This week, Leo had the great idea of picking old but gold songs. We all chose throwback songs that were special to us.
Leo’s Pick: Julie London “It Never Entered My Mind”
This week I picked a heartbreaking jazz ballad sung by Julie London titled, ‘It Never Entered My Mind.’ Released in 1955, London’s vocals float above beautiful chord voicings that move effortlessly across the fretboard. Originally written by Richard Rogers in 1940, this standard never seems to go out of fashion. However, Julie London and her guitar player, Barney Kessel, immortalized the song into a piece that is sure to tug at anyone’s heartstrings. The simple, stripped back instrumentation compliments London’s unforgettable voice and Rogers’ devastating lyrics. Personally, this song perfectly encapsulates what longing feels like. Further, London’s performances emphasize the grief and shock that comes along with heartbreak. Listen to this “old but gold” below.
Grace’s Pick: Al Green “Let’s Stay Together”
Diverting from my usual folk-country picks, this week I chose a soulful, R&B classic, Al Green. His song “Let’s Stay Together” is a romantic track and his most popular release. Opposite of Leo’s heartbreak pick, Green serenades his audience with his soothing and captivating vocals bringing a warm and loving emotion forward. This song was named in Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Songs of All Time and was placed in 60th. This song makes you want to get up and groove to the smooth sounds of Al Green. Originally, this song was written in 15 minutes and Green didn’t want to record it. After much persuasion by his producer, the song was recorded and reached #1 on R&B charts only 2 weeks after its release. This song is a staple in R&B and soul and has set the tone for this genre for years and years. Listen now!
Michelle’s Pick: David Bowie “Ziggy Stardust”
David Bowie is such an icon. His theatrics and storytelling were incredibly influential, especially his Ziggy Stardust persona in the ’70s. The title track from The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is part of a brilliant concept album that tells the story of an alien rockstar who comes to Earth to save it from impending doom, only to be destroyed by his own fans after becoming self-absorbed. It’s a haunting narrative and also serves as a tribute to rockstars who met tragic ends. The song includes references to Jimi Hendrix, adding another layer of homage and depth. It was my introduction to Bowie, and it still resonates deeply. I also love the cover Bauhaus did, it captures the eerie, theatrical essence of the original. The storytelling just hits. Listen down below or check out the concert film of Bowie’s last Stardust performance!
Zerita’s Pick: Elton John “Honky Cat”
As an Elton John fan, this is the first song of his that I was aware of. Rather than “Rocket Man” or “Tiny Dancer”, I was introduced to “Honky Cat” on my mom’s iPod in 1st grade and was immediately hooked. It surprises me that this tune is not one of British icon’s most popular as it has all the elements of a quintessential Elton John track. With a jaunty piano part and lyrics by co-writer Bernie Taupin that leave you singing along, “Honky Cat” has made its way into the top tracks of true Elton John fans. The story of “Honky Cat” tells of a young man leaving the country and his redneck ways, which is interesting to hear from John who was born in the suburbs of London. However, Bernie Taupin and Elton John’s partnership as co-writers has created countless stories that remain timeless and true even if not rooted in reality. Listen to “Honky Cat” below!
