Saturday, January 30, 2010

Ruby Anniversary Song of the Week: "Come and Get It" by Badfinger



"Come and Get It" is Badfinger's first single. (As the Iveys, "Maybe Tomorrow" floundered in the lower half of Billboard's Hot 100 in for 6 weeks in early 1969.) Like the BeeGees before them and the Eagles after, Badfinger arrived on a huge wave of hype. "The Second Coming of the Beatles", some declared. (Record company publicists?) And it certainly didn't hurt that Paul McCartney wrote the song that jump-started their career. But after 3 top ten hits and two well-received albums, the band quickly dropped out of sight in 1972, although they remained together, in one form or another, until 1982. Two of the original members committed suicide: Pete Ham in 1977 and Tom Evans in 1983.

"Come and Get It" entered the Hot 100, inauspiciously, at #92 for the week ending February 7, 1970. It reached as high as #7 and spent 15 weeks on the chart.

The 15 other singles making their first appearance:
(Entry position, peak position, weeks on chart)

"Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel. (49, 1, 14)
One of the biggest songs of 1970, it spend 6 weeks at #1.

"Do the Funky Chicken" by Rufus Thomas. (62, 28, 12)
This song must have received zero airplay on Buffalo radio stations with a top-40 format.

"Never Had a Dream Come True" by Stevie Wonder. (67, 26, 7)
Fast start. Abrupt finish.

"House of the Rising Sun" by Frijid Pink. (73, 7, 13)
It's one-hit wonder time again. Doesn't hold a candle to the Animals version.

"Good Guys Only Win in the Movies" by Mel & Tim. (74, 45, 7)

"Easy Come Easy Go" by Bobby Sherman. (75, 9, 14)
Perhaps we can call him the Fabian of his day. A pretty face. Lotsa radio play for a year or so. Some TV work ("Here Come the Brides"). Then it's adios, amigo. It's interesting to note that Bobby's and Fabian's birthdays are 5 months apart. As far as teen idols come and go, Bobby was practically an old man by the time he took his turn. (And no, Bobby wasn't born in Philadelphia.)

"Shiloh"
by Neil Diamond. (82, 24, 14)

"Why Should I Cry" by the Gentrys. (83, 61, 6)
Yes, those Gentrys, the one-hit wonders from "Keep on Dancing" fame (1965). This one's a nice bouncy little ditty --perhaps a little too reminiscent of "Midnight Confessions" by the Grass Roots.

"My Elusive Dreams
" by Bobby Vinton. (86, 46, 9)
Even his eyes are blue. His website conveniently omits a mention of the year he was born. (1935). If he still looks this good at 74, more power to him.

"I Can't Help Falling in Love with You" by Al Martino. (93, 51, 8)
Al, on the other hand, is obviously allowing himself to age.

"She's Ready" by the Spiral Staircase. (95, 72, 6)
The infectious "More Today Than Yesterday" (guilty pleasure!) is this group's only claim to fame. Another group has taken the name.

"1984"
by Spirit. (96, 69, 9)
The Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus remains one of my favorite albums. Subtlely psychedelic.

"Jesus is Just Alright" by the Byrds. (97, 97, 1)
The last of 16 songs by the group to reach the Hot 100. Columbia must have provided this single with no support.

"The Bells"
by the Originals. (98, 12, 14)

"Call Me"
by Aretha Franklin. (99, 13, 12)
We'll have plenty of opportunities to talk about Aretha later.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Captain Beyond Twin Spin



The 3 stages of collection development of Retiring Guy's personal music library, as exemplified by Sufficiently Breathless.

1. The album spent a considerable amount of time on my turntable in the mid-1970s.

2. I purchased the CD in the late 80s/early 90s -- can't remember when, exactly -- when we all made the switch from vinyl.

3. All the songs from this album are on my iPod, "Evil Men" being a shuffled selection during a walk to the post office this afternoon.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Meryl Streep Rules


Rough Winter

Saw a surprising number of tree with snapped branches while walking through Middleton's Lakeview Park on Monday afternoon.


Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Ruby Anniversary Song of the Week: "Oh Well Part 1" by Fleetwood Mac


Even the studio version of this song was probably too raw for top 40 radio, even by 1970's standards. Recall that 1970 is the year the Carpenters began their 5-year rule of the AM airwaves. "Oh Well Part 1" debuted at #81 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week ending January 31, 1970. It hung around for 10 weeks, peaking at #55. It's the only song from Fleetwood Mac's pre-Buckingham/Nicks era to make an appearance on the Hot 100.

