There's something about oldies that makes me smile. From the care free lyrics and whiny nasal sounding singing to simple bass grooves and barbershop harmonies, the oldies are an alusion to a simpler time. Even if the fiftties and sixties weren't really all that happy, simple, or fun, I wouldn't know. I wasn't around, but if the legend is true, it sounds pretty fun. The doo-op influenced rock n roll was in an infancy stage, and just as a real infant it was care free and full of life and potential.

There are 10 oldies songs that give me an involuntary smile. Some of them can lift my mood immediately. These songs are like a short acting antidepressant. The only side effect I get is a song stuck in my head. So be warned if you click the links and listen to the samples, you just might catch yourself singing or whistling these tunes in the shower.

You Send Me - Sam Cooke

I've recently discovered the smooth voice of Sam Cooke. This one gets me in a euphoric state right away. Nice harmonic background and fun bass line. Just try to be angry and listen to this one. Click HERE to hear the song.

Everyday - Buddy Holly and the Crickets

Ah Hey, A Hey Hey, this one is fun just because of the hick-up style of Buddy Holly if nothing else. But I can imagine him patting his blue jean covered legs through the entire song making them beat red by the end. Everyday seems a little happier when I listen to this one, Ah Hey Hey.

Sherry - Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

Sherry must have kicked Frankie in the crotch. It's falsetto featured fun for this one. This guy would not make it on American Idol. Well maybe the outtakes; Simon would shake his head and say, "that was the worst karaoke sounding voice I've ever heard." I love it though. Click HERE to hear it.

Stay - Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs

"Stay just a little bit ah longer" in a good mood with this one. Literally, it's just under 100 seconds long. So this one is worth a couple listens. Of course the higher octave voice in the second chorus is ridiculously funny. Everyone sing along!

Punky's Dilemma - Simon and Garfunkel

"I wish I was a Kellog's Cornflake floatin in my bowl takin movies" or an "english muffin." Either way, personified breakfast food is fun to think about. This one may not be a real oldie, but the lyrics, whistling part, and sound effects make for a fun song. Click HERE to hear a sample.

Barbara Ann - The Beach Boys

I just wish I could be in the room when the Beach Boys recorded this one. It sounds like a party. They even stop singing and just talk in the middle of the song. "Scratch it Carl, lower."

Dream - The Everly Brothers

"Dreeeeeam, dream, dream, dream. Whenever I want to all I have to do is" listen to this one. Pure day dream escapism. The lyrics "Gee whiz" gives it a "Leave it to Beaver" feel. BEAVER! Pay attention in class!

Duke of Earl - Gene Chandler

Classic Doo-op style with a medieval lyric content. Just a fun groove. Whoever the Duke of Earl is, he likes his lady. Don't look at her or he will joust you in the eye. Click HERE to hear it.

Devil in Disguise - Elvis Presley

After mentioning the Duke of Earl, we can't forget "The King." This one is much more fun when you sing along. Belt it as loud as you can when you get to "You're the devil..." Click HERE to hear it.

Blue Moon - The Marcels

"Bom ba ba bom, bom bom ba bom bom, ba ba bom ba ba bom, dang a dang dang, ba ding a dang dong Blue Moon." Need I say More? "Dip da dip da dip I don't think so. See if you can keep up.

After putting together my list I realized that most of the songs, if not all, were songs I listened to as a child. Dad usually had the Oldies station on in the car. My brother almost exclusively listened to The Beach Boys, and somehow Simon and Garfunkel got in the mix. Maybe I smile when I hear these songs because they trigger good memories.

I guess I should thank them for exposure to this music, because I grew up in the 80's. It could have been a lot worse. I caught up with Pink Floyd, Van Halen, and recently Dire Straits at a mature age. Thank goodness I didn't waste my ears on the 80's crap.

Well, did you make it through the list without smiling? If so, I am sorry; you may need to lighten up. Remember to bookmark this page when you need a little mood lifter you can come back for some therapy. Or you could buy the songs of course, or even better make your own mix of oldies but goodies.

If you want to get yourself motivated to work a little harder in the gym or run a little faster, the read this hub containing some great workout songs to add to your mp3 player.  Use these songs to get you moving.

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