From the embryonic genesis of psychedelic music that was 1966, another memorable band with a singular major hit single, The Seeds. Originally released at the end of 1965, "Pushin' Too Hard" failed to chart and was re-released in October 1966. It peaked at #36 on Billboard and #40 on Cash Box on February 25, 1967 (CB date). Despite its rather lackluster performance on the charts, the song has become a legendary garage rock classic right up there with the likes of "Little Girl" by Syndicate of Sound, "I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)" by The Electric Prunes, "Talk, Talk" by Music Machine and "Psychotic Reaction" by Count Five (to name but a few). Many of these songs were highly danceable and often were played at discotheques.
There is a slightly dark flavor to this song with its relentless alternating two chord rhythm played on organ. This makes the vocals seem somewhat unworldly and ethereal. A carnival ride from hell of a dance song in other words, threatening to whirl any dancer about like a crazy, out of control top. So, welcome to the Inferno ... introduced, innocently enough, by a cheerleader.
As if ELO having two major hits on the Top 40 at the same time wasn't exciting enough ... the winter/spring of 1976 also saw the release of Frampton Comes Alive and its debut hit single "Show Me The Way" by guitarist and vocalist Peter Frampton, formerly of the fabulous rock band Humble Pie. Beginning with the sound of a cheering audience and a power pop guitar intro worthy of The Beatles, one of rock music's defining moments in history was underway. The song is sheer excitement from start to finish and remains a favorite on classic rock stations to this very day. If 1975 didn't see enough change as many 60's and early 70's bands and artists fell by the wayside, 1976 sealed the doom of all except those willing -- and able -- to change with the times. It was in this new environment that Peter Frampton became one of the mid and late 70's shining stars.
As I mentioned, the song's impact in early 1976 was similar to some of The Beatles' smash hits when they burst on the scene in America in 1964. Which is why I decided to use footage from the 1994 film Backbeat in the video. Backbeat technically to this day has been the only real attempt to dramatize any part of the life and times of The Beatles. Although truly a tragic romance, the film has many emotionally charged and exciting performances by the actors. I use these more positive aspects of the film to complement Frampton's music in the video. Also a few other exciting surprises, one of them a smash hit television series directly from 1976, and live footage of Frampton performing this song on Midnight Special (which I synchronized to the hit single recording).
"Show Me The Way" was released as a live single in February 1976 and peaked on Billboard at #6 and Cash Box at #4 on May 8, 1976.
OLDIES FOREVER / MUSIC / CARS / MOVIES & Chicas!
Posted - 24/04/2017 : 18:10:51
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