Born on this day: January 30, 1928 - Rhythm & Blues vocal legend Ruth Brown (born in Portsmouth, VA). Happy Birthday to this R&B great on what would have been her 91st Birthday.
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Singles bought when they came out continues , . . . . . . . never entirely sure about this one and it is clearly over simplified and what do you do about the Northern Irish? Paul and I share Irish ancestors but not sure this said anything much . . . . . . . although I think the troops out point is fair enough best seen in the consent of an emotional response to the slaughters (13 dead from 26 unarmed civilians shot by troops) on 'Bloody Sunday', it was written the next couple of days recorded the day after and released four weeks later.
On this day in music history: January 30, 1972 - Paul McCartney writes and records “Give Ireland Back To The Irish” with Wings in response the “Bloody Sunday” massacre in Northern Ireland in which thirteen unarmed civil rights protesters are shot and killed by British Army soldiers. Being of Irish decent himself, McCartney feels moved to comment on the shocking and tragic incident. The track is recorded at Island Studios in London two days after it’s written on February 1, 1972. It is the first Wings track to feature new lead guitarist Henry McCullough, formerly of The Grease Band (singer Joe Cocker’s backing band). Initially, EMI Records refuses to release the song, feeling that is “too inflammatory”, but issues it at McCartney’s insistence. The single is released a month later on February 25, 1972 (US release date is on February 28, 1972) and is immediately banned from airplay by the BBC, Radio Luxembourg, and the Independent Television Authority. The original 45 is released with a custom label with five green shamrocks printed across the top, and packaged in a bright yellow die cut sleeve with the band name printed on the front and back. In spite of the ban, it hits #1 in Ireland, peaking at #16 on the UK singles chart, and #21 on the Billboard Hot 100. Originally released as a stand alone single only, “Give Ireland Back To The Irish” is included as a bonus track on the CD reissue of Wings’ first album “Wings Wild Life” in 1993.
THE MODFATHER!
Mr Stephen Marriott
Born on this day: January 30, 1947 - Small Faces and Humble Pie lead singer and guitarist Steve Marriott (born Stephen Peter Marriott in East Ham, Essex, UK). Happy Birthday to Steve on what would have been his 72nd Birthday.
The greatest soul voice from a little white boy from East Ham!
TURN IT RIGHT UP!
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Where did it start, this downer on stuff, this darker side to my musical taste? I would have to say here and Sister Ray was a helpful friend to help me see the light. . . . which I was beginning to (yeah yeah we geddit!). . . . . once I got into John Cale and Lou's solo material I was lost forever . . . . . .
On this day in music history: January 30, 1968 - “White Light/White Heat”, the second album by The Velvet Underground is released. Produced by Tom Wilson, it is recorded at Scepter Studios in New York City in September 1967. Following the disappointing response and meager sales of their debut album, the members of The Velvet Underground decide to fire pop artist Andy Warhol as their manager and co-producer, also removing singer Nico from the band. After spending much of 1967 touring, The Velvets return to the studio in the Fall with producer Tom Wilson to record their follow up release. Consisting of only six songs written by Lou Reed (with co-writing contributions from the other members on three tracks), the tone of “White Light” is darker and more aggressive than its predecessor, a direct reflection of the band’s lives at the time. Recorded in only two days, the material on the album covers then highly taboo subject matter including drug use (the title track), graphic sexuality (“Here She Comes Now”) and transgenderism (“Lady Godiva’s Operation”, “Sister Ray”), backed by a wall of screeching feedback and a thudding back beat. The darkness of the album also extends to its cover artwork featuring a stark black background with artist name and title printed in white, with a faint impression of an arm with a skull tattoo in the lower left hand corner. The tattoo belongs to Warhol Factory actor Joe Spencer, who appeared in the film “Bike Boy”. When it is reissued in 80’s, the original cover art is altered, increasing the size of the text on the front cover and doing away with the tattoo. In the mid 70’s, an alternate cover featuring toy soldiers against a white background is issued in the UK, remaining in print until the early 80’s. Once released, “White Light” performs even more poorly than the first VU album, barely scraping the bottom of the Billboard chart before falling off after only two weeks on. In spite of this, its reputation grows over time, becoming as influential as their landmark debut, inspiring generations of rock musicians and helping lay the musical template for punk rock, post punk and grunge. A number of bands including Nirvana, Joy Division, The Sisters Of Mercy, Cabaret Voltaire, Galaxie 500, and The Hoodoo Gurus record covers of the songs. For its 45th anniversary in 2013, it is remastered and reissued as a three CD deluxe edition. The first disc features the stereo version of the original six track album, with seven additional bonus tracks including alternate mixes, instrumentals and other previously unreleased songs from the sessions. The second disc features the mono mix of the album. The third disc features a live performance recorded in New York City on April 30, 1967.The deluxe edition (minus the live material) is also issued as a 180 gram double vinyl LP. “White Light/White Heat” peaks at number one hundred ninety nine on the Billboard Top 200.
