Putting a cap on 1962.
20 - "Wolverton Mountain," Claude King
Louisianan King had 20 Top 40 country hits, and his only #1 on that chart was also his one major pop hit. It's the tale of a man who is determined to marry a woman whose (lips are sweeter than honey) who lives on a mountain with her father. Unfortunately, that father, a man named Clifton Clowers, is "handy with a gun and a knife," and he knows when a stranger is approaching his property because "the bears and the birds" tell him. In spite of this, the song's narrator is determined to climb that mountain and risk his life for love. Interestingly enough, there was a real Clifton Clowers who lived on a mountain in Arkansas, and his nephew co-wrote this song with King to immortalize him. I'm not sure if he had a daughter, or how he parented her if he did. But I do know that Claude King just passed away in March at the age of 90. R.I.P., you romantic mountaineer you.
19 - "Don't Play That Song (You Lied) Ben E. King
The ex-Drifter picked up another of his early-60s hits with this soulful plea for someone to stop playing the tune that reminds him of an ex-lovers deception. The arrangement is somewhat similar to "Stand By Me," but that doesn't detract from it. Aretha Franklin did a cover of this that we encountered in 1970. I'm not going to choose between the two versions.
18 - "Sharing You," Bobby Vee
Born Robert Velline in Fargo, North Dakota, Vee was only 15 when he and a band he quickly cobbled together were asked to fill in for Buddy Holly at the show in Minnesota that he, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper were flying to when their plane crashed. After getting a good reception at that show, Vee got a record deal, and soon afterward began a run of hits that peaked with the 1961 #1 "Take Good Care of My Baby." On this song, Vee gives a typically teen idolly performance on a song about how he's with a girl he knows is two-timing him, but he just can't let her go. It's okay, but there are other songs of his that I know that are better. "Rubber Ball," for instance.
17 - "A Steel Guitar and a Glass of Wine," Paul Anka
The Anka-Man was nearing the end of his first run of hits when he charted with this song about that time-honored method of getting over heartbreak: drinking alcohol and listening to sad music. This was better than I expected. The arrangement was pretty peppy, but I still felt the pain. Good stuff.
16 - "Roses are Red (My Love)," Bobby Vinton
The son of a Pittsburgh bandleader, Vinton signed a record deal in 1960 after completing a stint in the army. But his early records didn't sell, and the label was close to dropping him when he recorded a song he found on the company's reject pile about a guy's unsuccessful attempts to win a girl with a version of a cliched poem that apparently dates back to the 16th Century. He took the promotion of the single into his own hands by arranging for the record to be delivered, along with a dozen roses, to hundreds of radio disc jockeys. The result was a song that topped the charts for four weeks and launched The Polish Prince's career. It's not the greatest song, but Bobby sells it, particularly the melancholy on the last verse when he meets his old loves young daughter and tells her mother that boys will be writing love poems in her yearbook someday. Sentimental, but just shy of sappy.
15 - "Follow That Dream," Elvis Presley
And here we start getting into the heart of Elvis' Hollywood period, when he was starring in two to three movies a year and most of his recordings were soundtracks to those films. This fun, short rockabilly shuffle about positivity came from a movie where Elvis fights for his family's right to squat on a piece of land near a highway. Yeah, doesn't sound great to me either. Haven't seen it, don't plan to. But the song's all right.
14 - "Lovers Who Wander," Dion
Bronx native Dion DiMucci first found stardom in the 50s with the doo-wop group The Belmonts, then had even more success after going solo in 1961. He'd go to #1 with "Runaround Sue," and picked up seven more Top Tens, including this song that sounds a lot like that record. Lyrically, this is more along the lines of "Heartbreak Hotel," except the place Dion ends up seems a lot happier. Okay, but you're better off just listening to "Runaround Sue."
13 - "The One Who Really Loves You," Mary Wells
In June of 1961, Wells became the first female solo singer on Motown Records to hit the Pop Top 40 with a song called "I Don't Want to Take a Chance." A year later, she scored her first Top Ten with this single, a calypso-flavored warning to a man not to pay attention to other girls (whom she mentions by name as Susie, Jenny, Millie, and "Silly Lilly"), who are "filling (his) head with jive," and focus all his attention on her, the one who truly cares for him. Honestly, I don't really know any other of Wells' hits besides "My Guy," but this makes me feel like her other songs would be well worth investigating.
12 - "Al Di La," Emilio Pericoli
Italian singer Pericoli had his only American hit with this romantic ballad in his native language, whose title translates to "Beyond." It became popular in America after Pericoli performed it in a movie called Rome Adventure. Nothing special to these ears, but the guy seems like a good singer.
11 - "Snap Your Fingers," Joe Henderson
Henderson, from Gary, Indiana (a town that would become famous in the music world a few years later for a certain family act), had mainly recorded gospel music before hitting the pop Top Ten with this slow groover on which he pledges that he will be there for the woman he loves whenever she gives him the slightest indication that he's welcome. Henderson's voice is deep, cool and smooth, and the jazzy arrangement is a winner. Sadly, he'd only have a couple more minor hits before dying of a heart attack at the very young age of 27. I could have used a few more decades of that voice.
It's a bird, it's a plane, no, it's the Top Ten.
10 - " Second Hand Love," Connie Francis
Connie's penultimate pop Top Ten was this country ballad about how she's not the preferred choice of her beloved. More crying material, heartbrokenly delivered. At least she got happier on her final Top Ten, "V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N."
9 - "That's Old Fashioned (That's the Way Love Should Be)," The Everly Brothers
Phil and Don's final Top Ten about romancing a girl in a more traditional way "in a modern changing world." This inclueds holding hands at the movies, carving initials in a tree, and sipping ice cream sodas while listening to the jukebox. Old-fashioned, yes, but the usual snappy harmonies and catchy melody from the boys. Dig it.
8 - "Cindy's Birthday," Johnny Crawford
L.A. kid Crawford's showbiz career began in 1955, at the age of 9, when he was the one of the original Mouseketeers on TV's Mickey Mouse Club. Three years later, after being downsized, he moved into the role of Chuck Connors' son on the Western series The Rifleman. Late in that show's run, he began a recording career that spawned four hits, the biggest of which being the first, this teenybopper story about how he has no time for TV, dancing, or even school, because he's busy writing a song for this Cindy on her special day. If you want to imagine what a Justin Bieber song would sound like if he were around 50 years ago, take a listen to this.
7 - "Playboy," The Marvelettes
Six months after giving Motown its first pop #1 with "Please Mr. Postman," these ladies had their second Top Ten with this number about "Runaround Sue"'s male equivalent. There's a cool rasp to singer Gladys Horton's voice on this. A forgotten Motown gem.
6 - "(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance," Gene Pitney
Connecticut native Pitney scored his first Top Ten with this tale of a timid, bookish sort who bests a notorious outlaw in a gunfight. It was inspired by, but not used in, a hit Western that starred John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, and Lee Marvin. Pitney uses his voice to convey the drama expertly, and I like the violin parts that I can only describe as "Country and Middle Eastern." A clear classic.
5 - "Stranger On the Shore," Mr. Acker Bilk
Born in 1929 with the given name Bernard, Bilk had worked in a cigarette factory, served with the British military in the Middle East, and became a blacksmith before he began to start having success playing the clarinet. In 1961, he wrote and recorded an instrumental called "Jenny," named after his newborn daughter, but after it was retitled and used as the theme for a BBC TV show, it became a massive U.K. hit, and eventually crossed the Atlantic to become the first U.S. charttopper by a British artist in ten years. It's a sleepy tune, evocative of lazy summer nights. I'm sure you've all heard it somewhere sometime. It just...exists. And as you may know, it would take much less than ten years for Britain to have their next American #1.
4 - "It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'," Johnny Tillotson
Tillotson, a Floridian who had broken through the previous year with the #2 hit "Poetry in Motion," turned the rare trick of cracking the Top Ten on the pop, country and R&B charts with the same record, this self-penned account of heartbreak. A good weepie, but one that would probably be more effective in the hands of a better singer.
3 - "Palisades Park," Freddy Cannon
Frederick Picarello, Jr. of Lynn, Massachussetts, made his first minor impression on the charts at age 17 when he played guitar on the 1956 #24 pop hit "Ka-Ding-Dong" by The G-Clefs. Three years later, he scored two Top Tens of his own with "Tallahassie Lassie" and "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans." He releases several singles after that, but he wouldn't return to the Top Ten for another three years, when he hit it big again with this song whose sound and lyrics are evocative of an old-school amusement park, what with references to Ferris wheels and Tunnels of Love, as well as a rollercoaster sound effect and an organ riff that brings to mind a stroll through the midway. A cool little oldie, written by none other than game show mastermind/alleged CIA assassin Chuck Barris. I would never dream of gonging this.
2 - "The Stripper," David Rose and His Orchestra
London-born, Chicago-raised composer and bandleader Rose wrote music for radio and television for many years, and had brief marriages to actresses Martha Raye and Judy Garland. But he's probably best known for this instrumental that has accompanied many a bump-and-grind routine since an MGM Records office boy found it among a bunch of unreleased Rose tapes and decided to use it as the B-side for a son called "Ebb Tide." As sometimes happens, the B-side became the hit, and it went to #1. It's a sultry, almost seedy jazz number, and one could certainly picture imagining women removing clothing to its strains even without knowing the title. It's become ingrained in pop culture, but still, the fact that a song with that title was so big back then amazes me, which is why I'm giving it this week's Uneasy Rider.
And the toppermost of the poppermost 51 years ago was...
1 - "I Can't Stop Loving You," Ray Charles
The late legend had his final pop Number One with this cover of a 1958 Don Gibson hit, taken from Ray's smash LP Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. His amazing, heartbreaking performance bridged the gap between C&W and R&B, and considering the tone of the times, this made a statement, intentional or not. The blues are universal, and great music is great music.
Three down, seven to go. See you next time in 1963.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Sunday, June 16, 2013
June 23, 1962 Part One
So here we are in June of 1962. During this month, Brazil won the World Cup, the French Foreign Legion left Algeria, and what may have been the only successful escape in the history of the Alcatraz Federal Penetentiary took place (the three men escaped the prison building and then left the island on a makeshift raft, but it is unclear whether or not they successfully crossed San Franciso Bay to the mainland). But if those guys did survive and eventually acquired a radio, these are the songs they may have heard.
40 - "Mashed Potato Time," Dee Dee Sharp
This Philadelphian, born Dione LaRue, scored a handful of hits in the early 60s, all relating to dance crazes like the one named after a popular tuber-based side dish. On this fun soul number, Sharp claims that the step was invented by "a guy named Sloppy Joe," and suggests three songs suitable for doing it to: The Tokens' "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," The Marvelettes "Please Mr. Postman," and Gary U.S. Bonds' "Dear Lady Twist." And no, I've never tried to do this dance. Can't rule out doing so someday, though.
39 - "Bristol Twistin' Annie," The Dovells
More Philly dancing, this from a group that had scored a hit the previous song about a dance popular in a certain City of Brotherly Love suburb, the "Bristol Stomp." On their third Top 40 hit, they return to Bristol to tell the tale of Annie, who despite having "the shape of Rin Tin Tin," "a face like my Uncle Ben," "hips like Big Bad John," and "legs like Short Sad Sam," is quite a popular girl when she's doing The Twist. An odd little token of the time.
38 - "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman," The BlueBelles (The Starlets)
The credit on this song may be confusing, but there's a reason. See, there was a Chicago girl group called The Starlets, and in 1961, they recorded a song for a local label called "Better Tell Him No." Later that year, after the group performed a show in Philadelphia, the owner of a label there gave them the chance to record a couple of songs, including this R&B metaphor for giving up on romance. "Better Tell Him No," eventually cracked the Top 40 for the Chicago label, so when the Philadelphia label wanted to release their own Starlets recordings, they decided the safest course of action would be to credit it to one of their own groups, The BlueBelles. So the BlueBelles were credited with the hit, which reached #15. In the two years that followed, the group performed on two minor Top 40 hits, but they would have their biggest hit in 1975 with a little song called "Lady Marmalade" under the name Labelle. Another strange pop story.
37 - "The Crowd," Roy Orbison
The golden-throated Texan had one of his lower-charting, but certainly not lesser, hits with another mini pop-opera about how hanging out with his social peers just isn't the same when one particular special someone isn't among them. The man knew how to give voice to heartbroken longing.
36 - "Where Are You," Dinah Washington
Born Ruth Lee Jones in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Washington scored numerous R&B hits throughout the 40s and 50s, and began her best run on the pop charts with the 1959 Top Ten "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes." Her entry here is a version of a song from a 1937 movie musical called Top of The Town. It's not much of a song, but Dinah's cool, jazzy take elevates it. Sadly, it would be her last Top 40, as she would die of a drug overdose in 1963, at age 39.
35 - "Twistin' Matilda," Jimmy Soul
Soul, born James McCleese, had his first hit with this song that isn't some sort of dance-craze take on a certain Australian folk song, but rather a R&B number about how the title lady stole all his money and moved to Las Vegas. There's a bit of a Carribbean flavor to both the arrangement and Soul's vocals, and that would come more to the fore on his next hit, the #1 smash "If You Wanna Be Happy." After that, however, he failed to follow up with more hits, and frustrated by this, he joined the Army. And no, I have no idea if he ever married, and I'm not even going to speculate on his hypothetical wife's appearance.
