Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright – Ain’t no use to sit and wonder why #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #BobDylan #PaulClayton #PeterPaulandMary #JoanBaez #WaylonJennings #JohnnyCash #Odetta #Cher #TheWonderWho #RamblinJackElliott #PeteSeeger #ArloGuthrie #JerryReed #ChetAtkins #SusanTedeschi #DerekTrucks #BryanFerry #JamesTaylor #WillieNelson #MerleHaggard #GlenCampbell #AnneMurray #ReinaDelCid #BillyStrings

Today’s feature is an opportunity to celebrate an album that was released exactly 60 years ago.

Yes…‘The Free Wheelin’ Bob Dylan’ hit the streets on this day in 1963.

‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ has cover versions that number well into the hundreds. It was released as the B-side to another classic, ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’.

Blowin’ in the Wind – Where the spiritual meets the philosophical. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #BobDylan #SamCooke #TheChadMitchellTrio #PeterPaulandMary

As monumental a song as ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ is, an argument could be made that it too is a cover.

It is actually based on a song that has traditional roots. Here is the brief story followed by a couple of hundred cover versions. Okay, 18 to be exact, which could be a new Ted Tocks Covers record, but every time I found a good cover another quality version jumped right out at me.

To begin, the melody for ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ comes from a traditional song called ‘Who’s Gonna Buy Your Chickens When I’m Gone’.

This song was adapted by one of the earliest figures to take roots in the Greenwich Village folk scene, Paul Clayton. Clayton wrote ‘Who’s Gonna Buy Your Ribbons When I’m Gone’ based on the aforementioned melody in 1960.

When Bob Dylan arrived in New York City a short time later he became fast friends with Paul Clayton and Dave Van Ronk, among others.

Sadly, Paul Clayton was dealing with numerous personal problems stemming from insecurities related to his homosexuality, and the unfortunate treatment he received beyond his immediate friendship circle. Casting a negative side-eye to this era and suggesting that the way he was treated is horrific seems obvious, but truth be told, sixty years later elements of U.S society still has a long way to go. Especially the religious hypocrites who make up the radical right.

Back in Greenwich Village, Paul Clayton battled mental health issues which manifested in a drug dependency. He became a target of the police beat. A drug arrest in the mid ‘60s sent him spiralling downward, before he committed suicide in 1967.

Every time we hear ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ we should think of Paul Clayton. Some lines were taken verbatim.

When Bob Dylan adapted ‘Who’s Gonna Buy Your Ribbons’ to ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ he was actually saying goodbye to his girlfriend Suze Rotolo who had left New York City to study at University of Perugia in Italy. The rising star reimagined the song. The way Dylan told the story, he left Rotolo.

That’s Suze walking with Dylan on the cover of ‘The Free Wheelin’ Bob Dylan’.

For Bob Dylan, ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ was a form of music therapy. It helped him get over his lost love.

A lot of people make it sort of a love song – slow and easygoing. But it isn’t a love song. It’s a statement that maybe you can say something to make yourself feel better. It’s as if you were talking to yourself.”

Bob Dylan

Here you go.

Here are the lyrics Bob Dylan wrote to help him move on…

Well, it ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe
If  you don’t know by now
And it ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe
It’ll never do somehow

When your rooster crows at the break of dawn
Look out your window, and I’ll be gone
You’re the reason I’m a-traveling on
But don’t think twice, it’s all right

And it ain’t no use in turning on your light, babe
The light I never knowed
And it ain’t no use in turning on your light, babe
I’m on the dark side of the road

But I wish there was somethin’ you would do or say
To try and make me change my mind and stay
But we never did too much talking anyway
But don’t think twice, it’s all right

So it ain’t no use in calling out my name, gal
Like you never done before
And it ain’t no use in calling out my name, gal
I can’t hear you any more

I’m a-thinking and a-wonderin’ walking down the road
I once loved a woman, a child I am told
I give her my heart but she wanted my soul
But don’t think twice, it’s all right

So long honey, baby
Where I’m bound, I can’t tell
Goodbye’s too good a word, babe
So I’ll just say fare thee well

I ain’t a-saying you treated me unkind
You could have done better but I don’t mind
You just kinda wasted my precious time
But don’t think twice, it’s all right”

Bob Dylan

Suze Rotolo is on record as stating that the origin of the opening passage “When your rooster crows at the break of dawn, look out your window, and I’ll be gone,”

This is based on the fact that the couple lived in close proximity to a poultry supplier in Greenwich Village. They would sometimes stay up all night and hear the roosters crowing at the break of dawn.

So, let’s give credit to folk traditions, Paul Clayton, Suze Rotolo, Bob Dylan and a rooster.

