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

Monday, April 30, 2018

Going Back to 1969-- Part 1: "Time Is Tight"


Songs played on WXRT, 93.1 FM, Chicago on Saturday Morning Flashback April 28.

Anything 1969 is a classic year for me.  I was a senior at Palatine High School in Palatine, Illinois, at the start of the year and a freshman at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb the second half.  Those were mighty good rimes indeed.

EVIL WAYS--  Santana
UNDUN--  Guess Who
I WANT TO TAKE YOU HIGHER--  Sly & the Family Stone

TIME IS TIGHT--  Booker T. & the MGs
FAT MAN--  Jethro Tull
QUESTIONS 67 & 68--  Chicago Transit Authority

BAD MOON RISING--  Creedence Clearwater Revival---   My ringtone
UP ON CRIPPLE CREEK--  Band
VENUS--  Shocking Blue

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I See Trouble On the Way."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH:  I don't have grat hair; I have "wisdom highlights."  I am just very wise.


"Bad Moon Rising"

Sunday, April 29, 2018

WLS Top Ten for April 29, 1968 ""The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly"


Fifty years ago today, in Chicago.

1.  HONEY--  Bobby Goldsboro
2.  MONY MONY--  Tommy James & the Shondells
3.  TIGHTE UP--  Archie Bell & the Drells

4.  A BEAUTIFUL MORNING--  Young Rascals
5.  THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY--  Hugo Montenegro
6.  I GOT THE FEELIN'--  James Brown
7.  THE UNICORN--  Irish Rovers

8.  CRY LIKE A BABY--  Box Tops
9.  YOUNG GIRL--  Union Gap
10.  HEY GIRL/MY GIRL--  Bobby Vee

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Well, Shoot 'Em Down, Turn Around, Come Home."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH:  The biggest lie I tell myself is...  "I don't have to write that down, I'll remember it."

"Mony Mony"

Friday, April 27, 2018

Every Blooming THing-- Late April


Believe it or not, it seems that Spring has finally arrived after one of the coldest Aprils in Chicago area history.

The grass has greened up and it won't be long before it will have to be cut.  I finally was able to get the flat tire off the '85 Firebird and then get the battery jumped so now I will be able to get the lawn tractor out (it was blocked in by the Firebird).  I was so glad when it started.

Quite a few branches were blown down over the winter and of late, so will have to pick those up.

The daffodils are blooming as are the hyacinths.  I have some other small bulb flowers that I don't know the name that are also blooming.

Oh, yes.  I should also mention that the dear old dandelions are doing their yellow thing.  What would spring be without those little fellers?

Good to Have Spring Finally Arrive.  --RoadDog

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH:  Old age is coming at a really bad time.  When i was a child I thought "Nap Time" was a punishment.  Now, as a grownup (and an old one at that), it feels like a small vacation.


Music Deaths: Kenny O'Dell Wrote "Behind Closed Doors"


KENNY O'DELL, 73

Died March 27, 2018

Singer/songwriter.  His only top 40 was "Beautiful People"  (#38-- 1967).   This was also a hit for Bobby Vee.  A great bit of pop music if there ever was.  Give a listen to it on You Tube.

He also wrote "Next Plane to London"   (#17-1967) for Rose Garden and "Behind Closed Doors"  (#15-1973) for Charlie Rich.


Thursday, April 26, 2018

Movie Scratches: Wish-- Rabbit-- Panther-- Uprisin


Movie Scratches:  A Dog's-Eye View of movies I've seen this year at the movie theater.

13.  DEATH WISH--  3-7--  Fox Lake, free--  Word to all bad guys.  Don't mess with this guy's family.

14.  PETER RABBIT--  3-7--  Fox Lake, $5--  Rabbit  pie anybody?  Word to humans.  Don't mess with the rabbits and their friends.

15.  BLACK PANTHER--  4-2--  Fox Lake, $6--   Wakanda's not so backwards as thought.  The kind of movie you need to see on the big screen twice.  We have a village named Wauconda near here.

16.  PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING--  4-3--  Fox Lake, $5--  It's been ten years since the Battle of the Breech.  They're back and this time with the help of humans.

