Early R.E.M.

Googley5 has sent me this YouTube video that features the earliest live-in-concert recording of Rock Hall of Famers R.E.M., way back in 1980 at the famous 40 Watt Club in Athens, Ga. The four songs include "Route 66."

UPDATED: “Girl on the Billboard” was for real?

Today, I got a comment from a reader that stopped me in my tracks. Dennis chimed in with a post about Del Reeves' million-selling 1965 hit, "Girl on the Billboard": I lived in Edwardsville Illinois and remember that billboard on a curve about where Esic housing entrance is right now. They call that road 157 … Continue reading UPDATED: “Girl on the Billboard” was for real?

“Oklahoma Hills”

Here's an excellent video with accompaniment by Red Dirt music artist Jimmy LaFave singing "Oklahoma Hills." The footage definitely carries a western Oklahoma vibe (keep your eyes peeled for a certain highway shield). It captures the amazing topography and romance of the Sooner State as well as anything I can think of. In case you're … Continue reading “Oklahoma Hills”

Dancing cars

I know very little about the background of this video, except it appears to have originated in Germany. The music is a version of "Route 66" by the Rolling Stones. Nevertheless, you'll see outstanding choreography with these vehicles. The whole exercise sort of reminds me of the famous scene with Marilyn Monroe in "Diamonds are … Continue reading Dancing cars

Route 66 — the final frontier

OK, get this. Someone on YouTube has taken the original opening-credits footage of the original "Star Trek" TV series, but replaced the soundtrack with Nelson Riddle's "Route 66" theme from the TV show. It sounds like an odd mashup, but it works.

Let it wail

A few cues are blown during this version of "Route 66," but the blues harmonica playing is so good, it's hard to resist. That's Natacha Seara of Argentina on the blues harp.