This just in from the Big O Newsletter
THE BEATLES' VAGINA!?
Say what?
The 'V'.
It has now come to light that Capitol Records' president Stan Gortikov had warned the Beatles' imprint Apple Records not to release the single 'Hey Jude' because its vinyl logo - the profile of a sliced apple - resembled a vagina. As The Independent reports, Gortikov wrote in a letter dated 28 August 1968: "Here's a wild and unanticipated problem to brighten up your day I just received a call from a very large and influential rack jobber in the western United States.
"He opened the conversation by saying, 'Are you guys serious? Do you know what you're doing? Do you really intend to sell products bearing the new Apple label?'"
Gortikov went on to explain that the trader in question felt that the new Apple label was pornographic and depicted a vagina. Despite concerns, the logo was unchanged and 'The White Album' cut, with its B-side 'Revolution', went on to sell eight million copies worldwide.
Money changes everything.
"Stan. it's an apple!"
DAVID RODIGAN
I went to school withI should also point out I first saw my wife at a party of Rodigan's at his parent's home and wondered if I would ever meet her again. We went out again years later when we went to another house party of Roddy's at his flat in London, so it turns out I have even more to thank him for!
Still married over 40 years later!
Check dis!
RIDDIM, COME FORWARD!
Thanks Roddy!
STOP MAKING SENSE!
we needed to post some TH . . . . . haven't had any for ooh a couple of weeks! ha ha ha ha ha . . . [well actually four days ago since 'Stop Making Sense' was mentioned - ED]
Down in the basement . . . .we hear the sound of machines . . . . . . .
I've got a girl friend . . . . . .that's better than that . . . . . . she does whatever she likes . . .there she goes . . . . . . . stop making sense stop making sense making sense . . . . .
polishing my dancing shoes
polishing my dancing shoes
Muhammad Ali
Perhaps the greatest man I ever shook hands with (twice!) and the second time he had lost [or wasn't using!] the power of speech but that didn't seem to matter somehow as the eye contact alone said it all. His hands were enormous! I felt at 6' tall I would be the same size as him in height but I was towered over and in shaking his hands that his fingers could stretch up my arm! He came to sign at Blackwell's Book Shop and the general books department had a biography or something I forget, but I just had to see the great man. Some folk thought a 'sportsman' was beneath a book signing at the famous academic book shop. Charisma charm presence? Call it what you will I felt the presence of greatness. They were wrong.
When his name was called, he refused to step forward. His name was called two more times, again he refused to step forward. Finally, an officer warned him he was committing a felony punishable by five years in prison and a fine of $10,000. Again, Muhammad Ali refused to budge when his name was called. He was the Greatest Fighter who ever lived yet he refused to fight in a war he did not believe in, saying he was not going 10,000 miles to “drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights.” He added “this is the day and age when such evil injustice must come to an end.” As a result, he was arrested and on the same day the New York State Athletic Commission suspended his boxing license and stripped him of his title. Other boxing commissions followed suit. Ali would not be able to obtain a license to box in any state for over three years. Years later he explained, “Some people thought I was a hero. Some people said that what I did was wrong. But everything I did was according to my conscience. I wasn’t trying to be a leader. I just wanted to be free. And I made a stand all people, not just black people, should have thought about making. He added “I wanted America to be America…Freedom means …carrying the responsibility to choose between right and wrong…and, I did what I thought was right.”
