You’re Dead – Norma Tanega

Something about Norma Tanega‘s 1966 song “You’re Dead” feels ahead of its time to me. Maybe it’s the darker tone or the interesting groove with mixed tempos. Whatever it is, this song is really damn cool. I love the way Norma plays the guitar on this track, maintaining a folk feel while still making it pretty noticeable and standout. I don’t think this song is anywhere near as cool with just regular strumming. I also really dig the little jam in the last 15 seconds of the song or so.

Lyrically, this one is pretty haunting, but not in an uneasy way. In the same way that some old-school cartoons are “spooky” but not necessarily meant to be scary. In my head, I’m picturing this particular animation from 1933, a Betty Boop cartoon retelling the story of Snow White set to Cab Calloway singing “St. James Infirmary Blues” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXInk1PCsc8

Since it’s now October, I thought this would be a great song to get into the “spooky” spirit of things. Thanks to J.J. for reminding me of this one as well.

Link to song – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4jUZ-Ex1k0

Link to live – Unfortunately, I can’t find any live performances of Norma, but there are some solid cover versions on YouTube.