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Post by reachinforthestars on Sept 4, 2013 20:47:32 GMT -5
The interesting thing about this group of songs is how I think it is the weakest bunch so far, yet it contains a couple of my favorite songs of the 60's. Those two standouts are:
Greenburg, Glickstein, Charles, David, Smith and Jones – Cryan’ Shames (This song has everything and it somehow manages to do it in only 2 minutes and 14 minutes. Amazing!)
Like To Get To Know You – Spanky And Our Gang (The best soft-psych record of the 60's.)
<I think you may have the year on the WLS date a couple of years off>
Other notables are:
"Sunday Will Never Be The Same" (of course)
"Lake Shore Drive" (another great extra!)
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 4, 2013 21:45:15 GMT -5
The interesting thing about this group of songs is how I think it is the weakest bunch so far, yet it contains a couple of my favorite songs of the 60's. Those two standouts are: Greenburg, Glickstein, Charles, David, Smith and Jones – Cryan’ Shames (This song has everything and it somehow manages to do it in only 2 minutes and 14 seconds. Amazing!) Like To Get To Know You – Spanky And Our Gang (The best soft-psych record of the 60's.) <I think you may have the year on the WLS date a couple of years off> Other notables are: "Sunday Will Never Be The Same" (of course) "Lake Shore Drive" (another great extra!) Thanks for the catch! I've made the correction. You're right about it being somewhat weak. I've seen some of the New Colony Six cringe when reminded about "Treat Her Groovy" for example. Hopefully it'll get better. By the way, I'm trying to post every 5 to 6 days. Here's a link to a different take on the #39 song in the countdown. Enjoy! www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tsIaS366k8 |
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Post by at40petebattistini on Sept 8, 2013 20:24:07 GMT -5
Some great nuggets on this most recent list...
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 9, 2013 22:26:31 GMT -5
Before we continue the countdown, I'd like to acknowledge the passing of one of Chicago's Hometown Heroes Joe Kelley. Joe was bought in as bass guitarist for the Shadows of Knight, but quickly was switched to lead due to his talent. As lead, his guitar work kicked off their top 10 hit "Gloria" which of course will be heard later in the countdown. According to his obituary, his guitar work can also be heard on the Outsiders, "Time Won't Let Me". Through the years, Joe became well known as a blues guitarist, fronting his own band and playing on sessions by the Allman Brothers, Buddy Miles, Willie Dixon, Freddie King, and Howlin' Wolf among others. Here's hoping that Joe has found the perfect jam session as he joins that great gig in the sky (RIP). Lots of New Colony Six as we continue the countdown with #33: 33. Every Day And Every Night – TrollsWLS - #10 – 7 wks, 8/26/66, 189 pts BB - #96 – 1 wk, 10/22/66 www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSDxKorrL20“One weighs in at 250 pounds and has a dog-bitten knee”. With apologies to Greg Kihn “They don’t write ‘em like that anymore”! Member Kenny Cortese later became Jim Croce’s publicist, and unfortunately died in the same plane crash that killed Jim 40 years ago later this month (9/20/73) 32. I’m Just Waitin’ (Anticipatin’ For Her To Show Up) – New Colony SixWLS - #14 – 8 wks, 6/23/67, 195 pts BB - #128, 2 wks, 7/22/67 www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2zxv7CeJj0Written by Tony Orlando, and recorded on the Sentar label. Label started out as Centaur, then Sentaur, before settling on Sentar. 31. Barbara, I Love You – New Colony SixWLS - #13 – 8 wks, 12/8/69, 196 pts BB - #78 – 5 wks, 1/10/70 www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8WrW1veDzs30. I Could Never Lie To You – New Colony SixWLS - #7 – 8 wks, 4/28/69, 201 pts BB - #50 – 8 wks, 5/3/69 www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFwamoLT6HcPair of late sixties ballads for the band. 29. Car Hop – ExportsWLS - #9 – 7 wks, 8/14/64, 209 pts BB – Did not chart www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mbbm5Tfq_8UGreat instrumental! Band was from Glenwood, IL and were label mates with James Brown (King Records). 