Another 2016 musical passing

Bill “Will Robinson” Mumy reports on Facebook that Dan Hicks has died. Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks was one of my musical acquisitions in high school that came from listening to WBCN in Boston. Here’s one of their best known recordings.

The first example of Dan Hicks I heard on ‘BCN was “The Jukies’ Ball,” that I heard as sounding like “The Junkie’s Ball.” Later, I scratched the same musical itch by listening to Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders.

yOKo?

John Lennon credited Yoko for the sound of Kate and Cindy in the B-52’s, and he had a point, but only up to a point. Lene Lovich played around with her voice to great effect. Here’s a recent example of how attractive a quirky vocal can be, from Boston’s Heather Maloney. The studio recording has horns, and you’ll be able to tell where they’re supposed to come in.

Johnny D’s in Davis Square, Somerville, MA, where this video was recorded, will be closing soon.