WLS Top Ten Songs for July 28, 1967: "Blues Theme"

The Top Ten songs in Chicago fifty years ago according to the WLS 890 Silver Dollar Survey.

1.  CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU--  Frankie Valli
2.  WORDS/PLEASANT VALLEY SUNDAY--  Monkees
3.  COME ON DOWN TO MY BOAT--  Every Mother's Son

4.  MERCY, MERCY, MERCY--  Buckinghams  (Chicago band)
5.  BLUES THEME--  Arrows
6.  WE'RE IN LOVE--  Cryan' Shames ("It Could Be We're In Love")  (Chicago band)
7.  WHITE RABBIT--  Jefferson Airplane

8.  LIGHT MY FIRE--  Doors
9.  SAN FRANCISCO, WEAR FLOWERS IN YOUR HAIR--  Scott McKenzie
10.  LITTLE BIT OF SOUL--  Music Explosion

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You Know That It Would Be Untrue."  (Answer Below).  --RoadDog

Sox-Cubs Crosstown Classic:  Sox Fan--  Is that your team ERA or your shoe size?

"Light My Fire"

WLS Top Ten for July 21, 1967: "Come On Down to My Boat"

I see I didn't post the Top Ten songs in Chicago last Friday, so here it is.  I'll do July 28, 1967, early next week.

1.  CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU--  Frankie Valli
2.  COME ON DOWN TO MY BOAT--  Every Mother's Son
3.  LITTLE BIT OF SOUL--  Music Explosion

4.  WINDY--  Association
5.  MERCY, MERCY, MERCY--  Buckinghams
6.  WHITE RABBIT--  Jefferson Airplane
7.  SAN FRANCISCO WEAR FLOWERS IN YOUR HAIR--  Scott McKenzie

8.  C'MON MARIANNE--  Four Seasons  (Frankie's second Top Ten single.)
9.  WE'RE IN LOVE--  Cryan' Shames   (WLS called this song by this title its whole run.  Actual name was "It Could Be We're in Love.)
10.  LET'S LIVE FOR TODAY--  Grassroots

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "One Pill Makes You larger and One Pill makes You Small."  (Answer below).  --RoadDog

CROSSTOWN CUBS SOX RIVALRY:  Cubs fan:  "The only cleanup your cleanup hitter knows about involves cleaning supplies."

"White Rabbit"

Music Deaths: John Geils (J. Geils)

JOHN GEILS, 71.

Died April 11, 2017.

So, now I know what the J. stood for in the group's name.

Guitarist and leader of J. Geils Band.  Formed 1967 in Massachusetts with vocalist Peter Wolf.  Their original sound was R&B.

They had big hits with "Looking for a Love"  (#39-1972), "Give It to Me"  (#30-1973) and "Must Have Got Lost"  (#12-1975).

By the 1980s, they had more of a New Wave sound and had their greatest success with "Centerfold" (#1-1982,  "Freeze Frame"  (#4-1982) and then returned to their old R&B sound with "I Do"  (#24-1983).

They have been nominated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, but never selected.

They surely are good enough to be in the Hall of Fame.  One of my favorite bands.  I sure liked "Love Stinks."

Sox-Cubs Crosstown Classic

After two games, the Sox and Cubs are split at one game apiece.  The  Sox won the first one at Wrigley Field 3-1.  The Cubs won the second one there, 7-2.  I figure if we can win just one game, that means victory for the series as this is going to be a long year, a rebuilding year, as they call it.

Monday, I bought Liz a Cubs World Series 2016 tee shirt at Jewel, as they FINALLY got around to dropping the price from $28.  And, I am a Sox fan.  She maybe is lucky to have such a wonderful guy.

Wrigley Field was sold out as were the rooftops.  Sadly, earlier this evening we saw Comiskey Park (I don't call it by the other two names), had a lot of empty seats.

Such is life here in Chicagoland.

Of course, there is a lot of put-downs between Sox and Cubs fans.

It Is Cubs All  the Way and Sox Who?  --RoadDog

SOX-CUBS PUT-DOWNS:  Sox Fan:  "Someone should trim those weeds on the outfield walls.  Cubs fan:  "It's ivy as in Ivy League."

40th Anniv. Summer of '77-- Part 6: "Lonely Boy"

Songs playing on the radio and your albums July 16, 1977.

LONELY BOY--  Andrew Gold
SOLSBURY HILL--  Peter Gabriel     Has to come up with better names for his earlier albums.
FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME--  Foreigner    I always get them and Bad Company confused.

YOU AND ME--  Alice Cooper     What?  The Alice doing a pretty song?
GOING FOR THE ONE--  Yes   I don't remember this one.
PEACE OF MIND--  Boston   The Band With the SOUND.

I'M IN YOU--  Peter Frampton   How do you follow up "Live?"
LIFE IN THE FAST LANE--  Eagles
THE CHAIN--  Fleetwood Mac   The #1 album in Chicago this date.

Name That Tune (from above songs):  "He Was a Hard Headed Man.  He Was Brutally Handsome."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

LAWS OF PARENTING:  Yours is always the only child who doesn't behave.

"Life In the Fast Lane"

The White Sox "World Series" Starts Today

For the next four days, the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs will be playing in their annual Crosstown Series, starting with afternoon games today and tomorrow at Wrigley Field and then two night games Wednesday and Thursday at Comiskey Park (I don't call the park the other names).

Since the All-Star game, the Cubs are 8-1 and the Sox are 0-9.  I don't have much hope (I am a White Sox fan) for anything good coming out of the series for us.  If we win one, I will call that one more win that I thought we'd have.

Those who know me, know that I pull for the Cubs unless they play the Sox.

