Dear Abby - Dog Songs - "Me and You and a Dog Named Boo" by Lobo (1971)

Dear Friends,

I have an oldies song that involves a dog for you today.   It is called "Me and You and a Dog Named Boo."  It's about a young hippie couple who are taking a road trip with their dog named Boo.  They have adventures, including getting stuck in the mud, taking food and working to pay off their debt, and ending up back in Los Angeles, ready to go again.

The lyrics include the chorus:

"Me and you and a dog named Boo 
Travellin' and livin' off the land 
Me and you and a dog named Boo 
How I love being a free man"

This song was a hit in 1971.  It was written and performed by Lobo (real name Kent LaVoie).  Kent LaVoie is originally from Tallahassee, Florida.  He was in a band called The Rumours in the 1960's with Gram Parsons and Jim Stafford.  He also played in a band called the Sugar Beats.  He decided to try a solo career, and recorded under the name Lobo ("the wolf").  "Me and You and a Dog Named Boo" was his first hit.  It went to #5 on the charts, and received a gold record.  Lobo had two other 1970's hits - "I'd Love You to Want Me" and "Don't Expect Me to Be Your Friend."

I found a video of this song so you can listen.   Have you heard this one before?



I always love to hear from you in the comments.   Wishing you a good weekend!

Love,
Abby xoxoxo

Music Monday - "Summer in the City" by The Lovin' Spoonful (1966)

If I ever get around to making my summer favorites playlist, "Summer in the City" will be in the mix.

"Summer in the City" is a 1960's oldies pop song by the Lovin' Spoonful.  It was written by John Sebastian, Steve Boone, and Mark Sebastian.  It really captures summer in the city -- starting with a VW Bug horn and ending with a jackhammer!   The lyrics include:

"Hot town, summer in the city
Back of my neck getting dirt and gritty
Been down, isn't it a pity
Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city
All around, people looking half dead
Walking on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head
But at night it's a different world
Go out and find a girl
Come-on come-on and dance all night
Despite the heat it'll be alright
And babe, don't you know it's a pity
the days can't be like the nights
In the summer, in the city
In the summer, in the city."

I found a fun video of the song that sets the music to an old Harold Lloyd silent movie called Speedy.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.



What is your favorite summer song?   I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below.

Music Monday - "All Summer Long" by The Beach Boys (1964)

If I was making a playlist of my favorite summer songs, "All Summer Long" by The Beach Boys would be high on the list.  

This song was written in 1964 by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, and it's the title song of The Beach Boys' All Summer Long album.  The harmonies are wonderful, and that is a xylophone you hear in the background, along with a piano.

The lyrics capture old fashioned summer fun like:

"T-shirts, cut-offs, and a pair of thongs
(T-shirts, cut-offs, and a pair of thongs)
We've been having fun all summer long
(All summer long you've been with me)
I can't see enough of you
(All summer long we've both been free)
Won't be long til summer time is through
(Summer time is through)
Not for us now
Miniature golf and Hondas in the hills
(Miniature golf and Hondas in the hills)
When we rode the horse we got some thrills
Every now and the we hear our song
(Every now and the we hear our song)
We've been having fun all summer long"

Here are two minutes of retro summer happiness:



Do you like the Beach Boys?  What is your favorite of their songs?  I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below.

Music Monday - "Girl Don't Come" by Sandie Shaw (1964)

This is another one of those great retro songs that I only discovered in recent years - thanks to SiriusXM radio.  I love the decades channels on XM, like '60's on 6, '70's on 7, etc.  And this is yet another song that would be great in the soundtrack for a tv show or movie.

"Girl Don't Come" was a 1964 song by Sandie Shaw.  Sandie Shaw was from Great Britain, and was the first winner of the Eurovision contest.  She had several British hits and performed frequently on tv, usually appearing barefoot as part of her image. 

This song was released in the UK in 1964, and made it to America by 1965.  It charted at #42 on the Billboard chart.  It probably would have gone higher if Sandie Shaw had been able to tour;  unfortunately, she was not able to obtain a work permit to travel to the U.S. to promote this single.

