December 26, 2016

 

In 84, ‘You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)’

at No.1 for Dead Or Alive,

and this song back in the charts in 06 –

God rest Pete Burns, and his struggle to survive.

 

Best known for his chart hits of 61,

like ‘Run To Him’ and ‘Rubber Ball’,

and in 63, ‘The Night Has A Thousand Eyes’

ensured Bobby Vee remembered by all.

 

Canada’s own Leonard Cohen,

this year, from life withdrew.

Meaning so much to many generations –

sadly bowing out, aged 82.

 

America’s Colonel Abrams (died aged 67) –

The acclaimed 80’s House Dance pioneer.

His gold selling hit in the charts for 23 weeks –

‘Trapped’, deservingly well worth a cheer.

 

Leon Russell, the renowned rock musician/writer,

who’s talent knew no bounds,

featured on many great albums,

including The Beach Boys ‘Pet Sounds’.

 

His collaboration with Elton John,

on the album, ‘The Union’ came in 2010,

and also known for penning ‘A Song For You’ –

his work will live on – Amen.

 

Kay Starr, a popular singer of the 50’s  –

‘Wheel Of Fortune & ‘Rock & Roll Waltz’, No.1 hits.

Whether singing Jazz, Pop or Country,

Her fans simply loved her to bits.

 

Rod Temperton, the British songwriter

behind ‘Thriller’ died aged 66  – a loss to us all.

His other songs include ‘Rock With You’,

‘Boogie Nights’ and of course ‘Off The Wall’.

 

In 66 ‘California Dreamin’ & ‘Monday Monday’ –

Mamas & Papas hits we’ll never forget.

And in 67 ‘Dedicated To The One I Love’

an apt song for 3 members we lost with regret.

 

Lovely Cass Elliott leaving us in 74,

and John Philips in 2001.

And Denny Doherty followed in 2007 –

may their memory and music live on.

 

With ‘Fanfare For The Common Man’,

in 77 making No.2.

It is with the greatest sadness

Greg Lake, we say farewell to you.

 

‘Pictures Of Matchstick Men’

in 68, first set our hearts aglow.

This group having the most chart singles,

can only mean – Status Quo.

 

But ‘The Party Ain’t Over Yet’, for you –

Rick Parfitt – your act was sublime.

And tonight fans will toast your life,

singing in one voice – ‘Margarita Time’.

 

With effortless ease and brilliance,

George Michael’s music won so many hearts,

And ‘Faith’ in him, we had in abundance,

though ‘Older’, too early he departs.

 

‘Last Christmas’ – our favourite Video,

and ‘Careless Whisper’ another heartfelt song.

But this Christmas, will forever be remembered –

for a singer who kept us all strong..  

 

His ‘December Song (I Dreamed Of Christmas)’,

so apt now his loss, fans struggle to endure.

But of one thing you can be certain,

George Michael, ‘You Have Been Loved’ for sure.

 

Losing Pop Legends isn’t easy,

when they’ve been part of our DNA.

We all think of them as immortal,

and near to our hearts they stay.

 

But each one that goes on before us,

is simply finding ‘A Different Corner’ to rest.

So sleep peacefully in your ‘Freedom’

‘Spinning The Wheel’ with some of the best.

 

December 10, 2016

 

 

In 73, Diana Ross was in the Top 10,

with this poignant farewell song.

‘Touch Me In The Morning’

proving ‘now’ – no-one can prolong.

 

‘Now That We Found Love’,

a 78 Top 10 hit for Third World.

In 77, ‘When I Need You’ by Leo Sayer,

ensured every lover’s toe curled.

 

‘When You Get Right Down To It’,

a Top 20 hit for Ronnie Dyson in 71.

‘I Saw Her Again’ from Mamas & Papas,

one of their hits proving love lingers on.

 

In 79, ‘We’ve Got Tonight’ came from

Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band.

‘It’s All Coming Back To Me Now’,

in 96, Celine Dion did command.

 

In 80, at 23 in the charts,

‘Too Hot’ from Kool and the Gang’

and ‘What A Difference A Day Makes’,

in 75, Esther Philips sang.

 

In 06, with ‘Crazy’, Gnarls Barkley,

at No.1, rightly did sit,

and in 94 ‘Now & Forever’,

gave Richard Marx a Top 20 hit.

