Yes, it's another "2 Songs About" post. Maybe my least popular topic, but I'm easily amused, and find these extremely fun to do. These 2 songs each have a sport included in their title, but aren't necessarily about the sport itself.
1. "Golf Girl" by Caravan
This should also fall under the "sinfully underplayed" label since it's a great song that few have heard of. In fact, I think most prog rock from this period is so foreign and completely inaccessible to modern day listeners that it has faded into oblivion only to be enjoyed by a small fringe of rock snobs. (I must add, however, there is an entire XM Satellite Radio channel devoted to it, so maybe it's not as forgotten as I think it is.) How many times have you heard your local classic rock station play something by Can, Gentle Giant, Camel or even King Crimson? These bands were so heavily album oriented, with an often complicated theme running throughout the LP that it has not translated well to downloading which favors singles.
However, prog rock is not always about 20 minute guitar solos, complex album themes, and experimental sounds that don't lend themselves to radio airplay. "Lucky Man" by Emerson, Lake and Palmer is proof that prog rock can be somewhat catchy while still maintaining their artistic credibility. Kansas was a prog rock poster child, which later had top 40 hits. I think "Golf Girl" by Caravan also is a pretty melodic little tune, but at the same time has that prog rock trademark of being just a bit artsy and experimental. The best version of the song, in my opinion, is the one from the All Over You LP.
2. "Anyone for Tennis" by Cream
This odd little ditty by Eric Clapton and artist Martin Sharp contrasts with most of Cream's recordings, but is enjoyable nonetheless. Perhaps more enjoyable is the video of a heavily stoned Clapton and bongo playing Ginger Baker with cigarette dangling from mouth. If you can make it halfway through the song, you'll notice things begin to change and get a bit weird. The audience seems to find Clapton and the boys quite hysterical. Enjoy.
Here's a couple albums I love which have a sports theme. (And, don't be looking for the two Huey Lewis albums, Fore and Sports, they ain't here.)
