Friday, June 26, 2020

SOAPBOX MOMENT


As we’ve stated many time before in Forgotten Hits, we have always tried to do our very best to steer clear of controversial topics regarding things that may be going on around us, preferring instead to concentrate on the music, which we have always viewed as an escape for ALL of us from the horrors of all that surrounds us these days. 

Maybe it’s just the combination of now living in a mask-wearing society … a world I never even dreamed we’d see or be forced to live in, watching hundreds of thousands of people dying from a pandemic that we still have no viable cure for (while we allow people to resume life almost as if none of this was actually happening, knowing full well that the death toll is only going to escalate in the weeks and months to come) … along with all of the racial tension surrounding us of late … combined with the on-going craziness of day-to-day life, even under the best of circumstances, that compels me to say a few words today.  


Bear with me for just a few moments … (or don’t … let’s face it, you can stop reading this right now!) … as I get a few things off my chest.  

I’ll kick things off with something that’s at least a LITTLE bit music-oriented …  

Big news this past week as the Estate of Tom Petty issued a “cease and desist” order against President Trump for using Petty’s song “I Won’t Back Down” during a recent campaign event.  

But this is hardly news when it comes to The President attaching himself to songs by artists who don’t necessarily offer their support to his re-election campaign.  (In fact, most of these artists have issued injunctions along with statements quite to the contrary, stating that they don’t want it so much as IMPLIED that they support The President’s campaign.  Steven Tyler of Aerosmith has already had to do this a couple of times now!!!)  

Ultimate Classic Rock lists some of the well-documented issues of the past …  

And, while we’re waxing politically for a minute or six, was anybody else out there shocked (and more than just a little disturbed) by the announcement that “Gone With The Wind” was being pulled from broadcasting libraries due to its negative racial overtones?  (The film was made in 1939 for God’s sake … and became an instant theatrical classic … but NOW we’re going to re-evaluate its values???)  

In all fairness, this decision has since been reversed, allowing the film to be shown again on HBO Max and TCM, as long as it is preceded with a four-and-a-half minute disclaimer explaining that the film “was not universally praised” when it was first released and includes problematic themes, painting “the picture of the antebellum South as a ‘romantic, idyllic setting that’s tragically been lost to the past.’”

The new narrative, hosted by Jacqueline Stewart of TCM’s “Silent Sunday Nights” and a professor in the Department of Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Chicago, kicks off the new four-and-a-half minute intro with a quick cinematic history lesson, explaining that the film won eight Academy Awards (including “Best Picture”) in 1939.  She describes it as being, at the time, the “highly anticipated” adaptation of Margaret Mitchell’s novel … and explains that with inflation-adjusted mathematics applied, it remains the highest grossing movie of all time.  

Stewart goes on to explain that Producer David O. Selznick had to assure the NAACP at the time of the film’s release that he was “sensitive to the feelings of minority peoples,” but went on to deliver a film that depicts a “world of grace and beauty, without acknowledging the brutalities of the system of chattel slavery upon which this world is based.” Stewart says that “the treatment of this world through the lens of nostalgia denies the horrors of slavery as well its legacies of racial inequality.”  She goes on to concede that while watching “Gone With The Wind” can be "uncomfortable ... and even painful" ... “it is important that classic Hollywood films are available to us in their original form” to “invite viewers to reflect on their own beliefs when watching them now."  

“’Gone With The Wind,’ with its landmark production values, signature scenes and iconic characters, has shaped the way generations have pictured slavery and the reconstruction period that followed,” she says in conclusion. “It is not only a major document of Hollywood’s racist practices of the past, but also an enduring work of popular culture that speaks directly to the racial inequalities that persist in media and society today.”  

It has been deemed a cinematic classic for over eighty years, depicting a time and place and lifestyle that existed at one time here in America … and seems to me to be another example of overreacting to a situation by TRYING to put forth a better front.  (Does it make more sense to show nightly rioting on TV?  Is THAT the image we’d rather portray as our “Proud To Be An American” moment? 

Frannie suggested that they must be banning “Schindler’s List,” too then, right … as our new means of pretending that these things never really happened?  She describes "Schindler's List" as being the single most disturbing film she’s ever seen in her life ... but also credits it as being the one that had both the strongest and longest-lasting impact.  That being said, she refuses to ever watch it again, saying that she’s already suffered thru the experience of seeing it and doesn’t ever need to relive it.  

