"I Should Have Known Better" - The Beatles

OK, more Fabdom: This '64 Lennon composition was inspired by Dylan, whom the blokes had just met. Recorded at Abbey Road Studio in 3 takes as part of the "A Hard Day's Night" soundtrack - it was the B-side to the title track in the US, where it peaked at #53. Trademark Lennon harmonica intro. Harrison debuts his just-acquired Rickenbacker 360/12. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=107pfhyf31s

Yesterday's answer: Joey Dee and The Starliters - "The Peppermint Twist (Part 1)". They quasi-evolved into the Young Rascals.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WIvZu4dPQQ

"Peppermint Twist (Part 1)" - Joey Dee and The Starliters.

OK, more 60's: David Brigati (Eddie's brother - as in The Young Rascals) was the lead singer for this early 60's NYC group. Their biggest hit was a Dee/Glover composition inspired by the dance craze of the day and the venue where they were the house band. It replaced Chubby Checker's "The Twist" at #1, sold over 1M copies and earned them a Gold Record. Too long to fit in a 45 RPM, it was split into 2 parts, Part 2 being instrumental. Covered by Dee Dee Sharp and part of the "American Graffiti" soundtrack in '73. Joe Pesci played guitar in an early lineup and Jimi Hendrix toured with them in '65. Group? Song?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WIvZu4dPQQ


"You've Got Your Troubles" by The Fortunes. What "makes" the song is the unique is the unique 3-part counterpoint harmony on the last verse with the trumpet accompaniment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfPT-JvceKI

"You've Got Your Troubles" by The Fortunes.

OK, more British Invasion: This "brum beat" group from Birmingham started out as The Cliftones in '65. Their 5th and most successful single was a Greenaway/Cook composition (#2 UK, #7 US). Outstanding vocals by bassist Rod Allen. The group also did the famous "It's The Real Thing" and "Things Go Better With Coke" for Coca Cola. Group? Hit?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfPT-JvceKI

Yesterday's answer: "Taxi" by Harry Chapin. "Harry, keep the change". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5dwksSbD34 He left us too doggone soon

"Taxi" - Harry Chapin

OK, more 70's: Harry Chapin debuted his first hit on the Tonight Show in '72. The response was such that Johnny brought him back the next night to reprise it - 1st and only time in the show's history. Peaked at #24 and stayed on the charts for 16 wks. Old lovers meet by coincidence after many years. "60% true", according to Harry. Based upon his college relationship with a Clare MacIntyre. In '80 he released "Sequel" - what happened afterwards... Masterfully covered by Mandy Patinkin in his "Experiment" album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5dwksSbD34

Yesterday's answer: The Critters "Mr. Dieingly Sad." Another great tune from a one-hit wonder. The Byrds, The Beatles, The Monkees, The Animals, so they figured, what the heck, and called themselves The Critters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XZt7hocUoQ

Mr. Dieingly Sad - The Critters

OK, more one-hit wonders: This neo-Baroque group from Westwood, NJ started out in '64 as The Vibratones. They eventually changed their name to emulate other "animal" groups of the day. Don Ciccone penned and sang their top-selling hit, peaking at #17 in '66. Captivating melody and sublime vocal harmonies. Later on Don toured with Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and with Tommy James and The Shondells. Group? Hit?



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XZt7hocUoQ



Yesterday's answer: "Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" by Brian Hyland. In those days bikinis were just starting out and were considered "scandalous" in some circles. The song singlehandedly boosted bikini sales!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwGnyLPSruA

"Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" by Brian Hyland

OK, more 60's: This Vance/Pockriss '60 novelty composition was the 1st and biggest hit for a 16 year-old singer from Queens, NY backed by the John Dixon Orchestra. The "adventures" of a shy girl at the beach. #1 US, #8 UK. Trudy Packer recited the spoken phrases before each chorus. Sold 1 million copies the 1st 2 months. Used in a Yoplait Light TV ad, in "Sister Act 2" and in "Revenge Of The Nerds 2". Artist? Song?



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











Yesterday's answer: From John Passow: "One of my favorite songs from the very early 70's ... Toast & Marmalade for Tea ... Tin Tin .... I thought for the longest time this song was by the Bee Gee's ... for good reason ... Maurice Gibb is closely connected :) A GREAT song!!"





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1SenDxZAbA

Toast And Marmalade For Tea - Tin Tin

OK, more one-hit wonders: This Australian duo (Steve Kipner and Steve Groves) took its name from a Belgian crime-fighting cartoon character. Their ethereal hit was penned by Groves, reaching #20 in '71. The distorted sublime keyboard sound was obtained when the recording engineer accidentally leaned on the tape machine. Group? Song?



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1SenDxZAbA



Yesterday's answer: "Kung Fu Fightin' " by Carl Douglas. Dang, I'm SO sorry - I just don't know what came over me! BAD song - one of the worst ever - I promise I'll be better next time (maybe a little Sam The Sham and The Pharaohs?! - NOT!!!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhUkGIsKvn0