Monday, October 31, 2022
Past Movie Scratches: Dead-- Andreas-- Geostorm-- Ghostbusters-- Divergent-- Egypt
Sunday, October 30, 2022
WLS Top Ten (and Debuts) for October 30, 1972: 'Freddie's Dead'
These were the Top Ten songs (and Debuts) in Chicago fifty years ago according to WLS, AM 890.
1. NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN-- Moody Blues
2. BURNING LOVE-- Elvis Presley
3. GARDEN PARTY-- Rick Nelson
4. USE ME-- Bill Withers
5. BEN-- Michael Jackson
6. EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL-- Main Ingredient
7. FREDDIE'S DEAD-- Curtis Mayfield
8. I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW-- Johnny Nash
9. I'LL BE AROUND-- Spinners
10. LISTEN TO THE MUSIC-- Doobie Brothers
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DEBUTS
27. VENTURA HIGHWAY-- America
28. ROCKIN' PNEUMONIA/BOOGIE WOOGIE FLU-- Johnny Rivers
Name That Tune (from the above songs): "It's Gonna Be A Bright, Bright Sunshiny Day." Answer below. --RoadDog
"I Can See Clearly Now"
Saturday, October 29, 2022
A Fish Fry, a Lake View, Steak Fry, Legion and Sunnyside
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
Met the usual folks at Kelly's in Trevor, Wisconsin, for their fish fry. Afterwards, we went to Lake View on Grasslake and sat out on the deck and enjoyed the $1.50 drafts and the wonderful view.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20
Went to the Spring Grove Fireman's Steak Fry at Horse Fair Park. A delicious meal even after all those long lines to get it. Enjoyed the band for awhile.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21
Went to the McHenry American Legion and later to Sunnyside in Johnsburg.
--RoadDog
POINTS TO PONDER: Why do feet smell and noses run?
Friday, October 28, 2022
WLS Top Ten (and Debuts) for Week of Oct. 23, 1972: 'Garden Party'
Oops, forgot to print this last Sunday.
These were the Top Ten and Debut songs in Chicago fifty years ago.
1. EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL-- Main Ingredient
2. USE ME-- Bill Withers
3. BEN-- Michael Jackson
4. NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN-- Moody Blues
5. BURNING LOVE-- Elvis Presley
6. GARDEN PARTY-- Rick Nelson
7. GO ALL THE WAY-- Raspberries
8. FREDDIE'S DEAD-- Curtis Mayfield
9. TIGHTROPE-- Leon Russell
10. GOOD TIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES-- Danny O'Keefe
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DEBUTS
12. LISTEN TO THE MUSIC-- Doobie Brothers
18. THUNDER AND LIGHTNING-- Chi Coltrane
20. WITCHY WOMAN-- Eagles
25. I AM WOMAN-- Helen Reddy
28. I'D LOVE YOU TO WANT ME-- Lobo
I don't know about you, but this is quite a list of debuts.
Name That Tune (from the above songs): "Just What I'm Going Through They Can't Understand." Answer below. --ToadDog
"Nights in White Satin"
Thursday, October 27, 2022
Music Deaths: Naomi Judd of the Judds
NAOMI JUDD, 76
Died 30 April 2022
Singer with the mother-daughter country group Judds.
Between 1983 and 1991 had an amazing run of success in country music, releasing six albums, winning five Grammy Awards and nine Country Music Association awards.
From 1984 to 1989 they had fourteen #1s including:
"Mama He's Crazy"
"Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days)"
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Music Deaths: Charles McCormick of Bloodstone and Susan Jacks of the Poppy Family
CHARLES McCORMICK, 75
Died 12 April 2022
Bass player and vocalist with Bloodstone.
They had a #10 song on the pop charts in 1973 with "Natural High."
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SUSAN JACKS, 73
Died 25 April 2022
Singer, performed with the Poppy Family.
They had a #2 song in 1970 with "Which Way You Goin' Billy."
Sunday, October 23, 2022
Oh, Those Pontiacs, Trivia at Donovans and Alan Snyder at Sunnyside
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16
Went to the Car Show at the McHenry Moose Lodge which was featuring Pontiacs. Too bad I couldn't take my '85 Firebird because of a flat tire and I can't get it started. They had several GTOs and Trans Ams, but no regular Firebirds. A 1968 Pontiac Tempest brought back memories as we used to have a '67 Tempest, the poor man's GTO.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17
Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for trivia with Uncle Jeffie.
THUSDAY, AUGUST 18
Went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg, Illinois, and saw Alan Snyder do his show. Great music and trivia.