Expensive Popcorn.  --RoadDog


Music Deaths: Steve Mandell "Dueling Banjos"


STEVE MANDELL, 76

Died March 14, 2018

Guitarist on the song "Dueling Banjos" (#2-1973) with Eric Weiseberg.  From the movie "Deliverance."

12 McDonald's Food Items That Failed-- Part 3: McDLT


9.  McDLT--  Mid-1980s.  Burger with lettuce and tomatoes.  Came in a styrofoam package that separated the vegetables from the burger.

10.  McLean Deluxe--  91% fat free.  So  much healthier.

11.  Big N' Tasty--  McDonald's take on Burger King's Whopper.  Made with Angus burgers.  Was a success, but dropped by the company.

12.  Super-Size--  Started in 1993 and became a public relations disaster.

--RoadDog

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH:  I decided to stop calling the bathroom the "John" and renamed it the "Jim".  I feel so much better saying that I went to the Jim this morning.



Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Independent Bookstore Day This Saturday, April 28


Hundreds of mom and pop independent book stores will be taking part in it.

We have Read Between the Lines in Woodstock, Illinois.

If it isn't records and Cds, it's books for me.

Book It.   Dano.   --RoadDog

Neil Diamond Receives the Johnny Mercer Award


The Songwriters Hall of Fame on March 20, 2018, announced that Neil Diamond would receive the annual Johnny Mercer Award.  He will receive it on June 14 in New York City.

--RoadDog

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH:  I didn't make it to the gym today.  That makes five years in a row.


Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Record Store Day Booty-- Part 2: Them Cds


SATURDAY, APRIL 21

The Vinyl Frontier Records, McHenry, Illinois

CDs:

YOU REALLY GOT ME--  Kinks

ULTIMATE COLLECTION--  Delbert McClinton

BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD

TRENCH TOWN ROCK--  Bob Marley & the Wailers

GOOD ROCKIN' TONIGHT--  Legacy of Sun Records



CDs Bought at Siren Records, McHenry, Illinois

THE SINGLES COLLECTION--  Zombies

GOLD--  The Mamas & the Papas

Got Some Good Listnin' To Do.  --RoadDog

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH:  You know that tingly little feeling you get when you really like someone?  That's common sense leaving your body.

Monday, April 23, 2018

Record Store Day Booty-- Part 1: Them LPs


Well, April 21st has come and gone.  It was Record Store day and I went to two places in McHenry, Illinois and dropped almost $50 in the process, but for a good cause.

First I went to The Vinyl Frontier Records on Riverside Drive.  As always, it was packed.  The owner said the people were standing in line around the corner, almost to the bridge when he opened a little before 9 a.m.

Specials today were $1 off every album and 5 CDs for $20.

I bought five vinyl albums and five CDs.

Albums:

HERE COMES THAT RAINY DAY FEELING AGAIN--  Fortunes

LIVE!  TAKIN' THE STAGE--  Pure Prairie League

CSN--  Crosby, Stills & Nash

THE SPIRIT OF '67--  Paul Revere & the Raiders

RETURN--  Dave Clark Five

Come On Turntable.  --RoadDog

I'd Celebrate That!!! April 23-29: Pretzel Day This Thusday


APRIL 23, MONDAY--  Take a Chance Day**   Lovers Day**

APRIL 24, TUESDAY--  Pigs in a Blanket Day**

APRIL 25, WEDNESDAY--  World Penguin Day**  Admin Professionals Day**

APRIL 26, THURSDAY--  Pretzel Day**

APRIL 27, FRIDAY--  Arbor Day**

APRIL 28, SATURDAY--  Pool Opening Day**  Definitely not around here.

APRIL 29, SUNDAY--  Shrimp Scampi Day**

--RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for April 22, 1968: "A Beautiful Morning"


1.  HONEY--  Bobby Goldsboro
2.  CRY LIKE A BABY--  Box Tops
3.  YOUNG GIRL--  Union Gap

4.  MONY MONY--  Tommy James & the Shondells
5.  TIGHTEN UP--  Archie Bell & the Drells
6.  SUMMERTIME BLUES--  Blue Cheer
7.  THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE UGLY--  Hugo Montenegro

8.  I GOT THE FEELIN'--  James Brown
9.  A BEAUTIFUL MORNING--  Young Rascals
10.  THE UNICORN--  Irish Rovers

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "A Long Time Ago When the Earth Was Green."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH:  Gone are the days when girls used to cook like their mothers.  Now, they drink like their fathers.


