During the late 1960s and early 1970s a new musical genre was developed. It kicked in the door of the music world and turned into a phenomenon that is still going strong some 50 years later. There are no obvious signs of it slowing down any time soon. In case you didn’t get the hint from my new header image, I’m talking about heavy metal!
Last week you will recall I concluded my segment on the “unholy trinity” of heavy metal music with two weeks still remaining. Well, you should know by now that I will never leave you hanging! I have prepared something special for the final two weeks of October – two banging groups who can hold their own quite nicely against the likes of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. Let’s take a look at my selection for week four.
Formed in Birmingham, England in 1969, Judas Priest is one of the most influential heavy metal groups of all time, emerging at the dawn of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Decked out in leather and chains, the band combined the gothic doom of Black Sabbath and blazing speed of Led Zeppelin with the inventive art rock of Queen consistently powered by the dynamic banshee wail of Rob Halford and the vicious dual lead guitar attack of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing. You read that right – two lead guitars, a first!
Priest set the pace for heavy metal from 1975 until 1985 with iconic albums like British Steel (1980), Screaming for Vengeance (1982) and Defenders of the Faith (1984) and helped lay the groundwork for speed and death metal. The group struggled after Halford’s departure in the early ’90s but was restored to prominence in the 2000s upon his return. The only voice I want to hear with Priest is Halford.
Judas Priest was inducted into the Hall of HeavyMetal History at the Wacken festival in August 2018, were they were thanked “for the decades of hard work and dedication to heavy metal, an art form they helped establish.”
In May 2022, it was announced that the band was to be among the 2022 inductee class for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the recipients of the “Award for Musical Excellence”
I’ve written more than enough and I’m sure you’re tired of reading! It’s time for some Priest! Here are a few of my favorite Judas Priest songs. As I’ve been saying since week one, listen to one or listen to all – it’s totally your call here In The Groove.
Get ready, kids. It’s time to go to church! Here is Judas Priest!
Finally, the song that would become an instant hit, making Judas Priest a household name, and going on to be one of the band’s most beloved staples …. from their 1980 album British Steel, here is Judas Priest’s first major hit, Living After Midnight”.
That’s the way it is with heavy metal and groups like Judas Priest; you can’t stop at just one!
We’re getting down to the wire, gang; I wonder if you have any idea who’s waiting in the wings as my next hot choice for the final week of October. Boy, time sure does fly here In The Groove!
Thanks for hanging with me week after week; you’re the reason I do these posts. I’d love to hear who you think is scheduled for next week. Leave a comment naming the group you think should be included in this segment, then we’ll see who got it right.
Join me next week; the party’s just about over! 🤘🏼
This piece was originally written in October, 2020. It was recently revamped to complement a flash I wrote three days ago called ‘Force Majeure’. This story is based on true events and the people are my family members. The names of the characters have been changed…. all except Susie. Her name remains unchanged. 🛸
Known for their dry wit and clever sense of humor, twins Ben and Jack couldn’t get anyone to believe they saw a UFO on the beach. No matter how hard they tried, everyone just laughed it off as a prank. The teenaged siblings, younger sister Jenny and their parents lived in a cottage one-half mile from the beach in Amagansett. Cousin Susie and her parents lived next door and the four teenagers were always together. It was a Saturday night and their parents were hosting the weekly bridge game. Everyone was slightly inebriated and laughingly dismissed the twin’s tall tale of UFOs.
It all began about two hours earlier. The foursome were on the beach listening to the radio, shooting the breeze and smoking cigarettes they snuck out of the kitchen cabinet. The sky that night was pitch-black, devoid of any stars or even a sliver of the moon. Their flashlights gleamed like little beacons as they sat in a tight circle on the sand.
“Twist and Shout” came on the radio and the girls jumped up to dance, trying to get the boys to join in. The twins just laughed and laid back on the sand, their arms folded under their heads. Looking up at the sky, Ben noticed an unusual light far off in the distance and pointed it out to the others. Holding their flashlights close to their faces, they started making up stories about the light being a UFO; the amber glow made their features look like they were extraterrestrials.
The teens decided the far away object in the sky was just a plane but there was something unusual about it. This ‘thing’ didn’t move in a forward direction as an airplane would; instead it gradually descended toward the water as it shifted slightly from left to right slowly approaching the shore. The closer the amorphous glow came to the beach the more it took on the appearance of a giant jellyfish.
The dim lights of the mysterious craft started getting brighter until they were so intense the four teens had to shield their eyes. The curious object began vibrating slightly; as the cousins peeked through their fingers, the vibrations increased and the ship started emitting shrill sounds. Covering their ears, they sought shelter behind an overturned rowboat. Realizing Susie was not with them, Jack looked back and saw her standing on the shore, arms outstretched and staring directly at the ever-increasing light.
The boys called out her name and yelled for her to come to them but their voices couldn’t be heard above the piercing noises of the missile. Susie stood in a trance, unable or unwilling to move as a shimmering halo surrounded her entire body. The strange craft hovered over her as long-reaching prongs crackled and sparked like electric tentacles. After about 30 seconds, the noises abruptly stopped and the lights dimmed; the missile spun around and shot off like a rocket in the direction from which it came. In an instant it was gone, swallowed up by the blackness of the night.
Susie fell to her knees, shaken and dazed but otherwise seemingly unharmed. The boys raced to their cousin, grabbed her arms and ran back to their hiding place. When Susie felt like she was able to walk, they made their way home; no one spoke a single word.
For a couple of days after the incident, the teens try to tell their parents what had happened. No one took their stories seriously and they eventually stopped talking about it. When a small article about strange sightings in the sky was written up in the newspaper, it was dismissed as a practical joke. As time passed, that night on the beach was never mentioned again.
Life went on as usual for the teens except for Susie. About six years after the incident on Amagansett Beach, Susie became ill with debilitating headaches and terrible pains in her stomach. After a series of tests, doctors couldn’t find anything wrong with her yet she continued to suffer. One night while Ben, Jack and Jenny were visiting Susie, the conversation turned to that night on the beach. It was the first time in six years that the cousins spoke about that bizarre event.
Ben told the others of a strange recurring dream that had been haunting him. The room became silent as he quietly described legions of small humanoid creatures with conical heads working in some sort of laboratory. A few of the little men led Ben into a room; in the middle of the room was a large round cushion. Ben was stripped of his clothes, massaged with lotions and given a white robe to wear. He was handed a large vial of liquid and instructed to drink it, then he was told to lie down on the cushion. The last thing he remembered was one someone saying “Let the process begin”.
The silence in the room was broken when Jack declared in a disbelieving voice “Are you fucking kidding me? That’s not possible! I’ve been having the exact same dream!” In a trembling voice Jenny tearfully described herdream of being artificially impregnated and giving birth to numerous ‘alien’ babies. Susie gasped and turned ashen. It was then that she realized she had been having the same dream as Jenny. This was too incredible! The four cousins were shaken to the core by this revelation and had no idea what to make of it. One thing was for certain: they were convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that whatever occurred that night on the beach was causing them to have these dreams.
Susie was overwhelmed by all the talk about the dreams and began to cry. Suddenly she clutched her abdomen and started moaning loudly in extreme pain, begging to be taken to the hospital. Her cousins immediately drove her to the emergency room. The doctors ordered X-rays, an ultrasound and CT scan for Susie; all the tests came back normal and she was sent home. In a voice no stronger than a whisper Susie told her cousins that even though the doctors could find nothing wrong with her, she knew she was very sick. Susie was in a very bad place physically, mentally and emotionally and no one knew what to do to help her. She just wanted to be left alone and to never talk about that horrible night again.
