Wednesday, June 1, 2005

Best Beatle Album of All-Time ??? At the top of the British charts today is a tune ("Crazy Frog Axel F") that's a cell phone ringtone but if you turn back the clock to this day in 1967 The Beatles released what can be arguably called their greatest LP of all-time, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. I can remember how exciting it was to receive that LP and listen to it for the first time with WRKO Music Director Paul Power. Being the music elitists we were even we had to admit the LP had some merit. Who's kidding who ? This was one of the greatest albums of all-time. The LP was released in both mono and stereo on June 1, 1967. It was rush released after airing on the BBC on May 20. The cover was designed by Peter Blake and was to originally include photos of Elvis, Hitler and Jesus. In addition, 2 people who were included were later removed by retouching the artwork. Leo Gorcey was removed because he requested a fee and Ghandi felt his inclusion might offend record buyers in India. More June 1 Memories... 1925) Lou Gehrig pinch hits and replaces Wally Pipp at first base starting the adage "stay in the lineup if you have a headache or not". Gehrig will play in 2,130 consecutive games... 1964) The Rolling Stones arrive at JFK for their first U.S. tour... 1967) The Beatles release "Sgt. Pepper", documented above... 1975) Nolan Ryan pitches his 4th no-hitter (he'll have 7 before he's through)... 1980) CNN debuts... Birthdays... 1927) Andy Griffith 1935) Pat Boone 1938) Morgan Freeman 1948) Ron Wood 1973) Derek Lowe 1974) Heidi Klum 1974) Alanis Morissette Commentary... Now that we know who Deep Throat is it's time to unravel another mystery, this one about the tune that's become known as Boston's theme song. If you're guessing "Dirty Water" you'd be wrong. This song does not contain any lyrics about Boston or baseball. The composer has no connection to the Red Sox. It's a song that hit the charts more than 30 years ago. If you're wondering why "Sweet Caroline" is played at every Red Sox home game you're not alone but you're about to find out why. Credit or blame (if you prefer) Amy Tobey whose assignment was to decide what music would be played at Fenway Park from 1998 to 2004. She remembered hearing the song at other sporting events and decided to try it at Fenway. The song was picked up by fans and would be played if the Sox were ahead somewhere between the 7th and 9th innings. When new management took over in 2002 they requested that Tobey play the tune during the 8th inning of every game. "Sweet Caroline" was even included in the recent film "Fever Pitch" and has unofficially become the official theme song of Boston. Scheduled to perform at the Fleet Center on August 15, singer Neil Diamond has been asked to sing the song live at Fenway at an August 14th game at Fenway. It is not known whether or not he will. Come on Neil. Okay everyone: "Sweet Caroline....bah, bah, bah....." (To post your comments, click "comments" at the end of my post)