10 Songs: Saturday, April 4th, 2015
1 “Ballad of the Green Berets” Sgt. Barry Sadler – This sounds almost hysterical in its overwhelming and over the top jingoism for murder. Sometimes people have to kill people, and it is many things, but it ain’t a reason to celebrate. And even if we have to hear this stuff, couldn’t they write a decent hymn for us? – D
2 “Cherish” The Association – A huge song at the same, they look like hippies and sound like over arranged folkies. Like the Mamas and the Papas without Mama Cass – C
3 “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration” The Righteous Brothers – Blue eyed soul forever in the shadow of their other hit… what was it called again? This is pretty excellent any way – A-
4 “Reach Out I’ll Be There” The Four Tops – Peak Motown and peak Four Tops – A+
5 “96 Tears” ? & the Mysterians – How groovy does that organ sound in 2015? – A
6 “Last Train to Clarksville” The Monkees – About a soldier leaving to ‘Nam and trying to say goodbye to his sweetie… though we didn’t know it at – A
7 “Monday, Monday” The Mamas & the Papas – Their second best, maybe third best song, and it aches from the far past – A
8 “You Can’t Hurry Love” The Supremes – Impeccable – A+
9 “Poor Side of Town” Johnny Rivers – Strangely enough, I didn’t know this great song until I heard Nick Lowe’s version a coupla years ago. Absolutely lovely story song – A
10 “California Dreamin'” The Mamas & the Papas – Not many scenes get such a supreme theme song – A
