Listen to this man. Seven years of college, you know. Trying to reason with 2020 and, now, 2022.

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

JSS: Deer-- Birdies-- 'Skeeters-- Rainy Season

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.  DEER--  About twilight yesterday, I saw a deer in a neighbor's yard.  I thought it was a wayward large dog at first, but when it took off, i saw that white tail.  I've never seen a deer that close to the house before,  but have seen deer in different parts of the subdivision.

2.  BIRDIES--  After a really noisy nest of little ones in the schoolhouse bird feeder (house wrens), I'd say the babies are gone now. We'll clear the nest out and start putting sunflower seed in it again.

3.  'SKEETERS--  With all the rain we've been having this past month (and all spring for that matter), I have noticed that while working on the yard, we have a bumper crop of mosquitoes.

4.  RAINY SEASON--  It's official, this June was the Chicago area's rainiest June ever.  Almost seven inches.  Same with Illinois' rainiest for June.  A new record.  I have not even hooked up the hoses yet as I haven't had to water the plants.  Sadly, not only do we have the rain sessions, but also there is a threat of rain forecast almost every day and plenty of menacing clouds, most of which don't amount to anything.

Just Some Stuff.  --RoadDog


THE WISDOM OF WILL ROGERS:  Never slap a man who's chewin' tobacco.

Monday, June 29, 2015

About Last Weekend-- Part 3: Blackhawks, Pizza and a New Place

SUNDAY, JUNE 21ST:  Bob Stroud had his annual Summer Show on Rock and Roll Roots on WDRV.  All that music from the 1960s and 1970s really got me in the mood.  See last week for the complete list of them.

I did some yard work and then we were out looking for Blackhawks gear at Wal-Mart, Dick's and Meijer's and actually found a pennant and a wall hanger at 5 Below.

We went to Hickory lodge in McCullom Lake (by McHenry) and had their excellent pizza and pitcher deal.  We were headed over to Captain's Quarters for the band, but stopped at Lakeview Place on Grasslake, ran into some friends and ended up staying there.  The place has been closed ever since Dirty Rooster moved  out to a place in Antioch on 173.  That is one beautiful view of Grasslake from their deck.

Stopped at Tommy's on the way home.

--RoadDog


THE WISDOM OF WILL ROGERS:  If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is to stop digging.



Saturday, June 27, 2015

About Last Weekend-- Part 2: Looking for the Plug, Bobby's Barrel and Dog 'N Suds

SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH:  Did yardwork in the afternoon after calling West Marine and Skipper Bud's looking for a drain plug for the boat.  We found that it is missing and any boater knows that if you put your boat in without one, your boat will sink.  Kind of an essential piece of equipment.  Decided to get one at Skipper Bud's in Volo.

Drove there, but their parts department closed for the day, so were unable to get the plug.  Stopped at Bobby's Barrel Inn in Volo since we were there as we haven't been there for a long time.  Had excel;lent meals.  Then went to Dog 'N Suds in Ingleside where they were having a 50s-60s band, the Affects, playing outside along with a parking lot full of classic cars.  Kind of a neat, retro thing to do.  Met some old friends there, but left as the drizzle started getting a bit heavier.

Went to the Lagoon Lounge, dating to the 1950s as well and while there, it really started pouring.  We've had a very rainy season so far.  The Hat Guys were supposed to be playing at Fox Lake's Lakefront Park on Nippersink Lake, but had been rained out, so went to Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg, where the rains continued.  Kind of strange being there with no Blackhawk game.

Rains Interfering With Fun.  --RoadDog

About Last Weekend-- Part 1: A Blackhawk Celebration, It's Thursday and a Fish Fry

THURSDAY, JUNE 18TH:  Went to McHenry looking at the store nurseries and for Blackhawk Stanley Cup stuff.  I only bought Hawk merchandise at Wal-Mart: pint and shot glass and tee shirt for Liz.  Had breakfast at Steak 'N Shale.  Came home and watched the Blackhawks parade and rally at Soldier Field.  The three jets that passed over while Jim Corneliuson was sing the Star-Spangled Banner passed over our house on their way to Chicago.

Worked in the yard some and then went to Antioch and had pizza at The Lodge and watched Alex and the All-Stars at the bandshell for the weekly It's Thursday party.  Stopped at the Lake Marie Lodge on the way home.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20TH:  Bob Stroud played his annual Ten at Ten Summer Songs show what with summer officially starting Sunday.  I did yardwork, then we met Frank, Liane and Taylor at Popeye's in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for their fantastic fish fry.  Great view of Geneva Lake from the windows.

Stopped at Wal-Mart in Lake Geneva, but no Hawks stuff.  Those Cheeseheads.  Then went to Donovan's Reef and the Legion.

Looking for the Blackhawk Stuff.  --RoadDog

Enjoying the Front Porch

Most mornings I have been having breakfast or just coffee out on the front porch.  I have a rocking chair and a chair out there as well as two caladiums and a seven year-old poinsettia.

I enjoy listening to the birds and looking at the flowers in the yard.    Plus, several walkers, runners and folks walking dogs.  And, with all the rain we've been getting, here is nothing like that fresh smell that comes with it along with the rhythm of the drops.  Plus, every so often a flock of Canadian geese will noisily fly over.

Might as well enjoy it while I can as iy won't be too long before old man winter is here.

Sittin', Lookin' and Eatin'.  --RoadDog


THE WISDOM OF WILL ROGERS:  There's two theories to arguin' with a woman.  Neither one works.




Friday, June 26, 2015

WLS Top Ten for June 25, 1965

1.  I CAN'T HELP MYSELF--  Four Tops
2.  MR. TAMBOURINE MAN--  Byrds
3.  WONDERFUL WORLD--  Herman's Hermits

4.  WOOLY BULLY--  Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs
5.  HELP ME RHONDA--  Beach Boys
6.  A WALK IN THE BLACK FOREST--  Horst Jankowski
7.  CRYING IN THE CHAPEL--  Elvis Presley

8.  IT'S NOT UNUSUAL--  Tom Jones
9.  I WANT CANDY--  Strangeloves  (Great Frat Rock If There Ever Was Any.)
10.  GIVE US YOUR BLESSINGS--  Shangri-Las

11.  (I CAN'T GET NO) SATISFACTION--  Rolling Stones  (OK, get that opening riff out of your head!)
18.  YOU TURN ME ON--  Ian Whitcomb

"I Was Driving In My Car..."  --RoadDog

David Letterman's Top Ten Reasons the Cubs Haven't Won a World Series Since 1908-- Part 2

Given in 1989.

5.  The image of Lovable Losers gets us more tail than Sinatra.

4.  Since we got a police scanner in the dugout, real life crises make it hard to concentrate on a meaningless sport.

3.  Conferences on the mound degenerate into reminiscing about that great team of 1908.

2.  Hey, have you ever tried to hit a major league curveball?

1.  It's victory enough living in Chicago, home of the best damn audiences in the world.  (I think he must have been doing his show from Chitown.)

I Don't Know About #5?  --RoadDog


THE WISDOM OF WILL ROGERS:  Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.



Thursday, June 25, 2015

Top Ten Reasons the Cubs Haven't Won a World Series Since 1908-- Part 1

From a 1989 David Letterman show.

10.  Can actually see the World Series better watching it on TV.

9.  Mistakenly thought low score wins, like in golf.

8.  Secure enough in our manhood to play gently.

7.  Trade high draft picks for candy & pocket flashlights.

6.  Too many guys from the 1908 team still on the roster.

Said the White Sox Fan.  --RoadDog

Mayberry's Bliss: The Reason Why


Liz came across this one on her Facebook page.

