INSPIRED BY THE SHADY DELL, YORK, PA, AND DEDICATED TO ITS OWNERS JOHN & HELEN ETTLINE
AND TO MARGARET ELIZABETH BROWN SCHNEIDER, NICKNAMED "THE OLDEST LIVING DELL RAT"


Saturday, August 1, 2020

Libbin' It Up With The Good Girls (Cindy, Patti & Jane)
Vol. 1: Things I'd Like to Say to Somebody Groovy!


BOOTH ANNOUNCER GARY OWENS:
...and the cow was returned to its rightful owner.


And that's the latest from S-P-M-M news...
fast, up-to-the-minute, completely fake
and proud of it. Now stand by for

 LIBBIN' IT UP with 

 THE GOOD GIRLS 

 Cindy, Patti & Jane 

on the station that's #1 for music and fun - S-P-M-M!

PIGGYBACK COLD OPEN:
CLICK TO PLAY THE FIRST VIDEO.
AT THE 15 SEC. MARK, CLICK TO
START THE SECOND VIDEO!


"Things I'd Like To Say" - New Colony Six
(Feb./Mar. 1969, highest chart pos. #13 Cash Box/#16 Hot 100)

Kicking off the show and putting you in a mellow mood, that was
the soft rock sound of the Chicago band New Colony Six doing the
biggest hit of their career "Things I'd Like to Say." That single was
released in October 1968 and climbed the charts slowly, reaching
its peak in the top 15 in March of 1969.

Cindy               Patti                   Jane

Hi, I'm Patti Robinson, here with my friends and co-workers Cindy Reston
and Jane Hollander. We're The Good Girls. By day we work as researchers
at News of the Week magazine in New York City on the television series
Good Girls Revolt. By night we woman the microphone as the newest
members of The Shady Bunch deejay staff here on S-P-M-M Radio.
We're libbin it up with the grooviest sounds that came out of the
revolutionary period from the mid 60s through early 70s!


She's "living in shame." Diana Ross and the Supremes
are up next to tell the tale in this the sequel to their
chart-topping 1968 single "Love Child."

CLICK TO START THE VIDEO NOW!

One of several late 60s Motown hits with social consciousness themes,
"I'm Livin' In Shame" was penned by The Clan, the group of composers
that replaced the songwriting/producing team of Holland–Dozier–
Holland and gave us "Love Child." Now the story continues!


"I'm Livin' In Shame" - Diana Ross And The Supremes
(Feb./Mar. 1969, highest chart pos. #8 R&B & Cash Box/#10 Hot 100)



"I'm Livin' In Shame" a top 10 crossover hit
for Diana Ross and the Supremes in 1969.
By early the following year Diana Ross
was out on her own as a solo artist and
The Supremes had a new lead singer,
Jean Terrell, who revitalized the act
and led them to a string of hits in
the early 70s.

Now it's time for me to turn the mic
over to my friend Cindy who will
play the next two songs.




Thanks, Patti. You're Libbin It Up with
The Good Girls exclusively here on
S-P-M-M... Retrosonic Radio in
Futuresonic Stereo Surround.
Our 7-in-row commercial free
cruise is just getting started.

CLICK TO START
THE VIDEO NOW!

My first spin is a super enhanced version
of a single recorded by a group of pop
rockers from right here in New York.
They call themselves Alive and Kicking
and this is their claim to fame, a top 5 hit
in the summer of '70-- "Tighter, Tighter!"


"Tighter, Tighter" - Alive And Kicking
(July/Aug. 1970, highest chart pos. #5 Cash Box/#7 Hot 100)


Alive And Kicking with "Tighter, Tighter," a 1970 nugget
that was co-written and co-produced by Tommy James.
You're Libbin' It Up with The Good Girls on S-P-M-M...
the station that's #1 for music and fun, and I'm Cindy.

CLICK TO START VIDEO NOW!

The compositions of New York singer and song-
writer Laura Nyro gave The 5th Dimension
five of their hits including the song I'm
playing right now, a groovy tune
entitled "Stoned Soul Picnic."


"Stoned Soul Picnic" - The 5th Dimension
(June/July/Aug. 1968, highest chart pos.
#2 R&B/#3 Hot 100/#6 Cash Box)






A soulful sound to trigger sweet
memories of the summer of '68...
 that was "Stoned Soul Picnic,"
the first hit single released by
The 5th Dimension to cross
over to the R&B chart,
reaching the top 3
on both lists.

That does it for me. Now I'm
handing the mic to my friend
Jane who has the next two
songs on our playlist.






Thank you, Cindy, and hi everyone.
If you're just tuning in... we're
The Good Girls, Patti, Cindy and
me, Jane. We're friends and co-
workers, a new breed of women
asserting ourselves and breaking
through the glass ceiling at
News of the Week magazine in
the late 60s. We're having a blast
moonlighting as Shady Bunch DJs
 here on S-P-M-M. A moment ago,
Cindy played a great sound by
The 5th Dimension.

CLICK TO START
THE VIDEO NOW!

I'm sure you recall the single that became the next major crossover hit
for that group, the 1969 smash "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In," a medley
of songs from the rock musical Hair. Well here's another one from
that Broadway show. Good morning, starshine, The Good Girls
say hello, and this is-- Oliver!


"Good Morning Starshine" - Oliver
(June/July 1969, highest chart pos. #3 Hot 100,
#4 Cash Boxfrom 1967 musical Hair)



From the Broadway musical Hair that was
William Oliver Swofford, better known as Oliver,
with one of the great feel good songs of late 60s
sunshine pop rock - "Good Morning Starshine."

Here's another dose of classic 60s sunshine pop.
It's the Mama's and the Papa's with a song from
their #1 charting 1966 debut album If You
Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears. 

START VIDEO NOW!

This hip ditty from John, Denny, Michy and
Mama Cass was also released on the B sides
of two singles, "Go Where You Wanna Go" and
"California Dreamin." Here's-- "Somebody Groovy!"


"Somebody Groovy" - The Mama's And The Papa's
(Jan./Feb./Mar. 1966, B side of "California Dreamin',"
from Mar. 1966 album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears)

So cool, The Mamas And The Papas with "Somebody Groovy"
from their debut album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears.
Spelling errors aside (both the album and single were printed
with apostrophes in "Mamas" and "Papas") the LP ranks high
on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Cindy               Patti                   Jane

Gosh, they're waving us off and that means we gotta go.
Thanks a lot for joining us for our first radio blogcast.

CLICK TO START THE VIDEO NOW!

Coming up on the B side of news, Shawn & Gus, those crazy guys from Psych,
return to play another game of Rock Jeopardy, and we'll be back soon with
another sensational set of songs from the dawning of the Age of Aquarius
on Libbin' It Up. Until then we're The Good Girls, Cindy, Patti & Jane,
saying goodbye for now and reminding you to follow that dream
wherever that dream may lead. Just go for it. Never give up -
never give in. See you next time!


"Classical Gas" - Mason Williams
(July/Aug. 1968, highest chart pos. #1 Cash Box/#2 Hot 100)

36 comments:

  1. That was some mighty fine music from the girls. It put me in a much better mood on this sweltering, too hot to go outside day. The magic of music .....

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hi, Arleen!

      Thanks for coming over to claim the early bird spot this week! I'm very happy to see you, dear friend, and hope you are doing well.

      1969 is the setting of this one season TV series that deserved to go on and on. It's that good. If you get the chance, please watch it. It's called Good Girls Revolt. You will enjoy flashing back to the end of the 60s and following the adventures of career girls Patti, Cindy and Jane. I'm pleased to know that you liked the tunes the ladies presented in this their first official SPMM radio show. I am always eager to put friends like you in a better mood.

      Down here we have a feels like temp of 110. Yours might be as high or even higher.

      Thank you again for joining the fun, dear friend Arleen. Stay cool, stay healthy and I'll see you again soon!

      Delete
  2. Great collection today, especially the one by Chicago's own New Colony Six! During the '60's there were so many great bands that came out of my hometown: The Buckinghams, The Cryan' Shames, The New Colony Six, The Shadows of Knight, The Ides of March, and of course Chicago. You might enjoy this: it's a clip of The New Colony Six on "Mulqueen's Kiddie A Go Go," a kids' dance show that was on at lunchtime and which no one watched because Bozo's Circus was what every kid in Chicago watched (mostly because most of us didn't have a TV with a UHF tuner).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGW4cFMAcS0

    The Fifth Dimension always did songs by Laura Nyro the best, and "Stoned Soul Picnic" was the best of the best. And Alive And Kicking's "Tighter and Tighter" was a favorite from the year I graduated grammar school.

