This show is characterized largely by what you might call “functional oddity,” a term I just made up to describe songs that would probably fit in just fine as part of any given Revolutionary Plastics Hour, but have the added value* of being performed by a celebrity.

For example, Bill Cosby’s version of “Uptight” is musically amazing; Phoebe Cates’ eighties pop stylings are absolutely up to par with stuff I’ve played by artists who never took their top off in a Judge Reinhold fantasy—& the story Leonard Nimoy tells would be just as vapidly trenchant if it had been read, instead, by a record label intern on a monthly stipend. (I’m just kidding—the record industry doesn’t pay anyone a dime until they reach the level of vice-president.)

Plus, there’s the foreign novelty element—like, did you know that Peter Gabriel released versions of two of his early albums with the vocals re-done in German? Well, he did. Or, hey—which of the following is a weirder idea: Puff Daddy covering Public Enemy? Or Puff Daddy rapping in Spanish? Okay, now, what if he did both? I’ll wait while you climb back onto your chair.

So, there we are. Add an instrumental Led Zeppelin cover that defies any reasonable expectations of lameness & you’re off to the races! Well, I hope you are, anyway. Metaphorically speaking, that is. Look, just check it out & enjoy yourself, okay?

* A term used in marketing; generally synonymous with either “snake oil” or “sow’s ear.”

Revolutionary Plastics Hour: Volume Twenty-Five

Arcadia—She’s Moody & Grey, She’s Mean & She’s Restless
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Rachel Sweet—New Rose [Damned cover]
Run 21—She’s Very Hot
Cher—Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves
Skeeter Davis—I’m Going Steady With a Heartache
Ray Price—Grazin’ in Greener Pastures
Jack Greene—There Goes My Everything
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The Kane Gang —Gun Law (instrumental, slow)
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Terry Baxter & His Orchestra—Whole Lotta Love
Peter Gabriel—Shock Den Affen (Shock the Monkey, German vers.)
Tupperware’s 1975 Happyland Jubilee—Dr. Doom
Leonard Nimoy—A Visit to a Sad Planet
Bill Cosby—Little Ole Man (Up Tight)
Frank Sinatra & Bing Crosby—Well, Did You Evah?
Phoebe Cates—How Do I Let You Know?
Puff Daddy—P.E. 2000 (Spanish version)
Jack Jones & Roger Williams—(Theme From) Charade
Mama Cass—Dream a Little Dream

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