I know I said no more snow pictures, but it snowed all day yesterday. Thanks, March: the little bit of hope I felt when I knew February was coming to an end has fizzled. Where’s my funky patio? Where’s my garden?
Okay. Let’s go back to my playlist. I love reading all of your comments. I have recordings by so many of the people you have mentioned – many of them should be copied to my computer and put on the playlist, but that has yet to be done.
Here we go. Let’s hit Shuffle.
My Playlist
• The Look of Love – Dusty Springfield
This has to be one of the sexiest songs ever written. Ever. Written by the great Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the movie Casino Royale, it has been recorded by a whole host of artists. I have it on the playlist in three different incarnations; Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66, Diana Krall and this one by Dusty Springfield, which I think might be the best. Springfield’s husky voice brings just the right sound to this song.
The look of love
is saying so much more
than just words could ever say
and what my heart has heard
well, it takes my breath away
• All Around the World – Lisa Stansfield
I love this song, written in 1989 and performed by British pop singer Lisa Stansfield. She’s got a powerhouse of a voice and this song has an infectious arrangement that has me singing along every time I hear it.
Been around the world and I, I, I
I can’t find my baby
I don’t know when, I don’t know why
Why he’s gone away
And I don’t know where he can be, my baby
But I’m gonna find him
• Traces – Classics IV
I loved the smooth voice of Dennis Yost, the lead singer of the Classics IV. They had a series of hits, Spooky, Stormy and this one, Traces. It brings back memories of being in my bedroom, listening to records when I was a teenager. Love lost, young love….what better subject for a teenager?
Traces of love long ago
that didn’t work out right
Traces of love
with me tonight
• This is the Life – Matt Monro
Matt Monro was British singer who sang in the smooth style of Jack Jones (who will make an appearance on the playlist) and Johnny Mathis. My mom always had the radio on when I was a kid and I heard Monro frequently. I loved his vocal quality. So, eventually, I bought a CD of his music. This song is very sixties to me, almost Rat Pack-y. Written by Lee Adams and Charles Strouse (who wrote Bye, Bye Birdie.)
House at the beach
Dinners at 21
Head waiters smile when you walk in.
Hand tailored suits, shirts with your monogram
• There is a Time (Le Temps) – Charles Aznavour
Charles Aznavour, the quintessential French singer – I’ve always loved his passionate singing. This song is so amazing when sung by Aznavour. The tempo quickens throughout the song, so that by the end you feel as if you’re whirling on a carousel that’s gone out of control. It’s fabulous.
This time, this time, this time there’s no time to waste
We know the time we have cannot be replaced
This time, this time, this time let’s not hesitate
We know our time is brief, and it cannot wait
• Belle of the Ball – Leroy Anderson
Don’t get me started on how much I love Leroy Anderson. He wrote light concert pieces, many of which you’ve heard over the years. The Syncopated Clock, Bugler’s Holiday, The Typewriter, and his most famous piece, Sleigh Ride. They were recorded by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops. Belle of the Ball is one of my favorites. I dare you to listen to this and not feel filled with joy. And I bet you’ll start to waltz. It’s that wonderful. It makes me happy.
• It’s Gonna Take a Miracle – Deniece Williams
I wrote about Williams recently on the blog. I have three of her recordings on this playlist. She has an extraordinary range – it’s truly amazing. An incredible singer. It’s Gonna Take a Miracle might be her biggest hit. It’s been recorded by Laura Nyro, the Manhattan Transfer, and was originally recorded by The Royalettes. This version is my favorite.
Loving you so
I was too blind to see
You letting me go
But now that you’ve set me free
It’s gonna take a miracle
Yes, it’s gonna take a miracle
To make me love someone new
Cause I’m crazy for you
• Speak Low – Sammy Davis, Jr. and Laurindo Almeida
Davis recorded a series of songs with Brazilian guitarist Almeida. Just the guitar and Davis’ voice. I love these recordings, which I think show Davis at his best. Speak Low was written by Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash for the musical, One Touch of Venus. (Sung, by the way, by Mary Martin in the original Broadway cast.) Sexy, sexy song.
Speak low, darling, speak low
Love is a spark, lost in the dark, too soon, too soon
I feel wherever I go
That tomorrow is near, tomorrow is here and always too soon.
• Just to See Her – Smokey Robinson
Written by the great Smokey Robinson, this song is one of my favorites. His voice is beyond compare, his storied history as a Motown singer with the Miracles and then later as a solo act is well known. His voice is a smooth as silk. This arrangement is fabulous. I think it’s Robinson at his best.
