♫ Remembering the 70s ♫: WAITING IN VAIN by Bob Marley (Reggae)

Remember this classic by the legendary Bob Marley? It was released in 1977...

"Waiting in Vain" is a song written by reggae musician Bob Marley and recorded by Bob Marley & The Wailers, for his 1977 album Exodus. Released as a single, it hit number twenty-seven in the UK Singles Chart.

The single was one of only a few of Marley's Island singles to feature a non-album B-Side, this being the song "Roots", an outtake from the Rastaman Vibration sessions. This later appeared on the compilation Rebel Music and on Exodus (Deluxe Edition). The 1981 reissue of Waiting In Vain featured a megamix called Marley Mix Up Medley instead.

♫ Remembering the 70s ♫: SAMBA PA TI – Santana (Latin American/Rock)

Remember this one? SAMBA PA TI by Santana? It was released in 1970.

Translated into English as “Samba For You”, this classic slow-burning piece by the Latin rock band, Santana, is a legendary instrumental featured on their Abraxas album which starts off slow and mellow then flows into an extended play out in a faster tempo – a classic example of what this band is all about blending a truly unique mix of Latin American, Blues and Rock style influences.

♫ Remembering the 70s ♫: FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE by Elvin Bishop (Soft Rock)

Remember this song?  FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE by Elvin Bishop?

When I first heard it on the radio being sang by Rod Stewart, oh about 8 years ago or so, I remembered thinking "I know this song. It sounds familiar." Then I looked it up and sure enough, it was another classic rock song I grew up to in the 70s. Rod Stewart's version wasn't bad I have to admit, but the original version by Elvin Bishop holds its own special memories for me. Nevertheless, I was delighted to learn it was also one of many 1970s song featured in the highest-grossing superhero film of 2014, Guardians of the Galaxy - a movie I have yet to watch!

♫ Remembering the 70s ♫: A HORSE WITH NO NAME by America (Folk Rock)

Remember this one – A HORSE WITH NO NAME by the band, America? Sure you do!

The song was covered by a band in the bar Robin Williams’ character hangs out at in the 1987 movie Good Morning, Vietnam and is also featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on the fictional classic rock radio station K-DST – just to name a few places in pop culture where it was used.

I’ve read numerous times about the oddly-written lyrics of this song but you’d think the title itself would be some indication of what’s to come. Besides, does it really matter? I think not.

The lyrics may be trite but it only adds more to the effectiveness of this almost melancholy-type tune which also evocatively describes what this song is all about – being in the desert, which is often dry and nonsensical.

Even though the song was released in late 1971 in Europe, it was released in the USA in early 1972.

♫ Remembering the 70s ♫: POPCORN by Hot Butter (SynthPop/Instrumental)

Remember this one?

“Popcorn” is an early synthpop instrumental, composed by Gershon Kingsley in 1969 and first appearing on his album Music to Moog By.
However, in 1972, instrumental cover band, Hot Butter, did their version of the song and the track became an international hit, selling a million copies in France, 250,000 in the United Kingdom, and over two million globally.

The title may refer to the short staccato or sharp "popping" sound used, or to pop music and its being 'corny', i.e., kitschy. The title is generally written as one word, although some single sleeves (such as the one illustrated) present it as two words, "Pop Corn".

♫ Remembering the 70s ♫: DO IT AGAIN by Steely Dan (Jazz-Rock)

“Do It Again” is a tune composed by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, performed by American jazz-rock group Steely Dan, which was released as a single from their 1972 debut album Can’t Buy a Thrill. The single version differed from the album version, shortening the intro, outro and two instrumental sections of the song.

The lyrics are sung to a man who is addicted to nightlife. His addictions include sex and gambling. The narrator describes the realities of the man’s addictions and the consequences of his actions, but emphasizes that he goes “back, Jack, do it again”, implying that it is an addiction.

♫ Remembering the 70s ♫: LET IT RIDE by Bachman-Turner Overdrive aka BTO (Rock)

Remember this one – LET IT RIDE by Bachman-Turner Overdrive aka BTO?

“Let It Ride” is a 1974 single by the Canadian rock group from Winnipeg, Manitoba,  Bachman-Turner Overdrive, written by Randy Bachman and Fred Turner, with the latter providing lead vocals. The song peaked at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100.