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Thursday, March 31, 2011
Unknown Classic: Ginny Arnell--"I Wish I Knew What Dress To Wear" (1964)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Happy Birthday to Eric Clapton!
The debate among music lovers about who's the best guitar player in rock history is a totally fruitless one. Since I'm not a guitar player, my thoughts are based on what I hear, or course friends of mine who do play have a different set of criteria when discussing this area. One thing for sure however is that Eric Clapton had solidified his place in rock history even before embarking on a solo career. He has come a long way from the purist who left The Yardbirds over the fact they were being too "commercial", but has since found a way for the most part to keep his music weaving in a blues base. Choosing some clips here is not easy...but we'll give you some of my favorites.....
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Terry Jacks: Season in the Sun (1974)
Terry Jacks and his wife Susan led "The Poppy Family" to some chart success in their native Canada and in the US, mainly on the strength of their #2 hit, "Where You Going Billy?". By 1973 however, the marriage and the band had gone separate ways as both released solo albums in that year.
"Seasons in the Sun" was an English adaptation of the song, "Le Moribond" by Belgian singer Jacques Brel with lyrics by singer/poet Rod McKuen. The Beach Boys had been scheduled to record the song, but when those plans fell through, Jacks chose to record it himself. It was his only release in the US that came anywhere close to a hit although he had continued success in Canada for a few years after.
Jacks gradually left the music business and now spends most of his time working on environmental issues..
Monday, March 28, 2011
The Psychedelic Era meets soft pop:The Arbors--The Letter (1969)
The Arbors were four man vocal group that had success in 66 and 67 with a sound much like The Letterman. Very safe, very professional with a sound that appealed to that kind of audience. Nothing however really prepared one for their cover of The Box Tops, "The Letter'. From the start it sounded different (in a good way) from what had been released previously, then something happens during the song that could have only been done in the late 60's. It never fully turns into a head trip, but it sounded surprisingly satisfying for a group that never shown an inclination for creativity. It was by far the biggest hit they ever had, but after one more charting song, they went into writing and playing for commercials, which they did for the next 30 years.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday Morning Vault: The Applejacks--Mexican Hat Rock (1958)
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Apollo 100--Joy (1972)
In 1972, arranger and multi-instrumentalist Tom Parker put together a band which delved into light classical pieces. They released two albums, "Joy" in 1972, and "Masterpieces" later that year. "Joy" made it's debut on the charts on Jan. 1 and stayed there for over 3 months, peaking at #6.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Elizabeth Taylor Bio now in the Omnibus bookstore
You didn't think I'd forget Aretha did you??
Happy 64th Birthday to Sir Elton!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
New releases from the Omnibus bookstore.....
1. Dionne Warwick: Only Trust Your Heart 10.99
2. Tommy Shaw: Great Divide 11.62
3. Derek & The Dominoes: Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs (40th Anniversary Edition 2CD Set) 21.75
If you have a special request to buy and album and we do not have it, please send me a note at rockandrollomnibus@gmail.com and we will make it available for you. Remember
The O'Jays--Love Train (1973)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Cher: Dark Lady (1974)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Lesley Gore: Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows (1965)
Lesley Gore was probably the best known female singer during the mid-60's while she was still a teenager. She made the move to attend college rather than continuing to tour and be in movies, so her popularity was fairly short lived, but left us with several classics of the genre. My favorite by far is the one seen today which was featured in the movie "Ski Party". It was written by Marvin Hamlisch who would be later known on the charts for his rendition of Scott Joplin's, "The Entertainer". A little extra nugget, this song, along with most of her hits were produced by Quincy Jones....enjoy and have a happy Tuesday!!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sunday Morning Valut: Ann-Margret (1961)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Happy Birthday to the Frogman: Clarence Henry!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Happy Birthday to John Hartman of the Doobie Brothers
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy 70th Birthday Paul Kantner
In Praise Of: Paul Anka
Anka's first go-round with stardom occurred during the time between 57-62. Starting with the song, "Diana", he was in top 20 often, with 1959 being his biggest year in terms of chart action with songs like, "Lonely Boy", Put Your Head On My Shoulder" and "It's Time To Cry"....
Although it is certain that the British Invasion had effected it him like much of the hit makers of his day, his light on the charts began to dim by early 1963. He continued to have success during that time by writing for others. He wrote, "She's a Lady" for Tom Jones, and wrote the English lyrics to "My Way" made famous by Frank Sinatra. However, one of his more enduring compositions was this song that was written and recorded by Annette Funicello then later re written for the Johnny Carson Show...here is the song when it was called, "Toot Sweet"....
