Tunes Du Jour Presents 1972

1972. The Vietnam War raged on, Watergate loomed, and the social landscape shifted beneath our feet. Amidst this backdrop of upheaval, our ears tuned in to a soundtrack that transcended mere melodies—it pulsed with the countercultural spirit and the burgeoning individuality of an era.  Let us step back in time, dust off the record player, and explore the timeless tunes that wove themselves into the fabric of our lives—a kaleidoscope of genres and voices that defined a generation.

  • Al Green crooned “Let’s Stay Together,” his velvet voice weaving an unwavering plea for commitment.
  • Roberta Flack tenderly sang “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” etching raw vulnerability into our hearts.
  • Don McLean painted a poignant picture of a generation in transition with his epic “American Pie.”
  • Alice Cooper’s rebellious anthem “School’s Out” became the rallying cry for youth liberation, its raucous energy echoing through high school corridors.
  • Across the pond, T. Rex electrified listeners with glam rock swagger in “Bang a Gong (Get It On).”
  • Johnny Nash offered optimism with “I Can See Clearly Now,” a beacon of hope cutting through the haze.
  • Meanwhile, Elton John’s cosmic odyssey “Rocket Man” and David Bowie’s otherworldly anthem “Starman” transported us to distant galaxies, reflecting the era’s fascination with space exploration and introspection.
  • Jimmy Cliff addressed racial injustice and social struggles in “The Harder They Come.”
  • Big Star captured the bittersweet angst of adolescence in “Thirteen.”
  • The bluesy, swaggering classic “Tumbling Dice” by The Rolling Stones left an indelible marks on musical history.
  • And let’s not forget Elvis Presley, who still had magic to spare with “Burning Love.”

From the introspective musings of Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” to the raw energy of Led Zeppelin, each track on this playlist embodies the spirit of its time while transcending it—a symphony that continues to resonate across generations.

The music of 1972 continues to evoke nostalgia and stir emotions across generations. These iconic tunes remind us of the enduring legacy of artists who dared to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. So turn up the volume and let these timeless tunes whisk you back to celebrate the enduring beauty of music that transcends generations.

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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 12-19-23

One of the very things I ordered from the Columbia House Record and tape Club when I signed up back in 1975 was the Earth, Wind & Fire album That’s The Way Of The World, which includes their breakthrough hit “Shining Star.” Loved it then, love it now. 

The late Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire was born on this date in 1941. Lots of EWF on today’s playlist.

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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 12-17-23

Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong collaborated to write several hits for The Temptations, among them “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone,” “I Can’t Get Next To You,” “Psychedelic Shack,” “Ball Of Confusion,” and “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me).” The latter was inspired by Strong’s crush on a woman who didn’t know he existed. It became The Temptations’ third number one single on the Hot 100. 

Lead vocalist on “Just My Imagination,” the late Eddie Kendricks of the Temptations was born on this date in 1939.

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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 12-10-23

“Nightshift” was Commodores’ biggest hit following the departure of usual lead singer Lionel Richie. The group’s Walter Orange, a co-writer of the song, sings lead on verse one. Orange also sang lead on Commodores’ hits “Brick House” and “Too Hot Ta Trot.” So there. 

Commodores’ Walter Orange was born on this date (or maybe yesterday’s date) in 1946. Two of the group’s songs on which he sang lead are included on today’s playlist.

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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 6-16-23

Back in 2016, when Donald Trump was a candidate for president of the United States of America without impeachments and indictments on his resume, the classic song “Love Train” was played at the Republican National Convention. The O’Jays were not supportive of this use of their hit. Group member Walter Williams said “Our music, and most especially ‘Love Train,’ is about bringing people together, not building walls. I don’t appreciate being associated with Mr. Trump and his usage of our music without permission.” Added group member Eddie Levert, “I don’t agree, whatsoever, with Trump’s politics to the point where I think he just may be the anti-Christ.”

The O’Jays’ Eddie Levert turns 81 today. A few of his group’s hits are included on today’s playlist.

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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 5-13-23

Learning that Jeff Beck was a fan of his, Stevie Wonder invited the guitarist to the studio to jam with him. Beck played on Stevie’s composition “Lookin’ For Another Pure Love,” recorded for what was to be Wonder’s next album, Talking Book. As a thank you, Wonder wrote a song for Beck to record: “Superstition.” Wonder told Beck he can release his version prior to Wonder’s version, which would appear on Talking Book.

Motown heard Stevie’s recording and knew it would be a hit single. Stevie wanted his song “Big Brother” to be the album’s first single, but he hadn’t finished recording it by the time Motown needed a 45 to release in advance of the full-length record. Stevie begged Motown to not put out a “Superstition” single, as he promised it to Beck, whose album release was delayed. Motown ignored their superstar’s pleas. The label released the single, and scored Stevie a number one single on the US pop and r&b charts.

Beck wasn’t too happy about that turn of events, though the two men eventually sorted things out, playing the song together at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th-anniversary ceremony.

Stevie Wonder turns 73 today. He is well-represented on today’s playlist.

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