Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 8, 2010

DEAR JERRY: In the early '60s, when answer songs were very popular, it seemed like nearly every big hit was answered by someone.

What are some notable ones from that period?

—Jamie Kendell, Sandusky, Ohio

DEAR JAMIE: First, be assured we will not confuse answer songs with sequels (e.g., “It's My Party” / “Judy's Turn to Cry” [Lesley Gore]); response songs (e.g., “Southern Man” [Neil Young]) / “Sweet Home Alabama” [Lynyrd Skynyrd]; or parodies (e.g., “Downtown” [Petula Clark] / “Crazy Downtown” [Allan Sherman]); all of which are often lumped in with answer songs.

A true answer song needs to respond directly to the matters set forth in the tuneful object of its inspiration. Usually this is best accomplished by a singer of the opposite gender. They should also be released as soon as possible after the one they are answering.

For just the first half of the 1960s, I chose some first-rate examples of answer songs, each inspired by an all-time Top 40 classic:

1960: “Tell Laura I Love Her” (Ray Peterson) / “Tell Tommy I Miss Him” (Marilyn Michaels)
1960: “Please Help Me, I'm Falling” (Hank Locklin) / “(I Can't Help You) I'm Falling, Too” (Skeeter Davis)
1960: “Save the Last Dance for Me” (Drifters) / “I'll Save the Last Dance for You” (Damita Jo)
1960: “Are You Lonesome To-night?” (Elvis Presley) / “Yes, I'm Lonesome Tonight (Dodie Stevens)
1960: “Chain Gang” (Sam Cooke) / “The Sound of My Man (On the Chain Gang)” (Theola Kilgore)
1960: “He'll Have to Go” (Jim Reeves) / “He'll Have to Stay” (Jeanne Black)
1960: “There's Something on Your Mind” (Bobby Marchan) / “There's Nothing on My Mind” (Teen Queens)
1960: “Shop Around” (Miracles) / “Don't Let Him Shop Around” (Debbie Dean)
1961: “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” (Shirelles) / “Yes I Will Love You Tomorrow” (Jon E. Holiday) and “Not Just Tomorrow, But Always” (Bertell Dache)
1961: “Daddy's Home” (Shep and the Limelites) / “Sorry, Daddy” (Sweethearts)
1961: “Mother-in-Law” (Ernie K. Doe) / “Son-in-Law” (Blossoms)
1961: “Tower of Strength” (Gene McDaniels) / “You Don't Have to Be a Tower of Strength” (Gloria Lynne)
1961: “Wooden Heart” (Joe Dowell) / “Your Heart's Not Made of Wood” (Terri Dean)
1961: “Take Good Care of My Baby” (Bobby Vee) / “You Should Know I'm Still Your Baby” (Sammi Lynn)
1961: “Hit the Road Jack” (Ray Charles) / “Well, I Told You” [to hit the road Jack] (Chantels)
1961: “Runaround Sue” (Dion) / “I'm No Run Around” (Ginger Davis and the Snaps)
1961: “Stand By Me” (Ben E. King) / “I'll Be There” (Damita Jo)
1961: “I Like It Like That” (Chris Kenner) / “I Don't Like It Like That” (Bobbettes)
1961: “Walk on By” (Leroy Van d**e) / “I'll Just Walk on By” (Margie Singleton)
1961: “Hello Walls” (Faron Young) / “Hello Fool” (Ralph Emery)
1961: “Big Bad John” (Jimmy Dean) / “Small Sad Sam” (Phil McLean)
1962: “Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello” (Elvis Presley) / “Just Tell Him Jane Said Hello” (Gerri Granger)
1962: “Roses Are Red (My Love)” (Bobby Vinton) / “Long as the Rose Is Red” (Florraine Darlin)
1962: “Bring It on Home to Me” (Sam Cooke) / “I'll Bring It on Home to You” (Carla Thomas)
1962: “Sherry” (4 Seasons) / “Jerry (I'm Your Sherry)” (Tracey Dey)
1962: “Duke of Earl” (Gene Chandler) / “Duchess of Earl” (Pearlettes)
1962: “Wolverton Mountain” (Claude King) / “I'm the Girl from Wolverton Mountain” (Jo Ann Campbell)
1962: “You Beat Me to the Punch” (Mary Wells) / “You Threw a Lucky Punch” (Gene Chandler)
1963: “Easier Said Than Done” (Essex) / “I'll Believe It When I See It” (Sierras)
1963: “Sugar Shack” (Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs) / “Sugar Shack Queen” (Georgia Lynn)
1965: “King of the Road” (Roger Miller) / “Queen of the House” (Jody Miller)
1965: “This Diamond Ring” (Gary Lewis and the Playboys) / “Gary, Please Don't Sell My Diamond Ring” (Wendy Hill)
1965: “Eve of Destruction” (Barry McGuire) / “Dawn of Correction” (Spokesmen)


