Song: La Bamba (1958) Artist: Ritchie Valens Writer: Traditional Mexican Folk Song, rock arrangement by Ritchie Valens Label: Del-Fi Although his biggest hit was Donna, Richie Valens will forever be most recognized for his enduring Latino rock song La Bamba. In fact, I think it is safe to say that he single-handedly brought “Laino rock” into … Read more
Song: Abacab (1981) Artist: Genesis Album: Abacab Writers: Phil Collins, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford Abacab was one of three singles to hit the U.S. charts from the 1981 Genesis album of the same name. It is a progressive rock song that reached no. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending 14 weeks on the charts. The … Read more
Song: Your Love (1985) Artist: The Outfield Album: Play Deep Writer: John Spinks Most people instantly recognize this song by the opening lyrics, concerning Josie and her vacation. For some reason, they just hit you in the face. Who is Josie? And, why are they singing a song about her? The song is called Your Love … Read more
Song: Caught Up In You (1982) Artist: .38 Special Album: Special Forces Writers: Frank Sullivan, Jim Peterik, Jeff Carlisi, Don Barnes I never knew there’d come a day when I’d be sayin’ to you, “Don’t let this good love slip away…” Those are the beginning lyrics of one of the most popular songs by .38 … Read more
And we danced like a wave on the ocean, romanced; We were liars in love and we danced… Song: And We Danced (1985) Song: And We Danced (1985) Artist: The Hooters Album: Nervous Night (Columbia) Writers: Eric Brazilian, Rob Hyman And We Danced was the first single from the second album of The Hooters, a … Read more
Song: Hooked on a Feeling (1968) Artist: B.J. Thomas Album: On My Way (Sceptor) Writer: Mark James Hooked on a Feeling by Blue Swede is one of the popular tracks from the soundtrack of Guardians of the Galaxy (some of them here). But, the arrangement, with its ooga-chaka ooga-chaka refrain, is quite a bit different than the original. The song was … Read more
Song: Crimson and Clover (1968) Artist: Tommy James & the Shondells Writers: Tommy James and Peter Lucia Album: Crimson and Clover (Roulette) Tommy James credits the song Crimson and Clover for allowing the band to pivot from a singles-oriented AM radio band to FM radio progressive album-oriented rock. Without this change, he is sure, the … Read more