Who’s gonna buy those chickens?

Everything has a way of coming around, and no doubt in these formative years Bob Dylan was an open book in terms of inspiration and influence.

Let’s freewheel on down that long old lonesome road and check out several interesting cover versions of ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’.

1963 alone yielded several immediate renditions. Among the first was Peter Paul & Mary. Much like Bob Dylan’s ‘original’, this cover stands the test of time. Somehow, listening to Peter, Paul & Mary makes one feel like everything is going to be alright.

The fact Joan Baez covered ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ is interesting because a short time later she and Dylan would be linked romantically.

As an added bonus, here is Baez as a special guest to Lana Del Rey in 2019. This is fantastic.

Among the most interesting of the early cover versions is this 1963 offering from Waylon Jennings. This is a quality cover and a sign of the greatness that was to come.

Closely connected to Waylon is the great Johnny Cash, who released ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ on his 1965 album ‘Orange Blossom Special’ which actually featured three Bob Dylan covers. The version I am sharing is actually a live recording from the Newport Folk Festival in 1964.

My early vote for the best cover version of ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ is this 1965 presentation by Odetta. The vocal and guitar combination is simply brilliant.

Again in 1965, here is some early Cher. The best part is it is authentic. None of that horrible auto correct here.

If nothing else, this is an interesting story that needed to be shared. In 1965, The Four Seasons were at their peak of popularity. ‘Let’s Hang On’ had hit the top 10 and Frankie Vali had his own solo hit in ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You’. It seemed as if they could do no wrong. Somebody in their camp openly wondered if the group could record and release a new song under a pseudonym and still strike gold. The result of this experiment was the release of ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ by ‘Wonder Who’. It went to #12 in the U.S.

This is an abomination, but the theory they tested speaks volumes about the psychology of the buying public.

In 1968, folk legend and one of Woody Guthrie’s traveling companions, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott released ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ on his album ‘Young Brigham’. Several years later, in 2011 here he is telling the story like no one else. Ramblin’ Jack is a gem. For more on him and his relationship with Arlo Guthrie, see ‘Highway in the Wind’. Ramblin’ Jack is still…well, rambling at the age of 91.

This is a connection to song writing history. Every intonation is a fun poke at an old friend. Somewhere, Bob Dylan is still smiling.

Speaking of Arlo Guthrie, here he is with Pete Seeger in 1975. This is from their special album ‘Together’.  Two friends with a common link working together to connect musical generations.

All in all, it’s another branch on the folk singer family tree.

Here is another special moment. While researching countless cover versions, I rediscovered an old Jerry Reed track from his classic album ‘When You’re Hot, You’re Hot’. This led me to this iconic live performance with the great Chet Atkins in 1992.

Hold on because we are just loading up, and getting ready to roll.

This 2002 cover by Susan Tedeschi with the Derek Trucks Band broadcast their special union in a couple of ways. Susan and Derek were married in 2001 and a decade later they formed the Tedeschi Trucks Band, which for my money is the best act on the planet right now.

That same year Bryan Ferry released this stunning cover of ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’. It would be one of two Dylan covers on the album ‘Frantic’. The piano accompaniment is courtesy of Colin Good. This release was a preview of Ferry’s 2007 album ‘Dylanesque’ which also resides in the must listen category.

One of the most satisfying benefits of writing Ted Tocks Covers is tracing how musicians we hold in the highest esteem always seem to look somewhere beyond when they reflect on their career. Every artist has someone they regard as a mentor or master. Listen here, as James Taylor relates the story of seeing Bob Dylan solo back around the time that he was just a free wheelin’ folksinger. He considers the experience the equivalent of climbing a ‘cultural mountain’.

The big names keep on coming. Here is Dolly Parton in 2014. This is from her album ‘Blue Smoke’. This release became her 44^th studio album.

One year later in 2015, two more music legends, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard joined forces to release their own version of a Dylan classic. This is memorable for many reasons. The album is called ‘Django and Jimmie’. Merle Haggard died less than a year later. Good ol’ Willie turned 90 last month.

The iconic artists keep on coming. This is really special. How about Glen Campbell showing his guitar skills, which to a casual observer may have gone undetected. In the industry Campbell was highly regarded.

Here he is reflecting on good times in 2007. Watch as he and Canadian song bird Anne Murray combine their skills to offer ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ back in 1971.

This reflection on a remarkable career was also offered in 2017, when Campbell released ‘Adios’. For Campbell, who was living with Alzheimer’s Disease, this would be his farewell album. In this quote, his daughter Ashley reflects on his decision to play the Dylan classic.

