That is, I believe, from The Assocciation's self-titled 1969 studio album, which I had on vinyl when it was new, and probably haven't heard in five decades. A lovely, poignant song, my titular snark notwithstanding, by a band that has never really gotten the props it deserved IMHO.
yes, the association deserves more props than they've got - although they are still touring and that says something - about persistence, and about how it is the music and not the 'personality' that keeps them going - their category is said to be "sunshine pop", and wikipedia gives us a list of other such bands
ReplyDeletenostalgia - yes, i remember nickel coke, and even in high school when i went to a three week institute at virginia tech - called VPI in those days - a dime would get you a coca-cola in a small glass bottle from a vending machine - pepsi was bigger for the same price, but it wasn't 'the real thing'
i just looked to see if my slip on shoes that i still wear today from time to time are 'penny loafers' - no, there's no slot for the penny - they are "sperry topsiders" boat shoes although they haven't been on a boat
dubuque - named for a french trader, oldest city in iowa, etc - today i learned Dubuque is part of the Driftless Area, a portion of North America that escaped all three phases of the Wisconsin glaciation, resulting in a hilly topography unlike most of the Midwestern United States.
where you can buy alcohol - at the time the song was written liquor was sold only in state stores, and the location was being moved from downtown to the west side - the song is making a joking reference to this move - in the 1980s private liquor stores became legal - surprisingly, here in montgomery county, maryland you cannot buy distilled liquor except in county govt stores - wine and beer are widely available.
That whole 1969 self-titled album by the Association is an underrated gem. Several of the tracks on it (eg. "The Nest" and "What Were The Words?") are in more of a country-rock vein than their previous work and are still very good, and the group's vocal harmonies are, as usual, gorgeous. It is sometimes referred to as the "Stonehenge On The Moon" album because of its front cover (check that out on Discogs and you'll see what I mean).
ReplyDeleteCharley ph.d - I went to college in the South with a guy whose father was the Dean at VMI. Let's just say not only did the apple fall not from the tree, it fell and proceeded to roll down a mountain.
ReplyDeleteRegarding The Association -
They were they were the first act and opened the Monterey Pop Festival
Who knew, not me 🥴