The Popcast is hosted by Jon Caramanica, a pop music critic for The New York Times. It covers the latest in pop music criticism, trends and news.

In pop music, there are oodles of heroes, and also more than a few misunderstood giants. From time to time on Popcast, we attempt to correct the historical record and give maligned artists their proper due.

Which is to say: As long promised, the Popcast presents the Ashlee Simpson edition, part one.