I'm into Something Good: Discovering Love and Music with Herman's Hermits
Marilu has never had solid musical preferences; before we met, she typically enjoyed whatever was popular among her friends, often leaning towards mainstream commercial Mexican pop music aimed at younger audiences. When we began dating, she soon recognized that artists like Timbiriche, Miguel Bose or Flans wouldn't find their way into my car stereo. Eager to please, she never tried to change it, though she only showed a slight interest in my music. So, a musical connection seemed unlikely between us. Thankfully, life is about much more than just music—or is it?
As we grew more comfortable with each other, we reached a point where it was okay not to talk in the car all the time. Focusing on the music was ok. I had strong opinions about music and meticulously curated my cassettes and CDs for our drives. If we were to spend our lives together, breaking the barrier and finding a genuine connection was worthwhile, the same vibration I had with my friends who shared my love of music. I knew we’d never have entire night conversations about “Selling England by the Pound” by Genesis, but I hoped we’d find some music we both truly enjoyed.
Knowing that Rush, The Who, Jethro Tull, Traffic, Pink Floyd, The Stones, Scorpions, AC/DC, Genesis, Black Sabbath, or other classics wouldn’t cut it, I avoided playing them when we were together. Instead, I opted for softer, more accessible music. The Beatles were an obvious choice, and to my surprise, she’d listen to them, but it never went beyond that. She’d never recognize a song unless I told her who it was. I kept trying with artists like Chicago, Eagles, and Carole King, with modest success. Easy ones like ABBA, Bread, or Billy Joel sparked something in her; she’d sometimes name or recognize the song or even ask for it. But when I played Herman's Hermits, the wall came down. For the first time, I saw her genuinely connected with music. Songs like "I'm into Something Good" and "There's a Kind of Hush" made her smile and sing along, turning our car rides into joyful, shared experiences.
Herman’s Hermits were a quintessential part of the British Invasion, a cultural phenomenon in the 1960s where bands from the United Kingdom, notably The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, took the American music scene by storm. Hailing from Manchester, England, Herman’s Hermits was fronted by the charismatic Peter Noone, whose boyish charm and distinctive voice helped the band carve out a significant niche in the pop music landscape. The band's music, characterized by catchy melodies, light-hearted lyrics, and a clean-cut image, made it immensely popular. Unlike some of their contemporaries, who embraced the rebellious spirit of rock 'n' roll, Herman's Hermits' wholesome persona and accessible sound appealed to a broad audience, cementing their place in the annals of 60s pop culture.
Their debut album, “Herman's Hermits,” released in 1965, is a delightful snapshot of the era. Featuring a mix of original songs and covers, the album showcases the band's knack for infectious pop tunes. Tracks like "I'm into Something Good," their first hit single written by the legendary songwriting duo Gerry Goffin and Carole King, highlight their ability to deliver upbeat, feel-good music. The album also includes charming renditions of songs like "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter" and "Can't You Hear My Heartbeat," both of which became major hits in the US and the UK.
While "Herman's Hermits" may not have pushed the boundaries of rock music, its straightforward, catchy compositions and polished performances made it a commercial success. The album perfectly encapsulates the innocent optimism of the mid-60s pop scene and serves as a testament to Herman’s Hermits’ enduring appeal during the British Invasion. Beyond the first album, there are many classics, but their song “No Milk Today” has remained among the best rock classics of all time.
So why did Herman's Hermits resonate so profoundly with Marilu? It’s their simplicity and unwavering optimism. Their songs reflect her inherent character traits—innocence, joy, and a love for simple pleasures. She always sees the bright side, much like the uplifting tunes of Herman’s Hermits. Their music wasn't just something we listened to; it reflected her sunny disposition and our shared moments of happiness.
After 25 years of marriage, for the first time, we attended a concert together in which we vibrated on the same musical frequency. Seeing her face light up and hearing her sing along with the crowd to our favorite Herman's Hermits songs was special.
Like the lyrics of "I'm into Something Good," discovering Herman's Hermits together made me realize how lucky I am to have Marilu. Our journey, underscored by Herman's Hermits' cheerful and heartfelt music, is a testament to how love and optimism can turn every day “Into Something Good”.
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