Sex, drugs and bloc control?
WAS METAL BAND’S 90s HIT WIND OF CHANGE A CIA FOREIGN INFLUENCE TRICK TO PRESSURE THE SOVIETS? LAURA DAVIS LISTENS TO THREE GREAT PODCAST MYSTERIES
WIND OF CHANGE
WAS The Scorpions’ 1990 power ballad that heralded the end of the Cold War simply a catchy song that reflected the zeitgeist? Or was it written by the CIA to stir rebellious feelings in Eastern Europe?
When journalist Patrick Radden Keefe hears a whisper of this outlandish conspiracy theory, he follows a trail that begins with a pal who’s ex-CIA and ends with Wind of Change songwriter Klaus Meiner himself.
As the story slowly unravels he meets a list of fascinating characters including a mate of Jon Bon Jovi’s, a former drug dealing music promoter and a man who was once sat on by a horse.
It’s a fascinating look at the inside workings of the US intelligence agency and a period of time when you could get arrested just for listening to rock music.
Where to start: At the beginning.
Where to find it: On all podcast platforms. More details available at https://crooked.com/podcast-series/ wind-of-change/ the soundtrack.
BLOOD TIES
ELEONORE and Michael Richland are devastated when their parents’ private plane tragically vanishes on its way to a planned family Christmas reunion on a Caribbean island.
But another shock is still to come – as the truth behind their supposed ‘hero doctor’ father starts to unravel.
It’s not the most intriguing of thrillers ever written but it’s worth a listen due to its cast of stars that include Tony-nominated Josh Gadd (Frozen, Beauty and the Beast) and Gillian Jacobs (Love, Community, Girls). The second season has just started streaming.
Where to start: At the beginning of the first series, and don’t miss the behind-the-scenes episode when you’ve finished.
Where to find it: Listen ad-free on Wondery. Also available on YouTube as well as all usual podcast apps. More details at https://wondery. com/shows/blood-ties/