan, and his encyclopedic knowledge of 70s/80s rock. While regaling us with fascinating anecdotes surrounding a range of his favorite artists, his deep passion for music is obvious and infectious. Dan has a remarkable knack for expressing exactly what he loves about each and every track Jack throws at him, creating one of the most entertaining and informative episodes of Track Star* to date.    Dan adds perspective to the artists behind beloved rock classics through captivating details, and remarkably descriptive explanations of musical style, in this terrific new episode of Track Star*. This Episode's Track List:  Black Cow - Steely Dan Excitable Boy - Warren Zevon Gotta Get Up - Harry Nilsson Ocean Man - Ween I’m Holding You - Ween Watching the Detectives - Elvis Costello Home - Mac DeMarco Jesus Just Left Chicago - ZZ Top Makes No Sense at All - Hüsker Dü In a Jar - Dinosaur Jr.    
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  Testing Dakota Fanning's Music Knowledge 28.08.2026 8min

  Today on Track Star*, we’re putting Emmy-nominated actress Dakota Fanning’s music knowledge to the test with a mix of Southern classics, childhood favorites, and songs that shaped her along the way. Ahead of her new film The Sun Never Sets, Dakota reflects on growing up between Hollywood film sets and a traditional Southern upbringing, sharing stories from her childhood, career, and the music tied to it all. Watch the full episode as Dakota Fanning puts her music knowledge to the test and shares stories from a life spent on and off screen.   This Episode's Track List:  Little Deuce Coupe - The Beach Boys Cherry Bomb - The Runaways Shoes - Lil Wayne Jesus was a Crossmaker - Judee Sill Weather for Tennis - Hilary Duff The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia - Reba McEntire Una Palabra - Carlos Varela Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean
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  Testing Whitmer Thomas’ Music Knowledge 24.08.2026 13min

  Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing Alabama’s very own Whitmer Thomas on home-state classic hits and punk-driven 2000s tracks. Showcasing his own musical influence and childhood upbringing, Whitmer Thomas takes us on a tour through his journey as a singer and stand-up comedian and how they intertwined, with anecdotes that shaped his career along the way. From stories of van tours as a teenager, being raised by his musical mother, and his love-hate relationship with Alabama, Whitmer Thomas has us hooked on this episode of Track Star. This Episode's Track List:  Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd Reckless Abandon - Blink-182 First Day of My Life - Bright Eyes Trying To Reason With Hurricane Season - Jimmy Buffett  Why Can’t We Be Friends - War If It Makes You Happy - Sheryl Crow Every Morning - Sugar Ray Little Criminals - Randy Newman  
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  Testing Troye Sivan's Music Knowledge 21.08.2026 8min

  Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing the iconic Australian pop star Troye Sivan on Y2K euphoria and melancholy R&B classics. Revealing the extent of his own musical influence and knowledge, Troye Sivan gives us the opportunity to learn about his journey as a singer and performing artist and his recent experience touring with legendary genre-bending musician Charli XCX.   With personal stories, a rapid guessing speed, and sunglasses that Jack himself wants to purchase now, Troye Sivan brings a laidback chatty vibe to this episode of Track Star.  This Episode's Track List:  Happy & Sad - Kacey Musgraves No Ordinary Love - Sade Virtuoso - Ryan Beatty SS26 - Charli XCX All For You - Janet Jackson Since I Left You - The Avalanches Music - Madonna Sleeping In - The Radio Dept.
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  Testing Too $hort's Music Knowledge 19.08.2026 10min

  Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing legendary rapper Too $hort on Funk deep-cuts and influential Hip-Hop classics. Revealing the extent of his music knowledge, Too $hort gives us the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the overlapping worlds and influences of Motown, Funk, and Hip-Hop. Too $hort takes the time today to show us some of the music he was raised on, breaking down how his father’s love of Funk and Motown influenced his own creative process and musical appreciation. With personal stories and impressive knowledge, Too $hort presents a unique and important perspective on early Hip-Hop figures and influences.    This Episode's Track List:  Distant Lover - Marvin Gaye Mary Jane - Rick James Computer Love - Zapp You Dropped A Bomb On Me - The Gap Band It Was a Good Day - Ice Cube I Get Around (ft. Shock G, Money B) - 2Pac Stompin’ And Pimpin - 8Ball & MJG EARFQUAKE - Tyler, The Creator I Don’t F**k With You - Big Sean DADZ LOVE - Justin Bieber, Lil B Last Time That I Checc’d (ft YG) - Nipsey Hussle Fantastic Voyage - Lakeside Love’s Train - Con Funk Shun  
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  Testing Brandon Flowers’ Music Knowledge 17.08.2026 7min

