Goya's "The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters" provided the title of Mushuggah's song (and album) "The Violent Sleep of Reason." The etching depicts a nightmare, possibly Goya's commentary on the social and political climate in Spain. Mushuggah repurposed it as a look at the horrors in the Middle East.
Elvis Presley's "A Little Less Conversation" was just a minor hit when it was released in 1968, but a 2002 remix made the song a global smash, taking it to #1 in a number of countries, including Australia and the UK.
The songs on Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster album represent a "fear" of some "monster." "Alejandro" is her "fear of sex" monster.
The Oasis song "Live Forever" was written in response to "I Hate Myself And I Want To Die" by Nirvana. "Kids don't need to hear that nonsense," said Noel Gallagher.
Robert Plant's "Heaven Knows" is a satirical look at the '80s, when style seemed to trump substance.
The Ozzy Osbourne song "Mr. Crowley" is about Aleister Crowley, a British practitioner of dark magic in the early 1900s.
It has long been speculated that the Soundgarden song "Black Hole Sun" came from the name of a sculpture in Seattle, but according to their frontman Chris Cornell the title came from a phrase he misheard on the news. The band's name did come from a sculpture.
The longtime Eagle talks about soaring back to his solo career, and what he learned about songwriting in the group.
Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.
MTV, a popular TV theme song and Madonna all show up in this '80s music quiz.
The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.
With $50 and a glue stick, Bruce Pavitt created Sub Pop, a fanzine-turned-label that gave the world Nirvana and grunge. He explains how motivated individuals can shift culture.
With his X-wife Exene, John fronts the band X and writes their songs.