You know, he loved Jerry Reed’s picking version of it. To play it on guitar was always so much fun for him, and it’s kind of this way for him to show off his guitar skills because it’s such a complicated tune.”

Ashley Campbell

Campbell had been wanting to record this tune for many years, but by the time he committed to adding it to his catalogue he was struggling with his dexterity, so producer Carl Jackson played the guitar. Here is Glen’s wife Kim explaining.

That intro lick was the main thing to me. You have to get the lick right. At that time, I don’t think Glen was able to play it, so we relied on Carl to get it. He pretty much nailed that lick. That was the one he always played the most. If you came over and visited us, he’d pick up the guitar and that was the one he would play.”

Kim Campbell

So special. In fact, here is a double shot of Glen Campbell, 46 years after he played the song with Anne Murray.

Back in the early days of COVID, Reina del Cid put this blues-tinged cover together. I like this because it is a different take. Another cool Ted Tocks ‘discovery’.

And finally, also from 2020, here is the incomparable Billy Strings. Just listen. He is a guitar force no matter what the style.

During a career that has spanned over sixty years, Bob Dylan’s music and writing has transcended arts and entertainment and taken on something much greater. I think James Taylor was onto something when he referred to the mercurial artist as a “cultural mountain…range”. In many ways Dylan exists on his own plane.

When it was announced in late 2020 that Bob Dylan was selling the rights to his 600-song catalogue to Universal Music Publishing Group, the music industry raised a collective eyebrow. It was the biggest acquisition of its kind. No artist had ever amassed a collection appraised at such a value.

The deal, which was thought to be in the $350 million range, was orchestrated by Lucian Grange, who was the chief executive of Universal. He offered this statement.

It’s no secret that the art of song writing is the fundamental key to all great music, nor is it a secret that Bob is one of the very greatest practitioners of that art,” 

Lucian Grange

This transaction led to a ton of cynicism, but truth be told, Bob Dylan has always been an artist who did things his way. Over sixty years he plied his craft, and his creativity has received a multitude of honours including a 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature. In the words of the Nobel committee, Dylan “created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.”

As 2020 was concluding, Dylan could see 80 on the horizon. What more could he do?

There comes a time one must determine at what point the value of their own life’s work has reached a peak.

Once you recognize this point, like every wise person…Sell high.

Bob Dylan cashed his chips.

He’s richer by far with a satisfied mind.

I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – #U2 turns their gospel influence into a rock anthem. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #HappyStPatricksDay #TheChimes #BookerTandtheMGs #SteveWinwood #Seal #Cher #BonnieTyler #Disturbed #BruceSpringsteen #CelticThunder #NewVoicesofFreedom

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Today we celebrate an American tradition that was only embraced by the Irish, nearly two centuries after it began. It originated as a celebration of immigration and a positive reflection on their homeland. I take you back to Boston in 1737. This is the home of the very first St. Patrick’s Day Parade. A group of Irish immigrants held a parade to celebrate the importance of the Irish culture in establishing the 13 colonies. The festivities took place on March 17^th in honour of St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, who lived in 5^th century Ireland and died on this day in 465 A.D. (If he were alive today, he would be almost as old as Pat Robertson).

Over the years the celebration took off, and similar events took place in other cities in the colonies, such as New York and Philadelphia. It wasn’t until 1930 that the celebration took root in Ireland. At this time, it became a national holiday and Dublin became home to the world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I am proud to say that my son Jeremy marched in this parade as a member of the Burlington Teen Tour Band in 2013. He was the Drum Major. The Teen Tour Band has the distinction of taking home the prestigious Best International Band Award. Quite the distinction for a bunch of teenagers from Canada, but they truly are that good.

By the mid ‘90s, Ireland began to use the St. Patrick’s Day concept as a way of promoting tourism and enhancing their cultural identity. In a very veiled way, they were attempting to reclaim the holiday and St. Patrick’s name. Through the years the day had become very secular in nature, depicting people wearing green articles of clothing and drinking green beer in copious quantities.

But who was St. Patrick?

As mentioned, he was a missionary in Ireland in the 5^th century. In fact, he was a bishop who was prominent in bringing Roman Catholic beliefs to the emerald isle. By extension, St. Patrick’s Day is really a celebration of Catholicism in Ireland. Through the years, St. Patrick became the subject of a handful of legends used to mythologize his character. One of the finest, speaks to the idea that he drove all the ‘snakes’ into the ocean after they attacked him during a ‘40 day fast’. To clarify, the ‘40 day fast’ represents the Catholic tradition of Lent, and the ‘snakes’ are a metaphor for Druidic symbols. Essentially, St. Patrick drove these Druidic symbols out of Ireland in order to institute Catholic traditions. If this pattern of colonialism sounds familiar…you are right.

