Time to Retire These? My Response

I mentioned yesterday that an MSN article listed some 1960’s Pop Songs that they felt needed to be retired. I didn’t say much about how I felt, as I wanted to see what my musical friends had to say. So here is a look again at the songs and why they felt they should be retired, followed by my two cents.

Let’s first talk about the word “retire.” I am guessing from the tone of the article that retire means to “go away for ever.” Isn’t that a bit harsh? I think so. Each of these songs (like it or not) may be someone’s favorite song.

While working in oldies radio, we used to have features that would pull out a song you don’t hear all the time and play it. Sometimes, we’d call it a “Forgotten Favorite” or a “song from the Music Museum.” The idea is to play a song that makes the listener go, “Wow, I remember this one,” “I haven’t heard this in forever,” or simply “Oh, wow!” One consultant I worked with used to call them “Oh Wow Songs.”

When radio “tested” songs, the audience is sat in an auditorium. They are played anywhere from 500-800 song clips. Each clip is usually 15 seconds long. They call those “hooks.” Ideally, it is the most recognizable part of the song. After they hear it, they are asked if they 1) liked the song, 2) disliked the song, 3) heard it too much, 4) didn’t hear it enough, or 5) don’t care either way.

The answers from that music test is then calculated and decisions are made about where it should be on the play list. If a song that is in a hot rotation is said to be played too much, the station would probably back off on the number of times it is played. If it was something they wanted to hear more of, they might spin it a few more times.

With all of that in mind, Let’s look at the songs again:

Sugar Sugar – The Archies

MSN: “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies is a quintessential bubblegum pop tune that dominated the airwaves in the late ’60s. With its catchy chorus and playful melody, it quickly became a favorite among young audiences. Despite its charm, the song’s simplistic lyrics and repetitive tune can feel overly sweet, much like its title.

As a product of its time, the song was emblematic of the manufactured pop sound that appealed to a broad audience. Yet today, its perpetual presence in commercials and retro playlists has led to listener fatigue.

Keith: I’d like to know how they know that the listener is “fatigued” by this song. Was the song “tested?” Did they gather a bunch of people in an auditorium and actually let the listeners voice an opinion? I highly doubt it. It is a pretty bold statement to say people are tired of a song.

Bubblegum or not, the song is still being used in movies, commercials, and is a familiar favorite to radio listeners. Familiar is often what gets better ratings.

Green Tambourine – Lemon Pipers

MSN: The Lemon Pipers’ “Green Tambourine” captures the essence of the psychedelic era with its vivid imagery and whimsical sound. The song invites listeners into a world of colorful imagination, driven by its distinctive tambourine rhythm.

Despite its initial success, the song’s psychedelic charm feels dated, often overshadowed by more timeless tracks from the era. Its vivid imagery, once enchanting, now appears somewhat kitschy.

“Green Tambourine” was one of the first bubblegum pop songs to hit number one, symbolizing the fleeting nature of the genre’s appeal.

Keith: FYI – Kitschy means considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way. Thanks for using big words here MSN.

Does it sounded dated? Maybe, but no more dated that Magic Carpet Ride or any other “Psychedelic” song from that time. Does the “sound” of a song dictate whether or not it should be played? Let’s face it, if that was the case, we’d never hear disco or 80’s music. Talk about dated!

Personally, I don’t care for the song. That doesn’t mean that it should be retired.

In the Year 2525 – Zager and Evans

MSN: Zager and Evans’ “In the Year 2525” paints a dystopian future, capturing the anxieties of the late 1960s. The song’s lyrics take listeners on a speculative journey through time, each verse exploring the consequences of technological advancement.

While impactful during its time, its heavy-handed delivery and bleak outlook haven’t aged well. The song’s prophecy-driven narrative feels out of place in today’s music landscape, where optimism often takes center stage.

