On the tails of Vegas we continue to ride: This week we delve into the wonderful world of numerology. The significance of numbers in our world has long been documented. There are those we consider unlucky (13) and those we consider quite lucky (7).
Most folks should be familiar with the Schoolhouse Rock! programs featured on ABC affiliates through the 70s and 80s. What isn’t as widely known is that the artistic catalyst to those catchy (and educational) tunes, Bob Dorough, is a critically acclaimed jazz musician and singer. The song that was to become the impetus for the ABC program was “Three Is A Magic Number.” Catchy would be an understatement. This song is downright mezmorizing.
While the next song is more widely known as a cover (by The Brothers Johnson), I prefer the original by Shuggie Otis. Son of blues impressario, Johnny Otis, Shuggie was playing with the likes of Al Kooper at age 15. Though he spent much of his teenage years playing as a sideman on records with his father and Frank Zappa amongst others. His skills were so sought after that he was asked to join the Rolling Stones after the release of his sorely under-appreciated futuristic funk magnum opus, Inspiration Information. He declined that offer, obviously. The song in question, however, was released in 1972 on his album Freedom Flight. “Strawberry Letter 23″ was written for a girlfriend who used strawberry scented paper in her letters to him. It is the most perfect pop song recorded. For those astute listeners, you’ll notice that the song title appears to be a misnomer. There are two theories for this. First, that the song is a response to “Strawberry Letter 22.” Or, alternatively that the song is a manifestation of hope for a possible “Strawberry Letter 23.” Take a listen, decide for yourself. Don’t miss the killer solo.
From the opening of our next song, you can just feel that you’re about to hear a jam. And a jam is indeed what you get on “54-46 Was My Number.” It’s a bobbing “riddim” with lyrics detailing Toots Hibbert’s time in jail for marijuana possession. It’s explosive popularity helped propel reggae and ska music beyond the borders of Jamaica and into the world. It has been widely covered, most notably by Sublime, and was featured heavily in the outstanding film, This is England. It’s one of the best songs you can find to listen to in your car (windows down) on a sunny day. Believe it.
Wonderful Wednesday: Numbers
On the tails of Vegas we continue to ride: This week we delve into the wonderful world of numerology. The significance of numbers in our world has long been documented. There are those we consider unlucky (13) and those we consider quite lucky (7).
Most folks should be familiar with the Schoolhouse Rock! programs featured on ABC affiliates through the 70s and 80s. What isn’t as widely known is that the artistic catalyst to those catchy (and educational) tunes, Bob Dorough, is a critically acclaimed jazz musician and singer. The song that was to become the impetus for the ABC program was “Three Is A Magic Number.” Catchy would be an understatement. This song is downright mezmorizing.
10-Three-Is-A-Magic-Number.mp3
Bob Dorough – Three is a Magic Number
While the next song is more widely known as a cover (by The Brothers Johnson), I prefer the original by Shuggie Otis. Son of blues impressario, Johnny Otis, Shuggie was playing with the likes of Al Kooper at age 15. Though he spent much of his teenage years playing as a sideman on records with his father and Frank Zappa amongst others. His skills were so sought after that he was asked to join the Rolling Stones after the release of his sorely under-appreciated futuristic funk magnum opus, Inspiration Information. He declined that offer, obviously. The song in question, however, was released in 1972 on his album Freedom Flight. “Strawberry Letter 23″ was written for a girlfriend who used strawberry scented paper in her letters to him. It is the most perfect pop song recorded. For those astute listeners, you’ll notice that the song title appears to be a misnomer. There are two theories for this. First, that the song is a response to “Strawberry Letter 22.” Or, alternatively that the song is a manifestation of hope for a possible “Strawberry Letter 23.” Take a listen, decide for yourself. Don’t miss the killer solo.
10-Strawberry-Letter-23.mp3
Shuggie Otis – Strawberry Letter 23
From the opening of our next song, you can just feel that you’re about to hear a jam. And a jam is indeed what you get on “54-46 Was My Number.” It’s a bobbing “riddim” with lyrics detailing Toots Hibbert’s time in jail for marijuana possession. It’s explosive popularity helped propel reggae and ska music beyond the borders of Jamaica and into the world. It has been widely covered, most notably by Sublime, and was featured heavily in the outstanding film, This is England. It’s one of the best songs you can find to listen to in your car (windows down) on a sunny day. Believe it.
19-54-46-Was-My-Number.mp3
Toots Hibbert – 54-46 Was My Number