Song of the Day – “Don’t Go Away” – The Primitons

A group from the South, recording in 1984, with production work by Mitch Easter. No, not that Athens group, but one from Birmingham with many of the same influences. The Primitons recorded an EP, a full-length album, and a final single called “Don’t Go Away”. All of their work is collected on a CD that I need to get.

I have a real problem with making out lyrics. So when the internet does not yield a lyric sheet, it makes it difficult for me to base an image on as little as the title of this song. Instead, here’s what MidJourney “imagines” when given the name of the band.

Song of the Day – “Power of Two” – Indigo Girls

A true love song from 1994’s Swamp Ophelia.

Adding up the total of a love that’s true
Multiply life by the power of two

Song of the Day – “London’s Brilliant Parade” – Elvis Costello

A great bit of ’90s Costello, from 1994’s Brutal Youth. He’s backed by the full might of the Attractions here, but the final breakup of that trio would come two years later after All This Useless Beauty. Steve Nieve’s piano shines, especially towards the end of the song.

Everybody looks happy and twisted.

Song of the Day – “Cracking Up” – Nick Lowe

I don’t think it’s funny no more.

Nick Lowe’s second album, 1979’s Labour of Lust, brought us “Cruel to Be Kind” and this number. US audiences never really caught on the Lowe (backed here by Rockpile), but it hasn’t kept him from touring through the decades.

Our protagonist is truly cracking up.

Song of the Day – “Ma-Ma-Ma Belle” – Electric Light Orchestra

In 1973, ELO released their third album, On the Third Day. Three “Ma”s later, they had this song. It was released as a single, but in the US, the instrumental B-side, “Daybreaker”, received more airplay.

Got love, if that’s what you need
I got three or four babies sittin’ on my knee

Song of the Day – “A Foggy Day” – The George Benson Quartet

A Gershwin song from Benson’s second album, 1965’s It’s Uptown. Benson’s vocals are forward here, rather than his guitar. The baritone sax is Ronnie Cuber.

A foggy day in London Town.

Song of the Day – “Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac

This Buckingham song was a massive hit off a massive album – Rumours. It pretty obviously refers to Stevie Nicks, but the song is more one-sided than the breakup was.

You can go your own way!

Song of the Day – “Paper Dolls” – The Nerves

The Nerves are most known for the song “Hanging on the Telephone”, which Blondie covered. That song was written by Jack Lee, who passed away last month.

But there were two other songwriters who went on to slightly bigger things: Paul Collins, of The Beat, and Peter Case, of The Plimsouls. This song has a huge hook, making it ripe for covers, like the one from the Rubber City Rebels.

I’m cutting out all my paper dolls
I wonder which one’s gonna try to drive me crazy this time

Song of the Day – “Always” – Atlantic Starr

It’s human nature to elevate current love songs when you are wooing your mate. One of them will become “your song”, and get played at your wedding.

I got married a year before this song hit the charts, so, you know, it’s okay. I’m sure it would have been more meaningful to me a year or two earlier.

You bring brighter days.

Song of the Day – “Fujiyama Mama” – Pearl Harbour

Today our song takes us to Mount Fuji, and it’s about to erupt! Wanda Jackson gave it the rockabilly treatment in 1960, and twenty years later Pearl Harbour gave it a harder edge on her only solo album, Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too.

‘Cause I’m a Fujiyama Mama and I’m just about to blow my top!
Fujiyama-yama, Fujiyama!
And when I start erupting, ain’t nobody gonna make me stop!