Get Ready to Go Back Fifty Years to August 1, 1971

From 9 am to noon tomorrow, August 1, Bob Stroud will be traveling back a half century, to August 1, 1971 when he plays the songs that were on our radios and in our record collections for his Part 3 of his annual Rock and Roll Roots Salute to the Summer on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.

I always look forward to this trip back to my past.  And, speaking of the past, I will be recording the show on cassette tapes.

It streams at www.wdrv.com  from 9am to noon and again from 9 pm to midnight.

Central Daylight Saving Time.

What were you doing fifty years ago tomorrow?  

I had just gotten back from Quantico, Virginia, where I had been six weeks in the USMC Platoon Leaders Class.  I was also getting ready to start classes at the University of Georgia after having attended freshman and sophomore year in college at Northern Illinois University.

Let's Go Back.  Let's Go Way Back.  --RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE:  LAW OF THE ALIBI:  If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire.

Guess I'm WAY Out of the Loop in Music These Days: About That Current and Country Music

Well, we have that giant music festival going on in Chicago this weekend called Lollapalooza and a couple weeks ago we had a big country festival near here in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin called Country Thunder.

I went to Country Thunder once quite a while ago, back in my much younger days.  But, as I get older, huge crowds just isn't something I want to experience.  It did used to bother me, but now its sure does.

Anyway, I go a schedule for Country Thunder (and I still am a big country music fan and often listen to WBRF, 98.1 FM out of Galax, Virginia over the internet.  They play what they call Classic Country.  The older stuff.)

Out of four headliners July 15-18, I only recognized two:  Eric Church and Blake Shelton.  Out of the other 18 performers, I only recognize three:  Clay Walker, Tanya Tucker and Neal McCoy.

Out of 170+ bands, this was real sad, I only recognized seven: Miley Cyrus, Black Pumas, Limp Bizkit, Journey, Mt. Joy, Post Malone and Foo Fighters.

Like I said, Guess I'm Out of the Loop Now.  --RoadHopeless?

About This Last Weekend-- Part 3: Too Many Sliders, Bars, $1 Beers, Bands and Adequate Bloody Marys

SATURDAY, JULY 24

We went to Stucky's in Johnsburg, but didn't have anything to eat because of too many White Castle Sliders earlier in the day, but did enjoy their $1 draft pints.

SUNDAY, JULY 25

I ended up recording much of Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots on a 90-minute cassette (that's right, CASSETTES) because he was Root Saluting Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Cosmo's Factory" album, which was released 51 years ago this week in 1970.  And, of course, CCR is my favorite band, the only one I would buy their new albums the day they came out.  Thanks, for making my day, Bob.

Then, Liz and I went to Stucky's where they were having a solo performer playing outside on their deck.  He was good, though took way too long of a break.  But, when he played "The Rodeo Song" and "The I-95 Song" the place went crazy.

Then, we went to the McHenry American Legion for those great "Adequate" $2.50 Bloody Marys and they had a duo playing.

Like I Said, Good Times.  --RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE:  LAW OF RANDOM NUMBERS:  If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone ALWAYs answers.  (And, I'd like to add this:  If you redial that number to make sure you didn't misdial it, you will get the same number and a somewhat madder person on the other end.)

About This Last Weekend-- Part 2: A Civil War Meeting and Was John Wilkes Booth Actually Killed?

SATURDAY, JULY 24

I had breakfast out on the front porch as usual, then went on the internet and prepared the questions for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group and researched some information about the Lincoln Conspirators which was today's topic.

Drove to Crystal Lake listening to WXRT's Saturday Morning Flashback to 1974, my first year out of college and teaching.  Too bad I had the meeting.

We had seven people at the Panera Bread store in Crystal Lake.  And, our friend Frank even e-mailed his famed impossible questions in from down south where he is recovering from a sickness.  Seemed more like the good old days.  As usual, great discussion and quite a bit of it revolved around whether John Wilkes Booth was actually killed or was it a coverup by persons in the Union government who wanted to get rid of Lincoln.

