Rock’n’Roll for Grownups #10: A Nostalgic Journey Through Classic Rock
By Denny Somach
In today’s fast-paced world, where music is consumed in an instant and forgotten just as quickly, there’s something special about taking a moment to revisit the classics—the songs that shaped the lives of generations. That’s what Rock’n’Roll for Grownups is all about: bringing back the tracks we grew up listening to and celebrating the stories behind them. In episode 10, I take you on a nostalgic journey through rock music history, sharing both beloved tunes and a few hidden gems you might not have heard in a while.
Bringing Back Forgotten Classics
Some songs seem to fade from the airwaves, while others remain engrained in our memories because they’ve stood the test of time. But what about those tracks that you haven’t heard for years—the ones that take you back to a particular time and place when you do hear them? This episode of Rock’n’Roll for Grownups dives into those songs, unearthing some of the most iconic rock hits, as well as the stories that made them famous.
We kick things off with Canned Heat’s Going Up the Country. This timeless tune, which played a pivotal role at the legendary Woodstock festival, still resonates today. If you’ve ever watched the movie Woodstock, you’ve likely heard it in the background. Canned Heat’s blend of blues and rock was ahead of its time, and they’re still out there performing live today, decades after their breakthrough.
Next up is Badfinger’s Baby Blue, which you may recognize from the final moments of the hit TV show Breaking Bad. Originally released in the early 1970s, the song got a second life in modern pop culture. It’s a reminder of how music continues to weave itself into new generations, carrying with it the emotional weight of the original era while connecting with new listeners.
We round out this trio with Eddie Money’s classic Two Tickets to Paradise. Eddie, known to fans as “The Money Man,” created one of the ultimate feel-good rock songs of the 70s. It’s hard not to smile when you hear this one, instantly recalling the simpler days of long summers and road trips.
Celebrating San Francisco’s Psychedelic Scene
For me, one of the standout tracks in this episode is It’s a Beautiful Day’s White Bird. If you haven’t heard this song, it’s a must-listen. The band hails from San Francisco, a city known for its psychedelic rock scene in the late 60s and early 70s, and this track encapsulates that moment perfectly. Featuring the soaring violin of David LaFlamme, White Bird feels like a time capsule to an era of experimentation and musical freedom.
In contrast, we also take a moment to revisit a Rolling Stones classic that doesn’t get as much airplay these days—Mother’s Little Helper. This track, from their album Aftermath, is a sharp commentary on suburban life and the pressures that many women faced during the 60s, turning to tranquilizers to cope with their lives. It’s a fascinating piece of rock history that still feels relevant today.
I also feature Head East’s Never Been Any Reason, another track you don’t hear on the radio much anymore, but one that remains a favorite among fans of 70s rock. It’s a perfect example of Midwestern rock at its best, with soaring vocals and hard-hitting instrumentation that can still make you want to turn the volume up.
Peter Frampton’s Meteoric Rise and Aftermath
It’s impossible to talk about the 1970s without mentioning Peter Frampton. His live album Frampton Comes Alive was a cultural phenomenon, selling millions of copies and catapulting him into stardom. But as Frampton himself reflects in the episode, the success was a double-edged sword. He struggled with where to take his career after the album’s success, a challenge many artists face after such monumental achievements.
In this episode, we listen to Frampton’s Show Me the Way from that iconic live album. Its infectious energy and Frampton’s masterful use of the talk box made it a hit, and it still resonates with audiences today. I also explore Argent’s Hold Your Head Up, a track from the band formed by Rod Argent after leaving The Zombies. Like Frampton, Argent carved his own path in rock history with this uplifting anthem.
More Rock Legends: Rod Stewart, ZZ Top, and The Pretenders
Rod Stewart is another name that’s become synonymous with classic rock, and his cover of the Rolling Stones’ Street Fighting Man is a standout moment in the episode. Stewart’s gravelly voice gives the politically charged song a new edge, while still respecting the original’s rebellious spirit.
No classic rock show would be complete without a little ZZ Top, and La Grange brings the Southern rock flavor to this mix. Its infectious groove and Billy Gibbons’ legendary guitar work make it a staple in the ZZ Top catalog.
