The Orioles had that irresistible pattern: Sonny Til taking the lead vocal and, by the time of the second bridge, when you’ve already begun falling under their spell, baritone George Nelson (not pictured on the sleeve above) stepping in and claiming you for good.

Were these UK pub prodigies singing about Nixon? In any case, it’s the song that plays in my head whenever the current Vice President weighs in on anything. We all cope in different ways.

The Winkies – “Trust in Dick” (1975)

Beach Boy dad Murry Wilson focused on managing and producing this group, best known for their “I Live for the Sun,” after his sons fired him. But the notoriously heavy handed patriarch is remembered as being always on his best behavior around the Sunrays. This dizzy single is one of that group’s very last creations.

“There Was a Pig Went Out to Dig”

I’ve got a Rhino compilation from 1984 with this on it and here’s what the liner notes reveal:

“This trio of honky tonk hipsters played the beer joints in the Salt Lake City area of Utah, and in 1959 they recorded this song for R.J. Wooten’s GRC label. Radio programmers in Robert Hall Suits weren’t ready for this!”

I grew up in Salt Lake and I can assure you that if you’ve ever wondered who the all-time reigning rock kings of the SLC scene might be, you’ll never need to wonder again after listening to this shredder.

Update: Sources tell me the record actually came out in 1960.

Three Aces and a Joker – “Sleigh Bell Rock”

If you told me it was actually Bob Barker singing with Rosemary, I’d believe it. Sounds like him, doesn’t it?

Here’s a picture of my Lordi Christmas ornament as it currently dangles. Those of you who don’t follow the annual Eurovision song contest, a Finnish group of monsters called Lordi won the whole thing earlier this year. I’m of Finnish descent, but I’m sure I’d still be basking in the glow of this historic coup if I weren’t.

This plays right after James Coburn learns he’ll be analyst to the president of the U.S. He walks down the DC city streets with a big smile and eventually enjoys a soft-lit roll with his lady friend by the song’s end.

After hearing the ringtone here, I may decide to use one.

Rita Ford’s Music Boxes – “Silent Night, Holy Night”