#12 'Hula Girl' by Sol Hoopii (1934)

SONG

"It's a jolly enough song. True to the title, it does sound very hula but it also (unsurprisingly) sounds very dated. It makes me think of an old Mickey Mouse cartoon, or perhaps Tom & Jerry with Jerry dancing in a hula skirt. In any case, it's a nice change from all the depressing songs but it's not a song I would choose to listen to." - LC


November edit: "Having returned to listen to this song again in order to write my review, I feel I was unnecessarily harsh on it. The guitar is excellent and it's a lot more original than some of the later entries. This song is a bit of fun and, in actual fact, I probably would listen to it again." - LC

Written by: Sunny Cunha.

Label: Brunswick.

FACTS

• Hawaiian music is characterised by slack-key guitar playing. This involves playing your guitar in open tuning on your lap and sliding a steel instrument over the strings.
• Sol Hoopii was the greatest slack-key guitar player of the 1920s and 1930s. 
  

Recommended songs by this artist...

I Like You (1930s)

#11 'Mal Hombre' by Lydia Mendoza (1934)

SONG

"It makes me think of a sleepy rural village, where a beautiful woman is wandering about a la Belle in Beauty and the Beast and warning her neighbours of a lothario in their midst. I like the guitaring. The chorus is quite catchy and I can definitely relate ;)" - LC

Written by: Traditional, arranged by Lydia Mendoza.

Producer: Eli Oberstein

Label: Blue Bird.

FACTS

• Lydia Mendoza was born in 1916 and from an early age she showed herself to be a remarkable singer and played of the twelve-string guitar.
• By 1934, she was celebrated in San Antonio, Texas, as a street singer and radio performer. This success led an independent label recording her and issuing 'Mal Hombre' (Evil Man) as her first release.
• Lydia had learnt the lyrics to 'Mal Hombre' from a bubble gum wrapper (a novelty marketing promotion at the time) and set it to music.
• The songs tells of a ruthless lothario.
• It was her first and greatest hit, and made her a star throughout the southwest of the USA. It also set off a Mexican-American recording boom in the process.

Translation

Evil Man
(I had to translate this one myself as best I could so any corrections are welcome)

I was still a young woman when by chance you found me,
And thanks to your worldly ways, you took the honour of my perfume.
Then you did to me what men like you do to women,
So do not be surprised that I now tell you to your face what you are.

Bad man,
So wretched is your soul that it has no name,
You're a rogue, you're evil.
You're a bad man.

I abandoned my sad destiny, I started a ferocious struggle with my life,
She, strong and cruel would torture me, I, being weaker, was finally beaten down.
You learned about my defeat in time, You knew about my dreadful hell
Some told you to save her, and proving what you were, you laughed

Shortly afterwards in the brook my life was relying on shadows,
You went by a couple of nights
and as you looked at me, I could feel you ask yourself:
"Who is that woman, do you know her?"
and then, you replied, "A nobody!"
Upon hearing something so outrageous come from your lips,
You showed me again what you were.

#10 'Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?' by Bing Crosby (1932)

SONG

"After my first listen, I concluded this song was just plain dull. However, after two subsequent listens, the lyrics give the song some charm. I don't think it'll make it onto my MP3 player, but it's listenable." - LC

Written by: Jay Gorney, E.Y. "Yip" Harburg.

Label: Brunswick.

FACTS

• This song was written by Jay Gorney and E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, who was deeply affected by after-effects of the Wall Street crash in 1929.
• The song is the story of a man who had helped rebuild the nation's railroads and skyscrapers and fought its wars but has now been reduced to panhandling the streets.
• It was originally written for the musical Americana. 
• Yip Harburg also wrote the lyrics to 'Over the Rainbow' (1939).

Recommended songs by the same artist...

# 32 White Christmas (1947)

#9 'Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl' by Bessie Smith (1931)

SONG

"The first thing that struck me about this song was how heavily laden with innuendo it is. Initially I thought perhaps my modern day mind was just so used sexual references in music today but they just kept on coming. The lyrics below might be of interest. It's a good song though, nice to know that some women were outspoken and liberal at a time when the majority just sat quiet and looked pretty." - LC

Written by: Clarence Williams, J.T. Brymn, Dally Small.

