Let's Dance

I was trying to find a song, preferably from the 80s and 90s, that had the refrain of "dance" or "dancing" in it.  turns out there are lots of them, but not all in my wheelhouse.  I'm not a fan of boy bands.  Not a fan of country songs about dance.  Too sentimental for such an energetic exercise.  So it has to be rock, rockabilly, or New Age Rock.  

So we start with Van Halen's "Let's Dance the Night Away," 1979.

David Bowie's "Let's Dance," 1983.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "Mary Jane's Last Dance," 1993, isn't bad.  Lyrics don't really capture the free expression of dance.  I guess it's just memorable from my younger days of the 80s and 90s.

Don Henley's "All She Wants to Do Is Dance," 1984, is pretty good.

Sly and the Family Stone's "Dance to the Music," 1967, is decent.  Maybe a little too funky for me.    

Madness's "One Step Beyond," 1979, may not have the word "dance" in it, but "One Step Beyond" is a reference to a dance of sorts.  And to be honest, I can't imagine dancing to too many other songs.  

Definitely not dance songs, but songs I grew up with in the 80s, while working nights at UPS in Baldwin Park, 1980-1983.  Used to hear and love the song, "Pulling Mussels from a Shell," 1980, by Squeeze. 

And Squeeze's 1981 tune, "Tempted."   

Ah, yes, Kim Carnes, 1981, "Bette Davis Eyes."   

And, of course, the Psychedelic Furs', 1982, "Love My Way."  Odd that now, today, this song actually hurts me.  So sad, so stuck in loneliness and helplessness.  Glad those years are over.  I forgot that they wrote and sang the song for the 1981 movie, "Pretty in Pink." 

And then, of course, there was The Flock of Seagulls that everybody loved.  The 1980s were a heady time music-wise.  But perhaps the best of that era was Duran Duran with songs like "Hungry Like a Wolf," 1982.  Below is Duran Duran's "Rio," 1982.

What is it with the British that they think they can dress up with unbuttoned shirts, flip tables, and run through streets as if they own the place?  

But my favorite of theirs is "Ordinary World," 1992.

The Jam, "Town Called Malice," 1982.

Elvis Costello's "Watching the Detectives," 1977.  

Soft Cell's "Tainted Love," 1981.  The British make some creepy music videos.  I think that's done on purpose because those ruling over the music industry in Britain are a bit strange to the point that makes Benny Hill look like a normal working guy.

And who didn't love Blondie's Debbie Harry singing "Heart of Glass," 1979?  I'd read once that she helped nurse back to health the lead guitarist.  Kind of a decent woman.

The Cars, "Drive," 1984.  With Benjamin Orr (1947-2000) singing lead.  And "Just What I Needed," 1978.

Ric Ocasek (1944-2019) sings lead on this one, "Shake It Up," 1981.

I am amazed that I can remember any of this.  But here is Bananarama's 1983 single hit, "Cruel Summer."  

The Bangles were another favorite, 

The Clash's "Charlie Don't Surf," 1980, is named after a line in the 1979 antiwar, Vietnam war movie, Apocalypse Now.  

"London Calling," 1979.  "Rock the Casbah," 1982.

Cyndi Lauper, "Time After Time," 1982.

The Herald-Examiner Building, Los Angeles, 1937

1906, The Los Angeles Examiner.  Founded in 1903 and merged with the Herald Express in 1962 until its closing in 1989.  Thanks to Historic Pictoric.  The Examiner does have an online archive.  Free trial.  

1915, Cover of Los Angeles Examiner on March 20, 1915.

1937, View looking north on Broadway towards Eleventh. Julia Morgan designed the Mission-Revival style Herald-Examiner Building (1111 South Broadway) which opened in 1914. In 1962 the Morning Examiner (founded in 1903) merged with the Evening Herald Express (founded approximately 1871) creating the Herald-Examiner newspaper. The building was designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #178 in 1977 and closed in 1989. (Herman J Schultheis Collection) https://buff.ly/3TEpiWC.  Thank you to LAPL Photo Collection.  Today it's home to Arizona State University.  

1937, Exterior view of the Examiner newspaper building, located at 1111 South Broadway, and was designed by architect Julia Morgan. (Works Progress Administration Collection).  Thank you to LAPL.

1976, View of the Mission Revival style Herald-Examiner Building located at Broadway and 11th Street in downtown Los Angeles. Photo by William Reagh.

Completed in 1914, the block-long Herald Examiner Building was commissioned by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst to house his Los Angeles Examiner newspaper. Designed by pioneering architect Julia Morgan, the first woman licensed to practice architecture in California, the building blends Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival styles. This project marked the first collaboration between Hearst and Morgan, preceding their more famous work on Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Today, the Herald Examiner Building houses Arizona State University's California Center, along with retail, dining, and event spaces.  Thank you to Jack Feldman.  Find more pics of the Herald-Examiner Building @ Water & Power.  

