Inside the Rock Era

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

This Date in Rock Music History: June 1

1956: Doris Day signed a five-year recording contract with Columbia Records in excess of $1 million, which at the time was the biggest deal in Columbia history.
1957: Sam Cooke recorded "Summertime" at Radio Recorders in West Hollywood, California.
1957: Nat King Cole, Andy Williams, Ricky Nelson and Patti Page starred in the television special Five Stars for Springtime on NBC.

Featured Unknown/Underrated Song*: "Dirty Water" by the Standells

This song stopped one spot short of the Top 10 in 1966, making this an easy selection for this great category:

Dirty Water

Standells

Music and Lyrics by Ed Cobb

I'm gonna tell you a story
I'm gonna tell you about my town
I'm gonna tell you a big fat story, baby
Aw, it's all about my town

Yeah, down by the river
Down by the banks of the river Charles
(Aw, that's what's happenin' baby)
That's where you'll find me
Along with lovers, muggers, and thieves
(Aw, but they're cool people)

Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you're my home
(Oh, you're the number one place)

Frustrated women (I mean they're frustrated)
Have to be in by twelve o'clock (Oh, that's a shame)
But I'm wishin' and a-hopin', oh
That just once those doors weren't locked
(I like to save time for my baby to walk around)

Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you're my home (Oh, yeah)

Because I love that dirty water
Oh, oh, Boston, you're my home (Oh, yeah)

Well, I love that dirty water (I love it, baby)
I love that dirty water (I love Baw-stun)
I love that dirty water (Have you heard about the Strangler?)
I love that dirty water (I'm the man, I'm the man)
I love that dirty water (Ow!)
I love that dirty water (Come on, come on)