‘By the Rivers of Babylon…’ (Boney M., 1978)
A very wonderful Monday to you. Today, we’ve got Boney M.‘s biggest US hit, “Rivers of Babylon,” which rose to #30 in 1978. The tune was a massive hit across much of Europe, and still rates as one of the best-selling singles of all-time in the UK.
Press play and let it take you away.
Previously on Music for Monday: Christie, ‘Yellow River’ (1970)
American Motors’ Pierre Cardin Javelin SST. (‘New York’ magazine, March 20, 1972)
“Only Pierre Cardin can make upholstery look so elegant, door panels so classy, and a headliner so chic.”
American Motors’ French connection. American Motors’ Pierre Cardin Javelin SST originally appeared in the March 20, 1972 issue of New York magazine.
(Source: New York)
Previously on Rad Ads: Climbing! (Mountain’s Second L.P.) (1970)
“Yellow River is in my mind and in my eyes…” (Jeff Christie, 1970)
Christie’s “Yellow River” was a #1 smash in the UK, Ireland, Norway and Finland. The song, written and sung by British-born Jeff Christie, is a tale of a soldier returning home after the American Civil War.
“Yellow River” did pretty well in the States too, reaching a high of #23 on the Billboard “Hot 100.” Take a dip in the water (a cold-looking Thames) in the promo film below and see if it conjures up pleasurable memories.
Previously on Music for Monday: Leo Sayer, ‘You Make Me Feel Like Dancing’ (1976)
‘Grape Ape! Grape Ape!’ (‘Tom & Jerry/Grape Ape Show,’ 1975)
Hanna-Barbera’s Tom & Jerry/Grape Ape Show originally ran Saturday mornings on ABC from September, 1975 to September, 1976. Grape Ape was a hot new property and a large batch of Tom & Jerry cartoons were also produced for the series. No full-animation theatrical shorts for the cat and mouse this time around. These cartoons were made strictly for television – a first for the venerable duo.
Have a happy Funshine Friday!
Previously on Funshine Friday: ‘Animals, Animals, Animals’ (1976)
Climbing! (Mountain’s Second L.P.) (‘Billboard’ magazine, March 14, 1970)
“We move another mountain.”
Featuring “Mississippi Queen.” You know what I mean? Climbing! (Mountain’s Second L.P.) originally appeared in the March 14, 1970 issue of Billboard magazine.
(Source: Billboard)
Previously on Rad Ads: Frank Sinatra, ‘I Would Be In Love (Anyway)’ (1970)
‘All this perpetual motion…’ (Leo Sayer, ‘You Make Me Feel Like Dancing,’ 1976)
It is Monday, and so we dance. To what shall we dance? To Leo Sayer’s #1 hit, “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing,” of course.
“You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” originally appeared on Sayer’s late 1976 L.P. Endless Flight. *Note: For some reason, the video below featuring Sayer performing live on The Midnight Special, repeats itself. The second version of the song is silent and it’s rather enjoyable watching Sayer dance without music.
Previously on Music for Monday: Betty Wright, ‘Tonight Is The Night’ (1974)