28. Step Out Of Your Mind – American BreedWLS - #9 – 8 wks, 5/26/67, 211 pts BB – #24 – 9 wks, 6/3/67 www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC1cl3LiJeUThe first national Top 40 hit for this band. Lead singer Gary Loizzo would go onto be a Grammy-nominated engineer for the Styx albums “Cornerstone” and “Kilroy Was Here”. He has also engineered and/or produced albums for REO Speedwagon, and Survivor among others. Extra: Best Thing – Styxwww.youtube.com/watch?v=mTxTGLVXBPY
From 1972, this Wooden Nickel 45 release was their first song to chart on the Hot 100.Sorry, video no longer exists on youtube, so we'll go with another early Styx tune. Extra: You Need Love – Styxwww.youtube.com/watch?v=ECjVTXzgbM8&list=PLCE685843F478F341(begins at 27 seconds) Follow up to "Lady" and the second single off Styx II. 27. Take Me Back – FlockWLS - #12 – 9 wks, 7/14/67, 213 pts BB – Did not chart www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJVWPktILtQSong that reminds me of the Tremeloes, “Here Comes My Baby” (a Cat Stevens song). 26. Can’t You See Me Cry – New Colony SixWLS - #10 – 8 wks, 6/3/68, 214 pts BB – #52 – 8 wks, 6/15/68 www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ujVmkecziUWith the exception of “Treat Her Groovy” and “Cadillac”, every New Colony single in this countdown has a first person reference in the title (I, me, my, mine…). George Harrison would've been proud. 25. (Just Like) Romeo And Juliet – Michael And The MessengersWLS - #12 – 8 wks, 6/23/67, 218 pts BB – #129 – 2 wks, 7/22/67 www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMYHhM8gj1YConfusing history on this band. Original band The Messengers was from Milwaukee, but left for Motown after recording their first single for USA records. USA records recruited a Massachusetts band the Del-Mars and renamed them Michael and the Messengers. They re-recorded the first single (later in the countdown), and this cover of the Reflections 1964 top 10 single. Extra: Summer Sun – Jamestown Massacrewww.youtube.com/watch?v=sQfo2iFP-g4From 1972, one of the best summer songs never heard. Made it to #90 on Billboard. Member Dave Bickler later sang the lead vocals on “Eye Of The Tiger” as a member of Survivor. 24. I Want You To Know – New Colony SixWLS - #11 – 9 wks, 8/11/69, 225 pts BB – #65 – 6 wks, 8/30/69 www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2rQ_tiRGJsAlthough the New Colony Six only charted twice in the Top 40 nationally, they charted an additional eight times in the Hot 100. They also Bubbled Under five times. 23. Don’t You Know – Keith EverettWLS - #8 – 9 wks, 6/4/66, 234 pts BB – Are you kidding??? www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijyme7lPXiALove the label name: TMP-Ting. Not a lot is known about Keith Everett. His real name is believed to be Keith Gravenhorst who received the writing credits. He later did a one-off single with Mercury Records called "The Chant". #22 - 12 to be posted sometime this weekend. They are essential Chicago classics, yet only 4 of the 11 (actually 12, one was a two-sided single) made Billboard's Top 40. |
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Post by at40petebattistini on Sept 11, 2013 15:40:07 GMT -5
"Best Thing" by Styx is the 'best thing' of all the new listings here. I consider it a lost classic from 1972. Maybe another youtube recording of it will become available.
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 12, 2013 16:16:42 GMT -5
Styx also did a great cover of the Knickerbockers "Lies" that I wanted to include, but that one was also yanked from youtube.
The story goes that their manager went to WLS looking for airplay for "Lies". WLS declined, but said that they would play "Lady" every night at 8 PM, when their signal could be heard pretty much east of the Rockies. Their new deejay John Records Landecker would introduce the song nightly. The song cracked the Hot 100 at the end of 1974 (#6 peak), nearly 2 years after the parent album "Styx II" was released.
