Vabosity's Third Anniversary Review Of The Thread - Post #4.
Unlike the first three posts of my Third Anniversary Revue, each of which featured five tracks by a single artist or band, this post features one track each by five different British female singers.
As you can appreciate, with less specific search criteria selecting five tracks in this category from three years worth of posts was a significantly more difficult and arduous task than it had been for the three preceding posts, and there is a distinct possibility that I have overlooked some truly classic tracks. If this is the case, then I apologise. However, I don’t apologise for the five I have selected, as they are imho all quite superb, and they can be found below.
Cilla Black - I've Been Wrong Before (1965)
First submitted to the thread in May 2010.
The first time I ever heard this track was when Rob submitted it to the thread three years ago. As I don’t have a very high opinion of Cilla Black I wasn’t expecting to like it, even though the song was written by Randy Newman, whom I greatly admire. Imagine my surprise when I found myself not only liking this track, but absolutely loving it! Arguably the best thing Cilla Black ever recorded.
Elkie Brooks - Nothing Left To Do But Cry (1964) First submitted to the thread in May 2010.
Despite being a highly regarded singer during the sixties, and despite recording many fine tracks during that decade, including this gem, Elkie Brooks would have to wait until the next decade for her first UK chart entry (Pearl's A Singer, #8 in 1977)
Julie Grant - Come To Me (1964) First submitted to the thread in June 2010.
Not a well known name today, but imho Julie Grant is one of the better British female singers of the sixties. She had three UK chart entries (all of them minor hits, unfortunately), of which Come To Me was the third and last. Some people will find this track rather cheesy, but I love it! The song has a gorgeous melody and Julie’s performance of it is second to none.
Dusty Springfield - Summer Is Over (1964) First submitted to the thread in July 2012
Written by her brother, Tom, this is a fabulous song, fabulously sung by the fabulous Dusty Springfield.
The Nuggets box set has been visited many times for inspiration for this thread, and frankly the quality is such that every single track of the 128 featured is well worth celebrating here. Here's three more absolute belters from volume 2 for your enjoyment.
Vabosity's Third Anniversary Review Of The Thread - Post #4.
Cilla Black - I've Been Wrong Before (1965)
First submitted to the thread in May 2010.
The first time I ever heard this track was when Rob submitted it to the thread three years ago. As I don’t have a very high opinion of Cilla Black I wasn’t expecting to like it, even though the song was written by Randy Newman, whom I greatly admire. Imagine my surprise when I found myself not only liking this track, but absolutely loving it! Arguably the best thing Cilla Black ever recorded.
With an eye to getting this thread up to 2000 posts, here's a few more ? and the Mysterians tracks for you. It could be argued maybe they're a little bit of a one trick pony, but... I hope you'll agree it's a good trick.
Vabosity's Third Anniversary Review Of The Thread - Post #5.
Post #1 of my Third Anniversary Review featured a solo artist; Posts #2 and #3 featured bands and Post #4 featured more solo artists, so I think it’s time for a duo.
Eleven tracks by Simon and Garfunkel have been submitted to the thread over the last three years. All eleven are quite wonderful, so choosing just five of them for this post has once again been a very difficult task. The five I have chosen can be found below.
Simon and Garfunkel - The Dangling Conversation (1966) First submitted to the thread in August 2010.
As I’m a bit of a philistine I know very little about the American poets, Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost, both of whom are mentioned in this song. However, as I can also be a bit of a pretentious so-and-so at times, any song that mentions the American poets, Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost, is going to be a winner with me . Actually, this song would be a winner with me whatever the lyrics; it’s beautiful.
Simon and Garfunkel - America (1968) First submitted to the thread in December 2010.
I love countless Simon and Garfunkel tracks, but if I had to name my all time favourite, I would have to say America, it’s a truly magnificent track.
Vabosity's Third Anniversary Review Of The Thread - Post #6.
My previous Third Anniversary Review post featured five tracks by one male duo, and this post features one track each by five different male-female duos.
Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood - Some Velver Morning (1967) First submitted to the thread in May 2010.
This is such a unique track, quite unlike anything recorded before or since. Kimindex, the poster who first submitted Some Velvet Morning to the thread, commented that it was one of the most bonkers songs that he or she had ever heard. I suppose the song is a little bit bonkers, but quite marvellous too!
