"Wild World"

OK, back to the 70's: Cat Stevens wrote, recorded and released this folk ballad in '70 first as a single and then in "Tea For The Tillerman". Stevens' 1st US hit, peaking at #11. Departing words at the end of 2 yr. romance with young American actress Patti D'Arbanville. The chord progression is taken from a Spanish theme. "...the sadness of leaving and the anticipation of what lies beyond." Covered in '71 by Jose Feliciano and by The Ventures.


Yesterday's answer: "Where Do you Work A-John?" aka "The Delaware-Lackawan Song". This was a staple at the "notorious" Phi Chi Medical Fraternity Wednesday night parties in Philly in the early 70's along with "Roller Derby Queen", "Born to Run", "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" and, of course, the one about the Fugawi Tribe. How did we do that and make it to lecture the following morning? YOUTH!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HKJznSDFxs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPcMNGxr8Vg

WHERE DO YOU WORK-A, JOHN? (PUSH-A PUSH-A PUSH) (THE "DELAWARE-LACKAWAN" SONG)

OK, back to the 20's (a toughie!): This classic "Italian"-American joke song was written in '26 by Harry Warren (Salvatore Anthony Guaragna), "Hollywood's Unknown Composer", with lyrics by M. Weinberg/C. Marks/E. Krickett/E. Stamper. Minor hit in '58 for Lou Monte. Featured in Betty Boop's "Mask-A-Raid" in '31 and in John Wayne's "Fighting Seabees". Song? Alternate title?





Yesterday's answer: "Hey, There". Beautiful tune! Steve Roe did a KILLER version a few years ago when we did "Pajama Game" with Comedia. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJJcDSZjxrk

"Hey There"

OK, back to the 50's (Steve Roe, you HAVE to answer this one!): This '54 Adler/Ross show tune from "Pajama Game" was sung by Sid (John Raitt) into a Dictaphone after being repeatedly rejected by Babe (Janis Page). He then plays it back and sings a duet with himself. #1 hit for Rosemary Clooney and #16 for Sammy Davis, Jr. in '54.

Yesterday's answer: "From A Distance". Great tune! I love The Byrds' version with Chris Hillman on lead vocals. My Julie Gold story: Back in the early 90's she was touring with Christine Lavin, Sally Fingerett and Megon McDonough as "The Four Bitchin' Babes". We went... to see them at the World Theater (now the Fitzgerald) in St. Paul. We got to go backstage after the concert and met all for and John Gorka. Next thing I know Lauren and Gina disappear only to find them sitting on the floor playing with Julie Gold, who had just won her Grammy - I thought that was pretty special - she was SO down-to-earth! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_A4XBNBUM0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF4BralTQW8

"From A Distance"

OK, more 80's: Julie Gold wrote this '85 ballad in 2 hours while working at HBO in NYC "...about the difference between the way things seem and the way things are". It gained exposure when recorded by Nanci Griffith in '87 and by The Byrds in '90. #2 hit for Bette Midler in '90; Grammy for Song Of The Year in '91 during the 1st Persian Gulf War. Played at the opening ceremony for the '96 Olympics in Atlanta.

Yesterday's answer: Wayne Fontana and The Mindbenders. "Game Of Love". "Groovy Kind Of Love". "Game Of Love" was Wayne Fontana and The Mindbenders' first US #1 hit. Killer cover by Cheryl Wheeler on her self-titled first album. Fontana left the group in the middle of a concert in '65. "Groovy Kind Of Love" was their 1st Fontana-less hit. 10cc's 1st hit was indeed "I'm Not In Love" - #1 in the UK and #2 in the US earning them a $1M advance.

OKEY, para credito extra - alguien se acuerda de la version en espanol de "Game Of Love". ...me falta tu calor pero tengo frio...yo tengo frio en el corazon...y quiero sol sol sol sol tra la la la la la! Quien la canto? From Lida Enid Muniz: ‎"yo se que hace calor pero siento frio, pues tu amor que un dia fue mio desaparecio...yo tengo frio en el corazon, vivo sin tu calor, y quiero sol, sol, sol, sol, tra la la la la la!!" ( Si me ves con mis compa~eras cantando esto en el trabajo, te mueres! (Quien la cantaba? Papo Roman!)

"Game Of Love" by The Mindbenders.