By the late 60's he was recording again, and for my money was the most fascinating part of his career. One could watch him struggle from one song to the next as he updated his sound for a new generation. One of those attempts was the song, "Jubilation" which was released in early 1972 and reached #65. It doesn't sound like anything he had ever done before....or would do later..I quite like it...but your mileage might vary.
Finally in 1974 he struck paydirt with "(Your're) Having My Baby, which hit No. 1 in the fall of that year. This was the first of six top 20 hits in 74-75. He continued writing for the rest of the decade and into the early 80's, even composing some with Michael Jackson when MJ was at the height of his career. He continues to tour and record.....this last video was the final top 10 of his career, "Times of Your Life"....have a happy day everyone.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Happy Birthday Nancy Wilson!!!
Thinking of Annette....
Annette was discovered in a dance recital at the age of 12 and was the last of the original Mouseketeers to be chosen...and the only one to be chosen by Walt Disney himself. She quickly became one of the most popular of the group and later branched out into Disney movies. She moved on to become an early 60's icon through her "Beach" movies with Frankie Avalon....here's a trailer from, "Muscle Beach Party'
Although her career as a singer never reached the same heights, she had a lot of chart action in 1959-1960, and most of her movies featured her singing. Here is one of her bigger hits from 1960, "Pineapple Express".
She has been fighting multiple sclerosis since 1992 which has of course has curtailed her activity. We at the bus are thinking of you Annette....
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Jean Dinning, Songwriter of Pop Tragedy ‘Teen Angel,’ Dies at 86
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/12/arts/music/jean-dinning-songwriter-of-pop-tragedy-teen-angel-dies-at-86.html?hpw
.here is Mark Dinning doing "Teen Angel'......Thanks Susan for sending this along....
Happy Birthday Sylvester Stewart!!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Clapton Leaves Over a Hit Song: The Yardbirds--For Your Love (1965)
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sunday Morning Vault: Ruby Andrews--Casonova (Your Playing Days Are Over) 1967
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Happy Birthday James Taylor!!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Bridge Over Troubled Waters 40th anniversary now available on the Bus!!
Harry Nilsson--Without You (1972)
The group Badfinger had one of the most tragic stories in all of rock music. Their career being a series of bad management, bad decisions,and just plain bad luck which led eventually to the deaths of both principle songwriters by suicide.
None of those things were in view in 1972 when Nilsson chose the Evans/Ham song, "Without You". It showed off Nilsson's fantastic range as a vocalist and Badfinger as a group that was more than a Beatles clone. In a few years, these gains would be pretty much forgotten, but almost 40 years later we show respect to these great artists.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
What were they thinking?: Telly Savalas--If (1975)
For some reason, the 70's were a fertile time for these kind of acts. David Soul, David Cassidy, John Travolta and others had strong hits during that decade. Although you can argue about how well you actually liked the music, they could all SING (i.e. keep a tune...and don't forget there was no auto tune). Then there was the artists who you have to ask, "What WERE they thinking?"
In the footsteps of artists such as Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, and Sebastian Cabot (at least he had the wisdom to call his albums, 'Dramatic Readings'), Telly Savalas chose to throw his lollipop into the arena. Now, before we go on, let's put to bed the idea that this is "singing". It is reading the lyrics to a song accompanied by music. As a reader, it's not half bad, his deep baritone resonates well. However part of the issues with all of these attempts is that poetry is one thing, music lyrics can be quite another and it's the mock seriousness of the proceedings that makes it truly enjoyable.
Before we get to the main event, let's look at some of this man's truly great work.....Who loves ya baby??
Now that we have secured Telly's claim to fame as a 70's TV icon....let's check out his softer side.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
In Praise of: Eric Burdon and the Animals
The story of The Animals is truly a tale of two bands, the first steeped in R&B had it's heyday for a three year period (64-66), the second was more adventurous and psychedelic in nature. (67-69) Both are worth checking out, but as the latter was more experimental, the first incarnation was great quality R&B and something you need to check out, especially if you thought the Stones were the only ones doing this kind of stuff.