Nino Tempo and April Stevens - All Strung Out (1966) First submitted to the thread in June 2010.
A very famous rock band named themselves after a song entitled Deep Purple, which had been a big hit for the brother and sister act, Nino Tempo and April Stevens, in 1963. Here are brother and sister performing another fine, but not quite as successful ditty on a TV show three years later. When Capablanca first submitted this track to the thread he commented that April Stevens was quite a fox. I certainly can’t disagree with that.
Inez and Charlie Foxx - Mockingbird (1963) First submitted to the thread in July 2010.
Another brother and sister act with a fabulous track that should have been a massive UK hit single, but which failed to chart when first released in 1963 and which peaked at a disappointing #33 when re-released in 1969. A decent cover by Carly Simon and James Taylor was a minor UK hit single in 1974.
Etta James and Harvey Fuqua - Spoonful (1960) First submitted to the thread in October 2010.
My favourite version of a great Willie Dixon song; and at 2’50” it’s just about the right duration. Cream covered this song on their first album, and much as I like that band, a 6’30” version is just too long!
Esther and Abi Ofarim - Morning Of My Life (1967) First submitted to the thread in May 2011.
This husband and wife duo from Israel is best known for topping the UK singles chart in 1968 with Cinderella Rockefella, a novelty song that I have to confess is a bit of a guilty pleasure . Esther and Abi were not, however, a novelty act. In fact, they were actually quite a talented twosome, especially Esther, who has a very good voice indeed. This track is a fine version of one of my favourite Gibb brothers compositions.
Nino Tempo and April Stevens - All Strung Out (1966) First submitted to the thread in June 2010.
A very famous rock band named themselves after a song entitled Deep Purple, which had been a big hit for the brother and sister act, Nino Tempo and April Stevens, in 1963. Here are brother and sister performing another fine, but not quite as successful ditty on a TV show three years later. When Capablanca first submitted this track to the thread he commented that April Stevens was quite a fox. I certainly can’t disagree with that.
Would those of you who have the hots for "foxy" April Stevens in the above 1966 video clip please allow me to pour some water on your fire? April Stevens was 37 years old in 1966, which means that she's 84 years old now! Why does "Pictures Of Lily" by The Who suddenly spring to mind?
I didn't know that the band Deep Purple got their moniker from the song of the same name by Nino Tempo and April Stevens, though thinking about it it's obvious really. I really like Nino and April's version of "Deep Purple". Yes, it was a very big hit, but only in America, it was a much lesser hit over here, which means I can just about get away with posting it to the thread:-
It goes without saying that the best version of the much covered song "Land Of 1000 Dances" is the famous one by Wilson Pickett, but I'd say the following version is a strong contender for being the best of the rest:-
Vabosity's Third Anniversary Review Of The Thread - Post #7.
This post features the original versions of songs that other artists had UK hits with in the sixties. Going through the thread I was really surprised by how many tracks I found that fall into this category, which made choosing just five for this post, yet again, a very difficult task (how many times have I said that now? ).
The five original versions I have chosen can be found below.
The Left Banke - Walk Away Renee (1966) First submitted to the thread in May 2010.
A pretty decent cover by the Four Tops was the hit single in the UK, but the original by the Left Banke is my favourite version by a country mile. The song was written by the Left Banke’s 16-year-old keyboard player, Michael Brown. It’s remarkable that a song that is both melodically and lyrically as good as this one could have been written by someone so young.
Bessie Banks - Go Now (1964) First submitted to the thread in July 2010.
The chart topping cover version by the Moody Blues is very good indeed, but imho the original by Bessie Banks is far superior.
The Four Seasons - Silence is Golden (1964) First submitted to the thread in October 2011.
Although I’m not very keen on the Tremeloes, I don’t mind their chart topping cover version of this song. However, I much prefer the Four Seasons’ original version, which started its life as the B-side to the magnificent Rag Doll.
John Simon - My Name Is Jack (1967) First submitted to the thread in March 2012.
The hit cover version by Manfred Mann is perhaps their quirkiest single. This original version by the song’s composer is even more quirky.
James Ray - If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody (1961) First submitted to the thread in July 2012.
This is such a good song that not even Freddie and the Dreamers (a band I find very difficult to take seriously) can mess it up, and their half decent cover version soured to the dizzy heights of #3 on the UK singles chart in 1963. It goes with saying that I believe James Ray's original to be significantly better and urge you to click on the above link, because the track is well worth a listen.
