Let’s be musical and enjoy all the tunes we love. I think Jingle, Jangle, Jungle really takes in this way of thinking. I love this weekly challenge and enjoy the themes. Here are this week’s themes
A SONG THAT MENTIONS A PLANET IN THE TITLE
A SONG THAT MENTIONS SOMETHING YOU WEAR IN THE TITLE
A SONG THAT MENTIONS AN ANIMAL IN THE TITLE
1. VENUS BY BANANARAMA-1984
I enjoyed the 80s so much. I was in university, drank like a fish, had many fun antics and danced almost every weekend to the music that really sounds like it comes from the 80s. This is one of these songs and I love dancing to it. Little did I know it is originally from "Shocking Blue" in 1969.
2. TOP HAT, WHITE TIE AND TAILS SUNG BY FRED ASTAIRE-1935
Fred Astaire is synonymous with white tie and tails and a great top hat. He could dance like no one could (Gene Kelly is his match but totally different style as Gene is more for jeans and a t-shirt) and this routine just epitomizes his style. This song was written by Irving Berlin for the film "Top Hat" and seems made for Fred Astaire. I know all of you own at least 2 suits with tails.
3. THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT SUNG BY THE TOKENS-1961
My brother played this to my parents and me and My mom and I really loved this song. I love the way this man controls his voice and can have this range of voice. It was sad when he passed away. When I looked up this song, I had no idea about the battle for the rights to this song which was originally written by, South African, Solomon Linda but it was called "Mbube". Ahh, the behind the scenes battles.
Let’s hear which songs you choose.
Hi, Birgit!
ReplyDeleteI am here to bust my brain with you on the WSC, dear friend!
I wish I had known you in the 80s, BB. I too drank like a fish and literally danced till dawn at all-night bottle clubs. Having quit cold turkey (and drinking) in 1992, I am still to this day a bit hung-over.
It would be hard for me to choose which version of "Venus" I like more, the original by Shocking Blue or the cover by the Banana-girls. The iconic music video you posted was wildly popular on the MTV station where I worked at the time. We aired both the edited version (seen here) and the full length dance mix version that ran 7 or 8 minutes. Wiki sez: << The video marked a pivotal shift towards a more glamorous and sexual image for the group that contrasted with the tomboyish style of their earlier work. >> In relation to that, rumors swirled that there are several moments in the video in which the girls kiss each other on the mouth as they pass by during their dance sequences. As production manager of the station, I was not working hard - I was hardly working. I spent hours analyzing the "Venus" vid frame by frame to see if the girls did indeed touch lips. On the long version, I found what I considered to be conclusive evidence that they did indeed smooch. I hadn't been that excited since learning the dirty words to "Louie Louie!"
Thanks for posting a Fred Astaire dance routine just for Shady's enjoyment! :)
I have two quick stories related to "The Lion Sleeps." The song instantly reminds me of many nights that winter riding home from school on a rickety old bus after staying late for basketball practice. The song played frequently on the transistor radio I carried with me on the bus. Second, I was stage manager of a rock & roll show in 1984 and, as a surprise, members of The Tokens were called out of the audience to take the stage and perform, albeit not this particular hit of theirs.
Here are my picks:
PLANET SONG: "Jupiter's Child," the killer B on the flip side of "Rock Me," a single released in February, 1969, by Steppenwolf. "Jupiter's Child" is also the lead track on side two of the band's 1969 album At Your Birthday Party. I sense that in recent decades, "Jupiter's Child" has surpassed "Rock Me" in fan popularity.
SOMETHING YOU WEAR SONG: "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini," Bryan Hyland's novelty ditty from the summer of 1960. Before you cry "foul" and strip me of points, let me assure you that my song selection is absolutely accurate for the prompt, because I do indeed wear an "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini" whenever Mrs. Shady leaves the house. (Please don't tell her.) "I feel pretty!"
ANIMAL SONG: I have several - all related - all late 60s singles - "The Horse," "Horse Fever," "Pony The Horse," "The Mule," and "The Camel," all waxed by Cliff Nobles & Co.; and "Hitch It To The Horse" by The Fantastic Johnny C. All of those dance ditties were created by Philly-based songwriter/producer Jesse James.
Have a wonderful Wednesday, dear friend BB. I'll see you tamale in the balcony-- "At The Movies!"
CORRECTION: "The Mule" is credited to "The James Boys," but they too were part of Jesse James' family of session musicians and vocalists.
DeleteI have sung two of your three. Never heard of the Astaire pick, though. I grew up in the 80s, but all my friends told me I was born a decade too late, because I am what is now considered classic, or possibly psychedelic rock. The first song didn't sound like the version I was familiar with and you explained why.
ReplyDeleteI became familiar with the shady deals of the music industry, when I helped record and produce a CD for my friend Joseph Peck who plays steel drums. It was then and always will be corrupt by those who are corruptible.
Should read "I am what is now considered a classic, or possibly psychedelic rock fan."
DeleteI like your picks!
ReplyDeleteGreat picks! Thanks for playing!
ReplyDeleteAll good choices but Lion Sleeps wins hands down. Love that song.
ReplyDeleteYOU have a day filled with energy and little to no pain.
Hugs
Venus in Blue Jeans ticks two boxes at once! And I’ll go for What’s new, pussy cat?
ReplyDeleteHey Birgit,
ReplyDeleteI instantly knew the two newer song titles from your picks. It took listening to Fred Astaire's song before I recognized it. I figured you would go for a vintage tune.
My picks off the top of head would be: Venus In Blue Jeans(Jimmy Clanton), Angel In Blue Jeans(Train), & Bye Bye Blackbird(Paul McCartney). Oops, I see Anabel also went with Clanton's song. Oh well...it's bound to happen. Nice picks!
Is it cheating to pick Holst's Planets? I'd pick Jupiter.
ReplyDeleteI love your clothing choice. And I'd take Fred over Gene anytime. Better dancer and a much kinder man.
My choice: "T-Shirts" by James Smith
"Blackbird" - Beatles