Nerd Pride Radio

In popular music, even back then, women-led songs often have near-parity with men. Mary Ford, Patti Page, Teresa Brewer, and Felicia Sanders (vocals on the last one) all in the top 5. 1953 is actually an exception year for critical praise... the women do well there too! Big Mama Thornton had "Hound Dog", Ruth Brown had "Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean" and Faye Adams has "Shake a Hand" -- all top-notch all-time great R&B songs.

1952 #25:

Les Paul in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame both makes sense and no sense at all. Big Mama is putting her stamp in the genre and isn't in and here's Les with his light happy but virtuosic and multi tracked ditties. And they didn't invite Mary Ford, who is just as light and happy but she doesn't have a guitar named after her.

1952 #24:

He gets credit for having an Rhythm and Blues feel that "presages" rock, which again how about those actually performing in the genre? What I will give these people: it is interesting to hear the progression of white artists in the 50s realizing that black R&B is awesome.

1952 #23:

Too Easy.

Kinda wish they gave this song less of a novelty feel, because Pee Wee King has talent and the lyrics are good! Not to rain on his 70 year old parade.

1952 #22:

Tahlvin wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 4:59 am 1952 #23:

I shouldn't judge a 70 year old song too harshly, I suppose, but I think I'm gonna. The lyrics are gross. They're patronizing and indulgent and a reminder of how deeply ingrained misogyny has always been in our culture. The whole "why do women take so long to get ready" bit has been a hackneyed part of American comedy since before this song was written. 1000 stand-ups did this through the 80's and 90's, it was played for laughs in a million sit-coms, including the Flintstones and the Jetsons way back. And it's always from the male point of view, asking, "Geez, what's wrong with these women?", completely ignoring the societal demands on woman for hair-removal, hair-styling, make-up, clothing that is all more expensive, more complicated, more delicate, and more subject to fashion whims than men's clothes, jewelry, accessories, and so on. Not to mention than unlike men, women have to make all this preparation while being mindful of the fact that they will be judged in most situations based on their appearance above any other factor.

And ignorance of all of this is what allows Pee Wee to cluck indulgently about how his little slow-poke sure can be aggravating, but -- ha ha -- what can you do... I guess I'll just have to be patient.

Yeah, that's probably too harsh.

1952 #21:

A little too big band for me but exciting when they do close harmonies

Tahlvin wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 6:13 am 1952 #22:

It’s in the Book
Part Wang

1952 #20:

I'm Chung, by Eddie Fisher with Hugo Wanghalter and the Everyone Have Fun Tonight Orchestra

Mike wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 6:23 am I shouldn't judge a 70 year old song too harshly, I suppose, but I think I'm gonna. The lyrics are gross. They're patronizing and indulgent and a reminder of how deeply ingrained misogyny has always been in our culture.

LOL misogyny is so ingrained that I totally thought the song was about something else. Well you know.

1952 #19:

High Wang

On this Chung's wedding day!

1952 #18:

The Little Wang Chung that Cried

Mike wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 4:15 pm The Little Wang Chung that Cried

Ooo. Good one. And just like that I love the game again. Thank you.

1952 #17:

A stalker is a stalker

A Guy is a Wang

1952 #16:

My least favorite part of an otherwise golden age of women vocal standard pop singers -- is the "i'm a-now a-gonna speak-a in an outrageous accent-a" songs. And it hurts because it's obvious these songs are lots of fun! She's having fun singing it, the band is having fun playing it, and I'm having fun listening to it. Similar to the appropriation vs. appreciation thing -- it's one thing if an appropriation sucks, it's another if the appropriation is great.

1952 #15:

We have a country music songbook at home on the piano, and have used it as a way to teach my daughter the basics of piano and reading sheet music. Just a few days ago I was enjoying going through with her the wacky lyrics Hank puts in this, a true jambalaya of bayou paraphernalia.

1952 #14:

Ella Mae was one of the few white Jump Blues artists. She's got a good swing!

I'm wanged out yall.

Kyle wrote: ↑Thu Nov 11, 2021 1:08 pmI'm wanged out yall.

Still haven't figured out this pattern

poorpete wrote: ↑Thu Nov 11, 2021 1:24 pm

Kyle wrote: ↑Thu Nov 11, 2021 1:08 pmI'm wanged out yall.

Still haven't figured out this pattern

And no place to chung.

Post.

Cereal.

Killer.

Bees.

1952 #13:

Tell Me Wang.

I'M BACK, BABY!

1952 #12:

Any Wang!

YEAH, BABY! IT’S ON! GAME ON!

1952 #11:

WANG of Fire!!

I would have gone with Wang of Chung, but whatever.

1952 #10:

For easy listening this is super fun and dynamic... love the harpsichord, the Latin rhythm, and the non overpowering strings and bass. Yay this song!

1952 #9:

Here in My Heart
(Feldman, Hues, Costin)
Al Martino

1952 #8:

Here in My Wang, by Al Chungtino

Holy shit! How did I ever fall off this game!