We have finally reached 100 songs on the Hi-Fi Five! Thanks for tuning in week after week to see the songs from my vinyl collection; I hope you have been able to expand your music taste and find new artists or genres to jam out to. From soul to country to 80s rock, this week’s selections are just a small glimpse into my diverse collection of records. Enjoy!
Barbara Mason, “Yes I’m Ready” (1965)
A soul classic that I’ve enjoyed over the years. While Barbara Mason was not as big as other female artists of her time, her legacy and voice live on in this timeless classic that is still enjoyed decades after it reached the charts.
“I don’t even know how to love you, just the way you want me to. But I’m ready to learn. Yes, I’m ready to learn.”
Brenton Wood, “Me and You” (1967)
Depending on your views about love or your current relationship status, this song can either make you feel like you’re floating or feel like a punch to the gut. Like most old love songs, the lyrics are simple. But they describe the feelings of love that so many people long for and search for. Brenton Wood, who passed away earlier this year, adds a deep emotional tone to this song, thanks in part to his remarkable falsetto. I guarantee all who listen will enjoy it.
“This could last forever, all we need to do is give some kind of sign, yes love. And from then on baby it’s easy, let’s talk about me and you.”
Kim Carnes, “Bette Davis Eyes” (1981)
Some people might label Kim Carnes as a one-hit wonder because of this song, and while her other singles did not achieve as much commercial success as this one, she is still one of the best-selling female rock artists. When you think of 80s music, you should be thinking about this song. It has all the essential elements of a great 80s rock song: a female singer with vocal fry paired with a synthesizer.
“Her hair is Harlow gold. Her lips a sweet surprise. Her hands are never cold. She’s got Bette Davis eyes.”
Glen Campbell, “Wichita Lineman” (1968)
You know those songs that make you feel at ease when you listen to them? Like when the world around you is falling apart, but then you put some headphones on and play that one song that makes you disassociate from everything? This is one of those songs. And if it’s not already in your playlist, you should add it. I’m purposefully not going to go into too much detail about the song or the artist, so just trust me on this one.
“Searchin’ in the sun for another overload. I hear you singin’ in the wire. I can hear you through the whine.”
Frankie Avalon, “Venus” (1959)
This record was one of my first “oldies” pop songs that I found on vinyl, and it has seen a lot of spins on my record player since then. Again, like many old love songs, its composition is simple. But there’s something about expressing one’s desire for love in the most poetic ways possible that seems to make for great music.
“Venus, make her fair. A lovely girl with sunlight in her hair. And take the brightest stars up in the skies and place them in her eyes for me.”
This concludes this week’s episode of the Hi-Fi Five. To see previous selections, make sure to check out the Hi-Fi Five playlist on Spotify.
