November 19, 2017

 

 

In 78, ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Damnation” – arrived from AC/DC,

and followed in 79,  by ‘Highway To Hell’.

and ‘Touch Too Much’,  their first Top 30 of 80 –

(Sadly losing Bon Scott this month, as well).

 

Six more hits also came in 80,  ending with,

‘Rock ‘N’ Roll  Ain’t Noise Pollution’, at No.15.

Which found AC/DC firmly established

on the UK Rock music scene.

 

‘Let’s Get It Up’  and  ‘Who Made Who’,

and  ‘Heatseeker’,  some more hits of this decade.

And in the 90’s ‘Thunderstruck’  and  ‘Highway To Hell (live)’ –

two more Top 20’s making the grade.

 

‘It’s A Long Way To The Top

(If You Wanna Rock N Roll)’,

but AC/DC kept the faith –

making it look just like a stroll.

 

And so soon after losing his brother George,

we hear of the sad loss of Malcolm Young.

Rest in peace, in the knowledge –

your work, forever played and sung.

 

Thank you for your music.

 

 

 

 

 

November 5, 2017

 

 

Heard coming out of every Disco

from Manchester to Malibu

were these unmistakable sounds

in magical 1972.

 

‘Here I go again’ by Archie Bell & The Drells –

in the UK charts of October at No. 11,

and Eric Clapton’s ‘Layla’-

in the Top Ten of August at No.7.

 

And David Bowie’s ‘Starman’ –

his first hit of this year too.

Followed by ‘John, I’m Only Dancing’,

and ‘The Jean Genie’ –  our minds blew.

 

‘Mama weer all crazee now’-

a No 1 for Slade, sent us all insane.

and in December at No.3

arrived Carly Simon, with ‘You’re So Vain’

 

‘Meet Me On The Corner’,

in February saw Lindisfarne at No.5,

and in July, flying in at No.3 came –

Hawkwind’s  ‘Silver Machine’, with power drive.

 

Gilbert O’Sullivan reached No.1

declaring his love for ‘Clair’,

and bending our ear was Don Mclean,

telling us of ‘Vincent’ and his despair.

 

Paul McCartney & Wings

gave us ‘Hi Hi Hi’ and ‘Cmoon’,

and in at No.2  came Ringo Starr

singing his ‘Back Off Boogaloo’ tune.

 

This year also saw T Rex – 

 in May at No.1 with ‘Metal Guru’,

and The Stylistics’  ‘Betcha By Golly Wow’

and ‘I’m Stoned In Love With You’.

 

The first hit for Roxy Music

came in August, with ‘Virginia Plain’

and ‘My World’ and ‘Run To Me’,

from the Bee Gees, in our hearts remain.

 

‘School’s Out’ sang Alice Cooper

as we let down our guard,

and Paul Simon’s ‘Mother And Child Reunion’ came

with ‘Me & Julio Down By The School Yard’.

 

Simon & Garfunkel gave us ‘America’,

and Hurricane Smith sang ‘Oh Babe What Would You Say’,

and Donny Osmond with ‘Puppy Love’ at No.1,

proved he was here to stay.

 

‘Morning Has Broken’ by Cat Stevens

arrived in the charts as January began,

followed soon after in April,

by Elton John and his ‘Rocket Man’.

”

Two more hits of this year for Elton

were ‘Honky Cat’ and ‘Crocodile Rock’,

and in January ‘Son Of My Father’

for Chicory Tip,  made the top slot.

 

‘You Wear It Well’,  a No.1 in August,

for Rod Stewart – the 2nd hit to come his way,

after the double-sided No.1 of ’71 –

‘Reason To Believe’ and ‘Maggie May’

 

‘Got To Be There’ and ‘Rockin Robin’ –

the first single to make the Top Ten

for Michael Jackson in 72,

followed by ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and ‘Ben’.

 

In August, ‘Living In Harmony’

saw Cliff Richard again in the charts,

and ever since ‘Move It’ -back in 58,

Sir Cliff continues to win more hearts.

 

Whichever year ‘did it’ for you;

whichever year pulled at your heart strings,

there’s no better ‘feel good’ factor,

than reliving the joy each memory brings.

 

Whatever your situation now;

whatever your reasons to exist on this land.

Just put all your troubles behind you –

relax, and listen to your favourite band.

 

 

 

October 27, 2017

 

 

George Young of The Easybeats

this month, left life behind.

This Group best remembered

for their hit of 66 – ‘Friday On My Mind’.

 

Their next hit came two years later

with the success of  ‘Hello, How Are You.

George was the brother of  ‘AC/DC’s

Angus and Malcolm too

 

Let the music live on.

 

 

 

 

 

October 21, 2017

 

 

In 65, ‘I Can’t Explain’- a hit

for these UK,  R & B men,

and ‘Anyway Anyhow Anywhere’

gave The Who their second Top Ten.

 

Their last hit of 65 – ‘My Generation’,

reached as high as No.2.

In 66, five more hits arrived

with ‘Substitute’ & ‘A Legal Matter’ in view.

