Tag Archives: A Groovy Kind of Love

Music Monday: October 23, 2023

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

Bruce quote 2023

(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.

Three_Dog_Night_1972
Lost Tricia Tanaka

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.

Buster 2

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.

Traveling_Wilburys

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.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 95

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Kerouac

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

One of the biggest stars to shine during the 1980’s was Phil Collins.  He was everywhere-on the charts, working with other artists (my favorite collab was as a co-producer on Eric Clapton’s 1985 album, “Behind The Sun”) and playing both Live Aid shows by taking the Concorde from one continent to another.  But my favorite P.C. moment of the decade is today’s song, which was also a hit in 1965 for The Mindbenders.  But I believe it was Collins version that inspired the string arrangement used on “Friends” when Chandler was escorted down the aisle by his parents at his wedding to Monica.

“When I’m feeling blue, all I have to do
Is take a look at you, then I’m not so blue
When you’re close to me, I can feel your heart beat
I can hear you breathing in my ear
Wouldn’t you agree, baby you and me got a groovy kind of love.”

Phil Collins

Phil Collins circa 1985.  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Phil Collins:  “Groovy Kind Of Love” (1988, written by Carole Bayer Sager and Toni Wine).   

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.