You love 'em, you leave 'em
That's what is known as technique, technique
The more you deceive 'em, the more they like your technique
Ah, they have de feminine mind
which is something like being colour blind
Ah we keep 'em guessing and that is how
We out maneuver womankind
Ohhhh, the womenfolk, their back is broad, de brain is weak
So they pigeon for de bachelor's technique
Strong-arm them, cave-man them
They're unimpressed with the male physique
The more you deadpan 'em,
The more they like your technique
Some like the arrogant stare -
Others like the shy retiring air
While there are others who like you best of all
When you ain't even there
Ohhhh ... de woman folk their face is fair, their brain is weak
Sooooo ... they pigeon for the bachelor's technique
But to make them jump thru the ring
Or to keep them dangling on a string
You find out what they want you to do
And you do the opposite thing
The less you caress them
The more they turn the other cheek
The more you outguess them,
The more they like your technique
So just remember what I have told you
And always keep it in mind
We keep 'em guessing and that is how
we out maneuver womankind
(I repeat now)
Keep 'em guessing and that is how
we out maneuver womankind (repeat)
Frank Merrill, Jr.
Pretty amazing. (Ok, does THAT qualify him for Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction??? That’ll make more sense after you read the next letter.)
Although I’ve not heard this song, the dialect implies that Mr. Goody Two-Shoes also dabbled in the earliest form of reggae!!! (We all remember his tongue-in-cheek heavy metal album, right???)
I think in the right setting, along with some romantic lighting, this track, along with the Hal David – Burt Bacharach gem “Wives And Lovers,” played back-to-back, could provide just about the right amount of mood-music to get you the perfect Stepford Wife! (kk)
Kent,
Regarding Chubby Checker Rock and Roll Hall of Fame …
As much as I respect Chubby's amazing career, he didn't write "The Twist," Hank Ballard did. He simply covered it for Cameo-Parkway and it was a hit TWICE (1960 and 1962). That's a testament to Chubby for sure, but it's also a testament to Hank Ballard's songwriting.
I'm not comparing them in any way, but Pat Boone covering Little Richard and Fats Domino songs in the late 1950's and early '60's and having hits in the 'white pop' world, does not mean Pat should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He shouldn't.
Little RIchard and Fats Domino are already in the Hall of Fame, as they rightfully belong there. So is Hank Ballard (inducted in 1990).
Chubby Checker was and is still a great entertainer. I have seen him perform live several times here in Toronto plus I've interviewed him twice. He did have a ton of other hits and most likely influenced the way adults danced, whereas Hank Ballard and his original version didn't.
Should Chubby Checker be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? I believe he should be for his influence on society and dancing, but not before artists and groups such as Neil Sedaka, The Guess Who and many, many others.
Jann Wenner needs to smarten the hell up, but that's a discussion you've been having for years.
Doug Thompson
Toronto
I have to disagree on a couple of points … and, although most will, in turn, disagree with ME, I do believe that Pat Boone belongs in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. No, he was NOT rock and roll … or even an innovator … but he brought Rhythm and Blues Music (the very foundation of Rock And Roll) into the homes of "White Bread America," making it acceptable in the process … there no telling how long it may have been otherwise for the Rock And Roll Revolution to have taken place. (I believe Ed Sullivan belongs in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for the very same reason … how is it even possible that he has never been inducted? It's UNTHINKABLE to me that Ed's contribution to bringing Rock And Roll into our living rooms hasn't been recognized.
Hank Ballard's version of "The Twist" was the B-Side of his low-charting hit "Teardrops On Your Letter" and wasn't even played until over a year later when Chubby's record raced up the chart. (Hank's version peaked at #28 while Chubby's topped the chart … twice!)
As for Neil Sedaka, The Guess Who and SO many others, The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame needs to open their eyes and undo all the wrongs they've done since their inception. (Maybe it's time to poll our readers and come up with a brand new Top 40 Deserving And Denied Artists … quite a few of these acts have finally been inducted since we first ran our rant and rave ten years ago!!!) kk
Kent:
Thanks for touting my new The Doors Summer’s Gone book.
Several Forgotten Hits readers / viewers have reached out to my publisher lauding the title. Others keep discovering my catalog. It’s an organic and reel-to real experience where my work and the multi-voice narrative contributors I invited have established a collaborative relationship with true music fans.
All of them are avid Doors’ fans and collectors and volunteered that they thought knew just about everything about their fave rave band. And, after ordering the book and devouring the data, happily admitted they learned so many new things about their history and the mystery of their still-ongoing impact and influence on popular culture.
That’s one of the reasons I wrote and assembled this volume, and it continues the interstitial thread and information that is inherent and displayed in my previous 12 books: I just don’t bring something new to the table - I bring lots of new, unique and original furniture into the room along with me. And, hopefully, we re-arrange the desk in your mind and present a different SoCal-centric view where the music and the recordings are the primary focus of the joint trek. During an interview with Ram Dass in 1999, he instructed me to "honor the incarnation." I acknowledge his directive.
In the process, I know and feel many other writers and authors also garner some well-deserved exposure on these printed pages.
Somebody just sent an email "Harvey is the Beyonce of the team." That was cool. Well, I did dance for a short season in 1966-67 on "Dick Clark's American Bandstand." At least back then my teenage acne wasn't too obvious on camera in the black and white footage world. I just re-connected with a junior high school friend who went to one of the AB tapings with me around spring of 1966.
The Mamas and the Papas and Bob Lind were the guests. Our minds were dancing during their lip-sync appearances. I interviewed Dick a couple of decades ago. Imagine a world where Clark, and Ed Sullivan didn't give weekly music act showcases. And on Ed's Sunday night show the bands played live!
Plus, over the decades, especially during 2017, numerous record labels and DVD companies willingly participated in my research providing Doors-related product that is chronicled.
As our pal Burton Cummings once wrote and sang in his journey with the Guess Who, “Share the Land.”
You and I, and the devoted supporters of www.forgottenhits.com do that function very well sharing the music.
Harvey Kubernik
Burton Cummings wrote an entire chapter in Harvey's new book about The Guess Who's first trip ever to LA in 1969 to appear on American Bandstand. Burton decided to venture out on his own and do a little exploring (he explains that one of his favorite TV shows was "77 Sunset Strip" and he wanted to see the spot where Kookie parked the cars!!!) From there he was ushered off to a party where he was joined on the piano bench by none other than Jim Morrison. The two then did a bit of joy-riding around the California Hills. It's a fascinating story and one that clearly left a life-long impression on a young and impressionable Burton Cummings. (As a side note, not mentioned in the book, The Guess Who used to host a Canadian television show before their career took off and each week they would spotlight some of the biggest hits of the day by performing cover versions of these tunes. One of those tunes was "Light My Fire" (and I'm almost positive that "Touch Me" was another … but Burton would have to confirm that.) You can sense Cummings’ admiration for Jim Morrison’s vocal as he tries to mimic quite closely on this take. (They also did a Jose Feliciano version that appeared on the program awhile later.)
Because Harvey's books are so California-centric (and I grew up here in the Midwest and was too young to go "clubbing" during this era anyway), they offer an interesting perspective of this time. Being all of about 13-14 years old (and living a pretty sheltered life!) I didn't really get into the whole psychedelic, drug scene that enveloped this era of music … a 13 minute jam was lost on me … I liked catchy pop tunes (still do!) so I don't think I would have succumbed to the allure of The Doors and many of these other California-area bands.
But that doesn't mean that I'm not completely fascinated by the stories told in this book … under-aged kids seduced by the music, sneaking into the clubs and bars to see their favorite acts perform ... folks who went to school with these guys or hung out with them in some capacity during this exciting time … and just their growing fan base as more and more people discovered their charismatic lead singer, the spiritual soul of their lyrics (described by so many as pure poetry … which is exactly what they were going for) and the almost free-form jazz that underlaid some of their more prolific arrangements.
It is interesting to see the band hone their skills and go from playing clubs with 25 people in the audience to huge arenas like The Hollywood Bowl and Madison Square Garden, which they didn’t want to play again because they felt it wasn’t intimate enough for them to engage with their fans … which is all pretty amazing in hindsight.
Honestly, Jim Morrison doesn't sound like a very nice person … and when you strip it down, you'll find very few nice things said about him … but he had a talent that captivated their audience and still resonates today, all these years later.
I, too, have learned a lot … and am seeking out some of this music that I missed (although, quite honestly, I'm still having a hard time losing myself in some of these 13-minute jams! lol)
But I'm trying. Harvey, your book his opened the eyes of many of us who missed this music the first time around … whether we were too young (or not even born yet!) or simply in the wrong proximity to enjoy it … so thank you for that. This is true of your Laurel Canyon Book, your Monterey Pop book … your LA Radio book … and several others. You are able to offer a unique perspective with vivid story-telling as seen through the eyes of the people who were there at the time living it, yourself included … and that blend is what makes them so exciting, interesting and unique. So keep 'em comin', my friend! (kk)
By the way, Harvey discusses his Doors book on the new Goldmine Magazine Podcast …
Kent:
If I'm displayed next to a photo of Chuck Berry you know it's a REAL good day! Always nice to share an hour with Chuck Berry.
We are all in the music together.
HK
Harvey Kubernik has done the impossible: Create a Doors book that contains special, untold stories and anecdotes about a band that has been sliced and diced, cross-examined and sensationalized. The highlight of the tome was a play-play account of the long lost story of when Jim Morrison met John Lennon backstage at the Toronto Rock n Roll Revival festival...."
Rob Hill, Editor-In-Chief, MG Magazine for the Cannabis Professional
You can order your copy here:
https://www.amazon.com/Doors-Summers-Gone-Harvey-Kubernik/dp/1892900033/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524567293&sr=1-3&keywords=harvey+kubernik
Hey, Kent, Chuck Buell Here!
https://www.amazon.com/Doors-Summers-Gone-Harvey-Kubernik/dp/1892900033/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524567293&sr=1-3&keywords=harvey+kubernik
Hey, Kent, Chuck Buell Here!
Nice enhancements on my TWA Hotel Story!
I particularly love your relatable Hit Music Hotel Names!
Heartbreak Hotel ... Morrison Hotel ... Hotel California ... even the Kotal No-Tell Motel (now there’s a name that “harkens” back to the sixties!)
I’m glad you included the Official Hotel website link. They’ve really done a groovy 60s job on that to show what this place will look like! Pretty wild!
Wonder if my Vintage (read: Olde!) TWA Introductory Ambassador Card will allow me any Special Guest Privileges!
Other than that, I have nothing more to add to this except, great job, Kent!
CB ( which stands for “Conceptional Boy!” )
It WOULD be an interesting place to stay. (What seemed like space age technology in 1962 still looks pretty cool today … in a retro sort of way!) kk
kk …
Are they going to be charging 1962 hotel rates in 2019?
Menu = TV Dinners Only
Instead of "Flashbacks" --- "Flashforwards"
FB
I would expect the rates to be very 2019 – PLUS. And I’m not sure TV Dinners would work … was the microwave around in 1962??? (lol) kk
UPDATE: Found it!!! (See, I KNEW The Guess Who also performed “Touch Me” on that program ... although it's nowhere near as strong a performance as their take on "Light My Fire.") By the way, the name of the show was “Let’s Go” and The Guess Who performed on it regularly for about two years. (kk)