The author was wondering why things were so peaceful in the small town of Mayberry, North Carolina.

"It just dawned on me why Mayberry was so peaceful and quiet...nobody was married.

"Here are the single people that come to mind:  Andy, Aunt Bea, Barney, Floyd, Howard, Goober, Gomer, Sam, Ernest T. Bass, the Darling family, Helen, Thelma Lou, Clara.

"In fact, the only one who was married was Otis and he stayed drunk!"

Now You Know.  --RoadDog


THE WISDOM OF WILL ROGERS:  After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring.  He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him....  The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.





Wednesday, June 24, 2015

The Boat Is In!!! (A $4 Plug or $104 Plug?)

Yesterday marked the official beginning of our boating season, much delayed because of the weather and a missing drain plug and just too many other things to do.

We picked up the boat from the barn in Hebron, Illinois, on May 20th and took it over to Emerald Marine on June 3rd and picked it up June 9.  While it was in the driveway, I put five gallons of gas into it on three different occasions (cheaper than putting gas in on the water by at least a dollar and less distance to carry the containers).

Liz cleaned the boat out on the 19th and then we found that the drain plug was missing so spent the 19th and 20th trying to get a replacement.  Yesterday, I drove to Skipper Bud's in Volo and got one for $4.  (Hopefully it won't be a $104 plug as one of those photo-enforced lights may have gotten me at 120 and 12.)

It was now time to put the boat in the water, never a pretty sight as I am not real good at backing the trailer into the water to launch the boat.  I usually only do that twice a year (beginning and end) so don't have a real lot of practice, but I do know that with a sufficient amount of backing and rebacking I will get it in.

Took the boat over to the American Legion on Nippersink Lake and put it in.  Liz took it for a ride over to Rick's, where we keep it) and I took the truck and trailer back to the house where I will putRust-O-Leum on the parts that are getting rusty.

I went back and met Liz at Rick's then we went for our first cruise of the season in Fox Lake.  Stopped at Stormy Monday for a Chain Crawl passbook stamp and enjoyed watching a guy get hotted by some ghost pepper horseradish.

"School's Out...Forever" Is Back in the Water.  --RoadDog

Summer Songs to Get You Into the Mood-- Part 3

BEACH BABY--  First Class
GOOD DAY SUNSHINE--  Beatles
WAKE UP SUNSHINE--  Chicago

SUNNY DAYS--  Lighthouse
CALIFORNIA GIRLS--  Beach Boys
IN THE SUMMERTIME--  Mungo Jerry  (My all-time favorite Summer Song.)

SUMMER SUN--  Jamestown Massacre
SUMMERTIME--  Billy Stewart
HOT SUMMER NIGHTS--  Meatloaf

BUS STOP--  Hollies
HOT SUMMER DAY--  It's a Beautiful Day
SCHOOL'S OUT--  Alice Cooper  (Still thanking dear old Alice for giving us our boat name with this one.)
SUMMER IN THE CITY--  Lovin' Spoonful

"Chh chh-chh, uh, Chh chh-chh, uh.  You Can Stretch Right Up and Touch the Sky."  RoadDog

Summer Songs to Get You in the Mood-- Part 2

VENTURA HIGHWAY--  America
SUMMERTIME BLUES--  Blue Cheers
STREET FIGHTIN' MAN--  Rolling Stones

CATCH A WAVE--  Beach Boys
MR. BLUE SKY--  ELO
SUNSHINE SUPERMAN--  Donovan

SUMMER--  War  (One of the greatest summer sounding records ever.)
SUNNY AFTERNOON--  Kinks
SUMMER RAIN--  Johnny Rivers

SUMMER BREEZE--  Isley Brothers
COME ON DOWN TO MY BOAT--  Every Mother's Son  (And, we finally got our boat IN THE WATER yesterday!!)
RIDE THE WILD SURF--  Jan & Dean

"Riding 'Round Town With All the Windows Down.  Eight Track Playin' A'' Your Favorite Sounds."  --RoadDog


THE WISDOM OF WILL ROGERS:  If you get to thinkin' you're a person of influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.


Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Summer Songs to Get You In the Mood-- Part 1

From Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots from June 21m 2015.  Hey, the first day of summer!!!

DO IT AGAIN--  Beach Boys
SURFIN' SAFARI--  Beach Boys
SAN FRANCISCO (WEAR SOME FLOWERS IN YOUR HAIR)--  Scott McKenzie

DANCING IN THE STREET--  Mamas and Papas
SATURDAY IN THE PARK--  Chicago
BACK TO THE ISLAND--  Leon Russell

SPILL THE WINE--  Eric Burdon & War
SUMMER WINE--  Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood
HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME--  Sly & the Family Stone

GRAZING IN THE GRASS--  Hugh Masakela
IT'S A BEAUTIFUL MORNING--  Rascals
DAYDREAM--  Lovin' Spoonful

I'm In the Mood, How 'Bout You? "Imagine me, a Long-haired noble gnome..."   --RoadDog


THE WISDOM OF WILL ROGERS:  If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.



Monday, June 22, 2015

Ten Best Summer Songs

From WXRT , 93.1 FM, Chicago.

These are songs that were hot in years past (not necessarily dealing with the season itself, just songs that bring memories of summers past.

1.  SLEDGEHAMMER--  Peter Gabriel, 1986

2.  UNDER THE BRIDGE--  Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1992

3.  PUMPED UP KICKS--  Foster the People, 2011

4.  SHOUT!--  Tears for Fears, 1985,

5.  LAST KISS--  Pearl Jam.  Old Wayne Cochran song.

6.  BAND ON THE RUN--  Paul McCartney & Wings, 1974

7.  CALL ME--  Blondie, 1980

8.  BLACK HOLE SUN--  Soundgarden, 1994

9.  (I CAN'T GET NO) SATISFACTION--  Rolling Stones, 1965

10.  HEAVY METAL DRUMMER--  Wilco, 2002

To See More Info and the Videos Go To WXRT Site.  --RoadDog


THE WISDOM OF WILL ROGERS:  Lettin' the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easir'n puttin' it back in.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Some Good Radio Listening This Week

TODAY, SATURDAY:  Even though the show was listed as being 1995, it is 1981 on WXRT's Saturday Morning Flashback with Wendy Rice.  It goes from 8 a.m. to noon CDST and streams at www.wxrt.com.

TOMORROW, SUNDAY--  Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots has his annual Summer Show.  Three hours of great summer-related music from the 60s and 70s.  WDRV from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Breakfast With the Beatles with Terri Hemmert on WXRT, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m..

NEXT WEEK

Bluesbreakers 9-10 p.m. WXRT

Ten at Ten, WDRV 10 1.a.m. and 10 p.m.
Mon.  1980
Tues. 1968
Wed. 1975

All times Central.

"In the Beginning..."  --RoadDog

Ten Summer Songs

Since tomorrow marks the beginning of summer...finally, Bob Stroud played ten Summer Songs on his Ten at Ten on WDRV-FM, 97.1 in Chicago.  He has listeners vote of their top pick, so i will have the top vote-getters: percentages.

SCHOOL'S OUT--  Alice Cooper
SUMMERTIME BLUES--  Who
THE BOYS OF SUMMER--  Don Henley

MARGARITAVILLE--  Jimmy Buffett
SUMMER IN THE CITY--  Lovin' Spoonful  18%
MAGIC--  Cars
GOOD VIBRATIONS--  Beach Boys  16%

STREET FIGHTING MAN--  Rolling Stones
IN THE SUMMERTIME--  Mungo Jerry  18%
SUMMER OF '69--  Bryan Adams 10%

I picked "In the Summertime," my all-time favorite summer song.  Tomorrow, Bob Stroud plays three hours of summer music on his Rock and Roll Roots show on WDRV and it streams.

