Interesting side note about this record is that due to the group being in a contract dispute with Vee-Jay Records, they decided to record "Dawn (Go Away)" at Atlantic Records studio in NY instead, holding it in reserve from Vee-Jay. They recorded this in 1963 but waited until early 1964 to release it under the Phillips label. Charles Calello, who arranged the song, said it was their first opportunity to record using an 8-track machine, which meant the bass and drums (Buddy Saltzman) could sit on their own separate tracks (that's why the drumming sounds so impactful). It reached #3 on the charts only because The Beatles had a stranglehold on the top 2 slots for months. Thanks Brandon and Harri.
Just a few months after Dawn was released The 4 Seasons released Rag Doll, a reversal of roles as the girl was the poor one, the exact opposite of Dawn. The lyrics for both were written by Bob Gaudio the keyboardist and backing vocalist of the band as well as their record producer,
i remember well when this was a big hit. Loved it then, love it now. Great lyrics, great voices, terrific arrangement. This and "Rag Doll" are my favs of the 4 Seasons.
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, in my opinion, had a one of a kind of sound featuring the immortal Frankie Valli. Great submission, Brandon. Harri, your review was very informative and quite enjoyable. A+ from me!
I love the drumming in this also. Had a crush on a girl named Dawn in 7th grade...I think of her every time I hear this song. that was only 54-55 years ago.
Released on their 1964 album, "Dawn" the Four Seasons went to Number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100's with this wonderful tune. Originally written as a folk song Frankie asked to have the tempo sped up. Stating the facts he wasn't good enough for Dawn, Frankie's beautiful falsetto voice makes you believe it's true. The drums are up front and central to making this an enjoyable song. Great tune. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Brandon. 👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Brandon, this is the music of my childhood! I was ten years old when this song was released. I was just beginning to pay attention to the radio ( just in time to prepare for the British Invasion). Thanks for awakening great memories. Nice insights from Harri 🌺✌️
Easily one of the greatest pop songs of the last few decades. Every second of it is immaculate and melodically memorable, to say nothing of the amazing vocal performance. And that drumming at the end -- amazing.
this song IS notable : 1. it came out in February of '64, just as The British invasion was happening. The Beatles landed in NYC in early February of '64, just as this song was released. 2. The 4 Seasons had signed a new record deal with Phillips Records, & this was their 1st release, Previously they had been with Vee Jay records. 3. The 4 Seasons survived the British invasion because Bob Gaudio -------one of the group------& producer Bob Crewe, continued to compose hit song after hit song.----------------MJL< 76 y/o
This was the first song wherein my ears heard the over dubbing. This was released in 1963, I think. A great tune! One of my absolute favorites! Nick Massi, the bass singer, did the vocal arrangements. Thanks so much!
Maybe my favorite of theirs this Sherry and Candy Girl are definitely favorites. Sounds like a Phil Spector production. To me he was one of the best producers especially with his wall of sound
I always loved this 1964 hit for Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons - one my very favourites of theirs. Until relatively recently, singers had to really be able to sing - now, with autotune and assorted other technologies too many singers couldn't carry a note in a wheel barrow. It's one of the reasons I turned to country & acapella - bands & singers that have to be able to replicate their sound without the foregoing. Thanks for playing this one & your comments.
Sooooo Goood... Yeah, I love the touch of raucous in it. "Dawn", "Rag Doll", "Let's Hang On", and "Oh What a Night" are my Four Season faves. I think you've done 2 out of those 4!
I’m so glad you are reacting to this great old song. You’re so good! Would love to hear your reaction to some of their other music, Walk Like A Man for one.
The beginning of a 40 year conga line of great music. 1964...Beatles, Stones, Beach Boys, Supremes, Temptations. Too many to mention. There were always timeless song in the pipeline working their way up the Top 40. Now we have a bank vault of memories. Dick Clark got it right...."The Soundtrack of our lives". (America was in a funk that started on Nov 22 with the assassination of President Kennedy. By the time the Beatles hit the Ed Sullivan Show in Feb 1964 we were back on track.)
Frankie Valli had a 4 octave range when he started. He's still performing 100 times a year singing 3 octaves... that very strong falsetto has always been so remarkable and identifiable. There was only one Nat King Cole, one Frank Sinatra and one Frankie Valli. I was nine when the Four Seasons were selling more records than The Beach Boys, whom he loved, along with The Beatles, etc. all with perfect harmonies. Yeah, great harmonies.
It's about time that Frankie Valli is being reacted to and it's not " Oh What a Night" which really hardly highlights his talent. It's the earlier hits that do him justice. Bye Bye Baby and Lets Hang On are two great 4 Season songs.
I've been trying to find out who played the drums in this song? I checked several sites, starting with the song itself, but to no avail. Does anyone have any answers? I would love to find out - those drums are fantastic!
