It's a Fractious Friday, as my man, the Real Don Steele would holler every Friday on KHJ! And fractious it is - Just wanna tell everyone that Joel Whitburn and the gang at Record Research have REALLY outdone themselves with the forthcoming (copies printing late October) new Top Pop Singles book - the 17th (!!!) edition just looks to be spectacular, judging by the flyer I received in the daily mail yesterday. The flyer itself is amazing, my highest praise to the team and or person who designed it! Always a pleasure to receive news and flyers from Record Research. I will be ordering my color print (worth the price, IMO) copy very soon. The color pic sleeves really pop off the sample page. Highlight book purchase of the year!
I
still have my first Whitburn book purchase, Top Pop Hits 1955-1978. It's
falling apart, the hardcover is nearly shot, but hey, I was 15 when I saved my
allowance money and my lawn cutting 'round the neighborhood proceeds to buy
it. I faked being too sick to go to school the next day after it came in
the mail, just so I could stay home all day and read the "bible" and
duly annotate my 45rpm collection - it truly WAS a religious experience for a
teenaged pop music chart geek!
Mike
Markesich
I have owned every
updated copy since the 1972 edition. (I
found the 1969 book at The Rosary College Library, which had a 1970
addendum. They wouldn’t sell me a copy
so I would stop by every day at lunch and write the info into a notebook. This was in the day days before scanning or
phone cameras or internet or any of this stuff we take for granted today!)
We have been singing
the praises of Joel’s new book, too. (In
fact, I ordered both a black and white AND a color copy for my own collection!)
I believe this will
become the definitive book covering the era of music we feature most here in
Forgotten Hits (coupled with Joel’s Comparison Book, too, showing the peaks of
every chart hit, 1954 – 1982, in all three major trade publications, side by
side … a book I have used religiously EVERY SINGLE DAY since it was first
released … also available on the Record Research website.)
The new book can’t come
fast enough as far as I’m concerned.
(And when the 1990 – 2022 edition comes out next year, I’m sure I’ll still
order it, just to have some point of reference of those chart years as
well.) kk
And, since we’re
talking about the music that most appeals to our Forgotten Hits Readers, I’m
sure you’re ALL super excited about the just-announced Super Bowl Half-Time
Show coming up on February 13th …
Acts we all know and
love …
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar
…
Now THAT’S a kick-ass line-up!!! (Think I’ll be watching “Leave It To Beaver”
reruns that night!!!) kk
Yesterday, we told you about the new John Mellencamp / Bruce
Springsteen collaboration … and today we’ve got a new Elton John / Stevie
Wonder due to share, recorded during Elton’s lockdown sessions. (Of course the two also shared vocals on
Dionne Warwick’s 1986 #1 Hit “That’s What Friends Are For,” which also included
Gladys Knight.)
Titled “Finish Line,” it’s got a bit of a gospel feel to
it. (Man, Stevie sounds just like old
Stevie on this one, doesn’t he? And, of
course, he’s got to slip in his trademark harmonica bit again, too!) kk
You can check it out here:
And speaking of new
releases …
‘Official Bootleg’ Label Offers Expanded Vinyl Edition of
Legendary 1967 Performance
This
live recording documents Hendrix’s triumphant return to Paris almost one year
to the date of their 1966 showcase as a burgeoning support act for Johnny
Hallyday. Now in place of Hallyday’s audience
were more than 14,000 screaming Jimi Hendrix Experience admirers. In his own
inimitable fashion, Hendrix graciously acknowledged his audience for their
early support. “Thank you very much for last year, for letting us play here,”
prefaced Hendrix before starting “The Wind Cries Mary.” “Instead of booing us
off the stage you gave us a chance, so thank you very much.”
Hear
“The Wind Cries Mary” from Paris 67: https://youtu.be/a3kYJy7mcsM
These
recordings capture the verve and exuberant spirit displayed by the group.
Jimi kicks off the performance with a rousing “Stone Free,” known to his fans
as the flip side of his debut single “Hey Joe”. “The Wind Cries Mary”
finds Jimi in fine voice, showcasing his deft touch with slow ballads. The
raucous “Catfish Blues,” Jimi’s unique hybrid of Muddy Waters’ classic “Still A
Fool,” was another early-stage favorite of the Experience.
For
the first time, tracks from this Paris concert that were previously only
available on The Jimi Hendrix Experience box set from 2000
(aka the purple box) are re-integrated with several other tracks
recorded that night, making Jimi Hendrix Experience: Paris 67 the
most complete official release of the October 9, 1967 set to date.
Dagger
Records was founded by Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. in 1998 as an ‘official
bootleg’ label, providing fans throughout the world with additional live
performances, home demos and studio recordings not issued on commercial albums.
With over a dozen vinyl and CD titles to date, the imprint is an invaluable
resource for devotees who want to dig deeper than the standard Jimi Hendrix
catalog. Apart from special, limited edition vinyls such as this release,
Dagger titles are not available in retail stores or via digital services such
as Amazon Music, Spotify and Tidal but only via jimihendrix.com.
