It’s still February, meaning love is still floating in the air–well, arguably anyway. A few months ago I discovered “Love Potion no. 9.” Once the catchy and bouncy song enters your brain, it never leaves! But that’s one of the wonders of ’60s music. Except the song wasn’t created in the ’60s.
“Love Potion no. 9” was originally performed by The Clovers, a Motown band, in 1959. It wasn’t until 1963 that the track got a British makeover by The Searchers.
The first version of the song I head was by The Searchers, so I’ll admit that I’m biased toward it. The Searchers covered a variety of songs, including “Sweets for My Sweet,” “Stand by Me,” and “Twist and Shout.”
Let’s do some comparing of this mysterious-sounding ear worm. The Clovers perform the song at a slower tempo, giving it a classic Motown soul feel. I don’t actually mind this version, now that I’m listening to it again. The slower tempo and the singer’s elongated syllables promote an eerie feeling. And don’t forget the sax solo in the middle! There’s a suspense that makes the listener say, “Don’t take your troubles down to Madame Rue! Stay away from Thirty-Fourth and Vine!”
The Searchers, on the other hand, up the tempo of the song, giving it more of a bouncy feel (oh no, I’ve started swaying!!). The story doesn’t sound as eerie since it’s more upbeat, but the listener can imagine a somewhat comical picture of a nerdy guy stumbling down to get some love potion. Then the listener sees the same guy in a stupor of love, kissing light posts, trash cans, you name it! This cover fits the light and airy mood of other songs from its decade.
No matter which version you prefer, the verdict is that the song provides easy listening and is all-around pure fun. So go out and buy your little bottle of Love Potion no. 9 now! Don’t delay!
“Monthly Mixtape” is a monthly segment featuring a long-forgotten or underappreciated song that deserves to be blasted from rooftops…or just inside your four bedroom walls.
Join the Discussion
Which version of “Love Potion no. 9” do you prefer? Either way, you can’t go wrong!
What traits make you an old soul? Below you’ll find a list of traits (which is in no particular order) that I’ve come across in my reading and in my personal experience. Will you agree? Maybe you’ll find that you are an old soul after all!
Old souls don’t rush their decisions. They carefully contemplate the most practical solution or answer. They don’t see the value of acting on a whim. In fact, old souls are usually advice-givers.
I began thinking about this trait while researching Croatia. Croatians are loyal to each other and are committed to helping each other, especially family members. Of course, you can be an old soul and have no Croatian blood flowing through your veins (unlike me!). Nonetheless, the old soul is someone who can be counted on. The old soul is reliable.
Not all old souls are introverted, but many are. These old souls need time alone in order to contemplate and make informed decisions. At the same time, they need to focus on their own needs and desires after spending an extended amount of time with other people.
4. The Old Soul Loves to Learn
As a college student, learning is embedded in my “job description.” However, I admit that I enjoy learning new things, especially about my passions and interests. Old souls are curious about the world around them. After all, how can you help change the world and make important decisions if you don’t learn and stay informed. Plus, your wealth of knowledge can be helpful if you find yourself on Jeopardy!.
5. The Old Soul Spends Time with the Older Generation
Younger old souls enjoy spending time with people who are older than them. Young old souls are able to both gain advice from and share interests with the older generation. I honestly wish that I would have appreciated this trait earlier on in my own life. When I was younger, I didn’t mind being around people who were older than me; I just didn’t understand why. It’s refreshing to find people who share your ways of thinking!
6. The Old Soul Isn’t Obsessed with Current Trends
Tyler, one of my book characters, is up with all of the current trends, although by current I mean the ’80s–think denim, Star Wars, cherry cola. Nonetheless, Tyler is certainly not an old soul. Old souls take pleasure in things of the past (see number 7) or in things that aren’t as popular. However, this is not to say that we old souls don’t like current trends. Growing up, I may not have been a Jonas Brothers fan, but I took part in the Silly Bandz phase–yes, you may laugh. True, I may have three old decades’ worth of music bouncing between my ears, but I still appreciate some of today’s artists (OneRepublic and Imagine Dragons, if we’re being specific).You get the gist.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the old soul loves classics–literature, music, movies and TV, cars…need I go on? Personally, I find this trait to be the most exciting and the most frustrating alongside of all the rest. I pride myself in knowing the classics, but, when you’re young, it’s hard to relate to others your age when no one has a clue who or what you’re chattering about! This struggle is likely why younger old souls seek out older generations. On the other hand, old souls really create their own little worlds, even if those worlds are recreations of the past they never knew. This world can truly be a much needed escape. After all, how will the classics remain alive without young old souls?