It is also interesting to note that St. Patrick was not Irish. He was of either Welsh or British descent. Patrick was abducted from his home as a teenager, by pirates. He was enslaved for approximately six years before escaping. This experience strengthened Patrick’s faith and he ultimately entered the clergy focusing on Ireland for his missionary work. In essence, St. Patrick was an immigrant. In North America, where we celebrate St. Patrick Day in droves, we are celebrating Ireland’s most beloved immigrant and the foundation of one of humanity’s earliest examples of religious persecution.

Even the symbols of St. Patrick’s Day owe their roots to Druid rituals. The shamrock is a prime example. In Ireland, the three leaves of the shamrock have significance to Catholicism in terms of symbolizing the Holy Trinity, but aspects of these are borrowed from pagan traditions. To this day, the number 3 is seen as the ‘magic number’ in many religious and secular traditions. It is symbolically connected in images such as land, sea and sky or the mental, physical and spiritual needs of mankind. The colour green, actually replaced blue as the colour most commonly associated with St. Patrick. Ironically, it was a group of Irish Protestants who identified green as the colour in their rebellion against the British. This goes back as far as 1751. This tradition was instituted by the Protestant, but non-sectarian ‘Friendly Brothers of St. Patrick’. They used green as their symbol and it has become a representative of their rebellion ever since. Green is truly the colour of Irish nationalism. The association to a 5^th century Catholic bishop who drove non-Catholics out of his adopted country, is one of many fascinating ironies of our time.

Enter U2…

As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we must do so with an Irish band of global importance; U2. Why not feature one of their most popular songs, that owes its roots to American gospel and blues? This is why I love songwriting and continue to be so immersed in the stories behind the music we know and love.

‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ emerged from a handful of origins. While U2 was working on material for ‘The Joshua Tree’ Bono was listening to a lot of music by American artists, like The Swan Silvertones, The Staple Singers and Blind Willie Johnson. This passion was being fueled by U2 producer Brian Eno. At around the same time, co-producer Daniel Lanois was working with The Edge, Larry Mullen Jr. and Adam Clayton on the music for future songs. They were laying down a ‘foundation’ as Lanois called it. The song originated as a demo with a working title that varied from ‘The Weather Girls’ to ‘Under the Weather’ depending on the timeline. Creatively speaking, it evolved through various studio jams. The driving force behind the music was a drum pattern created by Larry Mullen Jr. The rhythm became the core of the song we know today. As the group jammed, Bono improvised gospel and soul influenced lines that spoke to spiritual doubt. As the music enveloped the group The Edge recalled a line he wrote in a notebook.

I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.”

The Edge

This moment of reflection spoke to his philosophical uncertainty at the time. He was on an upward track when it came to fame and adulation, but he felt something was missing. The line was inspired by the song ‘Idiot Wind’ by Bob Dylan, where the lyrical master wrote;

You’ll find out when you reach the top, you’re on the bottom.”

Bob Dylan

The Edge wrote the line on a piece of paper and handed it to Bono while he was singing. The song took form from that moment “like a hand in a glove”.

Here is Daniel Lanois’ recollection of the process.

I’ve always liked gospel music and I encouraged Bono to take it to that place…It was a very non-U2 thing to do at the time, to go up the street of gospel. I think it opened a door for them, to experiment with that territory…[Bono]’s singing at the top of his range and there is something very compelling about somebody pushing themselves. It’s like hearing Aretha Franklin almost. It jumps on you and you can’t help but feel the feeling.”

Daniel Lanois

What a great quote. Wherever there is greatness, it seems Aretha Franklin’s influence is not too far away. Daniel Lanois’ resume has been pretty solid too.

So whatever happened to the original demo?

It became ‘Desert of Our Love’. It was released in 2007 on a remastered version of ‘The Joshua Tree’. The drum track that became toned down on the album version of ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ comes through in this recording.

For U2, ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ became the band’s second consecutive #1 single. It paved the way for U2 to enter a different stratosphere in terms of being a pre-eminent international act. The beauty of this album is the underlying themes that run throughout. So much of the music is influenced by American blues, soul and gospel, while speaking to socio-political issues through their lyrics. The imagery managed to contrast their disdain for the real America while paying homage to the mythical America.

By extension, it comes all the way back around to the interesting and dubious celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. What is seen on the surface, often has a very different epistemology. I have barely skimmed the historical depths in this post. I am only drawing parallels, using the intersection of this song and the St. Patrick’s Day tradition as an interesting canvas for the thought.