Other singles making their first appearance.
(Entry position, peak position, weeks on chart.)

"Travelin' Band/Who'll Stop the Rain" by Credence Clearwater Revival. (50, 2, 10)
Up and down the chart in a hurry. Often with a B side that garnered as much airplay as side A, Creedence's singles reached the top 10 of the Hot 100 nine times. Five times at 2. But never at #1.

"The Rapper" by the Jaggerz. (79, 2, 13)
One-hit wonder hall of fame.

"New World Coming" by Mama Cass Elliot. (82, 42, 7)

"Down in the Alley" by Ronnie Hawkins. (83, 75, 5)

"Je T'aime...Moi Non Plus" by Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg. (92, 58, 10)
A few tidbits from Wikipedia:
  • The lyrics are written as an imaginary dialogue between two lovers during a sexual encounter.
  • The song culminates in simulated orgasm sounds by Birkin: mostly because of this, it was banned from radio play in Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and the UK, and denounced by the Vatican in a public statement.
  • The song was a commercial success throughout Europe.
  • "Welfare Cadillac" by Guy Drake. (93, 63, 14)

    "The Court of the Crimson King (Part 1)" by King Crimson. (96, 80, 3)
    You are correct if you guessed this is the group's only appearance on the Hot 100.

    "Victoria" by the Kinks. (97, 62, 9)
    The Kinks hadn't released a hit single in the U.S. since 1966. ("Sunny Afternoon"). Surprisingly, this song didn't do much for their airplay.

    "Save the Country" by Thelma Houston. (98, 74, 3)
    Back in the day when everyone, it seems, was covering Laura Nyro songs.

    "Superstar" by Murray Head with the Trinidad Singers. (99, 74 , 7)
    The song makes a return to the Hot 100 in January 1971 and spends what was then a phenomenal 24 weeks on the chart.

    "I'll See Him Through" by Tammy Wynette. (100, 100, 2)

    65 Years Today


    My parents, Carl Evert Reinhold Nelson (1915-1999) and Marion Esther Luthgren (1920- ), were married on this day at Zion Lutheran Church, Rockford Illinois, on Friday, January 26, 1945.

    Monday, January 25, 2010

    Golden Anniversary Song of the Week: "Baby (You Got What It Takes)" by Brook Benton and Dinah Washington



    The combination of Brook Benton and Dinah Washington was as smart a pairing of vocal styles as Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. The first of just two singles they recorded together to reach the charts, "Baby (You Got What It Takes)"* debuted at #79 on Billboard's Hot 100 for the week ending January 31, 1960. It reached as high as #5 and spent 15 weeks on the chart. The song still sounds as fresh as it did 50 years ago.

    (*Link includes Marc Myers bizarre, almost hallucinogenic description of the recording session. Whooooooooa, mama!)

    Other songs making their first appearance:
    (Entry position, peak position, weeks on chart)

    "Midnight Special" by Paul Evans. (70, 16, 13)
    We have our first "national breakout" of 1960, a single that entered the Hot 100 at position 70 or better. This song is a follow-up to the "Seven Little Girls Sitting in the Back Seat", which charted for 18 weeks in the fall of 1959, although it only reached as high as #9. It must have been responsible for a lot of button-pushing on car radios back then.

    "Forever" by the Little Dippers. (77, 9, 14).
    The group's only appearance on the Hot 100.

    "On the Beach" by Frank Chacksfield. (84, 47, 8)
    From the movie of the same name. Another artist with just one song on the Hot 100.

    "Harbor Lights" by the Platters. (86, 8, 16)
    The last of seven top 10 hits by the group. Ten years earlier, just about anyone who recorded this song ended up with a big hit. There were five different versions that reached the Top 10.

    "My Little Marine" by Jamie Horton. (89, 84, 3)
    Horton's only Hot 100 appearance -- and a very unsuccessful one.

    "I Can't Say Goodbye" by the Fireflies. (90, 90, 3)
    Unsuccessful follow-up to one of Retiring Guy's favorite doo-wop songs, "You Were Mine".