 

‘I’m A Boy’ & ‘The Kids Are Alright’ followed,

with ‘Happy Jack’ filling the dance floor.

‘Pictures Of Lily’, their first hit of 67 –

and ‘The Last Time’/ ‘Under My Thumb’, in at 44.

 

‘I Can See For Miles’, came next –

making the Top Ten line.

Then in 68 came ‘Dogs’ & ‘Magic Bus’,

and at No.4, ‘Pinball Wizard’, in 69.

 

Their 2 Hits of 70 included –

‘The Seeker’ and ‘Summertime Blues’,

and ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ & ‘Let’s See Action’ –

2 Top Twenty hits of 71, over which, fans enthused.

 

‘Join Together’ their next offering-

reaching No.9 in 72.

and in 73 ‘Relay’ & ‘5.15’,

saw more hits adding to the queue.

 

In 76 came ‘Squeeze Box’ & ‘Substitute’

with ‘Who Are You’ in 78, reaching No.18.

Then ‘Long Live Rock’ in 79,  before,

‘You Better You Bet’ & ‘Don’t Let Go The Coat’, seen.

 

‘Athena’, their Top 40 of 82,

 was followed by ‘Ready Steady Who (EP)’, in 83,

and ‘My Generation’, back again in 88 and 96 –

completes this hit list from A to Zee.

 

Well known for their Rock Opera – ‘Tommy’,

this Legendary Mod group, loved so true.

Sadly, losing Keith Moon back in September 78,

and John Entwistle in June 2002.

 

Thank You for the ground-breaking music  –

You changed so many lives.

 

Written by Harriet Blackbury

 

 

October 16, 2017

 

 

‘Do it again’ made the UK Top 40

in 75 for Steely Dan.

This U S group then reached the Top 20

with ‘Haitian Divorce’ going to plan.

‘FM (No Static At All)’

in 78, their next release

‘Rikki Don’t Lose That Number, came in 79 –

Walter Becker – May you rest in peace.

 

 

 

 

October 4, 2017

 

In 77, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

hit the UK Charts with ‘Anything That’s Rock ‘N’ Roll’.

Also in 77 their ‘American Girl’

made the Top 40 scroll.

 

In 81, joining with Stevie Nicks

came ‘Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around’,

and in 85 ‘Don’t Come Around Here No More’

entered  Top 50 ground.

 

Going solo in 89 – ‘I Won’t Back Down’

became his highest UK hit.

and ‘Runnin’ Down A Dream’ & ‘Free Fallin’

fans loved more than just a bit.

 

In 91 came ‘Learning To Fly’

and in 92 ‘Too Good To Be True’

Followed in 93 by ‘Something In The Air’

and in 94 ‘Mary Jane’s Last Dance’, on cue.

 

Florida’s ‘own’ Tom Petty –

So talented and versatile.

May your journey ‘Into The Great Wide Open’ 

be welcomed with a huge smile,

 

by those who have gone before you,

impatient to make their next song. –

Those ex Traveling Wilbury faces

with their guitars still strummin’ strong.

 

Keep doing what you do best –

‘Rock on in style Tom Petty.

 

written by

Harriet Blackbury

 

August 10, 2017

---

 

 

 

Appearing on the scene in 69

Glen Campbell won our hearts,

when he gave us ‘Wichita Lineman’,

which made No. 7 in the charts.

 

In the same year 2 hits followed:

‘Galveston’ – much loved by he.

And assisted by Bobbie Gentry –

‘All I have to do is Dream’ reached No.3

 

‘Try a little Tenderness’ came in 70

then ‘Honey come back’ making No.4

‘Everything a man could ever need’ came next,

and ‘It’s only make believe’ a No.4, once more.

 

‘Dream Baby’ made the Top 40,

(his only hit of 71)

until in 75 with ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’

at No.4 – he once again shone.

 

‘Southern Nights came in 77,

from this home grown US boy.

Thank You Glen Campbell – vocalist and guitarist,

for bringing us so much joy.

 

RIP  1936 – 2017

 

 

May 23, 2017

 

 

In 62, the first Bond theme came from –

The John Barry Orchestra for ‘Doctor No’.

Followed by ‘From Russia With Love’,

in 63, sung by Matt Munro.

 

Then in 64, with the third Bond title song,

came Shirley Bassey with her hit, Goldfinger.

and in 65, ‘Thunderball’ from Tom Jones,

also another fine welsh singer.

 

The fifth Bond film theme – ‘You Only Live Twice’,

was sung, in 67 by Nancy Sinatra.

Then ‘On Her Majesty’s Service’ in 69, saw the

re-appearance of The John Barry Orchestra.

 

‘We Have All The Time In The World’,

( also in this film), an unforgettable song,

performed as only he could,

by wonderful Mr Louis Armstrong.

 

Early 72 saw Shirley Bassey once more,

at her sparkling best with ‘Diamonds Are Forever’

and in 73, Paul McCartney and Wings gave us

‘Live And Let Die’, which we all sang together.

