Today we feature Kander & Ebb’s “Why Should I Wake Up?” from Cabaret (1966). Key change at 1:35. Enjoy!
Tag: 1960s
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.
The Foundations | Build Me Up, Buttercup
The Foundations released their hit “Build Me Up, Buttercup” in 1968; it reached #1 in the US, Canada, and Australia. It’s often played during the 7th inning stretch during Los Angeles Angels games. The key change is at the tail end of this short single (2:45), just as the tune begins its fade-out.
Frank Sinatra | That’s Life
Featuring Frank Sinatra with “That’s Life” (1966) today, from an album of the same name. The track was a top-5 hit during an era otherwise dominated by rock acts. Key change at 2:25.
Liza Minnelli | Maybe This Time
Bringing you some early Liza Minnelli today, with a 1966 concert performance of “Maybe This Time” from the 1972 film Cabaret. Minelli had previously released the tune on two albums, but its feature position in the film is what gave it staying power with the public. The key change is at 1:50.
Ella Fitzgerald | Mack the Knife
No words needed for this 1960 release. Modulations are at 1:05, 1:32, 1:58, 2:24, 2:50, and 3:16.
Barbra Streisand | Lover, Come Back to Me
We’re kickin’ the week off with some early Babs (1965) — this is not a performance to be missed! Key change is at 1:44, but you are short-changing yourself if you don’t watch this whole video.
The Temptations | My Girl
The Temptations had plenty of hits, but 1965’s “My Girl” went straight to #1 and probably remains the group’s best known release. Co-written by Smokey Robinson, the tune featured a trademark early Motown sound. The modulation is at 1:43.
The Mamas + The Papas | Dream a Little Dream
This 1968 hit from The Mamas and Papas is probably the most well-known of the many versions of “Dream a Little Dream,” which was originally recorded in 1931 by Ozzie Nelson. Modulation at 0:58, then reverting back to the original key at 1:18 (etc.!)
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