We didn't have our photo with Tres Hombres (aka ZZ Top) in time to run with Tuesday's review ... so here it is again for those who didn't notice that it had been re-posted on Wednesday Morning. (VERY special thanks to Bob Merlis for "pulling a few strings" and recovering this for us!!!) It's a definite keeper!)
I saw ZZ Top perform on New Year's Eve, 1999, and it sounded exactly like what you described in your review ... just non-stop, foot-stompin' music. I had to laugh at one of the comments you made ... they may only play three chords, but they sure know how to play them!
Ed
My first industry job was with London Records ... working on The Rolling Stones, Moody Blues and ZZ Top.
Great guys ... lots of fun ... and I'd be remiss not to add their original manager, Bill Ham.
Sure, things got nasty at the end with lawsuits and all, but boy, were they fun to work on.
I saw ZZ Top perform on New Year's Eve, 1999, and it sounded exactly like what you described in your review ... just non-stop, foot-stompin' music. I had to laugh at one of the comments you made ... they may only play three chords, but they sure know how to play them!
Ed
My first industry job was with London Records ... working on The Rolling Stones, Moody Blues and ZZ Top.
Great guys ... lots of fun ... and I'd be remiss not to add their original manager, Bill Ham.
Sure, things got nasty at the end with lawsuits and all, but boy, were they fun to work on.
They were always an awesome live act.
Great memories and it seems they've still got it!
David Salidor
Check out the comment above ... this guy saw the band perform on New Year's Eve, 1999 ... and says that the concert I describe sounded EXACTLY like what they experienced twenty years ago. Looks like they haven't changed much at all ... or felt a reason to. They just keep delivering the goods again and again ... and the fans love 'em! (kk)
Hi Kent,
I especially enjoyed your take on ZZ Top ... great photos, too. Who took them or were they promos from the band?
A job well done in any case on both the writing and photos!
Hi Kent,
I especially enjoyed your take on ZZ Top ... great photos, too. Who took them or were they promos from the band?
A job well done in any case on both the writing and photos!
Keep up the great work.
Take care,
Andy Argyrakis
Coming from you, Andy (a professional photographer as well as having written your own concert review column for years!) this means quite a bit. (Andy has just landed a gig as the house photographer for The Chicago Theater so congratulations on that as well!)
We had NO photo opportunities at the concert whatsoever ... even backstage everyone was warned that there would be no cell phone photos allowed and our seats for the show were (appropriately enough) in Row Z, so not the ideal vantage point to catch the guys on stage ... so these photos came right from the band's website.
Check 'em out ... you'll find dozens more ... beautiful shots ... as well as the full itinerary of their upcoming shows. (kk)
VEHICLE:
Have you ever heard this version of Vehicle by the Links?
It is a massacre of a great song!
Mike DeMartino
Hi Kent-
A Facebook friend hipped me to this most bizarre cover version of the Ides' "Vehicle."
I wonder if Jimbo knows this about one!
-- Mike Lane
Have you ever heard this version of Vehicle by the Links?
It is a massacre of a great song!
Mike DeMartino
Hi Kent-
A Facebook friend hipped me to this most bizarre cover version of the Ides' "Vehicle."
I wonder if Jimbo knows this about one!
-- Mike Lane
OK, I can honestly say that I was a little bit frightened by that rendition! (lol) But a number of artists have covered this song over the years … I know we’ve posted the Sammy Davis., Jr. version before …
And how about Tom Jones?!?!
That Ides of March 55th anniversary party must have been great! Wish I'd been there. Great photos, too. Seeing the band do "Like it or Lump it" would have been very cool from a history point of view!
I'd like to give kudos to Marlene O'Malley for introducing me to Jim Peterik 13 years ago, because if not for her, I'd have never talked with and began a great friendship with him. I wish she'd get back in touch with me.
Clark Besch
I have passed your request along to Marlene, who I’m sure will be in touch. (kk)
BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS:
I know you said that Bo Bice had been singing with Blood, Sweat and Tears for several years … but whatever happened to David Clayton-Thomas, the singer they had all of their hits with? He seems to have fallen off the face of the earth!
Steve
Believe it or not, Ron Onesti JUST booked David Clayton-Thomas for an appearance at The Arcada Theatre NEXT OCTOBER … and tickets are available thru their online box office right now …
http://www.arcadalive.com/event/david-clayton-thomas/
I saw Blood, Sweat and Tears back in 1972 … Linda Ronstadt was the opening act … and it was at THIS show that she announced that some of the members of her band were leaving to form their own band and had just signed a record deal.
She then left the stage and let this young, upstart band play a couple of tunes on their own … which just happened to be “Take It Easy” and “Witchy Woman.”
Yes, incredibly, this was the Linda Ronstadt tour that launched The Eagles … and music has never been the same since.
Of course we had no idea at the time what any of this would mean … what were the chances of these new guys actually making it on their own??? But I DO remember really liking “Witchy Woman.” (I’ve never really cared for “Take It Easy” … then or to this day … but “Witchy Woman” made enough of an impression on me that when it was finally released as an Eagles single, I remembered it immediately and went out and bought their first album.
Oddly enough, I barely remember BS&T at all from that night … my favorite song of theirs at the time was “Hi-De-Ho,” the Carole King tune … and I remember them doing it but not being bowled over by their performance. My girlfriend at the time got me tickets for my birthday … made me dinner at her place and then we joined another couple to head downtown for the show.
Looking back at it now, historically, I’m a bit confused by the timing. My birthday is August 27th … and “Witchy Woman” first made the national pop charts the day before … meaning that “Take It Easy” had already made its run up the chart. At first I thought maybe I had been confused and the concert actually took place in 1971 … which would have made a whole lot more sense … but I didn’t start dating this girl until February of 1972, so that couldn’t have been possible. (Funny how your mind plays tricks on you … yet certain milestones stand out to bring you back oncourse.)
So this would mean that The Eagles must have still been filling contractual obligations at the time, despite their own career starting to take off.
Either way, it was a magical, memorable night … and I got to witness history in the making.
I’d love to see David Clayton-Thomas circa 2020 just to see and hear what he sounds like after all these years. (I hear tickets are selling briskly ... and it's now wonder ... when's the last time David performed in our area?!?!?)
I remember Chuck Negron singing with BS&T for several years, too … he’d do THEIR hits and then come back and do a set of his own hits from the Three Dog Night days. Never got to see them together … but I’ll betcha it was one hell of a show!) kk
THE TOP 3333 MOST ESSENTIAL CLASSIC ROCK SONGS OF ALL TIME:
FYI ... and I imagine someone or ones has already pointed this out ...
# 1947 was missing today on the MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS countdown.
Actually no … nobody said a word …
But looking into it, I’m finding that it was actually wronger (???) / more wrong than you thought!
Sting’s “Love Is The Seventh Wave” is actually the #1947 song …
The one that was missing (#1948) was “Subdivisions” by Rush.
Not quite sure how that happened …
I’ve lost dozens of videos in the process of doing this …
But that’s the first complete entry I’ve ever lost!!! (lol)
Oh well … now everybody knows. (It has since been fixed on the site)
Thanks for letting me know! (kk)
Strange …
I almost mentioned it to you this morning when I first read the list of 50, and found only 49. Glad I finally told you.
I've now burned four CDs of songs I don't hear enough in MY usual music rotation from your gargantuan list. I've had to download between 8 and 13 songs each day that I didn't already have on my computer.
And I've discovered some 'forgotten songs" and some "new ones" to my ears along the way.
Thanks for this massive 'undertaking'. Pun intended.
Brad
I’m hoping EVERYBODY is making new discoveries (and revisiting some old friends!) along the way … this just shows you what radio COULD sound like if somebody made the effort and gave a damn! Mix it up a bit … you just may surprise yourself with the results! (kk)
Great seeing the Cryan’ Shames' "I Wanna Meet You" rock in at #2022. It is the song that got me totally hooked on that band as my faves. From then on, brother, I had to have it all! Always great to see Andrew Gold … and "Little Darlin" by Doobies was a surprise, too.
Is Jack Levin trying to use his 1970 WCFL project to Levin-rage you into moving "2525" to #2525 in the top 3333? What's wrong with a Back to the Future placing it got of 1910? The Fruitgum Company should have that placing anyway, right, Jack? :) Oh well, #1909 is actually "One before 909" in a way as well. Am I getting too Chuck Buell-like? My initials are the same. Anyway, the actual #1909 is my fave song of that year (Donnie Iris). BTW, after that, I think the video for "Albert Flasher" should be renamed "Albert got flashed BY HER."