OK, more British Invasion: Glynn Ellis changed his name to Wayne Fontana "in honor of" Fontana Records, his label. His Manchester-based beat band's first #1 US hit was a Clint Ballard, Jr. composition - the shortest #1 hit ever at 1:58. They appeared in Lulu's 1967 "To Sir With Love". After Fontana's abrupt departure they evolved into Hot Legs and from there 10cc. Band? First US hit? First hit without Fontana (Bayer Sager/Wine)?

Yesterday's answer: "Are You Lonesome Tonight?". It was so sad to see him during his last concerts - he would pretty regularly forget the spoken lines to "Are You Lonesome Tonight?". The singing voice, however, was perfect until the end. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrojFR7jM9E

"Are You Lonesome Tonight?"

OK, The King returns: This '26 Handman/Turk classic was 1st recorded by Lou & Edith Handman in '27. 1st charted by Blue Barron and Al Jolson in '50. Elvis 1st heard J. P. Morgan's '59 version while in Europe in the Army and recorded it in '60. The spoken part is based on Act II, Scene VII of "Äs You Like It" - "......all the world's a stage...". 6 wks. at #1 in '60. #81 on Billboard's Greatest Songs Of All Time.

Yesterday's answer: "Guantanamera". Pete Seeger is still going strong at the tender age of 91! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm1anurhbeg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5JLCAIJLJ

"Guantanamera"

OK, more 60's: It is still unclear as to whether this classic Cuban song was written by Joseito Fernandez ('29) or by Herminio "El Diablo" Garcia Wilson. Arguably the best-known Cuban song worldwide and the country's most noted patriotic tune. Original lyrics based on patriot Jose Marti's "Versos Sencillos" (Simple Verses). Pete Seeger's early 60's adaptation at the height of the missile crisis became an anthem for the peace movement. A #9 hit for The Sandpipers in '66.

Yesterday's answer: "No Milk Today". John Paul Jones (eventually of Led Zeppelin) played both upright and Fender electric basses in the original recording. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClQepFF-Sr0

"No Milk Today"

OK, more British Invasion: Graham Gouldman (subsequently of 10cc) wrote this song about lost love in '66. Masterfully alternates between mournful minor-chord verses and an upbeat chorus in majors. Peaked at #7 in the UK - released in the US as the B-side to "There's A Kind Of Hush" (#4) reaching #35 in '67. 1st Herman's Hermits' recording with full orchestra. Quoting Peter Noone: "...Herman's Hermits' best recording".

Yesterday's answer: "How High the Moon". I had the distinct privilege of seeing Les Paul (at the tender age of 87) with his trio at the Iridium Jazz Club in Manhattan some years ago. He played there every Monday since 1994 until his death at 94! INCREDIBLE! He played "Brazil", "Caravan", you name it - as fast as when he was in his prime.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D7CNJ0txKXSo%26feature%3Drelated&h=1d979

"How High The Moon"

OK, more 40's: This '40 Hamilton/Lewis jazz standard premiered on Broadway on "Two For The Show". 1st recorded by Benny Goodman. Les Paul/Mary Ford's version spent 25 wks. on Billboard and 9 wks. at #1. Became Ella Fitzgerald's "signature" tune in '47. 1st song The Beatles ever played at The Cavern. Jeff Beck performed a note-by-note rendition during the 2010 Grammys as a tribute to Les Paul.



Yesterday's answer: "What A Diff'rence A Day Made" or "Cuando Vuelva A Tu Lado". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmBxVfQTuvI

"What A Diff'rence A Day Makes ("Cuando Vuelva A Tu Lado")"

OK, back to the 30's: Mexican composer Maria (Mendez) Grever wrote this pop standard in Spanish in '34. Stanley Adams added English lyrics. First recorded by Stanley Roy & His Orchestra. Dinah Washington's '59 version won her a Grammy for Best R&B Performance and was her 1st hit, peaking at #8. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in '98. Part of the "Casino" soundtrack ('95). Spanish and English titles?



Yesterday's answer: "Chirpy, Chirpy, Cheep, Cheep". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSNSTerj2Kc From Dan Rogers: Oh, Ick! That had to be the low point of music in the 70s. And there were so many to choose from. I had to go find a video on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWgh2LRTMYo&feature=fvstThe "Window" format for them to stand, the whole works. My eyes and ears really hurt now! "Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep" is the (hurl ... cough ... gag) song.

"Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep"

OK, more Bubblegum: This '71 Harold "Lally" Stott composition was a #1 hit in the UK by the Scottish folk-pop band Los Caracas, recording as Middle Of The Road. Mac and Katie Kissoon from Trinidad took it to #20 on Billboard's Hot 100 that same year.

Yesterday's answer: "Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia. Love that tune! The same thing happened to No Doubt's "Dont Speak" - released as a radio-only single in order to promote the album and completely failed to chart! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV1XWJN3nJo&feature=av2e

"Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia.

OK, more 90's: This '93 Previn/Cutler/Thornalley composition launched the career of an Australian singer/actress/model in '97. It only reached #42 on Billboard's Hot 100 as it was first released as a radio-only promo. Rick Dees called it "the #1 radio single of the 90's". MTV's Best New Artist in '98 and 3 Grammy nominations in '99. Song? Artist?

Yesterday's answer: "Eruption" by Eddie VanHalen. Dang, human beings are not supposed to play that fast! The sound was aided by a phaser, Echoplex and Univox echo unit. Includes elements from the "Etude No. 2" by Kreutzer and "A Fancy", an early Baroque lute piece by Dowland. How do you choose? My all-time favorite rock guitar solo is Clapton's "Deserted Cities Of The Heart" on Cream's '68 "Wheels Of Fire".

"Eruption"

OK, a little geeetar: This SMOKIN' '76 Eddie VanHalen solo started out as a warm-up exercise to "You Really Got Me", his band's 1st single. Played on a Frankenstrat through a '59 Marshall Super Lead tube amp with added phaser, Echoplex and studio reverb. First known use of 2-handed tapping. Based on Cactus' "Let Me Swim", with added classical references by Kreutzer and Dowland. Guitar World's #2 all-time best guitar solo after "Stairway To Heaven".

Yesterday's answer: (From Dan Rogers) "Someone to Watch Over Me." And that made me remember Lennon's "Imagine:" both songs were in "Mr. Holland's Opus." Never get to see that movie on tv. Or "Gigot." Or ... From me: Great movie with Richard Dreyfuss! Boy, I forgot all about "Gigot" ("Leg Of Mutton") with Jackie Gleason. I remember my grandfather took me to see it in '62 at the Lorraine Theater in Santurce, P.R. and you're right, I don't think I've watched it ever since - I should get it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxVi_LaILIY

"Someone To Watch Over Me"

OK, back to the 20's: This '26 George and Ira Gershwin jazz ballad was first sung to a doll on stage by Gertrude Lawrence in the musical "Oh, Kay!". "...looking for an elusive companion...an actual love that may be lost." The list of covers reads like a who's who in modern music. An '87 Ridley Scott movie was named after it. Part of the '96 "Mr. Holland's Opus" soundtrack. Outstanding version by Willie Nelson in '78. Lady Gaga sang it on the Today Show last month.



Yesterday's answer: "It Doesn't Matter Anymore". This song and "True Love Ways" were two of the first "rock era" tunes to use string orchestra - Buddy was WAY ahead of his time. Paul Anka is still going strong http://www.paulanka.com/ Eva left us too early - her version is heavenly! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pIifmwYP88 Linda, of course, can sing the phone book and make it sound great!

"It Doesn't Matter Anymore"

OK, more 50's: Paul Anka wrote this classic in '58 at the age of 17 "in minutes" for his friend Buddy Holly. Dick Jacobs arranged it for string orchestra in 3 hours! Released by Holly in Jan. '59, a month before his death the following month. #13 in the US later on that year. Buddy's last US Top 20 hit. 1st #1 posthumous hit in the UK. Covered by Linda Ronstadt in '74 and masterfully by the late great Eva Cassidy in '02. Recently covered by Serena Ryder.



Yesterday's answer: "See You In September". Love that tune! Made even more popular when included in the "American Graffiti" soundtrack in '73.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlUigSXxgG8

"See You In September"

OK, back to the 50's: This Wayne/Edwards '59 composition was written and arranged in one day at the Brill Bldg. Minor hit for The Tempos that same year. The Happenings took it to #3 in '66 and it won them a Gold Record. Considered by many to be a "counterpart" to Chad & Jeremy's "A Summer Song". Also covered by The Quotations (doo-wop), The Chiffons, Shelley Fabares and Debby Boone.

