- Whole Lotta Love (1969) Led Zeppelin
- Just Walking In The Rain (1956) Johnnie Ray
- Walk On By (1961) Leroy Van Dyke
- The Old Lamp-Lighter (1946) Sammy Kaye and his Orchestra, vocalist: Billy Williams
- Sister Golden Hair (1975) America
- Psychotic Reaction (1966) The Count Five
- Midnight In Moscow (1961) Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen
- It’s Too Late (1956) Chuck Willis
- Duke Of Earl (1962) Gene Chandler
- Garden Party (1972) Rick Nelson and The Stone Canyon Band
- You Really Got A Hold On Me (1962) The Miracles
- Trying To Love Two Women (1980) The Oak Ridge Boys
- It Must Have Been Love (1987) Roxette
- The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (1941) The Andrews Sisters
- Invisible Tears (1964) Ned Miller
- To The Door Of The Sun (1974) Al Martino
- Exactly Like You (1930) Harry Richman
- Walking Along (1958) The Diamonds
- Shapes Of Things (1966) The Yardbirds
- Angel On My Shoulder (1960) Shelby Flint
- Hey Girl (1966) The Small Faces
- I Am Pegasus (1973) Ross Ryan
- Sad Mood (1960) Sam Cooke
- I Know (1959) Perry Como
- Red High Heels (2006) Kellie Pickler
- Two Faces Have I (1963) Lou Christie
- Groove Me (1970) King Floyd
- I Should Be So Lucky (1987) Kylie Minogue
- I Want To Be With You Always (1951) Lefty Frizzell
- Cry Myself To Sleep (1962) Del Shannon
- Will It Go Round In Circles (1973) Billy Preston
- Crazy World (1948) Julia Lee and her Boy Friends
- High Hopes (1959) Frank Sinatra
- Dead Letter Blues (1938) Leadbelly
- How Is Julie? (1962) The Lettermen
- Freedom Comes, Freedom Goes (1971) The Fortunes
- Goodnight Baby (1965) Sam and Dave
- Barbie Girl (1997) Aqua
- All About The Bass (2019) Meghan Trainor
- Wonderboy (1968) The Kinks
No Bag!
Last year, Tiki asked me to prepare for her a cup of tea.
Having taken but a few sips, she was moved to utter that my offering tasted like nothing more than a mixture of milk and water. Prior to her exclaiming, “You did remember to use a teabag, didn’t you?”
I used my advanced age as an excuse.
Wizzard
Roy Wood rose to fame as the leader of The Move (I refer you to the post, ‘The Move’) in the 1960s before becoming the co-founder of The Electric Light Orchestra with Jeff Lynne. When Roy departed from the latter group, he took keyboardist, Bill Hunt and cellist, Hugh McDowell with him. This trio was joined by Rick Price, who was formerly a bassist in The Move, as well as drummers, Charlie Grima and Keith Smart.
This new British glam-rock band, which was based in the English city of Birmingham, took the collective name of Wizzard and performed live for the first time at Wembley Stadium, in August of 1972. In December, Wizzard debuted on the British charts with the single, “Ball Park Incident”, which was to peak at No.6. It was followed by the group’s most successful recording, “See My Baby Jive”, which spent four weeks at No.1 in Britain, and, in rising to No.11 in Australia became the group’s only entry to the charts in that country.
“Angel’s Fingers” also briefly reached No.1 and before 1973 had finished the almost obligatory festive number, “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” peaked at No.4.
http://youtu.be/idsdcF3_WJs
http://youtu.be/r89CjMZDQpQ
As Roy Wood was simultaneously pursuing a career as a soloist, the excessive pressure began to affect his health. He released the album, ‘Boulders’ and the singles, “Dear Elaine” (No.18) and “Forever” (No.8), were on the charts along with those from Wizzard.
http://youtu.be/PwBMT1unh9w
Although a tour of the United States failed to generate success there, back in Britain Wizzard posted its last two singles, namely “Rock ‘N Roll Winter” and “Are You Ready To Rock”, which peaked at Nos. 6 and 8 respectively. The latter reminds me of the days of Bill Haley and his Comets, with bagpipes added.
http://youtu.be/kBkegBqo9gQ
The era of punk, which was to bring The Sex Pistols seven British Top Ten hits, was approaching and, without success abroad, Wizzard disbanded in 1975.