    "I Was Such a Fool" by the Flamingoes. (94, 71, 6)
    This Chicago R&B group is responsible for one of the best songs of 1959, "I Only Have Eyes for You". (My love must be a kind of blind love/I can't see anyone but you/doo-bop sh-bop.........doo-bop sh-bop)

    "Mediterranean Moon" by the Rays. (95, 95, 2)
    It took nearly two-and-a-half years for this one-hit wonder group ("Sillhouettes") to reach the charts again. Barely.

    "I'll Take Care of You", by Bobby (Blue) Bland. (96, 89, 3)
    This is the second of 37 of Bland's singles to reach the Hot 100. And there's not a top 10 song among 'em. His best effort was 1964's "There's Nothing You Can Do", which peaked at #20

    "Livin' Dangerously" by the McGuire Sisters. (97, 97, 1)
    Part of a series of last gasps by a once phenomenally popular group. ("Sincerely", "Something's Gotta Give", "Sugartime")

    "Secret of Love" by Elton Anderson. (100, 88, 4)
    Hot 100 one-timer.

    Andre Bauer, Read Your Bible

    "But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed." (Luke 14:13)

    And read this while you're at it.

    Sunday, January 24, 2010

    Friday, January 22, 2010

    Haircut

    Eddie recently purchased a $15 Conair haircut kit – electric clippers with nine attachments and other accessories – and asked me to do the honors.

    I’ve never done this before,” I cautioned.

    “Are you sure you want to put this responsibility in my hands?”

    “How hard can it be?” he countered. “You’re just giving me a buzz.”

    He picked out the #4 attachment and clipped it on.

    “All right, I’m willing to give it a try,” I said, with little conviction.

    “We should probably do this in the garage,” Eddie suggested.

    “Good idea,” I noted.

    He grabbed a wood chair from the family room, and I found an old (clean) towel to drape over Eddie’s shoulder.

    My initial moves were jerky and hesitant.

    “Just move the clipper slowly through my hair,” he instructed. “Don’t force it.”

    “I don’t know about this,” I wavered, nervous about the uneven contours appearing at the back of his head.

    But I kept my mouth shut, figuring that it was much too early to weigh in on my developing skills as a barber. As I gained confidence, I applied the method used by the employees who cut my hair at Great Clips. I moved the clipper in a variety of directions – up, down, over and across. When I finished, Eddie carefully inspected the results.

    “You did a good job, Dad. Thanks.”

    Our thrifty son. The main impetus for the switch to home barbering is economic.

    “This will more than pay for itself after two haircuts,” he declared.

    Maybe I should try this approach myself.

    Thursday, January 21, 2010

    How Quickly Things Change

    "Growing Anti-Abortion Ranks Will Keep Republicans Marginalized." (U. S. News & World Report, 5/15/2009)

    "Republicans in Distress: Is the Party Over?" (Time, 5/7/2009)

    "Republicans fear long exile in the wilderness." (The Guardian, 10/26/2008)

    And then there's this piece of wishful thinking.
    "The Imminent Demise of the Republican Party." (Common Dreams, 1/12/2005. And it's just part one!)

    Wednesday, January 20, 2010

    Democrats Knock Themselves Out

    I just emailed the following message to Sen. Feingold and Sen. Kohl.

    Here's what I've been reading all over the place this evening.

    "Democrats’ talking points: We can’t pass legislation anymore, despite majority."

    Let's just give it the headlines: DEMS DOOMED TO DAWDLE ON DEFENSE.

    The fact that the Democratic party seems to have no fight left in it just sickens me.

    Tuesday, January 19, 2010

    Ruby Anniversary Song of the Week: "Evil Ways" by Santana


    During my sophomore year at UB, Santana's debut was a big hit at both 482-A and 482-B Allenhurst Drive. It was a musical choice that the 10 of us could always agree upon.

    "Evil Ways" was the 2nd cut from this album to be released as a single. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 at #71 for the week ending January 24, 1970 and charted for 13 weeks, peaking at #9. "Jingo", Santana's first single, was always -- and still is, if all's fair in the world -- a sure bet to get folks off their fannies at parties.

    Other songs that debuted the same week. (Entry position, peak position, weeks on chart.)

    "If I Were a Carpenter" by Johnny Cash and June Carter. (80, 36, 8)
    One of 5 versions of this song to reach the Hot 100 from 1955 to 1990. The others: Bobby Darin (1966 and the most successful), the Four Tops (1968), Bob Seger (1972), and Leon Russell (1974).

    "Oh What a Day" by the Dells. (82, 43, 8 "Oh, What a Night" was a much better effort.
    "Oh What a Night", a R&B hit in 1956 that took 13 years to reach the Hot 100, is a much better song.