Still more great quality Lucinda Williams this morning from 1985 and another from 1989 from the ubiquitous Matt Brewster over at
these are great quality and cover a great range of hers from throughout the eighties and at her prime you might say . . . . . . . . if you like a good rocking' country gal these will hit the spot
and an acoustic set from 1985
these are great quality and cover a great range of hers from throughout the eighties and at her prime you might say . . . . . . . . if you like a good rocking' country gal these will hit the spot
and an acoustic set from 1985
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Some really nice Lucinda Williams from over at The Midnight Cafe this morning . . . . go check it out here
FM quality so heck she might as well be sat on your lap! (You wish! - ED)
If you don't know (or like) Lucinda Williams . . . . . .weell sheesh you're in the wrong place
"I think I lost it. . . . no memory can erase it"
Monday, January 28, 2019
STRANGE DAYS INDEED . . . .
On this day in music history: January 27, 1984 - “Milk And Honey”, the seventh album by John Lennon & Yoko Ono is released. Produced by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, it is recorded at The Hit Factory in New York City in August - September 1980 and Late 1983. Lennon’s tracks are recorded during the sessions for “Double Fantasy” in the Summer and Fall of 1980 and were intended for the follow up release in 1981. The project is shelved after Lennon’s death, but are revived after Ono severs ties with Geffen Records, signing with Polydor Records. Lennon’s songs are comprised of rehearsal recordings and early takes that are polished up during post production. Ono’s songs are new recordings completed in 1983 during preparation for the album’s release. It spins off three singles including “I’m Stepping Out” (#55 Pop), “Borrowed Time”, and “Nobody Told Me” (#5 Pop), the latter of which had been written by Lennon with the intention of giving it to Ringo Starr to record. The album’s cover features a full color outtake shot by Japanese photographer Kishin Shinoyama, from the same photo session that produced the cover for “Double Fantasy”. Originally released on CD in 1984 also, the album is remastered and reissued on CD (on Capitol Records) in October of 2001 with four additional bonus tracks, including a twenty two minute excerpt of Lennon’s final interview recorded on December 8, 1980. It is remastered and reissued on CD again in 2010, minus the added bonus tracks. Out of print on vinyl since 1989, it is reissued as a 180 gram vinyl LP in 2015. “Milk And Honey” peaks at number eleven on the Billboard Top 200, and is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
Video starring George Harrison, Miles Davis, Fred Astaire and ensemble cast
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Post from the unique Aquarium Drunkard about Talking Heads. Highlighted by this about a favourite David Byrne album of music composed for the Twyla Tharp dance troupe ( I have this on vinyl and CD) and recommend it for all fans who may not have considered it.
t wilcox says:
Stop Making Sense may have the Big Suit, but if you’re looking for the pinnacle of live Talking Heads footage, I’d point you in the direction of this unbelievable show from Rome, 1980. Completing the Heads’ journey from minimalist to maximalist, it features the expanded, ten-piece lineup blazing through tunes from the just-released masterwork Remain In Light, as well as dynamically re-inventing choice selections from the back catalogue. They still sound like the band of the future more than 30 years later, with careening polyrhythms, interstellar Adrian Belew guitar-work, and P-Funk grooves courtesy of Bernie Worrell. Once in a lifetime, indeed. words/ t wilcox
THE CATHERINE WHEEL
David Byrne ::
The Catherine Wheel, ’81
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| Twyla Tharp and David Byrne |
Frequently omitted from contemporary conversation surrounding Brian Eno and David Byrne’s creative bursts around Remain In Light, and My Life In The Bush of Ghosts, is the 1981 score commissioned by Twyla Tharp for her dance project, The Catherine Wheel. While credited to Byrne, Eno’s fingerprints are obvious throughout, both explicitly and subliminally. In Talking Heads lore, the set is notable for its inclusion of nascent renderings of “Big Business” and “What a Day That Was”; both of which feature prominently in Jonathan Demme’s 1984 concert film, Stop Making Sense.
