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.

 

 

October 27, 2015

 

Cream satisfied our thirst,

in 67, with their ‘Strange Brew’,

and in this year, The Beatles took us,

on a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, they knew.

 

63 saw the King, Elvis Presley,

at number one with ‘Devil in Disguise’

and making number two in 69,

‘Suspicious Minds’ came as no surprise.

 

In 74, one of our fave U.S. Rockers,

at number one, did arrive:

Following her ‘Daytona Demons’,

Suzi Quattro took us to ‘Devil Gate Drive’.

 

A ‘Specials’ 81 hit –‘Ghost Town’,

in June made number one

‘Too much too young’, from their AKA live EP,

so poignant, now beloved Rico has gone.

 

‘Black Magic Woman’, an early classic,

from Fleetwood Mac, in style.

Two years later, Jimi Hendrix Experience

introduced us to their ‘Voodoo Chile’.

 

Alive and kicking came ‘Simple Minds’

insisting ‘Don’t you (forget about me).

Jim Kerr, at the helm showing us,

how cool ’Ghost Dancing’ could be.

 

Never ones for a ‘Quiet life’,

Japan, in 82, brought us ‘Ghosts’,

and with the help of a ‘Night Porter’,

ensured ‘All tomorrows Parties’ – the most.

 

‘The Devil went down to Georgia’

to link up with The Charlie Daniels Band.

And ‘Ghostbusters’ had us on the run

when Ray Parker Jnr made his stand.

 

 So whether you believe in demons,

and hauntingly spooky apparitions,

or in a devil who enters a body,

without any consenting permission.

 

Or, if you think the whole concept nonsense;

preferring to keep your grip on reality tight.

Just for the hell of it, drop your guard,

and enjoy ‘Halloween’ tonight.

 

Written By Harriet Blackbury

 

 

 

 

 

October 16, 2015

 

 

‘Going out of my head’, a top 40 hit,

making the charts in 65.

This powerful Dodie West song,

came with so much feeling and vibe.

 

Leroy Van Dyke, with ‘Walk on by’ 

in 62, was on display.

And Unit Four Plus Two, in 65, 

secured No.1  with ‘Concrete and Clay’.

 

‘Make it easy on yourself’ in 65, and,

‘The sun ain’t gonna shine anymore’ in 66 –

(Both number one for The Walker Brothers),

had every girl in the country transfixed.

 

Then ‘Jackie’ saw Scott Walker,

finally going solo in 67,

and his love-torn song ‘Joanna’,  

in 68, found him singing of past heaven.

 

In 66, ‘Walking my cat named dog’,

was Norma Tanega’s only hit, 

‘I feel love comin on, by Felice Taylor,

another one – hit wonder, nicely did fit.

 

‘Green Tambourine’ by the Lemon Pipers,

this 68 hit, reaching the top ten pot.

Whilst in the same year, with the same song,

Sundragon, only getting as far as the fifty slot.

 

Len Barry proved we could count on him,

by giving us, in 65, his ‘1 – 2 – 3’

and in 69, Blue Mink, with ‘Melting Pot’,

told us what a great world this could be.

 

Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg,

gave us a tune with a seductive feel.

Their ‘Je T’aime’ reaching two in 69;

this love song, so moving and so real.

 

That’s impossible! – we replied to The Bee Gees

when they asked ’Don’t forget to remember’, in 69.

After their third hit – ‘Massachusetts’, (No.1 in 67)

had begun the Legend’s unforgettable pipeline?

 

‘When a man loves a woman’ by Percy Sledge –

A huge hit, in the World Cup year of 66.

Graham Bonney with his song ‘Supergirl’, and

The Chiffons ‘Sweet Talkin’ Guy,  also in this mix.

 

‘She’s about a mover’ by Sir Douglas Quintet, and

‘Big Time Operator’ by Zoot Money and the Big Roll Band.

were both sixties one-hit wonders,

but they nevertheless, made their stand.

 

‘Jackson’ by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood,

came after Nancy, solo, hit ‘Sugar Town’,

proving ‘These boots are made for walking’,

still had some mileage, after the number one crown.

 

‘Paper Sun’ saw Traffic heading up the queue,

and with ‘Hole in my shoe’, continuing the rush.