34 - "Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes)" Dee Dee Sharp
Sharp managed to score two hits singing about the same dance. On this one, she tells her dancing partner that she wants more from their relationship than just having fun on the floor. Romance, apparently, is the "gravy" that will bond them as a couple. It shouldn't make sense, but it does. But even if it didn't, who cares?
33 - "Theme from Dr. Kildare (Three Stars Will Shine Tonight)," Richard Chamberlain
In the early 60s, there were not one but two popular TV series about young, idealistic medical professionals. One of them was Dr. Kildare, whose title character was played by Chamberlain, whose good looks made him somewhat of a teen idol. And as he could sing, he was given the chance to record this ballad about wishing for love, which not coincedentally was set to the tune of the theme to his TV show. Chamberlain sings all right, but it's just bland, square pop. He would have only one other Top 40 hit, a cover of "Love Me Tender." I am genuinely afraid to hear that one. I'll skip it.
32 - "Soldier Boy," The Shirelles
The second and last #1 for these ladies was this pledge of fidelity to a young military man, no matter how long he's shipped out for. Simple theme, executed perfectly. And love that twangy guitar solo.
31 - "I'll Never Dance Again," Bobby Rydell
More Philadelphia representation, this time from Rydell, showing up here for the third year in a row with this vaguely tango-ish declaration not to cut a rug with anyone but his beloved. Decent enough teen heartthrob fodder.
30 - "The Wah-Watusi," The Orlons
Guess where this three-woman, one-man vocal combo hailed from? Why Philadelphia, of course. And guess what this song's about? You'd never believe it, but it's about a dance craze that's "made for romance" and is superior to The Twist, The Fly, and The Mashed Potato. John Travolta and Uma Thurman did it to Chuck Berry's "You Never Can Tell." This song's all right too. But clearly, there are some recurring themes this week.
29 - "Having a Party," Sam Cooke
The Mississippi-born, Chicago-raised soul legend broke through in 1957 with the #1 "You Send Me." He never topped the pop chart after that, but he did pick up 28 more Top 40s. including this celebration of a bash that featured Coke, popcorn, and dancing to good tunes on the radio. 51 years in the future, Sam made me want to join him at this party, which is more than I can say for that cover version Rod Stewart did. Another gem from a true icon who would unfortunately be shot to death two years later.
28 - "Theme from Ben Casey," Valjean
Besides Dr. Kildare, the other big prime time hospital drama in 1962 followed the exploits of a heroic young surgeon. Unlike Richard Chamberlain, however, series star Vince Edwards' singing career didn't amount to anything (though he did try), so the only hit associated with the show was an instrumental version of the theme performed by Oklahoma pianist Valjean Johns (his real name, apparently). And in case you were wondering, Edwards and Chamberlain didn't like each other, and apparently had a nasty confrontation in New York's Central Park in 1964. I think that's kind of cool, really. And in the fight between singles spawned by their shows, Chamberlain's may have charted higher, but I like this one better.
27 - "So This is Love," The Castells
The second of two mid-level Top 40 hits by this California vocal quartet was this square-ass love song. They sound like a tamer version of The Association, and as you may know, I quite dislike The Association. This must be the kind of record America's teenagers quickly put on the turntable to replace a more "objectionable" song just as their parents were coming home from bridge club or wherever parents went back then.
26 - "Johnny Get Angry," Joanie Sommers
Buffalo-born Sommers was mainly known as a singer of jazzy pop standards, but her only major Top 40 single was this teen-friendly trifle on which she laments that her boyfriend doesn't go crazy with rage when she pretends to break up with him or dances with other boys. She'd rather that he acted like "a cave man" and "let (her) know that you're the boss." Some pretty unenlightened sexual politics going on there, but as anyone whose watched Mad Men knows, those were still in full force at the time. And for some reason, there's what sounds like a kazoo solo on this. Okay, but probably best forgotten.
25 - "Teach Me Tonight," George Maharis
When I saw the name, I thought this was the guy who played the leader of the Sharks in the movie of West Side Story. But I came to learn that that was George Chakiris. This is a different actor of Greek ancestry, one who was best known for his role as Buz on the TV show Route 66. At the height of his popularity, he scored his only hit with this cover of a jazz-pop standard that's been recorded dozens of times since it was published in 1953. Maharis does okay with this tune that compares a lovers' rendezvous to a session between a student an a teacher. He's hardly Sinatra, but he's fine. Probably in the low middle of the pack of all the versions ever put to tape.
24 - "I Love You," The Volumes
The only hit for this Detroit vocal group was this nice bit of romantic doo-wop. It definitely sounds like one of the records that influenced The Four Seasons. The lead singer's falsetto on this could be what Frankie Valli aspired to.
23 - "Any Day Now (My Wild Beautiful Bird)," Chuck Jackson
Pittsburgh-based soul singer Jackson accumulated 14 R&B Top 40s between 1961 and 1975, but only two cracked the pop equivalent. The most successful of the pair was this Burt Bacharach-cowritten ballad about knowing the end of a relationship is near. During my 80s run, we encountered the cover version Ronnie Milsap took to #14 twenty years after this. Ronnie did fine, but the original tops it for genuine, sincere evocation of heartbreak. Great stuff.
22 - "Village of Love," Nathaniel Mayer and The Fabulous Twilights
Detroit's Mayer was 18 when he picked up his only Top 40 hit with this wailing soul invitation for a lover to accompany him to the title burg, which is apparently located in Arkansas. I couldn't find any information about who the Fabulous Twilights were, but I do know that in the 2000s, Mayer had a bit of a career revival, and he had cultivated a new generation of fans until he was unfortunately felled by a series of strokes that led to his death in 2008.
21 - "Walk on the Wild Side ," Jimmy Smith and The Big Band
Smith, a jazz organist from the Philadelphia area (appropriately enough to end this entry), had his only Top 40 hit on this instrumental recording (with a band led by saxophonist Oliver Nelson) of the title song from the film version of Nelson Algren's 1956 novel about the seedy side of New Orleans. The movie is notable for being one of Jane Fonda's first big-screen roles. The song, as performed by Smith and co., is quite interesting, starting off with jingling bells and then going into gritty, bluesy jazz. The kind of thing you put on when you want to feel cool in that swaggering, Rat Pack-ish way.
In Part Two: an extremely protective father, an unlikely gunfigher, and a tune meant to accompany the work of ecdysiasts.
40 - "Mashed Potato Time," Dee Dee Sharp
This Philadelphian, born Dione LaRue, scored a handful of hits in the early 60s, all relating to dance crazes like the one named after a popular tuber-based side dish. On this fun soul number, Sharp claims that the step was invented by "a guy named Sloppy Joe," and suggests three songs suitable for doing it to: The Tokens' "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," The Marvelettes "Please Mr. Postman," and Gary U.S. Bonds' "Dear Lady Twist." And no, I've never tried to do this dance. Can't rule out doing so someday, though.
39 - "Bristol Twistin' Annie," The Dovells
More Philly dancing, this from a group that had scored a hit the previous song about a dance popular in a certain City of Brotherly Love suburb, the "Bristol Stomp." On their third Top 40 hit, they return to Bristol to tell the tale of Annie, who despite having "the shape of Rin Tin Tin," "a face like my Uncle Ben," "hips like Big Bad John," and "legs like Short Sad Sam," is quite a popular girl when she's doing The Twist. An odd little token of the time.
38 - "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman," The BlueBelles (The Starlets)
The credit on this song may be confusing, but there's a reason. See, there was a Chicago girl group called The Starlets, and in 1961, they recorded a song for a local label called "Better Tell Him No." Later that year, after the group performed a show in Philadelphia, the owner of a label there gave them the chance to record a couple of songs, including this R&B metaphor for giving up on romance. "Better Tell Him No," eventually cracked the Top 40 for the Chicago label, so when the Philadelphia label wanted to release their own Starlets recordings, they decided the safest course of action would be to credit it to one of their own groups, The BlueBelles. So the BlueBelles were credited with the hit, which reached #15. In the two years that followed, the group performed on two minor Top 40 hits, but they would have their biggest hit in 1975 with a little song called "Lady Marmalade" under the name Labelle. Another strange pop story.
37 - "The Crowd," Roy Orbison
The golden-throated Texan had one of his lower-charting, but certainly not lesser, hits with another mini pop-opera about how hanging out with his social peers just isn't the same when one particular special someone isn't among them. The man knew how to give voice to heartbroken longing.
36 - "Where Are You," Dinah Washington
Born Ruth Lee Jones in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Washington scored numerous R&B hits throughout the 40s and 50s, and began her best run on the pop charts with the 1959 Top Ten "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes." Her entry here is a version of a song from a 1937 movie musical called Top of The Town. It's not much of a song, but Dinah's cool, jazzy take elevates it. Sadly, it would be her last Top 40, as she would die of a drug overdose in 1963, at age 39.
35 - "Twistin' Matilda," Jimmy Soul
Soul, born James McCleese, had his first hit with this song that isn't some sort of dance-craze take on a certain Australian folk song, but rather a R&B number about how the title lady stole all his money and moved to Las Vegas. There's a bit of a Carribbean flavor to both the arrangement and Soul's vocals, and that would come more to the fore on his next hit, the #1 smash "If You Wanna Be Happy." After that, however, he failed to follow up with more hits, and frustrated by this, he joined the Army. And no, I have no idea if he ever married, and I'm not even going to speculate on his hypothetical wife's appearance.
34 - "Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes)" Dee Dee Sharp
Sharp managed to score two hits singing about the same dance. On this one, she tells her dancing partner that she wants more from their relationship than just having fun on the floor. Romance, apparently, is the "gravy" that will bond them as a couple. It shouldn't make sense, but it does. But even if it didn't, who cares?
33 - "Theme from Dr. Kildare (Three Stars Will Shine Tonight)," Richard Chamberlain
In the early 60s, there were not one but two popular TV series about young, idealistic medical professionals. One of them was Dr. Kildare, whose title character was played by Chamberlain, whose good looks made him somewhat of a teen idol. And as he could sing, he was given the chance to record this ballad about wishing for love, which not coincedentally was set to the tune of the theme to his TV show. Chamberlain sings all right, but it's just bland, square pop. He would have only one other Top 40 hit, a cover of "Love Me Tender." I am genuinely afraid to hear that one. I'll skip it.
32 - "Soldier Boy," The Shirelles
The second and last #1 for these ladies was this pledge of fidelity to a young military man, no matter how long he's shipped out for. Simple theme, executed perfectly. And love that twangy guitar solo.
31 - "I'll Never Dance Again," Bobby Rydell
More Philadelphia representation, this time from Rydell, showing up here for the third year in a row with this vaguely tango-ish declaration not to cut a rug with anyone but his beloved. Decent enough teen heartthrob fodder.
30 - "The Wah-Watusi," The Orlons
Guess where this three-woman, one-man vocal combo hailed from? Why Philadelphia, of course. And guess what this song's about? You'd never believe it, but it's about a dance craze that's "made for romance" and is superior to The Twist, The Fly, and The Mashed Potato. John Travolta and Uma Thurman did it to Chuck Berry's "You Never Can Tell." This song's all right too. But clearly, there are some recurring themes this week.
29 - "Having a Party," Sam Cooke
The Mississippi-born, Chicago-raised soul legend broke through in 1957 with the #1 "You Send Me." He never topped the pop chart after that, but he did pick up 28 more Top 40s. including this celebration of a bash that featured Coke, popcorn, and dancing to good tunes on the radio. 51 years in the future, Sam made me want to join him at this party, which is more than I can say for that cover version Rod Stewart did. Another gem from a true icon who would unfortunately be shot to death two years later.
28 - "Theme from Ben Casey," Valjean
Besides Dr. Kildare, the other big prime time hospital drama in 1962 followed the exploits of a heroic young surgeon. Unlike Richard Chamberlain, however, series star Vince Edwards' singing career didn't amount to anything (though he did try), so the only hit associated with the show was an instrumental version of the theme performed by Oklahoma pianist Valjean Johns (his real name, apparently). And in case you were wondering, Edwards and Chamberlain didn't like each other, and apparently had a nasty confrontation in New York's Central Park in 1964. I think that's kind of cool, really. And in the fight between singles spawned by their shows, Chamberlain's may have charted higher, but I like this one better.
27 - "So This is Love," The Castells
The second of two mid-level Top 40 hits by this California vocal quartet was this square-ass love song. They sound like a tamer version of The Association, and as you may know, I quite dislike The Association. This must be the kind of record America's teenagers quickly put on the turntable to replace a more "objectionable" song just as their parents were coming home from bridge club or wherever parents went back then.
26 - "Johnny Get Angry," Joanie Sommers
Buffalo-born Sommers was mainly known as a singer of jazzy pop standards, but her only major Top 40 single was this teen-friendly trifle on which she laments that her boyfriend doesn't go crazy with rage when she pretends to break up with him or dances with other boys. She'd rather that he acted like "a cave man" and "let (her) know that you're the boss." Some pretty unenlightened sexual politics going on there, but as anyone whose watched Mad Men knows, those were still in full force at the time. And for some reason, there's what sounds like a kazoo solo on this. Okay, but probably best forgotten.
25 - "Teach Me Tonight," George Maharis
When I saw the name, I thought this was the guy who played the leader of the Sharks in the movie of West Side Story. But I came to learn that that was George Chakiris. This is a different actor of Greek ancestry, one who was best known for his role as Buz on the TV show Route 66. At the height of his popularity, he scored his only hit with this cover of a jazz-pop standard that's been recorded dozens of times since it was published in 1953. Maharis does okay with this tune that compares a lovers' rendezvous to a session between a student an a teacher. He's hardly Sinatra, but he's fine. Probably in the low middle of the pack of all the versions ever put to tape.
