“Love Child” #1 11/30/1968

The record that finally knocked “Hey Jude” from the top after nine weeks was rather groundbreaking. The subject matter, illegitimate birth, was still taboo in those days. Once again, Diana Ross was the only Supreme on the single, backed by the Andantes. Mary Wilson said it felt weird to perform this on shows like Ed Sullivan, knowing she and Cindy Birdsong contributed absolutely nothing to the recording. One of the five co-writers was R. Dean Taylor (“Indiana Wants Me”).

“Piggies”

The White Album was like a box of chocolates. You never knew what you’re gonna get. The second of three “animal” themed songs on side 2 was a George Harrison social commentary. It wasn’t directed toward police; Harrison referred to piggies as the rich and powerful. The Beatles had no clue this, along with many other songs from that LP, would be so horribly misconstrued by Charlie Manson. But that’s another story...

“Blackbird”

The recording sessions for the White Album had deteriorated to where the Beatles more and more worked individually in separate studios. Case in point; while John was in one room putting together “Revolution 9” Paul was making this solo masterpiece, presaging his “McCartney” LP by well over a year. The subject was the American civil rights movement, not something you’d expect from an outfit that five short years earlier was all about moptops, holding hands, “yeah yeah yeah” etc. Sucks that Charlie Manson thought Paul was speaking directly to him, trying to incite a race war.

“Living In The U.S.A.” #94 11/23/1968

Normally I wouldn’t get all geeked about a #94 record, but this was the first chart single for the Steve Miller Band, way before “The Joker.” The song since became a standard on album rock radio. Boz Scaggs was in the group before he achieved solo success in the 70’s and beyond. Somebody give me a cheeseburger!

“(She’s) Some Kind Of Wonderful” (Fantastic Johnny C) #87 11/23/1968

Sometimes it takes a few tries before a record becomes a hit. This one by the Fantastic Johnny C was the second of three versions. The original was done in 1967 by Soul Brothers Six and only got to #91. The hit came in 1974 from Grand Funk Railroad and reached #3. Third time’s the charm.

“Do Something To Me” #38 11/23/1968

Here’s one originally done by ? and the Mysterians (it flopped) and re-made by Tommy James and the Shondells. Tommy was taking the band in a different direction as evidenced by their next single which became a signature song of theirs, and certainly a long way from “Hanky Panky” and the bubblegum stuff.

“I’m So Tired”

Another White Album song John wrote while in India. He was with his wife Cynthia, but was missing Yoko and couldn’t sleep. Meh. There’s a line about Sir Walter Raleigh being a stupid “get” or “git,” British slang for a total jerk. John blamed Sir Walter for bringing tobacco to England, causing Lennon’s cigarette addiction. There’s also some gibberish at the end that when played backwards is supposed to say, “Paul is a dead man. Miss him, miss him, miss him.” Part of the hoax?