Category: M’s Track of the Day

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

Written by the great Randy Newman, this was released by the Nashville Teens in 1967. For the first time in this series, I can’t find out if it got into … Continue readingNashville Teens: Biggest Night of her Life

This was written in 1961 by Phil Medley and Bert Berns and first recorded by the Top Notes, but they ruined it. Amazingly this was produced by Phil Spector. The … Continue readingThe Beatles: Twist and Shout

This was written by the great Steve Marriott though it was credited on the record to him and fellow Small Faces member Ronnie Lane. It was released in December 1967, … Continue readingSmall Faces: Tin Soldier

This melodrama was written by George ‘Shadow’ Morton, who had already given the Shangri-Las Leader of the Pack and Remember (Walking In The Sand). It reached No 6 in the States in 1965, … Continue readingThe Shangri-Las: I Can Never Go Home Anymore

This was written by Phil Spector, Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry and produced by Spector. The Crystals, like many of the US girl groups, had a shifting rota of personnel, … Continue readingThe Crystals: Then He Kissed Me

Written by Move member Roy Wood, this song’s claim to fame is that it was the first record played on BBC Radio 1 when it opened on September 30, 1967. … Continue readingThe Move: Flowers in the Rain