As is so often the case with a song of such massive popularity ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ has been covered by some big name artists. There have been some incredible versions by lesser known acts that also make the listener smile. Here are a handful of great covers.

Here is the Scottish dance band known as The Chimes, performing an up-tempo dance remake of ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’. Bono is on record as saying it is a cover that does the original justice. This appeared on The Chimes self-titled debut album.

Here is Booker T and the M.G.s in 1994. A versatile and truly essential act. Listen to that Hammond B3 organ. So distinctive.

In 1997, the legendary Steve Winwood joined forces with Seal to offer this astounding cover. Here is a live version from Wembley Stadium. There is something about a fully engaged Wembley crowd. Magical, music appreciation.

Check out this musical extravaganza. Cher does it all here on her 2003 tour.

In that same year, Bonnie Tyler released this version with the backing of the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

In 2010, Disturbed released a cover of ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’. I love how every time they do a cover song, they manage to make the song their own. Listen to it build in the instrumental portion before leading into the final verse. I imagine the live version of this song would border on apocalyptic.

Also, from 2010, watch Bono and Bruce Springsteen trade lines. You feel the song escalate as the two feed off of each other’s passionate and emotional delivery. The ending is remarkable. Bono sings ‘Promised Land’ while The Boss sings the outro. More chills.

Because it is St. Patrick’s Day, the last cover will be by a popular Irish act known as Celtic Thunder. Here is their version from 2010.

Before I sign off, I wanted to share the best version of ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’. I reserve that title for U2 and the New Voices of Freedom. I am on the edge of tears. This is so good. When music elicits this type of emotion it has truly achieved new heights of greatness. Listen to this and then read on for an interesting back story.

Here is the conductor, Dennis Bell, talking about how this session took place.

The Choir was put together after A&R at Island Records asked me to do a ‘Gospel Influenced’ arrangement of the U2 song before it came out on the Joshua Tree album. Rockspel was a name I made up so as not to imply that we were a religiously oriented Gospel Choir, which is intrinsic to the term Gospel. I didn’t want to disrespect church Gospel Choirs since we only sang Rock with Gospel influenced chord/harmonic voicing. U2’s road manager asked me to find a quiet place in Manhattan to rehearse where U2 wouldn’t be mobbed by fans. I asked one of my choir members to ask her Church pastor at Calvary Baptist in Harlem if it would be okay to rehearse there. I didn’t know they were filming Rattle & Hum ‘til cameras came in. I was there to rehearse for the Madison Square Garden Concert.”

Dennis Bell

Elements of this statement are in response to some confusion that arose surrounding this recording. The New Voices of Freedom were the act who performed this epic piece, based on Bell’s direction. Through the years a gospel choir known as the Harlem Gospel Choir managed to tour extensively, claiming to be the choir who performed with U2 on the Rattle & Hum footage and during the 1987 Madison Square Gardens live show. Craziness!

Here are the lyrics so you can sing along.

I have climbed the highest mountains
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you

I have run I have crawled
I have scaled these city walls
These city walls
Only to be with you

But I still haven’t found
What I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found
What I’m looking for

I have kissed honey lips
Felt the healing in the fingertips
It burned like fire
This burning desire

I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night
I was cold as a stone

But I still haven’t found
What I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found
What I’m looking for

I believe in the Kingdom come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
But yes, I’m still running

You broke the bonds
and you loosened chains
carried the cross of my shame, of my shame
You know I believe it

But I still haven’t found
What I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found
What I’m looking for

But I still haven’t found
What I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found
What I’m looking for

U2

Stay healthy! Do something nice for someone today. Things may be challenging right now, but sometimes the best in people comes out in the worst of times. We will get through this situation stronger and better. Good will prevail. Somehow it always does.

Fernando – Today’s classic song in three languages and a cover by a diva legend. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #ABBA #Cher

There is something about ABBA.

There are very few bands that could generate worldwide hysteria if they ever reformed and went on tour. ABBA is one of those bands. They have universal appeal. Clearly, I am not telling you anything that you don’t already know. Newsflash! Ted Tocks Covers declares ABBA is good. Read all about it. The point is, ABBA is irresistible. They keep the listener coming back. Today’s song is a clear example of how popular ABBA was and how popular they continue to be 44 years after the initial release. The song is ‘Fernando’ and to add to its fascination it has a different meaning depending on what language you find yourself listening. This makes it all the more intriguing. Here is the story behind ‘Fernando’ and then a little reflection as to what ABBA means to me. On occasion a little Ted Tocks sentiment is therapeutic, at least for me. Thanks for following.

