Word circulated late Friday night that Roky Erickson, founding member of the Austin, Texas-based psychedelic band The Thirteenth Floor Elevators, passed away at the age of 71. Erickson started the band in high school in Austin in 1965. He dropped out a month before graduation in an argument over the school's dress code regarding hair. … Continue reading Rest in peace, Roky Erickson: The Thirteenth Floor Elevators, “You’re Gonna Miss Me” (1966)
1966
Rest in peace, Ken Nordine: Colors (1966)
Ken Nordine passed away today at the age of 98. You may not know Ken's name, but you know his voice. Nordine has done more than a small amount of voiceover work, including this legendary Levi's ad that might just make you OK with plaid pants. But Nordine is best known for Word Jazz, a … Continue reading Rest in peace, Ken Nordine: Colors (1966)
Pop perfection: The Left Banke, “Walk Away Renee” (1966)
(Above: An Album I have yet to find, but need.) Today I debut a tag for articles that I've been kicking around for a while now - "Pop Perfection." I think of it often when I'm driving, and I hear a song, and I think "Man, that's absolutely perfect, and I don't have to think … Continue reading Pop perfection: The Left Banke, “Walk Away Renee” (1966)
Ten Albums: Bob Dylan, Blonde on Blonde (1966)
At long last, we have reached the top of my personal Top Ten. To recap: 10. Too Much Joy, Cereal Killers (1991) 9. R.E.M, Document (1987) 8. They Might Be Giants, Flood (1990) 7. Dire Straits, Making Movies (1980) 6. Simon and Garfunkel, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966) 5. The Who, Meaty Beaty Big … Continue reading Ten Albums: Bob Dylan, Blonde on Blonde (1966)
How big was Batman, really? Neal Hefti and others (1966)
The death of Adam West on Saturday (June 10) at the age of 88 marked the end of an era for generations of TV fans. Sure, West was known for guest appearances in recent years on shows like Family Guy and The Simpsons, and did a lot of voiceover work, but was of course best … Continue reading How big was Batman, really? Neal Hefti and others (1966)
Happy birthday, Pet Sounds: The Beach Boys, “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” (1966)
(Above: Brian Wilson and a goat, from the album cover.) One day last semester during a lecture on the Sixties, I made an offhanded comment that 1966 may have been the greatest year ever in popular music. As I would hope that they would, students respectfully challenged me to defend my position. "Simple," I said. … Continue reading Happy birthday, Pet Sounds: The Beach Boys, “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” (1966)
RIP, Sonny Geraci: The Outsiders, “Respectable” (1966)
Lost in all of the Super Bowl hype today is the fact that Sonny Geraci of the Outsiders passed away at the age of 69. If you have spent any time listening to Oldies radio, you undoubtedly know "Time Won't Let Me," the song the band is best known for. The tight playlists of Oldies … Continue reading RIP, Sonny Geraci: The Outsiders, “Respectable” (1966)
Light and easy: Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66, “One Note Samba/Spanish Flea” (1966)
(Above: 1706 Brady Street used to be the launch pad for flamethrowin' beautiful music.) In the fall of 1989 I moved away from home to take my first full-time job in radio at KRVR in Davenport, Iowa. Earlier that year I had decided to spend more time at my radio job and less time in … Continue reading Light and easy: Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66, “One Note Samba/Spanish Flea” (1966)
50 years of happiness: The Beach Boys, “Good Vibrations” (1966)
(Above: Two copies of the same song, released 50 years apart.) This week marked the 50th anniversary of, what was at the time of its production, the most expensive rock and roll single ever made. "Good Vibrations" cost a cool $75,000 to produce in 1966 - about a half a million bucks in today's cash. … Continue reading 50 years of happiness: The Beach Boys, “Good Vibrations” (1966)
50th Anniversary: The Beatles, “Revolver” (1966)
Friday marks the 50th anniversary of the release of the Beatles LP Revolver in the UK (the American version was released three days later). For my money 1966 may have been the greatest year in pop music. Three of the albums in my all-time Top 5 - this one, Dylan's Blonde on Blonde, and the … Continue reading 50th Anniversary: The Beatles, “Revolver” (1966)
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