"General Hospi-tale" by The Afternoon Delights

Song#:  0682
Date:  07/25/1981
Debut:  84
Peak:  33
Weeks:  16
Genre:  Novelty, Parody



Pop Bits:  One of the hottest shows on TV at this time didn't air in prime time - it was a soap opera. "General Hospital," which had been on ABC since 1963, was at an all-time high with viewers young and old tuning in every weekday. The "super couple" Luke and Laura were one of the main attractions and the episode featuring their wedding remains the highest rated daytime program in history with 30 million viewers. Of course with popularity comes the inevitable - those who want to cash in on the trend. So out of a Boston studio a group was formed and a song parody was written about the daytime serial. The Afternoon Delights, named after hit song by the Starland Vocal Band, were credited on this comedic single and it reached the Top 30. The group ended up issuing an album, but it failed to take off and that ended the group.

ReduxReview:  I'm both happy and ashamed to admit that I was a big GH fan long before this time period and used to fill in other newbies to the show on the characters' back stories. And I was glad that Dr. Noah Drake (Rick Springfield) was having musical success outside of the show ("Jessie's Girl" was primed to hit #1 the week after this song debuted). But being a big fan doesn't mean you like everything that comes along and this single about wrecked it all for me. I hated it. I didn't even find it remotely funny. However, as years past I've looked back on this song more nostalgically and it kind of brings back memories from the show. So I guess I no longer hate it...as much...(well, maybe a little...)

ReduxRating:  3/10

Trivia:  Four vocalists made up the group: Rebecca Hall (who did the lead vocals here), Suzanne Boucher, Janet Powell, and Robalee Barnes. The song was co-written and produced by Harry King who has written, produced, and been a session player for many artists including playing on Robin Thicke's debut disc "A Beautiful World." He's also written over 2000 commercial spots for TV and Radio.

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