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

Saturday, June 29, 2024

WLS Top 10 for Week of June 29, 1974: 'Band on the Run'

That's right.  Fifty years ago, half a century if anyone's counting.

1. BAND ON THE RUN--  Paul McCartney & Wings

2.  SUNDOWN--  Gordon Lightfoot

3.  BILLY, DO'T BE A HERO--  Bo Donaldson & Heywoods

4.  LAGRANGE--  ZZ Top

5.  ROCK THE BOAT--  Hues Corporation

6.  HELP ME--  Joni Mitchell

7.  FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY--  O'Jays

8.  YOU WON'T SEE ME--  Anne Murray

9.  THE STREAK--  Ray Stevens

10.  DANCING MACHINE--  Jackson Five

******************************

DEBUTS

11.  IF YOU LOVE ME (LET ME KNOW)--  Olivia Newton-John

18.  WATERLOO--  Abba

20.  RIKKI DON'T LOSE THAT NUMBER--  Steely Dan

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "So I'd Like To Know Where You Got the Notion."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Rock the Boat"


Friday, June 28, 2024

Every Blooming THing: Late June: About That Monarch Butterfly and the Cicadas

Grass still growing fast as it has been fairly wet and cool around here.

Regular daisies are blooming.  I have been planting a lot of geraniums (bought on sale for 50 cents) as well as begonias (also on sale).  This is the time I start buying flowers when they put them on sale.  Begonias take care of themselves so I like them.

The landscapers have been over here twice in the last two weeks and have trimmed off branches in the two pine islands as well as the Back 40 and arboretum.  And, then there are all those weed trees they've cut down and yews they've trimmed.  

Sadly the burn pile that I worked so hard on this spring to burn it has gotten even bigger than it was this spring.  I'll be busy in the fall when I can burn again.

On Wednesday I had to delay going somewhere when I saw a monarch butterfly flitting about the thirty or so milkweed plants I have growing in my driveway culverts.  I hope it tells its buddies about it.  I miss those beautiful things.

I still come across a cicada every day, but fewer than before, plus the din off in the distance is lessening.

--RoadCada


Wednesday, June 26, 2024

WXRT Saturday Morning Flashback (1973)-- Part 3: 'Ramblin' Man'

BREATHE/ON THE RUN--  Pink Floyd

MIND GAMES--  John Lennon

GIVE ME LOVE (GIVE ME PEACE)--  George Harrison

OHH LA LA--  Faces

HYPNOTIZED--  Fleetwood Mac

DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO--  Rollng Stones

SUCH A NIGHT--  Dr. John

LAKE SHORE DRIVE--  Aliotta, Haynes & Jeremiah

KODACHROME--  Paul Simon

RAMBLIN' MAN--  Allman Brothers Band

PERSONAL CRISIS--  New York Dolls

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "There's A Road I'd Like To Tell You About, Lives In My Home Town."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Lake Shore Drive"


Tuesday, June 25, 2024

WXRT Saturday Morning Flashback-- Part 2: 'Sail On, Sailor'

THE OCEAN--  Led Zeppelin

SAIL ON, SAILOR--  Beach Boys

GROWIN' UP--  Bruce Springsteen

FEELIN' STRONGER EVERY DAY--  Chicago

THE HARDER THEY COME--  Jimmy Cliff

ELECTED--  Alice Cooper

ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN--  Electric Light Orchestra

LOVE TRAIN--  O'Jays

PANIC IN DETROIT--  David Bowie

ALL THE GIRLS LOVE ALICE--  Elton John

DIRTY LOVE--  Frank Zappa

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "People All Over the World Join Hands."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Love Train"


Monday, June 24, 2024

WXRT Saturday Morning Flashback for 1973-- Part 1: 'Rocky Mountain Way'

From the June 15, 2024, show hosted by Annalisa.

