The Seven Song Itch - Peppy Melancholy Music

I’ve had a long standing bet with a friend that I could find this ‘type’ of song and put it into a play list based on the Terry Jacks track listed below. It seems that the seventies were lousy with these types of songs.  The melody is upbeat, but the lyrics have a melancholy aspect to them.  Mostly, these songs are about being in a miserable situation and not knowing the way to get out of it.  I can attest from personal experience that I really relate to some of these songs.  In any case, here they are, all peppy and morose—ready to be enjoyed once again.

Playlist for Peppy MelancholyMusic

1. Paul McCartney – “Another Day”(1971)

This song was recorded during McCartney’s sessions for the album “Ram,” but was not included in the original release.  It appears on the 1993 re-master of the record, though it was actually written and previewed during The Beatles' “Let It Be” sessions in 1969.  This song really breaks my heart in that I’ve worked with a number of ladies that are the epitome of this song.  So sad.

2. Looking Glass – “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)”(1972)

In love it’s tough when you have to compete with another person, but when it’s something like the sea you might as well try to save the Titanic from sinking.  Though I suspect Brandy is a fine girl, it’s sad that she can’t take comfort in the dozens of sailors that she serves.  The success of the band’s one hit created a bit of difficulty in that the song's mellow pop sound was atypical of their somewhat harder-edged style.  I guess the fans of the song tried to understand but were rudely awakened at the Looking Glass’s concerts.

3. Terry Jacks – “Seasons In The Sun”(1973)

Written by Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel with lyrics by American singer-poet Rod McKuen, “Le Moribond”(1961) was a big hit for Canadian singer Terrry Jacks in December of 1973.  The original version focuses on a wife’s infidelity and has a similarity to the Police’s song, “Every Breath You Take.”  Jacks version skims over the whole adultery aspect (with alternate lyrics) but still retains the dying protagonist’s farewell to family and friends.  I love the pipe organ on this song—it’s just so peppy.

4. America – “Sister Golden Hair”(1975)

Gerry Beckley wrote this song for America, and it turned out to be the band’s second number one single originating from their fifth studio album “Hearts.”  Although the song is a message from a man to his lover, explaining that he still loves her despite being not ready for marriage, the title was initially inspired by the mothers of all three members of the group, all of whom were blondes.

5. Bay City Rollers – “Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye)”(1975)

"Bye, Bye, Baby" was written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio (a member of The Four Seasons), whose version of the song made it to #12 on the U.S. singles charts in 1965. This version, however, has a more upbeat tempo and a guitar solo in the middle of the song.  I’ve always thought that this song takes place after scoring with a Bachelor Party Babe and that he’s saying goodbye to her in the morning, but that’s just me.  It’s probably about meeting your true love after being betrothed to another—Love (or lust) sucks don’t it?

6. The Carpenters – “Please Mr. Postman”(1975)

The Marvelettes debuted this song for the Tamla (Motown) label and is the first Motown song to reach the number-one position on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart in 1961.  Fourteen years later, The Carpenters hit the number one spot on the same chart and in celebration of their success they went to Disney World and made a video for the song.  If you think about it, this song chronicles the loneliness of a person waiting for someone to just write a freaking letter.  Sometimes, you just have to move on.

7. Captain & Tennille – “Lonely Nights (Angel Face)”(1976)

Originally recorded by Neil Sedaka for his album “The Hungry Years”(1975), the Captain & Tenille covered this song the following year and it became their third hit single (out of 14) for the group.  The ironic thing about Toni Tennille is that she sang back up vocals on Pink Floyd’s “The Wall.”  Go on and check the liner notes…I know you don’t believe me.  She also toured with the Beach Boys as an additional keyboardist (courtesy of Daryl Dragon’s afflation with the band) and has since been forever known as The Beach Boys' one and only "Beach Girl.”

Bonus Video:

E.L.O. – “Mr.Blue Sky”(1977)

I always thought this song was some sort of depressing homage to an office worker, but it really is positive.