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Opening with “Begin the Beguine” is a strong move. Wasn’t expecting that to lead to Eno, MGMT and Cheap Trick…but Bebop Deluxe was the big surprise here for me. Nice work, you two.

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Thanks, Steve! Steve certainly surprised me with "Beguine," as well! Plus, it's a treat to "have an excuse" to share some exciting Sammy in the TT setting! 'Twas my first introduction to Brian's bro, Roger! Was this your first exposure to Be Bop, Steve, or was just the song the surprise (or them showing up on TT)?

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I'm waiting for Cheap Trick to do an all Cole Porter tribute album! If they can remake Sgt. Peppers, they can do that!

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I think, if I know about Nielsen the way I think I do, he'd be all over the notion of rock-a-fying Porter material! I mean, look at how Joe Jackson is, now, pulling back the curtain on century-old music to the point of creating an alter-ego (which I think is what's really behind the new Max Champion record)!

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Speaking of Cole Porter, looking up Kirsty MacColl's version of "Miss Otis Regrets" I found this amazing video of her performing with the 1st Battalion of Irish Guards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4sZUfQ97po

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Well, THAT was the definition of "different"--Cole Porter done by a drum'n'pipes corps! And, Kirsty tackling the memory of the pinnacle performance of the song by Ella Fitzgerald! But, one way to take a shot at a legendary singer/performance is completely deconstructing and re-interpreting...and, no better way than with tams'n'kilts?!? Pretty cool....and, as Steve hints at, mad props to the endlessly creative Jools!

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So good! Thanks for sharing this video. And it was on Jools Holland’s show too! That show is/was one of a kind and featured some of my all time favorite live performances.

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I know what you mean! I've only watched clips on youtube (maybe a dozen or two) and that small a sampl includes some of my all time favorite live performances. (Glen Campell performing "Wichita Lineman" literally gives me chills every time I listen to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GWF0RwVVjo )

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What a clip, Nick......thanks. You're wise to appreciate it for what it is, considering your age!! From 2008, many in the audience (and half his band, here) were old enough to have heard it on the radio in the day!

That gives us those memory feels....the older band members knew how fortunate they were for this gig, and bless the younger ones, who had to, now, be aware of Glen's legendary status (he was a Beach Boy, fuh cryin' out loud!).

Few know Glen was a Gold Star studio cat (an early Wrecking Crew-member) known for his guitar playing. Had he not been gifted as a singer, he coulda had a career as an American Jeff Beck!

Nick comin' with da goods today!👏👏

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Thanks, Brad for another fun tune tag! I always learn more about the songs I pick when you go even deeper into the backstories! I didn't know that Brandt didn't play bass on all the One On One songs. I suppose I could have figured out he wasn't an equal player by the album cover, where half of his face is blocked!

And I'm looking forward to watching to Sinfonia documentary you linked to. I can picture a future FR&BS post on that project in the future! Would it be an Audio Autopsy?

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Dec 12, 2023·edited Dec 12, 2023Author

Thank YOU, Steve, for all you contributed! There's not one of these that go by where I don't learn everywhere from a little to a lot, and yours, here, was no exception! The Tune Tag beauty (and, there's a lot of it!) is that, even if we don't learn about a new song or artist, we learn about why a friend loves that song and artist! For my dough, that alone is worth the price of admission (they paid to get in here, didn't they?)!

As for a future Sinfonia piece, I think we kinda did it, here. I don't see myself writing more about them unless they manage to beat Jethro Tull into the Rock Hall of Fame! Then, I'll write about them.....after I storm the castle with a rented bunch of torch-wielding villagers, of course!

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Rockford’s finest and Roger Eno in the same SubStack is a pleasure. Roger is the counterpart of Brian Eno as Dave Davies is to Ray Davies. Both have great talent as stand alone artists but are continually overlooked.

Great post.

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Happy to feature Illinois' finest, and I'm wondering how I've enjoyed Brian's work since '72, but never knew he had a musical sibling! I love your Davies bros comparison--I get that! Thanks, IP!

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My goodness, so much to read and listen to here. I love the Frank Dean, Sammy notes. I read that giant honker of a two-volume Frank Sinatra biography a couple of years ago, and it was great. Complicated dude, but certainly heart in the right place when it came to his thoughts on civil rights, etc.

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Thanks, Peter! Frank adored Sammy, and even early on (especially early on), would not tolerate any discrimination that might come Sammy's way. Remember, Frank had his entourage (aka goons!) who were there to help him lay down the law of The Chairman!

