Comments on: SMOKEY ROBINSON AND THE MIRACLES – “Tears Of A Clown” http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/ Lollards in the high church of low culture Mon, 28 May 2012 21:40:30 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Billy Smart http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-779549 Billy Smart Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:18:57 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-779549 Perhaps Smokey & The Miracles at their most fraught; http://drunkennessofthingsbeingvarious.blogspot.com/2011/01/miracles-come-round-here-im-one-you.html Perhaps Smokey & The Miracles at their most fraught; http://drunkennessofthingsbeingvarious.blogspot.com/2011/01/miracles-come-round-here-im-one-you.html

]]> By: lee http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-253737 lee Thu, 05 Apr 2007 22:24:16 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-253737 does any one know if smokey has a song with him and the miricles,take me to the countryside,if so please list it,thanks or him by his self. does any one know if smokey has a song with him and the miricles,take me to the countryside,if so please list it,thanks or him by his self.

]]> By: Rodney http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-94062 Rodney Tue, 28 Nov 2006 07:00:24 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-94062 I find it interesting that to everyone except Tom and I, including Smokey himself, the opening sounds like circus music. To me, the bassoon squiggles signal as (forgive me if I'm using this term in a wildly inaccurate fashion) baroque. I find it interesting that to everyone except Tom and I, including Smokey himself, the opening sounds like circus music. To me, the bassoon squiggles signal as (forgive me if I’m using this term in a wildly inaccurate fashion) baroque.

]]> By: Marcello Carlin http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-46289 Marcello Carlin Fri, 27 Oct 2006 14:19:56 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-46289 Also as in pre-Bucks Fizz Cheryl Baker Also as in pre-Bucks Fizz Cheryl Baker

]]> By: Dadaismus http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-46281 Dadaismus Fri, 27 Oct 2006 13:45:21 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-46281 g) Eurovision song contest flops, Coco (as in ... the Clown) g) Eurovision song contest flops, Coco (as in … the Clown)

]]> By: Marcello Carlin http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-46277 Marcello Carlin Fri, 27 Oct 2006 13:26:25 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-46277 That's the fella! The Shakespeare-reciting tap-dancing (on a tea tray) guitar god himself! That’s the fella! The Shakespeare-reciting tap-dancing (on a tea tray) guitar god himself!

]]> By: Dadaismus http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-46254 Dadaismus Fri, 27 Oct 2006 11:56:44 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-46254 f) Zal Cleminson, guitarist with the Sensational Alex Harvey Band! f) Zal Cleminson, guitarist with the Sensational Alex Harvey Band!

]]> By: Marcello Carlin http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-45503 Marcello Carlin Wed, 25 Oct 2006 12:16:10 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-45503 Examples of other clowns in early '70s pop: a) Leo Sayer in full make-up for "The Show Must Go On"; b) Jobriath <i>passim</i>; c) One of Pan's People weeping in front of a mirror dressed as a clown to accompany "Fool" by Elvis on <i>TOTP</i>; d) "I Am A Clown" by David Cassidy; e) "Don't Be Afraid, The Clown's Afraid Too" by Mingus (off <i>Let My Children Hear Music</i> - well, I call it pop); f) er... Examples of other clowns in early ’70s pop:

a) Leo Sayer in full make-up for “The Show Must Go On”;
b) Jobriath passim;
c) One of Pan’s People weeping in front of a mirror dressed as a clown to accompany “Fool” by Elvis on TOTP;
d) “I Am A Clown” by David Cassidy;
e) “Don’t Be Afraid, The Clown’s Afraid Too” by Mingus (off Let My Children Hear Music – well, I call it pop);
f) er…

]]> By: pˆnk s lord sükråt cunctør http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-45500 pˆnk s lord sükråt cunctør Wed, 25 Oct 2006 12:08:21 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-45500 i'm not afraid of clowns i just HATE THEM i’m not afraid of clowns i just HATE THEM

]]> By: Chris Brown http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-45338 Chris Brown Tue, 24 Oct 2006 21:09:45 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-45338 Actually, the Isleys record is such a personal favourite of mine I almost have to mark this down in comparison. Actually, the Isleys record is such a personal favourite of mine I almost have to mark this down in comparison.

]]> By: jeff w http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-44419 jeff w Fri, 20 Oct 2006 15:02:48 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-44419 I like this song but much prefer "Tracks..." and The Isleys' "Behind A Painted Smile". Indeed "Tears of a Clown" sounds to me very atypical of the Motown sound BOTH in 1970 and when it was recorded. The strident orchestration has tended to grate over the years, although I do love the prominent bassoon. The main reason I'm posting at all actually is to note that not only is fear of clowns very common, there's even a word for it: coulrophobia. I like this song but much prefer “Tracks…” and The Isleys’ “Behind A Painted Smile”. Indeed “Tears of a Clown” sounds to me very atypical of the Motown sound BOTH in 1970 and when it was recorded. The strident orchestration has tended to grate over the years, although I do love the prominent bassoon.