In the fall of 2019, an unusual cast of well-known and quirky musicians embarked on a Beatles tribute tour that was unlike any other. “It Was Fifty Years Ago Today” paid tribute to the White Album, although, yes, 2019 marked 51 years since the album’s debut. The tour featured Christopher Cross, Micky Dolenz (The Monkees), Joey Molland (Badfinger), Todd Rundgren, and Jason Scheff (Chicago). Each artist’s connection to the Fab Four made the combination of voices and personalities apt and, in the eyes of this 20-year old, perfect!
“The Young Generation”
Let’s back up for a second. Aside from attending performances by local symphonies and instrumentalists, I had never been to a concert that featured one of my favorite musicians – one from the pop/rock world. Over the past year, I’ve quickly ascended the ranks of Monkee fandom. Truthfully, I had always been a fan, as I distinctly remember blasting “Daydream Believer” on a cassette tape that was a part of my mom’s ” ’50s and ’60s Greatest Hits” collection set. But I didn’t know much about a group who intentionally spelled “monkey” incorrectly. After Peter Tork’s passing, my mom called me at college to tell me that one of the local channels was going to start running The Monkees. Curious, I clicked on the television and entered a new world, a new escape. Until that moment, I thought that Davy sang every song (clearly I couldn’t tell the difference between a British voice and an American voice??). I was soon corrected, of course, and I became absorbed in the silliness of the show. Why? Well, I’ve always been mature for my age. I’m too serious, and I worry way too much. For thirty minutes, Micky, Davy, Mike, and Peter take me away from everyday life and I can nerd-out. I also escape to the Monkees’ world in an attempt to distract myself from my dad’s illness. The TV band provided me with an outlet, a place where I can go and get lost in cheesy antics. I also firmly believe that a lot of their music is underrated today, despite the fact they weren’t meant to be an actual rock band. But that rant is for another time…
When I learned about “It Was Fifty Years Ago Today,” I was excited to find that Micky was still performing. I had never truly planned on experiencing this amazing concert, as the only tour date I spied in PA was on the other side of the state. One morning, after finishing a mentally exhausting online quiz, I stumbled upon a social media notification alerting me that the tour was coming to the Palace Theatre in Greensburg. I was in sheer disbelief. I thought it was a lie. It had to have been a mistake – another Palace Theatre. But no indeed – I had the opportunity to watch Micky Dolenz perform before my own eyes. And as a super ’80s music fan, I was excited for Christopher Cross, too. Reality didn’t set in until November 30.
Show of a Lifetime
The stage–just before things got crazy!
After flickering lights and missile sound effects, all five performers appeared on stage to open with “Back in the U.S.S.R.” The room was full of an energy I was not quite prepared for, but I loved it, even in the very back row!
Mr. Dolenz provided the opening remarks, as he introduced his fellow musicians. He himself needed no introduction, but while Rundgren performed “Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey,” Dolenz appeared on stage as a “Monkee.” Each artist performed several of his own hits in the former half of the show.
As to be expected, Dolenz proudly sang “I’m a Believer” and “Pleasant Valley Sunday.” He didn’t disappoint! Then we jammed with Joey Molland on Badfinger’s “No Matter What.” It took me a second to recall that Molland is actually British! The stage lights dimmed to a blue–a “Baby Blue” that is! Jason Scheff played guitar as Molland sang on.
And speaking of Scheff, I was a little nervous to hear Chicago songs, because, until then, I hadn’t heard anyone but Peter Cetera belt out songs such as “25 or 6 to 4.” But I didn’t need to worry, because Scheff’s performance of “25 or 6 to 4” was phenomenal. He dominated the notes as the signature bass line and guitar riffs swelled along with him. It was an electrifying moment, from a first-time concert-goer’s experience. Scheff also sang the emotional “Hard to Say I’m Sorry.”