Later, Sandie Shaw got married and began pursuing acting and writing children's books.  Eventually she went back to school and became a psychotherapist.

Here's this week's song.  It's a jazzy little ballad with a distinctly 1960's sound.  What do you think?

Music Monday - "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney (1970)

Do you have a favorite love song?  My favorite changes from time to time, but I always seem to come back to "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney. 

Paul McCartney wrote this song for his wife Linda just before the Beatles broke up.  It's such an empassioned love song about how love can make you stronger and can fill you with a sense of wonder:

"Maybe I'm amazed at the way you love me all the time
Maybe I'm afraid of the way I love you
Maybe I'm amazed at the the way you pulled me out of time
And hung me on a line
Maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you"

There were several versions of this song over the 1970's.  The original was released as a music video in the U.K. in 1970.  It is all music and photos of the McCartney family, and it is beautiful.  Paul McCartney did not want to release "Maybe I'm Amazed" as a single, although it appeared on his McCartney album (1970) and also Wings Over America (1976).  The single was released in 1977.  Paul McCartney has said that this is the song he wants to be remembered for.

Here is the original video.  I hope you enjoy!  

Music Monday - "Come to the Sunshine" by Harper's Bazaar (1967)

Now here is an oldies song you don't hear often, even on SiriusXM radio.  They play it occasionally - that's where I first heard it.  (I have no memory of this song from my childhood.)   It's such a fun sunshine pop song ... really perfect for a cold winter day.

"Come to the Sunshine" was written in 1966 by Van Dyke Parks.  He was inspired in part by his father's Depression era big band, The White Swan Serenaders.  Before his musical career, Van Dyke Parks was a child actor on tv shows.  He had a recurring role as Little Tommy Manicotti (the kid from upstairs) on The Honeymooners.  He released a 45 of this song in 1966.

Van Dyke Parks later worked as a lyricist with Brian Wilson, including for the Beach Boys' Smile album.  He worked with many other major artists, including Ringo Starr, Donovan, The Byrds, Tim Buckley, and U2.

This song was covered in 1967 by Harpers Bazaar.  Harpers Bazaar was a 1960's sunshine pop band from Southern California.  Several of the band members were original in the Tikis.  Van Dyke Parks, who wrote the song, played piano on this record. This is the version of "Come to the Sunshine" that gets the most oldies radio airplay.

There is also a great retro music podcast called Come to the Sunshine, hosted by Grammy nominated producer Andrew Sandoval.  It specializes in sunshine pop, and this song is the theme song of that podcast.  You can find it on TuneIn radio or any podcast player, or just listen online:  Come to the Sunshine.

Here's this retro gem ... let me know what you think!   This is the poppy version by Harpers Bazaar. 



And here is the original version, by Van Dyke Parks from 1966.  His version features overlapping vocals, mandolin, and jazz piano.

Music Monday - "Ride Captain Ride" - Blues Image (1970)

"Ride Captain Ride" was a hit in 1970 for Blues Image, climbing to number 4 on the charts.  Blues Image was a band out of Tampa, Florida.  This was their one hit wonder, but the members of the band later went on to play with other singers and groups including Iron Butterfly, Chi Coltrane, Bobby Womack, Alice Cooper, Three Dog Night, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

"Ride Captain Ride" was written by Blues Image members Mike Pinera and Frank "Skip" Konte.  An interesting bit of trivia about this song -- it was inspired by the number of keys on Mike Pinera's Rhodes piano:  "73 men sailed up, from the San Francisco Bay."

This song reminds me of childhood summers, of the beach ... happy memories.  Do you remember this one?  I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below.

Music Monday - "Let's Go (Pony)" by The Routers (1962)

I am certain that I never heard this tune until I chanced upon it playing SongPop recently.   It is so fun and catchy I had to share it with you!

"Let's Go (Pony") was a 1962 hit by The Routers.  This group started playing together in 1961.   Their style was instrumental surf rock.  "Let's Go" made it to #19 on the Billboard chart.   I can just imagine Gidget and her friends dancing - or surfing - to this fun song.  It features clapping and sounds a bit like a pep rally.  Who doesn't need a pep rally on a Monday morning?

