November 21, 2018

 

From Room Number 1 rang out

Roxy Music’s ‘Dance Away’

for the umpteenth time

on that very first day.

 

And then from Ultravox

along with Midge Ure –

‘Sleepwalk’ and ‘Passing Strangers’

the neighbourhood had to endure.

 

The Box Room by the front door

was a Boomtown Rat zone,

and also heard was Blondie

‘Hanging on the telephone’.

 

And just as one’s sanity –

it was simply impossible to recall,

came, full blast along the corridor

Pink Floyd’s ‘Another brick in the wall’.

 

Meanwhile, across the landing,

as the windows shook, came Queen,

and also the dulcet tones

of U.S. soul singer, Al Green. 

 

And Ian Dury’s Rhythm Stick’

and Herbie Hancock’s ‘I Thought It Was You’,

had the whole place rocking,

as another gasket blew.

 

Then the Manager paid a visit,

humming Roger Whittaker’s ‘Durham Town’,

which definitely for a minute or two

calmed the household down.

 

And the bathroom always in use,

as an occupant soaked up Billy Paul,

whilst Eagle-loving ‘Desperado’s’

queued impatiently down the hall.

 

And Marvin Gaye – in all his brilliance,

didn’t stand a chance,

with Billy Joel’s ‘My Life’ on repeat –

causing a frenzied trance.

 

Then Carole Bayer Sager from the kitchen

announced, ‘You’re moving out today’,

as some demanded squatters rights,

with Odyssey paving the way.

 

Then suddenly came silence,

and normality was restored –

A whole new world beckoned,

and had to be explored.

 

as some contracts not renewed,

whilst other players were transferred,

and from rooms once filled with vinyl,

now only silence could be heard.

 

And as the keys turned in the locks,

after everyone said goodbyes,

quite fittingly on their car radios, 

Art Garfunkel sang ‘Bright Eyes’.

 

written by  Harriet Blackbury.

and can be read in Issue 63  (page 46) of

backpass – The Retro Football Magazine.

November 17, 2018

 

 

In 84, UK Group – Art of Noise,

reached No.8 with ‘Close (To The Edit)’,

and in 66, on Parlophone ‘Paperback Writer’

gave The Beatles their 10th No.1 credit.

 

In 86, ‘Ballerina Girl’/’Deep River Woman’, on Motown,

gave Lionel Richie his 10th UK Top Twenty,

and ‘Dance Yourself Dizzy’ on the Polo label,

in 80, saw ‘Liquid Gold’ with a No.2 entry.

 

In 83, ‘Karma Chameleon’, on Virgin,

for Culture Club, a No.1 in the US & UK,

and on the Sire label in 89 at No.5,

with ‘Express Yourself’ Madonna had her say.

 

In 1960, on Parlophone, in the Top 3  –

‘Portrait Of My Love’ by Matt Munro, loved by all.

and on Epic, in 79 at No.7,

was Michael Jackson with ‘Off The Wall’.

 

In 62, on Mercury, reaching No.5,

Leroy Van Dyke arrived with ‘Walk On By’,

and also on Mercury, in 75 -‘Art For Art’s Sake’ by 10CC,

 (this Top 5 following ‘I’m Not In Love’ – a No.1 high.)

 

In 84 came ‘State Of Independence’,

by Jon & Vangelis on Polydor,

and at No.5 in 76, on Buddah –

Andrea True Connection sang ‘More More More’.

 

In 62, at No.2, on the Piccadilly label,

Joe Brown sang ‘A Picture Of You’,

and on Crysalis in 73, Leo Sayer with

‘The Show Must Go On’,  also reached No.2.

 

In 2009, on Lavolta label, Red Light Company

took ‘Arts And Crafts’ to No.53,

and in 77, ‘Show You The Way To Go’, on Epic,

for the Jackson 5, their first No.1 was to be.

 

In 86, ‘The Phantom Of The Opera’, on Polydor,

at No.7, Sarah Brightman & Steve Harley did own.

and in 91, at No.16, ‘The Show Must Go On’

by Queen, came on Parlophone.

 

 

 

‘5 Steps’ by Dru Hill made a UK No.22

on Island Black Music label in 97,

and in 87, ‘Five Get Over Excited’,

by The Housemartins reached No.11.

 

‘Five Colours In Her Hair’ by McFly,

in 2004, a UK No.1 bet,

and at No.6 in 61, on Fontana,

with ‘Take Five’ was The Dave Brubeck Quartet.

 

In 86, on the Tent label was Five Star –

at No.2 with ‘Rain Or Shine’,

and in 08, Noah & The Whale, on Vertigo,

made No.7 with ‘5 Years Time’.

 

In 78, ‘Five Minutes’ by The Stranglers,

on United Artists arrived at No.11,

and in 99, ‘Everything But The Girl’

by Five Fathoms, on Virgin, made No.27.

 

‘I’m In Favour Of Friendship’, on Decca,

in 1955 gave Five Smith Brothers a Top 20,

and in 99, ‘Never Had It So Good’,

by Take 5, a No.34 entry.

