[dorianjohn425]

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

Since my specialty is songs that, for the most part, are long lost and forgotten
I thought I'd start a musical obscurity thread. I'll be posting some of my
favorite songs that, for the most part, didn't get a lot of airplay or, if they
did, quickly disappeared into oblivion.

Here is the first one...Please feel free to add your own. Maybe some of us
can get to hear some tunes that we might have otherwise never heard
before.

This one is by April Wine, a group that gained fame as part of K-Tel's
collection of obscure tunes. This one is from 1972.

The song..."You Could Have Been A Lady"

YouTube - April Wine - You Could Have Been A Lady (mono mix)

Thanks for starting this thread dude

A lot of these songs posted I've heard for the first time...

You rock man!

[Steven Wagenheim]

It took me FOREVER to find this one.

A Renaissance classic and the first song I ever heard by them in 1974. I
eventually went on to get all their albums including all the ones from their
original incarnation with Keith and Jane Relf.

But no one could beat Annie and company.

From their Ashes Are Burning LP

"Can You Understand"

Renaissance - Can You Understand - YouTube

[ThomM]

Finally this video is on the tube.
A few years ago I happened to turn on the TV to the PBS channel and this song was just starting. I feel in love with the song and the band.
Through listening to the Corrs more )I have three of their albums) and youtube I heard the acoustic version and for the first time the Bodhran.
That led to another love affair and started me playing drums again after a ten year absence. So I owe a lot to this song. Not to mention one of my favorite drummers of all time is in it A man who (as he says) PLAYS WITH PASSION!!!

"the Corrs" and Mick Fleetwood. Toss the...

[ThomM]

As much as I love the Bodhran and playing Irish music, I sure miss having my full kit and playing this.

When the Electricity Came to Arkansas BEST...

[ThomM]

Ah screw it, now that I'm back to good ole Rock n Roll.

John Baldry - Don't try to lay no Boogie Woogie...

[KimW]

Back in the late 70s,early 80s the people I worked for started a second business trying to be band representatives. Because iof that they had all sorts calling in wanting to be represented.
I answered the phone when this band called and I said come on over to my place and lets talk.

They came over with a lot of photos and a couple of casstettes of their songs. Right afterwards they broke up. I think someone tossed out the photos and the tapes but everyone in a while I would think about the band.They did have a couple of cuts on a couple of compilation LPs.
Anyway,I googled them today just for the heck of it and found a myspace page and on it it has 4 songs you can listen to. I remember 2 of them being oon the demo tape.
No videos,but if you want to hear what the DC punk scene was like back in the day,give them a listen.

The Penetrators | Free Music, Tour Dates, Photos, Videos


PS: Not going to get much more obscure than this.....lol

[KimW]

Originally Posted by ThomM

Ah screw it, now that I'm back to good ole Rock n Roll.
John Baldry - Don't try to lay no Boogie Woogie on the King of Rock and Roll with intro - YouTube

I don't know what it is,but I've always liked songs with talking/stories in them,and while most versions of this song don't have stories (think Nitty Gritty Dirt Band),imo Bromberg owns this song.

Mr. Bojangles- performed by David Bromberg -...

[carlpond]

Steven Curtis Chapman - Cinderella. Very nice.

[Steven Wagenheim]

I wonder how many remember this incredibly rare tune by Judy Collins.

Judy Collins Sunny Goodge Street - YouTube

[Steven Wagenheim]

This America tune is so obscure that it's not even listed as a single if you go
to Wikipedia.

One of their best songs that never went anywhere.

America - She's Gonna Let You Down - YouTube

[Steven Wagenheim]

This Sutherland Brothers tune made it as high as 48 on the Billboard charts in
1973-74

Haven't heard anybody play this is close to 40 years.

"You Got Me Anyway" -- Sutherland Bros. and...

[Steven Wagenheim]

A very obscure Melanie tune from the summer of 1974.

I don't even remember the last time I heard this one on the radio, not that
they played it so much when it was out. LOL.

Melanie Safka - Love to Lose Again (1974) -...

[Steven Wagenheim]

This song only made it to # 58 on the Billboard charts in 1968.

They just don't make 'em like this anymore.