THE REAL ME--  Who

BODYHISATTVA--  Steely Dan

KEEP YOURSELF ALIVE--  Queen

YOUR CASH AIN'T NOTHIN' BUT TRASH--  Steve Miller Band

ROCKY MOUNTAIN WAY--  Joe Walsh

ALL THE WAY TO MEMPHIS--  Mott the Hoople

DIXIE CHICKEN--  Little Feat

CAN'T GET NO GRINDIN'--  Muddy Waters

CHINA GROVE--  Doobie Brothers

WILL IT GO ROUND IN CIRCLES--  Billy Preston

JET--  Paul McCartney & Wings

I WANNA BE WITH YOU--  Raspberries--

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "When the Sun Comes Up On  A Sleepy Texas Town."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"China Grove"


Saturday, June 22, 2024

WLS Top Ten (and Debuts) for Week of June 22, 1974: 'For the Love of Money'

1.  SUNDOWN--  Gordon Lightfoot

2.  BAND ON THE RUN--  Paul McCartney & Wings

3.  BILLY DON'T BE A HERO--  Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods

4.  DANCING MACHINE--  Jackson Five--

5.  LA GRANGE--  ZZ Top

6.  FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY--  O'Jays

7.  THE STREAK--  Ray Stevens

8.  HELP ME--  Joni Mitchell

10.  STAR BABY--  Guess Who

*****************************

DEBUTS

15.  YOU WON'T SEE ME--  Anne Murray

16.  I'M THE LEADER OF THE GANG--  Brownsville Station

18.  TRAIN OF THOUGHT--  Cher

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "When I Get That Crazy Feelin', I know I'm In Trouble Again."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Help Me"


Thursday, June 20, 2024

It's Officially Summer Today: Ten Songs from Bob Stroud to Mark the Occasion

Bob Stroud on his Ten at Ten show on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM just finished playing ten songs about the you-know-what season that has just descended upon us.

1.  BLUE SKY--  Allman Brothers Band

2.  MAGIC--  Cars

3.  SCHOOL'S OUT--  Alice Cooper

4.  THE BOYS OF SUMMER--  Don Henley

5.  SATURDAY IN THE PARK--  Chicago

6.  SUMMER OF 69--  Bryan Adams

7.  SUMMERTIME BLUES--  Who

8.  HOT IN THE CITY--  Billy Idol

9.  DANCING DAYS--  Led Zeppelin

10.  SUMMER NIGHTS--  Van Halen

What, no Beach Boys or "In the Summertime?"

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Walk Along the River, Sweet Lullaby."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Blue Sky"


Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Songs from the Summer 1974-- Part 2: 'Sundown'

PRETZEL LOGIC--  Steely Dan

DON'T YOU WORRY ABOUT A THING--  Stevie Wonder

SAME OLD SONG AND DANCE--  Aerosmith

BENNY AND THE JETS--  Elton John

A DREAM GOES ON FOREVER--  Todd Rundgren

REBEL REBEL--  David Bowie

I'LL HAVE TO SAY I LOVE YOU IN A SONG--  Jim Croce

WORKING MAN--  Rush

THE AIR THAT I BREATHE--  Hollies

MIGHT JUST TAKE YOUR LIFE--  Deep Purple

MOCKINGBIRD--  Carly Simon & James Taylor

SUNDOWN--  Gordon Lightfoot

CALL ME THE BREEZE--  Lynyrd Skynyrd

WALL STREET SHUFFLE--  10CC

THE SHOW MUST GO ON--  Three Dog Night

COME MONDAY--  Jimmy Buffett

CAN'T GET ENOUGH--  Bad Company

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Heading Out To San Francisco For The Labor Day  Weekend Show."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Songs from the Summer 1974-- Part 1: 'LaGrange'

These were the songs on the radio and in your record collections on June 2, 1974.  Fifty years ago.  From the June 2, 2024, Rock and Roll Roots show by Bob Stroud on Chicago's Classic Rock, WDRV, 97.1 FM, The Drive.

STAR BABY--  Guess Who

GET OUT OF DENVER--  Bob Seger

HELP ME--  Joni Mitchell

OUT ON THE BORDER--  Eagles

COME AND GET YOUR LOVE--  Red Bone

I'VE BEEN SEARCHING SO LONG--  Chicago

BRIDGE OF SIGHS--  Robin Trower

LAGRANGE--  ZZ Top

THAT'LL BE THE DAY--  Fog Hat

ANOTHER PARK, ANOTHER SUNDAY--  Doobie Brothers

DOOBIE WAH--  Peter Frampton

BAND ON THE RUN--  Paul McCartney & Wings

1985--  Paul McCartney & Wings

Name That Tune (from the above songs): "Cruisin' Down the Center of a Two-Way Street."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Out On the Border"


Monday, June 17, 2024

2024 Indy 500-- Part 3: A Delayed Race, Newgarden Wins Again

The big question on everybody's mind was about the approaching rainstorms set to hit the Indy area at race time.  They wouldn't postpone the start until 11.  WE had to drive to the race track and waited at Tom's tent until we found it was postponed until after the storms so went back to the camp site and waited until we had some idea of when the race would be.