Keith: It seems to me that “today’s music landscape” is centered in drugs, sex, and profanity, so I’m not even sure that is a worthy comparison. Does “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon need to go away, too? “Gimme Shelter” by the Stones? Seems to me that there are plenty of songs that paint a grim future…

Cherish – The Association

MSN: “Cherish” by The Association is a ballad that epitomizes the romantic spirit of the 1960s. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics made it a favorite for couples and weddings.

However, the song’s overtly sentimental tone can feel cloying to modern ears. While it speaks to eternal love, its earnestness may seem exaggerated today, overshadowing its lyrical beauty.

Keith: “Cloying” means excessively sweet, rich, or sentimental, especially to a disgusting or sickening degree. Apparently, wanting to express your love to someone in song is annoying to “modern ears.”

Maybe that is what’s wrong with the world today. Maybe people feel that this kind of feeling is impossible to experience? Perhaps there is more lust in the world than love? I go back to another “cloying” song – What the world needs now – is love!

Little Children – Billy J Kramer

MSN: “Little Children” by Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas tells a playful yet subtly unsettling story through its lyrics. The song’s narrative involves coaxing children to keep secrets, wrapped in a catchy melody that belies its unusual theme.

While musically engaging, the lyrics raise eyebrows today, as the playful intent can be misinterpreted. Its charm lies in its ability to create vivid imagery, though its content doesn’t resonate well with contemporary audiences.

Keith: In the past, I have been guilty of buying something and telling the kids, “Don’t tell mom.” I know that the article is trying to take this to an entirely new (and all to common today) level. I’m sure that was not the intention. It was like the “Baby It’s Cold Outside” fiasco a few years ago. “Let’s make the song say something that it wasn’t intended to say!”

I don’t hear the song enough for it to be a big deal. Honestly, in today’s music, there are far more disgusting and immoral things being sung about.

MacArthur Park – Richard Harris

MSN: Richard Harris’s “MacArthur Park” is an epic ballad known for its abstract lyrics and grand orchestration. The song’s vivid, though puzzling, imagery of a cake left in the rain has intrigued listeners for decades.

Despite its ambitious nature, the song’s dramatic delivery and length can feel overwhelming, often sparking debate among music enthusiasts. Its metaphorical complexity leaves some listeners puzzled rather than enchanted.

Keith: I never cared for this song. To me, it was a long song that I could play when I needed to use the restroom. Incidentally, I’d like to flush this song down a toilet. But, that is MY subjective opinion.

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da – The Beatles

MSN: The Beatles’ “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” is a track that divides fans and critics alike. Its upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics tell the simple story of Desmond and Molly Jones, painting a picture of everyday life.

Despite its playful nature, even within The Beatles, the song has drawn mixed reactions. Some band members themselves were not fond of it, and its repetitive chorus can feel tiresome.

Keith: Proof that music is subjective. Some of the Beatles themselves didn’t care for it. Does that mean retire it? Oh, and as far as the “repetitive chorus,” do they even know what a chorus is? It is literally defined: a part of a song that is repeated after each verse, typically by more than one singer.

I can think of countless songs where the chorus is repeated over and over. Many times, the chorus of the song is all the listeners know!

You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ – Righteous Brothers

MSN: The Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” is a soulful anthem of love and longing. Its powerful vocals and lush orchestration have made it a staple in romantic playlists.

However, the song has been covered so extensively that its impact can feel diluted. While its emotional depth remains intact, listener fatigue is inevitable due to its pervasive presence across media.

Keith: I divert to Turntable Talker, Randy here. I don’t know how many covers there have been, but they aren’t all being played on the radio. Certainly not enough to cause “listener fatigue.”

The song is a classic.

Eve of Destruction – Barry McGuire

MSN: Barry McGuire’s “Eve of Destruction” is a protest song that captures the tumultuous spirit of the 1960s. Its urgent lyrics and raw delivery reflect the era’s social and political unrest.

