This Day in Music
January 13th
Two popular acts release their respective (and respectable) third album, the YMCA gets sued, and Elvis turns forty, all on this day in music.
Releases
1964: Legendary American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan released his third studio album, "The Times They Are a-Changin'." The first of Dylan's work to comprise entirely original material, the music sings of social commentary on topics including racism and poverty, and the need for change, as the title states.
Embraced by fans as one of the all time greatest records of the folk oeuvre, it was also a critical success. The album reached No. 20 on the Billboard 200, and No. 4 on the UK Albums chart. It was certified Gold in both countries.
1984: The Pretenders release their third studio album, "Learning to Crawl." It was a comeback LP of sorts as it followed a hiatus resulting from the deaths of two founding members, Jame Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon, from drug overdoses, leaving only Chrissie Hynde and drummer Martin Chambers to move the band forward.
Several musicians appear on the album as the band transitioned to their new permanent lineup, now including Robbie MacIntosh on guitar and Malcolm Foster on bass. Loaded with great tracks, including "Middle of the Road," "Time the Avenger," "My City Was Gone," "2000 Miles," and more, the album was a huge success, both critically and commercially.
It reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200, and No. 11 on the UK Albums chart. It was certified Gold in the UK, and Platinum in the US.
Events
1979: The YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association), files a lawsuit against The Village People over the reference to the YMCA in the disco anthem of the same name. The suit was eventually dropped.
The Daily Elvis
1975: People Magazine releases its weekly edition with Elvis appearing on the cover alongside the caption, “Elvis is 40.”
Pictured: The Pretenders in 1984. From L to R: Malcolm Foster (bg), Chrissy Hynde (g; v), Robbie MacIntosh (g), and Martin Chambers (d).
