Dog is a good old cat
July 30, 2017 10:48 PM Subscribe
One-hit-wonder Norma Tanega is known only for “Walkin’ My Cat Named Dog,” her soulful, folky quasi-novelty song of 1966 that reached #22 in the pop charts early that year. The whimsical song’s easy-going charm, catchy chorus and vocal harmonies are irresistible, but Tanega, who has recorded several albums worth of worthy material since, was never able to follow it up with another hit record. During the late 1960s Tanega had a romantic relationship with singer Dusty Springfield, during which time she wrote and recorded her "lost" album, I Don’t Think It Will Hurt If You Smile.
I just found out about her yesterday via What We Do In The Shadows*, I'd assumed that song was written for the film as the lyrics were so appropriate - although I had misheard "you're down" as "you're damned". Either way, a wonderful choice for the film and a fantastic song, I've enjoyed going through her others too.
*which you should all go watch
posted by Jon Mitchell at 12:13 AM on July 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
*which you should all go watch
posted by Jon Mitchell at 12:13 AM on July 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
*which you should all go watch
oh yes immediately it is the best
posted by louche mustachio at 12:42 AM on July 31, 2017 [3 favorites]
oh yes immediately it is the best
posted by louche mustachio at 12:42 AM on July 31, 2017 [3 favorites]
"Walkin' My Cat Named Dog" was also covered by They Might Be Giants and Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show.
posted by Faint of Butt at 3:22 AM on July 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Faint of Butt at 3:22 AM on July 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
Oh I love her voice. A Street That Rhymes at 6 a.m. is my favorite from that first album.
posted by JanetLand at 4:37 AM on July 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by JanetLand at 4:37 AM on July 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
Oh, man, how did I not know about her til now? I don't have time today to spend all day on YT -- but still, thanks, Johnny!!!
posted by allthinky at 5:50 AM on July 31, 2017
posted by allthinky at 5:50 AM on July 31, 2017
She's a very engaging performer. I've never seen a singer smile so much while singing.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 7:29 AM on July 31, 2017
posted by TWinbrook8 at 7:29 AM on July 31, 2017
So how do you pronounce Tanega? Is it TAN-ega? Ta-NAY-ga? Something else?
posted by languagehat at 8:56 AM on July 31, 2017
posted by languagehat at 8:56 AM on July 31, 2017
She looks Latina, so I've been thinking ta-NEH-ga.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 9:57 AM on July 31, 2017
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 9:57 AM on July 31, 2017
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Unless you've seen What We Do In The Shadows because then you know this one, too.
She is excellent!
posted by louche mustachio at 11:30 PM on July 30, 2017 [11 favorites]