Like Remain In Light and Bush of Ghosts, the score finds Byrne riding a similar aesthetic groove; one of sonic experimentation, mining funk, African poly-rhythms, scattershot processed vocals, and the avant-garde — all underscored by a sense of urgency and propulsion. And then there are the players. On deck, assists from Bernie Worrell, Adrian Belew, Yogi Horton, Brian Eno, Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison, and a half a dozen others aid Byrne in his sonic realization of Tharp’s vision.
Originally released on LP (in what now feels like an abridged version), an extended issue of The Catherine Wheel was later released on CD and cassette, complete with an additional dozen tracks. For those curious, the latter is an essential listen, providing a much more comprehensive representation of Byrne’s aspirations, as well as how the score naturally aligns with the collaborative work he was doing with Eno.
ALSO . . . . . .
t wilcox says:
Stop Making Sense may have the Big Suit, but if you’re looking for the pinnacle of live Talking Heads footage, I’d point you in the direction of this unbelievable show from Rome, 1980. Completing the Heads’ journey from minimalist to maximalist, it features the expanded, ten-piece lineup blazing through tunes from the just-released masterwork Remain In Light, as well as dynamically re-inventing choice selections from the back catalogue. They still sound like the band of the future more than 30 years later, with careening polyrhythms, interstellar Adrian Belew guitar-work, and P-Funk grooves courtesy of Bernie Worrell. Once in a lifetime, indeed. words/ t wilcox
BOB DYLAN
"Pretty Saro"
. . . . .so one of the last video/audio songs I enjoyed is this song that is credited as being an "English folk song" which Bob sang about 6 times or so but it wasn't until the Bootleg series we heard an official version
Here is a favourite haunting love song 'Pretty Saro' . . . . . love this. reflects my mood this morning here on a damp Saturday morning
Friday, January 25, 2019
"Let's stay curious, let's stay strange, let’s stray"
I haven't posted any Emily Barker for a while and she is touring the UK again and working with the wondrous Marry Waterson
A combination made in . . . well wherever and what a fine fine song this is . . . can't wait to hear more
Waterson is the daughter of Lal Waterson and George Knight and shows up regularly as part of the Waterson-Carthy clan
Download or stream here
https://marry-waterson.lnk.to/Twister
Marry Waterson web
Emily on Facebook here
Emily Barker site here . . . .
"I love the fact that human genomes can be found in only about 10 percent of all the cells that occupy the mundane space I call my body; the other 90 percent are filled with the genomes of bacteria, fungi, protisis, and such, some of which play in a symphony necessary to my being alive at all, and some of which are hitching a ride and doing the rest of me, of us, no harm. I am vastly outnumbered by my tiny companions."
Donna Haraway, When Species Meet
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| Demodex may have been spread by pets but we all have many of these on our faces |
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| Hair Follicle mite |
DALI and MAN RAY
Salvador Dalí and Man Ray in Paris, on June 16, 1934 making “wild eyes” for photographer Carl Van Vechten(…) When Moreau’s liberal teaching methods were later praised by his more radical students, such as Matisse, Breton chastised their inability to see him also as “a great visionary and magician.” The issue of “vision” was taken in a primal sense in Surrealism, since only the “wild eye” of the visionary could see into the abyss. Indeed, one of Breton’s central criteria for painting was that it be a “way of thought directed entirely toward the inner life.” This was a thin paraphrase of Moreau’s own statement about art. Yet interiority had to reveal itself in nonliteral ways. Many artists who apparently painted internal fantasies, such as Swiss painter Arnold Bocklin(1827-1901), were provocative but finally too direct, too literary in their symbols. (…)
Thursday, January 24, 2019
SONNY BOY WILLAMSON
I really must remember to cross refer sites that send me clips on Facebook and post them here as we are missing (who the HELL are you talking to? - ED) a whole gamut of fine fine musicOne recently celebrating the toothsome harp master hisself, Sonny Boy Williamson, who I adored as a youngster of 13 or so and tried to play the harmonica because of him ( I failed!) is as below recorded in the tv studio and displaying Sonny's skills including his ability to play the harmonica without using any hands ( I kid you not!) 'Bye Bye Bird' watch it to the end I swear you will enjoy this and if you don't someone's removed your boogie bone
Enjoy!
