Cheap Tracks

Nov 19 2024 40 ep. 75 mins 15

Cheap Tracks Podcast artwork

Cheap Trick superfans Chris Castaneda and Mike Vanderbilt explore the history of the coolest rock 'n' roll band to emerge from Rockford, IL, Cheap Trick.

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"Too Much"

Nov 19 2024 65 mins

This week, the Chris and Mike travel back to 2003 to discuss the band's third single off of SPECIAL ONE, "Too Much."

"Tonight It's You"

Aug 02 2024 100 mins

This week we look back at "Tonight It's You," the first single off of 1985's STANDING ON THE EDGE, and along the way get sidetracked by Rita Jenrette, the Rolling Stones, Dick Clark, and the softcore classic EMMANUELE! We're also joined by songwriter and Cheap Trick collaborator Mark Radice, who offers insight into the songwriting process.

"No Direction Home"

Jun 11 2024 71 mins

In 2015 Cheap Trick was finally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame...a dubious honor, indeed, but there's no doubt that there is no such thing as bad publicity. Today we look back at the release of BANG, ZOOM, CRAZY...HELLO!, the band's seventeenth studio album and it's first single, "No Direction Home."

"He's A Whore"

May 23 2024 77 mins

Chris & Mike pay tribute to Cheap Trick superfan and former guest, the late Steve Albini, and dive into "He's A Whore" from the band's self-titled debut. Is this the band being influenced by punk or simply being themselves, who is the whore, and exactly why does Rick dedicate this song to his wife at shows. We ask all those questions and more!

"Mandocello"

Apr 01 2024 65 mins

Chris and Mike celebrate Cheap Trick Day by looking back at one of the band's finest ballads....

"Lookout"

Mar 07 2024 74 mins

First introduced to Japan and eventually the world on 1978’s AT BUDOKAN. A fan-favorite rocker that existed for many years as a live album curiosity. Is it a simple story of boy meets girl? And exactly what do any of the lyrics in that bridge mean? Today, we are joined by Pat O'Sullivan as we "Lookout!"

"Yeah Yeah"

Jan 25 2024 66 mins

The other self-titled Cheap Trick was released after the alternative explosion of the ‘90s. Is this the band returning to their roots or is this a “snake charmer” record? Or is this simply the band at their most authentic at this place and time? Today, we dig into the meat of the album with "Yeah Yeah."

"Welcome To The World"

Jan 11 2024 64 mins

And welcome to 2024! We'll be celebrating FIFTY years of Cheap Trick over the next twelve months and we kick things off with "Welcome To The World" which opened the band's fifteenth studio release ROCKFORD. By 2006, Cheap Trick was well into its second fresh start to the second half of its career. On the band’s fifthteenth album, the band pays homage to its hometown in the album�

"Invaders Of The Heart"

Dec 20 2023 46 mins

For their final show of 2023, Chris and Mike look back at ONE of the album closers for 1983's NEXT POSITION PLEASE. Is this a "produced demo," or is Rick saying something deeper to the record label? Listen, and be prepared to be driven insane!

Woke Up With A Monster

Oct 31 2023 73 mins

We travel back to 1994 to explore the lead single off of Cheap Trick's sole Warner Bros. release, WOKE UP WITH A MONSTER, appropriately titled, "Woke Up With A Monster." We explore the song and the era. Is this Cheap Trick's response to the alternative rock movement? Is this really the band's "grunge" record? Is this album just another example of the Cheap Trick curse? What did Bea