Introduction:
Denny Somach opens Episode 38 with another deep journey through rock classics and stories that shaped the era. This week’s playlist spans glam, prog, hard rock, and blues-influenced tracks, all tied together by anecdotes and insights.
Bowie, U2 & Pink Floyd:
The show starts with David Bowie’s Starman, which Bono once described as “a creature falling from the sky” and a defining TV moment of his youth. U2’s New Year’s Day from their 1983 album War follows, capturing the band’s early passion. Then David Gilmour reflects on Pink Floyd’s Have a Cigar, sung by Roy Harper, a figure praised by Pete Townshend and Ian Anderson as one of Britain’s greatest lyricists.
Supertramp, Aerosmith & CCR:
Supertramp’s Give a Little Bit delivers optimism with Roger Hodgson’s uplifting songwriting. Aerosmith’s Sweet Emotion highlights their breakthrough era, while CCR’s Born on the Bayou blends southern swamp-rock mystique with John Fogerty’s lyrical imagery of “chasing down a hoodoo.”
Blue Öyster Cult, Clapton & Walsh:
Blue Öyster Cult’s (Don’t Fear) The Reaper brings one of rock’s most enduring riffs. Eric Clapton’s After Midnight (written by J.J. Cale) showcases Clapton’s blues-rock mastery. Joe Walsh’s Rocky Mountain Way, recorded with Barnstorm before joining the Eagles, stands as a high point of his career.
Pretenders, Van Halen & Montrose:
Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders’ Back on the Chain Gang carry emotional resonance, while Van Halen’s When It’s Love adds arena-rock energy. Montrose’s Rock the Nation, featuring Sammy Hagar on vocals, ties into Van Halen history, marking the beginning of his path toward the band.
J. Geils Band & Closing:
The episode concludes with The J. Geils Band’s Must of Got Lost. Frontman Peter Wolf—whose recent autobiography became a New York Times bestseller—remains one of rock’s great storytellers, both on and off the stage. Denny signs off by inviting listeners to visit the show’s website for previous episodes and updates.
final note
Episode 38 blends glam rock, progressive anthems, and American rock grit, with stories that remind us why these songs remain cornerstones of music history. Denny Somach keeps the legacy alive with both the tracks and the tales behind them.
Playlist
Starman – David Bowie (4:16)
New Year’s Day – U2 (5:35)
Have a Cigar – Pink Floyd (5:00)
Give a Little Bit – Supertramp (4:08)
Sweet Emotion – Aerosmith (4:34)
Born on the Bayou – Creedence Clearwater Revival (5:10)
(Don’t Fear) The Reaper – Blue Öyster Cult (5:08)
After Midnight – Eric Clapton (3:15)
Rocky Mountain Way – Joe Walsh (5:17)
Back on the Chain Gang – Pretenders (3:51)
When It’s Love – Van Halen (5:38)
Rock the Nation – Montrose (3:01)
Must of Got Lost – The J. Geils Band (5:01)
