First of all, let me apologize for my lack of updates. I have been ridiculously busy and had no time. The good news is, you’re in for a treat! I have tons of pictures to share from the Taking Back Sunday, The Used, Tonight Alive, and Sleepwave show the other night. But for now, onto the classics!
Day Eleven was one I was dreading. My first day back after a few days off, and I was convinced I was going to hit a roadblock and not want to listen at all. I am very pleased to report that I was wrong.
1. One For My Baby (and One More For The Road) – Frank Sinatra
Ahh, Sinatra; the good stuff. You want to hear a true classic, you let Sinatra’s voice fill your room. If you say you don’t want to dance or sing, you’re a dirty liar. This track was his breakthrough from teen sensation to icon, and it is fabulous. There is so much conviction and emotion behind Sinatra’s voice, that it is a truly memorable song.
2. Le poinçonneur des Lilas – Serge Gainsbourg
The piano melody featured is familiar, but I am almost positive I’ve never heard the actual song before. I found myself enjoying it, especially because it produced a feeling of nostalgia in me; I felt like I was back in French class while my teacher tried to “immerse” us in French culture. Serge Gainsbourg’s rapid French only adds to the song’s charm, surprisingly.
3. Nel blu dipinto di blu – Domenico Modugno
This is a beautiful song, and I remember loving it as a kid. Mind you, I was used to a cover with a more rapid pace, but I think that has helped me fall in love with the original. A perfect Italian track!
4. All I Have To Do Is Dream – The Everly Brothers
I actually like this song. I think it’s a sweet love song, with a memorable sound that is indicative of the culture shift in the US during the 1950s; a very mellow/rock and roll sound had developed, and it was becoming more and more popular…the innocence is also there, “Gee wiz,” as a lyric is a sign of that (“Gee wilickers, Wally!”).
5. To Know Him Is To Love Him – The Teddy Bears
There is a reason this song has remained a classic all of these years: it’s sweet, melodic, and relatable. Unrequited love will always be around, and there will be many more people to sing about it, even if they don’t carry off the perfect vocal harmonies featured here.
6. Brand New Cadillac – Vince Taylor & His Playboys
The opening guitar of this track is iconic, and probably what sets it apart from the rest. There is a true rock and roll feel to this song, especially with the bluesy, “Baby, baby, baby”s thrown in. What a shame Vince Taylor kind of lost the plot towards the end.
7. What I’d Say (Parts 1 & 2) – Ray Charles
You may recognize this song on sound, especially during the opening notes. Ray Charles was an amazing piano player, as well as a talented vocalist, and Parts 1 & 2 of this song showcase that wonderfully.
8. I Only Have Eyes For You – The Flamingos
I’ve never been huge on this song, though that could be due to the fact that it’s been used in far too many annoying ads in the last few years. No matter what circumstances I hear it in now, I’ll never fully appreciate it, thanks to advertisements.
9. Ne me quitte pas – Jacques Brel
There is a definite sadness and desperation in this song, in which Jacques is literally pleading, “Don’t leave!” With the heart wrenching piano melody accompanying his solid, emotional vocals, no one can resist the impeccable song.
10. Shout (Parts 1 & 2) – The Isley Brothers
Completely classic. Most of us will recognize this as the track you would hear at every single wedding ever.
Overall, Day Eleven felt good, because I felt odd after not listening to ten classics a day for a few days. I enjoyed the mix of jazzier tracks and classic rock and roll. Each track was enjoyable, and most were recognizable. As I’ve said before, I really enjoy hearing the progression of each genre, and the development of artists.
Planet Stereo 