Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Tuesday This And That

The 4th of July   
Holy CRAPPE!!!  Brother Ray.  I'm one big goose bump.  
Thanks for sharing this with the world.  We need it now!
 
Much love to you and your wife, Kent.   
Many blessings.  
Jimbo 
And to you and yours as well.  Thanks, Jim!  (kk)

Our Titillating Edition of Forgotten Hits  
Kent,
Hope you have a happy and safe 4th of July.
When I saw the pictures you posted of Elvis' granddaughter, the following records came to my mind: the Rip Cords' 1964 ONE PIECE TOPLESS BATHING SUIT,  Peter and Gordon's LADY GODIVA and Robert Parker's BARE FOOTIN', both out of 1966 and finally David Rose's THE STRIPPER, out of 1962.  There may be others like these but can't think of any at the moment.
Larry

Hi Kent,
I know that all your readers appreciate how hard you work and your love for the music.  I think for that reason many people will overlook your response to Bob Merlis’ comments.  We all realize that this is your site and you can certainly do and post what you please, but you may have been making the point a bit too strongly.  Besides, I don’t think your response adds anything to your “journalistic” credibility.  
Tom Carroll
I will admit that PART of my response was my way of saying "this is my site and I can do what I please" ... (it's my party and I'll cry if I want to?) ... but I will also admit that I was a bit surprised by what I thought was a bit of an over-reaction to what was absolutely nothing more than the most innocent comment ("Meanwhile, Elvis' grand-daughter continues to show her titties on "The Girlfriend Experience"), intended for "comic relief" only.
I've known Bob Merlis for a long time and certainly have nothing but the utmost respect for his place in promoting many of the biggest names in rock and roll ... but was TRULY surprised that something that innocent (and insignificant) would "stick in his craw" the way it did.  Absolutely NOBODY else commented on it at all ... but clearly it bothered him or he wouldn't have said anything about it.
Here's the thing about Forgotten Hits ...
Thousands and thousands and thousands of people read it every single day ... but VERY few EVER take the time to write in and comment or voice their opinion ... so when people do, I take it very seriously that they stopped whatever they were doing and took the time to write in.  That means (good, bad or otherwise) what I've written has touched them in some way ... enough to elicit a response.
The point of MY response was simply to show that my intent was absolutely NOTHING more than an attempt at a humorous comment or observation.  (Elvis' grand-daughter "baring her breasts" on cable tv drew headlines around the world when she was first signed for the role ... my observation a full season later shouldn't have been construed as anything more than already stating the obvious)
But it bothered him, so I addressed it ... in (hopefully) the same humorous tone.  It wasn't a slam at Bob in ANY fashion.  (Quite honestly, both you and Bob said more in the way of questioning my "journalistic credibility" than I ever implied in my response)  I just wanted it ON THE RECORD (since it was questioned) that I absolutely DO "love the titties" and can roll with the punches with the best of them.  Nothing more.
By the way, over the years Forgotten Hits has done a couple of series that had fun with this topic.  Way back when we did a week long series called "Falsies" ... a salute to the best falsetto singers in rock and roll history.  (Frankie Valli, Lou Christie, Brian Wilson, etc.)  Each day for a week we saluted TWO of the greatest falsetto vocalists (because typically falsies DO travel in pairs)
Shortly after that we asked readers to SHOW ME YOUR HITS ... and folks responded in kind by sharing the biggest local hits of their area from the time they grew up in the '60's and '70's.  Again ... ALL in good clean fun.  
In the overall scheme of things (based on the comments and mail I've received since) it sounds like about 1% of the readers found the comment offensive ... 7% found it funny ... and 92% couldn't have cared less!  (lol)  kk

