Give me some of that old time music… my music video roundup, Volume One

I’ve probably seen more than my share of Youtube videos; I usually watch ‘em on my tablet for 1/2 hour or so, before going to sleep.  I’m fond of Stephen Colbert, George Carlin, abandoned mansions, people who live in RVs or converted vans, vintage SNL skits, movie reviews, anything with food. 

But here’s the thing—I watch most of those videos only once.

Mini-Mom & her kids, the Cowsills which ironically, are not featured here 

Old music videos are another story.  Every few months I get hooked on a bunch and watch them again & again.  

I think it’s time I acknowledged the most recent batch—you may notice a trend (I’m fond of late 60s/early 70s stuff mostly). 

To make it to my list, I had to watch each of these AT LEAST 10 times.  So in ascending order, from great to greatest, here we go!

9.  We Five – “You Were On My Mind” (1965)

I love Beverly Bivens.  From that deep voice to her pretty bob of hair & white go-go boots, I can’t get enough of this gal (who left the entertainment industry in the 1960s). 

Beverly says they once opened for the Rolling Stones (here in Pittsburgh!) and when her group approached Mick Jagger & his mates to introduce themselves, were snubbed.  Mick referred to them as “just another one trick pony”.  

Maybe so--but 50 years later I’m not listening to the Stones, I’m listening to We Five

8.  Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony – “Do The Hustle” (1975) 

Who needs a time machine when you got this classic tune—2 seconds after hearing that chorus of “oohs” and I’m back in 1975!  The accompanying video is just perfect.  It makes me feel like I’m at the Playboy Mansion, attending Hugh Hefner’s 50th birthday party and this is the main act.   I’m a little embarrassed.

     

7.  Shelly Fabares – “Johnny Angel” (1962)  

This is one of those “it grows on you” videos; the first time I watched this, I almost barfed.  THIS IS SO WHITE!  But Donna Reed’s awestruck look always made me laugh, and Shelly Fabares grew on me.  I began watching interviews with Shelly about her 1960s “music career” and wow, she’s terrific.  So funny & modest.  I love her.

(Creepy side note:  the man in the college sweater beside Donna Reed is actor James Stacy, who would lose both his left arm & leg in a motorcycle accident in 1973.  In 1995, he went to prison for 6 years for molesting his friend’s 11 year old daughter.)

6.  Peppermint Rainbow – “Will You Be Staying After Sunday” (1969)  

The first time I watched this, I was wincing left & right.  Are those 2 girls sisters?  (Yes, Bonnie & Patty Lamdin.)  Is the second one a hunchback?  Those dresses are awful!  And who’s that guy in glasses hiding in the back?  (Their drummer, couldn’t they have given him a tambourine or something?)  AND WHAT’S WITH THOSE COLLARS ON THE GUYS!  All is forgiven, it was 1969! 

I’d love to know what’s going on in the background while this quintet attempt to lip-sync to their tune.  And yep, I’ve fallen in love with Patty the Hunchback Girl.

5.  Boyce & Hart – “I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight” (1967)  

When I was a kid, I loved this duo—you’d see them on shows like “I Dream of Jeannie” & “Bewitched”, and I thought Tommy Boyce (the shorter one with the bowl-cut) was too cool in his purple fringed vest or love-beads.  In fact, I used to fantasize I was Tommy Boyce.  These songwriters (for other groups like the Monkees) deserved more fame than they had.

Sad note, Tommy Boyce committed suicide in 1994 at the age of 54.  Damn.

4.  Eartha Kitt – “I Want to be Evil” (1953)    

The first time I saw Eartha Kitt was as Catwoman on the live-action series 'Batman’ in the 1960s—as a 7 year old, she both frightened & excited me.  Then a couple weeks ago I stumbled across this early Kitt video from 1953; I almost feel like I’m 7 again!  My God, she’s awesome!

3.  The Vogues – “Turn Around, Look at Me” (1968)  

Not much to see here—I just love the song.  And I didn’t know (until very recently, after rediscovering this golden oldie) that the Vogues were a local group from Pittsburgh; how cool is that?  

2.  Andy Williams – “Music to Watch Girls By” (1967)  

I love Andy Williams smooth tones, but this is all about the video.  THIS IS ALL ABOUT THE VIDEO.

1. The Osmonds – “Down By the Lazy River” (1972) 

I LOVE THE OSMONDS.  Not so much Donny & Marie, I’m talking the original quartet--Alan, Wayne, Merrill & Jay.  Don’t ask which one’s my favorite, I’ve been trying to choose since 1971 (why??) and can’t do it.  But if you held a gun to my head, I’d say Wayne.

I watch ALL their stuff, from their early days on The Andy Williams Show to their senior stuff now; but this one will always be their best!