Todd Rundgren performed his signature hits “Hello It’s Me” and “I Saw the Light.” He later introduced Christopher Cross, making a joke about seeing Cross “Sailing” down Pittsburgh’s three rivers. Cross followed “Sailing” with the iconic “Ride Like the Wind.” Scheff took over the back-up vocals that were originally sung by Michael McDonald. I guess you can say it was the first time I had heard one of my favorite ’80s tunes live. I was satisfied!
With the promise that “the Beatles had some good songs, too,” the second half of the show took the audience back in time to the White Album. The group covered a great deal of the album, so I’ll relate what I can remember!
I loved Christopher Cross’s version of “Blackbird.” His soothing voice was perfect for such a ballad. He also sang “I Will” and then joined Scheff on a gentle and comforting version of “Julia.”
Rundgren gave a performance, that much is indisputable! First of all, he covered “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” The song itself matched Rundgren’s musical style as well as his range. His seriousness soon vanished, however, and his versions of “Sexy Sadie” and “Bungalow Bill” had, well, costume changes. I–well–you just have to see it for yourself (see below). And yes, there was a squirt gun. I was very glad to be in the last row.
Mr. Dolenz came back onstage for several songs throughout the second half, and I was excited to see what would happen. He asked us all one very important question, “Why Don’t We do it in the Road?” Well, I think the answer is obvious, but nonetheless Micky sang intensely, giving emotion and assertiveness to such a blunt question! Story time occurred later on as he recounted the ballad of “Rocky Raccoon.” I had completely forgotten that he was going to sing “Happiness is a Warm Gun.” I was pleasantly surprised, and, again, his voiced soared as Mother Superior chose to “jump the gun.”
The famous and quirky group ended with “Birthday,” encouraging the audience to stand and clap along. But as with every concert, the guys strode back onstage for the encore. Want to take a guess at the song? Yes, it was “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.” Needless to say, I didn’t want the night to end, but, of course, “life goes on.”
For me, the concert was an ultimate experience for a young old soul. This unique grouping was a onetime experience. I’m truly grateful for this amazing opportunity, and I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon. Just like the Beatles, these musicians know the true power of music. They enjoyed the night just as we did, and they succeeded in celebrating the legacy of the Fab Four, as well as their own individual legacies.
Join the Discussion!
Do you have a favorite song from either the White Album or from one of the “It Was Fifty Years Ago Today” artists?
Music has a power that is so complicatedly wonderful, it is sometimes too difficult to string together into words. Songs have the ability to hold up a mirror to our hearts and souls, as if they knew exactly how we are feeling. Songwriters craft songs from emotion and the human condition. As a result, their music is relatable and even uplifting. So when “you’re lost and on your own”, I recommend taking Corey Hart’s advice and “Never Surrender.”
“Never Surrender” was a number one Canadian hit for the (also Canadian) singer/songwriter, and it was one of four hits released from the 1985 album, Boy in the Box. The song only climbed to number three on the U.S. charts, but over one million copies of the album were sold. You may be thinking, if the song was so popular, why are you featuring it on Monthly Mixtape?
From personal experience, I’ve realized that this song has little airplay these days (at least in my small town in Pennsylvania). “Sunglasses at Night” scarfs up all of the attention, as it also deserves, but “Never Surrender” is easily one of those songs that comes from the heart and speaks to the heart. In a Video Hits interview from 1985, Corey Hart agreed that the song was very personal to him and was like a biography.
“Never Surrender” is like a letter to oneself. It’s theme of staying true to yourself and not giving in to pressure is universal, but Corey Hart’s songwriting is poetic, and the repetition helps to emphasize that you’re not alone and don’t have to surrender. Staying true to ’80s style, the signature saxophone solo in the middle of the song is memorable. The saxophone’s wailing first echoes of despair, but it soon rises to a proud anthem of assurance. The solo symbolizes a journey, and the ascending scale leads to inspiration and success in the end. And if that inspiration didn’t remove all doubt from your mind, Corey Hart’s gentle voice enters to remind you once more that you aren’t alone.
