Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, girls and boys, a little more 90s Country: This Mick Hanly composition reached #2 on the Country charts in '91-'92. Also covered by Irish songbird Mary Black and by the Dixie Chicks in 1992. (That's when they were a cowgirl quartet with Laura Lynch, Robin Lynn and the Erwin sisters - MUCH better than the subsequent trio, in my humble opinion.) Song? Artist? Answer: "Past the Point of Rescue" by Hal Ketchum. Great music video of him riding a motorcycle - those were the days when CMT used to play Country Music videos. Unfortunately, he left us in 2020. It's been said before, "The Chicks", especially Natalie, should "shut up and sing". To their credit, however, the two sisters are consumate instrumentalists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDbBBq1Dn2U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E28ftIIEejY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1_JiTV0ow4

OK, girls and boys, back to the 90s: British singer-songwriter Robert Smith dreamed up a guitar chord progression for a song he had just composed. For some reason he became extremely paranoid thinking that he had heard it before and had "stolen" it from someone. He phoned everyone he could think of until he was convinced that the tune was actually his. The resulting alt-indie rock classic was recorded and released by his post-punk band in 1992. A feel-good love song. The group's second most-played tune, it peaked at #6 UK and #18 US. Lush guitar work and superb chorus. It won Best Music Video at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards. Masterfully covered in 2015 by Yo La Tengo and by Natalie Imbruglia. Song? Group? Answer: "Friday I'm in Love" by The Cure. Very grateful to my dear daughter Gina for introducing me to Yo La Tengo - I thoroughly enjoy their unique sound. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGgMZpGYiy8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJwTSTlp...

This one was also a recommendation from my dear sister Gina Delucca. OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: Stevie Wonder composed, sang and played all the instruments on this 1976 multi-language anthem to love and music. It appears on his 18th studio album. Lyrics in Zulu, Spanish and English. Song? Answer: "Ngiculela - Es Una Historia - I Am Singing" by Stevie Wonder. A true musical genius and, if you don't believe me, ask Eddie Murphy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKTgWozFEyo DO NOT listen to this Eddie Murphy clip on Stevie Wonder if you're easily offended! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aZSDMan8K4

This one is in collaboration with and at the suggestion of my dear sister Gina Delucca. OK. girls and boys: Name two musical works that "sample" "The Star-Spangled Banner". While you're at it, name two musical works that "sample" the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise". Answer: Giacomo Puccini uses the opening notes of "The Star-Spangled Banner" throughout his opera "Madama Butterfly". It is also used in the title song of the 1967 musical "Hair" and its 1979 film adaptation. The Cowsills had a major hit with their version in '69. Tchaikovsky "quotes" "La Marseillaise" in his "1812 Overture" (1880) and The Beatles use it as the introduction to their 1967 "All You Need Is Love".

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: This long-time Cleveland resident was born in '31 and was an upholsterer and car seat repairman by trade but also penned a Gospel classic in the 50s. It was popularized by and became The Manhattan Transfer's first successful chart single in '75 (#22 on Billboard's Hot 100). It remains a staple in churches and karaoke bars. Other compositions include "Mr. John" ('64), a tribute to JFK and "Non-Violent Man" ('68) about Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. He left us in '04 at the age of 73. Gospel hit? Composer? Answer: "Operator" by William Spivery. The Manhattan Transfer's debut album remains a masterpiece. We saw them in Des Moines shortly after moving to Iowa in '81. Memorable concert! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9aKZZJvB0E

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: This beautiful '78 Hamlisch/Bergman/Bergman romantic ballad was recorded by Johnny Mathis and Jane Olivor as the theme to "Same Time Next Year" starring Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn. Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated for Best Original Song in '79. Mathis and Olivor performed it during the Oscar ceremony. Song? Answer: "The Last Time I Felt Like This". Beautiful tune! To this day, I still get choked up every time I listen to it (you know me, I'm a sensitive guy!). Double-knit polyester lives on!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Jn-vZOn4HY

OK, girls and boys, more 70s one-hit wonders: This '74 Gamble/Huff composition was THE first Disco number to top the Billboard Hot 100 charts (released 3 months before The Hues Corporation's "Rock the Boat"). Written to replace King Curtis' "Hot Potatoes" as the "Soul Train" theme. Mostly instrumental, the few vocals came from The Three Degrees, whom later on that year charted with "When Will I See You Again?". It won a Grammy for Best R&B Instrumental Performance in '74. Still played before every ballgame at the Citizen Bank Park. Song? Group? For extra credit, what does the name of the group mean? Answer: "TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)" by MFSB. I was a sophomore in med school when it came out and I used to live a few blocks away from the studio in Philly where it was recorded - interesting characters coming in and out! Sigma Sound Studio - 212 N. 12th St. in Philly. MFSB stands for "Mother Father Sister ...

