Introduction:
In Episode 35, Denny Somach continues his tradition of fusing music with narrative, blending stories from artists and his archives with tracks that have stood the test of time. This week’s lineup offers both iconic singles and unique insights, making for another unforgettable journey through classic rock.
Bowie, Clapton & Pretenders:
The episode begins with Bowie’s Starman from The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, a song that defined glam rock. Eric Clapton follows with Lay Down Sally from Slowhand, an easy groove steeped in Americana. The Pretenders’ Middle of the Road, led by Chrissie Hynde’s fierce vocals, keeps the energy rolling.
Anderson, Stones & Idol:
Denny then shares a story from Ian Anderson about Jethro Tull’s Aqualung, a progressive rock masterpiece. The Stones appear with Tumbling Dice from Exile on Main Street, before Billy Idol’s White Wedding, one of the defining tracks of the early 1980s new wave movement.
Bad Company, Cars & Gabriel:
Next comes Bad Company’s Shooting Star, from their second album Straight Shooter, a narrative-driven classic. The Cars’ Let’s Go from Candy-O captures the band’s blend of rock and new wave, while Peter Gabriel’s Solsbury Hill from his debut solo record showcases his poetic songwriting and unique voice.
Rod Stewart, Asia & Cheap Trick:
Rod Stewart reflects on Every Picture Tells a Story, his 1971 title track written with Ronnie Wood. Asia’s Heat of the Moment from their debut album brings arena rock grandeur, followed by Cheap Trick’s Dream Police, blending rock hooks with quirky theatrics.
Steve Miller & Closing:
The episode closes with Steve Miller’s Abracadabra, a slick radio-friendly hit from the early 1980s. Denny signs off by inviting listeners to revisit past episodes at the official website, keeping the music and stories alive.
final note
Episode 35 celebrates the enduring power of rock—from glam and progressive to arena and new wave. Denny’s commentary and artist stories remind us why these songs continue to inspire, energize, and define generations.
Playlist
Starman – David Bowie (4:16)
Lay Down Sally – Eric Clapton (3:50)
Middle of the Road – Pretenders (4:14)
Aqualung – Jethro Tull (6:34)
Tumbling Dice – Rolling Stones (3:45)
White Wedding – Billy Idol (4:12)
Shooting Star – Bad Company (6:16)
Let’s Go – The Cars (3:32)
Solsbury Hill – Peter Gabriel (4:21)
Every Picture Tells a Story – Rod Stewart (5:59)
Heat of the Moment – Asia (3:50)
Dream Police – Cheap Trick (3:54)
Abracadabra – Steve Miller (5:08)