John Simon - My Name Is Jack (1967) First submitted to the thread in March 2012.
The hit cover version by Manfred Mann is perhaps their quirkiest single. This original version by the song’s composer is even more quirky.
Actually, quite a few of Manfred Mann's hits were cover versions. Their three No.1 singles, "Do Wah Diddy Diddy", "Pretty Flamingo" and "Mighty Quinn" certainly were. Here are the original versions:-
Vabosity's Third Anniversary Review Of The Thread - Post #8.
My previous post in the Third Anniversary Review featured the original versions of songs that other artists had UK hits with in the sixties, and this post features the original versions of songs that other artists had UK hits with in later decades.
The five original versions I’ve chosen can be found below.
Ben E. King - Spanish Harlem (1961) First submitted to the thread in May 2010.
A very different version of this song was a hit for Aretha Franklin in 1971. As much as I like Aretha I’m not at all keen on her cover, but that could be because I love Ben’s original so much that no other version will do.
Gene Chandler - Duke Of Earl (1962) First submitted to the thread in June 2010.
I love Doo-wop music, and although it’s usually associated with the fifties, a lot of great tracks were still being recorded in the early sixties. This is the original version of a song that was a big UK hit single for Doo-wop revivalists, the Darts, in the late seventies.
Love - Alone Again Or (1967) First submitted to the thread in June 2010.
The utterly exquisite, opening track on Love’s highly acclaimed 1967 album, Forever Changes. A cover version by the Damned was a minor UK hit single in 1987.
Tommy James and the Shondells - I Think We’re Alone Now (1967) First submitted to the thread in August 2011.
I can’t abide the 1988 UK chart topping cover version by Tiffany, and I like the almost as successful 2006 cover version by Girls Aloud even less. As for the 1967 original version by Tommy James and the Shondells, now that’s a different story altogether, I love it!
Marvin Gaye - Wherever I Lay My Hat That’s My Home (1962) First submitted to the thread in March 2012.
Paul Young’s 1983 chart topping cover version is now considered to be an eighties classic, so can Marvin Gaye’s original be considered a sixties classic? Of course it can; it wouldn’t be on this thread otherwise, would it?
Some of the Beach Boys less commercial material from the late sixties, when their chart success in America ran out, is well worth a listen. Wild Honey, Little Bird, Heroes and Villains are light years from their surfing and cars records.
Each to his own, but you and I seem to have very different taste when it comes to the Beach Boys. I'm not that keen on the band's late sixties music that you seem to like, but I really love all those songs about surfing and cars that you seem to be dismissing.
Here are two virtually unknown tracks that I really like from the Beach Boys' "Surfing and Cars" era:-
Some of the Beach Boys less commercial material from the late sixties, when their chart success in America ran out, is well worth a listen. Wild Honey, Little Bird, Heroes and Villains are light years from their surfing and cars records.
Each to his own, but you and I seem to have very different taste when it comes to the Beach Boys. I'm not that keen on the band's late sixties music that you seem to like, but I really love all those songs about surfing and cars that you seem to be dismissing.
Here are two virtually unknown tracks that I really like from the Beach Boys' "Surfing and Cars" era:-
I don't think Glenn was actually dismissing the Beach Boys' surfing and cars records, Johnny, he was merely stating that their late sixties stuff was very different, which is true.
I'm a massive Beach Boys fan, but the above two tracks are new ones on me. I like them both, but especially The Lonely Sea, it's a beautiful song.
I was at the Beach Boys' 50th Anniversary concert at Wembley Arena last year. It was an incredible evening, the best gig I’ve ever been to in my life.
Vabosity's Third Anniversary Review Of The Thread - Post #9.
The Beach Boys being mentioned in recent posts has persuaded me to postpone what I originally had planned for Post #9 of the Third Anniversary Review, and instead feature five great Beach Boys tracks that have appeared on the thread in the last three years.
Beach Boys - The Warmth Of The Sun (1964) First submitted to the thread in May 2010.
This absolutely exquisite track was the B-side to the imho rather lacklustre 1964 single Dance, Dance, Dance. It should have been the A-side.
The Beach Boys - Caroline No (1966) First submitted to the thread in August 2010.
