(Above: The picture sleeve from the MGM single.) Singer and actor Michael Parks passed away today at the age of 77. Fans of television may remember him best for his role as Jean Renault in "Twin Peaks," while film buffs may recall his role in "Argo" or his part in the "Kill Bill" series. In … Continue reading Rest in peace, Michael Parks: “Long Lonesome Highway” (1970)
The Spirit of Western Illinois: WJEQ, Macomb (May 1990)
(Above: The WJEQ Morning Mug from my collection.) Over the course of almost 30 years in radio I was associated with some outstanding radio stations - and some not-so-good ones. If you were to look over my resume and try to guess which ones were the great ones, you'd probably guess the major-market ones and … Continue reading The Spirit of Western Illinois: WJEQ, Macomb (May 1990)
Re-collecting a collection: Various artists (1950s)
(Above: Carol Holmes' box of records, circa 1958) The 45s in my collection fall into three categories: a) The original records I inherited from my folks when I got my first record player at age 4. There's maybe 30 or 40 of these. b) Records that I bought new. There's hundreds of these. c) Records … Continue reading Re-collecting a collection: Various artists (1950s)
May the Quatro be with you: Suzi Quatro and Chris Norman, “Stumblin’ In” (1979)
(Above: Suzi Quatro's debut album, 1978.) Early this morning I saw a take on the Star Wars "May the Fourth be with you" trope invoking Suzi Quatro. I shared the meme, got a laugh, and then hopped in the shower. Damned if this song didn't get sung in the shower as a result, so here … Continue reading May the Quatro be with you: Suzi Quatro and Chris Norman, “Stumblin’ In” (1979)
Lost in translation: Kyu Sakamoto, “Sukiyaki” (1963)
(Above: The French 45 cover, replete with vaguely racist font.) In June of 1963 a catchy song that very few Americans could sing went to the top of the pop charts and stayed there for three weeks. That song was "Sukiyaki." Actually, that's not entirely accurate; the song is really titled "Ue o Muite Aruko" … Continue reading Lost in translation: Kyu Sakamoto, “Sukiyaki” (1963)
Graduation and the Top 40: Adrian Kimberly, “Pomp and Circumstance” (1961)
(Above: The author, 31 years ago, leaving high school.) I've been to a lot of graduation ceremonies. From eighth grade through earning my PhD last year I've had the opportunity to participate in several. In my role as a faculty member at GVSU I'm invited to attend them every term. I don't go every time, … Continue reading Graduation and the Top 40: Adrian Kimberly, “Pomp and Circumstance” (1961)
Great lost hit: Julian Lennon, “Say You’re Wrong” (1985)
(Above: The artist, looking just a bit like Dad.) By the end of April, 1985, I was a junior in high school. I was supposed to be concentrating on things like taking the ACT, finishing my classes, and looking for a summer job. Of course, none of those things were priorities with me or most … Continue reading Great lost hit: Julian Lennon, “Say You’re Wrong” (1985)
Not all that glitters: The Billboard Top 40, April 17, 1982
(Above: These guys made a star out of that guy from Rush.) I've mentioned before that I enjoy listening to the "VJ Big 40 Countdown" on Sirius XM's 80s on 8 channel. I especially enjoy when I catch the list in the first hour or so and catch the tunes that stalled out in the … Continue reading Not all that glitters: The Billboard Top 40, April 17, 1982
But if you try sometimes: The Rolling Stones, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” (1968)
(Above: Alex's funeral in The Big Chill, which many people picture when they hear this song.) I was fifteen years old in 1984 when my family rented a copy of The Big Chill. We loaded it into the ginormous VCR that sat atop the television, dragged the cable for its remote to the couch, and … Continue reading But if you try sometimes: The Rolling Stones, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” (1968)
RIP, J. Geils: “Must Of Got Lost” (1974)
(Above: J. Geils.) Last night my various social media feeds filled with the news that John Warren Geils Jr. passed away at the age of 71. It's only when you shorten his first name to an initial that the name likely rings a bell. The J. Geils Band was a live show phenomenon in the … Continue reading RIP, J. Geils: “Must Of Got Lost” (1974)
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 