 

Composed by John Barry – words by Don Black in 74,

‘The Man With The Golden Gun’, nicely for Lulu did sit.

And in 77, Carly Simon with ‘Nobody Does It Better’,

from the film, The Spy Who Loved Me’, a hit.

 

Shirley Bassey performed the theme from ‘Moonraker’

( her third Bond song coming in 79).

And next Sheena Easton with the title song

‘For Your Eyes Only’, in 81, also divine.

 

In 83, the film ‘Octopussy’

found Rita Coolidge with ‘All Time High’,

and in 85 (with a U.S. No.1), Duran Duran sang,

‘A View To A Kill’, making young hearts sigh.

 

‘The Living Daylights’ came from Norway’s A-ha,

in 87, with the next film title song.

And Gladys Knight with ‘Licence To Kill’,

in 89, proved she could still do no wrong.

 

Also at her best in 95 Tina Turner,

had a hit with ‘Golden Eye’ to let us know.

And in 97 with ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’

yet another American – fab Sheryl Crow.

 

‘The World Is Not Enough’ from Garbage,

in 99, with the next film title seen.

And ‘Die Another Day’ in 2002 from Madonna,

a hit by this world renown song queen.

 

The song for Casino Royale in 2006 –

‘You Know My Name’ by Chris Cornell, did please.

‘Another Way To Die’ for Quantum Of Solace,

in 2008 coming from Jack White and Alicia Keys

 

More recently, in 2012 Adele gave us ‘Skyfall’,

always sure to mesmerise.

And Spectre, just perfect for Sam Smith

in 2015, coming as no surprise.

 

Whatever James Bond Film your favourite,

whichever actor your preference to play the man,

you are guaranteed a time of excitement

no matter which decade they span.

 

James Bond films are films like no other;

fantasy entertainment of the highest score.

And in 2017 with heartfelt sadness

fans said ‘Goodnight, God Bless’ to Sir Roger Moore.

 

And now, just three years later,

the original James Bond, (some considered the best) –

Sir Sean Connery, has sadly departed.

Thank you,  in peace, may you rest.

 

R I P  Sir Sean Connery  1930 – 2020

May 22, 2017

 

 

‘Bat Out Of Hell’ by Meatloaf

in 79 arrived with drive.

and ‘Running Up The Hill’ at No.3

was Kate Bush in 85.

 

‘It’s A Shame’ made the Top 20 in 70,

for America’s Motown Spinners,

and at No.1 in 78 was ‘Dreadlock Holiday’

making Stockport’s 10cc winners.

 

‘Stuck In The Middle With You’,

in 73 a Top 10 for Stealers Wheel,

and in 96 – Orbital,

gave ‘The Box’ a Top 20 feel.

 

At No.7 in 92 came ‘The Bouncer’

by UK duo – Kick Like A Mule,

after Dire Straits in 79

gave us ‘Sultans Of Swing’, so cool.

 

‘Ball Of Confusion’ in the charts at No7,

in 70, for The Temptations.

Also in 70 ‘It’s All In The Game’ sang The Four Tops,

2 years after Cliff’s No 1  – ‘Congratulations’.

 

May 7, 2017

 

 

In 78 with ‘Radio Radio’

was Elvis Costello at No. 9,

and in 89 The Traveling Wilburys

recorded ‘End Of The Line’.

 

In 76, The Isley Brothers

took ‘Harvest For The World’ to No. 10,

and in 92 at No.1 was –

‘End Of The Road’ by Boys ll Men.

 

‘Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye’

in 70 found Steam at No 9.

This song also (at No.10 in 83)

saw Bananarama shine.

 

‘Don’t Let It Die’ by Hurricane Smith,

in 71 reached No.2,

and in 63, a Top 20 for Skeeter Davis

saw ‘End Of The World’ come into view.

 

In 67 ‘A Place In The Sun’

for Stevie Wonder made the Top 20.

‘Heaven Help Us All’ another of his songs,

in 70, making a chart entry.

 

In 80 with ‘Masterblaster (Jammin)’

he reached No.2, doing it his way,

and another No.2 back in 69

was ‘Yester-me Yester-you Yesterday.

 

In 65, ‘It’s The Same Old Song’

found The Four Tops at 34,

and in 76, ‘Don’t Stop The Music’

by Tavares reached No.4

 

In 91, ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’, a Top 20

by Paul Young, fans thought just heaven.

(This song originally a hit for Crowded House,

making No.25 in 87).

 

In 58, The Platters –

took ‘Twilight Time’ to No.3,

and 70 saw The Beatles

at No.2 with ‘Let It Be.’

 

‘Resurrection Shuffle’ in 71

by Ashton, Gardener & Dyke at No.3

And making No.1 in 80,

David Bowie set ‘Ashes to Ashes’ free.

 

In 82, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’

found Journey at No.6,

‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’ from 84,

by The Smiths, in this final mix.

 

In 97, ‘The End Is The Beginning Is The End’

by The Smashing Pumpkins made No.10,

and ‘It’s The End Of The World As We Know It’

in 91, a Top 40 for REM.

 

By Harriet Blackbury

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