Songs »The Hoochy Coo

the-fatimas-the-hoochy-coo-original-soundby The Fatimas (1967)

When on shuffle, unfamiliar songs will often pop up and their presence in my library can’t be explained. Sometimes it’s quite annoying (boring indie rock – who put this here?) and other times it is a complete happy surprise.

The Fatimas’ whirlwind chanting garage rock out “Hoochy Coo” is one such delight.

While I’ve learned the song has gained at least a few new listeners from its inclusion on the Girls in the Garage, Part 2 compilation, very little information about the band is readily available.

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Posted on June 28, 2013

Songs,Style Icons: Male »Richie Havens, Here Comes the Sun, Wonder Child

rhRIP

Folk icon Richie Havens is remembered not only for his long career in folk music and particularly his break out performance at Woodstock but for being a genuinely kindhearted man. He devoted his time to educating children about the environment and never let fame get in the way of his life and his music.

It’s difficult to choose a favorite song from such an impressive list but I’d recommend a listen to his fantastic version of Here Comes the Sun, one of his biggest hits, and his touching cover of Wonder Child, a lesser known song originally performed by Helen Reddy on Sesame Street (it might bring you close to tears if you have little kids though!)

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Posted on April 30, 2013

Songs »She Thinks I Still Care

istillcareby George Jones (1967)

George Jones, who recently passed away after a long life riddled with alcoholism and blessed with talent and success was the voice of classic country.

I love classic country, which has very little in common with what passes for it today.

My favorite song by Jones is She Thinks I Still Care; Ann Murray, Connie Francis and Elvis all charted with the song, but Jones’ is the best of them all.

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Posted on April 27, 2013

Songs »You’ll Lose A Good Thing, Barbara Lynn

lose1by Barbara Lynn (1962)

Barbara Lynn played guitar like a boss, wrote her own songs, and gave us the wonderful You’ll Lose a Good Thing. She’s like a hero I never knew before and her hit song is the kind that makes the world stop for a few minutes then seem like a better place when it ends.

lose2

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Posted on March 25, 2013

Songs »Easier Said Than Done

the-essex-easier-said-than-done-roulette-2by The Essex (1963)

I was surprised to find the catchy number one hit, Easier Said Than Done did not come from one of the big known groups but a group of (totally adorable) Marines named The Essex.

While the band had little faith in the b-side, it quickly became their biggest and only real hit.It’s still makes for pretty great listening.

Plus, it played at my last restaurant meal in Brooklyn, so it has become a bit of a sentimental favorite.

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Posted on March 17, 2013

Songs,Spend a Couple Minutes »Cyriak Videos

cyriakComputer Animations

Van found these videos by Cyriak on YouTube, starting with Kitty City. He continues to be mesmerized by them, and who can blame him with the clever animation and catchy songs?

A boy could do worse for a creative inspiration than Cyriak, who seems genuinely interesting and has been picked up by rock and rollers to make awesome videos.

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Posted on March 7, 2013

Songs,Style Icons: Female »Patti Page, The Tennessee Waltz

patti“The Singing Rage”, 1950

The only thing lovelier than Patti Page was her voice. Her signature song Tennessee Waltz is one of my very favorites of all time.

If you are unfamiliar with her dreamy voice, I once recommended a great collection that would be a great introduction.

She passed away on New Years Day.

patt2

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Posted on January 3, 2013

Laughs,Songs »Oppa Gangnam Style

by PSY (2012)

Ok, some of you are going to find this Korean club hit annoying. I’m not even sure why I’m liking it so much. It’s undeniably catchy (just try walking away from it with Heeey sexy lady not playing in your head). Plus the over the top video, complete with awesome silly dance is quite compelling.

It’s apparently becoming a viral sensation (so, you’ve likely already heard about it from your mom or co-worker) and artist PSY says he’d love to take his horse dance to the states. We should be so lucky!

Refinery 29 is to thank/blame for introducing me. Oh, And Van loves it. Like really really loves it.

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Posted on August 9, 2012

Hunks,Songs »Lost in the Paradise, Caetano Veloso

by Caetano Veloso (1969)

Lost in the Paradise is the perfect way to say “hello summer!” – much more comfortable than a half dozen heat waves, like a caipirinha in music form.

I’m learning more about Brazilian tropicalia artist Caetano Veloso, (so far I’ve learned he was/is quite handsome) but this mellow tune is the perfect first step into his world.

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Posted on July 19, 2012

Songs »Daddy, What If

by Shel Silverstein

While a song like “Daddy, What If”, about the love between a father and son can easily bring me to tears in this heightened emotional (pregnant) state, a song with a squeaky “child” voice is unlikely to make any sort of favorable impression on me.

But such is the magic of Shel Silverstein. Tears were falling before I knew it.

Enjoy this clip from the Johnny Cash show.

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Posted on July 8, 2012