Today's Forgotten Oldie...

"Words" is one of the Bee Gees signature songs.  Released in January 1968 as a studio cut, it was also released in a live version in 1977. Unusual as a Bee Gees song because Barry Gibb does all the vocal parts, Words went to #15 in the USA, but was #1 in many countries around the world.  "Words" has been recorded by many other artists. Among them are a hit version by Rita Coolidge in 1978.  The group performed this song on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1968, with Barry Gibb on vocals, Maurice Gibb on bass, Robin Gibb on piano, Vince Melouney on guitar and Colin Petersen on drums.  My favorite Bee Gee songs are from this era, when they were still a true 5-piece band, and "Words" deserves more air-play on the radio!

Merry Christmas!!

From my family to yours... Merry Christmas! Be safe and stay warm!

Today's Forgotten Oldie...

The Grass Roots were actually a band that was assembled by two songwriters to record and perform their music. Assembled in 1966, the Grass Roots had 21 charted hits, two gold albums and sold over 20 million records.  A top 40 hit in 1968, Bella Linda rode the airwaves for five months and is still on the setlist for the Grass Roots today.  In their 46 years as a band, the Grass Roots have had over 50 different members... mostly because ABC-Dunhill records controlled most of what they played live and recorded.  I think they would have been much bigger stars if they'd been allowed to do their own thing.  Their music is great, and Bella Linda is a classic example of their finest era.

Today's Forgotten Oldie...

Today I'm featuring a song that reached #6 on Billboard in late 1966; Peter and Gordon's "Lady Godiva". A catchy novelty tune, the song dominated the airwaves almost immediately on it's September release. Unfortunately, the song signaled the impending end of Peter & Gordon as chart toppers. The follow-up "Knight in Rusty Armour" seemed to tell fans that the boys were stuck in the novelty mode, and they broke up in 1968.

10 days to go.

Okay, the Mayan calendar ends in ten days... or does it?

First snow of the season!

Outside the window of the penthouse studio... pretty, but gray/blue. Fitting for Monday!

Today's Forgotten Oldie...

"It's My Life" is a song from songwriters Roger Atkins and Carl D'Errico,  written specifically for the Animals as their producer Mickie Most was soliciting material for the group's next recording sessions. The Animals released it as a single in October 1965.  "It's My Life" premiered on the US television show Hullabaloo, where the group sang live vocals against canned music on a den-type set that featured attractive young women sticking their heads through holes in the wall, where normally animal heads would be mounted.  The song became a hit in several different countries and has since been recorded by multiple artists.  The song was a top ten hit in many countries, climbing as high as #2 in Canada.  It peaked at number 23 in the USA.  A great song, deserving more airplay than it gets!!

It's the month of magic!

Has it hit you yet?  The excitement that Christmas is just around the corner?  Three weeks from today!  I admit I've enjoyed the warmer weather recently, but think about it... a nice December day with a light snow falling would be really nice.  That soft white blanket, and all the Christmas decorations lighting up the neighborhood would be sweet.  One good way to get in the mood for Christmas is to take the family to get a Christmas Tree... picking the perfect tree is always a great way to get in the mood, and it's always easy to spot the perfect tree!!