IZ ZAT SO? The highest ranking answer song is “He'll Have to Stay,” by Jeanne Black, which peaked at No. 4 nationally. “He'll Have to Go” did slightly better, reaching No. 2.

Five others did make the Top 40: Jody Miller's “Queen of the House”; “I'll Be There” and “I'll Save the Last Dance for You,” both by Damita Jo; “Dawn of Correction,” by the Spokesmen; and Jo Ann Campbell's “I'm the Girl from Wolverton Mountain.”

The Spokesmen; Jon E. Holiday; Gene Chandler; and Bertell Dasch (a.k.a., Tony Orlando) are the only males on our answer song list.

Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column.  Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368  E-mail: jpo@olympus.net

Visit his Web site: http://www.jerryosborne.com/.

All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.

Copyright 2010 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Permission

Music News & Vinyl Record Notes

Operator Please announce new album tracklisting

Operator Please have announced the release date and tracklisting of new album 'Gloves'. The Australian band release the record on April 26, preceded by new single 'Logic', which is available now on 7-inch vinyl and as a free download from Operatorplease-logic.com.

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Shane MacGowan, Bobby Gillespie, Nick Cave announce Haiti single release date Mick Jones-produced track also features Chrissie Hynde, Glen Matlock and Paloma Faith

The Pogues' singer Shane MacGowan is to release his star-studded version of Screamin' Jay Hawkins' hit 'I Put A Spell On You' on March 1 to raise money for earthquake-stricken Haiti, it has been announced.

MacGowan instigated the recording of the cover version of Hawkins' 1956 song shortly after the devastating earthquake struck on January 12, calling on a number of his musical friends including Nick Cave, Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie and The Clash's Mick Jones to help out.

The track (which Jones co-produced) will be available to download from IRL Records from March 1. All proceeds will go to the Concern charity, which strives to help the world's poorest countries.

'I Put A Spell On You' also features appearances from The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde, Glen Matlock, Paloma Faith, Eliza Doolittle and Cait O'Riordon.

MacGowan said the track is an appropriate choice for the release because he feels it is a modern day "hymn for hope and love".

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Darkthrone to release new album

The unrelenting Norwegian duo, Darkthrone, will welcome a new decade with a new album, to be released on Peaceville Records. 'Circle The Wagons,' a creative feast of metal and punk, will initially be released on vinyl on March 8th, through the Peaceville Records webstore, as an exclusive taster for the legions of metal supporters out there who still care about great music delivered the classic way. The vinyl will also include a link to download a digital version of the album, which will be available when the regular and special edition CD versions of the album are released on April 6th.

The vinyl edition can be pre-ordered now at www.peaceville.com/darkthrone. The packaging and contents of the special edition CD will be announced shortly, and will be available to pre-order from the Circle The Wagons mini-site, which will launch on February 12th.

Circle the Wagons was self-recorded at Necrohell II Studios.

Artwork for the album comes once again courtesy of Dennis Dread, notable for his talents on previous Darkthrone albums, F.O.A.D and 2008’s Dark Thrones and Black Flags
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From their thrash and death beginnings to their ascension to the pantheon of black metal greats, Darkthrone has always refused to stand still. They continue to embrace and explore their roots and capture the real spirit of sonic greatness on Circle the Wagons.

