A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
Written by Gerry Goffin, Carole King and Phil Spector, this was the follow-up to the Righteous Brothers’ first hit, You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’. Although to my ear it is … Continue readingThe Righteous Brothers: Just Once in My Life
THOSE of us who grew up in the 50s and 60s (and earlier) were lucky to live in an age when knowledge was considered a good thing to have, not … Continue readingThe tealeaf academy
This is a prototype Wall of Sound recording. It was written by Barry Mann and Larry Kolber and released in 1961 by the Paris Sisters (who actually were sisters). It … Continue readingThe Paris Sisters: I Love How you Love Me
I thought we would have a short Phil Spector season. This was written by Spector and the husband and wife team Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann and released on the 1964 album Presenting the Fabulous … Continue readingThe Ronettes: You, Baby
AS a tribute to the pop genius Phil Spector, who has died at the age of 81, here is the record he considered his best. I disagree, but that doesn’t … Continue readingIke and Tina Turner: River Deep – Mountain High
I AM not sure if I have ever seen a stoat. Since we have been in Lancashire I have glimpsed one or two animals which could have been stoats but … Continue readingStoat tales
The lyrics were written by Dick Manning to an 1876 melody called Dance of the Hours by Ponchielli. It was first recorded in 1962 by Nancy Sinatra who did well with it … Continue readingMaureen Evans: Like I Do
ONE of the less obvious casualties of lockdown will be ‘Plough Monday’ in a couple of days’ time. It was traditionally held on the first Monday after Twelfth Night to … Continue readingPlough Monday
This was written by Phil Spector, Pete Andreoli and Vini Poncia, and released in 1964. It was comparatively unsuccessful, reaching No 34 in America and No 35 in Britain. This … Continue readingThe Ronettes: Do I Love You?
I can’t say I was a particular Donovan fan, but this one is OK. It was his first single, which he wrote. It was released in 1965 and reached No … Continue readingDonovan: Catch the Wind