Saturday 9: Shambala (1973)
Unfamiliar
with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1)
This week's song refers to the mythical kingdom of Shambala. Can you
think of another song that mentions to faraway, mythical land? "Puff the Magic Dragon lived by the sea and frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee."
2)
"Shambala" is performed by Three Dog Night. The name is derived from an
Aboriginal Australian legend. In the outback, hunters would sleep with a
dog beside them. If it was very cold, they would sleep between two
dogs. If it was freezing -- you guessed it -- it was a three dog night.
Was it cold last night where you are? I'm answering this Friday night, and the mercury will dip below freezing. But it's February in Chicagoland, and that's to be expected.
3)
The lead singer is the late Cory Wells. Early in his career he was a
member of the house band at the famous Sunset Strip nightclub
Whiskey-A-Go-Go. Cory was a bit of an anomaly at "The Whiskey" because
of his sober lifestyle. When did you most recently enjoy an adult
beverage? It's been more than a week.
4) Bandmate Danny Hutton auditioned to be a member of The Monkees
TV show. He didn't get the part. While he was a talented
singer-songwriter, NBC was looking for musicians who could also act.
Have you ever fantasized about a career as a performer? When I was a very little girl, before I realized I am clumsy and tone deaf.
5) Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys was an early supporter of Three Dog Night's. What's your favorite Beach Boys song? I'm not much of a Beach Boys fan, but I like this one.
6) In 1973, when this song was popular, one of the best-selling toys Curious George plush doll packaged with a Curious George book. Can you recall a favorite book from your childhood?
7) The Exorcist was
in theaters, terrifying audiences. It's still ranked among the scariest
movies of all time. Have you seen it? Did it scare you? Yes, I saw it once and yes, I was scared. So much so I can't watch it again.
8)
Roller skates were a big seller in 1973. While most rinks had skates
available for rent, committed skaters had their own pair. Are you better
on roller skates or ice skates? I'm better in bare feet on carpeting.
9) Random question -- Here's $100. What will you spend it on? My Mastercard bill. I purchased everything in my Amazon cart, and there's going to be a reckoning.