I Sure Miss Pontiacs. --RoadDog
POINTS TO PONDER: Why do we ship by truck and send cargo by ship?
Friday, October 21, 2022
Mayor's Fish Fry, Two Legions, Sunnyside Shuffle, Parish Fest and Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12
Liz and I met Glen and Barb at the Fox Lake Mayor's Fish Fry at Lake Front Park. A great deal for AUCE for $9 for seniors. Unfortunately, the line for refills was always too long so I didn't get seconds. Too bad as it was excellent fish.
Afterwards, we all went to the Fox Lake American Legion (across Nippersink Lake from the Lake Front Park) and played 50/50. They now have pull cards on Fridays where you either pay full price, half price or 50 cents for your drink. I had two full price ($2 pints), a half price and a 50 cents.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 13
We went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg and eventually, doing what everyone calls the Sunnyside Shuffle, were able to move from a table to the edge of the bar and finally the horseshoe part, the primo seating and most fun with others.
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 14
Liz and I went to Parish Fest in Johnsburg and enjoyed brats, beer, ice cream and the excellent oompah band Die Musikmeisters. Then, we went to McHenry for the annual Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive, a tribute to our World War II and Korean War veterans. Sadly their numbers are getting lower every year so now Vietnam War veterans have been added. Enjoyed the sounds of Bill's Little Big Band.
Afterwards, we went to the McHenry Legion.
Always Something Going On Around Here. --RoadDog
POINTS TO PONDER: If you rip a hole in a net, you have less holes than you started with.
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
A Movie, Meal and the Civil War As Well as Wings and a Concert
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9
Bob Stroud played Ten at Ten from that great college year for me, 1972, including "Ventura Highway" by America and "Sunshine" by Jonathan Edwards. Took me back.
Drove to Woodstock and saw the movie "Minions: the Rise of Gru." Gotta love those little yellow guys. Then met some Civil War buffs at 3 Brothers restaurant in Il. Highway 47 and then to The Woodstock Library for a presentation on the USS Merrimac(k)/ CSS Virginia. I especially like presentations on anything Civil War Navy.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
Trivia at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11
Went to Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake and had those great 50 cent wings and a good talk wih a Sox fan where we figured out that the Sox really have stunk up the place this season. Drove to Wisconsin and got gas just over the border for $3.87 ($3.86.9) which is 45 cents cheaper than in Illinois. A whole lot of Illinois folks near the border do this these days.
Then went to Antioch's It's Thursday concert featuring a good party band, 28 Days.
Why Go Anywhere Else? --RoadDog
POINTS TO PONDER: How can a SLIM CHANCE and a FAT CHANCE be the same, while a WISE GUY and a WISE MAN aren't.
Monday, October 17, 2022
Two Legions, a PLAV, 1972 and Two Bands
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6
Liz and I went to the Fox Lake Legion in the afternoon and saw the excellent 3 Aces Band play from 3 to 6. Always love entertainment in a Sunday afternoon, especially with $2 drafts.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7
Bob Stroud played his third installment of his annual Ode to Summer fifty years ago (1972) and I recorded on cassette tapes. These were the songs on the radio and in our record collections and the first three songs: "Join Together" by the Who, "Immigration Man" by Crosby & Nash and "Back Stabbers" by the O'Jays.
We went over to McHenry for the Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAC) street party. It was all you can drink and eat for $15 as well as a band. I sure got my money's worth. I know a lot of people at the PLAV and there were a lot of McHenry American Legion members there as well (many hold dual memberships).
Afterwards, went to the McHenry Legion.
--RoadDog
Sunday, October 16, 2022
WLS Top Ten for Week of October 17, 1972: 'Garden Party'
These were the top songs in Chicago fifty years ago.
1. BEN-- Michael Jackson
2. EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL-- Main Ingredient
3. BURNING LOVE-- Elvis Presley
4. USE ME-- Bill Withers
5. GO ALL THE WAY-- Raspberries
6. NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN-- Moody Blues
7. BABY DON'T GET HOOKED ON ME-- Mac Davis
8. TIGHT ROPE-- Leon Russell
9. GARDEN PARTY-- Rick Nelson
10. PLAY ME-- Neil Diamond
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DEBUTS
15. FREDDIE'S DEAD-- Curtis Mayfield
20. I'LL BE AROUND-- Spinners
26. I CAN SEE CLARLY NOW-- Johnny Nash
27. I BELIEVE IN MUSIC-- Gallery
28. LOVING YOU JUST CROSSED MY MIND-- Sam Neely
29. IT NEVER RAINS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA-- Albert Hammond
Name That Tune (from the above songs): "Letters I've Written, Never Meaning To Send." Answer below. --RoadDog
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Round Lake, Crawdads, Johnny's and Two Legions
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4
Liz and I went to Round Lake for our dentist appointment and Liz's haircut. Drove around the old spots; we lived there for 17 years. We were hoping to stop for those delicious Charcoburgers at the Ingleside Dog 'N Suds, but it was way too hot to eat outside.