The name Joseph Holt was mentioned quite often.  There were three John Wilkes Booths according to this conspiracy theory:  the real one who died as an old man in Missouri, one who passed as Booth on the run and one who looked enough like him to pass for a dead Booth when examined.

I'd never heard of this Booth Conspiracy before.  Like any good conspiracy, maybe true but most likely not.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE:  LAW OF PROBABILITY:  The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.

About This Past Weekend-- Part 1: A Fish Fry, A Lake View and $1 Drafts

Again, why go anywhere before the fall when there is so much to do around here.

FRIDAY, JULY 23

Well, at least I don't have to cut the grass with the drought which has come back.  Met Kevin, Kelly, Barb and Glenn at Cuda's on Grasslake Road in Antioch for a fish fry.  AUCE got $10.95 plus one side.  We all got side salads so as to be eating "healthy" but I don't know how that offsets the fried fish.  But, their beer-battered fish is something else to taste, especially piping hot out of the fryer.  Melts in your mouth if not burns your mouth.

Afterwards, we adjourned to Lake View Place and sat out on the deck where we enjoyed the great view of Grasslake, the $1 drafts and conversation with a guy who is going to travel Route 66 and another couple who live on Grasslake, but had golf-carted it over there.

I tell you, some people really have it rough.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE:  Any tool, nut, bolt or screw, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

WLS Top Ten for Week of July 26, 1971: 'Mercy Mercy Me'

That's right, fifty years ago today.  That means a half a century.  If you remember these, that might mean that time sure is flying by.

1.  DRAGGIN' THE LINE--  Tommy James

2.  HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART--  Bee Gees

3.  IT'S TOO LATE--  Carole King        It was #1 for four weeks.

4.  NEVER ENDING SONG OF LOVE--  Delaney and Bonnie & Friends

5.  SOONER OR LATER--  Grass Roots

6.  BEGINNINGS--  Chicago

7.  YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND--  James Taylor

8.  DON'T PULL YOUR LOVE--  Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds       Never understood why one guy had two names and the others just one?

9.  MERCY MERCY ME--  Marvin Gaye

10.  SUMMER SAND--  Dawn

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DEBUTS

27.  WON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN--

28.  RESURRECTION SHUFFLE--

29.  SMILING FACES SOMETIMES--

30.  LOVE THE ONE YOU'RE WITH--

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ALL HIT BOUND

I JUST WANT TO CELEBRATE--  Rare Earth

AIN'T NO SUNSHINE--  Bill Withers

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "When You're Down And Troubled And Need A Helping Hand."  Answer below.  

"You've Got a Friend"

Last Weekend Not As Planned-- Part 2: No 'Drunk in the Park' or 'Christmas in July', But the Legion and Stucky's. No Parade, But Legion and Sunnyside

Last Saturday offered an array of options.  Number one was a trip to "Drunk in the Park" in the afternoon at the McHenry Fiesta Days where they block off River Side Street and have bands and the bars offer beer which you can drink on the street.  Always a real fun time.  Then, we were going to go to Sunnyside in Johnsburg for their Christmas in July Golf Cart Parade, party and band outside.

Sunday was to be  the huge McHenry Fiesta Days parade at one, a band at the VFW at 3 and a stop at the McHenry American Legion afterwards for their "Adequate" $2.50 Bloody Marys.  Either this or the Antioch Taste of Summer festival and a band outside in the afternoon.

But, things sure didn't work out as planned.

STAURDAY, JULY 17

There was no "Drunk in the Park" in McHenry.  And, we weren't the only disappointed people there.  We ended up in the American Legion where we drowned our sorrows.  

We went over to Sunnyside Tavern, but there were no parking places to be had, so went to nearby Stucky's to wait and see if there were any openings at Sunnyside, but enjoyed the $1 pints and then went home.

