Author: Margaret Ashworth

This was written by the group’s leader Roy Wood, recorded on December 23, 1967 and released on January 26, 1968. It reached No 3 in Britain but did nothing in … Continue readingThe Move: Fire Brigade

This was written by Jon Goin and Larry Michael Lee, and recorded by the Everlys for their brilliant 1985 album Born Yesterday, produced by Dave Edmunds. In 1986 it was released … Continue readingEverly Brothers: These Shoes

Bowie wrote this for a 1969 promotional film called Love You Till Tuesday, but a new version was recorded for the single released in July 1969 five days ahead of the … Continue readingDavid Bowie: Space Oddity

This was written by guitarist Darby Slick and recorded by his band The Great Society (for some reason it was titled Someone to Love) with vocals by Grace Slick. It was … Continue readingJefferson Airplane: Somebody to Love

This was written by Graham Gouldman, later of 10cc, and was the Yardbirds’ first single after Jeff Beck replaced Eric Clapton as lead guitarist. It was recorded on April 20 … Continue readingYardbirds: Heart Full of Soul

This was written by Barrett Strong, Cornelius Grant and Rodger Penzabene and appeared on the group’s 1967 album Everybody Needs Love. As a single it only got to No 98 in … Continue readingGladys Knight and the Pips: Take Me in Your Arms and Love Me

This terrific song was written by Eddy Arnold and Cindy Walker, and first released by Arnold in 1956. Another version by Jerry Vale the same year was the first to … Continue readingRay Charles: You Don’t Know Me

This was recorded in 1980, a long time after my usual 50s and 60s choices, but it’s classic pop to me. Lovely stuff. Like all their songs the track was … Continue readingAbba: The Winner Takes It All

This was written by Hank Ballard and first released as the B-side of Hank Ballard and The Midnighters’ 1959 single Teardrops on Your Letter. The A-side reached No 87 but was overtaken … Continue readingChubby Checker: The Twist