    "Ma Belle Amie" by the Tee Set. (83, 5, 12)
    One-hit wonder. And not a favorite of Retiring Guy. I still change the station whenever I hear this song played.

    "It's Just a Matter of Time" by Sonny James. (94, 87, 4)
    Reached #1 on Billboard's country chart.

    "Then She's a Lover" by Roy Clark. (95, 94, 3)

    "Always Something There to Remind Me" by R. B. Greaves. (97, 27, 8)
    It's a fiver special this week. Greaves' uninspired version of this Burt Bacharach/Hal David song is one of 5 to reach the Hot 100 from 1955 to 1990. The others: Lou Johnson (1964), Sandie Shaw (1965), Dionne Warwick (1968), and Naked Eyes (1983, the most successful).

    "Got to See If I Can't Get Mommy (to Come Back Home) by Jerry Butler. (98, 62, 5)

    "Guess Who" by Ruby Winters. (99, 99, 2)

    "I've Gotta Make You Love Me" by Steam." (100, 46, 7)
    Na-na, hey-hey, say goodbye. This one-hit wonder quickly ran out of steam, and deservedly so, based on the evidence of this lame follow-up effort. Their claim to fame spent 2 weeks at #1 in late 1969.

    Monday, January 18, 2010

    Marian Daniel's Blender Banana-Nut Bread Recipe: Still the Best....and Easiest

    Blender Banana-Nut Bread

    From Samples from S.A.M.P.L., a cookbook compiled by the Staff Association of the Middleton Public Library in 1983. I've been making the banana bread recipe since 1986.

    Ingredients
    2 large eggs
    1/3 c. shortening
    2 ripe bananas (peeled)
    2/3 c. sugar
    3/4 t. baking soda
    1 1/4 t. cream of tartar
    1/2 t. salt
    1/2 c. nuts
    Sugar (for coating loaf pan)

    Directions
    1. Grease loaf pan (8'x4') and sprinkle liberally with sugar.
    2. In blender container, combine eggs, shortening, sugar, and bananas (sliced).
    3. Blend until smooth.
    4. Add nuts and blend briefly to chop nuts.
    5. Sift dry ingredients into mixing bowl.
    6. Pour blended ingredients over dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
    7. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
    8. Let stand 5 minutes and turn out on ncake rack to cool.

    In the 1980s and 1990s, Marian Daniel worked as a Library Assistant at the Middleton Public Library and on the automation staff of the Link Interchange Network (South Central Library System). She is currently the Circulation Services Coordinator at Amarillo College Library.

    There are many of us in Wisconsin who still miss her.

    Sunday, January 17, 2010

    Golden Anniversary Song of the Week: "Uptown" by Roy Orbison



    Apparently, the world -- or, at a minimum, the U.S. radio-listening public -- wasn't ready for Roy Orbison in early 1960. "Uptown" debuted at #96 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week ending January 24 and ran out of gas at #72 a few weeks later. It charted for a mere 6 weeks.

    Released in 1956, Orbison's first single "Ooby Dooby" -- Well you wiggle and you shake like a big rattlesnake/You do the ooby-dooby til you think you have a break, so, no, I don't think so -- didn't fare much better. It spent 8 weeks on the Hot 100 and peaked at #59.

    But just wait until June 1960 rolls around.


    The rest of the class of January 24, 1960. (Entry position, peak position, weeks on chart)

    "Beyond the Sea" by Bobby Darin. (74, 6, 14)
    Darin already had an impressive run of top 10 hits going back to the summer of 1958. "Splish Splash", "Queen of the Hop", "Dream Lover", and "Mack the Knife". From this point on, though, only 5 of his next 34 singles would reach the top 10. Tragically, Darin died of heart failure in 1973, at the age of 37.

    "Waltzing Matilda" by Jimmie Rodgers. (75, 41, 8.)
    The "B" side of "Tender Love and Care", which debuted the week before.

    "Why Do I Love You So", by Johnny Tillotson. (84, 42, 14)

    "Am I That Easy to Forget" by Debbie Reynolds. (86, 25, 17)

    "Amapola" by Jacky Noguez. (88, 63, 6)

    "Too Much Tequila" by the Champs. (89, 30, 11)
    A prophetic title. "Tequila", still in regular rotation on oldies stations, spent 5 weeks at #1 in 1958.)

