This week In ’70s Throwback’ 01/52

1 . Harry Nilsson . Gotta Get Up

Harry Nilsson’s “Gotta Get Up,” the opening track from his 1971 album “Nilsson Schmilsson,” is a piano-driven pop song that reflects the influence of Tin Pan Alley and vaudeville-style compositions.

The album was recorded at Trident Studios in London and produced by Richard Perry, who was instrumental in shaping its polished sound.

Although “Gotta Get Up” was not released as a single, the album itself achieved commercial success, peaking at No.3 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning Nilsson a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for another track on the album, “Without You.” A notable moment for “Gotta Get Up” came decades later when it gained renewed attention after being prominently featured in the Netflix series “Russian Doll” in 2019, where it served as a recurring motif for the show’s time-loop premise.

The song’s upbeat tempo and melancholic undercurrent have been linked to Nilsson’s own dissatisfaction with fame and reflections on his life at the time.

The “Nilsson Schmilsson” album marked a turning point in his career, as it was his first to feature a more commercial and radio-friendly rock sound while also showcasing his diverse musical sensibilities.

Lifted from : On English TV today, Harry Nilsson at ‘BBC in Concert’ (1972)

2 . Joni Mitchell . Raised on Robbery

“Raised on Robbery” is a track by Joni Mitchell, released as the lead single from her sixth studio album, “Court and Spark,” on November 29, 1973.

The song features jazz-influenced instrumentation and is backed by The Crusaders’ saxophonist Tom Scott, marking one of Mitchell’s key early collaborations with Scott, who contributed extensively to the album’s arrangements.

“Raised on Robbery” peaked at #65 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1974, demonstrating Mitchell’s growing crossover into pop and rock radio.

The song’s lyrics tell a lively story set in a hotel bar, showcasing Mitchell’s narrative songwriting.

“Raised on Robbery” premiered during Mitchell’s performance on the television special “ABC In Concert” in 1974, further boosting its visibility.

It was later included in her 1996 compilation album, “Hits.” Notably, Mitchell experimented more prominently with electric guitar on this track, performed by session guitarist Larry Carlton, who contributed to much of the album’s distinctive sound.

This marked a pivotal moment for Mitchell, transitioning from her earlier folk roots into jazz-pop territories that would become characteristic of her mid-to-late 1970s work.

The song’s vibrant, upbeat tone and storytelling have made it a standout in live setlists during her performances throughout the mid-1970s.

Lifted from : Asylum publish Joni Mitchell’s sixth album . ‘Court and Spark’ featuring ‘Help Me’ (1974)

3 . David Bowie . The Jean Genie

David Bowie’s “The Jean Genie” was released as a single on November 24, 1972, and later included on his sixth studio album, “Aladdin Sane,” which came out in April 1973.

The song, inspired in part by Iggy Pop and described by Bowie himself as a “smorgasbord of imagined Americana,” is notable for its raw, bluesy style and driving riff played by guitarist Mick Ronson.

The single reached #2 on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at #71 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making it one of Bowie’s early transatlantic successes.

The track was recorded at New York City’s RCA Studios in October 1972 during a brief break in Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust Tour and was produced by Bowie and Ken Scott.

Its promotional music video, directed by Mick Rock, was filmed in San Francisco and Los Angeles and features scenes in locations like the Mars Hotel.

The song was performed live on the British TV show “Top of the Pops” in January 1973, an appearance that helped cement its popularity.

Notably, “The Jean Genie” was among several Bowie songs included in the 1980 compilation album “ChangesTwoBowie” and has been performed in nearly every Bowie tour, from the Ziggy Stardust era to his later performances, making it one of his most enduring live staples.

Lifted from : On English TV today, David Bowie at ‘TOTP’ (1973)

4 . Led Zeppelin . Black Dog

“Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin was released on November 8, 1971, as the opening track of their fourth studio album, “Led Zeppelin IV.” Written by John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant, the song features a signature call-and-response structure between Plant’s vocals and the band’s instrumentation, a technique inspired by Fleetwood Mac’s “Oh Well.” The title does not appear in the lyrics and was inspired by a black Labrador Retriever that wandered into the recording studio during the album’s production at Headley Grange.

The track is in 5/4 time signature in parts, with complex rhythm changes that highlighted the band’s progressive rock influences.

“Black Dog” peaked at No.15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1972.

It became a live performance staple, first played in concert at the Ulster Hall in Belfast on March 5, 1971, during the band’s “Led Zeppelin IV” concert tour.

Despite not being released as a single in the UK, “Black Dog” became one of the band’s most recognizable songs and was later included in compilations such as “Mothership” (2007).

In 2010, Rolling Stone ranked it No.300 on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list.

The track was also featured in multiple live recordings, such as “The Song Remains the Same” concert film (1976), taken from their 1973 performances at Madison Square Garden.