 

In 67, ‘A Place In The Sun’, from

Stevie Wonder, we thought a dream,

and In 74, The Love Unlimited Orchestra,

had a Top 10 with ‘Love’s Theme’

 

Memories can last a lifetime,

and at times bitter-sweet they feel,

but ‘Now’ is happening constantly,

and ‘Now’ always will be the real deal. 

 

 

November 29, 2016

 

 

America’s Young Rascals

brought ‘Groovin’ to our shore;

this Top 10 hit of 67 followed by,

‘A Girl Like You’, we still adore.

 

And 1970 saw Bob & Marcia

riding high in the Top 5 Chart.

Their ‘Young, Gifted & Black’ –

instantly winning every heart.

 

In 75,  ahead of the game – David Bowie,

with ‘Young Americans’ in the Top 20,

and in 76, Candi Staton gave us

‘Young Hearts Run Free’ – a No 2 entry.

 

Our own Beatle – Paul McCartney

always guaranteed to bring us joy,

and in 97, the Top 20, found him

back in the charts with ‘Young Boy’.

 

‘She Drives Me Crazy’, in 89,

saw ‘Fine Young Cannibals at No.5,

and in the Top 40 of 97,

this song again, was to arrive.

 

With one of the largest fan clubs ever,

this Pop icon, has had a hit or two.

‘The Young Ones’ – just one of Cliff’s songs,

climbing to No.1 – was a song loved so true.

 

‘Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy,

(in 1970 – a song we’ll never forget),

came from U.S. group – The Tams, followed by

‘Hey Girl, Don’t Bother Me’ – a certain No.1 bet.

 

‘The Youngest Was The Most Loved’,

in 2006, for Morrissey, was doing fine,

and ‘Young Forever’ at No.10 was Jay Z

featuring Mr Hudson in 2009.

 

‘When You’re Young And In Love’- in 67,

a Marvelettes’s Top 20 hit, our hearts won.

and ‘My One Temptation’ singer – Mica Paris

sang about ‘Young Soul Rebels’ in 91.

 

In 82, ‘Young Guns (Go For It)

was at No.3 for Wham’s Andrew and George,

and ‘Last Christmas’ – their seasonal hit,

with a video, that simply is ‘gorge’.

 

And last in this Tribute to Youth,

comes lovely Will Young with hits from 02.

‘Anything Is Possible’ and ‘Evergreen’,

and ‘Light My Fire’, just to name a few.

 

 

November 12, 2016

 

 

Canadian Icon – Leonard Cohen,

this week, from life withdrew.

Meaning so much to many generations,

he sadly ‘bowed out’ at the age of 82.

 

One of the most poignant songwriters-

up there with Dylan, without doubt.

Changing the nations thinking,

yet ‘Hallelujah, his only Top 40 shout.

 

With ‘Suzanne’, the 1st song on his 1st Album,

he showed us the intensity of his desire.

But of course, he will also be remembered,

for his high flying  ‘Bird On The Wire’.

 

‘I’m Your Man’, another firm favourite,

with many a female, concert attendee,

And lots more heart-searching songs,

touched those in the same mood, as he.

 

So it’s with sadness, we say ‘Farewell Leonard’-

‘Your place in Music History secure.

You were instrumental in changing our mood,

with words from your heart, so pure.

 

So many great songs have been omitted,

in this late night tribute to you- Mr Cohen.

But your life-saving words still enthrall us,

and our love for you will keep on growin’.

 

RIP   1934 – 2016

 

November 11, 2016

 

 

‘What made Milwaukee famous,

(has made a loser out of me)’,

in 72, gave Rod Stewart,

a Top 5 hit, so easily.

 

Crowded House got as high as No.27,

in 94, with ‘Pineapple Head’,

but back in 75, Norwegian group, Sailor,

preferred ‘A Glass Of Champagne’ instead.

 

In 73, ‘Whiskey In The Jar’,

from Thin Lizzy, always made us sway.

And in 98, a hit from Bran Van 3000

was ‘Drinking In L.A’.

 

In 71,  ‘I Will Drink The Wine’,

Frank Sinatra, so smoothly said.

And in 1980, ‘Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers’-

in the Top 50, by Motorhead.

 

In 62, The Four Seasons, with ‘Sherry’,

sent out their message of romance.

And in 2002 – Pay as u go, at No 13,

celebrated with ‘Champagne Dance’.

