HAPPY VALENTINE'S MUSIC

Burt Bacharach passed last week at age 94. With lyricist Hal David, they created some of the most memorable and popular songs of the 1960's. One of my favs and truly one of the most romantic, from early 1967 "The Look of Love":

Other singers have covered this but I think Dusty Springfield's is the best. Nice bossa nova rhythm,subtle lush strings, Dusty's breathy, intimate singing with a fab sax interlude. Stan Getz had covered the song in late '66 but does not appear on either the 45 or soundtrack but clearly his influence in phrasing is heard. David's lyrics are spot on and finish with the heart-breaking "don't ever go." 

Meanwhile in the same year:

Who's that I see walkin' in these woods?
Why, it's Little Red Riding Hood!!

 

 

 

That's right-it's Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs' hilarious "Li'l Red Riding Hood"!!!

 

Following their 1964 hit "Wooly Bully", Sam and the guys hit pay dirt again with another novelty song in 1966. Written by Ron Blackwell, it reached #2 in Billboards Hot 100. I heard this the other day and as always, then and now, this silly song cracked me up. Although he howls, his sincere attempts to assuage the fears of the young lady that at heart and prove that he's an standup guy are just a hoot.  I mean, he's gonna keep his sheep suit on just to put her at ease for crying out loud! Christ, it's hot and itchy AF. 

Sam, born Domingo Samudio is still with us and at age 85 still occasionally performs.