WLS Top 40 For August 5, 1968-- Part 2: "Pictures of Matchstick Men"

35..  TUESDAY AFTERNOON--  Moody Blues   (D)   #24   (Forever Afternoon."  Listen to it with your headphones.  Formed in Birmingham, England , in 1964.

34.  YOU'RE ALL I NEED TO GET BY--   Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell   (D)    #7   Classic Motown

33.  PICTURES OF MATCHSTICK MEN--  Status Quo    #12   Boy, that opening guitar!!!   English rock quintet.

32.  DO IT AGAIN--  Beach Boys      #20  Bringing back those earlier 1960s Beach Boy vibes.

31.  DON'T GIVE UP--  Petula Clark    #37   I'd never heard it before, but a perfect Petula Clark song.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "It's Automatic When I Talk With Old Friends."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

WHAT I THINK:  I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.


"Do It Again"

WLS Top 40 for August 5, 1968-- Part 1: "Please Return Your Love to Me"

These are the Top 40 songs in Chicago back fifty years ago for the week of August 5, 1968.

A (D) means it is a debut.  The number after the artist is how high it got on the Billboard Top 100.

40.  DO WHAT YOU GOTTA DO--  Bobby Vee   (D)    #83   After Buddy Holly's death, Bobby Vee and his band filled in at the next show in Fargo, North Dakota and the rest is history.  One of his last Top 100s.  Never heard of it before, but the more you listen to it, the more it grows on you.

39.  PLEASE RETURN YOUR LOVE TO ME--  Temptations  (D)    #26  Not one of their better known songs, but classic slow Motown.

38.  CAN'T YOU FIND ANOTHER WAY OF DOING IT--  Sam & Dave   (D)   #54    Samuel Moore and David Prater.   As good of Soul as it gets.  No wonder they are the Soul men.

37.  EYES OF A NEW YORK WOMAN--  B.J. Thomas    (D)    #28     Billy Joe Thomas.  One of his lesser known, but great songs.

36.  WORKIN' ON A GROOVY THING--  Patti Drew  (D)     #62    Her biggest hit.  Born in Charleston, S.C..  A great song.  Love the guy singing bass.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I'll Never Have To Look For More."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


Eyes of a New York Woman"

I'd Celebrate That!! July 30 to August 5: Watermelon Day This Friday

JULY 30, MONDAY--  Cheesecake Day**  Love my cheesecake, just like the Golden Girls.

JULY 31, TUESDAY--  Avocado Day**

AUGUST 1, WEDNESDAY--  Girlfriends Day**  I'd celebrate it, but my wife won't let me.

AUGUST 2, THURSDAY--  Coloring Book Day     Not much into these anymore.  Ice Cream Sandwich**  I don't get enough of these.

AUGUST 3, FRIDAY--  Watermelon Day**    Remember back before most cars had AC and you'd stop at a roadside stand for a slice of watermelon that had been iced down.  Man, that was good.

AUGUST 4,  SATURDAY--  U.S. Coast Guard 228th Birthday**  Congrats.  Originally the U.S. Revenue Service.    Chocolate Chip Cookie Day**   MMMmmm, chocolate chips in cookies.

AUGUST 5,  SUNDAY--  Friendship Day*8  Cal an old friend.   Sisters Day**  Cal an old sister.   Oyster Day   I wish I could celebrate this one, but I got a bad oyster once.

--RoadDog

WHAT I THINK:  I disagree with Kay Jewelers.  I would bet on any given night Friday or Saturday night that more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

WLS Top Ten for July 29, 1968: "Born To Be Wild"

Fifty Years Ago This Week.

1.  HELLO, I LOVE YOU--  Doors
2.  TURN AROUND LOOK AT ME--  Vogues
3.  GRAZING IN THE GRASS--  Hugh Masakela

4.  JUMPING JACK FLASH--  Rolling Stones
5.  BORN TO BE WILD--  Steppenwolf
6.  HURDY GURDY MAN--  Donovan
7.  STONED SOUL PICNIC--  5th Dimension

8.  LADY WILLPOWER--  Union Gap
9.  SEALED WITH A KISS--  Gary Lewis & the Playboys
10.  STAY IN MY CORNER--  Dells

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Was Born In A Crossfire Hurricane."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog


"Jumping Jack Flash"

Way Too Many Things To Do Around Here-- Part 4: Hickory Lodge, Stucky's and Sunnyside

We had drizzle and light rain most of the morning, threatening to cut into our fun for the day.  As usual, I listen to Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive, from 7 to 10 a.m., and record Terri Hemmert's Breakfast With the Beatles on Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM, from 8 to 10 a.m..

Despite the light rain, we decided to go to McHenry for the Fiesta Days parade, one of biggest parades in the area, but found the roads blocked off and with the rain, decided not to see it.  Instead, we went to Hickory Lodge on McCullom Lake Road for their $5 small cheese pizza with 75 cent toppings and $5 pitchers of domestic beer.  Great pizza and a hard deal to beat.

From there, we went to Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg, but it was too crowded so went to Stucky's which is nearby.  We sat outside and really had a great time singing along with and partying with Uncle Will who was playing all sorts of John Prine, Steve Goodman and John Hiatt songs as well as his own.  Those are some of my favorite performers. We'll definitely see him again.

When he finished, we went back to Sunnyside and this time it was not so crowded so had a few there before heading home.

So, even though today did not turn out as I planned, we sure had a good time.