Just to see her
Just to touch her
Just to hold her in my arms one more time
• Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me) – Anthony Newley
This is one of the great, gut-wrenching songs, written by Newley and Bricusse for the musical The Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd. I listened to the original cast album over and over when I was a teenager. Newley had a voice that was incredibly powerful, filled with passion – some might even say over the top – but I say he was one of the best. This rendition breaks my heart, every time I hear it. I once listened to it on my iPod repeatedly for two hours while commuting to the city.
Who can I turn to
When nobody needs me
My heart wants to know
And so I must go
Where destiny leads me
• Boogie Wonderland – Earth, Wind & Fire (with the Emotions)
I make no bones about how much I love Earth, Wind & Fire. Love, love, love them. They make me happy. They fill me with joy. I start to dance and sing when I hear them. Great arrangements, great voices, one of the greatest groups of all time. The lyrics don’t matter so much – the sound is everything.
• Dancing in the Dark – Diana Krall
This the track that first introduced me to Diana Krall and I’ve since purchased several of her CDs. This, though, is probably my favorite. Produced by the legendary Claus Ogerman, who produced my favorite Frank Sinatra/Antonio Carlos Jobim albums, the arrangement is sexy and bossa-nova in flavor. It’s simply gorgeous. I first heard it on the Jonathan Schwartz show that airs on WNYC every Saturday and Sunday. I’ll write more about Schwartz at another time but I will say that if I have a dream of having a radio show, the dream is based on his show, his knowledge of music, his incredible taste. Incidentally, Schwartz is the son of Arthur Schwartz, who wrote Dancing in the Dark for the movie musical, The Band Wagon. Sexy, sexy, sexy.
Dancing in the dark ’til the tune ends
We’re dancing in the dark and it soon ends
We’re waltzing in the wonder of why we’re here
Time hurries by, we’re here and we’re gone
• A Sleepin’ Bee – Bill Henderson
Composed by Harold Arlen and Truman Capote for the musical House of Flowers, I was first introduced to this song by Barbra Streisand. This version, with Bill Henderson singing, was discovered on a CD I have called Closer Than a Kiss: Crooner Classics, which has turned out to be one of my favorite CDs. Bill Henderson is a jazz singer – also an actor – who has performed with Ramsey Lewis, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson. I love his style and I love this arrangement.
When a bee lies sleepin’
In the palm of your hand
You’re bewitched and deep in
love’s long looked after land
• Bugler’s Holiday – Leroy Anderson
For the same reasons I love Belle of the Ball. This piece, written for three buglers, is joyous and fantastic and it makes me happy. End of story.
• Can’t Get Used to Losing You – Andy Williams
Love Andy Williams, especially when he sings the great Henry Mancini. This wasn’t written by Mancini, but I love the arrangement. His voice is overdubbed, so we can hear Andy singing along with himself. The strings that are plucked in the opening may be my favorite part of the song.
Guess there’s no use in hangin’ round
Guess I’ll get dressed and do the town
I’ll find some crowded avenue
Though it will be empty without you
• I’ve Got a Love – Don Sparks
I have a few of Don’s songs on this playlist. This is one of my favorites. Don’s a romantic – lucky for me – and this song is all about a love found after many years of waiting.
It wasn’t what you said
Or how the sunlight played around you
Not your kisses red
Left on the face that finally found youWith my back against the wind
I knew it when I told a friend
I’ve got a love, I’ve got a love,
I’ve got a love, I’ve got a love.
More tomorrow my friends.
There is a new post up on Just Let Me Finish This Page today.
Happy Monday.
These playlists have reminded me of songs I forgot about! Music is such a big part of my life. It is something I run to when I need to calm down, when I am feeling sad or happy or when the pain from my chronic illnesses overwhelms me.
Hope you don’t get much more snow. So far, we have only been on the tail-end of these storms, but it’s like waiting for the other shoe to drop!
Hugs to all of you,
Deb
Music can bring us peace, Debbie.
Between yesterday’s and today’s list, I’ve been introduced to a few new ones…and reminded of lots more old ones. Although sometimes I know I’ve heard the songs before, but can’t always remember the title or who sang it…sometimes it’s more the beat of the music, and how it makes me feel. Like dancing! This has been fun! ;)
Oh, there’s more coming, Donnamae! This will be a week-long event. You may get sick of it!
Speak Low from “One Touch of Venus”!! When I was little, my three older sisters and I would watch that movie whenever it came on TV. We loved, loved, loved that movie and we have all been able to sing that song since those early days. My favorite music is from the big bands from the thirties and forties, even though my teen years were in the 60’s and all that wonderful music! The Beatles, Mamas and Papas, Dylan, Baez, Credence, etc. etc. I have such a wealth of music in my head, and CD’s at my hands. Let me know when you start your radio gig.
