The Encyclopedia Britannica defines National Anthem as “a hymn or song expressing patriotic sentiment and either governmentally authorized as an official national hymn or holding that position in popular feeling.”

In The United States of America, our National Anthem is The Star Spangled Banner.  It has been so since it was made official by congressional resolution on May 3, 1931.   The lyrics are taken from a poem titled “The Defense of Fort McHenry”, written by amateur poet Francis Scott Key in 1814 after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by The British Navy in The War of 1812.   There are actually four stanzas to the song, but only the first is commonly sung or played today.

The song has a rich history, being inspired by the perseverance of the American spirit in battle, and the American flag itself.   What it isn’t is easy to sing, with an octave range that is challenging to even the best of singers.    Many Americans consider it to be militaristic, and for many years, people have lobbied for it to be replaced by what they believe to be a better representation of our nation, America The Beautiful.

This is no new movement.  Although not the National Anthem, America The Beautiful is just as widely recognized by Americans, and has been called the most beloved of all American patriotic songs.   Quoting Lynn Sherr, ABC News correspondent and author of the book America the Beautiful: The Stirring True Story Behind Our Nation’s Favorite Song says this,  “I think it’s simple, I think it’s emotional, and I think it talks about a country, a land and its people — not just about a flag, not just about a battle.  It doesn’t talk about conquest. It talks about the possibilities of this nation.”

America The Beautiful was written in 1893 by Katharine Lee Bates – a thirty-three year old English professor from Wellesley College – as she traveled by train across our great nation.   Her inspiration was her awe for what she witnessed, very much like Francis Scott Key almost a century before.

Perhaps the preference comes down to whether you’re a “spacious skies” or a “bombs bursting in air” kind of person.

Which do you prefer?

-Craig

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

To truly make a list of “Summer Songs” could easily have become an endless endeavor.  There are songs that epitomize the spirit of summer, like Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out” or Chicago’s “Saturday In The Park”, while the Beach Boys entire library could easily be construed as a soundtrack of the summer season.  Regardless, this list has been narrowed to songs which specifically use the word “Summer” in the title.  While some say “Driving fast with the top down” summer, others say “Chilling on the porch with a glass of lemonade” summer, with all sorts of summer interpretations in-between.

No, not every summer song is included here on this list by a long shot… but there’s always next summer.

“Summertime”  by Billy Stewart

Summertime was composed by George Gershwin – with lyrics by DuBose HeyWard -  in 1935 for the show “Porgy and Bess”.  It quickly becabe a jazz standard recorded by such artists as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Bing Crosby, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Sidney Bechet just to name a few.  It continued to resurface through the years, recorded by dozens of artists from The Zombies and Ray Charles to Paul McCartney and Sublime.  Billy Stewart’s radical interpretation of the song reached the Billboard top ten in both the R&B and pop categories in 1966.

“Summertime, Summertime”  by The Jamies

The Jamies (Tom and Serena Jameson) were an a-capella group, sometimes classified as do-wop, who first recorded and released “Summertime, Summertime” in 1958, then later in 1962, reaching the Billboard Top 40 on both occasions.  Although the song itself was re-recorded by a handful of other artists, it is The Jamies version that is regarded as the most popular, and most commercially successful.

“Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer” by Nat King Cole

Reminiscent of a Polka/Minstrel style (insert Philadelphia Mummers string band), Nat King Cole’s “Lazy-Hazy-Crazy” song is a short ditty that sings of pretzels, beer, picnic baskets, drive-ins and girls in bikinis on the beach.  This fun tune reminds us of a simpler time, while still representing what summer is all about.

“Summer”  by War

Unlike the previous track by Nat King Cole, this tune is much less timeless with it’s lyrics saying things like “listening to the 8-track” and “rapping on the CB radio”, deeply rooting it in a time gone by… those ancient 1970’s.  It’s slow and easy tempo invite you to sit back, kick your sandals (or flip-flops) off and sip on a cool drink on the beach or in the park.  Although the song never reached any notable commercial success, it’s still a great summertime classic.