A Real Good Time.  --RoadDog

WHAT I THINK:  I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

Way Too Many Things To Do-- Part 3: Drunk In the Park in McHenry

SATURDAY, JULY 21

Well, we had rain the whole morning, but it finally cleared up and we drove to McHenry for the Art in the Park / Street Fair which is a part of McHenry's Fiesta Days.  (Unfortunately, Antioch was having their Taste of Summer with three bands I really like playing: The Neverly Brothers, Heartache Tonight (an Eagles tribute band) and Hi-Infidelity and I sure would have liked to have been there for those acts, buy had to choose.)

And, we REALLY have a good time at the Art in the Park which had crafters, but the fun is that Riverside Drive is blocked off and they have bands out in the street.  We call it Drunk In the Park as it is a whole lot of fun.

As usual, we made headquarters at the outside bar at the Town Club Bar.  Thoroughly enjoyed the band Mockingbyrds (from Sycamore, Illinois) playing lots of oldies that you don't usually hear.

Stopped at Sunnyside on the way home.

--RoadDog

WHAT I THINK:  I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

Way Too Many Things To Do-- Part 2: Rain Washouts and Movies

THURSDAY, JULY 19

Watered the plants and dried out sections of the yard...right before it started a downpour.  We had planned to go to Antioch's Taste of Summer to see a band tonight, but the rain stopped us so just stayed home.  We later found out that it had not rained in Antioch.

FRIDAY, JULY 20

The rain continued all night and into the morning, so it became a movie afternoon for me.  I saw "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" and "The Incredibles 2."    Both great movies and "The Incredibles 2" was hilarious.  We had wanted to go to Antioch's Taste of Summer to see a band but threat of rain canceled that.  We ended up at the Legion in Fox Lake for 50-50.

--RoadDog

Way Too Many Things To Do-- Part 1: Four Major Festivals, One Weekend

This past weekend had a large number of things to do withing a thirty mile radius of Spring Grove, Illinois.

Kenosha, Wisconsin, turned Simmons Island on the Lake Michigan waterfront into Tribute Island and had fifty tribute bands playing.  Country Thunder in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, featured some of the biggest performers in country music like Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Toby Keith, Dierks Bentley, Little Texas, Mark Chesnutt, Sawyer Brown and many more.

Then, McHenry, Illinois, had their Fiesta Days and Antioch had their Taste of Summer.  All of these places had outside music.  And, of course, we had all the bands playing outside on the Chain of Lakes.

So much fun and not enough time to do it.

Oh Well.  --RoadDog

WHAT I THINK:  I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report.  And, I am sure I didn't make any changes.

Going Back to the Summer of 1978-- Part 7: "Miss You"

These were songs playing on the radio or on your stereo on July 8, 1978.

KING TUT--  Steve Martin
MISS YOU--  Rolling Stones
FAR AWAY EYES--  Rolling Stones

FOLLOW YOU, FOLLOW ME--  Genesis
THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND--  Andrew Gold
PEG--  Steely Dan

HEARTLESS--  Heart
STILL THE SAME--  Bob Seger
WEREWOLVES OF LONDON--  Warren Zevon

PUMP IT UP--  Elvis Costello
DOUBLEVISION--  Foreigner
AT THE STATION--  Joe Walsh

Name That Tune (from the above songs): "Now When he Was a Young man, He Never Thought He'd See."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"King Tut"

Music Deaths: Joe Jackson, Father of the Jackson Five

JOE JACKSON,  89

Died June 27, 2018

Father of the Jackson Five.  Despite what was said about him, without him, we might never have had that great group.

Thank You Joe Jackson

That "I Want You back" is still one of my all-time favorite songs.

Music Deaths: D.J. Fontana, Elvis' Original Drummer

DOMINIC JOSEPH "D.J." FONTANA, 87

Died June 13, 2018

Elvis Presley's original drummer.  Was house drummer in the "Louisiana Hayride" when he joined Elvis, guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black.

On Elvis Presley's early million-sellers.

I'd Celebrate That!!-- July 23 to July 29: Cousins Day and Aunts and Uncles Day This Week

JULY 23, MONDAY--  Vanilla Ice Cream Day**   Hot Dog Day**  One of my favorite foods as long as it is loaded or Chicago-style.

JULY 24, TUESDAY--  Cousins Day**  Hey Joe, Debbie, Phillip, Louis, Nancy and Gayle.   Tequila Day**  I still don't remember last year's celebration.  "One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor, you know."

JULY 25, WEDNESDAY--  Hot Fudge Sundae Day**  Just watch out for brain freeze.

JULY 26, THURSDAY--  Aunt and Uncle Day**  Sadly, they are all gone now, but remembering Aunt Louise and Uncle Delbert, Aunt Angelea and Uncle Louis, Aunt Dot and Uncle Billy.    Chili Dog Day**  Hey, isn't that a hot dog?

JULY 27, FRIDAY--  Bagpipe Appreciation Day**  Nothin' like a good tune on those.  Scotch Day**  Well, now that I taught myself (with a lot of practice) to drink the stuff.

JULY 28, SATURDAY--  Milk Chocolate Day**  Any kind of chocolate.

JULY 29, SUNDAY--  Chicken Wing Day**  (Always my favorite part of fried chicken, even before they got so popular and expensive.)  Lasagna Day**

Practice Makes Perfect.  RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S A REDNECK COMPUTER WHEN:  The six front keys have rotted out.