24 - "I Love You," The Volumes
The only hit for this Detroit vocal group was this nice bit of romantic doo-wop. It definitely sounds like one of the records that influenced The Four Seasons. The lead singer's falsetto on this could be what Frankie Valli aspired to.
23 - "Any Day Now (My Wild Beautiful Bird)," Chuck Jackson
Pittsburgh-based soul singer Jackson accumulated 14 R&B Top 40s between 1961 and 1975, but only two cracked the pop equivalent. The most successful of the pair was this Burt Bacharach-cowritten ballad about knowing the end of a relationship is near. During my 80s run, we encountered the cover version Ronnie Milsap took to #14 twenty years after this. Ronnie did fine, but the original tops it for genuine, sincere evocation of heartbreak. Great stuff.
22 - "Village of Love," Nathaniel Mayer and The Fabulous Twilights
Detroit's Mayer was 18 when he picked up his only Top 40 hit with this wailing soul invitation for a lover to accompany him to the title burg, which is apparently located in Arkansas. I couldn't find any information about who the Fabulous Twilights were, but I do know that in the 2000s, Mayer had a bit of a career revival, and he had cultivated a new generation of fans until he was unfortunately felled by a series of strokes that led to his death in 2008.
21 - "Walk on the Wild Side ," Jimmy Smith and The Big Band
Smith, a jazz organist from the Philadelphia area (appropriately enough to end this entry), had his only Top 40 hit on this instrumental recording (with a band led by saxophonist Oliver Nelson) of the title song from the film version of Nelson Algren's 1956 novel about the seedy side of New Orleans. The movie is notable for being one of Jane Fonda's first big-screen roles. The song, as performed by Smith and co., is quite interesting, starting off with jingling bells and then going into gritty, bluesy jazz. The kind of thing you put on when you want to feel cool in that swaggering, Rat Pack-ish way.
In Part Two: an extremely protective father, an unlikely gunfigher, and a tune meant to accompany the work of ecdysiasts.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
May 29, 1961 Part Two
Getting done with '61.
20 - "Barbara Ann," The Regents
The second half opens with yet more doo-wop, courtesy of four guys from the Bronx. This ode to a lady who causes "rockin' and a-reelin," was the biggest of their two hits. Of course, it became even bigger four years later when the Beach Boys took a cover to #2. And I have to say, the later version is the better one.
19 - "Girl of My Best Friend," Ral Donner
Chicagoan Donner (the "Ral" is short for Ralph) had a voice that sounded remarkably like Elvis', so it's perhaps fitting that his first hit was a cover of a track from Elvis' first post-Army LP. If you'd told me this was Elvis himself singing about longing for a buddy's girl, I'd have had no trouble believing it. It's even got Jordanaire-soundalike backup singers. When you listen real close, you can tell it's not The King, but I don't think many of the impersonators that have followed in Donner's wake have nailed the voice better.
18 - "Portrait of My Love," Steve Lawrence
Another hit from Mr. Lawrence, this one about a girl that no one would be able to paint a picture of. And he means that in a good way, because "Anyone who sees her soon forgets the Mona Lisa." Steve's sincere enough, but this still sounds like romantic cheese to me.
17 - "I've Told Every Little Star," Linda Scott
Scott, born in Queens and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, was just 16 when she scored her first and biggest hit, this version of a song written in 1932 by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II. It's sweet little teen pop about being able to tell anyone about being in love except the person you're actually in love with. If you like a lot of Lesley Gore's hits, you'll like this one too.
16 - "Hello Mary Lou," Ricky Nelson
The son of bandleader Ozzie Nelson and his group's vocalist, Harriet Hilliard Nelson, little Ricky's showbiz debut came at the age of nine, playing himself on his parents' radio sitcom. The show moved to TV in 1952, and in 1957, Ricky began singing on the show, and that became the basis of a successful recording career. The B-side of one of his biggest-selling singles was this chugging rockabilly number about a girl so attractive that he immediately falls in love, or as he puts it, "goodbye, heart." Given his background and his pretty-boy looks, it's easy to dismiss him, but the man clearly had talent and chops. But what of the A-side, you ask? Stay tuned.
15 - "Raindrops," Dee Clark
Arkansan Delectus Clark had his last and biggest pop hit with this ballad about how the water falling from his eyes must be from "a cloud in his head" because "a man ain't supposed to cry." A fantastically written and performed heartbreak song, with the ending howls and thunderclaps providing a stirring coda.
14 - "Moody River," Pat Boone
Ah, Pat Boone, the white-buck-shoe-wearing sanitizer-for-square-America's-protection of many early rock and R&B classics. His very name evokes images of bland conformity and strained repression. But on this, his last #1 hit, he gives a fine, passionate performance on this melodrama about a man who goes to meet his girlfriend under a tree by a river, only to find that she has left behind one of her gloves and a note that told him she'd drowned herself because of her guilt over cheating on him. This is high-quality teen-tragedy pop, and easily the man's best work. It's not nearly enough for me to forgive him being a homophobe and a birther, but it's a better song than I thought he was capable of.
13 - "Stand By Me," Ben E. King
The ex-Drifters soulful declaration of loyalty hit #4 this year, then returned to the Top Ten 25 years later after its use in Rob Reiner's movie about childhood, mortality, and mailbox baseball. I covered it during the 80s run, and there's no more to say except it's brilliant.
12 - "Hello Walls," Faron Young
Louisianan Young was a steady presence on country radio from 1952 to 1978, racking up dozens of Top 40 hits on that chart. But the only time he reached that level on the pop list was with this classic about a man so lonely after his lover leaves him that he starts talking not only to the walls of his home, but the window and the ceiling as well. Also notable is the fact that this was one of the first major successes for its songwriter, a young tunesmith named Willie Nelson, who I just learned turned 80 last month. Wow. It really is funny how time slips away.
11 - "Little Devil," Neil Sedaka
Neil's seventh Top 40 was this peppy pop song about his desire to capture a flirtatious, capricious young lady and "make an angel" of her. And no, I don't think that means he wants to kill her. I should hope not, at least.
Is this the Top Ten? Is this just fantasy?
10 - "Tragedy," The Fleetwoods
This vocal trio from Olympia, Washington were originally named Two Girls and a Guy, because that's what they were. The truth in advertising approach. Eventually they changed it, and shortly afterward, they scored two #1 smashes in 1959 with "Come Softly to Me" and "Mr. Blue." Their third and final Top Ten was this cover of a 1959 hit by Thomas Wayne and the DeLons. It's a wistful take on heartbreak, more resigned than sad. They did what they did well, but at least in this case, it's not for me.
9 - "I Feel So Bad," Elvis Presley
A year after his release from the Army, Elvis was still chugging along with hits like this cover of a 1954 Chuck Willis R&B hit that compares a down mood to "a ballgame on a rainy day." It has a very gritty and authentic bluesy feel. Another Willis hit "C.C. Rider," would later provide Presley with a signature show opener during the 70s.
8 - "A Hundred Pounds of Clay," Gene McDaniels
McDaniels, from Omaha, Nebraska, scored his first and biggest pop hit with this alternative version of how God created Eve: not from one of Adam's ribs, but from a much more earthy substance. Cool little bit of R&B/pop
7 - "Breakin' In a Brand New Broken Heart," Connie Francis
Connie's run of big hits continued with this turn into country. Her natural predisposition for sad songs meant that this weepie fit her like a glove. Later, Debby Boone would score a minor country hit with a cover version. No, I'm not gonna bother tracking that down.
6 - "Runaway," Del Shannon
Michigander Shannon's first and biggest hit was this rock classic about the girl who left him. We all know it. Del's rasp and falsetto "why why why why"s on the chorus were enough to make him an instant legend. And that spacey sound between the two choruses was provided by something called a Musitron, an early version of the synthesizer. A true pop essential.
5 - "Mother-In-Law," Ernie K-Doe
New Orleans native Ernest Kador, Jr. had his only major pop hit with this #1 smash (written by legerndary jazz and blues composer Allen Toussaint) about "the worst person I know" who, inconveniently, is also the woman who gave birth to his wife. All the stereotypes are here: she's meddlesome, she's judgmental, and just all-around evil. Not having had a mother-in-law, I have no basis to go on, but I imagine Mr. K-Doe was being a tad harsh. Still, it's fun, danceable, and irresistable.
4 - "Mama Said," The Shirelles
One of the few 60s girl groups to be associated with neither Motown nor Phil Spector, these four ladies from Passaic, New Jersey scored their third Top Five with this bit of maternal advice that even if things aren't going well today, they will get better at some point. Simple pop-soul, and oh so nice.
3 - "Running Scared," Roy Orbison
Texan Orbison was led to Memphis and Sun Records after meeting Johnny Cash in 1955, and he was part of Elvis' social circle during Presley's rise to megastardom. But it wasn't until the sixties that he started to have major success, and his fourth Top 40 and first #1 came in the form of this operatic ballad about being afraid that if his current lover's old boyfriend returned and wanted to get back with her, she'd say yes. In the end, this does happen, but in a happy twist, the woman decides that she's happy with Roy, thank you very much. That voice is as distinct and gorgeous as always, and contributes greatly to the drama. One of the great singers in pop, period.
2 - "Daddy's Home," Shep and the Limelites
We've come across this song in both the 70s and 80s, in versions by Jermaine Jackson and Cliff Richard, and now we encounter the original, the only hit for these Queens doo-wop practitioners. And yes, of course, it's the best of all. By quite a bit. Rat-a-tat.
And 52 years ago, the big song in the U.S.of A. was...
1 - "Travelln' Man," Ricky Nelson
Ricky's second and final charttopper was this pop-rock ditty about a guy who gets around, both in the sense that he's "made a lot of stops all over the world" and the one where he's romanced "at least one lovely girl" everywhere he's been. The five he mentions here are a "pretty senorita" in Mexico, a "cute little Eskimo" in Alaska, a "sweet Fraulein" in Berlin, a "China doll" in Hong Kong, and a "pretty Polynesian baby" in Waikiki. One would assume there are many more, but then again, maybe not at that point. Ricky was only 21 at the time. Not exactly politically correct, but a sweet little performance by a true talent.
Another break, then on to '62. See you then.
20 - "Barbara Ann," The Regents
The second half opens with yet more doo-wop, courtesy of four guys from the Bronx. This ode to a lady who causes "rockin' and a-reelin," was the biggest of their two hits. Of course, it became even bigger four years later when the Beach Boys took a cover to #2. And I have to say, the later version is the better one.
19 - "Girl of My Best Friend," Ral Donner
Chicagoan Donner (the "Ral" is short for Ralph) had a voice that sounded remarkably like Elvis', so it's perhaps fitting that his first hit was a cover of a track from Elvis' first post-Army LP. If you'd told me this was Elvis himself singing about longing for a buddy's girl, I'd have had no trouble believing it. It's even got Jordanaire-soundalike backup singers. When you listen real close, you can tell it's not The King, but I don't think many of the impersonators that have followed in Donner's wake have nailed the voice better.
18 - "Portrait of My Love," Steve Lawrence
Another hit from Mr. Lawrence, this one about a girl that no one would be able to paint a picture of. And he means that in a good way, because "Anyone who sees her soon forgets the Mona Lisa." Steve's sincere enough, but this still sounds like romantic cheese to me.
17 - "I've Told Every Little Star," Linda Scott
Scott, born in Queens and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, was just 16 when she scored her first and biggest hit, this version of a song written in 1932 by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II. It's sweet little teen pop about being able to tell anyone about being in love except the person you're actually in love with. If you like a lot of Lesley Gore's hits, you'll like this one too.
16 - "Hello Mary Lou," Ricky Nelson
The son of bandleader Ozzie Nelson and his group's vocalist, Harriet Hilliard Nelson, little Ricky's showbiz debut came at the age of nine, playing himself on his parents' radio sitcom. The show moved to TV in 1952, and in 1957, Ricky began singing on the show, and that became the basis of a successful recording career. The B-side of one of his biggest-selling singles was this chugging rockabilly number about a girl so attractive that he immediately falls in love, or as he puts it, "goodbye, heart." Given his background and his pretty-boy looks, it's easy to dismiss him, but the man clearly had talent and chops. But what of the A-side, you ask? Stay tuned.
15 - "Raindrops," Dee Clark
Arkansan Delectus Clark had his last and biggest pop hit with this ballad about how the water falling from his eyes must be from "a cloud in his head" because "a man ain't supposed to cry." A fantastically written and performed heartbreak song, with the ending howls and thunderclaps providing a stirring coda.
14 - "Moody River," Pat Boone
Ah, Pat Boone, the white-buck-shoe-wearing sanitizer-for-square-America's-protection of many early rock and R&B classics. His very name evokes images of bland conformity and strained repression. But on this, his last #1 hit, he gives a fine, passionate performance on this melodrama about a man who goes to meet his girlfriend under a tree by a river, only to find that she has left behind one of her gloves and a note that told him she'd drowned herself because of her guilt over cheating on him. This is high-quality teen-tragedy pop, and easily the man's best work. It's not nearly enough for me to forgive him being a homophobe and a birther, but it's a better song than I thought he was capable of.
13 - "Stand By Me," Ben E. King
The ex-Drifters soulful declaration of loyalty hit #4 this year, then returned to the Top Ten 25 years later after its use in Rob Reiner's movie about childhood, mortality, and mailbox baseball. I covered it during the 80s run, and there's no more to say except it's brilliant.
