(Above: The Easybeats, riding their bikes.) Got word this morning from Australia that George Young passed away at the age of 70. The Guardian wrote a full obit, which you can find here. In Australian pop music circles George is one of the most famous names there is, despite most Americans not being familiar with … Continue reading RIP George Young: The Easybeats, “Friday On My Mind” (1967)
1979
The Day of the Big Gulp: WLS Top 45s, August 1979
(Above: The Brementowne pool. Not pictured: the WLS Magic Bus.) Yesterday's piece on how going back home is impossible got me thinking: What if time travel is possible on a blog? What if we try to preserve the memories in print? (If I can jog enough memories, can they take on a life of their … Continue reading The Day of the Big Gulp: WLS Top 45s, August 1979
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)
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)
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 