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 13, 2013 23:48:20 GMT -5
The hits get bigger as the numbers get smaller. We continue the countdown with #22. 22. Reach Out Of The Darkness – Friend And LoverWLS - #3 – 8 wks, 5/6/68, 236 pts BB – #10 – 14 wks, 5/18/68 Husband/wife duo of Jim and Cathy Post. Song was produced by Joe South, and featured Ray Stevens on keyboards. Also contains an unforgettable bass guitar riff. www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSpRpOrVEiA21. Mr. Unreliable – Cryan’ ShamesWLS - #7 – 8 wks, 3/10/67, 253 pts BB – #127 – 3 wks, 3/25/67 Columbia really did a poor job of managing this band, and unfortunately it was the rest of the country’s loss (a real crying shame  ). Link is to the superior single mix. www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb-tQbDYywE20. Little Miss Sad – Five EmpreesWLS - #3 – 8 wks, 7/23/65, 263 pts BB – #74 – 6 wks, 9/11/65 Written and originally recorded by the Addrisi Brothers. The band misheard the first line and recorded, “Who saw blues in the sound of the drum beat”. Actual line: “Lose your blues to the sound of the drum beat.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VFZwPJhl8Y19. I Wanna Meet You – Cryan’ ShamesWLS - #6 – 8 wks, 10/21/66, 265 pts BB – #85 – 4 wks, 11/26/66 Second charting single for the band. The B-side “We Could Be Happy” is also a classic. www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7KLpW9bu2018. You Wouldn’t Listen – Ides Of MarchWLS - #7 – 9 wks, 5/27/66, 271 pts BB – #42 – 7 wks, 6/25/66 In 1990 after a 17 year hiatus, the Ides reunited to play at the 100th anniversary celebration of their hometown of Berwyn. Conceived as a one-off gig, the band's future changed when an estimated crowd of 35,000 jammed the outdoor venue for the reunion. This is their first charting single, a song influenced by the British Invasion and Chicago R & B. www.youtube.com/watch?v=63KnlInETkIExtra: Rebel Girl – Survivor1980 single only release Bubbled Under on Billboard. Co-written by Jim Peterik (Ides of March) who also plays keyboards. Dave Bickler (Jamestown Massacre) provides lead vocals. www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuSULMqqrQw17. Sugar & Spice – Cryan’ ShamesWLS - #4 – 8 wks, 7/1/66, 280 pts BB – #49 – 9 wks, 7/23/66 Amped-up Searchers cover that blows away the original. First and highest charting single on Billboard for the band. Released on the local Destination label before they were signed by Columbia. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe7RlzkVS3U16. (Hey Baby) They're Playing Our Song – BuckinghamsWLS - #5 – 9 wks, 9/8/67, 287 pts BB – #12 – 10 wks, 9/9/67 WLS radio personality Art Roberts had a radio jingle for his show that was given to him by Leonard Chess of Chess Records. Sung by the Radiants, the last line was “Hey baby, they’re playing our song on the Art Roberts show”. It also was the inspiration behind this hit for the Buckinghams. www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_7cnrJKOIU15. In The Midnight Hour – Michael And The MessengersWLS - #5 – 10 wks, 3/31/67, 314 pts BB – #116 – 3 wks, 4/22/67 As mentioned back in #25, this is the second version recorded after the original Messengers signed with Motown. www.youtube.com/watch?v=134xldu0s5UExtra: Full Moon Turn My Head Around – Off BroadwayThe “A” side “Stay In Time” reached #51 in 1979, but the “B” side is a shot of pure punk adrenaline. www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYutQRez-6A14. California Sun – RivierasWLS - #3 – 9 wks, 12/20/63, 307 pts BB – #5 – 10 wks, 1/25/64 Another Art Roberts story: Supposedly Bill Dobslaw gave a demo tape to Art Roberts when he emceed a sock hop in northwest Indiana. Their releases were on the Riviera label, distributed by USA records and recorded in Chicago. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy57Xdk9u0o13. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy – BuckinghamsWLS - #4 – 9 wks, 6/16/67, 308 pts BB – #5 – 12 wks, 6/17/67 Another reunion story: The Buckinghams reunited in 1980 at the request of WLS to appear at Chicagofest. They still tour today. Six months after Cannonball Adderley reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 with the original instrumental version, the Buckinghams added vocals and took it into the top ten. www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkslGrRExcQ12. Let's Have A Party/Little Donna – RivierasWLS - #4 – 10 wks, 4/10/64, 312 pts BB – #99 – 1 wk, 5/30/64 – Let’s Have A Party BB – #93 – 3 wks, 5/2/64 – Little Donna Recorded by Elvis for his movie "Loving You", Wanda Jackson took her version of “Let’s Have A Party” into the top forty in 1960. Paul McCartney also recorded the song (as “Party”) for his “Run Devil Run” release in the late 90s. “Little Donna” is a song whose lyrics are set to the same melody as Chuck Berry’s “Rock and Roll Music”. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ilt1IWajkwIThe countdown will conclude mid-to-late next week with songs 11 - 1. The heavyweights are there, but there is still one song remaining that did not chart on Billboard, as well as three others that missed Billboard's Top 40. |