WLS Top Ten for July 22, 1968: "Born To be Wild"

These were the Top ten songs in Chicago fifty years ago this week:

1.  JUMPING JACK FLASH--  Rolling Stones
2.  TURN AROUND LOOK AT ME--  Vogues
3.  GRAZING IN THE GRASS--  Hugh Masakela

4.  HELLO, I LOVE YOU--  Doors
5.  LADY WILLPOWER--  Union Gap
6.  BORN TO BE WILD--  Steppenwolf
7.  HURDY GURDY MAN--  Donovan

8.  STONED SOUL PICNIC--  Fifth Dimension
9.  I NEED LOVE--  Third Booth
10.  PICTURES OF MATCHSTICK MEN--  Status Quo

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "She's Walking Down The Street, Blind To Every Eye She Meets."  Answer below.  --RoadDog



"Hello, I Love You"

Nothing Like A Summer Around Here-- Part 4: $1 Burgers, Cheap Beer and a Band

SUNDAY, JULY 15

Enjoyed the FP (Front Porch) as I do most every morning of the week, eating breakfast, drinking coffee and reading the Chicago Tribune print edition.  After a lot of yardwork we went to Stuckey's in Johnsburg and enjoyed their $1.50 pints and $1 burger and home made chips.  We went outside for awhile and listened to the band Token Ace.

We sure enjoy listening to bands outside during the summer.

Afterwards, we went to Sunnyside Tap and enjoyed talking with friends, drinking ice cold beer for $1.25 during happy hour and seeing who could put the best songs on the jukebox.

Came home and sat out in the gazebo.

--RoadDog

Nothing Like A Summer Around Here-- Part 3: Two Bars, Two Bands, Ron Santo and Summer's Officially Here

JULY 14, SATURDAY

I went to Ray Chevrolet/Dodge in Fox Lake, Illinois, for their sixth annual BBQ fundraiser for the USO, that organization which does such a great job for the troops.  This took place outside the two dealerships under a huge tent.  The American Legion Post 703 honor guard started the proceedings with the local Cub Scouts and then the Fox Lake mayor and the bossman, Ray Scarpelli, said a few words.  A deejay was playing oldies and there was free burgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs, chips and soda.  They just asked for donations.  Ray said they had raised $600,000 so far.

I had been reading a book about Ron Santo of the Chicago Cubs awhile back and had seen the name Ray Scarpelli.  Ray said that his father had been best friends with Ron Santo.

Later, Liz and I went to Choppers in Antioch off Il-173 and Channel Lake and were entertained by a guy on guitar while sitting out on the deck.  We then went to Captain's Quarters off Grasslake Road on Fox Lake and saw the band Pirate Radio at the outside bar.   We always consider summer officially started when we see a band at Captain's.

Something About Outside Activities This Time of the Year.  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S A REDNECK COMPUTER WHEN:  The screen saver is a picture of Ned Beatty with "Dueling Banjos" playing in the background.

Nothing Like a Summer Around Here-- Part 2: Old Indy Cars and the Legion

JULY 13, FRIDAY

Glenn drove me to the 24th Annual Miller At Milwaukee Indy car Event at the Milwaukee Mile at the Wisconsin State Fair Grounds  in West Allis.  They had probably 50 old Indy Cars, all the way from 1909 to 1970.  Seven years I would never have gone since I wasn't interested in Indy Car Racing, but now that I have been to the Indy 500 six times,  Kind of like a doggy park for old Indy cars.  Take 'em out and let 'em RUN.

This is a chance for owners of the old vehicles to get out on a track on run 'em as they are intended.

I especially liked the real early ones which had a driver and mechanic behind the wheel.  I'll write more about this in my RoadDog's RoadLog Blog later.

We went to the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50 but didn't win anything.

Going Back to Summer 1978, 40 Years Ago-- Part 6: "With A Little Luck"

BAKER STREET--  Gerry Rafferty
TIME FOR ME TO FLY--  REO Speedwagon
WITH A LITTLE LUCK--  Paul McCartney

DELIVER YOUR CHILDREN--  Paul McCartney
COUNT ON ME--  Starship
SURRENDER--  Cheap Trick

STEPPIN' IN A SLIDE ZONE--  Moody Blues
RUNNING ON EMPTY--  Jackson Browne
DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN--  Bruce Springsteen

WHEEL IN THE SKY--  Journey
CAN WE STILL BE FRIENDS--  Todd Rundgren
POINT OF KNOW RETURN--  Kansas

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Well, Another Crazy Day.  You Drank the Night Away."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW THE COMPUTER BELONGS TO A REDNECK WHEN:  There is deer jerky in the desk drawer.


"Baker Street"

Nothing Like a Summer Around Here-- Part 1: No Cup, But It's Thursday

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11

Put up my English flag (I am of English ancestry) for the team in the World Cup semifinals.  Went to Donovan's and watched it.  Unfortunately, they lost to Croatia.  Then to Sunnyside Tap.

THURSDAY, JULY 12

Went to the doctor and then did some shopping in McHenry.  Trimmed bushes in the yard.

Then went to Antioch for It's Thursday where they had the band 1976 which played music from the 1970s.  We sure enjoyed the show as that was a prime college decade for us.  Ran into several friends.  Stopped at McDonald's for a chocolate sundae on the way home.

