The original of this song was done by the singularly unique Screamin' Jay Hawkins in 1956, but I really do prefer this cover version from ten years later.
' I Put A Spell On You' by the Alan Price Set (1966) Still, listen to this song and just go with the whole "what if" scenario… That belief has persisted, and I would like to believe it was so, but the truth is… I don't think it has.
Yes, another fantasy, but considering the time it was written and recorded – coming up to the Summer of Love – it was actually a genuine belief that music could change the world. The magic is that which comes from music and infects everyone, saying that music (particularly rock and roll) puts a spell on people and that believing in it makes everything wonderful.
' Do You Believe In Magic?' by The Lovin' Spoonful (1965) It is actually one of the most depressing songs ever written. So it is about a fantasy creature and about the magic of youth, as Jackie Paper grows up and no longer needs the magic of an imaginary friend. It was, in fact, based on a 1959 poem, based further on an older Ogden Nash poem. Written in 1963, before the drug culture really took off, it was written by Peter Yarrow who was, at the time, quite unaware of the culture. ' Puff, The Magic Dragon' by Peter, Paul and Mary (1963)Ĭontrary to popular belief, this song is not about drugs. Another novelty song, another fun song, and one that is not given enough love. But it backfires when he starts to kiss everyone, including a " cop down on Thirty-Fourth and Vine…". Again, a guy wants his girl to love him, so he gets a magic potion from a witch, and tries it out. While the Searchers' version from the 1960s is probably better known, there is very little difference from the original, and I quite like the original, so here it is. ' Love Potion No.9' by The Clovers (1959) I do not know the story behind it, but it was like it was trying to jump onto the ' Witch Doctor' bandwagon. I inherited it after my father passed away, and that was cool because I have loved this song since I was a little kid. This is a song I am guessing 95% of readers will never have heard of before, but I own it on 45 (those small vinyl records with one song a side… I am old). Now, this song has been recorded by many other acts over the years, but I am going to throw another one here because it just tickles my funny bone: The Cartoons (1998). And, seriously, who could ever forget " Ooh-Ee-Ooh-Ah-Ah-Ting-Tang-Walla-Walla-Bing-Bang"? For his part, David Seville (or Ross Bagdasarian, his real name) went on to create Alvin and the Chipmunks. Perfect example of that standard I mentioned in the introduction – wish-fulfilment through fantasy. This bit of nonsense – what used to be called a "novelty song" – is about a guy who uses the powers of the titular witch doctor in order to get the girl he loves. The list (in chronological order… as usual)! First, it was hard enough to cut this list down to 20, let alone going even further! Second, I realise a lot of people are stuck in their homes and this gives them a little bit more to watch and (hopefully) enjoy. Now… why 20 and not my usual 10? Two reasons.
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