DAILY DIRT: From ‘Play some Skynyrd’ to the Charles Barkley of sultry soul music

It’s the golden anniversary of some of our favorite hit songs, plus some we don’t like … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 828 of The Daily Dirt.

1. Where have all of the years gone?

I know it will hard to believe once you start wading through the following song titles, but all of the following debuted 50 years ago at some point in 1974.

Hop on the bus, Gus. Let’s take a tour down this particular memory lane. Some of the classics (and not-so-classics) from the pages of the ’74 calendar were:

• “Hooked on a Feeling,” by Blue Swede: It’s actually a remake of the B.J. Thomas hit, and for me is much better than the original, which was a fine song in its own right.
• “Rock the Boat,” by Hues Corporation: Ugh. Every time I heard this song I always wished the boat would sink.
• “Come and Get Your Love,” by Redbone: This might just be my favorite song of 1974.
• “I Shot the Sheriff,” by Eric Clapton: I know I’m in the minority, but I hate this song. My favorite Clapton effort will always be “I’ve Got a Rock and Roll Heart.” Actually, there’s a tie. “Wonderful Tonight” is also gold-medal worthy.
• “Kung Fu Fighting,” by Carl Douglas: One-hit wonder. Thank goodness.
• “Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” Bachman Turner Overdrive: Still a power-rock favorite today.
• “Waterloo,” by ABBA: For me, this and “Dancing Queen” are ABBA’s best efforts. 
• “You’re 16, You’re Beautiful,” by Ringo Starr: Let’s be honest. None of Ringo’s songs were classics, but this was at least passable.
• “The Streak,” by Ray Stevens: This song was entertaining the first time heard it. After that, it became more irritating each time it was played. 
• “The Air That I Breathe,” by the Hollies: This song was not bad, but it was just so-o-o-o long.
• “Rock Me Gently,” by Andy Kim: As a singer, Andy was better as a songwriter.
• “Can’t Get Enough,” by Barry White: The Charles Barkley of sultry soul music.
• “The Way We Were,” by Barbra Streisand: I always loved the way she spelled her first name.
• ‘Sweet Home Alabama,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd: You just raised your right hand in the air, didn’t you? Play some Skynyrd!
• “The Joker,” by Steve Miller Band: Another irritating song.
• “Jolene,” by Dolly Parton: A crossover hit by country legend Dolly Parton. (If you want to see something unsettling, take a look at Dolly in this video and compare it to modern-day Dolly and all of the cosmetic work she has had done.) 
• “The Night Chicago Died,” by Paper Lace: And yet another irritating song.
• “Band on the Run,” by Wings: I’ve never made it a secret I did not care for the “Wings” portion of Sir Paul’s career. This song is one of the reasons.

2. Want to feel even old(er)?

Since it’s now 2024, we’ll remind you that:

• The Beatles split up 55 years ago.
• John Lennon died 44 years ago.
• The “Wizard of Oz” will be 85 later this year.
• Elvis died 47 years ago. He would have turned 89 later this year.
• Mickey Mantle retired 56 years ago.
• Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video is 41 years old.
• The Corvette will be 71 years old this year, and the Mustang 60.
• Remember the little girl on “Bewitched”? Tabitha is now 60.
• “Saturday Night Fever” will celebrate its 47th birthday this year.
• “Back to the Future” will soon turn 40.

3. January is a wonderful month for two reasons. First, we’re that much closer to MLB spring training. Secondly, it provides us the following “holidays”:

• Today is “National Festival of Sleep Day”: In my world, that is every day.
• Jan. 8 is “National Clean Off Your Desk Day”: J. Robert Gough and David Adam of Muddy River News pay no attention to this celebration.
• Jan. 21 is “International Sweat Pants Day”: Once again, this is just about every day in my world.
• Jan. 30 in “National Croissant Day”: And who, may I ask, does not love a nice warm croissant? With butter. Or strawberry jam. And a couple of sausage links. Maybe some bacon, too.
• Jan. 31 is “National Appreciate Your Social Security Check Day”: Those in a particular age bracket just smiled.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — In case you’re wondering, the most popular NCAA Division I athletic nickname is “Tigers”. The following 12 schools use the tiger as their mascot: Auburn, Clemson, Grambling, Jackson State, LSU, Memphis, Missouri, Pacific, Princeton, Tennessee State, Texas Southern and Towson.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Apparently, Tigers eat Buckeyes.