Ep.33 Rock and Roll for Grownups

Introduction:

Denny Somach’s Episode 33 demonstrates the full spectrum of rock, from Southern storytelling to English art rock, blending familiar classics with deep cuts that showcase the talent and creativity of legendary artists.

https://youtu.be/h0JvF9vpqx8?si=Notb1x4yXt3GX_LU

Petty, Eurythmics & Seger:

The show begins with Tom Petty’s Don’t Come Around Here No More, a dramatic and psychedelic departure co-written with Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics. Fittingly, Stewart’s band follows with Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), a synth-pop anthem that crossed over into rock audiences. Bob Seger’s Shame on the Moon, with Glenn Frey’s backing vocals, delivers heartfelt Detroit camaraderie.

https://youtu.be/s7DYyToslXc?si=uOxd-VMGlCRFZQIY

Steely Dan, ZZ Top & Skynyrd:

Steely Dan’s My Old School from Countdown to Ecstasy highlights Jeff “Skunk” Baxter’s iconic guitar work. ZZ Top adds Texas grit with Tush, while Lynyrd Skynyrd’s You Got That Right, from their final pre-crash album Street Survivors, captures their Southern swagger.

https://youtu.be/Eq8ZiZ9xiLw?si=fztB6_OkNxHcw4xL

Moody Blues, Pink Floyd & Jethro Tull:

The Moody Blues bring their lush harmonies with I Know You’re Out There Somewhere. Pink Floyd’s Have a Cigar, sung by Roy Harper, adds biting commentary on the music business. Jethro Tull’s Living in the Past shows Ian Anderson’s flair for blending folk and rock with progressive ambition.

https://youtu.be/WuXwSyahgW4?si=AGfetYlJJuBTxvXG

Steve Miller, Clapton & The Cars:

Steve Miller’s Fly Like an Eagle pays homage to his mentor and godfather, Les Paul. Derek and the Dominos deliver the aching Bell Bottom Blues, written by Eric Clapton. The Cars then shift gears with Just What I Needed, a track that helped define new wave while staying rooted in rock tradition.

https://youtu.be/vDGorIWYz-A?si=kOdhNVAjU9BvE6g9

Traffic & final note

The episode closes with Traffic’s epic The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, an 11-minute journey blending jazz, prog, and rock in a way few bands could match. Denny ties the narrative together by showing how rock evolved while keeping its rebellious and creative spirit intact.

Playlist

• Don’t Come Around Here No More – Tom Petty (5:07)

• Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics (3:36)

• Shame on the Moon – Bob Seger (4:55)

• My Old School – Steely Dan (5:49)

• You Got That Right – Lynyrd Skynyrd (3:44)

• Tush – ZZ Top (2:15)

• I Know You’re Out There Somewhere – Moody Blues (4:18)

• Have a Cigar – Pink Floyd (5:07)

• Living in the Past – Jethro Tull (3:14)

• Fly Like an Eagle – Steve Miller Band (3:21)

• Bell Bottom Blues – Derek and the Dominos (5:00)

• Just What I Needed – The Cars (3:44)

• The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys – Traffic (11:00)