As this year comes to a close, we sang songs about animals on this full moon night, the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. Wendysue, Arlene, Larry, Bill, Jack, Betty, Frank, Anne, PJ, Louise, Lester, Dawn, me (Jen) and Ken were present.

1). Side by Side

Our opening theme that Ken uses to warm us up. We still haven't agreed on a proper ending for this song. There was some discussion about what a power chord is until Louise clarified it for everyone. A power chord is a key element in many styles of rock. [C5] which is |0033| is an example of a power chord.

2). Stray Cat Strut by Stray Cats (Ken)

The ending had cats yowling at my brain- yeeoww!

3). Pleasant Valley Sunday by The Monkees, 1967 (Dan).

Dan, we couldn't play your song suggestions without you. You were certainly missed! PJ carried us through the chorus, but that was pretty much all we could handle. We talked a little bit about the history of "The Monkees" and how they were originally supposed to be just a TV show about a band. The band consisted of Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork and singer Davy Jones.

4). (Theme from) The Monkees (Arlene)

This had some fast changing chords, but it was fun to hear it after such a long time.

5). D.W. Wasburn by The Coasters (1968) (Arlene)

Arlene told us a story of her driving with her friends in Maine when this song came on the radio. She immediately knew she wanted to play this song in the future and had one of her friends quickly jot the name of the song down. This song was written by The Coasters and The Monkees covered it.

6). Daydream Believer by The Monkees (Arlene)

The signature part of this song is [G], [GSus2], [G], [Gsus4], [G]. Fun song and you can even play along with The Monkees since this chord sheet is in the original key. I remember watching The Monkees TV show and seeing the colorful, psychedelic, striped background which stood out to me.

7). Me and You and a Dog Named Boo by Lobo (PJ)

PJ sang this song for us. It's an oldie but goodie!

8). Do Your Ears Hang Low (WendySue)

Much chuckling by the peanut gallery in the back wondering what this song is about.

9). How Much is That Doggie in the Window (WendySue)

I'm quoting Arlene who said, "I can't believe we just sang that."

10). Last Train To Clarksville by The Monkees (WendySue)

This didn't exactly make the cut for our future playlist.

11). Yellow Bird (WendySue)

WendySue, what a great pick! We've done this song before. I found it difficult to switch from a [C] to a [B], but I think it was my favorite song of the night, and yes, a bird is in the Animal Kingdom.

12). The Lion Sleeps Tonight (WendySue)

Pretty easy to play; not so easy to sing those high notes.

13). Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer by Elmo 'n' Patsy 1979 (Jen)

I always get a good laugh when I hear that line "We are all so proud of Grandpa, He's been taking it so well, Sitting in there watching football, drinking beer and playing cards with cousin Mel." Of course there's also the mention of figgy pudding, which also makes me chuckle.

14). Postman Pat & His Black and White Cat - TV Theme Song (Ken)

Very catchy tune. Loved it and Dawn remembers watching the show and she recalls the cat's name is Jess.

15). (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Elvis Presley (Ken)

For someone who hates Elvis, Ken sure did practice this number a lot at home. His deep voice made the song sound great.

16). I'm a Believer by The Monkees (Betty)

This is another Monkees hit not to be confused with "Daydream Believer". This song was in the movie, "Shrek."

17). You Ain't Nothing But a Hound Dog by Elvis (Betty)

Sweet! We played this one twice. I used to have a black and white poster of Elvis in my bedroom when I was a teenager.

18). Old McDonald Had a Farm (Betty)

We could've shouted out all sorts of animals all night long. We sang about chicks, pigs, cows, donkeys and cats. This one sounded great on Arlene's banjo uke!

19). Daydream Believer by The Monkees (Anne)

We played this one a second time (using a different chord sheet).

20). Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Anne)

Anne was also in the Christmas spirit!

21). Glow Worm (Mill’s Brothers 1952) (Bill)

Good song, we played it twice! Larry told us a story of his geranium plants in his bedroom and how a worm from the plant made it's way onto Larry's neck. How completely freaky!

22). House of the Rising Sun by The Animals (Jack/WendySue)

Not too shabby! Pretty good as our last song of the night.

Next Jam Session is January 4, 2019 and our unanimously agreed upon theme is 60's Decade, no Beatles and no Elvis songs. Wishing all of you a Happy Holiday and see you all in 2019!

Cheers,

-- Jen.