Guilty Pleasure Songs 2

Several months ago I wrote a post on the subject of Guilty Pleasure Songs, the songs you might be slightly embarrassed to admit to liking.  Well, today let's revisit the subject to come up with another list of songs.  But let's change it up a bit: This new list would not open you up to the laughter of friends like your previous Guilty Pleasure Songs might -- because the 2nd list will comprise songs that many critics agree, are well crafted songs.  Just for fun let's now come up with a list of songs we never, ever grow tired of listening to.  So the guilty pleasure element of my new list of songs (below) is this: Even though they have been around for a few years, I can still listen to them a sickening number of times.  I love listening to my list of songs, even though I have heard each and every song over and over and over again.  Someone else may think it obsessive, but I get the same pleasure out of playing them one more time. ♬♪♪♫♪♪

Listing only one song per artist is the challenge.  In many cases I love an entire album.  I could easily list 3 songs by Jimi Hendix alone; but for my Guilty Pleasure List, I will only list one of his, or any other artist's songs.  Also, I will leave off early iconic rock and rollers, since any one of the early artists, such as The Everly Brothers, could make up my entire list.  And I'm not including recent songs, like Somebody That I Used To Know (by Gotye) or Crazy (CeLo Green) or Blue Jeans (Laura Del Rey) or Telephone (Lady Gaga) since without the test of time, who knows if I'll grow tired of them.  So, here is my list in no particular order:

Best Loved Pop Songs (a/k/a, songs I'm not ashamed to play 10,000 times, or more):

1. Paper In Fire - John Mellencamp

2. Caribbean Queen - Billy Ocean

3. Father Figure - George Michael

4. Ode To Billy Joe - Bobbie Gentry (here)

5. It's Raining Men - Weather Girls

6. Billy Jean - Michael Jackson

7. Super Freak - Rick James: RJ really, really likes his groupies and pays tribute.

8. Smoke On The Water - Deep Purple

9. House of the Raising Sun - The Animals

10. Heartbreaker - Rolling Stones: I love the Mick Taylor period of the band the best.

11. Aqualung - Jethro Tull

12. Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd

13. Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix

14. Freebird - Lynyrd Skynyrd

15. Stairway To Heaven - Led Zeppelin: There's a good reason radio stations play this classic to death.

16. Time Of The Season - The Zombies

17. Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress - The Hollies: Very underestimated band and lead singer, Alan Clarke.  I like so many of their songs, I keep switching my selection.

18. Behind Blue Eyes - The Who

19. Born To Be Wild - Steppenwolf: Everybody knows this ultimate biker song.  I like it even though I will never ride a bike on a highway for fear of becoming a human missile if in an accident.

20. Layla - Derek And The Dominoes: Eric Clapton and Duane Allman playing blues rock is bliss.

21. Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top: Billy Gibbons is an underrated guitarist, who is still very much alive. Click here.

22. Put A Little Love In Your Heart - Jackie DeShannon: I know you're tapping a toe just thinking of how the tune goes.

23. What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted - Joan Osborne with The Funk Brothers here: The FB are Motown's house band.  {Want to hear more of JO?  Click here.}

24. I Heard It Through The Grapewine - Marvin Gaye: The more paranoid, the better, example here.

25. Alone - Heart

26. Come As You Are - Nirvana

27. All Right Now - Free

28. Iron Man - Black Sabbath: About a superhero gone wrong.  Male cousins, thus the influence.

29. Don't Fear The Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult

30. Black Magic Woman - Santana

After you move past the tabloid stories, what you have is a sophisticated songwriter and a gorgeous vocalist.  When George Michael is feeling a song, few other singers can touch him.  Father Figure was a US #1 hit in 1988, but I love this more mature rendition.  For another lovely one, click here.  GM has several fine albums after Faith.                                                      

       

Which songs can you listen to 10,000 times?

                                                                                    

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Win Train's Latest CD: California 37

Nothing says easy, breezy summer like listening to upbeat, feel-good music.  Since Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, THE SAVVY SHOPPER wants to put you in the right mood by giving away Train's latest CD: California 37.

Here's how to enter for your chance to win:*      

Become a member of THE SAVVY SHOPPER blog, then leave a comment, saying you'd like to enter the contest.  If you also "Like" THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S Facebook page [go to top of blog for link], you will double your entries/chances to win.

And don't worry: By signing on to "follow," nothing bad happens; you don't get spammed with promotional emails.  The lucky winner will be announced on June 16th.  It is the birthday of one of our readers, Pam H.