"The Unicorn"


Saturday, April 21, 2018

Getting My Vinyl On Today: Record Store Day


The day is here.  No downloading today (I have never downloaded anything and wouldn't know how).

Today is the day to go visit your local mom and pop independent record store, flip through some albums and buy something.

In a short time, I will be leaving for the Vinyl frontier records in McHenry, Illinopis, located at 1326 N. Riverside Drive.  After that I plan to go to Siren records at 3819 Main Street, also in McHenry.  Very lucky to have not just one, but two places for old records here in the area (and within 12 miles of home).

There is also a Reef Records in nearby Antioch, but won't get there today.

And, as something to get the mind off this horrendous April we've been having, besides Record Day, we have signup for the annual Chain Crawl for the Chain of Lakes at Squaw Bar and Hilltop Lounge.

Records and Boats.  Alright.  --RoadDog

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Two Days to Record Store Day


Looking forward to visiting a couple record stores in the area.  We have three places withing 12 miles of us.

It is good to see all the young people going through the albums (and some CDs) these days.  Barnes and Nobles continues to expand their vinyl albums collections for sale, but my biggest problem with them is that they charge $22 to $30 for each one.  That is a whole lot more than I am willing to pay for an album.

So, I will just stick with the used ones instead.

Give me That Old Time Vinyl!!  --RoadDog

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH:  (From the January 2018 Wassup magazine):  I changed my car horn to gunshot sounds.  People get out of my way much faster now.



Wednesday, April 18, 2018

12 McDonald's Food Items That Failed-- Part 2: Arch Deluxe


Continued from March 20.

5.  McSpaghetti--  On top of spaghetti, I lost my poor meatball.

6.  McAfrika--  Beef, cheese, tomatoes and salad on pita bread.  released in 2002 during a famine in Africa.  Didn't go over so well.

7.  Arch Deluxe--  1996 for adults.  quarter-pounder, peppered bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onions, ketchup and secret sauce.

8.  McHotdog--  Self-explanatory.

--RoadDog

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Four Days to Record Store Day!!


Mark it down.  We're just four days away from the annual Record Store Day!!!

It will be Saturday April 21.

This is your day to experience music the way it was intended to be.  None of that downloading stuff!!!

Go to the Record Store day site to find out your nearest Mom and Pop record store, if you don't already know where it is.

LPs and CDs, Oh My!!  --RoadDog

WORDS NOT YET IN THE DICTIONARY--  DOGSCARE:  running or operating a vacuum cleaner near your dog.



Music Deaths: Jimmy Wisner, Songwriter and Producer


JIMMY WISNER, 96

Died March 12, 2018

Pianist, arranger, songwriter and producer.  He had a hit "Asia Minor" (#8-1961) under the name Kokomo.  He wrote "Don't Throw Your Love Away" for the Searchers (#16-1964).

As a producer, he worked with Tommy James, Bobby Rydell, Neil Sedaka, Freddy Cannon, Len Barry, Spanky & Our Gang, Carly Simon and many others.

I have been listening to "Asia Minor" and "Don't Throw Your Love Away" on YouTube.  Great songs.

Monday, April 16, 2018

JSS-- Snow!!-- Snowblower-- Daffodils-- Sox Postponements


JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.  SNOW!!  It snowed much of Sunday and has been snowing off and on all day today.  We have around 3-4 inches of snow on the ground.  I can't ever remember there being this much snow at the middle of April.

2.  SNOWBLOWER--  And, i am glad I didn't run off the gas mixture in the 2-cycle snowblower last week.  I used it today.  I've never used it this late in the month of April.

3.  DAFFODILS--  And, the poor daffodils and all that yellow are surrounded by a lot of white.  It is pretty, though.

4.  SOX POSTPONEMENTS--  Has there ever been a major league baseball team to have three straight snow postponements of games?  The Sox-Twins series in Minneapolis was postponed for all three games.  I heard that parts of Minnesota south of US-12 received twenty inches of the white stuff.

