Catch a Falling Star (Blogophilia 35.5)
Hey, Heidy and Howdy! I am your intrepid DJ, Harry Handy coming to you live from "Catch a Falling Star." The night club for the has beens and never weres. The club is serving something called a "Ben Gay" at half price. The bartender won't tell me what's in it.
As always, this Old Farts program is brought to you by Ensure, nutrition when nothing tastes good; and by Eggo Waffles, providing breakfast for good ol' Harry for two generations. We are here, as always, to celebrate our past, for better or worse. (In the case of my second marriage, much worse)
A lot has been said for bands from the '60's, '70's and '80's that continue to tour long past their prime. How a lot of them are but shadow's of their former selves. One of those great band is Lynyrd Skynyrd. The unluckiest band in the business. Thirty five years ago, the band literally went up in smoke and the ashes have been performing ever since. Anyway, here is a tribute to them:
The best known category of Has Been is the "One Hit Wonder." All the decades had their versions, but I think the best ones were in the 1980's. These both embraced and rebelled against the Disco movement by using increasingly silly lyrics and costumes. No song better represents this better than this:
I know it is hard to fathom the next entrant as being a "Has Been", but his best songwriting days seem to be behind him. He splits is days between absolutely incredible concerts and being a landed Gentlement. Climb on his back and we'll go for a ride:
And that is all the time we have tonight and it's past your bed time anyway, Granny. Grab your tea and finish your night with the ultimate Has Been of all time:
As always, this Old Farts program is brought to you by Ensure, nutrition when nothing tastes good; and by Eggo Waffles, providing breakfast for good ol' Harry for two generations. We are here, as always, to celebrate our past, for better or worse. (In the case of my second marriage, much worse)
A lot has been said for bands from the '60's, '70's and '80's that continue to tour long past their prime. How a lot of them are but shadow's of their former selves. One of those great band is Lynyrd Skynyrd. The unluckiest band in the business. Thirty five years ago, the band literally went up in smoke and the ashes have been performing ever since. Anyway, here is a tribute to them:
The best known category of Has Been is the "One Hit Wonder." All the decades had their versions, but I think the best ones were in the 1980's. These both embraced and rebelled against the Disco movement by using increasingly silly lyrics and costumes. No song better represents this better than this:
I know it is hard to fathom the next entrant as being a "Has Been", but his best songwriting days seem to be behind him. He splits is days between absolutely incredible concerts and being a landed Gentlement. Climb on his back and we'll go for a ride:
And that is all the time we have tonight and it's past your bed time anyway, Granny. Grab your tea and finish your night with the ultimate Has Been of all time:
I don't know if you can call Frank a has been...isn't he more of an oldie but goody?? I guess to each his own. Loved the walk down memory lane. Wonderful job on this weeks prompts!!
ReplyDeleteFrank lost his vocal qualities in his 60's but continued to perform long past then. That said, he is probably the best song stylist ever.
DeleteThat was a very bold move - calling out all the 'has beens.' I hesitated reading as I was so sure my name would be among the ones listed. It wasn't. I'm happy! 8 non-has been points, Earthling!! :D
ReplyDelete-The Marvins
You'll never be a has been. We're too scared of the Putonium 38 space modulator to be otherwise.
DeleteI suppose it would be wrong (highly myopic wrong) to say Sir Paul was a "Never was" yet the temptation is real and strong
ReplyDeleteTM
He had a lot of success in the 1970's. After Ebony and Ivory, it all went down hill.
DeleteA restaurant we dined in when we were in NY was playing Sinatra... and I was shocked at the songs McCartney wrote that weren't from the Beetles day
ReplyDeleteI decided to stick with Wings era songs. I really don't care much for anything much after that.
DeleteThere used to be a Sinatra impersonator here that was very good. I think Frank himself saw him once and complimented him on the performance.
I shouldn't but I do, have always loved them Rat Pack boys. My dad listened to Dean Martin, and it somehow brainwashed me. I have all of his stuff and when I'm in the mood for a martini I punch in Dean on my iPod, and yes Frank, too. I have continued the family tradition and brainwashed my own kids. Good music, one hit wonder or not, is good if it means something to you.
ReplyDeleteThe Rat Pack had access to the best composers and arrangers of the day. Quality was first and the success naturally followed.
DeleteWow! You rocked this! Interesting! ♥
ReplyDeletewhat a really good way of blogging Christopher .. DJ'ing through the ages was really cool... loved all the old stuff you dug up too... brilliant...
ReplyDeleteLOL. Good post :)
ReplyDelete--DJ