I thought the countdown was down to the seriously great classics until I saw "Holiday Road" and the "Princess Diana" version of "Candle in the Wind" listed.
Clark Besch
You’ll find a little bit of everything on this countdown! But all in all, songs that FM Rock Radio played at one time or another … and then forgot about for a good number of these. This is our way of reminding everyone that these are still great songs … and deserve a spin every now and then.
Personally, I don’t need the remake of “Candle In The Wind” … and you’ll find the original charting much higher … but how can you NOT feel good every time “Holiday Road” comes on the radio … albeit fewer times and far less often these days, it still works as an automatic “pump me up” song. (kk)
Hey, Kent –
It is wonderful and quite humbling to know that some of our songs were considered in the final countdown. Thank you to everyone who voted.
There are some songs of ours that would've seemed to be natural choices such as It Could Be We’re In Love and I Wanna Meet You. There were also songs that were added to the list that were pleasant surprises. All of these are definite favorites of mine. There's also one surprise ... and that is that Sugar And Spice did not make the list.
There are many great memories of these songs. Most of these memories revolve about being in the studio and moments of recording. However, there is one vivid memory of the first time we played It Could Be We’re In Love.
We're about seven or eight months removed from having I Wanna Meet You as a hit. In the interim, we released Mr. Unreliable. Although a really good song, it never had the catchiness of either Sugar and Spice or I Wanna Meet You.
We had been working on It Could Be We’re In Love. When I say “working on,” I mean really digging into it and getting to have it as part of our DNA. Our managers had heard the song and were determined that we were really going to New York in just a couple of weeks and record this as our next single. In the meantime, we had a couple of live gigs coming up and we decided that at one of these, we were going to introduce this song.
Clark Besch
I have passed your request along to Marlene, who I’m sure will be in touch. (kk)
BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS:
I know you said that Bo Bice had been singing with Blood, Sweat and Tears for several years … but whatever happened to David Clayton-Thomas, the singer they had all of their hits with? He seems to have fallen off the face of the earth!
Steve
Believe it or not, Ron Onesti JUST booked David Clayton-Thomas for an appearance at The Arcada Theatre NEXT OCTOBER … and tickets are available thru their online box office right now …
http://www.arcadalive.com/event/david-clayton-thomas/
I saw Blood, Sweat and Tears back in 1972 … Linda Ronstadt was the opening act … and it was at THIS show that she announced that some of the members of her band were leaving to form their own band and had just signed a record deal.
She then left the stage and let this young, upstart band play a couple of tunes on their own … which just happened to be “Take It Easy” and “Witchy Woman.”
Yes, incredibly, this was the Linda Ronstadt tour that launched The Eagles … and music has never been the same since.
Of course we had no idea at the time what any of this would mean … what were the chances of these new guys actually making it on their own??? But I DO remember really liking “Witchy Woman.” (I’ve never really cared for “Take It Easy” … then or to this day … but “Witchy Woman” made enough of an impression on me that when it was finally released as an Eagles single, I remembered it immediately and went out and bought their first album.
Oddly enough, I barely remember BS&T at all from that night … my favorite song of theirs at the time was “Hi-De-Ho,” the Carole King tune … and I remember them doing it but not being bowled over by their performance. My girlfriend at the time got me tickets for my birthday … made me dinner at her place and then we joined another couple to head downtown for the show.
Looking back at it now, historically, I’m a bit confused by the timing. My birthday is August 27th … and “Witchy Woman” first made the national pop charts the day before … meaning that “Take It Easy” had already made its run up the chart. At first I thought maybe I had been confused and the concert actually took place in 1971 … which would have made a whole lot more sense … but I didn’t start dating this girl until February of 1972, so that couldn’t have been possible. (Funny how your mind plays tricks on you … yet certain milestones stand out to bring you back oncourse.)
So this would mean that The Eagles must have still been filling contractual obligations at the time, despite their own career starting to take off.
Either way, it was a magical, memorable night … and I got to witness history in the making.
I’d love to see David Clayton-Thomas circa 2020 just to see and hear what he sounds like after all these years. (I hear tickets are selling briskly ... and it's now wonder ... when's the last time David performed in our area?!?!?)
I remember Chuck Negron singing with BS&T for several years, too … he’d do THEIR hits and then come back and do a set of his own hits from the Three Dog Night days. Never got to see them together … but I’ll betcha it was one hell of a show!) kk
THE TOP 3333 MOST ESSENTIAL CLASSIC ROCK SONGS OF ALL TIME:
FYI ... and I imagine someone or ones has already pointed this out ...
# 1947 was missing today on the MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS countdown.
Actually no … nobody said a word …
But looking into it, I’m finding that it was actually wronger (???) / more wrong than you thought!
Sting’s “Love Is The Seventh Wave” is actually the #1947 song …
The one that was missing (#1948) was “Subdivisions” by Rush.
Not quite sure how that happened …
I’ve lost dozens of videos in the process of doing this …
But that’s the first complete entry I’ve ever lost!!! (lol)
Oh well … now everybody knows. (It has since been fixed on the site)
Thanks for letting me know! (kk)
Strange …
I almost mentioned it to you this morning when I first read the list of 50, and found only 49. Glad I finally told you.
I've now burned four CDs of songs I don't hear enough in MY usual music rotation from your gargantuan list. I've had to download between 8 and 13 songs each day that I didn't already have on my computer.
And I've discovered some 'forgotten songs" and some "new ones" to my ears along the way.
Thanks for this massive 'undertaking'. Pun intended.
Brad
I’m hoping EVERYBODY is making new discoveries (and revisiting some old friends!) along the way … this just shows you what radio COULD sound like if somebody made the effort and gave a damn! Mix it up a bit … you just may surprise yourself with the results! (kk)
Great seeing the Cryan’ Shames' "I Wanna Meet You" rock in at #2022. It is the song that got me totally hooked on that band as my faves. From then on, brother, I had to have it all! Always great to see Andrew Gold … and "Little Darlin" by Doobies was a surprise, too.
Is Jack Levin trying to use his 1970 WCFL project to Levin-rage you into moving "2525" to #2525 in the top 3333? What's wrong with a Back to the Future placing it got of 1910? The Fruitgum Company should have that placing anyway, right, Jack? :) Oh well, #1909 is actually "One before 909" in a way as well. Am I getting too Chuck Buell-like? My initials are the same. Anyway, the actual #1909 is my fave song of that year (Donnie Iris). BTW, after that, I think the video for "Albert Flasher" should be renamed "Albert got flashed BY HER."
I thought the countdown was down to the seriously great classics until I saw "Holiday Road" and the "Princess Diana" version of "Candle in the Wind" listed.
Clark Besch
You’ll find a little bit of everything on this countdown! But all in all, songs that FM Rock Radio played at one time or another … and then forgot about for a good number of these. This is our way of reminding everyone that these are still great songs … and deserve a spin every now and then.
Personally, I don’t need the remake of “Candle In The Wind” … and you’ll find the original charting much higher … but how can you NOT feel good every time “Holiday Road” comes on the radio … albeit fewer times and far less often these days, it still works as an automatic “pump me up” song. (kk)
Hey, Kent –
It is wonderful and quite humbling to know that some of our songs were considered in the final countdown. Thank you to everyone who voted.
There are some songs of ours that would've seemed to be natural choices such as It Could Be We’re In Love and I Wanna Meet You. There were also songs that were added to the list that were pleasant surprises. All of these are definite favorites of mine. There's also one surprise ... and that is that Sugar And Spice did not make the list.
There are many great memories of these songs. Most of these memories revolve about being in the studio and moments of recording. However, there is one vivid memory of the first time we played It Could Be We’re In Love.
We're about seven or eight months removed from having I Wanna Meet You as a hit. In the interim, we released Mr. Unreliable. Although a really good song, it never had the catchiness of either Sugar and Spice or I Wanna Meet You.
We had been working on It Could Be We’re In Love. When I say “working on,” I mean really digging into it and getting to have it as part of our DNA. Our managers had heard the song and were determined that we were really going to New York in just a couple of weeks and record this as our next single. In the meantime, we had a couple of live gigs coming up and we decided that at one of these, we were going to introduce this song.