  Today on Track Star*, we are joined by Brandon Flowers to talk about some of the songs and artists that have inspired his work, both as a solo artist and frontman of The Killers.  Listening to some classic songs and sharing personal stories of bleached hair, Strokes-induced depression, and playing with Bruce Springsteen, Brandon breaks down how artists like Bruce, The Strokes, and others became a part of his life and fundamentally changed how he approached music.    Brandon takes the time today to share with us his love for a wide range of music and show us the importance of listening to and learning from a wide variety of influences.   This Episode's Track List:  Crying - Roy Orbison Cry! Cry! Cry! - Johnny Cash Hard to Explain - The Strokes Louisiana 1927 - Randy Newman Badlands - Bruce Springsteen Watching the Detectives - Elvis Costello Everyday - Weyes Blood Pulling Mussels (From the Shell) - Squeeze
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  Testing Brittany Howard’s Music Knowledge 12.08.2026 7min

  Brittany Howard, acclaimed solo artist and lead singer of band Alabama Shakes, joins us today on Track Star* to listen to a few classic Funk, Rock, and Doo-Wop songs and discuss their personal and historical importance. Discussing artists from Pink Floyd to Sly Stone, Brittany explains how the music she grew up with influenced the music she makes today, and how some art and artists can challenge us to think outside the box, accept ourselves, and be better human beings. Today’s episode is full of thoughtful commentary, important life stories, and plenty of dancing and singing to accompany. This Episode's Track List: Holdin’ On - Sly and the Family Stone Moonage Daydream - David Bowie Runaround Sue - Dion Blue Moon - The Marcels Have a Cigar - Pink Floyd Bambi - Prince Put a Little Love In Your Heart - Jackie DeShannon
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  Testing Travis Barker’s Music Knowledge 10.08.2026 8min

  Travis Barker, best known for his work as drummer in the band Blink-182, joins us today on Track Star* to listen to some iconic rap, rock, punk, and hardcore, and break down some of his earliest and most important influences, explaining how the music they made, from Led Zeppelin to the Muppets, changed his life.  Revealing his favorite punk and metal bands, as well as the drummers that inspired him to work hard and play harder, Travis shows us that making great music is an exercise of equal parts joy and dedication. Telling a complicated life story between drum breaks and hard rock classics, Travis takes the time today to share with us a new perspective on his life and the moments behind the music that defined it. This Episode's Track List:  Paul Revere - Beastie Boys Beat on the Brat - Ramones Aint Talkin Bout Love - Van Halen Rock and Roll - Led Zeppelin Super Rad! - The Aquabats! My War - Black Flag I’m the One - Descendents Raining Blood - Slayer Love for Sale - The Buddy Rich Big Band
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  Listening to the Genius of Oscar Peterson (ft. Christian McBride & Kelly Peterson) 05.08.2026 57min

  On today’s episode of the Track Star Podcast, we’re celebrating the centennial of Oscar Peterson with two guests who have helped preserve and carry forward his extraordinary legacy. Jack is joined by Kelly Peterson, Oscar’s wife and the head of his estate and legendary bassist Christian McBride, who reflects on Peterson’s unmatched artistry and influence on generations of jazz musicians. Together, they revisit some of Oscar Peterson’s most iconic tracks -- including "Tenderly,", "Hymn to Freedom," and "Love Ballade" -- while sharing personal stories and exploring the brilliance that made him one of the greatest pianists and composers of all time. This episode is a celebration of Oscar Peterson’s life, music, and lasting legacy. This Episode's Track List: Oscar Peterson - Tenderly  Oscar Peterson Trio - Falling In Love With Love Oscar Peterson Trio - Night Train Oscar Peterson Trio - C Jam Blues Oscar Peterson Trio - Hymn To Freedom   Oscar Peterson Trio - Wheatland Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson - Mean To Me Oscar Peterson - Love Ballade
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  Testing Questlove's Music Knowledge 03.08.2026 11min

  Questlove, the multi-dimensional musician, filmmaker, and artist, joins us today on Track Star* to show us his deep and profound appreciation for music, and to teach us about the role music has played throughout his life.  Originally gaining notoriety as drummer and co-frontman of the Roots, Questlove became a core member of the Soulquarian collective. Today, Questlove gives us a peek into the group's creative process, as well as a lesson on the history of the collective and the members who made it iconic. As we walk through different musical moments and movements, Questlove takes the time to share with us his love for music and the people who make it.  This Episode's Track List:  The Light - Common Don’t Leave Me This Way (ft. Teddy Pendergrass) - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes I Won’t Last a Day Without You - Carpenters For the Love of Money - The O’Jays Bang the Drum All Day - Todd Rundgren Long Lonely Nights - Lee Andrews & The Hearts Loan Me a Dime - Boz Scaggs
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  Testing Warren Haynes’ Music Knowledge 31.07.2026 9min