Titles
in the Dagger series are intended to provide Hendrix’s fans with new
appreciation and insights for his songwriting explorations, found on each of
Dagger’s Morning Symphony Ideas (a collection of 1969 and 1970
demo recordings), Hear My Music, and Burning Desire. The live
albums in the series include historically significant events such as his final
concert at the Isle Of Fehmarn on September 6, 1970 and March 1968 Capitol
Theater performance captured on Live In Ottawa that Jimi
himself recorded. Dagger also offers a peek into Jimi’s pre-Experience
days as a member of Harlem-based R&B musician Curtis Knight’s band
with Live At George’s Club 20 1965-1966 and No
Business: Curtis Knight & The Squires: The PPX Sessions, Volume 2.
These
informative ‘bootleg’ releases are properly annotated, complete with photos,
liner notes and the best possible sonic quality available and offer invaluable
exposure to Hendrix’s musical mastery.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Paris 67 track list
Side One
1) Stone Free
2) Hey Joe
3) Fire
4) Catfish Blues
5) The Wind Cries Mary
Side
Two
1) Rock Me Baby
2) Red House
3) Purple Haze
4) Wild Thing
Compilation
produced by Janie Hendrix, Eddie Kramer & John McDermott for Experience
Hendrix, L.L.C.
We’re hearing LOTS of
Rolling Stones music these days (seems to be everywhere you turn!) … between
the band now being here in The States, the new expanded reissue release of
their “Tattoo You” album, the passing of Drummer Charlie Watts … and now Mick
Jagger turning up at a bar in North Carolina … and then on The Howard Stern
Show … much like Chickenman, They’re Everywhere, They’re Everywhere!!!
Some of these expanded
Stones releases are long overdue. (Far
less revolutionary bands have been enjoying their new day in the sun for YEARS
now … and I’ve got to tell you that I’ve really enjoyed hearing the expanded
editions of “Goats Head Soup” and “Sticky Fingers” … and am really looking
forward to “Tattoo You,” coming out next month … and this coming from a guy who
didn’t typically BUY Rolling Stones albums at the time they were released.
It’s interesting to
trace the evolution of some of these songs (and listen to different ways they
once considered interpreting them) … and, quite honestly, I have enjoyed some
of the tracks left on the cutting room floor more than the ones selected for
commercial release at the time.
The Stones have always
gone back to their archives when new material was needed for an album … and
they have dusted off some unfinished gems that really shined once they pumped
some new juice into them. (Even “Start
Me Up” was a reject the first time around … before it became a #2 smash. It’s still one of my all-time favorites by
them … and is also my current ringtone!
Lol) kk
Who knew Dave Grohl had
such great taste in music?!?!
The former grunge
Nirvana drummer (and now front man for The Foo Fighters) revealed earlier this
year his love of The Bee Gees’ music, even releasing his version of a few of
their tracks as “The DG’s” on a special Record Store Day release …
Now, in an interview on
BBC Breakfast, he’s raving about the new music just released by ABBA, even
offering to drum for the group should they decide to perform live again! (You know what I mean … in a non-avatar sort
of way!)
Grohl just continues to
impress and amaze me … and he’s not ashamed to admit that he likes the same
music that I do!!! (lol) Hey, I’ve never
been a closet Bee Gees or ABBA fan … good music is good music … and you won’t
find more endearing melodies than from these two groups!
Grohl says he was
overwhelmed with emotion when he heard ABBA’s new track “I Still Have Faith In
You” …
“Oh my God, I’m such a
big ABBA fan. When I saw that
they were coming back and they had a record, I shot that link to 100 people I
knew, then listened to the new song and wept like a baby. I cried like a baby.
Oh man! It almost sounded like time
hadn’t passed. Plus it was such a beautiful, romantic, melancholy, bitter-sweet
retrospective. Ugh, it’s amazing. ABBA can do no wrong.”
When asked during the interview if he’d be willing to play drums for the band, he replied: “Listen, I will get up and play drums at the opening of an envelope. Show me a drum set and I will sit down to it. So yes, I would play with Abba.”
Noise 11 is reporting that when Foo Fighters appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” three years ago, Grohl was wearing an “old school band shirt” with ABBA’s name on it, and explained to Kimmel that he was excited about the long-awaited return of the group.
Grohl told Kimmel, “I heard ABBA was doing more music, there’s
an ABBA comeback, and I flipped out.”
When Jimmy asked if he is a fan, Dave replied: “Who doesn’t love
ABBA?! Everybody loves ABBA!”
Me, too. (kk)
Kent,
Thanks for the lengthy info on the passing of
singer Sue Thompson. I always did like her JAMES (HOLD THE LADDER STEADY). I
wouldn't have known of her passing if you hadn't had the info in FH. Here is
OKC, none of that info is never mentioned either by radio, television or newspaper.
That's why I am always sure glad that FH keeps us updated on items like this.
