I've written here a few times about the 1970s and the wide range of music. Among the rock, pop, punk, and more there were a few songs that were quite different. As a quick health warning, I’m not thinking about the many daft or novelty songs released. Nor any that were just downright silly, like these five from the 1960s and 1970s.
Some songs just stood out as different, quirky, or unusual in one way or another. They caught your attention through the way they sounded, or perhaps by crazy or oddball lyrics. Some of them became classic hit songs, still played heavily now. Others fell by the wayside.
This list of five songs with their own special quirk has a mixture of those points above. There’s a variety of styles in the music and in the odd elements that make them stand out. They certainly do catch your attention.
Five fabulous but quirky 1970s songs
Kate Bush - “Wuthering Heights”
Let’s start with a very unusual but stunningly memorable song. This one pricked up people's ears when they first heard it. Or perhaps it left them mesmerized by the visual performance of Kate Bush on TV shows and videos.
It’s a stunning song and one no one will forget. It created a huge impact when released in 1978 as Bush’s debut single. It’s quite amazing to think that she wrote it in just one evening. Even more so, when recording she laid down those extraordinary vocals in a single take.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band – “The Boston Tea Party”
In this case, it’s more than just a quirky song. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band were pretty unorthodox throughout their time. Always extravagant, demonstrative, and arty, but with passion and flair. Have a look for them on videos as their songs nearly always have a strong visual element. Look out for lead singer Alex Harvey and guitarist Zal Cleminson. You won't miss him with his spooky clown makeup.
Quite a few of their numbers could qualify for this list. I’ve opted for the slightly strange “The Boston Tea Party.” It’s a somewhat eerie telling of the independence-related tale. A throbbing drumbeat and keyboards underpin the song. The chorus delivers the subject and context. The verses and story are spoken out rather than sung by Harvey in his own inimitable style. It’s an odd combination, switching from the sounds of the chorus to verse as the story runs through, but it works and builds very effectively.
Warren Zevon - “Werewolves Of London”
Another classic song here from Warren Zevon. He’d been inspired by a 1930s horror movie and featured the song in his live sets for a few years before releasing it as a single in 1978. Musically, it's a tight sound; Mick Fleetwood on drums and John McVie on bass add a neat rhythm and backdrop. Zevon’s vocals add to the fun, especially with that chorus and its “Ah Hooh’s.”
The additional odd element is the lyrics. You won't find many songs opening with ”I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand.” There’s more of the same with a recommendation for the beef chow mein at a now-closed London restaurant. And a humours air of the whole set of words.
Of course, the whole premise of werewolves in London is pretty weird, but then the story of the songs isn’t really about mythical moon howlers and more about a Victorian gentleman finding debauched fun in the city and preying on his victims. Maybe that’s just weird too.
Yellow Dog - “Just One More Night”
A one-hit wonder from 1978, this song from Yellow Dog is pretty catchy and has a smart, if unusual, ending. That does mean it is probably not too well known these days. Behind Yellow Dog was Kenny Young, a superb songwriter. You'd know many of his great tunes from a long list. He co-wrote “Under The Boardwalk” to name just one example.
An affected vocal style sets an odd sound and relates a one-night stand who is reluctant to leave. Begging for just one more night the singer persists with a variety of reasons and offers. A slightly sickly baby talk chorus is added to at the end with a slightly demented continuance of the “could I stay” plea by telephone. Odd, but catchy, and it worked for that one-off hit.
The Sweet - “The Ballroom Blitz”
There’s certainly something different that makes this great song by The Sweet from 1973 stand out. Perhaps it was part of defining what glam rock was in music terms. The unusual and slight camp introductions gave a clue. “Are you ready Steve?” and then through the rest of the band before the guitars fire up.
The song is a glorious romp in some places with even more camp sections, superb guitar riffs, and a stomping chorus. At the time it was fresh, new, and caught the ear. To be honest, it’s still an excellent listen with its over-the-top approach. The song gets extra credit for appearing in The Simpsons and a Tia Carrere version in Wayne's World.