3/26/10 – “Crazy For You” Doo Wop Cat Fight!

Crazy For You

The Friday Night Cat Fight Radio Show presents two great versions of the doo wop classic, “Crazy For You” for your consideration this week.  This hour long program also contains a tribute to the late Johnny Maestro, a few songs about baseball and spring, songs about ugly and beautiful babies and the vocalese jazz styling of Annie Ross.  Plus, you’ll even find a great Elvis rarity in there as well as many other surprises.  So listen to the show, vote for your favorite version of “Crazy For You” and have a swinging time.

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3/12 & 3/19/2010 – Pickett Vs. Burke: Battle Of The Soul Titans!

Friday Night Cat Fight Radio Show

“If You Need Me”

The soul classic “If You Need Me” was co-written by a young Wilson Pickett who had just recently left The Falcons.  He sent a demo of the song to Atlantic in NY hoping to score a record deal.  In a devastating blow, Atlantic gave the song to the already established Solomon Burke.  Our friend, the legendary Lloyd Price stops in with some background information about this soul rumble.  Both versions battled on the charts in 1963 and now both versions battle on The Friday Night Cat Fight Radio Show.  But that’s not all.  Soul titans Wilson Pickett and Solomon Burke battle it out over 2 different Cat Fights this week.  The 2nd one is over Solomon’s song, “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love.” 

This week’s show also contains the evolution of a Buddy Holly classic, the musical inspirations of Frank Guida AND some Top 40 radio chaos.  So listen, vote and dig The Friday Night Cat Fight Radio Show.

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3/5/10 – History Of “Milk Cow Blues” & More!

The History of

“Milk Cow Blues”

Do you ever wonder where classic songs come from?  I do constantly.  That’s a major reason why I’m tracing the interesting history of a true blues and rock n’ roll classic, “Milk Cow Blues.”  On this week’s program, I trace this song’s evolution over NINE songs.  However, only FIVE of those NINE are in contention in the Friday Night Cat Fight!  Please pick your favorite and vote for it.

This week’s show also contains a rare record by character actor Jim Backus, one of Ray Charles’ spiritual influences, a tribute to Patsy Cline and a few “notes” on the Beat Generation.  Listen, vote and dig, baby! 

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2/26/10 – The “Lovey Dovey” Mega Cat Fight!

“Lovey Dovey”

This week, the Friday Night Cat Fight Podcast is a battle royale with SEVEN competitors.  The tune is the R&B classic, “Lovey Dovey”, who’s popularity crossed demographic lines and made it an enduring pop hit as well.  Also, having Steve Miller quote a line from the song in his 1973 #1 smash, “The Joker” didn’t hurt its legacy any.  So cats n’ kittens, please listen to all SEVEN unique versions of “Lovey Dovey” and then voice your choice and vote for the one you truly dig the most!  Let the RUMBLE begin!

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2/19/10 – “Susie-Q” Cat Fight For Dale Hawkins

Susie-Q

This week, I’m dedicating the podcast to Dale Hawkins, who we lost on February 13, 2010 at the age of 73.  Dale was one of a kind and I was very fortunate enough to have interviewed him a few years ago.  You will hear a portion of that interview in this week’s podcast.  The full, complete interview is available on my “Radio Interviews” page.

Listen to the podcast and then vote for the version of the classic “Susie-Q” that you TRULY DIG THE MOST!  This podcast also includes a little tribute to Jack Johnson, 2nd tenor for the 50s vocal group, The Cardinals, who passed away on Feb 8th at the age of 76.

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1/29/10 – “Rave On” Cat Fight In Memory Of Buddy Holly!

Rave On

This week, M. Ward, Marshall Crenshaw, The Real Kids and Sonny West all battle it out over Buddy Holly’s defining version of “Rave On.”  We remember the musical legacy of Buddy Holly as we approach the 51st anniversary of his tragic death.  “Rave On,” one of Buddy’s signature tunes was written by Bill Tighman, Norman Petty AND Sonny West.  Sonny actually recorded the tune FIRST in early 1958, but it was Holly’s version in May of ’58 that would propel the tune to #37 on the charts.  From there, many different renditions of the song have appeared.  I’ve chosen four of them for your consideration this week.  Don’t try and compare them to Buddy’s version, as they will all surely fall short.  Please try and compare them against each other and vote for the one you truly DIG THE MOST!

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1/8/10 – Elvis vs. Elvis: The Songwriter?

Elvis vs. Elvis

The Songwriter?

I thought I’d feature Elvis on this, the 75th anniversary of his birth.  Now Elvis is known for many things; icon, performer, singer, actor, etc.  But he is not known for his songwriting, which is virtually nonexistent.  However, Elvis did participate in the true writing of only two songs, “That’s Someone You Never Forget” and “You’ll Be Gone.”  His name appeared on a few other songs, which he did not help write in order to insure publishing royalties.  But these two songs appear to have been at least co-written by the King himself.  Listen to both of them back to back and judge which one you dig the most.  In a world where we hear the Elvis hits ad nauseam, this week’s Cat Fight focuses on two of his lesser known songs.  There are also a few extra goodies in here for Elvis fans of all walks of life.  Long live THE KING!

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12/18/09 – New Jersey Christmas Cat Fight

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

This week, I’m taking a Christmas classic and moving it to the Garden State of New Jersey.  Three of Jersey’s finnest will be competing over the tune, “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”  Please listen to all three versions of the song and vote for the one you truly dig the most.

Even though 2009 was a tough year, it’s still been a good year, thanks to your continued support.  I can’t even express how much that means to me, Prowlers.  Here’s hoping 2010 gets me back on my radio feet again.

This will be the final podcast of 2009!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year!

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12/4/09 – “Devil In His (Her) Heart” Cat Fight!

Devil In His (Her) Heart

Curiosity over an original version of a song is always sparked when a major group covers a relatively obscure tune.  This is what happened in the UK when the Beatles chose to include the Donays’ “Devil In His Heart” on their 2nd UK LP, “With The Beatles”.  The Donays’ original had sold moderately well in Michigan, but failed to make the US national charts.  This week, you have the opportunity to compare both versions of this classic R&B tune, side by side and vote for the one you truly DIG THE MOST!

Also, there’s a little tribute at the end of the show to legendary rock producer Bob Keane, who passed away this week at 87!

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11/27/09 – “Go Now” Cat Fight!

Go Now

This week, the Cat Fight takes on the song, “Go Now.”  It was originally recorded by female American R&B singer, Bessie Banks and it became an international hit when the British R&B group, The Moody Blues released it in early 1965.  Listen to both versions of this classic tune back to back and then vote for the one you truly dig the most on the “World Famous” Friday Night Cat Fight!

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