Friday, July 13, 2012

Song of the Week #203

Hi everyone. This week I guarantee good clean family fun with none of the language that you'd hear at a Bradley Wiggins press conference. Twit.

I hope that you're ready for some great tunes. It's the kind of selection that I hope might make you want to plug your laptop/tablet/mobile device into a decent set of speakers so that you can have a bit of a dance.

Last Sunday DJ Pat and I went on a motorcycle ride with about 40 others from a local motorcycle enthusiasts club. It was a lot of fun, not too cold and with that ride and heading out to Stromlo to see DJ HB race on the criterium track I racked up about 160km – awesome fun. It's rained a lot since then unfortunately. Seeing the huge range of bikes that turned up for the ride was a bit of an eye opener – there was pretty much one of everything.

Angus has been at the snow for a week. As a result the poor dog has been in a bit of a decline. But we got Angus back today and after most of the day asleep on the lounge the dog and he are back on speaking terms!

So, on to the music. There's a theme this week – something I thought I'd have a go at. It's a pretty easy one to guess this time around. Feel free to email me if you can work it out. And the answer isn't simply classic American rock 'n' roll.

The first song is from 1956. Frankie Lymon was 14 that year. Pretty fantastic early rock 'n' roll with a great sax solo, some doo-wop and of course – no auto tune. Frankie died at age 25 from a heroin overdose.

Frankie Lymon &  The Teenagers – Why Do Fools Fall In Love? - http://youtu.be/5Ji_C94OXZc

Fast forward about 10 years now to 1966 – this is a fantastic track that has been covered by some very notable bands. Versions by The Clash and Dead Kennedys are essential listening. But this is the original by Bobby Fuller.

Bobby Fuller – I Fought The Law - http://youtu.be/CPXnoLAEUSQ

Here's another hit from 1966. This one got to #4 on the US charts. Mitch Ryder is very white indeed but you can hear the soul influence in his rock 'n' roll music. It's a cover though. The original came out from Shorty Long on Motown but didn't have any impact. The Mitch Ryder version (on Capitol Records) certainly sounds like a great party tune when coupled with Little Richard's "Good Golly Miss Molly". Does anyone else think that the intro sounds like Free's "All Right Now"?

Mitch Ryder – Devil In A Blue Dress / Good Golly Miss Molly  - http://youtu.be/C5J6dvMDvQA

I saw the movie "La Bamba" at the movies when it came out in 1987. Along with "Eddie and The Cruisers" it is one of the best rock 'n' roll movies ever made. Jackie Wilson was portrayed by Howard Huntsberry in the film and he did a stellar job. But, there's nothing like the original. Who remembers the re-release of "Reet Petite" from 1986 with the claymation video clip?

Jackie Wilson – Lonely Teardrops - http://youtu.be/jgyl_LBdcxo

The first time I heard this next song was on a Twisted Sister album – and I still reckon it's a great version. But the Shangri-Las scored a #1 hit with it in 1964. Great tune AND sound effects too! Enjoy this track but check out Twisted Sister sometime – Dee Snider has a huge voice and a sense of humour.

The Shangri-Las – Leader of the Pack - http://youtu.be/McvWodRXA7k

Fun is one thing that's missing from a lot of recent music. I mean, how many songs can make you feel as good as this one...

The Young Rascals – Good Love - http://youtu.be/Oy625sZAHN8

Well, we're almost at the end. Has anyone worked out the theme yet? No? Keep listening.

"Good Morning Vietnam" is another great movie with a fantastic soundtrack. At one stage my favourite cassette had that on one side and Van Halen's first album on the other (taped from my LPs). Some friendly person lifted that cassette from me when I was in Duntroon Hospital with glandular fever! The movie really got me into 50's and 60's rock music like this...

Martha & The Vandellas – Nowhere To Run -  http://youtu.be/4jk-Ngm5kKQ

The last song that makes up the mystery theme is from the Godfather of Soul himself – Mr JAMES BROWN! I think the best thing about his concerts are the introductions to the songs..."can I get a witness??"

James Brown – Papa's Got A Brand New Bag - http://youtu.be/hWdY2t5U5iQ

So there you have it. Put all those songs together and see if you can come up with the connecting theme. No clues yet but email me if you're stuck.

Just before we finish, Zoe chose some DVDs the other day and among the teenage dance movies was one called "Super 8". It's a JJ Abrams/Spielberg production about kids making a movie in the 70's when something goes terribly wrong. Pretty neat film and the soundtrack really had my toes tapping. Especially with this track...how embarrassing!! Jeff Lynne went on to be a Travelling Wilbury and this song might explain some of the drum sounds on their albums.

ELO – Don't Bring Me Down - http://youtu.be/qj8kMmUxkSE

Anyway, that'll do for this week. Bye.

DJ Rob
Sorry, I can't resist... here's Twisted Sister doing "Leader of the Pack" http://youtu.be/jMU6GemrG8Y

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