Real Tired of Winter Which Just Won't Go Away.  --RoadDog

JSIS: Kentucky Governor Inserts Foot-- Barbara Bush


JSIS--  Just Some Interesting Stuff.

1.  KENTUCKY GOVERNOR INSERTS FOOT--  This guy sure wouldn't get my vote next election.  He blames striking teachers for kids getting into drugs and getting raped because of the strike.  What an idge.

2.  Barbara Bush--   Sure sorry to hear that she is not long for this world.  Of all the recent First Ladies, I respected her the most.  Not many ladies can say they were married to a U.S. president and was also the mother of one.

A Wonderful Woman and a Dumb Governor.  --RoadDog

I'd Celebrate That!! April 16-22: Amaretto Day Thursday


**  I'd celebrate that.

MONDAY, APRIL 16--  Patriots Day**   Wear Pajamas To Work Day**

TUESDAY, APRIL 17--  Cheeseball Day**  Tax Day

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18--  Columnist Day

THURSDAY, APRIL 19--  High 5 Day   Amaretto Day**  I'd even drink to that!!

FRIDAY, APRIL 20--  Look Alike Day

SATURDAY, APRIL 21--  Kindergarten Day**

SUNDAY, APRIL 22--  Earth Day**

Pajamas--Work?  What Gives?  --RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for April 15, 1968: "Lady Madonna"


That's right, fifty years ago.  Really!!

1.  HONEY--  Bobby Goldsboro
2.  YOUNG GIRL--  Union Gap
3.  CRY LIKE A BABY--  Box Tops

4.  LADY MADONNA--  Beatles
5.  SUMMERTIME BLUES--  Blue Cheer
6.  TIGHTEN UP--  Archie Bell & the Drells
7.  MIGHTY QUINN--  Manfred Mann

8.  I GOT THE FEELIN'--  James Brown
9.  THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY--  Hugo Montenegro
10.  I'LL ALWAYS THINK ABOUT YOU--  New Colony Six

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "She Was Always Young At hear, Kinda Dumb and Kinda Smart."  --Answer below.  --RoadDog

WORDS NOT YET IN THE DICTIONARY--  EIFFELITES:  Gangly people sitting in front of you at the movies who, no matter what direction you lean, follow suit.

"Honey"

Music Deaths: Bill Burkette of the Vogues


BILL BURKETTE, 75

Died March 1, 2018

Original lead baritone with the Vogues on hits "You're the One" (#4-1965), "Tuen Around, look At me"  (#7-1968) and "Five O'Clock World"  (#4-1966).

Whenever I hear "Five O'Clock World" I can't help but think of the skit they did on the "Drew Carey Show."


Friday, April 13, 2018

Movie Scratches: Shape-- Call-- Out-- Phantom


MOVIE SCRATCHES--  Movies I saw this year in a theater.

9.  THE SHAPE OF WATER--  2-16--  Round Lake Beach, $5--  Who says you can't fall in love with your fish?  Kind of a fishy "HellBoy."

10.  CALL ME BY YOUR NAME--   2-26--  Round Lake Beach, $5--  OK.  saw this one because it was nominated in two categories including Best Picture.    Had I known what it was about I would have taken a pass.

11.  GET OUT--  3-1--  Round Lake Beach, $5--  Never trust those white folks.

12.  PHANTOM THREAD--  3-2--  Round Lake Beach, $5--   Dealing with a very talented, very demanding perfectionist.

I sure do thank Regal Cinemas of Round Lake Beach for showing all the Best Picture nominees before the Academy Awards show.

Thanks.  --RoadDog

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Farewell Tours Announced


Elton John and Paul Simon have announced they will be having their farewell tours.

And, recently, Tommy Roe quietly announced his retirement.

Some Great Entertainers Here.  --RoadDog

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

About Those Six Things People Don't Have Anymore


OK, here's the scoop on me:

1.  CDs   I listened to the Kinks "Soap Opera" on CD in the '11 Malibu yesterday on the way to the Civil War Round Table meeting (and back).  The next car we buy will probably be a problem as I have to have a CD player.  As a matter of fact, I would like to have a cassette player as well.