Yours truly,
Speak low when you speak love, a summer’s day withers away too soooon, too soooon.
Speak Low is so beautiful, Tana. It must bring a wonderful memory back to you.
I love big band music, too, though I don’t think I have any on the Playlist.
Just had to leave comment to say that your post reminds me very much of the song from seven brides for seven brothers – spring,spring,spring. Enjoying your playlist Rachel x
Oh spring, where are you??
One of the first concerts John and I saw was Andy Williams and Henry Mancini and it was definitely one of my all time favorites. Course, Garth still tops the list. John got the tickets as a surprise and it was an wonderful concert – you can imagine with those two together.
Judy
Lucky you, Judy! I would have absolutely loved to see those two together. What a wonderful evening it must have been for you and John.
Music is re-entering my life….as piano lessons. After decades of wanting to take lessons, I’ve finally jumped in. I like to think my husband would have been proud of me…
Oh, good for you, Wendy! I’m proud of you and I’m absolutely sure your husband not only would have been proud of you, but IS proud of you!
Your list is a stroll back through my youth. So many great songs I’d long forgotten, but seeing them brought back every line! We had wonderful music as we grew. Thanks for the memories!
You are very welcome, Hedy!
Fun playlists Claudia! You had more snow yesterday! We had snow followed by ice. And a 2 hour delay for work this a.m. and now trying to catch up. Whew! Saw your comment about House of Cards and agree…we only managed to squeeze in one episode but that didn’t hold me like prior years’ episodes. I wasn’t left not being able to wait for the next episode. Will watch another one maybe this week…hoping it improves.
I think it was more powerful when he was clawing his way to the top, like Richard III. Now that he’s there…..not so powerful.
OMG, Claudia, you love Leroy Anderson too! I never meet ANYONE who knows Leroy Anderson. My parents were huge Boston Pops fans and watched their concerts on PBS for years, beginning with the late great Arthur Fiedler, which is how we came to know Leroy’s name. I found Pops recordings of his music and bought them for years as Father’s Day/Christmas gifts for my Dad, who just loved his style [so did Mom]. I think many people would recognize his music if they heard it; they’re just not familiar with his name. “Belle of the Ball” is very near, if not at, the top of my own list of Leroy favorites. Whenever I hear it, I see get a roomful of waltzing couples, and gorgeous ball gowns in every color swaying back and forth in three-quarter time. Sigh. I think I might have been a Southern belle in one of my past lives… Enjoy your day!
I see women in big gowns, candlelight and waltzing.
Years ago, I bought tickets to see Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops and took my mom, who absolutely loved him. They were on tour in the Detroit area. We had a great time. Then many years after that, I was able to take her to see the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall in Boston. Mr. Fiedler had died, but the Pops were, and are, still going strong. She loved it.
So many songs and artists I’ve never heard of. Something to look into and add to my playlist!
hugs,
Linda
Have fun, Linda!
Great play list once again, Claudia. Mine would have to include Leaving On A Jet Plane, by John Denver. The Peter Paul and Mary version is great, but nothing beats a writer singing his own words. I had the privilege of seeing him several times in the early and mid 60s, in Los Angeles, when he was just starting out. Almost nobody knew who he was, but my friends and I knew we were seeing greatness blossoming before our eyes. I’d also have to include something from The Beachboys. And of course, one of my favorites since childhood, Thee I Love, by Pat Boone. It’s the theme song from the movie Friendly Persuasion. It still gets me.
Seriously, do a podcast. Play your playlist, and tell us why you enjoy your choices, just as you’ve done here. For those of us who LOVE music, it would be fun to listen to.
If I were to include the Beach Boys, I would include God Only Knows from Pet Sounds. I like the Beach Boys, but that one – along with Wouldn’t It Be Nice – is my favorite.
Claudia, I LOVE your book lists and I LOVE your playlists! So many that I remember. Music truly is the background of our lives. Ever notice that radio stations seem to replay the same songs over & over again, never retouching wonderful music of the past. It’s a shame that a generation now doesn’t know who John Denver was, and yet “Perhaps Love” (John Denver & Placido Domingo) is – to me – a gorgeous song. “Shanghai Breezes” is another, and his voice is so clear you can understand every word. I’m YouTubing the songs you listed that I’m not familiar with. Fun! Thanks!
Oh, Perhaps Love is gorgeous! Thanks for reminding me of it!
You are giving me quite a musical education! I admit there are many of these songs I have never heard, but I am going to listen to every single one. I have learned so much from you on so many subjects. Thank you for sharing.