  In today’s episode of Track Star* Warren Haynes, best known for his work as a member of the Allman Brothers Band, joins us to listen to some iconic, genre-defining Blues and Rock songs, and to discuss the influence they had on the development of Rock. Haynes takes the time today to give us an important lesson on the history of the guitar and how it defined Blues and Rock and Roll music. Diving into the music that influenced him as a child to pick up the guitar and learn to play, Jack and Warren take us on a walk through Rock and Blues history, giving us advice on how to listen to and make music along the way.    In discussing his own music alongside the music that came before him, Haynes offers a unique and important perspective on the narrative of Rock history.   This Episode's Track List:  Fire - The Jimi Hendrix Experience Lay Down Sally - Eric Clapton Sweet Little Angel - B.B. King Going Down - Freddie King Born Under a Bad Sign - Albert King Brokedown Palace - Grateful Dead Midnight in Harlem - Tedeschi Trucks Band Cortez the Killer - Neil Young & Crazy Horse Statesboro Blues - Blind Willie McTell If This Is Just a Game - David Allan Coe Mississippi Queen - Mountain  
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  Testing This Punk Legend's Music Knowledge 29.07.2026 9min

  Lenny Kaye is an icon of the punk rock scene. As a member of the Patti Smith Group, as well as in his work as a solo artist and rock critic, Kaye joins us today on Track Star* to listen to a few songs and break down some important Punk history. Beginning with a discussion of the songs and movements that influenced Kaye himself as a child, the conversation soon shifts to a broader discussion of what defined the punk scene and mindset, and how that developed over time.  Kaye joins us today for an invaluable, first-person perspective on the New York punk movement of the late 70s, interrupted only occasionally by singing and dancing.  This Episode's Track List:  Gloria - The Cadillacs  Never Let You Go - The Five Discs Johnny Too Bad - The Slickers Know Your Rights - The Clash The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion) - Grateful Dead Sonic Reducer - Dead Boys White Wedding - Billy Idol
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  Swamp Dogg Teaches Us About Country and R&B 27.07.2026 6min

  Today on Track Star* we are joined by legendary singer, songwriter, and producer Swamp Dogg to cover some of the songs that defined his career and discuss the complicated and somewhat blurred relationship between country and R&B.  Swamp Dogg takes some time today to break down a few classic country and R&B songs, giving us an insider perspective on the hit-making process and a unique view of the people behind the iconic songs. Between the songs and the stories, Swamp Dogg gives an important analysis of Country and R&B and the similarities and differences between the two.  This Episode's Track List:  Cry to Me - Solomon Burke She’s All I Got - Johnny Paycheck She’s All I Got - Freddie North In the Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett Please Don’t Bury Me - John Prine Quarter to Three - Gary U.S. Bonds You Ain’t Woman Enough - Loretta Lynn Knock on Wood - Eddie Floyd He’s Sure the Boy I Love - The Crystals Acid Tongue - Jenny Lewis  Searching For Heaven - Swamp Dogg
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  KISS's Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley Unpack the Importance of Songwriting 22.07.2026 33min

  Today on the Track Star Podcast, we are joined by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS to talk about rock and roll songwriting, the New York City music scene, and what it really takes to make a song, or a band, truly great.  With a collection of songs spanning American and English rock, punk, Motown, and more, Paul and Gene share their thoughts on how different artists and movements engage with the craft of songwriting and balance the art of the song with the energy of performance and the demand of the public.  Gene and Paul join us today for a crash-course on rock and roll songwriting, emphasizing, as they have throughout their careers, that the most important thing is the song.  This Episode’s Tracklist:  00:00 - Intro 00:12 - I Want To Hold Your Hand - The Beatles 03:54 - Then He Kissed Me - The Crystals 05:20 - Then She Kissed Me - KISS 09:35 - I Can’t Explain - The Who 13:52 - Personality Crisis - New York Dolls 18:37 - Rock & Roll - The Velvet Underground 23:35 - Cum On Feel The Noize - Slade 24:58 - Ballroom Blitz - Sweet 26:16 - Bang a Gong (Get It On) - T. Rex 29:18 - The Tracks Of My Tears - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles 30:44 - New York Groove - Ace Frehley New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every week. Let us know what artist, theme, or unexpected guest you want us to explore next.
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  The Governor of Maryland was Built on Hip Hop Influences 20.07.2026 33min

  This week on the Track Star Podcast, Jack is joined by Maryland Governor and Music-Obsessed Wes Moore. In this episode, he sits down with Jack to unpack the songs that have shaped his life, from the music that soundtracked his childhood and helped form his identity to those that continue to inspire his work today. He reflects on his childhood, the influence of hip-hop, and how music became such a big part of his life. Sharing stories behind the songs and artists that left a lasting impact, they go from the cultural significance of The Notorious B.I.G. and A Tribe Called Quest to the messages found in Sam Cooke and Nina Simone, exploring the intersection of music, leadership, politics, and storytelling. This Episode’s Track List: 00:00 - Intro 01:41 - People Everyday - Arrested Development 03:00 - Hypnotize - The Notorious B.I.G. 14:20 - Award Tour - A Tribe Called Quest ft. Trugoy the Dove 16:17 - You Got Me - The Roots ft. Erykah Badu & Eve 22:45 - Mean Old World - Sam Cooke 26:19 - Baltimore - Nina Simone