    Great set today!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hi, John!

      Welcome back over to Shady's Place, good buddy!

      Thanks for posting the link to that rare clip of The New Colony Six performing on Chicago's children's TV program Mulqueen's Kiddie A-Go-Go, a pre-teen American Bandstand type show hosted by the late Elaine Mulqueen as Pandora. I read many of the comments on YouTube. Most are wistfully nostalgic, missing the days when kids felt free, long before things like school shootings and the viral pandemic stole innocence and stripped much of the fun out of growing up. I never tire of hearing the music of the Colony Six and the other great Chitown bands you listed. Years ago I exchanged emails with Jim Sohns of SOK and posted that band's material on my old blog.

      Wow, John... looks like The Good Girls nailed it for you with several songs that triggered fond memories. Mission accomplished! :) If you like what these career girls of the late 60s have to offer, stay tuned, because they will be back with more volumes of their Libbin' It Up show in the future.

      Thanks again for coming by, good buddy John. Keep well and have a super weekend!

      Delete
  3. Even when I know the artists you've featured, I often don't know the songs you've shared.

    No doubt what my favorite offering is today. Classical Gas by Mason Williams. I don't ever remember seeing that particular clip of it before. Excellent song!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Kelly!

      Thanks for coming, dear friend!

      I always try to mix it up and avoid posting too many hits that you and other readers have heard a gazillion times in your life. Think of all the songs you have introduced in your Musical Interludes that were brand new to me - practically all of them. Hopefully you found a few new favorites today served up by Good Girls Patti, Cindy & Jane. I'm glad you named "Classical Gas" as a familiar tune that you like. That brilliantly remastered/restored video of Mason Williams performing his hit recently showed up on YouTube and I grabbed it for Vol. 1 of Libbin' It Up.

      I hope you and Pat are doing well and that the rest of your canine clan are getting through the heat of summer AOK. Over here our heat index is 110... (a rare Florida summer cold snap! :) Thanks again and have a great weekend, dear friend Kelly!

      Delete
  4. Definitely know the song from Hair.
    Tighter and tighter is a little suggestive for the time...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Alex!

      Thanks for stopping in, good buddy!

      I'm glad you recognize "Good Morning Starshine," the song from Hair that was turned into a top 3 hit by Oliver. That single really brings back that late 60s period for me. It was a great time to be a teenager! Tommy James co-wrote "Tighter, Tighter." I never gave the lyrics much thought and so I looked them up just now. The words to the song seem benign to me, talking about reaching out, taking someone's hand and touching their soul.

      Thanks again for coming to The Good Girls' platter party, good buddy Alex!

      Delete
  5. Hi Shady! Paul Revere and the Raiders called and asked me to tell the Chicago group...New Colony Six...to give back their clothes! Ha! I loved all the picks today. The only one I didn't know was the B side for the M&P's. Diana Ross's number, Love Child, wouldn't make much splash today since, let's face it, the old rhyme that goes: Love, Marriage, and then a baby carriage is pretty much reversed to: Love, baby carriage, and maybe a marriage. Oh well, times do change and we and music have all changed too. Thankfully you're playing the best of the best here! That's my opinion anyway! Have a good weekend and get some rest after your trip to help family. Take care Shady!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, YaYa!

      Thanks for coming over to join the fun today, dear friend! "Good Morning Starshine"... The Good Girls (Patti, Cindy & Jane) say hello! :)

      Ha! Good one, YaYa! Let us also remember the soldier costumes worn by another great band of the period - Gary Puckett And the Union Gap.

      It's funny, but out of all these songs "Somebody Groovy" is the one that remains stuck in my noggin on repeat ever since I published and checked this post early today. I owned that Mamas & Papas album as well as the "California Dreamin'" single, and "Somebody Groovy" was on both. I played it often in my youth. "I'm Livin' In Shame," the "sequel" to "Love Child," brings a tear to my eye because it is so well written that I can picture "mama" in her same old raggedy dress all those years doing her best for her family.

      I'm glad you enjoyed these musical selections from the dawning of the Age of Aquarius played by these career gals of the period. As you might have noticed in their intro to the final song, Shawn & Gus will be here next Friday to play Rock Jeopardy. I guarantee that it is a post you will want to see. Please mark your calendar. :) :) :)

      Thanks again for your visit and cheery comment, dear friend Yaya. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and best wishes for many happy years of retirement!

