I’m going to get this out of the way right from the start. There is no real theme to today’s medley. It’s just seven songs that were all Top 20 hits in 1968 and they’re here because I’m determined to get as many of the hit songs from that year onto these pages before the week comes to an end.
We have one from the Monkees (although Davy Jones was the only member of the band to appear on the record); a smash hit for the Turtles (although they despised it); the Beach Boys’ memory-drenched summer song; Manfred Mann’s final U.S. hit before they split (the flute was played by bassist Klaus Voormann, better known as the man who designed the Beatles’ Revolver album cover); the debut single from 1910 Fruitgum Company (hey, it was a hit so my contract says I have to include it); a different kind of “love” song from Tom Jones; and the debut single for the First Edition.
I have added the highest Billboard chart position in parentheses beside their names below.
Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right
Vintage 1968 Medley / Part 3
Monkees (#3) – Turtles (#6) – Beach Boys (#20)
Manfred Mann (#10) – 1910 Fruitgum Company (#4)
Tom Jones (#15) – First Edition (#2)
Was it the year itself or the music or both? It feels like the music of ’68 was exceptional — but maybe it was where we were in our lives – excited, hopeful, a bit scared and yet committed to making our mark on the world.
Will listen to this again … maybe next time with my eyes closed. Thanks Ray – Rock the Day!
Thanks, Barbara. 🙂
It was the year; the good, the bad and the terribly tragic.
It was the music; some of it forgettable but so much of it timeless.
It was a time of seeking answers and searching for our place in the world.
It was one hell of an amazing year.
Rock The Day!
Interesting what made the charts in 1968. Some were stories others hardly made any sense but we loved them just the same. Those were the days, my friend.
Thank you, Donna. 🙂
Funny you mentioned “those were the days” because that’s part of the playlist for tomorrow’s Ladies’ Day!
Have a WONDERFUL day!
Come on Ray I think your swell but putting the first edition on a day when in fact it is part 3 that only made it to 2 makes me wonder?? I know everbody’s doing it but did you overload on that darn fruitgum? Ray even Simon says when your on the beach with a man named Voormann and you see monkeys, turtles and an eskimo you may want to look within and ask yourself why! At least you realized that girl was no good for you!! Let’s hope you don’t end up in Davy Jones locker!! So put your hands in the air and rock on!!
Fred, you ALWAYS make me literally laugh out loud! 🙂
ROCK ON!
Say it ain’t so Ray, not the Turtles! My wife’s name is Eleanor. How could they not love the song as much as I do? I have no words.
Sorry, Don, it’s true…
Howard Kaylan (co-writer) of The Turtles: “Elenore was a parody of ‘Happy Together.’ It was never intended to be a straight-forward song. It was meant as an anti-love letter to White Whale (their record company), who were constantly on our backs to bring them another ‘Happy Together.’ So I gave them a very skewed version. Not only with the chords changed, but with all these bizarre words. It was my feeling that they would listen to how strange and stupid the song was and leave us alone. But they didn’t get the joke. They thought it sounded good.“
It was another late night because a fire pit makes your night times warm and out of sight! I woke up this morning with the sundown shining in. I turned on the news and everybody’s in despair, every girl and boy. I decided to play today’s medley and I think of all the things, what you’re doing with these great songs! You must know you’re my pride and joy etc! My neighbor’s are complaining about the volume and my jumping around, singing, “Now clap them high in the air, do it double time”. So before they come to break down the door, I should plug in my headphones!
Hope you’ve had a nice day! XOXOXOXO
Thanks, Wendyl! 🙂
I can see the first day didn’t dull your imagination!
You get an A+ and a shiny red apple for your magnificent efforts!
XOXOXOXO
another great set of songs to help get thru a very long day ……I have followed most of these thru their career. Amazing how Kenny Rogers evolved over the years, truly a great who crossed genres! thanks Ray!
Thank YOU, Penny 🙂