Train's new music is fun.  You can shimmy and dance to it, which is a splendid, uplifting way to begin your summer.  Also this summer, look for the band on tour in a city near you.  Good luck!  ♬♪♪♫♪♪

*Sorry, the winner must have a USA mailing address.  Please don't leave an address under comments, only your name, or username.  The winner will be notified on the blog and can give a mailing address privately.  THE SAVVY SHOPPER received a complimentary CD and is giving it away free to a lucky reader, who will be determined by drawing names.

Update, June 16th: doglvr895 won the Train CD!

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The Secret Sisters: Tomorrow Will Be Kinder

Without a doubt, Laura and Lydia Rogers, The Secret Sisters, of Muscle Shoals, Alabama will collect some major awards and honors in their music careers.  Here they sing their latest, “Tomorrow Will Be Kinder,” a haunting song they wrote while on tour in Australia, after watching television coverage of the damage caused when tornadoes struck Alabama last April.  Locals lost everything and are still recovering.  This original song is included on the Hunger Games Soundtrack.  

Just in time for the Easter season, the song is about hope and optimism and human perseverance.

Black clouds are behind me I now can see ahead Often I wonder why I try Hoping for an end Sorrow weighs my shoulders down And trouble haunts my mind But I know the present will not last And tomorrow will be kinder Tomorrow will be kinder It’s true, I’ve seen it before A brighter day is coming my way Yes, tomorrow will be kinder Today I’ve cried a many tear And pain is in my heart Around me lies a somber scene I don’t know where to start

But I feel warmth on my skin The stars have all aligned The wind has blown but now I know That tomorrow will be kinder Tomorrow will be kinder I know I’ve seen it before A brighter day is coming my way Yes, tomorrow will be kinder A brighter day is coming my way Yes, tomorrow will be kinder

The studio version, and I predict you'll want to listen to the song again😁:

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Sidney Poitier: Actor, Author ... And More

I don't remember a world without Sidney Poitier.  Lilies of the Field, In the Heat of the Night, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, To Sir With Love,  A Patch of Blue.  I remember his movies vividly even though I watched them at a tender age before I should have understood what they were about.  And yet, the way S.P. played a character, I did understand what his films were about.  I especially remember his presence.  He brought a strength and grace to every role he played.

Mr. Poitier's memoir came out in 2000.  Like his acting, The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography is expansive, timeless and worth revisiting.

The book shares memories of his Caribbean childhood, celebrated life and acting career.  He says his parents and boyhood in the Cat Islands gave him his self-worth and unwavering sense of right and wrong.

Poitier was born prematurely in Florida on a trip his parents took to sell tomatoes grown on their farm.  He wasn't expected to live.  His parents spent 3 months nursing him to health before returning home.  He grew up in poverty, but learned to enjoy simple pleasures in a world without material distractions.

At 15 he was sent to live with a brother in Miami.  He moved to New York at 17, working menial jobs and living in a toilet at a bus station.  He joined the Army and later worked as a dishwasher until an audition won him a spot with the American Negro Theater.  Poitier became an actor to earn a paycheck, but worked doggedly to overcome his dialect and develop his craft.

A stage role lead to an opportunity to play a black doctor treating a white bigot in a 1950 film, No Way Out, which lead to other roles, more prominent than what black actors usually were offered in those days.

He talks about his religious faith, thoughts on racism, the influence of world leaders like Gandhi and Mandela and how it was to break barriers along the way.  In 1963 Poitier became the first black actor to win an Academy Award as a leading man for Lilies of the Field. ("I stand up!")

He writes with clarity, passion and humility about being a husband, father and artist.  Throughout his book, he probes personal values and the importance of character. He had less than a 6th grade education, but became an avid reader, as well as, a student and citizen of the world.  In both his private and public life, Poitier strives to honor his upbringing and the legacy of his parents.

In the 70s he became a successful director and producer of films, including Stir Crazy and Uptown Saturday Night.

His talent, morals and likability made him one of the most respected actors of all time.  Today S.P. is 84 years old.  His autobiography is a great book to keep on your shelf for inspiration and life lessons.  In 2008 he published a new book: Life Beyond Measure: Letters to My Great Granddaughter.

 I'm not exaggerating when I say, as a child, I knew Sidney Poitier personified dignity even before I knew what the word meant.  When you see it, you just sense it. 


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What Would You Do If You Were Losing Your Hair?

I feel for men who are going bald. Today baldness is considered hip, but thinning hair has to be traumatic. Hair is such a big part of our identity, a symbol of youth and not everyone looks good with a bald head.

