I was back from Vietnam and got back to work at my old job. I bought a little one room cabin on a great bass lake. Had a reel to reel recorder that I recorded a lot of songs off the radio. Tighter and tighter was the first song on the tape. Summers was heaven with all the dolly's in their swim wear plus great fishing. Winter time would be a lot of parties at my house on Fridays and Saturdays. Tighter and tighter always rocked that little house. I miss those simpler days.
Thanks for your service, my eldest brother was also in the military (82nd Airborne Fort Bragg, NC) Although he didn't go to Vietnam, this song was his Welcome Home song party in 1971.
The simpler life. Looking back now it's a wonder how much simpler those times were despite the war, the protests, the riots, the same old crap but on a much smaller scale than today's BS
@@robross180 when I first joined the band in 2008, the keyboard player at the time (who’s in this video), was the person who first contacted me to sing for the band. He told me they’re a one hit wonder, and then told me the title, Tighter & Tighter. I said that I didn’t recognize it by the title, but could he hum a bit of it, and he did. I knew what it was right away, and like I said, I wasn’t even alive when that song came out. I had always thought it was Janis Joplin, or just a girl who sounded a lot like her, and that whoever wrote the song intended it to sound like “piece of my heart”. The chorus does sound just like the chorus in piece of my heart, doesn’t it? Anyway, my point is that I’ve always known this song and I’m technically too young to. Plenty of people remember the song. It was a huge hit. What they don’t remember is who recorded it, because that was their only hit. Proud to be a part of Alive N Kickin’s history ❤️
Rob Ross if their pretty young they probably don't remember. This song should be played on the radio daily! This is such a soulful makes ya feel good song!!! I've played it literally about 50 times this morning,can't get enough of it!!
One of my most cherished prize possessions of my life is my original 45 record Tighter and Tighter🙋♂️ Alive and Kicking--- Pepe you were cool , and thank you Elaine!
On July 11, 1970 the man who would become my husband came into my life and took my hand, and held it tight for just over 40 years. I smile through the tears, as I hold tight to the memories. Thanks for both the song and the memories!
I have this song burned in my brain with a beautiful memory. I was heading across the Alberta prairies in my 66 Pontiac muscle car early one morning and just as I finished my wake and bake joint, this song can on the AM radio the very moment the sun came up to one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen. I can still close my eyes and go back there to all the beautiful colors in the sky and feel the warm sunshine on my face.
I have a photo above my fireplace taken at HSC, 15th Med Bn, 1st Cav Div in Phuoc Vinh showing a 45th Evac Hospital helicopter on the ground with the inscription Alive n Kickin painted in either blue or purple (I can't tell which) on the nose. Just below the red cross is the name Karen. It's my most prized photo I brought home from Vietnam, other than the gold peace symbol I've worn ever since Dec. 10, 1970. "There it is."
just a fantastic song I remember this from being a little boy never seen the footage video brings tears to my eyes I'm 52 years old now boy the memories of the 70s we're so good and the music was so great awesome song!!!!
enjoying this again in 2022! I bought the 45 record when I was 15 years old... cost me $1 .. this song and performance is now priceless... thanks, thumbs up!
Not easy to forget this song. Loved it then and still love it now. Everything came together in this song to make it a piece that will always reach peoples soul and move them.
Wow, I heard this on the radio the other day. Its been ages since I've heard Tighter & Tighter. It brought back many wonderful memories. You guys Rock!!!!
One of a handful of songs you can play 24/7 and never get tired of listening to it. There's a great chance you'll be put in a beautiful trance. The guy playing sax reminds me of the late Billy Martin.
I remember hearing this as a kid in Sydney Australia when it came out, it was still on the radio years later. that old stratocaster sounds wild and i bet the guitarist has had it a long time. Steve in Australia.
Love this song awesome groove! it drove me crazy when Sleigh bells stole a little melody line from this song, it drove me crazy for months thinking "what song is this" finally one day it hit me! Tighter & tighter! Also the solo is killer in this tune! I'm a guitarist and that's good work.
very nice! I like the original lady singer but this lady here has a great voice! She did the song proud! I was a teen when that song came out and still one of my favorites! Yes, I still have the album! lol
I have to give credit where credit is due, they do sound pretty good for over 40 years later. One of the better known songs of the early 70's, Tighter and Tighter was a mainstay on AM and FM radio in the early and mid 70's and beyond. It continues on today on the 70's channel on XM/Sirius Radio.