"When the Weather Is Fine."  --RoadDog


Mr. and Mrs House Wren and Brood

When we returned from our vacation to Georgia and Florida, we found that our schoolhouse bird feeder had occupants.  A pair of birds was building a nest inside it.  And these two little birdies (and they ate even smaller than the sparrows, noisily defended their nest, chasing off the other birds from the feeders next to it.

Judging by the sound inside the bird house that happens whenever an adult comes back with food that I heard yesterday, I'd have to say that their eggs have hatched and their are some very, very hungry mouths to feed.

We didn't know what they were at first, but Liz used the bird book and after seeing the picture and reading what it had to say, they were our guys.

They are big-time chirpers and like to build nests in some sort of cavity.

That's Our Guys.  --RoadDog


THE WISDOM OF WILL ROGERS:  Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from Bad judgement.

Music Deaths 2015: "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", Crickets and Big Brother

These are taken from Oldies Music News.  They do an admirable job keeping up with deaths of musicians as well as updates on what they are doing.  Worth checking out.

ANITA DARRIEN, 87  Died Feb. 1, 2015.  Uncredited high-voice background singer on the Tokens' "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (#1 in 1961).  Also sank with Mickey & Sylvia on "Love Is Strange" (#11 in 1957).

JOE B. MAUDLIN, 74, Died Feb. 7, 2015.  Bassist of the group Crickets who backed Buddy Hooly.  Played on "Maybe Baby" (#17 in 1958), "Oh Boy" (#10 in 1958) and wrote "Well..All Right" in 1958.

SAM ANDREW, 73.  Died Feb. 12, 2015.  Founder and lead guitarist of Big Brother & the Holding Company.  Played on "Piece of My Heart" (#12 in 1968).  Left group along with Janis Joplin in1968 to form her Kosmic Blues Band.

Music Deaths 2015: Don Covay "Mercy Mercy"

DON COVAY, 76.  Died Jan. 31, 2015.

Sang with the Rainbows in 1956 which also included Marvin Gaye and Billy Stewart.  Now there was a talented group.  Formed Don Civay & the Goodtimes and his composition, "Pony Time:" reached #60 in 1961.  It reached #1 for Chubby Checker later that year.

Cowrote "See Saw" with Steve Cropper which reached #44 in 1965, but was a huge hit for Aretha Franklin.  His biggest two hits were :I Was Checkin' Out, She Was Checkin' In (#29 ub 1973) and "Mercy mercy" (#35 in 1964).

Wrote "Letter Full of Tears" for Gladys Knight & the Pips (#19 in 1962), Aretha's "Chain of Fools" (#2 in 1967) and "Sookie, Sookie" the "B" side of Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride."

A Man Most Don't Know, But He'll Sure Be Missed.

Friday, June 19, 2015

2015 Movie Scratches: Furious-- Adeline-- Max-- Blart

A dog's eye view on the current movies.

29.  FURIOUS SEVEN--  4-17--  Fox Lake $6--  Takes a beating and keeps on ticking.  Speed and fights and big bad brother.

30.  AGE OF ADELINE--  5-11--  Fox Lake--  Like father, like son.  Both fall for same gal, 40-years apart..  Looking pretty good for 109 years of age.

31.  MAD MAX: FURY ROAD--  5-19--  Round Lake Beach $5--  "Max, my name is Max."  More action than you can imagine.  A soldier boy and his blood bag.

32.  PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2:  5-2--  Fox Lake $5--  Unlikely hero thwarts Las Vegas art theft in very funny ways.  Love that Kevin James, our new John Candy.

Free Small popcorn at RLB Regal on Tuesdays.  --RoadDog

Blackhawk Difference Makers: 2010, 2013 and 2015-- Part 1

From the June 18, 2015, Chicago Tribune.

Comparing the hockey and not-so-hockey of the 2010, 2013 and 2015 Blackhawks championships.

First 2010, second 2013 and third 2015.

TO WHOM JONATHAN TOEWS HANDED THE CUP:  Marian Hossa  //  Michal Handus  //  Kimmo Timonen

MYSTERY:  What's that fuzzy growth on Patrick Kane's chin?  //  What could possibly go wrong for the Bruins in 17 seconds?  //  Is Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop hurt or what?

WINNING GOALIE:  Antti Niemi  //  Corey Crawford  //  Corey Crawford

CUP OPPONENT:  Philadelphia Flyers  //  Boston bruins  //  Tampa Bay Lightning

VILLAIN:  Chris Pronger  // Milan Lucic //  Thunderstorms

Not Finished Yet.  --RoadDog


Slim Pickings Yesterday As Far As Blackhawk Stanley Cup Souvenirs

I went to Wal-Mart, Meijer's and Dick's yesterday in McHenry, Illinois, in search of Blackhawk gear to celebrate this third Cup in six years.  I even stopped for breakfast at Steak 'N Shake and made it back home in time to see the parade and rally on TV.

I came back with very little.  Just a shot glass, pint glass and a tee shirt for Liz and all that swag at Wal-Mart.  I'm sure in the next week I will have more opportunity to spend money.

Sure glad I didn't go downtown to Chicago for the rally and parade.  I am not a big fan of huge crowds.

After the concert by Alex and the All-Stars at Antioch's It's Thursday Concert Series, we stopped at the Antioch Wal-Mart, but came up with no Hawk gear again.

I Know I'll Have a Chance to Spend My Money, Though.  --RoadDog


THE WISDOM OF WILL ROGERS:  Don't squat with your spurs on.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

And Here's Where the Blackhawks Winning the Stanley Cup Starts Costing Me

In an hour, I'll be heading over to McHenry for breakfast at Steak 'N Shake and then I go to Meijer's, Wal-Mart and Dick's in pursuit of Blackhawk Stanley Cup attire.  This is where I really start paying for their win.

I need tee shirts and hats.  Not that I really need them as I have a huge number of tee shirts and hats already, but, still I need something with 2015 Stanley Cup Champions on them. Plus, there is the necessary car flag, puck, shot glass and car tag.

I'm even thinking of getting a framed team picture to add to my Wall of Fame in the basement to go along with the '85 Bears, '96 Packers and 2005 White Sox.  I actually am guilty of jumping on the bandwagon back in 2010 when the Hawks started this remarkable run of three Stanley Cups in six years.

Great victory, but if they'd lost I could have saved money.  Oh well, it sure was fun watching the Hawks all these weeks.

A friend of mine went over to Dick's in McHenry right after the Hawks clinched the Cup this past Monday night and had to wait in a real long line.  The pl;ace was packed at 10:30 p.m..

I was thinking about going to Chicago this morning for the Blackhawk Championship parade, but it sounds like the planning is going to cause a real mess, so will just watch it on TV when I get back.

--RoadDog

Goin' Back to '69-- Part 6

MEDICATED GOO--  Traffic    (How's that for a song title?)
GRAZING IN THE GRASS--  Friends of Distinction  They're singing so fast  (Always thought they might really be the Fifth Dimension.)

1969, when 95% of all homes in the U.S. had a television...and, 40% were color!!!

SUSPICIOUS MINDS--  Elvis Presley
THE THRILL IS GONE--  B.B. King  Riley B. King
SAINT STEVEN--  Grateful Dead  Giving away tickets for the sold-out show at Soldier Field this summer.

