Low Rider

Rock-funk fusion band War was formed in 1969 and fronted by Eric Burdon, former lead singer of the Animals. They were a fusion of two sorts. Their music encompassed rock, funk, jazz, Latin music, R&B and raggae. And the band line up was multi-ethnic; a fusion of races and cultures.

Burdon and War released several hits in the early 70s including the classic Spill the Wine. But Burdon and the rest of the members parted ways while on a European tour in 1970. Luckily for us War still had some great songs in them including Why Can't We Be Friends and the funky Low Rider released in 1975.

Running On Empty

This week's 70s Thursday feature looks at Jackson Browne, an artist who struggled significantly until finally making it. Early in his career he was better known for writing songs for other people such as Joan Baez, Tom Rush, Linda Ronstadt, the Byrds and the Eagles.

Browne signed a record deal with Asylum Records in 1971, the home of the "California sound" of the 70s and recorded and released 4 albums before the blockbuster Running on Empty live album. Running on Empty was recorded while on tour but in addition to live concert performances included tunes recorded on his tour bus, backstage and in hotel rooms. Running On Empty was released in 1977. Here's a performance of the title track from 1979...

Off Beat: My Balogna

The second in our weekly Saturday series of off beat or silly songs is My Balogna by Weird Al Yankovic, a parody of The Knack's 1979 hit My Sharona. Yankovic, who first reached the top ten with the album Right Outta Lynwood and single White and Nerdy in 2006, launched his career close to 30 years ago with My Balogna. He's had some hilarious hits parodying famous artists and their songs over the years but it all started with this video from the pop prankster...