Song: The Joker (1973) Artist: Steve Miller Band Album: The Joker (Capitol) Steve Miller’s lyric on The Joker, the pompatus of love, really stands out. I’ve already explained where he got that from. No, it was not original to him. Many people, including myself, also love the line from The Joker, “You’re the cutest thing … Read more
Song: Sanford and Son Theme (The Streetbeater) (1972/1973) Artist: Quincy Jones Album: You’ve Got It Bad Girl Label: A&M Composer: Quincy Jones Sanford and Son is one of the greatest American television shows of all time. I’m still amazed that Redd Fox was only 49 years old when the show started. He so successfully portrayed … Read more
Song: Ring My Bell (1979) Artist: Anita Ward Label: Juana Records Songwriter: Frederick Knight Yes, some people think that the hit disco song Ring My Bell was recorded by Blondie and sung by the great Debra Harry. In fact, if you search for “blondie ring my bell lyrics” you will get a result that lists … Read more
Song: American Girl (1976) Artist: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Album: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (Shelter) Writer: Tom Petty Although American Girl never charted in the U.S. the first time it was released in 1976, it has become one of the favorite Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers songs of all time. It is considered … Read more
Song: Cum on Feel the Noize (1973) Artist: Slade Label: Polydor Writers: Noddy Holder, Jim Lea Cum on Feel the Noize is the song that made Quiet Riot, but the original band who did the song, Slade, was almost unknown in America at the time, despite having already been around over 15 years, with a … Read more
Song: It Never Rains in Southern California (1972) Artist: Albert Hammond Album: It Never Rains In Southern California (Mums) Writers: Albert Hammond, Mike Hazelwood It Never Rains in Southern California, believe it or not, was written by an Englishman in rainy London. I wouldn’t have pegged it as a number a hit in the U.S., … Read more
Song: Barracuda (1977) Artist: Heart Album: Little Queen Writers: Ann Wilson, Micheal Derosier, Nancy Wilson, Roger Fisher Barracuda is perhaps the song most identified with Heart. It is one of those songs that makes people think of Heart as a Led Zeppelin-influenced hard rock band with legendary female vocals. Their angriest and edgiest song, it … Read more