#1 for week of November 21st, 1960.
It's going to be nearly impossible to follow that last song. However, I'm glad at least the next #1 on the list wasn't another painfully unfunny historical novelty song. I couldn't imagine going from "Georgia On My Mind" to something like "The Ballad Of Christopher Columbus" sung by Alvin And The Chipmunks! "Stay", is another song I'm familiar with and you might be too, although more so by the many cover versions of it over the years.
"Stay", was actually written by Maurice Williams himself, so any sincerity in the lyrics are his own genuine emotions. The song had an accessible R&B sound which must have been popular overseas in Britain. There are a lot of elements in this song that you can clearly hear emulated later on in British Invasion records such as the sudden faded out ending where everyone is still singing full power.
It is also worth noting that this is the shortest song to ever hit #1, being only about 1:40 minutes long. In fact, the song sometimes feels a bit too short, and I always felt it could use another bridge or something to extend it. Some versions like The Hollies 1963 version are in a Merseybeat style (Early British Invasion music based around Liverpool England), with a guitar solo added. Also, Jackson Browne's live version of the song is taken at a more leisurely tempo and adds some extra soul and emotion to the song.
Final Verdict - Despite the short length of the song, it still is very enjoyable. It's short, to the point, and even though it sounds dated to that time period, you're sure to still enjoy listening to it today.
Last Up For 1960 - "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" by Elvis.
Until Next Time - Stay just a little bit longer with Dr. Rock -
No comments:
Post a Comment