It was difficult to pick just three songs for the blog, because but you can't go wrong with any of their albums during the 64-66 period. I am a bit partial to Alan Price on the keyboards, but Mick Gallagher fit in well after Price's departure in 1965. The first video we are to hear is a song written by John Lee Hooker in 1961 and was released as a single in December of 1964....here is "Boom Boom" (MGM 13298)
The second song was the follow up to "House of the Rising Sun" and didn't do nearly as well, but that doesn't mean the quality was any less. Here was the Sept. 1964 release of "Gonna Send You Back To Walker" (MGM 13242)
The last of our three songs this morning was the "B" side to "Help Me Girl" (MGM 13636) which was released in November of 1966. This was after the "first" Animals had broken up and technically was an Eric Burdon solo release. (on the album "Eric Is Here")...here is "That Ain't Where It's At"
I would be remiss to mention a couple of songs from the "second" Animals period. The first is one of the more heart wrenching songs written about the Vietnam war (or any war for that matter). There were a lot of anti war songs, and flag waving music as well during that era, most of it now all pretty laughable. "Sky Pilot" (MGM 13939) however, is a one that you have to listen to. It's experimental (especially with it's use of bagpipes), but well worth a listen. By the way, don't listen to the single...check out the full version off of the album, "The Twain Shall Meet"
The second one isn't one his best, and some might not say it's good at all, but if you were wondering the lengths that Burdon would go in his experimentations musically, check out "River Deep Mountain High" (yep...that's the Ike and Tina cover.). It's on the album "Love is" and was on the "B" side of "White Houses" (MGM 14013) here in the states. You may hate it, you may love it (with it's over 7 minute running time you might have both emotions), but it's a great period piece that would have never been done anytime except the late 60's.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Fat Tuesday is almost gone.....
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Considerations for 2011
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/7687368/rock_and_roll_hall_of_fame_considerations.html?cat=33
Olivia Newton-John: Have You Ever Been Mellow (1975)
She was in the middle of a streak of 7 #1's that stretched from 1974 to 1976. She has 10 as of today. Will need to do a longer blog on her, her family history is a very interesting one. However, we just want to keep it mellow this morning....have a happy Tuesday!!
Monday, March 7, 2011
A Beautiful Monday...
The stats are out for the month of February and it continues to show solid growth for all things bus. We started out the month 81st in our genre (Oldies) and 2,693rd overall. We ended at 71st in genre and 2195th overall. That is a fine increase. We also have 15 listeners who have made us a part of their presets (you download a desktop player that has presets like a car radio for easy access).
The blog has been read by people in 11 different countries and 22 states, with 9 to 10 people reading per day. That might not seem much, but it is steady growth over the last month and we appreciate each and every one of you. We also opened our book/music store on March 1st. We hope to make it a place for you to shop for the stuff about your favorite artists.
We are considering a bunch of different things for the Bus....we would like to get your input. We have already made some improvements concerning our play list and hope that you will enjoy the difference and variety. If you have not yet, please visit our facebook page, or click on the "followers" page on the blog....we know your out there, we'd like to get to know you better. OR you could just drop me a note at rockandrollomnibus@gmail.com and let me know your listening.....
Thanks for all you do and keep rockin.....
Procol Harum: A Whiter Shade of Pale (1967)
Happy 65th birthday to Matthew Fisher! (He's the second from the left)...
Keyboardist Matthew Fisher was a member of Procol Harum until 1969, but his organ at the beginning of "Whiter Shade of Pale" stands out as one of the most distinctive solos of all time. It is well worth seeking out those first three albums especially for it's melding of classical themes and breathtaking imagery....here's a clip from 67....
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sunday Morning Vault: Angel--That Magic Touch (1977)
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Just a little Saturday morning music to relax to: Barbara Streisand (1977)
Friday, March 4, 2011
A Rolling Stones Two-fer (1967)
Actually, it was the flip side that caused all of the fuss. "Let's Spend the Night Together" was actually the "A" side, but was banned in the UK. Although not banned in the US, broadcasters were a bit skiddish about playing it, so they also played the "Ruby" side.
The Stones were scheduled to play on the Ed Sullivan Show and beforehand Jagger was told to find another song. ("The songs go or you go"). They finally comprised and the words "let's spend the night together" was changed to "let's spend some time together". We don't have the actual tape for you to see, but every time Jagger sang that line, he rolled his eyes at the camera. Soon after that performance, they went to their dressing room and came out dressed in Nazi uniforms. Sullivan ordered them to get back into their stage outfits, instead they left the studio entirely. They never played on the show again.
