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California Nights
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Wikipedia article
"'California Nights'" is a song written by Marvin Hamlisch and Howard Liebling and recorded by Lesley Gore. The song appeared on her 1967 album, 'California Nights'.[http://www.discogs.com/Lesley-Gore-California-Nights/release/2479972 Lesley Gore, 'California Nights'] Retrieved January 30, 2014
Composition
The song was produced by Bob Crewe and arranged by Hutch Davie.[http://www.45cat.com/record/72649 Lesley Gore, "California Nights" single release] Retrieved January 30, 2014 The track features guitars and drum set in a 1960's pop fashion. The chorus includes multiples long tones over abnormal chords and the verses are noticeably accompanied by a soft electric piano. The lyrics speak of reminiscing about romantic evenings on the beach with a lover.
'Billboard' described the song as a "production rhythm ballad with groovy dance beat and strong vocal work has the
hit ingredients to put Miss Gore back up the Hot 100."
Commercial performance
The single peaked at number 16 on the 'Billboard' Hot 100 in March 1967 but stayed on the chart for a then-lengthy 14 weeks,[http://www.musicvf.com/song.php?id=25577&artist=Lesley+Gore&title=California+Nights Lesley Gore, "California Nights" Chart Positions] Retrieved January 30, 2014 ranking 61 in the year-end Top 100.
Use in media
An edit of the song (removing the second verse and refrain) was lip-synced by Gore on the January 19, 1967 episode of the TV series 'Batman', "That Darn Catwoman". She played Pussycat, the Catwoman's protg, who also wanted to be a singer.
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Other versions
*Wes Montgomery released an instrumental version of the song on his 1967 album, 'A Day in the Life'.[http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-day-in-the-life-mw0000199509 Wes Montgomery, 'A Day in the Life'] Retrieved January 30, 2014
*Four King Cousins released a version of the song on their 1968 album, 'Introducing the Four King Cousins'.[http://www.discogs.com/Four-King-Cousins-Introducing/release/2799874 Four King Cousins, 'Introducing the Four King Cousins'] Retrieved January 30, 2014
References
Category:1960s ballads
Category:1967 songs
Category:1967 singles
Category:1973 singles
Category:Lesley Gore songs
Category:Songs written by Marvin Hamlisch
Category:Song recordings produced by Bob Crewe
Category:Mercury Records singles
Category:Songs about California
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