CG/KPOO/KCDX etcetcetc for the week of 11/17/08

[RGMike]

"Sweet Sweet" Ree-Ree at #1.

[Gazoo]

I have serious reservations regarding Elvis. His cultural influence can never be overstated, obviously, he changed everything. But I think he's overrated as a singer, and after he left Sun, RCA neutered and sugar-coated him horribly.  Great pop records all along the way, certainly (we know how I adore "Suspicious Minds"), but an awful lot of crap too.

Bob Shannon makes a great point here: "Cara Mia" may be one of the most stunning vocal tours des forces in rock history.

[RGMike]

I have serious reservations regarding Elvis. His cultural influence can never be overstated, obviously, he changed everything. But I think he's overrated as a singer, and after he left Sun, RCA neutered and sugar-coated him horribly.  Great pop records all along the way, certainly (we know how I adore "Suspicious Minds"), but an awful lot of crap too.

Bob Shannon makes a great point here: "Cara Mia" may be one of the most stunning vocal tours des forces in rock history.

But it ain't rock, it's pseudo-operatic claptrap. Jay and the Americans were a completely unnecessary group (the 4 Seasons without falsetto: er, what's the point?), tho' I like some of their jaunty pop stuff like "Let's Lock The Door".

[RGMike]

OMFG! 'LNG plays the version of Cliff Nobles' "The Horse" that has lyrics! I have never heard this before.

ETA: they played both sides!

[RGMike]

Johnny Nash pushes his, er, wood for the second time this week.  Some guys have all the luck.

[RGMike]

back to 'LNG in time for Eydie Gorme! I'll take "great cheezy organ solos" for 500, Alex.

[RGMike]

"sunshine, lollipops and
rainbows
that's how this re-
frain goes!"

Leslie Gore brightens my day with an early Marvin Hamlisch composition.

[RGMike]

 a lovely little-heard Drifters tune, "Sand in My Shoes", a sort-of sequel to "Under the Boardwalk"

[RGMike]

OMGWTFLOL-of the week: this NTM orig version of "Break-a-Way" by Irma Thomas! A Jackie DeShannon composition, and I only know the Tracey Ullman version!

and now Brenda Lee's "Comin' on Strong" -- and Golden Earring are nowhere in sight!

[RGMike]

another OMGWTF: Wind's forgotten, Tommy James-meets-the-4 Seasons-ish "Make Believe", with Tony Orlando on lead vox!  Covered in the '80s by Joan Jett.

in case anyone (especially Gaz) has never heard it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9k84HMoACCY

[Gazoo]

another OMGWTF: Wind's forgotten, Tommy James-meets-the-4 Seasons-ish "Make Believe"

Perfect description, man!  I've known of this song for years but had never heard it till now.

[RGMike]

oo-wahwah-oo-wahwah-oo! I opted for WLNG this morning and was rewarded with "Sad Sweet Dreamer" and Bobby Sherman's "Hey Little Woman".  and -- OMG -- Rita Coolidge's cover of Dave's all-time favorite song.

[RGMike]

another OMGWTF: Wind's forgotten, Tommy James-meets-the-4 Seasons-ish "Make Believe"

Perfect description, man!  I've known of this song for years but had never heard it till now.

glad you liked.  And speaking of something-something-meets-the 4 Seasons, here's The Fortunes' fab "Rainy Day Feeling" again. Followed by Pet Clark's "My Love", from the short list of diff songs with the same title that both hit #1.  Tony Hatch: underappreciated genius!

[RGMike]

and here's Donny & his Brothers screamin on "Yo-Yo" -- meant to mention when we heard it from Casey this weekend that it was written by... Joe South!

[RGMike]

OMGWTFLOL -- the cover of the Beatles' "Birthday" by Underground Sunshine -- I have not heard this in ages. I looked everywhere for it (to no avail) when I was making Beatles-covers mixtapes back in the '90s.