Actually, the Sox have traded off most of their older players and are stocking up with youth in a rebuilding year.  So, losing games doesn't hurt as then we can get a higher draft choice and another future player (maybe a star).

But, these are four games I would LIKE TO WIN!!!  The next four, that is.

Go You White Sox!!!  As Andy the Clown Used to Say.  --RoadSox

Chain Flood 2017-- Part 10: Rain, Rain, Go Away

SATURDAY JULY 22

Yesterday, we had a short storm come through in the afternoon, but not a problem.  Forecasts called for a lot of rain starting in the evening.  We decided not to go to Antioch's Taste of Summer to see the Suburban Cowboys because of it and those annoying, pesky mosquitoes.  Glad we didn't.  It started drizzling when we went to the American Legion, then turned into an off-and-on downpour.  Again, we sure don't need any more rain.

It rained much of the night, but isn't right now at 7 a.m..

Rumor has it that we are in for another five inches of rain by Sunday.  If that happens, the boating season on the Chain of Lakes will essentially be over.  The flooding would be massive.

While at the Legion, I went to the jukebox to see if they had "Rainmaker" by the Cryan' Shames or Harry Nilsson.  They didn't.

But, when I got home I watched the Sox game on TV in Margaritaville and got my Ultimate Jukebox going and among those 300 CDs, I had the Cryan' Shames' version of it so listened to it several times.

Today, forecasts call for scattered showers with a 35% chance of rain, 83 degrees, 82% humidity and we are in a flash flood watch.  Weather Bug has chance of rain at 65%.

We'll have to see what thuis will do to our going to McHenry's Fiesta Days this afternoon.  Plus, our local Dog 'N Suds is having a band and classic car show in the parking lot from 6 to 9 pm.  Also, Antioch is having three bands in its Taste of Summer and 125th birthday party.

Like the Song Said, "Rain, Rain, Go Away.  Come Again Another Day."

JSS: Back-to-School Creep Here-- Top Color-- Decisions

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.  BACK-TO-SCHOOL CREEP--  We are deep into.  Every store is advertising back-to-school specials and they all have big displays.  I sure used to hate this, but back when I was a student and a teacher, it didn't start until August.

I knew that school was around the corner and sure didn't need to be reminded.

But now it starts right after (and a little before) the 4th of July.

I also have a weakness for these back-to-school sales and buy stuff I don't need.

2.  TOP COLOR--  The yard is right at peak color right now.  I can't look at it enough.  Color here, color there.  Color all over the place.  Like I said, I try to have color all season long.  This is as good as it gets!!

3.  DECISIONS, DECISIONS--  As I wrote in my RoadDog's RoadLog Blog, these next several days will be ones of hard decisions to make between Antioch's Taste of Summer and McHenry's Fiesta Days.  Right now I am thinking Taste of Summer tonight and Fiesta Days Saturday and Sunday and Taste later Sunday afternoon.

But, We'll See.  --RoadDog

40th Anniversary of the Summer of '77-- Part 5: "Margaritaville"

These were songs playing on your radio and in your record collection on July16, 1977.

DARK STAR--   Crosby, Nash & Stills
LIKE A HURRICANE--  Neil Young
HEADKNOCKER--  Foreigner

MARGARITAVILLE--  Jimmy Buffett   Attention all you Parrot Heads, the song that started it all.
YOUR SMILING FACE--  James Taylor
BARRACUDA--  Heart

NETHER LANDS--  Dan Fogelberg
JET AIRLINER--  Steve Miller Band   We just saw him in late May at the Indy 500 Carb Day.  After 50 years, he's still got it.
157 RIVERSIDE DRIVE--  REO Speedwagon   Illinois' Own.  From Champaign.

TOO HOT TO HANDLE--  UFO   This is the one Coz always gets me on in his Name That Tune.
BLACK BETTY--  Ram Jam   Probably couldn't be released today.  Somebody might be offended.
THE GRAND ILLUSION--  Styx

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Nibblin' On Sponge Cake, Watchin' the Sun Bake."  Answer Below.  Nope, Not UFO, Coz.  --RoadDog

LAWS OF PARENTING:  The longer it takes you to make a meal, the less your child will like it.

"Margaritaville"

Chain Flood 2017-- Part 9: Another Rain Storm and Skeeters

We did get rain Wednesday night and all through Thursday morning to about 7 a.m..  Just what we needed.  More rain on top of all that we already have had and all the flooding.

Fortunately, the rain wasn't as hard and we had maybe 1-2 inches over eight hours.  Water levels went up a little, but has been slowly receding the last two days.

It is sad to see piles of ruined stuff and furniture in front of some lower homes.  Quite a few homes and businesses are sandbagged.

The boat is still floating as of yesterday afternoon.

But, we are already getting another "present" from all the rain and flooding.  Mosquitoes are all over the  place.  As a  result of their activity, we had to cut short our enjoyment of the Neverly Brothers last night at Antioch's Taste of Summer Festival.  Plus, they are becoming extremely annoying when I'm out in the yard.

I tell you, this flooding is the gift that just keeps on giving.

Plus, we have more storms forecast tonight and Saturday.  Sunday calls for sun and "NO Rain."

What was it they said at Woodstock in 1969?

"No Rain, No Rain, No Rain!!!"  Maybe If Ee Segue Into That Santana Song It Will Help.  --RoadDog

40th Anniversary Summer of '77-- Part 4: "Couldn't Get It Right"

This past Sunday, Bob Stroud had The Summer of '77 Part 2 on his Rock and Roll Roots show on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive.  This was my 4th summer as a teacher in Round Lake, Illinois and our third summer in our new house in Round Lake Beach.  I still had not decided to become a deejay, but deejays were really starting to get popular in local bars.