Oh, you’re welcome – it’s just a list of the pieces I’ve discovered along the way, Kathy. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but that’s okay.
Hello. Today my husband knew more of the songs than I did. Have a good day.Doris
Say hi to your husband, Doris!
More fun from you on the music scene! You’ve listed some stuff I didn’t know about, and I’m always interested in music, sometimes wondering what cave I slept in when I missed one of the greats. Thanks for some new info for me, a fellow music lover.
When I was a kid, my dad would do trades with his business clients. He did work for a guy who had an oddball store…big ‘ol warehouse of all kinds of stuff…including, at times, puppies and kitties if he knew the breeder so, he got his work done free that month by my dad, and our family gained an adorable beagle. Another guy had a TV shop…remember when they used to repair televisions, when they had tubes?***…and he also had a little getaway house at the seashore, so he’d get a month or two of free work from my dad so that our family could have a vacation week at an oceanfront cottage. I can remember laying on my beach towel in the sandy yard, working on my tan (oh, the memories evoked by Sea & Ski or Coppertone lotion, when we didn’t know sun would give us skin cancer in later years!), listening to “Cast My Fate To The Wind” and “See You In September” (The Happenings) and, somewhere in there, was the sexy little song by the Classics IV called, ‘Spooky’ which I totally loved. I also totally loved my transistor radio…and it had earplugs! I took it everywhere.
My mom was wild over Anthony Newley when I was growing up, so I was wild over him, too, because I thought Mom was the bomb; if she liked it, it was good enough for me when I was a kid. We’d catch Anthony Newley on a TV variety show when he’d be a guest …and the world would just stop in our house while he sang out his soul.
I am really, REALLY enjoying your posts on music. And I love that Don’s a romantic and that you are both musical. You seem a perfect pair in many ways; I’m sure you know how lucky you are. Thanks, again, for these posts. Just one more song…did you ever like “I Only Have Eyes For You” by The Flamingos? I will freeze in my tracks when I hear their sultry version of that old song! It’s been used in so many movies…with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson in “Something’s Gotta Give” and a pivotal astronaut scene in “The Right Stuff.” ***my asterisk above…when people used to hang on to their TV sets…reminds me of this gem of a little film with Diane Lane and Viggo Mortensen called “A Walk On The Moon” which is all about 60s summer life, probably in your neck ‘o the woods upstate, near Woodstock. Diane Lane’s character is married to a television repairman, a now-obsolete occupation (like try to find, in this day and age, a typewriter repair person; some of us still have typewriters, used to fill out forms or type an envelope). “A Walk On The Moon” is one of my favorite movies, produced and directed by Tony Goldwyn who’s also one of my favorite actors and, yep, his grandfather was the big movie maker, Samuel Goldwyn, who I think was associated with Paramount and RKO in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
I know about Tony Goldwyn – I like his work. I’ve never seen A Walk on the Moon, though I have seen The Right Stuff and Something’s Gotta Give – I think we own that one. Speaking of Something’s Gotta Give, that song, which inspired the movie title, was sung by Fred Astaire to Leslie Caron in Daddy Long Legs. Very sexily, I might add. And yes, I remember I Only Have Eyes for You – it’s been covered by a lot of people over the years.
My musical tastes run all over the place, so I am familiar with some of your playlist favorites. I like Lisa Stansfield as well, especially her duet with Barry White, Never gonna give you up and the sexy video. Love the husky voiced Dusty Springfield too. My older brother listed to some of the artists you mentioned like the Classics IV, I loved the velvet voiced Dennis Yost, such beautiful songs. Someone had mentioned John Denver which reminded me of Calypso, one of my personal faves, loved the yodeling and beautiful lyrics. I also love anything by Earth wind & fire , such uplifting songs to take you out of your doldrums, I listen to them a lot while driving. Also wanted to add that I also need to explore other artists, so I’ll have to listen to some Diana Krall, she sounds like a singer I would really enjoy. We grew up with so many incredible artists and songs that I’m sure my playlist would be never ending!
Oh, I loved Calypso! The sound of the bell in the background, the lyrics – gorgeous!
These songs you are listing now keep playing in my head..many I have not thought of in years..that is a good thing!
Also..I see a lot of people mention John Denver…I think “Annie’s Song” is one of the most beautiful love songs ever..
“The Look of Love” sung by Dusty Springfield-that song just stops me in my tracks every time I hear it. Love, love, love it! You and I could definitely be friends Claudia, we have such similar tastes in music. Great playlist!
Thank you, Kim!
If you like guitar riffs, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers has a fabulous 1 1/2 minute riff at the end of their hit Runnin’ Down the Dream. I never, ever get tired of hearing it!
Thanks, Sandi!