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Puttin' on the Ritz

Puttin on the Ritz
Single information
NamePuttin' on the Ritz
ArtistTaco
AlbumAfter Eight
B-side"Livin' in My Dream World"
Released1983
Format7", 12"
GenreSynthpop, New Wave, Electronic
LabelRCA
SongwriterIrving Berlin
ProducerTaco
Previous single"Cheek to Cheek"
(1982)
Next single"Singin' in the Rain"
(1992)

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"Puttin' on the Ritz" is a popular song written and published in 1929 by Irving Berlin and introduced by Harry Richman in the musical film Puttin' on the Ritz (1930). The title derives from the slang expression "putting on the Ritz," meaning to dress very fashionably. The expression was inspired by the swanky Ritz Hotel.

The song is in AABA form, with a verse. According to John Mueller, the central device in the A section is the "use of delayed rhythmic resolution: a staggering, off-balance passage, emphasized by the unorthodox stresses in the lyric, suddenly resolves satisfyingly on a held note, followed by the forceful assertion of the title phrase." The marchlike B section, which is only barely syncopated, acts as a contrast to the previous rhythmic complexities. According to Alec Wilder, in his study of American popular song, the rhythmic pattern in "Puttin' on the Ritz" is "the most complex and provocative I have ever come upon."

The original version of Berlin's song included references to the then-popular fad of flashily-dressed but poor black Harlemites parading up and down Lenox Avenue, "Spending ev'ry dime / For a wonderful time". The song was featured with the original lyrics in the 1939 film Idiot's Delight, where it was performed by Clark Gable and chorus, and this routine was selected for inclusion in That's Entertainment (1974). For the film Blue Skies (1946), where it was performed by Fred Astaire, Berlin revised the lyrics to apply to affluent whites strutting "up and down Park Avenue."

Hit phonograph records of the tune in its original popularity of 1929-1930 were recorded by Harry Richman and Fred Astaire, with whom the song is particularly associated.

Puttin on the Ritz Video

This is the original version of the video. The infamous "blackface" that was removed is shown here.
4.55 min. | 4.85 user rating		 Blue Skies - 1946.
4.83 min. | 4.96 user rating		 Taco Ockerse
4.33 min. | 4.80 user rating		 Taco - Puttin' On The Ritz lyrics If you're blue and you don't know where to go to why don't you go where fashion sits, Puttin' on the ritz. Different types who wear a day coat, pants with stripes and cutaway coat, perfect fits, Puttin' on the ritz. Dressed up like a million dollar trouper Trying hard to look like Gary Cooper (super duper) Come let's mix where Rockefellers walk with sticks or "umberellas" in their mitts, Puttin' on the ritz. Have you seen the well-to-do up and down Park Avenue On that famous thoroughfare with their noses in the air High hats and Arrow collars white spats and lots of dollars Spending every dime for a wonderful time If you're blue and you don't know where to go to why don't you go where fashion sits, Puttin' on the ritz. Puttin' on the ritz. Puttin' on the ritz. "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."
4.65 min. | 4.92 user rating		 The original & first Shiny Toy Guns music video from the 'We Are Pilots' series. Directed by Josh Harris Starring: Johnny Tomorrow, Clare Rica & Adelle Gilles
3.12 min. | 4.78 user rating
This video's song is performed by Shiny Toy Guns. Original song was created by Irving Berlin in 1929 and introduced by Harry Richman. Following versions included but not limited to Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, Clark Gable, Fred Astaire, Gene Wilder & Peter Boyle, Taco, Shiny Toy Guns, and Leningrad Cowboys. This IS Shiny Toy Gun's version, and even though it might SOUND like Taco, it's not. Please, before questiong this, try comparing this version of the song with Taco's. Yes, the singers do sound alike, but that's the point. They're trying to sound like the people who originally sang this song back in the 20's, but there is plenty of differences to show that they are not the same. "Putting on the Ritz" is a slang term for dressing very fashionably or fancy. It was inspired by the famous Ritz Hotel, located since 1906 in Piccadilly, London. The background of this video was drawn by and belongs to: cloudbabykc.deviantart.com There's really no reason behind the Warden from Superjail being in the background other than this song reminded me of something he'd listen to and / or sing. It's never been in the show Superjail either. I don't think why he's there even matters anyway, because it's more about the lyrics of the song and not what's behind them.
2.70 min. | 4.88 user rating		 Mix des Albums "We No Speak Americano" der Drapers. Inklusive dem Nr. 1 Hit "We No Speak Americano" von Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP. Brought to you by mySuperstar. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com Foto © RTL II / Filipe Ribeiro, Vanity Pictures Videomaterial © RTL II / The Dome 55, Hannover
14.68 min. | 4.86 user rating		 Original Video -youtu.be Original Song - youtu.be
3.97 min. | 4.76 user rating		 hard 2 find
5.85 min. | 4.76 user rating		 courtesy of Warner Sweden 2009. "the you know who" indie electro duo (Chau Phan & Matthew Engst) covers Puttin' On The Ritz written by Irving Berlin previously performed by Fred Astaire and Taco. Many of the photos are by Fred Thustrup. www.myspace.com www.facebook.com www.theyouknowwho.com EMAIL management@theyouknowwho.com
3.08 min. | 4.60 user rating