I'm just old enough to have had the earliest part of my life overlap the classic Sinatra singing years (I was born in '55, in the middle of his incredible Capitol Records/Nelson Riddle/Billy May arranging tenure)! Plus, with my dad's multi-thousands LP collection, and my folks' love of the singing Rat Pack-ers from their pre-'60s acting careers, I developed an early love and genuine appreciation of them (running alongside my rock'n'roll upbringing)! Glad you enjoyed, Pete!

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Dec 12, 2023·edited Dec 12, 2023Liked by Brad Kyle

I never read the Frank double tomb, but I've read Sammy's autobio (and love that it's immortalized in my all-time favorite movie, Spinal Tap, in this amazing scene:) In fact I'm surprised that Brad didn't link to it!

https://youtu.be/ZJxS_1LzUKw?si=-ntTLRMPuIsB5W6k

(this is the extended, uncut version)

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That's a great scene (and I hadn't remembered it).

I will say, the most recent reference I saw to Frank Sinatra was watching the Trini Lopez documentary (_My Name Is Lopez_), and he had very mixed feelings about his interactions with Frank -- who was helpful early in his career but, Trini thinks, cost him a chance to do more acting in the movies (which he wanted) when Frank asked him to drop out of _The Dirty Dozen_

This is a good summary of that documentary: https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/uneven-documentary-trini-lopez/

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.....And, Trini was on Frank's Reprise label in the '60s! I hadn't seen the Trini doc, but would be interested. Thanks for the article link, Nick!

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Yes, as the article points out, Frank was Trini's hero and he was almost always very positive towards Frank, but you can tell that hurt a bit.

I agree with the article's description of the documentary as fascinating but uneven. I had forgotten about this:

"One reason for this narrative muddling might be the pandemic, which forced the filmmakers to completely reenvision the project. When they first started conceptualizing the film in 2018, Ebersole and Hughes intended to follow Lopez on tour as he performed with the Gand Band (his friends and neighbors who coproduced the film) in his hometown and across the nation, and hoped to premiere it at South by Southwest. The project took a different direction when COVID-19 halted live music indefinitely. Then Lopez contracted the coronavirus after undergoing surgery last summer, and tragically died from COVID-19 complications in August 2020 at the age of 83. The directors, who were in the middle of editing and had planned to sit down with Lopez and Walker and show them the first rough cut just days before his death, were stunned. "

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Damn - that's tough all around. I hadn't heard (or don't remember hearing) of Trini's passing.

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I've seen "Tap," of course, and love it, but I didn't remember that clip (which I'll check out shortly). I think my lean is to share the of-the-era Rat Pack, as I grew to know and love it. It's gratifying to see a "younger generation," though, get to know the Pack members through those who know, like Rob Reiner.

Remember, dad Carl Reiner was the creator of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961-66), who had several Vegas performers guest-star: Vic Damone, comics Corbett Monica (who had opened for both Dean and Sammy) and Don Rickles, who of course, was a great friend of them all!

Rob was 14 when "TDVDS" debuted in '61, and he even did guest turns on "The Andy Griffith Show" and several other sitcoms as a teen! Rob certainly ran in celebrity circles growing up, thanks to Carl's show biz involvement! Thanks for that link!

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Honestly when I got to the “Steve Signs Off” section I was upset! I was thinking “how can this be over already?!?” Another great TT installment! I particularly enjoyed that Sammy Davis Jr performance. Outside of knowing he was part of the Rat Pack, I’ve never heard much of his music or seen any of his performances.

The “one and one” derived from the Eno and Eno was a particularly delicious connection! I wondered whether you’d considered the Hall & Oates classic but glad you went with Cheap Trick, a band I know way too little about.

Thanks for another fantastic addition to the series gentlemen!

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Aww, thanks Mark! I often feel that way at the end of a TT post! It can't be over yet, can it? Sammy's life and artistic career is definitely a mind-blowing journey to take. I read Yes I Can, his legendary autobiography and it's fantastic. I just saw that he wrote a sequel called Why Me? so I have more reading to do!

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That's a great "Spinal Tap" clip, Steve! I had forgotten about it. I think you're aware that the movie was largely improvised. I imagine the scenario that set up that scene: Rob brought the book to set to have it referenced by the actor, as if he had been reading it.

Bruno Kirby, then, probably riffs extemporaneously his minutes-long monologue on the spot!

At the very least, Rob might've told the cast (the day before) that he'd have "Yes I Can" play a part in the next day's scene, and the players could then, at least, have a jumping-off point for improv with the book as their only clue. Every cast member had a long history in improv and comic acting. Can you imagine being one of those cast members! It's one thing to memorize your sides, but to react realistically as if a real conversation...amazing! Talk about a thrilling acting experience!

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Thanks, Mark! Steve's a Boss, with a capital 3! Sammy was a Dynamo, definitely with a capital "D"! He's well worth your time digging into his career (and, I may ask questions later)! He, among so many talents, was a whiz with a pistol...a practiced gun-handler! This (and his acting talent) landed him on several episodes of 1960s westerns, "Rifleman" among them!

A clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjNmoUeK54Y This was 1962, and Johnny Crawford, who played the teenaged Mark McCain, was particularly thrilled to welcome Sammy to set: The year before, Johnny had begun his own singing career! It was in '62 when he had his biggest hit in the U.S., "Cindy's Birthday," which got to #8! He released a dozen singles, and a small handful of albums in his brief singing career. As an adult, Johnny became a big band leader (of all things), known as the Johnny Crawford Orchestra, and just passed away in April '21 at 75.

Back to Sammy: How big of an influence do you think he was on Michael Jackson? HUGE! Michael saw a lot of himself in Sammy....singer, dancer, actor. Sammy even did impressions!

Here's a classic era clip from the 2/73 "Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson"....a decade after the "Rifleman" ep, and 3 months before I graduated high school! Johnny adored and really respected Sam....they trade impressions briefly, and Sammy sings two songs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eY02OdhmNII

From https://michael-jackson.fandom.com/wiki/Sammy_Davis_Jr.

"Michael considers Davis to be one of his major influence and has paid tribute to him many of times. Davis and Jackson were extremely close; when Jackson was just in his twenties, he would often show up at Davis’s house unannounced to immerse himself in the archives, a room downstairs that contained videos of Davis’s performances over the years. Davis would give advice to Jackson even at a very early age. Jackson recalls when Davis told him 'Don’t ever do drugs,’ they told us. I never forgot it.'”

“Michael Jackson is more than a friend, He’s like a son." - Sammy Davis, Jr.

Thanks so much again, Mark! Enjoy the above!🎶

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Sammy Davis junior at Bally’s grand in Las Vegas for a few years! We were good friends and used to go clothes shopping together.

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Why, Charlotte....I believe you've come with another story that FRONT ROW & BACKSTAGE covets! If you have no immediate plans to breathe life into it on your site, kindly consider enlisting FR&B as your eager host! Not only would I love to hear that story, it'd be fun to have it come to life from your virtual pen right here! Holla if ya wanna, yo!

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Finally catching up!! So I once heard that Brian Eno was fiftieth in line for the throne. But I need to revisit this tidbit, as the Queen has since died, so maybe now he’s 49th in line OR this is just a dumb thing I heard! As for the Portsmouth Sinfonia, I heard it on Dr. Demento! I laughed so hard when I heard it, but was a bit disappointed when I found out years later that Eno was involved, and so it was supposed to be artsy and conceptual. Oh well. Also, my Irish friend recommended that I watch the comedy « Father Ted ». I caught a quick snippet of it, but Brian Eno made a quick cameo. Someone exclaims « Father Brian Eno », and then he walks off. That was it. That’s about the extent of my viewing of « Father Ted ». I thought that was funny!

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Dec 14, 2023·edited Dec 14, 2023Author

Glad you caught up, Britta! I'm sorry to hear about Eno being so far back in the line for the loo in a Buckingham Palace visit. I remember attending a sold-out football game (and guzzling several beers!), and it was so crowded, I ended up forty-third in line for the throne. It's always something, isn't it?🤷‍♂️

Interesting how the Sinfonia ended up on a Demento show. He usually played intentionally funny or satirical artists, yet the PS kept insisting they were serious about their art. But, I get it, and certainly understand the good Doctor's wanting to play them! They certainly weren't about to get any radio play on conventional airwaves, AM or FM!

I guess "Father Ted" is a UK show. That's funny....Father Eno! We had a show in the '70s on American TV...."Welcome Back Kotter." John Travolta played a wacky Italian barber turned priest, similarly named....his character name? Vinnie, Barber Eno.🤣

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Oh, you were just waiting to pull out the Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-Barino joke!!

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Well, yeah, but I couldn't have imagined it would take 40 years!!😊

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I’ve had just about Eno-ugh of these offensive puns!

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What a great round. I'm halfway through, and it's really fun.

Both version of "Begin the Beguine" are great. Sammy's singing is amazing, but I really enjoyed the Esquivel. I hadn't heard of him at all, and it's so charismatic (which is not what I would normally say about instrumental music).

Joe Jackson is great. I hadn't heard of that album, but, in terms of his experiments with older forms of music, _Jumpin Jive_ is fantastic.