OMG! Tighter, Tighter is one of our FAVORITE songs from the 70's! Thank you SO much for posting this. We were heartbroken when we saw that Pepe Cardona passed away in 2020.
@@MikeBeitchman Oh wow, had no idea you actually knew the guy! We're having a blast jumping through your videos. You're obviously a huge music fan and have lots of love for the classics. We're so glad you said hi at Krystal's live stream!
Amazing. I remember listening to this in hot Chicago summer evenings watching them demolish the Edgewater Beach Hotel. Afterwards, I enjoyed a panoramic Lake Michigan view, Foster to Hollywood for the next 8 years. Highrise condos have obstructed that view, which would cost one million dollars today. Those were the days, sitting on the back porch, listening to WLS and WCFL.
BRAVOOOOO ! ! ! BEAUTYFUL ! ! TERRIFIC ! ! SUPERB ! ! MY FAUVORITE LADY VOICE SINGER ! THERE IS NO WORDS TO EXPRES HOW I WAS SURPRISED, WHEN FOUND MY FAVORITE SONG COMPLETELY LIVE AND MY BEAUTYFUL SINGR WOMAN, AND OF COURSE THE SECOND VOICE MAN SINGER, CONGRATULATION ! THIS IS THE BEST SONG IN THE WHOLE UNIVERSE ! !
@@LaineyTsang 🇦🇺 i am 63 and i can't explain how this song makes me feel. Sitting at the breakfast table and i saw it on my feed. You made me so happy when i heard you sing it. Lol i am tearing up. So good ... so good. ❤ Wow!
@@LaineyTsang Hi Lainey, you're welcome. Thank you so much for giving me that info. Yes, i can see what you mean by: piece of my heart: lol... i love this song way better though. So glad that you messaged me... lol now i have even more reason to treasure this song 😊. It's amazing how a song like that can move someone's soul. I first heard it in 1970 when i was 12. Everytime i hear it, it takes me back to that beautiful time. God bless you Lainey, you have made my day. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ p.s... you knocked it out of the park... lol i think that's an American expression 😄
@@robross180 how kind of you! Lovely words, thank you! By your last sentence, I’m assuming you’re not American? British, perhaps? Aussie? Irish? It’s an Irish last name! 😄🍀
Oh this brings so many wonderful memories, long lost ones, and recent ones, too. A friend of mine @Sheila Hill is in an all woman band, all over 6 feet tall and all over 60 years old, and they sing this song when they get together very often. I love it, and I love them, too.
I was on a motorcycle trip, the Summer of 1970. This song and Heartbreaker by Janis Joplin were the two songs that always remind me of that trip. I was 19 that Summer, riding my new, 1970 Triumph Bonneville.
Woody played lead guitar during the years I followed them. Richie played bass Dave on rythem and Vito on drums. They did it all without a keyboard player which was amazing! Pepe is the boss!!! Love and miss him so much!
Thanks again! This song has resonated with me since I was 11. Huge Tommy James fan. No surprise Pepe a great vocalist made this song really come Alive.
,,,saw these guys 70's ,on America bandstand from cali. , think Dick Clark had them perform it twice ?!!!,:) p.s. i remember showing there young drummer some stuff on the klt at there place.He was grateful. ") #TheNirks #Peace
I think few realized that Tommy James and his various partners could really write some great stuff . And this band really was a perfect fit for this one !
Tommy James originally considered having Alive N' Kickin' record "Crystal Blue Persuasion," but he liked it so much he decided to record it himself, so he then wrote "Tighter, Tighter" for them
Someone should write a book on this song. Yeah, it's that fascinating, one-hit wonder and all. For example, its "call and refrain" from female to male vocals is quite unique. Its placement of a guitar solo that early within the song is quite unusual too. I'd love to know Tommy James' involvement in the production. There's a tinge of a Latin swing, don't you think? Plus those horns, oh my goodness, talk about uplifting! (They should get some credit, nameless musicians they are.) Kind of in the same vein as the horns of "Bend Me Shape Me." Does anyone use real horns like that anymore? This is one powerful song, worthy of a doctoral dissertation. Will the real "Alive 'n Kickin' in the Bronx please write the story behind this song? The world can't get enough of it.
Man I miss the 70's music and bands. A great time to have lived thru.
I was back from Vietnam and got back to work at my old job. I bought a little one room cabin on a great bass lake. Had a reel to reel recorder that I recorded a lot of songs off the radio. Tighter and tighter was the first song on the tape. Summers was heaven with all the dolly's in their swim wear plus great fishing. Winter time would be a lot of parties at my house on Fridays and Saturdays. Tighter and tighter always rocked that little house. I miss those simpler days.
Thank you for your service.
I prayed hard for you heroes over in Vietnam. I am so sorry for what you had to deal with after you came home. Thank you for your service!
Thanks for your service, my eldest brother was also in the military (82nd Airborne Fort Bragg, NC) Although he didn't go to Vietnam, this song was his Welcome Home song party in 1971.
The simpler life. Looking back now it's a wonder how much simpler those times were despite the war, the protests, the riots, the same old crap but on a much smaller scale than today's BS
she did good on the vocals
I heard this after a 45 year gap. Broke down and cried on the spot. It's a beautiful piece of music !
One of the best songs written in my humble opinion...
Love listening to this song. Always brings back sweet memories growing up. ❤
R.I.P. Pepe Cardona. 💔🌹
@@robertallen6710This and Sly & the Family Stone "Hot Fun in the Summertime" 1969.
Always loved that song. Still do. I was 12 when it first came out. I'm 65 now. Some things never die.
So was I, twelve in 1970 when this came out. Great memories!
64 here. One of my favorite childhood songs!!!! Never gets old!!!!
I was 10 then. 63 now.
I was 12 as well . Great song in the soundtrack of our lives !! Steve South Texas
That woman can sing! She does justice to the song!!!!!
one of the best songs of the 70s, hands down.
Every friday i would go to a hotdog joint. This song was in the juke box. First thing i did was play it!
My favorite song. Period. There is something incredibly special about this soulful song. It moves me every time I hear it.
Me too... I am 63, and i still don't know anyone else that remembers it.🇦🇺
@@robross180 when I first joined the band in 2008, the keyboard player at the time (who’s in this video), was the person who first contacted me to sing for the band. He told me they’re a one hit wonder, and then told me the title, Tighter & Tighter. I said that I didn’t recognize it by the title, but could he hum a bit of it, and he did. I knew what it was right away, and like I said, I wasn’t even alive when that song came out. I had always thought it was Janis Joplin, or just a girl who sounded a lot like her, and that whoever wrote the song intended it to sound like “piece of my heart”. The chorus does sound just like the chorus in piece of my heart, doesn’t it? Anyway, my point is that I’ve always known this song and I’m technically too young to. Plenty of people remember the song. It was a huge hit. What they don’t remember is who recorded it, because that was their only hit. Proud to be a part of Alive N Kickin’s history ❤️
Rob Ross if their pretty young they probably don't remember. This song should be played on the radio daily! This is such a soulful makes ya feel good song!!! I've played it literally about 50 times this morning,can't get enough of it!!
@@LaineyTsang Thanks Lainey! You look great, dance great, and sing great - perfect choice for the band.
@@NephilimFree Thanks!! 😄🙏🏽
One of my most cherished prize possessions of my life is my original 45 record Tighter and Tighter🙋♂️ Alive and Kicking--- Pepe you were cool , and thank you Elaine!
On July 11, 1970 the man who would become my husband came into my life and took my hand, and held it tight for just over 40 years. I smile through the tears, as I hold tight to the memories. Thanks for both the song and the memories!
Touch my soul
Pepe Cordona passed away earlier this summer. Pepe was a Brooklyn legend.
❤️
What a voice she has, Fantastic
Memories will never be forgotten with this great song, Thank you and RIP Pepe! 🙏
I have this song burned in my brain with a beautiful memory. I was heading across the Alberta prairies in my 66 Pontiac muscle car early one morning and just as I finished my wake and bake joint, this song can on the AM radio the very moment the sun came up to one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen. I can still close my eyes and go back there to all the beautiful colors in the sky and feel the warm sunshine on my face.
