Monday, October 28, 2019

It's Halloween Week on The Island!

October 27th to  November 2nd, 2019
It's Halloween Week on Treasure Island Oldies. Booo to youuuu! Thanks for joining me for the Live show this week, the 23rd Annual Halloween Spooktacular. It was so much fun to do the show from deep down in the crypt and the bat cave, err I mean the chat room, was filled with freaks and ghouls hanging out and scaring each other. It's really fun when you go out Trick or Treating on Halloween, you put on some form of disguise. So too in the chat room, everyone changes their name for Halloween. It was a blast trying to figure out who really is who. 

The Halloween celebrations will continue on Halloween, October 31st with a special extended Halloween edition. Things will start at 3 pm Pacific, 6 pm Eastern with the original 1938 radio broadcast of War Of The Worlds. The H.G. Wells classic is presented by the Mercury Theater of the Air players featuring the legendary Orson Wells. The original airing created quite a sensation with listeners actually believing that martians had invaded the world. Scary stuff for 1938!

I'll follow up that classic broadcast with Jeff Wayne's musical adaptation of War Of The Worlds, narrated by Richard Burton and featuring impressive performances from Justin Hayward from the Moody Blues, David Essex, Phil Lynott from Thin Lizzy and Julie Covington, among others. This work is nearly two hours long! 

I'll wrap up the Halloween celebrations with a replay of this week's show, the 23rd Annual Halloween Spooktacular. You won't want to miss any of this extended Halloween celebration. As usual, go to the Listen page and click on the Yare Media player, precisely at 3 pm Pacific. Happy Halloween! 

Is your birthday coming up soon? If it is, I'd like to help you celebrate it on the show. Send the month and date to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com. I'll wish you Happy Birthday on the air and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you.

Next Sunday, November 3rd on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice returns with Dean and Jean. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Hey Jean, Hey Dean or Tra La La Suzy. As next week it's the Halloween Spooktacular, I'll play the winner next week.

The Top Five Countdown will also be back next week. In case you missed last week's Top 5, it was from 1974. The Number One song is by Billy Preston. Nothing From Nothing is playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Click here for this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Have a great week and thanks be sure listen for the extended Halloween Special October 31st starting at 3 pm Pacific.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Bye for now.
Michael

Monday, October 21, 2019

Island Update Week of October 20th 2019 Treasure Island Oldies

October 20th to  26th, 2019
Wow! What a great selection of music on this week's show! The Spotlight Year is 1974 and it was really good to hear some classics including the show opener, Sugar Baby Love by The Rubettes, You Little Trustmaker by The Tymes, Life Is A Rock (But The Radio Rolled Me) by Reunion, and so much more. You can always find out the order of the songs I play on the show by going to the Listen page and then scroll down to the Playlist.

I'd also like to thank many listeners from around the world who sent Happy Birthday greetings to me, including Wendy McDougall in Western Australia. The Chat Room was also hopping with lots of visitors; and it was fun receiving audio birthday greetings from California Barb and Guylaine Cote, plus dozens and dozens of good wishes via my Facebook page. Wow, I am sure spoiled! Thank You.

This year Halloween will be extra special on The Island. First we have the 23rd Annual Halloween Spooktacular, live from the crypt next Sunday evening starting at 6 pm Pacific, 9 pm Eastern. Then on Halloween itself, October 31st, there will be a nearly seven hour extended Treasure Island Oldies Halloween celebration. We'll get started at the special time of 3 pm Pacific, 6 pm Eastern with the original 1938 radio broadcast of War Of The Worlds. This classic broadcast by the Mercury Theater On The Air featuring the great Orson Wells, scared many people when it first aired. It was so realistic. I'll follow that up with the really cool Jeff Wayne musical adaptation of War Of The Worlds. This nearly 2 hour musical extravaganza is narrated by none other than the legendary Richard Burton and features musical performances by many artists including Justin Hayward from the Moody Blues, Phil Lynott from Thin Lizzy, David Essex, Julie Covington and others. Finally, it's a replay of the 23rd Annual Halloween Spooktacular. Prepare yourself to be scared witless! Be sure to join me next Sunday and the following Wednesday.

Happy Birthday to Mike Dillon in 100 Mile House, British Columbia and to Marcia Moses in the USA, and yours truly. Is your birthday coming up soon? If it is, I'd like to help you celebrate it on the show. Send the month and date to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com. I'll wish you Happy Birthday on the air and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you.

In two weeks, November 3rd on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights Dean and Jean. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Hey Jean, Hey Dean or Tra La La Suzy. As next week is the Halloween Spooktacular, I'll play the winner in two weeks on the November 3rd show.

This week the Top Five Countdown is from 1974. The Number One song is by Billy Preston. Nothing From Nothing is playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Click here for this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Have a great week and thanks again for your kind birthday wishes. Join me next Sunday for the Halloween Spooktacular!