12 - "Hello Walls," Faron Young
Louisianan Young was a steady presence on country radio from 1952 to 1978, racking up dozens of Top 40 hits on that chart. But the only time he reached that level on the pop list was with this classic about a man so lonely after his lover leaves him that he starts talking not only to the walls of his home, but the window and the ceiling as well. Also notable is the fact that this was one of the first major successes for its songwriter, a young tunesmith named Willie Nelson, who I just learned turned 80 last month. Wow. It really is funny how time slips away.
11 - "Little Devil," Neil Sedaka
Neil's seventh Top 40 was this peppy pop song about his desire to capture a flirtatious, capricious young lady and "make an angel" of her. And no, I don't think that means he wants to kill her. I should hope not, at least.
Is this the Top Ten? Is this just fantasy?
10 - "Tragedy," The Fleetwoods
This vocal trio from Olympia, Washington were originally named Two Girls and a Guy, because that's what they were. The truth in advertising approach. Eventually they changed it, and shortly afterward, they scored two #1 smashes in 1959 with "Come Softly to Me" and "Mr. Blue." Their third and final Top Ten was this cover of a 1959 hit by Thomas Wayne and the DeLons. It's a wistful take on heartbreak, more resigned than sad. They did what they did well, but at least in this case, it's not for me.
9 - "I Feel So Bad," Elvis Presley
A year after his release from the Army, Elvis was still chugging along with hits like this cover of a 1954 Chuck Willis R&B hit that compares a down mood to "a ballgame on a rainy day." It has a very gritty and authentic bluesy feel. Another Willis hit "C.C. Rider," would later provide Presley with a signature show opener during the 70s.
8 - "A Hundred Pounds of Clay," Gene McDaniels
McDaniels, from Omaha, Nebraska, scored his first and biggest pop hit with this alternative version of how God created Eve: not from one of Adam's ribs, but from a much more earthy substance. Cool little bit of R&B/pop
7 - "Breakin' In a Brand New Broken Heart," Connie Francis
Connie's run of big hits continued with this turn into country. Her natural predisposition for sad songs meant that this weepie fit her like a glove. Later, Debby Boone would score a minor country hit with a cover version. No, I'm not gonna bother tracking that down.
6 - "Runaway," Del Shannon
Michigander Shannon's first and biggest hit was this rock classic about the girl who left him. We all know it. Del's rasp and falsetto "why why why why"s on the chorus were enough to make him an instant legend. And that spacey sound between the two choruses was provided by something called a Musitron, an early version of the synthesizer. A true pop essential.
5 - "Mother-In-Law," Ernie K-Doe
New Orleans native Ernest Kador, Jr. had his only major pop hit with this #1 smash (written by legerndary jazz and blues composer Allen Toussaint) about "the worst person I know" who, inconveniently, is also the woman who gave birth to his wife. All the stereotypes are here: she's meddlesome, she's judgmental, and just all-around evil. Not having had a mother-in-law, I have no basis to go on, but I imagine Mr. K-Doe was being a tad harsh. Still, it's fun, danceable, and irresistable.
4 - "Mama Said," The Shirelles
One of the few 60s girl groups to be associated with neither Motown nor Phil Spector, these four ladies from Passaic, New Jersey scored their third Top Five with this bit of maternal advice that even if things aren't going well today, they will get better at some point. Simple pop-soul, and oh so nice.
3 - "Running Scared," Roy Orbison
Texan Orbison was led to Memphis and Sun Records after meeting Johnny Cash in 1955, and he was part of Elvis' social circle during Presley's rise to megastardom. But it wasn't until the sixties that he started to have major success, and his fourth Top 40 and first #1 came in the form of this operatic ballad about being afraid that if his current lover's old boyfriend returned and wanted to get back with her, she'd say yes. In the end, this does happen, but in a happy twist, the woman decides that she's happy with Roy, thank you very much. That voice is as distinct and gorgeous as always, and contributes greatly to the drama. One of the great singers in pop, period.
2 - "Daddy's Home," Shep and the Limelites
We've come across this song in both the 70s and 80s, in versions by Jermaine Jackson and Cliff Richard, and now we encounter the original, the only hit for these Queens doo-wop practitioners. And yes, of course, it's the best of all. By quite a bit. Rat-a-tat.
And 52 years ago, the big song in the U.S.of A. was...
1 - "Travelln' Man," Ricky Nelson
Ricky's second and final charttopper was this pop-rock ditty about a guy who gets around, both in the sense that he's "made a lot of stops all over the world" and the one where he's romanced "at least one lovely girl" everywhere he's been. The five he mentions here are a "pretty senorita" in Mexico, a "cute little Eskimo" in Alaska, a "sweet Fraulein" in Berlin, a "China doll" in Hong Kong, and a "pretty Polynesian baby" in Waikiki. One would assume there are many more, but then again, maybe not at that point. Ricky was only 21 at the time. Not exactly politically correct, but a sweet little performance by a true talent.
Another break, then on to '62. See you then.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
May 29, 1961 Part One
Here we are on the second leg of our sixties detour, late spring 1961. Around this time, President John F. Kennedy announced to the United States Congress his goal of putting a man on the moon before the end of the decade. And they actually did it, with a few months to spare. But sadly, he wasn't around to witness it. On a brighter note, here are the songs that were floating around the Earthly atmosphere at the time.
40 - "Halfway to Paradise," Tony Orlando
Michael Cassavitis, born in New York to a Greek father and a Puerto Rican mother, adopted his two middle names as his stage moniker when he began his singing career, and at 17, he scored his first hit with this orchestrated pop song about what the kids these days call "being stuck in the friend zone." Been there, Tone. After this, he picked up one more solo hit and another with a group called Wind before settling into a career behind-the-scenes in the industry for a couple years. But then he was pulled back into the studio to record a song called "Candida" with a group that was given the name "Dawn," and suddenly he was back and bigger than ever. Can't imagine the 70s without him. But this early brush with success may have been his best record.
39 - "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do," Clarence "Frogman" Henry
New Orleans R&B man Henry, nicknamed for his "croaky" singing voice, scored his biggest pop hit with this soulful lament about a woman he covets for reasons he can't understand. This is just good, good, good. All there is to say.
38 - "Little Egypt (Ying-Yang)," The Coasters
These L.A. doo-woppers, best known for comedy hits such as "Yakety Yak" and "Charlie Brown." had their last pop Top 40 with this tale (written, like most of their hits, by the legendary team of Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller) of a man who sees the titular "hoochie koochie" dancer performing "wearing nothing but a button and a bow." It was quite a performance, apparently, but in the last verse, we are informed that Ms. Egypt no longer dances, because the song's narrator married her, and they now have seven children. Ying-yang, indeed. Silly fun, but for my money, their best tune is "Along Came Jones."
37 - "Exodus," Eddie Harris
Chicago saxophonist Harris scored his only major pop hit with this cool jazz version of the theme of the 1960 Paul Newman film based on the events leading to the creation of the state of Israel. Not going to get into the politics of that, because we all know them. I'll just say that I prefer this to the version by Ferrante and Teicher, and greatly prefer it to the one with lyrics by Pat Boone (although I do enjoy the little bit of it Bill Needle performs in Maudlin's Eleven: "This land is miiieeeiiieeeiiieeiiieeeine!") Also, I finally know just who the "Eddie Harris" The Beastie Boys mention in "So What'cha Want" is.
36 - "What a Surprise," Johnny Maestro
Maestro, born John Mastrangelo, was the Italian-American menber of the interracial doo-wop group The Crests, who we encountered last week. His first solo hit was this made-for-the-malt-shop ballad on which Maestro thinks his girlfriend has stood him up to not only go with his best friend, but to throw a party and invite everyone but him. He's naturally upset, so he finally bursts into her house to confront her, only to find that she was throwing a birthday party for him all along. Silly boy. And silly song.
35 - "I'm a Fool to Care," Joe Barry
Barry, a purveyor of "swamp pop" who hailed from the village of Cut Off, Louisiana, had his only major pop hit with this cover of a 1954 Les Paul and Mary Ford hit. This sounds a lot like many of Fats Domino hits, but for Barry's thick Cajun accent. Cool little record.
34 - "Tossin' and Turnin'," Bobby Lewis
Detroit's Lewis had the biggest of his two pop hits with R&B raveup about a sleepless night that went all the way to #1. A staple of oldies radio, and deservedly so.
33 - "Those Oldies but Goodies (Reminds Me of You)," Little Caesar and the Romans
Speaking of the term "oldies," I'm not sure, but I think that term in relation to music may have been first popularized by this song, the lone hit for an L.A. band that were known as The Cubans until the botched U.S. "Bay of Pigs Invasion" of a certain island nation made that name somewhat less marketable. Despite its grammatical incorrectness, it's a sweet little bit of soulful slowdance fodder for couples in a reminiscing mood.
32 - "The Writing on the Wall," Adam Wade
Wade, a onetime laboratory assistant for polio vaccine developer Dr. Jonas Salk, turned to singing and scored three Top Ten singles, the highest-charting of which was this peppy pop song about knowing that a relationship is ending. Another song where the musical arrangement and the lyrical sentimental don't quite match up, but Wade had a pleasant pop voice, which is likely what sold this.
31 - "Bonanza," Al Caiola
Caiola, a major session guitarist who played on records by Elvis, Sinatra, and many, many others, picked up his two biggest hits under his own name this year in the form of versions of the theme from the movie The Magnificent Seven and the title ditty of the Lorne Greene/Michael Landon Western TV series. This isn't the version that you've heard if you've watched the show; the guitar has more of a Duane Eddyish twang on this one. The original is the one to stick with if you want to remember Ben, Hoss, Little Joe, and all the girlfriends they had who died shortly after hooking up with the Cartwrights. Those guys had the worst luck with women.
30 - "Peanut Butter," The Marathons
This group evolved from a group called the Jay Hawks, and their only hit under this name was an R&B song that is literally about that ever-popular legume paste. According to the song, this "sticky sticky goo." comes in "creamy" and "chunky" varieties, is good on toast and crackers, but can make those who eat it "look like they got the mumps." An interesting choice of subject for a pop song, which makes it this week's Uneasy Rider.
29 - "Triangle," Janie Grant
I couldn't find a lot of information on Ms. Grant, other than the fact that she was from New Jersey and was 16 when she had her only Top 40 hit, this "her or me" pop ultimatum. And that she's probably better known these days for the novelty song she released around this time, a tune about the use and abuse of hair product called "That Greasy Kid Stuff."
28 - "Take Good Care of Her," Adam Wade
Wade again, this time pleading with the man whom the love of his life left him for not to take her for granted. I like this one better, and it's pretty clear where the Johnny Mathis comparisons came from. In the 70s, he would go on to act in films such as Shaft and Across 110th Street, and he would also become the first African-American game show host on a show called Musical Chairs.
27 - "Just for Old Times' Sake," The McGuire Sisters
Ohio siblings Christine, Dorothy and Phyllis McGuire began hitting the charts with their old-school harmony pop in 1954, scoring #1s that decade with "Sincerely" and "Sugartime." Their 19th and final Top 40 was this bland number about wanting an ex to come back and give it another try. The most interesting thing about the group is probably youngest sister Phyllis' alleged relationship with notorious Chicago mobster Sam "Momo" Giancana.
26 - "Blue Moon," The Marcels
Named after a wavy hairstyle, this interracial Pittsburgh doo-wop group went to #1 with their first hit, a doo-wop version of a Rodgers and Hart ballad from the 30s about a wish for a lover that came true. And now, very few people can even imagine the song without thinking of "Bom ba ba bom a dang a dang dang a ding a dong ding...BLUUUUUUUUE MOOOOOOOOON!" I'm guessing that this was the version that inspired Manchester City fans to adopt this as their club song.
25 - "You Always Hurt the One You Love," Clarence "Frogman" Henry
The Frogman's second appearance this week with this cover of a song that was originally a hit for The Mills Brothers in 1944. Sounds very similar to "But I Do." Okay, but the only version I really need to hear ever again is the one by Spike Jones. "Ka-RUNCH!"
24 - "Lullaby of Love," Frank Gari
New Yorker Gari had three hits in 1961, the biggest being this charming pop number in the Paul Anka vein. He has a very strong voice. Gari would go on to form a group called The City Surfers with future Byrd Roger McGuinn, and would then begin a lucrative career writing theme music for TV news shows. Well, you knew somebody did that, didn't you?
23 - "Tonight I Fell in Love," The Tokens
These Brooklyn doo-woopers followed up their #1 debut hit "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" with what would be their only other Top 20, this okay little nugget about finding romance. But "doobie doobie dum, wo-oh" just doesn't quite stick with you the way "a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh" does, does it?
22 - "You Can Depend on Me," Brenda Lee
Little Miss Dynamite kept up her run of Top Tens with this aching declaration that she will always be there for her beloved, even though he's with someone else at the moment. I think it would have been cool if Jim Steinman had written and produced a comeback single for her in the 80s. She might have out Bonnie Tylered Bonnie Tyler.
21 - "That Old Black Magic," Bobby Rydell
Philly teen idol Rydell just missed the Top 20 with this cover of the 1942 Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer standard. He croons like the Elvis wannabe he is over a typical teenybop arrangement of the time. Initially, I was resistant, preferring the smoother, more adult takes provided by Frank, Ella, and many others. But this grew on me halfway through. I can't say I loved that spin he put me in, but I liked it a bit.
In Part Two: mothers, a second-generation star, and music to search for a dead body by.
