Emo in the 70's

It's prit' near the weekend and I'm ready for a Flashback Friday.  I started looking back at songs that I grew up with on the 'ol transistor radio and dug out the following.  I also discovered how depressing many of these tunes are!  After re-listening to this music I'm surprised my generation isn't all dressed in black and walking around all emo.

First up in this bleak bunch is a tune (although I equate "tune" with something cheery) called "Seasons in the Sun" by Terry Jacks.  The video more than compliments the somber mood with 

it's distressing images.

Next we have a rousingly gloomy piece called "The Night Chicago Died" by Paper Lace and the title pretty much gets you in that mournful mood even before you listen to any of the lyrics!  I appreciate a song title that can get those feelings flowing right from the get-go (written with dripping sarcasm).  There's even some mention of the singer hearing his "momma cry" which is always so special (drip, drip, drip).

Last in the dismal repertoire is a number of lost hope titled "Billy Don't be a Hero" by Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods.  The song tells the story of a gal's fella going off to war and how he never returns...as "The Church Lady" would say, "Isn't that spay-shell!".  This song is one I particularly remember as bothering me both in it's distressing lyrics and it's overall dorkiness in presentation.  It's pretty rare for a song to accomplish both of those feelings at the same time!

Sorry if I deflated your mood-balloon...to re-inflate it I give you one of the best songs from the 70's era, "The Ballroom Blitz" by The Sweet.  Enjoy being pumped back up with happiness :)