This article looked deeply into my soul. One of my favorite things in the entire world to do is to ONLY sing the Pips part whenever this song comes on. I've made people duet it with me at karaoke. I sing it in the shower. It's the only way I can even hear the song now. I'll gladly volunteer to be your Pips anytime. "A superstar but he didn't get far...... Dreams don't always come true. Nuh uh, no. Oh no."
I was in NYC for the past few days and only had the chance to read this when at the airport. As always, this is an excellent read and write-up, Richard. I love that you focused on the background vocals. I have often thought that background vocals can be a perfect addition and accent for a song. Strangely, for something that may be an afterthought or go unnoticed by the casual listener, backing vocals are like the herb or spice in a well-seasoned dish and can literally transform it. As you brilliantly point out with 'Midnight Train To Georgia."
I can also relate to this line right here:
>>"I felt all that needed to had been said or written about ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’, and partly because I’ve never really known how to approach in words this fabulous sonic creation.<<"
There have been songs, albums, and bands that I have had the same conundrum about. The voice in my head says "What more can I possibly add that hasn't already been said?" But then I always fall back on the personal and emotional element of the arts and write from my heart.
Thank you for this deep dive and for sharing your love of GK&TP and 'Midnight Train To Georgia' with us.
Thanks, Michael. I must confess that I've yet to read you last post, though I saw the notifiation pop up. It's on my 'to read' list when my work calms down a bit and I get back to normal rhythm.
I agree with you that often the best response to 'what can I add?' is to go ahead and add anyway, because there's always that personal connection/direction that ends up driving the writing.
The other thing that plagues me (I don't know if this is because I've spent a long time as an academic or if it was something I already had that led me towards academia) is a crazy need I feel to try and read/watch/listen to the most I possibly can on a subject before going ahead with my take. In this respect, committing to (more or less) weekly posts on Substack has been good for me because I've had to draw a line under the research aspect and just commit to publishing.
Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting and I look forward to catching up with your recent and forthcoming posts.
Thanks Nick. That's a great cartoon - perhaps the original 'Midnight Train' meme, or a kind of proto-meme?! I don't think the Pips would have time to say all that, though, unless it's in that part of the song where they're conspicously silent!
This article looked deeply into my soul. One of my favorite things in the entire world to do is to ONLY sing the Pips part whenever this song comes on. I've made people duet it with me at karaoke. I sing it in the shower. It's the only way I can even hear the song now. I'll gladly volunteer to be your Pips anytime. "A superstar but he didn't get far...... Dreams don't always come true. Nuh uh, no. Oh no."
Excellent! A day can only be improved by singing along to this song! We may have an idea for the Substack Office Party (Karaoke Edition)!
I was in NYC for the past few days and only had the chance to read this when at the airport. As always, this is an excellent read and write-up, Richard. I love that you focused on the background vocals. I have often thought that background vocals can be a perfect addition and accent for a song. Strangely, for something that may be an afterthought or go unnoticed by the casual listener, backing vocals are like the herb or spice in a well-seasoned dish and can literally transform it. As you brilliantly point out with 'Midnight Train To Georgia."
I can also relate to this line right here:
>>"I felt all that needed to had been said or written about ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’, and partly because I’ve never really known how to approach in words this fabulous sonic creation.<<"
There have been songs, albums, and bands that I have had the same conundrum about. The voice in my head says "What more can I possibly add that hasn't already been said?" But then I always fall back on the personal and emotional element of the arts and write from my heart.
Thank you for this deep dive and for sharing your love of GK&TP and 'Midnight Train To Georgia' with us.
Thanks, Michael. I must confess that I've yet to read you last post, though I saw the notifiation pop up. It's on my 'to read' list when my work calms down a bit and I get back to normal rhythm.
I agree with you that often the best response to 'what can I add?' is to go ahead and add anyway, because there's always that personal connection/direction that ends up driving the writing.
The other thing that plagues me (I don't know if this is because I've spent a long time as an academic or if it was something I already had that led me towards academia) is a crazy need I feel to try and read/watch/listen to the most I possibly can on a subject before going ahead with my take. In this respect, committing to (more or less) weekly posts on Substack has been good for me because I've had to draw a line under the research aspect and just commit to publishing.
Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting and I look forward to catching up with your recent and forthcoming posts.
Such a great groove — every single song. Takes me back to riding in my mom’s old Buick, which was more of a boat than a car.
This is a really lovely piece of writing and a nice tribute to the song, Gladys Knight, and the pips.
I admit, it always makes me think of this Doonesbury cartoon: https://www.flickr.com/photos/deathtogutenberg/3442959270/
Thanks Nick. That's a great cartoon - perhaps the original 'Midnight Train' meme, or a kind of proto-meme?! I don't think the Pips would have time to say all that, though, unless it's in that part of the song where they're conspicously silent!
Yes, the cartoon is slightly unfair to the role of the pips (and your post gives them their due).
I like your description of it as a proto-meme; it does seem like it's taking a familiar image and, essentially, adding slightly sarcastic text to it.