Producer: Frank Walker.

Label: Columbia.



FACTS

• This song is an example of the under-the-counter sub-genre known as dirty-blues. 
• Dirty-blues also gave the world the euphemism 'rock and roll', which later resurfaced as the illegitimate child of the blues.

LYRICS

Tired of bein' lonely, tired of bein' blue,
I wished I had some good man, to tell my troubles to.
Seem like the whole world's wrong,

Since my man's been gone.

I need a little sugar in my bowl.
I need a little hot dog on my roll.
I can stand a bit of lovin', oh so bad.
I feel so funny, I feel so sad.

I need a little steam-heat on my floor,

Maybe I can fix things up, so they'll go.
What's the matter, hard papa?

Come on and save you mama's soul
'Cause I need a little sugar, in my bowl, doggone it,
I need some sugar in my bowl.

I need a little sugar in my bowl.
I need a little hot dog between my rolls.
You gettin' different, I've been told,
Move your finger, drop something in my bowl.

I need a little steam-heat on my floor,
Maybe I can fix things up, so they'll go
Get off your knees, I can't see what you're drivin' at!
It's dark down there! It looks like a snake!

C'mon here and drop somethin' here in my bowl,
Stop your foolin', and drop somethin' in my bowl.

Recommended songs by this artist...

#2 St Louis Blues (1925)

#8 'Minnie the Moocher' by Cab Calloway & His Orchestra

SONG

I would advise you to watch the whole video; it's an experience. However, if you would just like to hear the song, it begins at 3:40.

"Well the song is fantastic. I love the horns, I love the way he sings and I love joining in with the scat. Also, that man can DANCE! Fancy pants! A bonus for myself was that searching for this song led me to find this Betty Boop cartoon, which I happen to adore in addition to finding it incredibly creepy. My favourite song so far!" - LC


November edit: I have just noticed that the song Cab is dancing to during the intro is none other than his own version of #8 St. James Infirmary Blues.

Written by: Cab Calloway, Irving Mills.

Label: Brunswick.

FACTS

• Cab Calloway was known as the 'Hi-de-hoh Man' and was one of the most successful big-band leaders of the 1930s. He was famous for his flamboyant peformances. 
• The song was based on Frankie Jaxon's song 'Willie the Weeper' which was later performed by Bette Davis in the 1932 film The Cabin in the Cotton. 
• The first 30 seconds of the above video is the earliest-known footage of Calloway. 
• Calloway performed the song in the 1955 movie Rhythm and Blues Revue, filmed at the Apollo Theatre. Much later, in 1980 at age 73, Calloway performed the song in the movie The Blues Brothers. 
• A ghost walrus—whose gyrations were rotoscoped from footage of Calloway dancing—appears to them, and begins to sing "Minnie the Moocher", with many fellow ghosts following along. 
• The song tells the story of a good time girl who was rough and tough but had a heart "as big as a whale." She messes around with a guy named Smokie who was a cocaine user and introduced Minnie to opium by showing her "how to kick the gong around." 
• In performances, Calloway would have the audience participate by repeating each scat phrase in a form of call and response. Eventually Calloway's phrases would become so long and complex that the audience would laugh at their own failed attempts to repeat them.

In 1989, 2-pac and Chopmaster J updated the song into a Hip Hop track. You can listen to this below: 

#7 'El Manisero' by Don Azpiazu & His Havana Casino Orchestra (1930)

SONG

"One of the better ones I've heard so far on my auditory journey through this book and through musical history. Love the Latin flavour! It made me wiggle. Also the translated lyrics below are worth a look :)" - LC

Written by: Moisés Simón (later Simons).

Label: RCA Victor.

FACTS

• This song kicked off the rumba craze in the early 1930s.
• During the 1920s, street vendors (the song title translates to 'The Peanut Vendor') had advertised their peanuts with jingles.
• The song was previously recorded in 1928 by Cuban starlet Rita Montaner, but it was this version that took the world by storm.
• It became the biggest selling song in New York in 1931. It was also a hit in Japan and Europe.
• The song's most lasting influence was in West and Central Africa, where it was labeled as a 'rumba fox-trot' and was required repertoire for any large African orchestra in that enormous region.



