songs for broken hearts, no. 26

I know I'm given to hyperbole when it comes to talking about the music I adore, but I truly believe that The Turtles Present The Battle of the Bands is one of the great records in the history of rock. The concept is fantastic, a battle of the bands with the Turtles playing the parts of all the bands, showing an incredible stylistic range without ever moving too far afield from the spoofy, goofy spirit that makes them so much fun. Elanore was the record's big hit single - peaking at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1968 - and it's a dead ringer for Happy Together. I think the song's basic premise is that the Turtles are playing themselves. It's the sort of meta-niftiness that only appeals to pop geeks with way too much time on their hands. Guys like me, in other words. According to our crack research staff here at the Lonely One, Elanore is also the only charting single to ever work the word 'etcetera' into its lyrics. ...Beyond Flo 'n Eddie's delightfully zany stage presence, tonight's clip shows Johnny Barbata in top form behind the skins. With some drummers it's not as much a matter of technical prowess as it is an ability to achieve a distinct percussive resonance. Which is not to say that Barbata is lacking in virtuosity or showmanship. Check out the way he twirls his sticks between those immensely satisfying high-hat beats, and the jazzy briskness of his high-wire snare drum fills. He's the genuine article. God bless J. Barbata, and god bless the Turtles. They've always been there for me when my mood needs lifting...