You’ve mentioned your affection for doo-wop. My theory is that doo-wop retired to Jamaica in the early ‘60s and re-invented itself in the music of the Pioneers, the Slickers, the Melodians, etc. But although the Jamaican groups did more with it, when doo-wop arrived in apartheid South Africa, there were some interesting responses.
I saw the Drive By Truckers live recently and they came on stage to Warren's "Boom Boom Mancini." I've always loved the song, but for some reason that night it brought tears to my eyes. Maybe it's a reminder of all that has been lost, not just his death.
A couple of comments re: The Tokens. Their followup to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was "B'wa Nina (Pretty Girl)," which Miriam Makeba recorded as "The Click Song." And Neil Sedaka was a member of the Tokens until 1958, when he opted for a solo career. Robert Mitchell, Tucson
I like that part in Chronicles where after a hard day in the studio a producer suggests Dylan go home and try to write something like "Chimes of Freedom." Shaking his dead, he exclaims in frustration, like he hasn't been trying to write another great song for the last quarter century of his recording career.
Yes. Van has been sleep walking since I can recall. As someone who has dealt with years “creative block” I understand, and don’t dismiss his momumental achievement.
I saw the Drive By Truckers live recently and they came on stage to Warren's "Boom Boom Mancini." I've always loved the song, but for some reason that night it brought tears to my eyes. Maybe it's a reminder of all that has been lost, not just his death.
A couple of comments re: The Tokens. Their followup to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was "B'wa Nina (Pretty Girl)," which Miriam Makeba recorded as "The Click Song." And Neil Sedaka was a member of the Tokens until 1958, when he opted for a solo career. Robert Mitchell, Tucson
"Genius is in the work, not the person."
I like that part in Chronicles where after a hard day in the studio a producer suggests Dylan go home and try to write something like "Chimes of Freedom." Shaking his dead, he exclaims in frustration, like he hasn't been trying to write another great song for the last quarter century of his recording career.
Writing great songs is not so easy.
Yes. Van has been sleep walking since I can recall. As someone who has dealt with years “creative block” I understand, and don’t dismiss his momumental achievement.