Yesterday's answer: "Delicado". I've been listening to this song literally since I was born - my Dad used to love it and would play it all the time on the old Bogen Hi-Fi. It means "delicate". I've always loved that song and it reminds me of my Dad, may he rest in peace, every time I listen to it. Amplified harpsichord played by Stan Freeman.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DdcNlyzynz_k&h=f07a5

"Delicado"

OK, back to '52 (great year!): This popular Brazilian tune was written by Valdir Azevedo with added lyrics by Jack Lawrence. Azevedo was a choro composer/conductor and a master of the cavaquinho. This was the 1st of Percy Faith's 3 #1 hits (the other 2 were "Theme From Moulin Rouge" ('53) and "Theme From 'A Summer Place'" ('60)). Perez Prado, Stan Kenton and Dinah Shore also recorded popular covers.





Yesterday's answer: "Midnight In Montgomery" by Alan Jackson. Haunting tune and even more haunting video. It is rumored that this really did happen to Jackson! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRarG5DYZEM&feature=av2e BTW, a Nudie Suit is one designed by Nudie Cohn (December 15, 1902 – May 9, 1984), Russian-born Jewish-American tailor, known for designing rhinestone-covered suits and other elaborate outfits, to be worn by celebrities such as Elvis Presley, Porter Wagoner, Webb Pierce, Roy Rogers, and Gram Parsons and, of course, Hank Williams.

"Midnight In Montgomery"

OK, a little Country: This Alan Jackson/Don Sampson composition peaked at #3 on the Country charts in '92. The artist encounters the ghost of Alabama native Hank Williams while driving past a graveyard on his way to a New Year show (he died on New Year's Day). He thanks Jackson for honoring him before disappearing into the darkness. Includes lyrics from Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry".

Yesterday's answer:

"Crying In the Chapel"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp1B9QtdNXA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00eUebsh68M

"Crying in The Chapel"

OK, more 50's: This '53 Artie Glenn composition was inspired by the Loving Ave. Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, TX. First recorded by his son Darrell's group, The Rhythm Riders. Also a hit in '53 for June Valli and for Sonny Till & The Orioles. Elvis' '60 cover featured Floyd Cramer on piano and The Jordanaires on backup vocals - he cut it in 5 minutes and was RIAA Certified Platinum.

Yesterday's answer: "On Broadway" . Great tune - a chord change in every verse. "...but they're dead wrong, I know they are, 'cause I can play this here guitar..." I LOVE that line! One of Rudy's last recordings before his untimely death. Covered by Sinatra, Tom Jones, Bobby Darin, James Taylor and Sly. Part of the "American Beauty" and "All that Jazz" soundtracks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkT1hcKju0s

"On Broadway"

OK, more 60's: This Mann/Weil classic was written in collaboration with Leiber & Stoller and refers to their address - "The Brill Building Sound". First recorded by The Cookies but first released by The Crystals. The Drifters took it to #9 in '63. Lead vocals by Rudy Lewis and lead guitar by a young Phil Spector. George Benson's '78 cover went to #7 and won him a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance.

Yesterday's answer: "Baby, Let's Wait" by The Young Rascals. Classic from Dan Rogers: "The song is ... (Danelli drum roll) "Baby Let's Wait." Lots and lots of teen angst!! And hormones being suppressed. I liked the recording by the Young Rascals, but the one by the Royal Guardsmen was on my disk of all-time crummy recordings (such as "The Bristol Stomp). I liked the Young Rascals. I wonder if the Royal Guardsmen were named after the inexpensive men's deodorant that was out at about the same time? That would really make sense! My response: "BINGO - you da man! This is my all-time Rascals favorite tune. Back in P.R. Los Challengers used to do a very respectable cover - Top 10 Makeout Song hit parade at high school dances by the ocean at the Casino De Puerto Rico. LOL, that's up there with Brut and Hai-Karate. "

"Five O'Clock World" by The Vogues.

OK, back to the 60's: This '65 Allen Reynolds composition peaked at #4 by a group formerly known as The Val-Aires. Starts out with a very "Byrdish" 12-string acoustic run. An urban worker who hates his job but looks forward to going home to his sweetie at the end of the day. Hal Ketchum's '91 cover peaked at #16 on the Country charts. Featured on "Good Morning Vietnam" and "Big Fish". Song?

