Back after exam-related delays, we turn to Number 37 on our countdown, illustrated by an album cover that will throw the fear of god into many of our resident musos, but I couldn't find any decent bands with 37 in their names, so sorry about that. Here's the title track from the above album, along with a choice selection of the lyrics... which may well have me agreeing with the musos for once.
Train - California 37
It's all good 'cos I'm happy as a flea
On a mountain of dogs, you see
Sting would be jealous.
Onto your suggestions for #37, and Martin set the ball rolling this week...
How about We Do What We're Told (Milgram's 37) from So by Peter Gabriel?
Or, very different, 37 by DEVO, lamenting someone's enviably low IQ?
Perhaps 37 Push-Ups by Smog? I can only find this ropey live cover version, but you get the idea...
Lyrically, Femme Fatale by The Velvet Underground has the line You're put down in her book, you're number 37, have a look.
And, er, Volvo Cowgirl by Sheryl Crow has a line along the lines of 37 million's what Larry Parker got me...
Nearly forgot 37 Hours by Kristin Hersh.
That's enough, isn't it? More than I thought.
Can't complain about any of those, Martin. Peter Gabriel & Smog were both in consideration here.
(Rigid Digit seconded a couple of those.)
Lynchie was up next...
Ricky Nelson - Ain't Nothin' But Love
When you kiss her goodnight 37 times
That ain't nothin' but love
That ain't nothin' but love
It might also be a bit annoying, Ricky... especially if she just wants to get in the house and watch Celebrity Love Island. Have some consideration, sir.
Jim in Dubai was next to arrive, with two very strong contenders from my own record collection...
The Beautiful South - Straight in at 37
Well, Simon le Bon stayed round my house before
And he was sick on the plants and he was sick on the floor
And he wouldn't go home until he'd sung his song
With a backing harmony from Paul Young
And he was sick on the plants and he was sick on the floor
And he wouldn't go home until he'd sung his song
With a backing harmony from Paul Young
Grandaddy - Aisle Seat 37 D
Finally, in what proved to be rather a tough week, Alyson offered...
Tim McGraw - Number 37405
...to which I may as well respond with...
Squeeze - 853-5937
A couple more that were thrown up by my own hard-drive...
Car Seat Headrest - 1937 State Park
Jonny Cola & The A-Grades - Hideaway 37
However, I think we're all in agreement over what this week's winning song should be... even if there's some debate over which version is best. Lynchie recommended the Dr. Hook original while Charity Chic and Alyson preferred the Marianne Faithful cover. Alyson was correct in spotting that the track in question has already featured on this blog as one of my old Mid-Life Crisis Songs.
Here's both versions so you can decide amongst yourselves...
More Beautiful South, 36D.
ReplyDelete16 Shells From a 30-6 - Tom Waits
ReplyDelete36 Inches High - Nick Lowe
ReplyDeleteWinner!
DeleteWinner Winner
DeleteYes probably Beautiful South with 36D - That song was written over 25 years ago but nothing seems to have changed, in fact in anything things have got worse. Red haired singer Briana Corrigan left the band because of it, feeling that the lyrics criticised the glamour models rather than the industry that pays them.
ReplyDeleteWhat are we doing to a large chunk of the female population who seem to think the route to happiness and success is still via grossly enlarged chesticles. Argh.... Sorry rant over!
How about a groovy foot-stomping early '60s instrumental from the Shadows: '36-24-36' (no idea what it's about though, a phone number perhaps or a bank sort code?)
ReplyDeleteThen there's John Cooper Clarke with 'Thirty-six Hours':
"36 hours in the mystery chair
36 hours in the quizzical glare
Of the naked lights and the visible hardware"
(presumably all about appearing on Mastermind)
Commodores - Brick House
ReplyDelete"Ow, she's a brick house
Well put-together, everybody knows
This is how the story goes
She knows she got everything
That a woman needs to get a man, yeah, yeah
How can she lose with the stuff she use
36 24 36, oh what a winning hand