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Post by reachinforthestars on Sept 15, 2013 23:12:02 GMT -5
Before we continue the countdown, I'd like to acknowledge the passing of one of Chicago's Hometown Heroes Joe Kelley. Lots of New Colony Six as we continue the countdown with #33: 33. Every Day And Every Night – Trolls32. I’m Just Waitin’ (Anticipatin’ For Her To Show Up) – New Colony Six31. Barbara, I Love You – New Colony Six30. I Could Never Lie To You – New Colony Six29. Car Hop – Exports28. Step Out Of Your Mind – American BreedExtra: Best Thing – StyxExtra: You Need Love – Styx27. Take Me Back – Flock26. Can’t You See Me Cry – New Colony Six25. (Just Like) Romeo And Juliet – Michael And The MessengersExtra: Summer Sun – Jamestown Massacre24. I Want You To Know – New Colony Six23. Don’t You Know – Keith EverettSorry to learn about Joe Kelley's passing. Coincidentally, the Trolls song reminded me a lot of the Shadows Of Knight. Wow, NC6 really dominated this section of the countdown. Yet still absent are my favorite songs by them. Although "I’m Just Waitin’ (Anticipatin’ For Her To Show Up)" is a great record. Hard to believe it was written by Tony Orlando! Many of my fave NC6 songs will be absent since they are 70's releases. But my all-time fave and one of my Top 5 favorite records of the entire decade of the 60's should be coming up. As always, the Extras are fantastic! |
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Post by reachinforthestars on Sept 15, 2013 23:42:52 GMT -5
The hits get bigger as the numbers get smaller. We continue the countdown with #22 22. Reach Out In The Darkness – Friend And Lover21. Mr. Unreliable – Cryan’ Shames20. Little Miss Sad – Five Emprees19. I Wanna Meet You – Cryan’ Shames18. You Wouldn’t Listen – Ides Of MarchExtra: Rebel Girl – Survivor17. Sugar & Spice – Cryan’ Shames16. (Hey Baby) They're Playing Our Song – Buckinghams15. In The Midnight Hour – Michael And The MessengersExtra: Full Moon Turn My Head Around – Off Broadway14. California Sun – Rivieras13. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy – Buckinghams12. Let's Have A Party/Little Donna – RivierasThings are getting interesting with some great records in this bunch. Besides the major national hits, a lot of quality records: Mr. Unreliable – Cryan’ Shames: A composite of a number of classic records of the time. The influences are all there and the result is a work of art that holds its own. Little Miss Sad – Five Emprees: Another great composition by the Addrissi Brothers. The WLS date you listed may need to be adjusted though. I Wanna Meet You - Cryan' Shames: Perfect pop record. You Wouldn’t Listen – Ides Of March: Loved this song for years and doesn't sound anything like their 70's sound. The extras are really different this time out as they take a back seat to the countdown songs. But that also could have something to do with they sound too much like the 80's for me!  The Off Broadway song seemingly takes the electric guitar intro from the Beatles "Revolution" and effectively turns it into another song. |
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 16, 2013 5:44:50 GMT -5
Things are getting interesting with some great records in this bunch. Besides the major national hits, a lot of quality records: Mr. Unreliable – Cryan’ Shames: A composite of a number of classic records of the time. The influences are all there and the result is a work of art that holds its own. Little Miss Sad – Five Emprees: Another great composition by the Addrissi Brothers. The WLS date you listed may need to be adjusted though. I Wanna Meet You - Cryan' Shames: Perfect pop record. You Wouldn’t Listen – Ides Of March: Loved this song for years and doesn't sound anything like their 70's sound. The extras are really different this time out as they take a back seat to the countdown songs. But that also could have something to do with they sound too much like the 80's for me! The Off Broadway song seemingly takes the electric guitar intro from the Beatles "Revolution" and effectively turns it into another song. Thanks for the correction once again. Sorry about that. Doing the math, I've listed 8 of the 12 New Colony Six songs and 6 of the 9 Buckinghams. So obviously they'll dominate the final 11, but there are a few surprises. The final 2 extras are from the late 70s and early 80s. |
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Post by reachinforthestars on Sept 16, 2013 23:39:20 GMT -5
I won't share the names of two of the four singles remaining by the NC6, but besides one of them being one of the greatest songs of the entire decade of the 60's (as I mentioned earlier), I coincidentally heard the other one at Kentucky Fried Chicken this evening! In my recent visits to various KFC's, I've noticed they have been pumping 60's (and sometimes 50's) music in their eating areas. And not just the standard classic #1 hits, but the lesser known ones like the NC6 record. Extremely rare nowadays. So KFC has moved up in my list of favorite places to visit!