Not That Big of a Soccer Fan Anyway.  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW THE COMPUTER BELONGS TO A REDNECK WHEN:  There are seven blue tick hounds under the desk.

A Long 4th of July-- Part 6: Retirement/Birthday Party and a Summer Party

What with having 4th of July celebrations spread out over two weekend and with a Wednesday matinee to mark the real day, we were quite busy over this nine day stretch, even with the oppressive heat beating us down and keep us from doing a lot of things we'd normally do.

JULY 7, SATURDAY

Did some yardwork and quite a bit of sweating.

Then went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes where we got a room at the motel out back and celebrated friend Carl's 60th birthday and retirement.  It is great when I don't have to worry about driving home after drinking.

Lots of great food, plenty o' beer and karaoke.  Good party.

JULY 8, SUNDAY

Ate breakfast at the Corner Kitchen in Twin Lakes.  Went home and later we went over to Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg, Illinois, for their summer party.  They had free food and a band, Change Is Good, playing outside.  It was alright as long as you were sitting in the shade.  Great time.

That Was a Good 4th of July, Even With All the Hot and Those Skeeters.  --RoadDog

Who'd Have Figured? Drake Beats the Beatles Record

From the July 11, 2018, Chicago Tribune  "Drake beats Beatles' record."

Rapper Drake officially owns the Billboard charts where seven of his songs are in the Top Ten.  All 25 tracks from his "Scorpion" album are on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

This breaks the mark held by the Beatles since 1964, when five of their songs were in the Top ten in the same week.

"Scorpion" sold 732,171 equivalent albums (I guess that would mean downloads) to debut at No.1 on Billboard's 200 albums chart.

Well, I had just barely ever heard of him so had to give a listen to Drake on You Tube.  I am not a rap fan at all.  This didn't change my mind after listening to about 15 of the tracks from that album.  Plus, there were all those "N" words and F-Bombs.  Sure didn't make me a fan.

Plus, why do Blacks get to use the "N" word and not Whites?

Sounds a Bit Like A Racist Thing If You Ask Me.  --RoadDog

I'd Celebrate It!!-- Daiquiri Day

JULY 16, MONDAY--  Personal Chef Day?  What?

JULY 17, TUESDAY--  Emoji Day

JULY 18, WEDNESDAY--  Caviar Day   Yuck!!

JULY 19, THURSDAY--  Daiquiri Day**  but watch out for brain freeze.

JULY 20, FRIDAY--  Lollipop Day  Not real fond of them.

JULY 21, SATURDAY--  Junk Food Day*8  The more junk the better.

JULY 22, SUNDAY--  Hammock Day**  Parents Day**

Junk Food May Not be Good for You, But It Sure Is Good.  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW THE COMPUTER BELONGS TO A REDNECK WHEN:  The monitor is up on blocks.

WLS Top Ten for July 15, 1968: "Pictures of Matchstick Men"

Fifty Years Ago This Week.

1.  JUMPING JACK FLASH--  Rolling Stones   Always reminds me of summer in North Carolina that year.
2.  I NEED LOVE--  Third Booth   An Illinois band being pushed by WLS.
3.  PICTURES OF MATCHSTICK MEN--  Status Quo

4.  LADY WILLPOWER--  Union Gap
5.  INDIAN LAKE--  Cowsills
6.  TURN AROUND LOOK AT ME--  Vogues
7.  GRAZING IN THE GRASS--  Hugh Masakela

8.  STONED SOUL PICNIC--  Fifth Dimension
9.  THE HORSE-- Cliff Nobles & Co.
10.  HURDY GURDY MAN--  Donovan

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Was Born In a Crossfire Hurricane."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW THE COMPUTER BELONGS TO A REDNECK WHEN:  Jeff Foxworthy *.wavs.


"Jumping Jack Flash"

A Long 4th of July-- Part 5: Donovan's and Chain Crawl

JULY 5, THURSDAY

Enjoyed the Drive's Ten at Ten back to 1969, such a great high school-college year for me.  I always make a pick of my favorite song when they do Ten at Ten, but obviously those years had lots of them and it is not an easy pick.  Fortunately they played "Proud Mary."  Whenever they play a Creedence song, that is my pick.

We went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes for happy hour and got happy and not so hot as it was air conditioned.

JULY 6, FRIDAY

Liz had a hair appointment in Round Lake, Illinois, and I went along.  While she was inside, I drove over to Ace Hardware in Round Lake, once called the largest Ace Hardware in the U.S.A.,  When we lived in Round Lake Beach, I went here often.  Spent a lot of money there also.  Sadly, the opening of Home Depot and Menard's a few miles away on Rand Road (US-12) has really hurt their business.

When Liz was finished we went over to Burger King and had Whoppers, still one of my favorite fast foods.

On the way home we went to two Chain Crawl spots for passport stamps.  Hilltop Lounge is an older bar on Old Rollins Road.  They have $1.50 Busch Light cans.  Then to one of our favorite dive bars, the Squaw Bar (on Squaw Creek) part of the Chain of Lakes.  Enjoyed their Friday special of $1.50 domestic bottles.

Later, we went to the American Legion on US-12 by the bridge on Nippersink Lake and met up with the Usual Suspects.

--RoadDog

Past Movie Scratches: Z-- Ribbon-- Dragon-- Chocolate-- Frankenstein-- European

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

31.  WORLD WAR Z--  5-21--  I actually prefer the "Walking Dead" zombies who walk and stumble along.  Easier to outrun.

32.  SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON--  5-21--  One last mission for John Wayne and the U.S. cavalry.