From the brilliant Pet Sounds album, this is my all time favourite Beach Boys track. A number of Beach Boys Greatest Hits compilation albums have been released over the years, and yet, inexplicably, I’ve only seen this magnificent track (and the almost as magnificent, aforementioned The Warmth of the Sun) on one of them. Guess which Beach Boys Greatest Hits compilation album I possess?
The Beach Boys - Do You Wanna Dance? (1965) First submitted to the thread in October 2010.
Originally recorded in 1958 by Bobby Freeman, there were many fine sixties cover versions of this song by artists as diverse as Eddie Cochran, Del Shannon, Cliff and the Shadows, the Four Seasons and the Mamas and the Papas. However, if I have to name my favourite version, not only of the sixties but of all time, then I have to say this one by the Beach Boys.
The Beach Boys - Girl Don't Tell Me (1965) First submitted to the thread in October 2010.
Capablanca, the poster who first submitted this track to the thread, and whose sixties music knowledge is second to none, mentioned that this was Carl Wilson’s lead vocal debut. Carl had the perfect voice for a lead singer, so why did it take the Beach Boys four years to realise this?
The Beach Boys - Louie Louie (1964) First submitted to the thread in February 2011.
This is now my second favourite version of this much covered Richard Berry song (after the famous one by the Kingsmen), and yet I wasn't even aware that the Beach Boys had recorded it prior to Barney submitting it to this thread; so a big thank you to Barney.
Comments
I'll Be There - Damita Jo ( Answer to Stand By Me )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dLAHJ3rpio
Sloopy 's Gonna Hang on - The Debs ( Hang On Sloopy )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4FrYKlJ27c
Tell Tommy I Miss Him - Marilyn Michaels ( Tell Laura I Love Her )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMwOSt7QfLI
Ginger Davis & The Snaps - I'm No Runaround ( Runaround Sue )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7pcWzfqkuY
My favourite answer song , Carla Thomas I'll Bring It On Home To You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hnJALVZDXo
Unlike the first three posts of my Third Anniversary Revue, each of which featured five tracks by a single artist or band, this post features one track each by five different British female singers.
As you can appreciate, with less specific search criteria selecting five tracks in this category from three years worth of posts was a significantly more difficult and arduous task than it had been for the three preceding posts, and there is a distinct possibility that I have overlooked some truly classic tracks. If this is the case, then I apologise. However, I don’t apologise for the five I have selected, as they are imho all quite superb, and they can be found below.
Cilla Black - I've Been Wrong Before (1965)
First submitted to the thread in May 2010.
The first time I ever heard this track was when Rob submitted it to the thread three years ago. As I don’t have a very high opinion of Cilla Black I wasn’t expecting to like it, even though the song was written by Randy Newman, whom I greatly admire. Imagine my surprise when I found myself not only liking this track, but absolutely loving it! Arguably the best thing Cilla Black ever recorded.
Elkie Brooks - Nothing Left To Do But Cry (1964)
First submitted to the thread in May 2010.
Despite being a highly regarded singer during the sixties, and despite recording many fine tracks during that decade, including this gem, Elkie Brooks would have to wait until the next decade for her first UK chart entry (Pearl's A Singer, #8 in 1977)
Julie Grant - Come To Me (1964)
First submitted to the thread in June 2010.
Not a well known name today, but imho Julie Grant is one of the better British female singers of the sixties. She had three UK chart entries (all of them minor hits, unfortunately), of which Come To Me was the third and last. Some people will find this track rather cheesy, but I love it! The song has a gorgeous melody and Julie’s performance of it is second to none.
Dana Gillespie - You Just Gotta Know My Mind (1967)
First submitted to the thread in June 2010.
Excellent version of a lesser known Donovan song.
Dusty Springfield - Summer Is Over (1964)
First submitted to the thread in July 2012
Written by her brother, Tom, this is a fabulous song, fabulously sung by the fabulous Dusty Springfield.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTWnChIHsuI
Louie Louie & Ode To Billie Jo - Africa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci_u65I3gAI
The Merry-Go-Round - Live (1966)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXFEuKKhQJ0
The Sparkles - No Friend Of Mine (1967)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFnbHC8Te7Y
Kenny & The Kasuals - Journey To Tyme (1966)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWxjqCDxcMQ
Fellow fans of rare 60s music, I really strongly recommend a purchase of this - not just the first, original volume, but the entire 4 album set.