Over the next few months, Susie’s health worsened. At the age of 21, her periods stopped and she went to see her gynecologist; he determined that Susie had at least one miscarriage. She was aghast at what the doctor said and insisted that was impossible because she had not had sex in more than four years. The gynecologist assumed Susie was in a state of denial and referred her to a psychologist but she refused to go. Once again Susie was admitted to the hospital for a dilation and curettage to clear her uterine lining, a common procedure after a miscarriage. Two nights later she died in her sleep at home; an autopsy revealed no known cause of death, no medical reason why she should have died. Susie was just three weeks shy of her 22nd birthday.
Ben, Jack and Jenny were devastated by their cousin’s death; they made a pact that they would never again discuss their dreams or anything about that night on the beach. Eventually things returned to normal and the dreams stopped. The siblings all got married, settled down and raised families and that terrifying night years ago was all but forgotten.
Now here they were, just one month after Ben and Jack’s 75th birthday and reports were surfacing of luminous globes suspended over the waters of Amagansett Beach. Susie’s tragic death and sixty years filled with unanswered questions came rushing back. Despite all the unexplained happenings that Ben, Jack and Jenny experienced, word of these new sightings now left them with an inexplicable compulsion to go back to where it all began.
Is it their need to learn the truth or are they being summoned? Ben, in his typical rational and logical way made the final decision: in memory of Susie and for their own peace of mind they would never return to Amagansett Beach.
For this week’s Song Lyric Sunday, Jim Adams is asking us to think about songs dealing with “changes”. Well, how can I pass up an opportunity like that? Today I am going with a song from a group usually not associated with ballads. My featured artist is Black Sabbath and my song choice is an obvious one: “Changes”.
Sabbath was formed in Birmingham, England in 1968 by guitarist Toni Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osborne. Like so many young guys from that time period, they were looking to escape a life of factory work through music. They got their start in such bands as the psychedelic Rare Breed and Mythology. Influenced by the reigning British rock and blues bands of Led Zeppelin, Cream and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, our four enterprising guys formed Earth Blues Company (shortened to Earth) in 1968. Then, as Black Sabbath, the group helped define the heavy metal music genre early in its career with the release of albums such as the eponymous Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1971) and Master of Reality (1971).
Black Sabbath has sold over 75 million records worldwide, making the group one of the most commercially successful metal bands. They were ranked by MTV as the “Greatest Metal Band of All Time” and placed 2nd on VH1’s list of “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock”. Black Sabbathwas inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2019 the band was presented a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
As I mentioned earlier, these four guys suffered the same plight as many young men …. give up your youth and life to working day after day in the factories, the mines or on the docks doing back-breaking manual labor and earning barely enough to exist or find an escape through music. This is true for so many guys who formed bands back then. And success did not come overnight. They earned it all. This is just one of the many reasons I love heavy metal music and why I get annoyed at people who dismiss it out of hand as nothing but noise.
But I digress…..
“Changes” is a piano ballad mainly inspired by drummer Bill Ward’s ongoing breakup with his first wife. As explained in Ozzy Osbourne’s autobiography, while in the studio and experimenting with the piano, guitarist Tony Iommi composed the song’s sentimental melody. This was later accompanied by bassist Geezer Butler’s lyrics. The song was not recorded with a real string ensemble. Instead, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi used a Mellotron to create the sound of an orchestra. The ballad also does not feature guitar or drums. Quite different from Sabbath’s previous work, “Changes” has been described as ‘heartbreaking’ and ‘forlornly pretty’.
From Black Sabbath’s 1972 album, “Vol 4”, this is “Changes”:
Lyrics
I feel unhappy, I feel so sad I’ve lost the best friend that I ever had She was my woman, I loved her so But it’s too late now, I’ve let her go
I’m going through changes I’m going through changes
We shared the years, we shared each day In love together, we found the way But soon the world had its evil way My heart was blinded, love went astray
I’m going through changes I’m going through changes
It took so long to realise And I can still hear her last goodbyes Now all my days are filled with tears Wish I could go back and change these years
I’m going through changes I’m going through changes
Three decades later in 2003, Ozzy Osbourne re-recorded “Changes” as a duet with his daughter, Kelly. The lyrics for this version were revised to reflect their relationship and moments of their life together focusing on the changing relationship of a father and daughter drifting apart. This rendition reached No. 1 in the UK singles chart.
Here are Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne performing “Changes”:
Lyrics
[Verse 1: Kelly Osbourne & Ozzy Osbourne] I feel unhappy, I am so sad I’ve lost the best friend that I ever had She is my baby, I love her so But it’s too late, now, I’ve let her go
[Chorus: Ozzy Osbourne with Kelly Osbourne] We’re going through changes We’re going through changes
[Verse 2: Kelly Osbourne & Ozzy Osbourne] We shared the years, we shared each day I love you, daddy, but I’ve found my way You know, the world is an evil place My baby’s grown, now, she found her way
[Chorus: Ozzy Osbourne with Kelly Osbourne] We’re going through changes We’re going through changes
[Verse 3: Kelly Osbourne & Ozzy Osbourne] It took so long to realize And I can still hear his last goodbye Now, all my days are filled with fears Wish I could go back and change the years
“Changes”
Single by Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne
from the album Shut Up
Released
8 December 2003
Length
4:07
Label
Sanctuary
Songwriter(s)
Ozzy Osbourne Tony Iommi Geezer Butler Bill Ward
Producer(s)
Mark Hudson
Ozzy Osbourne singles chronology
“Stillborn” (2003) “Changes“ (2003) “In My Life” (2005)
It was a busy night at The Cock ‘n Bull. The second act was about to start when Paige Turner came running out of her dressing room screaming that she’d been robbed.
Imagine my embarrassment when I, Angie O’Plasty, queen of the Chicago circuit drag queens, was accused of trying to absquatulate with all the girl’s expensive wigs!
Of course it was a complete misunderstanding and I was exonerated when my nemesis, Brook Trout, was found with the stolen goods.
It’s Sunday so you know what that means; another round of Name That Tune! Are you up for it?
As usual, I’ll give you five clues and you try to figure out just what the hell it is I’m talking about! OK? Great!
Let’s get this game started!
Our featured song has a woman’s name as its title; before a final decision was made, two other names were in the running – Daisy Hawkins and Ola Na Tungee (to reflect the Indian musical influence today’s group was into at the time).
Today’s group hails from the UK and is still considered a great little band even though they haven’t performed since 1969.
This song, released in 1966, is a track on the group’s 7th studio album – the one with the famous B&W artwork done by a well-known German artist/musician/record producer who occasionally played bass with the group.
The members of our featured group provided all the vocals for this song but did not play any of the instruments; a classical string ensemble – in this case an octet of studio musicians comprised of four violins, two violas and two cellos – performed the score which was composed by the group’s producer.
The lyrics of today’s song provided a narrative on loneliness and disinterest which contributed to the transformation of the group from a mainly rock ‘n roll and pop-oriented act into a more experimental, studio-based band.
That’s it, kids. How do you think you fared today? Let’s find out. You know what to do.
Yeah, yeah, yeah! If you answered “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles, you are correct!
