© Madeline Bocaro, 2023. No part of this site may be reproduced or re-blogged in whole or in part, in any manner without permission of the copyright owner.
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HERE ARE SOME ANGELIC SONGS!
‘Hark! the Herald Angels Sing’ is an old Christmas carol which originated in 1939. It’s based upon a biblical passage in which the angels sing praises to God. The angels announce the birth of baby Jesus, which confirms that angels existed B.C.! The melody is derived from various sources, including Mendelssohn.
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFjMPaOBzXc
‘Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)’ was an independently released debut single by The Penguins in 1954.
This was a simple, unadorned demo on the B-side of a single. It quickly became the preferred hit, most likely due to the smooth lead vocal of Cleveland Duncan!
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j6OAEOcNCE
‘Teen Angel’ hit a No. 1 in America in 1960. It was written by a husband and wife (Jean Denning and Red Surrey). The lead vocalist was Jean’s brother, Mark Denning. The song was not played on some radio stations, because it was too sad. The plot: Two teenagers on a car ride get stuck on the railroad tracks. Despite the boy’s attempt to save her, the girl dies when she runs back to the car to retrieve his school ring.
Try not to cry upon hearing the lines…
I’ll never kiss your lips again / they buried you today
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE-AcC53OYY
‘Angel Baby’ is a song from heaven. This magical 1960 single is by Rosie & the Originals. It was written as a poem to a boyfriend by a then 15-year-old Mexican girl living in California named Rosie Hamlin, who is also the singer on the record. This was not a professional recording, which is a blessing. Rosie’s pure young innocent voice transcends the vinyl and seems to float in the ether. It’s a rare fleeting moment captured in time. The promotional tactic by Rosie and her musicians was asking a Kresge’s store to play it in the record department’s listening booths. This prompted a single release of the song – just as it was. Why? Because it was perfect! The song made the Billboard Top Ten and has since become a classic.
‘Angel Baby’ was one of John Lennon’s favorite songs. He recorded it in 1973, prefaced with the dedication “Send my love to Rosie, wherever she may be.” John’s version was not released until 1986 on the album Menlove Avenue. Rosie Hamlin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. John really loved the strangely off-kilter B-side of this as well. It was called ‘Give Me Love’
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xm3qnh1sck&list=PLfcmaneOW9xCrArFGJLwNON2EAzC7PtKY
Rosie -live in 1997 + interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZi4f3tSe0Q
Rosie singing along with her younger voice on ‘Angel Baby’ live in Hollywood, 1982. Amazing that she still had THAT VOICE!!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QvVIqxzAfs
‘Johnny Angel’ is a love song about a non-existent dream boy. It was made popular in a cover version by Shelly Fabares. It went to No. 1 in 1962. The song premiered on the television sitcom, The Donna Reed Show. The star-packed track features members of The Wrecking Crew (Hal Blaine, Carol Kaye and Glen Campbell) and Darlene love on backing vocals. The biggest star of all is the eerie echo chamber.
WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt7UYKepRLU
‘Pretty Little Angel Eyes’ from 1961 was co-written by Tommy Boyce and its singer, Curtis Lee. It was produced by Phil Spector, with backing vocals by doo-wop group the Halos.
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZT__JFMUgU
The Angels released ‘My Boyfriend’s Back’ in 1963. The female talking intro was a really popular thing, as it was with The Shangri-Las.
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFdzJ0j8lYo
The 1968 Grammy nominated hit ‘Angel of the Morning’ was recorded in Memphis by Merilee Rush & The Turnabouts. It was written by Angelina Jolie’s uncle, Chip Taylor, who also wrote The Troggs’ 1966 hit ‘Wild Thing’. There are many cover versions, including ones by legend Nina Simone, Olivia Newton-John, The New Seekers, Chrissie Hynde and more.
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1wyTK9bnjU
The gorgeous ballad ‘Little Wing’ was recorded by The Jimi Hendrix Experience and released in 1967 (UK) 1968 (USA) on the album Axis Bold As Love. It’s a fantasy of a guardian angel who would sweep him up and fly him away.
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWpWZ4hsvzo
‘Angel’ appears on the posthumous self-produced Hendrix album (which would have been his fourth) The Cry of Love, released in 1971. The lyrics are based upon a dream about his mother dying.