      Delete
  6. Here to tell you that I was here, friend Shady :) Am working much, and when not, am spending time with Theo Thunderbutt. Simple as that. Here is hoping, that you and your family are well??? Much love, cat. https://youtu.be/_4G9wW9xT2s

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, cat!

      Thanks for stopping by, dear friend! I'm sorry to know you have been working so much lately. Thank you for your service on the front line.

      I watched your latest video of Theo Thunderbutt. He's a beautiful animal. I appreciate how you don't set your vids to music as many people do. The natural sound of a very quiet room with an occasional giggle from you makes the experience real and enjoyable. I like how TT kisses the hand that pets and scratches him. His pal kitty just sits there against the wall and stares at him - doesn't play - no fun. :)

      I hope you enjoyed the tunes played by The Good Girls. Thank you again for your visit and comment. Take good care of yourself and Theo, dear friend cat. Stay well and have a good week ahead!

      Delete
  7. Hi girls and Shady! Gosh, there have been so many songs we've heard, and still hear over the years of our lives, that still amaze us and bring back fun memories, and, I guess some sad memories! I tend to always rely on the good and fun memories when we all sang and danced to these "forever" tunes!

    I grew up with Diana Ross and the Supremes, and to this day, enjoy their old and new songs, whether together or apart! I don't recall "Livin In Shame" and I liked hearing it here. "Love Child" is a sad song, but I never got tired of hearing it.

    All of these artists had great singing voices, didn't they! This was a time when actual singing talent was so important! Oliver had a very nice voice, and really left a mark with "Good Morning Sunshine". I think many people could identify with that one in a lot of ways. I still think "Stoned Soul Picnic" is a very cool song. Talk about singing talent...it just blows me away! The smooth sound of "Things I'd Like to Say" is a very nice song, and I remember it well.

    When Sonny and Cher, and the Mamas and Papas came along, my personal "wall of sound" took a turn about! I don't remember "Somebody Groovy", but I like the song and really enjoyed seeing the photos in the video. This group looked liked they were unpopular outcasts who didn't even belong together! Whatever brought them together brought so much harmony to many of us!

    So...I suppose it's time for the ultimate song, and I have Patti to thank and give thumbs up for this! This song is timeless to me...doesn't even appear to have come out of the 70's! I haven't heard it in a long time, so this is a real treat, and the song still gives me chills! Blame it on the musical arrangement, blame it on the words? I don't know what it is, but I feel like someone sang it to me! I love Tommy James, and I appreciate his contributions to this one! I even like the name of the "Tighter, Tighter" group "Alive and Kickin'"! Thank you so much for this one. I heard it here yesterday, and again this morning!

    Well, girls, that does for this time! Great job! Closing with Mason Williams was a good idea. He is also very talented with that guitar! You girls take care, and I'll see you next time.

    Take care, dear Shady! Good job! ♫

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Suzanne!

      I'm delighted to see you, dear friend! Thanks for coming to visit on your Sunday. I hope you and Scootie are having a great weekend.

      In recent years, perhaps in the entire 21st century, "I'm Livin' In Shame" is one of the less often heard recordings by Diana Ross And The Supremes. As you can see by the caption beneath the video, it reached the top 10 on the Billboard chart, but by Supremes standards, given all of their #1 hits, it represents a disappointing finish.

      Yessum, there were some great vocals laid down during this period, and thanks to the many YouTube remix producers hard at work, we are actually hearing the recordings in more brilliant detail than we did back then.

      I don't know about you, but I always wondered about the meaning of the word "surry" in the Laura Nyro song "Stoned Soul Picnic." Wiki has these interesting tidbits: << The word surry, used frequently in the lyric (e.g. "Surry down to a stoned soul picnic"), is a neologism by Nyro; its meaning is unclear. The verb surry is spelled differently from the noun surrey (an old-time carriage). When asked by producer Charlie Calello what the word meant, Nyro told him, "Oh, it's just a nice word." One possible meaning is that surry is a shortening of "let's hurry." >> To me "Stoned Soul Picnic" is a metaphor for peace, harmony and unity. I have always believed that people wouldn't feel like making war if they all came together and had a party, danced, sang and had fun. (Not so much anymore in the era of COVID, unfortunately.) That was what the Shady Dell was all about.