The Montanas - You've Got To Be Loved (Stereo) -...

[Steven Wagenheim]

OMG...I can't believe somebody finally uploaded this.

From Larry Carlton's "Singing Playing...Playing Singing" or whatever the hell
that LP was called LOL...The American Family.

How many people remember THIS one?

Larry Carlton - American Family - YouTube

[Kurt]

I really like Sister Carol...If you haven't heard her, check her out...

Sister Carol - Wild Thing - YouTube

Sister Carol - Dread Natty Congo - YouTube

Sister Carol - oh Jah Jah - YouTube

[DaveHughes]

Ah...back to the thread that always seems to suck the hours out of my life...in a good way.

First up: Take Kansas, add some Journey...and shake well. You get Shooting Star, IMO one of the best late 70's-early 80's bands that no one remembers.

Shooting Star - Tonight

Shooting Star - Tonight (1979) .

Shooting Star - Last Chance

SHOOTING STAR - Last Chance - YouTube

Moving on to the "one hit wonder" section...

Diesel - Sausolito Summernight:

Diesel Sausolito Summernight.mpg - YouTube

And now, for an '80's fix...Prophet. To quote Wikipedia, "This album is considered the most important by the group [7] and peaked at 137 on the Billboard 200." lol They actually had some serious chops in the various lineups of the group, but this was the closest thing to a hit they had:

Prophet - Sound of a Broken Heart

Prophet * Sound Of A Breaking Heart * - YouTube

Along with...

Prophet - Can't Hide Love

Prophet * Can't Hide Love * - YouTube

Okay, this tired old DJ is off to bed...the morning show causes that stupid alarm clock to go off WAAAAAY too early.

One of these days, I'll dig out my crates of old promo 45's and LP's and dig up some really obscure stuff.

[Steven Wagenheim]

Originally Posted by DaveHughes

Ah...back to the thread that always seems to suck the hours out of my life...in a good way.

First up: Take Kansas, add some Journey...and shake well. You get Shooting Star, IMO one of the best late 70's-early 80's bands that no one remembers.

Shooting Star - Tonight

Shooting Star - Tonight (1979) .

Shooting Star - Last Chance

SHOOTING STAR - Last Chance - YouTube

Moving on to the "one hit wonder" section...

Diesel - Sausolito Summernight:

Diesel Sausolito Summernight.mpg - YouTube

And now, for an '80's fix...Prophet. To quote Wikipedia, "This album is considered the most important by the group [7] and peaked at 137 on the Billboard 200." lol They actually had some serious chops in the various lineups of the group, but this was the closest thing to a hit they had:

Prophet - Sound of a Broken Heart

Prophet * Sound Of A Breaking Heart * - YouTube

Along with...

Prophet - Can't Hide Love

Prophet * Can't Hide Love * - YouTube

Okay, this tired old DJ is off to bed...the morning show causes that stupid alarm clock to go off WAAAAAY too early.

One of these days, I'll dig out my crates of old promo 45's and LP's and dig up some really obscure stuff.

I remember Shooting Star Dave. Last Chance was probably one of the best
songs of that year that almost nobody heard played.

But then again, I had no life back then.

[Steven Wagenheim]

It just doesn't get any cooler than Earl, Steve and company.

Earl Scruggs & Steve Martin - Foggy Mountain...

Talk about a rare, vintage performance.

Thank you Dave Letterman

[Steven Wagenheim]

I can't believe I never posted this and that it only made it up to #42 on the
US Billboard 100.

The Group - Missing Persons
The Song - Destination Unknown

Missing Persons - Destination Unknown [HQ] -...

[Steven Wagenheim]

Here's another one by Missing Persons that only made 42 on the charts.

Missing Persons - "Words" - YouTube

[Kurt]

How about the Goat Rodeo Sessions, with Yo Yo Ma, which is almost a fusion of classical, celtic and bluegrass....

Here and Heaven (Live) - Goat Rodeo Sessions ~...

Attaboy (Live) - YouTube

[Steven Wagenheim]

Originally Posted by Kurt

How about the Goat Rodeo Sessions, with Yo Yo Ma, which is almost a fusion of classical, celtic and bluegrass....