GIVE ME GOOD LOVIN'--  Crazy Elephant  Comes under the category of Bubble Gum Music.  They didn't call them Tweens back then, probably pre-teens  Good clean fun.  (I don't care, I still like my Bubble Gum Music.)

New additions to the dictionary included: acid head, freak out, hang up, psychedelia, flower child, soul music and generation gap.

HEY BULLDOG--   Beatles  From "Yellow Submarine"

NOTHING IS EASY--  Jethro Tull

Montage of siounds, announcements, "No Rain" etc. from Woodstock
FREEDOM--  Richie Havens

STAND--Sly & the Family Stone

"Can You Dig It, Baby."  --RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for June 18, 1965

1.  MR. TAMBOURINE MAN--  Byrds
2.  WOOLY BULLY--  Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs
3.  I CAN'T HELP MYSELF--  Four Tops

4.  WONDERFUL WORLD--  Herman's Hermits
5.  A WALK IN THE BLACK FOREST--  Horst Jankowski
6.  HELP ME RHONDA--  Beach Boys
7.  JUST A LITTLE--  Beau Brummels

8.  IT'S NOT UNUSUAL--  Tom Jones
9.. SILHOUETTES--  Herman's Hermits
10..  CRYING IN THE CHAPEL--  Elvis Presley
11.  FOR YOUR LOVE--  Yardbirds.

Two Herman's and No Beatles. How About That.  --RoadDog

Good Times Around Here Last Weekend

JUNE 12, FRIDAY---  Great eating and music at the Spring Grove Annual Friday Fish Boil to raise money for the Spring Grove Fish hatchery Park.  AUCE fish, chicken & ribs.  Great two-piece band.  Then we went to the American Legion in Fox Lake for karaoke.

JUNE 13, SATURDAY---  Breakfast sandwiches at McDonald's, yardwork and then drove to Round Lake Park and saw Terry Spizziri sing at AJ's Horsin' Around and then the Blackhawk victory at Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg.  Everyone's getting excited about the possibility of clinching the Stanley Cup at home on Monday.  Lots and lots of "Chelsea Dagger" on the jukebox.

JUNE 14, SUNDAY---  Listened to Rock and Roll Roots and recorded Breakfast With the Beatles.  Used my last coupon for McDonald's new 1/3 pound steakburger.  Every bit as good as they said.  Moved furniture out to gazebo and the deck and enjoyed them.

In the afternoon, we went to Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake and saw the excellent R-Gang band doing all that soul and R&B.  Then sat out b the tiki bar at Nauti-Knots on Bluff Lake

All Sorts of Entertainment This Weekend.  Go Hawks!!  --RoadDog

BAD QUOTES FROM FAMOUS PEOPLE:  "So we went to Atari and said, 'Hey, we've got this amazing thing, even built with some of your parts, and what do you think about funding us?  Or, we'll give it to you.  We just want to do it.  Pay our salary, we'll come work for you.'  And they said, 'No.'  So then we went to Hewlett-Packard, and they said, 'Hey, we don't need you.  You haven't got through college yet.'"  Apple Computer founder Steve Jobs.  Hey, we've got this little band from Liverpool.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Goin' Back to '69-- Part 5

ROCK ME--  Steppenwolf  This one takes me back to a tinny speaker at the swimming pool. And speaking of Easy Rider, (this tune from the group that gave us "Born to Be Wild" and Heavy Metal running,  It takes me back to the Senior Lounge jukebox back at Palatine High School.  It played a lot, along with "Magic Carpet Ride.")

JESUS IS JUST ALRIGHT--  Byrds  The Doobie Brothers had a hit with this in 1972.  It is a gospel tune.Also from the Ballad of Easy Rider.

GOING TO THE SHOW IN 1969 with the Regular Guy.:  Movies cost a couple of bucks:  True Grit,  Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Easy Rider and Hello Dolly,

HOT SUMMER DAY--  It's a Beautiful Day  A somewhat seasonal selection.
BORN ON THE BAYOU--  Creedence Clearwater Revival  John Fogerty's coming to town in July over at Northerly Island.
WE'RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT--  Who An album that my brother Tom played so many times that I certainly know every word to every single song.

Some folks born in 1968:  Jaylo, Mariah Carey, Ice Cube, Jakob Dylan, Jennifer Anniston, Msatthew McCanaughy, Jack Black,

"When I Was Just a Little Boy."  --RoadDog

From Banjos to Big Time, Country Music's Growth-- Part 2: Outlaw Music

1966:  CHARLEY PRIDE, the first black country superstar, hits the charts.

1969-1971  Buck Owens and Roy Clark (with those great sideburns) host country music/comedy show HEE-HAW, a nationwide TV hit.

1973  OUTLAW MOVEMENT [Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and crew] hits its stride.

1986  DOLLYWOOD:  A Tennessee theme park gets a new name after Dolly Parton.  The park gets some 3 million visitors a year who get a slice of country life and lots of country music.  Puts Sevierville and Pigeon Forge on the map.

1989  Enter GARTH BROOKS, the No.-selling solo artist (in any genre) of all time.

"Where oh Where, Are You Tonight?"  --RoadDog


MORE GOOD QUOTES:  If I had thought about it, I wouldn't have done the experiment.  The lietrature was full of examples that said you can't do this."  SPENCER SILVER on the work that led to the unique adhesives for 3-M's "Post-It" Notepads.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

OK, I Wasn't Saying Much About It, But...HAWKS WIN! HAWKS WIN!!

Even though I didn't say much about it, I sure was watching and cheering as I do for all of MY teams.  I don't usually mention the games as it is the kiss of death if I do.  I write, they lose.

But, now that the Blackhawks clinched their third Stanley Cup in six years, I feel safe to say something.

Not that Liz and I are superstitious or anything like that.  But, there is no need to tempt fate by doing something different that might result in a loss.

This is why I wore my "Fear the Feathers" tee shirt under my Bobby Hull Blackhawk jersey the whole Stanley Cup playoff with the Tampa Bay Lightning.  This is why I have worn my black Blackhawk hat with the American Legion poppy attached to it ever since the Hawks had to win that fifth game against the Detroit Redwings back in May of 2013.  They overcame a 1-3 deficit in games to win 4-3.

This is why Liz wears certain clothing and has her "Pucky" stuffed bear and "Tommy Hawk" Tyco always-stands-up ball figure as well as air horn bottle opener and "Chelsea Dagger" on her cell phone.

This is why we get after folks playing "Chelsea Dagger" during the game, not until the winning air horn goes off.

Those Lightning players were every bit as good as out guys and I'm sure they'll be back.  Hopefully, their ownership and city will be a little more friendly to Blackhawks fans next time.

Let's Do that "Chelsea Dagger" Chant!!  --RoadDog


SOME CRAZY SAYINGS (Last One):  Marathon runners with bad footwear suffer the agony of defeat.

Monday, June 15, 2015

From Banjos to Big Time-- Part 1: Country Music's Rise

From the June 7, 2015, Parade Magazine.

EARLY 1920S:  Musicians in the Appalachian Mountains had been playing "country" for decades.  It gained more exposure as radio shows--including the GRAND OLE OPRY out of Nashville in 1925-- began broadcasting.

1927:  The CARTER FAMILY and JIMMIE RODGERS are "discovered" and recorded in a Bristol, Tennessee studio.

1930s:  GENE AUTRY and other singing movie cowboys put the western into "country western" music.