 

In 69, ‘I heard It through the Grapevine’,

at No.1  for Marvin Gaye,

And in 74, with ‘Seven Seas of Rye’,

were Queen, doing it their way.

 

In 96, came Salt-n-Pepa with ‘Champagne’

 – a Christmas hit, they put to bed,

and ‘One Night In Bangkok’, in 84,

came from Murray Head.

 

In 83, at Number 1, were UB40,

singing of  ‘Red, Red Wine’.

and ‘Gin Soaked Boy’ – a Top 40 hit,

for Divine Comedy in 99.

 

In 57, ‘Kisses Sweeter Than Wine’,

came from Liverpool’s Frankie Vaughan,

and many artists sang ‘Wild Rover’ – but

The Houghton Weaver’s version, we sang til dawn.

 

In 73, ‘I’ve Been Drinking’, sang

Rod Stewart with Jeff Beck in tow,

and ‘Wide Eyed & Legless’ in 75 –

a hit for Andy Fairweather-Low.

 

In 55  ‘The Drinking Song’ by Mario Lanza

was played more than once or twice.

And in 78 (remixed in 85),

Foreigner gave us – ‘Cold As Ice’

 

‘Days of Wine & Roses’,

always gave us a glow,

when performed by Andy Williams,

and many more artists we know.

 

 

October 1, 2016

 

 

In 67,  ‘See Emily Play’ at Number 6

after ‘Arnold Layne’ came from Pink Floyd.

And twelve years later in 79, their No.1 hit

‘Another Brick In The Wall’, we all so enjoyed.

 

In 78, Elvis Costello had a hit with –

‘(I Don’t Wanna go to ) Chelsea’

and in 82, in the Top 30 were The Cure,

singing about  – ‘A Letter To Elsie’.

 

In 67, Mamas & The Papas sang ‘Words Of Love’,

and In 02, with ‘Word Love’, Rhianna had her say.

Not in agreement, in 06, was Richard Ashcroft,

suggesting ‘Words Just Get In The Way’.

 

At Number 5 in 73 was Roger Daltrey,

with his solo hit ‘Giving it all away’

and Chaka Demur & Pliers, with ‘Twist and Shout’

20 years later, up to Number 1 – made their way.

 

In 94, this Jamaican Duo again in the charts,

reaching No.27 with ‘Murder She Wrote’.

And in 96 their ‘Every Kinda People’,

was another song getting our vote.

 

In 67, at Number 5 were The Box Tops,

with their delivery of – ‘The Letter’,

and in 70, in the Top 40 with this song,

Joe Cocker’s rendition – a gritty pace setter.

 

At No.6 in 02 with, ‘A Mind Of It’s Own’

Victoria Beckham’s third solo hit,  let us know,

just what she was capable of,

when singing ‘live’ on a top TV show.

 

In 78, Rita Coolidge sang ‘Words’,

ten years after The Bee Gees gave us this hit,

And also in 68 – a second Number One,

‘I Just Gotta Get A Message To You’,  their remit.

 

‘Paperback Writer’, a hit for The Beatles

in 66,  with their tenth Number One,

and back again in the charts of 76,

this favourite song, once more shone.

 

In 77, again came Roger Daltrey,

giving us ‘Written In The Wind’

and with his version of ‘Elusive Butterfly’,

in 66, at No.5 was Bob Lind.

 

In at No.16 in 97 were The Charlatans,

‘Tellin Stories’ in their special way.

Also in 97 – ‘Still Waters (Run Deep),

gave the Bee Gees another chart stay.

 

In 79 with ‘Turn Up The Music’,

at No.8 were The Players Association.

And in 06 with ‘Land Of A Thousand Words,

came another Scissor Sisters creation.

 

To some, words don’t come easy.

For others, the rhythm just flows,

But many writers unable to annunciate,

so no Performance or Hand-Waving Shows.

 

To some, words are second nature,

whilst others – by research are led.

But one thing of which I’m quite certain;

many writers are quite off their head !

 

 

 

 

April 25, 2016

 

 

‘Something in the air’ surely happened,

when Thunderclap Newman, our hearts won.

Now Andy Newman re-united with Keene & McCulloch,

the band members can once more, rock on.

 

Maurice White, a founder member of Earth, Wind & Fire –

recently lost his life too.

Hits like ‘Boogie Wonderland’ and ‘After the love has gone’

ensuring we will never forget you.