Darkthrone sails against the tides of trend and disposable metal, uncompromising and defiant as ever, an ideology expanded upon by Darkthrone drummer/lyricist, Fenriz, when explaining the meaning behind the title...

"The new metal decade starts with our album. It is a message to the invaders of our metal domain to circle their wagons! With our own brand of heavy metal/speed metal-punk we are a constant ambush on the modern overground metal traitors. Join us in our fight against instant gratification, and let's see who stands when the smoke clears."

For more information on Darkthrone, and Circle the Wagons…

www.myspace.com/officialdarkthrone
www.peaceville.com/darkthrone

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As I Lay Dying Announce the Title of their Upcoming Album

San Diego CA Grammy nominated metal outfit As I Lay Dying are pleased to announce the title of their upcoming, 5th full-length album (4th for Metal Blade) as 'The Powerless Rise.'  The band is currently finishing up recording of The Powerless Rise in San Diego with producer Adam D. (Killswitch Engage). Fans can expect The Powerless Rise. to be released this spring with plans for a headline tour also slated around the same time. More information on the tour and the street date for The Powerless Rise will be made available in the coming months.

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Late Of The Pier Announce New Single Details
It's out next month...

Late Of The Pier have unveiled details about their new single. 'Best In The Class', which is taken from the band's forthcoming album, is released on March 1.

The double A-side single will be available on limited edition vinyl and digital download. Late Of The Pier's debut album, 'Fantasy Black Channel', was released in 2008.

Their new record is due out later this year along with some "something very special and very secret".

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New Millions EP To See Release on Limited Edition Vinyl this March

Brutal Panda Records is proud to announce the release of MILLIONS` new EP, Panic Program. The EP will be available in 7" vinyl format and will feature 4 brand new tracks. The tracks were recorded this past November at Bricktop Recording in Chicago, IL with the band and Andy Nelson (Harpoon, Weekend Nachos) handling production duties, with mastering being taken care of by Carl Saff (Young Widows, The Atlas Moth). The press will be limited to 500 copies with 300 on green and 200 on black.

The band will hit the road in support of the EP beginning late-spring and continuing into the summer. Panic Program will see an early March vinyl-only release with pre-orders being taken via the official Brutal Panda site here.  http://brutalpandarecords.com/

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JAVELINA ‘Beasts Among Sheep’ To See Limited Edition Vinyl Release!

BRUTAL PANDA RECORDS is proud to announce the forthcoming release of Philadelphia sludge warriors, JAVELINA’s second full-length LP, ‘Beasts Among Sheep’ on vinyl this October! ‘Beasts Among Sheep’ features eight brand new tracks and was recorded and mixed by Sanford Parker (Nachtmystium, Pelican, The Gates of Slumber) at Volume Studios. The press will be limited to 500 copies with 300 on black ash vinyl and 200 on scorched red.






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RAMMING SPEED ‘Brainwreck’ Vinyl LP Now Available!

Brutal Panda Records is proud to announce the release of their second LP, ‘Brainwreck’, by Boston’s new thrash heroes, Ramming Speed. ‘Brainwreck’ was recorded at New Alliance Studios (Isis, Converge, Bones Brigade) and released earlier this year via TDB Records. Available on wax for the first time this January, the record has been mastered for maximum speed and optimal sound using a vinyl-specific album master at Prairie Cat Mastering. It is strictly limited to 500 hand-numbered copies, each with a full color Ramming Speed poster insert and hypersonic neon green jackets. Order a copy now at www.brutalpandarecords.com and catch the band on tour this winter.

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FIGHT AMP ‘Manners and Praise’ To See Limited Edition Vinyl Release!

Brutal Panda Records is teaming up with Red Sun Industries to release NJ noise-rockers FIGHT AMP’s newest full-length, ‘Manners & Praise’, on limited pearl-necklace white vinyl this winter.