SIR DUKE--  Stevie Wonder   Had been #1 song in Chicago on June 11, 1977
TIME IS RUNNING OUT--  Stevie Winwood
COULDN'T GET IT RIGHT--  Climax Blues Band

I'M A ROADRUNNER--  Peter Frampton
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED--  Peter Frampton    This guy really did a great job on these two Motown songs.
HEARD IT IN A LOVE SONG--  Marshall Tucker Band    As good as Southern Rock gets.

EVEN IN THE QUIETEST MOMENTS--  Supertramp
LIDO SHUFFLE--  Boz Scaggs    Never sure if  it is Skaggs or Scaggs.
JAMMING--  Bob Marley   One of the first reggae songs I'd ever heard.  I liked it.

Name That Tune (from above songs):  "I Ain't Ever Been With a Woman Long Enough."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


LAWS OF PARENTING:  Toys multiply to fill any space available.

"Heard It In a Love Song"

Chain Flood of 2017-- Part 8: Thunderstorm's A-Coming and We Sure Don't Need Them

We just got back from Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes and The Grove in Spring Grove and I sat out in the gazebo and then the front porch.

Judging from the amount of thunder and lightning, and the 75 mph windstorm cast, we're in for a really bad thunderstorm.  Sadly, that  will at least be the end of us.  Rick's pier will never be able to stand up to it.

It is 9:15 pm and it is pouring rain as hard as that Wednesday morning storm.  And we sure do not need more rain.

--RoadDog

Chain Flood of 2017-- Part 7: Storms Predicted

The storm hat has been plaguing us hit a week ago today in the early morning hours and a couple times after that.

Water has crested in the Chain of Lakes and is dropping very slowly.  Lots of flooding.  The boat is still floating at the pier as of yesterday.  I have gone out and checked t every day since last Wednesday.  Liz will not go look at it as it will bother her too much, even though I tell  her if we have flooding it is far better to have a boat than a house in danger.

Hey, boats float!!

The flood is the subject of part of ever conversation everywhere we go.

Yesterday, we met Paul and Sue at Half-Times in Johnsburg.  Their boat is still on the lift in Long Lake.  They, like us, can't do anything about getting it off and onto land.  They spent a lot of the weekend working with sandbags at Squaw Bar and a friend's house on Squaw Creek.

And the worst part of all this is that we are forecast to essentially have major storms until Sunday.  More rain would be bad,   but strong winds would be a disaster as the piers are stressed to the maximum.

--RoadDog

The Chain Flood of 2017-- Part 6: Boat's Up Mighty High

The flooding is bad for us as we worry about the boat.  However, the flooding is even worse for those who have to worry about their houses.  Hey, boats float, homes don't.  I'd much rather have to worry about the boat.  Our biggest problem is wondering where it might float to if it comes lose from the pier.

The crest of the flood came yesterday, Monday, but it is still staying high.  It sure is something to see the boat up so high from where it usually is in the channel.

I worry about the boat rising so high that the rope lines slide over the top of the post.  Saturday, i saw several boats at the American Legion tied off to trees.  I didn't think of that.  Next time, believe me, I will.

The marina by Beercan Bridge is essentially its own little lake onto itself.  Grand Avenue between Rollins Road and east of the Shell station is closed and detour needed to get around the flooded street.  And, Silver Dollar lake, which was filled in in order to build the plaza at Rollins and Grand, is now back as well.

Hoping for the Best.  --RoadDog

It's a Backwards-Forward Time These Days: 7-18-17

And. it's been that way since July 11, a week ago:

7-11-17
7-12-17
7-13-17
7-14-17
7-15-17
7-16-17
7-17-17
7-18-17
7.19-17

How About That!!   --RoadDog

LAWS OF PARENTING (These are from the Orange Peel Gazette.)  For a child to become clean, something else must become dirty.

Every Blooming THing-- Mid July 2017

The yard is approaching optimum color right now between flowers already blooming and coming into bloom.  Plus, I have been buying lots of annuals that are on sale.  Our local Menard's has been selling six packs of annuals for 45 cents and geraniums for 32 cents.

Between them and the perennials, the color is exploding.

Right now, my second round of daisies are blooming.  these don't get as tall or full of flowers as the first batch that blooms at the end of May and into June.  The purple coneflowers and black-eyed susans are coming into bloom and I have hundreds of them.

Plus, I have lots of light purple plants blooming as well as tall white wild daisies (each with hundreds of real little flowers all over the place.

The yellow yarrow are blooming as are a lot of the hostas.

Daylillies and Asiatic lillies are ablaze as well

Coreopsis, gladidora and dianthus are also blooming.  I also have a lot of orange flower plants.

Almost TOO Much Color!  Nah, You Can Never Have Too Much Color.  --RoadFlower


LAWS OF PARENTING:  The later you stay up, the earlier your child will wake up in the morning.

The Chain Flood of 2017-- Part 5: "How High's the Water Mama?"

SATURDAY, JULY 15

I went to where the boat is docked in Rick's channel.  Happy to report it is still there, just a lot higher.  The top of the windshield, is about as high as Rick's deck.  Best yet, it is still tied, but I worry about the water rising high enough that the rope knot will slide off the top of the plastic pole.

The pier was mostly underwater yesterday, but now is a little above the water as the it is floating.  Sure hope the poles hold.

Headlines in yesterday's Chicago Tribune "Record flooding likely for Chain O'Lakes, Fox River."  That'd be us.