OK, girls and boys, more Fabdom: The winter of '68-'69 was a particularly tough one for George - he was arrested for possession of marijuana, had his tonsils out (should have waited 'til '81 and I could have done it for him!) and temporarily left The Beatles. After Brian Epstein's death the four were forced to become more involved in business dealings, which George hated. When spring came he went to Eric Clapton's home in Ewhurst, Surrey, borrowed one of his acoustics, capoed on the 7th fret, sat in the garden and penned his "Pastoral". A song about the relief and hope he felt being away from the past winter's tensions. One of two Harrison compositions on "Abbey Road". The guitar work is reminiscent of "Badge" and "If I Needed Someone". John did not participate as he was recovering from a car accident. One of the first pop songs to feature the Moog Synthesizer. Song? Yesterday's answer: "Here Comes The Sun...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: It is 1968 and Jethro Tull's frontman and virtuoso flautist Ian Anderson is living in a London flat. Right under his bedroom lived a music student who frequently played a baroque lute piece on classical guitar. Anderson had been looking for an instrumental tune to add to his concert repertoire. Master guitarist Martin Barre was auditioning for the group and, coincidentally, he could play the piece and had the sheet music. They recorded it in '69 as the B-side to "Fat Man" and it appeared on their "Stand Up" album. It became a staple of Tull's live lineup. Charted in most of Europe but, surprisingly, not in the UK. Covered by Led Zeppelin and by Yngwie Malmsteen. It became the sign-off music for the Armed Forces Network TV in Europe during the 70s. Song? Answer: "Bourée" by Jethro Tull. Originally composed for the lute in the early 1700s, J. S. Bach's "Bourrée in E minor for Lute" h...

OK, girls and boys, more Fabdom: This 1963 Merseybeat classic was one of the very few songs that John and Paul wrote at John's Aunt Mimi's home, where he lived then. The house is located at 251 Menlove Ave., Liverpool and is known as "Mendips", now owned by Yoko Ono. Aunt Mimi disapproved of The Beatles and their music, being quite vocal about it. She is quoted as saying, "the guitar's all right for a hobby, John, but you'll never make a living at it" (!). Most of The Beatles' early songs were written by the two of them at 20 Forthlin Road, Paul's childhood home. Recorded and released in '63 as the B-side to "She Loves You". The opening word of the composition reveals Lewis Carroll's influence on John and foretells one of his most famous solo songs. The chord change at the end of the word "pretend" is D to Am7, not a typical Beatles sequence, borrowed from Joan Baez's "All My Trials". It rema...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 30s: Erskine Hawkins co-wrote the music for this 1939 "jive" classic with Bill Johnson and Julian Dash. Buddy Feyne added lyrics later on at Hawkins' request. First recorded that same year by Hawkins' orchestra, it peaked at #7. Glenn Miller's version topped the charts shortly thereafter. Dedicated to a jazz/blues club where Ensley Ave. meets 19th St. in West Birmingham, AL - a haven for "race music" in the heart of the "Chitlin' Circuit". It became Manhattan Transfer's theme song in '75. Tune? Answer: "Tuxedo Junction". The "Chitlin' Circuit" was a network "of nightclubs and theaters that featured African-American performers and catered especially to African-American audiences. When Jim Crow and segregation were even more prominent in the United States, the (Black) race, freed through emancipation, did not have equal access to public 'White Only' places. The Ch...