2.  VHS Tape-- I have been watching VHS tapes of shows I recorded last week and have now caught up with them.  That's right, I still have a VCR.

3.  File cabinets--  Yep, I have several file cabinets in desks at home.  I still store papers and what have you in them.  I even have a couple spares in the garage.

4.  Wall calendars--  I have three wall calendars up around the house and several in reserve.

5.  Take out menus.  I have some, but not many.  I have never been much of a one for take out.  Why mess up the house when I can mess up there place?

6.  Alarm clocks--  I have them, but since I'm retired, I don't use them much unless I want to make sure I wake up in time to record Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots on an audio cassette on Sunday morning.

And, I would like to add ROAD ATLASES.  We still have several and I prefer to use these when planning a big truck.  I do, however, use GPS for closer in directions.


I Guess I'm Just Technologically Impaired.    --RoadChallenged


Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Six Things People Don't Have Anymore


From the Chicago History FaceBook page.

They asked people to tell them if they had two or more of these six.  I wonder how I'll do?

1.  CDs

2.  VHS Tapes

3.  File cabinets

4.  Wall calendars

5.  Take out menus

6.  Alarm clocks

How did you do?

--I Wonder, I Wonder?  --RoadDog

WORDS NOT YET IN THE DICTIONARY--  ECNALUBMA:  A rescue vehicle which can onlty be seen in the rearview mirror.

Monday, April 9, 2018

JSS: Late Christmas-- Sox Can't Get No Respect-- Snow Day Opening Day


JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  LATE CHRISTMAS--  I overwinter two poinsettias and have a giant Christmas cactus.  The cactus only had five blooms at Christmas, but right now is covered in blooms.  The poinsettias had no red leaves at Christmas, but a whole lot right now.

2.  SOX CAN'T GET NO RESPECT--  I am getting tired of going into bars and finding the White Sox game isn't on TV.  But I request it to be on TV.  Of course, if the Cubs are playing you can bet THAT will be on TV.

3.  SNOW DAY OPENING DAY--  The Chicago Cubs play their first home game this afternoon.  And, we have a couple inches of snow on the ground and right now, at 11:26, it is still snowing.  At least it isn't sticking to the roads and driveways.

Come On, Chicago HAS Two Baseball Teams.  --RoadDog

I'd Celebrate That!!!!-- April 9-15: Grilled Cheese Day on Thursday


**  I'd celebrate that.

APRIL 9, MONDAY--   Former POW Recognition Day**   Chinese Almond Cookie Day**

APRIL 10, TUESDAY--  Sibling Day**  Library Workers Day**

APRIL 11, WEDNESDAY--  Cheese Fondue Day**  Hey, I like cheese fondue.

APRIL 12, THURSDAY--  Grilled Cheese Day**  Peach Cobbler Day**  Anything peach!!

APRIL 13, FRIDAY--  Uh-Oh!!  Scrabble Day**  But never played it.  Word problem, you know.

APRIL 14, SATURDAY--  Dolphin Day**

APRIL 15, SUNDAY--  Take a Wild Guess Day*8  I do  that most of the time anyway.  Rubber Eraser Day**  Good for throwing, anyway.  And, sniffing.

--RoadDog

WORDS NOT YET  IN THE DICTIONARY--  DISCONFECT:  To sterilize the piece of candy you dropped on the floor by blowing on it, somehow assuming this will "remove" all the germs.

Sunday, April 8, 2018

WLS Top 40 for April 8, 1968-- Part 7: "Summertime Blues"


10.  LA LA MEANS I LOVE YOU--  Delfonics   #4
9.  TIGHTEN UP--  Archie Bell & the Drells    #1
8.  SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE--  Aretha Franklin      #5

7.  SUMMERTIME BLUES--  Blue Cheer    #14
6.  VALERIE--  Monkees     #3
5.  I'LL ALWAYS THINK ABOUT YOU--  New Colony Six    #22
4.  CRY LIKE A BABY--  Box Tops     #2

3.  LADY MADONNA--  Beatles     #4
2.  YOUNG GIRL--  Union Gap     #2
1.  HONEY--  Bobby Goldsboro     #1

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I'm Gonna Raise a Fuss, I'm Gonna Raise A Holler."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

WORDS NOT YET IN THE DICTIONARY--  CARPERPETUATION:  The act while vacuuming, of running over a string or piece of lint at least a dozen times, reaching over and picking it up, examining it, then putting it back down to give the vacuum one more chance.