It hasn't rained since Wednesday morning, thankfully, but we're getting runoff from Wisconsin....and lots of it.  Thanks a lot Cheeseheads!!  The Fox River in New Munster, just over the border, is expected to crest at 17.4 feet, 2 feet above its previous record.

So, it is strange to see the lakes rising even with no rain.

Last night, one of the songs played in the "water set" was Johnny Cash's "Five Feet High and Rising" or is it "How High's the Water Mama?"  A real good song for these days.

The latest I heard about an hour ago is that we can expect about another foot of water.

Where Are My Paddles?  --RoadDog

The Chain Flood of 2017-- Part 4: At Least the Boat Floats...But

In just a little bit, I will be going over to Fox Lake, Illinois, to see how the boat is faring.  The flooding continued yesterday and I went to the boat at 1 p.m. and retied it to the pier poles.  Normally we have mooring lines to the dock, but the dock is now under water.  Mooring lines tied to it can pull your boat over and sink it.

This was difficult as I had to stand in the water for much of the operation and go into the boat to get the mooring lines that we use when we're out and about.

All accounts say this will be one of the biggest floods ever on the Chain of Lakes, if not THE BIGGEST FLOOD on record.  Crest is not expected to come until Sunday some time.

I wouldn't mind taking it out, but that likely won't happen as so many boat launches are under water.

Last night at the Legion, friends of ours said they had Mineola Marine take their boats out.  If they still are and I can get there, I'll let them do that.  I'd rest a whole lot easier.

Last night at the Legion, two guys played a whole bunch of songs connected to rain, flooding and water.  We didn't pick up on it until Kelly, our bartender, told us, as we were belting out "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald."  getting that old sinking feeling.

So, I get rid of that condo at Topsail Beach, North Carolina, whose lower level flooded whenever there was a big rain and now, the boat in a flood.  At least it floats.

Fun and Games On the Ol' Chain.  --RoadDog

WLS Top 40 for July 14, 1967-- Part 7: The Top Ten ""Let's Live for Today"

The Top ten songs on Chicago's WLS, 890 AM radio fifty years ago.

The number behind the artist is the top position it got to on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles list.


10  TRACKS OF MY TEARS--  Johnny Rivers   #10
9.  WHITE RABBIT--  Jefferson Airplane   #8
8.  LITTLE BIT SLOWER--  Jon & Robin    #11   "Do It Again A Little Bit Slower"

7.  MERCY, MERCY, MERCY--  Buckinghams    #5
6.  LET'S LIVE FOR TODAY--   Grassroots   #8
5.  SAN FRANCISCO, WEAR FLOWERS IN YOUR HAIR--  Scott McKenzie    #4
4.  COME ON DOWN TO MY BOAT--  Every Mother's Son   #6

3.  WINDY--   Association   #1
2.  LITTLE BIT OF SOUL--  Music Explosion    #2
1.  CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU--  Frankie Valli   #2

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Now When You're Feelin' Low and the Fish Won't Bite."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Little Bit of Soul"

WLS Top 40 for July 14, 1967-- Part 6: "I Like the Way"

15.  I'M JUST WAITING--  New Colony Six

14.  WE'RE IN LOVE--  Cryan' Shames   #85   Full name "It Could Be We're in Love."

13.  I LIKE THE WAY--  Tommy James & the Shondells    #25

12.  ROMEO & JULIET--  Michael & the Messengers    (No rank)  "Just Like Romeo and Juliet"  The real mystery band, but probably at one time called the Messengers out of Milwaukee (There was also a Milwaukee Messengers.)    A group called the Reflections had a #6 hit in 1964 with this song.

11.  C'MON MARIANNE--  Four Seasons

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Whoa Ho Ho, Here I Am On My Knees Again."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"C'Mon Marianne"

Local Radio Supporting Chicago Bands Back in 1967

Chicago's WLS 890 AM sure supported the local bands back fifty years ago.  Not only WLS supported local talent, but rival Big Ten, 1000 AM, WCFL did as well.

Here are the bands listed in the Top 40 from the Chicago area:

35.  TAKE ME BACK--   Flock

23.  STEP OUT OF YOUR MIND--  American Breed

17.  HOLD ON--  Mauds   (Originally "Hold On, I'm Coming" by Sam and Dave.)

16.  SUNDAY WILL NEVER BE THE SAME--  Spanky & Our Gang

15.  I'M JUST WAITING--  New Colony Six

14.  WE'RE IN LOVE --  Cryan' Shames     (Actual name of the song "It Could We're in Love.")

12  ROMEO & JULIET--  Michael & the Messengers  (Most likely from nearby Milwaukee, but this group is hard to trace.)

7.  MERCY MERCY MERCY--  Buckinghams

The good old days for us who grew up in the Chicagoland area back then.  And, a lot of these bands played local high school hops and clubs.

These are good songs.  If you haven't ever heard of them, check them out at You Tube.

Good Times Had By All.  --RoadDog

THE LAST YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  Your life's goal is to amount to a hill of beans.

About That Storm Wednesday Morning-- Part 3: Flooding, But Boat Is OK

After the rain stopped, I took advantage and went out to the car.  On my way back to the house, a little over a mile away, I found that there was a lot of flooding and even standing water in the culverts, something with our hilly subdivision doesn't happen often.

Our power was still out.and after awhile I decided to go to see a movie at 11:20 a.m..  I saw a huge flooded area in the low area by East Applewood Drive.  (The drainage basin behind our house was about 2/3 full as well.)

Once I turned onto Sunset, I saw why our electricity was out.  The electric company was working on power lines from a downed tree.  There was also a backup on US-12 due to a fallen tree.  Lights were out at US-12 and Fox Lake Road.