Are you ready to hear that beautiful song? From their “Revolver” album, it’s the Beatles singing “Eleanor Rigby”. Here goes:
When I was younger, I usually avoided the slower Beatles songs in favor of the more rockin’ ones. Now that I’m infinitely wiser and incredibly older, I’ve come to deeply appreciate these intricately woven ballads. There’s a profound message in songs like this one, She’s Leaving Home, Yesterday, In My Life, For No One, etc.
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, ‘Eleanor Rigby’ is on The Beatles’ album ‘Revolver’. The YouTube image above is an example of the incredible B&W artwork by Klaus Voormann and is just one of a series. Several years ago I had the pleasure of communicating with Mr. Voorman via a brief email exchange; that’s a topic for another time but for the record, he is a delightful and charming man.
Now here is my question of the day:
How do you feel about The Beatles’ ballads? Do you prefer them over their rockin’ tunes or do the rock numbers do it for you? Do you have a favorite Beatles’ ballad?
Please leave a comment or post your favorite Beatles song. C’mon, everybody has a favorite Beatles tune, unless you’re from the Philippines. “Why?”, you may ask. Because the Beatles were banned from the entire country after declining an invitation to have breakfast with the first lady, which caused a mob to attack their hotel. The Beatles unintentionally snubbed Imelda Marcos who had expected them to attend a breakfast reception at the Presidential Palace. The band never returned to the Philippines after the incident, likely due to the traumatic experience of being chased by an angry mob!
Well, that does it for another edition of Name That Tune; join us tomorrow as Pete presents another Breaktime Whodunnit post.
A guest post written by my friend, Paul Griffiths, AKA The Birkenhead Poet 🕊️
My father says he hates the Arab. I know, my father says he hates the Jew. Why can’t they shake hands and be friends just like me and you?
I wonder why they hate each other. Yes, it’s strange indeed and I find it hard to understand. Our father’s hatred for each other started over a silly piece of land.
My father calls this piece of land Israel. My father calls this land Palestine. Why can’t they live together peacefully and then everything would be fine?
My father says he would die for his homeland. Yes, my father says the same. My father tells me the Palestinians are the problem. My father says Israel is to blame.
I think the world of grownups is a crazy place. Yes, I think you’re right about that; I totally agree. Why can’t our fathers see past their hatred and become friends like you and me?
I know, wouldn’t that be great if our fathers could be friends; to live at peace together so that this senseless fighting ends? It would be a dream come true if the fighting was to cease. To live as one together, to finally be at peace.
But my father hates the Arab. Yes, and my father hates the Jew. Who knows – maybe the solution to such a problem stems from us children, kids like me and you.
Yes, wouldn’t that be cool? Peace found in a peaceful way. Such a simple solution to a problem almost sounds like child’s play. If only our fathers could be friends instead of sworn enemies, How things would be different, how better things could be.
Maybe if we both spoke to our fathers maybe they could call a truce; A peaceful solution finally brokered by the innocence of youth.
I’d like to thank Paul for allowing me to share his poem on my page. There are countless songs written about peace in our world; here’s one of my favorites –George Harrison’s “Give Me Love”.
Sixty-something years had passed since that night on Amagansett Beach but the twins and their younger sister had never forgotten.
Their cousin, Susie, had been with them that night. She was the only one who didn’t run from the strange fluorescent orbs as they hovered above the shore. She was imprisoned, locked in place, arms reaching heavenward.
Susie was never the same after that night. Only ten years later, she died of unknown causes.
Now there were new reports of luminous globes suspended over the waters of Amagansett Beach; the twins and their sister felt an inexplicable compulsion to return.
Author’s Note: This story is based on true events experienced by my husband, his twin brother, their sister and their cousin when they were pre-teens. After that night, they never again discussed the mysterious and frightening incident. Quite a few years later during the course of conversation, they were shocked to discover they all had the same disturbing recurring dreams.
Robert hadn’t realized that he’d passed the point of no return until he found himself frantically searching the kitchen for anything that would remove blood stains. After getting an urgent call for help from his brother Daniel, Robert raced over to see what was the problem. Now he was knee deep in a drift of dastardly deadly deeds.
“DISSOLVE IMPOSSIBLE STAINS … TAR, WINE, GREASE, EVEN BLOOD!” read the label on a spray bottle of multi-purpose cleanser stashed under the sink.
“I found it!“ shouted Robert walking back into the parlor. Daniel was still standing over the body of Stuart Barclay, his business partner.
“Great! Gimme that, Bobby. I have to get this blood stain out of Marilyn’s antique Persian rug before she gets back from her weekend in Manhattan. This is her favorite rug; it cost a fortune and can’t be replaced!
“Danny, I think you’ve got bigger problems to worry about than your wife’s rug” replied Robert. “Stuart’s dead! You said it was an accident so why not just call the police?”
“I can’t! It’s not that simple, Bobby. Stuart had evidence against me.”
“Meaning what, Danny?”
“He confronted me months ago. He had proof I’d been embezzling and forging legal documents. Stuart was gonna turn me in and I couldn’t let that happen!”
Agitated, Daniel paced the room. He continued: “I found out that Stuart was having an affair with the wife of our wealthiest and most important client. I had him followed. I have photos of them together. I called Stuart and suggested he come over tonight to talk and told him to use the rear entrance just to keep things on the down low. When he got here, I told him I knew about his affair. Things got heated and he came at me. I sidestepped him and Stuart cracked his head against the mantle. Bobby, if any of this gets out, I’ll be ruined. My reputation as an attorney will be trashed. I need your help, brother! We gotta clean this rug and get rid of Stuart’s body!”
“Embezzling? How could you be so stupid, Danny?” exclaimed Robert. “Ok, look. What’s done is done and there’s nothing we can do about it now. You’re right – we gotta take care of this mess. I’ll scrub the rug; you go see if you can find some plastic sheeting or a tarp. I’ve got a plan.”
By the time Daniel returned with a tarp, rope and rubber gloves, the rug looked amazingly clean. “Good as new! That’s one problem solved” Robert declared.
“And no questions from Marilyn“ quipped Daniel. “Now tell me about your plan, Bobby.”
“Ok, Danny, this is what we’re gonna do.We wrap Stuart in the tarp and put him in his car; you drive his car down the back roads to the ditch at Quarry Road. Take it slow and keep the lights off. I’ll drive my car down the main road and we’ll meet up at the ditch. We can’t be too careful so if anyone happens to be watching the house, they’ll see only me leaving, not you. When we get to the ditch, all we have to do is get Stuart’s body out of the tarp, place him in the driver’s seat of his car, put the car in ‘DRIVE’ and give it a push down into the ditch. Then we’ll get in my car and drive back here. It’s perfect, Danny; it’ll look like an accident.”
“Yeah, that just might work, Bobby! It’s got to work!” replied Daniel. “Let’s do it!”
The brothers snapped on their gloves, rolled Stuart onto the tarp and tied it up; the bleeding from the gash in his forehead had finally stopped. They struggled getting Stuart’s body out the back door and into his car;for a skinny little prick, he sure was heavy! Once they had the body secured in the passenger’s seat, Daniel got behind the wheel and drove off, taking the back roads to the ditch.
As planned, Robert and Daniel met up at Quarry Road. Still wearing their rubber gloves, they lifted Stuart out of the passenger seat, removed the tarp, placed him behind the wheel in the driver’s seat and buckled his seatbelt. Making sure the gear was in ‘DRIVE’, they pushed Stuart’s car down the ditch and watched it crash into the stone wall of the abandoned quarry.
