BREAD AND BUTTER (NEWBEATS, 1964)
To win the best/worst song ever, the song has to have peculiar and/or inane lyrics, so bad they are funny. And the song has to be catchy, an ear worm so strong you can’t get it out of your head no matter what. You love it. You hate it.
I’ve got two picks. The runner-up, which I’ll reveal now. And the winner, which I will reveal at a later date. (That said, I’d be interested to know if you have nominees that can knock off my runner-up and first place, but good luck with that).
The runner-up is a 1964 song called Bread and Butter by the Newbeats.
Besides the absolutely silly lyrics,– unless there is some double entendre going on here that’s flying over my head– this song hits all the boxes: bad lyrics, catchy but cheesy hook and, the secret weapon, the falsetto guy.
Now there was this guy in the band, named Larry Henley, who went on to co-write the song, ‘Wind Beneath My Wings,’ made famous by Bette Midler and the movie Beaches.
Now several online stories about Henley say that he had a “distinctive” falsetto and one website I saw said he ‘pioneered,’ along with Frankie Valli, the falsetto style of singing. Did they actually listen to his voice in Bread and Butter? Do they want to encourage that ‘distinctiveness?’
Holy screeching seagulls, dudes.
This guy sang like he just inhaled some helium while being tortured in hell.
At the end of the song he goes into a series of short shrieks that sound like the noise Little Richard might make had he stuck a fork in the light socket..
Not to pile on, but that dancing is so bad, it hurts my feelings.
Hard to beat but I got one even better for Best/Worst Song Ever. Stay tuned.
(Put your suggestions in comments by clicking the title of this post and scrolling down.)
Confession: I have a 45 rpm record of this song. I’m afraid to listen to the other side.
Hi Mike, I really like what you’re doing here. I’ve been writing a books blog for 8 years now, On a Clear Day I Can Read Forever, although I don’t post as much these days. Mine, of course, is mostly about books I’m reading, but I also sneak in friends, family, dogs and cats, lupus, etc. I’ll look forward to reading your thoughts. My best to you and your family. Nancy
Great to hear from you Nancy. I remember doing a few reviews for you back in the way back. I’ll put your blog on favorites and will check in !
(would love to seek your wisdom on blogging)!
The worst song ever, without peers, is “Dreamweaver” by whoever that awful stain on music is who wrote and/or sang it (Gary Wright). Worst. Song. Ever. I ran out of a movie theater when it started playing. OK, it was during closing credits, but I always watch credits.
Hi Mike, uh you may have a point there. Hated those synthesizers.
Terry Jacks — “Seasons in the Sun.” Beat that!
‘But then again there is Billy don’t be a hero
also there is Honey by Bobby Goldsboro………..but seasons is ear worm bad
Man, I love to hate this song. Or I hate to love it. But I don’t know why you disparage that shriek. I want more shriek. More.
Like cowbell, you know. Moore.