I stopped by Rick's to check on the boat.  It was ok, but the channel was flooding and we were several feet higher.  Rick's basement had flooded, but he found his sump pump wasn't on, so turned it on and soon had the several inches drained.

The movie I wanted to see "Cars 3" wasn't on, so went to Menard's and bought some flowers which are on big-time sale right now.  All this rain is good for the flowers, except in my containers with no drainage at the bottom, and those poor flowers went for a swim.

--RoadDog

WLS Top 40 for July 14, 1967-- Part 5: "Words/Pleasant Valley Sunday"

Fifty Years Ago on WLS' Chicago Silver Dollar Survey

20.  WORDS/PLEASANT VALLEY SUNDAY--  Monkees  (D)   #3

19.  MY WORLD FELL DOWN--  Sagittarius   #70   Studio band which included Bruce Johnston and Glenn Campbell.

18.  BLUES THEME--  Arrows    #37    Davie Allan   Instrumental

17.  HOLD ON--   Mauds     No ranking.  "Hold On I'm Coming"  A Chicago band doing a Sam and Dave song.  You know, WLS.

16.  SUNDAY WILL NEVER BE THE SAME--  Spanky & Our Gang    #9   Their first and biggest hit.  Chicago band formed in 1966 with Elaine "Spanky" McFarlane as lead singer.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Don't You Ever Feel Sad, Lean On Me When Times Are Bad."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Hold On"

WLS Top 40 for July 14, 1967-- Part 4: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"

25.  AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH--  Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell    #19   Their first of ten hits as a duet.

24.  MY MAMMY--  Happenings    (D)   #13   From Paterson, New Jersey.  Al Jolson's theme song.  Reckon if you sang this song now, certain people would be offended and demand that all statues or memorials to this group be taken down in shame.

23.  STEP OUT OF TOUR MIND--  American Breed    #24   From Cicero, Illinois, (a Chicago suburb.  WLS backing the local groups again.

22.  CARRIE ANNE--  Hollies    (D)     #9.   Their last big hit until 1970's #2  "He Ain't heavy, he's My Brother."

21.  LIGHT MY FIRE--  Doors    #1   Their first hit  One of two #1s.  the other one was 1968's "Hello, I Love You."

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You Know That It Would Be Untrue, You Know I Would Be a Liar."  Answers below.  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  People rtest their batteries in your ears.


"Light My Fire"

WLS Top 40 for July 14, 1967-- Part 3: "Whiter Shade of Pale"

30.  LONELY DRIFTER--  Pieces of Eight     #59   Their only hit.  Consisted of two members of the Swinging Medallions

29.  WHITER SHADE OF PALE--  Procul Harum  (D)   #5 and their biggest hit.  Group formed in England in 1967 so had a big hit out of the box.

28.  THERE GOES MY EVERYTHING--  Englebert Humperdink  (D)   #20 and his second hit.  Real name is Arnold George Dorsey.  He always reminds me of Neil Diamond.

27.  SILENCE IS GOLDEN--  Tremeloes    #11   Their biggest hit   They also had a #13 with "Here Comes My Baby."

26.  I WAS MADE TO LOVE HER--  Stevie Wonder     #2.  Real name is Steveland Morris.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "But My Eyes Still See."  Answer below.  --RoadDog



"Silence Is Golden"

WLS Top 40 for July 14, 1967-- Part 2: "Soul Finger"

35.  TAKE ME BACK--  Flock    Didn't chart.  That is WLS supporting another Chicago band.  Great Chicago horn band.

34.  SOUL FINGER--  Bar-Kays--    #17  Their biggest hit  How much more soul can you go.  All but one were killed when Otis Redding's plane crashed December 10, 1967.

33.  HERE WE GO AGAIN--  Ray Charles   #15.  Well, another great soul song.

32.  DON'T GO OUT INTO THE RAIN--  Herman's Hermits   #18   Their last Top 20.  Took their name from a character on TV's "Bullwinkle Show."

31.  JACKSON--  Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood  #14

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "The Weather's Miserable And You're So Kissable."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Don't Go Out Into the Rain"

Sure Rained On Our Parade Yesterday-- Part 2: Near Continuous Storms and Flooding

We lost electricity around 3 a.m..  Another problem when we lost electricity, being on a well, we also lose our water.  That also means no flushing toilets.  These are things I did not know about when we bought the lot.

There wasn't a lot to do because of no power, and even though the sun was up, there were full clouds obscuring it so even to dark to read on the front porch.  And, of course, no coffee.  I like my coffee in the morning.

I decided to go to our local McDonald's for coffee and a bite to eat, but before going I took a walk around the yard to check on things.  It wasn't raining at the time, but sure looked like it was getting ready to do so and soon.  Especially dark to the north of us.

I saw a lot of flooding in subdivision culverts and streets and in the farm fields on Sunset and Spring Grove Road on my way to McDonald's.

While eating at McDonald's, I saw a line of really dark clouds coming from the north.  Eventually, it was as dark as it is at 1 a.m..  And we had high winds and pelting rain.  I was starting to think tornadoes and figured I was not in a good place with all those big windows around.  I continued with my sandwich, but kept a weather eye out for funnels.

Too Bad the Boat Wasn't Still in the Drive-Way, We Might Have Needed It.  --RoadDog

Sure Rained On Our Parade Yesterday-- Part 1: Why We Lose Electricity During Storms

There was a reason I was only able to do two of my seven blogs yesterday and that was  because we had no electricity until a little after 11 a.m. yesterday morning.  The reason for that was a tree taking out the lines coming into the subdivision.  The reason for that being we were having some really bad storms with high winds and lots and lots and lots of rain.