“Summertime Blues” by Eddie Cochran

Although re-recorded and released by mega-groups The Beach Boys and The Who, Eddie Cochran’s version of Summertime Blues (written by Eddie himself) is still the most popular, making Rolling Stone’s “Top 100 Songs of All Time” list.  Summertime Blues peaked at #8 on the Billboard charts in September of 1958.  The humorous lyrics eveke the age old teen no-win summer scenario of no money, no date vs. work late, no date.  Some things never change.

“In The Summertime” by Mungo Jerry

Recorded and released in 1970 by British pop band Mungo Jerry, “In The Summertime” charted at #1 in twenty six countries.  By far one of the silliest tunes on this list, the humorous girl-getting lyrics advise “If her daddy’s rich take her out for a meal, if her daddy’s poor just do what you feel”.  Pure nonsensical fun.

“Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince

The Fresh Prince of West Philadelphia, a.k.a. Will Smith rhymes about school being out, being in Philly in the park, popping the water plug and  making sure you dress right before you hit the basketball court… because there’s girls there.  “Summertime” samples another great summertime song called “Summer Madness” by Kool & The Gang.

“Summer of 69″ by Bryan Adams

Canadian rocker Bryan Adams reached #6 on the Billboard charts with this now classic summer song.  Adams shows his harder edged lyrics to be “not what you think they are”, and in a 2008 interview admits that 69 has nothing at all to do with the year, “Just listen to the last line in the song and you’ll get my meaning” says Adams.  I think we “get it” Bryan.

“Summer Nights” by John Travolta & Olivia Newton John

Someone should have told Danny and Sandy that it’s a bad idea to kiss-and-tell.  In 1978, this duet rocketed to the top of the charts (with the help of a hit major motion picture), and became forever a part of American pop culture.  All summer ingredients included like beaches, lemonade, and makin’ out under the dock (or the boardwalk, depending on the seashore).

“Summer In The City” by The Lovin Spoonful

Summers aren’t just spent on beaches and at campsites, as The Lovin Spoonful’s “Summer In The City” suggests.  All kinds of sound effects were thrown into this recording like car horns and jackhammers to give it that authentic “city sound”.  Charting at #1 in 1966 (the same year as Billy Stewart’s “Summertime”), “Summer In The City” was a gritty take on an urban summer.

“Summer Girls” by LFO

LFO is an acronym for the late 1990’s boy band Lyte Funky Ones, who – other than this summer song which went certified platinum – didn’t leave much of a mark.  Many people identify this as the Abercrombie & Fitch song, as the brands name is repeated several time throughout the lyrics.  Regardless, as campy as the tune may be with it’s pop culture references, it had the necessary pieces to become a pop hit.  And what says summer more than cute guys singing about cute girls?

“Summer Wind” by Frank Sinatra

Old Blue Eyes hit the jackpot with this summer song, and it remains a DJ favorite at weddings as a sure-fire floor packer for young and old alike.  When the summer wind came blowing in from across the sea, it was whisked away from Wayne Newton who first recorded the song to forever be part of Frank’s library of classic standards.  It peaked at #25 in 1966,and being our third summer hit from that year clearly suggests that 1966 was “A Very Good Year” for summer songs.


Have a great summer everyone!

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

The song “Makin’ Whoopee” was composed in 1928 by Walter Donaldson with lyrics by Gus Kahn, and was originally written for the Broadway Musical Whoopee.  The title, and the song itself makes no bones that Makin’ Whopee is a euphemism for sexual intimacy, and I can only imagine that it was considered quite risque for it’s time.  The song begins harmlessly enough, singing of weddings, honeymoons and early marital bliss, but quickly changes to the realities of babies, diapers and other inferences of responsibilities.  One definition I read even referred to the tune as “a dire warning, largely to men, about the ‘trap’ of marriage”.

Makin’ Whoopee has probably been played by DJs at thousands of weddings, and although it will probably continue to be played at thousands more,  a closer look at the lyrics makes me ponder if it should.

“Makin’ Whoopee”

Another bride, another June
Another sunny, honeymoon
another season, another reason
for Makin’ Whoopee

A lot of shoes, a lot of rice
the groom is nervous, he answers twice
It’s really killin’, that he’s so willin’
to make whoopee!

Picture a little love-nest, down where the roses cling,
Picture the same sweet lovenest, think what a year can bring.

