91) The Flies, “I’m Not Your Stepping Stone”
MOJO’s Acid Drops, Spacedust & Flying Saucers comp calls the Flies’ take on the song “almost psychotically venomous.” They were definitely not Monkeeing around. The band became infamous at the storied 14 Hour Technicolor Dream benefit in part by urinating on the audience. Acid Drops concludes that “given the essentially beatific nature of English psychedelia, the Flies’ sense of cultural alienation marked them out.”
92) Gordon Lightfoot, “I’m Not Sayin’”
This single (’65) from Lightfoot’s wonderful first album (’66), predated the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The lyrics, though, might generate some consternation if released today: “I’m not sayin’ that I love you . . . I’m not sayin’ that I’ll care . . . .”
93) Fire, “Father’s Name Is Dad”
Paul McCartney was a fan and tried to fan Fire’s flames — according to Vernon Joynson, after he heard the song on the radio, “he arranged for the band to recut [it] with backing vocals, and doubled guitar riffs an octave higher” in order to punch it up. (The Tapestry of Delights Revisited) Alas, the reissued ’68 single — which the Rubble comp calls “one of the best pop 45s ever” — still failed to break through.
Brace for the Obscure (60s rock)! / Off the Charts: 60s Rock Revelations 