    "Cry Me a River" by Janice Harper. (91, 91, 3)

    "I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know" by Sonny James. (95, 80, 3)

    "Time After Time" by Frankie Ford. (96, 75, 6)
    A one-hit wonder. His "Sea Cruise" spent 17 weeks on the Hot 100 in 1959, though it never reached the Top 10.

    "The Happy Muleteer" by Ivo Robic. (99, 58, 6)

    "Since I Made You Cry" by The Rivieras. (100,
    Not the same Rivieras of "California Sun" fame.

    Thursday, January 14, 2010

    Song of the Day: "Tomorrow" by Strawberry Alarm Clock

    Strawberry Alarm Clock makes a "guest appearance" on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, episode 1, January 22, 1968. (And the band is still rockin' from the looks of it.)



    I love this song, and so does Luxuria Music. They play it frequently.

    Though many people may consider Strawberry Alarm Clock to be a one-hit wonder -- their "Incense and Peppermints" spent a week at #1 in late 1967 and is a staple of oldies radio -- "Tomorrow" reached a respectable #23 on Billboard's Hot 100 in early 1968. Though not a museum piece, it's certainly a song of its time but remains extremely listenable.

    Lead guitarist Ed King went on to play for Lynyrd Skynyrd. He talks about his musical experiences in this interview with Gary James.

    Tuesday, January 12, 2010

    Monday, January 11, 2010

    Ruby Anniversary Song of the Week: "Give Me Just a Little More Time" by The Chairmen of the Board


    Sounding for all the world like The Four Tops -- particularly with General Johnson's urgently plaintive vocals -- "Give Me Just a Little More Time" debuted at #85 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week ending January 17, 1970. During its 4 weeks in the top 10, it reached as high as #3, behind "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "The Rapper". It spent a total of 15 weeks on the Hot 100, quite an accomplishment during a period of high turnover.

    Other singles that debuted this week 40 years ago. (Debut position, highest position, weeks on chart.)

    "Honey Come Back" by Glen Campbell. (78, 19, 9)

    "Hello It's Me" by Nazz. (re-entry; 83, 66, 13)

    "The Touch of You" by Brenda and the Tabulations. (84, 50, 8)

    "Psychedelic Shack", by the Temptations. (95, 7, 11)

    "If Walls Could Talk" by Little Milton. (97, 71, 5)

    "Country Preacher" by Cannonball Adderley Quintet. (98, 98, 1)

    "The Ghetto" by Donny Hathaway. (99, 87, 8)

    "Shades of Green" by the Flaming Ember. (100, 88, 5)

    Enthusiastic Republicans

    A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press notes that, among voters who plan to vote for a Republican, 58% are very enthusiastic about voting.

    Apparently, though, Pew didn't ask the most important follow-up question. Which GOP party has your enthusiasm?

    Confused? Read "The First Senator From the Tea Party". (
    2010 will be a year of Republican civil war, and Florida is where the fighting is now fiercest.)

    Sunday, January 10, 2010

    Golden Anniversary Song of the Week: "Let It Be Me" by the Everly Brothers



    "Let It Be Me" debuted at #76 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week ending January 17, 1960. It spent 4 weeks in the top 10, reaching #7, and 15 weeks overall.

    The company it kept, i.e., other singles that debuted the same week. (Debut position/highest position, weeks on chart)

    "What in the World's Come Over You" by Jack Scott. (75, 5, 16)

    'Tender Love and Care" by Jimmie Rodgers. (83, 24, 10)

    "Theme from a Summer Place" by Percy Faith. (96, 1, 21)

    "Let the Good Times Roll" by Ray Charles. (97, 78, 3)

    "Tell Her for Me" by Adam Wade. (98, 66, 7)

    "Bulldog" by the Fireballs. (99, 24, 11)

    "Teenage Hayride" by Tender Slim. (100, 93, 2)


    From Songfacts

    T6his is a reworking of a French song recorded in 1955 by Gilbert Becaud called "Je T'Appartiens."

    The first English version of this was recorded in 1957 by an actress named Jill Corey.

    One of the first pop songs to use a string section. 8 violins and a cello were used. It was also the first Everly Brothers song to use strings.

    Just before this became a hit, The Everly Brothers left their original label, Cadence Records, and signed with Warner Brothers for a $100,000 bonus, which was huge at the time.

    This was the first Everly Brothers song they did not record in Nashville. It was done in New York.