Devil's Gate Bridge, 1893

 

Thank you to Los Angeles Relic.

Opening of Devil's Gate Bridge across the Arroyo Seco, 1893. Source: The Lanterman House Museum

The Pike, 1936

 

The Pike, 1936.  Great photo.  Love everyone's attire, the signage, the architecture, and so forth.  

[ca.1918] Visitors are seen strolling outside the "Hades" amusement attraction on the Venice pier. (Herald-Examiner Collection) https://buff.ly/3LeHvo2

 But the reason I post it is to illustrate how many songs, hit songs of the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond have celebrated death.  Kids wouldn't heed any message or lyrics from 

This song was written in 1973 by Bob Dylan 

"Knockin' on Heaven's Door" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, written for the soundtrack of the 1973 film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. 

I thought of the song after considering the lyrics to the 1967 song by British band, Procol Harum's song, "Whiter Shade of Pale."

We skipped the light fandango turned cartwheels 'cross the floor I was feeling kinda' seasick the crowd called out for more the room was humming harder as the ceiling flew away when we called out for another drink the waiter brought a tray and so it was that later as a mirror told its tale that her face at first just ghostly turned a whiter shade of pale She said: "There is no reason and the truth is plain to see" but I wandered through my playing cards would not let her be one of sixteen vestal virgins who were leaving for the coast and although my eyes were open they might just as well've been closed and so it was that later as the miller told his tale that her face at first just ghostly turned a whiter shade of pale..

The Hall of Justice, Los Angeles, 1925-

 

1951, Looking north on Broadway with the Hall of Justice on the right.  (Herald Examiner Collection)  https://buff.ly/LPy1iai.  Thank you to LAPL. Posted Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

The old Hall of Justice Building, 1982.

The Hall of Justice, 1943.  Located @ 211 West Temple in the Civic Center.

Angels Flight, 1901-1969

1901, About a week ago, I posted a vibrantly color photo of Angels Flight funicular railway at the corner of Hill and 3rd Sts in downtown LA. This is that same railway, but it (and its surroundings) look quite different. That photo from last week was from some time in the 1950s; this one, however, was taken on opening day, December 31, 1901. The carriages are much smaller and they seem to be open-air. There was no striking vermilion arch at the bottom, just a simple wooden one. And in the background, we get a taste of the ornate Victorian-era homes that used to fill the Bunker Hill area.  Thanks to Martin Turnbull.

I'm adding this link to Water and Power's site on Angel's Flight on Thursday, May 9, 2024.  It's got a lot of terrific pics of Angel's Flight.  

1901, Horse-drawn wagons head into the eastern portal of the Third Street Tunnel, with the newly constructed Angels Flight visible on the left. The sign above the tunnel entrance reads: 'Notice, $50.00 fine for riding or driving through this tunnel faster than a walk.'  Thanks to Jack Feldman.

1901, This is the earliest shot of Angel's Flight that I've seen.  Thank you to Historic Los Angeles for this photo. It needs to be dated.  But this pic was posted on November 27, 2023.

I remember Dad talking affectionately and nostalgically about Angel's Flight and what it was.  His basic answer to a kid was: it's a trolley.  But I had no sense of the geography of things in downtown Los Angeles as a kid. 

1907, Angels Flight funicular at the Third Street tunnel with an observation tower, Downtown Los Angeles (1907).  Thank you to Historical Los Angeles, USA.  [Posted on Friday, November 1, 2024.]

Angels Flight, the iconic funicular railway, transported passengers up and down Bunker Hill from 1901 to the mid-20th century, providing a unique way to navigate downtown’s steep terrain. This 1907 view, it stands near the Third Street tunnel, complete with a lookout tower offering panoramic city views. This charming red trolley became known as the “Shortest Railway in the World,” serving locals commuting to and from the bustling business district below. Angels Flight symbolized the city’s innovative spirit and desire to make urban life more accessible, remaining a beloved Los Angeles landmark to this day.

1909, A Crowd of People Gathered Around the Angels Flight Incline Railway Watching F.R. Pendelton Send His Cartercar Automobile Up the Incline, Los Angeles (1909).  Thank you to Historical Los Angeles USA.  Posted Sunday, February 2, 2025.

In 1909, a large crowd gathered around the Angels Flight incline railway to witness an unusual sight—F.R. Pendelton sending his Cartercar automobile up the steep tracks. Angels Flight, known as the world’s shortest railway, was designed for pedestrians, but the daring demonstration captured the imagination of onlookers. The event symbolized the growing fascination with automobiles in Los Angeles, a city soon to be defined by its car culture. The incline railway, which connected Bunker Hill to downtown, remained an essential part of daily life for many residents.

