Music | Dave's Strange World

“Remember (Walking in the Sand)” – The Shangri-Las

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Punk rock didn’t start in the 1970s. It’s roots were arguably in the 1950s and especially, the early 1960s. The Shangri-Las were as street as the New York Dolls or any of the CBGB punk bands that emerged in the 1970s. So what if they weren’t singing about sniffing glue or having personality crises?

I remember hearing this song a lot when I was a kid on an oldies compilation my parents had. The drama and beach sound effects always haunted me. I didn’t know what the singer was feeling (and wouldn’t know it for real for several years), but it sounded like the end of the world.

Yes, this song is horrendously melodramatic and may only seem to be about the aftermath of a teenage breakup … but that’s what makes it so incredibly cool. As we get older and more jaded, it’s hard to remember how events we now see as trivial or not a big deal mean THE WORLD to someone younger. And yes, when you break up with someone when you’re that young, it really does seem like the end of the world. This is one of those songs that seriously and accurately conveys the drama of one’s first break-up. Something to keep in mind when your own kids will inevitably face the same thing later in life.

And if you’re at all intrigued by the Shangri-Las’ story (and it is a compelling one), be sure to download the ultra-cool Kindle mini-book from Amazon: “Are You There God? It’s Me Mary: The Shangri-Las and the Punk Rock Love Song” by Tracy Landecker.

“Where Eagles Dare” – The Misfits

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The Misfits were always a refreshing alternative to most hardcore punk bands. They could play as fast and as tough as any band and they rode the psychotronic film imagery like no other band save the Cramps. But the Misfits’ songs had real harmonies and melodies. In my opinion, the Misfits’ secret influence is the Shangri-Las. Slow down any Misfits song and it sounds like early 1960s Shadow Morton/Phil Spector produced pop. This is my favorite Misfits song, but not my favorite version. That version can be found on the first Misfits collection CD. However, what’s here is still pretty cool. Contains one of my all-time lyrics: “I ain’t no goddamned son-of-a-bitch!”

“Living in Darkness” – Agent Orange

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Southern California punk legends Agent Orange with the title track from their exquisite 1982 mini-LP “Living in Darkness.” Agent Orange were a heavenly combination of the Ventures and Blue Oyster Cult, but with punk speed and attitude. This song and album was on constant replay during 1984-1985 and is still a stunner to this day. Makes me want to ride up to the 7-11 on my skateboard and get a Big Gulp. Though I realize that a 40-something guy on a skateboard whose name is not Tony Hawk isn’t cool … just creepy. So, maybe I’ll drive.

“I’m Not Sayin'” – Nico / Gordon Lightfoot

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“I’m Not Sayin'” was an early pre-Velvet Underground single cut by Nico for Andrew Loog Oldham’s Immediate Records in Britain around 1965 or so. It’s pretty boss mid-1960s folk pop with some great acoustic strumming by none other than Jimmy Page.

Nico’s version has a certain hip cachet these days, but not many people realize this is actually a cover of a Gordon Lightfoot song that was a hit in Canada the same year. The Lightfoot version is also highly recommended and included here as well.

“I’ll Keep it With Mine” – Nico

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Nico’s version of “I’ll Keep it With Mine” from her 1967 “Chelsea Girl” album is one of my all-time favorite Bob Dylan covers. The acoustic guitars and strings that permeate the song (and album) make this a great rainy afternoon choice.

“I Ain’t Superstitious” – Jeff Beck Group (with Rod Stewart on vocals)

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Slammin’, concussion-producing, metallic blues one year before Led Zeppelin’s debut. It’s songs like this that make you lament the direction Rod Stewart went from the mid-1970s until today. Until that time, Stewart was one of the finest (if not THE finest) rock vocalist of the era. This cover of Willie Dixon’s blues classic was also put to great use in Martin Scorsese’s “Casino” when the casino boss played by Robert DeNiro and his crew zero in on a scam taking place out at the tables.

“Histoire De Melody Nelson” – Serge Gainsbourg

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In its entirety, here’s the 28 minute long form music video French pop legend Serge Gainsbourg created for his mini-rock opera “Histoire De Melody Nelson” back in 1971. Visually and aurally light years ahead of it time, you can smell the whiskey and cigarette smoke through the screen. And because there’s lots of nude artwork throughout the piece, this is not safe for work. The woman playing Melodie was Ganisbourg’s then-wife Jane Birkin. Gainsbourg and Birkin’s daughter Charlotte Gainsbourg is now a respected actress, who won the 2009 Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her intense role in Lars Von Trier’s “Anti Christ.”

“Perfect Day” – Lou Reed (as used in the 1996 film “Trainspotting” dir. Danny Boyle)

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Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” has many interpretations. The beautiful melody and instrumentation does lead one to believe this is a love song. Though, the last line “You’re going to reap just what you sow” is extremely eerie. Some people think this is a song Reed wrote about his relationship with his then-wife and his internal conflicts with his sexuality, drug use, and ego. And that interpretation isn’t without merit.

However, many people (me included) believe “Perfect Day” is actually about Reed’s love/hate relationship with drugs. The lines “You made me forget myself,” “I thought I was someone else … someone good,” and the last line mentioned earlier really hammer the point home.

Director Danny Boyle seems to be in agreement with the 2nd interpretation and brilliantly used “Perfect Day” in his 1996 film “Trainspotting” for the scene where Ewan McGregor’s character OD’s. It’s a particularly unnerving scene not only for the visuals, but because Reed’s song is so beautiful-sounding, it makes what’s happening even more tragic. One of the best uses of pop music in a film ever.

“White Lines” – Grandmaster Melle Mel

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Probably my favorite song from the early days of hip-hop, “White Lines” by Grandmaster Melle Mel was originally written as an ironic commentary on cocaine-fueled party lifestyles, but later added the “Don’t do it!” line throughout so radio programmers wouldn’t can it for being pro-drug. Though, Melle Mel can’t help but add an additional “Don’t” before “Don’t do it” to add further irony. And, to push the irony further, Melle Mel advises you shouldn’t do it because so many people are doing cocaine, he finds it difficult to buy now.

The accompanying video was directed by then-NYU film student Spike Lee. It’s not particularly remarkable, but it’s kind of cool to see an early work by a now stellar director. Laurence Fishburne plays the drug dealer in the video. Be warned, the picture quality really stinks.

The famous bassline was borrowed by post-punk band Liquid Liquid from their song Cavern, also included here.

“Sugar Sugar” – The Germs

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From one of the Germs’ first live performances (if not, their first live performance ever) at LA’s Whiskey-a-Go-Go in 1977, comes a cover of the Archies’ “Sugar Sugar” that needs to be heard to be believed. It’s the aural equivalent of a slow-motion car accident. Please know that they did get a LOT better as a band, but this is still worth hearing. This may be the worst thing you’ll ever hear, but I guarantee you won’t forget it. Lead singer Darby Crash inserts lots of bad language into this one, so not safe for work.

Trivia note: Belinda Carlisle was briefly a member of the Germs before they made their live debut.