I don't know How this ended on my TH-cam but I'm so Glad it did . For I needed to go home 😢.Aloha from Honolulu, Hawaii
I have a photo above my fireplace taken at HSC, 15th Med Bn, 1st Cav Div in Phuoc Vinh showing a 45th Evac Hospital helicopter on the ground with the inscription Alive n Kickin painted in either blue or purple (I can't tell which) on the nose. Just below the red cross is the name Karen. It's my most prized photo I brought home from Vietnam, other than the gold peace symbol I've worn ever since Dec. 10, 1970. "There it is."
I saw Alive and Kicking on Pensacola Beach and I have always loved seeing them live and I never have forgotten them and this awesome song.....☮
I can’t believe these are the original performers of this song,,They are GREAT,,as good as they were I. 1970!!!!!!
Not original ones..
The Guy is the same … different Girl i think
The Sax is the whole thing in this beat... growing up back in those days these songs brings back a tear.
The trumpet was the best.
@@audreycastillo6746 What trumpet 🎺
sax, bass and drums !!
I forgot that Organ, and Stratocaster.
Yes they certainly do bring back a tear,,, Great song and group...
This is "That Song" which brings joyful tears of my youth. Loved this song! I have 3 all time favorite songs; this is one of them! Absolutely.
Same here!!!!!
just a fantastic song I remember this from being a little boy never seen the footage video brings tears to my eyes I'm 52 years old now boy the memories of the 70s we're so good and the music was so great awesome song!!!!
enjoying this again in 2022! I bought the 45 record when I was 15 years old... cost me $1 .. this song and performance is now priceless... thanks, thumbs up!
I was in Junior High schoo and this song brings me back to those beautiful years.
I loved this song when I was a kid. I guess I still do!
One of the most beautiful song I ever heard from that era. My time flies.
I had this album. It was stolen while i attended college in Chico California. God bless you all for remaining alive and kickin
God Bless Tommy James for writing this for AnK 🎼🎵🎶 Thank you! 👏👏👏👍💝💖 This song never gets old🤗🤗
You may know, he wrote his hit 'Crystal Blue Persuasion' for them, but liked it so much decided to keep it for himself...can't blame him
@@robertallen6710 alrdy knew that!, but for those that didn't, here's to you! 💝💙🎼🎵🎶🎸🎤
I am a singer who loves other singers. Glad these people can still sing their hit well.
I loved this song when I first heard it back in 1970 and I still love it now.
What a great song for the AGES. Thanks, Pepe, Elaine, John and all the band.
I really enjoyed the song and being able to hear the original group sing it.
This is a cool cut, miss you Pepe, I wish just one more time, love and peace to you all.
❤️🙏🏽
Oh man i live this song.....
Wow I'm pleasantly surprised at how great they sounded. Very impressed. 👏🏻
Great memories of East 28th Street and Alive N Kickin playing at our block parties.
This is just such a feel good song. I heard this on XM Radio earlier tonight and had to check out this video when I got home....
Been listening to this AWESOME soulful song since 1970....could have sworn this was a black group...wow..so cool and soulful!
Sure don't sound black...
They sound great, they look great and they perform great. Simply awesome...
Great song of hope between the 60s and 70s fantastic ☮️
Not easy to forget this song. Loved it then and still love it now. Everything came together in this song to make it a piece that will always reach peoples soul and move them.
Wow, I heard this on the radio the other day. Its been ages since I've heard Tighter & Tighter. It brought back many wonderful memories. You guys Rock!!!!
They still "got it" Don't compare a studio engineered multi takes record for a live performance. They nailed it!
RIP Pepe Cardonna. You will be sorely missed by your NY family 😪
❤️🙏🏽
Seen them several times back then. Played in a local bar in the Bronx N.Y. They were awesome
They aged far better than a lot of that era's musicians.
probably eating healthy and no drugs
1970! Stan's Arcade (Janesville, Wisconsin)Jukenox! Pinball! Basketball! Memories!!!
fabulous rendition of this great song. so glad you guys are still performing
Still one of my all time favorite feel good songs. Great memories of my childhood.