1910, Third & Hill Street, Angels Flight.  Thank you to Historical Los Angeles USA.

1930s, 3rd and Hill, Los Angeles (1930s).  Thank you to Historical Los Angeles.  

During the 1930s, the bustling intersection of 3rd and Hill in downtown Los Angeles was surrounded by shops, cafes, and thriving businesses. This part of the city was filled with pedestrians, streetcars, and the sound of city life, contributing to downtown's role as a commercial and cultural hub. The architecture reflected the era’s styles, with ornate facades and signage adorning each building. As one of Los Angeles' busiest intersections, 3rd and Hill attracted a diverse mix of residents and visitors. Today, the area preserves remnants of its storied past while continuing to evolve with modern developments.
#losangeles #losangelescalifornia #usa #explore #history #historica

1934, Angel's Flight.  Thank you to the LAPL Photo Collection.

1935, Angels Flight Funicular Railway and 3rd Street Tunnel.

In 1935, Los Angeles was home to the iconic Angels Flight funicular railway, a cherished landmark that played a significant role in the city's transportation and urban landscape. Operating since 1901, Angels Flight was a crucial link between the bustling downtown area and the elevated Bunker Hill neighborhood, providing a unique and scenic ride through the heart of Los Angeles.

The funicular railway, known for its distinctive cable-operated cars, was a practical solution to the steep incline of Bunker Hill. The ride was both functional and charming, offering passengers an efficient means of traversing the hilly terrain while enjoying sweeping views of the city. The railway became a beloved feature of Los Angeles, symbolizing both the city’s rapid growth and its embrace of innovative transportation solutions.

The photograph from 1935 captures Angels Flight in its prime, showcasing the two cars that operated on the incline, connected by a cable and driven by a system of pulleys and counterweights. The railway's distinctive appearance, with its ornate ironwork and elegant design, reflects the early 20th-century aesthetic and the importance of integrating functionality with visual appeal.

Also visible in the photograph is the Third Street Tunnel, an engineering marvel of its own time. Completed in the 1930s, the tunnel was a critical infrastructure project designed to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity in downtown Los Angeles. It served as a vital route for vehicles traveling through the city, complementing the urban landscape and enhancing the overall transportation network.

Angels Flight operated until 1969, after which it was closed and later reestablished in the 1990s in a slightly different location. The Third Street Tunnel, however, continued to serve as an essential part of Los Angeles' transportation system. Both landmarks represent significant aspects of the city's history, reflecting its growth, innovation, and the challenges of urban development.

Today, Angels Flight remains a historical and cultural symbol of Los Angeles, cherished for its heritage and its role in the city’s early 20th-century history. The Third Street Tunnel stands as a reminder of the ongoing evolution of urban infrastructure.  Thank you to Walker Man.

1940s, Angels Flight from Hill Street.

The history of Angel's Flight is a kind of veneer on the history of Bunker Hill.  Wikipedia gets that started here,

Historically, Bunker Hill was a large hill that separated the Victorian-era Downtown from the western end of the city. The hill was tunneled through at Second Street in 1924, and at Third and Fourth Streets. In the late 20th century, the hill was lowered in elevation, and the entire area was redeveloped to supplant old frame and concrete buildings with modern high-rises and other structures for residences, commerce, entertainment, and education.

Bunker Hill is bordered on the west by Figueroa and bordered on the east by Main Street.  But that makes no sense.  The map below has Bunker Hill outlined in a perforated red line, which seems accurate.

basically the Civic Center, the Walt Disney Music Hall, the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion, the Moss Courthouse at First and Hill, the Water and Power Building, and the Broad Modern Art Museum.  So the 

1945, Angels Flight, August 14, 1945. Source: AP Photo. Thank you to Los Angeles Relics.

1948, Sitting under Angel's Flight at Clay Street. (Security Pacific National Bank Collection) https://buff.ly/3Wkky9N. Thank you to the LAPL.

Posted Wednesday, March 20, 2024

1950s, No date is given for this shot, but it's a good one. The description reads, "From the station at the top, a view straight down the track with both cars at the midway point. Beyond is 3rd Street with cars and pedestrians." Exciting eh?

1950s, A semaphore traffic signal near the entrance of Angel's Flight with the 3rd Street Tunnel on the right. 

1950s, Angel's Flight, corner of 3rd & Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA.  Thanks to Paul Ayers @ Los Angeles and Southern California Nostalgia. 

1952, It shows up in the 1952 film noir, The Turning Point, starring William Holden, at the 18:09 mark.  Lots of other great Downtown Los Angeles landmarks to check out too.

The movie, BTW, was inspired by the Kefauver Committee's hearings, 1950-1951, dealing with organized crime which were of enormous public interest in 1950 and 1951, and which inspired quite a few film noir moments, as it happened. 

Several locations of historical interest in Downtown Los Angeles can be seen in this film. The original Angels Flight funicular railway is part of one scene. The Hotel Belmont can also be seen. Neither of these landmarks remains. Other buildings that can be seen are the San Fernando Building in the Bank District and a Metropolitan Water District building at 3rd and Broadway.

1953, View of Hill St. entrance to Angels Flight, Los Angeles, CA. 

1955, View of Angels Flight as it passes over Clay Street.

1956, Lots of great shots of Angel's Flight and appearances of it in movies, like the one starring Lon Chaney, The Indestructible Man, 1956.  It appears here at the 40:39 mark.  This scene caught Chuck's eye and so he told me about this film.  It's a good one.

Note how color strips the scene of its noir charm.

1957, The intersection of 3rd and Hill streets, the location of the lower terminus of Angels Flight. (L. Mildred Harris Slide Collection). https://buff.ly/3QjzvFZ.

1958, Photo from LA Times article titled: ‘Blanket of Smog Obscures View of City from Top of Angels Flight’.  Thank you to the great Jack Feldon.

https://waterandpower.org/.../Smog_in_Early_Los_Angeles.html.

Jim Dawson has done a decent job of collecting photos of Angel's Flight over the years. 

Wikipedia explains that, 

The funicular has operated on two different sites, using the same cars and station elements. The original Angels Flight location, with trackage along the side of Third Street Tunnel and connecting Hill Street and Olive Street, operated from 1901 until it was closed in 1969, when its site was cleared for redevelopment. 

1960, Low-end view of the original Angels Flight with the 3rd Street Tunnel.  Thanks to Wikipedia.

The charm of Angel's Flight is that it lifted you up to Bunker Hill.  What was so great about Bunker Hill, you ask?  

Thank you to the LA Public Library Photo Collection.

1962, Looking up Angels Flight tracks.  Note the demolition of the apartment buildings to the south of Angel's Flight. 

1962, Angel's Flight.  Thank you to LAist.  

1962, Angel's Flight car ascends on the track.  In the background, remnants of demolished buildings are visible.  Security Pacific National Bank Collection.  https://buff.ly/4dBfDYX.  Thanks to LAPL.

All rea

1962, The demolition of the buildings around Angels Flight.  Thanks to Wikipedia.  While the hotels south of Angel's Flight were demolished in 1962, Angel's Flight itself was torn down in 1969 and relocated in 1996 further south to connect Hill with the California Plaza.

1963, LA, CA.  Angels Flight railway after surrounding buildings had been torn down for Bunker Hill redevelopment.  Thanks to Mel-v VC.  And to Dan Walgenbach.

1965, Angels Flight, 3rd Street Tunnel, and Bunker Hill. (Milton Martinez - Herald Examiner Collection) https://buff.ly/3v3L8ZV. 

1965, Angels Flight, 3rd Street Tunnel and Bunker Hill.  (Milton Martinez, Herald-Examiner Collection).  Thanks to LAPL.  

1965, "Angel's Flight fashions for Angel Week include career bound paisley printed sheer wool skimmer shift." (Herald-Examiner Collection) https://buff.ly/3MAPYmE.  Thanks to LAPL.  Posted on Friday, September 6, 2024.

1965, At the 7-minute mark in this 1965 movie, Angel's Flight, a woman boards Angels Flight to go up to Bunker Hill.  

The charm of Angel's Flight is that it lifted you up to Bunker Hill.  What was so great about Bunker Hill, you ask?  

1968, Angels Flight [Joe Messinger, Herald-Examiner Collection.  Thank you to LAPL.  Posted on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

ANGELS FLIGHT

1969,  Will temporarily discontinue Service as of 10:30 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 1969.  Angels Flight will be disassembled and stored until the time when the top of Bunker Hill has been graded.  It is hoped that this will take no longer than two years.  Then Angels Flight will be reassembled in the same location.  To mark the temporary closing, there will be a brief ceremony Friday, May 16 at 12:30 p.m.  All passengers may ride free the last weekend.  

Schedule a free rides: Friday, May 16: 1:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. 

The Community Redevelopment Agency City of Los Angeles

Title: Angels Flight - Bunker Hill Los Angeles 1960's by Jon Eccentric.  Video shows 1960's renovation and redevelopment of the Bunker Hill district of Los Angeles. The video above is a condensed version of this 13-minute treatment.

There's Prelinger Archives.

Prelinger Library.

Prelinger Archive Collection. I don't know what the difference between the Archives and the Archive Collection is yet. Haven't spent any time on these sites, but they look like interesting databases.