KEVIN McCORRY, HOST: I’m Kevin McCorry and this is ‘Jukebox Journey’
[MUSIC MONTAGE: “Compared to What” by Eddie Harris and Les McCann, “What the World Needs Now Is Love: by Dionne Warwick, “Lovefool” by The Cardigans.]
KM: We’re unstuck in time, jumping through decades and genres, meditating on a theme.
This week: music that scores a perfect day at the beach.
[MUSIC: “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone]
The perfect day starts with an early walk along the shoreline….the cool ocean breeze before the sun gets high. A cup of black coffee in hand… the kids still in their pajamas running to and fro the water’s edge.
[MUSIC SWELL]
KM: Originally released June of 1965, Nina Simone, whose singing career started at a nightclub in Atlantic City.
As a father of 4 young children, every beach day is a gift to savor.
[MUSIC: “Sunrise” by Norah Jones]
The hours stretch as long as the horizon and the great expanse gives you the opportunity for big-picture perspective.
[MUSIC SWELL]
KM: From her 2004 album “Feels Like Home,” Norah Jones.
Back in normal life, the days rip by at lightning speed. You blink and a decade has passed. You remember the first time you held your newborn. Then you wake up and he’s 11.
[MUSIC: “On the Beach” by Neil Young]
KM: From his masterpiece ‘On the Beach’ album, released July 1974,’ Neil Young.
But a long beach day seems to give you a chance to take a little of that time back. It’s a reminder to hold fast to what really matters.
[MUSIC: “Family Affair” by Sly & The Family Stone]
KM: Number 1 on the chart in 1971, Sly Stone, who died earlier this month.
You head back from your morning walk and the kids have energy to burn.
The motel pool is glistening and the crew becomes a madcap montage of splashes and cannonballs.
[MUSIC “Don’t you just know it” by Huey “Piano” Smith]
The scene alternates by the moment from freewheeling fun to meltdowns over sunscreen to tears over towel choices and back to joyous laughter. You take it all in stride. They’re just kids. You could never lose your patience on such a marvelous day.
[MUSIC SWELL]
Huey “Piano” Smith with “Don’t you just know it.” 1957
Then it’s back to the beach for a long stretch of the afternoon. Sandcastles and Football toss. Seashells and snacks.
[MUSIC: “The Ooogum Boogum Song” by Brenton Wood]
KM: Peaking this week in June of 1967 on the Hot 100 chart, Brenton Wood, who died earlier this year at age 83.
The kids are mesmerized by the sand and waves. The youngest is 3. Everything is wonder and discovery, with nowhere else to be than right there with you.
[MUSIC: “Time is On My Side” by Irma Thomas]
Irma Thomas, released June 1964, a few months before the ‘Stones version
[MUSIC: “Time is On My Side” by The Rolling Stones]
…which itself was a year after the original Kai Winding trombone version.
[MUSIC: “Time is On My Side” by Kai Winding]
KM: The sky turns a brilliant blue capped by pillows of clouds.
Your oldest son jogs with you for a bit….your feet pounding the wet sand in lock step.
[MUSIC: “Everlasting Light” by The Black Keys]
From 2010 album Brothers, The Black Keys
KM: Heartpounding and sweaty after a few miles, you dive into the ocean for the first dip of the season.
[MUSIC: “So Fresh, So Clean” by Outkast)
Outkast was #54 on the chart this week in 2001 with this track from Stankonia.
Now it’s dinner time and you have a whole vibe going. Cooking seafood in red sauce with pasta at the motel kitchenette. You got the 1959 Bobby Darin going.
[MUSIC: “Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin]
KM: Everything is golden.
After a quick clean up you hustle back out to the beach to catch the last of the day.
[MUSIC: “Waterloo Sunset” by The Kinks]
KM: Number 2 on the UK singles chart in June of ‘67, The Kinks.
The sky is overcast, and as darkness falls you can hardly see the horizon.
You’ll be back on rapid time soon. Just like that, another decade will pass. Changes are coming — big ones, scary ones, and you just don’t know their shape.
So, with sand between your toes, you hold fast to what you have and take it as a present.
[MUSIC: “Be Here Now” by Mason Jennings]
KM: From 2006, Mason Jennings.
I’m Kevin McCorry. And this has been a ‘Jukebox Journey’ on WHYY.
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