Category: M’s Track of the Day

1976 is a bit late for me, but this has a good beat and the Let’s Go chorus is apt for Brexit Day. Written by Tommy Ramone and Dee Dee … Continue readingThe Ramones: Blitzkrieg Bop

This was written in 1956 by Otis Blackwell, whose other works include Fever, Great Balls of Fire and Don’t Be Cruel. The first version was by David Hill in 1956. As far as I … Continue readingElvis Presley: All Shook Up

This is in my all-time Top Ten. It was written by Paul Simon at Widnes rail station in 1965. It came out in 1966 on the album Sounds of Silence … Continue readingSimon and Garfunkel: Homeward Bound

Darin wrote this song (the story is on the YouTube caption) in 1960 and released it in 1963. It reached No 10 in America and N0 37 in Britain.

The writing was credited to Jack Nitzsche and Sonny Bono. Jackie DeShannon claimed joint authorship and she recorded it in 1963, reaching No 84 in the US. Cliff Bennett and … Continue readingJackie DeShannon: Needles and Pins

This was written in 1966 by Doug Morris, who wound up as chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment in 2011. It was the Chiffons’ last big hit, reaching No … Continue readingThe Chiffons: Sweet Talking Guy

I doubt if this would be acceptable today. It was written by Jiles Perry Richardson, better known as The Big Bopper, and recorded by Johnny Preston in 1958 with Richardson … Continue readingJohnny Preston: Running Bear

One of the all-time great records, and an early portent of Phil Spector’s wonderful talent. He was inspired to write the song by the words on his father’s gravestone, ‘To … Continue readingThe Teddy Bears: To Know Him Is To Love Him

This hit No 2 in the UK in 1970 and No 4 in the US. Wikipedia says: ‘According to drummer Simon Kirke, All Right Now was written by Free bassist Andy Fraser … Continue readingFree: All Right Now

This brilliant ballad was written by Orbison and his frequent collaborator Joe Melson. It was released in March 1961 and went to No 1 in America and No 9 in … Continue readingRoy Orbison: Running Scared