Category: M’s Track of the Day

Written by Gene Pitney and produced by Phil Spector, no wonder this is one of the all-time great pop songs. It topped the US chart in November 1962, beating Pitney’s … Continue readingThe Crystals: He’s a Rebel

I’m afraid I am one of those who think Dylan’s songs were nearly always better performed by other artistes. Alan disagrees. Most of the lyrics of this song are impenetrable … Continue readingThe Byrds: My Back Pages

The first recording of this song by Cat Stevens was released by P P Arnold in May 1967, reaching 18 in the British chart. Much better is the singer’s own … Continue readingCat Stevens: The First Cut Is the Deepest

This was written in 1952 by Dan Belloc, Lew Douglas, Cliff Parman and Frank Levere, and was originally a hit for Nat King Cole in 1953. I love this version … Continue readingGerry and the Pacemakers: Pretend

This was written by Barry Mason and Les Reed, and released by The Fortunes in 1965. It reached No 4 in Britain and 27 in the US. It was the … Continue readingThe Fortunes: Here It Comes Again

This was Doris Troy’s only hit, reaching No 10 in the US in 1963. She co-wrote it using her earlier stage name, Payne. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM_nfDPgcuI In April 1964 The Hollies took … Continue readingDoris Troy: Just One Look

A brilliant Goffin/King song released in 1961 by The Crickets, Buddy Holly’s backing group who carried on touring and recording after his death in 1959. It got to No 5 … Continue readingThe Crickets: Don’t Ever Change

My friend Helen and I used to spend hours hanging around outside the stage door of the Fairfield Halls in Croydon, where every pop group appeared on their national tours. … Continue readingDave Berry: The Crying Game

Words by William Blake, music by Hubert Parry, vocals by Greg Lake, recorded in 1973. The BBC considered it irreverent (I don’t, I love it and I bet Blake would … Continue readingEmerson Lake and Palmer: Jerusalem

The Springfields were brother and sister Dion and Mary O’Brien, who named themselves Tom and Dusty Springfield, and Mike Hurst. This song, written by Tom Springfield, reached No 5 in … Continue readingThe Springfields: Island of Dreams