‘Fernando’ was originally released by ABBA’s beautiful brunette singer, Anni-Frid Lyngstad in 1975, on her solo album ‘Frida Ensam’. Like most ABBA songs it was composed by her male ABBA counterparts Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. It was written in Swedish. Due to its dance style composition it was initially called ‘Tango’ but shortly before its recording the title was changed. The lyrics to ‘Fernando’ were written by ABBA’s manager Stig Andersson. As noted above, the meaning of the Swedish version of ‘Fernando’ is very different than the English song we are most familiar. In the Andersson version of the lyrics the narrator conveys the story of a friend who has undergone a profound loss. The chorus salutes ‘Fernando’ as can be read here:

 Long live love, our best friend, Fernando. Raise your glass and propose a toast to it; to love, Fernando. Play the melody and sing a song of happiness. Long live love, Fernando”.

Stig Anderson

Here is that version of “Fernando’.

The English version, and the one we are all most familiar presents an interpretation by Bjorn Ulvaeus depicting a pair of freedom fighters telling old war stories relating to their experience fighting the war between Texas and Mexico. The song came to Ulvaeus on a summer evening while he gazed out into a clear starry sky.

 I wrote all the songs as little stories. ‘Fernando’ was about two old freedom-fighters from the war between Texas and Mexico. I was lying outside one summer night, looking at the stars and it suddenly came to me. I knew that the title ‘Fernando’ had to be there, and after pondering a while, I had this vivid image in my mind of two old and scarred revolutionaries in Mexico sitting outside at night talking about old memories”

Bjorn Ulvaeus

By the time the song was recorded by Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid for ABBA in early 1976 the narrative developed the potential to be interpreted as a female freedom fighter recalling an affair with a gentleman named Fernando. Over and above ‘Fernando’s popularity, the song becomes even more intriguing as it evolves through additional languages and interpretations. This point is further enhanced when you consider a Spanish version of ‘Fernando’ was recorded in 1980. It appeared on the group’s Spanish album ‘Gracias Por La Musica’. While the lyrics were adapted to stay true to the basic rhythm and rhyme, the sentiment of the song remained most true to the English version. The one exception was the chorus became;

“Something was around us perhaps of clarity Fernando, that shone for us two in protection, Fernando” (“Algo había alrededor quizá de claridad Fernando, que brillaba por nosotros dos en protección, Fernando”.)

Bjorn Ulvaeus

Here is the Spanish version.

Upon its release in 1976 ‘Fernando’ became ABBA’s first non – album single. This speaks to its origin as an Anni-Frid release. Based on its obvious potential and the adaptation by Bjorn, ABBA released ‘Fernando’ as a brand – new track to aid in the promotion of their 1976 Greatest Hits compilation. To add to its potential ABBA released ‘Fernando’ as a single on the New Zealand and Australian edition of their fourth studio album ‘Arrival’. Based on the strategic deployment of the song worldwide ABBA was poised for unprecedented success and that plan proved to be perfectly executed. ‘Fernando’ sold over 6 million copies in 1976 alone and it went on to become one of fewer than forty singles to have sold 10 million plus copies. It went to #1 in at least 13 countries and true to the plan it became the longest running #1 song in Australian history at 14 weeks and a total of 40 weeks on the charts in that country. The list of accolades goes on and on.

There have been several cover versions of ‘Fernando’ over the years but there is one version by another pop music icon that speaks to the heights of its popularity. In 2018 Cher released a version of’ ‘Fernando’ as the third single from the ‘Mamma Mia – Here We Go Again’ soundtrack. This version debuted at #22 on the Adult Contemporary Chart in July of 2018. It featured actor Andy Garcia on backing vocals. The fact that this release was produced by Benny Andersson definitely added to the authenticity. Cher also recorded a cover on her ABBA tribute album called Dancing Queen; this version did not include Andy Garcia.

ABBA takes me way back to when I was 9 years old. I remember getting a clock radio for my birthday. The cool thing about that radio was being able to set the alarm each night, and every day. In those younger days I set it to wake up to CFRB 1010, and the Wally Crouter Show. Typically, I would listen to a couple of songs and then the sportscast featuring Bill Stephenson at five minutes to the hour. This way, I could get the previous night’s hockey or baseball scores. It was in this short period of time each day that I got to hear two acts that left a permanent impression on me. The first was Gordon Lightfoot and the second was ABBA. If I fast forward a couple of years I moved on to more music – oriented stations like CHUM-AM and CFTR and ultimately at the urging of friends I discovered the album – oriented format of FM radio. It was here that I discovered my four early music favourites; Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and Rush. As a result, ABBA kind of slipped into the background but they had this sneaky way of always coming back. At about the same time I started my record collection with ‘A Farewell to Kings’ by Rush, my sister Susan was playing ABBA’s Greatest Hits. Outwardly I teased Susan about listening to ABBA when there was so much more out there to listen to. Oh…I was such a worldly music aficionado. Truthfully, I was just being a pain in the ass big brother. Secretly, I always liked the songs I was hearing. They were catchy and fun to listen to and inevitably I would find myself singing along, but I stopped before Susan caught me in a weak moment.

