A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
This was written by Jamaican singer Jackie Edwards and originally recorded on his 1965 album Come On Home. Later that year it was released by the Spencer Davis Group, with … Continue readingSpencer Davis Group: Keep on Running
I DON’T find all of Sibelius’s work very accessible, but his early Karelia Suite is a delight, particularly, in my opinion, the first and third movements. Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) is widely recognised … Continue readingSibelius’s Karelia Suite
Notes from the sticks: Maladjusted mallards WE always have some mallards hanging around on our stream and on the bank, usually a pair or two, sometimes 20 or 30. Of course … Continue readingMaladjusted mallards
If you were a Radio Caroline fan, this record, written and performed by David McWilliams, will take you straight back to the autumn of 1967 when it seemed to be … Continue readingDavid McWilliams: The Days of Pearly Spencer
Apparently the melody is based on Plaisir d’Amour, a French love song composed in 1784 by Jean-Paul-Égide Martini. The King’s version was written in 1961 for the film Blue Hawaii … Continue readingElvis Presley: Can’t Help Falling in Love
Although this is from the 1970s glam rock era, it could easily be from the 60s (a plus in my book). It’s got a great driving beat. It was written … Continue readingMud: Tiger Feet
This was written by Brian Wilson and frequent collaborator Gary Usher, and released on the Beach Boys’ 1963 album Surfer Girl. Later that year it was the B-side of their Be True … Continue readingThe Beach Boys: In My Room
WE are now in Lent, when Christians commemorate the time Jesus spent in the wilderness before beginning his ministry. He ate nothing for 40 days and 40 nights and had … Continue readingForty Days and Forty Nights
This was Bobby Vee’s first single, which he wrote himself. It was released in 1959 but did not make the charts. His backing group, The Shadows, included for a while … Continue readingBobby Vee: Suzie Baby
A great Goffin and King number which the Cookies, Little Eva’s backing group, took to No 17 in America in 1962. The Beatles had a go at it on their … Continue readingThe Cookies: Chains