Here and Heaven (Live) - Goat Rodeo Sessions ~ Sony 2011 (c) - YouTube

Attaboy (Live) - YouTube

Kurt...this is beyond obscure. This is on a different planet.

Great finds. I remember seeing Yo Yo Ma on an episode of West Wing once.

Man can he play that overgrown violin.

[Kurt]

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

Kurt...this is beyond obscure. This is on a different planet.

Great finds. I remember seeing Yo Yo Ma on an episode of West Wing once.

Man can he play that overgrown violin.

Hey Steven...

On the "different planet" theme, I spent all night trying to come up with something about "Uranus", but couldn't get a punch line to come out right (no pun intended).

The Goat Rodeo Sessions is something you don't hear every day, but worth checking out.

Lots of musicians say the cello is the hardest instrument to play, and Yo Yo is the best cello player...I guess a case could be made for him being the "best" musician in the World. He's definetly one of them.

[ThomM]

One of my favorite bands from the 70's.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[davidmichal]

wao, amazing sharing ..

[Kurt]

I just saw these guys on Steven Colbert...Their name is Tinarewen and they're a group of refugees from N. Africa.

The first song is with Robert Plant and the second with Sanatana....

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[John Durham]

Hey, Kurts up and about... Look out. Hi Kurt.

[lcombs]

Originally Posted by KimW

I don't know what it is,but I've always liked songs with talking/stories in them,and while most versions of this song don't have stories (think Nitty Gritty Dirt Band),imo Bromberg owns this song.

Mr. Bojangles- performed by David Bromberg - YouTube

With all due respect Kim, I must disagree.
Nobody does it like Jerry Jeff.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[KimW]

I know Jerry Jeff wrote it,but Bromberg stole it!

Its ok, to each his own.

[lcombs]

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

It just doesn't get any cooler than Earl, Steve and company.

Earl Scruggs & Steve Martin - Foggy Mountain Breakdown (Best - YouTube

Talk about a rare, vintage performance.

Thank you Dave Letterman

And Vince Gill on the Strat and Marty Stewart on the Mandolin ain't bad either.

I considered posting some Earl from his (I think) Silver Anniversary album he recorded with his 2 sons and, of course, plenty of friends, but wasn't sure how Blue Grass would be accepted.

(Piece o' Blue Grass trivia; The Dirt Band asked Bill Monroe to appear on the Circle Album but he refused because they had long hair).

[lcombs]

Originally Posted by KimW

I know Jerry Jeff wrote it,but Bromberg stole it!

Its ok, to each his own.

I have a live version by JJ that I think might change your mind. Unfortunately it's on vinyl.

But, as you say, to each his own.
If we all agreed on everything there wouldn't be much variety/opportunity to hear things from various angles/styles.

[lcombs]

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

It took me FOREVER to find this one.

A Renaissance classic and the first song I ever heard by them in 1974. I
eventually went on to get all their albums including all the ones from their
original incarnation with Keith and Jane Relf.

But no one could beat Annie and company.

From their Ashes Are Burning LP

"Can You Understand"

Renaissance - Can You Understand - YouTube

One of the things I love about this thread is seeing and hearing bands I'd forgotten.
Renaissance, among many others, is one of them that didn't get nearly the recognition they deserved.

[Steven Wagenheim]

Originally Posted by lcombs

With all due respect Kim, I must disagree.
Nobody does it like Jerry Jeff.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

This is my favorite version of this song. Presented here is the very rare single
flip side version with the seldom played on the radio (if ever) intro.

One of my childhood favorites from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[Kurt]

Rank and File...They mix punk and C/W...

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[ThomM]

Originally Posted by lcombs

And Vince Gill on the Strat and Marty Stewart on the Mandolin ain't bad either.

I considered posting some Earl from his (I think) Silver Anniversary album he recorded with his 2 sons and, of course, plenty of friends, but wasn't sure how Blue Grass would be accepted.

(Piece o' Blue Grass trivia; The Dirt Band asked Bill Monroe to appear on the Circle Album but he refused because they had long hair).