B ★ O ★ W ★ I ★ E
Nearly missed this one and 'Station to Station' fascinated me when it came out and we were all in the same place . . . . . . . somehow
we will continue to miss him . . . . . . . .
On this day in music history: January 23, 1976 - “Station To Station” (or “StationToStation”), the tenth studio album by David Bowie is released. Produced by David Bowie and Harry Maslin, it is recorded at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, CA from October - November 1975. Following the major critical and commercial success of the album “Young Americans”, David Bowie plays the lead role in the film “The Man Who Fell To Earth”, directed by Nicolas Roeg (“Performance”). After filming wraps, Bowie returns to the studio to begin work on a new album. Having explored soul music on “Young Americans”, Bowie continues his “Thin White Duke” phase. He also becomes intrigued by German electronic bands such as Kraftwerk and Neu!, incorporating those musical stylings into the work in progress. The musical shift foreshadows the singers’ exodus from the US later in 1976 for Switzerland and Berlin, Germany. Bowie is also at the apex of his cocaine dependency at the time of the recording sessions. He later admits to not being able recall much of the work done, during the ten days it takes to record the album in his drug fueled haze. In spite of this, the sessions produce one of his most accessible and successful works, and marks another important transition in the chameleon like musicians’ career. It spins off two singles including “Golden Years” (#10 Pop) and “TVC 15” (#64 Pop). Shortly before its release, Bowie makes a now legendary appearance on the syndicated music show Soul Train performing “Golden Years” and “Fame”, airing on January 3, 1976. The album is remastered and reissued on CD and as a 180 gram vinyl LP as part of the box set “David Bowie: Who Can I Be Now? (1974 - 1976)”. “Station To Station” peaks at number three on the Billboard Top 200, and is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
" . . . . . . run for the shadows, run for the shadows . . . . . . . . . .
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
RY COODER
"Get Your Lies Straight"
Now over on a group page on Facebook we had been talking about singles and this came up as the 'B' side to one of my all time favourite Johnny Cash covers in Ry's cover of 'Get Rhythm' and it is "Get Your Lies Straight" here and we wondered why Ry didn't include it on the album. Someone posted out the wonderful force of nature that is Terry Evans who had recorded it on an earlier (sic) album and maybe Ry thought he wanted to put it on a single but didn't want to take away anything from Terry's version. That doesn't quite work from what you can see below but both are worthy of our attention. I don't know why it was left off Get Rhythm but I am happy too look at both versions here. Noting that I like Terry's mention of the subject of lying for a living in politicians which seemed apposite . . . better get your lies straight1987
from the album 'Blues For Thought' - Terry Evans 1994
COVER ME!
Number one from Cover Me best of last year was this . . . . . . .