Translation

The Peanut Vendor

In Cuba, each merry maid

Wakes up with this serenade
Peanuts! They’re nice and hot
Peanuts! I sell alot
If you haven’t got bananas, don’t be blue
Peanuts in a little bag are calling you

Don’t waste them, no tummy ache
You’ll taste them when you awake
For at the very break of day
The peanut vendor’s on his way.

At dawning that whistle blows
Through every city, town, and country lane
You’ll hear him sing his plaintive little strain
And as he goes by to you he’ll say:

“Big jumbos, big double ones
Come buy those peanuts roasted today
Come try those freshly roasted today!”
If you’re looking for a moral to this song
Fifty million little monkeys can’t be wrong

In Cuba, his smiling face
Is welcome most every place
Peanuts! They hear him cry
Peanuts! They all reply
If you’re looking for an early morning treat
Get some double jointed peanuts good to eat

For breakfast or dinner time
For supper, most anytime
A merry twinkle in his eye
He’s got a way that makes you buy

Each morning that whistle blows
The little children like to trail along
They love to hear the peanut vendor’s song
They all laugh with glee when he will say

“They’re roasted, no tiny ones
They’re toasted, peanuts in the shell
Come buy some, I eat more than I sell!”

If an apple keeps the doctor from your door
Peanuts ought to keep him from you ever more

In Cuba, each merry maid
Wakes up with this serenade
"Peanuts! They’re nice and hot,
Peanuts! I sell alot,
Peanuts! We’ll meet again
Peanuts! This street again
Peanuts! You’ll eat again
Your peanut man.”

That Peanut man’s gone

#6 'St. James Infirmary Blues' by Louis Armstrong & His Hot Five (1929)

SONG

"Finally, an artist I am familiar with! Depressing song but there's no denying Louis Armstrong's talent! I love the trumpet on this track. Fantastic. Yeah, I liked this one!" - LC

Written by: Uncredited.
Producer: Don Redman.

Label: Okeh.

FACTS

•  In the 1920s, Louis Armstrong was the most innovative figure in jazz.
• He was a musical revolutionary; a trumpeteer who branched out from playing with a band to become the first great improvising soloist in history.
• The song tells of a man who visits the hospital to find his girlfriend dead.
• The 'Hot Five' were in fact seven people who played piano, trombone, two clarinets, saxophone, banjo and drums.

Recommended songs by this artist...

Hello, Dolly! (1964)

#5 'Pokarekare' by Ana Hato (with Deane Waretini) (1929)

SONG

"I'm not a fan of this lady's singing. Not at all. I think if the male voice was singing solo then this song may be palatable. It's not for me." - LC

Written by: Traditional, arranged by Paraire Tomoana.

Label: Parlophone.

FACTS

• This is a Maori love song. It is a traditional song which has been arranged by Paraire Tomoana.
• Tomoana had heard it sung by Maori troops stationed in Auckland on their way to combat in WWI.
• Ana Hato and Deane Waretini were cousins and frequently collaborated on songs. 

Translation

My heart is aching, for your return my love.
Oh my beloved, come back to me, my heart is breaking for of love for you.

I have written you a letter, and enclosed with it my ring,
If your people should see it, then the trouble will begin.

Oh my beloved, come back to me, my heart is breaking for of love for you.

My poor pen is broken, my paper is spent,
But my love for you endures, and remains forever more.

Oh my beloved, come back to me, my heart is breaking for of love for you.

The sun's hot sheen, won't scorch my love,
Being kept evergreen, by the falling of my tears.

Oh girl, Come back to me, I could die of love for you.



#4 'Lágrimas negras' by Trio Matamoros (1928)

SONG

"I love the guitar on this track; it makes me think of flamenco dancers. The lyrics appear to be particularly dark, but it sounds lovely in Spanish." - LC

Written by: Miguel Matamoros.

Label: RCA Victor.

FACTS

•  The song was written and composed by Miguel Matamoros, who was the founding member of the trio.
• He was inspired to write this track when he overheard a woman crying whilst he was visiting the Dominican Republic.
• It was first composed as a tango, but the version that was recorded is considered to be the first example of a new genre: bolero-son. 

Translation

Black Tears

(This translation was done by myself using Google so feel free to correct it)

Although you've left me feeling abandoned,
Although you have destroyed all my dreams.
Instead of cursing you with bitterness,
In my dreams I just bless you.

I suffer the immense pain of your loss,
I cry with the deep pain of your game,
And know that I cry without weeping,
I have tears as black as my life.

You want to leave me.
I cannot live with myself.
I'm black but I find it hard to die.

You want to leave me.
I do not want to suffer,
I'm with you my saint,
But I find it hard to die.

#3 Allons à Lafayette by Joe Falcon and Cléoma Breaux (1928)

SONG

"Definitely my favourite so far. It makes me wanna get up and dance about with my hands on my hips. Yes, I like this one very much. It's pretty catchy too... # Allons a Lafayette, mais pour changer ton nom... # " - LC

Written by: Traditional

Label: Columbia

FACTS

• The song is based on an older traditional tune called "Jeunes Gens de la Campagne".
• It is officially known as the first Cajun song ever recorded.

Translation

Let's go to Lafayette

Let's go to Lafayette to change your name.
We will call you Mrs. Mischievous Comeaux.
Honey, you're too pretty to act like a tramp.
How do you think I am going to manage without you?
Look at what you've done, pretty heart.
We are so far apart and that is pitiful.
Honey, you're too pretty to act like a tramp.
How do you think I am going to manage without you?
Look at what you've done, pretty heart.
We are so far apart and that is pitiful.



#2 'St. Louis Blues' by Bessie Smith (1925)

SONG

"Well, it's nice and depressing. Ha! She has a very powerful voice. It compels me to imagine what drinking in a speakeasy would have been like; delightfully rebellious and pretty glamourous." - LC

Written by: W.C. Handy

Label: Columbia

FACTS

• It was one of the first blues songs to succeed as a pop song. 
• It became so popular that it inspired the Foxtrot. 
• The cornet you can hear being played in this version of the track is none other than Louis Armstrong. 
• The song has since been recorded by artists such as Louis Armstrong, Chuck Berry, Hank Williams Jr. (son of Hank Williams) and Stevie Wonder.

Recommended songs by this artist...

# 9 Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl (1931)

#1 'O Sole Mio' by Enrico Caruso (1916)

SONG

"All I can think of when I hear this song is the Wall's Cornetto advert from when I was tiny. That ages me... As for the song itself, it's pleasant and easy listening. Not a big fan of opera, but I do like this one :)" - LC

Written by: Giovanni Capurro (lyrics) and Eduardo di Capua (melody) in 1898.

Label: Victor Talking Machine

FACTS

• Caruso died before the introduction of electrical recording technology in 1925. All of his recordings were made using the acoustic process, which required the recording artist to sing into a metal horn or funnel which relayed sound directly to a master disc via a stylus. 
• In 1920 it was played as a substitute for the Italian national anthem, which could not be found, at the Olympics in Antwerp. 
• A parody of the song was used for a decade to advertise Cornetto ice-cream (# Just oooooooone Cornetto, give it to meeeeeeeeeeeeeee... #) and the tune can still be heard being played from ice-cream vans all over Europe. 
• It has been covered by the pop punk band Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, on their album Ruin Jonny's Bar Mitzvah. 

Translation 

My Sun

What a beautiful thing is a sunny day!

The air is serene after a storm,

The air is so fresh that it already feels like a celebration.

What a beautiful thing is a sunny day!

But another sun,

That's brighter still,

It's my own sun

That's upon your face!

The sun, my own sun, 

It's upon your face,

It's upon your face!

When night comes and the sun has gone down,

I almost start feeling melancholy;

I'd stay below your window

When night comes and the sun has gone down.

But another sun

That's brighter still,

It's my own sun

That's upon your face!

The sun, my own sun,

It's upon your face!

It's upon your face!

Preface

So... this is a blog where I will be posting the proposed 1001 songs we must all hear before we die. The list is taken from the book '1001 Songs You Must Hear Before You Die' by Robert Dimery.


For each entry in the book, I will do my damnedest to post or link to a Youtube video of that particular song so that you can listen and comment yourselves. I will also post any trivia I feel compelled to about each track.


The songs work through the book chronologically, starting in 1916 and ending in 2010.