      Glad you appreciated The New Colony Six. As you might recall I posted their other big hit "I Will Always Think About You" a couple of weeks ago. In similar fashion, I posted Billy Joe Royal's biggest hits (in my neck of the woods) "Cherry Hill Park" and "Boondocks," in recent separate posts.

      I am happy to introduce you to the Mamas & Papas B side and album track "Somebody Groovy." As I told another reader, I owned that album and the 45 and played that song often. I was thrilled when the Music Enhancement channel uploaded the Tommy James (co-written) song "Tighter, Tighter." Someone mentioned that it seems suggestive, but I think it is an innocent and uplifting love song. It is certainly a far cry from "my baby does the hanky panky." :) I'm pleased that you singled it out as the song you like best in this set presented by The Good Girls.

      F.Y.I. - We need to keep in our prayers actress Anna Camp who plays SPMM deejay Jane Hollander of The Good Girls. Anna disclosed recently that she caught COVID-19 and was extremely sick for more than three weeks. She reports that she still has lingering symptoms of the dreaded virus.

      Stick around, Suzanne. Coming up at the end of the week, Shawn Spencer and Gus Guster, those psychic sleuths from the TV series Psych, will be here to play another round of Rock Jeopardy hosted by the one and only Alex Trebek.

      Thanks again for coming, dear friend Suzanne. I wish you and Scootie a safe and happy week ahead!

      Delete
  8. Sorry I'm late to the party, Shady. I've been busy with some typing work and have had to keep my online visits short. I haven't even posted on my own blog all month. It always amazes me that I can't remember the songs until I start hearing them. My favorite from this batch is "Tighter, Tighter." I was never a fan of Hair or the songs from it but "Classical Gas" is a classic! Hope you have a great week, Dear Shady. Maybe I'll be able to get some posts in this week. Wish me luck.
    Janet’s Smiles

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    1. Hi, Janet!

      Thanks for bringing your smiles to Shady's Place, dear friend!

      I'm glad you were on hand this week for Vol. 1 of the new SPMM radio show Libbin' it Up With The Good Girls - Patti, Cindy & Jane. As I mentioned to Suzanne (above) prayers are needed for Anna Camp ("Good Girl Jane") because she came down with coronavirus and spent more than three weeks in really bad shape. At last report Anna is still suffering from symptoms. Let us wish her a full and speedy recovery.

      That's two virtual votes now for Alive And Kicking and their signature song "Tighter, Tighter." I agree it is a great recording, one I never grow tired of hearing, especially now that it has been remastered and enhanced. Glad you also like Mason Wms. and his instrumental hit "Classical Gas."

      I'm happy to know they are sending work your way and keeping you busy. It is always a delight to have you over for a visit, dear friend Janet. Thanks again for coming to the party. I wish you and Benny a safe and happy week ahead!

      Delete
  9. Shady! Shady! Shady! You have chosen several of my favourite artists and songs. Mamas and Papas, the Supremes, and the 5th Dimension! I can't wait to listen to these gems tomorrow morning as I work.

    I have a Mamas and Papas 45 that one of my old high school friends sold me 10 years ago. I wanted to help her out and at the time, Nan had a player. Unfortunately, after she died, it was auctioned off. I don't have a record player, but one day I hope to have one so I can listen to the 45. I've always loved Mamas and Papas, just like I've always loved the Supremes.

    When I was in Detroit, I visited Hitsville USA and I learned a lot about Motown. I really want to visit Detroit again and I want to go back to Hitsville USA. I love Motown too and it just brings back good memories of dancing with dad. In 2001, we had a live theater place called Lilly Langtry's and they performed Dancing In the Streets by Martha and the Vandellas. They played a lot of the Supremes too, I really enjoyed that show. Sadly, Lilly Langtry's shut down.

    I'm not familiar with Classical Gas and I think I'm going to listen to it later before I go to bed.

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    1. Hi, Jessica Marie!

      Thanks for tuning in to The Good Girls - Patti, Cindy & Jane - as they do their first official blogcast on SPMM Retrosonic Radio!

      Seems like you found a lot to get excited about in this volume. I have to laugh at all the typos involved with The Mamas & Papas. On some of their releases, there are apostrophes in the group's name. Later the apostrophes were dropped. As you saw on that picture sleeve that I used as the banner, the group was billed as The Papa's and the Mama's! :) It's a wonder the act caught on considering all those variations and changes to their stage name. If that M & P 45 is in near mint condition it might be worth some money, so take good care of it.

