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
Searchin'
By request from Chris & Val of the Cavern Club, we're playing "Searchin'" by The Coasters! It's a Table-Topper and a Goofy Great with an oompah beat and an amazing vocal performance by Billy Guy - what else do you want? On New Year's Day 1962, The Beatles recorded a version that wasn't released for years and that's because it stinks! Isn't the story that they honed their sound in the dirty clubs of Germany? They musta had too much NYE grog because you can't hear it here ... Next up is The Hollies who do a decent British Invasion verzh but it doesn't have the fairy dust it needs. Back to the States for Dick Dale's "Surfin'" - yes it's an adaptation but it doesn't really shoot the curl. Paul Revere & The Raiders's rendition leaves out the Mountie which might be a statement? Neal Ford & The Fanatics offer a subdued take that goes double-time, "Shout"-style at the end. Is 7 the lucky number? No! It's a 1968 (shudder!) track by The Tow-Away Zone and the best thing about them is the name ... stick to the original!!!