A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
WE have been on boat trips to the Farne Islands just off the Northumberland coast many times. In the spring and early summer the cliffs are covered with breeding sea … Continue readingBird flu – or radiation sickness?
This was written by Hank Marvin and Bruce Welch. It was recorded on January 8, 1963 and released on February 22. It became their last No 1 hit in the … Continue readingThe Shadows: Foot Tapper
This was written by Edward Heyman and Victor Young, and first recorded in 1945 by Dick Haymes. It was released by Ketty Lester in 1961, and it was her major … Continue readingKetty Lester: Love Letters
It is decades since I heard this song but it came into my head today. It was written by Lennon and McCartney for the 1965 film and album Help! These are … Continue readingThe Beatles: You’re Going to Lose that Girl
In memory of Her Majesty the Queen, we are repeating this article which was first published on September 12, 2021. THEY didn’t waste much imagination when they named our local hostelries. … Continue readingWhen the Queen bobbed in* for a brew**
Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, this was released on the 1964 album All Summer Long. It was released as a single in the UK in February 1965 but failed … Continue readingBeach Boys: All Summer Long
This was written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon-McCartney. It was first released on their second album, With the Beatles (1963) and got a lot of airplay. In their wisdom the … Continue readingThe Beatles: All My Loving
What do you do when two of your favourite singers both give great performances of the same song? You don’t choose. Nothing Can Change This Love was written by Sam Cooke, … Continue readingNothing Can Change This Love
This is from 1979 but it sounds like a 60s number to me. It was written by Alan Tarney and provided Cliff with his tenth No 1 in the UK. … Continue readingCliff Richard: We Don’t Talk Anymore
A FEW days ago I was surfacing from sleep at about 5.30am when I heard a cockerel crowing outside, which was surprising because we live right on a road. Looking … Continue readingThe rooster that asked for help