Classic rock, pop, and soul songs from the '60s, '70s, and '80s
Classic rock, pop, and soul songs from the '60s, '70s, and '80s
As I’ve noted before in this blog, I occasionally like to highlight ’60s soul songs that never really made it into the mainstream consciousness, songs later rescued from obscurity by England’s Northern Soul scene. Today’s tune is one of those. “The Sweetest Thing This Side of Heaven” was released by singer Chris Bartley in July of 1967. It’s a bit…
Today’s classic song of the day is an early one from Steely Dan, the hard rockin’ shuffle “Reelin’ in the Years.” It was featured on their debut album, Can’t Buy a Thrill, and released as a single by ABC Records in March of 1973. The single went all the way to #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #7 on…
We go from yesterday’s classic song of the day with old Elvis (Presley) to today’s song with new Elvis (Costello). The song is “Oliver’s Army” and Elvis Costello released it as a single in the UK in February of 1979. It went all the way to #2 on the UK Singles chart and #4 in Ireland—which is fitting, because the…
Today’s classic song of the day was co-written by George David Weiss, the guy who wrote the words for yesterday’s classic song of the day, Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” The song is “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and it was a big hit for Elvis Presley back in 1961. Written for Elvis to sing in the 1961 film,…
It’s New Years Day, so let’s start the new year right by focusing on some of the best things in life, as exemplified in today’s classic song of the day. The song is “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, and there’s an interesting story behind the tune that spans several decades. First, about the song. “What a Wonderful World”…
As today is New Year’s Eve, time is running out for the old year—which leads us to today’s end-of-year classic song of the day, “Time Won’t Let Me” by the Outsiders. Released in January of 1966, this garage rock classic shot to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. (It also hit #5 in Canada.) The Outsiders were a band from…
Today’s classic song of the day is another Paul Williams-penned tune, “Out in the Country.” Mr. Williams co-wrote this one with his frequent collaborator Roger Nichols, and the group Three Dog Night released it as a single in August of 1970. It was a big hit for the group, peaking at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100, #9 on the…
Today’s classic song of the day is “Lovin’ Things” by the Grass Roots. Or, if you’re in the UK, you may remember its release by the Scottish group, Marmalade. In either case, it’s a pretty good tune. “Lovin’ Things” was written by Artie Schroeck and Jet Loring. Artie was better known as an arranger and a jingle composer; Ms. Jet…
Today’s classic song of the day was written in 1965 but became a hit a half-dozen years later. The tune is “Reason to Believe,” and it was written and originally recorded by folksinger Tim Hardin for his debut album, Tim Hardin 1, which was released in 1966. “Reason to Believe” tells the story of a young man who’s been led…
Today’s classic song of the day is about a night in late December back in ’63, as related by the vocal group the Four Seasons. The song is “December 1963 (Oh What a Night)” and it was released as a single in December of 1975. It became a #1 hit in the U.S. (both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash…