DAILY DIRT: Rock music was coming, and there was no turning back

Daily Dirt for Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022

Music in particular, like our world in general, was changing as the mid-1960s approached. I think you’ll agree, with at least the former, as you peruse today’s first offering … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 420 of The Daily Dirt.

1. The rock era began to formally take a musical foothold in 1964.

The was the early days of the famed British Invasion and former chart regulars like the Rooftop Singers, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, Brenda Lee and Al Martino were on the way out.

Take a look at the final top 10 songs of 1964, according to popradio.com, and I think you’ll see what I mean. This was the final year someone like Louis Armstrong or Dean Martin would ever crack the year-end top 10. 

• 1. “Hello Dolly,” by Louis Armstrong: This song is still great to listen to as an occasional “oldie,” but can you imagine hearing it on whatever pop sound outlet you subscribe to today?
• 2. “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” by the Beatles: To say the Beatles changed our approach to music in the 1960s would be quite the understatement, eh?
• 3. “She Loves You,” by the Beatles: Was it actually the music, or was the long hair the real attraction?
• 4. “I Get Around,” by the Beach Boys: The west coast checks in with this selection.
• 5. “Oh, Pretty Woman,” by Roy Orbison: An often overlooked talent of this time in music. Orbison didn’t “look” the part of a pop star, but the guy could certainly sing.
• 6. “Hard Day’s Night,” by the Beatles: One of the first Beatles songs with a bit of an edge to it.
• 7. “Everybody Loves Somebody,” by Dean Martin: My favorite Dean Martin song ever.
• 8. “My Guy,” by Mary Wells: The biggest hit for the soulful Wells, who died years later of throat cancer. 
• 9. “Louis, Louie,” by the Kingsmen: To this day, still one of the most controversial songs in pop music history.
• 10. “Where Did Our Love Go,” by the Supremes: And the world is formally introduced to the talent Miss Diana Ross.

Now, take a look at the final Billboard top 10 one year later in 1965. Yes, there was no turning back to the adult contemporary songs from years past. Rock was here to stay.

• 1. “Wooly Bully,” by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs: Domingo “Sam” Samudio, who headlined this campy group, remains alive and well. He’s 85 years old.
• 2. “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch): My absolute favorite Four Tops song. Levi Stubbs and his three friends were never better.
• 3. “I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” by the Rolling Stones: Enter the Stones as the arch rivals to the more clean cut Beatles.
• 4. “You Were On My Find,” by the We Five: Kind of a leftover from the folk era.
• 5. “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” by the Righteous Brothers: A little blue-eyed soul from Bill Medley and the late Bobby Hatfield.
• 6. “Downtown,” by Petula Clark: Petula’s best effort ever.
• 7. “Help!” by the Beatles: Surprisingly, their only selection in the year’s top 10.
• 8. “Can’t You Hear My Heart Beat,” by Herman’s Hermits: One of the most likeable groups from the British Invasion. They were the anti-Stones.
• 9. “Crying In The Chapel,” by Elvis Presley: There’s always room for the King.
• 10. “My Girl,” by the Temptations: The marvelous tempting Tempts. Motown’s cavalcade of talent was bursting at the seams.

2. Speaking of the 1960s, I saw a report over the weekend that indicated 70 percent of kids today get a ride or are transported to school in some fashion.

In the 1960s, that figure was 13 percent. Wow.

3. My picks for this week’s quarterfinal round of the MLB playoffs

National League

Dodgers vs. Padres: This will be a war, an absolute war. There’s always a sense of entitlement surrounding the Dodgers, even though they have won just one World Series (the Covid year of 2020) since Kirk Gibson limped around the bases after that famous home run in 1988. And the Padres? They simply don’t like the Dodgers, and they most assuredly have the talent AND attitude to win this series — but they won’t. Despite some injuries and an unsettled bullpen, Los Angeles has a staff capable of silencing Manny Machado and Juan Soto. Prediction: Dodgers in four games.

Braves vs. Phillies: This series will likely get lost in the shadow of the Dodgers-Padres scrum. Atlanta ended the regular season going 79-33 and I don’t expect the Braves to slow down one bit. Prediction: Braves in three.

American League

Yankees vs. Guardians: Cleveland probably has the second-best rotation in the league behind Houston, and normally I’m a firm believer in the strongest pitching always holding the ace card. But unless Guardians aces Shane Bieber and Tristan McKenzie can win the first two games, I think Cleveland’s dream season ends right here. Just too many bats in the Bronx. Prediction: Yankees in three games. 

Mariners vs. Astros: Yes, Seattle has been a great story coming out of the northwest, but the Mariners’ bubble bursts right here. Houston has the deepest rotation in the game, anchored by Cy Young Award favorite Justin Verlander. Prediction: Houston in four games.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — If you’re a senior citizen like me and want to feel even older, consider that Petula Clark is now 89 years old.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Al Martino?