RCA Camden Records Mono 1965
"Love Is Strange" was a 1957 Top 40 hit for Mickey & Sylvia, originally released on Groove Records, a division of RCA. It reached #11 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart, becoming their only Top 20 hit. The song features a sinuous guitar riff and provocative verbal byplay between Mickey and Sylvia as well as a Latin American beat and a strong melodic hook. The lyrics consist of just eight lines, each of which uses the same basic tune, with some variances in the harmony. The role of the lead guitar, the bright recording technique, and the lush melody had an influence that can be clearly heard in many more modern rock songs, notably "Day Tripper" and other guitar-driven Beatles songs. Dave "Baby" Cortez used the same break riff as "Love is Strange" on his 1962 hit "Rinky Dink", got sued for copying down that melodic riff, and had to pay thousands of dollars in damages to both Mickey and Sylvia. The 1963 song "Killer Joe" by one-hit wonders the Rocky Fellers, bears more than a passing similarity to the chorus of "Love is Strange," though it never sparked a lawsuit.
In addition to its musical quality, the song is remarkable as an instance of convergence. Although only a one-hit wonder, the recording was touched by, or touched, a large number of important people and musical trends, even down to a dispute over authorship.
Side 1.
1. Love Is Strange
2. Walkin' In The Rain
3. Dearest
4. In My Heart
5. Mommy Out de Light
Side 2.
1. Love Is a Treasure
2. Two Shadows
3. Love Will Make You Fail
4. No Good Lover
5. I'm Going Home
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