Songs With An “N”!
Recognize any of these faces? How about that “Lime In The Coconut?”
Well, these “Songs For Sunday” are all “Songs in the key of N”, with classic Artists like The Jackson Five and quirky hits like “Coconut”!
Let’s begin with the beginning of the 90’s – when grunge music took over thanks to these guys, who recorded what was called:
“the anthem for apathetic kids”
Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
An explosive song that changed a generation of music…from my hometown of Seattle – in a Rolling Stone interview in 1994, Kurt Cobain revealed this:
“I was trying to write the ultimate pop song. I was basically trying to rip off the Pixies. I have to admit it. When I heard the Pixies for the first time, I connected with that band so heavily that I should have been in that band—or at least a Pixies cover band. We used their sense of dynamics, being soft and quiet and then loud and hard.”
And what about those lyrics:
“With the lights out it’s less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto, an Albino
A mosquito, my libido, yeah!”
Here is the explosive music video:
Oh, in case you didn’t know, this video has been viewed 635-MILLION TIMES!
According to wikipedia, Cobain came up with the song’s title when his friend Kathleen Hanna, at the time the lead singer of the riot grrrl band Bikini Kill, wrote “Kurt Smells Like Teen Spirit” on his wall!
Next up, one of the great Southern California bands ever, with a terrific song from a classic album:
The Eagles!
Yep, the brilliant album “Hotel California” introduced us to a “New Kid In Town”:
This was the first single from this album, which is a classic of Southern California rock – and the story of the new kid in town who everyone is waiting to see if he will fail:
“There’s talk on the street; it sounds so familiar.
Great expectations, everybody’s watching you.
People you meet, they all seem to know you.
Even your old friends treat you like you’re something new.
Johnny come lately, the new kid in town.
Everybody loves you, so don’t let them down.”
Here is a flawless live version of the song, with the late Glenn Frey on lead vocals…
“Hotel California” celebrated it’s 40th anniversary a few years back with an incredible special edition of the album…see more about it here, plus lots of great videos as well – click here:
Next up is one of the most under-appreciated Singer/Songwriters of her time:
Laura Nyro – “Poverty Train”
Laura Nyro wrote some incredible music – much of it made famous by Artists such a Barbra Streisand and The Fifth Dimension – more on that in a moment – Nyro’s performance at the Monterey Pop Festival is the stuff of legend – more on that as well, but first, here is Nyro performing at that 1967 festival:
The controversy about Laura’s performance at Monterey Pop is because she felt she was booed by the crowd! That myth grew over the years – here is the story about that day:
Nyro also performed “Wedding Bell Blues” and “Eli’s Coming” – both huge hits for other Artists! She also wrote Barbra Streisand’s hit “Stony End” as well:
She had a bunch of songs that other people recorded – here is a look at those hits for other Artists:
Next up is a band about to embark on a twenties anniversary tour!
“Narcolepsy” by Third Eye Blind
I have always liked this band, with hits like “Losing A Whole Year” and “Semi-Charmed Life”, but this song really shows their ability to set a tone and mood and then blast out a great hook.
Here is the band performing the song at The Fillmore in San Francisco:
I shared another of the band’s great songs, which seemed to sum up 2020:
“Losing A Whole Year” Indeed!
A great song that describe #QuarnatineLife….and you can see the video plus more from the band by clicking on my story here:
Next up is a gorgeous ballad – sung by a twelve-year-old Michael Jackson!
“Never Can Say Goodbye” by The Jackson Five
Originally, this song was going to be recorded by Diana Ross & The Supremes, but Motown decided to give it to The Jacksons instead, and it was a huge hit in 1971.
Here is a real time capsule – the brothers performing the song on a TV show in the early 70’s…look how young Michael is – and make sure to watch the incredible “Wwirling Jacksons” behind him!
I just love that synchronized dancing behind Michael – did you know he sang at the Academy Awards a year later – because of a love song to a rat?
Yes, the song was nominated for an Academy Award – see Michael performing it live on the Oscar telecast by clicking here:
Finally, a amazing Singer/Songwriter was also John Lennon’s drinking partner during the Ex-Beatles’ legendary “lost weekend”!
Harry Nilsson – “Coconut”
Yes, Harry and John were legendary for carousing in Hollywood in the early 70’s, but Nilsson also released some of the biggest hits of that time, with “Jump Into The Fire”, “Everybody’s Talkin'” and “Without You.” However, this very creative image created by Jean Chang illustrates his wackiest hit:
Jean Chang’s terrific image illustrates one of his most unique songs – “Coconut”, with the iconic lyrics:
“She put the lime in the coconut, she call the doctor, woke him up
And said “doctor, ain’t there nothin’ I can take?”
I said “doctor, to relieve this belly ache?”
And remember:
“Put a lime in the coconut and drink ’em bot’ together
Put the lime in the coconut, then you’ll feel better”
Here is the original music video, and yes, the song is performed by Gorillas!
Harry Nilsson was a terrific Artist, and you can see more videos and find out about his time with John Lennon by clicking here:
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Let me know your favorite “Songs With An N”!
Categories: 70's Music, Art, Classic Rock, Hollywood, Music, Obscure Music, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
An interesting mix, John. ‘Stoney End’ was one of my favourites back then, though I used to prefer the ‘big’ version by Striesand. And even I like ‘Teen Spirit’! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks for commenting and sharing Pete!
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Always a delight!
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The Eagles, such a great band. I saw them live about 8 years ago. Glenn Fry was still with us at that time. They were amazing. I believe his son tours with the band now. I will be singing The Lime in the Coconut for the rest of the day!
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Darlene, I saw them in 2013 in Chicago with Glenn, and yes now his song as well as Vince Gill. I love “Coconut” as well!
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Nilsson, Lennon and the Eagles all firm favourites of mine…some great memories here …Thank you for sharing 🙂
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Thanks for listening Carol!
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Another fine round up, John. I love 90s alternative rock.
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Randy Newman always perks me up, especially Short People. Now Is The Hour sung by Vera Lynn was a WWII tear jerker that still holds up well.
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Laura Nyro (didn’t know she thought she was booed at the festival), Nirvana, Michael Jackson, Eagles… super music!!
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Thanks! Yes, it’s one of the myths about her…thanks for listening and commenting!
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You are welcome, John. Thanks for your terrific posts!
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Thank you for reading!
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You’re welcome, John.
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Such a huge shame about Michael Jackson, John. I remember when I first heard his wonderful music and Thriller was very big when I was in primary school. I also like Nirvana and this is a great song.
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I love the Nilsson /Lennon story!
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