05.12.11
Graduate research
Speaking of graduate research, in getting ready for my next big rock show on Sunday in Pasadena (you’re invited if you’re close) I usually spend some time listening to old tunes for something to throw in at the last minute.
Yesterday, I got sidetracked onto British Invasion, Herman’s Hermits, in particular.
While they were a Mickie Most-produced bunch, they actually did play their instruments quite well. And it came through on the hits for the US market.
Here’s a charming clip, “Henry the 8th,” from Sullivan.
Lek’s guitar solo is perfect.
And here, from a televised British concert, where they’re obviously reproducing it live, “She’s a Must to Avoid” and the much less well known “You Won’t Be Leaving:”
And if you’re not too faint of heart, the Dave Clark Five doing “Bits and Pieces.”
Man, dig the crazy hard rock sound, the pounding drummer, the stamping feet!
Mikey said,
May 12, 2011 at 8:45 am
One thing I usually appreciated (but not everyone did in the audience) on local performances by local talent was the “tweaking” of lyrics, and/or entire verses and even the chorus on an otherwise well-known cover, to reflect some current reality. Might be time-worn or forgotten by now…some things are actually better left in the past. But talk about an instant opinion poll on current controversial events…
“I don’t want to touch a nerve – I want to take it out and play with it!” (anon.)
DD said,
May 12, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Weird Al was the only guy who got famous doing spoofs on pop music but he was apolitical. On the other hand, way further back, Tom Lehrer comes to mind.