Today we feature The Association’s 1968 release “Time for Livin’,” suggested by one of our mod scouts, JB. Known as a “sunshine pop” band from Southern California, the band is better known for its iconic hits such as ”Cherish” and ”Never My Love.” This track, which reached only #39 on the US pop charts, modulates all over the place — starting at the 0:52 mark and continuing all the way to the end.
Tag: 1960s
Allan Sherman | The Twelve Gifts of Christmas
Allan Sherman makes his MotD debut with “The Twelve Gifts of Christmas” (1963)! Key change at 2:30, but this one is worth listening to the whole way through. Have a good weekend!
Ella Fitzgerald | Jingle Bells
No holiday season is complete without Ella! “Jingle Bells” (1960) features a key change at 1:45. Enjoy!
Otis Redding | Merry Christmas, Baby
Happy Monday! Starting off the week with Otis Redding’s “Merry Christmas Baby” (1968). Key change at 1:35. Thanks to MotD fan Paul Steckler for this contribution!
Tom Lehrer | Who’s Next
Here’s something a little different: this is the genius Tom Lehrer’s “Who’s Next” (1965), featuring FIVE modulations: 1:06, 1:21, 1:35, 2:02, and 2:17.
The Guess Who | These Eyes
From MotD regular Rob P.: Canadian band The Guess Who released their breakthrough US hit, “These Eyes,” in 1969. It peaked at #6 on the US Billboard chart.
After a few verses, a string of direct modulations builds during the chorus (starting at 1:42); the tune reverts to the original key for the next verse at 2:40. 3:00 marks the start of chorus/outro, stacking yet more modulations until the fadeout, augmented by boffo amounts of strings and brass.
Eddie Holman | Hey There Lonely Girl
The Legendary Eddie Holman‘s “Hey There Lonely Girl,” released in 1969, peaked at #2 in the US, #1 in Canada, and #4 in the UK when it was released there a few years later. The tune was later covered by many artists, including Donny Osmond and New Edition. Modulation at 2:14.
Why Should I Wake Up (from “Cabaret”)
Today we feature Kander & Ebb’s “Why Should I Wake Up?” from Cabaret (1966). Key change at 1:35. Enjoy!
Todd Rundgren | Hello, It’s Me
First released by Todd Rundgren during his stint with the band Nazz 50 years ago (October 1968), Rundgren’s subsequent solo version (1972) reached #5 on the US pop charts. The tune features a horn section including Randy Brecker and Michael Brecker, among other top-drawer players. Something/Anything, the album which featured the single, was later voted #173 on Rolling Stone‘s “500 Best Albums of All Time.”
The half-step modulation at 2:45.
Leslie Gore | You Don’t Own Me
Released in 1963, Leslie Gore‘s “You Don’t Own Me” was a #2 hit in the US (also top 5 in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK). The tune has had a sustained half-life as a feminist anthem.
Produced by studio legend Quincy Jones, the tune packs multiple modulations into its two and a half minutes. The verse is in G minor, but transitions to G major for the chorus (0:31); the same pattern holds true for verse 2 and chorus 2; multiple direct half-step modulations follow at 1:03, 1:19, and 1:34.
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