While it resonated with audiences during its release, the song’s heavy-handed approach can feel outdated today. Its message, though powerful, lacks the nuance appreciated in contemporary protest music.

Keith: What exactly is the “nuance” that is appreciated in contemporary protest music? To me, this is a BS line to diss on the song.

Personally, it is one of the songs I hated to play. I never liked it, but I understood the message and how important it was for the time that is was released.

Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations

MSN: The Foundations’ “Build Me Up Buttercup” is a buoyant track that has become synonymous with feel-good nostalgia. Its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus have made it a perennial favorite at parties and karaoke nights.

While undeniably infectious, the song’s constant rotation can lead to listener fatigue. Its simplistic lyrics, once endearing, may now seem repetitive.

Keith: Thanks to the movie, There’s Something About Mary, this song gained more popularity in 1998. I believe that there was an earlier movie that also featured the song in the early 90’s that did as well, but I cannot think of what it was. Anyway, I can tell you that I played the snot out of this at parties and people danced!

It is not my favorite song, and yes it is repetitive. I wouldn’t mind hearing it every so often, not every day though.

Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison

MSN: Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” is a timeless classic that captures the essence of youthful romance. Its infectious melody and lively beat have made it a favorite across generations.

However, its overplay has led some listeners to seek fresh alternatives, despite its enduring charm. The song’s universal appeal is both a blessing and a curse, contributing to its overexposure.

Keith: Again, if music testing was done, and it truly was played too much, there is a way to fix it. Play it less. A lighter rotation on the radio will make it sound even better when you DO hear it. Imagine not hearing it for a month and then finally hearing it – it will have that “Oh Wow” factor.

I don’t feel that this should ever go away forever.

The Ballad of the Green Berets – Sgt. Barry Sadler

MSN: Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler’s “The Ballad of the Green Berets” is a patriotic anthem that reflects the valor and sacrifice of soldiers. Its martial beat and stirring lyrics resonated deeply during the Vietnam War era.

Yet, in today’s context, the song’s straightforward patriotism may not strike the same chord. While honoring bravery, its style feels dated to modern sensibilities.

Keith: My dad is a veteran. I have many veteran friends. I constantly walk up to people with Veteran hats and thank them for their service. I love veterans and all that they have done for our country. They are heroes. I say all of that, because I don’t want you to take this the wrong way. I never liked this song. I’m not sure why.

I think that it could be appropriate to play around Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day, but that is it. It is just not a song that I feel should be in a regular rotation. There are plenty of other patriotic songs, most of which only come out for those special days mentioned above. Those songs may or may not feel out of place when heard on a normal day.

I’m trying not to let my personal feelings for the song sway me and my thoughts. I hope that it came across that way.

Yummy Yummy Yummy – Ohio Express

MSN: Ohio Express’s “Yummy Yummy Yummy” epitomizes the bubblegum pop genre with its sugary-sweet lyrics and catchy melody. The song’s playful repetition of “I got love in my tummy” made it an instant hit among teens.

However, its simplistic nature can feel overly kitsch, thus losing its novelty over time. The song’s enduring presence in retro playlists might not appeal to those seeking depth.

Keith: To me, this is a novelty song. Novelty songs are rarely on a regular playlist. I don’t think I ever played this when it wasn’t part of a themed weekend or a countdown show. I also don’t think I have ever seen it on a “retro playlist.” I also highly doubt that anyone “seeking depth” is going to grab an Ohio Express album.

Conclusion

Much of MSN’s “reasoning” for retiring these songs is flimsy. Honestly, the piece sounded like it was written by a guy who just hates these songs. Despite trying hard to make the reasons sound grounded in facts, they are not.

Music, like many other things, is subjective. What I like may not be what you like. How many times a song is played is based on your perception. I could play a song you love and a song you hate the same amount of times in a day. The song you love you are not hearing enough, while the song you hate you are hearing too much.

I realize that all of these types of lists are subjective, and I will take it that way. I appreciate your thoughts!