The main reason I’m posting at all actually is to note that not only is fear of clowns very common, there’s even a word for it: coulrophobia.

]]> By: wwolfe http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-44040 wwolfe Wed, 18 Oct 2006 20:58:38 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-44040 I forgot to say... Carolyn Crawford sang the Pagliaccia line in "My Smile Is Just a Frown (Turned Upside Down)," also written by Smokey, around 1965. I forgot to say…

Carolyn Crawford sang the Pagliaccia line in “My Smile Is Just a Frown (Turned Upside Down),” also written by Smokey, around 1965.

]]> By: wwolfe http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-44039 wwolfe Wed, 18 Oct 2006 20:57:06 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-44039 This has one of my favorite James Jamerson bass parts. I also enjoy how the drummer varies his re-entry after each quiet part. (For example, before the last, shortened verse, there's a quick roll that makes us feel we're rushing to the end; then, after Smokey sings his last "The tears of a clown...", there's a startling "bam-bam-bam" on a tom as he sings "...when there's no one around." It mirrors perfectly the anger we hear in Smokey's voice throughout the song.) This inspired me to check out "Pagliacci" from my college library, so I'd understand the reference. That's my deepest involvement in opera. I think Berry Gordy had the best ear for a hit in the history of rock and soul. Amazing then that he didn't hear this one. This has one of my favorite James Jamerson bass parts. I also enjoy how the drummer varies his re-entry after each quiet part. (For example, before the last, shortened verse, there’s a quick roll that makes us feel we’re rushing to the end; then, after Smokey sings his last “The tears of a clown…”, there’s a startling “bam-bam-bam” on a tom as he sings “…when there’s no one around.” It mirrors perfectly the anger we hear in Smokey’s voice throughout the song.)

This inspired me to check out “Pagliacci” from my college library, so I’d understand the reference. That’s my deepest involvement in opera.

I think Berry Gordy had the best ear for a hit in the history of rock and soul. Amazing then that he didn’t hear this one.

]]> By: Doctor Mod http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43865 Doctor Mod Wed, 18 Oct 2006 01:57:33 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43865 <i>Pagliacci</i> is an opera by Ruggiero Leoncavallo about a tragic clown who responds to being cuckolded by killing his faithless wife and her lover during a commedia dell'arte performance. (Who said opera and rock don't share a common sensibility?) Everyone has heard "Vesti la giubba" (the big tenor aria) and would instantly recognize it even if they don't know it by name. (And "Pagliacci" isn't a person--the title just means "clowns" in Italian.) Pagliacci is an opera by Ruggiero Leoncavallo about a tragic clown who responds to being cuckolded by killing his faithless wife and her lover during a commedia dell’arte performance. (Who said opera and rock don’t share a common sensibility?)

Everyone has heard “Vesti la giubba” (the big tenor aria) and would instantly recognize it even if they don’t know it by name.

(And “Pagliacci” isn’t a person–the title just means “clowns” in Italian.)

]]> By: Doctor Mod http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43863 Doctor Mod Wed, 18 Oct 2006 01:40:31 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43863 As to the circus music: I recognized it back then (i.e., 1970) and I was wracking my brains last night to try to remember it. I literally woke up in the middle of the night remembering it as a bit of fluff that was played at the beginning of some kid's cartoon show hosted by a clown figure on US television in the late 50s or so. I think there were lyrics to the effect of "Step right up / to the greatest show in town." Even if it was Stevie Wonder who came up with the intro, he was also a child at the same time and might also have remembered it, even if only subconsciously. In thinking about the song, it struck me as being much earlier than 1970 in its sound--so I'm not surprised to hear it was actually recorded in 1967. While good, I don't think it's necessarily one of the Miracles' best--but then I started listening to the Miracles around 1962 or so, and I prefer the older stuff (e.g., "Shop Around," the relatively obscure "I'll Try Something New," "You Really Got a Hold on Me") and this is a bit "lite" by comparison. And let us not forget: The orchestral track from this song is what the much-maligned ABC would later quote in "When Smokey Sings." As to the circus music: I recognized it back then (i.e., 1970) and I was wracking my brains last night to try to remember it. I literally woke up in the middle of the night remembering it as a bit of fluff that was played at the beginning of some kid’s cartoon show hosted by a clown figure on US television in the late 50s or so. I think there were lyrics to the effect of “Step right up / to the greatest show in town.” Even if it was Stevie Wonder who came up with the intro, he was also a child at the same time and might also have remembered it, even if only subconsciously.