33.  HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 3--  Toothless becomes the Alpha Dragon.

34.  WILLIE WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY--  6-5--  Sorting out the bad kids from the good ones.

35.  I FRANKENSTEIN--  6-7--  It's the Gargoyles versus the Demons.  And everyone is after the creature.

36.  EUROPEAN VACATION--  6-28--  Clark wrecks Stonehenge and Oktoberfest.

Love Those Dragon Movies.  --RoadGon

YOU KNOW THE COMPUTER BELONGS TO A REDNECK WHEN:  The menus all have Budweiser, Black label and Old Milwaukee options.

Going Back to the Summer 1978-- Part 5: "Excitable Boy"

From Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots show in Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive July 8, 2018.  This is part two of our trip back 40 years to hear what was playing on our radios and in our record collections.  I sure remember this stuff.

He will also have parts 3 and 4 the second Sundays of August and September.

SWEET TALKIN' WOMAN--  Electric Light Orchestra
I NEED TO KNOW--  Tom Petty
CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE--  Jimmy Buffett  I once had a cheeseburger at a Margaritaville.  It was okay, but not all that great...and, it was quite expensive.  Oh well.

EXCITABLE BOY--  Warren Zevon
ON BROADWAY--  George Benson
IMAGINARY LOVER--  Atlanta Rhythm Section

RUNNIN' WITH THE DEVIL--  Van Halen
GOOD TIMES ROLL--  Cars
LOVE IS LIKE OXYGEN--  Sweet

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Like Mine With Lettuce and Tomato."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog


"Cheeseburger in Paradise"

A Long 4th of July-- Part 4: Hot, Hot, Hot-- Real Hot (and Skeeters)

JULY 3, TUESDAY

Spent a goodly part of the morning trying to keep the chipmunks out of the bird seed.  I lost.  We went to Sunnyside and had the tacos (free) and watched the Cubs win their game. Even though I am a Sox fan, I played "Go Cubs Go" on the jukebox (and it is one of those lousy $1 songs).  This is the song Cubs fans sing after a win.

JULY 4, WEDNESDAY

Boy, today has to be one of the hottest 4th of Julys (4ths of July) ever.  I mean ever.  As a result, we didn't go to the Spring Grove parade or the festivities as we usually do.  On the internet and enjoyed listening to the Beach Music All-Time Top 40 on WVCO, the Surf, 94.9 FM.  The #1 song was "Ms. Grace" by the Tymes.  Love my Beach Music.  I'll be posting the Top 40 on this blog at a later date.

We went over to John and Sherry's annual 4th of July party at their house and had some great food and ice cold beer.  But, outside was a regular oven.  Stayed as long as we could bear it.

Lots of fireworks going on at dusk and into the night.  I went outside at 9:30 p.m. and watched the Spring Grove fireworks from the foot of the driveway.  Battled the skeeters and a few got through.

--RoadDog

YOU KNOW THE COMPUTER BELONGS TO A REDNECK WHEN:  The extra RAM slots have Dodge truck parts installed in them.

Past Movie Scratches: Yuma-- Dreamgirls-- Shutter-- Galaxy--- Monster-- Time

25.  3:10 TO YUMA--  4-22--  One of the most interesting "Bad Guys" ever.

26.  DREAMGIRLS--   4-24--  More great music than you can shake a stick at.

27.  SHUTTER ISLAND--  5-7--  Playing tricks with your mind.

28.  GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY--  5-8--  "I am Grood."  And, then all that great 70s-80s music on cassette tapes.

29.  MONSTER U--  5-13--  Frat monsters.  Move over Bluto, Sully's here.

30.  OUT OF TIME--  5-20--   Florida Keys small-time sheriff gets played.

I'm A Big Fan of Cassette Tapes.  Always Have Been, Always Will Be.  --RoadCass

A Long 4th of July-- Part 3: Hanging Out at Sunnyside for Air Conditioning and Ice Cold Beer

JUNE 30, SATURDAY

Working in the yard and Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, Illinois.

JULY 1, SUNDAY

We definitely would have been doing more things had it not been for the extreme heat, lack of wind and mosquitoes.Sat out in the gazebo and went to Sunnyside.  (Air conditioned, you know.)

JULY 2, MONDAY

With the 4th of July falling on Wednesday, we had celebrations over the weekend of June 29-July 1, July 1, and the following weekend.

Drove to McHenry and did some shopping.,

After yardwork, we went to Sunnyside Tavern.

Too Much Fun.  --RoadDog

A Long 4th of July Celebration-- Part 2: More Bands, a Fry and Cheap Drinks

THURSDAY, JUNE 28

Still no good sales at the local stores:  Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Meijer.  Perhaps after the 4th.

Drove to Antioch, Illinois, for their weekly summer party called It's Thursday.  We saw an up-and-coming country performer named Jake Hill and his band.  He sounded real good, but until he gets  to be well-known, needs to do many more covers.

Afterwards, stopped at Bootleggers on Grasslake Road and enjoyed $1 pints and saw another band.

FRIDAY, JUNE 29

We went to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and had the fish fry at Popeye's overlooking Geneva Lake.  They have one of the best fish fries we've ever eaten.

Then stopped at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes and enjoyed their half-price drinks at happy hour.  Then home and enjoyed the basement bar, Margaritaville at Key North and, of course, the Ultimate Jukebox.

--RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S A REDNECK COMPUTER WHEN:  The printer goes real slow since Bubba Don't read so fast.

I'd Celebrate That!!! July 9-15: Pina Colada Day

**  I'd Celebrate That!!!

JULY 9--  MONDAY--  Sugar Cookie Day**

JULY 10, TUESDAY--  Pina Colada Day**  One of my favorites.  How did that old song go?

JULY 11, WEDNESDAY--  Cheer Up the Lonely Day**  Pet Photo Day**

JULY 12, THURSDAY--  Different Color Eyes Day   Pecan Pie Day**  But, it is SO Sweet!!

JULY 13, FRIDAY--  French Fries Day**  With lots of ketchup/catsup.

JULY 14, SATURDAY--  Bastlle Day**  Storm the Walls!!   Macaroni and Cheese Day**

JULY 15, SUNDAY--  Toss Away the Could Haves and "Should Haves" Day.  Not sure what this is about.  I looked it up and it is about tossing away the past and living for today.  It is also Ice Cream Day**  Unless I get brain freeze.

Do, What You Think?  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW THE COMPUTER BELONGS TO A REDNECK WHEN:  Outgoing faxes have beer stains on them.

Music Deaths: John Grady McElrath (Swing Medallions)

JOHN GRADE McELRATH, 77

Died June 9, 2018

Keyboardist and founding member of the Beach Music group Swinging Medallions from Greenwood, South Carolina.

Their biggest hit was "Double Shot )Of My Baby's Love)"  (#17-1966).  Doesn't get much more garage-y than this.  2:18 of solid party music.  Supposedly, they were drunk when they recorded the song.  Give it a listen and you be the judge.

They also had "She Drives Me Out Of My Mind"  (#71-1966)

Huge band on the Beach Music scene.

Music Deaths: Gayle Shepherd (of the Shepherd Sisters)

GAYLE SHEPHERD,  81

Died May 7, 2018

Member of the New-based family quartet from Middletown, Ohio:  Martha, Mary Lou, Gayle and Judy.

Their biggest hit was  "Alone (Why Must I be Alone)  (#18-1957).  They also had "Don't Mention My Name)"  (#94-1963).

Their first hit was in true 50s style and the last one was a classic early 60s girl song.

Marylou is the only remaining member.

WLS Top 40 for July 8, 1968-- Part 7: "Lady Willpower"

The Top ten.

10.  CAN'T YOU SEE ME CRY--  New Colony Six    #52   Chicago band
9.  GRAZING IN THE GRASS--  Hugh Masakela    #1
8.  TURN AROUND, LOOK AT ME--  Vogues    #7

7.  I LOVE YOU--  People    #14
6.  INDIAN LAKE--  Cowsills     #10
5.  LADY WILLPOWER--  Union Gap    #2
4.  THE HORSE--  Cliff Nobles    #2

3.  PICTURES OF MATCHSTICK MEN--  Status Quo    #12
2.  I NEED LOVE--  Third Booth    Did not rank   Illinois band
1.  JUMPING JACK FLASH--  Rolling Stones   #3

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "One Thing You Can Be Sure Of."  Answer below.  RoadDog

YOU KNOW THE COMPUTER BELONGS TO A EREDNECK WHEN:  the password id "bubba."


"Lady Willpower"

A Long 4th of July Celebration-- Part 1: A Boat, A Band and Bars

JUNE 27, WEDNESDAY

I always enjoy kicking back on the FP  (Front Porch) in the mornings, eating breakfast, having coffee and reading the Chicago Tribune.

Drove to Hebron, Illinois, and picked up the boat.  The Chain is still no wake, but after the 4th of July we'll get in the water.

Drove to Lindenhurst, Illinois and saw one of our favorite bands, Pirates Over 40, doing Jimmy Buffett songs.

Afterwards, we went to two places on the Chain Crawl for passport stamps:  Oasis and Steitz's.  We didn't know that the Oasis is now owned by the family who own Captain's Quarters, Electric Harbor and the Kross Inn.  Steitz's dates back to 1938.

--RoadDog

Celebrating the 4th of July Week+ Party

This has been a bit of a strange 4th of July with it falling on Wednesday.  That meant that part of the celebration was last weekend, then there was one on the 4th, now it continues this weekend.

Fox Lake and Twin Lakes had their celebrations last weekend.  Spring Grove had theirs on the 4th itself, as always.  Now Johnsburg has fireworks at the historic Oak Park Lounge (dating to the 1880s) tonight.

We won't be seeing them though as we have a room at Donovan's in Twin Lakes for a 60th birthday party.

All the oppressive heat finally broke Thursday, but the mosquitoes remain a big problem.

With a Bang.  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW THE COMPUTER BELONGS TO A REDNECK WHEN:  the numeric keypad only goes to six.

WLS Top 40 for July 8, 1968-- Part 6: "This Guy's In Love With You"

15.  DON'T TAKE IT SO HARD--  Paul Revere &  the Raiders      #27    Group formed in Portland, Oregon.

14.  ANGEL OF THE MORNING--  Marilee Rush    #7  Her group was named the Turnabouts.  Her biggest hit.

13.  STONED SOUL PICNIC--  Fifth Dimension--    #3   From Los Angeles.

12.  THIS GUY'S IN LOVE WITH YOU--  Herb Alpert     #1   His biggest hit.

11.  SHE'S A HEARTBREAKER--  Gene Pitney--    #16   His last Top 40.   Wrote "Hello Mary Lou."

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Can You Surry?"  Answer below.  --RoadDog



Stoned Soul Picnic"

WLS Top 40 for July 8, 1968-- Part 5: "Some Things You Never Get Used To'

Rockin' 890 on Your Radio Dial.

