Sunday, November 7, 2010

"Solitary Man" by Neil Diamond.

OK, back to the 60's: This '66 autobiographic song was Neil Diamond's debut single as a recording artist (he was already a successful songwriter). Inspired by the Beatles' "Michelle", it was his 1st composition in a minor key. He recorded 2 versions - with and without a pre-recorded background harmony track. It peaked at #55 in '66 but a re-release in '70 went to #21. From a 2005 Rolling Stone article: "There's not a wasted word or chord in this two-and-a-half minute anthem of heartbreak and self-affirmation, which introduced the melancholy loner persona that he's repeatedly returned to throughout his career." T. G. Sheppard's '76 cover went to #14 on the Country charts. Johnny Cash's 2000 cover won him the Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql4IiP__5ck

Yesterday's answer: "Dancin' in the Moonlight" by King Harvest. Great memories of listening to that song on the jukebox at the Central Rest., corner of 11th & Spruce in Philly, while having a $.69 breakfast as a freshman in med school with my dear brothers of Phi Chi. Another famous misheard lyric "We get it almost every night" instead of "We get it on most every night". Think "'scuse me while I kiss this guy"," Oh Canada, we stand on cars and freeze...", "just a come-on from the horse on 7th Avenue", "Might as well face it, you're a d**k with a glove", "Let's pee in the corner, Let's pee in the spotlight"...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMc8naeeSS8

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