When the storm did hit it was quite the downpour with lots of

We drove back to the racetrack and then walked over to our seats between Turns One and Two. Those stairs were a real obstacle again for me.  They quickly cleared the track and went through all the traditional pre-race ceremonies.

And, we had quite a race with Josef Newgarden winning his second race in a row.

Leaving was no fun as we waited without moving for two hours.

--RoadDog


Saturday, June 15, 2024

WLS Top Ten for Week of June 15, 1974: 'Dancing Machine'

Fifty years ago in Chicago.

1.  BAND ON THE RUN--  Paul McCartney & Wings

2.  BILLY DON'T BE A HERO--  Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods

3.  SUNDOWN--  Gordon Lightfoot

4.  DANCING MACHINE--  Jackson Five

5.  THE STREAK--  Ray Stevens

6.  STAR BABY--  Guess Who

7.  MIDNIGHT AT THE OASIS--  Maria Muldaur

8  MY GIRL BILL--  Jim Stafford  (This one really had me wondering.)

9.  HELP ME--  Joni Mitchell

10.  THE LOCO-MOTION--  Grand Funk

***************************

DEBUTS

16.  LAGRANGE--  ZZ Top

24.  ROCK THE BOAT--   Hughes Corporation

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Send Your Camel To Bed."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog



"Midnight At the Oasis"


2024 Indy 500-- Part 2: 'Emo'

SATURDAY, MAY 25

Drove back to the IMS (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) and parked by Tom's.  Walked the short distance to the race track and paid $20 to get in for Legends Day.

Sue and Paul wanted to walk around so I just stayed by the Pagoda and talked with race fans.  Some had been coming for over thirty times.  Many had stood in line for a long time to get autographs and take pictures of the racers in tomorrow's running of the famous race.

A guy came by and was drawing lots of attention.  I asked another fan who he was and he said "Emo."  Emo didn't mean anything to me so looked the name up on the cell phone and found out he was Emerson Fittipaldi, who won the Indy race twice, once in 1989 and again in 1993.

His grandson is running in the Indy 500 this year.

Back to the campground and had a very pleasant evening sitting outside.

--RoadDog


Thursday, June 13, 2024

2024 Indy 500-- Part 1: No Legion for Us This Year

This will be a short account of the days at the Speedway.  I will go into more detail later in my RoadDog's RoadLog blog.

FRIDAY, MAY 24

I met Sue and Paul in Ingleside and they drove their RV to Indianapolis, where we had a spot about 7 miles from the IMS at the Raceview Family Campground (located across from Indianapolis' "other" race track, the Lucas Oil Raceway.

For the past ten Indy 500s we had been at the Speedway American Legion Post 500 RV campground right across the street from the Indy 500 but were unable to get our spot this year because they were rebuilding the place.

Drove to the Legion and were not happy to find that no construction had been done and our usual spot was empty.  We  had a talk with the people there and evidently it was a big old case of misunderstanding.  Hopefully we will be back there next year.

But, a friend who camps by there had an extra parking ticket so we didn't have to purchase one of them.  Had a couple drinks at the Legion and back to the RV park.

--RoadDog


Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Playing With Cicadas

I sure can hear masses of cicadas off in the distance.  It is a regular roar.

Last Saturday I was doing yardwork around two trees in the front yard and came across one live cicada under the sunburst honey locust and two by the crabapple tree in the at the northwest corner of the house.

I'm afraid I wasn't the nicest host to my visitors.

They do not move fast and are easy to catch, especially since they don't try to fly away.  The one by the sunburst honeylocust did a lot of the clicking sound you hear and I would catch it by the wings and hold it up next to my ear and listen.