40 - "Halfway to Paradise," Tony Orlando
Michael Cassavitis, born in New York to a Greek father and a Puerto Rican mother, adopted his two middle names as his stage moniker when he began his singing career, and at 17, he scored his first hit with this orchestrated pop song about what the kids these days call "being stuck in the friend zone." Been there, Tone. After this, he picked up one more solo hit and another with a group called Wind before settling into a career behind-the-scenes in the industry for a couple years. But then he was pulled back into the studio to record a song called "Candida" with a group that was given the name "Dawn," and suddenly he was back and bigger than ever. Can't imagine the 70s without him. But this early brush with success may have been his best record.
39 - "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do," Clarence "Frogman" Henry
New Orleans R&B man Henry, nicknamed for his "croaky" singing voice, scored his biggest pop hit with this soulful lament about a woman he covets for reasons he can't understand. This is just good, good, good. All there is to say.
38 - "Little Egypt (Ying-Yang)," The Coasters
These L.A. doo-woppers, best known for comedy hits such as "Yakety Yak" and "Charlie Brown." had their last pop Top 40 with this tale (written, like most of their hits, by the legendary team of Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller) of a man who sees the titular "hoochie koochie" dancer performing "wearing nothing but a button and a bow." It was quite a performance, apparently, but in the last verse, we are informed that Ms. Egypt no longer dances, because the song's narrator married her, and they now have seven children. Ying-yang, indeed. Silly fun, but for my money, their best tune is "Along Came Jones."
37 - "Exodus," Eddie Harris
Chicago saxophonist Harris scored his only major pop hit with this cool jazz version of the theme of the 1960 Paul Newman film based on the events leading to the creation of the state of Israel. Not going to get into the politics of that, because we all know them. I'll just say that I prefer this to the version by Ferrante and Teicher, and greatly prefer it to the one with lyrics by Pat Boone (although I do enjoy the little bit of it Bill Needle performs in Maudlin's Eleven: "This land is miiieeeiiieeeiiieeiiieeeine!") Also, I finally know just who the "Eddie Harris" The Beastie Boys mention in "So What'cha Want" is.
36 - "What a Surprise," Johnny Maestro
Maestro, born John Mastrangelo, was the Italian-American menber of the interracial doo-wop group The Crests, who we encountered last week. His first solo hit was this made-for-the-malt-shop ballad on which Maestro thinks his girlfriend has stood him up to not only go with his best friend, but to throw a party and invite everyone but him. He's naturally upset, so he finally bursts into her house to confront her, only to find that she was throwing a birthday party for him all along. Silly boy. And silly song.
35 - "I'm a Fool to Care," Joe Barry
Barry, a purveyor of "swamp pop" who hailed from the village of Cut Off, Louisiana, had his only major pop hit with this cover of a 1954 Les Paul and Mary Ford hit. This sounds a lot like many of Fats Domino hits, but for Barry's thick Cajun accent. Cool little record.
34 - "Tossin' and Turnin'," Bobby Lewis
Detroit's Lewis had the biggest of his two pop hits with R&B raveup about a sleepless night that went all the way to #1. A staple of oldies radio, and deservedly so.
33 - "Those Oldies but Goodies (Reminds Me of You)," Little Caesar and the Romans
Speaking of the term "oldies," I'm not sure, but I think that term in relation to music may have been first popularized by this song, the lone hit for an L.A. band that were known as The Cubans until the botched U.S. "Bay of Pigs Invasion" of a certain island nation made that name somewhat less marketable. Despite its grammatical incorrectness, it's a sweet little bit of soulful slowdance fodder for couples in a reminiscing mood.
32 - "The Writing on the Wall," Adam Wade
Wade, a onetime laboratory assistant for polio vaccine developer Dr. Jonas Salk, turned to singing and scored three Top Ten singles, the highest-charting of which was this peppy pop song about knowing that a relationship is ending. Another song where the musical arrangement and the lyrical sentimental don't quite match up, but Wade had a pleasant pop voice, which is likely what sold this.
31 - "Bonanza," Al Caiola
Caiola, a major session guitarist who played on records by Elvis, Sinatra, and many, many others, picked up his two biggest hits under his own name this year in the form of versions of the theme from the movie The Magnificent Seven and the title ditty of the Lorne Greene/Michael Landon Western TV series. This isn't the version that you've heard if you've watched the show; the guitar has more of a Duane Eddyish twang on this one. The original is the one to stick with if you want to remember Ben, Hoss, Little Joe, and all the girlfriends they had who died shortly after hooking up with the Cartwrights. Those guys had the worst luck with women.
30 - "Peanut Butter," The Marathons
This group evolved from a group called the Jay Hawks, and their only hit under this name was an R&B song that is literally about that ever-popular legume paste. According to the song, this "sticky sticky goo." comes in "creamy" and "chunky" varieties, is good on toast and crackers, but can make those who eat it "look like they got the mumps." An interesting choice of subject for a pop song, which makes it this week's Uneasy Rider.
29 - "Triangle," Janie Grant
I couldn't find a lot of information on Ms. Grant, other than the fact that she was from New Jersey and was 16 when she had her only Top 40 hit, this "her or me" pop ultimatum. And that she's probably better known these days for the novelty song she released around this time, a tune about the use and abuse of hair product called "That Greasy Kid Stuff."
28 - "Take Good Care of Her," Adam Wade
Wade again, this time pleading with the man whom the love of his life left him for not to take her for granted. I like this one better, and it's pretty clear where the Johnny Mathis comparisons came from. In the 70s, he would go on to act in films such as Shaft and Across 110th Street, and he would also become the first African-American game show host on a show called Musical Chairs.
27 - "Just for Old Times' Sake," The McGuire Sisters
Ohio siblings Christine, Dorothy and Phyllis McGuire began hitting the charts with their old-school harmony pop in 1954, scoring #1s that decade with "Sincerely" and "Sugartime." Their 19th and final Top 40 was this bland number about wanting an ex to come back and give it another try. The most interesting thing about the group is probably youngest sister Phyllis' alleged relationship with notorious Chicago mobster Sam "Momo" Giancana.
26 - "Blue Moon," The Marcels
Named after a wavy hairstyle, this interracial Pittsburgh doo-wop group went to #1 with their first hit, a doo-wop version of a Rodgers and Hart ballad from the 30s about a wish for a lover that came true. And now, very few people can even imagine the song without thinking of "Bom ba ba bom a dang a dang dang a ding a dong ding...BLUUUUUUUUE MOOOOOOOOON!" I'm guessing that this was the version that inspired Manchester City fans to adopt this as their club song.
25 - "You Always Hurt the One You Love," Clarence "Frogman" Henry
The Frogman's second appearance this week with this cover of a song that was originally a hit for The Mills Brothers in 1944. Sounds very similar to "But I Do." Okay, but the only version I really need to hear ever again is the one by Spike Jones. "Ka-RUNCH!"
24 - "Lullaby of Love," Frank Gari
New Yorker Gari had three hits in 1961, the biggest being this charming pop number in the Paul Anka vein. He has a very strong voice. Gari would go on to form a group called The City Surfers with future Byrd Roger McGuinn, and would then begin a lucrative career writing theme music for TV news shows. Well, you knew somebody did that, didn't you?
23 - "Tonight I Fell in Love," The Tokens
These Brooklyn doo-woopers followed up their #1 debut hit "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" with what would be their only other Top 20, this okay little nugget about finding romance. But "doobie doobie dum, wo-oh" just doesn't quite stick with you the way "a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh" does, does it?
22 - "You Can Depend on Me," Brenda Lee
Little Miss Dynamite kept up her run of Top Tens with this aching declaration that she will always be there for her beloved, even though he's with someone else at the moment. I think it would have been cool if Jim Steinman had written and produced a comeback single for her in the 80s. She might have out Bonnie Tylered Bonnie Tyler.
21 - "That Old Black Magic," Bobby Rydell
Philly teen idol Rydell just missed the Top 20 with this cover of the 1942 Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer standard. He croons like the Elvis wannabe he is over a typical teenybop arrangement of the time. Initially, I was resistant, preferring the smoother, more adult takes provided by Frank, Ella, and many others. But this grew on me halfway through. I can't say I loved that spin he put me in, but I liked it a bit.
In Part Two: mothers, a second-generation star, and music to search for a dead body by.
Monday, May 13, 2013
May 2, 1960 Part Two
Closing out 1960.
20 - "Fame and Fortune," Elvis Presley
On March 20 of this year, just 18 days after completing his two-year stint in the U.S. Army, Elvis went into a Nashville studio and made his return to recording. One of the songs he recorded in this session was this sultry ballad about how a woman's love means more to him than wealth and adulation. The pipes were still golden as ever, and although I could do without the contributions of the Jordaniares (as usual), this is a good one. And it was just a B-side. The A-side we'll encounter later.
19 - "Cherry Pie," Skip and Flip
This duo (real names Clyde Battin and Gary Paxton) met at the University of Arizona, and had two #11 pop hits, the second of which being this cover of a 1954 R&B hit by Marvin and Johnny. The lyrics are on the surface about pastry and sugar plums and Little Jack Horner, but they and the tame pop arrangement may mask something a bit more suggestive. Okay little song, but I'm listening to the original, and just a few seconds in, I pronounce it better in every way. As for Skip and Flip, Battin would go on to play in bands like The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, while Paxton would produce the novelty hits "Alley Oop" and "Monster Mash."
18 - "Footsteps," Steve Lawrence
Born Sidney Liebowitz in Brooklyn, Lawrence began his recording career in 1952, and scored more than a dozen Top 40 hits both solo and with Eydie Gormé, whom he married in 1957. The third of his five Top Tens was this song about a lover leaving him. But the jaunty arrangement, the bubbly backup singers, and Lawrence's laid back lead vocal don't make it seem like he's too broken up about it. The whole thing is just off.
17 - "Step by Step," The Crests
This four-man New York doo-wop group was unusual in that they contained two African-Americans, a Puerto Rican, and an Italian-American. They broke through in 1959 with the #2 smash "16 Candles,", and their follow-up was this nice pop song about the development of a romance. The group would score three more Top 40s, but none reached the heights of the first two. Interesting note: before they hit it big, they had a fifth member, a woman named Patricia Van Dross, whose younger brother Luther would later adjust the presentation of his surname and go on to do one or two things in music.
16 - "Puppy Love," Paul Anka
Born in 1941 in Ottawa (home of the second-round bound Senators), Anka first broke through at 16 with the international smash "Diana," and was still in his teens when he scored his fifth U.S. Top Five with this ballad about how adults belittle his teenage romance. His voice on this is big and operatic, and puts Donny Osmond's later version to shame. I may not be a fan of his 70s MOR period, but when he was young, he was one of pop's leading lights. And he wrote a lot of those early hits too, which was a rarity at the time.
15 - "Cathy's Clown," The Everly Brothers
Harmonizing siblings Phil and Don Everly were radio staples between 1958 and 1962 with their county-pop-rockabilly sound. Their third and final pop #1 was this gem about finally getting up the nerve to dump a girl who isn't treating one right. They had many fantastic hits, but this is their masterpiece.
14 - "White Silver Sands," Bill Black's Combo
Memphis native Black played bass in Elvis Presley's band from 1954 to 1958, then formed his own group and had a number of Top 40 singles, the biggest of which being this instrumental cover of a 1957 Don Rondo hit about making love on a beach. A cool little groove
13 - "I Love the Way You Love," Marv Johnson
On the heels of Barrett Strong came another hit for Motown from Detroiter Johnson, a peppy R&B love song co-written by Berry Gordy himself. It hasn't had the staying power of "Money," but it's still pretty damn good.
12 - "He'll Have to Go," Jim Reeves
And here's Gentleman Jim himself, the Texas-born country legend, with the smash ballad about catching a lover cheating that Jeanne Black answered with "He'll Have to Stay." Smooth, simple, superb.
11 - "Stairway to Heaven," Neil Sedaka
The third Top 40 for the pop singer-songwriter was this bouncy pop confection about how Neil has to build a set of steps up to the clouds because that's where his true love dwells. Figuratively, I think. And no, I wasn't at all surprised not to hear about pipers and laughing forests and bustles in hedgerows on this song. Though it did make me wonder...
Say kids, what time is it? It's Top Ten Time!
10 - "Sweet Nothin's," Brenda Lee
Little Miss Dynamite's first Top Ten sees her belting out that powerhouse voice on a rockabilly jam about the things her boyfriend whispers in her ear. Later this year, she'd top the charts with her signature tune, "I'm Sorry," but as great as that is, if your really want to hear where her nickname came from, ya gotta hear this.
9 - "Theme from A Summer Place," Percy Faith
Toronto-born composer/conductor Faith had his biggest hit with his version of the love theme from a teen romance starring Troy Donahue and Sandra Dee. The song is much more well-remembered thatn the film. Apparently there are versions with lyrics, but the only one I want to hear is the one Jasper sang while auditioning for Chief Wiggum's spot in The Be Sharps.
8 - "Let the Little Girl Dance," Billy Bland
The only mark on pop made by one-hit wonder Bland was this little gem on which he requests that the other people on the dance floor make way for a "little wallflower" who wants to cut a rug with him. He sounds kind of like a poor man's Jackie Wilson on this, and that's a compliment.
7 - "Cradle of Love," Johnny Preston
Earlier in the year, Texan Preston had hit #1 with the tragic tale of doomed romance among Native Americans "Running Bear" (which featured backing vocals by the recently passed country legend George Jones). His follow-up, this rockabilly reinterpretation of both "Rock-a-bye Baby" and three popular nursery rhymes, was his only other Top Ten. A fun little nugget.