Tossing their gloves onto the tarp, they balled everything up and stuffed it into one of the old metal trash cans near the quarry. Robert threw a lit match into the can and the duo, now co-conspirators, smoked a joint as the tarp and gloves melted away into nothingness. Robert pocketed what was left of the joint, then the brothers showered the contents of the trash can with sand and rocks to smother any remaining embers. Taking a quick look around, they headed back up to Robert’s car.
Everything went off without a hitch and for the first time that night they relaxed. Once back at Daniel’s house, Robert cautioned his brother to speak about this to no one …. not his wife, not his priest, not his mistress.
Three days later the police discovered Stuart’s car in the ditch; there was no apparent sign of foul play. There was also no one in the car nor anyone nearby, dead or alive.
That evening Daniel got a call. “Hey, partner. You’re a bigger loser than I could have imagined! We’ve got some unfinished business to discuss, Danny boy.”
Daniel felt light-headed and slumped against the wall. The caller was Stuart and he sounded very much alive.
This is the American rock group Kansas performing “Point of Know Return”.
It’s all new Birthday Thursdays at The Rhythm Section. No talk, no fuss, no muss. Just wall-to-wall music! Stop by and check it out! 🎂 https://rhythmsection.blog/
Welcome to Birthday Thursdays here in The Rhythm Section. Each week I will feature someone from the world of music whose birthday falls on that day. There won’t be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures – just some great tunes (and an occasional surprise). Check it out right here every Thursday and enjoy the music.
Happy Birthday to Patrick Simmons Born October 19, 1948 in Aberdeen, Washington
Glyn from Mixed Music Bag is asking us to feature musical groups starting with the letter “O” for the month of October; today I’m showcasing a very well-known group and one of their most popular songs.
The O’Jays are an American R&B group from Canton, Ohio formed in 1958. They made their first chart appearance with the minor hit “Lonely Drifter” in 1963 but reached their greatest level of success in 1972 once they were signed to the Philadelphia International label by producers and songwriters Gamble & Huff. The O’Jays emerged at the forefront of Philadelphia soul with “Back Stabbers” (1972) and topped the US Billboard Hot 100 the following year with “Love Train“. Several other US R&B hits followed; the O’Jays were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2013.
“Love Train” by the O’Jays was written by the team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. This hit single skyrocketed to No. 1 in the US and No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. It was the O’Jays’ first and only number one record on the US pop chart. “Love Train” has been considered one of the first songs of disco music.
On January 27, 1973,“Love Train” entered the Hot 100’s top 40, the same day that the Paris Peace Accords were signed. The song’s lyrics of unity mention a number of countries, including England, Russia, China, Egypt and Israel, as well as the continent of Africa. Record World said of the single release that the “tune chugs right along with a Gamble and a Huff” and could become the biggest hit from the “Back Stabbers” album …. which it did. “Love Train” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2006.
I think you will agree this song’s message of peace and unity throughout the world is one that is needed even more today than ever before.
Performing on the TV show “Soul Train”, here are the O’Jays doing their classic hit song, “Love Train”:
Lyrics
People all over the world (everybody) Join hands (join) Start a love train, love train People all over the world (all the world, now) Join hands (love ride) Start a love train (love ride), love train
The next stop that we make will be England Tell all the folks in Russia, and China, too Don’t you know that it’s time to get on board And let this train keep on riding, riding on through Well, well
People all over the world (you don’t need no money) Join hands (come on) Start a love train, love train (don’t need no ticket, come on) People all over the world (join in, ride this train) Join in (ride this train, y’all) Start a love train (come on, train), love train
All of you brothers over in Africa Tell all the folks in Egypt, and Israel, too Please don’t miss this train at the station ‘Cause if you miss it, I feel sorry, sorry for you Well
People all over the world (sisters and brothers) Join hands (join, come on) Start a love train (ride this train, y’all), love train (come on) People all over the world (don’t need no tickets) Join hands (come on, ride) Start a love train, love train Ride, let it ride Let it ride Let it ride People, ain’t no war
People all over the world (on this train) Join in (ride the train) Start a love train, love train (ride the train, y’all) People all over the world (come on) Join hands (you can ride or stand, yeah) Start a love train, love train (makin’ love) People all over the world (’round the world, y’all) Join hands (come on) Start a love train, love train People all over the world Join hands Start a love train, love train People all over the world Join hands Start a love train, love train People all over the world Join hands Start a love train
Ever since he was a small boy growing up in Fairfax, Missouri, Will Horton was obsessed with baseball. Every chance he had he’d play ball with his friends and when no one was around, he’d spend hours bouncing a ball off the old shed behind the house.
In 5th grade Will was one of the starting pitchers for his Little League Team, the Badgers. They practiced three or four days a week after school and played a game every Saturday against the rival team – the Coyotes. By the time Will entered 7th grade, he qualified for the traveling team playing both home and away games.
Most nights during baseball season, Will and his dad Tom would hunker down in front of the TV and watch the local major league baseball team, the Kansas City Royals. Will dreamed of one day playing with the Royals in Big K Stadium; he longed to go to a game but tickets weren’t cheap and Kansas City was 100+ miles from Fairfax. “Some day” Will would whisper to himself and fall asleep every night clutching his mitt.
On his 10th birthday Tom surprised Will with two tickets to the Royals game. Will talked nonstop all the way to the game, quoting all the Royals stats. Arriving at the Big K, he swore it was the biggest building in all Missouri. Will was the happiest he’d ever been. The smell of peanuts and hot dogs filled the air and the crowd was anxious for the game to start. Finally the Royals ran onto the field to cheers from the fans. They played a great game and won with a staggering score of 16 to 2. All the way home Will and Tom talked about the game.
That night at bedtime Will made himself the biggest promise ever – to one day be starting pitcher for the Royals against the most famous baseball team in the world: The New York Yankees.
Time went on, Will graduated high school and was recruited by the University of Miami as pitcher for the Miami Hurricanes. In the evenings he delivered pizza, saving what money he could. He was living his dream. One night that dream abruptly turned into a hellish nightmare when Will’s delivery car was sideswiped by a truck and slammed hard into the side of a building. Will lost consciousness and woke up in the hospital; his pitching arm had been amputated just above the elbow.
Will was devastated; his baseball days were over before they even started. Needing to get away from Miami and reminders of the crash, he transferred to a college in Cincinnati which happened to be located across from The Great American Ballpark, home to the Cincinnati Reds. On game nights he’d go up to the school’s rooftop alone to watch the games.
One particularly dismal night about eight months after his accident, Will pushed himself up onto the ledge of the roof and inched his way to the edge. Hugging the stump of his right arm, he stared at the twinkling lights coming from The Great American. Will swayed slightly; there was nothing to hold on to. He looked straight ahead at the stadium, then closed his eyes and slowly lifted his right foot off the ledge. What did he have left in his life?
In the heavy silence of the night, Will was aware of a barely imperceptible click as the door to the roof quietly closed. A soft voice by his side asked “You don’t really want to do that, do you?”
“What’s it to you? You don’t even know me.“
“That’s true” came the reply “but if you jump, who’s gonna go to tomorrow’s game with me?“
Planting his foot back on the ledge, Will glanced out of the corner of his eye. There stood a petite figure wearing a baseball cap. From the back pocket of her jeans she produced two tickets and placed them down on the ledge.
