Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Music History Today: May 4, 2022

May 4, 1985: "Obsession" by Animotion hit number six in the United States.
The vocalist on “Obsession” is a stalker. And the target is his “obsession”. It comes off a bit creepy. You get the impression the lady is not someone he knows. 

Animotion
Animotion
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Originally, “Obsession” wasn’t about stalking. One of its writers, Michael Des Barres, experienced drug addiction and wanted to pen something about the word “obsession” in general. 
Read more: Song Meanings & Facts
May 4, 1944: "Long Ago (and Far Away)" by Jo Stafford first reached the Billboard magazine charts.
"Long Ago (and Far Away)," music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Ira Gershwin, is from the 1944 Technicolor film musical Cover Girl starring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly. The Jo Stafford recording was lasted 12 weeks on the chart, peaking at #6. 
Read more: Wikipedia

May 4, 1968: The Doors moved into the American Top 40 with "The Unknown Soldier."
The Unknown Soldier was written and recorded by The Doors and released in early 1968. 

Jim Morrison, 1969
Jim Morrison, 1969

Through simple lyrics, it recalls the death of a faceless soldier in combat, while life goes on at home. The song is musically segmented. It opens with Jim Morrison’s vocals before progressing into a military-style drum beat and rifle fire, presumably the shot that kills the eponymous soldier. 
Read more: Alpha History

May 4, 1974: The Main Ingredient reached Number 10 in the Us with "Just Don't Want to Be  Lonely."  
"Just Don't Want to Be Lonely" was originally recorded in 1973 by Ronnie Dyson. His version reached No. 60 in the US Pop chart, No. 30 Adult Contemporary, and No. 29 in the US R&B chart. The Main Ingredient's recording, arranged by Bert de Coteaux, became a gold record. 
Read more: Wikipedia

May 4, 1985: Glenn Frey's  "Smuggler's Blues" reached the Top 40 chart in the US.
When "Smuggler's Blues" was released on Frey's second solo in 1984, it got the attention of Michael Mann, who was working on a TV series called Miami Vice about two undercover cops policing the drug trade in Miami. Mann had the writer Miguel Piñero adapt the song into an episode, then he asked Frey to guest star on it.  
Read more: Songfacts

Obsession
Animotion

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