Not Such A Bright Idea!
Only the other day I recalled Tiki’s twenty-fourth birthday. My intention was to surprise her, knowing that she would have to walk through our house in order to open the doors to our garage.
Therefore, prior to me leaving to collect her from her place of work, at 6.35 p.m., I had lit the twenty-four candles. I had ringed the cake using the majority of them and employed those that remained by forming a small heart in its centre.
When she did open the doors to the garage and I had perceived no cheerful reaction on her face, I feared the worst.
Sure enough! Instead of her having come upon a cake with twenty-four candles aflame, there were that number of blobs of wax, with the red of their bases having melted into the cake’s icing and scarring the cake’s blue writing in the process.
While Tiki had sensed my disappointment, she loved the cake and was genuinely touched by the efforts I had made to surprise her.
Dee Clark
Although Delectus Clark was born in Arkansas, in November of 1938, he was raised in Chicago. Delectus had always enjoyed an inherent love of music, which was fostered by his mother who was a singer of gospel.
As Dee Clark he performed with a succession of groups from 1952 before embarking upon a career as a solo artist, in 1957. In late 1958, Dee recorded “Nobody But You” which, early in that following year, ascended to No.21 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and No.3 on its rhythm and blues chart.
Dee’s three subsequent entries also performed more creditably on the rhythm and blues chart when “Just Keep It Up” reached No.9 and “Hey Little Girl”, No.2, also in 1959, and “How About That”, No.10, in 1960.
However, the best was yet to come! This took the form of the uptempo ballad, “Raindrops”, which became an international hit in 1961.
Dee’s entries to the charts had petered out by 1963, nevertheless, quite out of the blue, he appeared on the British pop chart, in 1975, via the single, “Ride A Wild Horse”, which peaked at No.16.
When Dee was fifty years of age I saw a report on television, which showed him to be virtually penniless and living in a dilapidated motel. Just as sad, was the fact that his health appeared to mirror his pecuniary situation. Two years afterwards, he died from a heart attack, in December of 1990, in Georgia.
The Top 40 Fantasies: No. 18
- Because Of You (1951) Tony Bennett
- Love Is A Beautiful Song (1971) Dave Mills
- Green Tambourine (1967) The Lemon Pipers
- Sweet Nothin’s (1959) Brenda Lee
- The Gypsy (1946) The Ink Spots
- At The Woodchopper’s Ball (1939) Woody Herman and his Orchestra
- The Gypsy (1946) Dinah Shore
- Made In Japan (1972) Buck Owens and The Buckaroos
- A Broadway Melody (1929) Ben Selvin and his Orchestra
- Look Around (1971) Vince Hill
- Sha La La La Lee (1966) The Small Faces
- This Wheel’s On Fire (1968) Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger and The Trinity
- Bonaparte’s Retreat (1950) Kay Starr
- The Secrets That You Keep (1975) Mud
- The World I Used To Know (1964) Jimmie Rodgers
- Dreamin’ (1960) Johnny Burnette
- Let The Rest Of The World Go By (1920) Elizabeth Spencer
- Forty Days And Forty Nights (1956) Muddy Waters
- Beyond Tomorrow (Love Theme From ‘Serpico’) (1974) Perry Como
- You Don’t Know Like I Know (1966) Sam and Dave
- Things Have Changed (1945) Big Maceo
- Born A Woman (1966) Sandy Posey
- The Roving Kind (1950) Guy Mitchell
- That Silver-Haired Daddy Of Mine (1931) Gene Autry
- Ready Willing And Able (1955) Doris Day
- I’ve Had It (1959) The Bell Notes
- Fujiyama Mama (1957) Wanda Jackson
- You Only Live Once In A While (1974) Mickey Newbury
