Do you ever find yourself transported to another time when you hear a particular song? Music has the power to stir up old memories, sometimes of specific people and events but sometimes of a general period of time in our lives.
I wrote an article a few years back for The Des Moines Register about songs I enjoyed in my youth but that you rarely hear on the radio. I wrote the article at a time when oldies stations were generally playing music from the 1950s and 1960s. Now that oldies territory includes the 1990s, these songs have been pushed even further into the background.
The article was never used so I am recycling it for the next few posts. I hope you find the lists interesting and maybe even dredge up a pleasant memory or two. So, let the countdown begin. Here are the first 10 of 50 songs you rarely hear anymore:
49. Tragedy-Thomas Wayne (1959). Weepy, sparse ballad.
48. What In the World's Come Over You-Jack Scott (1960). Mournful offering by Canada's best early rocker.
47. Smokey Joe's Cafe-The Robins (1955). Early Leiber & Stoller production by Coasters' predecessors.
46. The Day I Died-Playmates (1958). These 30-something guys were too old for rock 'n' roll, but this novelty gave the music a gentle jab.
45. Don't Hang Up-Orlons (1962). Talk about hooks ... whoo, here it is.
44. (I Wanna) Dance With the Teacher-Olympics (1958). Summer or winter, these guys were hot.
43. Point of No Return-Gene McDaniels (1962). Gospel-pop-rock. You can even make out the words.
42. You'll Lose a Good Thing-Barbara Lynn (1962). Great swamp rock ballad produced by legendary Huey Meaux.
41. Language of Love-John D. Loudermilk (1961). Great novelty number by one of the best.
Larry Lehmer is a professional personal historian who helps people preserve their family histories. To learn more, visit his web site, send him an e-mail or follow him on Twitter.
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