John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes of Wrath got its title from a line in "The Battle Hymn of the Republic": "He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored."
"Paper Planes" was inspired by M.I.A.'s hassles trying to get a visa to enter America.
Rihanna claims that "S&M" is about her love/hate relationship with the media. Apparently her paparazzi are using whips and chains.
Sarah McLachlan wrote "Angel" about the Smashing Pumpkins touring keyboard player Jonathan Melvoin, who overdosed on heroin and died in 1996.
Stephens Stills played timbales on the Bee Gees hit, "You Should Be Dancing." He was in the next door studio laying down a Crosby, Stills and Nash album and could hear Saturday Night Fever being recorded. Stills recognized its potential to be a monster hit and he wanted to contribute.
An unexpected guest vocal: Marianne Faithfull on the Metallica song "The Memory Remains." A star in the '60s, this collaboration helped revive her career.
Jon Fratelli talks about the band's third album, and the five-year break leading up to it.
The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.
"Lullaby" singer Shawn Mullins on "Beautiful Wreck," beating the Devil, and his writing credit on the Zac Brown Band song "Toes."
On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.
Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.
Despite appearances on Carson, Leno and a Pennebaker film, Williams remains a hidden treasure.
