What better song to listen to on World Snake Day? “Boa Constrictor” was written by Shel Silverstein. Johhny Cash covered the song for his comedy album Everybody Loves A Nut in 1966.
The lyrics later appeared in a collection of poems, lyrics and stories called Where The Sidewalk Ends. first published in 1974.
I had this book myself as a child as well as the sequel, A Light In The Attic. I recommend booth books to any kid age 5-12. There is also a musical record to go with the first book.
Today is National Simplicity Day. This track fits perfectly. Released in 1968, it was actually a b-side for the number one hit single “Everyday People”. The b-side surely helped the a-side to top the charts. It’s considered a hit in it’s own right by fans.
Since it’s release has been covered by a number of acts, including Dusty Springfield, Diana Ross & the Supremes, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, The Commodores, Miles Davis, The Meters, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Prince, and many others.
It has also been sampled by numerous artists, including 2Pac, Jodeci, Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy, De La Soul, Digital Underground, Cypress Hill, Gorillaz, Arrested Development, Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, and Alanis Morissette.
July 4th is Alice In Wonderland Day. The occasion is celebrated by Lewis Caroll fans around the world, but especially in England. Why July 4? According to his diary, July 4th 1862 was the day he started telling his rabbit-hole stories to Alice Liddell and her sisters.
This Acid-Rock classic is all about Carol’s famous novel.
From what I can tell, the vocals are live. In fact her performance is sublime. I think the music however is from the studio recording. The rest of the band is pantomiming. Things like this were common on 1960s TV.
Happy Lewis Carol Day. Follow the White Rabbit!
-Wacky Alex
“This is a perfect example of how network television was totally out of touch with what was going on in the 60’s and early 70’s.” -Dane F
“This is how the generation gap ended. All the kids loved hanging out with their parents after this aired, and Jack Webb opened an insurance business with Timothy Leary.” -Rudy S
“…For my birthday in 1969, I received a bike that had a white seat with groovy flowers just like those on the piano.” -Trisha D
“I read that they toured at Leningrad Stadium and sang for Kruschev. It nearly started WW3 when he choked on his vodka and the Politburo took it as an American plot to assassinate him.” -roblindsay101
Wait. WHAT? These are all from the comment section on YouTube.
In my opinion, this bit of footage is so bad that it’s good. It’s like watching a train-wreck but with all the cars painted up in groovy color patterns. Far out man.
If you can find something musical on youtube that is so bad that it’s good, please let us know in the comments!
What makes this track interesting is the production value. It firmly locks the sound into the early 1990s. Clearly the backing track was created on budget synthesizers. You can hear the influence of 1980s new wave, but now it’s a midi sequence. It has a general-midi video game music vibe.
What is your favorite song by Nichols? Do you have a favorite song that mentions Star Trek? Let us know in the comments!
-Wacky Alex
NOTE: The image above is a screen shot for Star Trek The Original Series.
Vaguely channeling his Star Trek character, Mr Spok, Leonard Nimoy gave us a sarcastic critique on western capitalism and hostile marriages. Was he angry about something? The background music is deceptively whimsical with harp, saxophone, and flute.
I can barely interpret human body language as it is. For Vulcans, I am at a loss. So tell me, Does he look irate? Is he holding back a laugh? Is he hella surprised? Let me know in the comments.
-Wacky Alex
NOTE: The image above is a screen shot for Star Trek The Original Series.
The unofficial “part two” of The Major Tom Saga, this song was written and first made popular by Peter Shilling in 1983. You may have heard the 2009 version by Shiny Toy Guns. Shatner released this version in 2011 as part of his Seaking Major Tom album, which also features of cover of the original “Space Oddity”, by David Bowie.
Since then Bill Shatner has actually taken a rocket to space and then returned to the planet surface safely. Of all the artists to cover this song, Shatner is the only one to actually live it out both on screen and in real life. Bill IS Major Tom.
The photo above is a still frame from Star Trek The Original Series.
-Wacky Alex
Hear the brilliant production of Sly Stone in this number one hit for Bobby Freeman. By late 1964, this track beat out The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Ventures, Jan & Dean and Dusty Springfield. You can already hear Sly Stone’s sound in the arrangement, instrumentation, and production.
The Swim was also a dance. Here is a video of Bobby miming the song while doing the dance. This appeared on a television show that year.
Today is National Learn To Swim Day. Needless to say, everyone should learn to swim. A swim instructor first teaches folks how to breath and float. These two things alone can save your life.
We’re using today as an occasion to turn on the summer music! This classic track is included! So tune in to the live stream to hear our summer tracks in the mix.
-Wacky Alex
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