Wednesday, September 12, 2012

ROCK Sex: "Games People Play" - Joe South > Beach Boys > John Lennon > The Spinners > Alan Parsons



ROCK Sex is out to mess with your head.

Today, a cultural relay of the same title concept across different songs.

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In 1964, the psychology book GAMES PEOPLE PLAY by Eric Berne was a massive bestseller.


Joe South (of "Hush" fame) had a big hit with that theme.

JOE SOUTH -"Games People Play" (1968)



Dozens of artists covered it quickly >. Here it is in French.

CLAUDE FRANCOIS -"Jeu Dangereux" (1969)




Then other original responses appeared. Here Brian Wilson even refers to Joe South and his hit directly.

THE BEACH BOYS -"Games Two Can Play" (1969)




Apple Records star Doris Troy, produced by George Harrison and using the same 1950s shuffle rhythm as "Oh Darling", takes her cover version to church.

DORIS TROY -"Games People Play" (1969)




Eric Berne's book also coined the term "mind games" for deceitful intentions.

John Lennon flipped the script on the concept by undermining negatives with positive strategies.

JOHN LENNON -"Mind Games" (1973)




Lifted on the bouyant voice of Philippe Wynne and stellar arrangements of producer Thom Bell, here's The Spinners with another classic original.

THE SPINNERS -"They Just Can't Stop It (Games People Play)" (1975)




Alan Parsons, known for engineering records with The Beatles and Pink Floyd, made his own big hit with this original.

ALAN PARSONS PROJECT -"Games People Play" (1980)




Lady Wray brings some Soul sway to the game.

LADY WRAY -"Games People Play" (2021)



© Tym Stevens



See Also:

BRIAN WILSON-esque: All The Songs Imitating His BEACH BOYS Music Styles!, with 3 Music Players!

LENNON-esque: All-Star Homage Playlists To His BEATLES And SOLO Styles!, with 2 Music Players!


The Real History of Rock and Soul!: The Music Player Checklist


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