 

Another shock, was the loss of Terry Wogan –

not known as a songbird, but still took a chance.

when in 78, this well-loved Presenter

had a hit with the song ‘Floral Dance’.

 

Sadly, we now mourn the loss of Glenn Frey:

The Eagles, everyone’s favourite, I must say –

‘One of These Nights’ and ‘Lying Eyes’,

early hits to set them on their way.

 

Glenn Frey always the driving force –

‘Hotel California’ still as relevant today.

And later he ruled the day with –

‘The Heat Is On’, when he broke away.

 

Keith Emerson, formerly part of Nice,

and as Emerson, Lake & Palmer, the next plan,

paid off when they gave the world  

‘Fanfare For The Common Man’  

 

One of the greatest artists ever to perform;

this Minneapolis native, now takes a bow.

Prince Rogers Nelson, with so many hits to his name,

from ‘Little Red Corvette’ to ‘Betcha By Golly Wow’

 

His breakthrough hit ‘I Wanna Be Your Lover’

was followed by ‘1999’.

And ‘When Doves Cry’ and ‘Purple Rain’ arrived,

respect at it’s height for his sound, so divine.

 

Our home-grown talent & darling, Victoria Wood,

could also knock out a tune or two.

Your words to ‘The Ballard of Barry and Freda’     

will forever bring a smile to our lips, just for you.

 

The ‘Golden Years’ of David Bowie;

his legacy, second to none.

A ‘Starman of ‘Sound and Vision’.

‘Day In – Day Out’, his music lives on.

 

‘Only The Strong Survive’ in this Industry,

and God Bless Billy Paul, for such memorable tones.

His all-time classic – the anthem of all lovers:

I could only possibly mean – ‘Me And Mrs Jones.

 

This latest list just wouldn’t be complete,

without Sir George Martin, of fifth Beatle fame.

This much loved Record Producer renown,

was always at the top of his game.

 

So many more were taken.

So many, I could name;

It comes with liabilities,

this fickle game of fame.

 

So many idols lost;

sudden death hard to digest.

Their music, their legacy;

our gain at their bequest.   

 

January 18, 2016

 

 

From ‘Space Oddity’ in 69,

( and it’s re-issue in 75 at No1.)

to ‘John I’m Only Dancing (again)’,

this decade of work from Bowie shone.

 

He brought us ‘The Jean Genie’,

followed by ‘Drive-In Saturday’.

‘Life On Mars’, ‘The Laughing Gnome’ and ‘Sorrow’,

saw his originality here to stay !

 

In 74 came ‘Rebel Rebel’,

and ‘Rock and Roll Suicide’

and with ‘Diamond Dogs’ and ‘Knock on Wood’,

he had us all on side.

 

‘Young Americans’ and ‘Fame’,

his first hits of 75.

And with ‘Space Oddity’ finally No.1,

‘Golden Years’, kept us alive.

 

Then followed ‘TVC’ in 76,

and in 77 ‘Sound and Vision’ made No.3.

‘Heroes’ the final hit of this year,

but by now, Bowie a hero to you and me.

 

‘Beauty And The Beast’ then followed,

along with ‘Breaking Glass’.

And ‘Boys Keep Swinging’ and ‘DJ’.

were yet more hits to prove his class.

 

In 80 came ‘Alabama Song’,

And then ‘Ashes To Ashes’ made No.1.

‘Fashion’ also reaching No5,

proving David Bowie still shone.

 

By now, the King of originality,

he gave us ‘Scary Monsters (and Super-Creeps)’

and ‘Up The Hill Backwards’, and ‘Wild Is The Wind’,

No wonder today –  the world weeps!

 

And then once more proving his diversity,

came the gift of ‘Peace on Earth – Little Drummer Boy’,

when he partnered the legendary Bing Crosby,

giving us a No.1 Christmas-time joy. 

 

In 82 came ‘Baal’s Hymn’,

and then ‘Cat People (Putting Out Fire)’.

And in 83, ‘Let’s Dance’ and ‘China Girl’,

once more filled our hearts with desire.

 

‘Modern Girl’ and ‘White Light, White Heat’,

finished off 83, with a roar,

before ‘Blue Jean’ and then ‘Tonight’,

his two offerings for 84.

 

In 85 ‘Loving The Alien’ at No.19,

(this song also being a re-entry in July.)

And then his release of ‘Dancing In The Street’

with Mick Jagger,  got a deserved, No.1 reply.