Bye for now.
Michael

Dean and Jean Voice Your Choice Treasure Island Oldies

Dean and Jean was the nom de plume for the R&B singing duo Welton Young and Brenda Lee Jones. Their success on the charts was rather short lived and the duo split in 1968. Sadly, they are both deceased today. Fortunately, they left us with a great couple of songs, and I have them for you this week.

In the Voice Your Choice spotlight, Treasure Island Oldies presents Dean and Jean. Cast your vote for either Hey Jean, Hey Dean or Tra La La Suzy. I'll play the winner in two week on the Live show November 3rd.

Billy Preston Number One Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Countdown 1974

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Top Five Countdown is from 1974, this week's Spotlight Year. Sitting at Number One is Billy Preston and Nothing From Nothing.

Enjoy!
Michael


Monday, October 14, 2019

Red Robinson: The Last Broadcast


My very good friend, Red Robinson, has a new book coming out. Written by Robin Brunet, Red Robinson: The Last Broadcast chronicles Red's last on air radio show and the memories they conjured up of his radio career and the many many artists he met, interviewed and introduced on stage. What a day it was, I was so pleased to be at the radio station for his final show and later to attend a private party. I am sure you will find this another great read about a truly great guy!

Treasure Island Oldies Island Update Week of October 13, 2019

October 13th to  20th, 2019
Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian listeners. I hope you had a great celebration of the Fall Bounty with your friends and family. It was great to play many "thankful" songs for the occasion, with songs such as I Thank You by Sam & Dave, Let's Turkey Trot by Little Eva, Share The Land by The Guess Who, the classic instrumental Autumn Leaves by Roger Williams and so many more. As Thanksgiving or any special occasion involves food, I also played some "delicious" tunes such as Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie by Jay and The Techniques, Green Onions by Booker T. & The MGs, Memphis Soul Stew by King Curtis, Mashed Potato Time and Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes), both by Dee Dee Sharp, even Hot Pastrami by the Dartells; and to wash it all down, a Bottle Of Wine by The Fireballs, . In addition to all that, this week's Spotlight Year was 1970. All in all, a great big serving of musical deliciousness. LOL For the complete rundown of all songs I played on the show, go to the Listen page and scroll down to this week's Playlist.

The Chat Room has never been more fun that it is these days. There is quite an array of listeners from all across Canada and the United States every week. There's always fun things to discuss and to share memories that surface as a result of a song playing on the show. It adds an additional element to the enjoyment of the show. I invite you to check it out during next Sunday's live show. Go to the Chat page for more information. Hope to welcome you to the chat room next Sunday evening.

Ok, it's time to prepare yourself to be scared witless!  It's the 23rd annual Treasure Island Oldies Halloween Spooktacular! Count Michael will open the crypt for all those who dare to enter Sunday, October 27th as darkness settles in for the night, 6 pm Pacific, 9 pm Eastern. A scary time is guaranteed for all! In addition, I'm pleased to let you know that on Halloween day itself, October 31st, the live stream will be running starting at 5 pm Pacific, 8 pm Eastern with Halloween howls for you. We'll start off with Jeff Wayne's Musical Adaption of H.G. Wells' War Of The Worlds, narrated by Richard Burton. Musical performers include Phil Lynott from Thin Lizzy, Justin Hayward from The Moody Blues, David Essex, Julie Covington and more. It's an exceptional concept album. I'll follow it up with the original 1938 radio broadcast of Mercury Theater of the Air with Orson Wells in the adaptation of War Of The Worlds. We'll wrap up the Halloween festivities with a replay of the just aired 23rd annual Halloween Spooktacular. It's sure to be a Happy Halloween!

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Donna Siren in St. Louis, Missouri. Is your birthday coming up soon? If it is, I'd like to help you celebrate it on the show. Send the month and date to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com. I'll wish you Happy Birthday on the air and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you.

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights Crosby Still and Nash. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Marakesh Express or Our House, both great songs. I'll play the winner on next week's show.

This week the Top Five Countdown is from 1970. The Jackson Five hold down the Number One spot. I'll Be There is playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Click here for this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Have a great week. Join me live next Sunday evening on The Island.

Bye for now.
Michael

Crosby Stills Nash Voice Your Choice Treasure Island Oldies

David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash formed Crosby Still and Nash. They all came from highly successful groups. David Crosby was with The Byrds, Stephen Stills with Poco, and Graham Nash with the successful British group, The Hollies.

Their intricate vocal harmonies combined with their lyrics and music, made them immortal icons of the era. They actually came together during a party at Joni Mitchell's house. Nash asked Crosby and Stills to sing the song You Don't Have To Cry. Graham Nash improvised on a third part harmony. By the end of the song, they realized the sound they had together. Thus Crosby Stills and Nash were formed.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice presents Crosby Stills and Nash. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Marakesh Express or Our House. I'll play the winner song on next week's show.