Now I’ve personally never seen the film … but, knowing what I know about it, feel that it’s a movie that almost NEEDS to be seen to drive the point home.  It's unthinkable to me that such a world ever really existed ... and yet it did.  (I’ve just chosen not to sit thru it as I prefer to use movies as a chance to “escape from reality” of all else that is already wrong with the world today.  I go there to enjoy the opportunity to sit for a couple of hours to take my mind OFF of all the bad that’s going on around us … I want to be entertained ... except that now going the movies again will only help to act as a constant reminder of the pandemic that now forces us to sit several seats away from the next viewer.)  

And, truth be told, I’ve never actually seen all of “Gone With The Wind” either … it’s just not my type of film ... nor is it the kind of movie that ever would have appealed to me.  (Frankly, Forgotten Hits Readers, I just don't give a damn!!!)

In fact, the only reason I’ve ever seen ANY of it at all is to catch Superman George Reeves there at the beginning with red hair! Once that early scene featuring The Supe is over, I’m done.  It just amazes me when I think about the kind of acting career Reeves COULD have had … yet, in all actuality, he’s probably FAR more famous for the role he’s best known for … but I digress.)  Let's just say that for ME, it ain't no "Wizard Of Oz"!!!

The whole thing going on right now reminds me of those book-burning campaigns from many moons ago when the powers that be decided that they were going to edit the content of what the rest of us could and couldn’t be exposed to.  At the time, even the Mark Twain classics “Tom Sawyer” and “Huckleberry Finn,” long-standing mandatory grade school reading, were not safe from extinction.  (Don’t get me wrong … I’m certainly not condoning the depicting of an era when slavery existed … but it DID exist … and there’s just no way around ... even by pretending today that it didn’t!!!  And let’s face it … we have done very little lately as a society to indicate that we’ve advanced any farther in this mentality with the actions of many in the past few weeks.)

“Gone With The Wind” is a classic … it deserves to be seen as it was made ... leaving the decision up to the viewer as to whether or not to see it.

(My God, what’s next … banning “Blazing Saddles”?!?!?!  Talk about a film that couldn’t be made today!!!)  kk



Thursday, June 25, 2020

Thursday This And That

A new video has been posted for the Dennis DeYoung track “With All Due Respect,” a track from his new “26 East (Part 1)” album.  This one’s getting a lot of attention … and you’ll find Dennis rockin’ much harder than usual on this track.




And, just below, a vintage pic of Dennis' Partner In Crime for this project, Jim Peterik (taken before his hair went prematurely purple) in 2006 ... along with everybody's fave deejay, Bob Stroud, frequent FH contributor Clark Besch (who sent us this pic) and the late, great Mark Eskin ...     

>>>I can't believe I forgot -  two months ago I was going to write to remind you of the tenth anniversary of the passing of a great musician and a good friend, Mark Eskin ("Beatle Mark.") Hard to believe it's been ten years - it went by in a flash. Incredible talent, and the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet. Rest in peace, Mark.  (Mike Wolstein) 

One of my fave pics from my trip to Chicago in 2006 ... Bob Stroud and Mark Eskin and Jim Peterik and yours truly.
What great times and music. 
Rest in Peace 10 years on, Mark.
Clark Besch


More from Harvey Kubernik on the big YouTube / UME / SOFA Entertainment / Ed Sullivan Channel program … SO much good stuff here … and LOTS more coming!

Watch for new daily posts here:
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheEdSullivanShow

And on Dion’s acclaimed new album …

Hey Kent,
It seems so crazy that it's been 50 years since Elvis had his Top 10 hit, "The Wonder of You."  I like his version of it, but much prefer Ray Peterson's '59 recording.
Until a few days ago, I had no idea that Vince Edwards, star of TVs "Ben Casey," recorded it a year earlier than Peterson, but it was never released. I don't have to tell you how disappointed Edwards was. He was a good singer and I wish that part of his talents would have been gone somewhere.
I'd like to know if his recording of the song is out there in cyberland. I can't find it. I'd like to hear it.
-John LaPuzza
We’ve not been able to find any record of this recording ever being released … not even through some of our most obscure sources.  (Can you tell us more about what you know or what you’ve heard so we can dig a little deeper?)  I even hunted around to see if perhaps Vince Everett, the guy who did the great Elvis sound-alike record “Such A Night” in 1962 might have recorded it and the name was just confused … but based on what you’re telling us, it would have had to come out in 1958, and I don’t think he was recording under that name yet at that time.
Digging a little deeper, I see that Wikipedia tells us this:  "'The Wonder of You' is a song written by Baker Knight, first released by Ray Peterson in 1959. Elvis Presley had a Number 1 hit with it in the UK and a Top 10 hit in the U.S. with his 1970 live version.  It was originally recorded by Vince Edwards in 1958, but this recording has never been released.”  So at this stage of the game (some 62 years later) it’s doubtful that any recording might still exist.
Edwards hit The Hot 100 twice, both times in 1962 with “Why Did You Leave Me?” (#68) and “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me” (#72).  He also “bubbled under” a few times in Music Vendor / Record World with “Say It Isn’t So” (#111, 1962), “You’ll Still Have Me” (#113, 1963) and his version of “No, Not Much” (#111, 1965).  (That last one also hit #108 in Billboard.)
An incredibly good looking guy, Vince Edwards seemed to have it all going for him … but just never found the music success he was looking for, despite singing on a variety of television programs over the years.  (kk)

(Some gratuitous beefcake for all the ladies on the list!  lol - kk)

FH Reader Frank B sends us news about Norm N. Nite’s new book …

This is kinda cool …

Ultimate Classic Rock just ran a “Through The Years” photo album for both Mick Jagger and Keith Richards … 1962 thru the present day.  (OK, I’ll admit … some of it is kinda scary … but STILL cool to see the evolution of these two guys over time.)

David Essex rocked our world with his #1 Hit “Rock On” back in 1974 … but, despite a successful singing and acting career in England, pretty much disappeared here Stateside after that.
So it was surprising to see that he has a brand new release coming out …  
Music Legend David Essex Releases New CD “Unplayed Hits”
Featuring songs rarely played live or played on the radio



Legendary singer, songwriter, and actor David Essex is releasing a new album of songs rarely played live or played on the radio titled “Unplayed Hits.” The album is available exclusively from his web shop. There are 100 signed copies available as well.
Since the 1970s, David Essex has attained 19 Top 40 singles in the UK (including two number ones) and 16 Top 40 albums. Internationally, Essex had the most success with his 1973 single “Rock On.” It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. in March 1974. It was nominated for a Grammy and reached No. 1 in Cashbox and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. He has also had an extensive career as an actor.
Essex's pop idol looks gave him a strong female fan base and his British tours created scenes of hysteria reminiscent of Beatlemania. According to The Guinness Book of British Hit Singles, he was voted the number one British male vocalist in 1974, and was a teen idol for more than a decade.
“As the 2020 tour had to be postponed till September 2021, I have put together a new CD in the meantime, 'Unplayed Hits' featuring songs rarely played live or played on the radio. Also, there is a brand new web shop that I hope you like, where you can download or buy the CD plus many other things.” - David Essex
“Unplayed Hits” - Tracklist:
Let It Flow
Time Is Catching Up
Walk Of Life
Carrying The Water Home
Cool Out Tonight
Alice Stay Young & Free
You Crazy Fool
Coming Home
Heart Turns To Stone
What Did I Do
Forever And A Day
Oh Suburbia
Africa You Shine
Fallen Angels Riding
Never Meant To Hurt You
She's Emotional
A Shoulder To Cry On
Stage Struck

To purchase: https://www.musicglue.com/david-essex/shop/categories/all/page/1
For more information:
www.davidessex.com