20.  SEALED WITH A KISS--  Gary Lewis & the Playboys --  #19.  Their last Top 40.

19.  HURDY GURDY MAN--  Donovan--    #5   From Glasgow, Scotland

18.  SOME THINGS YOU NEVER GET USED TO--  Diana Ross & the Supremes--     #30   Came out right before #1 "Love Child."

17.  AUTUMN OF MY LIFE--  Bobby Goldsboro--    #19     Toured with Roy Orbison.

16.  HOW'D WE EVER GET THIS WAY--  Andy Kim    #21    His first hit.  Born Andy Joachim.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Thrown Like A Star In My Vast Sleep."  Answer below.  RoadDog

YOU KNOW THE COMPUTER BELONGS TO A REDNECK WHEN:  There is a gunrack mounted on the CPU.  (Not sure what a CPU is.)



"Hurdy Gurdy Man"

WLS Top 40 for July 8, 1968-- Part 4: "Stay In My Corner"

Let's Go Back Fifty Years Ago to Chicago.

25.  LOVER'S HOLIDAY--  Peggy Scott & Jo Jo Benson--    #31   Soul duo.  Sounded a lot like Ike and Tina Turner.

24.  LET YOURSELF GO--  Elvis Presley--   #71   Made for a movie "Speedway."    I'd never heard it before, but a real good song.

23.  MIDNIGHT MOVER--  Wilson Pickett--   #24  "I'm A Midnight Mover."  Oh!  The Wicked Of It All!!

22.  STAY IN MY CORNER--  Dells--   #10   Their biggest hit.  From Harvey, Illinois.  A great slow dancer and a long one at 5:46.

21.  FACE IT GIRL, IT'S OVER--  Nancy Wilson     #29   Born in Chillicothe, Ohio.  You've got the Doors at #26 and then this.  Pop music sure went from one extreme to the other back then.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Maybe We Can Slip Away."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Lover's Holiday"

Past Movie Scratches: Tora-- Eight-- Croods-- Hobbitt-- Night-- McClintock

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

19.  TORA, TORA, TORA--  2-28--  The Japanese get us good.

20.  EIGHT MEN OUT--  3-11--  A sad day for us White Sox fans.  Thanks a lot Charles "Cheap Skate" Comiskey

21.  CROODS--  4-8--  "Let loose the Baby!!"  Old-timey caveman meets the modern caveman and learns about fire.

22.  HOBBITT:  FIVE ARMIES--  The end of Smaug and the big white nasty Orc.

23.  NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM--  4-16--  The Secret of the Tomb.  The cave-man-parking attendant love affair.

24.  McCLINTOCK--  4-16--  John Wayne's marital problems and record.

Go, You White Sox.  --RoadSox

It's Been a Long Hot and Skeetery 4th of July

Not the best 4th of July ever, or not even close to it.

Since last Friday, June 29, it has been hot, hot and then more hot.  Unmerciful.  And then those skeeters!!  I've never seen them worse.  So, if the sun don't get you, the humidity will and that don't, then it's those doggone skeeters.

Last weekend, it was too hot to go see a parade, and the one in Fox Lake was cancelled because of the heat.  We didn't go see the one in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, either, for the same reason.  Then they had Libertyfest, bands and fireworks which we also didn't see.

Then, today, it was too blazing hot, humid and no breeze at all so we didn't see the Spring Grove, Illinois, parade or go to the festival.  We did go to a friend's home for a party but that heat just beat you down. We didn't stay as long as we wanted.  Nor go to Sunnyside afterwards.

A thunderstorm came through just recently so maybe we'll get a chance to see the Spring Grove fireworks from our front porch if the skeeters don't get us first.

If the Skeeters Don't Get You, the Hot Will.  --RoadbitandStroke

WLS Top 40 For July 8, 1968-- Part 3: "Classical Gas"

30.  SOMEBODY CARES--  Tommy James & the Shondells     #53   Never heard it before but a typical T.J. song.  Grows on you.

29.  CLASSICAL GAS--  Mason Williams    #2  From Abilene, Texas.

28.  MOUNTAIN OF LOVE--  Ronnie Dove     #67    I don't remember his version of this song, but a real good effort.  His 18th chart effort.

27.  BORN TO BE WILD--  Steppenwolf     #2   What can you not say about Heavy Metal?  The first You Tube song of this shows scenes from "Easy Rider."  Their first chart song.

26.  HELLO, I LOVE YOU--  Doors     #1     My favorite summer songs from 1969.  Always reminds me of going out to Honey Hill in Wauconda, Illinois, with the rest of the Burger King night crew.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Won't You Tell  Me Your Name."  Answer below.  --RoadDog



"Hello, I Love You"

All-Time Top 40 in Beach Music Today on the Surf, 94.9 FM

They've been counting listener votes for the last two months and now the Surf is  ready to announce the All-Time Beach Music Top 40.  They started at 11 a.m. EDST and are now at # 15.

I am a huge fan of Beach Music, and not that Beach Boys Beach Muisic, though I like their stuff too.  I mean the kind of music they play along the coasts of North and South Carolina.  The music you can shag to and I'm talking the English shag.  Shag is the state dance of South Carolina.