The Jackson Five Number One Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Countdown 1970

The Jackson Five were at the top of their game. They already had huge success with I Want You Back, ABC, and The Love You Save, all reaching the highest position on the charts. And this week in 1970, they continued their stratospheric success.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Spotlight Year is 1970 and at the Number One spot on the charts on the Top Five Countdown, it's yet again, The Jackson Five with I'll Be There.

Enjoy!
Michael




Monday, October 07, 2019

This Week On Treasure Island Oldies

October 6th to  12th, 2019
It was great spending time together again this week on The Island. I was very pleased to hear from several listeners who were able to enjoy last week's show via our Affiliate Stations of the Broadcast Partners Network. Although the live stream failed, the archive of the show survived in perfect condition. I received notes from listeners who heard the show from our affiliates including those in Illinois, New Zealand, England, and Sweden. Very cool. Now back to this week's show. I was so pleased to be able to adjust the playlist at the last minute to include a musical tribute to the late Ginger Baker, the innovative, yet at times combative drummer and co-founder of the first "supergroup", Cream.

Last week in the Chat Room I mentioned that I was trying to find a copy of a record that I played on radio in the early 1970s. I found a rather poor copy of it but still decided to play it. The song is called Saskatchewan Sunrise by Rick Jones. He's an artist I had never heard of before or since; but I really liked it for the vocals and strong horn arrangement. I was pleased to play it, "warts and all" for this week's Made In Canada feature. Sure wish I could get a clean copy of this great one hit wonder!

Speaking of the Chat Room, it was quite the gathering of the regular "Nuts in the Hut", as well as some great radio folks. Three of our Affiliate Stations joined us: Dr. Sandi from Budd Bay's KYA 101.9 FM Olympia, Washington; Tom and Darryl from WTND-LP 106.3 FM, Macomb, Illinois; and Shaun from Froggy Oldies 105.7 KFGV Thousand Oaks Venture County, California. In addition, Terry Nutt, former Program Director of CHOM-FM Montreal, and broadcast legend Dave Boxer, who I listened to at a teenager on CFCF in Montreal, were all having a good time. It was a lot of fun. I mention all this because I invite you to be part of a fun extra aspect of enjoying the show.  Every Sunday during the live show, the chat room is open. Go to the Chat page for more information. Hope to welcome you to the chat room next Sunday evening.

Next week we celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving with many "thankful" songs; and as it is a feast, I'll also play some songs about food and drink during the show. We'll get underway at our usual time, 6 PM Pacific, 9 PM Eastern. Two weeks later, it'll be the 23rd annual Treasure Island Oldies Halloween Spooktacular! A scary time is guaranteed for all!

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Allan Holender in Kelowna, British Columbia. Alan is General Manager of our Affiliate Station, Okanagan Valley Radio, where we are heard every Sunday at 2 PM Pacific. Is your birthday coming up soon? If it is, I'd like to help you celebrate it on the show. Send the month and date to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com. I'll wish you Happy Birthday on the air and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you.

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights The Dovells. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Bristol Stomp or Bristol Twistin' Annie. I'll play the winner on next week's show.

This week the Top Five Countdown is from 1965. And the Number One song by The Beatles is most recorded song of all time, with over 1,600 versions! Yesterday is playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Click here for this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Have a great week. See you next week for the Canadian Thanksgiving Special.

Bye for now.
Michael

The Dovells Voice Your Choice Treasure Island Oldies

The Dovells were from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Here's an interesting bit of trivia about the group members. They used stage names in place of their real names: Len Barry (Leonard Borisoff), Jerry Summers (Jerry Gross), Mike Dennis (Mike Freda), Danny Brooks (Jim Meeley), and Arnie Silver, the only member without a nom de plume.

Len Barry left the group in late 1962 to pursue a solo career and scored hits such as 1-2-3, Like A Baby, and a few others. Before he left, The Dovells scored eight times on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including 2 Top Ten hits.

Treasure Island Oldies is pleased to present The Dovells in the Voice Your Choice spotlight. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Bristol Stomp or Bristol Twistin' Annie. I'll play the winner on next week's show.

The Beatles Number One Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Countdown 1965

When The Beatles first released Yesterday, it could have gone either way. From what I understand, it was the first 45 by The Beatles that featured only Paul McCartney. The stark recording only had acoustic guitar. What made it also stand out was it had a string section. It all made for an intimate recording.

Well it didn't go the wrong way; instead it leapt to Number One on the Hot 100 this week in 1965. In addition, it has become the most recorded song ever. In fact, there are more than 1,600 recorded versions!

Here is Yesterday, the Number One song on the Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Countdown.

Enjoy!
Michael