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2Jm2HoE6rw
‘The Black Angel’s Death Song’ is the closing track on The Velvet Underground’s 1969 debut album. This usually cleared the room when performed live.
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0lya8HfDs0
Live at Le Bataclan 1972: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ7Dq19WrOk
‘Angel of 8th Avenue’ is by Mott The Hoople. This ballad by a sometimes riotous band was written by their singer Ian Hunter. It is on their third album Wildlife released in 1971.
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOmKeLZqumw
‘Sweet Black Angel’ is from the album Exile on Main St., released by the Rolling Stones in 1972. Although she is not mentioned in the lyrics, the song is about the legal tribulations of activist Angela Davis. It was also the B-side of the single ‘Tumbling Dice.’ John Lennon and Yoko Ono included a song (‘Angela’) about Davis on their 1972 album Some Time in New York City.
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cwekn8dDxCo
MY STORY about Exile on Main St.
https://madelinex.com/2022/07/16/exile-on-main-st/
‘Angel Face’ is a glam stomp, bordering on disco from 1974. The Glitter Band was Gary Glitter’s backing group. They also made recordings of their own, produced by Mike Leander. I love the silver label of Bell records spinning around on my turntable, reminding me of all my favorite Glam bands they released, including The Sweet, The Bay City Rollers, Showaddywaddy, Suzi Quatro, and The Partridge Family!
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7_d_Rnq5hM
Mick Ronson had done the string arrangements for his RCA label mates Pure Prairie League in 1972. Mick recorded an incredible cover version of their song ‘Angel No. 9’ on his second solo album after leaving Bowie’s band, The Spiders From Mars. Play Don’t Worry (1974) was his follow-up to Slaughter on 10th Avenue. Ronson also performed another PPL song on his 1974 concert tour, ‘Leave My Heart Alone.’
Listen – ‘Angel No. 9’ album version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLYYPBpOik8
Watch – Live on Old Grey Whistle Test – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcBzrZy6uOI
Ian Hunter’s album with the title song Overnight Angels features the song ‘England Rocks’, the precursor to his hit ‘Cleveland Rocks’. Despite Ian’s disdain for his own album, it features some amazing ballads and rockers. Def Leppard singer Joe Elliot covered this track, and several other songs from Ian’s album with his side band, The Down ‘n’ Outz. Here is the title track…
Listen – Ian Hunter ‘Overnight Angels’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDeaURzkSqs
Watch: Down ‘n’ Outz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-lrlcmNxLY
‘Lost Angels’ by Sweet is on their 1977 album Off The Record. They had come off the Glam trip with their previous album Give Us a Wink in 1974, which was much harder, faster and heavier, yet still retaining their harmonious vocals. A great record for driving fast in your car! Louis Austin, the engineer on both of these albums later worked with Def Leppard on their debut album in 1980. The album cover is fantastic – a magnified depiction of a diamond stylus deep in the grooves of a vinyl record.
In this promotional video, singer Brian Connolly is wearing the Wild One cheetah shirt design by John Dove and Molly White which also appears on Iggy Pop’s iconic Raw Power jacket. (read my story about Iggy’s jacket below)
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ8degRmJEk
MY STORY about Iggy’s jacket:
https://madelinex.com/2018/02/07/the-street-walking-cheetah-iggy-pops-jacket/
‘Precious Angel’ is a religious song, written by Bob Dylan when he became born-again Christian. It’s on his 1979 Slow Train Coming album. Mark Knopfler plays guitar on this track.
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cZsRekJfEo
Dylan released ‘You Angel You’ on Planet Waves (his 14th album and first to reach No. 1) in 1974.
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGZsvryouqs
‘Ask the Angels’ is on Patti Smith’s 1977 album Radio Ethiopia. This tale of rebellion through divine intervention is one of the sublime rockers on Patti’s eclectic second album. There are cover versions by R.E.M., Marianne Faithfull and The Mission.
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jex59TGs65o
WATCH: Patti performs the song on The Mike Douglas Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z0a3qznw4E
‘(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes’ by Elvis Costello was a single, from his debut album, My Aim Is True in 1977. The singer sells his soul to the angels in exchange for some fancy footwear!
