Friday, July 18, 2014

Music Review: Hits of the 60s: Then He Kissed Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu6lwJxQ7Tg
This CD is an anthology of 20 hits from the 60s.  This is an interesting time in music.  Music was changing from a pop feel to a harder rock.  It was also a time when we were moving pass the segregation in music, but still there were songs recorded by both African-American singers and white singers.  Some of these songs are very catchy.  I particularly like "My Boyfriend's Back" by The Angels.  This is storytelling at its best.  "You better watch out because by boyfriend's back."  "Hats Off to Larry" by Del Shannon is a song about your girlfriend who left you for Larry, not getting hers when Larry leaves her.  "It's your tune to cry, cry, cry."  "Ferry Cross the Mercy" is a precursor to the British invasion.  This is Gerry and the Pacemakers making a statement for leaving the confines of your broken heart.  Marmalade hit a very nice melody in "Ob-la-di ob-la-da" but I can't say much for their lyrics except they do proclaim "life goes on."  "He's So Fine" by the Chiffons was written by their manager.  This song hits the mark with a doo-lang, doo-lang, doo-lang in the background.  This album has "If I Were a Carpenter" by Bobby Darin.  I prefer The Johnny Cash version.  "(Dance With) the Guitar Man" has some great guitar playing.  This song was recorded by Duane Eddy.  The Troggs hit "Love is All Around" is made by the guitar as well.  The base starts out with a very catchy low melody.  Marvin Gaye intones the classic "I Heard it Through the Grapevine."  This is a very energetic song and moves the blood. 
"Leader of the Pack" is performed by The Shangri-Las.  This is also very good story telling, with father saying you can't be with him.  Her breaking up, and then he crashing in the rain and killing himself.  This is classic story telling.
As an overall package, this album has plenty of dancing music and story telling music and classics.  I enjoyed it. 

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