OK, boys and girls, more Fabdom: This poignant 1964 Lennon composition was the last song on the "A Hard Day's Night" soundtrack in the U.K. but was released in the U.S. on "Beatles '65". John based the chord pattern on Del Shannon's '61 "Runaway". Played on only acoustic guitars, it contains two bridges but no chorus. Genial seamless transition between major and minor chords. Masterfully covered by Sir Cliff Richard and by Shawn Colvin. Song? Answer: "I'll Be Back" by The Beatles. In my humble opinion, some of The Beatles' best harmonies. Now, THAT'S when The Beatles were The Beatles! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJSTBNTac6k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeiGxFYjhiU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdz2kSkF6RE

OK, girls and boys, more 80s: This Los Angeles-based ensemble formed in 1989 and is widely credited for starting the Swing Revival Movement. Inspired by Louis Prima, a masterful big-band blend of swing and jump blues with a rockabilly inflection. Their biggest hit was inspired by the L.A. Zoot Suit Riots and popularized when they appeared on "The Mask" and "Swingers" playing it. Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough did an unforgettable quickstep to the song, winning Season 5 of "Dancing With The Stars". Group? Song? Answer: "Hey, Pachuco!" by Royal Crown Revue. Some tremendous ensembles followed in their footsteps - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Cherry Poppin' Daddies and The Brian Setzer Orchestra, just to name a few. The L.A. Zoot Suit Riots started in '43 at the height of WWII when sailors and Marines stationed in the L.A. area antagonized (or vice versa?) local zoot suit-clad Latino youths who called themselves "pachucos". https://...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson penned this '68 release inspired by a Chicago bluesman Floyd Jones' '53 tune of the same name. In turn, based on Tommy Johnson's '28 "Big Road Blues". #16 US, #8 UK. Wilson added an Indian tambura drone for a psychedelic hypnotic effect. He re-tuned his harmonica 1/2 step up on the 6th hole for the song. Covered by Pete Townshend. Part of "The Bucket List" soundtrack ('07). Group? Song? Answer: "On the Road Again" by Canned Heat. Ultra-cool cats! The band took their name from a 1928 Tommy Johnson blues tune. Ardent students of the genre - Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson, Bob "The Bear" Hite, Henry "The Sunflower" Vestine, Larry "The Mole" Taylor and Adolfo "Fito" de la Parra. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRKNw477onU

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: Originally titled "T'ho Voluto Bene" (I Loved You So Much), this popular romantic Italian ballad was written for the 1951 melodrama film "Anna". The title loosely translates to "Do Not Forget". Music by P.G. Redi, Italian lyrics by Michele Galdieri and English lyrics by Shelley Dobbins. The movie stars Silvana Mangano as Anna but she dubs the actual singing by Mammola "Flo" Sandon. By far, the most popular version was Nat King Cole's, reaching #45 on Billboard in 1958. Memorable rendition by Dean Martin in '62. Song? Answer: "Non Dimenticar". Another favorite of my Dad's, I grew up listening to it on the ol' Bogen hi-fi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WNeok_yHQI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNFh990mGPE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgroEHHsW2A

Ok, girls and boys, back to the 70s: This 1979 Foster/Graydon/Champlin composition was first offered to Hall and Oates but they refused to record it, saying that they would only record their own compositions (as we speak, the two old guys are having a heckuva feud!). A smooth ballad with soul-based melodies speaking of bittersweet goodbyes. It was released by Earth, Wind and Fire hitting #2 on Billboard Hot 100 and R&B, winning them two Grammys and Certified Gold. Masterfully written but musically quite complex with multiple key changes. According to the group, it is by far the most difficult song they ever recorded, requiring at least 6-7 takes. Featured in "WKRP in Cincinnati" and used by many professional sport teams after losses. Song? Answer: "After the Love Has Gone" by Earth, Wind and Fire. Fond memories of my ENT residency in Philly - we worked hard but there was always great music in the background. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUCLNPOjPZw

OK. boys and girls a little more 60s folk: This nostalgie de la boue 1964 Tom Paxton standard refers to a young man looking ahead to where life might take him. Ironically, Paxton himself married at an early age, moved to the country, raised a family and has led one of the most settled and stable lives in the folk scene. Masterfully covered by the late great Nanci Griffith, along with Carolyn Hester, in her "Other Voices, Other Rooms" 1993 album. The Chad Mitchell Trio, The Kingston Trio, Dion, Dylan, Johnny Cash and even Tiny Tim have also given us their versions. Song? Answer: "I Can't Help but Wonder Where I'm Bound" by Tom Paxton. In my humble opinion, Nanci Griffith's "Other Voices, Other Rooms" remains as one of the best folk compilations ever recorded. We had the privilege of seeing her years ago at Hoyt Sherman in Des Moines along with the remaining members of The Crickets. A concert for the ages! To me, this last verse repres...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: This 1958 Felice and Boudleaux Bryant romantic ballad was first recorded and released by The Everly Brothers as the B-side to "Bird Dog". Angelic harmonies, as we've come to expect from Phil and Don. #10 Pop, #7 Country, #2 R&B. Masterfully covered in '78 by Carly Simon and James Taylor, charting in Top 40 Pop, Adult Contemporary and Hot Country. Included in "Beach Boys Party!" ('65) with Brian Wilson and Mike Love on vocals. Recorded, in addition, by Brian Hyland, The Seekers as well as by Linda Ronstadt and Valerie Carter. Song? Answer: "Devoted to You". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LboNYB_oKTY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpK0kv3CuaI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O5ZHk1FioM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnDWF7S2Sdo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZzd4cC81BI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEtr0mp-lYg

OK, girls and boys, more Fabdom: This Macca composition is THE only Beatles tune in which Linda McCartney sang AND their first release in the Soviet Union (1972). Answer: "Let It Be".

OK, boys and girls, more 60s: This Beatles-inspired 1967 Bee Gees tune was their first U.S. release and their first chart single in the U.S. (#14) and the UK (#12). A trapped man yearns for his wife as his life fades away. The "mystery" opening chord is played by Barry using an open D tuning but playing a conventional A-minor chord shape (!). Song? Answer: "New York Mining Disaster 1941" by the Bee Gees. As opposed to Pete Seeger's and The Byrds' "The Bells Of Rhymney", this disaster never happened. I remember listening to this song for the first time with my dear friend Ralph Yunque and wondering where in the world that vocal vibrato came from. The opening chord sounded somewhat like an A-minor but not quite - aha, now we know the mystery! There were rumors early on that The Bee Gees were The Beatles recording under a coded pseudonym for "Beatles Group"! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S43YhQ_eGTw

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: This Tulsa, OK native was the co-lead singer, composer, guitarist and bassist for Bread. In 1977 he had a monster solo hit with the theme from the popular movie "The Goodbye Girl". He co-wrote the follow-up single with Larry Knechtel in 1978. A soft-rock classic about a man who travels to the French Riviera and falls in love with a local mademoiselle. He also plays the memorable fuzz bass line. The chorus is in French followed by the English translation. #30 on Billboard and Cash Box, #7 Adult Contemporary. Singer/songwriter? Song? Answer: "Took the Last Train" by David Gates. I loved it the first time I heard it and I still do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u-Z8YnvuCA

OK, boys and girls, more 70s one-hit wonders: This eponymous British band's only hit came in '70 with a catchy tune penned by its leader and lead singer. It was originally recorded by The Tremeloes but they decided not to release it so the producer took the vocals off the master and added this band's voices. A young soldier has finished his tour of duty in Vietnam and is looking forward to returning home. #1 in the UK and 25 other countries; #23 on Billboard's Hot 100. CBS Records' biggest-selling song in '70. Covered by REM and Sir Elton John. Band? Hit? Answer: "Yellow River" by Christie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ5-FoiBuVc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEs2nFwo-i8

OK, girls and boys, more 70s one-hit wonders (a toughie!): This classically-trained California folkie singer/songwriter was the first artist signed by David Geffen to his newly-created Asylum label. Profoundly religious, she was baptized by Pat Boone in his home swimming pool. Heavily influenced by J.S. Bach. The Turtles hired her to write songs for them at $35/week. Her only hit was a sublime country-cult-baroque piece first recorded and released by The Turtles in '69. She played acoustic guitar on the recording, along with David Crosby. Her own version came in '71, a minor hit. Openly bisexual, it is a love song to a woman. Even though she opened for Crosby & Nash, Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot and Tom Paxton, she never achieved commercial success. A lifelong drug addict, she succumbed to an overdose in 1979. Singer/songwriter? Song? Answer: "Lady-O" by Judee Sill. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PP8DjFhxy60 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4tSxb...