Welcome back, bullfinches
OF all the beautiful birds we have, I think my favourite is the bullfinch, with the male’s bold colours and markings subtly echoed by the female. The white rump is … Continue readingWelcome back, bullfinches
Recent Posts
The Platters: My Prayer
The music was written by violinist Georges Boulanger with lyrics by Carlos Gomez Barrera in 1926 as Avant de mourir (Before dying). I don’t think it was recorded. The English lyrics were … Continue readingThe Platters: My Prayer
Cliff Richard and the Shadows: The Next Time
Cliff was my first love. I must have seen the film Summer Holiday, which features this song, a dozen times. It was written by Buddy Kaye and Philip Springer, and recorded on 10 … Continue readingCliff Richard and the Shadows: The Next Time
REM: Driver 8
‘And the train conductor says: Take a break, driver 8.’ From the 1984 album Reckoning.
Lou Christie: Lightnin’ Strikes
Almost indistinguishable from his other hits, I’m Gonna Make You Mine (1969) and Rhapsody in the Rain (1966) this was written by Christie and Twyla Herbert. It was released in December 1965 and reached … Continue readingLou Christie: Lightnin’ Strikes
Graham Nash and David Crosby: Southbound Train
This was written by Graham Nash and appeared on the 1972 Graham Nash/David Crosby album. I’ve always thought it sounded more like a Neil Young song. Here’s a live version … Continue readingGraham Nash and David Crosby: Southbound Train
Shoplifters’ Paradise
OUR neighbours in the Ribble Valley include a couple who, since they are big Thunderbirds fans, I shall call Virgil and Lady Penelope. Now retired, they were both coppers at … Continue readingShoplifters’ Paradise
Rick Nelson: Fools Rush In
The lyrics were written by Johnny Mercer with music by Rube Bloom. One of the first recordings in 1940 was by Glenn Miller with vocals by Ray Eberle. There were … Continue readingRick Nelson: Fools Rush In
Randy Newman: Dixie Flyer
Great version on the Letterman Show of the wonderful song from Land of Dreams about a train journey from Los Angeles to New Orleans.
? and the Mysterians: 96 Tears
This written by Question Mark (Rudy Martinez) in 1962 and recorded with the Mysterians in 1966. It reached No 1 in America and No 37 in Britain. It is ranked … Continue reading? and the Mysterians: 96 Tears