SUNDAY, JULY 18

Sunday, the plan was to see the McHenry Fiesta Days parade, but we were too late to get to it.  Ended up back at the Legion, enjoyed the Bloody Marys and Happy Hour prices.  They had a karaoke guy there and had fun with that.

Stopped at Sunnyside on the way back home.

--RoadFun

Last Weekend Not Quite As Planned, But Good Anyway-- Part 1: Trivia, Beers, Bars, No Festival or Band, Fish Fry and a View

This past weekend did not go as I had originally planned, but I'm always ready to change with the flow as necessary.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14

As usual, met Kevin and Kelly at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and played Smartass Trivia with MC Jeff and enjoyed the half price drinks.

THURSDAY, JULY 15

Original plans were for a trip to Antioch, Illinois' Taste of Summer Festival and a band out by the stage, but a rain threat stopped that.

FRIDAY, JULY 16

Met Kevin, Kelly, Glenn and Barb at Kelly's Tap in Trevor, Wisconsin, for their fish fry.  Then went to Lake View on Grasslake and enjoyed the sweeping view and $1 Miller draft pints.

--RoadDog

My Ten at Ten for the Week of July 19, 1971: 'Funky Nassau'

Every Monday-Friday Bob Stroud or whoever is filling in for him on one of his many vacations, has a Ten at ten on Chicago's Classic Rock station, WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive.  It is a favorite show of mine and it plays at 10 AM and 10 PM.

I think I have a great ten songs from this week fifty years ago.  Every one of these were on WLS' Music Survey at the time.

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RESURRECTION SHUFFLE--  Ashton, Gardner & Dyke

SIGNS--  Five Man Electric Band

SWEET HITCH HIKER--  Creedence Clearwater Revival

MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY--  B.J. Thomas

HERE COMES THAT RAINY DAY FEELING--  Fortunes

RINGS--  Cymarron

NEVER ENDING SONG OF LOVE--  Delaney and Bonnie & Friends

FUNKY NASSAU--  Beginning of the End

SOONER OR LATER--  Grass Roots

GET IT ON-- Chase

Well, Bob.  What do you think?

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Was Ridin' Along Side The Highway Rollin'Up The Countryside."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Sweet Hitch Hiker"

WLS Top Ten for Week of July 19, 2021: 'Don't Pull Your Love'

The Top Ten songs and debut songs in Chicago back 50 years ago today according to powerhouse WLS 890 AM. 

1.  IT'S TOO LATE--  Carole King

2.  YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND--  James Taylor

3.  DRAGGIN' THE LINE--  Tommy James

4.  DON'T PULL YOUR LOVE--  Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds

5.  GET IT ON--  Chase

6.  MR. BIG STUFF--  Jean Knight

7.  SOONER OR ATER--  Grass Roots

8.  HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART--  Bee Gees

9.  FUNKY NASSAU--  Beginning of the End

10.  NEVER ENDING SONG OF LOVE--  Delaney and Bonnie & Friends

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DEBUTS

24.   WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW/ABRAHAM, MARTIN & JOHN--  Tom Clay

25.  MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY--  B.J. Thomas

26.  SWEET HITCHHIKER--  Creedence Clearwater Revival

27.  SIGNS--  Five Man Electric Band

28.  MAYBE TOMORROW--  Jackson Five

ALL HIT BOUND

LOVE THE ONE YOU'RE WITH--  Isley Brothers

RESURRECTION SHUFFLE--  Ashton, Gardner & Dyke

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "It's Just A Matter Of Time Before You Make Up Your Mind."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Sooner or Later"

The Top Albums in Chicago on July 19, 1971

From the WLS Hit Parade for this date.