The last songs played:

20.  DANCING/SHAGGING ON THE BOULEVARD--  Alabama  (Alabama got their start playing at the Bowery in Myrtle Beach.)
19.  BRENDA--  O.C. Smith
18.  WITH THIS RING--  Platters

17.  HOLD BACK THE NIGHT--  Trammps
16.  THANK YOU JOHN--  Willie Tee
15.  OCEAN BOULEVARD--  Band of Oz

14.  MYRTLE BEACH DAYS--  Fantastic Shakers
13.  MEET ME BAY WITH YOUR BLACK DRAWERS ON--  Gloria Hardiman
12.  GIVE ME JUST A LITTLE MORE TIME--  Chairman of the Board

Hive a listen.  Then, Friday, they will play the ALL-TIME top 40 of newer songs from 2000 to now.

Not the three I picked, but, shoot!!  I like 'em all, anyway.

Beachin' It, My Friend.  --  RoadBeach

Name That Tune (from the above):  "Life's Too Short To make A Mistake."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

YOU KBOW THE COMPUTER BELONGS TO A REDNECK WHEN:  There is a Skoal can in the CD-ROM drive.

"Give Me Just A Little More Time"

WLS Top 40 for July 8, 1968-- Part 2: "Mrs. Robinson"

35.  WITH PEN IN HAND--  Billy Vera     #43   Probably one of the saddest songs ever.  I mean, real heartbroke.

34.  TWO BIT MANCHILD--  Neil Diamond     #66   Good song but definitely not one of his better-known.

33.  MRS. ROBINSON--  Simon & Garfunkel     #1    On its way down the charts after quite a run.

32.  DREAMS OF THE EVERYDAY HOUSEWIFE--  Glen Campbell    (D)    #32    This definitely would be considered sexist today.  Painted quite a picture.  One of my favorite songs by him.

31.  PEOPLE SURE ACT FUNNY--  Arthur Conley    #58   Clocks in at 2:12.   With that funny little laugh of his.  Real funny.  "When they get a little money" you know.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "She Looks In The Mirror And Stares At The Wrinkles."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog

These are from the Orange Peel Gazette.  YOU KNOW YOUR COMPUTER BELONGS TO A REDNECK IF:  The keyboard is camouflaged.


"Dreams of the Everyday Housewife"

WLS Top 40 for July 8, 1968-- Part 1: "Sky Pilot"

(D) means Debut.  The # is how high it got on the Billboard Top 100.

40.  HITCH IT TO THE HORSE--  Fantastic Johnny C     (D)   #34  Couldn't help but think "Boogaloo Down Broadway"  Who was that band backing him?  Hadn't heard it before.

39.  HALFWAY TO PARADISE--   Bobby Vinton     (D)    #23    Real slow smoothie.  "So near yet so far away."  Stanley Robert Vinton.

38.  DON''T GIVE UP--  Petula Clark   (D)     #37   Never heard it before, but to the Petula Clark formula for great songs.  Grows on you.  Born Epsom, England 11/15/32.

37.  SKY PILOT--  Eric Burdon & the Animals    (D)      #14   One of my all-time favorite songs.  You can picture them taking off for enemy action.  Part 1 was the hit.  The song was so long it was continued on the second side of the 45.

36.  PEOPLE GOT TO BE FREE--  Rascals  (D)    #1   Blue-eyed Soul-Pop quartet formed in New York City in 1964.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "All The World Over So Easy To See."  Answer below.  --RoadDog



"People Got To be Free"

I'd Celebrate That!! July 2-8: 4th of July!! You Know

JULY 2, MONDAY--  I Forgot Day**  What?

JULY 3, TUESDAY--  Fried Clam Day **  Since I can't eat oysters anymore.

JULY 4, WEDNESDAY--  Independence Day**  Let's hear it for the U.S.A.!!!

JULY 5--  THURSDAY--  Workaholic Day  Too much work makes RoadDog a droll boy.  Bikini Day**  Of course.

JULY 6, FRIDAY--  Fried Chicken Day**  I'll put the fried chicken of Jewel grocery store up against anybody!!

JULY 7, SATURDAY--

JULY 8, SUNDAY-- Chocolate With Almonds Day**

What, No Saturday?  --RoadDog

REDNECKS AND COMPUTERS:  You know the computer belongs to a Redneck if:  The mouse is referred to as a "critter."

WLS Top Ten for July 1, 1968: "Jumping Jack Flash"

Fifty years ago.

1.  JUMPING JACK FLASH--  Rolling Stones
2.  I LOVE YOU--  People
3.  I NEED LOVE--  Third Booth

4.  THE HORSE--  Cliff Nobles
5.  PICTURES OF MATCHSTICK MEN--  Status Quo
6.  THIS GUY'S IN LOVE WITH YOU--  Herb Alpert
7.  SHE'S A HEARTBREAKER--  Gene Pitney

8.  LADY WILLPOWER--  Union Gap
9.  HOW'D WE EVER GET THIS WAY--  Andy Kim
10.  ANGEL OF THE MORNING--  Marilee Rush

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "When I Look Up Into The Sky I See A Funny Kind Of Yellow."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

TRANSLATING PROJECT TERMS:  They say:  Prelininary operational tests are inconclusive.  They mean:  The darn thing blew up when we threw the switch.

"Pictures of Matchstick Men"