It will make your life better.
glad you like it
indeed i think its her best track.
We Five - You Were On My Mind
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdcl2HTI9f8
There are plenty of versions of Walk On By , here's one you never hear .
Walk On By - Lou Johnson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEt4wYgqMbY
Love it!
This has got to be the best "new to me" sixties track I've heard for ages.
Thanks Barney.
Great track, but prefer this version:-
Karen Verros - You Just Gotta Know My Mind (1965)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbphLfKZtXs
? and the Mysterians - Can't Get Enough Of You Baby (1967)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxLEte9D40g
? and the Mysterians - You're Telling Me Lies (1966)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxJkQg0qySs
? and the Mysterians - Up Side (1966)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYGPRJh30CY
Not sure the years are exactly right, I'm at work at the moment so can't check, but hey, it's sixties music ok?
Bring It On Home To Me - Eddie Floyd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBOrqdvvxwU
You Better Move On - The Moody Blues
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP0qVr4DfuA
Post #1 of my Third Anniversary Review featured a solo artist; Posts #2 and #3 featured bands and Post #4 featured more solo artists, so I think it’s time for a duo.
Eleven tracks by Simon and Garfunkel have been submitted to the thread over the last three years. All eleven are quite wonderful, so choosing just five of them for this post has once again been a very difficult task. The five I have chosen can be found below.
Simon and Garfunkel - The Dangling Conversation (1966)
First submitted to the thread in August 2010.
As I’m a bit of a philistine I know very little about the American poets, Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost, both of whom are mentioned in this song. However, as I can also be a bit of a pretentious so-and-so at times, any song that mentions the American poets, Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost, is going to be a winner with me
Simon and Garfunkel - Seven O’Clock News/Silent Night (1966)
First submitted to the thread in August 2010.
Please click here to read the Wikipedia entry for this track, which explains what Simon and Garfunkel were trying to achieve much better than I ever could.
Simon and Garfunkel - A Simple Desultory Philippic (Or How I Was Robert McNamara’d Into Submission) (1966)
First submitted to the thread in December 2010.
I love the title and I love the track.
Simon and Garfunkel - America (1968)
First submitted to the thread in December 2010.
I love countless Simon and Garfunkel tracks, but if I had to name my all time favourite, I would have to say America, it’s a truly magnificent track.
Simon and Garfunkel - Hazy Shade Of Winter (1966)
First submitted to the thread in December 2010.
Original version of the song that The Bangles would have a UK hit with in 1988.
Ritchie Valens - In A Turkish Town ( Amazing to think he was 16/17 when we wrote/recorded this )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqdcHeZSogw
My previous Third Anniversary Review post featured five tracks by one male duo, and this post features one track each by five different male-female duos.
Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood - Some Velver Morning (1967)
First submitted to the thread in May 2010.
This is such a unique track, quite unlike anything recorded before or since. Kimindex, the poster who first submitted Some Velvet Morning to the thread, commented that it was one of the most bonkers songs that he or she had ever heard. I suppose the song is a little bit bonkers, but quite marvellous too!
Nino Tempo and April Stevens - All Strung Out (1966)
First submitted to the thread in June 2010.
A very famous rock band named themselves after a song entitled Deep Purple, which had been a big hit for the brother and sister act, Nino Tempo and April Stevens, in 1963. Here are brother and sister performing another fine, but not quite as successful ditty on a TV show three years later. When Capablanca first submitted this track to the thread he commented that April Stevens was quite a fox. I certainly can’t disagree with that.
Inez and Charlie Foxx - Mockingbird (1963)
First submitted to the thread in July 2010.
Another brother and sister act with a fabulous track that should have been a massive UK hit single, but which failed to chart when first released in 1963 and which peaked at a disappointing #33 when re-released in 1969. A decent cover by Carly Simon and James Taylor was a minor UK hit single in 1974.
Etta James and Harvey Fuqua - Spoonful (1960)
First submitted to the thread in October 2010.
My favourite version of a great Willie Dixon song; and at 2’50” it’s just about the right duration. Cream covered this song on their first album, and much as I like that band, a 6’30” version is just too long!
Esther and Abi Ofarim - Morning Of My Life (1967)
First submitted to the thread in May 2011.
