Location, location, location.
This week we have three bands from the 70s and one from the 80s, with a geographical location as a name.
Three sons of British mothers and American fathers got together and formed one of the most successful folk rock bands in music history. Their hits spanned the 70s and early 80s and I was fortunate enough to catch a show of theirs in Manhattan Kansas, way back in 1978. They called themselves America and here is my favorite song from their long list, Sister Golden Hair:
I never had a chance to catch these guys, although I was stationed right around the corner from their old stomping grounds. The bulk of the band was from Topeka, one from Manhattan. Together they created a distinctive sound that was to become a marker for 70s and 80s progressive rock. Here is one of my favorites from Kansas, Icarus (Borne On Wings Of Steel):
Opening the show for America was a little known band that didn't quite make the break into national stardom, while they had the chance. Not sure precisely why, but nevertheless, they had one song that in my estimation was a real gem. See if you remember it, here is Missouri and their signature song, Movin' On:
Moving from the Midwest portion of the North American continent all the way to Scandinavia, this next song comes from a band named after its continent. I found these guys to have a similar sound to David Coverdale's band, Whitesnake. With one month left in the Presidential election it is a good way to end this weekend's installment. Here is Europe and their huge mega-hit, The Final Countdown:
Enjoy.
6 comments:
Nice catch on Movin On. Haven't heard that one in a loooong time.
It sure doesn't get much airplay anymore, even on classic rock stations.
really good stuff! Kansas reminds me of a band my older cousin introduced me to, The United States of America..do you remember them?
And there's a little of YES in their sound, too....I loved YES.
Thanks for all of this..really good stuff. I loved AMERICA, especially that tune.
Hi Z,
//Thanks for all of this..really good stuff.//
You are most welcome. I do this almost every Saturday.
Once in a while I try to even appease Mustang's tastes for his style, but he never appreciates it. Recently I put up a Roger Miller and Bobby Darin song thinking it would invoke some simulation of a sentimental journey. How wrong I was.
He immediately let me know that the only songs that would ever bring a tear to his eyes were 99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall and some damned song called Roll Me Over In Clover.
That's gratitude for you.
LOL here!
Try MACK THE KNIFE for Mustang (shudder!)
Or FLY ME TO THE MOON? MELANCHOLY BABY!? BEER BARREL POLKA MIGHT DO IT?
(oh, am I going to get an email!!!)
xxx
//Try MACK THE KNIFE for Mustang (shudder!)
Or FLY ME TO THE MOON? MELANCHOLY BABY!? BEER BARREL POLKA MIGHT DO IT?//
I'll try, but previous rejections of my earnest efforts have left an indelible mark on my self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
One can only tolerate rejection for so long, before one must seek psychotropic medications to take the pain away.
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