I usually do these blogs in the morning.  No electricity, no computer or internet connection of the old PC.

Before going to bed Tuesday night, I noticed we were having a lot of thunder and lightning with rainstorms forecast.  We sure did have them.  At one point, there was so much lightning that for about ten minutes we had flickering light.  And the thunder was a constant roar.  Rain was pelting the windows hard.

Storms like this usually mean we will lose power.  Well, any storm for that matter, although we had also had a similar storm in the wee hours of Monday morning and kept electricity.

When we bought the lot for the house back in 1992, the builders boasted that storms would not be a problem as all power and phone lines would be buried.  And, they were.   In the subdivision.  But the problem was (and is) that the lines coming into the subdivision are above ground.  And, trees keep falling on them.

And, then we have no power.

Not Finished Yet.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You're so wired, you pick up AM radio.

WLS Top 40 for July 14, 1967-- Part 1: "For Your Precious Love"

Once a month, I list the whole WLS Silver Dollar Top 40.  I also do research on the songs and listen to the ones I haven't heard in a long time or can't remember ever hearing.

I get the information from Oldies Loon WLS and Joel Whitburn's"Top Pop Singles 1955-1993."

(D) means it debuted.  The number after the artist is how high it got on the Billboard Hot 100.  This week there were a lot of debuts and five of them in the top 30.

40.  HAPPENING-- Herb Alpert  (D)    #32  He produced the first Jan & Dean session.  Great horns.

39.  HAPPY--  Blades of Grass   #87   Pop quartet from New Jersey.  Their only hit  Very syrupy but it grows on you.

38.  FOR YOUR PRECIOUS LOVE--  Oscar Toney Jr   #23   His biggest hit  He talks at first, then starts singing.  Some really great soul.  I'd even go so far as to say he outsouled the Iceman.

37.  SOMEBODY HELP ME--  Spencer Davis Group   #47  Featuring the really, really young Steve Winwood (or was that Stevie?).

36.  IT'S COLD OUTSIDE--  Choir   #68.  Their only hit  Rock quartet from Cleveland.  several members went on to be in the Raspberries.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "A Little Boy of Seventeen I had a Girl She Was My Queen."  (Answer below):  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  Your taste buds are so numb you could drink your lava lamp.

"Somebody Help Me"

4th-en It-- Part 5: The Actual Day Of-- Band, Bars, Fireworks

JULY 4TH, TUESDAY

Flags flying all over the yard.I got to working in the yard and missed the parade in Spring Grove when I lost track of the time.  That was ok, because the parade started at noon and was almost two hours long with all those tractors (as we are a farming community).

We went to A.J.'s Horsin' Around Bar in Round Lake Park and saw Terry and Greg Spizzirri do their show from 2 to 5.  Met the Usual Suspects there and we sure had a great time.

We then went to Sunnyside for cocktails and several regulars came in on their tractors.  (Like I said this was, and still is a big farming area.)

Came home and did some more yard work and then watched our neighbor Dan shoot off an impressive fireworks display, after which we watched the Spring Grove firework show from our driveway.

A Pretty Good Fourth and Whole Six Days.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  The Taster's Choice couple wants to adopt you.

4th-en It-- Part 4: Red, White & Blue, Sunnyside Tap, Yard Work and a Bonfire

SUNDAY, JULY 2

Enjoyed Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots show on the Drive, WDRV, 97.1 FM as he saluted the "Red, White & Blue" with songs with those colors in it.  I listed the songs in my RoadDog's RoadLog blog earlier this week.

After a whole lot of yard work, we went to Sunnyside Tap where Liz won $25 again, that's two weeks in a row.  Great conversation there and watched both the Cubs and Sox win!!

Came home and I had my first bonfire of the year out on the Grand Strand patio in the backyard.

MONDAY, JULY 3

We had some rain earlier in the day.  I went to McHenry and checked out the garden nurseries at Wal-Mart, Home depot, Meijer and Big R.

I went to mega liquor store Binny's in McHenry and bought a 12-pack of Mick Ultra and got a 24 bottle case of water for one cent.  I also bought a Chicago Cubs bottle of Jim beam which was in the batch they opened on the night of November 2, when the Cubs clinched game seven of the World Series and finally were champions after 108 years.  Now the problem is, do I drink it?

We later went to Sunnyside Tap.

By the way, tomorrow, Bob Stroud will be playing the music from July 9, 1977 on his Rock and Roll Roots show on WDRV.  It streams at www.wdrv.com.

Sure Is a Long 4th of July Weekend.  --RoadDog

4th'en It (4th of July Weekend)-- Part 3: A Parade, a Party, a Band and Another Bar

SATURDAY JULY 1

We drove to twin lakes for their 4th of July parade and watched it from Main Street Tavern.  It was a long one and afterwards had their special $4.50 Bloody Mary in a pint glass, with shrimp and that great spear of all things good.  Like a meal in itself.

Came home and in the afternoon went to John and Sherry's place in Johnsburg, Illinois, for a cookout and party.

After that to the Fox Lake Legion to watch one of our favorite groups, the 3 Aces, playing all that great country and pop music from the 50s and 60s.

We stopped at Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg on the way home and had another 4th of July party with the regulars.

--RoadDog

4th'en It-- Part 2: The Yard, the Gouge, Legion, FP and Weekend Warriors

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

No boating today as the weather constantly threatened to rain all day.  I did do a lot of work in the yard.  I see the gas companies got their 4th of July gas gouge as price for regular went up to $2.40 from $2.20. Cut the grass and later met the Usual Suspects at the Legion for 50-50.

