its not very often a cover is better then the original, especially when the original was by the beatles!!!! but heres the hollies rendition of 'if i needed someone', their harmonies make this track
The Left Banke - Pretty Ballerina (1967)
The Left Banke’s original version of “Walk Away Renee” (which I like so much more than the hit cover version by the Four Tops) is for me the perfect melodic pop single, and was one of the first tracks I ever submitted to this thread. This is their follow-up single, which I’m also rather fond of.
The Young Rascals - How Can I Be Sure? (1967)
I like everything by the Young Rascals, but if I have to name my favourite track by them then it has to be “How Can I Be Sure?”. I also distinctly remember the OP waxing lyrical about it too. However, despite our shared enthusiasm for this great track, neither of us have submitted it to the thread ... until now.
The First Lady ever invited aboard Radio Caroline (South) and she stayed overnight too;).
I'll remember this for the next drink fuelled,Music trivia with my mates. @Capablanca, I thought I was the only one to remember the delectable Twinkle.:)
The Young Rascals - How Can I Be Sure? (1967)
I like everything by the Young Rascals, but if I have to name my favourite track by them then it has to be “How Can I Be Sure?”. I also distinctly remember the OP waxing lyrical about it too. However, despite our shared enthusiasm for this great track, neither of us have submitted it to the thread ... until now.
indeed, but i couldnt find a decent vid that did it justice, hence i didnt post one up!
.... i i too was going to post 'quick joey small (run joey run)' but forgot! . kastenatz katz were the new york producers behind acts like the 1910 fruitgum co, ohio express, etc.. this collaberation saw all their acts coming together to form 'the singing orchestral circus'.
For no particular reason, it occurred to me to randomly choose a year and then randomly pick a dozen tracks (non-hits, minor hits and one or two forgotten major hits) from that particular year.
Sylvie Vartan: Irresistiblement http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MvNvWcbK_o
-- uploaded from Japan; a trip to HMV or Tower Records in Tokyo is obscure oldies heaven. Bought my Vartan CD there.
and if you'd like to try a Chinese 60s love ballad classic: not at all obscure in East Asia of course; play this to any Chinese person over age 50 and they will stop whatever they are doing and reach for a tissue:
Which links nicely to classical music composed in the 1960s (nothing Atonal, I loathe Schoenberg et al)
Starting with two classical composers whose line of work ended in the sixties.
And to end, where Phillip Glass et all got their influence from. If you think he's basically hammering on the same few keys wait a minute for the piece to evolve. Györgi Ligeti - Continuum for harpsichord (1968)
Two Dutch connections for Hank Locklin's "Send Me the Pillow That You Dream On":
The Blue Diamonds -- Indonesian brothers who were big in Singapore and in Holland. My Indonesian friends are so proud of these two guys. Their rendition moves powerfully with a fab brass backing.
Holland's local version of the song has tight cosy harmonies. Heard this one played at a sunny canalside cafe in Delft, everyone swaying on their chairs and joining in. Can't see that happening at Starbucks in Oxford Street.
Two or three of the regular contributors are exceedingly knowledgeable about the French music scene of the sixties. I'm certainly not (I'd never heard of Jacques Dutronc before this thread began), but I have submitted quite a few tracks by Françoise Hardy, as I find her voice, her songs and her looks extremely pleasant.
Here's another French song, or to be more precise, three very different versions of the same French song:-
Vicky - L'Amour Est Bleu (1967)
The tiny nations of Monaco and Luxembourg used to participate in the early days of the Eurovision Song Contest, which effectively gave France a backdoor way of entering three songs! This fine French song (composed by André Popp and Pierre Cour) was Luxembourg’s entry to the 1967 contest and was sung by the Greek singer Vicky Leandros. It came fourth (the winner that year was the UK entry “Puppet On A String” sung, of course, by Sandie Shaw). Five years later, Vicky Leandros, again representing Luxembourg, won the 1972 Eurovision Song Contest with a song nowhere near as good as this one.
Paul Mauriat - L'Amour Est Bleu (1968)
This gorgeous orchestral version was a surprise chart-topping single in the USA, as well as being a minor hit in the UK (it had to be re-titled “Love Is Blue” for the monolingual Yanks and Brits).
Jeff Beck - Love Is Blue (1968)
What’s this, one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time covering a Eurovision song? The sixties, eh?!!!!