I saw the movie "Where the Crawdads Sing" at the Fox Lake Theatre. Later we went to the McHenry American Legion for drinks and karaoke.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 5
Met Kevin and Kelly at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake, Illinois, and then went to the Fox Lake American Legion.
--RoadDog
POINTS TO PONDER: Why do you recite at a play, but you play at a recital.
Friday, October 14, 2022
Music Deaths: Charles McCormick of Bloodstone and Andrew Woolfolk of Earth, Wind & Fire
CHARLES McCORMICK, 75
Died 12 April 2022
Bass player and lead vocalist of Bloodstone.
The group had a #10 song with "Natural High" in 1973 and a #34 song with "Outside Woman" in 1974 on the pop charts.
Formed in Kansas City, Missouri. The group starred in the 1975 movie "Train Ride to Hollywood."
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ANDREW WOOLFORK, 71
Died 25 April 2022
Saxophonist and member of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Membeof the group from 1973 to 1985. This was when the group was at its peak with 16 songs on the pop charts ranking at #16 to #1, including:
"Shining Star" (#1-1975)
"Sing a Song" (#5-1976)
"Got to get You Into My Life" (#9-1978)
"September" (#8-1978)
Thursday, October 13, 2022
WLS Top 27 for Week of October 9, 1972-- Part 4: 'Saturday In the Park'
What were you doing fifty years ago this week? Here are some songs that might help bring back the memories as they were the top ones in Chicago a half century ago. A HALF CENTURY AGO?
* Means the song was climbing the charts. The number after the artist is how high it got ion the Billboard Hot 100 National Chart.
10. PLAY ME-- Neil Diamond #11
9. SATURDAY IN THE PARK-- Chicago #3
8. *USE ME-- Bill Withers #2 Just so funky. Always enjoy the intro.
7. BACK STABBERS-- O'Jays #3
6. *BURNING LOVE-- Elvis Presly #2 Probably my favorite Elvis song.
5. BLACK AND WHITE-- Three Dog Night #1
4. *EVERYBODYPLAYS THE FOOL-- Main Ingredient #3
3. *GO ALL THE WAY-- Raspberries #5 Their highest ranking song and only Top Ten.
2. *BEN-- Michael Jackson #1 His first solo #1.
1. BABY DON'T GET HOOKED ON ME-- Mac Davis #1 This was its third week at #1 onthe WLS chart.
Name That Tune (from the above songs): "My Friends Feel It's Their Appointed Duty." Answer below. --RoadDog
"Use Me"
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
WLS Top 27 Songs for Week of October 9, 1972-- Part 3: 'Bights in White Satin'
These were the top songs in Chicago fifty yerars ago. That's half a century for those of you whio are counting.
* Means the song was climbing the charts. The number after the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard Hot 100 National Charts.
15. *YOU WEAR IT WELL-- Rod Stewart #13 His songs from 1971-1973 sure take me back to my college days.
14. BEAUTIFUL SUMMER-- Daniel Boone #15 Probably one of the most fun songs ever. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Just try not to sing along. This was his only Top 40, making him a ___ ___ ______.
13. *GARDEN PARTY-- Rick Nelson #6 Not the Ricky Nelson of Ozzie and Harriet. Definitely a country vibe to this song.
12. *TIGHTROPE-- Leon Russell #11 Like no other. Born Claude Russell Bridges.
11. *NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN-- Moody Blues #2 Liz's all-time favorite song. Believe it or not, this was their highest charting song ever. They had two other Top Tens.
Name That Tune (from the above songs): "I Had Nothing To Do On This Hot Afternoon." Answer below. --RoadDog
"You Wear It Well"
Monday, October 10, 2022
WLS Top 27 for Week of October 9, 1972-- Part 2: 'Listen to the Music'
Fifty years ago in Chicago.
20. *LISTEN TO THE MUSIC-- Doobie Brothers #11 Their first hit song for the group formed in San Jose, California.
19. *GOOD TIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES-- Danny O'Keefe #9 Born in 1942 in Washington state. His one and only Top 40 song.
