Classic Rock Bottom

Our final chapter on the Kingston Trio.
In 1961, Dave Guard left the group, and among those considered as a replacement for him was Roger McGuinn of the Byrds,
They agreed on John Stewart, a terrific songwriter who wrote Daydream Believer, a smash for the Monkees.
I have some more fun songs to hear, including a hit in 1963 when the word “Damn” was still frowned upon.
A mere gnat to the way I curse, lol!
The group members disbanded in 1967 to pursue individual carreers.
(Yeah, that always works!!)
Bob Shane in particular seemed to make some blunders in that regard- I’ll tell you about it.
I’ll play a song that after all these years can still bring a smile, about that Man Who Never Returned.
And a darkly humorous rumination on nuclear war that may not seem so comical today, but was always a concert favorite. Even back then it mentions “strife in Iran”. Ah, those happy-go-lucky Iranians!
Taking it all out is the strange story of a song we all know written by Dino Valente of Quicksilver Messenger Service.
I have heard versions of it by the Jefferson Airplane and Spanky & Our Gang, to name a few, before the Youngbloods had their hit with it in 1967.
But did you know the Kingston Trio sang it in 1964?
As always, I hope you enjoyed the high academic presentation and lowbrow-humor I call Rockollections, lol!

Here's the final link to the Kingstons, making it one more than a Trio, at WLSO.FM:

 

Mike

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Comment by Mike Pell on November 2, 2011 at 12:43am

Bummer...I was thinking something along the lines of "If there's too many old clothes in your closet, don't be alarmed now, it's just more stuff for the Goodwill". Something along those lines.

HUH???
Hell, you lost me, lol!
Most interesting was Peter, Paul and Mary providing background vocals for the Hooters with the song I said they did the best version of.
Time to rest now Jon, and all Goodwill, lol!

Comment by Jon on November 1, 2011 at 7:24am

Bummer...I was thinking something along the lines of "If there's too many old clothes in your closet, don't be alarmed now, it's just more stuff for the Goodwill". Something along those lines.

 

 

And if I've lost anyone, don't worry. I think I kind of lost myself as well.

 

Comment by Mike Pell on November 1, 2011 at 1:12am

Jon,

Here's what it says in Wikipedia about it:

 

Zig Zag introduced a politically-oriented theme, with Peter, Paul and Mary providing background vocals for an updated version of the 1960s folk song 500 Miles, which became an international hit that led the way to another international success for the band.

 

It was always more associated with PP&M than the Kingston Trio.

Comment by Jon on October 31, 2011 at 7:18am

Interesting...I need to look at the CD see of any mention is made of The Kingston Trio. I went with allmusic before and the credit goes to the Hooters.

 

So I can change a line or two in, say, "Stairway To Heaven" and it'll be mine!

Comment by Mike Pell on October 30, 2011 at 3:47pm

Jon,

The song is the SAME, the Hooters tinkered and changed the lyrics that's all.

Fascinating.

Thanks for that, I am doing my show now, but I'll get to the others later.

It worked out well,

Mike

Comment by Mike Pell on October 30, 2011 at 3:40pm

RJ,

Another homegrown terrorist.

Makes you wonder why he flipped out, he had to have been patriotic to join up in the Guard.

Must be that damn high school...I'd watch that wife, lol!

 

 

Comment by Jon on October 29, 2011 at 9:00am
Along with the Boston stuff, I'm going to send you "500 Miles" from the Hooters. Take a listen and tell me the KT version and the Hooters versions aren't weirdly similar.
Comment by RJhog (Admin) on October 29, 2011 at 6:39am
No, he was not Muslim.  He was good ole American.  Although he was in the Tennessee Nat. Gaurd, he was from Evans (which is basically the same as Augusta).  He went to the same High School as my wife, though not at the same time.  So we grew that one.
Comment by Mike Pell on October 29, 2011 at 12:47am
RJ,
Damn, the Golden Pell goes to...oh wait, that has that word in it, lol!
It is called Greenback Dollar, and that is the same John Stewart who later had a hit with the song "Gold". 
I played it on the Money & Financial Criisis shows, good memory, man that's impressive!
The Youngbloods is the one, but there were many revelations for me doing those shows about the Kingston Trio doing so many songs FIRST!
Oh man, a deputy was shot and killed where you live?
That's a rural rarity eh?
Was the driver and military reservist a muslim?
My favorite almost people!
Yeah, next week the surprising anti-Halloween show- which I bet will turn into two again- my mind keeps going, lol!
Thanks for listening bro (which wasn't easy for you) and writing (that probably wasn't either), I appreciate it,
Mike
Comment by Mike Pell on October 29, 2011 at 12:32am
Jon,
I understand- that song has a offensive word, and it affects your goddam sensitive ears, lol!
500 Miles, that is the title, and back in the 60's every folk band HAD to do that song.
The best version is probably the one by Peter, Paul & Mary.
I never bothered to look at the writing credit.
The Merry Minuet is the nuclear war song, and it is interesting how so many things have not changed.
I think the lyrics are funny too, but then I stop and think...
Thanks for writing Jon, you were a real teammate with these shows,
Mike

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