Van was a Ferris State college party staple
The Monotones, Book of Love
Another doo-wop group from the 50s, and one that is a standard issue on 50s greatest hits compilations. Not a favorite, there's already been many more worthy groups already listed here.
Bill Monroe, Mule Skinner Blues
No Blue Moon of Kentucky? I have a solid affection for him and that tender bluegrass.
The Moody Blues, Nights in White Satin
The Moody Blues are another of the 60s acts that got a second wind in the 80s with the song Wildest Dreams, which was, interestingly enough, a video about looking back at a long ago love affair from the 60s "love was all we knew, and all I knew was you." Nights was their calling card, their standard. It's a sweeping, dramatic and nothing I know of sounded anything like it at the time.
The Moonglows, Sincerely
It took 30 seconds of doowopping for them to utter the first word in this song. Good looking group of guys. Quick bio, formed in Louisville in 1949, Named the Moonglows by DJ Alan Freed, Sincerely was a hit in 1953 for the legendary Chess Records, they were inducting into the R&RHOF in 2000, and the last remaining member of the band passed away in 2010. Their singing style is known as blow harmony. I do not know what that means.
Van Morrison, Brown Eyed Girl, Madame George, Moondance
Oh, Van was another one of those artists that were essential listening in college, the party songs that had everyone singing along. I don't know why I haven't considered Moondance for a skating routine. Maybe it should be on the list. Also, why isn't Into the Mystic on this list?
The Mothers of Invention, Brown Shoes Don't Make It
Oh Zappa. When it comes to Frank, it's not something you put on and cruise around, this is more of something you carefully sit down and pay attention. Valley Girl was my introduction to him, and I was more interested in tales told by Pamela Des Barres when she was an aspiring musician/groupie who was the family babysitter. I enjoy St Alphonse Pancake Breakfast. And appreciate his odd brilliance.
Mott the Hoople, All the Young Dudes
Glorious loud glam rock from the early 70s. I had an assistant manager, Troy, who was a teeny tiny yooper that ran away from home to be his own person. Assistant manager at a chain pharmacy didn't exactly seem like living the dream, but truly to each their own, I don't exactly know what he was running away FROM. Anyway, on his way out the door he grabbed all his older brother's record albums, which included Queen, Sweet, Paul McCartney, and Mott the Hoople. I know this because he started making me a series of mix tapes. I truly think he was sharing his love of music with me, and not attempting to woo.
Ricky Nelson, Hello Mary Lou
Garden Party is the classic rock staple, Hello Mary Lou is more of a 50s hit. He's the daddy of TV rock, he played an all American teenager aspiring to be a rock star on Ozzie and Harriet. The Monkees, the Osmonds, and and every other show featuring an aspiring rock star character owe him his due. His twins sons Gunnar and Matthew, were briefly rock stars in the 90s, with songs After the Rain and Love and Affection. Too bad they were miscast as a hair band at the tail end of the hair band fad, they were more pop rock and very talented.
No comments:
Post a Comment