Sure glad they don't bite, but their legs are quite sticky.

I came across two of them by the crabapple tree.  One clicked and the other wouldn't.

Sure Gonna Miss the Little Critters When They're Gone.  Now, Who Am I Gonna Play With?

--RoadCada


Monday, June 10, 2024

WLS Top Ten LPs and Tapes for Week of June 8, 1974: 'Band on the Run'

These were the Top ten albums on both LP and 8-Track format in Chicago fifty years ago.  How many are in your collection?

1.  THE STING (6th Week No. 1)--  Soundtrack

2.  BAND ON THE RUN--  Paul McCartney & Wings

3.  GREATEST HITS--  John Denver

4.  CHICAGO VII--  Chicago

5.  SHININ ON--  Grand Funk

6.  BACHMAN TURNER OVERDRIVE II--  Bachman Turner Overdrive

7.  GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD--  Elton John

8.  BUDDHA AND THE CHOCOLATE BOX--  Cat Stevens

9.  COURT AND SPARK--  Joni Mitchell

10.  ROAD FOOD--  Guess Who

I personally have all but "Road Food" in my collection.

Must Have Really Been Enjoying My Music Back Then.  --RoadTooManyAlbums


Saturday, June 8, 2024

WLS Top Ten (and Debuts) for Week of June 8, 1974: 'The Entertainer: Music from The Sting'

These were the Top ten songs in Chicago according to WLS, 890 AM fifty years ago this week.

1.  BILLY DON'T BE A HERO--  Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods

2. THE STREAK--  Ray Stevens

3.  BAND ON THE RUN--  Paul McCartney & Wings

4.  STAR BABY--  Guess Who

5.  THE LOCO-MOTION--  Grand Funk

6.  SUNDOWN--  Gordon Lightfoot

7.  THE ENTERTAINER (MUSIC FROM THE STING)--  Marvin Hamlisch

8.  MIDNIGHT AT THE OASIS--  Maria Muldaur

9.  DANCING MACHINE--  Jackson Five

10.  THE SHOW MUST GO ON--  Three Dog Night

*******************************

DEBUTS

14.  MY GIRL BILL--  Jim Stafford

16.  FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY--  O'Jays

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Stuck Inside These Four Walls.  Sent Inside Forever."  Answer below.  --RoadDog



"Band On the Run"


Friday, June 7, 2024

Every Blooming THing-- Early June: The Cicadas Are Here

I was beginning to wonder where they were, but now I know.  They have arrived.  I found a whole lot of them in one of my crabapple trees and they were dropping down and molting.  I had earlier found one every so often while working in flower gardens.

I kind of enjoy nabbing them and their fluttering (now I know they don't bite).

My daisies (about 50 of them) are still blooming white and I have a couple perennials in yellow and gold blooming, but don't know what they are.  Also, my Missouri primrose.

I have been to my local Jewel grocery stores since they are now selling flowers for 50% off.  Now they're hitting my price.

Annuals are pretty expensive these days.  At Wal Mart they sell for $3.47 a four-pack.  I can remember buying six pack cells for 50 cents full price many years ago.

Lots of weeding and trimming to do.

--RoadDog


Thursday, June 6, 2024

Good Times Around Here May 17 to 19: Two Legions, Fish Fry, TV, a Historical Society, Cicadas, Magic Moon, Book Sale and Mary's Hideaway

FRIDAY, MAY 17

Malcolm and Steve came over to work on the gutters, window seals and tuckpoint the chimney and several ledges.  Met Kevin and Kelly, Glenn and Barb at Saylor Mick's for fish fry then went to the Fox Lake Legion for 50-50.  

Came home and watched the last episode of "Blue Bloods" for the spring.  Sadly, it ends after a few more episodes this fall.  This is my favorite TV drama. Love those family meals on Sundays.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Stopped at Thornton's in Fox Lake for my usual cappucino and then to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society at Grant Museum in Ingleside for a very timely presentation on cicadas.  Afterwards did bush trimming, went to Sunnyside and watched the Preakness Race and then to Magic Moon in Spring Grove and was happy to see that my buddy Frank was back to tending bar on Saturday night.

