(Above: The picture sleeve for "Galveston" overseas) When word of Glen Campbell's Alzheimer's diagnosis was made public in 2011, I knew that this day was coming. We've dealt with Alzheimer's and a variety of forms of dementia in my family, and there's no other way to put it: it's a long, slow goodbye. Glen made … Continue reading Rest in peace, Glen Campbell: “Galveston” (1969)
1970s
Dark of moon on the 6th of June: C.W. McCall, “Convoy” (1975)
(Above: the sort of thing that might be in your grandparents' cupboard.) In the mid-1970s in America it was hard to escape the citizens band (CB) radio craze. A simple hobby allowing ordinary people to communicate back-and-forth with each other wirelessly (this was a pre-cellphone time, after all) became a national obsession almost overnight. T-shirts … Continue reading Dark of moon on the 6th of June: C.W. McCall, “Convoy” (1975)
She’s your cover now: The Songs of Bob Dylan
(Above: Dylan from the Blonde on Blonde gatefold, with pliers.) Bob Dylan turns 76 today. I've been writing this blog for about nine months now and have yet to include a Dylan song in it. In a way, that's a means of checking myself: I love his music, and would be tempted to do … Continue reading She’s your cover now: The Songs of Bob Dylan
Why TV Variety Shows Died: Pink Lady, “Kiss In the Dark” (1979)
(Above: Mie and Kei with Jeff Altman in the hot tub.) A lot of the television that I remember from the 1970s included something you just don't see anymore: the variety show. The show format had a long, successful history. Mentioning the names of some of the hosts bring back pleasant memories of the family … Continue reading Why TV Variety Shows Died: Pink Lady, “Kiss In the Dark” (1979)
Congratulations to John Records Landecker!
(Above: John Landecker on the air at WLS, circa 1977) (Edited: It was announced this morning - June 26 - that John was voted into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot. Again we credit Robert Feder with the story, including a very John quote: “My first thought was: ‘I wish my parents were alive … Continue reading Congratulations to John Records Landecker!
Rest in peace, Michael Parks: “Long Lonesome Highway” (1970)
(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)
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)
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)
Erin go bragh-less: Irish bands on the charts and “The Unicorn” (1968)
(Above: The Clancy Brothers, replete with pipes and sweaters.) Ah, Oldies radio. We like to observe the same conventions each year when it comes to things like holidays and commemorations. I will bet you everything in my wallet (a low risk on a Friday, least of all on St. Patrick's Day) that your friendly neighborhood … Continue reading Erin go bragh-less: Irish bands on the charts and “The Unicorn” (1968)
“Who own the Chiefs?” Maxine Nightingale, “Right Back Where We Started From” (1976)
(Above: Jim Carr, about to be schooled on various hockey penalties.) Forty years ago this weekend one of my favorite films of all time made its premiere. Slap Shot is, in a variety of ways, offensive. It's also hilarious. Director George Roy Hill took a cast of legit stars (Paul Newman, Strother Martin) and unknowns … Continue reading “Who own the Chiefs?” Maxine Nightingale, “Right Back Where We Started From” (1976)
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 