Hi, everyone. Welcome to another triple play edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Our first feature turned 50 years old earlier this year. It was released in May of 1973 and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1973. It later appeared on Three Dog Night’s ninth studio album, Cyan, which came out in October 1973. Led by an incredible vocal by group co-founder Cory Wells, it is not only my top pick of theirs but also one of my favorite songs of all time. I was overjoyed when it was featured in one of my most beloved shows in 2007. So if this track does not give you “Lost” vibes picturing Hurley, Charlie, Sawyer, Jin and Vincent enjoying a van ride on a not so deserted island, then we cannot be friends.

Top: Three Dog Night circa 1972. Back L–R: Joe Schermie, Floyd Sneed, Michael Allsup and Jimmy Greenspoon. Front L–R: Danny Hutton, Cory Wells and Chuck Negron. Bottom (L-R): Vincent the Lab, Charlie, Jin, Hurley and Sawyer in front of the VW van which would transport them back to 1973, courtesy of the first of today’s three songs. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

A song turning 35 this year was covered by Phil Collins for his 1988 movie, Buster. I never saw the film but adored this version of the track from the very first note. It was originally recorded by The Mindbenders in 1965. If you are a “Friends” fan, you know that Chandler was escorted down the aisle by his parents to a beautiful string instrumental version of this tune at his & Monica’s wedding. But even before that I loved Collins’ take on this pretty romantic ballad.

The movie poster for the 1988 film, Buster. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Another track turning 35 in 2023 is from the debut album from what is arguably music’s most premier super group. Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 was released October 25, 1988 and reacquainted us with five enormous musical powerhouses: Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne & Tom Petty. What these five men accomplished on their own, in prior bands and together is one of the best chapters of rock music’s history.

The Traveling Wilburys (L-R): Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, George Harrison and Tom Petty. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Three Dog Night: “Shambala” (1973, written by Daniel Moore).

Phil Collins: “A Groovy Kind of Love” (1988, lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager and Toni Wine, music by Muzio Clementi).

The Traveling Wilburys: “Handle With Care” (1988, written by The Traveling Wilburys: Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne & Tom Petty).

Stay safe and well.