In regards to the passing of singer Barry
Ryan, I had to play the record again to remember what it sounded like. It did
make our local top 40 radio station's survey ... and I do have a copy of the
record (MGM), though the only one by him I have.
Larry
I think we were one of
the first to break the story of Sue Thompson’s passing … and actually she died
earlier than what was first reported … back on the 23rd of
September. As mentioned, my all-time
favorite of hers was “Paper Tiger,” a #18 hit in 1965. (kk)
A few new Ed Sullivan
performances of interest are being added to the YouTube Ed Sullivan Channel …
especially if you’re an Everly Brothers fan.
Remember, these are the
full-length performances as they originally aired, and not the edited clips
that have been circulating for decades.
Most, if not all, have not been seen in their entirety since the original
air dates shown below.
Enjoy!!!
You Tube
Premier Date Artist Song
Original Air Date
|
FRI 10/1 |
The Grass Roots |
Temptation Eyes |
December 6, 1970 |
|
FRI 10/1 |
The Everly Brothers |
This Little Girl Of Mine |
January 5, 1958 |
|
SUN 10/3 |
The Everly Brothers |
Bye Bye Love |
June 30, 1957 |
|
SUN 10/3 |
Sheb Wooley |
The Purple People Eater |
July 27, 1958 |
|
THU 10/7 |
The Everly Brothers |
Wake Up Little Susie |
June 15, 1969 |
|
SUN 10/10 |
The Everly Brothers |
Bye Bye Love |
August 4, 1957 |
|
SUN 10/10 |
Bobbie Gentry |
Medley: Papa, Won't You Let Me Go To Town
With You?/Ode To Billie Joe |
March 29, 1970 |
|
SUN 10/10 |
Sonny and Cher |
I Got You Babe, Where Do You Go, But You're
Mine |
September 26, |
|
MON 10/11 |
The Everly Brothers |
Bowling Green |
June 15, 1969 |
|
WED 10/13 |
Mary Hopkin |
Love Is The Sweetest Thing |
May 25, 1969 |
|
WED 10/13 |
Peggy Lee |
Something |
March 1, 1970 |
|
THU 10/21 |
The Cowsills |
Medley: Little Drummer Boy/The Christmas
Song/Deck The Halls |
December 24, 1967 |
Other recent adds of
interest include …
|
THU 9/2 |
The Lovin' Spoonful |
October 15, 1967 |
|
|
THU 9/2 |
Nina Simone |
September 11, 1960 |
|
|
FRI 9/3 |
Roger Williams |
July 26, 1959 |
|
|
FRI 9/3 |
Sonny James |
October 11, 1970 |
|
|
FRI 9/3 |
Buck Owens, The Buckaroos |
March 29, 1970 |
|
|
SAT 9/4 |
Teresa Brewer |
February 5, 1950 |
|
|
SUN 9/5 |
Jackie Wilson |
December 4, 1960 |
|
|
SUN 9/5 |
Tony Bennett |
November 22, 1964 |
|
|
WED 9/8 |
Tiny Tim |
October 6, 1968 |
|
|
THU 9/9 |
Jackie DeShannon |
February 1, 1970 |
|
|
THU 9/9 |
The Searchers |
April 5, 1964 |
|
|
SUN 9/12 |
Nancy Sinatra |
May 26, 1968 |
|
|
SUN 9/12 |
Ray Charles & The
Raelettes (feat. Billy Preston) |
December 3, 1967 |
|
|
WED 9/15 |
Joe South, Tommy Roe, Billy
Joe Royal |
November 15, 1970 |
|
|
SAT 9/18 |
The Platters |
August 2, 1959 |
|
|
SAT 9/18 |
Tony Bennett |
October 18, 1970 |
|
|
SAT 9/18 |
Bobby Goldsboro |
February 8, 1970 |
|
|
SUN 9/19 |
Nancy Sinatra |
March 8, 1970 |
|
|
SUN 9/19 |
Harry Belafonte |
October 11, 1953 |
|
|
WED 9/22 |
Connie Francis |
March 21, 1965 |
|
|
FRI 9/24 |
The Grass Roots |
Medley: I’d Wait A Million Years/Midnight Confessions/Let’s
Live For Today |
December 6, 1970 |
|
SAT 9/25 |
Paul Anka |
March 2, 1969 |
|
|
SUN 9/26 |
The New Seekers |
October 25, 1970 |
|
|
SUN 9/26 |
The Everly Brothers |
February 28, 1971 |
|
|
SUN 9/26 |
The Four Seasons |
December 9, 1962 |
|
|
MON 9/27 |
Bobby Vinton |
March 28, 1965 |
|
|
MON 9/27 |
Roger Williams |
May 10, 1970 |
|
|
TUE 9/28 |
Billy Joe Royal |
November 15, 1970 |
|
|
TUE 9/28 |
Jane Morgan |
December 28, 1958 |
|
|
WED 9/29 |
Thelma Houston |
December 28, 1969 |
