Author: Margaret Ashworth

This was the follow-up to the Searchers’ 1963 debut single Sweets for My Sweet, their Drifters cover which reached No 1 in Britain. It was written by Tony Hatch, the producer … Continue readingThe Searchers: Sugar and Spice

I am not at all keen on this track but for some reason it has been on my brain for days so I am trying to exorcise it. It is … Continue readingThe Beatles: I’ll Get You

This was written by Dimitri Tiomkin (music) and Ned Washington (lyrics) for the 1961 film drama of the same name. Pitney’s title recording went to No 13 in the US. In 1962 the song won … Continue readingGene Pitney: Town Without Pity

This was written by Tucker using the pseudonym Robert Higginbotham. It was recorded in 1963 and released in 1964, reaching No 11 in the US and No 23 in Britain. … Continue readingTommy Tucker: Hi-Heel Sneakers

I don’t think this is the best version of this beautiful song, but this is meant to be a blog about pop records. The lyrics were written by Edith Piaf … Continue readingBrenda Lee: If You Love Me (Really Love Me)

This is from 1978, a long time after the peak of pop in my opinion, but still a great number. It was written by Rafferty and included on his second … Continue readingGerry Rafferty: Baker Street

I’ve always loved Steve Winwood’s voice. He wrote this for Blind Faith’s only album, Blind Faith, released in 1969. This is the original acoustic version. When the album was re-issued … Continue readingBlind Faith: Can’t Find My Way Home

This was written by Sam Cooke, who recorded it on November 16, 1964, his last studio session before his death on December 11. The following February it peaked at No … Continue readingOtis Redding: Shake