For a second there I thought I was reading an issue of R.I.P. RENFIELD!
Dan

>>>In other Elvis-related news, daughter Lisa Marie announced this week that she is divorcing her fourth husband.  Meanwhile, Elvis' grand-daughter continues to show her titties on "The Girlfriend Experience".  (kk)  
>>>You know what a big fan I am of Forgotten Hits so I just couldn’t help chiming in.  
The phrase  “to show her titties” is about as juvenile as one could imagine.  I do understand that some of the memories you bring to the fore in FH may have originated in our junior high school years but I think this turn of phrase is really beneath you.   Your point of view would have been much better served with something a bit more mature along the lines of “ Meanwhile, Elvis' grand-daughter continues to bear her breasts on 'The Girlfriend Experience.’"  But what’s the subtest here?  That you object to nudity on TV?  That Riley, being of noble heritage, shouldn’t sully the family’s reputation by pursing her acting career if the role calls for her to be topless?  Just want to have an understanding of where you’re coming from in this regard.  Hope you take this criticism in the friendly spirit in which it’s offered.  I’m not a prude by any measure but this line stuck in my craw and seemed gratuitous and kind of strange so I thought I’d say something.  (Bob Merlis) 
>>>It was exactly as you described it ... "juvenile humor" offered up solely in an attempt to crack a smile on the faces of a select few.  Just to be clear, I absolutely do NOT object to nudity on tv ... in fact, I seek it out at EVERY opportunity ... and, since we're on the subject, I will ALSO go on record and admit that I LOVE the titties!!!  In fact, I may even go so far as to say that I love Riley Keough's titties ... and would most likely deem them to be the ONLY reason I'll stop on "The Girlfriend Experience" if channel surfing late at night.  It was all done in humor (locker room or juvenile as it may be) and should be construed as absolutely nothing more ... let's face it ... 60+ years ago NOBODY believed Elvis would last past his original fifteen minutes of fame ... much less still be considered the incredible music icon he is today.  Yet today, he continues to be BIG business ... a corporation ... no, an INSTITUTION ... so the fact that sixty years later we're still reading headlines about his daughter going through her fourth divorce (although I understand she has since recanted and is now calling it a separation) and his GRAND-daughter is doing topless television as a paid escort still makes news in a very big way.  With the passing of the legendary Scotty Moore, it just felt right to address ALL things Elvis-newsworthy that week ... no hidden agenda here ... no social commentary ... other than to say that I, too, love and appreciate the titties!  (kk) 
kk,
Whilst I agree with Bob Merlis about the juvenile aspect of referring to breasts as 'titties', (that seems to be a peculiarly American term ... here in the UK we go for the more grown up term, and just call them 'tits'), his command of the English language appears to need some tweaking.  I wish people would check their spelling and grammar before posting stuff!
Ok, as you were.
G Van Win
Chelmsford, UK
From Bob's email:
Dear Kent,
You know what a big fan I am of Forgotten Hits so I just couldn’t help chiming in. 
The phrase  “to show her titties” is about as juvenile as one could imagine.  I do understand that some of the memories you bring to the fore in FH may have originated in our junior high school years but I think this turn of phrase is really beneath you.   Your point of view would have been much better served with something a bit more mature along the lines of “ Meanwhile, Elvis' grand-daughter continues to bear  (I'm sure she does, but I much prefer her to bare them) her breasts on 'The Girlfriend Experience.’" 
But what’s the subtest (surly he means 'subtext') here?  That you object to nudity on TV?  That Riley, being of noble heritage, shouldn’t sully the family’s reputation by pursing (pursuing) her acting career if the role calls for her to be topless?  Just want to have an understanding of where you’re coming from in this regard.  Hope you take this criticism in the friendly spirit in which it’s offered.  I’m not a prude by any measure but this line stuck in my craw and seemed gratuitous and kind of strange so I thought I’d say something.  (Bob Merlis)
 
And, I suppose under the circumstances, Bob's comment "some of the memories you bring to the fore in FH" REALLY should read "some of the mammaries", right???  (kk)  

Hey Kent ...  
So many of us appreciate the time (as in you don’t have any of your own) you put in to make Forgotten Hits happen in such a huge way.  Huge thanks from all of us. 
P.S.  I’m very into all things Elvis including his beautiful granddaughter!  Thanks for the unexpected surprise in the middle of today's comments.  Made me a new believer on this 4th of July Sunday!
Denny Flannigan

Boobalicious!
Greg   

Jukebox Baby ... The Times, They Are A-Changin'  

Kent ...  
Original Jukebox = You can only play music physically in the Jukebox.  
Back in the early days it was five or ten cents per selection.
Modern Jukebox = You can play music physically in the Jukebox for one credit, 50 cents. You also have the option of hearing songs off the internet for two credits, $1.
Current  Jukebox = Brand new. In one of the Pubs I go to I found a Video Jukebox.  
Now there's a third option - some selections have videos attached to them for two credits, $1. Its kind of like watching You Tube while your listening. Some of the videos I've watched = Rod Stewart, Johnny Cash and Billy Joel. 
Future  Jukebox = I predict I'll be able to book Billy Joel to come to my Pub and sing "For The Longest Time." Only problem -- I might need a bank loan for my selection, instead of two credits, $1.
Frank B.
  


