In The Past: Garage Rock Podcast
The usual format is this: we pick a song from the 1950s or 1960s (genres range from garage, R&B, Girl Groups, Motown and Doo-Wop), and discuss three versions of that song, or sometimes we just play a song we haven’t heard before and react to it. We’ve covered classics like “Little Bit o’ Soul” and “Psychotic Reaction” to rarities like “Jump and Dance” by the Carnaby, and “Ringo I Love You” by Bonnie Jo Mason (aka Cher). Our aim is to discuss what makes these songs interesting, ineffable, or even intolerable. We place special emphasis on the “moments” in these songs where, perhaps, a new interpretation will emerge from. A close look at song structure is also present in our discussions. If that sounds academic, maybe it is a little bit, but we like to keep the analysis in the spirit of the songs we speak of – which means we drink some spirits (for Erik, it’s bourbon, for Weldon, it’s Stambecco) – and that means by the third song, things can get a little wild. Basically, we talk about rock!
In The Past: Garage Rock Podcast
You Didn't Have To Be So Nice
We're taking a brief breather from snarling garage rock and the mean minor third to get a little gentle this week: three versions of The Lovin' Spoonful's 1965 smash, "You Didn't Have To Be So Nice." The original is a "like" song, instead of a played-out love song, featuring sweet harmonies, chimes, autoharp glissandos - but if that all sounds too soft, then Joe Butler's drums will keep you rocking (1:51). We do actually get into the garage to listen to Rasputin and the Monk's charmingly inept take on the tune from 1966 (40:45). The drums thud, the singer sounds like Kermit the Frog, and the backing vocalist warble off-key. It's great!! Even more ridiculous is The Glass Menagerie's version from 1968 (1:00:48). A slow, syrupy arrangment & overwrought singing really mess up the spirit of the song, but this means we have fun talking about how terrible it is. Now go upon your quiet way!!