Wasted Days And Wasted Nights - Freddy Fender

Wasted Days And Wasted Nights - Freddy Fender

2:52

Before the Next Teardrop Falls, 1975

Written by Wayne Duncan and Freddy Fender, 1959

Many people know this song from the Sir Douglas Quintet version, or the live versions by singer Doug Sahm.  The Quintet released it in 1971, four years prior to this recording, but it's actually a Fender original from 1959.  On this re-recorded version, Fender dedicates the song to Sahm in appreciation for his prior recording: "Wherever you are, brother!"  With his wavering falsetto, Fender sings like New Orleans version of the Ink Spots' Bill Kenny.  His voice soars over some polished pedal steel lines and a tinkling country piano.  The lyrics, about a lost love, feature a first line with some interestingly mangled Spanish-influenced grammar: "Wasted days and wasted nights / I have left for you behind / For you don't belong to me / Your heart belongs to someone else."

Acapulco Rock - Freddy Fender

Acapulco Rock - Freddy Fender

2:23

Eddie con los Shades, 1961

Written by Freddy Fender

This release has an interesting history.  It was recorded under the name under the name Eddie Medina because at that time he was still with Falcon Records under his real name, Baldemar Huerta.  They wore sunglasses on stage; thus the Shades part.  This song is in Spanish, describing a dance on the beach, encouraging everyone, even the swimmers, to get out of the water and have fun dancing.  Fender's guitar is bright, with stuttering surf and rockabilly lines, and a hint of Latin flavor.