Talking of French pop. If anyone saw the Hendrix documentary on BBC4 last night there was a nice sounding French 60s girl record playing in the background in a bit about early Hendrix shows in Paris supporting Johnny Hallyday. Anyone know what it is?
If you missed the documentary it's well worth watching on the i-player.
Have we had many (non Ruttles) Beatles novelty songs?
Warning: the following rule-stretching may upset viewers of a sensitive nature.
I'm fond of "The Ukulele Beatles" compilation CD of 2003. Assorted Japanese musicians with their affectionate takes on fab four stuff. All tracks feature a ukulele in one role or another.
There's a track listing with samples and I've located a couple of live versions which show the players' talents well:
Something -- see it move to a frisky beat at 1m50!
The Bee Gees were very successful in the late sixties, but were phenomenally successful in the late seventies. I loathe Disco music, so naturally I prefer late sixties Bee Gees.
Similarly, Fleetwood Mac were very successful in the late sixties, but were phenomenally successful in the late seventies. Peter Green is my all-time favourite rock guitarist, so naturally I prefer late sixties Fleetwood Mac.
The problem is that, despite the great popularity of the two bands in the late sixties, the level of popularity both experienced a decade later was so much greater it was completely off the scale, which means that today much of their sixties stuff just tends to get ignored, which is a great pity.
In my own miniscule, insignificant way I would like to redress the balance just a little, by submitting a couple of fine sixties tracks from each band:-
The Bee Gees were very successful in the late sixties, but were phenomenally successful in the late seventies. I loathe Disco music, so naturally I prefer late sixties Bee Gees.
Similarly, Fleetwood Mac were very successful in the late sixties, but were phenomenally successful in the late seventies. Peter Green is my all-time favourite rock guitarist, so naturally I prefer late sixties Fleetwood Mac.
The problem is that, despite the great popularity of the two bands in the late sixties, the level of popularity both experienced a decade later was so much greater it was completely off the scale, which means that today much of their sixties stuff just tends to get ignored, which is a great pity.
In my own miniscule, insignificant way I would like to redress the balance just a little, by submitting a couple of fine sixties tracks from each band:-
doubt he forgot it, just chose two other examples... thats a great track though. i really like 60's beegees but not the 70's version.
Precisely!
Here's a real mixed bag:-
Connie Francis - My Heart Has A Mind Of Its Own (1960)
Connie Francis is one of my all-time favourite female singers. I don’t really care that every song she ever recorded was cheesier than a Quattro Formaggi pizza, I love this woman's voice!
Chris Montez - Some Kinda Fun (1963)
Not quite as successful but imho almost as good follow-up single to his massive hit and perennial favourite “Let’s Dance”.
John Lee Hooker - Dimples (1964)
“Boom Boom” is generally considered to be the definitive John Lee Hooker track, but I much prefer “Dimples”. When the latter was released as a single it got to number 23 on the UK chart, which may not sound particularly impressive, but for a Blues song that’s quite an achievement.
Comments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tpKGcWvce4
heres the (brilliant) yardbirds last single to chart. 'happening ten years time ago' (i guess the drugs were kicking in! lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFqxiQa74PQ
Her follow up was pretty good too:
Golden Lights - Twinkle
The First Lady ever invited aboard Radio Caroline (South) and she stayed overnight too;).
The Left Banke - Pretty Ballerina (1967)
The Left Banke’s original version of “Walk Away Renee” (which I like so much more than the hit cover version by the Four Tops) is for me the perfect melodic pop single, and was one of the first tracks I ever submitted to this thread. This is their follow-up single, which I’m also rather fond of.
The Kinks - End of the Season (1967)
Even the lesser known songs of the Kinks are nothing short of brilliant.
The Young Rascals - How Can I Be Sure? (1967)
I like everything by the Young Rascals, but if I have to name my favourite track by them then it has to be “How Can I Be Sure?”. I also distinctly remember the OP waxing lyrical about it too. However, despite our shared enthusiasm for this great track, neither of us have submitted it to the thread ... until now.
Kasenatz-Katz Singing Orchestral Circus - Quick Joey Small (1968)
I’m not a huge fan of the style of sixties music known as Bubblegum, but I do like this one.
I'll remember this for the next drink fuelled,Music trivia with my mates.