In terms of "amateur" music as art, I will also mention the Langley Schools Music Project: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Langley_Schools_Music_Project

"I knew virtually nothing about conventional music education, and didn't know how to teach singing. Above all, I knew nothing of what children's music was supposed to be. But the kids had a grasp of what they liked: emotion, drama, and making music as a group. Whether the results were good, bad, in tune or out was no big deal -- they had élan. This was not the way music was traditionally taught. But then I never liked conventional 'children's music,' which is condescending and ignores the reality of children's lives, which can be dark and scary. These children hated 'cute.' They cherished songs that evoked loneliness and sadness"

Of which the standout track is "Desperado" -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9F-no5av-s

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Damnit! I should have responded to the Portsmouth Sinfonia with Langley Schools Music Project! That would have been the perfect reply -- not that MGMT isn't an excellent option too. I was obsessed with Langley back when the first album came out. Excellent suggestion!

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Gentlemen.....I do hope I'm not the bearer of bad groups for you! We HAVE heard The Shaggs, have we not? I present "My Pal Foot Foot": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5T2kaFiFgg You're welcome.

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The line in wikipedia, "They hired session musicians to rerecord parts, but they were unable to follow the Shaggs' erratic timing" makes me think of the James Cordon "toddlerography" segments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5aVRDE_Qno

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Holy euphemism, Batman: "The Shaggs' erratic timing"! Glad we finally nailed a style description! Never seen that Cordon bit....adorable! But, an hilarious premise, and another chance to applaud a superstar (Jen) for being a good sport and "putting up" with a comedy show's shenanigans!

What MUST the show producers have told the kids? "OK, just dance around and do some things that look like dance, and they'll follow you!" Those were staffers' kids. Shows like that don't usually admit minors into the audience.

I love the ball pit at the end. The boy couldn't help but hurl a ball in the direction of Jen's heavily-financed face! I could almost hear the floor director: "NO! Do NOT throw plastic balls at the talent!"

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I've been meaning to say that I appreciated the MGMT selection. That's a song which I would never have paid much attention to on my own (mostly because it's hard to hear the words; I had to pull up the lyrics while I was listening), but it's really good.

It is funny, seems like a sincere tribute, and extra points for using the word "oblique" in a song.

Also, tell me if this is too weird. I find myself thinking that if I was playing I might respond with "Cold Dog Soup" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZgVi94OO30

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Wow. I may have heard the Guy Clark version many years ago, but the McMurtry version hits a lot deeper. I’m not quite sure the connection to MGMT, other than maybe both songs are poetic and genuine tributes to an artist who heavily influenced them.

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Interesting coincidence, Susie Bright just highlighted Brian Eno's "Oblique Strategy" cards today (and, I admit, I've heard of them before, but I hadn't caught that particularly reference; I just enjoyed the word "oblique") -- https://susiebright.ink/p/my-first-vlog-with-a-little-help

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This is great! I used to have the oblique strategy cards! I don't know what happened to them. Also, I have a direct connection with Susie Bright, as in a previous life, I was a videographer and editor for Good Vibrations, for the educational/instructional program. Susie was the host of one of the videos I shot and also edited.

Finally, my obliques are perhaps my weakest muscles, so you mentioning this is another clue to focus on them more!

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As it happens, we'll be hosting MY O'Bliques for Christmas.....from Ireland....Finn and Riley O'Blique. Lovely couple, I've known them for years, but I've never been able to really trust Finn...he always seems to have what I've always considered a really attractive angle. So much so, that the lasses back home, he says, thinks it's a cute angle. Do you think he's right, or just being obtuse?

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You are spot on (and, yes, I like Guy Clark, but the McMurty version is better).

Part of the fun for me about Tune Tag is seeing how different people's minds work and what connections they make (and similarly, I wonder whether the connections I would make click for other people). In this case the only literal point of connection was from seeing the phrase "creative freedom" in "Brian Eno." But, thematically they aren't just tributes to artists, they both pay tribute to people who experimented and, to my ear, both have a note of, "he's amazing, and I don't know that I would have the _nerve_ to make the choices he did."

I love how McMurtry sings the lines "And rhymed orange with Rosalie / Now there's a pride of lions to draw to" to make clear that the sort of man who can rhyme "orange" and "rosalie" (and make it work) is _not a man to mess with_.

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Oh, I'm happy; that's a great compliment (and yes, it's an album that warrants being obsessed with it for a while)

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founding

This Tune Tag was... how should I put it? Educational! All this knowledge, all this information, all this vast repertoire of songs and data... And I enjoyed the word play too!

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Thanks, Andy! Steve's like me in the Arena de Palabras! The dictionary is our playground, and we both love "playing in the word pile," tossing up all those jumble of letters we call words, and seeing where they land (however haphazardly)! Glad you dug!

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Being a music obsessive makes playing TT fun but a bit of a challenge as the toy store is too big and I want to play with everything and Mom says I have to take my nap and I DON'T WANNA TAKE A NAP! BRING ME MORE SUGAR! Oh, sorry, had a bit of a flashback there.

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founding

🤣🤣🤣

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