1945:  EARL SCRUGGS joins Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys in stage at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium (Grand Ole Opry).   Bluegrass gets a wider audience.

1954:  ELVIS PRESLEY spawns a rock and roll sound that first threatens and later informs country music.

Like the Bartender at Bob's Country Bunker Said on the "Blues Brothers,"  "We've Got Both Kinds of Music, Country and Western."  --RoadDog


Going Back to '69-- Part 4: Gas Was 35 Cents a Gallon

Gas cost 35 cents a gallon and someone pumped it for you.  It cost 40 cents to ride Chicago's El, $1.50 to see a movie and you could score a new album (yep, vinyl) at E.J. Korvette's for $2.79.

VICTORIA-- Kinks  (I have to admit to losing touch with the Kinks from about '68 to the 80s with the exception of "Lola," but have been catching up with them lately.)
RAMBLE ON--  Led Zeppelin  From their second album, Led Zeppelin II.  Robert Plant is appearing in Chicago at Northerly Island on Lake Michigan June 17th, this Wednesday.

WELL ALRIGHT--  Blind Faith  Debut and only album came out in August.  Steve Winswood & company.
TIME OF THE SEASON--  Zombies

ROOM TO MOVE--  John Mayall
UP ON CRIPPLE CREEK--  Band  From their second album titles simple, The Band.

THAT'S THE WAY LOVE IS--  Marvin Gaye
CINNAMON GIRL--  Neil Young  Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere was his album released in May.  The start of his association with the band called Crazy Horse.  he also joined up with CS&N.

"The Drummer relaxes and Waits Between Shows."  --RoadDog


SOME CRAZY SAYINGS:  Acupuncture is a jab well done.


Saturday, June 13, 2015

Going Back to 1969-- Part 3

ATLANTIS--  Donovan  With his Scottish accent and ruffled shirts.(A bit overdone, but good.)
JINGO--  Santana  Uses any utensil available as a percussion instrument when she hears this song.  Debut album.  Carlos Santana was 22 years-old.  The album came out in August, the same month as their appearance at Woodstock.

SHE CAUGHT THE KATY--  Taj Mahal  First time she heard a version of this song was the Blues Brothers.  His album was Natural Blues.(Me too.)

SPACE COWBOY-- Steve Miller Band  Third album and Steve was 26.

TV SHOWS FROM 1969:

Gomer Pule, USMC
Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In
Brady Bunch
Marcus Welby, M.D.
Room 222
Sesame Street
Smothers Brothers replaced by "Hee-Haw."
But the absolute biggest TV program in 1969 was the landing on the Moon.

  What Dis She Catch?  --RoadDog

Going Back to 1969-- Part 2: Volunteers of America

1969, the year of Apollo 11, the Boeing 747, the Chicago 7.

1969, the War in Vietnam was raging.  By November, the death toll had reached over 33,000 and surpassed the Korean War.  December 1st, in Washington,. D.C., Selective Service headquarters officials carried out the first U.S. draft lottery since 1942, created by Executive Order.  Determined order of eligibility for all American men between the ages of 19 and 26.

I CAN'T GET NEXT TO YOU--  Temptations  Make sure you get your moves down.  Don't spill your coffee.  (Those Motown groups sure had the great choreography.)
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA--  Jefferson Airplane  Grace Slick waking everybody up at the Woodstock Music and Arts festival in August on Max Yasgur's farm.  Live version from the concert.

GIVE ME SHELTER--  Rolling Stones  From a little album called Let It Bleed.  I just love the way Mary Clayton's voice cracks with the passion.  (I always liked that unique album cover.)
SUITE: JUDY BLUE EYES--  Crosby, Stills & Nash  One of the several impressive debut albums.  From the trio, a song for Judy Collins.
TIME IS TIGHT--  Booker T. & the MGs
GOLDEN SLUMBERS MEDLEY--  Beatles  From the Abbey Road album.  Covers the gamut of mellow and laid back to kick out rock and roll.  Ringo's drum solo.  (This song now always reminds me of the New Odyssey medley.)  Beatles did their final concert in January on the rooftop of Apple Studio.  In March, Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman and eight days later John married Yoko Ono.  This was also the year of the Paul is Dead rumors.
IT'S YOUR THING--  Isley Brothers  Turning those speakers up to 11.

Morning Maniac Music.  It's a New Dawn.  --RoadDog


SOME CRAZY SAYINGS:  Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Going Back to 1969-- Part 1: Kicking Off With CCR

This past weekend, I listened to Bob Stroud's Summer of '75 show on Sunday and Wendy Rice's Saturday Morning Flashback to 1969.  That was a lot of going back for me.

Here is Wendy Rice's 1969 show with her comments.  (Mine in parentheses.)

SATURDAY MORNING FLASHBACK 1969

July 20th, a man walked on the moon. with song "Bad Moon Rising."  Woodstock.  A film that won the Oscar for best had an X-rating.  Altamount, "Easy Rider,"  Chicago Cubs, of course.

GREEN RIVER--  Creedence Clearwater Revival  The tune we always loved to play on St. Patrick's Day when they turn the Chicago River green.(My favorite group ever.  My favorite album.)
BADGE--  Cream  With their album Goodbye.  Power trio with the brief history.  George Harrison one of the co-writers on this tune.
GET TOGETHER--  Youngbloods  Jesse Collin Young, kind of an anthem of the time.
MAMA TOLD ME NOT TO COME--  Randy Newman  Long before he had any association with Disney or Pixar.  Later on a hit song for Three Dog Night.

SHE CAME IN THROUGH THE BATHROOM WINDOW--  Joe Cocker  Lost him just this last December, but in 1969 he had his breakthrough at a little music festival called Woodstock.  His second album came out this year with his cover of a Beatles tune.  Produced and arranged by his buddy Leon Russell.  (Mr. Cover Song himself.)
INDIAN GIVER--  1910 Fruitgum Company.  Bubble Gum, hey it had a groove to it.  (OK, I love my Bubblegum Music.  And I don't care who knows.)
PEACHES IN REGALIA--  Frank Zappa  From the Hot Rats album.

What We Have in Mind Is Breakfast in Bed for 400,000.  --RoadDog

Bobby Skafish Out at WDRV

From the June 7, 2015, Chicago Tribune "Rock vet Skafish out at WDRV" by Robert Feder.

I listen a lot to Chicago's WDRV, the Drive, and Bobby Skafish's afternoon show was a favorite of mine, especially during the summer and fall when we're out on the boat in the afternoon.

Anyway, I learned he was off the air as of June 4th with no reason cited, but most likely because of his ratings.

He is a veteran of Chicago radio.  After graduating from Indiana University, he began at WXRT-FM in 1976 and also worked at WLUP-FM 97.9 and WKQX-FM 101.1 before returning to WXRT-FM in 1994.  he joined WDRV-FM 97.1 in 2007.

Steve Seaver will be taking over Skafish's 2 to 7 p.m. slot Monday-Fridays.  Seaver (as he calls himself) has been filling in wherever needed at WDRV, especially when Bob Stroud is on vacation.

Here's hoping Skafish gets back with WXRT or maybe the new station MeTV radio at 87.7-FM.

Always Enjoyed His Show.  --RoadDog


SOME CRAZY SAYINGS: Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead-to-know basis.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Going Back to the Summer of '75-- Part 4: "Hey You"

Forty years ago.  Has it been that long?

FALLING IN AND OUT OF LOVE/AMY--  Pure Prairie League  Southern Rock band from Cincinnati of all places.  Their album was Bustin' Out. (Doesn't get any finer than this.  Still a Prairie Dog!!)  Song was a few years old and finally a hit.  Heard the preamble to the song as well.

