Song Showcase – February 2, 2014
Ray Stevens – Mr. Businessman
Stevens was most famous as a writer of humorous songs, including his big hit in 1974 entitled “The Streak,” “Ahab the Arab,” and "Jeremiah Peabody's Polyunsaturated Quick-Dissolving, Fast-Acting Pleasant-Tasting Green and Purple Pills.” However, this tune, written by Stevens himself, could not be classified as funny under any circumstance. Instead, it is a scathing reprimand of the archetypal “Mr. Businessman,” a busybody more concerned with work than things like nature and family. As Stevens elaborates on, such a life cannot end well. Highly recommended for those who prefer well-written serious songs.
Alan Hawkshaw and Alan Parker – The Difference
One of the big names in British library music during the late ‘60s through the 1980s was keyboardist Alan Hawkshaw. Recording for such labels as KPM and Bruton, he seemed to be able to play a little of everything, from the mellow (“A Man Alone”) to the danceable (“Move Move Move”). This is definitely on the mellower end of the spectrum. I enjoy songs that you can sit back, close your eyes, and just relax to, and this fits those criteria. A fellow stock music mainstay, Alan Parker, is also featured on here. Looking for something calming? Look no further.
Ian McLagan – Never Say Never
I have never been a huge fan of live performances. Though I fully understand the energy and atmosphere that a live concert lends itself to, some songs are simply better under the controlled environment of the studio. McLagan, a former member of the Small Faces, is seen here performing this song (originally released a few years ago with his Bump Band) at the Austin (Texas) Community College Northridge campus. It could be argued that this version, only McLagan, a microphone, and a piano, is more beautiful in its simplicity than the well-produced Bump Band version. Whichever you choose, this is a beautiful soul-influenced ballad, and McLagan does a stellar job of pouring out the soul in the lyrics with his voice and heart.
The Enfields – I’m For Things You Do
When listening to garage rock, it is common practice to dismiss inferior sound quality as normal. After all, when groups of teens get together in a studio and cut a couple of songs, it’s undoubtedly going to be on a shoestring budget (unless their dad’s a Congressman). That said, try to look past the sound quality on this selection and examine what lies beneath. There’s a pretty neat sound emanating from the guitar, and whichever Enfield is playing it isn’t terribly shabby at it, either. The drummer’s on beat most of the time, and takes a few liberties with fills – all of which add to the song’s pace. The lyrics aren’t much, as with many garage songs, but it’s better than nothing. Dig the ending!
The Rockin’ Roadrunners – Down
Making a special appearance on the Tener label out of Florida, this is another garage rock song – but it is a damned unique one. For one thing, the introduction to the song is unlike anything I’ve ever heard on this sort of record – it is supposedly a heavily reverbed Jew’s harp, which makes other appearances during the song. The mix between the lead singer’s vocals and the cascading choruses of the other vocalists in the background is very well-executed. The other real highlight of this record is the drumming – a solid, relatively fast beat is laid down and kept constant throughout the song, with well-timed fills throughout. Combine the unique production, two great guitar solos, stellar vocals, and rock-solid drumming, and you have a record that could have – and should have – made it big.
Ray Stevens – Mr. Businessman
Stevens was most famous as a writer of humorous songs, including his big hit in 1974 entitled “The Streak,” “Ahab the Arab,” and "Jeremiah Peabody's Polyunsaturated Quick-Dissolving, Fast-Acting Pleasant-Tasting Green and Purple Pills.” However, this tune, written by Stevens himself, could not be classified as funny under any circumstance. Instead, it is a scathing reprimand of the archetypal “Mr. Businessman,” a busybody more concerned with work than things like nature and family. As Stevens elaborates on, such a life cannot end well. Highly recommended for those who prefer well-written serious songs.
Alan Hawkshaw and Alan Parker – The Difference
One of the big names in British library music during the late ‘60s through the 1980s was keyboardist Alan Hawkshaw. Recording for such labels as KPM and Bruton, he seemed to be able to play a little of everything, from the mellow (“A Man Alone”) to the danceable (“Move Move Move”). This is definitely on the mellower end of the spectrum. I enjoy songs that you can sit back, close your eyes, and just relax to, and this fits those criteria. A fellow stock music mainstay, Alan Parker, is also featured on here. Looking for something calming? Look no further.
Ian McLagan – Never Say Never
I have never been a huge fan of live performances. Though I fully understand the energy and atmosphere that a live concert lends itself to, some songs are simply better under the controlled environment of the studio. McLagan, a former member of the Small Faces, is seen here performing this song (originally released a few years ago with his Bump Band) at the Austin (Texas) Community College Northridge campus. It could be argued that this version, only McLagan, a microphone, and a piano, is more beautiful in its simplicity than the well-produced Bump Band version. Whichever you choose, this is a beautiful soul-influenced ballad, and McLagan does a stellar job of pouring out the soul in the lyrics with his voice and heart.
The Enfields – I’m For Things You Do
When listening to garage rock, it is common practice to dismiss inferior sound quality as normal. After all, when groups of teens get together in a studio and cut a couple of songs, it’s undoubtedly going to be on a shoestring budget (unless their dad’s a Congressman). That said, try to look past the sound quality on this selection and examine what lies beneath. There’s a pretty neat sound emanating from the guitar, and whichever Enfield is playing it isn’t terribly shabby at it, either. The drummer’s on beat most of the time, and takes a few liberties with fills – all of which add to the song’s pace. The lyrics aren’t much, as with many garage songs, but it’s better than nothing. Dig the ending!
The Rockin’ Roadrunners – Down
Making a special appearance on the Tener label out of Florida, this is another garage rock song – but it is a damned unique one. For one thing, the introduction to the song is unlike anything I’ve ever heard on this sort of record – it is supposedly a heavily reverbed Jew’s harp, which makes other appearances during the song. The mix between the lead singer’s vocals and the cascading choruses of the other vocalists in the background is very well-executed. The other real highlight of this record is the drumming – a solid, relatively fast beat is laid down and kept constant throughout the song, with well-timed fills throughout. Combine the unique production, two great guitar solos, stellar vocals, and rock-solid drumming, and you have a record that could have – and should have – made it big.