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMRM2AWzAXU
The gorgeous ‘Angel’ is on Iggy Pop’s 1979 album New Values. These sessions reunited Iggy with two Stooges; it was his second collaboration with guitarist James Williamson along with Kill City, and also featured Scott Thurston on keyboards. This is the closest Iggy has come to writing a slow country song.
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb_kiI-qpl4
‘Angel Man’ by Rhetta Hughes is a disco tune which is not about dancing! It’s a tribute to The Guardian Angels of New York City – a street gang of self-appointed crimefighters lead by Curtis Sliwa formed in the 1970s. These superheroes are still active today!
Listen – Angel Man (downtown mix): https://youtu.be/ho0BeetGS64
‘Angel Eyes’ by Roxy Music is from their 1979 album Manifesto. There is a nice duality in this song with a harp and a saxophone. The single release was a re-recorded disco version of the album track.
WATCH THE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYP6F3gX68Q
MY STORY about Roxy Music’s album covers:
https://madelinex.com/2018/01/31/roxy-ladies/
ABBA also had a song in 1979 appropriately called ‘Angeleyes’ reflecting the angelic harmonies of Agnetha and Frida. This should have been one of their big hits, but it was only released as a B-side. It’s on their album Voulez-Vous.
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHddJnNo_BQ
‘Angels on the Balcony’ is a gorgeous song with a wonky beginning. This appears on Blondie’s album Autoamerican, released in late 1980. It was co-written by Jimmy Destri and Laura Davis, drummer of The Student Teachers. In the liner notes for the Against the Odds box, Jimmy spoke of the song’s meaning. “Basically, a recap of a local legend from a theater in Brooklyn… All the kids would tell a story about a ghost at the Loews 46th Street Theater. It was a greaser who got stabbed and died on the balcony.”
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xStkokRm3R0
‘Yes, I’m Your Angel’ by Yoko Ono appears on Double Fantasy – A Heart Play, from 1980. Yoko’s song for her husband John begins with the word ‘Yes’ – the same word that changed Yoko’s life when John Lennon viewed her art piece, Ceiling Painting. Yoko wrote the song for John’s 40th birthday when he was feeling melancholy. The lyrics foreshadow the imagery of Yoko’s Imagine Peace Tower in Iceland:
‘We believe in houses built in the sky
And love that lifts us high’
WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMZSrK_Bsss
MY FULL STORY all about the song – an excerpt from my book
In Your Mind – The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono
inyourmindbook.com / conceptualbooks.com
https://madelinex.com/2001/11/17/yes-im-your-angel/
The single, ‘She talks to Angels’ by The Black Crowes appears on their fantastic debut album, Shake Your Money Maker, released in 1990. The heroine of the song is allegedly a goth girl who was a drug addict.
WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H58gMiQQRm0
The dreamy ‘Be My Angel’ is on the debut album She Hangs Brightly by Mazzy Star, released in 1990. There is nothing like the voice of Hope Sandoval.
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0fQUNviFDI
Mick Jagger’s delicate ballad ‘Angel in My Heart’ brings back nostalgia of the baroque 1960s Rolling Stones tunes. This is on Mick’s wonderful 1993 solo album Wandering Spirit.
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSMj5DuLDes
‘New Angels of Promise’ is on David Bowie’s 21st album, Hours released in 1999. This amazing track refers back to so many other wonderful Bowie songs.
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5olNUij-sRo
‘The Angels’ is a song by Sparks. It appears on their 2000 album Balls. It is an atypically straight ballad from the brilliant duo Ron & Russell Mael, with the f-word thrown in for good measure.
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbCfMOIrLXc
Bowie released ‘5:15 The Angels Have Gone’ on Heathen in 2002. He sings of hopelessness and isolation in a world without angels, or a god. It sounds more and more familiar these days.
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVnch2Bzvhw
‘Wings of an Angel’ is from Def Leppard’s self-titled 11th album released in 2015.
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQORL47QEow
**
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Eat to the Beat
https://madelinex.com/2019/06/25/eat-to-the-beat/
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https://madelinex.com/2019/05/29/orange-hangover/
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