Songs about party conversations

Subject: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: Larry The Radio Guy
Date: 04 Jun 14 - 07:47 PM

Hello folks,

For my Musical Therapy radio program (to start June 15 on peachcityradio.org)I'm working on an episode about conversations one might have at a party or social engagement.   The focus is on what we really want from social engagements (and what we don't want).

One song I'll definitely use is "I Took My Harp to A Party but Nobody Asked Me To Play" (Gracie Fields).   And possibly Guy Clark's "Shut Up and Talk To Me".    And at least one song by The Hold Steady.

I'm looking for others.

Any suggestions?

Subject: RE: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: Joe Offer
Date: 04 Jun 14 - 08:27 PM

The first one that came to mind was Paul Simon's Dangling Conversation, but I think "Sounds of Silence" and "Mrs Robinson" would also fit in this category.

And then there's Norman Normal written by Noel Paul Stookey and recorded by Peter, Paul, and Mary.

I suppose it's not exactly in this category, but Foolish Questions (Arthur Smith) could be stretched to fit - and it's such a good song.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 04 Jun 14 - 11:30 PM

Phil Ochs song The Party from Pleasures of the Harbor.

Subject: RE: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: Howard Kaplan
Date: 04 Jun 14 - 11:54 PM

I don't have a specific song in mind, but this is the sort of topic that Lou and Peter Berryman might have tackled. Someone who knows their repertoire better than I do might be able to suggest something appropriate.

Subject: RE: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: Mike in Brunswick
Date: 05 Jun 14 - 12:06 AM

"Well, Did You Evah", sung by Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby in the movie, High Society.One of the lines is "Have you heard? It's in the stars. Next July we collide with Mars."

Mike

Subject: ADD: The Coming Home Party (Keller, Hildebrand)
From: GUEST,Peter Mork
Date: 05 Jun 14 - 12:18 AM

"The Coming Home Party", by Diane Hildebrand, lyrics by Jack Keller.

THE COMING HOME PARTY
(lyrics by Jack Keller, music by Diane Hildebrand)

I used to be the first to laugh
When Mrs. Jennings took a bath
And left the window open for the neighbors
But had we looked, we might have seen
That she was really very clean
And given her the credit of her labors
And Mr. James, where was he?
The man that we had to see
And who are we to think that it was funny?
When as she raised her glass
She said she wasn't sure, he might be dead
Or somewhere making love to all his money

She held her breath expectantly
While everybody stared at me
As I approached to greet Miss Mary blooming, "Hello"
I tweaked her nose and kissed the tip
I wiped the powder from my lip
And just because I did, it left her fuming
I almost gave myself away
When Captain Graves came up to say
Glad to see me home and he was tickled
And now I'm sure I had excused
The way I used to be abused
It was worth it all to see him pickled

The atmosphere was getting thick
The guy beside me looking sick
I would've helped, at least I thought I ought to
He flashed me an appealing grin
I stopped and took the feeling in
I wasn't sure but something told me not to
I knew I couldn't take much more
I started making for the door
And as I passed my date, I let her kiss me
I grabbed my coat and stepped outside
I stuck my thumb out for a ride
Departing knowing they would never miss me
(Nighty night little angels, nighty night...)

It was recorded under duress by Tiny Tim (one of several songs on his "God Bless" album forced on him by his producer - he later disavowed it - but why? It was deliciously nasty).

Subject: RE: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: Joe Offer
Date: 05 Jun 14 - 01:08 AM

Thanks for pointing out that song, Peter. It's not what one would expect from Tiny Tim, and it's a good one. I made the corrections you suggested and didn't find any other mistakes when I listened to the recording.
The song is available on Spotify, and it's worth a listen.
-Joe Offer, Music Editor-

Subject: RE: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: Larry The Radio Guy
Date: 05 Jun 14 - 02:24 AM

Wow! Some great ones. And most of them I'm very familiar with but didn't think of.   I remember well the God Bless Tiny Tim album.....I think I still have it. The Coming Home Party was one of my favourites.

And Joe----Normal Normal...yes!   And, of course Dangling Conversations. Thanks for the links to the lyrics. Foolish Questions doesn't really fit that theme----but I'm sure it will fit some others.

Mike---I'm looking forward to listening to Well Did You Evah----I can't recall ever hearing it (though I'm sure I must have somewhere in my travels).

And Howard, I'm not familiar with Lou and Peter Berryman......but your suggestions from my previous post about Canadian Musical Therapy songs were great.......so I suspect I'll find something from them.

And The Party by PHil Ochs. .......how could I have forgotten that one.   It's the perfect one!

Now my only problem is I may end up having enough songs that I'll have to do two shows on this theme.

Subject: RE: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: Anglogeezer
Date: 05 Jun 14 - 01:02 PM

How about the american duo SMALL POTATOES (Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso) singing "WALTZ of the WALLFLOWERS" ??

see here on U-tube :: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6adyTwCIIBc
(Blue clicky maker unavailable at this time)

Jake

Subject: RE: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: Larry The Radio Guy
Date: 05 Jun 14 - 02:51 PM

Thanks Anglogeezer for Waltz of the Wallflowers.

This all leads to another question----the answers to which I'll continue to look for in various 'party' songs.

Why do we engage in social interactions via parties, dinners, etc? It's clear why we do it when we're single (as per the Waltz of The Wallflowers),,,,since it's part of that 'finding a special person' ritual.    It's also clear why we have social interactions when we're working together on a special project.

But......once we're 'settled', mature, etc. many of us still go to parties, dinner engagements, social get-togethers, etc.   Why?   What is it we want from them, and what is the criteria for a successful one?

People will talk about great food, great music, etc. as being the criteria for a fun get-together.   But what kind of social interactions make the difference between a dismal one and a great one?

And.......do you know any songs that illustrate that 'successful' social/party interaction?

Subject: RE: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: GUEST,Jaze
Date: 05 Jun 14 - 11:30 PM

People's Parties by Joni Mitchell

Subject: RE: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: Larry The Radio Guy
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 01:51 AM

Thanks Jaze. Not only does it fit the theme, but it's Canadian content. A double bonus, since we have to play a certain %age of Canadian content.

Subject: RE: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: Howard Kaplan
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 10:26 AM

I decided to follow my own suggestion and look at what the Berrymans have done on the theme. The lyrics to many of their songs are posted on their web site, starting from here.

I found two good possibilities rather quickly: Uncle Dave's Grace, from their House Concert CD, is about mismatched expectations around a Thanksgiving celebration. A later track, Big Dead Bird, is about a family Christmas celebration.

I took a brief look at some of the other CDs' lyrics and didn't immediately spot anything relevant, but a more serious search might be more productive.

Subject: RE: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 12:56 PM

Lesley Gore - "It's My Party"

Lou Reed - "New York Telephone Conversation"

Subject: RE: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: Larry The Radio Guy
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 01:03 PM

It's My Party----a good one for a 'catharsis' theme (could be therapeutic).

The Lou Reed ones looks pretty good: that distinction between what is and what isn't meaningful.

And thanks Howard-------those two Berryman's songs sound just right.

-Larry

Subject: RE: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 02:26 PM

Kevin Coyne - "Witch"

perhaps a bit long and extreme, but if ever there was an artist who better understood social therapy...

Subject: RE: Search - Songs about Party Conversations
From: Vic Smith
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 03:01 PM

Paul Simons' I Know What I Know from "Gracelands"

http://youtu.be/4w3CBdLfGqw