18. *GOOD FOOT (PART 1)-- James Brown #18 Why he is called "The Godfather of Soul." How funky can you get? Whole Title "Get On the Good Foot-- Part 1."
17. SPEAK TO THE SKY-- Rick Springfield #14 Love the banjo and tuba in this song Imagine those in a pop/rock song! Hard not to move to this song. His first hit of 17 Top 40s.
16. *WHY- Donny Osmond #13 That old song.
Name That Tune (from the above songs): "You're Not A Kid at Thirty-Three." Answer below. --RoadDog
"Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues"
Sunday, October 9, 2022
WLS Top 27 for Week of October 9, 1972-- Part 1: 'Thunder and Lightning'
These were the top songs in Chicago according to WLS, 890 AM, fifty years ago.
* Means the song was climbing the charts. The number behind the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard Hot 100 National Chart.
27. *DON'T EVER BE LONELY-- Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose #23 I had forgotten this nugget. If you don't remember it, check it out on You Tube.
26. *IF I COULD REACH YOU-- Fifth Dimension #19 What a voice. That Mariyn McCoo and gang could really sing well together.
25. *THUNDER AND LIGHTNING-- Chi Coltrane #17 For some reason I always thought it was a black woman singing this song, but it wasn't. One kickin' song. Born in Racine, Wisconsin. Her one and only top 40 tune.
24. RUN TO ME-- Bee Gees #16 A forgotten Gibbs brothers song.
22. CITY OF NEW ORLEANS-- Arlo Guthrie #18 Written by Chicago's Steve Goodman. A real American tapestry. His only Top 40. Also famous for that great "Alice's Restaurant."
21. *STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN-- Mel & Tim #19 I'd forgotten about this song but what a great smoothie as Herb Kent would call it. Their second of two Top 40s, the other one being "Backfield in Motion" (#10 in 1969).
Name That Tune (from the above songs): "Penny A Point Ain't Nobody Keeping Score." Answer below. --RoadDog
"City of New Orleans"
Saturday, October 8, 2022
A Chain O' Lakes Oldie, a Long-Time Owner and Harley Wayne
MONDAY, AUGUST 1
We met Kevin and Kelly at Oak Park Lounge on Pistakee Lake where they were celebrating owner Tom Fuch's 46th year of owning the place. That's a real long time to run a bar, especially considering that even though he grew up in the Johnsburg area, he had never gone there before buying it. Talk about your on-the-job learning.
And, Oak Park Lounge is a Chain O' Lakes original, built in the 1890s and looking pretty much the same since then. We had some drinks with Tom.
Afterwards, we went to Sunnyside Tavern for a couple or three more brews.
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 2
A history day for me, and I love history. I drove out to Marengo, Illinois, and had lunch at The Spot, home of the 3/4 pound cheeseburger for $7.99. What a deal and what a meal.
Then, I went to the McHenry County History Museum in Union and met with Bob and Ellen, who are busy working on a book about McHenry County's Harley Wayne, a captain in the 15th Illinois Infantry during the Civil War who was killed at the Battle of Shiloh.
They let me peruse some primary source materials about him and I even put in a couple suggestions for the book. Later, Bob and I took a walk by Harley Wayne's mansion which is just a couple blocks from the museum.
Congratulations Tom. --RoadDog
POINTS TO PONDER: If you can make amends, can you just make one amend?
Friday, October 7, 2022
$3.95 for an Iced Tea!!?? Two Legions and No $1.1 Billion for Me
FRIDAY, JULY 29
Met Kevin and Kelly at Diamond Deli in Fox Lake, Illinois, for the fish fry. Patti, who for so many years was our waitress at Dino's Den was our waitress. A great fish fry, but I was taken totally aback at the charge for Liz and my iced teas, $3.95!! Now, that is WAY too much.
Stopped at the new park in Fox Lake and sat outside for awhile and listened to the bands School of Rock and 176 Wide. I wasn't impressed with either group.
Went over to the Fox Lake Legion and played 50-50.
SATURDAY, JULY 30
Well, I didn't win the $1.1 billion+ in the MegaLotto, so reckon I'll just have to keep typing the blogs. Not that I earn a cent from them. Went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.
SUNDAY, JULY 31
Went to the McHenry America Legion.
$3.95 for an Iced Tea? Ya Gotta Be Kiddin'.--RoadDog
POINTS TO PONDER: Why is it that a writer writes, but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce, humdingers don't hum and hammers don't ham?