1.  RAM--  Paul & Linda McCarthy

2.  TAPESTRY--  Carole King

3.  CARPENTERS--  Carpenters

4.  WHAT'S GOING ON--  Marvin Gaye

5.  EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY--  Rod Stewart

6.  STICKY FINGERS--  Rolling Stones

7.  MUDSLIDE SLIM--  James Taylor

8.  ARETHA LIVE AT FILLMORE EAST--  Aretha Franklin

9.  B S & T 4--  Blood Sweat & Tears

10.  AQUALUNG--  Jethro Tull  (I'll never forget them winning the Grammy's first Heavy Metal award.)

--RoadDog

WLS Top 30 for Week of July 12, 1971-- Part 5: 'Sooner Or Later'

With the Top Ten songs, I only give its highest Billboard Hot 100 position and whether or not it was climbing the charts.  Since this usually takes awhile for the song to reach the Top Ten, I more than likely made comments about it the month before.

10.  HERE COMES THAT RAINY DAY FEELING AGAIN--  Fortunes     #15

9.  *HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART--  Bee Gees     #1

8.  HIGH TIME WE WENT--  Joe Cocker     #22

7.  *SOONER OR LATER--  Grass Roots    #9

6.  *GET IT ON--  Chase

5.  *DRAGGIN' THE LINE--  Tommy James (But no Shondells this time)

4.  *MR. BIG STUFF--  Jean Knight   #2

3.  DON'T PULL YOUR LOVE--  Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds   #4

2.  YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND--  James Taylor

1.  IT'S TOO LATE--  Carole King (4th week at #1)    #1

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Can Think Of Younger Days When Living For My Life."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"How Can You Mend A Broken Heart"

Music Deaths: B.J. Thomas

B.J. THOMAS, 78

Died 29 May 2021

Singer (country/pop) who had a number one song in 1970 with "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head."

Born Billy Joe Thomas.

Had Top Ten Songs:

"I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry"  (#8-1966)

"Hooked on a Feeling"   (#5-1968)

"Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head"     (#1-1970)

"I Just Can't Help Believing"    (#9-1970)

"(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song"    (#1-1975)

Some Mighty Good Songs.

WLS Top 30 for Week of July 12, 1971-- Part 4: 'Funky Nassau'

Fifty years ago, these songs were Rockin' Chicago and the powerful WLS AM 890.

*  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.  SUMMER SAND--  Dawn      #33     Never heard this one back then.  Tony Orlando before he stepped out front.

14.  RAINY JANE--  Davy Jones      #52       Yep, that Davy Jones.  Where are the Monkees?  Never heard it back then.  His solo career didn't do well with this song and another that peaked at  #93.

13.  I'M THE ONLY ONE--  Lobo     #46       Another one I didn't hear back then.  But in my defense, these last three songs did not chart for too long.  

12.  FUNKY NASSAU--  The Beginning of the End     #15       Gotta love those horns at the beginning of it.    Their only Top 100 hit.  Four Munnings brothers and a friend from the Bahamas.

11.  INDIAN RESERVATION--  Raiders      #1     What, no Paul or Mark?     Full title "Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian."     Didn't know they were Indians.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Took Away Our Native Tongue And Taught Their English To Our Young."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Indian Reservation"

WLS Top 30 for Week of July 12, 1971-- Part 3: 'Never Ending Song of Love'

20.  TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS--  Bob Denver     #2    His first hit.    Where is almost Heaven?  You enter that state and start seeing billboards saying just that.    This was my Marine Corps song.  "Take Me Home."  One comment said that John Denver isn't dead, a country road took him home.

19.  BEGINNINGS--  Chicago     #7   Originally released in 1969.  Remember when they were called the Chicago Transit Company?

18.  I DON'T WANT TO DO WRONG--  Gladys Knight & the Pips     #17     The Empress of Soul.  Family group from Atlanta.

17.  WATCHING THE RIVER FLOW--  Bob Dylan     #41    That's Leon Russell on piano.

16.  NEVER ENDING SONG OF LOVE--  Delaney and Bonnie & Friends     #13      Quite a feel-good song.  One comment said it was recorded in a motel room with friends.  Sounds like that was true.  Their biggest hit.  Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Life Is Old There, Older Than The Trees, Younger Than The Mountains Growing Like The Breeze."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Take Me Home, Country Roads"

Music Deaths: Roger Hawkins, Drummer With Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section

ROGER HAWKINS, 75

Died 20 May, 2021

Drummer, session  musician with backing  band Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section.