1. John Prine ft. The Secret Sisters – I Just Called to Say I Love You (Stevie Wonder cover)
What John Prine did to “I Just Called To Say I Love You” is amazing. He didn’t just remake it; he had to crack through both the tremendously thick crust of schmaltz around the song and the long-stewing resentment against the song. In Prine’s hands, it’s not a joke anymore; it actually means something. I went into listening to his performance with a healthy dose of cynicism; I came out with my cynicism destroyed, replaced by a sense of wonder. If, like me, you don’t think you want to hear it at first on account of all that you associate with it, I’m asking you to give it the chance it deserves. It may be the only cover I’ve ever heard that has the power to make you a better person. – Patrick Robbins
Malcolm McLaren
"Better a spectacular failure, than a benign success"
Yesterday would have been his 73rd birthday and not content with starting a fashion boutique (Sex with the now legendary Vivienne Westwood), not content launching the Sex Pistols on us and not content in marrying supermodel Lauren Hutton (sic?!) he recorded his own music too sometimes with Bootsy or Catherine Deneuve, Francoise Hardy and Willie Ninja. . . . . . . . we miss you. In the tradition of the super eccentric Brit entrepreneur and art iconoclast Mr McLaren we salute you
Born on this day: January 22, 1946 - Musician, impresario, visual artist and designer Malcolm McLaren (born Malcolm Robert Andrew McLaren in Stoke Newington, London, UK).
Happy Birthday to this thoroughly unique and visionary renaissance man!!
McLaren died in 2010 from stomach cancer
Bough this one when it came out (and a 12" too!) from his ground-breaking album Duck Rock.
Turn it up!
Hip Hop Puccini anyone!?
Produced by Trevor Horn, featuring Mahotella Queens.
Ever the opportunist and inveterate band wagon jumper, McLaren 'exploited' the craze for African sounds specifically the SOWETO sound and the film by Ian Gabriel was never really finished
Paris Paris
Malcolm chose this for his funeral, the tragi-comic Sid Vicious 'My Way'
. . . . . and yes, I DID buy this single when it came out!
"For me Malc was always entertaining, and I hope you remember that. Above all else he was an entertainer and I will miss him, and so should you,"
John Lydon said in a statement as 'Johnny Rotten'.
Monday, January 21, 2019
Time for some more Chrissie!
On this day in music history: January 21, 1984 - “Learning To Crawl”, the third album by The Pretenders is released. Produced by Chris Thomas, it is recorded at AIR Studios in London from July 1982 - October 1983. Following the release of The Pretenders second full length album “Pretenders II”, the band begin to experience problems when lead guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and bassist Pete Farndon are both struggling with substance abuse problems. Things come to a head when Farndon is fired from the band on June 14, 1982. Two days later June 16, 1982, James Honeyman-Scott dies suddenly of a drug overdose. Then ten months later on April 14, 1983, Pete Farndon also succumbs, having overdosed on heroin and drowned in his bathtub after taking the fatal dose. In spite of these tragedies, bandleader and lead vocalist Chrissie Hynde and drummer Martin Chambers continue, with Rockpile guitarist Billy Bremner, Big Country bassist Tony Butler and bassist Andrew Bodnar (Graham Parker & Rumour) filling in until permanent replacements can be found. In the interim, they record the tracks “Back On The Chain Gang” (#5 Pop), “My City Was Gone” (#11 Mainstream Rock), and a cover of The Persuaders soul classic “Thin Line Between Love And Hate” (#83 Pop). The first two tracks are released as a stand alone single in late 1982, with “Chain Gang” also being featured in the Martin Scorsese film “The King Of Comedy”. When recording on the bands’ third album resumes, guitarist Robbie McIntosh and bassist Malcolm Foster are recruited to fill out the line up. The albums’ title is inspired by Hynde’s then infant daughter Natalie who was “learning to crawl” during the recording sessions. It spins off a total of four singles including “Middle Of The Road” (#19 Pop) and “Show Me” (#28 Pop). In 2007, the album is remastered and reissued on CD, featuring seven additional bonus tracks. In 2012, Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab issues the title as a limited edition, individually numbered hybrid SACD and 180 gram LP. In 2015, UK reissue label Edsel Records releases a two CD + DVD Deluxe Edition. The first disc features the original ten track album, with the second including B-sides, live tracks and demos. The DVD features all of the original music videos made for the singles, plus two TV performances of “2000 Miles”. Demon also releases the album as a 180 gram vinyl LP"Learning To Crawl" peaks at number five on the Billboard Top 200, and is certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.
This will do for a Monday!