WHEN WILL I BE LOVED--  Linda Ronstadt--  Covering a great old Everly Brothers tune.
I'M ON FIRE--  Dwight Twilley Band  From Oklahoma
JACKIE BLUE--  Ozark Mountain Daredevils  (Missouri's pride and joy.)

HEY YOU--  Bachman-Turner Overdrive
PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM--  Elton John
AUTOBAHN--  Kraftwerk--  Hands down one of the most quirky selections on the radio.  From Germany,

YOUNG AMERICANS--  David Bowie  Title Track from new album.
FLY BY NIGHT--  Rush
KILLER QUEEN--Queen  #1 Song in Chicago this date, June 7, 1975.  Had been around for a couple years now.

"Insatiable An Appetite."  --RoadDog

WLS Survey for June 11, 1965

1.  WOOLY BULLY--  Sam the Sham
2.  MR. TAMBOURINE MAN--  Byrds
3.  HELP ME RHONDA--  Beach Boys

4.  SILHOUETTES--  Herman's Hermits
5.  IT'S NOT UNUSUAL--  Tom Jones
6.  JUST A LITTLE--  Beau Brummels
7.  I CAN'T HELP MYSELF--  Four Tops

8.  A WALK IN THE BLACK FOREST--  Horst Jankowski (from #19)
9.  GIVE US YOUR BLESSINGS--  Shangri-Las
10.  BACK IN MY ARMS AGAIN--  Supremes

"Well Since You Put Me Down.  --RoadDog


SOME CRAZY SAYINGS:  When the actress saw the first strands of gray in her hair, she thought she'd dye.




Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Going Back to the Summer of '75-- Part 3: June 7, 1975 "Good Lovin' Gone Bad"

These songs were playing on your radio and stereo forty years ago, June 7, 1975.

ONE OF THESE NIGHTS--  Eagles
LADY MARMALADE--  LaBelle
SISTER GOLDEN HAIR--  America  Their album was Heart produced by George Martin of Beatle fame.

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC & THE BROWN DIRT COWBOY--  Elton John  Title Track
WILDFIRE--  Michael Murphy
GOOD LOVIN' GONE BAD--  Bad Company  Lead off track from album number two, Straight Shooter.

BAD TIME--  Grand Funk  They had dropped the Railroad by this point in time.  (I like GFR both pre and post RR drop.)

"I'm In Love With a Girl I Can't Live Without."  --RoadDog

Beatles Songs You Should Get to Know-- Part 2

5.  I WILL--   Written in India in 1968 and on the White Album.  By Mccartney.

4.  SHE'S LEAVING HOME--  From Sgt. pepper's.  No Beatle plays an instrument on it.  A string quartet was used.

3.  RAIN--  Was never on an album.  "B" side of "Paperback Writer."  Written by Lennon.

2.  OH! DARLING--  On Abbey Road and sung by McCartney.

1.  HEY BULLDOG--  Recorded in early '68, on the Yellow Submarine album.

Terri Hemmert Would Sure Like This.  --RoadDog

Beatles Songs You Should Get to Know-- Part 1

From the Jan. 20, 2015 Huffington Post "Five Beatles Songs You Should get to Know, Part II" by James Heilbron.  First five posted ten days ago.  Great songs, just not as well-known as others.

1.  IT'S ONLY LOVE--  From album Help!, by John Lennon

2.  DOCTOR ROBERT--Just Lennon being Lennon.

3.  THERE'S A PLACE--  "B" Side of "Twist and Shout.  A complete Lennon/McCartney collaboration.  From Revolver.

4.  IF I NEEDED SOMEONE--  By George Harrison from Rubber Soul.  Can be considered a "sister" song to "I Need You" from Help!

5.  I'VE JUST SEEN A FACE-- The most recognizable one of these.  McCartney has performed it live throughout his entire solo career.

And, I like these because they are all "old" Beatles songs, which are still my favorites from their early days.  I will post the first five next.

--RoadDog

SOME CRAZY SAYINGS:  Those who jump off a bridge in Paris are in Seine.



Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Kicking Off the Summer Around Here

JUNE 5TH, FRIDAY  Our friends Kevin and Kelly had their annual "School's Out" party at their place on Fox Lake.  They have admirably continued with our annual "School's Out" parties since our last one in 2006 when we retired.  Many of our Usual Suspects in attendance as well, plus, we know a lot of their teachers.

JUNE 6TH, SATURDAY:  Listen to Wendy Rice's Saturday Morning Flashback to the year 1969 on WXRT from 8 to noon.  Great way to kick off a morning.

In the afternoon, we went to the Taste of Summer in downtown McHenry, Illinois, and wound up going to ten of the twenty places.

In the evening, the Usual Suspects gathered at Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg to watch the Hawks-Lightning game.  Sadly, we lost.

JUNE 7TH:  Listened to Bob Stroud's annual "Summer of" show where he plays songs from the summer of 40 years ago.  This year, of course, 1975.  See the last two posts.

Then, we went to Kevin and Kelly's for the annual "Day After" party to finish the keg.  (Well, Two-days After.)  Because of the off-and-on rain, we didn't sit out by the lake, but enjoyed their new basement bar.  We killed the keg.

It Must Be Summer.  --RoadDog

Get Ready for the Summer of '75-- Part 2: "Beautiful Loser"

Only 40 years ago these tunes were playing in your radio or on your stereo (as in phonograph).

TAKE ME IN YOUR ARMS--  Doobie Brothers   Album called Stampede.  First single was an old Motown song.  (Kim Weston #50 in 1965.)
SHINING STAR--  Earth Wind & Fire  Pretty much our first taste of this great horn band.
TRAMPLED UNDER FOOT--  Led Zeppelin--  From Physical Graffiti.

LISTEN TO WHAT THE MAN SAID--  Paul McCartney & Wings from album Venus and Mars just released about three weeks earlier.
NO NO SONG--  Ringo Starr  (Stroud always plays two Beatle songs at 8 a.m., the same time that Terri Hemmert starts her Breakfast With the Beatles show on WXRT.
DON'T CALL US (WE'LL CALL YOU)  Sugar Loaf  It's been a few years since we heard from them.  (Green Eyed Lady)

ONLY WOMEN BLEED--  Alice Cooper  Welcome to My Nightmare his latest album.
BEAUTIFUL LOSER--  Bob Seger  One release better than the next back then.  Title track  from his latest, the rocker out of Detroit, Michigan.

"I'm Tired of Waking Up On the Floor."  --RoadStarr


SOME CRAZY SAYINGS:  Once you've seen one shopping center, you've seen a mall.



Monday, June 8, 2015

Get Ready for the Summer of '75-- Part 1: June 7, 1975 :"Chevy Van"

From Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots show on WDRV, 97.1 FM in Chicago, June 6, 2015.

Here comes good old summer fun in the sun...from 40 years ago.  These are the songs playing on the radio (in Chicago it was still the AM po(p)werhouses WLS and WCFL) and on your home stereo.

Bob Stroud's comments.  ( ) My comments.

MAGIC--  Pilot  Trio from Scotland, produced by Alan Parsons.
PINBALL WIZARD--  Elton John  Soundtrack album to film "Tommy."  Not released as a 45, but charting on the singles charts on WLS here in Chicago.
YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL--  Joe Cocker  Latest 45.  (Not just a cover man.)

CHEVY VAN--  Sammy Johns, one-hit wonder
OLD DAYS--  Chicago  From Chicago 8, #1-selling album in town.  (One of my very favorite Chicago songs.)

