Once in a rare moon I get together with some good friends for what we refer to as “Man Night”. Translation: a night without girlfriends or wives. It also means a chance to play DJ — two turn tables and a mixing board. Showtime.

Picking out the records is always fun — yet stressful. That’s because every song counts. And keeping within the spirit of competitive male bonding — someone always wins.

Throughout the week, I’m making out my set list with the hope that I will impress all my buddies with a rare Pretty Things LP or some out-of-print Badfinger album I picked up for $3 at a flea market in Maine. Phrases like: “Hey man, who is this?” or “Can I see the liner notes?” earn big points. Excessive talking during your set about other bands people are currently listening to is a bad sign.

It was on one of those nights a few years back that I came in contact with Chubby Checker’s psychedelic album, New Revelation. I don’t recall the name Chubby Checker ever conjuring thoughts of greatness, just “The Twist”. Before he slapped the album on the record player a fellow competitor declared: “This album isn’t what you think. After this, you will never again think of Chubby Checker as the dancing clod from American Bandstand.”

Initially, I was skeptical, and exclaimed, “I don’t know, dude. Chubby Checker is definitely not cool.”

Then he hit play and the song “Goodbye Victoria” erupted. That’s when I apologized. “I should have never doubted you,” I said.

The first track was a stirring groove that slapped me in the face with cool water, and then Chubby:  “We’ll be in heaven. In the light of day,” I don’t fully understand why this song is so good. There are organ solos that merge into piano interludes. Chubby’s voice is deep and powerful. Everything fits together in a room where nothing makes sense.

During the chorus, Chubby talks a little more about Victoria. He says, “Goodbye Victoria. Everyone is going to the moon.” That’s deep.

Either way, I like it. I don’t necessarily get it — but I sure as shit dig it. So here’s to Chubby. And here’s to “Man Night”. And here’s to you.

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