So...we are playing both songs today...hope you all have a great Friday!!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Band who formed with the help of a traffic jam: Buffalo Springfield
The story begins in 1965 when Stephen Stills met Nail Young at a club in Ontario. At the time, Stills was playing with "The Company" which was a spin off of "Au Go Go Singers". At that time Young was playing with The Squires, a group that he had been with for over two years. The meeting must have been a positive experience for the both of them as they expressed a desire to work together.
Stills went to LA at the beginning of 66' and began to assemble a group, first by inviting Ritchie Furay who was also a former member of the "Au Go Go Singers". Young had been invited by Bruce Palmer to join the group, "The Mynah Birds" and had plans to record an album when singer Ricky James Matthews (known to music fans much later as Rick James) had been arrested by the U.S. Navy for going AWOL. With the plans now in the dump, they decided to head to LA to track down Stills.
According to legend, Stills and Furay were stuck in LA traffic when they spotted Young car headed the other way stuck in traffic as well. The story seems perfectly feasible since being stuck in LA traffic seems to be a normal occurrence, not to mention that Young's vehicle would be easy to spot since it was a black 1953 Pontiac hearse! Furay made an illegal U-turn and the two of them attempted to wave Young down. The result was them meeting again and deciding to work together as a band.
Buffalo Springfield is probably better known for the future success of it's members with other bands, but all three of the albums they recorded are worth seeking out. Our video for the day is their best known song from early 1967, "For What It's Worth" (at the Monterrey Pop Festival)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The hit isn't always the best song: 3 Songs from The Angels
The Angels had a half dozen hits in the early/middle 60's, with by far the most popular being, "My Boyfriend's Back" (1963).
They never had a strong follow up from a chart standpoint, but their last hit was called, "Wow Wow Wee (He's The Boy For Me)" (1964). I found myself loving this song, and just as much fun as anything they had put out before. It reached #41 before fading out.
Three years passed without a recording, although the ladies kept busy singing background vocals on different recordings, probably the best known being, "Lighting Strikes" by Lou Christie....but for my ears...the best was yet to come.
The Angels signed with RCA in 1967 and reappeared with a more sophisticated sound. This didn't equate to any chart action, but one of the last releases just floored me and made me ask the question, "Why didn't this chart?". Here's "Boy With The Green Eyes", from 1968.....
The real life group that was the inspiration for The Partridge Family.
The Cowsills were made up of Bill and Bob (guitars), Barry (Bass), John (drums), Susan, Paul and their mom Barbara. The group was formed in 1965 with the core of Bill, Bob and Barry, soon afterward John and then Barbara had joined by the release of "The Cowsills" in 1967. Susan and Paul joined shortly after that.
For the rest of the 60's, the Cowsills were hitting the charts with bits of pop confection stamped with beautiful 4 and 5 part harmonies that could only be produced by siblings.
In 1969 Screen Gems approached them about doing a sitcom about themselves. Negotiations broke down however when it was decided that Barbara would be replaced by Shirley Jones. Later, David Cassidy was hired on the cast and it was renamed, "The Partridge Family" and started it's 4 year run on ABC.
Things would be pretty much over for them by 1972, although they have continued to perform on and off over the years...and that brings us back to the birthday boy.
John has made his mark in a lot of different places. He toured with Jan & Dean and the Dwight Twilley Band (as did his sister Susan). He has acted some on the soap "General Hospital", and the sitcom "Full House". He was with Tommy Tutone long enough to be heard on his huge hit, "867-5309/Jenny", and in 1993 he married Vicki Peterson of The Bangels. He is now the drummer and background vocalist for the Beach Boys touring band. Happy Birthday John!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Pop Goes the Country: Lynn Anderson (1970) and Bill Anderson (1963)
Whisperin' Bill Anderson had a vocal delivery all his own, and used it to great success, especially in the 60's. The most popular of these was "Still" which reached #8 on the pop charts in the spring of 1963. His chart action continued unabated until the late 70's. However, he continued to write songs for others after that and won a Grammy in 2004 for "Whiskey Lullaby" and again in 2006 with "Give It Away"
Lynn Anderson was a rising star in country already when she hit #3 in late 1970. She had four more hits on the charts during the 70's, but became a superstar in country music. She still tours today and still rides horses. As late as 1999 and 2000 she was winning Equestrian tournments.
Happy Birthday Harry Belafonte!!
The bus would like to wish Harry Belafonte a happy 84th birthday.
Solider (in WW II), singer, actor on stage and screen, author, and civil rights activist, Harry has had a long and varied career. With all of that, he is probably best known around the world for his popularizing Calypso music here in the US. Here are several cuts for your viewing pleasure....have a happy Tuesday.