Time came to play and we were in a large high school gymnasium with a huge stage. The venue was about three quarters full when we took the stage. I can remember the general response of the audience was subdued. It really does seem that if you don't have a hit record, the audience is not as enthusiastic. And you can add to this the fact that this was principally a new group. We didn't have the same lineup that we did for Sugar And Spice. We had added Lenny Curley on lead guitar and Isaac Guillory on bass guitar. We were still feeling our way through our stage performances with this group, but it was getting better and better.
It was time to do It Could Be We’re In Love. I introduced it to the crowd and there were kind of blank stares as to what this was going to be about. I can tell you it was our most sophisticated arrangement to date. We held our collective breaths to see what it would go over like. We started the song, and there was interest which increased and intensified as we revealed more of the song. We were really confident in how this would sound, and that's the way we presented it. I remember distinctly how this began and how it ended, with all of the voices in harmony. At the end of this song when we had finished playing, there was dead silence. I mean absolutely no reaction at all. And then suddenly, this no reaction turned into a roar of approval from the audience. Their ovation went on for quite a while.
I think we have a hit here.
Tom Doody / The Cryan’ Shames
The Cryan’ Shames placed a total of FIVE songs in our TOP 3333 Countdown. Incredibly, SUGAR AND SPICE was not one of them. (Now THAT's a major oversight!) Two album tracks made the list (which was especially surprising to me as this was a national survey. IT COULD BE WE’RE IN LOVE was their highest ranking track, coming in at #1885. (kk)
It was time to do It Could Be We’re In Love. I introduced it to the crowd and there were kind of blank stares as to what this was going to be about. I can tell you it was our most sophisticated arrangement to date. We held our collective breaths to see what it would go over like. We started the song, and there was interest which increased and intensified as we revealed more of the song. We were really confident in how this would sound, and that's the way we presented it. I remember distinctly how this began and how it ended, with all of the voices in harmony. At the end of this song when we had finished playing, there was dead silence. I mean absolutely no reaction at all. And then suddenly, this no reaction turned into a roar of approval from the audience. Their ovation went on for quite a while.
I think we have a hit here.
Tom Doody / The Cryan’ Shames
The Cryan’ Shames placed a total of FIVE songs in our TOP 3333 Countdown. Incredibly, SUGAR AND SPICE was not one of them. (Now THAT's a major oversight!) Two album tracks made the list (which was especially surprising to me as this was a national survey. IT COULD BE WE’RE IN LOVE was their highest ranking track, coming in at #1885. (kk)
DON'T MISS:
All our recent A-Side / B-Side talk has inspired one of the other deejays on our list to offer up some two-sided hits action on his radio program this weekend. Read on ...
Hi Kent -
I was looking over the FH Top 200 B-Sides Chart and decided it would make a great occasional feature to run on my "Lost And Found Oldies" radio show.
I'm gonna try one this Saturday, November 9th at 1 - 3pm NY time, http://www.wvkr.org or WVKR on radio streaming apps.
Thanks ... and keep up the good work,
Sam Tallerico
Of course, I think the very first B-Side you should play should be "Rainin'" by Bobby Darin!
No, it didn't make The Top 200 Two-Sided Hits Of All-Time list (because "Rainin'" never even charted) but I remember campaigning quite heavily for it when we were doing our Top 200 Favorite, Forgottten B-Sides Poll several years ago. (I'm not sure it made THAT Top 200 either ... but what a GREAT track this is. It really should have been an A-Side as it just might have given Bobby's career a boost at a time when he really could have used one. I truly rank it as one of my favorite recordings by him of all time ... and since DNA testing has proven that Bobby Darin is Sam Tallerico's biological father, I just figured this would be a GREAT way to launch this special feature ... especially if you're going to bounce back and forth between both lists.)
We've got plans this entire weekend ... (my oldest stepdaughter is flying in from Houston today to spend a few days with us) ... but I'm going to do my damndest to tune in and listen ... and think YOU guys should, too!
Thanks, Sam! (kk)
And, speaking of special radio programming ...
ME-TV-FM:
Glad to hear the A-Side / B-Side weekend was its own hit on MeTV Radio.
One idea I had for a theme weekend on their station has similar roots, but is a totally different "twin spin":
They could call it something like a "With and Without Weekend," where you hear an artist perform with the group they sang in, then one where they had a solo hit -- without the rest of the group.
Examples would include these:
Any song with Herb Alpert's TJB, then Herb Alpert's "This Guy's In Love With You"
A Partridge Family song, followed by a David Cassidy solo hit.
A Four Seasons song followed by a Frankie Valli solo hit.
Paul Revere & The Raiders followed by Mark Lindsay's "Arizona".
I think there would be enough two-fer possibilities without duplicating group / soloists too much over a weekend.
What do you think?
-- Uncle T. Jay
The Vinyl Arkhives
An excellent idea … and I agree, featuring a new 2-fer every half hour throughout a weekend should be easy enough to do. (Even if you did repeat an artist now and then, somebody like Paul McCartney, for example, has SO many hits with The Beatles and on his own that you could easily spread three 2-fers of his throughout the weekend so that your listening audience doesn’t have to miss a thing!)
We once worked on a similar project with the late Artie Wayne, calling it “Before And After” … and you can have some fun with this. For example, why not do “I Got A Line On You” by Spirit … followed by “Run Run Run” by Jo Jo Gunne … followed by “Thunder Island” by Jay Ferguson … technically THREE One Hit Wonders for the same artist!
If Me played Joe Walsh (which they don’t … and likely won’t) you could do “Walk Away” by The James Gang, Walsh’s own hit “Rocky Mountain Way” or “Life’s Been Good” followed by an Eagles song like “Life In The Fast Lane.”
If Me played Joe Walsh (which they don’t … and likely won’t) you could do “Walk Away” by The James Gang, Walsh’s own hit “Rocky Mountain Way” or “Life’s Been Good” followed by an Eagles song like “Life In The Fast Lane.”
Like I said … a fun way to present the music … and perhaps educate some of your audience along the way.
We’ve pitched a similar idea before from one of our readers that Scott Shannon actually aired on The True Oldies Channel several years ago.
It was called the First And Foremost Weekend … which you could literally go thru the alphabet on by way of artists regularly featured on the station.
You would play their first chart hit … followed by their BIGGEST chart hit …
And, for some artists, to ensure that they still get coverage, if their first hit WAS their biggest hit, then that breaks up the 2-fer concept yet lets the special series continue to flow.
And in this case, it would likely be all songs the station is already playing anyway.
A few examples:
THE BEATLES – I Want To Hold Your Hand / Hey Jude
While THE FOUR SEASONS would only get Sherry – because, believe it or not, despite five other #1 Records, NONE of them were ever as big as their first hit record.
THE BOX TOPS would be another good example with “The Letter” …
While artists like GLEN CAMPBELL, for example, would offer By The Time I Get To Phoenix / Rhinestone Cowboy …
The Carpenters – Close To You (normally, I would say Ticket To Ride / Close To You but I think some parameters have to be set … meaning that their FIRST legitimate hit HAD to make The Top 40 … and their version of “Ticket To Ride” peaked at #54.)
Seriously, go thru the alphabet … you can easily come up with over two hundred artists to feature (which equals close to 400 songs) ..
ABBA – Waterloo / Dancing Queen
PAUL ANKA – Diana / Having My Baby
THE BEACH BOYS – Surfin’ Safari / Kokomo
SAM COOKE – You Send Me
DAN FOGELBERG – Part Of The Plan / Longer
CHICAGO – Make Me Smile / If You Leave Me Now
TOMMY JAMES AND THE SHONDELLS – Hanky Panky / Crimson and Clover
THE TURTLES – It Ain’t Me Babe / Happy Together
B.J. THOMAS – I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry / Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head
You get the idea …
PLUS a program like this really shows how an artist grew during their career. (Honestly, you wouldn’t have to play anything else … you could literally fill an ENTIRE weekend with this feature … and break up the 2-fer monotony whenever you like by playing either a “one and done” or something so big that the artist, despite an excellent career, was simply never able to top it.
We’ve got TONS of ideas like these that’ll make your weekend programming stand out. All you’ve got to do is ask and we’ll put something together for you.
(There’s actually one I’m dying to revisit with you, Rick, when you have a moment … I even talked to Neal about this one several years ago … and I think it’s a natural!) kk
Hi Kent,
One Forgotten A and B side from 1960 (I think) made Number #1 :
A Side: Alley Oop / B Side: Sho' Know A Lot About Love
by the Hollywood Argyles (led by Gary Paxton who wrote the Monster Mash!)
It was a A BIG HIT!!!!
Carolyn
Actually, only “Alley-Oop” charted on this 45 … but you’re right, it did go all the way to #1 on all of the major charts (as well as here in Chicago … where it was the very first “rock” / Top 40 song that WLS played when they switched formats back in 1960.
That makes “Sho’ Know A Lot About Love” a Favorite, Forgotten B-Side … but it never earned enough votes to make our Top 200 List. (kk)
http://forgottenhits.com/your_top_200_favorite_forgotten_b-sides
Technical point: The Righteous Brothers’ hit "Soul and Inspiration" was made after the boys parted ways with Phil in '67, but the Spector influence is sure-as-heck there.
Medley, when they went to Verve, did his own producing.
We’ve pitched a similar idea before from one of our readers that Scott Shannon actually aired on The True Oldies Channel several years ago.
It was called the First And Foremost Weekend … which you could literally go thru the alphabet on by way of artists regularly featured on the station.
You would play their first chart hit … followed by their BIGGEST chart hit …
And, for some artists, to ensure that they still get coverage, if their first hit WAS their biggest hit, then that breaks up the 2-fer concept yet lets the special series continue to flow.
And in this case, it would likely be all songs the station is already playing anyway.
A few examples:
THE BEATLES – I Want To Hold Your Hand / Hey Jude
While THE FOUR SEASONS would only get Sherry – because, believe it or not, despite five other #1 Records, NONE of them were ever as big as their first hit record.
THE BOX TOPS would be another good example with “The Letter” …
While artists like GLEN CAMPBELL, for example, would offer By The Time I Get To Phoenix / Rhinestone Cowboy …
The Carpenters – Close To You (normally, I would say Ticket To Ride / Close To You but I think some parameters have to be set … meaning that their FIRST legitimate hit HAD to make The Top 40 … and their version of “Ticket To Ride” peaked at #54.)
Seriously, go thru the alphabet … you can easily come up with over two hundred artists to feature (which equals close to 400 songs) ..
ABBA – Waterloo / Dancing Queen
PAUL ANKA – Diana / Having My Baby
THE BEACH BOYS – Surfin’ Safari / Kokomo
SAM COOKE – You Send Me
DAN FOGELBERG – Part Of The Plan / Longer
CHICAGO – Make Me Smile / If You Leave Me Now
TOMMY JAMES AND THE SHONDELLS – Hanky Panky / Crimson and Clover
THE TURTLES – It Ain’t Me Babe / Happy Together
B.J. THOMAS – I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry / Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head
You get the idea …
PLUS a program like this really shows how an artist grew during their career. (Honestly, you wouldn’t have to play anything else … you could literally fill an ENTIRE weekend with this feature … and break up the 2-fer monotony whenever you like by playing either a “one and done” or something so big that the artist, despite an excellent career, was simply never able to top it.
We’ve got TONS of ideas like these that’ll make your weekend programming stand out. All you’ve got to do is ask and we’ll put something together for you.
(There’s actually one I’m dying to revisit with you, Rick, when you have a moment … I even talked to Neal about this one several years ago … and I think it’s a natural!) kk
Hi Kent,
One Forgotten A and B side from 1960 (I think) made Number #1 :
A Side: Alley Oop / B Side: Sho' Know A Lot About Love
by the Hollywood Argyles (led by Gary Paxton who wrote the Monster Mash!)
It was a A BIG HIT!!!!
Carolyn
Actually, only “Alley-Oop” charted on this 45 … but you’re right, it did go all the way to #1 on all of the major charts (as well as here in Chicago … where it was the very first “rock” / Top 40 song that WLS played when they switched formats back in 1960.
That makes “Sho’ Know A Lot About Love” a Favorite, Forgotten B-Side … but it never earned enough votes to make our Top 200 List. (kk)
http://forgottenhits.com/your_top_200_favorite_forgotten_b-sides
Technical point: The Righteous Brothers’ hit "Soul and Inspiration" was made after the boys parted ways with Phil in '67, but the Spector influence is sure-as-heck there.
Medley, when they went to Verve, did his own producing.
(When I was little I knew someone that had the album.)
Bob Frable
Actually, “Soul And Inspiration” was released in 1966 so they must have split a bit earlier than that since Spector wasn’t involved with this recording. (Bill Medley sure proved what he learned from the master, tho, on this one!!!)
Back in 2008, we put together a VERY in-depth Phil Spector series, written and researched by FH Reader Steve Knuettel (who sadly has since passed on.) He says that The Righteous Brothers actually began rehearsing “Soul And Inspiration” while they were still working with Phil Spector, as the follow-up single to “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” … a natural follow-up if there everwas one. But Phil wanted “Just Once In My Life” to be the next single so that’s exactly what happened.
When The Righteous Brothers left Philles Records to join Verve, they resurrected the track and it quickly became their second #1 Record. (It is viewed by most as the ULTIMATE Phil Spector sound-alike recording of all time.)
We have talked for YEARS now about posting Steve’s unbelievable Phil Spector Series on the official Forgotten Hits Website (where many of our best series have been archived.) If anybody out there has remained in contact with Steve’s family, I would love to hear from his wife in order to get her blessing to do so. (He chose to publish it thru Forgotten Hits … so I guess technically I have his permission, as this is the way he wanted his work presented … I would just feel better hearing from a family member that they not only endorse it, but would embrace the idea … and let others know about it as well. It truly was an incredible piece of work.) kk
Your MeTV two-sided hits weekend must have been cool. I wish Lincoln would syndicate the station here.
As to the Elvis biggest 2-sider, "Don't Be Cruel” / “Hound Dog" was so big that the picture sleeve was issued with each side showing a different "A" side! In 1956!!!!
Clark Besch
Bob Frable
Actually, “Soul And Inspiration” was released in 1966 so they must have split a bit earlier than that since Spector wasn’t involved with this recording. (Bill Medley sure proved what he learned from the master, tho, on this one!!!)
Back in 2008, we put together a VERY in-depth Phil Spector series, written and researched by FH Reader Steve Knuettel (who sadly has since passed on.) He says that The Righteous Brothers actually began rehearsing “Soul And Inspiration” while they were still working with Phil Spector, as the follow-up single to “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” … a natural follow-up if there everwas one. But Phil wanted “Just Once In My Life” to be the next single so that’s exactly what happened.
When The Righteous Brothers left Philles Records to join Verve, they resurrected the track and it quickly became their second #1 Record. (It is viewed by most as the ULTIMATE Phil Spector sound-alike recording of all time.)
We have talked for YEARS now about posting Steve’s unbelievable Phil Spector Series on the official Forgotten Hits Website (where many of our best series have been archived.) If anybody out there has remained in contact with Steve’s family, I would love to hear from his wife in order to get her blessing to do so. (He chose to publish it thru Forgotten Hits … so I guess technically I have his permission, as this is the way he wanted his work presented … I would just feel better hearing from a family member that they not only endorse it, but would embrace the idea … and let others know about it as well. It truly was an incredible piece of work.) kk
Your MeTV two-sided hits weekend must have been cool. I wish Lincoln would syndicate the station here.
As to the Elvis biggest 2-sider, "Don't Be Cruel” / “Hound Dog" was so big that the picture sleeve was issued with each side showing a different "A" side! In 1956!!!!
Clark Besch
Yep … the biggest two-sided hit in rock and roll history!
And even tho Me-TV-FM isn’t syndicated in Lincoln, you can still listen online via this link … it’ll give you some idea as to the whole Me-TV-FM programming genius …
And even tho Me-TV-FM isn’t syndicated in Lincoln, you can still listen online via this link … it’ll give you some idea as to the whole Me-TV-FM programming genius …
https://www.radio.com/metvfmmke/listen#.W6oi2vZRfcs
Hi Kent,
I love all the responses from everyone regarding two sided hits. It got me thinking of the B side to Kind Of A Drag. It was a song I sang and we recorded on the Kind Of A Drag album for USA Records called “You Make Me Feel Good.”
Back in 1965-66 when The Buckinghams performed live, we played “You Make Me Feel Good.” It was originally by the Zombies. We were always big fans of the Zombies from the beginning. I was happy when it became the B side of Kind Of A Drag. I joke with everyone that “You Make Me Feel Good" was a million seller, but then I mention it was the B side of Kind Of A Drag! I had the opportunity to chat with Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent a little while back when I came to their concert at the Arcada. Colin mentioned he liked our cover of “You Make Me Feel Good.” Maybe he was being polite, ha.
Good times!
Carl Giammarese
The Buckinghams
www.thebuckinghams.com
Lol - He probably didn’t mind the royalty checks!!!
Looks like this month’s Cornerstones show is another sell out - just amazing how everybody keeps coming back for more. I can’t believe it’s been two years since I’ve been to one!!! Guess I’ll have to book the return performance in May!
It is SO great to see the continued love of this music. It truly is timeless and magical. (kk)
Yeah, you’re right, ha!
Why don’t you come to the November 30th show? It’s amazing how our fans just keep coming back. It’s a testament to all those great songs! We are all so grateful for the support we get.
Carl
And, speaking of the Chicago Music Scene in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s …
THE CHICAGO MUSIC SCENE IN THE ‘60’s and ‘70’s:
I actually missed this show on Saturday night. I had to get a heads up from my friend in AZ and fortunately was able to listen to the podcast last night. On this show, Rockin’ John highlights the Chicago bands from the mid-‘60s.
The show starts out with an early Buckinghams, NC6, Shadows of Knight and Cryan’ Shames song and, shortly thereafter, a cut from Saturday’s Children, a band fronted by Geoff Bryan / Jeff Boyan, the former leader of the criminally forgotten Blackstones. So, counting Jerry McGeorge, two of the original Blackstones were represented in the early part of the show.
He then proceeds to play a strong set from some of the less prominent bands such as The Del Vettes, Daughters of Eave, The Knaves, The Riddles and many more, mostly recorded on the Dunwich label. The only glitch in the program is that his turntable that he uses to play 45s went down just as he was going to play a Flock 45. This happens every now and then at WORT. I think he’s the only guy there, no engineers. So the Flock and one other band got omitted. The song list has not been posted so I don’t have them all. The show wraps up with a triple form The Ides of March. The podcast will be posted for a couple of weeks.
Podcast: 11/2/19 / “I Like It Like That” / 6:00 pm / 2 Hours / WORT FM / Audio Archives.
http://archive.wortfm.org/
Robert Campbell
Sounds like MY kind of show … and I know several other “locals” will enjoy it as well … but then again, MOST of the list probably will, as this music has grown in stature over the years. Thanks so much for sharing the information. (kk)
1969:
In January, 1962, Decca Records' boss Dick Rowe made what's been called the biggest blunder in music history when he chose to sign The Tremeloes instead of that other band. Rowe admittedly didn't know a lot about pop music but believed he had a knack for recognizing raw talent.
That's questionable since he also turned down Manfred Mann and The Yardbirds with Eric Clapton. Rowe is the one who insisted to Brian Epstein that guitar groups were on the way out. Yet it was a time when every young bloke wanted to be Hank Marvin, whose Shadows ruled the UK charts.
The first four releases by The Tremeloes were all flops before they broke through in 1963 with covers of "Twist And Shout" (UK#4) and "Do You Love Me" (UK#1). Rowe's assistant, Mike Smith, hung his hat on The Tremeloes for the rest of the decade, even following them to CBS Records when they left Decca in 1966. The Tremeloes became part of the second wave of the Sixties’ British Invasion of America along with The Who, The Hollies, and The Spencer Davis Group. "Silence Is Golden" was the biggest of four Hot 100 chart entries. When their brand of catchy Britpop harmony fell out of favor in the US, Smith continued to crank out UK hits for the band. On November 1, 1969, CBS released their almost, but not quite, aptly titled single "(Call Me) Number One". It reached UK#2 on November 22 but couldn't overcome one of the biggest pop records of the Sixties, "Sugar, Sugar." The Archies’ eight week run at the pinnacle of the UK charts was equaled only by The Shadows and Elvis early in the decade. "(Call Me) Number One” stood in the way of The Beatles' last two sided hit, "Something / Come Together," reaching the top of the UK charts. It was their first release since "Love Me Do" not to reach #1 or #2 in the UK. Unlike the Fab Four, who as a studio group barely survived the decade, The Tremeloes have endured into the new century while performing their old hits on the cabaret circuit. They were primarily a singles band, eschewing albums. When compared to most any other band besides those Liverpudlian mop tops they beat out in 1962, they were a great success with 21 UK chart hits including two number ones.
Mike G
Hi Kent,
I love all the responses from everyone regarding two sided hits. It got me thinking of the B side to Kind Of A Drag. It was a song I sang and we recorded on the Kind Of A Drag album for USA Records called “You Make Me Feel Good.”
Back in 1965-66 when The Buckinghams performed live, we played “You Make Me Feel Good.” It was originally by the Zombies. We were always big fans of the Zombies from the beginning. I was happy when it became the B side of Kind Of A Drag. I joke with everyone that “You Make Me Feel Good" was a million seller, but then I mention it was the B side of Kind Of A Drag! I had the opportunity to chat with Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent a little while back when I came to their concert at the Arcada. Colin mentioned he liked our cover of “You Make Me Feel Good.” Maybe he was being polite, ha.
Good times!
Carl Giammarese
The Buckinghams
www.thebuckinghams.com
Lol - He probably didn’t mind the royalty checks!!!
Looks like this month’s Cornerstones show is another sell out - just amazing how everybody keeps coming back for more. I can’t believe it’s been two years since I’ve been to one!!! Guess I’ll have to book the return performance in May!
It is SO great to see the continued love of this music. It truly is timeless and magical. (kk)
Yeah, you’re right, ha!
Why don’t you come to the November 30th show? It’s amazing how our fans just keep coming back. It’s a testament to all those great songs! We are all so grateful for the support we get.
Carl
And, speaking of the Chicago Music Scene in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s …
THE CHICAGO MUSIC SCENE IN THE ‘60’s and ‘70’s:
I actually missed this show on Saturday night. I had to get a heads up from my friend in AZ and fortunately was able to listen to the podcast last night. On this show, Rockin’ John highlights the Chicago bands from the mid-‘60s.
The show starts out with an early Buckinghams, NC6, Shadows of Knight and Cryan’ Shames song and, shortly thereafter, a cut from Saturday’s Children, a band fronted by Geoff Bryan / Jeff Boyan, the former leader of the criminally forgotten Blackstones. So, counting Jerry McGeorge, two of the original Blackstones were represented in the early part of the show.
He then proceeds to play a strong set from some of the less prominent bands such as The Del Vettes, Daughters of Eave, The Knaves, The Riddles and many more, mostly recorded on the Dunwich label. The only glitch in the program is that his turntable that he uses to play 45s went down just as he was going to play a Flock 45. This happens every now and then at WORT. I think he’s the only guy there, no engineers. So the Flock and one other band got omitted. The song list has not been posted so I don’t have them all. The show wraps up with a triple form The Ides of March. The podcast will be posted for a couple of weeks.
Podcast: 11/2/19 / “I Like It Like That” / 6:00 pm / 2 Hours / WORT FM / Audio Archives.
http://archive.wortfm.org/
Robert Campbell
Sounds like MY kind of show … and I know several other “locals” will enjoy it as well … but then again, MOST of the list probably will, as this music has grown in stature over the years. Thanks so much for sharing the information. (kk)
1969:
In January, 1962, Decca Records' boss Dick Rowe made what's been called the biggest blunder in music history when he chose to sign The Tremeloes instead of that other band. Rowe admittedly didn't know a lot about pop music but believed he had a knack for recognizing raw talent.
That's questionable since he also turned down Manfred Mann and The Yardbirds with Eric Clapton. Rowe is the one who insisted to Brian Epstein that guitar groups were on the way out. Yet it was a time when every young bloke wanted to be Hank Marvin, whose Shadows ruled the UK charts.
The first four releases by The Tremeloes were all flops before they broke through in 1963 with covers of "Twist And Shout" (UK#4) and "Do You Love Me" (UK#1). Rowe's assistant, Mike Smith, hung his hat on The Tremeloes for the rest of the decade, even following them to CBS Records when they left Decca in 1966. The Tremeloes became part of the second wave of the Sixties’ British Invasion of America along with The Who, The Hollies, and The Spencer Davis Group. "Silence Is Golden" was the biggest of four Hot 100 chart entries. When their brand of catchy Britpop harmony fell out of favor in the US, Smith continued to crank out UK hits for the band. On November 1, 1969, CBS released their almost, but not quite, aptly titled single "(Call Me) Number One". It reached UK#2 on November 22 but couldn't overcome one of the biggest pop records of the Sixties, "Sugar, Sugar." The Archies’ eight week run at the pinnacle of the UK charts was equaled only by The Shadows and Elvis early in the decade. "(Call Me) Number One” stood in the way of The Beatles' last two sided hit, "Something / Come Together," reaching the top of the UK charts. It was their first release since "Love Me Do" not to reach #1 or #2 in the UK. Unlike the Fab Four, who as a studio group barely survived the decade, The Tremeloes have endured into the new century while performing their old hits on the cabaret circuit. They were primarily a singles band, eschewing albums. When compared to most any other band besides those Liverpudlian mop tops they beat out in 1962, they were a great success with 21 UK chart hits including two number ones.
Mike G
The Tremeloes scored four Top 40 Hits here in The States on the national charts … “Here Comes My Baby” (#11, 1967), “Silence Is Golden” (#9, 1967), “Even The Bad Times Are Good” (#28, 1967) and “Suddenly You Love Me” (#40, 1968) before they disappeared to relative obscurity here across the pond.
The fact that they enjoyed continued success back home in Great Britain is amazing … and quite a testament to their true talent. Thanks, Mike, for sharing! (kk)
This week in ‘69 has to be the one and only time on WLS' charts that Elvis or the Beatles knocked the other out of #1, right? I can't imagine another instance where the two biggest stars of the 50's/60's knocked one off #1 at any other time. "Come Together” / “Something" knocks "Suspicious Minds" out of #1 this week!!! Amazing.
Clark Besch
It actually DID happen once before … but only in Cash Box Magazine … earlier that same year. And then, the reverse scenario took place.
Elvis’ hit “In The Ghetto” hit #1 in both Cash Box and Record World … but never reached the summit in Billboard, the “official” music bible. It followed The Beatles’ “Get Back” into the #1 spot in June of 1969 on The Cash Box Top 100 Chart. (Record World showed CCR’s “Bad Moon Rising” at #1 for a week in between, a record that didn’t hit #1 in Billboard or Cash Box.)
Four months later, it nearly happened again … but once again, only in Record World Magazine.
Elvis’ “Suspicious Mind” was knocked out of the #1 spot for one week by The Fifth Dimension’s hit “Wedding Bell Blues” … which only held the top spot for a week before The Beatles knocked them out and took over the #1 position. In both Billboard and Cash Box, “Wedding Bell Blues” held down the #1 spot for THREE weeks, putting a more decent-sized gap between the Elvis / Beatles #1’s.
The Beatles and The British Invasion knocked most American artists who had enjoyed previous chart success out of vogue once Beatlemania hit The States. (A few NEW American bands were able to compete … The Beach Boys, The Four Season, The Supremes and some of the other Motown acts … but for the most part, it was the British artists who dominated the top of the charts during this era.) In all fairness, let’s face it … a lot of what Elvis was releasing during this time simply wasn’t worthy of hitting #1 … even in hindsight. His only other Top Five Single between 1964 and 1969 was “Crying In The Chapel,” which hit #3 in 1965 … and was actually recorded five years earlier! (kk)
HELPING OUT OUR READERS:
Hi there, Kent,
Normally when I remember a song title and artist, I don't screw up the information in my head. As a totally blind person, my memory is usually pretty good. But I fear I may have screwed things up with this song, and it's driving me crazy because I can't find even a mention of this song anywhere on the net or in my Whitburn listing.
The song in question came out around March and April of 1972, and it wasn't a big hit by any means, but some radio stations, including WDRC in Hartford, Connecticut, did play it. But upon checking the WABC charts for April of 1972, it's not there.
It's a mid-tempo song, done in the key of e-flat (for those folks that understand what that means.) I thought the song was called Cheer, and it was done by a group called Hot Liquor. But quite frankly, now I'm not so sure.
Can you shed any light on this elusive song in my head, Kent?
In September when I got to the little carrier current radio station WVNB at Nathaniel Hawthorne College in Antrim, New Hampshire, this song had been carted back in the spring, and was in the station's top forty rotation until it was erased and made way for newer songs from the summer and fall. But I definitely remember playing the song from the station's cart.
I didn't hear it that much when it was out, maybe only a half dozen times. But the song really intrigues me now, and I would love to be able to hear it again. YouTube didn't turn up anything either by the way. So any help you can provide would really be appreciated.
With warmest regards,
Sam Ward
Streetsville Ontario Canada
Actually, this was an easy one … and you had nearly all of your facts correct … other than the name of the band. It wasn’t Hot Liquor … but POTliquor (all one word) and the song climbed to #58 (#65 in Billboard) in the Spring of 1972, exactly as you said.
I remember it, too, as it was a Top Ten Hit (#9) on the WCFL Survey. (It didn’t chart or receive any airplay on WLS.)
The band hailed out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and this was their only Top 100 Hit.
And here’s your chance to hear it again after all these years! (kk)
Hey Kent,
Thanks to you and Frannie for providing that wonderful video of the Michael Martin Murphy and Amy Grant rendition of "Wildfire". I think many songs come from dreams like the one Michael Martin had. I'm thinking that his father told him about the story of the ghost of a horse, that was lost in a blizzard. I have been in a band with a bassist, who had led his own group, "Skydancer", named after a legendary horse, that could jump over a rainbow.
Here is another video of Murphy's "Wildfire". The piano work really sets up the song, and absolutely moves me. I don't know if this solo is included on a studio album, but if not, should have been.
John LaPuzza
“Wildfire” finished at #1565 on our TOP 3333 MOST ESSENTIAL CLASSIC ROCK SONGS OF ALL TIME with 150 votes.
My guess is that several folks out there will claim that this is NOT a Classic Rock Song … but I disagree. We all grew up on this music … and this tune belongs there every bit as much as many of the others that made the list … and it can still evoke an emotion in all of us nearly 45 years later.
A #2 pop hit, I can promise you that this song will sound GREAT in the middle of a three song set on ANY Classic Rock Radio Station … and your audience will respond favorably to it. Classic Rock Radio Programming needs to step outside the box once in a while. (Listen to this song … and let’s say “Melissa” by The Allman Brothers Band … and tell me why one song belongs and the other one doesn’t.) kk
JEFF LYNNE’S ELO:
From FH Reader Tom Cuddy …
Say Hello Again to ELO: Jeff Lynne Talks About New Album, Unexpected Love of Touring
https://variety.com/2019/music/news/jeff-lynne-elo-interview-electric-light-orchestra-1203390985/
I preordered Jeff’s new album the moment it was announced … he plays and sings virtually every single note on the LP.
I LOVE the fact that he’s been rejuvenated both with touring and recording again. I think he’s finally come to realize his place in rock and roll history … and appreciates his own catalog again.
His touring band is outstanding … some of the finest players and singers in the business … and every song feels alive and fresh again.
Lynne appeared on this week’s edition of Sunday Morning …
You can watch that clip here:
Browse around on YouTube to find the clip of Jeff Lynne talking about how The Traveling Wilburys came together based on George Harrison's off the cuff comment, "You know, we should start a group" while Lynne was producing George's "Cloud Nine" album ... GREAT STUFF!!!
Unfortunately, I can only rate the new CD as “average” … the thing about it is, there is a certain Jeff Lynne sound … and this album sounds EXACTLY the way you’d want and expect a new Jeff Lynne album to sound … which is both good and bad.
He doesn’t break any new ground here … everything just sounds a little bit safe and all too familiar … like it could have come out at any time during his extensive career. It’s a very “comfortable” fit. (I’ve listened to it four times now and already have my favorites … I just think Jeff and his listeners might be more pleased if he challenged himself just a bit more … perhaps that means bringing in an outside producer or collaborator to push some of those boundaries to achieve some of the ground-breaking music he was creating the first time around. Sometimes you just need a sounding board … and when you’re handling absolutely everything yourself, you may find yourself just a little bit easier to please!)
Now don’t get me wrong … I LOVE Jeff Lynne’s music … and will embrace anything the guy does. (I even have his “standards” CD that he released a few years ago.) But it would be nice to see him show some “adventurous side” now and again, just to prove that those creative wheels are still turnin’.
Meanwhile, he’s already making plans to tour again next year … so he may be coming back to a town near you sooner than you think! (kk)
Jeff says that he was a bit surprised that he enjoys touring again as much as he does.
He told Variety, “I don’t know what happened … I just got talked into it by somebody on the radio [in 2013] – it was for charity, and we only had two numbers. That’s all we practiced for, so we had to do ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ twice, because we hadn’t learned enough songs for the encore. But it went down so great that then the BBC invited us to the Hyde Park concert for Radio 2 [in 2014], and that’s what got us started, really. The crowds have been just beyond belief, beyond what I ever imagined that it would be. The group is fantastic; they’re all brilliant players. I hear it later each night, and it sounds really good — a big, posh sound.”
Jeff says that his current 13-piece band gives him the chance to stage concerts that “really sounds like the records of ELO.” His impression of live performance had changed so much that two songs on the new LP, “Time of Our Life” and “Just One More Time,” address his enjoyment of the live experience. “I’m having the time of me life,” he confirmed. “Just because I don’t jump up and down and do somersaults and stuff, it doesn’t mean I’m not having a great time, because I am. I’m just not a dancer, you know; I’m not one of them blokes. I just sing and play, which I think is enough, because I’m trying to make it sound as good as possible. It’s trying to recreate the sound that I imagined ELO would have been, forever, really, from day one. It never has been until now. For the last the last five years, it’s been really good.”
THE FAB FOUR:
>>>If I'm being totally honest, I would have enjoyed a little less clowning around between songs ... it seemed like they were over-doing the crowd participation a bit and I honestly would have preferred seeing another song or two performed from some of the obvious ones that were missing this time around to the time being eaten up by bringing kids up on stage, doing the long ago worn out tactic of "which side of the theater can scream the loudest" bit to win a t-shirt, etc., etc., etc. I would have gladly forgone all of that in favor of a knock-out performance of "I Am The Walrus" or something from either "Rubber Soul" or "Revolver" ... a favorite era of most Beatles fans these days ... or the aforementioned "Here Comes The Sun" ... but I do understand that the lads have to mix things up a bit in order to present a show different enough each time to keep fans coming back to see it again. That being said, I am DEFINITELY one of those fans who will likely check out The Fab Four whenever they're playing in the area ... and if you haven't enjoyed the experience yet, I strongly suggest that you check them out ... you will be blown away. (kk)
Regarding fooling around on stage versus performing songs:
Unfortunately, I can only rate the new CD as “average” … the thing about it is, there is a certain Jeff Lynne sound … and this album sounds EXACTLY the way you’d want and expect a new Jeff Lynne album to sound … which is both good and bad.
He doesn’t break any new ground here … everything just sounds a little bit safe and all too familiar … like it could have come out at any time during his extensive career. It’s a very “comfortable” fit. (I’ve listened to it four times now and already have my favorites … I just think Jeff and his listeners might be more pleased if he challenged himself just a bit more … perhaps that means bringing in an outside producer or collaborator to push some of those boundaries to achieve some of the ground-breaking music he was creating the first time around. Sometimes you just need a sounding board … and when you’re handling absolutely everything yourself, you may find yourself just a little bit easier to please!)
Now don’t get me wrong … I LOVE Jeff Lynne’s music … and will embrace anything the guy does. (I even have his “standards” CD that he released a few years ago.) But it would be nice to see him show some “adventurous side” now and again, just to prove that those creative wheels are still turnin’.
Meanwhile, he’s already making plans to tour again next year … so he may be coming back to a town near you sooner than you think! (kk)
Jeff says that he was a bit surprised that he enjoys touring again as much as he does.
He told Variety, “I don’t know what happened … I just got talked into it by somebody on the radio [in 2013] – it was for charity, and we only had two numbers. That’s all we practiced for, so we had to do ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ twice, because we hadn’t learned enough songs for the encore. But it went down so great that then the BBC invited us to the Hyde Park concert for Radio 2 [in 2014], and that’s what got us started, really. The crowds have been just beyond belief, beyond what I ever imagined that it would be. The group is fantastic; they’re all brilliant players. I hear it later each night, and it sounds really good — a big, posh sound.”
Jeff says that his current 13-piece band gives him the chance to stage concerts that “really sounds like the records of ELO.” His impression of live performance had changed so much that two songs on the new LP, “Time of Our Life” and “Just One More Time,” address his enjoyment of the live experience. “I’m having the time of me life,” he confirmed. “Just because I don’t jump up and down and do somersaults and stuff, it doesn’t mean I’m not having a great time, because I am. I’m just not a dancer, you know; I’m not one of them blokes. I just sing and play, which I think is enough, because I’m trying to make it sound as good as possible. It’s trying to recreate the sound that I imagined ELO would have been, forever, really, from day one. It never has been until now. For the last the last five years, it’s been really good.”
THE FAB FOUR:
>>>If I'm being totally honest, I would have enjoyed a little less clowning around between songs ... it seemed like they were over-doing the crowd participation a bit and I honestly would have preferred seeing another song or two performed from some of the obvious ones that were missing this time around to the time being eaten up by bringing kids up on stage, doing the long ago worn out tactic of "which side of the theater can scream the loudest" bit to win a t-shirt, etc., etc., etc. I would have gladly forgone all of that in favor of a knock-out performance of "I Am The Walrus" or something from either "Rubber Soul" or "Revolver" ... a favorite era of most Beatles fans these days ... or the aforementioned "Here Comes The Sun" ... but I do understand that the lads have to mix things up a bit in order to present a show different enough each time to keep fans coming back to see it again. That being said, I am DEFINITELY one of those fans who will likely check out The Fab Four whenever they're playing in the area ... and if you haven't enjoyed the experience yet, I strongly suggest that you check them out ... you will be blown away. (kk)
Regarding fooling around on stage versus performing songs:
They also need breaks and time to change costumes. As a former dancer/performer, I know these are usually built into the choreography and planned so that performers don’t collapse before the show is over. Always appreciated by both onstage and audiences.
Shelley J Sweet-Tufano
This came across as much more “stretching” than anything else.
Some may not have minded it as much - and those seeing the band for the first time wouldn't have given it a second thought at all ...
But knowing what they’re all capable of it was a bit of a disappointment - one pause fine - two extended pauses - eh, maybe we'd even cut them some slack on that one - but four lengthy gaps break down the flow of the show.
There was also much less costume changing this time around, too, so that wasn’t it - they never left their suits in part one. No Shea uniforms ... no relaxed Rubber Soul / Revolver look ... in fact, they only wore three different outfits for the entire show ... about half the norm for a two-set performance.
It just wasn’t as spirited an effort as what I’ve become accustomed to.
Still, it was mega-cool to be able to take 16 readers to see them - especially since only four of whom had ever seen them before. They definitely won over many more new fans who will be talking about this show for quite awhile.
Don't get me wrong ... I love these guys ... and I think they're the best at what they do ... I'd go see 'em again in a month or two if the opportunity presented itself. And last Saturday night's show STILL would have made our Top Ten Concerts of the Year List ... it just wouldn't have ranked as our first two experiences seeing the band did. (kk)
I probably am just feeling sorry for myself as I have not been able to “concert” as I would like lately. I am jealous of all my friends (and this includes you!) who are able to attend all these concerts that keep us uplifted.
Great job on all the reviews. Keep ‘em coming!
Shelley
THIS AND THAT:
For those who think we in the midwest plains states are bumpkins and think the IOWA Hall of Fame is NOT the RNR Hall of Fame, tis true, but IF you ever visit the Iowa Hall, you will truly be amazed at how awesome this place is. The Bucks and NC6 should be proud (as they are) to be there. I believe the Mob are there as well.
https://www.iowarocknroll.com/
And I met some great guys that work at the South Dakota one as well and it is also awesome:
https://www.southdakotarockandrollmusicassociation.com/about/the-sdrrma-museum
Some great sites both online and physically if you get west to see our lands.
