UPDATE – Since I first created this list, two of the oldies – Ray Charles’ “Hit the Road Jack,” and The Sensations’ “Let Me In” have inexplicably disappeared from Spotify. A rights issue over 60-year old songs? I added in ‘Volare’ by Bobby Rydell (teen … Continue reading The Indispensable 150 – The Spotify List

1962 – 1964. Stylistically, no real “theme” per se. Dionne Warwick and Dusty Springfield sing solo, no girl group. The Beach Boys surf in. Phil Spector perfects the Wall of Sound with “He’s a Rebel” and “Be My Baby.” The latter blows Brian Wilson’s mind. … Continue reading Oldies – The Indispensable 150 (Final of 4)

The early ’60’s. Doo-wop is still very much around if not quite as pervasive as a few years earlier. Girl groups become more predominant, the Four Seasons get going. And the Beatles – who recorded “Please Mr. Postman” and “You’ve Really Got a Hold On … Continue reading Oldies – The Indispensable 150 – (Part 3)

The late ’50’s were a great time for music: doo-wop, early rock ‘n roll, even mainstream pop artists like Bobby Darin had hits. American Bandstand – which had started in Philly in 1952 – had gone national in 1957. Teens would give ratinga (“85. It’s … Continue reading Oldies – The Indispensable 150 (Part 2)

If you want to hear all 150 songs, click on this link. You’ll need a Spotify account. But they’re free.  About a year or so ago I sat down and started listening to some ’50’s and ’60’s songs on YouTube. I’m a big fan of … Continue reading Oldies – The Indispensable 150 – (Intro/Part 1)