6 - "Night," Jackie Wilson
Although released as the B-side of "Doggin' Around," this dramatic ballad based on an aria from the opera Samson and Delilah by French composer Camille Saint-Saens became the bigger hit of the two. A suitably operatic performance, and proof of the man's versatility.
5 - "The Old Lamplighter," The Browns
Arkansas siblings Jim, Maxine and Bonnie Brown were a country-folk trio who scored numerous country hits and three pop Top 40s, including the 1959 #1 "The Three Bells." Their other pop Top Five was this version of a song that had been recorded multiple times since it was published in 1946. It's literally about an old man who used to go around lighting lamps throughout a town, and after he died, he became the one responsible for turning the stars on at night. Cute. And even though it's kind of hard to get my bearings to this time period sufficiently, I'm going to go ahead and name this this week's Uneasy Rider.
4 - "Sink the Bismark." Johnny Horton
Texan country star Horton scored the second of three pop Top Tens with this rousing, martial-sounding tale of the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck by the British Navy in 1941. I especially enjoy the rasp in Horton's voice when he sings "Hit the decks a-runnin', boys!" Sadly, Horton would perish in a car accident just six months later.
3 - "Sixteen Reasons," Connie Stevens
The singer-actress born Concetta Ingoglia, best known for her TV roles on 77 Sunset Strip and Hawaiian Eye, had her biggest hit with this ballad outlining the reasons she loves her man, from "the way you hold my hand" to "your freckled nose" to "your crazy clothes." Okay, but not nearly as fun as her earlier hit with Strip costar Edd Byrnes, "Kookie, Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb)."
2 - "Greenfields," The Brothers Four
By far the biggest hit for this unrelated Seattle folk quartet, this is a white-bread harmony number about reminiscences of lost love. Rock and roll had yet to completely erase this kind of too clean, too bland pop from the charts.
And at #1 53 years ago was...
1 - "Stuck on You," Elvis Presley
If there was any doubt that young Presley's legions of fans were still with him after his two years in the military, it was quickly quashed when this swaggering song about how he's going to "stick like glue " to the object of his affection shot straight to the top of charts all over the world. He was back and smouldering as ever. And the hysteria picked up right where it left off.
Thus begins our journey into the 1960s. In a couple weeks or so, we'll move on to 1961.
20 - "Fame and Fortune," Elvis Presley
On March 20 of this year, just 18 days after completing his two-year stint in the U.S. Army, Elvis went into a Nashville studio and made his return to recording. One of the songs he recorded in this session was this sultry ballad about how a woman's love means more to him than wealth and adulation. The pipes were still golden as ever, and although I could do without the contributions of the Jordaniares (as usual), this is a good one. And it was just a B-side. The A-side we'll encounter later.
19 - "Cherry Pie," Skip and Flip
This duo (real names Clyde Battin and Gary Paxton) met at the University of Arizona, and had two #11 pop hits, the second of which being this cover of a 1954 R&B hit by Marvin and Johnny. The lyrics are on the surface about pastry and sugar plums and Little Jack Horner, but they and the tame pop arrangement may mask something a bit more suggestive. Okay little song, but I'm listening to the original, and just a few seconds in, I pronounce it better in every way. As for Skip and Flip, Battin would go on to play in bands like The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, while Paxton would produce the novelty hits "Alley Oop" and "Monster Mash."
18 - "Footsteps," Steve Lawrence
Born Sidney Liebowitz in Brooklyn, Lawrence began his recording career in 1952, and scored more than a dozen Top 40 hits both solo and with Eydie Gormé, whom he married in 1957. The third of his five Top Tens was this song about a lover leaving him. But the jaunty arrangement, the bubbly backup singers, and Lawrence's laid back lead vocal don't make it seem like he's too broken up about it. The whole thing is just off.
17 - "Step by Step," The Crests
This four-man New York doo-wop group was unusual in that they contained two African-Americans, a Puerto Rican, and an Italian-American. They broke through in 1959 with the #2 smash "16 Candles,", and their follow-up was this nice pop song about the development of a romance. The group would score three more Top 40s, but none reached the heights of the first two. Interesting note: before they hit it big, they had a fifth member, a woman named Patricia Van Dross, whose younger brother Luther would later adjust the presentation of his surname and go on to do one or two things in music.
16 - "Puppy Love," Paul Anka
Born in 1941 in Ottawa (home of the second-round bound Senators), Anka first broke through at 16 with the international smash "Diana," and was still in his teens when he scored his fifth U.S. Top Five with this ballad about how adults belittle his teenage romance. His voice on this is big and operatic, and puts Donny Osmond's later version to shame. I may not be a fan of his 70s MOR period, but when he was young, he was one of pop's leading lights. And he wrote a lot of those early hits too, which was a rarity at the time.
15 - "Cathy's Clown," The Everly Brothers
Harmonizing siblings Phil and Don Everly were radio staples between 1958 and 1962 with their county-pop-rockabilly sound. Their third and final pop #1 was this gem about finally getting up the nerve to dump a girl who isn't treating one right. They had many fantastic hits, but this is their masterpiece.
14 - "White Silver Sands," Bill Black's Combo
Memphis native Black played bass in Elvis Presley's band from 1954 to 1958, then formed his own group and had a number of Top 40 singles, the biggest of which being this instrumental cover of a 1957 Don Rondo hit about making love on a beach. A cool little groove
13 - "I Love the Way You Love," Marv Johnson
On the heels of Barrett Strong came another hit for Motown from Detroiter Johnson, a peppy R&B love song co-written by Berry Gordy himself. It hasn't had the staying power of "Money," but it's still pretty damn good.
12 - "He'll Have to Go," Jim Reeves
And here's Gentleman Jim himself, the Texas-born country legend, with the smash ballad about catching a lover cheating that Jeanne Black answered with "He'll Have to Stay." Smooth, simple, superb.
11 - "Stairway to Heaven," Neil Sedaka
The third Top 40 for the pop singer-songwriter was this bouncy pop confection about how Neil has to build a set of steps up to the clouds because that's where his true love dwells. Figuratively, I think. And no, I wasn't at all surprised not to hear about pipers and laughing forests and bustles in hedgerows on this song. Though it did make me wonder...
Say kids, what time is it? It's Top Ten Time!
10 - "Sweet Nothin's," Brenda Lee
Little Miss Dynamite's first Top Ten sees her belting out that powerhouse voice on a rockabilly jam about the things her boyfriend whispers in her ear. Later this year, she'd top the charts with her signature tune, "I'm Sorry," but as great as that is, if your really want to hear where her nickname came from, ya gotta hear this.
9 - "Theme from A Summer Place," Percy Faith
Toronto-born composer/conductor Faith had his biggest hit with his version of the love theme from a teen romance starring Troy Donahue and Sandra Dee. The song is much more well-remembered thatn the film. Apparently there are versions with lyrics, but the only one I want to hear is the one Jasper sang while auditioning for Chief Wiggum's spot in The Be Sharps.
8 - "Let the Little Girl Dance," Billy Bland
The only mark on pop made by one-hit wonder Bland was this little gem on which he requests that the other people on the dance floor make way for a "little wallflower" who wants to cut a rug with him. He sounds kind of like a poor man's Jackie Wilson on this, and that's a compliment.
7 - "Cradle of Love," Johnny Preston
Earlier in the year, Texan Preston had hit #1 with the tragic tale of doomed romance among Native Americans "Running Bear" (which featured backing vocals by the recently passed country legend George Jones). His follow-up, this rockabilly reinterpretation of both "Rock-a-bye Baby" and three popular nursery rhymes, was his only other Top Ten. A fun little nugget.
6 - "Night," Jackie Wilson
Although released as the B-side of "Doggin' Around," this dramatic ballad based on an aria from the opera Samson and Delilah by French composer Camille Saint-Saens became the bigger hit of the two. A suitably operatic performance, and proof of the man's versatility.
5 - "The Old Lamplighter," The Browns
Arkansas siblings Jim, Maxine and Bonnie Brown were a country-folk trio who scored numerous country hits and three pop Top 40s, including the 1959 #1 "The Three Bells." Their other pop Top Five was this version of a song that had been recorded multiple times since it was published in 1946. It's literally about an old man who used to go around lighting lamps throughout a town, and after he died, he became the one responsible for turning the stars on at night. Cute. And even though it's kind of hard to get my bearings to this time period sufficiently, I'm going to go ahead and name this this week's Uneasy Rider.
4 - "Sink the Bismark." Johnny Horton
Texan country star Horton scored the second of three pop Top Tens with this rousing, martial-sounding tale of the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck by the British Navy in 1941. I especially enjoy the rasp in Horton's voice when he sings "Hit the decks a-runnin', boys!" Sadly, Horton would perish in a car accident just six months later.
3 - "Sixteen Reasons," Connie Stevens
The singer-actress born Concetta Ingoglia, best known for her TV roles on 77 Sunset Strip and Hawaiian Eye, had her biggest hit with this ballad outlining the reasons she loves her man, from "the way you hold my hand" to "your freckled nose" to "your crazy clothes." Okay, but not nearly as fun as her earlier hit with Strip costar Edd Byrnes, "Kookie, Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb)."
2 - "Greenfields," The Brothers Four
By far the biggest hit for this unrelated Seattle folk quartet, this is a white-bread harmony number about reminiscences of lost love. Rock and roll had yet to completely erase this kind of too clean, too bland pop from the charts.
And at #1 53 years ago was...
1 - "Stuck on You," Elvis Presley
If there was any doubt that young Presley's legions of fans were still with him after his two years in the military, it was quickly quashed when this swaggering song about how he's going to "stick like glue " to the object of his affection shot straight to the top of charts all over the world. He was back and smouldering as ever. And the hysteria picked up right where it left off.
Thus begins our journey into the 1960s. In a couple weeks or so, we'll move on to 1961.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
May 2, 1960 Part One
And now, we go back a whopping 53 years to the spring of 1960. The day before the date of this chart, the Soviet Union shot down American spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers, eventually giving a group of Irishmen the inspiration to call their rock band "U2." But before that happened (and in fact, just eight days before Bono was even born), this is what America's popular music chart looked like.
40 - "Teddy," Connie Francis
Newark, New Jersey native Concetta Franconero broke through on the pop charts in 1957 with "Who's Sorry Now," and had charted consistently ever since. This song, the B-side of a hit we'll encounter later, is just a basic, orchestrated pop ballad about how much she loves a guy named Teddy. No twist at the end that she's talking about a stuffed bear, no revelation that Teddy died, nothin'. Still, Francis' voice is pretty and clear, and a pleasure to hear.
39 - "Just One Time," Don Gibson
North Carolinian Gibson was a consistent presence on the country charts for nearly 25 years, and he wrote songs that were huge hits for Patsy Cline ("Sweet Dreams") and Ray Charles ("I Can't Stop Loving You"). His first and biggest pop hit as an artist was 1958's "Oh Lonesome Me," but he would crack the Top 40 three more times, including this wish to see an old flame just once more. He borders on yodelling on the choruses, and it works. Solid, well-crafted C&W.
38 - "Fannie Mae," Buster Brown
This Georgia-born singer (whose name, which he shared with a popular comic-strip character/children's shoe mascot, may or may not have been the one he was born with) was nearly 50 when he cracked the 40 and topped the R&B charts with this blues raveup on which he just wants the title lady to come home. The harmonica solo is terrific.
37 - "He'll Have to Stay," Jeanne Black
Early in the year, country star Jim Reeves released "He'll Have to Go," a song about calling a lover and learning that she's in the company of another man. The song was a smash, so much so that then-unknown singer Black recorded an answer record from the woman's point of view. Singing to the tune of the original, Black declares that because the man on the phone has been away for so long, she's found a new beau and she's not giving him up. Black really wasn't that good a singer to these ears, and she didn't have any major hits after this, so it's safe to say that this tune's success was mainly powered by the gimmick. Still, I'll take this battle of the sexes over the Eamon/Frankee war of '04
36 - "Mountain of Love," Harold Dorman
Mississippian Dorman had his only hit of consequence with this soul-pop number about a man looking down form on high on a city in which his ex is currently marrying someone else. A great song that's been covered multiple times (most successfully by Johnny Rivers and Charley Pride), but for me, the original is the one to seek out.
35 - "Doggin' Around," Jackie Wilson
Born in Detroit in 1934, Wilson's electrifying vocals and stage performances earned him the nickname "Mr. Excitement." Here, he chastises a cheating lover for her philandering, saying that if she continues "I'm gonna put you down." Whether he means he's going to leave her or do something more...drastic, I can't say. But a fine song regardless.
34 - "Paper Roses," Anita Bryant
The biggest hit for this onetime Miss Oklahoma was that uses fake flowers as a metaphor for romantic insincerity. I first became aware of her as a child in commercials for Florida oranges. It wasn't until later I learned about the anti-homosexual campaigning that pretty much ended her showbiz career. Overall, not a fan. And speaking completely objectively, Marie Osmond's version of this song is better.
33 - "Love You So," Ron Holden
This Seattle singer's only major hit was this R&B ballad. Not lyrically innovative, but a simple, romantic number made that surely was slow-danced to by millions of teenagers at the time. Good, solid stuff.