Check out all “Monthly Mixtapes” under the tab on the homepage.
“Monthly Mixtape” is a monthly segment featuring a long-forgotten or underappreciated song that deserves to be blasted from rooftops…or just inside your four bedroom walls.
Join the Discussion!
What does the song “Never Surrender” mean to you? What memories or emotions does it recall?
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Upcoming
Stay tuned for my review of the “It was Fifty Years Ago Today” tour, a tribute to the Beatles White Album which was performed by other famous musicians.
Author Interview
In December 2019, my short story “The Branded Shadow” was published in The Twofer Compendium. Check out my interview with the publisher, Celestial Echo Press. You can find the interview on Facebook and Instagram (see links on homepage).
Want to Contribute to COACS?
Do you have an picture that you think would make a great addition to the Touch of Old School Gallery? Do you have a topic idea or a rare song that we might like to feature? Send us your ideas via the message form under the contact page.
In today’s fast-paced society, we don’t always have time to cook our meals from scratch. As a result, we tend to rely on pre-prepared foods, and pancakes are no exception. Sure pancakes from a box are still fluffy and delightful, but if you’re looking for a homemade pancake recipe, search no further. Grandma Norma’s pancakes have you covered!
In Mom’s collection of recipes, you can find a hand-written (in cursive) piece of paper with the famous pancake recipe. Once Mom taught me how to make them, I was hooked. I spent many Friday nights after school making pancakes for dinner.
Grandma’s handwritten recipe. To me, it’s an artifact to remember her by.
According to Mom, Grandma used the recipe for years, which likely came from her own mother. Mom recalled that one of her cousins would love to sleepover just to have fluffy pancakes for breakfast.
Without further ado, here is Grandma’s recipe:
Ingredients
2 bowls for mixing (I suggest using at least one bowl with a spout)
1 whisk or spoon
1 cooking pan
A spatula
1 1/2 cups of flour
3/4 teaspoon of salt
3 teaspoons of baking powder
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 egg
1 cup of milk
1/2 cup of water
3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Time
Prep time: approx. 10 minutes
Cook time: approx. 15-20 minutes
Total time: approx. 30 minutes
Makes 12-14 pancakes.
Steps
Sift the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar in bowl.
Beat eggs in a separate bowl and add milk and water.
Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until the batter is moist. The batter will be lumpy.
Stir in oil.
(Optional) I like to add dashes of vanilla and cinnamon into my batter. Feel free to add any extra ingredients you like.
Grease your pan if necessary and turn on the stovetop to let your pan grow warm. I suggest using a lower heat setting.
Once the pan is warmed up, spoon the batter or pour directly into the pan.
Once the batter forms broken bubbles, flip over the pancake with a spatula. Cook until the bottom is brown.
Serve and enjoys with your favorite toppings!
Flip over the pancake once it bubbles. Don’t be surprised if your first batch is lighter on top. The higher the heat, the darker the pancake will be. Confession: my pancakes are usually dark and football-shaped! 🏈
That’s all there is to it! Enjoy!
Join the Discussion!
What’s your ultimate pancake look like? Do you have a favorite flavor or topping?
If you have an old fashioned recipe that you’d like to share on COACS, send us a message via our contact form.
You know where you are when you hear both the iconic theme song and Rod’s eerily comforting voice. Ah, The Twilight Zone! Every year the Syfy channel plays a two-day marathon from New Year’s Eve through New Year’s Day. For me, this marathon has become a tradition that I look forward to, as I’m able to geek-out with no regrets. As I indulged this year, I began thinking about and analyzing how episodes of The Twilight Zone compare to classic horror films and appeal to audiences. The Twilight Zone is a subgenre of horror, so it includes the horror film techniques of suggestion andspectacle. Similar to horror films, Twilight Zone stories relate to the human experience.
