A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
This was written by Phil Spector, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil and produced by Spector. It was released in November 1964 and topped the charts on both sides of the … Continue readingThe Righteous Brothers: You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
This was written by Burt Bacharach and Bob Hilliard. It was released by Gene McDaniels in September 1961 and reached No 5 in America. I never thought I would feature … Continue readingGene McDaniels: Tower of Strength
I’VE been saving this terrific hymn for All Saints Day, November 1, when it is traditionally sung, and this year it falls on Sunday. It celebrates all the saints, known and unknown. … Continue readingFor All The Saints
This was the B-side to Itchycoo Park, which reached No 3 in Britain and No 16 in the States in 1967. It was written by Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane and … Continue readingSmall Faces: I’m Only Dreaming
My favourite Everly Brothers track although it is later than my usual era. It was written by Mark Knopfler and released on the May 1985 Dire Straits album Brothers in Arms. … Continue readingEverly Brothers: Why Worry
THE stream outside our house has a small waterfall with a pool beneath it. It is one of the few deep places on the watercourse, so it is a refuge … Continue readingHerons, scourge of our stream
In late 1971 I was on a Thomson Regional Newspapers training course in Newcastle upon Tyne and most lunchtimes some of us would repair to a pub called The Pineapple, … Continue readingRod Stewart: Maggie May
To mark the passing of Spencer Davis at the age of 81, here is a single from 1966. It was written by Steve Winwood and Jackie Edwards, who had given … Continue readingSpencer Davis Group: When I Come Home
I DON’T know if a melody without words is strictly speaking a hymn, but it certainly sounds like one. It commemorates a disaster less than 100 years ago, though it … Continue readingGresford, ‘The Miners’ Hymn’
SINCE we moved to Lancashire from London a few years ago, I have been intrigued to see a number of plaques on Victorian and Edwardian terrace houses. These are not … Continue readingA plaque on all our houses