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 18, 2013 20:49:35 GMT -5
Wrapping up the Chicago Gold countdown of our hometown heroes with the Top 11. As I mentioned in an earlier post, a large chunk will feature a "Battle of the Bands": New Colony Six vs. Buckinghams. We start the countdown with the last song that missed the Billboard charts and an extra, then the battle begins. 11. I Need Love – Third BoothWLS - #2 [2 wks] – 10 wks, 5/27/68, 341 pts BB – Did not chart Garage-rock? Feedback? Psychedelic? This band from Pekin packed it all into a two minute 45. Song did reach #88 on Cashbox. www.youtube.com/watch?v=21tu96NN-ecExtra: Too Late – ShoesFrom the north suburb of Zion, their only Hot 100 entry (#75, 1979) is a great slice of power pop . www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Opz_drg1O810. I Confess – New Colony SixWLS - #2 [1 wk] – 10 wks, 12/17/65, 346 pts BB – #80 – 4 wks, 2/19/66 Although there were some local hits before this time, this single is credited with opening the floodgates for local bands getting airplay on Chicago radio. This song also featured the Farfisa organ. www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlM02CFmIx49. Love You So Much – New Colony SixWLS - #2 [1 wk] – 10 wks, 12/16/66, 348 pts BB – #61 – 6 wks, 2/18/67 Second of three #2 singles locally for the band. A pop masterpiece. www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzD099WOznU8. Susan – BuckinghamsWLS - #5 – 11 wks, 11/24/67, 360 pts BB – #11 – 12 wks, 12/9/67 Last of five top 12 singles to chart for the band in 1967. They would never reach the top 40 again. www.youtube.com/watch?v=974W-hJ3kRA7. I Will Always Think About You – New Colony SixWLS - #1 [1 wk] – 11 wks, 2/12/68, 381 pts BB – #22 – 13 wks, 3/30/68 This was their only #1 single locally, and their first national top forty hit. www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1EEs__jJ0w6. Don’t You Care – BuckinghamsWLS - #1 [3 wks] – 10 wks, 3/24/67, 388 pts BB – #6 – 14 wks, 3/11/67 First hit for the band on the Columbia label. It was produced by James William Guercio who would also produce Blood, Sweat, and Tears and the early Chicago albums. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zir1FpgP6305. Things I’d Like To Say – New Colony SixWLS - #2 [1 wk] – 13 wks, 11/11/68, 419 pts BB – #16 – 16 wks, 12/28/68 Surprisingly, their highest charting national single did not top the charts locally. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap8VU61Q5Ok4. Kind Of A Drag – BuckinghamsWLS - #2 [2 wks] – 12 wks, 11/18/66, 469 pts BB – #1 [2 wks] – 13 wks, 12/31/66 More surprisingly, the only song on the countdown to reach #1 nationally was only a runner-up locally. (thanks "Winchester Cathedral") www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq1fpN1qWv8After the Buckinghams broke up, members Dennis Tufano and Carl Giammarese recorded 3 albums together in the 70s. As a bonus, the link below features a 70s take of the Buckinghams #1 national hit by the Tufano and Giammarese Band. www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8OXup7PKMYExtra: Loved By You – The KindFrom the fall of 1982, this was one of the last local hits to grace the airwaves. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MeYOoLxlgs3. Gloria – Shadows Of KnightWLS - #1 [1 wk] – 12 wks, 2/18/66, 487 pts BB – #10 – 12 wks, 3/19/66 The story goes that Clark Weber, the morning personality on WLS loved the original version of the song by Van Morrison’s band Them. He mentioned this to Bill Traut who was the co-founder of Dunwich Records, but also said he couldn’t play it on the air. The lines, “She comes up to my room, and makes me feel alright.” would generate protests from the parents of listeners. Bill offered to have a local band cover the song, and asked if it was good enough would he consider giving it airplay? Clark said yes, and the next day Bill gave him an acetate of the song recorded by a new group who recorded it during an all-night session. The lines were changed to “She calls out my name. It makes me feel alright.