Riffing on The Rolling Stones from July of 1978 - “Some Girls” album, presented by Brian. (Just My Imagination / Beast of Burden / Shattered / Far Away Eyes). ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Shama Lama Ding Dong from Lloyd Williams, featured in “Animal House.” STAFF PICKS: “Surrender” by Cheap Trick — Bruce. “Love is Like Oxygen” by Sweet — Rob. “Funky by Chic” by David Johansen — Wayne. “Baker Street” by Jerry Rafferty — Brian. LAUGH TRACK: “King Tut” by Steve Martin.
By the time that “Some Girls” was released The Rolling Stones were a household name. This was their 14th British and 16th Studio album, and was both a commercial and critical hit. Many reviewers consider this the best album since "Exile on Main Street." Rock music was taking a back seat to punk rock and glam rock, and the late '70's was dominated by disco. “Some Girls” represents a return to Rock's roots, and focuses on the vibe of New York.
We hope you enjoy this installment focused on the supergroup known as The Rolling Stones.
“Just My Imagination”
This is the Stones cover of the classic from the Temptations.
“Beast of Burden”
One of the hits from the album, “Beast of Burden” was written primarily by Keith Richards. The song is a bit autobiographical, referencing Richards struggle with drugs.
“Shattered”
This song reflects Mick Jagger's reflection on New York City. The lyrics were largely written in the back of a New York cab.
“Far Away Eyes”
Brian's favorite from this album. This song was inspired when Jagger and Richards rode through Bakersfield, California, listening to gospel music. It's fun to listen to Mick Jagger satirizing a southern accent.
“Shama Lama Ding Dong” by Lloyd Williams
This song was from "Animal House," the inspiration for toga parties everywhere.
“Surrender” by Cheap Trick
Released as a single in 1978, this was the first Cheap Trick single to land on the Billboard charts. Bruce shares that this teen anthem contrasts the generation gap between the WWII and Baby Boomer generation.
“Love is Like Oxygen” by Sweet
“You get too much, you get too high....” Rob loves this third and last top 10 hit for Sweet. The band was classified as a British glam rock band, but they show a lot more variety in this song.
“Funky but Chic” by David Johansen
After leaving the proto-punk group The New York Dolls, Johansen had a hit with this song, and Wayne shares he was actually better known as Buster Poindexter when he sang the single "Hot, hot, hot."
“Baker Street” by Jerry Rafferty
Brian wraps up staff picks with another often played ballad. This song hit the number 2 spot for 6 weeks on the Billboard chart. Rafferty had a 3 -year legal battle, during which time he was unable to perform. When he was in London he stayed with a friend who had a flat on Baker Street, and the song reflects that time. After this song was released, the sale of tenor saxophones increased dramatically - this is known as "The Baker Street Phenomenon."
“King Tut” by Steve Martin
We close out with this “Saturday Night Live” hit by Steve Martin, backed up by “the Toot Uncommons”.