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
I Ain't No Miracle Worker
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Back to the garage this week for a five-pack of versions of "I Ain't No Miracle Worker." The Annette Tucker/Nancy Mantz penned tune (they wrote "I Had Too Much Too Dream Last Night) was originally waxed by The Brogues in 1965. The Everyman, gruff vocals will put hair on your chest and the precise playing will make you think these guys can move mountains. An even more macho take comes from Canada's Great Scots, and we can attest to Canadian masculinity, can't we?The singer of this one might have turned into The Hulk (TM) later ... Podcast faves The Chocolate Watchband slow the tempo down and had some exotic touches - is that a balalaika? Dave Aguilar's vocal performance is more pained and we like the nuances. In the early 80s, British retronauts The Barracudas did the tune & it's jangly, power-poppy, and even a little post-punk in the vocals. Nice one, that. Finally, fast forward to 2023 for a postmilennial version by The KVB that draws out the no-hope message of the song and our times! Just take them for what they are!!!