His drumming can be heard on dozens of hit singles.

"When a Man Loves a Woman"--  Percy Sledge

"Mustang Sally"--  Wilson Pickett

"Respect"--  Aretha Franklin

"Chain of Fools"--  Aretha Franklin

"Think"--  Aretha Franklin

"Old Time Rock & Roll"--  Bob Seger

And these are just a few of them.  Look him up.

If these are not a soundtrack to my life, I don't know what is?

WLS Top 30 for Week of July 12, 1971-- Part 2: 'Riders On the Storm'

Remember fifty years ago.

*  Means the song was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high it got on the National Billboard Hot 100 charts.

25.  *RIDERS ON THE STORM--  Doors     #14      Makes me think of Johnny Cash's "Ghost Riders in the Sky."  Comment:  It was the last song Morrison recorded with the Doors.  Prophetic?

24.  NATHAN JONES--  Supremes      #16      Again, who needs Diana?  A different sort of Motown sound, reverb and everything.

23.  RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS--  Carpenters      #2     Back when they just sang and didn't try to hit eight octaves.

22.  *RINGS--  Cymarron     #17    They named themselves after a TV program "Cimarron Strip" (1967-1968).  Finish these:  "Ring, ring __________ ____"  "Got _____ ______ on the stereo."  Their only Top 40.  Pop vocal trio from Memphis.

21.  *MERCY MERCY ME--  Marvin Gaye       #4     The whole title "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)"  "Things aren't what they used to be."  Even back fifty years ago.

Name That Tune (from the above songs): "Where Did All The Blue Skies Go?"  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Mercy, Mercy Me"

WLS Top 30 for Week of July 12, 1971-- Part 1: 'Moon Shadow'

These were the songs on the WLS, 890 AM radio that the youth in Chicago were listening to exactly fifty years ago.  Let's see, fifty years ago, I guess they aren't so youthful anymore.*  means the song was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard National Hot 100 Charts.

ALL HIT BOUND

*SWEET HITCH-HIKER--  Creedence Clearwater Revival    #6    Is this Classic Rock or What?  Their last Top Ten hit.

*SIGNS--  Five Man Electrical Band     #3    (I once tried to sing this at karaoke with a very poor performance.  In my defense, I practiced it in my head and thought I could do it.  I couldn't.)  Their only Top Ten.  From Ontario, Canada.

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30.  BRING THE BOYS HOME--  Freda Payne      #12      A very appropriate song at this time.  Her second biggest hit.

29.  IF NOT FOR YOU--  Olivia Newton-John       #25     Her first hit.   (Between her and Linda Ronstadt, wow, I just don't know which I had a bigger crush on back then.)

28.  DOUBLE BARREL--  Dave and Ansil Collins      #22      A song like nothing else back then.  Jamaican duo.

27.  *LOVE MEANS--  Sounds of Sunshine    #39   Full title "Love Means (You Never Have to Say You're Sorry)"  Never heard it before.   Right up there with that ultra-syrupy "Honey" in my book.  Not too fond of this.

26.  *MOON SHADOW--  Cat Stevens     #30       Follow up to "Wild World"  (#11-1971)     Whenever I peer out the window at night with the moon out and see those trees casting shadows, I think of this song.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Fathers Are Pleading,  Lovers Are All Alone,  Mothers Are Praying."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Bring the Boys Home"

JSS: Gas Prices-- Flower Sales Finally-- Buddy Denny's Massive RoadTrip-- A Fish Fry and View With a Brew

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  GAS PRICES--  After last year, when the prices were so low, but essentially nothing was open, we have been in for a massive gas gouge as things open up and people hit the road.  Gas around here in northeastern Illinois are anywhere from $3.00 to $3.50.  Go over the border to Wisconsin (inly about eight miles away) and the gas is $2.95.  Guess where I get my gas?