This And That
Jim Peterik brings "The Songs" to Space in Evanston on Sunday, July 17th, another chance for the locals to hear these new interpretations of his best known work.  (We caught the show a couple of weeks ago at The Raue Center For Performing Arts in Crystal Lake and were blown away ... you can read our complete review here:  http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2016/06/jim-peterik-songs-live-at-raue-center.html
Info on the Space show can be found here: 
Pick up copies of Jim's new CD and his autobiography at the show!  (kk)

And in other "Local Heroes" news, it sounds like Jimy Sohns is doing great and ready to start performing again.  I talked with Rick Barr, Drummer for both The New Colony Six and The Shadows of Knight, at the NC6 gig on Sunday and he tells me that Jimy will start appearing again  July 16th at Antioch's "Taste Of Summer" ... and he is really looking forward to the next Cornerstones Show at The Arcada Theatre on September 3rd (already sold out!) and an original members Shadows Of Knight reunion concert is also planned ...
Will you be coming to the Shadows of Knight Original Band Lineup Reunion Concert on August 20th? Jerry McGeorge is coming from Colorado ... Hawk Wolinski is coming from Tennessee .., Tom Schiffour is coming from Israel ... and I am coming from right down the road ... lol ... be there!
(More information to come) 
Jimy
Rick says that even when Jimy couldn't talk, he could still sing!!!  Amazing!  And says he's doing so well that, "If I didn't know, I wouldn't know."  ALL great news for sure!  (kk)

Thank you, Kent, for reminding me why I don't type out huge lists. The Siler Convention? It would take me hours to type out the same list, and even after fixing an average of one typo per line, I know there would be more I'd miss. You have to go back to 1991 before I've heard more than one song on the list. Moreover I don't care any longer.  
Jack
LOL ... I type fast ... evidently just not very accurately!  (lol)  And, being in much the same boat (there were more names I didn't recognize from the past fifteen years than I did!), I'm quite sure Silver Convention isn't the only one I messed up.  Between my eyes being as bad as they are ... and the type in Joel's new book being as small as it is ... I'm hoping that I got the majority of the artists' names right!  (kk)
 
Hi, thanks for the blogs, I do enjoy them.   
I was wondering if you had any comments / other stuff to share about or if you have ever heard of the group “Marillion”.  I saw them in 85 with the original singer Fish but they are still going strong with a new singer Steve Hogswarth, who is incredible.  The whole band is of the progressive rock type and I dare compare them with Dream Theater, Rush, Yes.  In fact they opened for Rush when I saw them.  I’ve had recently wanted to check them out and what I’m seeing on youtube is amazing.   They may not be an oldie but goodie but their music is not radio friendly ... complex played by extremely talented musicians ... there is so much to like about them.  I just didn’t want them to go unnoticed, as they get my vote for the most underrated band I can think of.
While you're at it, any comments, memories about Rush would be great as well.  I can understand why they retired but it hits hard.  
And this doesn’t fit with your oldies blog but I know we have talent that is not like the same as the 60’s but why would we ever expect music to not evolve.  So, I have to say that Ariana Grande may be the best vocalist I have ever heard.  An absolutely stunning performer. And a shout out to the god known as Brian Setzer; arguably the best guitarist ever.
Anyways, thanks for the good stuff.  Doing what you do honors the greats like Prince, David Bowie, Elvis.  These are our musical geniuses who must never be forgotten.  Their contribution and influence is beyond measure. 
dsmacq
Unfortunately, NONE of the artists you mention really fit the bill here in Forgotten Hits ... but that doesn't mean they don't deserve a shout-out from a fan who may, in fact, turn somebody else on to this great talent.  The little I've seen by Ariana Grande convinces me that she's one of the most talented artists out there performing today ... this girl can do it all ... and actually SING ... not just play the hot and cutesy role.  If you're not familiar with her, check her out on YouTube ... a classic vocalist for sure. 
And who knows ... maybe by way of your email a few other fans of the heavy metal sounds of Rush and Marillion will take a moment to check them out on YouTube.  Thanks.  (kk)



EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT PROUDLY PRESENTS

KISS ROCKS VEGAS
AMERICA’S #1 GOLD RECORD AWARD-WINNING BAND OF ALL TIME
~ON MULTIPLE FORMATS - AUGUST 26, 2016~



Is there ANY live experience like KISS on stage?
On August 26, 2016, Eagle Rock Entertainment will unleash KISS Rocks Vegas on DVD+CD ($21.98), Blu-ray+CD ($26.98), DVD+2LP ($39.98), and Deluxe Edition DVD+Blu-ray+2CD ($79.98).
Captured in the midst of their 40th Anniversary World Tour, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers sonically shook Vegas during their residency at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in November 2014. This Sin City set sizzles with KISS classics from across their 44 album legacy: “Rock And Roll All Night,” “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “Love Gun,” and more. As a bonus feature, Kiss Rocks Vegas includes a seven-song acoustic set. Punctuated with pyrotechnics galore, the film presents the fire, electricity, and one-of-a-kind rock experience that earned KISS over 100 million sales globally.
The Deluxe Edition of KISS Rocks Vegas is presented as a hardcover package with a 12X12 book, boasting photos from the show and an exclusive CD. 
“We Rocked and Vegas Rolled ! This was Epic In Your Face KISS ! We got Up close and personal, I think Rock and Roll fans will really enjoy this spectacle that only KISS can deliver.”
- Paul Stanley
“KaBOOM! We blew up the Joint at The Hard Rock in Vegas like never before. We are very proud of this and know that you will be blown away as well.” 
-Gene Simmons 
KISS has been a solid mainstay in the music industry for four decades, and were recently honored by their peers with the illustrious ASCAP Founders Award in 2015. With over 40 years of record-breaking global tours and the expanse of loyal KISS Army members worldwide, KISS continues to entrance generations with their mammoth live prowess, which is on big, bold, LOUD display on KISS Rocks Vegas.
KISS (Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, Eric Singer) is dedicated to numerous Veterans Organizations including: The Wounded Warriors Project, The USO, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Hire A Hero” program, The Legacy Organization in Australia, Help for Heroes United Kingdom and The Dr. Pepper Snapple Groups Wounded Warriors Support Foundations  
For more information, visit www.KissOnline.com
KISS is America’s #1 Gold Record Award winning group of all time, and that’s in every category ... as such, KISS can easily be named one of rock’s most influential bands. The Rock N Roll Hall of Famers have released 44 albums and sold more than 100 million albums worldwide.  Honored by their peers, KISS received the illustrious ASCAP Founders Award in 2015.  Over 40 years of record-breaking global tours have brought KISS to their fans. They kicked off their recent world tour with five headlining shows in Japan and a #1 single in 2014 “Samurai Son” with pop group, Momoiro Clover Z.  Their 40th Anniversary World tour also rocked North America, South America and Australia.  Additionally, once a year the “KISS Army” becomes the “KISS Navy” as fans from across the globe board the KISS Kruise (this year will be their 6th voyage). KISS teamed up with Warner Brothers in 2014 to create the well-received original movie ScoobyDoo and KISS: Rock And Roll Mystery. Other high-profile appearances have included the Super Bowl, the Winter Olympics, Rockin' The Corps concert, a FOX alliance with KISS appearing in multiple episodes of Family Guy, plus two special guest performances on American Idol finales. KISS has been featured in major advertising and marketing campaigns for John Varvatos, Google Play, Hello Kitty — even appearing  in a Dr. Pepper Super Bowl commercial and advertising campaign in support of their Hottest Show On Earth tour. This year represents the 3rd season of the LA KISS Arena Football League team bringing professional football back to Los Angeles.  KISS founding band members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons have also entered the culinary world by opening a string of successful restaurants aptly named Rock & Brews. KISS is dedicated to numerous Veterans Organizations including: Vet Tix, The Wounded Warriors Project, The USO, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Hiring Our Heroes” program, The Legacy Organization in Australia, Help For Heroes United Kingdom and The Dr. Pepper Snapple Groups Wounded Warriors Support Foundations. For more information, visit www.KissOnline.com

TRACK LISTING:

1. DETROIT ROCK CITY

2. CREATURES OF THE NIGHT

3. PSYCHO CIRCUS

4. PARASITE

5. WAR MACHINE  

6. TEARS ARE FALLING

7. DEUCE

8. LICK IT UP

9. I LOVE IT LOUD

10. HELL OR HALLELUJA & TOMMY SOLO

11. GOD OF THUNDER

12. DO YOU LOVE ME

13. LOVE GUN

14. BLACK DIAMOND

15. SHOUT IT OUT LOUD

16. ROCK AND ROLL ALL NIGHT 

Acoustic Set:  
1. COMING HOME 
2. PLASTER CASTER  
3. HARD LUCK WOMAN
4. CHRISTINE SIXTEEN 
5. GOIN' BLIND  
6. LOVE HER ALL I CAN
7. BETH