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I think Brand New Key is Shakespere level metaphor, the song played on every radio in every car, put her on the map, but it wasn't a dumb song...the shuffle beat was more suggestive than the lyric or the schoolyard melody, which she aced...the song is guileless, and helped the whole country rid itself from unnecessary shame in growing up. She wan't a one hit wonder either she had a long career, but the initial hit helped make that possible.I am a long-time fan of Melanie. I saw her first appearance on the David Frost show sometime in the 60's. What a powerful and soulful voice; it seemed like the audience was stunned after hearing her sing.
I have several of her albums and some of her greatest songs never made it as big hits. In fact, her biggest hit was "Brand New Key" which was really a silly song that probably hurt her career more than helped it. If you have a chance to listen to her early albums, pay attention to the songs that didn't get any airtime on the radio; you might be amazed.
RIP Melanie, there's now another powerful voice playing with the other greats.
Thump on,
One_Dude
Herbie Flowers Bass on "Lay Down" is awesome, give it a listen and prove me wrong.What's your favorite Melanie bassline?
I remember several songs before brand new key. But I only remember Alexander beetle from after that. Can't say it set the world on fire.She wan't a one hit wonder either she had a long career, but the initial hit helped make that possible.
Yup, that's a REAL good one. Herbie's lines are so groovy.Herbie Flowers Bass on "Lay Down" is awesome, give it a listen and prove me wrong.