According to several medical sources, male pattern badness affects about 40 million men in the US alone.  Men have a 4 in 7 chance of inheriting the baldness gene.  Studies indicate that early baldness is passed on through the X chromosome, but the Y chromosome plays a part too.  Castrated men don't go bald.  Interesting fact, but yikes!  Don't try it at home.

Male pattern baldness begins with a receding hairline (from the lateral sides of the forehead).  Usually, a woman's hair doesn't start to thin until she is in her 80s.  

In spite of websites that claim to treat baldness, there's not much you can do to slow it down, or regrow your hair.  Two FDA approved treatments, finasteride [Propecia] and minoxidel [Rogaine] have limited success.  And hair implants are costly, painful and not very effective either.

Hollywood types like William Shatner, Nicolas Cage, Matthew McConaughey, Jon Cryer, Jude Law and Gene Simmons are rumored to wear hairpieces while in the public eye.  As did Michael Jackson.  Elton John does too.  It doesn't take experience to know that fake hair is an ordeal to wear.

I don't blame a person for doing whatever he has to do to deal with hair loss.  If it were me, I'd get some tony, happening hats like Micky Dolenz and Cee Lo Green.

Life is change.  Since the beginning of time.  Every body changes.  But, you're in good company.  Many other men are going bald too.  Hopefully, losing one's hair makes a person a little more compassionate.  No one is perfect, and if it's not one thing, surely, it will be something else.

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Guilty Pleasure Songs

When it comes to music, you know good from bad.  Nonetheless, there are songs you like, but you don't want to admit it.  Despite the ridicule of friends, you find yourself tapping your toe to the beat and singing along when you hear the song on the radio.  Well, shut you up!  You know you shouldn't, but ... let's share several of our guilty pleasures, the songs we enjoy, even if we think we shouldn't.  Mine include:

1. Hair by the Cowsills – A pop band consisting of a mother and her six kids.  They sang a memorable cover of the Broadway tune, which became a #2 Billboard hit. Excellent harmonies, but a pop band shouldn't include your mom.

2. Sugar, Sugar by The Archies  – They were not even a real musical group, but a cartoon.  If I worried at all about what others thought, I'd be mortified.  Obviously, I am beyond help, because I don't care.  Ron Dante sang the lead.  Definitely a good beat, and you can dance to it.

3. Secret Agent Man by Johnny Rivers – I can't even remember when I first heard this 1966 hit.  In spite of being known for this cheeky song, Johnny Rivers is a talented musician.  And still a hottie!  Give this song a listen, and tell me you don't like it.

4. Wheel In the Sky by Journey – This song is from a band I can't stand.  They earned millions of dollars for recording 80s elevator rock.  But, sometimes such a band has a song with a good guitar riff, and Steve Perry has a good voice.  Plus, the lyrics are decent.  Still if anyone uses the fact that I actually like a Journey song against me, I will hurt you.

5. Kryptonite by 3 Doors Down – A fun song with a clever hook, marching drum rolls and skillful guitar licks.  Play it LOUD, and pick up your air guitar.  A good melody that builds. [YouTube here: Use their seach to listen.]

And I'm throwing in the featured song [above], because the Raiders often wore silly Revolutionary War costumes when performing (a 60s thing???).  But I'm not embarrassed about liking “Indian Reservation.”  Produced by lead singer, Mark Lindsay, it's a terrific raw song that has held up over the years.  The drum and organ are spectacular.  It was written by John D. Loudermilk, who also wrote songs for The Everly Brothers and Marianne Faithful.  I.R. is the perfect pop song that happens to have a meaningful message.  Much is accomplished in three minutes, and I never get tired of it.  That's why I slapped it up here. ♬♪♪♫♪♪

If pressed, I could come up with a longer list of guilty pleasures, but now it's your turn.  My list illustrates what is often said about music:  You either like it, or you don't.  There's nothing wrong with letting a catchy pop song lift your spirits.  It's not like you can't listen to other music too.  Are you still too timid to admit you like certain songs?  C'mon, get it off your chest.  Confess under comments.


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Milton Berle Called Laughter An Instant Vacation

No doubt about it.  Humor is important to the human condition.  Charlie Chaplin, said “A day without laughter is a day wasted."  And it's true.  So take a break from the busyness of your day to have a chuckle with these funny headlines sent my way by a savvy reader, Ms. Loretta G.  Enjoy:

Did we elect these people?

 Civil War planes? Let me know how that works out.

I'm saying GREAT paint job.

"We had no idea anyone was buried there."