- Oakie Boogie (1952) Ella Mae Morse
- The Oogum Boogum Song Brenton Wood
- This Door Swings Both Ways (1966) Herman’s Hermits
- Right Said Fred (1962) Bernard Cribbins
- Pitfall (1955) The Louvin Brothers
- Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man (1973) Loretta Lynn/Conway Twitty
- Delaware (1960) Perry Como
- Sex Bomb (1999) Tom Jones
- Goo Goo Barabajagal (Love Is Hot) (1969) Donovan, with The Jeff Beck Group
- Another One Bites The Dust (1980) Queen
- Rock Lobster (1980) The B-52’s
- Shake It Off (2014) Taylor Swift
Wednesday, 26th September, 1979
Paul McCartney has been named as the most successful composer of all time. Forty-three of his songs have each sold more than a million copies. He has had his name associated with sixty golden discs: those that have each sold a million copies. Paul has also been identified as the world’s most successful recording artist, having been a vocalist on an estimated one hundred million albums, as well as a further one hundred million singles.
This evening, I listened to the radio station, 2GB, and the programme, ‘1967 Gold’. Its presenter, Sam Galea, played hits from that year. These included ‘The Reflections Of Charles Brown’ by Rupert’s People, The Bee Gees’ ‘To Love Somebody’ and Jackie Wilson’s ‘Higher And Higher’. Sam said that Jackie had suffered a stroke some five years ago and that this had resulted in him now being a semi-invalid.
At half past seven, we watched another edition of the British comedy, ‘Mind Your Language’, on Channel 7. Actor, Barry Evans, is cast as a teacher whose job it is to teach English to a mixture of migrants from various countries.
This comedy was followed by another, at eight, in the form of the British offering, ‘The Dick Emery Show’.
The film, ‘Nevada Smith’, a western from the year of 1966, followed. Its cast includes Steve McQueen, Karl Malden, Suzanne Pleshette, Arthur Kennedy, Martin Landau and Brian Keith.
Martin Landau appeared alongside his wife, Barbara Bain, in the cast of the televised series, ‘Mission: Impossible’, which was in production from 1966 until 1973.
I opted for bed at half past ten, having left Tiki to see it to its conclusion at 11.15.
‘Manikato’ Unplaced: Thursday, 27th September, 1979
I drove home from work by 4.00 p.m., having recorded the results of the trifectas on both the Underwood Stakes and the Marlboro Cup that were run at the racecourse in Caulfield, a suburb of Melbourne, this afternoon.
‘Valley Of Georgia’ had won the former race, having started at the odds of 9/1 whereas a rank outsider, ‘Private Walk’ (66/1), had won the latter while the 13/8 favourite, ‘Manikato’, had failed to finish in the first three placings.
Having entered our backyard, I threw the ball for our Alsatian, whom I like to call “Zedbeat”, to retrieve. All of the while she was being pursued by our young pup, ‘Daisy’, who insisted upon grabbing at her neck and tail. It marked the first time that I had really been angry at her. I also brushed and combed the adult dog’s coat that she had carried throughout winter. This she really enjoyed!
Tiki arrived home, shortly prior to six o’clock. Her mother had taken her into the city in her sedan, a ‘Rover’. The pair had enjoyed a smorgasbord for lunch at the Australia Tavern in the M.L.C. building. They had then adjourned to see the film, The Prophecy, at the Paramount, in George Street.
Channel TEN’s ‘Eyewitness News’ began at six o’clock and, at half past the hour, I chose to listen to the radio and 2GB’s Sam Galea’s programme, ‘1956 Gold’. It featured such recordings as “Tennessee” Ernie Ford’s ‘The Ballad Of Davey Crockett’. Sam said that “Tennesee” died in 1974.