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RfIAfg6RtY2. It Could Be We’re In Love - Cryan’ ShamesWLS - #1 [4 wks] – 12 wks, 7/7/67, 492 pts BB – #85 – 8 wks, 8/5/67 While the rest of the country enjoyed the Doors’ “Light My Fire” run to the top of the charts, locally it was kept from reaching #1 by this great tune. The album that includes this song “A Scratch In The Sky” is a classic that was greatly influenced by “Pet Sounds”. Many people like the trippy LP version, so we'll go with it. www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOj8c2Kd1hUAt #19 I mentioned that "We Could Be Happy", the "B" side of the Shames "I Wanna Meet You" is a classic. The link to that song is below. www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXCoTTm819wThat brings us to the #1 song...1. Bend Me, Shape Me – American BreedWLS - #1 [3 wks] – 13 wks, 11/17/67, 499 pts BB – #5 – 14 wks, 12/2/67 First recorded by the Outsiders as an album track, the American Breed’s version kick starts with the signature rolling drums. Lyrics are sung by Gary Loizzo with the desperation of a man who’s willing to do anything to keep the love he treasures. Accentuated by sweet horn riffs and a great anthem-like chorus, it’s easy to hear why this song ended up topping this countdown. www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EiG0fELjn4Hope you enjoyed it as much as I had a blast putting it together. Appreciate the feedback from everyone. Take it easy. |
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Post by reachinforthestars on Sept 23, 2013 0:10:43 GMT -5
As it should be, the top 11 is loaded with great tunes. 11. I Need Love – Third BoothWLS - #2 [2 wks] – 10 wks, 5/27/68, 341 pts BB – Did not chart Garage-rock? Feedback? Psychedelic? This band from Pekin packed it all into a two minute 45. Song did reach #88 on Cashbox. I would file under garage-rock for sure. But the bridge of the song had me drifting into a psychedelic trance, so I can understand that label too. Good stuff! Extra: Too Late – ShoesFrom the north suburb of Zion, their only Hot 100 entry (#75, 1979) is a great slice of power pop . Underrated band that took over where the Raspberries left off. 10. I Confess – New Colony SixWLS - #2 [1 wk] – 10 wks, 12/17/65, 346 pts BB – #80 – 4 wks, 2/19/66 Although there were some local hits before this time, this single is credited with opening the floodgates for local bands getting airplay on Chicago radio. This song also featured the Farfisa organ. The only song I was not crazy about, but it came out a bit before what I consider the golden era of music (1967 - 1977). 9. Love You So Much – New Colony SixWLS - #2 [1 wk] – 10 wks, 12/16/66, 348 pts BB – #61 – 6 wks, 2/18/67 Second of three #2 singles locally for the band. A pop masterpiece. This song was the early indication that this group was for real. 8. Susan – BuckinghamsWLS - #5 – 11 wks, 11/24/67, 360 pts BB – #11 – 12 wks, 12/9/67 Last of five top 12 singles to chart for the band in 1967. They would never reach the top 40 again. And a crime they never reached the Top 40 again. But this is one of my faves, mainly due to the bridge we discussed in an earlier thread. Allow me take this opportunity to submit my own personal favorite by the band: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7Kq3HpwqwE&list=PLs-Y-c2DvB-0GqpnWATqCJNwgcUX9M9BpThe atmosphere is this recording is haunting, with a subtle psychedelic backdrop that takes the listener on a very unusual ride of either enlightened romance or twisted obsession. 7. I Will Always Think About You – New Colony SixWLS - #1 [1 wk] – 11 wks, 2/12/68, 381 pts BB – #22 – 13 wks, 3/30/68 This was their only #1 single locally, and their first national top forty hit. And here's the song I heard at KFC last week, to my wonderful surprise. But an even bigger shock is to learn that this was their only #1 single locally. 6. Don’t You Care – BuckinghamsWLS - #1 [3 wks] – 10 wks, 3/24/67, 388 pts BB – #6 – 14 wks, 3/11/67 First hit for the band on the Columbia label. It was produced by James William Guercio who would also produce Blood, Sweat, and Tears and the early Chicago albums. Columbia knew this groups' potential and they didn't disappoint with this giant. 