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Post by Epworth Hatter on Mar 18, 2024 9:25:46 GMT
So, here we go with our first week of CHUMY: 1960-1964
Some suggested songs released during these 5 years, but they are just a suggestion:
Etta James – Stormy Weather (1960)
Let’s Twist Again – Chubby Checker (1961)
Green Onions – Booker T. & the M.G.’s (1962)
Dionne Warwick - Anyone Who Had a Heart (1963)
The Drifters – Under the Boardwalk (1964)
What, no Beatles, Beach Boys, Kinks, Dylan, Elvis or King Uszniewicz and his Usniewicztones? My suggestions include one from each year, but yours don't have to - pick any number from any of the years.
So, now it's for you now to post your shortlist and give what you consider to be the greatest song of the early 60s. Don't forget to add any stories along the way.
We'll go to close of play Friday, with the results shared (and any polls started) on Saturday.
Over to you....
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Post by hatter_in_macc on Mar 18, 2024 10:35:49 GMT
My five - all from the latter years of the opening CHUMY era:
1963
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas: (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave
More gospel-y and less doo-woppy than The Supremes, Martha’s girls will forever be my fave female Motown combo. More to the point, this is the only song in the history of pop to which I can do reasonable Karaoke justice! Well, I did so once…
Ronettes: Be My Baby
Good year for girl groups - although only one of the three (Ronnie) from this combo actually sang on the record. Sonny & Cher helped out with the backing vocals.
1964
Beach Boys: Don't Worry Baby
A B-side makes it! Brian Wilson's response to Be My Baby was first offered to The Ronettes, who turned it down.
Lesley Gore: Maybe I Know
Jaunty teen drama - produced by a young Quincy Jones.
Kinks: You Really Got Me
From Lesley's love to Ray's lust and sex, and the first song to feature power chords - influencing all manner of genres to follow.
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Post by bringbacklenwhite on Mar 18, 2024 11:06:35 GMT
My choice from those 5 would be Green Onions - Booker T. I was very much into instrumental music at the time (eg Shadows etc)
Personal choices from a quick trawl of the top 100 sellers in each year (my formative music appreciation years aged 6-10 !)
The Twist Chubby Checker - 1960 A game changer in bringing American dance music to the early 60s.
My Boomarang won't come back - 1961 I was a Charlie Drake look alike with blonde curls up to to this age ! Reminds me of Saturday morning Children's Choice with Uncle Mac on the BBC Light Radio station. I think they had about 60 records that they were allowed to play each week for an hour. Sparky's Magic Piano, Hello Mudda Hello Fadda, Nellie the Elephant etc.
Telstar - The Tornados 1962 Very much the instrumental space age record. The "American version of Shadows".
In Dreams - The Big O 1963 Underrated at the time but I have come to appreciate this guys talents since listening to the Traveling Wilburys. On this track he covers 2 full octaves in 7 movements with that unmistakable voice.
House of the Rising Sun - The Animals 1964 Another game changers at the time (ie not a soppy love song). Eric Burden always looked like he wanted a fight. The first "folk rock" hit. Famous for the minor chord arpeggio intro from Hilton Valentine (Dylan's original chord sequence). Alan Price takes over the melody on his Vox Continental Organ). 4 and a half minutes long and only took 15 minutes to record ! AND ---- yes I can play the arpeggio all the way through.
So my overall vote goes to House of the Rising Sun
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Post by gazz on Mar 18, 2024 13:26:03 GMT
I only have a few stories to link to my choices, so the rest are just going to be simply the song and year - but here goes: Stuck on You - Elvis 1960 - The story I have is not even linked to the song itself, it's actually linked to the B-Side 'Fame and Fortune'. I remember Mum had a version of the song on an album back in the 1980s and she always maintained that it was a different recording and wasn't the one she'd heard in her teens, so for this reason she was always desperate to get hold of the original version she'd heard. Of course, we didn't have the internet back in those days so even though she'd asked in every record store in Stockport, oldies were always hard to track down - unless you knew the right shops to go to. I'll never forget the day my Dad came in the door one evening with an original copy of the 'Stuck on you' single in his hand and handed it to my Mum - her face lit up and she couldn't get it on the turntable quick enough - I always think back to that moment whenever I hear that song. She's still got it somewhere, but Lord knows where as my Dad is a bugger for hoarding stuff, so it could be anywhere among the mountain of crap he refuses to chuck away! (Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame - Elvis 1961 - Elvis was a huge part of my life growing up which is why he's included here more than once, but this one is included because it's the first song I remember hearing that started my appreciation of Elvis, which in turn led to me naming my eldest son after his middle name 'Aron'. I know it's spelled 'Aaron' on his grave, but that wasn't the name he was given. It's written on his birth certificate with one 'A' and there was even a boxed set of Elvis songs named 'Elvis Aron Presley - 25th Anniversary'. Found online: "Was Elvis' middle name Aaron or Aron? The answer: both. The King's middle name was in honor of his father's friend Aaron Kennedy, but the Presleys used the Aron spelling to match the middle name of Elvis' stillborn identical-twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley. Even so, Aaron is the spelling on the Graceland grave site."