I have mentioned the compilation album 'This Is Soul!' over and over and bought the album in 1968 and bot did it do the trick. Heart of this was undoubtedly this gentleman!
I have mentioned the compilation album 'This Is Soul!' over and over and bought the album in 1968 and bot did it do the trick. Heart of this was undoubtedly this gentleman!
On this day in music history: January 20, 1967 - “Sweet Soul Music” by Arthur Conley is recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. Written by Otis Redding and Arthur Conley, it is the debut single and biggest hit for the R&B singer from Hinesfield, GA. Conley is discovered by Soul legend Otis Redding who takes the singer under his wing and releases one single on Conley on his own Jotis Records label in 1965, before helping him secure a recording contract with Atlantic Records’ Atco subsidiary in late 1966. The pair write Conley’s first hit, taking its inspiration from the Sam Cooke song “Yeah Man” and name checking several R&B contemporaries including Lou Rawls, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, James Brown and Redding himself. Released in February of 1967, “Sweet Soul Music” quickly climbs both the R&B and pop singles charts peaking #2 on both charts in May of 1967. “Sweet Soul Music” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
Do you like good music
That sweet soul music
Just as long as it's swingin'
Oh yeah, oh yeah
That sweet soul music
Just as long as it's swingin'
Oh yeah, oh yeah
We are here on the floor now
We're going to a go go
Dancin' to the music
Oh yeah, oh yeah
We're going to a go go
Dancin' to the music
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Spotlight on Lou Rawls, y'all
Ah don't he look tall, y'all
Singin' loves a hurtin' thing, y'all
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Ah don't he look tall, y'all
Singin' loves a hurtin' thing, y'all
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Spotlight on Sam and Dave y'all
Ah don't they look boss(?) y'all
Singin' hold on I'm comin'
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Ah don't they look boss(?) y'all
Singin' hold on I'm comin'
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Spotlight on Wilson Pickett now
That wicked picket Pickett
Singin Mustang Sally
Oh yeah, oh yeah
That wicked picket Pickett
Singin Mustang Sally
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Spotlight on Otis Redding now
Singing fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Singing fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Spotlight on James Brown, y'all
He's the king of them all, y'all
He's the king of them all, y'all
Oh yeah, oh yeah
He's the king of them all, y'all
He's the king of them all, y'all
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Songwriters: Arthur Lee Conley / Otis Redding / Sam Cooke
Alongside Tommy James and the Shondells' Mony Mony', the Archies 'Sugar Sugar', 1910 Fruitgum Company 'Simon Says', Union Gap 'Young Girl' [very dodgy now!] Joe Cocker's 'With A Little Help From My Friends', The Equals 'Baby Come Back', Jose Feliciano 'Light My Fire' before hearing the Doors', Macca's little brother's The Scaffold 'Lily The Pink' and The Small Faces 'Lazy Sunday' The Beatles 'Hey Jude' and Lady Madonna' which some guy could already play on the piano (I was SO jealous!) these were all the sounds when we were on a cruise with my school to the Mediterranean- who in their right minds would send a bunch of school children to Northern Africa, Tangier, Morroco etc but we enjoyed the charts even so. Not forgetting this little classic! Seems they don't search schoolchildren coming back from abroad in those days. We discovered the casbah, mysterious gentlemen who could whisper the word hasheesh without opening their teeth and served mahjoun in the local bars to teenagers who would optimistically ask for beers!
see above and maybe just maybe it was a good idea we didn't SEE these guys!
dig that hair!?
the disco played this A LOT!
The Girls liked this one and danced endlessly to this . . . . . . . .
