Hello. Farewell.

To have a Friday Magic Madness song featuring Dolly Parton is apt, considering that she just passed away a few days ago.

But let's give her another kind of tribute.

The type that goes back to 1969, and features the unforgettable voices of Louis Armstrong and Barbra Streisand.

"Hello Dolly," was originally sung by Louis Armstrong in 1964, for the musical of the same name. It was one of his biggest hit songs, and even won awards in 1965. Then, in 1969, the musical had a film adaptation, and this is where his duet with Barbra came about.

If you listen to the lyrics, it could very well been talking about Dolly Parton. 

"I feel the room swayin' while the band's playin'
One of your old favourite songs from way back when
So golly, gee, fellas have a little faith in me, fellas
Dolly'll, never go away, promise you never go away
Dolly'll, never go away again"

She might have gone ahead, but considering the legacy she left, "Dolly, you'll never go away again."

FMM: Hit it!

Call it "last word association," but after writing about Jack in the Donuts, this song immediately came to mind.

"Hit the Road Jack," is one of the most popular songs from the iconic Ray Charles, with Margie Hendrix adding vocals to the ditty.

Even if this song was released in 1961, if you listen to it now, it still feels fresh, relevant and catchy. Not bad for a 65 year old song.

No wonder it was such a hit!

FMM: The first Noel

Nope, this isn't a Christmas Carol post.

But considering that it's almost Christmas, that's not too far fetched.

The "Noel" I'm referring to is Noel Harrison.

While his name might not be familiar for many, the song that he sang surely is.

"The Windmills of your Mind" is a 1968 song that was used in the original "Thomas Crowne Affair" film. Even as a kid, I've been fascinated by this song. 

Aside from the melody and the heartfelt rendition of Noel Harrison, the lyrics are so beautifully written. It's poetic, it's storytelling, and it's the reason why the music of back then is sorely missed.

FMM: May it be

Today's Friday Magic Madness song is inspired by yesterday.

Confused?

"First of May" is one of the iconic hits of the Bee Gees. Released in 1969. It has this very soothing melody, and very visually vivid lyrics. It's also a song that's a karaoke staple. (Richard loves to sing this during our parties.)

This song May be the most appropriate FMM yet.

FMM: Black buster week

Since we're in the subject of black, why not make our Friday Magic Madness song aligned with the theme.

Whilst there are a lot of cool songs about "black," this 1967 song from Los Bravos will definitely be among the top ones on my list.

"Black is Black" is such an iconic song. It's something that would play on the cassette in our old Morato home. It's been used in commercials. It's been danced to in many a variety show. It's been there and back, and back again. That's how good this song is.

No wonder it's a blockbuster!

FMM: Feeling Mighty

Inspired by tonight's Marvel-themed ASC Christmas party, our Friday Magic Madness song for today takes us back to the 1960s.

The opening credits of "Mighty Thor" is so old school and cool. From the lyrics to the visuals, it brings me back to the days when cartoons were simple and straightforward. But fascinating nonetheless.

That's how mighty these old cartoons were.

FMM: A reminder

There are some songs that are so timeless, several artists from different decades do their own versions of the song.

One of my fave songs that fall under this category is "Always something there to remind me."

In 1963, Dionne Warwick did a very mellow, yet still head-bopping version of the song:

Two decades later, in 2983, Naked Eyes released the same song. This time, with a more new wave club approach to the ditty.

That's a double Friday Magic Madness feature that's a double reminder of how great songs can transcend time.

FMM: Heading out

For today's Friday Magic Madness, we have a triple feature!

It's just one song, but it was done by 2 different singers. Each rendition was so catchy and infectious that both versions deserve an FMM spot today.

The song is "Going out of my head," It's a song that was originally sung by Little Anthony and the Imperials in 1964.

But the version I'm more familiar with was the one from Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66. Credit it to their Brazilian roots, but their rendition has this samba vibe to it.

But wait, there's more! There's a version of this song from the country's one and only superstar - Ms. Nora Aunor!

Her version has its own charm and flavour, and is equally infectious.

Gosh! This song will be playing in my head for a long, long time.

FMM: Whistlin’ Dixie

Yup, it was bound to happen.

Today’s Friday Magic Madness song was inspired by yesterday’s post of “Marry.”

It’s a 1964 hit from a popular trio called the Dixie Cups. And this song might not take us to church, but it’s taking us to the chapel.

“Chapel of Love” is such a classic son that it’s been used for decades, and even until the present. If there’s a film with a wedding scene, this will most likely pop-up.

What’s not to love about this song?

FMM: That's Sly

One sign that a song is awesome is when it's sampled, remade or referenced by other musical artists or songs.

Samples are ABBA's "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme" which was sampled by Madonna in "Hung Up," and Santana's "Maria, Maria" which was sampled by DJ Khaled and Rihanna's "Wild Thoughts." 

Today's FMM song is a ditty that was sampled and remade several times. It's a classic from way back in the 50s from Sly and The Family Stone. 

It's also a song that you've most likely heard or sung, no matter what your generation you're from:

"Everyday People" is such a happy, upbeat, infectious and memorable song. I'd find myself randomly singing and bopping my head to this song. And listening to it again (and again) today, it's clear to see why. 

Heck, people can listen to this everyday.

FMM: Sherry Picking

This is the usual afternoon scenario when I'm working from home.

I'd be at my desk in the living room, and Dad would be on the couch, watching Netflix or YouTube.

On YouTube, he usually listens to music, watches documentaries, or sometimes, films. I'm assuming these are films he can't find on Netflix.

In the middle of writing a script, this familiar song suddenly played. It was such a familiar song because it would also play in our house back in Morato during my early, early childhood. It's one of Dad's favourite songs back then, and judging by how he's playing it today, it must still be a favourite now.