"Toward the end of his life, Elvis sought to change the spelling of his middle name to the traditional and biblical Aaron."Right, after that digression.... Return to Sender - Elvis 1962 - Sorry, last one from Elvis. This one always tickles me. I remember myself, my brother and sister as young kids standing on the drop-leaf dining table pretending we were on stage and I was Elvis, singing this song through the mic (well, my sister's toy 'Ewbank' cleaner), and my brother had his toy electric guitar - I think my sister was just 'doing a Bez', jumping about behind us  . For some reason, our kid must have imagined he had a strap on his guitar, which he hadn't, and raised both his hands to clap to the imaginary audience, dropping his guitar to the floor and smashing it in the process! Another Saturday Night - Sam Cooke 1963 - No real story behind this, I just think Sam Cooke was incredible and this song is one of many of his that will never, ever get old. Under The Boardwalk - The Drifters 1964 - Again, no real story behind this except that it was on their greatest hits album that I played loads when I was a teenager, great days! My vote goes to - Fame and Fortune - Elvis (assuming I'm allowed to pick B-sides?) Well, there you have it. |
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Post by archie on Mar 18, 2024 15:07:08 GMT
I suppose that Lennie and I have a slightly different perspective on these years because we heard the songs as new recordings rather than as historic classics. I agree that instrumentals tended to have a higher profile in those days with records like "Pipeline" (Chantays) and Wipeout (Surfaris) both big hits in 1963. If I were to pick just one instrumental, I'd go with
Wonderful Land - The Shadows (1962) which is basically ageless. It also featured in the first live show that I attended when they played the Apollo in, I think, 1963.
My second live show featured my second pick,
Runaway - Del Shannon (1961). Instantly recognisable from the first note.
The second half of the 60s was probably my favourite period so, while giving a nod of approval towards Be My Baby, Don't Worry Baby and Under The Boardwalk, I'm going to limit this list to just a third choice,
And I Love Her - The Beatles (1964). Simple songs ring my bell and if I could only have one Beatles song, this would be it. It's an almost perfect love song (the perfect love song came along in 1966) and, while I can't think of a version that I dislike, the original is still the best. I never saw the Beatles live but, if the Stones shows were anything to go by, it would have been a case of seeing rather than hearing because of the screaming.
Limited to one, it would have to be And I Love Her.
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Post by hatter_in_macc on Mar 18, 2024 16:58:53 GMT
It's an almost perfect love song (the perfect love song came along in 1966) God Only Knows what you're going to select next week, archie...  You're spot on with the point about perspective - and the difference between hearing songs on their release and discovering them later. Heat Wave is a case in point for me, as I sought out the original in 1979 after hearing The Jam's cover that was tacked on the end of Setting Sons. Their version wasn't great, if truth be told, but had enough about it - including the implicit Weller seal of approval, which meant quite a lot to impressionable young gunslingers of the day - to make me want to find out more. In one of my frequent forays around Brighton's second-hand record shops, I got hold of an original copy of Martha & The Vandellas' take on the Gordy label and exuberantly played it half to death. Eppers: I realise in my haste this morning I didn't plump for a fave from my five, but it's that one for me, please. |
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Post by dudleyhatter on Mar 19, 2024 0:02:03 GMT
Looking through the hits of each year I am amazed at how many of these songs I love, even though I wasn’t born until the next decade… although I preferred sixties music through much of my youth.
From 1960
Poetry in motion by Johnny Tillotson. I was a throwback kid and the flow of this song just called to me. Have just listened to it twice…
Closely run by Wonderful world, Chain gang, save the last dance for me, Only the lonely and I’m sorry Brenda but one from each year!
From 1961
It has to be the king with Can’t help falling in love with you. Recently covered at an open mic night in a local bar and the singer told everyone to join in the last part by singing ‘we chew’
Other possibles for me, Barbara Ann, Cryyyyyyyyyyyyying (over you), rubber ball, lion sleeps tonight ( We win away) Let’s twist again and Blue Moon
From 1962
The Beatles with Love me do
One of my first singles bought with its re-release in 1982. I can’t remember if it was this or ebony and ivory that came first both were in 1982 and I remember taking my pocket money and buying myself some music for the first time.
Big girls don’t cry, twist and shout, Do you love me, return to sender, sealed with a kiss.
From 1963
So many I could list, from I only want to be with you to glad all over but my luck for this year is Blue Bayou by the big O, just such a haunting song
From 1964
Having seen Archie’s post I have to agree about And I love her which is my pick.
I looked at the U.K. charts top 100 for the year and began to sing around a half of them as I scrolled through the list. And I love her wasn’t in the list but it was a spectacular year for music.