I knew that
That was the first Dirt Band album I ever heard, to me it's a true American classic.
Speaking of American classic's:rolleyes:
When I moved to Florida in the 70's, the first thing I did was take a pilgrimage to Kissimmee the birthplace of the greatest Bluegrass fiddler ever. Here he is with Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, John Kahn, and Peter Rowan, or 'Old and in the Way. Vassar Clements.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[Kurt]

Here's some fun songs I really like...The first is from Big Audio Dynamite:

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

And Art of Noise:

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

And Trio's classic:

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[lcombs]

Originally Posted by ThomM

One of my favorite bands from the 70's.
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

Ditto.

Wanted to post some earlier but didn't think it would meet the "obscurity" criteria.
But, since you started it...
Looked for "White Headed Woman" but couldn't find it.

So, I'll put this up instead.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[ThomM]

Originally Posted by lcombs

Ditto.

Wanted to post some earlier but didn't think it would meet the "obscurity" criteria.
But, since you started it...
Looked for "White Headed Woman" but couldn't find it.

So, I'll put this up instead.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

They where obscure when they where at their peak
I remember the first time I saw them they where opening for Emerson Lake and Palmer at S.P.A.C.
Black Oak was promoting their 'If an angel came to see you, would you make her feel at home' album and ELP was promoting their 'Brain Salad Surgery' album.
On the ride there we where all asking who BOA was and how they would probably really suck, especially when compared to ELP.
Boy where we wrong
If you've seen them live you know Jim talks alot between songs.
Before they did Dixie, he gave a talk about us all being rebels and it didn't matter where we where from. When they started playing the song, everyone rose in mass like it was the national anthem. At the end of their set they got a standing O and came out for two encores.
Also one of two bands I have seen in concert over 10 times

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[lcombs]

It's a damn shame that their most popular tune was "Jim Dandy".
Undoubtedly their worst tune.

[lcombs]

[QUOTE=ThomM;5469005]They where obscure when they where at their peak
I remember the first time I saw them they where opening for Emerson Lake and Palmer at S.P.A.C.
Black Oak was promoting their 'If an angel came to see you, would you make her feel at home' album and ELP was promoting their 'Brain Salad Surgery' album.
On the ride there we where all asking who BOA was and how they would probably really suck, especially when compared to ELP.
Boy where we wrong
If you've seen them live you know Jim talks alot between songs.
Before they did Dixie, he gave a talk about us all being rebels and it didn't matter where we where from. When they started playing the song, everyone rose in mass like it was the national anthem. At the end of their set they got a standing O and came out for two encores.
Also one of two bands I have seen in concert over 10 times

Could've been the same tour. I saw them with ELP as well

Damn shame that "Jim Dandy" was the one song that got attention.

[lcombs]

We listened to so much music back "in the day", and so much variety, I hear bands that I hadn't thought of in years. Maybe that's why I can't get a grasp on what qualifies as 'obscure' in this thread.

Here's a couple that my buddy posted on his page recently.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=aJJ7evzg7YE

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[lcombs]

'nuther'n

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[lcombs]

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[lcombs]

Saw these guys at Bogarts in Cinci. Stage side.
A buddy asked Brownie for his autograph.
Brownie took the pen and paper and scribbled on it but the pen didn't write.
Brownie was blind so he didn't know.
My buddy just said thanks andlet it be.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[lcombs]

The Carp
Brothers Band

http://youtu.be/bCKc5r0MetU

[Michelle Brouse]

Tangerine Dream is an older band that was pretty "obscure" to me. Never heard of them until this past year when a friend linked me to a couple of their songs. With all the keyboard playing my dad did over the years, you'd have thought I would have heard of this band!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnM7vJX_2m4

Not sure if I linked that to show the vid here or if it'll route you to youtube - but good stuff!

[lcombs]

Don't recall seeing any King Crimson here.

This was always one of my favorites.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[KimW]

Originally Posted by lcombs

Don't recall seeing any King Crimson here.

This was always one of my favorites.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

I love that album!

[lcombs]

Manassas....

"Hooka makes me crazy. Believe I'm gonna have to pass"...

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[KimW]

Originally Posted by lcombs

Manassas....

"Hooka makes me crazy. Believe I'm gonna have to pass"...

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

I used to live in Manassas for 20 some years.