I concentrated her on the Americana that was played at the disco on the cruise seemingly forever and whilst I preferred the UK homegrown sounds this boys had a novelty that only American bring
On this day in music history: January 20, 1968 - “Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)” by John Fred & His Playboy Band hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks. Written and produced by John Fred Gourrier and Andrew Bernard, it is the biggest hit for the the pop band from Baton Rouge, LA. The son of Detroit Tigers third baseman John Fred Gourrier, Sr., John Fred forms John Fred & The Playboy Band in 1956 when he is only fifteen years old. After attending college at Louisiana State University from 1960 to 1964, John Fred reforms the band after graduating. Gourrier changes the name to John Fred & His Playboy Band in 1967 to avoid confusion with Gary Lewis & The Playboys. In June of 1967, John Fred hears The Beatles “Lucy In Sky With Diamonds” on the radio for the first time. He mishears the lyric, thinking that John Lennon is singing “Lucy in disguise with diamonds”. That inspires him along with songwriting partner Andrew Bernard to write a song initially called “Beverly In Disguise (With Diamonds)”. They change the girl’s name to “Judy” when both realize that it flows better. The songs’ lyric about “cross your heart, with your living bra” makes a cheeky reference to the famous television commercials advertising Playtex Living Bras which make their debut around that time. The band cut the track at Robin Hood Studios in Tyler, TX in the Fall of 1967. Entering the Hot 100 at #99 on November 25, 1967, it climbs to the top of the chart eight weeks later, ironically unseating The Beatles’ “Hello Goodbye” from the number one spot. Though “Judy In Disguise” is their only hit, the song has enduring popularity being covered numerous times, with the original recording being a staple on oldies radio. John Fred Gourrier dies from complications from surgery after a kidney transplant on April 15, 2005, at the age of 63. “Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
dig that hair!?
the disco played this A LOT!
The Girls liked this one and danced endlessly to this . . . . . . . .
I concentrated her on the Americana that was played at the disco on the cruise seemingly forever and whilst I preferred the UK homegrown sounds this boys had a novelty that only American bring
FOOLS!
A classic pop song of all time and lately a favourite of Aretha's of mine which I came to latterly somehow . . . . . I have a penchant for songs and indeed artwork (see below) that emphasis the human condition of pathos and foolishness is general, Ship of Fools (The Doors), Idiot Wind (Bob Dylan) etc etc My spirit creature would be by choice the Tarot card of The Fool and I was always a fan of the sixties designer Simon and Marijke 'The Fool'
I also got told off so frequently at school and elsewhere for 'playing the fool' so why not!
On this day in music history: January 20, 1968 - “Chain Of Fools” by Aretha Franklin hits #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart for 4 weeks, also peaking at #2 for 2 weeks on the same date. Written by Don Covay, is the fourth R&B chart topper for the “Queen Of Soul”. “Chain Of Fools” is originally written for Otis Redding when producer Jerry Wexler asks Covay to write something for Redding. Upon hearing Covay’s demo, Wexler decided that it would be better suited for Aretha Franklin, rather than Otis. Franklin records her version on June 23, 1967 at Atlantic Studios in New York City with members of the Muscle Shoals rhythm section, sax player King Curtis, and background vocals by Aretha’s sisters Erma and Carolyn Franklin, The Sweet Inspirations and songwriter Ellie Greenwich. The track also features guitarist Joe South who adds the songs’ memorable opening guitar riffs to the intro after the initial recording is completed. In its original form, “Chain Of Fools” runs nearly four and a half minutes, then considered far too long to be released as a single. Engineer Tom Dowd skillfully edits and remixes the song down to a more radio friendly length, even moving the verses and choruses around, to give them a tighter structure than the way they were originally recorded. Released in late November of 1967, the song is an instant smash. “Chain” is Franklin’s fourth single to top the R&B singles chart in just ten months. The full unedited version makes its album debut on the quadrophonic stereo release of “The Best Of Aretha Franklin” in 1973, and on the remastered CD of “Lady Soul” in 1995. Following Franklin’s hit version, “Chain Of Fools” is covered numerous times over the years. Versions of the song are recorded by Herbie Mann, Clint Black & The Pointer Sisters, Eva Cassidy, and Fantasia Barrio. The song is covered in the Alan Parker directed film “The Commitments”, and is sung by actress Maryam Hassan in “School Of Rock”. “Chain Of Fools” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
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| Bosch - Ship Of Fools |
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| Ship of Fools |
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