 

‘Until The Time Is Through’ by Five

on RCA, in 98, reached a No.2 high,

and The Jackson 5, on Tamla Motown, in 71,

was at No.33 with ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’.

 

 

November 12, 2018

 

 

In 72, ‘Ball Park Incident’ by Wizzard

on Harvest – their first Top Ten was to be,

and ‘See My Baby Jive’ and ‘Angel Fingers’

two consecutive No.1s  coming in 73.

 

‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day’ –

their last hit of 73,  reaching No.4,

and in Spring of 74, came ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Winter’-

now on Warner Brothers, making a Top Ten score.

 

‘This Is The Story Of My Life (Baby)’

made the Top 40, and then 

finishing the year – ‘Are You Ready To Rock’

saw them with a hit on their hands again.

 

Thank You for the music

RIP  Hugh McDowell   1953 – 2018

( A much respected Rock Cellist with ELO and Wizzard

and many more Bands  – a true musician in every sense of the word)

 

 

 

November 2, 2018

 

 

Clementine Campbell, known as Cleo Laine

in 61, had a Top 5 with ‘You’ll Answer To Me’.

William Ashton, known as Billy J Kramer

in 63, with The Dakotas, had a No.1 with ‘Bad To Me’.

 

Patricia Holt, known as Patti Labelle

in 86, with Michael McDonald took ‘On My Own’ to No.2.

Benjamin Nelson, known as Ben E King

in 87, with ‘Stand By Me’, up to No.1 flew.

 

Bob Davies, known as Jasper Carrot

in 75, took ‘Funky Moped’ for a No.5 ride.

William Cleworth-Piddington, known as Bill Tarmy

in 93, hit No.16 singing ‘One Voice’ with pride.

 

Stefani Germanotta, known as Lady GaGa

had two No.1’s in 09 with ‘Just Dance’ and ‘Poker Face’.

Beverley Smith, known as Beverley Knight

in 04, with ‘Come As You Are’, found a No.9 place.

 

Allen Levy, known as Soloman King

in 68, had a No.3 with ‘She Wears My Ring’.

Ernest Evans, known as Chubby Checker,

in the 60’s, ‘The Twist’, to the dance floor, did bring.

 

Steveland Judkins, known as Stevie Wonder

in 77, had a UK No.2 with ‘Sir Duke’.

Dino Crocetti, known as Dean Martin

in 69, with ‘Gentle On My Mind’, couldn’t be mistook.

 

Aimee Duffy, known as Duffy

in 08, at No.1 with ‘Mercy’ & No.3 with ‘Warwick Avenue’.

Donovan Leitch, known as Donovan

in 66, took ‘Sunshine Superman’ to No.2.

 

Chris Hamill, known as Limahl

in 84, at No.4 with ‘Never Ending Story.

Alecia Moore, known as P!nk

in the Noughties, won all the glory.

 

Gerald James, known as Jess Conrad

in 61, had a Top 20 with ‘Mystery Girl’.

Lugee Sacco, known as Lou Christie

in 66, with ‘Lightnin Strikes’, had fans in a whirl.

 

Barry Sapherson, known as Barry Ryan

in 68, at No.2 with ‘Eloise’.

Ladonna Gaines, known as Donna Summer

in 77, at No.1 with ‘I Feel Love’, fans did please.

 

Carole Klein, known as Carole King

in 62, gave us ‘It Might As Well Rain Until September’.

David Hayward, known as Justin Hayward

in 78, sang ‘Forever Autumn’ – a Top 5 to remember.

 

 

 

 

Barry Pincas, known as Barry Manilow

in 75, gave us ‘Mandy’ on the Arista label.

Reginald Dwight, known as Elton John

in 73, with ‘Daniel’, brought a Top 5 to the table.

 

Marie Lawrie, known as Lulu

arrived at No.7 in 64 with ‘Shout’.

Priscilla White, known as Cilla Black

in 66, asked ‘Alfie’ what it was all about? 

 

Harry Webb, known as Cliff Richard

in 80, with ‘Carrie’, reached No.4.

Michael Barratt, known as Shakin Stevens

in 82, with ‘Oh Julie’, gained a No. 1 score.

 

Norman Smith, known as Hurricane Smith

in 71, with ‘Don’t Let It Die’, made a UK No.2.

Mary O’Brien, known as Dusty Springfield

in 63, sang ‘I Only Want To Be With You’.

 

Diane Earle, known as Diana Ross

in 71, reached No.7 with ‘Remember Me’.

Johann Holzel, known as Falco

in 86, saw ‘Rock Me Amadeus’ at the top of the tree.

 

James Newell Osterberg, known as Iggy Pop

in 98, took ‘The Passenger’ to No.22.

Hugh Cregg, known as Huey Lewis,

with The News, in 86, sang ‘Stuck On You’.

 

Michael Penniman, known as Mika

in 07, found ‘Grace Kelly’ at No.1.

Gerard Sayer, known as Leo Sayer

in 73, demanded ‘The Show Must Go On’.

 

Paul Williams, known as Billy Paul

gave us ‘Me And Mrs Jones’ in 73.

