DAILY DIRT: All-l-l-l aboard! It’s time for the final stage of the Daily Dirt Wayback Music Machine trip

January 31, 2025 | By Steve Eighinger, Muddy River News Minister of Culture and Doctor of Love

Petula Clark

Daily Dirt for Friday, Jan. 31, 2025

Highlighting today’s list is the inclusion of the one and only Petula Clark, who at age 92 is still going strong, but on this day in 1965 the then-32-year old was on top of the world with “Downtown” … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,190 of The Daily Dirt.

1. The Daily Dirt Wayback Music Machine concludes its three-day journey by stopping in January 1965.

Earlier this week, we took a look at the top tunes we were listening to on our hand-held transistors in the month of January in both 1975 and 1970. I think you’ll note today’s top 10 will not have the same kind of edge or political influence it would in the years to come. In 1965, the music was simply for fun or dealing with a broken heart or two.

1. “Downtown,” by Petula Clark: The lady enjoyed many hits during her reign, but this, I feel, was the best of them all — and the one that skyrocketed her to the top.

2. “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” by the Righteous Brothers: Whenever you talk about Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield, the talk begins with this song.

3. “The Name Game,” by Shirley Ellis: One of the top gimmick songs of the year. “Shirley, Shirley, Bo Burley, Banana Fama Fo Furley.”

4. “Love Potion No. 9,” by the Searchers: “I took my troubles down to Madame Ruth., You know, that gypsy with the gold-capped tooth.”

5. “Hold What You’ve Got,” by Joe Tex: He’s best known for “I Gotcha” and “Skinny Legs,” but this was actually a key breakthrough song for Mr. Tex.

6. “How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You,” by Marvin Gaye: Marvin Gaye was Al Green before Al Green.

7. “This Diamond Ring,” by Gary Lewis and the Playboys: I always felt Gary Lewis should have followed his dad (Jerry Lewis) into a career of comedy, because he certainly couldn’t sing.

8. “Keep Searchin’ (We’ll Follow The Sun),” by Del Shannon: Shannon’s career, at least by hit-record standards, was nearing an end with this song.

9. “Come See About Me,” by the Supremes: About the time of this release, Diana Ross and her two best friends were on the cusp of superstardom.

10. “All Day And All Of The Night,” by the Kinks: Best Kinks song ever? How about “Come Dancing”.

2. Did you know (Part 263)

That there is actually a word for someone giving an opinion on something they know nothing about. If you qualify as such a person, you are an “ultracrepidarian”.
That singer Harry Styles has four nipples, a condition called “polythelia”.
That a dog that is a cross between a Chihuahua and a miniature dachshund is called a chiweenie.
That Sonic is bringing back its Strawberry Shortcake Snowball Slush Float for the Valentine’s Day season.
That “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice is celebrating its 35th birthday this year.