Today is when I learned that RuPaul already has three Christmas records and this new 2o23 “Essential Christmas” is a remastered and remixed greatest-hits collection. Of course, I don’t have a CD in hand. Like everyone else these days, I’m streaming the first thirty seconds of various tracks until I find one I like. This is the first one I hit that lets Ru’s personality come through without overtaxing his range. I’d definitely put it on the Christmas party spin list.
This next song has been bouncing around the back of my head since I was a kid, but I learned only yesterday that it’s not Roger Miller. It sure sounds like the guy who wrote and performed country-leaning novelty hits including “Dang Me” and King of the Road” … but it’s actually one-hit wonder Leroy Pullins from Berea, Ky. His full name was Carl Leroy Pullins, but I think we can all agree that “Leroy” is funnier than “Carl.”
Mike Read, a veteran radio DJ and TV host in the UK, has a weekly “programme” called “The Heritage Chart Show.” Not living in the UK, I’ve only every seen clips of the show on YouTube, but basically, Read interviews bands from the ‘70s and ‘80s who are still making music today and plays their music videos. Here’s a clip with Limahl, the lead singer of Kajagoogoo (“Too Shy”) who also had a solo hit with “The NeverEnding Story.” (In case you ever wondered, “Limahl” is an anagram of Christopher Hamill’s original last name.)
John Valenti’s “Anything You Want” only made it to #37 on the Billboard charts in 1976, so you’re forgiven if you don’t remember it. That said, give a listen and tell me you wouldn’t believe it’s Stevie Wonder vocals over a generic disco stomp. The biggest giveaway is the guitar solo instead of a synth or clavinet.