The shadow of a smile crossed Will’s face; this girl had spunk. Offering her hand, Will reached out, grabbed hold and climbed off the ledge.
“Hey, I’m Kate.”
“Will Horton” he replied.
“Well, Will Horton. Do we have a date?”
He paused for just a second. “Yeah. Why not?”
“If you play your cards right, Will Horton, there’s a couple of good games coming up in June and July. Ever hear of a little team called The New York Yankees?”
Will suddenly realized he was still clutching Kate’s hand. It felt really good having someone to hold on to.
It’s October – World Series month here in the USA and the games begin in just 10 days. Unfortunately for us here in NY, the Yanks fell short again but if you’re a diehard baseball fan like me, you’ll watch any game that’s on TV. Here’s a great song in honor of America’s Favorite Pastime – “Centerfield” by John Fogerty. Play ball!
I hope you’ll join me today as we continue our musical journey In The Groove. Hold onto your baseballs! ⚾️ https://rhythmsection.blog/
During the late 1960s and early 1970s a new musical genre developed into a phenomenon that is still going strong some 50 years later and shows no sign of slowing down. In case you didn’t get the hint from my new header image, I’m talking about heavy metal!
Today I’m featuring the final group from the “unholy trinity”, a band that has been my go-to metal group since it’s inception. There has always been something very special about this favorite group of mine – whether it’s the incredible vocals, the blistering guitar or even just the name itself, I was and still am a big fan. You’ll soon see why I feel as I do.
Bill and I got to see these guyson October 22, 1971 in the Felt Forum which was the theatre inside Madison Square Garden. We saw a lot of groups at the Forum but the night of October 22 was memorable. Earlier in the day while I was out with my parents, our house was burglarized. I recounted the incident on my website; the story is called “Poor Althea’s Boy” – https://theelephantstrunk.org/2023/08/17/poor-altheas-boy/
On the ride into Manhattan for the concert, I found my mind drifting back to just a few hours earlier when we discovered the house had been burglarized. There’s a dreadful sense of losing control, deeply unsettling feeling of being violated attached to a crime in your home, your safe place. Uninvited people were in our house, going through our personal property. To say it’s disconcerting is putting it mildly. Thank goodness no one was home at the time except the first floor tenant and he heard nothing nor was he harmed in anyway. He had his headphones on and was completely oblivious to what was going on upstairs.
I asked my parents if they wanted me to stay home with them that night; they said no, the police had everything covered. I was relieved; I needed a diversion, something magical to take my mind off the break-in.
Deep Purplewas just the ticket.
Deep Purple got its start in London in 1968. Originally formed as a psychedelic and progressive rock band, the group shifted to a heavier sound in 1970 with their album “Deep Purple In Rock”. In the early to mid-seventies, Deep Purple had been referred to as “Britain’s hardest and heaviest metal group” and was listed in the 1975 Guinness Book of World Records as “the globe’s loudest band” for a 1972 concert at London’s Rainbow Theatre. To date the band has sold more than 100 million albums.
Just like any other band who has endured the test of time and is still touring today, Deep Purplehas had multiple reincarnations. For me, these members formed the greatest lineup: Ritchie Blackmore consistently at the helm as lead guitarist; Jon Lord (keyboard, strings), Roger Glover (bass, 1969-1973) followed by Glenn Hughes (bass, 1973-1976), Ian Gillan (lead vocals, 1969-1973) followed by David Coverdale (lead vocals, 1973-1976) and Ian Paice (drums); original members Ian Gillan, Roger Glover and Ian Paice are still with the band in concert today.
In no particular order, here are some of my favorite songs. Listen to any, listen to all; each one is great!
This is Deep Purple!
Now for the mother of all Deep Purple songs.
On December 4, 1971, Deep Purplewas in Montreux, Switzerland to record the album “Machine Head”. On the eve of the recording session, a concert with Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention was held in the casino’s theatre. This was the theatre’s final concert before the complex closed down for its annual winter renovations, which would allow DeepPurple to record there. At the beginning of the Mothers’synthesizer solo on “King Kong”, the place caught fire when “someone stupid” in the audience fired a flare gun towards the rattan-covered ceiling. Although there were no major injuries, the resulting fire destroyed the entire casino complex, along with all the Mothers’ equipment. Here is the retelling of that night’s events – a saga set to music.
This is “Smoke on the Water”.
That’s the way it is with heavy metal and groups like Deep Purple; you can’t stop at just one!
I hope you enjoyed this edition of Metal Madness featuring the last member of the “unholy trinity”.
But wait! Something doesn’t add up!
Today’s edition covered the third Tuesday in October; what about weeks four and five? Well, have no fear; I am prepared! I will be stepping outside the realm of the “unholy trinity” next Tuesday; please join me to see who I’ve chosen for Week #4. I think you’ll agree it’s a good fit. 🤘🏽
Thanks for reading my posts and for being a great audience and good sports. I look forward to catching up with you again next week.
For Jim’s Song Lyric Sunday, I’m celebrating the phenomenal voice and life of the legendary Etta James, whose heartfelt tunes and soulful pipes captured an enduring spot in American music history.
James was born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938, in Los Angeles, CA. She grew from a gospel prodigy into a versatile singer of jazz, R&B, soul, blues and rock ‘n’ roll.
James’ greatest success came after she signed with Chicago-based Chess Records in 1960. During her time with the company, which inspired the movie “Cadillac Records”, she produced pivotal works including “A Sunday Kind of Love,”“Trust in Me,” “At Last,” and “I’d Rather Go Blind” which I am showcasing today. These great songs are all part of her hits album, “The Chess Box” as well as highlighted in “The Essential Etta James”.
“I’d Rather Go Blind” written by Ellington Jordan and co-credited to Billy Foster and Etta James, is one of those blues songs you hear once and never forget. It was first recorded and released in 1967 by Etta James and has subsequently become regarded as a soul and blues classic.
“I’d Rather Go Blind” was written while Ellington Jordan, AKA “Fugi”, was in prison. Fugi poured his grief from being incarcerated into the song and in 2006 told an interviewer “I got tired of losing and being down. I was in prison and didn’t know when I was going to get out. I sat in a piano room and began to write”. For Etta James, the song was about being blind in her “love life” and her “personal ways”, she wrote in her autobiography “A Rage to Survive: The Etta James Story”.
Over the years, “I’d Rather Go Blind” has been covered by Rod Stewart, Christine McVie and Beyonce, among others. In her autobiography, Etta James wrote “Funny, but that’s a tune that’s deepened along with my life, its meaning growing more mysterious. Me and the song have grown old together.”
For many listeners, the two and half minutes of “I’d Rather Go Blind” convey so much of the emotion James must have been feeling. When Leonard Chess of Chess Records heard the song for the first time, he had to leave the room, crying.
This is the one and only Etta James and “I’d Rather Go Blind”.