Lifted from : As we wish John Paul Jones, Led Zeppelin bassist, . Happy Birthday, the day is perfect for . ‘Led Zeppelin at their bests’ post

5 . Skid Row . Unco-Up Showband Blues (w/ Phil Lynott , Gary Moore)

“Unco-Up Showband Blues” by Skid Row features notable contributions from Phil Lynott on vocals and Gary Moore on guitar, reflecting a significant collaboration within the Irish rock music scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Skid Row, the Irish blues-rock band, included Gary Moore as a founding member and recorded the track as part of their early work during their formation in 1967.

Phil Lynott, who later gained acclaim as the frontman of Thin Lizzy, briefly collaborated with the group during his tenure as the vocalist before departing in 1969, allowing him to form Thin Lizzy.

The release of “Unco-Up Showband Blues” is associated with Skid Row’s debut self-titled album, “Skid Row,” released in 1970 under the CBS Records label, with production credited to Clifford Davis.

While not released as a major single, the song highlights the intricate guitar work of Moore, which would become a defining aspect of his career.

The recording exemplifies the early synergy between Lynott and Moore, a partnership that continued intermittently over their careers until Lynott’s death in 1986.

Skid Row’s material during this era marked the band’s contribution to the burgeoning British blues boom, although “Unco-Up Showband Blues” itself did not chart significantly.

No known live footage or televised performances of this song exist, but its legacy persists among followers of the pre-Thin Lizzy period of Lynott and Moore’s careers.

Lifted from : We remember Phil Lynott. ‘Think Lizzy’

6 . Elvis Costello & The Attractions . Accidents Will Happen

“Accidents Will Happen,” performed by Elvis Costello & The Attractions, is the opening track on the 1979 album “Armed Forces,” which reached No.2 on the UK Albums Chart and No.10 on the US Billboard 200.

Released as a single in May 1979, it peaked at No.28 on the UK Singles Chart.

The track features a distinctive piano arrangement by Steve Nieve, complemented by Bruce Thomas on bass and Pete Thomas on drums, and the song showcases the band’s intricate playing style.

The accompanying animated music video, created by Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton, was among the first fully animated videos and was a notable innovation for the time.

The song’s lyrics were printed backwards on the UK single sleeve, possibly a nod to the theme of things not being as they seem.

“Accidents Will Happen” became a setlist staple for Costello and has been performed live extensively, including during his 1979 performance on “Saturday Night Live.” The song has also appeared on numerous compilation albums such as “The Best of Elvis Costello and the Attractions” (1985) and “The Very Best of Elvis Costello” (1999), solidifying its status as one of Costello’s prominent tracks from the late 1970s.

Lifted from : Elvis Costello releases his third album . ‘Armed Forces’ recorded with the Attractions and featuring ‘Accidents Will Happen’ and ‘Oliver’s Army’ (1979)

7 . Bruce Springsteen . Spirit in the Night

“Spirit in the Night” is a track from Bruce Springsteen’s debut album “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.,” released on January 5, 1973, by Columbia Records.

The song was one of two singles from the album, released in May 1973, though it did not chart at the time.

Featuring a jazzy, soulful arrangement, the song includes key contributions from Clarence Clemons on saxophone and Vini Lopez on drums, both of whom were members of the E Street Band.

The track was recorded in July 1972 at 914 Sound Studios in Blauvelt, New York, and is one of the few songs on the album where Springsteen’s full band accompanied him, rather than relying primarily on acoustic instrumentation.

Although “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.” did not achieve immediate commercial success, “Spirit in the Night” gained prominence over time, becoming a live concert staple, often performed with extended saxophone solos by Clemons.

The song’s storytelling lyrics, naming characters like Crazy Janey and Wild Billy, exemplify Springsteen’s early narrative prowess.

Live renditions of “Spirit in the Night” were featured in notable concerts, including the famous 1975-76 “Born to Run” tour, helping establish its presence in his setlists.

The track has since been included in box sets and compilations such as “The Album Collection Vol.

1 (1973–1984),” showcasing its enduring relevance in Springsteen’s catalog.

Lifted from : Columbia publish Bruce Springsteen‘s debut album . ‘Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.’ featuring ‘Blinded by the Light’ and ‘Spirit in the Night’ (1973)

8 . Peter Frampton . Show Me The Way

Peter Frampton’s “Show Me the Way – Live” was first released as a live recording on the 1976 album “Frampton Comes Alive!,” which became a defining work in his career and one of the best-selling live albums of all time, reaching No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart and remaining there for 10 non-consecutive weeks.

The live rendition of “Show Me the Way” featured Frampton’s use of the talk box, a voice-modulating effect that became a hallmark of his sound.

This version achieved commercial success as a single, peaking at No.6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and gaining significant radio play.

Recorded during a series of 1975 concerts, including performances at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco and Long Island Arena in Commack, New York, the album captured the energy of his live shows.

Frampton collaborated with musicians such as Bob Mayo (keyboards and guitar), Stanley Sheldon (bass), and John Siomos (drums) on this track and across the album.

“Show Me the Way – Live” gained further prominence when clips from the performance were aired on major TV programs in the 1970s, boosting its visibility.