"Summertime Blues"

WLS Top 40 for April 8, 1968-- Part 6: " Ballad of Bonnie & Clyde"


15.  JENNIFER JUNIPER--  Donovan    #28   Born in Scotland.  The old flower child himself.

14.  SWEET INSPIRATION--  Sweet Inspirations    #18  Their biggest hit.

13.  BALLAD OF BONNIE & CLYDE--  Georgie Fame   #7  His biggest hit of four Top 100s.  Also had a #22 with "Yeh, Yeh" in 1965.

12.  I GOT THE FEELIN'--  James Brown--   #6     Was #1 on the R&B charts for two weeks.

11.  MIGHTY QUINN--  Manfred Mann    #10   Written by Bob Dylan.    They had a #1 in 1964 with "Do Wah Diddy Diddy."  Silly enough for you?

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Come All Without, Come All Within."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Mighty Quinn"

JSS: Spring, What Spring?-- Stupid Stock Market People-- Gas Gouge Back


JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.  SPRING, WHAT SPRING?  Well, if this is spring, you can have it.  I don't want it.  Here in northeast Illinois, we've been hovering roughly between 25 degrees and 40 degrees for the last couple weeks.  I listen a lot to The Surf 94.9 FM out of North Myrtle Beach, S.C., and it has been mighty cold there a whole lot as well.  Global Warming?

2.  STUPID STOCK MARKET PEOPLE--  With the stock market going up and down so much of late, I have to consider the stock market players nothing short of Chicken Littles.

3.  GAS GOUGE BACK--  Real sorry to see that gas prices have certainly jumped of late.  At one point,gas in Fox Lake, Illinois, was up to $2.90 (well, $2.89.9), but it has since dropped to $2.76.  Sure hate to see this happening again.

Gouge the Stock Market.  --RoadDog

WORDS NOT YET IN THE DICTIONARY--  DIMP:  A person who insults you in a cheap department store by asking, "Do you work here?"



Saturday, April 7, 2018

WLS Top 40 for April 8, 1968-- Part 5: ""The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly"


20.  UP ON THE ROOF--  Cryan Shames    #85    Chicago's own.  WLS and WCFL really pushed the local artists back then.

19.  THE UNICORN--  Irish Rovers     #7    "The Unicorn Song."  Irish-born quintet formed in Canada in 1964.  OK, so I'm doing the green alligator right now.  Don't laugh.  I can do all the motions.

18.  A BEAUTIFUL MORNING--  Young Rascals    #3   Actually they had dropped the "Young" by the time this came out.

17.  THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY--  Hugo Montenegro     #2    From the movie starring Clint Eastwood.  A real eyes stare-down.

16.  IF YOU CAN WANT--   Smokey Robinson    #11   Smokey Robinson & the miracles at this time.  You may not recognize the title, but once you hear it, you'll know it.  If this don't get you ta' movin', I don't know what will.

Name That Tune (from the above songs:  "A Long Time Ago When The Earth Was Green."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


WORDS NOT YET IN THE DICTIONARY--  BUZZACKS:  People in phone marts who walk around picking up display phones and listening for dial tones even when they know the phones are not connected.


"The Unicorn Song"

Thursday, April 5, 2018

WLS Top 40 for April 8, 1968-- Part 4: "U.S. Male"


25.  SIMON SAYS--  1910 Fruitgum Co.    #4   Their first-ever hit.of four that they had in 1968.  New Jersey Bubblegum quintet.

24.  DANCE TO THE MUSIC--  Sly & the Family Stone     #8   Their first hit.  Always love it on that "Woodstock" movie.

23.  U.S. MALE--  Elvis Presley    #28    Written and originally recorded by country singer Jerry Reed from the movie "Smokey & the Bandit."

