Radio and Me ... 39

Rain Songs
We have had a lot of rain lately, and that fact has brought me back to my School days, when radio stations would -- during rainy spells -- play a lot of 'rain songs.'

Here are a few of my favourites, which I invite you to listen to, along with some short comments.
-- Singing in the rain, Gene Kelly, 1952. His signature song, proving that not all 'rain songs' are downers; au contraire.
-- The rain in Spain, by Julie Andrews, from the 1956 Broadway musical, ’My Fair Lady.' A 'final exam' in non-cockney speech for Eliza Doolittle. Her grade:"'I think she's got it!'
-- Crying in the rain, by the Everly Brothers. Surprise, surprise: written by Carole King. Short, punchy lyrics; beautiful 'Brothers' harmony.
-- Walking in the rain, by Johnnie Ray. Loud, plaintive, agonizing lyrics.
-- Walking in the rain, by the Ronettes. A totally different song; with an urban take.
-- Rain by the Beatles. Simple little song by 'the Lads from Liverpool, beginning their 'experimental' stage, featuring a chorus with the tape played backwards near the end.
-- Raindrops, by Dee Clark. Starts with a thunderclap; beautiful song, beautiful arrangement, powerful voice.
-- Rhythm of the rain, by the Cascades. Another thunderclap, another beautiful arrangement.
-- Laughter in the rain, by Neil Sedaka. From 1974, a delightful song with descriptive lyrics.
-- Have you ever seen the rain?, and
-- Who'll stop the rain?, by Creedence Clearwater Revival. While both refer to rain, they both contain some sharp references to negative political situations.
-- Whispering rain, by Hank Snow. A strong country-flavoured song from the 1950s, featuring his fine baritone voice.
-- Whispering rain, by Murray McLaughlin. A totally different song, from the 1970s, with excellent lyrics and arrangement.
-- Raindrops keep falling on my head, by BJ Thomas. Scored #1 song of 1969'; featured in movie, ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.’
-- Raining in my heart, by Buddy Holly. A 'sleeper' song from early in his short career; we don't need the violins!
-- Rain, rain, go away, by Bobby Vinton. From the early 1960s, ballad based on the children's poem.
-- Rainy days and Mondays, by The Carpenters. Great arrangement, featuring Karen's gorgeous voice!
-- Here comes that rainy day feeling again, by the Fortunes. A strong British song, With great lyrics.
-- I think it's going to rain today, by Dusty Springfield. This song is not well-known; pity. Great lyrics by at Randy Newman, great arrangement, and, Dusty's gorgeous voice!
-- It might as well rain until September, by Carole King. This hit of her own, has great lyrics and a great arrangement.
-- Blue eyes crying in the rain, by Willie Nelson. His signature song; the basic arrangement features a single guitar on back up.
And, of course,— Early morning rain, by Gordon Lightfoot. The song that started his career on the international charts. Plaintive, evocative, with very simple lyrics.
So there are some of my favourites, which I have enjoyed sharing with you.