He’s washing dishes, and baby clothes
he’s so ambitious, he even sews
But don’t forget, folks, that’s what you get folks
for Makin’ Whoopee!

Another year, or maybe less
What’s this I hear? Well can’t you guess?
She feels neglected, and he’s suspected
of Makin’ Whoopee!

She sits alone, most every night
He doesn’t phone her, he doesn’t write
He says he’s “Busy”, but she says “Is he?”
He’s Makin’ Whoopee!

He doesn’t make much money, only a five-thousand per
some judge who thinks he’s funny
Says “You’ll pay six to her”

He says: “Now judge, suppose I fail?”
The judge says: “Budge, right into jail!
You’d better keep her; I think it’s cheaper
Than Makin’ Whoopee!!

Personally, I think the song is harmless, and the fact that it’s a standard that’s been around for years and been covered by artists like Eddie Cantor, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Rod Stewart gives it a classic chic that make the second part of the song somehow humorous and socially acceptable.  It’s been in movies like The Fabulous Baker Boys where Michelle Pfeiffer does a very sexy rendition sprawled across a piano, Sleepless In Seattle in a duet by Ricky Lee Jones and Dr. John, and two Woody Allen movies (Everyone Says I Love You and Husbands and Wives).  Cookie Monster even did a version on Sesame Street called “Eatin’ Cookie“!

Is it just cute irony, or is it bad taste?  Again, I like the song personally, particularly the Ray Charles live version where he injects his own name into the line “Ray, son, right into jail” and then asks the audience  “You know what I’ve been doin, don’t you?” and the crowd goes wild.  I laugh to myself every time I hear it.

So I pose the question to the reader… Is Makin’ Whoopee “okay to play” or is it best left alone? What do YOU think?

-Craig

Photo courtesy of  Scott Spitzer Photography & Design
www.scottspitzer.com

In all of my years as a DJ, compiled with my pre-DJ years, I’ve been at least as exposed to the music of the Christmas season as the next person, if not more. As a DJ, and working at countless holiday parties, I’ve always made a concerted effort to try and play just the right mix of holiday tunes to keep things fresh. Old and new versions of classics, as well as newer additions to the season’s library have certainly provided an almost inexhaustible array of choices, yet still i find myself turning to certain titles and artists time and time again. I’m not trying to say these are in any way the ‘best’ of the genre, but simply a few of my favorites and why for me they are in the regular rotation of my personal playlist of Christmas songs.

“Snoopy vs. The Red Baron” by The Royal Guardsmen

Likely one of the most obscure of my favorites, “Snoopy vs. The Red Baron” was released in 1966, and by December had risen to number two on the Billboard charts (second to The Monkees ‘I’m a Believer’). It’s a ballad that tells the tale of Snoopy as the WWI flying ace who, when forced to land behind enemy lines by his nemesis The Red Baron, shares a toast with him in the spirit of Christmas.  I fell in love with it as a child, and it’s stayed with me ever since.

“Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano

Simply a classic, this bouncy bi-lingual classic still gets me smiling, and is just one of those “I can’t bring myself to change the channel when it comes on” songs.  It’s probably one of the most redundant holiday songs with it’s repetitive chorus, but it’s likely one of the most fun sing-along Christmas tunes where everyone can join in and although I admittedly get lost in some of the Spanish it’s never stopped me from faking it.  Although “Feliz Navidad” never charted in the U.S. Billboard Top 40, it is likely one of the most recognizable pop Christmas songs of all time.

“Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley

This song was originally recorded by Elvis in 1957 for a Christmas album, but later released in 1964 as a single.  I was surprised to find it had never charted in the Billboard Top 40, as it’s always stood out (to me) as his signature Christmas song.  It’s Elvis at his crooning best, and say what you will he’s still the King of Rock & Roll and it’s a song I never get tired of hearing.  There’s a whole back story to his recording the song, some saying he didn’t even like it and others saying he lit Graceland entirely in blue for Christmas he loved it so much.  Regardless, I love it and it makes my list of favorites.

“Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee

Overplayed?  Perhaps, but not as much as “Jingle Bell Rock” and certainly with more punch (in my humble opinion).  It first charted at number fourteen in 1960, although it had been originally recorded in 1958.   This pop/rockabilly styled Christmas classic is again one of those songs that I don’t change the dial from, and through my experience as a DJ is a sure-fire floor packer if you wait til everyone’s had just enough egg nog.  It’s just a fun song.