32 - "Big Iron," Marty Robbins
The pride of Phoenix, Arizona, Robbins was a country legend, amassing 16 #1 country hits (including the 1959 pop charttopper "El Paso"), during a thirty-year career that ended with his death in 1982. This song tells the Old West story of an "Arizona Ranger" who comes to a town intending to kill a wanted outlaw named "Texas Red." Eventually, the two meet in an old-fashioned gunfight, and the Ranger, to the surprise of everyone but the listener, is faster on the draw and shoots down the bad guy. Robbins voice is a pleasure, and the song is basically a Hollywood Western epic condensed into four minutes of goodness.
31 - "Apple Green," June Valli
Bronx-born Valli first gained fame in the 50s singing on the game show Stop the Music and the pre-Casey countdown TV series Your Hit Parade. Both of her Top 40 hits peaked at #29, the second being this old-school pop ballad about how wonderful the world seems "when you're 17 and in love." Her voice is sultrier than I imagined. I was pleasantly surprised.
30 - "The Madison," Al Brown's Tunetoppers
The Madison was a dance invented in Columbus, Ohio, and was a nationwide craze for a couple of years. It was performed in a line, and involved called steps that could include such moves as the "Birdland" and the "Boss Turn," both of which are mentioned it this, one of two Madison-themed Top 40 hits (the other being "Madison Time" by The Ray Bryant Combo). Other steps not mentioned here includet the "Rifleman," the "Basketball," and the "Jackie Gleason." A fun little artifact "for kids from 8 to 83."
29 - "Don't Throw Away All Those Teardrops," Frankie Avalon
Philadelphia's Francis Avallone had a brief run as one of rock n' roll's top teen heartthrobs, mainly during Elvis Presley's stint in the Army. On his penultimate Top 40 hit, he blandly sings about how he's going to make a girl trade all her tears for smiles. Not sure how that works. Anyway, he was much cooler later on in the "Beach Party" movies with the recently passed Annette Funicello. And he was all right in Grease, too.
28 - "Money (That's What I Want)," Barrett Strong
Mississippi-born Strong gave the fledgling Motown label its first major hit with this rollicking soul raveup about how wealth may not be the only thing in life, but it sure helps. The Beatles and The Flying Lizards both later cut memorable takes on this, but Strong, who would go on to co-write several major hits for other artists on the label, still has the definitive version.
27 - "Angela Jones," Johnny Ferguson
All I could find out about the one-hit wonder behind this gentle, folkish number about high school romance is that he was a DJ in the 50s. However, I did learn that the songwriter, John D. Loudermilk, wrote a few pop hits, most famously the Paul Revere and the Raiders smash "Indian Reservation." I like this one better
26 - "What Am I Living For," Conway Twitty
Mississippian Harold Jenkins, who took his stage name from two towns in Arkansas and Texas, respectively, broke on the scene in 1958 with the quality Elvis soundalike "It's Only Make Believe." He'd score a handful of pop hits after that, including this rockabilly ballad about the only woman he could possibly imagine loving. The heartache in his voice is palpable, so it's hardly surprising that he'd eventually turn to country music, where he ended up being one of the most prolific hitmakers of the 70s and 80s.
25 - "Lonely Weekends," Charlie Rich
Before he was country's "Silver Fox," Arkansan Rich recorded rockabilly for Memphis music mogul Sam Phillips of Sun Records fame. His first major hit was another Elvis soundalike about how his loneliness particularly upsets him on Saturdays and Sundays. Okay, but his country hits are better.
24 - "Clementine," Bobby Darin
The versatile pop star born Walden Robert Cassotto had a hit with this swinging version of the 19th century folk song about a miner's daughter. In this version, Clementine weighs "two-ninety-nine," and her girth causes her to collapse a bridge and drown. Later, Darin jokes that sailors might mistake her corpse for a whale. This sounds quite a bit like his earlier smash "Mack the Knife," but it hasn't aged nearly as well.
23 - "Wild One," Bobby Rydell
A Philly-based teen idol like Frankie Avalon, Rydell's biggest hit was this sax-heavy teen romp about trying to tame a girl who's "got a new baby every day." Disposable pop for the kids, and that always has a place on the pop charts.
22 - "Mama," Connie Francis
The A-side of "Teddy" was this g ballad about how missing one's mother after she's passed. It was originally written in Italian, and Francis sings in both Italian and English. The kind of big emotional showcase she excels at.
21 - "Mr. Lucky," Henry Mancini
The legendaty film and TV composer had his first Top 40 single with the theme song to a short-lived TV-series about a professional gambler who runs a floating casino. This is a smooth orchestral number, and while I like the organ on this, it doesn't really stand out like some of his more famous compositions.
In Part Two: puppies, clowns, and a deadly battle on the high seas.
40 - "Teddy," Connie Francis
Newark, New Jersey native Concetta Franconero broke through on the pop charts in 1957 with "Who's Sorry Now," and had charted consistently ever since. This song, the B-side of a hit we'll encounter later, is just a basic, orchestrated pop ballad about how much she loves a guy named Teddy. No twist at the end that she's talking about a stuffed bear, no revelation that Teddy died, nothin'. Still, Francis' voice is pretty and clear, and a pleasure to hear.
39 - "Just One Time," Don Gibson
North Carolinian Gibson was a consistent presence on the country charts for nearly 25 years, and he wrote songs that were huge hits for Patsy Cline ("Sweet Dreams") and Ray Charles ("I Can't Stop Loving You"). His first and biggest pop hit as an artist was 1958's "Oh Lonesome Me," but he would crack the Top 40 three more times, including this wish to see an old flame just once more. He borders on yodelling on the choruses, and it works. Solid, well-crafted C&W.
38 - "Fannie Mae," Buster Brown
This Georgia-born singer (whose name, which he shared with a popular comic-strip character/children's shoe mascot, may or may not have been the one he was born with) was nearly 50 when he cracked the 40 and topped the R&B charts with this blues raveup on which he just wants the title lady to come home. The harmonica solo is terrific.
37 - "He'll Have to Stay," Jeanne Black
Early in the year, country star Jim Reeves released "He'll Have to Go," a song about calling a lover and learning that she's in the company of another man. The song was a smash, so much so that then-unknown singer Black recorded an answer record from the woman's point of view. Singing to the tune of the original, Black declares that because the man on the phone has been away for so long, she's found a new beau and she's not giving him up. Black really wasn't that good a singer to these ears, and she didn't have any major hits after this, so it's safe to say that this tune's success was mainly powered by the gimmick. Still, I'll take this battle of the sexes over the Eamon/Frankee war of '04
36 - "Mountain of Love," Harold Dorman
Mississippian Dorman had his only hit of consequence with this soul-pop number about a man looking down form on high on a city in which his ex is currently marrying someone else. A great song that's been covered multiple times (most successfully by Johnny Rivers and Charley Pride), but for me, the original is the one to seek out.
35 - "Doggin' Around," Jackie Wilson
Born in Detroit in 1934, Wilson's electrifying vocals and stage performances earned him the nickname "Mr. Excitement." Here, he chastises a cheating lover for her philandering, saying that if she continues "I'm gonna put you down." Whether he means he's going to leave her or do something more...drastic, I can't say. But a fine song regardless.
34 - "Paper Roses," Anita Bryant
The biggest hit for this onetime Miss Oklahoma was that uses fake flowers as a metaphor for romantic insincerity. I first became aware of her as a child in commercials for Florida oranges. It wasn't until later I learned about the anti-homosexual campaigning that pretty much ended her showbiz career. Overall, not a fan. And speaking completely objectively, Marie Osmond's version of this song is better.
33 - "Love You So," Ron Holden
This Seattle singer's only major hit was this R&B ballad. Not lyrically innovative, but a simple, romantic number made that surely was slow-danced to by millions of teenagers at the time. Good, solid stuff.
32 - "Big Iron," Marty Robbins
The pride of Phoenix, Arizona, Robbins was a country legend, amassing 16 #1 country hits (including the 1959 pop charttopper "El Paso"), during a thirty-year career that ended with his death in 1982. This song tells the Old West story of an "Arizona Ranger" who comes to a town intending to kill a wanted outlaw named "Texas Red." Eventually, the two meet in an old-fashioned gunfight, and the Ranger, to the surprise of everyone but the listener, is faster on the draw and shoots down the bad guy. Robbins voice is a pleasure, and the song is basically a Hollywood Western epic condensed into four minutes of goodness.
31 - "Apple Green," June Valli
Bronx-born Valli first gained fame in the 50s singing on the game show Stop the Music and the pre-Casey countdown TV series Your Hit Parade. Both of her Top 40 hits peaked at #29, the second being this old-school pop ballad about how wonderful the world seems "when you're 17 and in love." Her voice is sultrier than I imagined. I was pleasantly surprised.
30 - "The Madison," Al Brown's Tunetoppers
The Madison was a dance invented in Columbus, Ohio, and was a nationwide craze for a couple of years. It was performed in a line, and involved called steps that could include such moves as the "Birdland" and the "Boss Turn," both of which are mentioned it this, one of two Madison-themed Top 40 hits (the other being "Madison Time" by The Ray Bryant Combo). Other steps not mentioned here includet the "Rifleman," the "Basketball," and the "Jackie Gleason." A fun little artifact "for kids from 8 to 83."
29 - "Don't Throw Away All Those Teardrops," Frankie Avalon
Philadelphia's Francis Avallone had a brief run as one of rock n' roll's top teen heartthrobs, mainly during Elvis Presley's stint in the Army. On his penultimate Top 40 hit, he blandly sings about how he's going to make a girl trade all her tears for smiles. Not sure how that works. Anyway, he was much cooler later on in the "Beach Party" movies with the recently passed Annette Funicello. And he was all right in Grease, too.
28 - "Money (That's What I Want)," Barrett Strong
Mississippi-born Strong gave the fledgling Motown label its first major hit with this rollicking soul raveup about how wealth may not be the only thing in life, but it sure helps. The Beatles and The Flying Lizards both later cut memorable takes on this, but Strong, who would go on to co-write several major hits for other artists on the label, still has the definitive version.
27 - "Angela Jones," Johnny Ferguson
All I could find out about the one-hit wonder behind this gentle, folkish number about high school romance is that he was a DJ in the 50s. However, I did learn that the songwriter, John D. Loudermilk, wrote a few pop hits, most famously the Paul Revere and the Raiders smash "Indian Reservation." I like this one better
26 - "What Am I Living For," Conway Twitty
Mississippian Harold Jenkins, who took his stage name from two towns in Arkansas and Texas, respectively, broke on the scene in 1958 with the quality Elvis soundalike "It's Only Make Believe." He'd score a handful of pop hits after that, including this rockabilly ballad about the only woman he could possibly imagine loving. The heartache in his voice is palpable, so it's hardly surprising that he'd eventually turn to country music, where he ended up being one of the most prolific hitmakers of the 70s and 80s.
25 - "Lonely Weekends," Charlie Rich
Before he was country's "Silver Fox," Arkansan Rich recorded rockabilly for Memphis music mogul Sam Phillips of Sun Records fame. His first major hit was another Elvis soundalike about how his loneliness particularly upsets him on Saturdays and Sundays. Okay, but his country hits are better.
24 - "Clementine," Bobby Darin
The versatile pop star born Walden Robert Cassotto had a hit with this swinging version of the 19th century folk song about a miner's daughter. In this version, Clementine weighs "two-ninety-nine," and her girth causes her to collapse a bridge and drown. Later, Darin jokes that sailors might mistake her corpse for a whale. This sounds quite a bit like his earlier smash "Mack the Knife," but it hasn't aged nearly as well.
23 - "Wild One," Bobby Rydell
A Philly-based teen idol like Frankie Avalon, Rydell's biggest hit was this sax-heavy teen romp about trying to tame a girl who's "got a new baby every day." Disposable pop for the kids, and that always has a place on the pop charts.
22 - "Mama," Connie Francis
The A-side of "Teddy" was this g ballad about how missing one's mother after she's passed. It was originally written in Italian, and Francis sings in both Italian and English. The kind of big emotional showcase she excels at.
21 - "Mr. Lucky," Henry Mancini
The legendaty film and TV composer had his first Top 40 single with the theme song to a short-lived TV-series about a professional gambler who runs a floating casino. This is a smooth orchestral number, and while I like the organ on this, it doesn't really stand out like some of his more famous compositions.
In Part Two: puppies, clowns, and a deadly battle on the high seas.
Monday, April 22, 2013
April 20, 2013 Part Two
Wrapping up the present.
20 - "Carry On," fun.
19 - "Little Talks," Of Monsters and Men
18 - "22," Taylor Swift
17 - "Locked Out of Heaven," Bruno Mars
16 - "I Will Wait," Mumford and Sons
The second half opens with more fun. This time, it's another singalong, this time about moving on with life and ignoring one's mortality. It has kind of an Irish flavor. Their hits seemed designed to be played repeatedly during drunken nights out. There's a place for that, clearly.
Of Monsters and Men aren't the first act from Iceland to develop an American following. Before them were The Sugarcubes, their lead singer Bjork's solo career, and Sigur Ros. But I don't think either of those have scaled this height of the Top 40. It's folky pop with horns, and I think it's about a couple hoping to reunite. It's charming, but give me Bjork anyday.
Next is Taylor Swift with some Swedish-made pop about being happy and free and okay with not being cool. She writes for teenage girls, and that's okay. But unlike others like her who've come before, there's absolutely nothing in her music for anyone else. No killer hooks, no interesting lyrical insights, nothing. But she's hardly hurting for fans, so she doesn't need to do anything but what she's doing. For now.
