Spirit in the Sky - Norman Greenbaum (Listener Pick!) Artwork

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TnT's Hit Songs From Mars seeks to unravel the stories behind some of pop's most unlikely hits. From simple curiosities to songs that changed the world, we examine the sociopolitical and cultural factors that contributed to the success of these surprising outliers, and the impact these songs had on society.

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TnT's Hit Songs From Mars

Spirit in the Sky - Norman Greenbaum (Listener Pick!)

June 26, 2025 • Tom Thompson, Tyler Ralston • Season 6 • Episode 5

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In this episode, featuring a listener pick, our kindred spirits ponder the deeper questions of earthly existence and the afterlife, as they examine Norman Greenbaum's 1969 classic "Spirit in the Sky". Things get downright fuzzy as they nerd-out on classic guitar tones and jimmy (Jimi?) open the caskets of the guitar greats in search of clarity. Join the fellas on their journey of redemption as they seek to understand how a Jewish-American came up with the best Christian spiritual of our time.

Songs:
The Reverb Syndicate - Better Dancing Through Technology

Billy Bragg - St. Swithin's Day

Tom Waits - (Intro to) Better Off Without a Wife

The Lonely Island - Jizz in My Pants

The Who - Pictures of Lily

Elvis Costello - Pump it Up

Norman Greenbaum - Spirit in the Sky

Dr. West's Medicine Show and Junk Band - The Eggplant That Ate Chicago

Norman Greenbaum - Spirit in the Sky (Demo)

George Harrison - My Sweet Lord

Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice - Superstar

Norman Greenbaum - Titfield Thunder