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Not just puttin' on the Ritz: Christine Cushing reviews TOCA by Tom Brodi - Post City Tweet this news
Post City--TOCA, the headlining restaurant in the -Ritz- Carlton, is redefining luxury dining in the city and setting a new standard for restaurants to come. We're looking at you, David Chang! The name is a whimsical take on Toronto, Canada, ... - Date : Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:02:39 GMT+00:00
Farmers market, spring fest return to downtown - Charlotte Observer Tweet this news
Charlotte Observer--The celebration of women in history moves forward to the '30s and '40s for -Puttin' on the Ritz-. While business casual or black tie will work for guests, there will be a contest for period costumes. The 20-piece Hickory - Date : Sun, 17 Apr 2011 04:26:49 GMT+00:00
Prom Fashion Show 'Puttin' on the Ritz' to Be Held Saturday - Patch.com Tweet this news
Patch.com--Trying on gowns to model are senior thespian troupe members, from left, Sara Cavolo, Katie Shultz, Meredith Karavolis, Lauren Spinabelli, Breanna Ferchak and Chloe Burns. Patty Shultz Are you already making ... - Date : Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:44:43 GMT+00:00
Charlie Baker wins Let's Dance - Spoonfed Tweet this news
Spoonfed--The pair performed the classic tap dancing routine '-Puttin' On The Ritz-' with Baker playing the role of the tramp. They are the first winners of the the fundraising competition not to perform as members of the opposite sex. Stan - Date : Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:18:39 GMT+00:00
Puttin' On The Ritz - ChicagoNow (blog) Tweet this news
ChicagoNow (blog)--Originally from Southern Indiana, Dustin moved to Chicago six years ago to pursue his dream of becoming a comedian and actor. Nowadays Dustin spends most of his time working and helping plan his first (and hopefully last) wedding. ... - Date : Mon, 14 Mar 2011 01:36:29 GMT+00:00
Shock as James Thornton and Charlie Baker's Puttin' On The Ritz beats Russell ... - Peace FM Online Tweet this news
Peace FM Online--The Emmerdale actor, 35, and comedian, 34, donned tailcoats and top hats to tap their way through the Fred Astaire classic -Puttin' On The Ritz-. The pair ended up winning the most public votes after going up against Kane, Katie Pric - Date : Sun, 13 Mar 2011 09:29:56 GMT+00:00
RIT hosts annual Puttin' on the RITz fundraiser - Henrietta Post Tweet this news
Henrietta Post--By Staff reports The School of International Hospitality and Service Innovation at Rochester Institute of Technology is hosting its 26th -Puttin' on the RITz- Dinner, The Run for the RITz, on March 26. The annual black-tie dinner and - Date : Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:37:14 GMT+00:00
Ritz takes biscuit as Thirsk cinema's centenary beckons - Yorkshire Post Tweet this news
Yorkshire Post--The exhibition, called -Puttin' on the Ritz-, runs from Saturday January 15 until the February 5 at the Zillah Bell Gallery in Thirsk - when both prints and ... - Date : Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:02:40 GMT+00:00
Chorus begins spring rehearsals - Courier Leader Tweet this news
Courier Leader---...- "A Long Way From Home," "-Puttin' on the Ritz-," "Promised Land," "May It Be" and "Richards & Hammerstein On Broadway," for the pe - Date : Sun, 16 Jan 2011 08:24:57 GMT+00:00
HIT IT HARD: Wellness facility is good for Indianola - DesMoinesRegister.com Tweet this news
DesMoinesRegister.com--I just finished the painting to be auctioned off at this year's National Balloon Classic fundraiser, -Puttin' on the Ritz-, which is scheduled for Saturday, ... - Date : Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:39:40 GMT+00:00



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