Hmm, resist temptation.

Please, anyone, if you've seen this man...?

What are the odds of that?

 I would have guessed after age 19.

Quincy Jones said laughter is "the soul saying, 'Ain't that the truth.'"   And Mark Twain remarked, "Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand."  Of the comedians still working today, I find Jon Stewart, Craig Ferguson and Jerry Seinfeld especially brilliant.  Going back in time, my family listened to the albums of Mr. Bill Cosby, The Smothers Brothers and the Chad Mitchell Trio.  In some ways listening to routines on records is funnier.  There are sound effects, and you use your imagination.  And of course, we watched reruns of I Love Lucy, Laugh-in, The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Carol Burnett Show to name a few.  I vividly remember Flip Wilson.  And, Richard Pryor was mesmerizing, depicting his harsh childhood and later life.  Have you noticed that the comedy which stands the test of time isn't based on shock value, or mean-spiritedness?   Controversial at the time?  Yes, sometimes ... and occasionally dark ... but, a cut above, not settling for an easy laugh.  

Clever comedy manages to uncover truth and tell us about ourselves.  It remains forever popular because the humor is as true of the present day as when the jokes were written.  Click here for a fascinating interview with The Great One♥, another fond blast from the past.  Now it's your turn.  Who are your favorite comedians, past or present?

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Thinking About Father's Day

My Father -- more than any other person -- gave me the love of music by example.  His musical tastes were surprisingly eclectic; even more so than mine.  He believed there were only two kinds of music, good and bad.  You either like it, or you don't.  My Dad was young when rock and roll began, so naturally we listened to Sam Cooke, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard and all of the pioneers of rock and roll.

As a matter of fact, when Dad wanted to keep 2-or-3-year old Debbie from getting underfoot around the house while he did paper work, or cut grass, he encouraged me to sit in my rocking chair and listen to an Everly Brothers' album on my box record player.  He said, “EB records worked every time.”  He'd pass through the room and see me rocking and mouthing along with Don and Phil:  “♫♫♫ Johnny wants to fly away to puppy love my baby ... He's a bird dog, ♫♫♫” and so, freeing Dad to accomplish his tasks.

In addition to rock and roll music, we listened to show tunes and pop voices like Doris Day, Teresa Brewer, Julie Andrews and Eddie Arnold.  Also, the Chad Mitchell Trio, Marty Robbins, Peter, Paul & Mary and Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass.  I remember being introduced to Simon and Garfunkel, The Band and Janis Joplin when Dad brought their records home and gave them a spin.

We also watched every pop, rock, blues, country, talk-variety-awards show that hit the airwaves:  Merv Griffin, The Midnight Special, The Johnny Cash Show, The CMA Awards, The Grammy's, The Dolly Parton Show, The Porter Wagoner Show, The Wilburn Brothers Show and others.  Dad made popcorn and cocoa for these TV-music nights.

Chet Atkins

When my Dad was a boy, he listened to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio.  Early country music has many of the best and most expressive voices in the history of the music industry.  The songs and arrangements of early country [and bluegrass] are rich and timeless.  Not only is this old-time music preserved in The Library of Congress, it has influenced much of the music we listen to today across genres.  If you are in Nashville, TN, it is well-worth spending a day at The Country Music Hall Of Fame.  I could spend years there.

Sunday is Father's Day, so I'm remembering my Daddy by giving his perennial music a nod. ♬♪♪♫♪♪

Marty Stuart

Carlene Carter has such a sparkle and authenticity.  I love her!  She is the daughter of country singers June Carter and Al Smith and stepdaughter of country legend Johnny Cash.  The grandma she wrote about here, is Mother Maybelle Carter of the iconic Carter Family, who contributed so much to American music.  Carlene is a fine singer and songwriter in her own right.  She was once married to English rocker Nick Lowe and has put out some excellent country rock albums in her career.  The video is good-enough to watch, but I wish it were sharper.  The friends backing Carlene in this performance are some of the finest musicians, still active in the music industry, including Randy Scruggs, Vince Santoro, Alan O'Bryant,*Roy Huskey, Jr, Marty Stuart and Emmylou Harris.

Listening to Carlene's song reminds me of what once was and how the world goes on.  Over the telephone recently, my Mom asked me if I remember how pretty my Dad's [and her Mother's] blue eyes were.

Yes, I do … along with other sweet memories.  Happy Father's Day, fathers!  

Click the links below to learn how the day became a holiday and for ideas on how to spend it with the family.  Enjoy! 

*Roy Huskey, Jr. is deceased.

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