Category: M’s Track of the Day

I was and am not a Kinks fan, though I can’t say why. However Alan put it to me that You Really Got Me is a good number and I … Continue readingThe Kinks: You Really Got Me

This was written by Arthur Alexander, who recorded it in 1961. It reached number 24 in the US in March 1962. According to Wikipedia, the lyrics were inspired by Alexander’s … Continue readingArthur Alexander: You Better Move On

This was written in 1960 and recorded in 1962 by the American singer Tommy Roe, who was influenced by Buddy Holly and the Crickets. It reached the top of the … Continue readingTommy Roe: Sheila

This quintessential teenage angst number was written by by Eddie Cochran and his manager Jerry Capehart. It was recorded on March 28, 1958, at Gold Star Recording Studios in Hollywood. … Continue readingEddie Cochran/The Who: Summertime Blues

The Springfields – Mary O’Brien (later Dusty Springfield), her brother Tom and Tim Feild, later replaced by Mike Hurst – had a lovely harmony but in my opinion were let … Continue readingThe Springfields: Silver Threads and Golden Needles

Cliff’s debut single and his first hit, reaching No 2 in 1958. It was written by Ian Samwell, a member of Cliff’s original backing group, the Drifters (not to be … Continue readingCliff Richard and the Drifters: Move It

With one of the most distinctive openings in pop, this was written by Kenny Young and Arthur Resnick. It was recorded by The Drifters in 1964, reaching No 4 in … Continue readingThe Drifters: Under the Boardwalk

This silly but catchy song was written by American singer Shirley Ellis with Lincoln Chase. (It can’t have been hard to write as there are only a couple of notes … Continue readingShirley Ellis: The Name Game

Possibly the best self-composed Beatles track, with a stunningly complex and beautiful melody. John Lennon claimed to have written it solo, given credence by this scratchy home demo,  but Paul … Continue readingThe Beatles: If I Fell

This was written by Burt Bacharach (music), Luther Dixon (credited as Barney Williams)and Mack David (lyrics). It was released by the Shirelles in 1961, reaching No 8 in the US … Continue readingThe Shirelles: Baby It’s You