Closing out the set is The Pretenders’ Back on the Chain Gang. Chrissie Hynde’s emotional vocal performance paired with the band’s tight instrumentation makes this track a timeless favorite, blending rock and punk elements with personal reflection.
A Tribute to Blood, Sweat & Tears and Jefferson Airplane
In every episode of Rock’n’Roll for Grownups, I like to dig a little deeper into the history of the music. This time, I take listeners back to Blood, Sweat & Tears’ debut album Child is Father to the Man. Led by Al Kooper, the track I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know is a beautiful fusion of jazz and rock, a sound that was revolutionary at the time.
We also can’t forget Jefferson Airplane’s Somebody to Love, a song that defined the San Francisco counterculture movement of the 1960s. Alongside it, I close the episode with The Doobie Brothers’ Listen to the Music, a track that, true to its title, encourages listeners to sit back and appreciate the power of music itself.
The Enduring Power of Rock for Grownups
As the episode comes to a close, I reflect on how these songs still resonate today. They aren’t just tracks from the past—they’re a living testament to the power of music to transcend time, evoke memories, and connect us all. Whether it’s a song that brings you back to your youth or one that reminds you of a particular moment in your life, rock music has the ability to stay with us in ways few other art forms can.
That’s why I continue to produce Rock’n’Roll for Grownups. It’s not just about reliving the past, but about honoring the legacy of these songs and ensuring they remain part of our cultural consciousness. Whether you grew up with these tracks or are hearing them for the first time, they continue to have meaning, and that’s something worth celebrating.
Rock’n’Roll for Grownups is produced by Denny Somach and Zach Martin, copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Track Listing:
- Going Up the Country – Canned Heat (2:50)
- Baby Blue – Badfinger (3:38)
- Two Tickets to Paradise – Eddie Money (3:58)
- White Bird – It’s a Beautiful Day (6:10)
- Mother’s Little Helper – The Rolling Stones (2:45)
- Never Been Any Reason – Head East (5:10)
- Frampton Time Off (1:33)
- Show Me the Way (Live) – Peter Frampton (4:02)
- Hold Your Head Up – Argent (6:20)
- Only You Know and I Know – Dave Mason (4:01)
- Street Fighting Man – Rod Stewart (5:05)
- La Grange – ZZ Top (3:47)
- Back on the Chain Gang – The Pretenders (3:51)
- I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know – Blood, Sweat & Tears (5:59)
- Somebody to Love – Jefferson Airplane (3:01)
- Listen to the Music – The Doobie Brothers (4:44)
Notable Highlights from the Episode:
Woodstock and Beyond: Canned Heat’s Going Up the Country takes listeners back to the iconic Woodstock festival and its impact on rock culture. Denny reminisces about how the song still resonates in concerts today.
Breaking Bad’s Musical Legacy: Badfinger’s Baby Blue makes a triumphant return thanks to its placement in the Breaking Bad finale. Denny shares stories about how this bittersweet song gained a new generation of fans.
The “Money Man” Eddie Money: Two Tickets to Paradise is more than a feel-good tune; it’s a rock anthem. Denny shares insights into Eddie Money’s career and the story behind the song that has stuck with listeners for decades.
San Francisco Vibes: White Bird by It’s a Beautiful Day brings a breath of fresh air to the episode. Denny shares his admiration for the group’s unique sound and discusses their influence on the San Francisco music scene.
Frampton’s Rise and Fall: Peter Frampton’s Frampton Comes Alive album was a cultural phenomenon. Denny talks about Frampton’s success and the challenges he faced after his meteoric rise to fame.
Rod Stewart and the Rolling Stones: Rod Stewart’s cover of Street Fighting Man brings a fresh perspective to a Rolling Stones classic, blending his signature sound with one of rock’s most politically charged songs.
ZZ Top & Pretenders: Denny rounds off the episode with ZZ Top’s La Grange and The Pretenders’ Back on the Chain Gang, blending Southern rock and new wave energy.
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