Tiki and I discussed the bleak state of our finances, at the table in our kitchen. We estimated our foreseen expenditure for the next six months. She even talked of selling the drop earrings that I had bought for her to commemorate her twenty-first birthday. However, I am hopeful that such a scenario will not be the case.
As if such a prospect was not deflating enough, we decided to watch Channel TEN’s English film, ‘The Offence’, that was produced in 1973. It has Sean Connery cast as a sergeant in the police force. He takes it upon himself to bash a suspect, whom he believes to be a child molester, to death. Trevor Howard also has a major role.
I retired to bed at ten o’clock. Tiki decided to turn off the television, prior to the film’s conclusion, and follow me to bed.
The trifecta on the Marlboro Cup, as paid out by the Victorian T.A.B., set an Australian record. The single holder of the ticket is eligible to receive $113,000, should he or she not have already claimed it!
The Top 40 Fantasies: No. 17
- Good Rockin’ Tonight (1948) Wynonie Harris
- A Million And One (1966) Billy Walker
- Rockin’ At Midnight (1949) Roy Brown
- Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine) (1954) The Penguins
- Harbour Lights (1950) Sammy Kaye and his Orchestra; vocalist: Tony Alamo
- I Must Be Seeing Things (1965) Gene Pitney
- My Name Is Jack (1968) Manfred Mann
- Crying In The Chapel (1953) June Valli
- Puppy Love (1960) Paul Anka
- Yesterday Man (1965) Chris Andrews
- Pinball Wizard (1969) The Who
- You Don’t Know Me (1956) Jerry Vale
- Crying In The Chapel (1953) Rex Allen
- Boom Boom (1964) The Animals
- The Trolley Song (1944) Judy Garland
- Why Me (1973) Kris Kristofferson
- Yes! We Have No Bananas (1923) Billy Jones
- Sugar And Spice (1963) The Searchers
- I’ve Got The World On A String (1933) Bing Crosby
- Boom Boom (1962) John Lee Hooker
- Lonely Weekends (1960) Charlie Rich
- Send Me The Pillow You Dream On (1962) Johnny Tillotson
- Don’t Hang Up (1962) The Orlons
- Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavour (1959) Lonnie Donegan
- Straighten Up And Fly Right (1944) The Andrews Sisters
- Eyes Without A Face (1984) Billy Idol
- I Don’t Care (Just As Long As You Love Me) (1964) Buck Owens
- Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out (1929) Bessy Smith
- Vienna Calling (1985) Falco
- The World Is A Ghetto (1972) War
- Ooby Dooby (1956) Roy Orbison
- Wild Love (1973) Mungo Jerry
- Him Or Me – What’s It Gonna Be? (1967) Paul Revere and The Raiders
- Sunshine (1974) Mickey Newbury
- She Blinded Me With Science (1982) Thomas Dalby
- He’s My Blonde-Headed, Stompie Wompie, Real Gone Surfer Boy (1963) Little Pattie
- Roar (2013) Katy Perry
- Oliver’s Army (1979) Elvis Costello and The Attractions
- Rubber Duckie (1970) Ernie
- Shaddap You Face (1980) Joe Dolce Music Theatre
Avoid The Hackneyed And The Trite
During the perceived race to reduce every word in the English language to six letters or less, our abilities to express ourselves have become stale. Trite expressions have, as a result, seemingly swamped our language, thereby, effectively stifling many from developing a broad vocabulary.
Therefore, I have attempted to draw attention to the overuse of such expressions and, hopefully, provided some alternatives for the young to employ.
Will it fly? Will it be accepted/successful?
Not out of the woods, yet! not totally free from restrictions/yet to be completely achieved
…coming from implying, claiming
I’m not with you! I don’t understand/comprehend.
