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.

See more: Songs


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on June 28, 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.

See more: Songs


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on April 27, 2013

Albums »All Our Own Work

allourby Sandy Denny and The Strawbs (1967, 1973)

All Our Own Work is an album for those quiet days when the sun is streaming through the window and you have time to stop, breathe, and listen to the world. It’s a folk gem and features one of my favorites songs ever, “I’ve Been My Own Worst Friend” as well as the heartbreaking classic “Who Knows Where the Time Goes”. Sandy Denny, she of the most extraordinary voice, is amazing here but even songs without her are beautiful.

The album was recorded when The Strawbs were fledgling and unable to secure a record deal. Denny famously went on to Fairport Convention and The Strawbs found success with various genres. The tracks were forgotten until released a decade later. Later still, a reissue included more unreleased demos and outtakes.

strawbs

See more: Albums


One Comment →
Posted on April 24, 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

See more: Songs


Be the first to leave a comment →
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.

See more: Songs


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on March 17, 2013

TV Shows »The Twilight Zone

the-twilight-zoneClassic

It’s extremely comforting to revisit a classic show like The Twilight Zone. Whether its an iconic classic like Time Enough At Last and To Serve Man or ones I’ve never seen like Elegy or The Invaders, the sci fi anthology still impresses and entertains.

It must have stunned audiences back in 1959 when it debuted. It’s proof that interesting ideas and good writing are timeless.

You can watch all the original series on Netflix instant. A perfect background for cold days stuck inside.

tz1

tz2

See more: TV Shows


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on February 27, 2013

Books,Style Icons: Female »The Cat at Night, Dahlov Ipcar

catatnight350by Dahlov Ipcar (1969)

I always relish in discovering a beautiful children’s book and Dahlov Ipcar‘s The Cat at Night is exceptionally lovely.

Her colorful illustrations are truly inspiring as is her multi facited career. Im intregued with every new piece of information I read about the Maine native: She had a solo exhibit at the museum of modern art when she was just 21. Her other children’s books look as amazing as the cat at night and she’s even written some sci-fi/fantasy with intriguing titles like The Queen of Spells and The Warlock of Night.

Thanks Meghan for the gift of this book which has introduced me to such an interesting talent.

catnight

See more: Books,Style Icons: Female


One Comment →
Posted on February 5, 2013

Books »Chas Addams Mother Goose

charlesaddamsmothergoose1by Chas Addams (1967)

Alright, alright so this Christmas gift was for me much more than Van but I couldn’t resist The Chas Addams Mother Goose.

Addams’ clever and ghoulish illustrations lend humor and bite to classic rhymes. One of my favorites is Mary quite contrary (pictured).

Worth noting that the book is currently for sale on Amazon used for $75 up to $900! We paid no where near that (maybe $12) so don’t get suckered into buying at such insane prices.

See more: Books


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on January 27, 2013

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.

See more: Hunks,Songs


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on July 19, 2012

Albums »Hurt: The Best of Timi Yuro

by Timi Yuro

Timi Yuro, where have you been all my life? So crazy that a voice this good is virtually unknown today (or am I wrong? Has everyone been dancing to a Yuro party without me?)

Sometimes the arrangements are dull in comparison to her dynamic voice, but there’s lots to love in Hurt, a long compilation of her peak recording years.

If you don’t trust my taste, Morrissey and Elvis were both huge fans. Plus, she looked like a real life Rizzo.

See more: Albums


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on July 6, 2012

Songs »I Go To Pieces

by Peter and Gordon (1965)

There’s something so day dreamy about sad British invasion ballads. In some way, they meld together in a golden oldie station haze but when you stop to listen to one, like the Peter and Gordon hit I Go To Pieces, it’s easy to feel like teen nursing a broken heart (in a good way).

See more: Songs


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on June 5, 2012

Albums »Disraeli Gears

by Cream (1967)

Man, Disraeli Gears is a fantastic album. It may be less bluesy and more psychedelic (that cover art isn’t lying) than my favorite, Fresh Cream, but the number of singularly amazing songs on this thing is astounding.

