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Houston (song)

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Wikipedia article




'"Houston"' is a song written by Lee Hazlewood and first recorded in 1964 by Sanford Clark.Erlewine, Michael (1997). '[https://books.google.com/books?id=7Mo7xm-X1r4C&pg=PA90#v=onepage&q&f=false All Music Guide to Country: The Experts' Guide to the Best Recordings in Country Music]', Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 90. Retrieved February 26, 2018.Leszczak, Bob (2014). '[https://books.google.com/books?id=4egLBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA63#v=onepage&q&f=false Who Did It First?: Great Rock and Roll Cover Songs and Their Original Artists]', Rowman & Littlefield. p. 63. Retrieved February 26, 2018.

Background



The lyrics are from the perspective on a down-on-his-luck drifter who describes himself as "a walkin' case of the blues". The verses describe his many misfortunes ("I found a dollar yesterday, but the wind blew it away"), each ending with the repeated refrain "Going back to Houston, Houston, Houston ...". The mood lightens on the final verse when the narrator reveals that despite his woes, he has a girlfriend waiting for him in the titular city. However, the narrator clarifies this by saying "at least, she said she'd be".

Musically, the song is orchestrated country pop with a medium tempo and strolling rhythm, with a brief harmonica solo. Sources differ as to how the distinctive percussive sound at the beginning and end of the song was created.

Dean Martin recording



"Houston" was a hit in 1965 when recorded by Dean Martin. Dean Martin's daughter, Deana Martin, has recounted her father telling her that the percussive sound was created by tapping an empty Coca-Cola bottle with a spoon,Hoekstra, Dean. "[http://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-sun-times/20071125/284309655516485 Dean's daughter proves Martin is 'Forever Cool']", 'Chicago Sun-Times', November 25, 2007. PressReader.com. Retrieved January 7, 2018. while Hal Blaine once stated that he created the sound by tapping a glass ash tray with a triangle wand.'[https://books.google.com/books?id=R_HZJoRRH78C&pg=PA108#v=onepage&q&f=false Instrument]', Chronicle Books, p. 108. October 5, 2011. Retrieved January 7, 2018.Young, Robin and Jeremy Hobson. "[http://hereandnow.legacy.wbur.org/2012/04/20/musicians-wrecking-crew The musicians behind the great bands that got the credit]", 'Here and Now', WBUR-FM, April 20, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2018.

Chart performance



Martin's version spent 9 weeks on the 'Billboard' Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 21,[http://www.billboard.com/artist/300598/dean-martin/chart Dean Martin  Chart History  The Hot 100], 'Billboard.com'. Accessed August 14, 2016. while reaching No. 2 on 'Billboard's Easy Listening chart,[http://www.billboard.com/artist/300598/dean-martin/chart?f=341 Dean Martin  Chart History  Adult Contemporary], 'Billboard.com'. Accessed August 15, 2016."[http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/60s/1965/Billboard%201965-09-18.pdf Billboard Top 40 Easy Listening]", 'Billboard', September 18, 1965. p. 20. Accessed August 14, 2016. and No. 11 on Canada's CHUM Hit Parade. Chart No. 445. CHUM.

Cover versions



The English post-punk group The Fall recorded a version of the song on 'The Real New Fall LP (Formerly Country on the Click)' (2003). Apart from a harsh electronic introduction and minor changes to the lyrics, 'e.g.,' chasing a 10 note rather than a dollar, The Fall interpretation is faithful to the original's melody and basic structure.

References



Category:1965 singles

Category:1965 songs

Category:Dean Martin songs

Category:Reprise Records singles

Category:Song recordings produced by Jimmy Bowen

Category:Songs written by Lee Hazlewood

Category:The Fall (band) songs

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