2.  FLOWER SALES FINALLY--  All last year, I waited for annual flowers to go on sale, but it never happened.  I was beginning to give up for this year as well.  The best I could find were clearance flowers at Wal-Mart which were near dying, but recoverable.

However, the last two days I was on a buying spree at Menard's as their six pack annuals and seed geraniums were 50 cents.  Six packs of wave petunias are $1.25.  Now, I just have to find someone to plant them.  Any volunteers?

3.  BUDDY DENNY'S MASSIVE ROAD TRIP--  In a few hours I will be driving over to Marengo, Illinois, to meet my buddy Denny, who, after chomping at the bit last year, finally got to go out on the road and what a trip he has been on.  He has driven the entire length of the old Yellowstone Trail which traverses the U.S. from Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound and is coming back from Oregon to Massachusetts on U.S. Highway 20.  Marengo is on US-20.

4.  A FISH FRY AND VIEW WITH A BREW--  Last night, we met up with friends at 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road in Antioch, Illinois, for their wonderful beer-battered fish fry, then adjourned to the nearby Lake View Bar on Grasslake and sat out on the deck, enjoying the view toward Blarney Island, the sunset and especially the $1 brews.

Great Times.  --RoadDog

Songs from the Summer of '71, July 4, 1971-- Part 6: 'Chicago/We Can Change the World'

This was the second of four shows devoted to the Summer of 1971 on Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots show.  He will do two more on the first Sundays in August and September.  So, if you want to spend three hours (and a lot of commercials unfortunately) back in that great summer fifty years ago, give it a listen.

BROWN SUGAR--  Rolling Stones

DON'T TRY TO LAY NO BOOGIE WOOGIE ON THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL--  Long John Baldry  (Hey, the constable was just trying to do his duty.)

FRIENDS--  Elton John

INDIAN RESERVATION--  Raiders (with no Paul?)

IT DON'T COME EASY--  Ringo Starr  (Those who thought he'd have a problem without the other three guys like me were in for a surprise.  And, happy 81st birthday this past week.)

WALK AWAY--  James Gang

WATCHING THE RIVER FLOW--  Bob Dylan

HIGH TIME WE WENT--  Joe Cocker

MERCY MERCY ME--  Marvin Gaye

WILD HORSES--  Rolling Stones

CHANGE PARTNERS--  Stephen Stills

CHICAGO/WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD--  Graham Nash

YOURS IS NO DISGRACE--  Yes

SHINE ON--  Humble Pie

IT'S TOO LATE--  Carole King

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Things Ain't What They Used To Be, No, No, Where Did All The Blue Skies Go?"  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Mercy, Mercy Me"

Songs from the Summer of 1971, July 4, 1971-- Part 5: 'Mercedes Benz'

These were the songs playing on Chicago's two pop powerhouses WLS AM and WCFL AM on July 4, 1971 (that's right, 50 years ago).  They are also the ones in your album, or even 45 collections.  

So, let's take a trip back.

GET IT ON--  Chase

MOONSHADOW--  Cat Stevens

MERCEDES BENZ--  Janis Joplin

I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE--  Carole King

SOONER OR LATER--  Grass Roots

UNCLE ALBERT/ADMIRAL HALSEY--  Paul McCartney

SMILE AWAY--  Paul McCartney

DRAGGIN' THE LINE--  Tommy James  (But no Shondells)

NATHAN JONES--  Supremes  (But no Diana)

(I KNOW) I'M LOSING YOU--  Rod Stewart (But no Temptations)

RIDERS ON THE STORM--  Doors

CROSSEYED MARY--  Jethro Tull

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "And If I Ever Lose My Hands, Lose My Plow, Lose My Land."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Moonshadow"

Songs from the Summer '71, July 4, 1971-- Part 4: 'Get It On'

From Bob Stoud's Rock and Roll Roots Salute to the Summer of 1971 on Chicago's WDRV, the Drive.  This is the second part where he goes back fifty years ago and plays the songs you were hearing on the radio (mostly Chicago's WLS AM 890 and WCFL AM 1000 or had in your record collection.