Have you ever heard of this song before?  (I will be so impressed if you have!)   I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below.

Music Monday - "Lightnin' Strikes" by Lou Christie (1966)

I always say that I don't like falsetto voices in music - and then I have to amend and add that I really like Lou Christie and Frankie Valli.  "Lightnin' Strikes" was a number one hit in 1966, and was written by Lou Christie and Twyla Herbert.

Lou Christie was born Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco in 1943 and grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  He was an aspiring recording artist since his teens, and had his first hit in 1962 ("The Gypsy Cried").

I remember this song from AM radio when I was a very little girl.  I loved it then and still do.  The recording is below, for your listening pleasure.

Music Monday - "I Hear A Symphony" by The Blossoms with Darlene Love

I found this video by chance. "I Hear a Symphony" was a big hit for the Supremes (1965). It has always been one of my favorite of their songs.  This cover, from about the same period, has The Blossoms, with lead singer Darlene Love, performing the song.  It is from Shindig, a 1960's variety show that I have only heard of.  I looked up Shindig and found it aired 1964 - 1966, and The Blossoms were regular musical performers on the show.

The Blossoms were a girl group that formed in Los Angeles, California in 1954.  The group evolved, and there were a number of different women included over the years.  The most famous group was Fanita James, Jean King, and Darlene Love (pictured above).  They sang on their own, and also worked as back up singers (for The Ronettes, Shelley Fabares, Marvin Gaye, and more).  

Here's a short video of The Blossoms.  What do you think?   I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below.

Music Monday - "Rain" by The Beatles (1966)

I have always thought that "Rain" by the Beatles is one of the band's great underrated songs.  This was originally released in 1966 as a B-side to "Paperback Writer."  It was inspired by the strong rains the Beatles saw in Melbourne, Australia, when they were on tour.   This song was on the great Hey Jude album (maybe my all time favorite record album).  Here to listen and enjoy - whether it is rainy or sunny where you are:


Love the Beatles? What are your favorites of their songs? Any other Beatles songs that you consider underrated?  I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below.

Music Monday - "Li'l Red Riding Hood" by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs (1966)

"Li'l Red Riding Hood" was a novelty hit in 1966. It made it to number 2 on the Billboard Top 100.  This song was sung by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs.  Sam the Sham was actually Domingo Samudio.  He  hauled his music equipment in a 1950's vintage hearse!  Here is a fun performance video from 1966, interspersed with an old Betty Boop cartoon.  I thought this fun, quirky song would be a good music break today.  

Do you remember this tune?   What is your favorite novelty song?

Music Monday - "God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys (1966)

I have always loved the Beach Boys.   They are second only to the Beatles in my list of musical favorites.  I change my mind from time to time about my favorite of their songs, but I keep coming back to "God Only Knows."  This is such a beautiful song, written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, and featured on the album Pet Sounds.  The lyrics and harmonies are beautiful.  The song begins:

"I may not always love you
But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it
I'll make you so sure about it

God only knows what I'd be without you"

I also  love the instrumentation, which includes French horns, violins, cellos, and even accordions.

This song was featured in the Brian Wilson biopic Love & Mercy.  I saw the movie this weekend, and if you love retro music and the Beach Boys, it is a must see!  I think it may be my all-time favorite musical biopic (and this is a genre I love).  It is beautifully written, with strong performances from Paul Dano, John Cusack, and Elizabeth Banks.  The way that love brings Brian Wilson back to his life, and ultimately saves him after a breakdown, is both moving and uplifting.  I've included the trailer from the movie for you:

Do you love the Beach Boys? Have you seen Love & Mercy? I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below.

Music Monday - "I Live For The Sun" by The Sunrays (1965)

If you've read this blog long, you know that I love The Beach Boys.  I really love beach music and summer music in general.  "I Live for the Sun" by The Sunrays was a 1965 hit -- and it sounds a lot like the Beach Boys.  Today is Memorial Day in the United States, and sort of the unofficial start to summer ... so I thought this would be a fun song to share with you.