@Capablanca, I thought I was the only one to remember the delectable Twinkle.:)
indeed, but i couldnt find a decent vid that did it justice, hence i didnt post one up!
.... i i too was going to post 'quick joey small (run joey run)' but forgot!
Gene Pitney - I'm Gonna Be Strong
Frankie Vaughan - Tower Of Strength
Bobby Vinton - Mr Lonely (Akon ruined this song IMO)
John Leyton - Johnny Remember Me
Dixie Cups - Chapel Of Love
Martha & The Vandellas - Third Finger Left Hand. This was originally the B side to Jimmy Mack.
Elvis Presley - Such A Night. I only 'discovered' this song after the movie 3000 Miles To Graceland (hence the Kurt Russell clip instead of Elvis)
Buddy Holly - Rave On. It's 1958, but if others are breaking thread rules then I have to include this
The year I have randomly chosen is 1962.
Sam Cooke - Having A Party
The Everly Brothers - Crying in the Rain
Karl Denver - Wimoweh
Lonnie Donegan - The Party's Over
Joey Dee and the Starliters - Peppermint Twist
Brian Hyland - Ginny Come Lately
Nat King Cole - Let There Be Love
The Crickets - Don't Ever Change
Jet Harris - Main Title Theme From The Man With The Golden Arm
The Drifters - When My Little Girl Is Smiling
Billy Fury - Once Upon A Dream
Chubby Checker - Limbo Rock
How many of you remember this?
That's certainly a new one on me. Good track though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dxyvKo4Xcc
Nancy Wilson - Ode to Billy Joe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ubj-mnkgf8
prefered bobby gentries original
...just what was the relationship between the storyteller and billy joe ? , what were they trowing off the bridge? whats going on?..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc6JR7oraeU
I love that tune...more than a hint of Elvis!:D
This is a tune that Elvis covered...I prefer the original:
Suspicion-Terry Stafford
Here's another great US record. I like Dusty's cover but I love this:
Every Day I Have To Cry Some- Steve Alaimo
My 2nd favourite (after Ame caline) by Michel Polnareff:
Love me please love me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQIsv_4PuHA
Adamo: Une larme aux nuages
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdqHNbLgsSg
Julien Clerc: Ma préférence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p92pXFgCKUg
(er is this 60s? Never mind, it's lovely)
Gilles Dreu: Alouette
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT7zKeKmO1o
Jacques Dutronc: Il est cinq heures Paris s'eveille
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WoJnThJG-s
Sylvie Vartan: Irresistiblement
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MvNvWcbK_o
-- uploaded from Japan; a trip to HMV or Tower Records in Tokyo is obscure oldies heaven. Bought my Vartan CD there.
Joe Dassin: Aux Champs Elysées
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAMuNfs89yE
and if you'd like to try a Chinese 60s love ballad classic: not at all obscure in East Asia of course; play this to any Chinese person over age 50 and they will stop whatever they are doing and reach for a tissue:
不了情: Bu Liao Qing - Love Without End
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHyolFCeA98
Have we had many (non Ruttles) Beatles novelty songs?
The Bon Bons - What's Wrong With Ringo?
The Beattle-ettes - Only Seventeen ((trivia: The title of The Beatles song, I Saw Her Standing There was originally "Seventeen")
Sissy Spacek - John, You Went to Far This Time
(This song was a response to John Lennon posing nude on an album cover with his wife Yoko Ono)
We haven't had much of the early music revival so here's to the lute and mandolin
Forest - Bluebell dance
Dr. Strangely Strange - When Adam Delved
The Nice - Flower King of Flies
Incredible String Band - October Song
Which links nicely to classical music composed in the 1960s (nothing Atonal, I loathe Schoenberg et al)
Starting with two classical composers whose line of work ended in the sixties.
Francis Poulenc: Gloria (1959)
Henry Cowell - Hymn and Fuguing Tune No. 16, for violin and piano (1963)
A music box symphony
Henry Brant - Quombex (1960)
And to end, where Phillip Glass et all got their influence from. If you think he's basically hammering on the same few keys wait a minute for the piece to evolve.
