I'm a serious man, as serious as cancer some would say. But it's Saturday night, a night on which I allow myself a drink or two and some nostalgic indulgence. Tonight, the unseriousness of nonsense titles and lyrics.
The Rivingtons, Papa Oom Mow Mow
The Trashmen, The Bird is the Word. It is not about Bird's Opening. A partial rip-off of the Rivingtons. Cultural appropriation?
Shirley Ellis, The Nitty Gritty
Shirley Ellis, The Name Game, long version. You didn't know there was a long version? Another reason you need my blog.
The Crystals, Da Doo Ron Ron
Captain Beefheart, Abba Zaba. I'd like to see a transcription of these lyrics. California's Mojave desert can do some strange things to your head.
Manfred Mann, Doo Wah Diddy Diddy
Arthur "Blind" Blake, Diddy Wah Diddy, 1929. Very nice guitar work. "I wish someone would tell me what 'Diddy Wah Diddy' means."
Little Richard, Tutti Frutti
The Chips, Rubber Biscuit, 1956
Beatles, Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da
Eric Clapton, Hootchie Kootchie Man. This one goes out to Ed Buckner. Solo starts at 2:45. Cultural appropriation at its finest.
All good tunes that I remember well, except for 'Rubber Biscuit'. I must have been out doing good deeds that day.
Bwah ha ha ha etc.
Dave
Posted by: Dave Bagwill | Saturday, June 03, 2023 at 07:01 PM
My goodness! I have not seen or thought about old Mr. Natural in decades. The old buzzard is still around.
Posted by: Whitewall | Saturday, June 03, 2023 at 07:53 PM
R. Crumb has a string band, yes the same guy that drew Mr. Natural, and here is one of his tunes: "My Girl's Pussy."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grrp6mxrY5Y
Posted by: Joe Odegaard | Sunday, June 04, 2023 at 10:07 AM
Abba Zaba lyrics:
http://www.beefheart.com/abba-zaba/
'A squid eating dough in a polyethelene bag is fast and bulbous, got me?'
Posted by: Hector | Sunday, June 04, 2023 at 03:20 PM
Dave,
I am shocked that such a fine bit of Americana should have escaped your attention. Buy if truth be told, the only reason I am aware of it is because it was part of Scorsese's "Mean Streets" soundtrack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkGDaroLl_M
Posted by: BV | Sunday, June 04, 2023 at 03:43 PM
Whitewall,
And still remembered by old buzzards.
Hector,
Is 'pussy' used in the U.K. in the way in which it is used in the song Joe uploaded?
Posted by: BV | Sunday, June 04, 2023 at 03:51 PM
No - but we know what it means!
Posted by: Hector | Sunday, June 04, 2023 at 04:48 PM
BV,
Remembered well... which occurred to me later.
Maybe next Sat night's oldies can feature the 'Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers'.
Posted by: Whitewall | Sunday, June 04, 2023 at 07:15 PM