SATURDAY, JULY 1

I sit out FP (Front Porch) most every morning having breakfast, coffee and reading the Chicago Tribune.  One of my most fun things.

And speaking of fun things, because of all the people boating on the weekends and specially 4th of July on the Chain of Lakes here in northeastern Illinois, we don't go out on the water.  We refer to them as Weekend Warriors.  We are Weekend Warriors.

Weekend Warriors Keep us Off the Lakes.  --RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for July 7, 1967: "Tracks of My Tears"

1967, 50 Years Ago.  That's Half a Century If You're Counting.

1.  LITTLE BIT OF SOUL--  Music Explosion
2.  WINDY--  Association
3.  CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU--  Frankie Valli

4.  COME ON DOWN TO MY BOAT--  Every Mother's Son
5.  LET'S LIVE FOR TODAY--  Grassroots
6.   SAN FRANCISCO WEAR FLOWERS IN YOUR HAIR--  Scott McKenzie   Summer of Love also played this song.  (See #10)
7.  LITTLE BIT SLOWER--  Jon and Robin

8.  MERCY, MERCY, MERCY--   Buckinghams    Another Chicago band
9.  TRACKS OF MY TEARS--  Johnny Rivers   What, Johnny singing someone else's song.  How could that be?
10.  STEP OUT OF YOUR MIND--  American Breed   LS playing a local Chicago band again.  Last night we saw the band Summer of Love at Antioch, Illinois' It's Thursday concert and they played this song.

Name That Song (from the above songs):  "I Love You Baby, And If It's Quite Alright I Need You Baby To Warm the Lonely Nights."  Answer below.  --RoadDog



"Can't Take My Eyes Off You"

Happy Birthday Ringo: All Those Sevens Ago

Erstwhile Beatles drummer, Richard Starkey, Ringo, turns the big 77 today.   The seventh day of the 7th month of a year ending in 7.  That's a lot of sevens.

7-7-17  turning 77.

How's He Do Things Like This?

He Just "Act Naturally" I Suppose.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:   As Ringo would say, when you find a penny, you say, "Find a penny, pick it up.  Sixty-three more, I'll have a cup."   In whose world is that.    Coffee is a lot more than that these days.

4th'en It-- Part 1: Boat's Finally In the Water!!!

We sure enjoyed ourselves this past 4th of July Weekend, starting last Thursday.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29

Another big rain last night.  Cutting the grass will be no fun once it dries out.  A real good Ten at Ten today back to 1971, a fun college year for me split between NIU and UGA.

Weather remained sketchy at best, one of those will it rain or won't it.  I did get some yardwork done, though.

It cleared up enough that we decided this would be the time to finally launch the boat, which we did at the American Legion on Nippersink Lake.  The boat ran well as I took it across the lake and then to Fox Lake to the channel by Rick's place and we tied up.  Great to FINALLY get the boat in the water.

Dropped the trailer off at Kora's for the season (our subdivision doesn't allow boats or trailers in driveways) and then we went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

So Great to Finally Have the Boat in the Water.  Let the Summer Boating Season Begin!!  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  People get dizzy just watching you.

Roots Salute to Summer 2017-- Part 3: "School's Out"

SURFIN' SAFARI--  Beach Boys   Hey, what would a summer be without the Boys?
BEACH BABY--  First Class
SUNNY AFTERNOON--  Kinks

SUMMERTIME BLUES--  Eddie Cochran
SUMMER RAIN--  Johnny Rivers
SCHOOL'S OUT--  Alice Cooper   This was out theme song when we retired from teaching back in 2006.  It is also the name of out boat, which I am going to take out on the Chain of Lakes as soon as I finish this.

ONE SUMMER DREAM--  ELO
STREET FIGHTIN' MAN--  Rolling Stones
MISERLU--  Dick Dale    That old Surf Sound, you know.

SUMMERTIME--   Billy Stewart
BACK TO THE ISLAND--  Leon Russell
HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME--  Sly & the Family Stone

SUNNY DAYS--  Lighthouse
WARMTH OF THE SUN--  Beach Boys

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You's See 'Em Wearing Their Baggies, Huarachi Sandals Too."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  Instant coffee takes too long.


"Surfin' USA"

Got the Flags Up and Plans for the 4th

It seemed like forever, but the 4th of July is finally really here.

The front of the house has two large U.S. flags, two pennants, two small flags and one on the mailbox.

The deck has a large U.S. flag flying from it and bunting.

All my blogs today will deal with the 4th of July for last post on each.

In a little bit, I'm going over to the Spring Grove, Illinois, parade and then to the festival grounds for a bite to eat.  Then we will go A.J.'s Horsin' Around bar in Round Lake Park to see Terry Spizziri and his nephew put on a music show, then back to Sunnyside for cocktails and food.

A  band will be playing at Horse Fair Park in Spring Grove and then we will go back to the house to watch the Spring Grove fireworks from the front porch.

Gettin' Da 4th On.  --RoadDog

Roots Salute to Summer 2017-- Part 2: ""Come On Down To My Boat"

Gettin' Our Summer On With These.

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS/YOU TOOK THE WORDS RIGHT OUT OF MY MOUTH--  Meatloaf
ALL SUMMER LONG--  Beach Boys   They just might know a little something about summer.
WAKE UP SUNSHINE--  Chicago

COME ON DOWN TO MY BOAT--  Every Mother's Son
SPILL THE WINE--  Eric Burdon & War
CRUISIN' MUSIC--  Raspberries

SUNSHINE SUPERMAN--  Donovan
SUMMER BREEZE--  Isley Brothers   Bob sure loves this version of the song a whole lot.
SUMMER IN THE CITY--  Lovin' Spoonful

IN THE SUMMERTIME--  Mungo Jerry   Of course, my all-time favorite summer song.
RACING IN THE STREET--  Bruce Springsteen
SUMMER--  War

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Was Once Out Strolling One Very Hot Summer's Day."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  Starbucks owns the mortgage to your house.