      Lucky you - getting to visit Hitsville USA in Detroit, home of Motown. Hey, I am very familiar with Lilly Langtry's. In 1983 I took a date there for lunch. Later that evening we saw The Righteous Brothers perform live at Valley Forge.

      I'm thrilled that you are groovin' to these late 60s tunes. It was a great time to be a teenager, that I can tell you.

      Thanks again for joining the fun. Take care, stay well and have a super week ahead, dear friend JM!

      Delete
    2. Hi dear friend,

      I'm sorry I didn't comment yesterday, I did return and listen to the songs. I didn't really sleep on Sunday evening, due to excitement. Excitement from what, you ask? I have a feeling that one of my friends might like me more than a friend. I'm not saying anything because I value the friendship first and foremost... however, it's got me a little excited. I didn't sleep a lot last night either, but I did manage some shut eye.

      Your list this week is the perfect soundtrack as to what I am feeling, dear friend. Livin in Shame is a classic and while I was working, I was dancing in place. I love Diana Ross and think she has a great set of vocals. I love the Supremes.

      The 5th Dimension, they were the Age of Aquarius group right? I'm only familiar with that song, but I loved the piece you offered here. They have an amazing set of vocals too.

      I am familiar with Good Morning Starshine and that just added pure wholesomeness to my day. I'm going to listen again.

      It really is a wonder about how they made it so big with all the different spellings! The 45 looks like it is in mint condition, so I won't play it, and I'll keep it in its protective covering. Some day soon you may see me on Antiques Roadshow. LOL! "Hey, my blog buddy just raked in over $5000!" Some day...

      I think Lilly Langtry's closed in 2002 or 2003? The casino is there now, right next to the Sheraton and Convention Center. That must have been an awesome date. :)

      Have a great day, dear friend!

      Delete
    3. Hi, Jessica Marie!

      Thanks for returning to listen to The Good Girls' tuneage, dear friend!

      Wow - I share your excitement and I'm all verklempt. I urge you to hold steady and not let your expectations run wild, but I do hope it works out for you, if that is what you want. I came up with a fitting quote a few years ago: "Friendship first, friendship last, friendship best." A really great friendship, a best friendship, can last longer than a love connection.

      Yessum, The 5th Dimension gave us several great hits during this time period, and one of their best known is "Aquarius" - full official title "Medley: Aquarius / Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)."

      Hey, JM, when you want to chase the blues and lift your spirits, nothing beats a set of sunshine pop songs, at least that's my experience.

      Wouldn't that be cool if you could go on Antiques Roadshow and display your vintage Dunhill 45 of the Mamas & Papas?

      Yessum, it was a wonderful day and evening over your way when my date and I dined at Lilly's and went to see Bill & Bobby perform live. I also went to New York City with the same woman and we danced in one of the hottest discos in town. Great memories from the summer of 1983!

      Thanks again for dropping by, dear friend JM, and enjoy the rest of your day and week!

      Delete
    4. Hi Shady,

      Honestly, I don't know what I want right now. I value our friendship and I want to hold onto it. I identify as asexual and aromantic, and while I still can love and fall in love, I'm just not sure. Before I knew myself and before I was honest with myself, I tried dating and it just wasn't it. The two guys were jerks, to put it nicely, and it could have just been them. They were the abusing types I'm used to from the past. It's been 11 years. Also, given my trauma experience, I just don't know. I'm being honest with myself. I value the friendship and I want to take my time. I need to take my time.

      It sounds like summer of 1983 was a hoot! I'm living vicariously through you... it sounds like my type of summer too. :)

      Delete
    5. That's good reasoning. Take it slow and look before you leap.

      The way the pandemic is going, I don't know if any of us will ever have normal, fun summers again. Even before COVID, I didn't envy young people of the 21st century. Now I am very sad for them and all the more thankful for the kind of experiences I had in youth.

      Delete
    6. You know, dear friend, when I am honest with myself... I feel better. This pandemic has allowed me to be more honest with myself. I really don't know; while every single one of us doesn't really know, I've learned from chatting with other survivors that we have to take extra care. I can see that. When Savage wasn't listening to me, it sent me into panic mode, caused me PTSD nightmares, and it just brought the whole thing back. I really don't know if someone else would send me into that tailspin again. Most likely, as I will live with the aftermath of what happened to me for the rest of my life. Savage was a jerk about it.

