December 26, 2022

1974 - March: Gordon Lightfoot “Sundown”

38 minutes

Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot would see his commercial success zenith with this tenth studio album, Sundown. Lightfoot got his start in music at an early age, singing in the choir at St. Paul's United Church in Orillia, Ontario as a child. As a young man he lived in California for a short period, studying jazz composition and writing jingles to support himself, but he soon chose to return to his native Canada and never left. Gordon Lightfoot would inspire many artists - Bob Dylan considered him a type of mentor - and numerous artists would cover his songs, including artists like Glenn Campbell, Olivia Newton-John, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, and the Grateful Dead.

Sundown showcases Lightfoot's folk and country blend. It hit number 1 on the US Billboard 200 charts, the only Lightfoot album to do so to date.

Lightfoot's baritone voice and acoustic-led approach to songwriting would prove a powerful formula for success in the soft rock genre of the 70's. Gordon Lightfoot would continue writing songs for many years, and his 21'st studio album was released in 2020.

Brian brings us this album for today's podcast.

Sundown

The title track was inspired by Lightfoot's then-girlfriend, Cathy Smith. She would spend a lot of time drinking in the bars during the day while Lightfoot was working on the album, and he worried about her running off with someone. And yes, the song was written around sundown. It was Lightfoot's only Number 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100.

High and Dry

This upbeat folk song references the sea as a metaphor for a girl who the singer hopes will settle down before she gets left high and dry. The female harmonies on this song are from Cathy Smith, with whom Lightfoot was having a tumultuous relationship (see above: “Sundown.”).

The Watchman’s Gone

Speculation abounds that the Watchman in this deeper cut may be alcohol, or the devil, or maybe death. "You better beware, knowin' the watchman's always there."

Carefree Highway

This song peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It tells of the highway as a means to escape the oft-returning thoughts of a relationship that was lost long ago. Lightfoot saw a sign to Carefree, Arizona, and that inspired the title.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Day By Day by Robin Lamont (from the motion picture “Godspell”)

This song was on the charts at the time. It came from the motion picture, based on the musical "Godspell."

STAFF PICKS:

Music Eyes by Hartsfield

Wayne leads off the staff picks with an underrated but epic song. JC Hartsfield and Perry Jordan created the band in 1970 in Chicago, though the band has more of a country rock or southern rock sound. Perry Jordan died in 2011, and JC Hartsfield died after a motorcycle accident in 2014. The song was written by Jordan and inspired by a friend's 3 year-old daughter.

Spiders and Snakes by Jim Stafford

Rob brings us this novelty song with a swamp rock feel. Stafford cautions all the guys on being a bit too boyish around the women. "I don't like spiders and snakes, and that ain't what it takes to love me."

Rock On by David Essex

Bruce's staff pick takes a psychedelic turn. Essex would take this song to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is an ode to the old days of Rock and Roll, with its reference to James Dean, blue suede shoes, and summertime blues. Michael Damian would take a cover to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989.

Boogie Down by Eddie Kendricks

Brian's staff pick takes a dangerously disco turn. Singer-songwriter Eddie Kendricks who co-founded the Temptations would do well in this solo outing. This falsetto song just missed the top of the charts, hitting number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

COMEDY TRACK:

The Streak by Ray Stevens

And with that, we're off and running. He likes to show off his physique. Boogity, Boogity!

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

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