Answer: "Five O'Clock World" by The Vogues. Great tune - BOTH versions are dynamite!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSIGwAY2JBs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpRQasrp0YM

"Baby, Let's Wait"

OK, more YOUNG Rascals: This Sawyer/Burton romantic ballad was first featured in their '66 self-titled debut album. Spectacular vocals by Eddie Brigati, opening drum roll by Dino Danelli and heavenly Felix Cavaliere Hammond organ swells. The Royal Guardsmen released it as the B-side to "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron" - their later re-release reached the Top 40. Also covered by The Spiders, Alice Cooper's H. S. band!


Yesterday's answer: "Five O'Clock World" by The Vogues. Great tune - BOTH versions are dynamite! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSIGwAY2JBs http://%20www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpRQasrp0YM


Answer for 8/10 10 post (oops!): Farewell Symphony. (Number 45 in F-sharp minor) by Haydn. Apparently the message worked, as Prince Esterhazy packed up the court to return to Eisenstadt the next day. Papa Haydn definitely had a sense of humor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXY4DaF9d9Y (...and so does Barenboim!).

"Surprise Symphony" by Haydn.

OK, let's go WAY back: This 1772 symphony was written while the composer was at his patron's summer home with his court orchestra. The patron had made them stay much longer than originally intended while leaving their wives back home. As a "subtle" hint, during the final adagio, the musicians stop playing in turn after playing small soli and leave the stage. Only 2 violins remain at the end. Symphony? Composer?

Yesterday's answer: "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tommy James and The Shondells. The ONLY Tommy James and The Shondells' song I ever remotely liked. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkMFLUXTEwM&feature=related "Weird Al's" cover was titled "I Think I'm A Clone Now"!

"I Think We're Alone Now" by Tommy James and The Shondells.

OK, more bubblegum: This '67 Ritchie Cordell composition was referred to by a prominent rock critic as "The Bubblegum Apotheosis". The original version peaked at #4 and stayed on the charts for 17 weeks. Tiffany's '87 cover topped the charts in both the US and the UK. Spoofed by "Weird Al" Yankovic in '88. Song? Group?

Yesterday's answer: Toni Braxton's "Un-Break My Heart". Love that song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2Rch6WvPJE

Carli Mu~oz

Respuesta de ayer: Carli Munoz. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLc-nWPQh6I

"Unbreak My Heart" by Toni Braxton.

OK, more 90's: This poignant '96 Diane Warren composition spent 11 wks. at #1 and remains the artists' biggest single. It won her the '97 Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. #10 on Billboard's Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs and #3 R&B/Hip-Hop. Covered by, among others, Johny Mathis and Il Divo. Artist? Song?

Yesterday's answer: "Because The Night". In my book NOBODY does it like Natalie and The Maniacs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H14R4ZsMM0E Ricardo Montalban would have been proud! We try not to talk about 70's fashion! First time I saw her fronting for the Maniacs was on Saturday Night Live - liked her instantly!

Carli Mu~oz

Okey, pa' los puertorriquenos: Este musico, comopsitor y propietario de restaurante empezo tocando jazz en piano "de oido". Creo Los Colegiales y luego The Living End, quienes se convirtieron en Space cuando tocaron en NYC. Fue pianista y organista con los Beach Boys del '70 al '81. Ha tocado tambien con The Captain & Tenille, Jan & Dean y The Association. Todavia toca casi todas las noches en su bistro en S.J.

"Because The Night"

OK, more 70's: Bruce Springsteen penned this rock classic in '76 and gave it to Patti Smith because he thought "it would suit her voice". She added lyrics and in '78 it became The Patti Smith Group ONLY hit (#13). She bought her father a Chrysler Cordoba (remember Corinthian leather?) with the royalties. 10,000 Maniacs' '93 MTV Unplugged version peaked at #11 and was their 1st Top 40 hit.

Yesterday's answer: "Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)". The two shared the stage at NYC's Madison Square Garden in '74 not knowing that it would be Lennon's last public performance, therefore the title. Lauren and I stood upon the exact spot where John was shot in front of The Dakota some years ago then crossed the street to visit the "Imagine" garden in Central Park. Such a senseless tragedy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZzXEFDznoA From Jeff Bluml: "Still remember the exact spot I was standing and the shock when it happened. Still breaks my heart." I was rotating through the VA Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware when I heard the sad news.

