It Took Me By Surprise, I Must Say

"ooh, I bet you're wondering how I knew."

We all know that opening line. And whether we know the version by Gladys, Marvin, Creedence or the California Raisins, "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" is one of those songs that will live on for generations.

The version by Marvin Gaye held the #1 spot on Billboard's Pop chart for seven weeks starting in December 1968. Marvin Gaye would have turned 74 today, but one day before his 45th birthday he was shot to death by his father. While the Grapevine was one of his most successful records, his music encompassed so much more.

From smooth Motown classics to exquisite duets with Tammi Terrell, to sensual albums like "Let's Get It On," Marvin Gaye took his three-octave range and caressed each vocal with restrained passion. Marvin Gaye not only interpreted songs, he wrote some good ones too. He wrote or co-wrote " Beechwood 4-5789," "Dancing' in the Streets," "Hitch-Hike," "What's Going on," and "Sexual Healing" to name a few. He started out as a drummer and played on some of early Motown's biggest hits.

He led a troubled life with bad relationships, drug and financial problems. But through it all he was the "Prince of Soul."

A few samples of the talent of Mr. Marvin Gaye

"You're All I Need To Get By" Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell. Every song they recorded together was perfection.
"Distant Lover"
"Pride and Joy"

and well, because...
"I Heard It Through The Grapevine" go on, sing it.

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It's A Dreary Morning, But The Future's So Bright

Ok, so it is raining again this morning and looks like it will continue until tomorrow. I need something to pick up my mood.

   "things are going great and they're only getting better"

Time for a One-Hit Wonder.

Though technically this band with six albums, and music which has been used in soundtracks for both movies and TV, was not a flash in the pan...there is one song that really defines the group.


  "doing alright, getting good grades,
the future's so bright...I gotta wear shades."

Timbuk3 came out of Wisconsin in the mid-80's and were primarily a husband and wife team.. The single reached #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the group received a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1987.

This goes out to all those graduating in the next few weeks.
Good luck, it ain't pretty out here.

Just a little fun, promise this song will be in your head all day.

Timbuk3  "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades"

Any suggestions for future "One Hit Wonder" posts, leave a comment below or shoot me an email.

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I feel fine...listen and you will too

One note of bass, bring in the guitar...so begins "I Feel Fine" by The Beatles.  Loved that beginning from the first time I heard it.  As my first true musical influence (am I really that old...indeed  I am) The Beatles induced an internal joy rarely matched by other things in life...yes, music.


In January 1965, "I Feel Fine" was Number 1 on the Billboard chart.  While not their most influential, important or celebrated song, it is just a refreshing delight.  Enjoy the taste.