Something told me it was over When I saw you and her talkin’ Something deep down in my soul said, ‘Cry, girl’ When I saw you and that girl walkin’ around
Whoo, I would rather, I would rather go blind, boy Then to see you walk away from me, child, no
Whoo, so you see, I love you so much That I don’t wanna watch you leave me, baby Most of all, I just don’t, I just don’t wanna be free, no
Whoo, whoo, I was just, I was just, I was just Sittin here thinkin’, of your kiss and your warm embrace, yeah When the reflection in the glass that I held to my lips now, baby Revealed the tears that was on my face, yeah
Whoo and baby, baby, I’d rather, I’d rather be blind, boy Then to see you walk away, see you walk away from me, yeah Whoo, baby, baby, baby, I’d rather be blind…
“Well, it’s the address the hotel clerk gave me and our GPS brought us right here.”
Alex and Gwen sat in their car wondering how the little yellow shack by the water could possibly be “the best fish and chips place in all of Liverpool”.
Exiting the car, they were struck by the tantalizing aroma of frying food. Grabbing each other’s hands, they ran to the front of the shack. The smell of fish and chips was mouthwatering and there were at least fifty people in line.
Trigger Warning: The unspeakable events in Israel this week have left me numb. This is a very bleak tale. I hope you will bear that in mind as you read my story today. Thank you.
Rumors were that Pastor Roderick had a squaw named Chenoa who kept house for him. People talked; they agreed the relationship seemed …. peculiar. One October night a few curious boys paddled across the river. Hearing shouting, they crept to the vicar’s cabin and peeked in a window.
Roderick was drunk and yelling at Chenoa. The boys were startled when the vicar threw his glass across the room and reached for a birch cane by the hearth. He grabbed Chenoa and ripped the front of her tunic from neck to hem, leaving her standing naked and trembling. He wrestled out of his waistcoat and began whipping Chenoa’s breasts as she sobbed. Purple welts appeared on her chest and bloody droplets trickled down her belly. Roderick licked the blood, then twisted Chenoa around and entered her from behind. When he was done, he pushed her to the floor.
The boys fled and told their parents what they had witnessed. The next morning the sheriff and a posse rowed out and discovered the church and cabin burned to the ground. Roderick was dead, an arrow sticking angrily out of his neck; he had been scalped. There was no sign of Chenoa.
On a sultry July morning the village women went berry picking by the river. They screamed out in horror at the sight before them: a despondent Chenoa had hanged herself from an oak tree. The papoose on her back cradled a sleeping infant.
If you are unable to view the video, which I understand is a frequent problem, it can be found on YouTube. Sorry for the inconvenience. The song is “July Morning” by Uriah Heep. This is a pic of the version I chose for today’s story:
It’s a sad commentary when two people are out spending time with each other and yet they are miles apart – or so it may seem at first glance; this is not always true as we will soon learn in the case of Dan and Josephine.
This was the lesser of two evils as far as our young couple was concerned for, you see, people would talk about them no matter what they did and they are still too unsophisticated to grasp the concept that what other people think of them is not their problem.
I know I’m one of the guilty ones when I see two people out together, each one glued to their cell phone, totally ignoring the person they’re with; my first reaction is “how stilted and stifled is this relationship, how bored are these young people that they can’t even carry on a conversation with each other?” and I think of my husband of 50+ years and how we always find something (or someone) to talk about.
Perhaps I’m the one with the problem of being judgmental and jumping to conclusions.
Let’s go back to the case of Dan and Josephine, the young couple in our photo; what people observing them are not aware of is the fact that both Dan and Josephine are deaf and since they have been ridiculed, teased, mimicked and stared at for using sign language while out in public, they have opted to carry on their conversations via text.
Maybe next time we should remember to mind our own damn business and not jump to conclusions; there may be a very good reason – a personal and sometimes difficult decision people are forced to make – and it’s not our place to point fingers …. even if they really are just ignoring each other. 🙈 🙉 🙊
Trigger warning: offensive and insensitive language, racial slurs.
Eddie & Jay
“Didn’t touch! Only looked!” wailed Eddie, the dishwasher at the Q.E.D. Lounge. The waitstaff came running into the kitchen upon hearing a tremendous crash. Shattered crystal covered the kitchen floor – the new shipment of assorted glasses for the lounge’s grand opening.
Eddie huddled in the corner wiping his runny nose on the sleeve of his sweatshirt, whimpering like a frightened boy. Due to that one decisive extra chromosome, Eddie was very much like a child – a 32 year old man with the mind of an eight year old. Just a little thing called Down Syndrome. Eddie’s brother Jay, the maitre d’, crouched down next to him while everyone stood in stunned silence.
“Eddie, accidents happen. It’s gonna be ok” Jay said calmly. “C’mon, bud. We’ll help you clean up.”
Without hesitation the crew grabbed brooms and dust pans – everyone except Lou, the belligerent bartender.
“Don’t look at me. I ain’t helping!” snarled Lou. “It was that goddamn retard’s fault. He shouldn’t even be around normal people, fucking mongoloid!”
Jay clenched his fists, eyes glaring at Lou.” Shut your filthy mouth, you miserable son of a bitch! Don’t ever talk about my brother like that!”
Martin Byrnes, manager of the Q.E.D., stormed into the kitchen. “What the hell’s going on?!” Slowly he looked around, taking in the whole scene. Martin asked everyone to leave except Eddie, Jay and Lou.
Martin spoke softly. “Eddie, it’s ok. I’m not mad. Can you tell me what happened?”
Eddie glanced over at Lou, then shook his head ‘no’.
“Mr. Byrnes is real good to us, Eddie. He deserves the truth” Jay added encouragingly.
Eddie sniffled and rubbed is swollen eyes. “I saw all the boxes and I was curious, Jay, but I didn’t touch them, cross my heart and hope to die. Then Lou, he came rushing in the back door and pushed me into the boxes and they fell.”
“You lying freak!” yelled Lou. “I was out back chasing that bum who’s always looking for a handout. Eddie’s mangy mutt was there and he tore a hole in my pants cuff!”
“Yeah, after you kicked him, I’m sure” declared Jay.
“Ok, Lou. What happened when you came back into the kitchen?” asked Martin. “Were you so ticked off at the dog that maybe you bumped into Eddie?”
“Look, Mr. B. I’m telling you I didn’t do nothing” sneered Lou. “Who you gonna believe – this idiot or me?”
“Alright! That’s enough! What’s done is done.” Martin sighed. “Jay, you and Eddie finish cleaning up in here. Lou, go down to the basement and bring up whatever glasses you can find. We’re opening tonight as planned.”
Disgruntled, Lou headed for the basement. He remembered a prior shipment of glasses that Martin didn’t particularly like. Rather than return them, they were put in storage. And there they were, two towers of boxes at least four feet fall.
“Why am I stuck doing this shit job? Where’s that lazy spic busboy?” Lou grumbled. He walked to the delivery entrance and shouted “Hey, Manuel! Get in here!” Then he gave a shrill whistle.
Manuel didn’t answer Lou’s command but Eddie’s dog Arlo did. He was still smarting from the swift kick in the ribs from Lou’s pointy patent leather shoe. Arlo growled and inched closer, baring his sharp canines.
Lou backed up as fast as he could but he wasn’t fast enough. Arlo sank his teeth into the bartender’s calf and wouldn’t let go. He meant business and was out for revenge – for himself and for Eddie.
Spinning around like a whirling dervish, Lou smashed into the stacks of boxes. He fell to the floor as splintered wood and jagged glass rained down on him. As a final coup de grâce, Arlo lifted his hind leg, pissed on Lou’s patent leather shoes and trotted out the door.