NASSAU/BABY I LOVE YOUR WAY--  Peter Frampton  Released the album Frampton in March of '75, but had no idea he'd hit it so big the following year, in 1976.  (Of course, that '76 album was Frampton Comes Alive.)  Nassau an instrumental.

HOW LONG--  Ace  British band.  lead singer's name is Paul Carrick
BLACK FRIDAY--  Steely Dan  Firt single release from album Katy Lied
UNCLE SALTY--  Aerosmith  From new Aerosmith album, out since April, Toys in the Attic.  Great deep track from side one.

"Good Times I Remember."  --RoadDog




Rolling Stones Song Scramble

From the June 7, 2015, Parade Magazine.

With a photo of them looking mighty, mighty old.  With Keith still alive, there's hope for all of us oldsters.

Answers below.

1.IN AGE

2.  MATTER PUS

3.  BARROW GUNS

4.  HYMNED BUM RUT

5.  NOVELIST WAR LO






Answers

1.  Angie

2.  Start Me Up

3.  Brown Sugar

4.  Under My Thumb

5.  It's All Over Now

Angie Always Reminds Me of Driving Back and Forth to Teaching in Round Lake, Illinois.  --RoadDog




Unfamiliar Songs from May 14, 1965-- Part 4

22.  JUST ONCE IN MY LIFE--  Righteous Brothers*  Full-blown Wall of Sound by somebody.  Great underplayed song'  R.B. much more than just "You've Lost That...".

21.  JUST A LITTLE--  Beau Brummels  I had forgotten this great little musical nugget.  Sure sounded like a Zombies song.

20.  TRUE LOVE WAYS--  Peter & Gordon  I knew the song, but not them doing it.  Buddy Holly classic?  Slow song.

19.  REELIN' AND ROCKIN'--  Dave Clark Five  As reeling and rolling and rocking as it gets.  Sax it to death.  One you rarely get to hear.

16.  QUEEN OF THE HOUSE--  Jody Miller  You have been told, Roger.  Women have it tough too.  Loved the dancing in the video.  I just had to hear this one again.

15.  LITTLE LATIN LUPE LU--  Chancellors*  Knew the song, but not the Minneapolis-based group who cover the Righteous Brothers and add a bit of the surf guitar sound.

12.  I KNOW I'LL NEVER FIND ANOTHER YOU--  Seekers  Move over Coke singers.

11.  SAY IT SOFTLY--   Bobby Whiteside*   Move over girl groups.  Here comes a guy group by himself.

"Up Every Day At Six, Bacon and Eggs to Fix."  --RoadDog


SOME CRAZY SAYINGS:  Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Every Blooming THing: Early June 2015

The yard is a mass of purple and white with hundreds of daisies and wild phlox in bloom.  I even have a lot of daisies that grew up in the grass and I left them to bloom.

Plus, the Miss Kim lilacs are blooming with that wonderful fragrance.  The Japanese lilacs are bursting into their brilliant white blossoms.  The one by the deck is especially pretty.  Probably best blooming ever.

I also have quite a few pink perennials in bloom.  They are two different types, but I don't remember their names.

Not Bad, Even If I Do Say So.  --RoadDog

Unfamiliar Songs from May 14, 1965-- Part 3

*  Haven't heard it before.

27.  WHAT DO YOU WANT WITH ME--  Chad & Jeremy*  Essentially forgettable.

26.  YOU WERE MADE FOR ME--  Freddie & the Dreamers*  Got to love that crazy choreography.  A complete cardio-vascular workout in one song.  Just try not to do your own moves to it.

25.  DREAM ON LITTLE DREAMER--  Perry Como* In the key of "Fever."  Perry's got some blues.

24.  SHE'S COMING HOME--  Zombies*  Great 60s song, but I'd never heard it before.

--RoadDog

New Cubs Victory Song-- Part 4: "Cubs Win"

If you want to see a fun video, go to You Tube and watch "Cubs Win" by Jump Suit.  Those guys must have had a ball making the video.

And, the words are few and easy to remember, always important for Cubs fans.

Here are some of the words:

Hey, now come on, you everybody
Everybody everywhere, let's make party.

Cubs (Hey Hey)
Cubs Win (Hey hey)
Cubs win.

This is our year.
This is our year
Santo, Ryno, Mordecai,
Frank Chance, Ernie Banks,
All the guys.

Great Song.  --RoadDog


Friday, June 5, 2015

WLS Top Ten June 4, 1965

1.  SILHOUETTES--  Herman's Hermits
2.  WOOLY BULLY--  San the Sham & the Pharaohs
3.  HELP ME RHONDA--  Beach Boys

4.  MR. TAMBOURINE MAN--  Byrds
5.  BACK IN MY ARMS AGAIN--  Supremes
6.  IT'S NOT UNUSUAL--  Tom Jones
7.  JUST A LITTLE--  Beau Brummels

8.  TICKET TO RIDE--  Beatles
9.  MRS. BROWN YOU'VE GOT A LOVELY DAUGHTER--  Herman's Hermits
10.  I CAN'T HELP MYSELF--  Four Tops

"Took a Walk and Passed Your House, Late Last Night.  --RoadDog



Unfamiliar Songs from May 14, 1965-- Part 2

Continued from June 1st.  Some I'd never heard of, others I hadn't heard in a long time.  * means I haven't heard it before.

32.   BABY THE RAIN MUST FALL-- Glenn Yarbrough.  I always liked this one.  Worth giving another listen.

31.  SHE'S ABOUT A MOVER-- Sir Douglas Quintet.  Also a favorite of mine by Texas boy Doug Sahm.

30.  VOODOO WOMAN--  Bobby Goldsboro*  A little better than "Honey" but not much.

29.  TOMMY--  Reparata & the Delrons*.  As good as Girl Group music gets.

28.  CONCRETE & CLAY--  Eddie Rambeau*  I knew the song as it turned out, but not the performer.    The bigger hit here in the U.S. was by Unit 4 + 2.

I Really Liked That "Concrete & Clay."  --RoadDog


SOME FUNNY SAYINGS:  The short fortune teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.



Music Deaths: Rose Marie McCoy and Rod McKuen

ROSE MARIE McCOY, 92,  Songwriter.  Cowrote Elvis' "Trying to Get to You" and "I Beg of You."  Also Ike & Tina Turner's "It's Gonna Work Out Fine."

ROD McKUEN, 81 Died Jan. 29, 2015

He was Dor in Bob McFadden and Dor on "The Mummy" #39 in 1959.  Wrote the English lyrics for "Seasons in the Sun" for Terry Jacks, #1 1974 and "Jean" #2 1967, for Oliver.


Music Deaths: Kim Fowley

KIM FOWLEY, 75  Died Jan. 15, 2015

Performer, writer and producer.  Wrote "Nutrocker" for B. Bumble & the Stingers.  Promoted Skip & Flip's "Cherry Pie."

Produced Hollywood Argyles "Alley Oop", Murmaids "Popsicles & Icicles", Paul revere, Seeds, Gene Vincent,  Helen Reddy and Flash Cadillac & the Continental Kids.

Created, managed and produced the all-girl group Runaways which included Lita Ford and Joan Jett.

Music Deaths: "Pretty Little Angel Eyes" and Dallas Taylor

CURTIS LEE, 75  Died Jan. 8, 2015.

Best remembered for his Phil Spector-produced "Pretty Little Angel Eyes."  Written by Tommy Boyce.  Was groomed to be a teen idol after Elvis went into the Army.