 

In 86 came ‘Absolute Beginners’  

which bounced up to No.2,

In this year also came ‘Underground’,

and ‘When The Wind Blows’, came into view.

 

‘Day-In Day-Out’, came in 87,

and ‘Time Will Crawl’, and ‘Never Let Me Down’.

The re-mix of ‘Fame’ entering the charts in 90,

making a bid once more for the crown.

 

In 92 ‘Real Cool World’ peaked at 53,

then in 93 ‘Jump They Say’ got to Number 9.

And ‘Black Tie White Noise’, featuring Al B Sure,

was followed by ‘Miracle Goodnight’ – so fine.

 

‘Buddha Of Surburbia’, featuring Lenny Kravitz –

this last single of 93 making it to No.35.

Two years later, ‘The Heart’s Filthy Lesson’,

in the charts, also at 35.

 

And to follow, this double ‘A’ side,

being the last chart success of 95 –

‘Strangers When We Meet’,  and

‘The Man Who Sold The World (live)’.

 

‘Hallo Spaceboy’ made it to 12 in 96, and in 97

‘Little Wonder’ and ‘Dead Man Walking’, we met.

The final hit of this year being,

‘Seven Years In Tibet’.

 

‘I Can’t Read’ came along in 98, and

‘Thursday’s Child’ and ‘Under Pressure (remix)’ – in 99.

With ‘Survive’ and ‘Seven’ in the year 2000,

The Noughties started off fine.

 

‘Loving The Alien’ and ‘Everyone say Hi’, in 02

and ‘Just For One Day (Heroes)’  next in 03.

‘Rebel Never Gets Old’, then came in 04.

‘Life On Mars’ & ‘Peace On Earth – Little Drummer Boy’,

in 07,  also back in the charts, once more.

 

 

A self confessed social observer –

David Bowie’s vision knew no bounds.

He spoke for the rebel in all of us.

by constantly breaking new grounds.

 

He bridged the gap from adolescence to adulthood,

when, for us all, there was a division.

So today we say Thank You, for leaving behind,

unforgettable ‘Golden Days’ of ‘Sound and Vision’.

 

written by

Harriet Blackbury

 

January 12, 2016

 

 

This week, the music world lost a legend.

His album, ‘Blackstar’, the final curtain call.

This coolest re-inventor of all time,

set sexuality free, in us all.

 

This week, so many fans feel grateful,

as now they sit and reflect,

on the life of a musical genius,

who qualifies for the highest respect.

 

This week, so many hearts are aching,

as part of our past he owned.

He brought out the ‘rebel’ in all of us,

making sense of what wasn’t condoned.

 

This week, we said goodbye to our hero.

A ‘one off’, and original soul,

who kept us all together through difficult years.

His exit – a private heavenly stroll.

 

This week Music has lost it’s ‘Starman’,

but ‘Golden Years’ of ‘Sound and Vision’, live on.

We thank you David Bowie, for your brilliance.

You were an artist, second to none.

 

Written by Harriet Blackbury.

 

December 14, 2015

 

 

This early seasonal song,

a long time hit for Brenda Lee,

gets everybody in the mood

‘Rocking around the Christmas Tree’.

 

‘and here it is Merry Christmas’

a line that pulls at the heartstrings,

as memories come flooding back,

when nostalgia, a tear brings.

 

as the undisputed masters,

of Christmas records ever made,

with ‘Merry Xmas Everbody’,

sing out Noddy Holder and Slade.

 

Christmas comes but once a year,

but not if Wizzard had their way.

Something they never fail to tell us is,

‘I wish it could be Christmas Everyday’.

 

A more recent Christmas song,

from Chris Rea hit the spot.

His ‘Driving Home For Christmas’

proving family life, means a lot.

 

And not forgetting one of the very best

‘feel – good’ video’s ever made.

Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ hit putting,

all the others in the shade.

 

And just when you thought no better songs

at Christmastime could sound more classy,

with their version of ‘The Christmas Song’

along comes Blake, with our own Shirley Bassey.

 

And every year a new Christmas song –

offers something a bit different, than before.

This years surprise is  ‘Here Comes Christmas’

by Scott and NB 4.

 

If only the sentiment of Christmas,

could be expressed, all year long !

‘Why Can’t We Live Together’, asked Timmy Thomas,

in the world’s most unanswered song.

 

 

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