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Went to the Friends of McHenry Library semiannual book sale and then to my buddy Langer's visitation in McHenry.  We had some great times together and I sure will miss him. Stopped at the McHenry Legion.  Afterwards met J.C. and some other of his pals at Mary's Hideaway in Johnsburg to toast him.

--Good Times in the Area.  --RoadDog


Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Good Times Around Here May 14 to 16: A Movie, the Civil War, Bars and Specials, Good Eatin' and 'Young Sheldon'

TUESDAY, MAY 14

Went to Woodstock and saw "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes", met members of the McHenry County Civil War Round Table at 3 Brothers restaurant for dinner and then heard a presentation on the Queen of the West and USS Indianola at the Woodstock Public Library.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

Played trivia at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and had 75 cent wings at Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove, Illinois.  Oh yes, then there were the $1 tall boys of Hamms.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

Met with the funeral home to design grave stone for Liz and myself.  Then met Liana and Frank at the Fox Lake, Illinois, Senior Luncheon at the Lake Front Park and were entertained by a duo.  That "Young Sheldon" series finale was something else.  I am sure going to miss that show.

--RoadDog


Monday, June 3, 2024

20 Common Sayings 'Woke" Folks Don't Like-- Part 2:

Again, if you're wondering why the "wokers" don't like it, check out the site, they'll tell you.

11.  Bless you.

12.  Peanut gallery

13.  Blind leading the blind.

14.  Drink the Kool-Aid.  (Well, I kind of agree with this one.)

15.  Too many chiefs, not enough Indians.

16.  Dumb

17.  Columbus Day

18.  Lowest on the Totem Pole.

19.  Not Quite 

Must Be a "Woke" Thing.  --RoadDog


Sunday, June 2, 2024

First Ten Songs on Bob Stroud's Salute to Summer '74: 'Star Baby'

These are the first ten songs Bob Stroud played on his Rock and Roll Roots Salute to the 50th Anniversary of the Summer of 1974.  

1.  STAR BABY--  Guess Who

2.  GET OUT OF DENVER--  Bob Seger

3.  HELP ME--  Joni Mitchell

4.  OUT ON THE BORDER--  Eagles

5.  COME AND GET YOUR LOVE--  Red Bone

6.  I'VE BEEN SEARCHING SO LONG--  Chicago

7.  BRIDGE OF SIGHS--  Robin Trower

8.  LAGRANGE--  ZZ TOP

9.  THAT'LL BE THE DAY--  FOG HAT

10.  ANOTHER PARK, ANOTHER SUNDAY--  Doobie Brothers

And the show still is on now at 10:56.  It also will replay tonight from 9 pm to midnight if you can stay up that long.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Rumor Spreadin' 'Round In That Texas Town."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"LaGrange"


If the Summer of 1974 Means Something to You: Bob Stroud's Annual Salute to the Summer of '74

Tune into Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, today from 9 to noon CDST as Bob Stroud takes a trip way back, fifty years ago to be exact, to play the songs on your radio and in your record collection from June 2, 1974.

This is the first part of his four-part trip back to the Summer of '74.  He will also visit that day the first Sunday in July, August and September.

The station will also air it again from 9 pm to midnight.  And it streams over the internet.

I sure will be listening.

Road'74


Saturday, June 1, 2024

WLS Top Ten for Week of June 1, 1974: 'The Loco-Motion'

Fifty years ago on Chicago's WLS AM 890.

1.  THE STREAK--  Ray Stevens

2.  THE LOCO-MOTION--  Grand Funk

3.  STAR BABY--  Guess Who

4.  BILLY DON'T BE A HERO--  Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods

5.  BAND ON THE RUN--  Paul McCartney & Wings

6.  THE ENTERTAINER (MUSIC FROM THE STING)--  Marvin Hamlish

7.  THE SHOW MUST GO ON--  Three Dog Night

8.  DANCING MACHINE--  Jackson Five

9.  MIDNIGHT AT THE OASIS--  Maria Muldaur

10.  SUNDOWN--  Gordon Lightfoot

***********************

DEBUTS

12.  YOU MAKE ME FEEL BRAND NEW--  Stylistics

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Well I've Never Been Much For Admitting Things."  Answer below.  --RoadDog



"Star Baby"