Call of Duty

So... how often do your heroes email you?

Hi KassaNostra,

A note that you might want to get out there - I'm in the process of selecting songs to add to a new slice for my songbook (one slice = two sides). My inspiration came recently when I was reminded of a song that I had wanted to have in there for a while, but had forgotten to include on my recent additions, namely It's My Party. (Lesley Gore's hit, produced by Quincy Jones back in the early 60s. ['63, actually - KN] It's a very singable-in-a-group tune with some unusual chord changes for its day.) Anyway, I'd be happy to solicit suggestions from your readers for other songs to add (selections at my discretion, of course). The main criterion is that it be a good song (subjective to a degree, I know). Other main criterion is reasonable group singability. (A negative RGS example would be Bridge Over Troubled Water - nice song, but not good for group singing.) (By the way - Paul Simon ripped off Rev. Claude Jeter with that phrase.) Let me know if you have any personal suggestions, or if you'd like to open it up.

Enjoy,

Ira

Alright, my loyal following, here's the deal. Recently I've made a couple of less-than transparent pleas for more audience participation in these posts, and yet the "comments" sections remain painfully bare. (Buncha' nebecheleh, you guys are... you're YENTAS! I know - I've talked with most of you - act like it!) But now you have no excuses. If you read this blog at all, then you know that Ira's challenge is a chance at immortality. IMMORTALITY, people. And you all should be chomping at the bit to get yer personal top-ten spins into the rotation.

Here's how this is going to work:

1. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of songs already in the slices.

2. Wrack your brains for appropriate material. If it helps, sing stuff out loud. Get your copy of Rise Up Singing down off the shelf. Have slice parties in lieu of Superbowl parties. (You really want to watch four hours of Jim Nantz?)

3. Post your suggestions in the comments section. If you want to do it anonymously, that's okay, just no whining when everybody in camp is singing Untouchable Face but no one credits you for the suggestion. (If you want to email me your choices, that's okay too. But I'm going to repost them in the comments.)

And just so everyone's clear about Ira's criterion...

Okay:

Lesley Gore: It's My Party

Not okay:

Simon & Garfunkel: Bridge Over Troubled Waters

Unjustly victimized:

The Swan Silvertones: Oh Mary, Don't You Weep

Got it?

Yeah, me neither... not exactly, anyway. To get the ball rolling, I suggested City of New Orleans, the Steve Goodman-penned country/western standard about the lamentable plight of America's railroads and their declining legacy. But it's an uplifting song, and positive RGS, right? Plus it's got a hint of social consciousness, which makes it ideal for inclusion in the Tolland canon. Plus it was first released in 1972 by Arlo Guthrie on Reprise Records, which also handled Miriam Makeba's Pata Pata, so there's some reliable label heritage there. Plus you can never have too many train songs. So I figured I picked a sure thing.

Steve Goodman: City of New Orleans [live]

Submitted it, and got this response:

I'll give it some consideration - it is the prototypical slices-oriented song, and would be a fairly well received addition; I do find the tune a bit on the slow side, however. One category that has been very limited in recent slice additions is that of more political folk songs - if I'm missing any key classics in that mode I'd be happy to consider them. Most recent additions, though not all, have been from pop categories.

Okay. Clearly, the key to everlasting slice glory: post-millennium protest standards! Unless it's really anything from Ronnie Spector's catalog. Unless it's actually a killer by some obscure gospel combo on the old Nashboro label. Unless it's a groovy Terry Cashman ballad. Unless, unless, unless!

Bottom line is this, people: like most selection processes, this one's a popularity contest. Which is to say, if your tune is popular with Ira, you're in. So start thinking like the man himself thinks. Make chicken your top three dietary staples. Take off those rose-colored glasses you're wearing and try seeing the world through a pair of purple&orange specs. To get in the slices, you gotta know Ira's vices. Now get cracking.

Peace & Vinyl,

The KassaNostra