Talk us through it. explain/describe/elucidate
…stayed strong prevailed/persevered
a whole bunch numerous, various
gone to ground is in hiding/disappeared/cannot be located or contacted
big take-away gleaned/learned much from
go with decide/choose/elect(to)
set in concrete unanimously finalised/unalterable
come up to speed become more learned/knowledgeable/familiarise oneself with
play out eventuate, transpire
onboard in agreement with/in favour of
hit reached, attained
…began to pick up increased/intensified
…brought up to speed thoroughly informed or advised/familiarised with/updated
watch this space be alert, aware, prepared
a huge spend a massive or exorbitant expenditure/payment/cost/outlay
went public publicised, proclaimed, advertised
set you back cost/penalise/prohibit(from)
take us through explain/describe/elucidate(upon)
go for select, choose
It is what it is! unchangeable/unavoidable/real
lost the plot became distracted/diverted(from)/unduly influenced(by)
not looking too flash unimpressive/unwell/shabbily constructed
a straight shooter honest, dependable, truthful, trustworthy
copped received/blamed or treated unjustly
the jury is still out a matter remains unresolved/a decision is yet to be agreed upon
a roadmap a directive/a course of action
a tough ask asking much/extremely challenging or difficult
good to go prepared, ready, eager, keen
really hanging out for it expectantly longing or yearning for/eagerly anticipating
a game-changer revolutionary/hitherto unheralded/extremely efficacious
back on track focused upon/revived/restored/reestablished
knocked it out of the park excelled/astonished/performed with distinction
off their faces under the influence of…/uncontrollable
lose the… delete/remove/refrain(from)/desist
doing it tough struggling to cope/experiencing hardship/persevering, despite adversity
dropped on their heads suddenly inconvenienced or traumatised
on the same page in unison/total agreement or support
one size fits all uniformity/wholism
further down the track forseeably/in the future
up front with honest, truthful, frank
knocked it on the head cancelled/aborted/forbade
blows my mind amazes, astonishes me
give it a red-hot crack try extremely hard/display unyielding determination/give of one’s all
a hard sell a difficult message or measure to convey or enact upon
crack into obtain selection/gain admittance to
a knife’s edge teetering upon/perilous
the end game the expected or anticipated result/the desired conclusion
the must-haves the essentials/imperatives
anytime soon in the near or foreseeable future/shortly
a game-changer revolutionary/highly effective/unprecedented
a knock-on effect consequential, resultant or subsequent effect
under the pump experiencing extreme or severe pressure
does not stack up is unprofitable, unsustainable, unworthy
flipped and flopped vacillated, wavered
isn’t going to wash will be unacceptable/unfeasible/irrelevant
hit on one thing mention one matter, topic or agenda
straight down the line impartial, fair, honest
kicked-off began, commenced, started
the can has been kicked down the road a decision has been delayed; no agreement has been reached or accepted
a level playing field fairness, impartiality, equality
it’s all on the line in jeopardy, uncertain, at stake
up for grabs available, attainable, free
given a free ride shown leniency or partiality
the get-go the beginning, start or commencement
calm the farm restore tranquility/equilibrium/order
be on the same page be in full agreement/display cooperation
get a handle on it understand, comprehend
down the track/line in the future, at a later date
ticked a lot of boxes possessed many favourable aspects; was essentially suitable
kicked in became efficacious; assisted, helped
moved the goalposts altered the rules; reneged; revoked
singing from the same song/hymn sheet is/are in full agreement; in unison
good-to-go ready, prepared; approved
a must-see essential or imperative viewing
when the rubber hits the road one experiences adversity, hardship or unforeseen or resultant consequences
going public preparing to publicise or express to the public
gum up paralyse, blockade, stymie
a no-brainer obvious; elementary
ramp up increase substantially; intensify
tad slight; minuscule or almost imperceptible (amount, alteration or change)
Should my perceived alternatives to this everyday drivel be wide of the mark (wayward, erroneous or incorrect), please, forgive me.