      I hear you, dear friend. I'm glad for what I've been able to do this summer, even though it wasn't on the same scale as the past. I don't know if I want to return to normal... I think I want to create a new normal. Then again, normal is a setting on the washer, so maybe nothing is ever "normal."

      Delete
    7. Good point, JM!

      If you are forced to live with it, abnormal eventually becomes normal.

      Yessum, in the long run it is always best to be honest with yourself.

      Enjoy the rest of your day and evening, dear friend!

      Delete
  10. Good-morning, Tom! Fabulous set of 60s classics! I only know two of your songs featured in this mewsic set - Oliver "Good Morning Starshine" and "Classical Gas" by Mason Williams. Of course, if you had asked me who the mewsicians are who did the last one then I wouldn't be able to tell ya. The song is a totally memorable tune! The artists from the 60s really shined, didn't they? Thanks for sharing some fab 60s tunes to get my groove on for a new week, my friend. Stay safe and be well!

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    1. Hi, Cathy!

      Thanks for coming over, dear friend! I'm glad you enjoyed checking out the tunetastic debut of the newest SPMM radio show Libbin' It Up With The Good Girls - Cindy - Patti & Jane. "Jane" (actress Anna Camp) recently came down with COVID-19 and prayers are needed for her complete recovery.

      I'm happy to know you remember the Hair song "Good Morning Starshine" and the closing instrumental hit "Classical Gas" by Mason Williams. I'm pleased that you got your groove on with the other tunes on the Good Girls' play list.

      Thanks again for coming to the platter party, dear friend Cathy. Stay well and have a boogietastic week!

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  11. I need somebody groovy too. Hi, Shady Del Knight. I have as much fun watching as I do listening to these tunes. That 5th Dimension with its smooth, synchronized, puffy sleeved and sky blue outfits - it's sweet, classy fun. Thank you for another blast from the classy past.

    Keep a smile, my friend.
    xo

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    1. Hi, Robyn!

      Thanks for popping in, dear friend!

      I'm happy that you enjoyed the set of mid to late 60s songs presented by Shady Bunch deejays Patti, Cindy and Jane - The Good Girls. I agree that watching vintage performances like the one by The 5th Dimension is both fun and educational. It's always a good idea to review where we've been so that we can better see where we are going. The late 60s were optimistic years when we landed a man on the moon and believed we were at the dawning of the age of Aquarius:

      Harmony and understanding
      Sympathy and trust abounding
      No more falsehoods or derisions
      Golden living dreams of visions
      Mystic crystal revelation
      And the mind's true liberation

      50+ years later I have yet to see the sun rise on that promise.

      Thanks again for coming, dear friend Robyn. Take care of yourself over there in California and come back and see me again soon!

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  12. Thanks for taking us back to a time before all of this craziness, Shady. I had to do a twirl around the room to the Mama's and the Papa's and that felt fantastic.

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    1. Hi, Cheryl-Lee!

      Thanks for setting your dial to SPMM Retrosonic Radio, dear friend! I'm happy you tuned in to Shady Bunch sensations Cindy, Pitti & Jane as they sat behind the mic and played records of the mid to late 60s on Libbin' It Up.

      I'm glad you singled out that album track/B side by the Mama's & The Papa's. It's one of my favorites by the famed folk-rock/sunshine pop group.

      Thanks again for joining the fun, dear friend Cheryl-Lee, and have a safe and happy month!

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  13. I like Classical Gas. He's a good guitar player. It's been ages since I've heard the Mamas and Papas. I had no idea what they looked like. Nice to see some faces with the voices. Have a good week!

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    1. Hi, Sherry!

      Thanks for coming, dear friend!

      I'm glad you like the guitar work by Mason Williams on his hit instrumental from the summer of 1968 "Classical Gas." I am also pleased that you finally saw the faces of the West Coast group The Mamas and the Papas thanks to that pic sleeve I used as a banner and the excellent slide show in that video for "Somebody Groovy."

      Take good care of yourself, dear friend Sherry, and thanks again for your visit and comment!