Their final top ten of 67, being,

‘Here we go round the Mulberry Bush’

 

‘Daydream’ by Loving Spoonful and

‘Summer in the city’, both hits from 66.

‘If I ruled the world’ and ‘This is my song’,

finds lovely Harry Secombe, in this final mix.

 

What can be said about the Sixties,

that hasn’t already been said?

If you were there and you missed it,

then you certainly were off your head!

 

written by

Harriet Blackbury

 

 

September 19, 2015

 

Happy Halloween – 31^st October.

 

Cream satisfied our thirst,

in 67, with their ‘Strange Brew’,

and in this year, The Beatles took us,

on a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, they knew.

 

63 saw the King, Elvis Presley,

at number one with ‘Devil in Disguise’

and making number two in 69,

‘Suspicious Minds’ came as no surprise.

 

In 74, one of our fave U.S. Rockers,

at number one, did arrive:

Following her Daytona Demons,

Suzi Quattro took us to Devil Gate Drive.

 

A ‘Specials’ 81 hit –‘Ghost Town’,

in June made number one

‘Too much too young’, from their AKA live EP,

so poignant, now beloved Rico has gone.

 

‘Black Magic Woman’, an early classic,

from Fleetwood Mac, in style.

Two years later, Jimi Hendrix Experience

introduced us to their Voodoo Chile.

 

Alive and kicking came ‘Simple Minds’

insisting ‘Don’t you (forget about me).

Jim Kerr, at the helm showing us,

how cool ’Ghost Dancing’ could be.

 

Never ones for a ‘Quiet life’,

Japan, in 82, brought us ‘Ghosts’,

and with the help of a ‘Night Porter’,

ensured ‘All tomorrows parties’ – the most.

 

‘The Devil went down to Georgia’

to link up with The Charlie Daniels Band.

And ‘Ghostbusterrs’ had us on the run

when Ray Parker Jnr made his stand.

 

 Whether you believe in demons,

and hauntingly spooky apparitions,

or in a devil who’s entered a body,

without any consenting permission.

 

Or if you think the whole concept nonsense;

preferring to keep your grip on reality tight.

Just for the hell of it, drop your guard,

and enjoy ‘Halloween’ tonight.

 

Written By Harriet Blackbury

 

June 24, 2015

 

 

Back in the 60’s

when Bob Lord was king,

and life at Burnley FC

went with a swing,

 

A young fan of the club

to Turf Moor would hurry.

He watched every home game,

and was known as Gerry.

 

He stayed loyal through grim times,

and many there were!

But success came as well

for supporters to share.

 

Gerry liked a good sing-song;

a laugh and a joke,

and like the Houghton Weavers,

preferred to sing mostly ‘Folk’.

 

At times when Burnley lost,

he’d sing a shanty or a dirge,

and take requests from Blackburn fans;

‘sing Wild Rover’,  they’d urge.

 

He saw many games abandoned,

due to a water-logged pitch,

or ten inches of snow,

sent by the Pendle witch.

 

But with dogged determination,

and a folk song in his head,

he’d go to most away games;

to which ever town that led.

 

And though he could have followed,

Preston, Wigan or Bury?

He stayed loyal to his team,

did dependable young Gerry.

 

He even shunned watching Bolton,

when at it’s height with Allardyce.

And saw Rochdale and Bury as non-starters,

though was dragged there once or twice,

 

always under much duress,

with some relative or friend.

whilst his heart would be with Burnley,

playing down in Brighton or Southend!

 

When his fave Manager – ‘Stan the man’,

Hip-hopped down to Gigg Lane,

Gerry did attend more games there,

once he’d recovered from the pain.

 

So Folk music and Football

sure have floated his boat,

since back in the sixties,

when he wore his duffel coat.

 

‘Those were the days’ sang Mary Hopkins,

and Roger Whittaker sang Durham Town.

Whilst Haslingden’s very own Gerry,

was the local folk hero, renown.

 

So whether it’s ‘Gerry – the singer’

or ‘Gerry – the Burnley fan’,

he’s stayed true to what he loves,

because he’s just that kind of man.

 

 

 

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