Dave Grundy, known as Dave Berry

in 63, on Decca, gave us ‘Memphis Tennessee’.

 

Clive Powell, known as Georgie Fame

had No.1’s with ‘Yeh Yeh’ and ‘The Ballad Of Bonnie & Clyde’.

Yvette Stevens, known as Chaka Khan

in 84, gave ‘I Feel For You’ -a gold selling, a No.1 ride.

 

Leonard Borisoff, known as Len Barry

in 65, on Brunswick, had a hit with 1-2-3.

Terence Nelhams-Wright, known as Adam Faith

in 60, had his second No.1 – ‘Poor Me’.

 

Rosemary Brown, known as Dana

in 70, took ‘All Kinds Of Everything’ to No.1,

and in 75, with ‘It’s Gonna Be A Cold Cold Christmas,

 this Irish singer had every heart won.

 

October 20, 2018

 

 

With their gold selling single ‘Denis’,

in 78, Blondie reached a UK No.2 slot,

and ‘(I’m Always Touched By Your) Presence Dear’,

again on Chrysalis, gave them a Top Ten spot.

 

Then, still in 78, followed ‘Picture This’, at No.12,

and at No.5 arrived  ‘Hanging On The Telephone’,

and with their next two singles reaching  No.1 in 79

the UK chart, they made their own.

 

With platinum-selling single ‘Heart Of Glass’

and gold-seller ‘Sunday Girl’, setting the scene.

Followed by ‘Dreaming’, which made No.2,

with ‘Union City Blues’ making No.13.

 

In 80, gold-seller ‘Atomic’, still on Chrysalis-

being another UK No.1 they had won,

with ‘Call Me’ and ‘The Tide Is High’

in the US and UK, both reaching No.1.

 

In 81, US No.1 ‘Rapture’ made a UK No.5,

and in 82, next to fall into line 

was ‘Island Of Lost Souls’ at No.11,

and ‘War Child’ at No.39.

 

In 88 came ‘Denis (remix)’ at No.50,

and in 89, at No.61 ‘Call Me (remix)’.

Then 94 saw ‘Atomis (remix)’ reach No.19,

and in 95, at No.15 ‘Heart Of Glass (remix)’

 

‘Union City Blues’ made No.31, also in 95,

(and their last hit on Chrysalis, proved to be),

and in 99, gold-seller ‘Maria’ on Beyond, a UK No.1,

 pleasing fans as far as the eye could see. 

 

‘Nothing Is Real But The Girl’, also in 99 on Beyond,

came next, reaching No.26,

and in 03 ‘Good Boys’ on Epic, at No.12 –

the last hit in this nostalgic Blondie mix.

 

 

 

Graham Fellows – better known as Jilted John,

had a Top 4 with ‘Jilted John’ in 78 on EMI,

and in 07, Canadian, Feist, on Polydor,

saw ‘1234’ rise to a UK No. 8 high.

 

In 73, US male group Bloodstone,

had a Top 40 on Decca with ‘Natural High’,

and in 88, US Walter Beasley, on Urban,

saw ‘I’m So Happy’,  up to No.70,  fly.

 

In 03, UK/German group ‘State One, on Incentive,

made No.62 with ‘Forever And A Day’,

In 2010, Adam Young, known as Owl City, on Island,

took Fireflies’ to No.1, both in the US and in the UK.

 

In 82, UK group Kokomo, on CBS,

reached No.45 with ‘A Little Bit Further Away’,

and US singer Big Dee Irwin in 63, reached No.7,

with ‘Swinging On A Star’ – remembered to this day.

 

(RIP    Difosco Erwin –  d. 1995  aged 56.) 

 

 

 

October 1, 2018

 

French male singer/actor – Shanaur Aznavourian

or Charles Aznavour, as we knew him to be,

peaked in the UK chart at No.38, on the Barclay label,

with ‘The Old Fashioned Way’, in 73.

 

In 74, still on the Barclay label,

arrived ‘She’, spending four weeks at No.1,

and becoming a worldwide hit,

ensuring his legacy lives on.

 

Thank you for the music

Rest In Peace

1924 – 2018

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

In 78, on EMI with Rockney

came ‘Strummin’ – their first UK chart entry,

and in 79 on EMI,  followed ‘Gertcha’,

which peaked at No.20.

 

‘The Sideboard Song (Got My Beer In The Sideboard here)’-

their last offering of 79 on EMI,

and in 80 on the Rockney label,

along came ‘Rabbit’, reaching a Top Ten high.

 

In 81, ‘Stars Over 45’ climbed to No.21,

and in 82, ‘Ain’t No Pleasing You’ made No.2 –

(and like ‘Rabbit’, had an 11 week chart run,

with ‘Margate’ next at No.46 – their last hit of 82.

 

‘London Girls’ and ‘My Melancholy Baby’ –

their hits of 83 – still on the Rockney label.

‘Snooker Loopy’ with  Pot 147 Matchroom Mob –

a No.6 of 86, they brought to the table.

 

Thank You for the Music and Fun.

RIP   Chas Hodges  1943 – 2018

 

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