Suggestion and Spectacle
According to Bruce Kawin, author of Horror and the Horror Film, many horror film directors employ the techniques of suggestion and spectacle in their motion pictures. With suggestion, viewers imply events of the plot based on the clues they see on the screen. For example, in the famous Twilight Zone episode “Eye of the Beholder,” viewers can imply that the hospital staff may not look like average humans because the camera does not reveal the staffs’ faces until the end of the episode. Likewise, viewers may come to think that Janet Tyler’s face is truly is hideous based on her dialogue and heavily bandaged face. Spectacle, on the other hand, occurs when the viewers directly witness an event. Toward the end of “Eye of the Beholder,” the viewers plainly see the hospital staffs’ distorted and disturbing faces.
Other instances of spectacle and suggestion take place in the episode “Night Call.” The weak and haunting voice on the other end of the phone sounds otherworldly, suggesting that the caller may be a ghost or a member of the undead. When the old woman travels to the cemetery and discovers that the broken telephone wire is in the grave of her deceased lover, she and the viewers witness a spectacle.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Spectacle and Suggestion are Present in “Night Call.”
The Human Experience
But how does The Twilight Zone connect to the human experience and psyche? One way the TV series connects to viewers is through the depiction of traumatic and frightening experiences, such as war and alien invasions. Bryan Alexander, in his book review of W. Scott Poole’s Wasteland, explains that after World War I, each country dealt with the grief and trauma of the war by creating movies that featured monsters (like Frankenstein and Nosferatu) who embodied the grotesque. In Twilight Zone episodes such as “The Passerby” and “The Purple Testament,” death and war is central to the plot. In “the Passerby,” the zombie-like soldiers trudging down the road represent the casualties of the Civil War, and therefore embody the fear of that great death. Even Abraham Lincoln appears in the end of the episode! The fear of death also attracts audiences because it is a natural, yet intriguing feeling. The viewers are left curious, wanting to know how death plays a role in the story. Some viewers may even watch such episodes in order to try and overcome their fears.
Additionally, The Twilight Zone features morals at the end of each episode. Rod Serling’s narrations summarize the human experience and mentions the dangers of certain human behaviors. He even quotes Shakespeare several times. The plots of the episodes also relate to human feelings and desires. For example, viewers can recall times when they were greedy by watching “The Fever.” In this episode, Franklin Gibbs, who was recently dead-set against gambling, becomes addicted to slot machines and drives himself to the brink of madness. Because of his addiction, Gibbs falls out a window and dies. Viewers can be reminded of the consequences of greed by watching this episode.
Photo by Daria Sannikova on Pexels.com Gambling leads to Franklin Gibbs’ tragic downfall in “The Fever.” Twilight Zone episodes typically feature a moral, which helps them relate to the audience.
The Twilight Zone will be immortalized in pop culture, thanks to the directors’ use of techniques such as suggestion and spectacle. While viewers may not classify the TV series as “scary,” viewers would likely agree that the series appeals to their sense of curiosity and familiarity. Just like horror films, the plots of Twilight Zone episodes may start too close to home but then they complete a full 360 and soar into another dimension. The series has survived throughout the generations, and directors have even rebooted the series to reflect more modern times. Viewers just cannot help being pulled into the unknown – to the fifth dimension where logic and life will never be the same. Enter on your own accord…
Works Cited
Alexander, Bryan. “The Horror of War and the Thrill of Horror.” Reason Foundation,
pp.46, August/September 2019.
Kawin, Bruce F. Horror and the Horror Film. Anthem Press, 2012. EBSCOhost,
Where the Old Soul Embraces the Impassioned Youth!
Welcome to Confessions of a Classic Soul (COACS)! Are you constantly jamming to classic hits? Do you often find yourself binge-watching TV shows that are completely in black and white or are full of sappy comedy? Can you name more icons from decades past than you can celebrities present? Do you wrinkle your face in disgust when you hear modern music? Then you’ve landed in the right place (and no, that would not be Fantasy Island or the Twilight Zone)!
Whether this blog is a stroll down memory lane for you or a trip to uncharted territory, I hope you enjoy the variety of COACS. Let the good times roll and have a groovy time!
Nostalgia for All Ages
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Confessions of a Classic Soul 