    Three other versions have entered the US top-40: Betty Everett & Jerry Butler in 1964, Glen Campbell & Bobbie Gentry in 1969, and Willie Nelson in 1982.

    Saturday, January 9, 2010

    Warren High School 1897-1961: High in Air Thy Spires are Tow'ring

    From Historic Buildings in Warren County, volume 5.



    From Warren High School Dragon Yearbook 1950.


    From Warren High School Dragon Yearbook 1954.


    From Warren High School Dragon Yearbook 1954.


    From Historic Buildings in Warren County, volume 3


    From Warren High School 1941 Dragon yearbook.

    Friday, January 8, 2010

    Final AP College Football Poll (Color-Coded)

    1. Big Ten. 4 teams. 9.25 average.

    2. SEC. 4 teams. 10.25 average.

    3. Big 12. 3 teams. 12.33 average.

    4. Big East. 3 teams. 16.00 average.

    5. ACC. 4 teams. 16.50 average.

    6. PAC 10. 2 teams. 16.50 average.

    Middleton's Abandoned Sentry Store

    Here we are at the forlorn northwestern corner of Allen Boulevard and Maywood Avenue.



    The 20,000-square-foot space has been vacant for 5 years.


    The vacancy is a reflection of this retail area's difficulty in attracting a critical mass of long-term tenants.


    The only action here is the weeds.

    Warren Area High School Exhibition Hall circa 1962

    Movin' & groovin'!
    From the 1962 Dragon yearbook.

    Two of Today's New York Times Film Reviews


    Headline that makes you want to miss this movie at all costs: Ireland in February, With Romance in the Air, Manure on the Ground. (Leap Year)

    Comment that makes you want to reconsider your decision to skip this movie: What counts is how Mr. Cera’s face, much like that of a silent-screen actor, conveys sincerity and a sense of wonder, in part because, like those performers, he doesn’t seem corrupted by the camera’s attention. (Youth in Revolt)

    Song of the Day: "Little Sister" by Elvis Presley

    Elvis was born on January 8, 1935. He would have been 75 today.



    What better reason to listen to my favorite song by The King.

    Thursday, January 7, 2010

    The Ross Sisters: Can You Spell Lithe?



    (via boingboing)

    Song of the Day: "Reaching Out" by the Climax Blues Band



    Though never reaching the top tier, Climax Blues Band built an extremely loyal following. (Retiring Guy has been a faithful fan for more than 35 years.)

    "Reaching Out", from Sense of Direction, a 1974 release, remains my favorite song of theirs. (The album spent 29 weeks on Billboard's Top 200 chart, peaking at #37. The song, most likely, was never released as a single.)

    But if you really want to hear the band at its best, check out FM/Live (1973). Though ostensibly one of those obligatory double-live albums that every group but Steely Dan seemed to put out in the1970s, the music is anything but. If you doubt Retiring Guy's word, here's what the 5 reviewers at amazon.com have to say. (All 5 reviewers award the album 5 stars.

    "...one of the best live albums ever made, bare none..." (OK, so J. Talsma attended a few too many English classes stoned)

    "One Of The Best Just Got Better".

    "Perhaps the best LIVE album(s) of all time...
    "

    "A true classic".

    "My favorite live album".

    Warren Area High School: Aerial View

    From the 1962 Dragon yearbook. (You look mahvalous!)


    From back in the day when there used to be an unobstructed view of Warren from the high school's perch. (Though from a different angle than these partially obstructed views from Washington Park. Somebody tell those trees to stop growing!)



    Song of the Day: "Soul Serenade" by Willie Mitchell

    Willie Mitchell (1928-2010)



    "Soul Serenade" spent 15 weeks on Billboard Hot 100 during the spring of 1968, peaking at #23. Mitchell is best known as the producer of all those great Al Green songs from the 1970s.

    Wednesday, January 6, 2010

    Warren Area High School: From the Beginning

    As seen on the pages of the 1961 Dragon yearbook.

    From the dedication page. We, the Class of 1961, are highly honored to be the first class to be graduated from this imposing edifice.






    Multiple units required.

    Gunning for Cameron: 'Avatar' arouses conservatives' ire.

    And speaking of out of touch.

    Friday, January 1, 2010

    Hello University of Cincinnati Football Fans



    He knows all his hopes and dreams
    Begin and end at the Sugar Bowl.

    Labels