A Song Was Stuck in My Head for Years - I Found It

Two years ago I briefly mentioned that I was looking for a song/melody that I couldn't place:

There is a certain melody played by brass instruments that I remember from the 1980s that I can't place. Last night before going to sleep I added a todo list item "Chicago hits."

It wasn't found in Chicago. I also tried Herb Alpert, it wasn't found there. I thought it might be a TV theme ("Too Close for Comfort" is similar) but no luck. For a few years, from that day until now, I've been trying to find it. Today I found it via a Short of a Baseball clip suggested by Youtube.

The song is Bobby Caldwell - "What You Won't Do for Love"

The part that was in my head was the outro. 

And it's smooth. Is it smooth enough? Should we push our luck and see if it's Yacht Rock? IT'S YACHT ROCK. Nice.

The Charismatic Voice - Chicago

 

I'm a big fan of "25 or 6 to 4." Although she doesn't harp on it, for me it's the bass line.

If you'd like to see my shallow dive on Chicago, see this post.

And speaking of the bass, here's a fun fact for your next barbecue or otherwise social engagement...

Three classic rock songs with the same chord progression:

1) Chicago - 25 or 6 to 4

2) Green Day - Brain Stew

3) Led Zeppelin - Babe I'm Gonna Leave You

Eh? Eh? Where else are you going to get that? Granted, I don't have other examples to make this a running thing. Still, pretty interesting, I think. Who did it best?

Notes on Chicago (The Band)

 There is a certain melody played by brass instruments that I remember from the 1980s that I can't place. Last night before going to sleep I added a todo list item "chicago hits."

There are two Chicago Greatest Hits-es: one from the 70s and one from the 80s. The 70s one is cool. The 80s one reminds me of every dentist's office, every department store I didn't want to be in, every doctor's waiting room of that era. Although I admire music that can inspire strong reactions, it is depressing. I don't know why they changed.

For reference. The 80s Greatest Hits:

I have done no research into the question of why Chicago's Greatest Hits on youtube includes Guns 'n Roses and Bon Jovi. Man is fallen.

And the 70s hits:

"25 or 6 to 4" and "Make Me Smile" are such great tracks.

In the end, there was no match to my mystery song and so the search continues.

Late Night - Conan Plays the Blues

Conan in Chicago: Hot Dogs

Jack McBrayer and a guest (oops, I guess the preview gives away the best surprise in the bit) visit the "Weiner's Circle":



I love all the kooky and eccentric local oddities that freckle this great land of ours. They help define and reinforce local culture. However, this is one I don't understand in the slightest. It's one thing to have a place where people insult you in a fun, we're-playing-a-character type of way but I don't see that here. This is a straight-up "Boot Camp" episode of "Maury".

But I post it for the Triumphness and the chance to see Jack McBrayer play "mean".

1-800-588-2300 Empire. Today.

Conan in Chicago: The Lincoln Museum

Conan visits Springfield, Illinois - Lincoln Central.



It's weird to see a place you've been to on TV. I've visited the Lincoln museum. As Conan eludes to, the use of life-size replica statues is pretty corny but that aside, it's a really cool museum with very clever and interesting exhibits.

Of course, the number one thing I wanted to do was visit Lincoln's tomb because that is supposedly really cool and feels more "real" but that never happened.

Mary Todd Lincoln is hot.

Conan in Chicago: The Blues

Conan meets with elementary school kids and teaches them the Blues:



It's been a long time since I've seen "Caps for Sale".

This post is dedicated to Olivia (2005-2012).

Conan in Chicago: Irish Stepdancing

Conan is in Chicago for a week of shows. Today he learned how to do traditional Irish stepdancing.


I think Conan's confusing a leprechaun finding a pot of gold with a prospector (Walter Huston in "The Treasure of the Sierre Madre") when he finds a vein of gold. You decide.

TAYYYYYTOOOOSS!