[T. P. Pole]

I’m not understanding the Dock of the Bay phenomenon. Is there some emotional tie in to some movie or something?

[Dr. Sivana]

I’m not understanding the Dock of the Bay phenomenon. Is there some emotional tie in to some movie or something?

No. It just drew weak opponents because it is late '60s. Aquarius/Sunshine feels VERY dated. Heck, it was dated in 1974! This round, I am selecting "Dock" because no one is more overrated or bears relistening less than the "Righteous Brothers". I think Roy Orbison having two of the Final FOur is more difficult to explain, especially since "Crying" knocked off "Runaway", which should have been in the "Final Four" of the sixties, but numerous Freepers obviously disagree.

Otis' vocal performance is exceptional. If you listen closely you can feel the pain in his voice. The fact that he dies a tragic death shortly after the release does add to the story of the song (similar to Jim Croce's "Time In a Bottle" or Lennon's "Starting Over"). The song also resists the Pop Music temptation to go too fast or to overwhelm the listener. This is the Anti-Phil Specter hit song.

[Psalm 73]

"I’m not understanding the Dock of the Bay phenomenon."

And I'm not understanding the Roy Orbison phenomenon - I mean, good, but he's not the Beatles.

[the OlLine Rebel]

I don’t get it either.

All I know is its 1st 2 rounds were weak, so that boosted it forward. After that, I really don’t get it.

It’s a nice song, but “awesome”? No way!

[Gil4]

I’m not understanding the Dock of the Bay phenomenon. Is there some emotional tie in to some movie or something?

No movie tie-in that I know of. (That would be You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ / Top Gun)

Not criticizing the format - it's fun, it's fair, and it's an interesting exercise, but the top of the pop charts are usually better at recognizing passing fads rather than enduring greatness. What we end up voting on is the most enduring of the fads.

The idea that Dock of the Bay could be one of the top four songs of the 60s is not nearly as silly as the idea that Roy Orbison could have two of them.