American Bandstand and Sheena of the Jungle

American Bandstand
Originally uploaded by Brite Lights photos.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. - In between grading papers from my magazine writing class, I've been tapping on the keys, looking at music for my 'rockumentaries,' but also looking forward to our reunion next summer.

I ran across several songs by Fabian, whose music is a little hard to find. And then I tripped across a dozen interesting sites related to American Bandstand.

I remember watching that even when I was about 6-years-old. I would sit with my older sister, much to the chagrin of my grandmother, who did not approve of the dancing on the program and certainly not of her grandchildren watching the on-screen gyrations.

(Oddly, she had no objections to the torrid-blond Irish McCalla (starring in Sheena of the Jungle) swinging through the trees, hanging out with apes who were dying for that leopard skin tunic to tumble.)

I remember being entranced by the music and all the happy people jumping around, and the dance contests and rating of music.

And years later, when I hear a song and someone asks my opinion, the first words I think of are usually, 'well, it has a good beat...'

But in the meantime, is anyone making up some lists of music for the reunion parties? Maybe that could become part of the Yahoo! site (where I deposited some photos recently of Bob Swanson's Rasta Ranch adventure).

I know I have a playlist in mind - which I'll share another time.

While that's being pondered, here's today's song - just downloaded to my computer - performed by Carole King.

It Might As Well Rain Until September

What shall I write?
What can I say?
How can I tell you how much I miss you?

The weather here has been as nice as it can be
Althought it doesn't really matter much to me
For all the fun I'll have while you're so far away
It might as well rain until September

I don't need sunny skies for thing I like to do
'Cause I stay home the whole day long and think of you
As far as I'm concerned each day's a rainy day
So It might as well rain until September

My friends look forward to their picnics on the beach
Yes everybody loves the summertime
But you know darling while your arms are out of reach
The summer isn't any friend of mine

It doesn't matter whether skies are grey or blue
It's raining in my heart 'cause I can't be with you
I'm only living for the day you're home to stay
So It might as well rain until September
September, September, oh
It might as well rain until September