Rock’n’Roll for Grownups #14: Songs, Stories, and Rock History

By Denny Somach

Welcome to another edition of Rock’n’Roll for Grownups, where we revisit the music we grew up listening to—songs that shaped our youth and remain timeless classics. This episode, #14, features an eclectic lineup of rock hits and the stories behind them. Some of these tracks are etched in rock history, while others have slipped off the airwaves but still deserve their place in the spotlight. From the cinematic brilliance of Live and Let Die to the haunting tones of Gimme Shelter, we’re taking you on a nostalgic journey filled with music and memories.

Opening the Show: Signature Songs That Defined an Era

We start this episode with 10cc’s I’m Not in Love, an ethereal track that has become the band’s signature song. From its lush production to its haunting vocals, it remains a cornerstone of soft rock.

Next, we turn to Lou Reed with his iconic Walk on the Wild Side. Produced by David Bowie, this track broke new ground with its bold lyrics and avant-garde sound. Closing the opening set is Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ Listen to Her Heart, a standout track from their second album, You’re Gonna Get It!

Neil Young and Stories Behind the Music

Moving on, we spotlight Neil Young’s Down by the River, a song he famously wrote while bedridden with a 103° fever. Young’s career has spanned countless iconic bands—Buffalo Springfield, Crazy Horse, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and his solo work. This track captures the raw emotion and experimental style that have made him a legend.

We follow that with Procol Harum’s Conquistador, a live version recorded with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, proving that rock and orchestral arrangements can create magic together. Closing this set is One Thing Leads to Another by The Fixx, a quintessential new wave anthem from this English band.

Rock Staples You Know and Love

No rock playlist is complete without The Rolling Stones. Gimme Shelter is more than a song; it’s an anthem of social unrest and one of the most evocative tracks in their catalog. Following this, we turn to Lynyrd Skynyrd with Call Me The Breeze, a track that showcases their Southern rock brilliance. And for something completely different, there’s Talking Heads’ Burning Down the House, a song that cemented their place as new wave pioneers.

McCartney’s Bond Connection and More Rock Gems

One of the highlights of this episode is a story from Denny Seiwell, founding drummer of Paul McCartney and Wings. Seiwell recounts the creation of Live and Let Die, the title track for the James Bond film of the same name. McCartney, famously asked to pen the track by Bond producers, crafted one of the most explosive and enduring theme songs in the franchise’s history.

We continue with All the Way from Memphis by Mott the Hoople, a playful glam rock number, and The Beach Boys’ uplifting Wouldn’t It Be Nice, a cornerstone of 60s pop-rock.

Wrapping Up with Southern Rock and a Forgotten Classic

As the show winds down, we take a trip down South with the Allman Brothers Band’s Ramblin’ Man. This track captures the spirit of the road and the band’s Southern rock legacy. We close the episode with The Rapper by The Jaggerz, a lesser-known but still beloved song from 1970.

A Journey Through Rock’s Golden Age

Rock’n’Roll for Grownups #14 is more than a collection of songs; it’s a journey through the stories, moments, and emotions that defined rock’s golden age. Whether it’s Neil Young’s fever-induced genius, Paul McCartney’s cinematic brilliance, or the experimental sounds of Talking Heads, this episode celebrates the enduring power of music.

As always, Rock’n’Roll for Grownups is produced by Denny Somach and Zach Martin, copyright 2024. Until next time, keep the music alive!