It’s all new Birthday Thursdays at The Rhythm Section. No talk, no fuss, no muss. Just wall-to-wall music! Stop by and check it out! 🎂 https://rhythmsection.blog/
Welcome to Birthday Thursdays here in The Rhythm Section. Each week I will feature someone from the world of music whose birthday falls on that day. There won’t be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures – just some great tunes (and an occasional surprise). Check it out right here every Thursday and enjoy the music.
Happy Birthday to Luciano Pavarotti Born October 12, 1935 in Modena, Italy
“Gallagher’s B&B, a beautiful old Georgian country house in Tipperary, set in lovely wooded grounds and gardens. A warm welcome combined with superb food make this gracious house a tranquil refuge for those on honeymoon, couples celebrating a golden anniversary or anyone looking for that special opportunity to get away from it all! You’ll rest peacefully at Gallagher’s!” recited my bride Fiona breathlessly.
“How do you do that??”I asked for the fiftieth time since we met.
“I can’t help having a photographic memory! It’s a blessing and a curse!” she laughed.
It had been raining lightly and getting accustomed to driving on the other side of the road was challenging. As we turned the bend, the B&B appeared before us looking exactly like something out of a Thomas Moore poem. Just then the sun broke through the clouds, a rainbow in its wake.
“Look, Dylan! A rainbow! declared Fiona excitedly. “I’m going to make a wish!”
I chuckled at her childlike enthusiasm. We entered the old but immaculate building and a kindly lady was there to greet us at the front desk. “I’m guessing you’re the Colcannons. I’m Kathleen. Welcome! Would you be kind enough to sign the register?”
Fiona giddily signed the guest book. “Ah, newlyweds! There’s no mistaking that glow about ya, lass” Kathleen said, smiling broadly. “Our last guests departed yesterday so you’ll have the whole place to yourselves.” Handing us the key to our room, we were informed that dinner would be served at 7pm.
Our room was charming with a view of the rear gardens. Just before dinner we checked out the library. It was small but offered a variety of books from ‘Time Travelers’ to the writings of Diogenes. Dinner was phenomenal – leek and potato soup for starters, then Kathleen’s own creation called Guinness beef and onion pot pie. Dessert was an amazing apple crisp with vanilla bean ice cream and a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Exhausted and full, we retired early, looking forward to sightseeing in the morning.
The next day we were served a traditional Irish breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash, toast, marmalade and Lyons Tea. “I’m stuffed! You up for a walk?” I asked Fiona, and off we went exploring. Typical of Ireland, the day was overcast and as we walked along the path we came upon a cemetery. Slowly we weaved our way among the headstones, reading aloud the names as we went along.
“This is one for the record book of coincidences” said Fiona. “Yesterday when I signed the registerI remember seeing the name ‘Guinness’ and dinner was Guinness pot pie. Another name in the register was ‘Lyons’ and this morning at breakfast we had Lyons Tea. And now here are two headstones with those very same names! That’s truly incredible!”
“It’s just your photographic memory working overtime, Fiona. Both those names are pretty common here. I don’t think it’s terribly incredible, luv.”
Fiona gave me a playful shove and we continued our walk. Strolling by the gardens, we discovered Kathleen busily gathering vegetables. “Why, if it isn’t Mr. & Mrs. Colcannon out for a morning stroll”. She proudly showed us the potatoes she’d just dug up. “For tonight’s dinner”, she explained. “A combination of mash with bacon and cabbage cooked together in butter and blended with a lovely ladle-full of cream.”
“Oh, my goodness! That sounds delicious!” declared Fiona “What’s it called?”
Kathleen looked up at us from her crouched position. “Why, I reckon it’s a name you’re quite familiar with.” Then, moving very swiftly for a large woman, she jumped up and began hacking wildly with her machete! Grinning like a madwoman, she shrieked “It’s called Colcannon!”
The last thing I remember seeing was my darling Fiona’s head roll to the ground. I was felled by an excruciating pain in my neck while Kathleen cackled hideously. Then the whole world went black.
During the late 1960s and early 1970s a new musical genre developed into a phenomenon that is still going strong some 50 years later and shows no sign of slowing down. In case you didn’t get the hint from my new header image, I’m talking about heavy metal!
Today I’m featuring another group from the “unholy trinity”, a band Bill and I got to see for the first time in November, 1970 at the Fillmore East. You may recall I mentioned the Fillmore last week but if you are not familiar with the venue, please Google it; that place was the spot to be, especially for groups just starting out. We spent many a Friday or Saturday night there watching group after group, acts ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Cat Stevens, Vanilla Fudge to The Who. There were usually three to four bands each night doing two sets each and our tickets were good for the whole night. We often say it would be easier for us to make a list of groups we haven’t seen than those we have seen. The Fillmore East was a fabulous place for us …. an up close and personal introduction into the world of music!
Now it’s time to talk a little about our next group; I promise, this won’t take long. Brace yourselves, kids, and summon all your courage. The madness continues with group #2 on the list: Black Sabbath.
Sabbathwas formed in Birmingham, England in 1968 by guitarist Toni Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osborne. Like so many young guys from that time period, they were looking to escape a life of factory work through music. They got their start in such bands as the psychedelic Rare Breed and Mythology. Influenced by the reigning British rock and blues bands of Led Zeppelin, Cream and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, our four enterprising guys formed Earth Blues Company (shortened to Earth) in 1968. Then, as Black Sabbath, the group helped define the heavy metal music genre early in its career with the release of albums such as the eponymous Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1971) and Master of Reality (1971).
Black Sabbath has sold over 75 million records worldwide, making the group one of the most commercially successful metal bands. They were ranked by MTV as the “Greatest Metal Band of All Time” and placed 2nd on VH1’s list of “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock”. Black Sabbathwas inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2019 the band was presented a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ok, boys and girls, it’s time for a little less conversation and a lot more action. My Sabbathplaylist is primed and ready; are you? Listen to any, listen to all; each one is great!
From the group’s second studio LP, “Paranoid”, this is “Iron Man”:
Are you game for a couple more? As I said before, listen to as many or as few as you like; we’re here to have fun!
Now for a little change of pace. Break out your cigarette lighters for our last one …. the softer side of Sabbath. This is “Changes”. ✌🏼
That’s the way it is with heavy metal music and groups like Black Sabbath; you can’t stop at just one!
I hope you enjoyed this edition of Metal Madness. Please join me next week for the third member of the “unholy trinity”. Are you having fun yet, gang? The party’s really heating up now! 🤘🏽 🔥
Okay, we’re gonna turn the heat up just a bit here and really get in the groove with a little Philadelphia (Blue Eyed) Soul, as prompted this morning by Jim at Song Lyric Sunday.
When this song first came out in September of 1972, I was a newlywed of exactly three months with nothing but loving on my mind. I thought this was possibly the sexiest, most titillating and steamy song I’d ever heard.
It’s the story of an affair between a married man and his equally married lover. In the song, the two meet in secret “every day at the same café” at 6:30 where they hold hands and talk. The two are in a quandary: “We’ve got a thing going on. We both know that it’s wrong but it’s much too strong to let it go now.”
I’m presenting a cover version of this song by my favorite duo of all time – Hall and Oates, the most successful pair in music history (yes, even more successful than Simon & Garfunkel).
Why a cover and not the original when the original is an excellent recording? Two words: Daryl Hall. Fifty-plus years after seeing him on MTV, I still “have a thing going on” for Daryl Hall so please allow me this one indulgence.