Fast forward several years to a time where Heather and I had been married for a few years and had been blessed with two sons; Sebastian and Jeremy. We didn’t get to go out too much, so for my birthday one year, Heather got tickets to an ABBA tribute act at a venue called Stage West in nearby Mississauga.  This was a perfect opportunity because Heather really liked ABBA, and Stage West had a phenomenal buffet so we were both extremely happy. I was still in my phase of musical toxic masculinity, so I feigned some marginal distaste at the idea of ABBA, but on several occasions during the show Heather caught me clapping and singing along to the infectious set list. From that day on I was exposed as an ABBA fan and I dispensed with the efforts to be all classic rock, all the time. In the early 2000s I was able to get some tickets to the Mirvish Production of Mamma Mia at the Royal Alex Theatre in Toronto. Somehow, we managed to be in the second row from the stage. If I wasn’t already a fan, I would have needed to check for a pulse if I didn’t enjoy this performance. The story was fantastic, and the music kept people entertained from open to close. Heather was dancing throughout the show and I kind of wobbled back and forth a little, which is an open display of enthusiasm for me. From here our love of ABBA moved on to sharing with the boys. One of our favourite things to do as a family while enjoying long trips in our minivan was blasting some of our mixed CDs. ABBA was always one of the top choices. By this time, we had added Nathaniel to our crew and our family was complete. One of the best memories I have is, while on a trip to the East Coast of Canada in the summer of 2003, we hit play on the ABBA Gold CD and the van exploded with fun. Everybody was singing along; even Nathaniel who was only 3 at the time. I can still remember the smile on everyone’s faces when I turned around. These are priceless moments and they are all directly connected to the catchy sounds of ABBA.

Gracias Por La Musica! Thank You for the Music!

For What It’s Worth – Today’s classic song and a trip through the years that displays its continued relevance. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #BuffaloSpringfield #Cher #LedZeppelin #CrosbyStillsandNash #WillieNelson #Rush #OzzyOsbourne #TomPetty

Today’s feature will focus on what is widely considered to be one of the best protest songs ever written. ‘For What it’s Worth’ is definitely a song that inspired people to be more socially and politically aware. Like many of the best songs at this level of cultural significance it remains as relevant today as the day it was written in 1966 by Stephen Stills and Buffalo Springfield.

The inspiration for this song was derived from Stephen Stills anger at the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles. During this time there were several clashes between the counterculture and police. The clashes took place in the summer of 1966 and they stemmed from the social awareness of the youth in the L.A. area. The issues transpired because the crowds of young people created a ton of congestion on the Sunset Strip and citizens and business owners lobbied the city to pass a local ordinance to impose a curfew to prevent loitering. Subsequently a 10 pm curfew was established. The politically aware young music fans felt this bylaw infringed on their civil rights and protests ensued.

Around this time the Buffalo Springfield had become the house band at the famous Los Angeles night club The Whiskey a Go Go. Obviously all of this had an impact on the band as both observers and participants. ‘For What it’s Worth’ emerged as a civil rights anthem. In reading accounts of the riots that took place leading to the ultimate shutdown of clubs in the area for a period of time in November and December of 1966, it was interesting to note that there were some prominent future celebrities who took part in this civil disobedience including, Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda.

An interesting fact regarding ‘For What it’s Worth’ is it existed as a song without a title until after it was presented to renowned record company executive Ahmet Ertugen. As legend has it Stephen Stills humbly threw the song Ertugen’s way with the statement;

I have this song here, for what it’s worth, if you want it?”

Stephen Stills

Ertugen thought it was a gem because it spoke directly to the audience that consumed product. He added the line “Stop! Hey, what’s that sound.” To the title to make it more recognizable. Gradually this became unnecessary because it became an anthem of the counterculture and stands to this day as a song that reflects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. A lyrical masterpiece.

Oftentimes, the greatness of a song can be measured by how well it is received by its’ peers. In the case of ‘For What it’s Worth’ the answer to that question is blatantly obvious. It has been covered many times by some notable artists.

Check this out! Cher does an incredible version of ‘For What it’s Worth’ along with Glen Campbell. Wow! Whose idea were the dancers though?

