Thursday, October 17, 2013

"This Little Girl" by Gary U.S. Bonds

Song#:  0582
Date:  04/25/1981
Debut:  67
Peak:  11
Weeks:  18
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  Bonds was a star in the early days of rock 'n' roll with five Top 10 hits between 1960 and 1962. His biggest hit was the #1 "Quarter to Three" (1961), which has long been considered an influential song in rock history. Bonds also influenced a young Jersey guy named Bruce Springsteen and almost 20 years after Bonds' last chart entry, the two got together with Steven Van Zandt and recorded the album "Dedication." Springsteen contributed three song to the album that were originally meant for his hit album "The River," and dueted with Bonds on the Cajun traditional "Jole Blon." This first single, written by Springsteen, petered out in the unfortunate #11 spot, but the comeback of Bonds was considered a triumph.

ReduxReview:  Springsteen was super-hot at the time, so probably anything he did or worked on or promoted would do pretty well, and this one did. Back then, I wasn't a big fan of the song. But I wasn't really into that sound (or even Springsteen) those days. Now, it sounds good. I can't say it is one of The Boss' best tunes, but I like it much better than I did previously.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  When Bonds first got a recording deal, the label head decided to change Bonds' name (real name was Gary Anderson). The guy chose U.S. Bonds thinking that the confusion between artist and the advertised government bonds would result in airplay. But folks thought it was a group instead of a person, so his first name was tacked on as Gary (U.S.) Bonds.  When the Springsteen collaboration came long, the parentheses were taken out.

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