While songs like Take It Back, Tale of Brave Ulysses, Dance the Night Away, World of Pain, Sunshine of Your Love, and Strange Brew (I told you there are some doozies) represent the best of the experimentation with traditional music of the 60’s they are  still timeless.

I vividly remember hearing my dad play Strange Brew as a child and having my little world rocked. It still makes me feel transported to someplace wild.

Many bands claim to be “super groups” but Cream was truly super.

Also, somehow this album goes perfectly with the weird weather.

See more: Albums


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 3, 2012

Books »Henri’s Walk to Paris

by Saul Bass and Leonore Klein (1962)

Ever wonder what Saul Bass would do with a children’s book? Well, wonder no more because he illustrated one called Henri’s Walk to Paris.
It’s predictably delightful with unique designs and charming colors.

It’s also quite fun to read to Van saying “Hon-reee’s walk to Par-eeee!”

Thanks to Brain Pickings for calling our attention to this tiny masterpiece.

See more: Books


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on March 10, 2012

Albums »Marianne Faithfull Live at The BBC

by Marianne Faithfull (1965)

Marianne Faithfull is well known for her later period of husky voiced experimentation.

This compilation of her earlier folk songs recorded live for the BBC, Marianne Faithfull Live at The BBC, sheds light on her younger days as a singer and public figure beyond her kinky exploits with Mick Jagger and lovely hit As Time Goes By (though it’s included).

These are several covers and her floating voice usually lends a soft melancholy. I prefer her version of the Herman’s hermits hit Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat.

Many tracks begin with oh so polite interviews and quaint commentary about her life – having a child, getting married, her parents etc. It makes the crassness of modern pop icons more glaring.

This is mini skirt and flowers in your hair music. I particularly love the original The Sha La La La Song and This Little Bird. Even if some of her folkier numbers leave you unmoved, these will win you over.

See more: Albums


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on February 17, 2012

Albums,Laughs »2001: A Space Odyssey Soundtrack

Various Artists (but Kubrick’s vision) (1968)

An epic soundtrack to an awe inspiring film.

Listening to the 2001: A Space Odyssey Soundtrack will make your day seem significant and very weird.

And while we’re at it, how awesome is this monolith action figure?

See more: Albums,Laughs


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on November 23, 2011

Songs »Needles and Pins

by The Searchers (1964)

Been very into The Searchers’ catchy tune “Needles and Pins” lately.

Was surprised by all the covers I never knew existed: The Ramones, Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks?!

Also had no idea it was originally sung by Jackie Deshannon at a slower pace. All are worth checking out.

Not as much? The weird 1989instrumental “club remix”.

See more: Songs


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on November 8, 2011

Albums »Part One

by The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band (1966)

Part One by The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band began and it was like putting on a long time favorite album that I had never heard before.

While the Zappa cover Help I’m a Rock grates me in the same way Syd Barrett’s ode to bikes and Donovan’s to his shirt do, incredibly lovely songs like the first two tracks Shifting Sands and I Won’t Hurt You took hold of me completely. I am in love with this album.

I’ll bet money that within a year you will be hearing this in those hip bars. It’s just so lovable, cool, odd, and best of all (in many peoples opinions) a bit of a secret.

But wait! That’s not all. Not only are you getting the scoop on a highly listenable album that rivals (my favorite band of the era) The Animals but you get one hell of a back story.

See, The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band was a pet project of one Bob Markley, a trust fund jerk (according to band mates) who wanted to be a rock star and had the money to kind of make that happen.
After minimal success he then went on to play the part of a beach dwelling bohemian, landing in hot water with young girls, then even hotter water with some lady in Detroit and ended Howard Hughes style nuts sitting on tons of inheritance in an insane asylum. Read all about it here.

See more: Albums


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on November 4, 2011