JJ, I really appreciate your info on "Artificial Flowers". I wondered about that one. I sort of thought that a man who got major hits out of "Splish Splash", "Mack the Knife" and "Clementine" really had no idea what the public might buy. Knowing the history of the song always helps. What, otherwise, would we do with "Springtime for Hitler"?
I would forgive the Beatles almost anything for changing the face of popular music. During all the days they were actively recording, I can't think of anybody trying to push "Billy Joe McCallister off the (four syllable) bridge", or anything similar. Maybe I just wasn't listening.
My son, who is young enough to be sneered at by unwary Baby Boomers, was once taken to task for his generation's taste. "In my day the lyrics were always meaningful." His response was "Yes, of course. I am the walrus kookookachoo.
Is the "One Last Kiss" referred to above (or earlier in the thread)the one from "Bye Bye Birdie"? Surely that was meant to be bad.
Amergin, you are very sweet and forgiving.
MTed, where do you live? On the night of that set, I will be on the other side of the country (or very drunk). Thanks for the kind words. I've never heard of the two songs you named. I must be the wrong generation.