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  14. In addition to being a musician, Mason Williams was also a comedy writer. I'm not sure, but I think that clip you showed was taken from The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (note the TV Land logo in the lower left hand corner), which Williams wrote for, as well as appeared in skits. If it seems odd that a musician (and a 1960s folk musician at that) should also be adept at comedy, keep in mind that the Smothers themselves combined folk music and comedy in their act, as that another writer for the show, Steve Martin (who plays a mean banjo) also got his start playing folk clubs.

    I can no longer listen to "Good Morning, Starshine" without thinking of The Simpsons classic X-Files parody that ends with Mulder, Scully, Leonard Nimoy, Bigfoot, and the entire town of Springfield singing that song.

    Finally, in that Fifth Dimension video, I believe the woman on the right is none other than Marilyn McCoo, who, along with hubby Billy Davis Jr (also present), had their own hits in the 1970s. And lest we forget, she hosted Solid Gold.

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    1. Hi, Kirk!

      Thanks for coming, good buddy! Seems you had fun Libbin' It Up With The Good Girls on SPMM Retro Radio.

      I always appreciate the new info you bring to the table, Kirk, and this time you brought plenty. Thanks for letting us know that musician Mason Wms. was also a comedy writer and wrote material for The Smothers Brothers. I agree that video is probably a performance on their Comedy Hour. Nicely remastered and restored vids are emerging from that show in recent years and the Shady Bunch DJs will present the best of them on their radio programs. I agree that serious folk music and comedy seem like an odd mix, in Wms case, in Dickie & Tommy's and in Steve Martin's.

      I never saw that episode of The Simpsons in which all those characters sing "Good Morning Starshine." I just watched it on YouTube. I see that Chewy is also in the production number.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlikAybIR-o

      "Keep watching the skies" is a dialogue quote from The Thing (1951), the final words of the film uttered by "Scotty" the news journalist:

      Ned "Scotty" Scott : And now before giving you the details of the battle, I bring you a warning: Everyone of you listening to my voice, tell the world, tell this to everybody wherever they are. Watch the skies. Everywhere. Keep looking. Keep watching the skies.

      You're right, Kirk. Two members of the 5th Dimension went on to stardom as a duo: Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr, and Marilyn was the host of Solid Gold. Dionne Warwick hosted season one of that music series and the show's announcer was none other than Robert W. Morgan, star of "Get Morganized With Robert W. Morgan" here on SPMM Radio. When Dionne left, Marilyn McCoo and Andy Gibb co-hosted and puppeteer Wayland Flowers joined the series. When Marilyn left, DJ Rick Dees of "Disco Duck" fame took over as host. Dionne Warwick eventually returned as host and Marilyn McCoo also had a second stint as host of the long running show, this time co-hosting with Arsenio Hall and MTV veejay Nina Blackwood.

      Thanks again for joining the party and adding so much new info, good buddy Kirk. Stay tuned. Shawn & Gus from Psych play a rousing round of Rock Jeopardy starting tomorrow morning here at Shady's Place!

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  15. You know I am always late....I always love spending time listening to each one and I never heard of some of them like the Stoned Soul Picnic but I have to hand it to those mean especially the one wearing the shimmery pants and those beautiful sleeves. Talk about a Man's Man-he can wear that and still look cool. I always love the Supremes and had no idea they got someone else to replace Diana Ross. I love Classical Gas and, it's so funny, because that name for the song has been going through my head for the past few days and I had no clue you had it here. Thanks for having this on your delectable post. Have a wondrous day!

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    1. Hi, Birgit!

      Thanks for coming down, dear friend!

      Cindy, Patti & Jane are delighted to have introduced you to some classic late 60s recordings like "Stoned Soul Picnic," the Laura Nyro song made famous by The 5th Dimension. Yessum, the costumes the group wore in that performance were colorful and flashy. Following the departure of Diana Ross to pursue a solo career, The Supremes went on to further success in the 70s. The Shady Bunch DJs will be bringing you the best of the Jean Terrell years in future posts. Indeed it is a coincidence that you were thinking of the song title "Classical Gas" in recent days, not realizing it was waiting for you here at Shady's Place. :)

      I'm glad you had a good time, dear friend BB. Thanks again for coming. Please join fellow Canadian Alex Trebek as he welcomes Shawn & Gus, those wild and crazy guys from Psych, to play another game of Rock Jeopardy in my next post which begins tomorrow. I hope to see you then!

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