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
It's Gonna Take A Miracle
In Episode 28, we’re taking it to the rooftops to shout about the sweet-soul classic “It’s Gonna Take A Miracle.” First off is the original 1965 version by Baltimore’s greatest girl group, the Royalettes (@ 2:50) – and we double the fun by discussing both the song and the incredible video (found on our podcast’s Facebook page) . Like us, you'll get lost in Sheila Ross’s eyes and bounced around by arranger Teddy Randazzo’s dynamic orchestral crescendos and tympani rolls. Six years later, Laura Nyro’s version (@ 43:01) hits us hard with her harrowing-night-of-the-soul performance, and the solid, supportive backing of the vocal group Labelle might be the only thing keeping us from jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge. 11 years later, and could you find a more different performance than Deniece Williams’ 1982 hit version (@ 1:19:40)? We manage to fit in some observations on DW’s slow-dance, doo-wop, placid and plush Motown-ish reading, in between discussing its incredible video, facts about the Family Ties theme song, and a crucial digression on karaoke in Edmonton, Alberta at the turn of the 21st Century.