How the Song Came to Be
The Beatles’ “I’m Down”: The Overlooked McCartney Song You Need to Get Into Your Life
Paul loved Little Richard’s singing, and used to cover his songs with the band. Then he decided to write his own tune in Richard’s style…
Read More
Zager & Evans’ ‘In the Year 2525’: The Gloomiest #1?
It was, to be sure, one of the bleakest songs ever to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. And then the duo never charted again.
Read More
Pilot’s ‘Magic’ Trick: Never Believe It’s Not So
The Scottish band’s one great hit was the type that you might not hear for years, but when you do, it’s instantly familiar.
Read More
When Brownsville Station Were Smokin’
Back in 1973, lots of high school students took extra bathroom breaks since that was generally the only place they could light up. The backstory of a classic.
Read More
Al Kooper on Recording “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” With the Stones
“Mick wore a gorilla coat and Keith a hat with a long feather. Everyone sat around and they passed out acoustic guitars.”—Kooper
Read More
The Grand Funk ‘We’re An American Band’ Backstory
The song’s author, GFR drummer Don Brewer, explains how the 1973 all-time classic rock hit came about while the band was on tour. Sweet, sweet Connie…
Read More
Friend & Lover ‘Reach Out of the Darkness’: So Groovy Now
The peace-and-love message of the song resonated in 1968, a relic of its time.
Read More
Medley Mania of 1981-82: ‘Stars on 45,’ The Beatles & More
A Dutch novelty act released a single that was a medley of songs, backed by a disco beat. The worldwide #1 hit spawned other singles from actual superstars.
Read More
Queen’s Homage to Space Exploration, “’39”
The band’s guitarist, Brian May, can do many things well, one of which is to write songs. This one, about time travel, presaged his PhD in astrophysics
Read More
The Yardbirds: ‘Heart Full of Soul’—Jeff Beck’s Guitar Was the Star
He suggested an alternate plan: to have his guitar basically take on the sitar’s role.
Read More