Then it's Bruno Mars with a track that sounds like 80s new wave. There's a Police vibe to it in particular. It's about a woman whose "sex takes (him) to Paradise." Another fun, catchy winner. This guy, to my ears, is this MVP of modern Top 40 radio. Ooh!
This section closes out with Mumford and Sons, an English band influenced by American roots music and Shakespeare. Somehow, this combination has made them huge pop stars, and their biggest U.S. hit so far, a song about wanting to repair a broken relationship. Honestly, I think I like this less than I should. But I will say it's cool to hear banjo on pop radio again.
15 - "Scream and Shout," will.i.am featuring Britney Spears
14 - "Alive," Krewella
13 - "Troublemaker," Olly Murs featuring Flo Rida
12 - "Heart Attack," Demi Lovato
11 - "It's Time," Imagine Dragons
This section opens with more will.i.am, teaming up with Britney on another typical electrodance noisemaker. Brit's contribution is mostly a spoken-word part on which she sounds like Madonna after she moved to England. This does not make me want to "bring the action."
Chicago dance group Krewella make their first major pop impression with your basic modern uplifting techno number. Sorry you three, but the Swedes do this kind of thing much, much better.
Next is Olly Murs, yet another graduate of the British X Factor. His first American hit is a song about a girl so bad she's good. This sounds a lot like Maroon 5, only Murs' voice is slightly less annoying. Flo Rida's rap is bland and inoffensive.
Then it's Demi Lovato, the onetime star of such Disney creations as Sonny With a Chance and Camp Rock. Personal issues put her TV career on hold, but she's continued to have success in music with songs like this one about not wanting to fall in love even though she's really, really attracted to someone. She sings okay, but I prefer Selena Gomez between the two.
This quintet is anchored by Las Vegas' Imagine Dragons with a jaunty pop-rock song about not changing oneself for anyone or anything. The choruses remind me of their LV homeboys The Killers at their best, only not as good. But all in all, a decent song.
The Top Ten make the world go round.
10 - "Just Give Me a Reason," Pink featuring Nate Ruess
The latest from Her Pinkness finds her teaming up with the singer from fun. on this ballad about a relationship that may or not be salvageable. A timeless pop duet.
9 - "I Knew You Were Trouble," Taylor Swift
More from pop's current princess. A song about a relationship that was a mistake. Okay, I kind of like this one a bit. "Zippy" is the adjective that comes to mind. But my previous comment about her overall oeuvre stands.
8 - "Don't You Worry Child," Swedish House Mafia featuring John Martin
The collective name of this trio of Scandanavian DJs sounds to me like the least intimidating organized-crime faction imaginable. But this song about fatherly advice getting one through tough times is pretty good. I don't know if John Martin sounds as much like Chad Kroeger on all of the stuff he sings as he does here, but regardless, it works in this context.
7 - "Feel This Moment," Pitbull featuring Christina Aguilera
Mr. Bull doesn't change my opinion of him on this track, in spite of employing the melody from A-ha's "Take on Me" and having Aguilera sing a solid hook. It's still a lot of boasting in his annoying delivery. Sorry, I don't get it.
6 - "Sweet Nothing," Calvin Harris featuring Florence Welch
The scottish DJ has another hit with this song that features a haunting vocal from the lead singer of English band Florence + The Machine. The lyrics are about not getting what you need from a relationship. The beats are strong as usual. Harris remains one of the leading lights in the electronic wing of modern pop.
5 - "Stay," Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko
Miss Rhi racks up yet another hit with a tender piano ballad featuring previously unknown Louisianan Ekko. A reminder that when she sheds the big production and the "swag," the lady can sing.
4 - "Suit & Tie," Justin Timberlake featuring Jay-Z
Timberlake's "comeback" single is this slick, sharp number that contains more than a few echoes of the best disco had to offer. Jay-Z's rap accentuates the cool, adult vibe. Welcome back JT, we missed you. And does anybody remember the name of that group he was in back in the 90s anymore?
3 - "Thrift Shop," Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz
These guys' breakthrough is this odd little rap tune about shopping at the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other used-goods outlets. A fun little novelty, but I'm most intrigued by their guest singer, 52-year-old Michael "Wanz" Wansley, a journeyman singer who was working fulltime as a software tester when he got the call to sing on this track. And now his voice is everywhere. I find that story fucking awesome.
2 - "Daylight," Maroon 5
Another big hit from these guys. This time, Adam Levine's singing about how he doesn't want to leave a lover but has to. His voice is exceptionally grating on this one. Still, I will once again proclaim how much I like "Harder to Breathe." But this isn't even close to being that good.
And the Number One song in America as I'm writing this is...
1 - "When I Was Your Man," Bruno Mars
The man seems to be making the top of the charts his home these days, and with songs like this regretful piano-soul ballad make, I don't begrudge him that at all. Quite simply, right now, the man is the best in the world at what he does.
Okay, so that ends the journey from 1989 to now. And it also ends the series of ten Ryan Seacrest countdowns I listened to for this. Obviously, he runs the show much differently than Casey did, with celebrity guests, frequent plugs for Idol and his other projects, and a looser manner overall. He's not my cup of tea, but I can't deny he's a pro, and he's the right man for the job right now. Can you see Casey talking about relationship gossip and Twitter feeds? Neither can I.
And so this phase of BGC is complete. Once again I'd like to thank Jimmy Delach for his huge role in making these entries possible. And of course, thanks to all of you for reading them.
So is this the end?
Well, yes and no.
I'm continuing this thing, but on a little less frequent basis. Instead of coming to you twice a week (or so, as the case has been lately), my two-part entries will be posted every three-or-four weeks.
And what will they be about, you ask?
Well, I've decided to go back to the pre-Casey era and cover one Billboard Top 40 for each of the years between 1960 and 1969. I'm ready to take on an extremely different pop landscape than the one I've been writing about lately. I think it'll be fun and interesting, and I hope you do too. I already have my 1960 chart picked out, and you should be hearing from me about it in a week or two.
And yes, I may also sprinkle in some 70s and 80s coverage. I know there are songs I haven't given my opinion on yet, and I have every intention of doing so at some point. You have been warned, "Superman" by Herbie Mann. You too, "I Do What I Do," by John Taylor.
So anyway, thank you for joining me on this leg of the journey, and you are quite welcome to stay aboard for the next one. See you again soon.
20 - "Carry On," fun.
19 - "Little Talks," Of Monsters and Men
18 - "22," Taylor Swift
17 - "Locked Out of Heaven," Bruno Mars
16 - "I Will Wait," Mumford and Sons
The second half opens with more fun. This time, it's another singalong, this time about moving on with life and ignoring one's mortality. It has kind of an Irish flavor. Their hits seemed designed to be played repeatedly during drunken nights out. There's a place for that, clearly.
Of Monsters and Men aren't the first act from Iceland to develop an American following. Before them were The Sugarcubes, their lead singer Bjork's solo career, and Sigur Ros. But I don't think either of those have scaled this height of the Top 40. It's folky pop with horns, and I think it's about a couple hoping to reunite. It's charming, but give me Bjork anyday.
Next is Taylor Swift with some Swedish-made pop about being happy and free and okay with not being cool. She writes for teenage girls, and that's okay. But unlike others like her who've come before, there's absolutely nothing in her music for anyone else. No killer hooks, no interesting lyrical insights, nothing. But she's hardly hurting for fans, so she doesn't need to do anything but what she's doing. For now.
Then it's Bruno Mars with a track that sounds like 80s new wave. There's a Police vibe to it in particular. It's about a woman whose "sex takes (him) to Paradise." Another fun, catchy winner. This guy, to my ears, is this MVP of modern Top 40 radio. Ooh!
This section closes out with Mumford and Sons, an English band influenced by American roots music and Shakespeare. Somehow, this combination has made them huge pop stars, and their biggest U.S. hit so far, a song about wanting to repair a broken relationship. Honestly, I think I like this less than I should. But I will say it's cool to hear banjo on pop radio again.
15 - "Scream and Shout," will.i.am featuring Britney Spears
14 - "Alive," Krewella
13 - "Troublemaker," Olly Murs featuring Flo Rida
12 - "Heart Attack," Demi Lovato
11 - "It's Time," Imagine Dragons
This section opens with more will.i.am, teaming up with Britney on another typical electrodance noisemaker. Brit's contribution is mostly a spoken-word part on which she sounds like Madonna after she moved to England. This does not make me want to "bring the action."
Chicago dance group Krewella make their first major pop impression with your basic modern uplifting techno number. Sorry you three, but the Swedes do this kind of thing much, much better.
Next is Olly Murs, yet another graduate of the British X Factor. His first American hit is a song about a girl so bad she's good. This sounds a lot like Maroon 5, only Murs' voice is slightly less annoying. Flo Rida's rap is bland and inoffensive.
Then it's Demi Lovato, the onetime star of such Disney creations as Sonny With a Chance and Camp Rock. Personal issues put her TV career on hold, but she's continued to have success in music with songs like this one about not wanting to fall in love even though she's really, really attracted to someone. She sings okay, but I prefer Selena Gomez between the two.
This quintet is anchored by Las Vegas' Imagine Dragons with a jaunty pop-rock song about not changing oneself for anyone or anything. The choruses remind me of their LV homeboys The Killers at their best, only not as good. But all in all, a decent song.
The Top Ten make the world go round.
10 - "Just Give Me a Reason," Pink featuring Nate Ruess
The latest from Her Pinkness finds her teaming up with the singer from fun. on this ballad about a relationship that may or not be salvageable. A timeless pop duet.
9 - "I Knew You Were Trouble," Taylor Swift
More from pop's current princess. A song about a relationship that was a mistake. Okay, I kind of like this one a bit. "Zippy" is the adjective that comes to mind. But my previous comment about her overall oeuvre stands.
8 - "Don't You Worry Child," Swedish House Mafia featuring John Martin
The collective name of this trio of Scandanavian DJs sounds to me like the least intimidating organized-crime faction imaginable. But this song about fatherly advice getting one through tough times is pretty good. I don't know if John Martin sounds as much like Chad Kroeger on all of the stuff he sings as he does here, but regardless, it works in this context.
7 - "Feel This Moment," Pitbull featuring Christina Aguilera
Mr. Bull doesn't change my opinion of him on this track, in spite of employing the melody from A-ha's "Take on Me" and having Aguilera sing a solid hook. It's still a lot of boasting in his annoying delivery. Sorry, I don't get it.
6 - "Sweet Nothing," Calvin Harris featuring Florence Welch
The scottish DJ has another hit with this song that features a haunting vocal from the lead singer of English band Florence + The Machine. The lyrics are about not getting what you need from a relationship. The beats are strong as usual. Harris remains one of the leading lights in the electronic wing of modern pop.
5 - "Stay," Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko
Miss Rhi racks up yet another hit with a tender piano ballad featuring previously unknown Louisianan Ekko. A reminder that when she sheds the big production and the "swag," the lady can sing.
4 - "Suit & Tie," Justin Timberlake featuring Jay-Z
Timberlake's "comeback" single is this slick, sharp number that contains more than a few echoes of the best disco had to offer. Jay-Z's rap accentuates the cool, adult vibe. Welcome back JT, we missed you. And does anybody remember the name of that group he was in back in the 90s anymore?
3 - "Thrift Shop," Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz
These guys' breakthrough is this odd little rap tune about shopping at the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other used-goods outlets. A fun little novelty, but I'm most intrigued by their guest singer, 52-year-old Michael "Wanz" Wansley, a journeyman singer who was working fulltime as a software tester when he got the call to sing on this track. And now his voice is everywhere. I find that story fucking awesome.
2 - "Daylight," Maroon 5
Another big hit from these guys. This time, Adam Levine's singing about how he doesn't want to leave a lover but has to. His voice is exceptionally grating on this one. Still, I will once again proclaim how much I like "Harder to Breathe." But this isn't even close to being that good.
And the Number One song in America as I'm writing this is...
1 - "When I Was Your Man," Bruno Mars
The man seems to be making the top of the charts his home these days, and with songs like this regretful piano-soul ballad make, I don't begrudge him that at all. Quite simply, right now, the man is the best in the world at what he does.
Okay, so that ends the journey from 1989 to now. And it also ends the series of ten Ryan Seacrest countdowns I listened to for this. Obviously, he runs the show much differently than Casey did, with celebrity guests, frequent plugs for Idol and his other projects, and a looser manner overall. He's not my cup of tea, but I can't deny he's a pro, and he's the right man for the job right now. Can you see Casey talking about relationship gossip and Twitter feeds? Neither can I.
And so this phase of BGC is complete. Once again I'd like to thank Jimmy Delach for his huge role in making these entries possible. And of course, thanks to all of you for reading them.
So is this the end?
Well, yes and no.
I'm continuing this thing, but on a little less frequent basis. Instead of coming to you twice a week (or so, as the case has been lately), my two-part entries will be posted every three-or-four weeks.
And what will they be about, you ask?
Well, I've decided to go back to the pre-Casey era and cover one Billboard Top 40 for each of the years between 1960 and 1969. I'm ready to take on an extremely different pop landscape than the one I've been writing about lately. I think it'll be fun and interesting, and I hope you do too. I already have my 1960 chart picked out, and you should be hearing from me about it in a week or two.
And yes, I may also sprinkle in some 70s and 80s coverage. I know there are songs I haven't given my opinion on yet, and I have every intention of doing so at some point. You have been warned, "Superman" by Herbie Mann. You too, "I Do What I Do," by John Taylor.
So anyway, thank you for joining me on this leg of the journey, and you are quite welcome to stay aboard for the next one. See you again soon.
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