DALLAS TAYLOR, 66  Died Jan. 18, 2015.  Drummer with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.  At Woodstock.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Kicked Off Boating Season Last Weekend

Well, we did it as much as we could considering how cold it was.  Don't use that Global Blag-Blah Stuff With Me.

FRIDAY, MAY 29:  We went to K.C.'s Cabin for bogo breakfast, Squaw Bar and the Legion and got our Chain crawl passbook stamped at all three.  Not by boat, though.   Boat still in driveway.

SATURDAY, MAY 30--  Went to Half Times in Johnsburg for the Hawks-Ducks Western Conference Game 7 Championship game, but it was too crowded. so went over to Sunnyside Tap and found room.  We had most of our Usual Suspects together and greatly enjoyed the victory.  Hawks to the Stanley Cup!!

SUNDAY, MAY 31--   Met Glenn and Barb at Captain's Quarters for the Eddie Butts Band from Milwaukee,  This Sunday afternoon concert at Captain's is always our official Summer's here party.  Then went to 'Cuda's and Bootleggers.  Got passport stamps at all places today.

It's Boating Season!!  --RoadDog

New Cubs Victory Song-- Part 3: "Cubs Win!" by Jumpsuit, a Real "Parti Gras" Song

Some comments about "Cubs Win!" by Jumpsuit.

"The opening horn riff immediately puts you in a party atmosphere."

"The swaggering horns and the party tone of the tune befits the celebratory vibe that follows every Cubs win."

"Easy, happy, whimsical, full of everlasting hope, love and positivity."

Even Steve Goodman's brother, David, likes the song.  He said: "I hoist a beer to Jumpsuit's 'Cubs Win."  How ya gonna beat that Parti Gras Brass Band feel?"

This song has a really great video.  Check out "Cubs Win" by Jumpsuit on You Tube.  It is a lot of fun and gets you in Parti Gras mode.  they filmed it outside Wrigley Field while there was still snow on the ground.

Hope To Get to Sing it a Lot This Year, Said the Sox Fan.  --RoadDog


SOME CRAZY SAYINGS:  A plateau is a high form of flattery.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Folks Riled Up About Tampa Bay's Lightning Anti-Blackhawk Fan Move

There is a lot of talk around the Chicago area about what a group of wimps the Tampa Bay Lightning ownership are because of their efforts to keep Blackhawk fans from taking over their stadium.  Evidently, they fear their fan base just isn't up to task for a series like the Stanley Cup Championship.

Things like not allowing anyone to order tickets on charge cards if they don'y have a Florida mailing address and no non Lightning apparel in certain areas of their stadium.

I like Chicago mayor's comments welcoming Lightning fans to Chicago for games three and four,  Their money is good here and they'll enjoy the city's vibe and restaurants.

The last team to do this was the Nashville Predators.

Actually, they do have something to worry about as Blackhawk fans have been known to "take over" other teams' stadiums.  My friends Sue and Paul were at a Hawks game in Phoenix against the Coyotes and they said that between 50-60% of the fans in attendance were wearing Blackhawk gear.

Oh well, no Lightning fans are allowed at Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg, where we will be watching tonight.

Hear That!!  --RoadDog




A New Chicago Cubs Victory Song-- Part 2 "Cubs Win!"

Of course, there are some who still want Steve Goodman's "Go Cubs Go" to played at the end even if it does call for the Cubs winning today.  One guy called the Tribune "Blasphemus Idiots to consider changing it because it's a Cubs tradition."  But what if they've already won.  I'm o.k. with a new closing song as long as it is as good as Goodman's (A Chicago favorite son).

The winning song is "Cubs Win" by Jumpsuit, a band that released its first album in 1997 and whose members -- brothers/photographers Nathan and Grant Sutton -- live in various North Side locations.  Their horn-fueled celebration revolves around the line "Let's make party" and a chorus that works in some syncopated "Hey-Heys" via Jack Brickhouse, Cubs announcer for many, many years.

I don't know that the Cubs are using the song, however, as I haven't seen the end of any home games yet.

Hopefully They Are.  It Is a Really Good Song.  It Might be, It Could Be...  --RoadDog


SOME CRAZY SAYINGS:  he had a photographic memory that was never developed.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

A New Chicago Cubs Victory Song-- Part 1


From the April 3, 2015, Chicago Tribune "Belting out victory anthem" by Mark Caro.

Jumpsuit's "Cubs Win" song gets nod from fans, local judges.

The job was to create a new song that Cubs fans could sing after victories instead of Steve Goodman's "Go Cubs Go" which actually is more of a pre-game song.

More than 30 new songs were turned in, covering most music genres including rock, country, blues, hip-hop, big band jazz and a cappella chants.

The field went from 16 to 8 to 4.

The final four:

Cubs Win--  George Peter Block, Jr.

Cubs Win--  Jumpsuit

Everybody Loves the Cubs--  Frank Polancic

Raise the W--  Jimmy and Joey White.

Hey Chicago, What's You Know, the Cubs Are Gonna Wiin Today.  --RoadDog

About That Triple Overtime Blackhawk Win-- Part 2

In 4 hours and 52 minutes, you could have:

5.  Watched the movie "Gettysburg": 4:31

6.  Read "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings": about 4:35.

7.  Roasted a 16-pound turkey: about five hours.

8.  Driven from Chicago to Windsor, Ontario: $:42.

9.  Driven the Indianapolis 500--twice (well, almost): the 2014 race lasted 2:40 minutes.

Vroom, Vroom.  --RoadDog

SOME CRAZY SAYINGS:  A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat.

Monday, June 1, 2015

About That Triple Overtime Blackhawk Win-- Part 1

From the May 21, 2015, Chicago Tribune "Long Haul: In 4 hours, 52 minutes You Could Have ..."

these are things you could have done instead of staying up and watching all that hockey on May 19th, when it took the Hawks three overtimes for victory.  And that is not even counting the 20 minute intermissions.

You Could Have:

1.  Had coronary artery bypass graft surgery: 3-5 hours.

2.  Flown from Chicago to San Juan, Puerto Rico: 4:36.

3.  Taken the Law School Admissions Test: 4-5 hours.

4.  Listened to Jethro Tull's "Thick As A Brick" album six times: 4:23  (It is 43 minutes, 50 seconds)

I'd Have Had More Fun with Tull.  --RoadDog

Listening to Unfamiliar Songs from May 14, 1965-- Part 1

A couple weeks ago I printed all 40 songs on the WLS Top 40 from fifty years ago.  I knew most of the songs, but there were some I hadn't heard in a long time and others which I didn't remember ever hearing.

So, it became You Tube time.  You Tube is such an excellent source of music.  More than likely they will have any song you are seeking.  They had all of these for me.

*  Means I'd heard it before.

Here are those ? songs:

40.  YOU WERE ONLY FOOLING--  Vic Dana--  A really good song, but I doubt that he'd be on pop charts today, at least not the Top 40.

38. *NOTHING CAN STOP ME--  Gene Chandler--  Not just the "Duke."  I hear this often on Beach Music stations and herb Kent, the "Cool Gent" here in Chicago plays this often as a Dusty.

37. *I DO LOVE YOU--  Billy Stewart.   Also a great Beach Music song.

35.  THINK OF THE GOOD TIMES--  Jay & the Americans--  OK, but not great.  No wonder it wasn't top ten.

--Not Just the Duke of Earl.  --RoadDog


SOME CRAZY SAYINGS:  A lot of money is tainted.  It tain't yours and it tain't mine.