Music Monday - "I Hear Trumpets Blow" by The Tokens (1966)

This is one of those great oldies that you rarely hear on the radio.  It comes on SiriusXM, 60's on 6, occasionally and I always turn the radio up. 

The Tokens started making music together in Brooklyn as the Linc-Tones in 1955.  Neil Sedaka was in the earliest incarnation of the band, but left early on.  The Tokens' big 1961 hit was "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."  "I Hear Trumpets Blow" charted in 1966 and went to 148 on the U.S. charts.  They had a cute puppy dog record label, too - you'll see it on the video clip.  

Music Monday - "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" - The Four Freshmen (1960)

I heard "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" by The Four Freshmen on the radio over the weekend and found it charming.  This song was on the 1960 album First Affair.  The Four Freshmen were a vocal jazz group that had wonderful harmonies.  They have an old fashioned sound and remind me of some of the great Big Band era vocalists.  This song was originally recorded by Frank Sinatra with the Tommy Dorsey band, and there was even a Polka Dots and Moonbeams fabric pattern promoted to go along with the song.  I love everything about this song ... it sounds like something that would have played at a dance on Father Knows Best.  Can't you just picture Betty Anderson slow dancing with a prom date to this number?

Movie Review: 20 Feet from Stardom

20 Feet From Stardom is one of my favorite movies from recent years. This 2013 Academy Award winner (Best Documentary) goes behind the scenes with some notable background singers including Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, Judith Hill, and more.  These women sang backup on some iconic songs, but their names and faces are not well-known.   You'll meet them in this movie, and also hear from singers including Mick Jagger, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Bette Midler, and more.

The movie has some fascinating footage of 1950's background singers, who were often called "readers" because they had a great skill at reading music and hitting the notes pitch perfect.  As the 1960's brought rock, pop, and soul music, background singing changed to a free form art, with more interpretation by the singers.

The heart of the movie is Darlene Love, who found success as a backup singer working with Phil Spector.  Her experiences working with him, and the trajectory of her career (both highs and lows) are chronicled here.  Spector manipulated her, using her voice on songs by the girl group The Crystals (a group she did not belong to), while promising her that the songs she recorded would be promoted under her name.  She did have a 1960's hit with "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)."

You will also meet Merry Clayton, who had a last minute, late night call to do backups for the Rolling Stones.  She left the house in her nightgown and a mink coat to record the memorable background vocals on "Gimme Shelter."

Some of the women profiled in this movie tried a solo career and returned to background singing.  Some of them love background singing and harmonizing.  They are all passionate about music, with great stories and songs.

If you love music, especially 1960's and 1970's, you will find this movie fascinating.  It is the rare film that I finished with the immediate thought:  "I am looking forward to seeing this again."

If you've seen 20 Feet from Stardom, I would love to hear what you thought of it in the comments below.  

For your listening pleasure:  Darlene Love sings "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" on The David Letterman Show (2013):

Music Monday - "Break Away" by The Beach Boys (1969)

My Music Monday song is "Break Away" by the Beach Boys because this song has been stuck in my head the past couple of days.  I love the Beach Boys' music.  Their songs always remind me of summer.  "Break Away" was written by Brian Wilson and his father, Murry;   Brian said it was inspired by the Monkees.  It was recorded in 1969, so it is a later period Beach Boys song.  I remember this song from the Spirit of America record album (1975).  I played that album, and Endless Summer, over and over and over as a teen.

What Beach Boys songs are your favorites?  I would love to hear from you in the comments section, below.   

Music Monday: "It's Gonna Be Alright" by Gerry And The Pacemakers

"It's Gonna Be Alright" by Gerry and the Pacemakers is musical comfort food for me.  This is such a great oldies song!  It was popular in America in 1965.  Gerry and the Pacemakers were a British invasion band.  Like the Beatles, they were from Liverpool, managed by Brian Epstein and recorded by George Martin.  Here's this goodie - enjoy!