I think my choice would be for 1964!
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Post by archie on Mar 19, 2024 14:58:45 GMT
This has prompted me to dig out my old 45s. Not nominations but an indication of where my tastes were at the time.
1960
Sway (Bobby Rydell)/You're Sixteen (Johnny Burnette)/Poetry In Motion (Johnny Tillotson)/Little Girl (Marty Wilde).
Also, my copy of Runaway says it's 1960 not 61 as I originally thought.
1961
Johnny Remember Me (John Leyton)/Rubber Ball (Marty Wilde)/Surrender (Elvis)/Who Am I (Adam Faith)/
Hats Off To Larry (Del Shannon)/Take Good Care Of My Baby (Bobby Vee)/(Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame (Elvis)
1962
Hey Little Girl (Del Shannon)/A Forever Kind Of Love (Bobby Vee)
1963
Bad To Me (Billy J Kramer & the Dakotas)/She Loves You (Beatles)/I Think Of You (Merseybeats)
1964
Goodbye My Love (Searchers)/You're No Good (Swinging Blue Jeans)/Can't Hear You No More (Lulu)/
Dance Dance Dance (Beach Boys)/I'm Gonna Be Strong (Gene Pitney)/Don't Turn Around (Merseybeats)/
Keep Searchin' (We'll Follow The Sun) (Del Shannon)/I'm In Love With You (Georgie Fame)
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Post by Epworth Hatter on Mar 20, 2024 11:59:20 GMT
Great stuff so far, team. Really interesting to hear your stories as you delve into the archives. As many have said, some absolute all time classics, so almost impossible to decide on the best one (although we do have a front runner with 2 votes so far).
I struggled with a long-list, never mind the short list of 5 on the opening post. Here's my longer list...
Etta James – Stormy Weather (1960)
Ray Charles – Georgia On My Mind (1960)
(What a) Wonderful World – Sam Cooke (1960)
Let’s Twist Again – Chubby Checker (1961)
Crazy – Patsy Cline (1961)
Please Mr. Postman – The Marvelettes (1961)
Green Onions – Booker T. & the M.G.’s (1962)
Twist And Shout – The Isley Brothers (1962)
The Beachboys – Surfin’ USA (1963)
Dionne Warwick - Anyone Who Had a Heart (1963)
The Animals – The House of the Rising Son (1964)
The Beatles – All My Loving (1964)
Dionne Warwick – Walk on By (1964)
The Drifters – Under the Boardwalk (1964)
Elvis Pressley – Viva Las Vegas (1964)
Remember, this is for any CH member to share - even if it is one or two, or 10 or 20 songs!
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Post by gazz on Mar 20, 2024 14:18:16 GMT
ceefer - I'm sure you've got some personal favourites to add here, mate! 
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Post by ceefer on Mar 20, 2024 21:15:37 GMT
ceefer - I'm sure you've got some personal favourites to add here, mate! I'll get someone done for the weekend. Cheers for the reminder. |
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Post by hermannsays on Mar 21, 2024 10:39:28 GMT
The earliest song (1961) I can think to put forward is Ben E King's Stand By Me. I repeatedly sang that (and Fly Me to the Moon...the Nat King Cole delivery!) for Mini-Herm when he was a baby, and for as many times as I've heard it, it always feels simple and beautiful, and just never gets old to me.
I would also go with other suggestions already made for:
The Kinks - You Really Got Me (still sounds extremely cool and any guitarist who knifes their amp deserves a nod)
The Animals - House of the Rising Sun (still sounds extremely edgy, bordering threatening!)
Dionne Warwick - Walk on By (as one would expect given the songwriters, a wonderfully written and arranged song. I picture the the vinyl was delivered in a velvet sleeve to match its sultry vibe).
and let's add to the spinning list (a vinyl/Carousel pun I can't let you miss as I'm so proud of myself):
Gerry and the Pacemakers - You'll Never Walk Alone
We are a football-based forum after all!
Cheers, Eps and good to see all the suggestions. When the 80s/90s arrive, expect Mini-Herm'ship-hop suggestions and perhaps Mrs Herm to step in with countless Depeche Mode songs.
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Post by bringbacklenwhite on Mar 21, 2024 15:37:40 GMT
Best ever version of the House of the Rising Sun - John Otway.
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Post by dudleyhatter on Mar 21, 2024 17:31:46 GMT
The Kinks - You Really Got Me (still sounds extremely cool and any guitarist who knifes their amp deserves a nod) . There are so many good songs from just that short period, but this is one absolute cracker! |
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Post by Epworth Hatter on Mar 21, 2024 19:47:23 GMT
Good selection, herm. And if you had to pick one out of all those, which would it be?
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. For some reason, our kid must have imagined he had a strap on his guitar, which he hadn't, and raised both his hands to clap to the imaginary audience, dropping his guitar to the floor and smashing it in the process!