In thinking about the song, it struck me as being much earlier than 1970 in its sound–so I’m not surprised to hear it was actually recorded in 1967. While good, I don’t think it’s necessarily one of the Miracles’ best–but then I started listening to the Miracles around 1962 or so, and I prefer the older stuff (e.g., “Shop Around,” the relatively obscure “I’ll Try Something New,” “You Really Got a Hold on Me”) and this is a bit “lite” by comparison.

And let us not forget: The orchestral track from this song is what the much-maligned ABC would later quote in “When Smokey Sings.”

]]> By: xyzzzz__ http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43782 xyzzzz__ Tue, 17 Oct 2006 17:14:23 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43782 doesn't p^nk s like Butthole surfers? (cover of 'Locust, Abortion Technician') doesn’t p^nk s like Butthole surfers? (cover of ‘Locust, Abortion Technician’)

]]> By: Martin Skidmore http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43774 Martin Skidmore Tue, 17 Oct 2006 16:14:38 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43774 I've never liked this a fraction as much as Tracks Of My Tears, though I wouldn't really argue with the 8. I always thought of it alongside Dave Davies's Death Of A Clown. I’ve never liked this a fraction as much as Tracks Of My Tears, though I wouldn’t really argue with the 8. I always thought of it alongside Dave Davies’s Death Of A Clown.

]]> By: Brian http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43771 Brian Tue, 17 Oct 2006 15:18:36 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43771 "We listeners are witnessing the clown perform ourselves" is right on the money Tom. The music for this track is totally part of the lyric and not far from somnething like " The Benefit of Mr. Kite" in its approach to creating a soundscape for the words. But I wouldn't go as far as saying it's Motown at its best. It's a highly dramatic piece but not , dare I say, particularily soulful when you hold it up to Marvin Gaye or The Temptations. The production value is more show-stopper than soul. As a father of three kids, I've had a couple of run ins with clowns that scared my children. One of my daughters, who still to this day doesn't like 'em, and up until 2 years ago wouldn't give them candy at Halloween if they came to our door! “We listeners are witnessing the clown perform ourselves” is right on the money Tom. The music for this track is totally part of the lyric and not far from somnething like ” The Benefit of Mr. Kite” in its approach to creating a soundscape for the words.

But I wouldn’t go as far as saying it’s Motown at its best. It’s a highly dramatic piece but not , dare I say, particularily soulful when you hold it up to Marvin Gaye or The Temptations. The production value is more show-stopper than soul.

As a father of three kids, I’ve had a couple of run ins with clowns that scared my children. One of my daughters, who still to this day doesn’t like ‘em, and up until 2 years ago wouldn’t give them candy at Halloween if they came to our door!

]]> By: Lena http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43764 Lena Tue, 17 Oct 2006 14:54:26 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43764 The only time I ever phoned a radio station I asked them to play this - when I was 11! Clowns are scary, but sad clowns aren't. The only time I ever phoned a radio station I asked them to play this – when I was 11!

Clowns are scary, but sad clowns aren’t.

]]> By: Marcello Carlin http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43761 Marcello Carlin Tue, 17 Oct 2006 14:27:02 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43761 "Father Christmas Do Not Touch Me" by the Goodies (#7, 1974) for one (xpost). “Father Christmas Do Not Touch Me” by the Goodies (#7, 1974) for one (xpost).

]]> By: Steve Mannion http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43759 Steve Mannion Tue, 17 Oct 2006 14:13:41 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43759 Would Mark S like Clownstep though? Would Mark S like Clownstep though?

]]> By: intothefireuk http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43755 intothefireuk Tue, 17 Oct 2006 13:56:51 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43755 My Son just had a Circus visit his school and one of his friends refused to go cos he was also scared of the clowns. Apparently it's quite common. There are those also, that have a similar problem with Father Christmas - now how many records would that put you off ? My Son just had a Circus visit his school and one of his friends refused to go cos he was also scared of the clowns. Apparently it’s quite common. There are those also, that have a similar problem with Father Christmas – now how many records would that put you off ?

]]> By: Marcello Carlin http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43752 Marcello Carlin Tue, 17 Oct 2006 13:26:30 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43752 To Pete I guess he's just a clown who picks him up each time he's down. To Pete I guess he’s just a clown who picks him up each time he’s down.

]]> By: Steve Mannion http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43747 Steve Mannion Tue, 17 Oct 2006 13:10:59 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43747 I am not a clown, Pete, you liar. I am not a clown, Pete, you liar.

]]> By: Tom http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43745 Tom Tue, 17 Oct 2006 13:07:17 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/10/smokey-robinson-and-the-miracles-tears-of-a-clown/#comment-43745 Smokey Robinson and the Miracles ft Roy 'Chubby' Brown - Pagliacci (Who The F*** Is Pagliacci?) Smokey Robinson and the Miracles ft Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown – Pagliacci (Who The F*** Is Pagliacci?)

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