‘Manners & Praise’ features 13 brand new tracks and was recorded this past summer at The Jam Room with Philip Cope (Kylesa, Baroness). Vinyl mastering will take place at Prairie Cat Mastering for optimal sound quality, and each record comes packaged with an 11?x16? poster insert. The press will be strictly limited to 500 copies

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DANTESCO's Cover Of CANDLEMASS' 'Darkness In Paradise'

Puerto Rico's epic doom metallers DANTESCO have posted their cover version of the CANDLEMASS classic "Darkness In Paradise" on their MySpace page. The track will appear on the band's new covers CD, "The Ten Commandments Of Metal", which will be released later in the year via Cruz Del Sur Music. The album will feature additional songs from BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, MERCYFUL FATE, SANCTUARY, WARLORD, SAVATAGE, METAL CHURCH, SORCERER and MANOWAR.

DANTESCO's new studio album, "We Dont Fear You God", will be released later this year through Cruz Del Sur Music. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Betrayer", "The Blood Of The Saints", "The Conqueror Worm" and "We Dont Fear You God".











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Depeche Mode designed watches to be auctioned

A dozen unique watches featuring designs based on Depeche Mode album covers are being auctioned by the band to raise money for charity.  The timepieces, created by Swiss watchmaker Hublot, are being sold in conjunction with Geneva auction house Patrizzi & Co and LiveAuctioneers.com to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Each watch is based on one of Depeche Mode's twelve studio albums and also come with a variety of extras such as a deluxe vinyl version of the album, a print of the original album artwork, framed gold CD and a photograph signed by all members of the line up at the time the album was made.

The internet-only auction is currently underway and will run to February 24th.

Depeche Mode are also taking part in the Teenage Cancer Trust series of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. They will take to the stage on February 17th and are supported by fellow Essex boys The Horrors.

The band follows that up with a gig at the London's O2 Arena on February 20th.

This Date In Music History-February 10

Birthdays:

Don Wilson - Ventures (1937)

Roberta Flack (1937)

Jimmy Merchant - Frankie Lymon And The Teenagers (1940)

Nigel Olsson - drummer with the Elton John band (1949)

Robbie Neville (1961)

Cliff Burton - Metallica (1962)

Rosanna Tavarez –Eden’s Crush (1977)


They Are Missed:

Born on this day i n 1914, Larry Adler, mouth organist, worked as a soloist with many of the world's major symphony orchestras. He played with countless artists from Fred Astaire to George Gershwin and later with Elton John and Sting. Recorded the 1994 tribute album 'Glory Of Gershwin'. He died on August 7, 2001 (age 87).

Born today in 1929, Jerry Goldsmith, who created the music for scores of classic movies and television shows ‘Star Trek,' ‘Planet of the Apes,' ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ and ‘Dr. Kildare.’ He died after a long battle with cancer on July 21, 2004 (aged 75).

Born on this day in 1943, Ral Donner, US singer. Donner died on April 6, 1984.

Born today in 1958, Norman Harris, guitarist, songwriter and producer. He worked with The Delfonics, The Trammps and MFSB. Harris died of a heart attack on March 21, 1987.

Born on this day in 1962, Cliff Burton, bass player with Metallica. Burton was killed on September 27, 1987, when the band’s tour bus crashed as it was traveling between Stockholm and Copenhagen. He was found crushed to death under the bus.

Dave Alexander, the original bassist for The Stooges died from pneumonia in 1975 (age 28). He was fired from the band in August 1970 after showing up at a gig too drunk to play.

Brian Connolly singer with the 1970's Glam rock group Sweet died of kidney and liver failure in 1997 (age 47). Connolly replaced Ian Gillan (later of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath) in Wainwright's Gentlemen who became Sweetshop and then shortened to Sweet.




History:

Orchestra leader Ben Selvin recorded the first known million-seller in 1919, and it was also a two sided hit, featuring "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" and "Darandella."

In 1942, Glen Miller became the first person to be awarded a Gold disc, for his "Chattanooga Choo Choo" single.