“Frampton Comes Alive!” won accolades, including being certified 8x Platinum by the RIAA, and its live energy was described by Frampton as key to capturing the audience’s reaction organically.

Lifted from : A&M publish Peter Frampton’s double live album . ‘Frampton Comes Alive!’ (1975)

9 . Gentle Giant . Free Hand

Released in 1975 as the title track of Gentle Giant’s seventh studio album “Free Hand,” the song showcases the band’s characteristic complexity and eclecticism in progressive rock.

The album itself marked Gentle Giant’s highest-charting work in the United States, peaking at No.48 on the Billboard 200 chart, and also performed well in the UK and other European markets.

“Free Hand” explores shifting time signatures and includes intricate counterpoint melodies and layered instrumental interplay, reflecting the band’s classical and medieval musical influences.

The track was entirely written and performed by band members Derek Shulman, Ray Shulman, Kerry Minnear, Gary Green, and John Weathers, with no guest collaborations.

The “Free Hand” album was reissued in remastered formats multiple times, including a 5.1 surround sound mix by Steven Wilson in 2012, which renewed interest in the album.

Gentle Giant performed elements from the album during their extensive tours in the mid-1970s, with notable appearances including a 1975 concert tour in North America supporting major headliners.

Though “Free Hand” as a song itself did not chart independently as a single, its parent album became a cornerstone in Gentle Giant’s discography and was cited as a benchmark of progressive rock technicality by contemporary musicians and archivists.

Official music releases and video clips of live performances from this era have been included in various retrospective compilations and documentaries about the band’s legacy.

Lifted from : Gentle Giant play for ‘BBC Sight and Sound’ (1978)

10 . Steve Miller Band . Fly Like An Eagle

“Fly Like An Eagle” by the Steve Miller Band is the title track from their ninth studio album, “Fly Like An Eagle,” released on May 20, 1976.

Written by Steve Miller, the song incorporates socially conscious lyrics addressing themes like time, hunger, and poverty.

The track is characterized by its spacey production, blending rock, blues, and electronic elements, including the use of a Mellotron.

It peaked at No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in March 1977 and remained one of the band’s most commercially successful singles.

The album itself was certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA.

Fun facts include that the instrumental bridge and intro are often recognized as separate compositions but were intended as a cohesive musical piece by Miller; the extensive use of synths and delay effects was considered groundbreaking at the time.

The song has been used in numerous media, including television ads and movies like “Space Jam,” where it was re-recorded by Seal in 1996.

The Steve Miller Band performed the track during their 1976 tour and subsequently at major events such as the Knebworth Festival in the UK that same year.

The song remains iconic for its cyclical groove and impactful lyrics.

Lifted from : The Steve Miller Band visits Winterland (1974)

11 . Crosby, Stills & Nash . Wooden Ships

“Wooden Ships,” a collaboration between Crosby, Stills & Nash and Jefferson Airplane’s Paul Kantner, was featured on Crosby, Stills & Nash’s self-titled debut album released in May 1969.

Written by David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Paul Kantner, the song is notable for its thematic focus on the aftermath of an apocalyptic event.

Since Kantner was under contract with another record label, he was not credited on the original album release.

The song gained additional recognition when Jefferson Airplane recorded their own version for their 1969 album “Volunteers.” Crosby, Stills & Nash’s debut album peaked at No.6 on the Billboard 200 chart and has achieved multi-platinum certification from the RIAA.

“Wooden Ships” became a live performance staple for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY), including being part of their setlist at the legendary Woodstock Festival in August 1969.

The song’s bassline and instrumental arrangements were primarily crafted by Stephen Stills, who also played a variety of instruments on the track.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young later performed “Wooden Ships” during their famed appearance at the Fillmore East in 1970, which was captured for live recordings and broadcasts.

Lifted from : Happy Birthday Stephen Stills. ‘Stills dazzling after all these years’

12 . Van Morrison . Wavelength

“Wavelength,” a track by Van Morrison, is the title song from his 1978 album “Wavelength,” released under Warner Bros.Records.

This single marked a departure into a more radio-friendly sound and reached No.42 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, showcasing its commercial success.

The album itself climbed to No.28 on the Billboard 200 chart, providing Morrison with one of his significant chart presences during the late 1970s.

The song reflects Morrison’s nostalgia for his teenage years in Belfast and his fascination with listening to American radio stations, specifically mentioning the Voice of America in its lyrics.

“Wavelength” features contributions from key band members of this era, including Peter Bardens on keyboards, who had notable prominence in the British progressive rock band Camel, and Bobby Tench, known for his work with Jeff Beck and Humble Pie, on backing vocals.

“Wavelength” was performed live during Van Morrison’s 1978 world tour, with a notable performance recorded on the television program “The Old Grey Whistle Test” in the UK and featured prominently in live concert sets, including the 1979 concert film “Van Morrison in Ireland.” The album was certified Gold by the RIAA, solidifying its commercial achievement, and the title track remains a recognizable piece within Morrison’s catalog.

Lifted from : Van Morrison opens the year at home (1979)