22.  FUNKY STREET--  Arthur Conley    #14   His second-biggest hit.  Just as good as his biggest one in 1967, "Sweet Soul Music."

21.  FOREVER CAME TODAY--  Diana Ross & the Supremes     #28    Not one of their biggest hits, but one great song.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "All You Need Is A Drummer For People Who Only Need A Beat."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Dance to the Music"

WLS Top 40 for April 8, 1968-- Part 3: ""Dock of the Bay"


30.  IN NEED OF A FRIEND--  Cowsills     #54    Five brothers, little sister and mother.  Never heard of this song before, but the more you hear it, the more you'll like it song.

29.  MONY MONY--  Tommy James & the Shondells    #3     Tommy James formed pop group Shondells at age 12.

28.  TAKE TIME TO KNOW HER--  Percy Sledge   #11   Pride of Leighton, Alabama.    Second biggest hit.  His biggest, of course "When a Man Loves a Woman"  #1 1966.  Not a good first wedding dance song, though.

27.  KISS ME GOODBYE--  Petula Clark    #15     Had six Top Tens and two #1s from 1964 to 1967.

26.  DOCK OF THE BAY--  Otis Redding   #1    His name IS SOUL.  Too bad he was already dead when this went to #1.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Took Her Home To Mama."   Answer below.  --RoadDog



"Take Time To Know Her"




WLS Top 40 for April 8, 1968-- Part 2: "She's Lookin' Good


35.  HEY GIRL, MY GIRL--  Booby Vee     #35    Born in Fargo, North Dakota.   Medley of the two songs.  More of "My Girl" than "Hey Girl."

34.  SOUL SERENADE--  Willie Mitchell--    #23  His biggest hit.  The pride of Ashland, Mississippi.    Too much soul in this instrumental.    Great song.  If I had a radio show, this would be my intro song.

33.  SHE'S LOOKIN' GOOD--  Wilson Pickett--    #15     From Prattville, Alabama.  Born 1941.  The "Wicked Pickett" sounding mighty wicked here.

32.  TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY BABY--  Bobby Vinton    #33  Born in Canonsburg, Pa.

31.  COWBOYS TO GIRLS--  Intruders   (D)    #6   Their biggest hit of 14 Top 100s.  Formed in Philadelphia in 1960.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "My Tears Are Falling, Cause You've Taken Her Away."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog

WORDS NOT YET IN THE DICTIONARY--  BURGACIDE  When a hamburger can't tsake any more torture and hurls itself through the grills onto the coals.


"Take Good Care of My Baby"

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Past Movie Scratches: Cops-- Runaway-- Gump-- Black-- Groundhog-- Paris


Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I saw on TV in 2017

13.  LET'S BE COPS--  1-29--  Great fun till it gets serious.

14.  RUNAWAY--  Robots going rogue.  Hate when that happens.  Hopefully Alexa won't ever go rogue.

15.  FORREST GUMP--  1-31--  "And, that's all I have to say about that."   "STOP!!  Forrest!!!"

16.  MEN IN BLACK--  1-31--  Fightin' the "Bug."

17.  GROUNDHOG DAY--  2-2--  Something about this movie on this day.  "That nice man from the motor club."

18.  THE GIRL FROM PARIS--  2-26--   Great fun until she sings.

That Birthin' Scene in MIB Was Just Too Funny.  --RoadDog



Tuesday, April 3, 2018

WLS Top 40 for April 8, 1968-- Part 1: "Ain't No Way"


The # behind the artist refers to the highest the song got on the Billboard Top 100.  (D) means debut.

40.  AIN'T NO WAY--  Aretha Franklin   (D)   #16   Written by Aretha's sister, Carolyn Franklin.  Slow song.  Aretha really stretches her vocals near the end.

39.  SHOO-BE-OOH- BE- DOO-DA--DAY--  Stevie Wonder   (D)     #9  Born in Saginaw, Michigan.  I hadn't heard it before, but good song.

38.  CALL ME LIGHTNING--  Who--  (D)   #40    Formed in London in 1964.  A good old rockin' Who song.

37.  ME THE PEACEFUL HEART--  Lulu    #53   Born Marie Lawrie in 1948.  Never heard of it, but it sure will grow on you.  If it had gotten more airplay, it would have charted higher.

36.  DELILAH--  Tom Jones    #15   Born Thomas Jones Woodward.If you can't swing and sway to this, you can't swing and sway.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "See That Girl Who's Smiling So Brightly."    Answer Below.  --RoadDog


"Call me Lightning"

About That Loyola Mania


**  I learned that my pronunciation of it was not necessarily correct.  I have always called the school Li-yo-la.  It was pointed out that it should be Lo-yol-a..  I stand corrected.

**  Of course, the tournament's sweetheart, Sister Jean.

**  Those great Loyola scarves.

**  A team's team.  Those guys really played together.

**   Cameron Krutwig, the big freshman center, played at nearby Jacobs High School in Algonquin which made him a crowd favorite here in McHenry County.  Saturday, somebody had a huge cutout of him and whenever they raised it, the place went up for grabs.

**  Then there is the Maguire University Jollymen who are big Loyola backers.  The group started in 1963 when Loyola won the tournament.  They even got the NCAA to recognize them as a school and the NCAA wasn't happy too happy when they found out Maguire University was actually MaGuire's Bar.

**  And, of course, there was that historic NCAA National Championship in 1963 when Loyola had four black starters.

Just Too Much.  --RoadDog

Monday, April 2, 2018

What a Run!! Congrats to Loyala


Was I watching the NCAA Tournament?  You Betcha.!!  And it was a great one.  A whole lot of fun.  To me, the NCAA Basketball Championship is the best sporting event of the year.

And, even with all the close games and upsets, especially the UMBC win over Virginia, the best time was watching Loyola.  It was the only team from Illinois or Wisconsin in the game and talk about your underdogs.
I didn't say anything before this because that would be the kiss of death.  But since they were eliminated in the Final Four Saturday, I am going to say it now.

Wow!!  We sure had fun and so did a whole lot of people around here.  The first game we watched at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and it was a big Loyola crowd.    We watched the Nevada game at Fatty;s in DeKalb, Illinois, and again, it was a huge Loyola-pulling crowd, even though DeKalb is home to NIU.

Then, the regional championship game we saw at Half-Times in Johnsburg, Illinois, and it was a standing-room only crowd as well.  Lots and lots of cheering.  We saw the Final Four game at Half-Times and it was even more crowded.

Looking Forward to Next Season With a Ramblin' On the Mind.  --RoadDog


WLS Top 10 for April 1, 1968: "Cry Like a Baby"


1.  LADY MADONNA--  Beatles
2.  YOUNG GIRL--  Union Gap
3.  I'LL ALWAYS THINK ABOUT YOU--  New Colony Six   Chicago group.

4.  VALLERIE--  Monkees
5.  SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE--  Aretha Franklin
6.  LA LA MEANS I LOVE YOU--  Delfonics
7.  CRY LIKE A BABY--  Box Tops

8.  HONEY--  Bobby Goldsboro
9.  BALLAD OF BONNIE & CLYDE--  Georgie Fame
10.  UP ON THE ROOF--  Cryan' Shames    Chicago Group.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "See The Tree How Big It's Grown."  --Answer below.  --RoadDog



"Honey"

I'd Celebrate That!! April 2-8: Burrito Day This Thursday


**  I'd celebrate that.

APRIL 2, MONDAY--  PB&J Day **   Reconciliation Day ?

APRIL 3, TUESDAY--  Chocolate Mousse Day**

APRIL 4, WEDNESDAY--  Cordon Bleu Day   School Librarian Day **

APRIL 5, THURSDAY--  Burrito Day**

APRIL 6, FRIDAY--  Student Athlete Day**

APRIL 7, SATURDAY--  Love Your Chicken Day   (Not going there.)

APRIL 8, SUNDAY--  Empinada Day ?  Zoo Lovers Day**

--RoadDog

WORDS NOT YET N THE DICTIONARY--   AQUALIBRIUM:  The point where the drinking fountain water is at its perfect height, thus relieving the drinker from having to (a) suck the nozzle, or (b) squirting himself in the eye.