This husband and wife duo from Israel is best known for topping the UK singles chart in 1968 with Cinderella Rockefella, a novelty song that I have to confess is a bit of a guilty pleasure
Would those of you who have the hots for "foxy" April Stevens in the above 1966 video clip please allow me to pour some water on your fire? April Stevens was 37 years old in 1966, which means that she's 84 years old now! Why does "Pictures Of Lily" by The Who suddenly spring to mind?
I didn't know that the band Deep Purple got their moniker from the song of the same name by Nino Tempo and April Stevens, though thinking about it it's obvious really. I really like Nino and April's version of "Deep Purple". Yes, it was a very big hit, but only in America, it was a much lesser hit over here, which means I can just about get away with posting it to the thread:-
Nino Tempo and April Stevens - Deep Purple (1963)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1MWOdRUrb8
It goes without saying that the best version of the much covered song "Land Of 1000 Dances" is the famous one by Wilson Pickett, but I'd say the following version is a strong contender for being the best of the rest:-
Nino Tempo and April Stevens - Land Of 1000 Dances (1966)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gggNIbsNpqo
This post features the original versions of songs that other artists had UK hits with in the sixties. Going through the thread I was really surprised by how many tracks I found that fall into this category, which made choosing just five for this post, yet again, a very difficult task (how many times have I said that now?
The five original versions I have chosen can be found below.
The Left Banke - Walk Away Renee (1966)
First submitted to the thread in May 2010.
A pretty decent cover by the Four Tops was the hit single in the UK, but the original by the Left Banke is my favourite version by a country mile. The song was written by the Left Banke’s 16-year-old keyboard player, Michael Brown. It’s remarkable that a song that is both melodically and lyrically as good as this one could have been written by someone so young.
Bessie Banks - Go Now (1964)
First submitted to the thread in July 2010.
The chart topping cover version by the Moody Blues is very good indeed, but imho the original by Bessie Banks is far superior.
The Four Seasons - Silence is Golden (1964)
First submitted to the thread in October 2011.
Although I’m not very keen on the Tremeloes, I don’t mind their chart topping cover version of this song. However, I much prefer the Four Seasons’ original version, which started its life as the B-side to the magnificent Rag Doll.
John Simon - My Name Is Jack (1967)
First submitted to the thread in March 2012.
The hit cover version by Manfred Mann is perhaps their quirkiest single. This original version by the song’s composer is even more quirky.
James Ray - If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody (1961)
First submitted to the thread in July 2012.
This is such a good song that not even Freddie and the Dreamers (a band I find very difficult to take seriously) can mess it up, and their half decent cover version soured to the dizzy heights of #3 on the UK singles chart in 1963. It goes with saying that I believe James Ray's original to be significantly better and urge you to click on the above link, because the track is well worth a listen.
tbh i dont think you were supposed to take freddie seriously...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8AXDIdfCrI ( 1:55 if you want to avoid Jimmy Saville).
Actually, quite a few of Manfred Mann's hits were cover versions. Their three No.1 singles, "Do Wah Diddy Diddy", "Pretty Flamingo" and "Mighty Quinn" certainly were. Here are the original versions:-
The Exciters - Do Wah Diddy Diddy (1963)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S-qrDpxUzY
Gene Pitney - Pretty Flamingo (1966)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugzzV-DxU4o
Bob Dylan - Mighty Quinn (1967)
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xkbkaw_bob-dylan-quinn-the-eskimo-1967_music#.UcmFg_nUlZQ
My previous post in the Third Anniversary Review featured the original versions of songs that other artists had UK hits with in the sixties, and this post features the original versions of songs that other artists had UK hits with in later decades.
The five original versions I’ve chosen can be found below.
Ben E. King - Spanish Harlem (1961)
First submitted to the thread in May 2010.
A very different version of this song was a hit for Aretha Franklin in 1971. As much as I like Aretha I’m not at all keen on her cover, but that could be because I love Ben’s original so much that no other version will do.
Gene Chandler - Duke Of Earl (1962)
First submitted to the thread in June 2010.
I love Doo-wop music, and although it’s usually associated with the fifties, a lot of great tracks were still being recorded in the early sixties. This is the original version of a song that was a big UK hit single for Doo-wop revivalists, the Darts, in the late seventies.