I’d also like to mention that Clark Weber will be proud to know I side with him on the greatness of the DC5 and, as mentioned in FH recently, their 1970 "Here Comes Summer" really IS a great cover of the Jerry Keller song.
Clark Besch
Congratulations to our FH Buddy Harvey Kubernik, whose 1995 interview with Berry Gordy (conducted at Berry’s Bel-Air Mansion) has been included in the new David Brackett book “No Town Like Motown”! WTG, Harvey! (kk)
If you happen to live in the area, here's a chance to meet former Supreme (and Dancing With The Stars contestant) Mary Wilson (along with celebrity book author ... and FH Reader Mark Bego) at a couple of book signings in New Jersey next weekend.
(Mary's new book "Supreme Glamour" is a BEAUTIFUL remembrance of her days with ... and the incredible gowns worn by ... The Supremes, the top female music act of all time. This is a GREAT book, lavishly illustrated ... and we're hoping to talk with Mary a little bit about it in the next week or two. Be sure to check it out if you're able ... and bring home an autographed copy. BTW, thank you, Mary and Mark, for signing mine!!!) kk
SUPREME MARY WILSON and CELEBRITY AUTHOR MARK BEGO TO HOLD TWO IN-STORE BOOK SIGNINGS AT BARNES & NOBLE FOR THEIR THAMES & HUDSON BOOK, SUPREME GLAMOUR
Supreme Mary Wilson (TV’s Dancing with the Stars) and celebrity-author MARK BEGO will hold two in-stores for their #1 book SUPREME GLAMOUR (Thames + Hudson): Saturday, November 16th, at Barnes & Noble - Paramus, New Jersey (765 Route 17 South, Paramus, NJ 07652) and Sunday, November 17th, at Barnes & Noble - Jersey City (Clifton Commons, 395 Route 3, East Clifton, NJ 07014).
Shelley J Sweet-Tufano
This came across as much more “stretching” than anything else.
Some may not have minded it as much - and those seeing the band for the first time wouldn't have given it a second thought at all ...
But knowing what they’re all capable of it was a bit of a disappointment - one pause fine - two extended pauses - eh, maybe we'd even cut them some slack on that one - but four lengthy gaps break down the flow of the show.
There was also much less costume changing this time around, too, so that wasn’t it - they never left their suits in part one. No Shea uniforms ... no relaxed Rubber Soul / Revolver look ... in fact, they only wore three different outfits for the entire show ... about half the norm for a two-set performance.
It just wasn’t as spirited an effort as what I’ve become accustomed to.
Still, it was mega-cool to be able to take 16 readers to see them - especially since only four of whom had ever seen them before. They definitely won over many more new fans who will be talking about this show for quite awhile.
Don't get me wrong ... I love these guys ... and I think they're the best at what they do ... I'd go see 'em again in a month or two if the opportunity presented itself. And last Saturday night's show STILL would have made our Top Ten Concerts of the Year List ... it just wouldn't have ranked as our first two experiences seeing the band did. (kk)
I probably am just feeling sorry for myself as I have not been able to “concert” as I would like lately. I am jealous of all my friends (and this includes you!) who are able to attend all these concerts that keep us uplifted.
Great job on all the reviews. Keep ‘em coming!
Shelley
THIS AND THAT:
For those who think we in the midwest plains states are bumpkins and think the IOWA Hall of Fame is NOT the RNR Hall of Fame, tis true, but IF you ever visit the Iowa Hall, you will truly be amazed at how awesome this place is. The Bucks and NC6 should be proud (as they are) to be there. I believe the Mob are there as well.
https://www.iowarocknroll.com/
And I met some great guys that work at the South Dakota one as well and it is also awesome:
https://www.southdakotarockandrollmusicassociation.com/about/the-sdrrma-museum
Some great sites both online and physically if you get west to see our lands.
I’d also like to mention that Clark Weber will be proud to know I side with him on the greatness of the DC5 and, as mentioned in FH recently, their 1970 "Here Comes Summer" really IS a great cover of the Jerry Keller song.
Clark Besch
Congratulations to our FH Buddy Harvey Kubernik, whose 1995 interview with Berry Gordy (conducted at Berry’s Bel-Air Mansion) has been included in the new David Brackett book “No Town Like Motown”! WTG, Harvey! (kk)
If you happen to live in the area, here's a chance to meet former Supreme (and Dancing With The Stars contestant) Mary Wilson (along with celebrity book author ... and FH Reader Mark Bego) at a couple of book signings in New Jersey next weekend.
(Mary's new book "Supreme Glamour" is a BEAUTIFUL remembrance of her days with ... and the incredible gowns worn by ... The Supremes, the top female music act of all time. This is a GREAT book, lavishly illustrated ... and we're hoping to talk with Mary a little bit about it in the next week or two. Be sure to check it out if you're able ... and bring home an autographed copy. BTW, thank you, Mary and Mark, for signing mine!!!) kk
SUPREME MARY WILSON and CELEBRITY AUTHOR MARK BEGO TO HOLD TWO IN-STORE BOOK SIGNINGS AT BARNES & NOBLE FOR THEIR THAMES & HUDSON BOOK, SUPREME GLAMOUR
Supreme Mary Wilson (TV’s Dancing with the Stars) and celebrity-author MARK BEGO will hold two in-stores for their #1 book SUPREME GLAMOUR (Thames + Hudson): Saturday, November 16th, at Barnes & Noble - Paramus, New Jersey (765 Route 17 South, Paramus, NJ 07652) and Sunday, November 17th, at Barnes & Noble - Jersey City (Clifton Commons, 395 Route 3, East Clifton, NJ 07014).
Bego will also front his own solo in-store on Friday, November 30th, at the Barnes & Noble in Tucson, Arizona (Eastside, 5130 E. Broadway, Tucson, AZ 85711)
And finally this from LJ Coon for Veteran's Day, coming up this Monday ... let's never forget those who protect and defend our country.
The sky was overcast with a 100% chance of Tears:
I was invited to Washington, DC to perform this song (The Wall), at the Vietnam Memorial where Jan Scruggs & The Memorial Architect Maya Ying Lin were present. It was a Saturday morning as I walked from the Washington Hotel to the Vietnam Wall Memorial. I didn't know what to expect, as I walked towards the stage area filled with people ... some who would perform on stage with me, but many more who were there for deep personal reasons: To share, to grieve, to remember. The sky was overcast with a light drizzle all day long that day. They estimated that thousands came by to pay their respects and their intimate offerings. One by one as many people approached the podium that day, personal accounts were emotionally recalled into the microphone. Many visual injuries were witnessed, but many scars still remained hidden away. When I look back on that experience, the people, and those personal accounts, I believe I cried for most of the entire day.
Welcome Home!
'No one is forgotten, not today or any day'
THE WALL (written by L J Coon / L J Coon Music Publishing BMI 2001)
'No one is forgotten, not today or any day'
THE WALL (written by L J Coon / L J Coon Music Publishing BMI 2001)
So many lights from candles
Pressed against the dark of night
So many names and families
So many names and families
Trying hard to set things right
Maya Lin you knew so well
What we all will come to know
Cause I was there, I touched them
Cause I was there, I touched them
So much love within those granite stones
Jan, you had a dream that night
And you never let it go
You shared it with the ones you loved
For this we love you so
So many times it seems
When you stand up your all alone
The row of lights shine bright at night
Like falling raindrops on those granite stones
I have felt the heartache
Stood and cried there all alone
I have touched the wall
I have touched the wall
And all the names etched out in stone
I have seen the families
I have seen the families
Who waited so long to know
I have cried so many tears
I have cried so many tears
Like falling raindrops on those granite stones
So many came for comfort
To find love lost long ago
To touch a living memory
To touch a living memory
Written on a wall of stone
For those who cared, for those who died
For those we'll never know
I have cried so many tears
I have cried so many tears
Like falling raindrops on those granite stones
I have felt the heartache
Stood and cried there all alone
I have touched the wall
I have touched the wall
And all the names etched out in stone
I have seen the families
I have seen the families
Who waited so long to know
I have cried so many tears
I have cried so many tears
Like falling raindrops on those granite stones
I have cried so many tears
Like falling raindrops on those granite stones
Like falling raindrops on those granite stones
L J
L J Coon
L J Coon Music Publishing BMI established 2001