Really enjoying, loved this song so much, excellent you`re still going....sounds great too.
FABULOUS
Great song. Gives me chills remembering way back when.
They are SOOOO much fun, TY for the memories!
Big hit in the summer of 1970. Love it! Keep on rockin!!!
One of a handful of songs you can play 24/7 and never get tired of listening to it. There's a great chance you'll be put in a beautiful trance. The guy playing sax reminds me of the late Billy Martin.
I remember hearing this as a kid in Sydney Australia when it came out, it was still on the radio years later. that old stratocaster sounds wild and i bet the guitarist has had it a long time. Steve in Australia.
Love this song awesome groove! it drove me crazy when Sleigh bells stole a little melody line from this song, it drove me crazy for months thinking "what song is this" finally one day it hit me! Tighter & tighter! Also the solo is killer in this tune! I'm a guitarist and that's good work.
very nice! I like the original lady singer but this lady here has a great voice! She did the song proud! I was a teen when that song came out and still one of my favorites! Yes, I still have the album! lol
Thank you! I’m that lady there! ☺️
Beautiful too!
@@mikemullins3761 thanks Mike!
@@LaineyTsang You are awesome! Glad you responded! Cheers my friend!
@@mikemullins3761 No doubt! lol
Great song. And a pretty good live version too!
This song is awesome. An era when music was music!
I have to give credit where credit is due, they do sound pretty good for over 40 years later. One of the better known songs of the early 70's, Tighter and Tighter was a mainstay on AM and FM radio in the early and mid 70's and beyond. It continues on today on the 70's channel on XM/Sirius Radio.
Awesome! You all sound wonderful!
Up in the north woods of Wisconsin and this song came on and took me right back to when I was 11. I remember singing this to the girls up here
great group great sound ( for a live performance ) & wooowww keep the oldies but goodies ALIVE & KICKIN!!!
OMG! Tighter, Tighter is one of our FAVORITE songs from the 70's! Thank you SO much for posting this. We were heartbroken when we saw that Pepe Cardona passed away in 2020.
Thanks for watching! I miss Pepe! Great friend and great guy!
@@MikeBeitchman Oh wow, had no idea you actually knew the guy! We're having a blast jumping through your videos. You're obviously a huge music fan and have lots of love for the classics. We're so glad you said hi at Krystal's live stream!
@@FeinDining appreciate the support and your support of Krystal.
I didn't know, that's so sad.
Still love this song after all these years
Fantastic !! Thank you all so very much ❤ !!!
So often the golden oldies bands don't age well...not this band and definitely not this song...timeless.
Preach !
Wow this brings back great memories
Amazing. I remember listening to this in hot Chicago summer evenings watching them demolish the Edgewater Beach Hotel. Afterwards, I enjoyed a panoramic Lake Michigan view, Foster to Hollywood for the next 8 years. Highrise condos have obstructed that view, which would cost one million dollars today. Those were the days, sitting on the back porch, listening to WLS and WCFL.
Totally love this song. Part of childhood. This performance is way OTT ; deserves a bit more respect.
my favorite song and band RIP Pepe
I was 17 when this song came out...still one of my absolute favorites and makes me wanna fall in love with a girl instantly...
BRAVOOOOO ! ! ! BEAUTYFUL ! ! TERRIFIC ! ! SUPERB ! ! MY FAUVORITE LADY VOICE SINGER ! THERE IS NO WORDS TO EXPRES HOW I WAS SURPRISED, WHEN FOUND MY FAVORITE SONG COMPLETELY LIVE AND MY BEAUTYFUL SINGR WOMAN, AND OF COURSE THE SECOND VOICE MAN SINGER, CONGRATULATION ! THIS IS THE BEST SONG IN THE WHOLE UNIVERSE ! !
Thank you!! I’m the singer in this video but not the original singer on the old recording. I wasn’t alive yet when Tighter & Tighter was a hit.
@@LaineyTsang 🇦🇺 i am 63 and i can't explain how this song makes me feel. Sitting at the breakfast table and i saw it on my feed. You made me so happy when i heard you sing it. Lol i am tearing up. So good ... so good. ❤ Wow!
