"Dedicated to the Space Program," reads the label to Alva Snelling's Space Race to the Moon (1966 or 1967), which happens to be famous (among obscure-music types) for its flip side, Clock on the Wall. I think I like this better, though.
Race's lyrics go all over the place--first, they condemn the idea of landing on the Moon, then they declare the task impossible, and finally they predict that the race will be won by the Land of the Free, as "God meant it to be." Maybe it's just me, but there's a Jonathan Richman character to this weird but delightful side. The Mysterians-style organ is terrific.
A perfect mood-setter for July 4.
Space Race to the Moon (A. Snelling) Alva Starr (Snelling), 1966 or 1967.
Lee
3 comments:
I loved that song. I did a little searching and found here- http://www.musicr.info/Alva+Snelling/
That the flip side is credited as a 1967 release. Also Alva Starr was Natalie Wood's character name in the film This Property Is Condemned.
Ah.... I'd never have made that connection, never having seen the movie.
A couple years ago, when I first searched out dating info for the side, I ended up undecided between '66 and '67, for reasons I don't remember. I always go for the recording, vice release, date if I know it. I had extra info from somewhere, but I'm darned if I know where.
At YouTube, there's a comment by (allegedly) Alva's wife reporting that Alva passed away in 1995. It's probably legit--not sure why someone would make that up.
Update: the Youtube posting is indeed for real--I just heard from Alva's widow. Info to come in a new post....
(Aug. 13, 2009)
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