SwingDJs

I think the kazoo break into "Cantina Band" from Star Wars makes the Asylum Street Spankers cover an interesting rendition.

What was your favorite part?

Mine was learning that he fashioned his early guitars from a piece of railroad to get that dense block he need. No doubt how this led to the development of heavy metal.

Rubber Duckie

Always thought that would make a good show piece, but try a lindy circle to "Who Are The People In Your Neighborhood?"

When the Saints Come Marching In
And the Angels Sing
Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat


Accentuate the Positive

... God bless Clifford John Mercer, who taught me much about his uncle who wrote the lyrics to that song....

Don't be mad, Eyeball, I saw it too, thanks to PBS HD. Great show.

Of course, you do know that he helped end the Big Band era, because electrical amplification let a trio put out as much sound as the big band, for a lot less.

Since this is a worldly group, I thought there could be an interesting thread about the old days, when people would swing to live bands out on the water, out on the lake, or along the river. I'm sure many places can still do that, Detroit has a river cruise, but it ain't the classic. That would be t...

In SE Michigan, we're more concerned about our venues than the DJs. The venues can be lost, so if we're asking anybody to tip, it's usually to the bartender or waitress. The cover pays the rent, but if dancing's the draw for a commercial venue, it's negotiable whether or not the instructor and/or DJ...

Looking at "In The Mood" can at least show what are the elements of a crowd pleaser. I think its popularity was from foreshadowing the emerging elements of popular music. That's a great idea, Remysun, and even if no one here but Eyeball ever decides to play "In The Mood" regular...

All good points. Perhaps the same elements that make some cringe are the secrets of the song's success. I hate 'Mack The Knife', but can't help noticing it's a reliable floor-filler just like 'In The Mood'. If the elements themselves make people cringe, perhaps it's because of the knowledge that su...

I'm not sure if that is deejaying as we think of it today-- perhaps the playing of records on one turntable in between sets-- but I doubt that there was a night where people danced the entire evening to recorded music, because that would make musicians' unions angry. I doubt there could be two turnt...

I turn off all the other programs but DJ1800 to save battery and efficiency I understand efficiency, but battery, meaning running without a power supply? Isn't that just asking for trouble from the memory charge fairy? "Remember Cinderella, be home before twelve. At the magic stroke of midnigh...

I think it's mostly about the time limits on 78's, and a little about the arrangements. On occasion, Paul King and the Rhythm Society Orchestra will take people by surprise with the ending of a song, but it's usually the older recording, which many don't like because the fidelity is bad in the first...

Great post - I agree with your points, except perhaps about song endings. Having listened to a LOT of early big band stuff I find the endings are usually pretty predictable, but I guess to dancers less familiar with the music they would be more difficult to pick. At least the fade-out ending was a ...

Looking at "In The Mood" can at least show what are the elements of a crowd pleaser. I think its popularity was from foreshadowing the emerging elements of popular music. 1) The opening lick -- It's the brass version of Jimmy Hendrix's "Purple Haze", a BOLD statement about the re...

I recently had a row about trying to get Avenue Q some play time. The raunchiness, too much dialog, etc., inappropriate for Ann Arbor. Finally, at the end of a slow night at Virgo/Atomic Dog, we played "You Can Be As Loud As The Hell You Want (When You're Making Love)". Let us know what ha...