Here now are Hall and Oates doing a live performance of “Me and Mrs. Jones”.
“Me and Mrs. Jones” was a #1 single originally performed by Billy Paul, recorded and released in 1972 on CBS Records’ Philadelphia International imprint. The single, included on the album 360 Degrees of Billy Paul, was written by Cary ‘Hippy’ Gilbert, Kenny Gamble, and Leon Huff, and arranged by Bobby Martin.
Lyrics Me and Mrs. Jones We got a thing goin’ on We both know that it’s wrong But it’s much too strong To let it go now
We meet every day at the same café Six-thirty and no one knows she’ll be there Holding hands, making all kinds of plans While the jukebox plays our favorite songs
Me and Mrs., Mrs. Jones Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jones We got a thing goin’ on We both know that it’s wrong But it’s much too strong To let it go now
We gotta be extra careful That we don’t build our hopes up too high ‘Cause she’s got her own obligations And so, and so do I
Me and Mrs., Mrs. Jones Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jones We got a thing goin’ on We both know that it’s wrong But it’s much too strong To let it go now
Well, it’s time for us to be leaving It hurts so much, it hurts so much inside Now she’ll go her way and I’ll go mine Tomorrow we’ll meet The same place, the same time
Me and Mrs., Mrs. Jones Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jones We got a thing goin’ on (thing) We gotta be extra careful (goin’ on) We can’t afford to build our hopes up too high I wanna meet (thing) and talk with you At the same place (goin’ on), the same café, the same time And we gonna hold hands like we used to We gonna talk it over, talk it over (Thing) we know, they know (goin’ on), and you know And I know that it was wrong But our thing is strong, we gotta let ’em know now That we got a thing going on, a thing going on
“Papa, you said we were going fly fishing today. I’ve been waiting hours! What’s taking you so long?”
Lorian stood at the entrance to her grandfather’s study, an adorable 8 year old tomboy in hip waders, boots, a plaid shirt and golden-brown hair in pigtails, tied with a bow the exact shade of red as in her shirt. Arms folded significantly across her chest, she stared at her grandfather’s typewriter as if wiling it to spontaneously combust.
Ernest turned to face his granddaughter. He spoke to her as though she was one of his cigar-smoking buddies, not like a child, and she loved him for that.
“I’ve got to keep one step ahead of that damn Faulkner. Does he really think big emotions come from big words? He says I don’t know the $10 words. I know them, alright. But there are older and simpler and better words and those are the ones I use.”
He paused but Lorian knew not to answer. She also knew not to tell Papa that her mother was reading Faulkner’s newest book.
“Besides, he’s an alcoholic. Good thing he’s Republican!”
“Papa, can we go fishing now? The fish ain’t gonna wait all day!” and Ernest laughed at that remark. Then he spotted his gun leaning against the wall.
He was covered with dirt, leaves, broken branches and assorted detritus of a dozen or more years’ worth of storms and the forces of nature … dismissed, ignored, abandoned and forgotten … never given a scant thought until I came upon him, and even in his forlorn and dejected state, cast off and tossed aside, he was still majestic and I knew I had to give him breath, new life, a home, a place of honor.
After pulling him from the webs of thorny bushes and strangling ivy, I wrapped him in a blanket, secured him inside my car and drove home where I positioned him on a table in my potting shed and gave him a thorough wipe-down; he was in remarkably good condition for having spent all that time in the elements … after all, he is not made of stone or plaster or concrete but of wood and still there was no rot, no boring holes from worms or bugs, no tiny gnawing marks from rodents as if he had commanded them all to stand back, to keep their distance.
A gentle sanding was all that was needed to remove any loose and chipping paint; there was hardly any, a sign that this proud fellow refused to allow years of snow, rain, wind and unrelenting sun to wear him down.
I primed my pump sprayer and, with a slight nod of deference to this royal figure, I began applying a fresh coat of paint as black as pitch … new garments meant for a prince; in constant, sweeping motions I covered him from head to toe until he was gleaming in a slick veneer of ebony, a raven cloak.
When the paint was dry, I raised him up in my arms and carried him out to a spot specifically chosen for him, a place where he will be seen by all, where he will proudly reign.
He is my Moai Man, carved by the Rapa Nui; his name is Jude and his bearing is regal. 🗿
“It’s a nice house, don’t you think, Virginia? The property is a decent size. And the fresh air! Just what the doctor ordered.”
Finding the perfect house for his ailing wife was first and foremost on Edgar’s mind.
Encouragingly, he continued: “It’s quite affordable at $5 a month! Downstairs there’s one bedroom, the parlor and a nice kitchen which your mother will put to good use. And upstairs is another bedroom for us with my very own writing niche.”
From their carriage Virginia smiled at her husband, covering her mouth with a handkerchief as the deep cough began again. Edgar hurried to her side and she stared lovingly into his eyes. “Yes, my dear. I think we will be very happy here.”
“Then it’s settled! I’ll finalize the rental while you rest here.” Before returning to the cottage Edgar covered Virginia with a blanket to protect her from the cool April breeze.
Sitting in the carriage with her mother, Virginia gazed at the cottage. “A lovely little home for the three of us, Mother.” Closing her eyes, Virginia pictured their caged songbirds on the porch, a rocking chair nearby where she could rest in the sun and work on her needlepoint.
“Virginia, I’ve been waiting for you“
Opening her eyes, Virginia asked her mother to repeat what she just said, but Maria assured her she had said nothing. Again Virginia closed her eyes and again she heard the gentle voice in her ear.
“Virginia, welcome home”
An unusual peace came over Virginia as she realized it was the cottage whispering to her. “My lovely forever home”, she thought.
They moved in on a beautiful day in May of 1846 and they were happy there. In the evenings after eating a modest meal prepared by Maria, Edgar worked on his poem “Eulalie” while the family cat sprawled across his shoulders and Virginia dozed by the fireplace.
How Virginia glowed with happiness that gloriously sunny day as Edgar proudly displayed the etched wooden signpost which read “POE COTTAGE”.
But even with constant care, sunshine and fresh air, Virginia’s consumption became worse, her waif-like body wracked with fits of coughing.
In January Virginia’s health began to fail rapidly. Edgar stayed by her side day and night, reading to her, until at last on January 30, Virginia heard the whispering cottage beckoning her.
She died peacefully that night in Edgar’s warm embrace as he softly recited –
“This maiden she lived with no other thought than to love and be loved by me.”
Author’s Note: The Poe Cottage is the former home of American writer Edgar Allan Poe. It is located on Kingsbridge Road and the Grand Concourse in the Fordham neighborhood of The Bronx, New York, a short distance from its original location and about 20 minutes from the house where I grew up. I was privileged to visit Poe’s house many times. The cottage is now located in the northern part of Poe Park and is part of the Historic House Trust, listed on the National Register Of Historic Places, administered by The Bronx County Historical Society since 1975. It is believed to have been built in 1797.
It’s all new Birthday Thursdays at The Rhythm Section. No talk, no fuss, no muss. Just wall-to-wall music! Stop by and check it out! 🎂 https://rhythmsection.blog/
Welcome to Birthday Thursdays here in The Rhythm Section. Each week I will feature someone from the world of music whose birthday falls on that day. There won’t be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures – just some great tunes (and an occasional surprise). Check it out right here every Thursday and enjoy the music.
Happy Birthday to Brian Johnson Born October 5, 1947 in Dunston, County Durham, UK
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