Aired on Treasure Island Oldies – Mar 19, 2023

Ever wondered what the 45 singles of “Earth Angel” by the Penguins, “Rock Around The Clock” by Bill Haley And His Comets, “Green Onions” by Booker T & the MGs, “Maggie May” by Rod Stewart and “Na Na Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” by Steam all have in common? Probably not.

Well, back in the day when they were originally released, they were positioned as the B-side of the single with the corresponding A-side being destined for airplay. Thank goodness someone, primarily Deejays, had the wherewithal to turn them over …

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There is no doubt that some of the greatest recordings of all time began their life as B-sides. Fortunately these recordings “saw the light” and made it to our ears.

However, B-sides were also subject to not even being heard because the A-sides were so strong and dominant. These B-sides became “lost in the shuffle.”

In addition to this, there were songs whose A & B-sides both charted but still remain rarely heard today because the artist/group who performed them were most associated with other records they had which were more successful and memorable.

Supporting this latter claim, is a record that was put out by the Temptations in October of 1965, five months after their smash hit “My Girl” had fallen off the Billboard Hot 100.

That October release was titled “My Baby” and it went to #13 position on the charts but it’s not a song that jumps out at you as being by the Temptations. Two months later, the record was flipped over and the B-side made its way onto the charts, only to be soon forgotten thanks to the Temptations February 1966 release, “Get Ready.”

Fans of “oldies” music enjoy hearing songs like “My Baby” because they are good and have not been overplayed. And when it comes to the B-side of these singles, which may have charted or should have charted, these “lost in the shuffle” tunes have been classified by some as “relics.”

In the case of the Temptations’ 1965 B-side relic, are you up to their challenge of “Don’t Look Back,” this week’s Tom Locke moment in time.

YouTube video of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l89W1mmnc2Y

This “Moments In Time” story is yet another example of a “golden oldie” or forgotten favorite that earned its place in the evolution of Rock & Roll.