Song of the Day – “(Back Home Again in) Indiana” – Straight No Chaser

This song is truly a standard, written in 1917. I’m posting it on a Wednesday instead of a Sunday because it evokes a place so completely for me. It’s the state song of Indiana, and is sung every year at the Indianapolis 500.

Fifty years ago this summer I left Indiana (actually, I was moved out of Indiana). But they were such formative years (ages 11-13) that I still feel nostalgia for that place, my Indiana home.

The new-mown hay sends all its fragrance
Through the fields I used to roam
When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash
How I long for my Indiana home

Song of the Day – “Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)” – Squeeze

It’s interesting that of the 15 Squeeze tunes I have posted up until now, only 2 have come from the early period, the first 4 albums, that made me a fan. Let’s add another with a tune from 1980’s Argybargy. It’s about having a bit of fun on vacation.

Squinting faces at the sky
A Harold Robbins paperback
Surfers drop their boards and dry
And everybody wants a hat

Song of the Day – “This Time It’s Real” – Tower of Power

Back in previous years, I’ve reserved Memorial Day for beach music. Whether California or Carolina, beach music signifies the beginning of summer.

The problem is that 1973 was not a year for beach music of either kind. The original was in the sixties and the revival was in the late seventies. However, after some searching, I found that Tower of Power had a song on their debut album that truly fits into the genre of Carolina beach music.

Saw me a girl today
Who walk with such a gentle sway

Song of the Day – “I’m Beginning to See the Light” – Ella Fitzgerald

I was watching “The Pirate Queen”, an episode of the final season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, when this tune played at the end. It’s a Duke Ellington tune, and not as famous a standard as most of the songs I’ve been playing. I knew I’d have to play it, though, when the final two phrases of the song were sung. I turned to my wife and said, “And that’s why she’s Ella Fitzgerald.”

Image prompted with the title.

Song of the Day – “Private Idaho” – The B-52’s

Back in 1980, the Bs released their second album, Wild Planet. Ricky was still alive, and everything was fun.

It’s time to get out of the state you’re in.

Swimming round and round like the deadly hands
Of a radium clock
At the bottom of the pool

Song of the Day – “Time Machine” – The Windbreakers

The Windbreakers were a power pop group from Mississippi, active during the 1980s. A duo, really, consisting of Tim Lee and Bobby Sutliff. This is the title track from their career retrospective.

If I had a time machine
I’d go back and rescue me

Song of the Day – “Better Be Good to Me” – Tina Turner

She was certainly good to us. RIP Tina, gone yesterday at the age of 83.

An image of Tina could never be too vibrant.

Song of the Day – “River Bayou” – The Beckies

The Beckies were the last project of Michael Brown of the Left Banke. They released a single album in 1976, which had plenty of his trademark symphonic pop.

I′ll be crossing the river bayou
We’ll be walking till the dawn
Cool and blue so warm and swaying
Children playing on and on

Song of the Day – “Anna (Go to Him)” – Arthur Alexander

To the shame of this country (USA), there used to be a category of records called “race records”. Black artists were “ghettoized” to their own labels, and white artists stole their music and released their own versions, which were hits.

Although the UK had their own racial issues, I doubt the Beatles recorded their cover of Alexander’s “Anna” in the spirit of race records. They most likely just heard his version as a great record from America.

You give back your ring to me
And I will set you free
Go with him

Song of the Day – “Just You n’ Me” – Chicago

1973 saw the release of Chicago VI, with “Feeling Stronger Every Day” and this song. It’s amazing how much great music this band made in just a few years.

Life is so free, when you’re beside me