Sure gave me memories of that great college year, split between NIU and UGA with summer vacation courtesy of the USMC at Quantico, Virginia.

BITCH--  Rolling Stones

TREAT HER LIKE A LADY--  Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN--  CSNY

HERE COMES THE SUN--  Richie Havens

ANGEL--  Jimi Hendrix

BEGINNINGS--  Chicago

GET IT ON--  Chase

FUNKY NASSAU--  Beginning of the End

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You Who Are On The Road, Must Have A Code That You Can Live By."  Answer below.  RoadDog

"Teach Your Children"

Every Blooming THing, Early July 2021

Well, I actually had to cut the grass last week as after it turned brown during an extended drought, it had caught up quite well during the extended monsoon season we just had.  And, let me tell you, that grass/weed mix over the one line we use in our five line septic field was something else.  Took four passes to cut that mess down.

Right now, the mums are blooming their first bloom session (I have  to cut the blooms back in a few days in order to get that fall blast of color). 

The wild tall daisies are blooming.  Each one has anywhere between 50 and 100 tiny blooms on it.  (I don't actually know what they are called.)  Nor do I know what the pink or red flowers are that are blooming right now are called.

The daisies are blooming as are the tiger lilies, blue salvia, dianthus, potentilla and some spirea.

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GETTING READY TO BLOOM

hostas

purple cone flowers

blackeyed-Susans

daylilies

And, I have easily 100 of each, probably more.

Oh, yes.  The lovely Japanese beetles are back.  Just love those guys.

Getting Ready for the Big Bloom!!  --RoadFlower

WLS Top Ten for Week of July 5, 1971: 'Nathan Jones'

Fifty years ago on Chicago's WLS AM, 890, radio, these were the top songs and debuts.  WLS and WCFL still ruled the air waves as far as the younger generation was concerned.  FM radio was just getting started.

1.  IT'S TOO LATE--  Carole King

2.  YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND--  James Taylor

3.  HERE COMES THAT RAINY DAY FEELING--  Fortunes

4.  DON'T PULL YOUR LOVE--  Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds

5.  INDIAN RESREVATION--  Raiders  (What?  No Paul?)

6.  MR. BIG STUFF--  Jean Knight

7.  DRAGGIN' THE LINE--  Tommy James   (What?  No Shondells?)

8.  NATHAN JONES--  Supremes

9.  HIGH TIME WE WENT--  Joe Cocker

10.  GET IT ON--  Chase

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DEBUTS

27.  NEVER ENDING SONG OF LOVE--  Delaney & Bonnie & Friends

28.  TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS--  John Denver   (This became my Marine Corps song this month back in '71.)

29.  MERCY MERCY ME--  Marvin Gaye

30.  RINGS--  Cymarron

**  All Hit Bound

RIDERS ON THE STORM--  Doors

MOON SHADOW--  Cat Stevens

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Now Because You Wear All Those Fancy Clothes."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Mr. Big Stuff"

Getting Into Summer 2021 (With A Little Help from Past Summers)-- Part 3: 'Summer Side of Life'

Continued from June 26 and 27.

Nothing like a good old song from summer's past to set the tone for this summer.

These were songs played on Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots Salute tio Summer on June 20, 2021.

SURFIN' SAFARI-- (live)  Beach Boys

SPILL THE WINE--  Eric Burdon and War

YOU TOOK THE WORDS RIGHT OUT OF MY MOUTH (HOT SUMMER NIGHT)--  Meatloaf

SUMMER IN THE CITY--  Lovin' Spoonful

STREET FIGHTIN' MAN--  Rolling Stones

SUMMER RAIN--  Johnny Rivers

SUMMERTIME--  Billy Stewart

THE SUMMER SIDE OF LIFE--  Gordon Lightfoot

SUMMER--  War

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Ev'ry Where I Hear The Sound Of Marching, Charging Feet."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Street Fightin' Man"

Just Like Old Times Around Here-- Part 4: Civil War, CDs, Sliders, $1 Draft Beer, Pig Roast and a Band

SATURDAY, JUNE 26

Sat out FP (Front Porch) for coffee and breakfast.  Went on the internet for a short while and wrote questions for today's discussion group on Veterans Organizations of the Civil War and did some research.  This is for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group.