@@robross180 awww! Thanks so much for saying that! I’m happy you’re happy!! 😄😄😄🥳
@@LaineyTsang Hi Lainey, you're welcome. Thank you so much for giving me that info. Yes, i can see what you mean by: piece of my heart: lol... i love this song way better though. So glad that you messaged me... lol now i have even more reason to treasure this song 😊. It's amazing how a song like that can move someone's soul. I first heard it in 1970 when i was 12. Everytime i hear it, it takes me back to that beautiful time. God bless you Lainey, you have made my day. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ p.s... you knocked it out of the park... lol i think that's an American expression 😄
@@robross180 how kind of you! Lovely words, thank you! By your last sentence, I’m assuming you’re not American? British, perhaps? Aussie? Irish? It’s an Irish last name! 😄🍀
Oh this brings so many wonderful memories, long lost ones, and recent ones, too. A friend of mine @Sheila Hill is in an all woman band, all over 6 feet tall and all over 60 years old, and they sing this song when they get together very often. I love it, and I love them, too.
thank you for the memories,,i still love this tune..
OH yes memories from the old skating rink. Kissing those cute boys. I always liked this song.
Great song! Enjoyed it very much!
I remember seeing alive& kicking at Summers beach In the Hamptons then Nell Flatterys on Flatbush ave Bklyn Great memories
I was on a motorcycle trip, the Summer of 1970. This song and Heartbreaker by Janis Joplin were the two songs that always remind me of that trip. I was 19 that Summer, riding my new, 1970 Triumph Bonneville.
I wish I could give this a thousand thumbs up.
I played this hit song on CJNB radio.
I never knew they were from Brooklyn I thought they had a West Coast sound I love this song
New York City baby. The Bronx, love NYC
Woody played lead guitar during the years I followed them. Richie played bass Dave on rythem and Vito on drums. They did it all without a keyboard player which was amazing! Pepe is the boss!!! Love and miss him so much!
Thanks again! This song has resonated with me since I was 11. Huge Tommy James fan. No surprise Pepe a great vocalist made this song really come Alive.
I use to see them live in the 80s Peppi would sing the female and male vocals in concert and have some amazing costumes .
,,,saw these guys 70's ,on America bandstand from cali. , think Dick Clark had them perform it twice ?!!!,:) p.s. i remember showing there young drummer some stuff on the klt at there place.He was grateful. ") #TheNirks #Peace
I always loved this. Thank you. 🥰
I think few realized that Tommy James and his various partners could really write some great stuff . And this band really was a perfect fit for this one !
You all created one of the most magical songs. And this chick would snap them fingers above her head!
Love you Pepe RIP .........
Very enjoyable, one of my all time favorite tracks.
Cute introducing Woody and the other band members.
Tommy James originally considered having Alive N' Kickin' record "Crystal Blue Persuasion," but he liked it so much he decided to record it himself, so he then wrote "Tighter, Tighter" for them
blablah blah I did not know that thank you for sharing it
love this song
Goosebumps ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
RIP Pepe, you were a Brooklyn legend.
BEEN SEEING PEPE FOR 35 YEARS PLAYED TAMBORINE WITH HIM NEW YEARS EVE AT TERRACE ON THE PARK IN QUEENS NY
Ha, no way! Hi Ray! It’s me, Elaine, the other lead singer 😄 I miss our NYE TOTP gig!! It’s been a good 10 years or more since we’ve done it.
Wow I love this song !!!
Someone should write a book on this song. Yeah, it's that fascinating, one-hit wonder and all. For example, its "call and refrain" from female to male vocals is quite unique. Its placement of a guitar solo that early within the song is quite unusual too.
I'd love to know Tommy James' involvement in the production.
There's a tinge of a Latin swing, don't you think?
Plus those horns, oh my goodness, talk about uplifting! (They should get some credit, nameless musicians they are.) Kind of in the same vein as the horns of "Bend Me Shape Me." Does anyone use real horns like that anymore?
This is one powerful song, worthy of a doctoral dissertation.
Will the real "Alive 'n Kickin' in the Bronx please write the story behind this song? The world can't get enough of it.
My wedding song back in the day
This rocks my soul!