Györgi Ligeti - Continuum for harpsichord (1968)
The Blue Diamonds -- Indonesian brothers who were big in Singapore and in Holland. My Indonesian friends are so proud of these two guys. Their rendition moves powerfully with a fab brass backing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfE2yIGYicI
Holland's local version of the song has tight cosy harmonies. Heard this one played at a sunny canalside cafe in Delft, everyone swaying on their chairs and joining in. Can't see that happening at Starbucks in Oxford Street.
Hepie & Hepie: Ik lig op mijn kussen stil te dromen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpoEY-mUe1w
Oh and can anyone can tell me -- what's the musical name for the type of harmony that both of these versions use? Just can't get enough of it.
Two or three of the regular contributors are exceedingly knowledgeable about the French music scene of the sixties. I'm certainly not (I'd never heard of Jacques Dutronc before this thread began), but I have submitted quite a few tracks by Françoise Hardy, as I find her voice, her songs and her looks extremely pleasant.
Here's another French song, or to be more precise, three very different versions of the same French song:-
Vicky - L'Amour Est Bleu (1967)
The tiny nations of Monaco and Luxembourg used to participate in the early days of the Eurovision Song Contest, which effectively gave France a backdoor way of entering three songs! This fine French song (composed by André Popp and Pierre Cour) was Luxembourg’s entry to the 1967 contest and was sung by the Greek singer Vicky Leandros. It came fourth (the winner that year was the UK entry “Puppet On A String” sung, of course, by Sandie Shaw). Five years later, Vicky Leandros, again representing Luxembourg, won the 1972 Eurovision Song Contest with a song nowhere near as good as this one.
Paul Mauriat - L'Amour Est Bleu (1968)
This gorgeous orchestral version was a surprise chart-topping single in the USA, as well as being a minor hit in the UK (it had to be re-titled “Love Is Blue” for the monolingual Yanks and Brits).
Jeff Beck - Love Is Blue (1968)
What’s this, one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time covering a Eurovision song? The sixties, eh?!!!!
If you missed the documentary it's well worth watching on the i-player.
Warning: the following rule-stretching may upset viewers of a sensitive nature.
I'm fond of "The Ukulele Beatles" compilation CD of 2003. Assorted Japanese musicians with their affectionate takes on fab four stuff. All tracks feature a ukulele in one role or another.
There's a track listing with samples and I've located a couple of live versions which show the players' talents well:
Something -- see it move to a frisky beat at 1m50!
Here There and Everywhere
Françoise Hardy - Tous les garçons et les filles
The opening sequence roller coaster seems to be Battersea Park Funfair's Big Dipper. Preferred the tamer Waterchute meself.
Similarly, Fleetwood Mac were very successful in the late sixties, but were phenomenally successful in the late seventies. Peter Green is my all-time favourite rock guitarist, so naturally I prefer late sixties Fleetwood Mac.
The problem is that, despite the great popularity of the two bands in the late sixties, the level of popularity both experienced a decade later was so much greater it was completely off the scale, which means that today much of their sixties stuff just tends to get ignored, which is a great pity.
In my own miniscule, insignificant way I would like to redress the balance just a little, by submitting a couple of fine sixties tracks from each band:-
The Bee Gees - New York Mining Disaster 1941 (1967)
The Bee Gees - World (1967)
Fleetwood Mac - Shake Your Moneymaker (1968)
Fleetwood Mac - Need Your Love So Bad (1968)
Oh how could you forget The First Of May by the Bee Gees
doubt he forgot it, just chose two other examples... thats a great track though. i really like 60's beegees but not the 70's version.
Precisely!
Here's a real mixed bag:-
Connie Francis - My Heart Has A Mind Of Its Own (1960)
Connie Francis is one of my all-time favourite female singers. I don’t really care that every song she ever recorded was cheesier than a Quattro Formaggi pizza, I love this woman's voice!
Chris Montez - Some Kinda Fun (1963)
Not quite as successful but imho almost as good follow-up single to his massive hit and perennial favourite “Let’s Dance”.
John Lee Hooker - Dimples (1964)
“Boom Boom” is generally considered to be the definitive John Lee Hooker track, but I much prefer “Dimples”. When the latter was released as a single it got to number 23 on the UK chart, which may not sound particularly impressive, but for a Blues song that’s quite an achievement.
The Uniques - Not Too Long Ago (1966)
Excellent blue-eyed soul track.
Eric Burdon and the Animals - Monterey (1967)
Why was this never a hit? An absolutely classic!