“White Christmas” written by Irving Berlin

Unlike the other selections on this list, I’ve named the writer of the song tin lieu of an artist.  I love “White Christmas” not just for the tune itself, but for everything it represents.  In regards to popularity, “White Christmas” is the song of songs.  Public opinion has put it so far above all other songs – Christmas or otherwise – that it has become the greatest selling song of all time. “White Christmas” embodies the American Dream.  The very existence of the song (written by a Jewish immigrant), it’s rise to unimaginable popularity and it’ s recurring interpretations over the years by literally dozens of artists (Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, The Drifters, Otis Redding, The Jackson 5, Destiny’s Child and U2 just to name a few) is a testament to the song’s staying power and greatness, securing it’s place in the American ethos.  I never tire of the song not only because it is so good, but because it has been performed in so many different ways.

There were a few more that almost made the list, like “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney & Wings, “Sleigh Ride” by Harry Connick Jr. and “Please Come Home for Christmas” by The Eagles, but they just didn’t quite make the cut.  Again, these are personal favorites and if you aren’t familiar with them you should give them a listen… I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

-Craig Sumsky
Cutting Edge Entertainment

Photo courtesy of Jean Valentin Photography – www.jean-valentin.com

In a discussion I had recently with one of my DJ employees, he asked me if I thought the song ‘Just A Gigolo’ by Louis Prima (and later re-done by David Lee Roth) was appropriate for a wedding, and my answer – as cliche as it might seem – was “If you question it, then the answer is no.”

Now certainly if it were a request of the bride & groom, it should be played, but I would pose the question of it’s appropriateness in the context of a wedding.  Perhaps if it were used during a garter toss to connotate ‘the single guys’ then yes, but I certainly wouldn’t want to play a song that might infer the Groom was gigolo, or a ‘player of women’ at his wedding.

As a DJ for over twenty years, and somewhat of a music aficianado, knowing lyrics is second nature to me.  When I sit down with a bride and groom or a mitzvah client or any client for that matter to discuss music I see myself as the person they are trusting in for guidance, and sometimes it is important to illustrate for them why a particular song choice may not be the best choice, and 99% of the time it’s pointing out something in the lyrics.

A great example that I cannot soon forget is that of a bride and groom requesting the song ‘Careless Whisper’ by George Michael as their first dance (you know, the ‘bride and groom’ dance that happens at the beginning of the reception).  when they asked I paused for a moment, and then asked if they wouldn’t mind my taking a moment to excuse myself from the meeting for a moment so that I might print out a copy of the lyrics for them to review.  Here is a short excerpt of what i printed…

I feel so unsure
As I take your hand and lead you to the dance floor
As the music dies, something in your eyes
Calls to mind a silver screen and all those sad goodbyes

I’m never gonna dance again
Cause guilty feet have got no rhythm
Though it’s easy to pretend
I know you’re not a fool

I should have known better than to cheat a friend
And waste the chance that I’d been given
So I’m never gonna dance again
The way I danced with you

Time can never mend
The careless whispers of a good friend
To the heart and mind
Ignorance is kind
And there’s no comfort in the truth
Pain is all you’ll find

Essentially, the song is about a relationship where someone cheated.  Don’t get me wrong, musically it’s a great song, it was a popular hit and it’s pretty good to slow dance to, but in the context of starting off your marriage with a first dance to a song about cheating, it’s probably not such a great idea.  When the bride read the lyrics the look on her face spoke volumes, and the two of them chose another song.  The same idea goes for so many other songs as well.  ‘Let’s Get It On’ by Marvin Gaye may be risque for a bride & groom’s first dance, but how awkward would it be as a father/daughter or mother/son dance?

Take some time to think about your song choices.  Most song lyrics can be found on the internet using Yahoo, Google, or some other search engine.  Check out your song and its lyrics before making it a song of significance, and if you aren’t sure about the artist or title, ask your DJ.  A good DJ should always be an invaluable resource for you regarding song choices, if not at the very least a second opinion.

-Craig

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

This song is being considered for the soundtrack of the upcoming motion picture ‘New Moon’ from the Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series.