Listened to Bill St. James and his Time Warp show on WDRV and then WXRT's Saturday Morning Flashback at home and in the car.  Today it was to 1975, a great year for music.

Drove to Panera Bread in Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the meeting which was held inside for the first time since February 2020.  The two major veterans groups after the war were the Union's Grand Army of the Republic and the South's United Confederate Veterans.

Afterwards, I went to my favorite store these days, Half Price Books in Algonquin, and bought eight CDs.  The I picked up tp Sliders at White Castle.

That evening, Liz and I went to Sticky's in Johnsburg and enjoyed their $1 draft pints.

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 27

I did what I do most every Sunday during the summer, some of it even last year.  I sit FP  (Front Porch) for coffee, breakfast and reading.  Then go on the internet and work on blogs.  Then listen to different radio shows:  Acoustic Storm on the Drive, WXRT's Breakfast With the Beatles and WDRV's Rock and Roll Roots.

In the afternoon, we went over to the American Legion in McHenry, Illinois, for their annual Pig Roast.  It was auce and all the beer you can drink for $10.  I tell you, I can live with this price.  Plus, we had a great country rock/blues  band called Dixie Rising.

Tough Life, But Somebody's Got to Do It.  --RoadPig

Just Like Old Times Around Here-- Part 3: A Fish Boil in Spring Grove

FRIDAY, JUNE 25

Another decision day, well, not really.

Quite often we get together with Kevin and Kelly, Barb and Glen and go out to eat at a local restaurant/bar for their fish fry.  I am a huge fan of fish fries.  They are a carryover from when Catholics couldn't eat meat on Fridays, but fish was ok.  Favorites in this area are Cuda's in Antioch, Stucky's in Johnsburg in Illinois and Kelly's and Wilmot Riverside in Wisconsin.

However, tonight, the Spring Grove (Illinois) Fish Hatchery was hosting their annual Fish Boil at Horse Fair Park.  At one time, the Spring Grove Fish Hatchery provided small fish for much of the state, but was closed and then bought by the Village of Spring Grove and has since been turned into quite a nice little park with catch and release fishing.

This is their major fundraiser for the year, and of course, they didn't have it last year because of the virus.

So, this is where we went.

The food preparation is done by Fitzgerald's at nearby Genoa City, Wisconsin, which is noted for their fish boils, chicken and ribs.  And, their food is sooooooo good.  It cost $20 and was all-you-can eat.  The place was packed and we also had a very good band playing.

We went to Stucky's afterwards.

--RoadDog

Just Like Old Times Around Here-- Part 2: A Great Time at the Pistakee Lakehouse

THURSDAY, JUNE 24

This ended up as one of those decision days (well, not really).  I had planned on going to Antioch, Illinois,  for their It's Thursday concert out at the bandshell.  They always have great bands, plus food tents and lots of drinks.  The local restaurants all have stuff as well.  We especially like going to the Lodge, which is adjacent to the bandshell.

However, Liz informed me that the Pistakee Lakehouse, on Pistakee Lake, had a special guest performing with the New Odyssey Guy, Gary, and that was his former bandmate for 30+ years, Mike.  Mike went to elementary school with Liz in Chicago and was her boyfriend for part of that time.  Well, I didn't have much of a choice now, did I?

So, we went to the Lakehouse and got seat right next to the stage at the tiki bar and enjoyed a really good show.  Mike had retired when the band (New Odyssey) decided to call it quits a couple years ago and this was his first time back performing.  I think we'll be seeing a lot more of him.

--RoadDog