5. Things I’d Like To Say – New Colony SixWLS - #2 [1 wk] – 13 wks, 11/11/68, 419 pts BB – #16 – 16 wks, 12/28/68 Surprisingly, their highest charting national single did not top the charts locally. And here it is, a recording that I consider one of the top 5 best of the 60's. Coincidentally coming in at #5 in the countdown of Chicago's best of the 60's. A bit surprising it didn't top the charts, but this is a song that ages like fine wine. 4. Kind Of A Drag – BuckinghamsWLS - #2 [2 wks] – 12 wks, 11/18/66, 469 pts BB – #1 [2 wks] – 13 wks, 12/31/66 More surprisingly, the only song on the countdown to reach #1 nationally was only a runner-up locally. (thanks "Winchester Cathedral") Crazy turn of events. Possibly the only song in the countdown with a higher peak nationally? After the Buckinghams broke up, members Dennis Tufano and Carl Giammarese recorded 3 albums together in the 70s. As a bonus, the link below features a 70s take of the Buckinghams #1 national hit by the Tufano and Giammarese Band. www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8OXup7PKMYAt first this didn't seem like it was going to be a good idea, but as the song continued I found myself really appreciating the soft interpretation. Extra: Loved By You – The KindFrom the fall of 1982, this was one of the last local hits to grace the airwaves. A bit far from my comfort zone, but the last half of the song was very enjoyable. 3. Gloria – Shadows Of Knight
WLS - #1 [1 wk] – 12 wks, 2/18/66, 487 pts BB – #10 – 12 wks, 3/19/66 Another one a bit out of my comfort zone in the opposite direction, but I can appreciate the early garage sound. 2. It Could Be We’re In Love - Cryan’ ShamesWLS - #1 [4 wks] – 12 wks, 7/7/67, 492 pts BB – #85 – 8 wks, 8/5/67 While the rest of the country enjoyed the Doors’ “Light My Fire” run to the top of the charts, locally it was kept from reaching #1 by this great tune. The album that includes this song “A Scratch In The Sky” is a classic that was greatly influenced by “Pet Sounds”. Many people like the trippy LP version, so we'll go with it. The "Pet Sounds" influence is front and center. This album and "Synthesis" are must-haves for all 60's music lovers. Classic indeed and an early sign that the Beach Boys were on their mind as they basically took a line from the bridge of "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and developed a completely fresh song. That brings us to the #1 song...1. Bend Me, Shape Me – American BreedWLS - #1 [3 wks] – 13 wks, 11/17/67, 499 pts BB – #5 – 14 wks, 12/2/67 First recorded by the Outsiders as an album track, the American Breed’s version kick starts with the signature rolling drums. Lyrics are sung by Gary Loizzo with the desperation of a man who’s willing to do anything to keep the love he treasures. Accentuated by sweet horn riffs and a great anthem-like chorus, it’s easy to hear why this song ended up topping this countdown. Yes, this was one of the candidates for songs I thought would be on top as it is infectious and proved to be a winner across the country. But it reminded me that "Ready Willing And Able" was sadly missing from the countdown. Apparently the momentum from this song did not carry forward as much as I would have guessed. Thanks for the countdown as it was a good reminder of the great music that came out of Chicago in the latter part of the 60's. |
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Post by 1finemrg on Sept 24, 2013 7:57:08 GMT -5
As it should be, the top 11 is loaded with great tunes. Yes, this was one of the candidates for songs I thought would be on top as it is infectious and proved to be a winner across the country. But it reminded me that "Ready Willing And Able" was sadly missing from the countdown. Apparently the momentum from this song did not carry forward as much as I would have guessed. |
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Post by 1finemrg on Oct 4, 2013 23:19:49 GMT -5
Although "I’m Just Waitin’ (Anticipatin’ For Her To Show Up)" is a great record. Hard to believe it was written by Tony Orlando! My favorite song feturing Tony Orlando on vocals is this one from 1969. Does his best Frankie Valli impression: Make Believe - Windwww.youtube.com/watch?v=oEtQxwrPtqw |
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). Link is to the superior single mix.
The Off Broadway song seemingly takes the electric guitar intro from the Beatles "Revolution" and effectively turns it into another song.