The song is from 1962, and it was from Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Even if you listen to it now, "Sherry" has a lot of elements that make a catchy pop song. From the LSS-inducing intro, to the fun lyrics, to the falsetto way that the singers rendered it.

No wonder it's still one of Dad's top picks until now.

FMM: At last!

It was in 2019 when Keith told me about her wedding in the Philippines. They were planning to have a beach wedding in Bohol, and she invited me to attend. Immediately, I said yes.

The wedding was supposed to be in March 2020. Prichy and I were all set to go, even planning to be there a few days earlier. But of course, we know what happened on the 15th of March, 2020. Needless to say, the wedding didn't push through.

Fast forward 3 years later. It's March 2023, and Keith's wedding finally pushed through in Boracay! Still a beach, still has the same carefree and tropical vibe, still the same first letter of the island, still the same wonderful couple.

In celebration of this wonderful wedding, today's Friday Magic Madness is Etta James' 1960s classic, "At last."

At last! Keith and Kirby are married. Congratulations to the wonderful couple.

FMM: Always a Favorite

Recently, Julie Andrews was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Film Institute. And while watching it, I was grinning ear-to-ear with joy.

Julie Andrews is one of the most wholesome, charismatic and joyful actresses in Hollywood. 

These are also words that can describe the roles she played, from the start of her career to her more recent work. 

Wholesome, charismatic and joyful best describes her roles from Mary Poppins in the film of the same title, to Maria Von Trapp in "Sound of Music." From the dual roles of Victor/Victoria in the film of the same title, to her royal turn as Queen Clarisse Marie Renaldi in "The Princess Diaries."

But among her many films, one that's going to be always close to my heart is "Sound of Music." I've watched this film countless times, I've been on the "Sound of Music tour" in Salzburg, Austria, and yes, I've sang a song from that film, too.

When we were in the LSQC choir, one of the first songs we performed was "My Favorite Things." It's a song that I know to heart until now, and that's why it's going to be today's Friday Magic Madness song.

It's a classic and the feels are the same now as it was then.

Julie Andrews and this song. Truly 2 of my favourites!

FMM: Summer Street

More and more, you can feel the hot weather whenever you go outside.

This only means one thing: Summer is upon us!

And this makes me want to bust out some summer tunes for Friday Magic Madness. Starting with this 1965 classic from Martha and the Vandellas:

The lyrics ring true to today:

"Summer's here and the time is right, for dancing in the street!"

Hello Summer!

FMM: Parental Party

Because of Mom and Dad's photo from the birthday dinner last night, I suddenly remembered the very cool, fun and groovy group from the 60s - The Mamas and Papas.

They have so many awesome hits - one of which I even wrote about last year.

And since today is a Friday, it's time to bring back the Mamas and Papas. And today's FMM hit is a very danceable ditty from the 60s which is perfect for a party. Just like Mom's birthday yesterday, and Dad's birthday next week.

Listening to this makes me want to just get up and dance.

Which is the entire point of the song.

FMM: Happy Happy

Today is Mark's Birthday!

Just like Friday, his birthday is a magical day.

Magic that spans from that first celebration together in Urasa, to celebrations in Ginza, Roppongi, and many other parts of Japan.

Magic made with home-cooked meals at IH, to restaurant meals with friends.

Magic that's best celebrated with this song which we'd always sing whenever we'd have karaoke sessions in IUJ with the Pinoys. A song from the 60s by "The Turtles" and a song which really captures the feeling of spending birthdays together.

A Happy Together, Happy Birthday, Mark! 

FMM: By Association

One of the cassette tapes that Dad had which I'd always filch and play was the tape of that popular 60s group "The Associations."

Their sound and songs had a very Sunday drive and happy vibe. That's why it would usually be playing in my room on weekends, while I'm playing with my Lego toys or reading Questor magazines.

Among my favourite "The Association" songs is my chosen Friday Magic Madness song for today. It's none other than "Goodbye, Columbus!"

Their sound actually reminds me a bit of Fifth Dimension, but with a bit of The Beach Boys thrown in.

And that combination is the best combo to listen to on a Friday such as this.

FMM: C'est You, C'est Me

Obviously, I'm still reeling from the Simone Rocha x H&M collaboration.

For today's Friday Magic Madness Song, I'm going all the way back to the 60s. It's a song by a singing and acting goddess, Eartha Kitt. 

You heard it right! Catwoman herself! Before putting on that iconic catsuit, she was - first and foremost - a singer. And one of her famous songs was a French one.

Yes, this is the song that inspired the title of this post on Simone Rocha.

The more you know. (Shooting star!)

FMM: Can't help it

Five years ago, in 2016, my parents celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. 

During my Dad's speech to my Mom, he suddenly and unexpectedly broke into song. The song eventually transformed to a dance. And that dance left both smiles and happy tears - from family members, guests, and our host.

That song has know become a "theme song" of sorts for my parents. That song, of course, is Elvis Presley's 60s classic -"Can't Help Falling In Love."

I chose this song as today's Friday Magic Madness song for 2 reasons. One, because it's a Friday! (Duh!) and Two, because today, my parents are celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary.

Happy 55th Anniversary, Folks! 

And as the cake that Raymond and Ate Bullet made for them said: "From 55 to Forever!"

FMM: Start with Simone

It's the first day of the year. And after the year that was 2020, people are all hoping and praying for a better, brighter and kinder 2021. 

That includes me, of course.

As an optimist, I'm looking forward to a better year ahead.

After all, "it's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life."

Sing it, Nina Simone!

On the first Friday Magic Madness of 2021, let's all start the year...

Feeling Good!

Happy New Year!