Once again I've waited too long to post one of these. Here are some songs from the 1970s. First up is Albert Hammond with It Never Rains In Southern California, from the 1972 album of the same name. The album also includes Hammond's original version of The Air That I Breathe, which later became a hit for the Hollies.
In 1974, a bunch of studio musicians called themselves Reunion and recorded Life Is A Rock (But The Radio Rolled Me). The lead vocals were were provided Joey Levine, who had been the singer of the Ohio Express, another a bunch of studio musicians. The lyrics are a patter of many references to the music business, interrupted by the chorus. I think that Wilson Pickett, one of many people mentioned in the song, might be the man seen in the thumbnail.
Speaking of rock, Paul Simon came out with Loves Me Like A Rock, from his 1973 album There Goes Rhymin' Simon. The song features backing vocals by The Dixie Hummingbirds.
In 1979, Supertramp released the album Breakfast In America, including the song Take The Long Way Home. Here's a live version, with Roger Hodgson on lead vocals and piano. Rick Davies plays harmonica, organ and synthesizer. John Helliwell plays clarinet and synthesizer. Dougie Thomson plays bass. Bob Siebenberg, credited as Bob C. Benberg, plays drums. Davies and Helliwell also contribute backing vocals. On other songs, Hodgson plays guitar and Helliwell plays sax.
Because the ninth Star Wars movie has just come out, I can't help but be reminded of this last number, the disco version of the Star Wars theme, in a medley with Cantina Band. This was produced in 1977 by a musician known as Meco, whose real name is Domenico Monardo. May the funk be with you.
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