"Empty Garden"

OK, more 80's: This '82 ballad was written by Sir Elton John as a tribute to his good friend John Lennon who was assassinated by a deranged "fan" on 8/8/80 in front of The Dakota. The title refers to a famous NYC sports arena where the shared the stage in '74 during what was to be Lennon's last live appearance. Sir Elton refuses to play the song live anywhere except in that venue. Peaked at #13 on Billboard's Hot 100.

Yesterday's answer: "Sunny Came Home" by Shawn Colvin. Another masterpiece from Shawn. Just like with "Shotgun Down The Avalanche", I loved these songs the first time I heard them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfKKBDFCiIA "It's time for a few small repairs she said, Sunny came home with a vengeance".

"Sunny Came Home" by Shawn Colvin.

OK, more 90's: This '97 folk-rock classic was written by the artist and John Leventhal. Speaks of a woman who burns down her house to escape her past. Other than "Norwegian Wood", arguably the most famous song about arson. Inspired by a Julie Speed painting featured in the album cover. The artist's first song written in 3rd instead of 1st person. Grammys for Record and Song Of The Year in '98. Artist? Song?

Yesterday's answer: Bobby Hebb's "Sunny". BMI's #25 among its "Top 100 Songs Of The Century". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbUl_E-R91Q

"Sunny" by Bobby Hebb.

OK, In Memoriam: This Nashville native left us yesterday at 72. He penned his biggest hit on 11/22/63 - the day JFK was assassinated and his brother was killed outside a Nashville nightclub. Optimism in the face of grief. One of the most covered tunes in pop history. #2 Pop, #3 R&B in '66. First recorded by Miko Hirota in Japan. Covered by Cher as a tribute to her former partner and husband. Artist? Song?

Yesterday's answer: "The Partisan" by Leonard Cohen. As many times as I've listened to this Cohen masterpiece I never tire - a certain "je ne sais quoi" about it - maybe it's the contrast between his rich bass and the angelic voices of Julie Christensen and Perla Batalla. Sadness but optimism. Without a doubt one of the great composers of our time - this is him at his best! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_223jKXKgQ

"The Partisan"

OK, THE MAN is back: This '69 Leonard Cohen cut from "Songs From A Room" is a cover of a '43 composition in London by Emmanuel D'Astier de la Vigerie and Anna Marly, surviving the German bombings. Cohen and Hy Zaret translated and scored it. Speaks of the French Resistance against the Nazi occupation in the north and the "puppet" Vichy government. Covered by Joan Baez and Buffy Sainte-Marie.

Yesterday's answer: "My Maria" by B. W. Stevenson. Ambas versiones son solidas pero la original de B. W. Stevenson por alguna razon me gusta mas. Quizas sea la guitarra de Larry Carlton?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdBvTvxHy7E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZSiBj4vCiY

"My Maria"

OK, more 70's: This '73 B. W. Stevenson/Daniel Moore composition peaked at #9 pop, #1 adult contemporary and spent 12 wks. in the Top 40. Killer guitar by Larry Carlton! Brooks and Dunn's '96 cover peaked at #1 in the Country charts, was named Song Of The Year and won them the Grammy for Best Country Performance By A Vocal Group Or Duo.

Yesterday's answer: "Vesti La Giubba" from Rugg(i)ero Leoncavallo's "I Pagliacci". How do you choose but, in my book, NOBODY does it like Mario Lanza. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkN2C6kWOAo No doubt about it, it's been satirized - no respect, no respect! From Dan Rogers: "Ah, my kind of useless trivia: it is the "Vest of the Guppy," from the opera Pagliacci. Some snobs call it "Vesti la giuppi," but what do they know? For those who love fine music, Pagliacci also inspired Homer and Jethro, part of the Spike...". From Prof. Alberto Rodriguez (Papa Dios): "The aria is Vesti la giubba and the composer is Leoncavallo. In Italian, Vesti la giubba means get dressed with your special costume. You could say that it means get into your uniform. Leoncavallo fue el más animal de todos los compositores. "

"Vesti La Giubba" from "I Pagliacci" by Leoncavallo.

OK, let's go WAY back: This famous tenor aria was 1st performed in 1892. It ends the 1st act when Canio discovers his wife's infidelity but still has to don his clown costume and makeup - "the show must go on". Enrico Caruso's 1904 rendition was the 1st million-selling record in history. Queen used part of the melody in "It's A Hard Life" in '84 and Teddy Randazzo did a pop version in '60. Aria? Opera? Composer?

Yesterday's answer: "Act Naturally". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58Amodaf-g8