Love - Alone Again Or (1967)
First submitted to the thread in June 2010.
The utterly exquisite, opening track on Love’s highly acclaimed 1967 album, Forever Changes. A cover version by the Damned was a minor UK hit single in 1987.
Tommy James and the Shondells - I Think We’re Alone Now (1967)
First submitted to the thread in August 2011.
I can’t abide the 1988 UK chart topping cover version by Tiffany, and I like the almost as successful 2006 cover version by Girls Aloud even less. As for the 1967 original version by Tommy James and the Shondells, now that’s a different story altogether, I love it!
Marvin Gaye - Wherever I Lay My Hat That’s My Home (1962)
First submitted to the thread in March 2012.
Paul Young’s 1983 chart topping cover version is now considered to be an eighties classic, so can Marvin Gaye’s original be considered a sixties classic? Of course it can; it wouldn’t be on this thread otherwise, would it?
A couple more from Ben. E. King
That's When It Hurts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7jcniaq66Q
How Can I Forget
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_54foH9g6qk
Two great tracks.
Ben E. King is a very underrated artist, there was so much more to him that just "Stand By Me".
So which target do you think will be reached first - 2,000 posts or 150,000 views?
Each to his own, but you and I seem to have very different taste when it comes to the Beach Boys. I'm not that keen on the band's late sixties music that you seem to like, but I really love all those songs about surfing and cars that you seem to be dismissing.
Here are two virtually unknown tracks that I really like from the Beach Boys' "Surfing and Cars" era:-
The Beach Boys - The Lonely Sea (1963)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efu8CMyfgSA
The Beach Boys - Cherry Cherry Coupe (1963)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13_EMZujNNU
I don't think Glenn was actually dismissing the Beach Boys' surfing and cars records, Johnny, he was merely stating that their late sixties stuff was very different, which is true.
I'm a massive Beach Boys fan, but the above two tracks are new ones on me. I like them both, but especially The Lonely Sea, it's a beautiful song.
I was at the Beach Boys' 50th Anniversary concert at Wembley Arena last year. It was an incredible evening, the best gig I’ve ever been to in my life.
The Beach Boys being mentioned in recent posts has persuaded me to postpone what I originally had planned for Post #9 of the Third Anniversary Review, and instead feature five great Beach Boys tracks that have appeared on the thread in the last three years.
Beach Boys - The Warmth Of The Sun (1964)
First submitted to the thread in May 2010.
This absolutely exquisite track was the B-side to the imho rather lacklustre 1964 single Dance, Dance, Dance. It should have been the A-side.
The Beach Boys - Caroline No (1966)
First submitted to the thread in August 2010.
From the brilliant Pet Sounds album, this is my all time favourite Beach Boys track. A number of Beach Boys Greatest Hits compilation albums have been released over the years, and yet, inexplicably, I’ve only seen this magnificent track (and the almost as magnificent, aforementioned The Warmth of the Sun) on one of them. Guess which Beach Boys Greatest Hits compilation album I possess?
The Beach Boys - Do You Wanna Dance? (1965)
First submitted to the thread in October 2010.
Originally recorded in 1958 by Bobby Freeman, there were many fine sixties cover versions of this song by artists as diverse as Eddie Cochran, Del Shannon, Cliff and the Shadows, the Four Seasons and the Mamas and the Papas. However, if I have to name my favourite version, not only of the sixties but of all time, then I have to say this one by the Beach Boys.
The Beach Boys - Girl Don't Tell Me (1965)
First submitted to the thread in October 2010.
Capablanca, the poster who first submitted this track to the thread, and whose sixties music knowledge is second to none, mentioned that this was Carl Wilson’s lead vocal debut. Carl had the perfect voice for a lead singer, so why did it take the Beach Boys four years to realise this?
The Beach Boys - Louie Louie (1964)
First submitted to the thread in February 2011.
This is now my second favourite version of this much covered Richard Berry song (after the famous one by the Kingsmen), and yet I wasn't even aware that the Beach Boys had recorded it prior to Barney submitting it to this thread; so a big thank you to Barney.
New Colony Six - At The River's Edge (1966)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0afQu_k-1Y
Zakary Thaks - Bad Girl (1966)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLWfQRNOCvc
Fenwyk - Mindrocker (1967)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPxoWMJzfuU