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Post by H2IZCOOL on Aug 30, 2004 13:00:20 GMT -5
Back from my minivacation to get to the next installment. 25. I Wonder Why – Dion and the Belmonts (1958, #22) The first hit for Dion and the guys is my second fave doo wop song of all times. Great all around street-corner sound, that features wonderful backing harmonies including a super falsetto. Especially love the add-on a voice for each new word gimmick: Don’t – know – why – I –do-oo.. This was being played all the time back then – and only #22 ?!!?. Another song that my friends and I would harmonize on. I have this on the original Laurie 45. It’s just a drab gray label, before the red and white ones. 24. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen (1976, #9) – Freddy Mercury had one of the greatest voices of the rock era, and nothing shows it off like this song. We need to thank Mike Myers and Co. for bringing this song back again …. It peaked at #9 ?! – one of the greatest rock classics ever made, and it peaked at #9 ?! It’s one of those segmented songs somewhat similar to some Wings material. It’s also one of those songs that makes me recognize something new each time I hear it. 23. Look For A Star – Gary Miles (1960, #16) – I betcha Dave knows this one, but probably no one else. This song has somewhat of a mystery associated with it. Back in 1960 there was a “B” horror movie called “Circus of Horrors” Donald Pleasence is the only recognizable name. It is about a plastic surgeon who opens a circus in which many people whom he has brought back from disfigurement have become stars. – All well and good until they start dying. It has apparently become a bit of a cult classic over the years. Anyway, one of the performers is this girl who swings around on a rope by means of a harness attached to her neck  While she is swinging, her “theme song” is playing – “Look For a Star”, a simple little tune that tells one to never give up – there’s a friend waiting to guide you. Now: here’s the mystery (no, it’s not what is a song like this doing in a horror movie). Four versions of the song hit the charts in 1960 almost simultaneously. An instrumental version by Billy Vaughn, vocal by Deanne Hawley (who also had a slight hit with “Queen of Angels”), Gary Miles, and …. Gary Mills. Isn’t that convenient? For a time, you couldn’t buy the 45 by either Miles OR Mills because they were suing each other or something. After several months I bought the Miles version which was touted as being from the movie soundtrack. Got it complete with picture sleeve showing scenes from the movie. The question is: which version is really in the soundtrack?  Websites are about split 50/50, not arguing as to which it is, but probably misspelling and/or copying one another. Since I haven’t seen the movie since 1960, I can’t remember which version was really in it. – But I owned the Miles version first (have the Mills version burned on a cd also now as well as the other two) so this is the one I love. For all the time I spent in pursuit of an answer – that I still don’t have, this song is WAY up at #23. 22. Midnight Confessions – The Grass Roots (1968, #5) In 1968, it was most unusual to hear a song that involved an illicit love affair. Even more unusual is a song that involves a FANTASIZED illicit love affair. – And on top of that, it’s not sung with moodiness and despair, but as a light, up-beat pop number. Most unusual. – And such a catchy tune; love the horns. Yes it’s overplayed – but I don’t care. Love it always. 21. Greenfields – The Brothers Four (1960, #2) Talk about moodiness and despair. This song just drips moodiness and despair. – But it’s so beautifully done, and it is so simple that it’s perfect. This is one song that has been growing and growing on me through the years; I love it a LOT more now than I did then. - And we'll return on Thursday as we move into the Top 20. |
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Post by SAT-I need more room!! on Aug 30, 2004 14:40:25 GMT -5
25. Classic doo wop!
24. A classic rock staple and I'm mostly tired of it, but still love the big build up part.
23. Don't know it.
22. Great one! They were so good.
21. Don't know it. Seems like you have quite a few not so rockin' ones towards the top.
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Post by djdave on Aug 30, 2004 15:25:32 GMT -5
25. I wonder why--Loved this since hearing on an Oldies Show in '83--"The ne ne ne ne's" always caught my ears.
24. Bohemian Rhapsody--Vastly superior. When Wayne's World was big (and coincidentally Freddie had just passed away), the song did then reach #2. So glad it didn't have to settle for "just #9", as you stated.
23. Look for a star--I am familiar with it, but only have heard the MILES version (the one you have listed so impressively high) a few times. Quite a good tune, but it's been a while since I've heard it.
22. Midnight confessions--they simply don't get any better--the Roots' all-time best; a deserved smash produced by the great Steve Barri.
21. Greenfields--Man, I LOVE this slow folk tune--super harmonies.
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Post by Dawn on Aug 31, 2004 10:49:01 GMT -5
25. I Wonder Why – Dion and the Belmonts (1958, #22)
Very good one from Dion.
24. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen (1976, #9)
I've never warmed up to this quite as much as most of their other hits, but it is a classic, and Freddie's voice is excellent on this song, I agree.
23. Look For A Star – Gary Miles (1960, #16)
I don't recognize the title, but may have heard one of the versions at some point.
22. Midnight Confessions – The Grass Roots (1968, #5)
The Roots recorded some great catchy tunes, and this is one of their finest. I have a double-cassette Best of collection I haven't listened to in a while - should break it out soon.
21. Greenfields – The Brothers Four (1960, #2)
This gets occasional play on the "Music of Your Life" station here. Very nice, with a mysterious quality to it.
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Post by 55dodger on Aug 31, 2004 20:17:15 GMT -5
I Wonder Why - The first Dion's many hits. Great song
Bohemian Rapsody - This song was actually a multi week #1 in the UK, and deservedly so. Freddie may have had the Greatest voice in the rock era. Also on my greatest hits list
Look For a Star - don't know it
Midnight Confessions - Not top of my list of Grass Roots favorites, but a good one
Greenfields - Again, not a favorite
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Post by Pete70s on Aug 31, 2004 21:39:37 GMT -5
23. Look For A Star – Gary Miles (1960, #16) – I betcha Dave knows this one, but probably no one else. This song has somewhat of a mystery associated with it. Back in 1960 there was a “B” horror movie called “Circus of Horrors” Donald Pleasence is the only recognizable name. It is about a plastic surgeon who opens a circus in which many people whom he has brought back from disfigurement have become stars. – All well and good until they start dying. It has apparently become a bit of a cult classic over the years. Anyway, one of the performers is this girl who swings around on a rope by means of a harness attached to her neck While she is swinging, her “theme song” is playing – “Look For a Star”, a simple little tune that tells one to never give up – there’s a friend waiting to guide you. Now: here’s the mystery (no, it’s not what is a song like this doing in a horror movie). Four versions of the song hit the charts in 1960 almost simultaneously. An instrumental version by Billy Vaughn, vocal by Deanne Hawley (who also had a slight hit with “Queen of Angels”), Gary Miles, and …. Gary Mills. Isn’t that convenient? For a time, you couldn’t buy the 45 by either Miles OR Mills because they were suing each other or something. After several months I bought the Miles version which was touted as being from the movie soundtrack. Got it complete with picture sleeve showing scenes from the movie. The question is: which version is really in the soundtrack? Websites are about split 50/50, not arguing as to which it is, but probably misspelling and/or copying one another. Since I haven’t seen the movie since 1960, I can’t remember which version was really in it. – But I owned the Miles version first (have the Mills version burned on a cd also now as well as the other two) so this is the one I love. For all the time I spent in pursuit of an answer – that I still don’t have, this song is WAY up at #23. Ed, I checked my Whitburn Top Pop singles book, which says that the Garry Mills version is the "original version of a song used in Circus Of Horrors", and that the Gary Miles version is "from the film Circus Of Horrors". I know I have one of those two singles, the one on Liberty (Miles, I believe). It's not a bad song, but not particularly what I listen to. I've been curious myself about why the same song by a different artist of an almost identical name would compete on the charts at the same time, so I came across the record at a flea market a few years ago to check it out. I've never heard any other version. I don't know if Whitburn is correct, but I'm sure if anyone knows, it's him.. I'm curious to know if the movie has ever been released on video or DVD.. |
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Post by H2IZCOOL on Sept 2, 2004 7:59:21 GMT -5
24. A classic rock staple and I'm mostly tired of it, but still love the big build up part. 21. Don't know it. Seems like you have quite a few not so rockin' ones towards the top. 24. What's the big buildup part? 21. Before I compiled my list, I hadn't really realized that I had an overabundance of ballads throughout. Then, I was burning cd mixes of my top 250 - not in any order - and the first few cds I made as random a mix as I could - rock, ballad, older, newer etc. By the time I got to the last couple cds (there are 11 in all for the 250 songs) it was all ballad. I guess that proves I'm an old fart. |
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Post by H2IZCOOL on Sept 2, 2004 8:06:06 GMT -5
24. Bohemian Rhapsody--Vastly superior. When Wayne's World was big (and coincidentally Freddie had just passed away), the song did then reach #2. So glad it didn't have to settle for "just #9", as you stated. 23. Look for a star--I am familiar with it, but only have heard the MILES version (the one you have listed so impressively high) a few times. Quite a good tune, but it's been a while since I've heard it. 24. You are right, as usual, Dave. Whitburn lists the two chart appearences separately, and I hadn't looked down to find the Wayne's World-led revival. 23. Are you saying that you've heard other versions more, or not at all? The four virtually simultaneous releases hearkens back to earlier times, '30s &'40s mainly, I think, when most hits would be simultaneously released by many artists. |
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Post by H2IZCOOL on Sept 2, 2004 8:13:00 GMT -5
23. Look For A Star – Gary Miles (1960, #16) I don't recognize the title, but may have heard one of the versions at some point. 21. Greenfields – The Brothers Four (1960, #2) This gets occasional play on the "Music of Your Life" station here. Very nice, with a mysterious quality to it. 23. You quite possibly heard it stepping onto an elevator or walking into a supermarket. I still hear it occasionally that way. 21. 'Mysterious' is the right word. I've actually noticed that I've used that word as well as 'eerie' and other similar words a lot in describing some of my faves. In discussing my top 250 on these posts, I find I'm discovering more about what kind of music I tend to like. (See also my reply to Adam on this post)/ |
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Post by SAT-I need more room!! on Sept 2, 2004 8:13:57 GMT -5
24. What's the big buildup part? 21. Before I compiled my list, I hadn't really realized that I had an overabundance of ballads throughout. Then, I was burning cd mixes of my top 250 - not in any order - and the first few cds I made as random a mix as I could - rock, ballad, older, newer etc. By the time I got to the last couple cds (there are 11 in all for the 250 songs) it was all ballad. I guess that proves I'm an old fart. 24. The part leading up to the big guitar part with the "So you think that you stop me and spit in my eyes." You know, the "For me, for me, FOR ME!!!!!!!!" part. |
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Post by H2IZCOOL on Sept 2, 2004 8:14:32 GMT -5
Bohemian Rapsody - This song was actually a multi week #1 in the UK, and deservedly so. Freddie may have had the Greatest voice in the rock era. Also on my greatest hits list I don't put Freddie at #1, but he IS in my top 5 vocally. |
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Post by H2IZCOOL on Sept 2, 2004 8:17:39 GMT -5
24. The part leading up to the big guitar part with the "So you think that you stop me and spit in my eyes." You know, the "For me, for me, FOR ME!!!!!!!!" part. Ah, OK. I've seen the guitar solo from this song listed somewhere as among the top 10 guitar solos of the rock era. |
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Post by H2IZCOOL on Sept 2, 2004 8:31:50 GMT -5
Ed, I checked my Whitburn Top Pop singles book, which says that the Garry Mills version is the "original version of a song used in Circus Of Horrors", and that the Gary Miles version is "from the film Circus Of Horrors". I know I have one of those two singles, the one on Liberty (Miles, I believe). It's not a bad song, but not particularly what I listen to. I've been curious myself about why the same song by a different artist of an almost identical name would compete on the charts at the same time, so I came across the record at a flea market a few years ago to check it out. I've never heard any other version. I don't know if Whitburn is correct, but I'm sure if anyone knows, it's him.. I'm curious to know if the movie has ever been released on video or DVD.. I'm glad you pointed that out, Pete. I had read that in Whitburn myself, but didn't really pay attention to what he was saying. I guess it means that Mills recorded the song first, but they used the Miles "cover" in the soundtrack. Actually about 3-4 years ago, I went to imdb.com (the movie database site) and made an entry into the Circus of Horrors Page, crediting the singer in the soundtrack to Miles. It stayed on the page that way for a couple of years, then someone changed it to Mills. I just looked again last week, and they had neither name, crediting only the writer, Tony Hatch (under the pseudonym 'Mark Anthony'), best known for writing Downtown, I Know a Place and Don't Sleep in the Subway for Petula Clark. The movie is often referred to as a cult classic, but I've never seen it on TV, broadcast OR cable. -- And, yes, again according to imdb.com, a DVD was released last year. |
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Post by djdave on Sept 2, 2004 15:23:02 GMT -5
23. Are you saying that you've heard other versions more, or not at all? The four virtually simultaneous releases hearkens back to earlier times, '30s &'40s mainly, I think, when most hits would be simultaneously released by many artists. I have heard Garry MILES' version only, and just a few times. |
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Post by Pete70s on Jan 23, 2009 17:29:56 GMT -5
Ed, I checked my Whitburn Top Pop singles book, which says that the Garry Mills version is the "original version of a song used in Circus Of Horrors", and that the Gary Miles version is "from the film Circus Of Horrors". I know I have one of those two singles, the one on Liberty (Miles, I believe). It's not a bad song, but not particularly what I listen to. I've been curious myself about why the same song by a different artist of an almost identical name would compete on the charts at the same time, so I came across the record at a flea market a few years ago to check it out. I've never heard any other version. I don't know if Whitburn is correct, but I'm sure if anyone knows, it's him.. I'm curious to know if the movie has ever been released on video or DVD.. I'm glad you pointed that out, Pete. I had read that in Whitburn myself, but didn't really pay attention to what he was saying. I guess it means that Mills recorded the song first, but they used the Miles "cover" in the soundtrack. Actually about 3-4 years ago, I went to imdb.com (the movie database site) and made an entry into the Circus of Horrors Page, crediting the singer in the soundtrack to Miles. It stayed on the page that way for a couple of years, then someone changed it to Mills. I just looked again last week, and they had neither name, crediting only the writer, Tony Hatch (under the pseudonym 'Mark Anthony'), best known for writing Downtown, I Know a Place and Don't Sleep in the Subway for Petula Clark. The movie is often referred to as a cult classic, but I've never seen it on TV, broadcast OR cable. -- And, yes, again according to imdb.com, a DVD was released last year. Well, Ed, I felt compelled to revisit this post YET AGAIN, because "Look For A Star" popped up in a weird dream I had the other night. So I did some research and I think I may have solved your mystery.. "Circus Of Horrors" was a British film, and Garry MILLS was a British artist. Apparently, the movie started to get somewhat of a following in America, and a lot of people wanted the song. Mills had recorded the song for Top Rank in England, a label that was going out of business. Imperial records in the U.S. snatched up the rights, but only to the one song, so while the Mills 45 is labeled "Look For A Star Parts 1 & 2", the exact same track appears on both sides of the disc. Liberty Records (at the time not yet affiliated with Imperial), tried to jump on the bandwagon by recording their own version of the song, sung by Buzz Cason and produced by Snuff Garrett. Liberty founder Sy Waronker came up with the name "Garry Miles", figuring fans would think it was the original. (I listened to both versions on You Tube, Mills version definitely sounds more "British", and in 1960 it was rare for a British recording to be a hit in America, so it all makes sense) Anyway, there is no doubt that the MILLS version is the one in the soundtrack. I found an interesting thread on the Both Sides Now message board, which includes comments from Garry Mills himself! www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/bsnpubs/vpost?id=864155 |
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Websites are about split 50/50, not arguing as to which it is, but probably misspelling and/or copying one another. Since I haven’t seen the movie since 1960, I can’t remember which version was really in it. – But I owned the Miles version first (have the Mills version burned on a cd also now as well as the other two) so this is the one I love. For all the time I spent in pursuit of an answer – that I still don’t have, this song is WAY up at #23.