Elvis Presley recorded his 'million-seller' "Heartbreak Hotel" on the RCA label in 1956. The 'flip' side was "I Was the One" and the record received two gold records, one for each side.

Little Richard recorded "Long Tall Sally" in 1956.

Frank Sinatra started a five week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1958 with 'Come Fly With Me.'

Henry Mancini went to #1 on the US album chart in 1962 with the soundtrack to 'Breakfast At Tiffany's.'

Chad & Jeremy guest starred on CBS-TV's "Dick Van Dyke Show" in 1965.

In 1967, the Beatles recorded the orchestral build-up for the middle and end of ‘A Day in the Life’. At the Beatles' request, the orchestra members arrived in full evening dress along with novelty items. One violinist wore a red clown's nose, while another a fake gorilla's paw on his bow hand. Others were wearing funny hats and other assorted novelties. The recording was filmed for a possible ‘Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band’ television special which was ultimately abandoned. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mike Nesmith from The Monkees and Donovan also attended the session.



One hit wonder Paul Mauriat started a five week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1968 with "Love Is Blue."

Also in 1968 - The Beatles turned all of their business affairs over to the newly formed Apple record company.

Carole King's "Tapestry" was released in 1971.

In 1972, David Bowie appeared at the Tolworth Toby Jug, London, on the opening date of his Ziggy Stardust tour.

Already hugely popular in their native U.K., T-Rex makes their U.S. debut in Seattle in 1972.

Record producer Phil Spector was injured in a car crash in 1974. He needed extensive plastic surgery that dramatically altered his looks. Details of how the accident happened were kept secret.

Elvis Presley was made a police reserve for the Memphis police in 1976.

The Clash started recording their debut album at CBS studios in London, England in 1977

Van Halen's debut album was released in 1978.

Dire Straits released “Sultans Of Swing” in 1979.

Rod Stewart started a four week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1979 with the insipid single "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy" his third US #1. (and a No.1 hit in the UK). Also today Rod started a three-week run at #1 on the US album chart with 'Blondes Have More Fun.'

Expose's debut album "Exposure" was released in 1987.

Eric Clapton played the last of eighteen straight shows at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1990.

Paula Abdul started a three week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1990 with the cut "Opposites Attract," her fourth US #1, a #2 hit in the UK.

In 1993, Michael Jackson granted his first interview in 15 years to Oprah Winfrey. In the interview, Jackson claimed that he has a disorder that destroys the pigmentation of the skin and that he had had very little plastic surgery.

In 2001, police were investigating Eminem over suspected drugs offences after he appeared to consume Ecstasy pills and encouraged the audience at his Manchester show to take drugs. Over 100 gay rights protesters picketed the show.

In 2004, Diana Ross was sentenced to two days in jail after pleading 'no contest' to a drink driving charge. She was allowed to enter her plea over the telephone from New York; her lawyer said the singer would serve her term at a prison near her Los Angeles home. Ross was arrested in December 2002 after tests indicated she was twice over the drink- drive limit.

Prince topped Rolling Stone magazine’s 2005 annual list of the year’s biggest money earners after his 2004 tour grossed over $90 million. Madonna came in second place after earning $54.9 million and Metallica came third with $43 million.

Kid Rock, members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and ex-Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickie Betts performed at the Jam Sessions Concerts in West Hollywood in 2005. Proceeds benefited the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

In 2006, the Rolling Stones topped Forbes magazine's list of Music's Top Money Makers for 2005 by generating $168 million in music and concert-ticket sales in the United States. U2 finishes a close second, grossing $150 million. Must have been a slow year for them. The Top 10 include Green Day (#4 - $99 million), the Eagles (#5 - $84 million), Paul McCartney (#6 - $83 million) and Elton John (#10 - $66 million).

In 2008, the Eagles' song "How Long," was named Best Country Performance By A Duo or Group With Vocal at the Grammys. Don Henley calls the honor "particularly sweet." "I always secretly hoped that we could pull off something like this," says the Eagles singer.