And, speaking of new releases, I thought THIS was a rather interesting concept … 

10cc / Godley & Creme Legend Kevin Godley To Release
Very First Solo Album MUSCLE MEMORY December 17, 2020
LEGENDARY SONGWRITER / SINGER / DRUMMER AND MUSIC VIDEO PIONEER RELEASES CROWDSOURCED ALBUM. 
ALBUM RELEASED - 17.12.2020 SINGLES RELEASED - 16.07.2020 - 03.12.2020   
In July, 2017, Kevin Godley - formerly of 10cc and Godley & Creme - posted an invitation on the site PledgeMusic: “Write and record with me.”
PledgeMusic was a platform for musicians to connect directly with fans who could pay for music in advance to support the creation of albums. Kevin's project took the potential of this remote, socially distanced collaboration further.
He explained: “Recently something happened that eclipsed any songwriting techniques I'd learned in 10cc or Godley & Creme. Out of the blue, I was sent 2 recorded instrumental tracks with requests to write melodies and lyrics and turn them into songs. Both tracks came from people I'd never met and still haven't. Experiencing this kind of remote collaboration and its results has been transformative for me, as I believe I've recorded 2 of my best ever songs and MUSCLE MEMORY, as I'm calling the album, will be about opening this collaborative door a lot wider.”  
Kevin received 286 instrumentals, choosing to conceal the names of submitters so as not to focus on high profile artists. Of these 11 were chosen for the final tracklisting. The instrumentals vary wildly, from jarring electronic beats to Gotye's dreamlike balladic contribution, “Song of Hate.”
In May, 2019, before any money pledged had arrived to support the album, PledgeMusic declared bankruptcy. With the lists of pledgers gone and the project stalled, The state51 Conspiracy contacted Kevin and funded the project so that those who had paid would still be able to listen to the record they were helping to make.
The album marks Kevin's first time fronting a project. His lyricism is cutting, political and provides a mood similar to film dialogue over classic pop lyricism. Gun control, societal unrest, racism and questions regarding political correctness make for some of the most striking lyrical content likely heard on an alternative pop record. This is a dark record from someone not known for dark themes.
Kevin's career features numerous exceptional albums and sees him as one of the most important pioneers of the pop music video. MUSCLE MEMORY is a fitting addition to this body of work, offering a provoking, daring new insight into Godley's creative practice. Tracks from the album will be released in order every two weeks until the album's release on the 17th of December 2020.
Album tracklisting / release timeline:  
1) Expecting a Message: 16/07/2020
2) The Ghosts of the Living: 30/07/2020
3) Hit the Street: 13/08/2020
4) The Bang Bang Theory: 27/08/2020
5) 5 Minutes Alone: 10/09/2020
6) Cut to the Cat: 24/09/2020
7) One Day: 08/10/2020
8) All Bones are White: 22/10/2020
9) Periscope: 5/11/2020
10) Song of Hate: 19/11/2020
11) Bulletholes in the Sky: 03/12/2020
12) Muscle Memory - CD, Vinyl and Digital: 17/12/2020
Listening link:
https://soundcloud.com/state51/sets/kevin-godley-muscle-memory/s-A3ZMG64gPyX
Kevin Godley social media: 
Official website:
http://www.kevin-godley.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvcGX_ZgN22/
Twitter: @kevingodley9
Subscribe to Kevin Godley's mailing list: 
https://kevingodley.greedbag.com/subscribe/

In 1970, I can recall Eamonn Andrews' weekday news programme in London was always filled with images of the carnage taking place in Vietnam and in Northern Ireland. The Troubles started the year before as the long political conflict between Irish republicans and Ulster unionists escalated into violence after protests in Londonderry. The military response from Whitehall exacerbated guerilla warfare from nationalist paramilitary groups like the IRA against Northern Ireland and British security forces. It was becoming a bloodbath that would last until 1998. Against this backdrop, in April, 1970, Roger Whittaker released "I Don't Believe In If Anymore", which peaked at UK#8 in June and charted until August. It was my impression at the time that the disenchantment expressed in the lyrics was in reference to the Troubles. It's worth mentioning that his wife is from Ireland. Whittaker's well-crafted message condemning civil warfare was subtle when compared to fellow Englishmen Messrs. Lennon and McCartney. Both ex-Beatles have Irish roots. In 1972, after a massacre of unarmed civilians, Wings' very first single, "Give Ireland Back To The Irish", was released and promptly banned by the BBC. John reiterated Paul's plea for an end to the centuries’ long subjugation with "Luck Of The Irish" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday" on his SOMETIME IN NEW YORK CITY album. As for Whittaker, he had seven chart hits in the UK but only one in America. In 1975, a four year old album track, "The Last Farewell," topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart and reached #2 in the UK.
Mike Gentry


>>>Here’s a possible new topic for Forgotten Hits … "What is the most CLEVER song in (your known) history of music?"  (Frank Merrill) 
OK, I'll start the ball rolling, with what I think is the record with the best 90-degree turn you could make in a song. 
"I Want My Baby Back", by Jimmy Cross, on Tollie, 1965.  I still have the copy I bought 50 years ago, and it's not an easy one to find.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo8DhbQw_O4
Mike
By the way, this might be the worst band ever …
Never heard of them, but they sound like crap.


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