154. "Nights In White Satin" by The Moody Blues {Strangely, it only went to #103 when first released in 1968. It was then re-released and went to #2 in 1972.} [iTunes? Yes]
Let's get one thing straight from the get-go here. The version of "Nights In White Satin" that is at #154 on the HondoJoe Top 200 most definitely includes the recited poem (known as "Late Lament") on the end of it.
Yes, the "Nights In White Satin" part of the song is very good, with its "letters I've written, never meaning to send," and its "just what the truth is, I can't say anymore." But, without "Late Lament" added to it, it wouldn't have a chance of making the Top 200. (It would just be another nice "Four Star" song from its era, like The Association's "Cherish" or "Incense and Peppermints" by the Strawberry Alarm Clock.)
No, it's the pretentious, stuffy, (very) British poetry that puts this song on the list! I had a tough time choosing a title for this post. I finally chose "Breathe Deep the Gathering Gloom," mostly because it puts me in mind of a really odiferous fart. (Yes, I am that juvenile.) But, I also strongly considered "Cold-Hearted Orb That Rules the Night," because I'm all for anything that increases our usage of the word "orb." And, I thought about "Senior Citizens Wish They Were Young," just because, well, duh.
Of course, I'm also a fan of the orchestral arrangement on this song. (You can't tell me it didn't have an influence on Jeff Lynne and his ELO cohorts.) And, last but not least, there's that use of the gong to end the song. It's like a wise man once said: "You've gotta like a song if it ends with a gong." (I'm wise, right?)
COMING UP NEXT: Wait for it.
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