Vinyl Record Memories Newsletter
(VIP CLUB)

The golden age of vinyl records and all things retro are the highlights of our Newsletter. Writing stories about my vinyl record memories with added content from my collection is my way of sharing memories and keeping the oldies alive.

Issue #137 - October, 2024

What's New?

October Spotlight Song - DJ Ned Ward, continues to amaze listeners with a great selection of oldies. One in particular brought back fond memories of this 1960 classic cover song that became the most popular version ever. A true story (girlfriend dumps boyfriend) is included along with a new video.  

What is Brian Wilson's Favorite Song?  I truly believed Brian's favorite would be "Don't Worry Baby" or "Good Vibrations," two of our choices. A magazine article from some years back revealed the two songs Brian said were his favorites. We have his top choice along with a great video. 

Framed Album Cover  Art of The Month: From 1963, another classic Beach Boys album with songs like, "Be True To Your School," "Car Crazy Cutie" and of course if you've got a cool car and a cutie beside you what else comes to mind, except...  "She's Real Fine, My 409."

Looking for the courage to confess your unrequited love, or just in need of a big old cry? We got you covered with this one, a 1971 classic discovered on the 1970 album "No Dice," and released by the group, "Badfinger." It became a technical showcase for another artist who made the song feel tortured and heartbroken, and made it his own. Don't overlook our new video of one of the saddest songs ever.

Happy Halloween! This all-time favorite was partially inspired by an earlier novelty hit, "Alley Oop." The lead singer would go on to produce this 1962 Halloween hit where it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on October 20-27 of that year,  just before Halloween.

Don't miss our featured monthly series titled - You Might Also Like These Stories.

Take a trip down memory lane with with the original classic oldies show - Monday thru Saturday from 1pm to 3pm, all times Pacific, on KNCP Newberry Mix 107.3 FM. 

Ned Ward turns music into memories playing yesterday's country favorites and the classic hits of the 50's and 60's Doo Wop style on the Original Country Doo Wop show.

Country Doo Wop Spotlight Song of The Month.
Bobby Vee - Devil or Angel.

DJ Ned Ward and his producer, Mr. Barney, delivered another great choice  for the Country Doo-Wop Show... "Spotlight Song of the Month." Ned's Spotlight song this month is one that helped Bobby Vee become a household name. 

If you ever wanted to take a trip in a "Time Machine" now is your chance. You've got a free ticket to 1960 and Bobby Vee's perfect cover of this smooth, romantic ballad.

Devil or Angel was originally recorded by The Clovers in 1956, and over the years has remained one of Bobby Vee's most popular songs. A timeless classic that captivated listeners with its heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody. Read the true girlfriend dumps boyfriend story here...

What is Brian Wilson's Favorite Song?

Are there any particular songs Brian Wilson has mentioned as his favorite? As both a songwriter and a producer, Brian Wilson has had an impact on music that few others of his generation could claim. But that, in turn, brings another question to mind — what, exactly, does Wilson think of his own discography? Are there any clear favorites of his that have emerged from it?

Included in his selection of favorites Brian has previously commented: “Well, my personal two favorite Beach Boys songs are "California Girls" and "Surfer Girl. "That’s my personal taste in our music.” Enjoy this well done live performance of his favorite song.  

Framed Album Cover Art of The Month.
(Released 61 Years Ago This Month)

This Beach Boys LP is an original 1963 Little Deuce Coupe Mono Album (not in stereo) purchased new when the album was released on Oct, 7, 1963. Many of my albums are in like new condition but sadly this album may only pass the "In Fair Condition" test at best.   

The album received a gazillion plays, not only from me, but friends who would borrow it for parties where it was again, played many times over. Signs of serious wear and tear are obvious, but with all the fond memories attached, I could not part with this Beach Boys album after all these years.

Original Little Duece Coupe 1963 LP.

The  photo for the album was taken from a Hot Rod Magazine cover, and  The Little Deuce Coupe Album was produced and arranged by Brian Wilson.

"Without You" - 1971 Harry Nilsson Classic Cover Song.

Harry Nilsson found “Without You” on Badfinger’s 1970 album, "No Dice." Sounding pained and intimate, the song tugs at your heartstrings and touches you the way a great song, done beautifully should. Other singers, notably Mariah Carey, followed Nilsson’s blueprint, turning “Without You” into a technical showcase, but Nilsson's version made the song feel tortured and heartbroken.

Nilsson kept the feeling and changed the scale, turning this 1971 ballad into something operatic with a surging outpouring of emotion, one of the saddest songs to ever become an adult contemporary standard. Gary Wright of "Dream Weaver" fame played piano on the song.

Best Halloween Song Ever? You Make The Call.

In 1960 you may remember the Hollywood Argyles, who topped the charts that year with the novelty song "Alley-Oop".

Gary Paxton (Flip of the Skip & Flip Duo) was the lead singer on that song. I listened to that song all summer long that year and had no idea that Paxton was the same artist on one of the coolest songs of 1959, "It Was I."

He went on to record for several labels using different names and in 1962 produced my favorite Halloween song under his own label, Garpax records. The song, "Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett

You might also like these stories...

• This Nora Jones cover of the song, "Are You Lonesome Tonight" is simple and smooth with quiet but very effective background players. Everyone blends so well with Nora's voice and the Elvis photos surrounding the players are "picture perfect." Elvis would have loved this version. Take a peek...
  

• At 14 James Burton was working club gigs and private parties. In 1957 Burton recorded the instantly recognizable guitar riff for the classic song, Susie-Q. James would later work with Ricky Nelson, Elvis and John Denver. Watch as Burton talks about his lead guitar time with Elvis and what Elvis did for James Burton.

• The song "Don't Worry Baby" is part of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll list, and this amazing Lorrie Morgan cover with The Beach Boys singing background vocals certainly didn't hurt her performance. You're gonna her cover version.
  

I hope you find time to visit more great stories about growing up in the 50s, 60s and 70s. You can start here....

What's Next?

The Ronettes' "Be My Baby" greatly influenced Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, who has often called it the greatest pop record ever made. He was so inspired by its production that he wrote "Don't Worry Baby" as a tribute to the song.  A special Cover version of this Beach Boys classic next month.

More Framed Album Cover Art of the Month...

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