Led Zeppelin covers it back in 1970. Seriously? This is incredible!

Later on, Stephen Stills brought the song’s brilliance to the vocal prowess of Crosby, Stills and Nash. Here they are performing it during their Daylight Again tour. Skip to 1:30:00 or better yet, watch the whole show. This is magical.

Here is Willie Nelson doing a great version of ‘For What it’s Worth’ with Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow. The sax is a nice touch. Willie just gets it. Another treasure.

In 2004 Rush released an eight song CD of songs they considered to be influential during their time as up and coming musicians. Among those songs was ‘For What it’s Worth’. Alex Lifeson does a great job recreating the guitarwork of Stephen Stills and the distinctive harmonics created by Neil Young. This video adds an extra layer of awesome showing how culturally significant the song remained right into the early 21st century.

Here is a version by Ozzy Osbourne. Count me as undecided on this one. I include it to add to the discussion. It does speak to the range of influence of the original.

Finally, if Tom Petty covers it, I include it. That’s a Ted Tocks Covers rule. I write the blog, I make the rules. Just kidding…sort of. Tom just oozed cool and he is sorely missed.

I hope you enjoyed this journey through the years that demonstrates the power of one of the best songs ever written. To think, its’ title was an afterthought, but it became synonymous with the resistance.

#Resist.

Dancing Queen – A song that literally brings people together. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #ABBA #Cher

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2019! I thought the best way to ring in the new year would be to start it off with a timeless classic. ‘Dancing Queen’ by ABBA was released as a single in the summer of 1976 and it is as fresh and relevant today as it was over forty years ago. I was somewhat surprised to learn that ‘Dancing Queen’ was the only ABBA song to hit #1 in the United States. It is recognized world-wide and it is virtually guaranteed to put a smile on the listener’s face and literally get people dancing.

When Dancing Queen was written it was a response to the emerging disco scene that was beginning to dominate the U.S. charts. Songwriters, Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson aimed to replicate the Phil Spector Wall of Sound with their arrangements. The result became a very seductive series of verses with a powerful and extremely catchy chorus delivered by the enchanting duo of Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Faltskog. The combination of what I just described and the pure innocence of the main character(s) described in the song, enhances the accessibility of this timeless piece. It is literally about someone who loves to dance and embraces the club scene as her chance to escape the rigors of day to day life. As mentioned it has a universal appeal, which is attested to by the fact that it has over 300 million page views on Youtube alone.

As Benny Andersson was creating ‘Dancing Queen’ it touched an emotional nerve with both Anni-Frid and Agnetha. According to the former;

I found the song so beautiful. It’s one of those songs that goes straight to your heart.”

Anni-Frid Lyngstad

Faltskog follows with this recollection;

It’s often difficult to know what will be a hit. The exception was ‘Dancing Queen’. We all knew it was going to be massive.”

Agnetha Faltskog

Admittedly, I knew very little about the background to ‘Dancing Queen’ when I chose it for today’s feature. While researching it I discovered old names from Ted Tocks Covers had a certain level of influence. The songwriters have suggested that the drum beat of New Orleans master, Dr. John’s 1972 album, ‘Dr. John’s Gumbo’ provided some inspiration for the groove and the opening melody has been noted as a tip of the hat to ‘Sing My Way Home’ by Delaney and Bonnie. Here is ‘Sing My Way Home’ for your reference. Listen to the melody and you hear a slowed down similarity for sure. I found this absolutely fascinating. It is yet another example of how music from a wide degree of styles and genres literally have a very narrow degree of separation when it comes to the creative process.

What ‘Dancing Queen’ did for ABBA was solidify them as a massive worldwide act that still resonates today. On dance floors everywhere ‘Dancing Queen’ is guaranteed to fill the floor with people of all ages. It is so catchy, and it brings about a feeling of optimism and excitement. What a nice way to start the year. We could all use a little injection of positivity as we begin a new calendar. Next to the Beatles and Michael Jackson, it is difficult to think of an act that has as much of a universal appeal as ABBA.

Part of what brought my attention to ‘Dancing Queen’ in time for today’s post was Cher being the recent recipient of a Lifetime Achievement recognition by The Kennedy Centre. Cher performs a version of ‘Dancing Queen’ in Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again. She literally turns back time as she plays the role of Meryl Streep’s mother. For the record, Cher is 72 years old and Meryl Streep is 69. It sounds funny, but I am sure, somehow the two iconic actors make it work. Here is Cher doing ‘Dancing Queen’.

‘Dancing Queen’ was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015. A very justified honour.

All the best in 2019. Dance like nobody’s watching. I say all this, and I am quite possibly the world’s worst dancer.