"Spill the Wine"

Roots Salute to Summer 2017-- Part 1: "Surfin' USA"

On June 25, 2017, Bob Stroud devoted his Rock and Roll Roots show on Chicago's Drive, 97.1 FM to songs to get us in the mood for this summer, which started earlier that week.  These are the songs he played.

To get you into the summertime mood.  If these don't do it, you might be hopeless.

SURFIN' USA--  Beach Boys
SUMMER SUN--  Jamestown Massacre
PIPELINE--  Chantays

MR. BLUE SKIES--  ELO
I LIVE FOR THE SUN--  Sunrays
HOT SUMMER DAYS--  It's a Beautiful Day

BUS STOP--  Hollies
STONE SOUL PICNIC--  5th Dimension
GRAZING IN THE GRASS--  Hugh Masakela

RIDE THE WILD SURF--  Jan and Dean
VENTURA HIGHWAY--  America
SUMMER NIGHTS--  Marianne Faithful

Name That Tune (from above songs):  "She Stays, Love Grows, Under My Umbrella."   Answer Below.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You've built a miniature city out of little plastic stirrers.


Bus Stop"

About Last Weekend-- Part 4: Radio, Yard and Sunnyside

JUNE 25, SUNDAY

Sat out FP (Front Porch) in the morning for coffee and breakfast.  As I usually do.

As I do every morning, I listened to Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots on WDRV, 97.1 FM in Chicago.from 7 to 10 a.m..  Since this is the first official weekend of summer 2017, he played nothing but summer-related songs.

I am also recording Terri Hemmert's Breakfast With the Beatles which I will listen to later in the week.  It runs from 8 to 10 a.m. on Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM.

I did a lot of yardwork afterwards and later we went to Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg, Illinois, for their 3 p.m. drawing where Liz won a $25 gift certificate.  We had been planning on going over to Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake to see their band (bands play 3 to 7 p.m. on Sundays during the summer), but we didn't make it, staying at Sunnyside and enjoying the camaraderie.  Sunnyside is a real "Cheers" kind of a place.

--RoadDog

About Last Weekend-- Part 3: Got My Civil War On

JUNE 24, SATURDAY

I was sorry to find out that today's Saturday Morning Flashback on WXRT, 93.1 FM was going to be Wendy Rice's last one.  She has been a Saturday morning fixture in my life for many, many years, especially when she would do the 1967 to 1973 shows.  I sure had to listen to this one.  Fortunately, two other XRT deejays will be taking turns hosting it from now on.

I drove to Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry Civil War Round Table discussion group meeting at Panera Bread where today's topic was Confederate Generals (Other Than Lee and Jackson).

Afterwards, I drove to Moretti's in Lake In the Hills, Illinois, for the lunch put on by the Camp Douglas Camp 506 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.  Our group is named in honor of the Southerners held and who died  (some 6,000) at Chicago's infamous Camp Douglas.

We have hit on hard times lately because our membership is spread over almost a hundred miles which makes meetings too difficult to attend, but now it seems that we are back on track with a new commander and direction.  And, considering how much Confederate hatred there is today, something needed to protect their good name.

Stopped at several flower places on the way back home.

I enjoyed the Ultimate Jukebox at Margaritaville (Our downstairs bar) in the evening.

--RoadDog

Going Back to 1968-- Part 4: "Hurdy Gurdy Man"

From Wendy Rice's June 17, 2017, Saturday Morning Flashback on Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM.

MAGIC CARPET RIDE--  Steppenwolf   Always reminds me of the jukebox in Palatine High School's Senior Lounge.  Woe be to the freshman who "accidentally" wanders into here.
SPACE ODDITY--  David Bowie   Good old Major Tom.
GOING UP THE COUNTRY--  Canned Heat

HURDY GURDY MAN--   Donovan    This song always really takes me back to 1968.
WHITE ROOM--  Cream    Were there really just three guys playing in the band?
DANCE TO THE MUSIC--  Sly & the Family Stone   Throw the peace sign way up high where it won't do you any harm.

CHEST FEVER--  Band
TIGHTEN UP--  Archie Bell & the Drells   Archie Bell (Jay Proctor) even has a new song on the Beach Music charts.  Check out Fessa Hoook's BeachShag site.
WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS--  Joe Cocker

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "With Black Curtains Near the Station."  Answer Below.



"White Room"

Going Back to 1968-- Part 3: "Piece of My Heart"

Wow, 49 Years Ago.

FEELIN' ALRIGHT--  Traffic
PIECE OF MY HEART--  Janis Joplin & Big Brother & the Holding Company
I AIN'T SUPERSTITIOUS--  Stevie Wonder

HUSH--  Deep Purple    Billy Joe Royal probably never imagined this version.
SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE--  Aretha Franklin
FIRE-- Crazy World of Arthur Brown

MAGIC BUS--  Who  Always love those rhythm blocks/sticks or whatever they are.
REACH OUT IN THE DARKNESS--  Friend and Lover    Friend was Galena's Jim Post.
SUZIE-Q--  Creedence Clearwater Revival   Always reminds me of that scene from "Apocalypse Now."

BABY COME BACK--  Equals
ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER--  Jimi Hendrix
SHINE ON BRIGHTLY--  Procul Harum

Name That Tune (from above songs):  "You Can't Have It."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You don't sweat, you percolate.

"Magic Bus"