It's unbelievable that Rush Limbaugh would accuse President Obama of shifting Red Cross donations intended for the earthquake victims in Haiti to the Democratic Party cache. But that's what we can expect from this one-dimensional broadcaster, one of the nation's most mean spirited people pretending to be a nice guy.
So I'm escaping to the music of the 4 Seasons, as my daughter Mirelle took my mom
(Shirley) to see the touring production of "Jersey Boys" last night, and I've been playing those old tunes. By the way, Frankie Valli has had hits and the 4 Seasons have had a lot more, but there's never been a hit credited to "Frankie Valli & the 4 Seasons."
The 4 Seasons (my Billboard book does not use the word "Four") aren't on Classic Hits radio much anymore, except for their 1970s stuff. The 1960s tracks are probably considered to be based on doo-w0p too much, which radio has an aversion to (just like anything that came before the Beatles). It's a real shame that these fabulous records, full of dynamics and dimension, are missing from the airwaves. The percussion alone is enough to make you smile.
"Dawn (Go Away)," "Let's Hang On!" and "Rag Doll" ought to be all over Oldies radio.
The oboe that ends "Big Man In Town" was my initiation to that instrument (which really touched me years later when I heard how Nick Drake used it), and "Tell It to the Rain" is one punchy track (such a masterful production), which I still have on a 45rpm single.
Get your copy of "Beggin' " (1967) out if you have one--and play it! That is by far the most underrated 4 Seasons record, with nagging guitar (similar to the Supremes' "You Keep Me Hangin' On") and unexpectedly funky bass and piano, not to mention Valli's desperate vocal. There's a French language version by Madcon that's currently getting airplay in Canada, but it can't compare.
I really miss pop music with a kick, and the 4 Seasons had it. Wish they were on the radio, rather than that hatemonger.