Thursday, October 6, 2022
No 'Dumb Ass Trivia', A Taste of Carolina, Elvis, a Band and $1.1 Billion?
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Past Movie Scratches: Jaws-- Guardians-- Bee-- Showman-- Godfather-- Shawshank
See if you can guess the names of the movies in the title of this post.
Past Movie Scratches-- Movies I watched on TV in 2021.
55. JAWS 2-- 8-7-- He's BACK. Well, not him, but a relative? Sheriff Brady thinks so. The big shark has a shocking experience.
56. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY-- 8-8-- "I am Groot." He can say a lot with those three words. And those great cassette tapes and songs. I am still recording on cassettes. My favorite Marvel crew.
57. BUMBLE BEE-- 8-9-- Those Bots and Cons take a beating but keep right on ticking. Our favorite yellow fella.
58. GREATEST SHOWMAN-- 8-10-- Rags to riches story. with lots of great singing and choreography.
59. GODFATHER 2-- 8-10-- Moving to Nevada and definitely stay off Michael's bad side. All that and the Cuban Revolution.
60. SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION-- 8-11-- Quite a story. Red and the sad librarian who had been institutionalized. A jerk warden gets his and a magnificent tree.
--RoadDog
POINTS TO PONDER: Boxing rings are square.
Monday, October 3, 2022
WLS Top Ten for Week of October 2, 1972: 'Baby Don't Get Hooked on Me'
Just half a century ago. What a long strange trip this has been.
1. BABY DON'T GET HOOKED ON ME-- Mac Davis Second week at #1
2. BLACK AND WHITE-- Three Dog Night
3. SATURDAY IN THE PARK-- Chicago
4. BACK STABBERS-- O'Jays
5. BEN-- Michael Jackson
6. GO ALL THE WAY-- Raspberries
7. EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL-- Main Ingredient
8. BURNING LOVE-- Elvis Presley
9. USE ME-- Bill Withers
10. PLAY ME-- Neil Diamond
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DEBUTS
21. TIGHTROPE-- Leon Russell
23. LISTEN TO THE MUSIC-- Doobie Brothers
27. GOOD FOOT (PART 1)-- James Brown
29. GOOD TIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES-- Danny O'Keefe
30. STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN-- Mel & Tim
Name That Tune (from the above songs): "She Was Morning And I was Night Time." Answer below. --RoadDog
"Play Me"
Past Movie Scratches: Pets-- Olympus-- Fifty-- Godzilla-- Equalizer-- Kingdom
Past Movie Scratches-- Movies I watched on TV in 2021.
49. THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS-- 7-23-- Along came Liam. Fun and games down on the farm. Find the ball.
50. OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN-- 7-26-- You don't want Mike Benning sneaking around when you take over the White House. Right, bad guys?
51. FIFTY FIRST DATES-- 7-28-- Like a first kiss fifty times. It was deja vu all over again.
52. GODZILLA-- 7-29-- Good ol' Godzilla saves the world from the two bad ones. Hey, it's an alpha thing, you know.
53. THE EQUALIZER 2-- 8-5-- Have black Malibu will Lyft and solve your problems. Making things right the hard way.
54. JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM-- 8-6-- Outrunning the lava flow and falling rocks. (Well, and dinosaurs.)
--RoadDog
POINTS TO PONDER: Quicksand works slowly.
Sunday, October 2, 2022
WLS Top Ten for Week of September 25, 1972: 'Saturday in the Park'
These were the Top Ten songs and Debuts on Chicago's WLS, 890 AM, fifty years ago.
I was enjoying being back at NIU for my senior year.
1. BABY DON'T GET HOOKED ON ME-- Mac Davis
2. BACK STABBERS-- O'Jays
3. SATURDAY IN THE PARK-- Chicago
4. BLACK AND WHITE-- Three Dog Night
5. BEN-- Michael Jackson
6. GO ALL THE WAY-- Raspberries
7. ROCK AND ROLL PART 2-- Gary Glitter
8. EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL-- Main Ingredeient
9. HONKY CAT-- Elton John
10. BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY-- Daniel Boone
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DEBUTS
24. BRANDY-- Looking Glass (This had been #1 the month before, so either a mistake or it had dropped off the charts and reappeared.)
25. WHY-- Donny Osmond
27. GARDEN PARTY-- Rick Nelson
28. THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS-- Arlo Guthrie
29. IT NEVER RAINS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA-- Albert Hammond
Name That Tune (from the above songs): "All The Time They Want To Take Your Place." Answer below. --RoadDog
"Backstabbers"