Last week was tough to be honest especially with the red haired kid Ed. Jingle, Jangle, Jungle Has created a fun weekly challenge all about music. You pick a song that fits each theme which I always try to choose a song that pops into my head right away. Here are the 3 themes:
A SONG WITH "ROOM" OR A TYPE OF ROOM IN THE TITLE
A SONG THAT MENTIONS A TYPE OF GEM IN THE TITLE
A SONG WITH A HARMONY
1. IN THE HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN KING BY EDVARD GRIEG-1875
This piece was composed as instrumental music for Henry Ibson's play Peer Gynt. I heard this piece was I was, maybe, 6 years old and loved it from that moment so, of course, this is what popped into my little head because it has a Hall which, to me, is a room.
2. DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND SUNG BY MARILYN MONROE- FOR 1953 FILM
This song actually comes from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with the original musical done on Broadway in 1949. The song was by Jules Styne (music) and Leo Robin(Lyrics) and sung by the famous Carol Channing who created the role of Lorelei Lee but most people now remember this famous song sung by Monroe. It is an iconic tune that has been redone many times as well as the costumes and choreography like Madonna's "Material Girl."
3. GET HAPPY/HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN SUNG BY GARLAND & STREISAND-1963
A few years back, PBS decided to run the entire season (there was only one) of "The Judy Garland Show". I was so happy to finally see all the episodes which showcased Judy at her best, indifferent and most heartbreaking. She gave a stirring rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" as a tribute to JFK who was assassinated a few days before. The Network and everyone around her pleaded for her not to do it but she wouldn't budge since she knew JFK and thought of him as a friend. The Get Happy number was written by Harold Arlen(music) and Ted Koehler(lyrics) in 1930 and made famous(again) by Garland in her 1950 film, "Summer Stock." "Happy Days Are Here Again" was written in 1929 by Milton Ager(music) and Jack Yellen(lyrics) and has been used for FDR's election campaign. Streisand made her version famous and this duet is one of the best harmonies of 2 powerhouse vocals.
So...what music popped into your head?
Hi, Birgit!
ReplyDeleteI am here to take the Song Challenge with you, dear friend!
I'll mention your first song later when I go over my picks.
Regarding your "Diamonds" song from G.P.B., thank you for reminding me of the oft imitated Carol Channing. For years the wide-eyed Carol showed up frequently on TV talk and music variety shows. I see that she lived a good long life and passed away in 2019 two weeks before her 98th birthday.
That duet performed by Judy and Barbra reminded me of the old school approach to television entertainment. Many of the music variety shows of the period featured the same kind of awkward, time consuming small talk banter between host and guest before the singing began. During those exchanges you could always count on false or backhanded compliments. It always irritated me, made me feel uncomfortable, and that's why I tended to avoid such shows. Hooray for the refreshingly irreverent David Letterman style that poked fun at everyone and everything and helped revolutionize entertainment.
Here are my selections:
ROOM SONG: I'm glad you mentioned "In The Hall of The Mountain King" because it gives me an opportunity to mention Savatage, a great heavy metal band whose members I met and worked with in the 80s. The band is best known for "Hall of the Mountain King," the title song of their 4th studio album released in 1987. On the album, "Prelude to Madness," the instrumental segment leading into the title track, is an arrangement of Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King" from the Peer Gynt suite. Members of Savatage lived in Tarpon Springs in the greater Tampa Bay area, and the guys hung out at the MTV style station where I worked at the time. They dropped in often and were interviewed on the hard rock/heavy metal show we produced. Sadly,band co-founder and lead guitarist Criss Oliva was killed at age 30 in an auto crash.
I will also name "In My Lonely Room," a single by the Motown girl group Martha and the Vandellas that made a run at the top 5 on the R&B chart in 1964.
GEM SONG: "Black Pearl," penned by Phil Spector, Toni Wine, and Irwin Levine and performed by Sonny Charles and the Checkmates, Ltd. In 1969 "Black Pearl" approached the top 10 on the pop chart and reached #8 on the R&B survey.
HARMONY SONG: "Zorro," the theme from the late 50s Disney TV series that starred Guy Williams, recorded by The Chordettes, the female barbershop quartet from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. "Zorro" cracked the top 20 in 1958.
Close harmony abounds on my new post published this morning at Shady's Place in memory of Margaret Schneider - The Oldest Living Dell Rat. I invite you to join me in remembering and paying respects to that wonderful lady. Thank you, dear friend BB!
I’m glad I reminded you of the wonderful Mountain King song but I am not a lover of your version. I don’t mind the fake banter that made my eyes roll up to the ceiling...some were worse than others and this one isn’t too bad. Your Gem song is so good but Ick to knowing Phil Spector was part of it but this is why he is famous in the good sense even though he is one evil bastard. Love the Zorro theme and they do have a wonderful harmony.
DeleteGood pick for room.
ReplyDeleteAll that is coming to mind is Skeleton in the Closet by Anthrax.
I listened to your choice and, well, not my favourite but I’m so glad to learn about all the different songs out there.
DeleteI haven't been by for a bit, but you got some great songs. I like the movie connections.
ReplyDeleteHello!! Glad you dropped by. I’m glad you like. Y movie connections
DeleteTotal blank on a 'room'. 'Diamonds are Forever' popped in my head though I am surprised that I did not think of your choice since I watched 'My Week with Marilyn' last night. And when Biden won the election I actually posted the video of Judy and Barbra singing that song.
ReplyDeleteI remember that post! It was and is happy days for sure. Great choice with Diamonds are Forever.
DeleteYou picked out some good ones!:)
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a pain-free day;)
Pain every day but my mind thinks of having pain free days. I’m glad you like my choices.
DeleteNice picks!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like them.
DeleteThe only thing that popped into my head was Ruby, don’t take your live to town,
ReplyDeleteGood one, Anabel! I might add two more "Ruby" songs: "Ruby (you're like a flame)" by Ray Charles and "Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress)" by Helen Reddy.
DeleteI will have to listen to these Ruby songs. I’m surprised no one mentioned Ruby Tuesday.
DeleteNice picks! I wasn't sure that I was familiar with your first song, but after the first few notes, I had an 'oh, that one!' moment. Thanks so much for joining in!
ReplyDeleteYes, it’s such a famous piece so I’m glad you know it.
DeleteBirgit,
ReplyDeleteYour first song pick, the instrumental arrangement rings a bell with me. I'm not sure why, though. I certainly didn't know the name. "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" did pop in my head. What a great song, what a fun movie! Barbara and Judy's duet was quite good. I think I've seen this clip before. I don't think I ever saw any of Judy's TV show on reruns,though. She was very petite built, wasn't she? Liza favors her mother but isn't nearly as pretty, though. Great song picks!
The Mountain King is a very famous piece used in so many places. The Marilyn song is justifiably famous and the Garland Show is so good but plagued with a lot of back stage issues. Garland was mercurial and could be difficult but ten showing up late which is mainly due to her addictions. Yes, Garland was, maybe 4’ 8” so she was quite tiny but she was a true beauty especially when she was in her 20s.
ReplyDeleteHi sis... congratulations on 30 years and I'm sorry I missed the day. That's an accomplishment I'll never match!
ReplyDeleteNow, for the three songs... for a room, I first thought of "She Came In Through the Bathroom Window" off the Beatles outstanding Abbey Road album. For the gem song, how about going way back to Dion and the Belmonts and "Ruby Baby." Always loved that song for its bluesy feel, plus it also has great harmonies so that song actually fills two of your categories. But for harmony, I always like to revert to an all-time great Canadian band, The Guess Who and their song "Share The Land." These guys were so good at this.