Little Red Riding Hood

The year before I learned to ride a bicycle, I was given a small transistor radio. It felt so grownup to be able to listen to songs of my choice instead of the vinyl my parents and grandparents owned. The Beatles had so many big hits that year. I liked them all, though I was many years too young to be part of their screaming fan club. I loved The Mamas and the Papas. “California Dreamin’” and “Monday, Monday” seemed somehow written just for me. I adored the retro sound of New Vaudeville Band’s “Winchester Cathedral.” I thought Johnny River’s “Secret Agent Man” and Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walking” were hilarious. Another song I found amusing was “Li’l Red Riding Hood” by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs. I knew the fairy tale, of course. I just thought Red would have to be pretty dim to fall for a wolf who goes, “Baa.”