Category: M’s Track of the Day

This was written in 1968 by group member Howard Kaylan but by agreement it was credited to all five members: Kaylan, Mark Volman, Al Nichol, Jim Pons and John Barbata. … Continue readingThe Turtles: Elenore

This was written by John Beveridge and Peter Oakman and released in 1962 as the B-side of A Lay-About’s Lament, which was a truly terrible number. Record buyers knew better … Continue readingJoe Brown and the Bruvvers: A Picture of You

The song was written by Paul Kaufman and Mike Anthony, who don’t seem to have written much else of note, which is a shame because these are among the best … Continue readingJohnny Tillotson: Poetry in Motion

This was written by Kal Mann, who was also the lyricist of Elvis Presley’s Teddy Bear and Chubby Checker’s Let’s Twist Again, and Dave Appell. It was released in 1962, reaching No 4 … Continue readingThe Orlons: Don’t Hang Up

One of the great Billy’s dramatic numbers. It was written by Alan Fielding, who also wrote Fury’s 1962 hit Last Night Was Made For Love. It was released in 1963 and got … Continue readingBilly Fury: When Will You Say I Love You?

This was written in 1958 in Spanish by Chilean musician Joaquín Prieto, when it was called La Novia (The Bride). It was translated into English by Fred Jay as The Wedding. It was … Continue readingJulie Rogers: The Wedding

This was written by three of the group’s members, Mike Wilshaw (keyboards, bass) Fritz Fryer (lead guitar) and Lionel Morton (singer). It was released in 1964 and went to the … Continue readingThe Four Pennies: Juliet

This was made when Jackson was 14, and regardless of anything that happened later, I think it is a brilliant song. It was written for the 1972 film Ben. The lyrics … Continue readingMichael Jackson: Ben

Ok, Phil Spector was a weirdo but he was a pop genius. I can’t think of a better producer (Brian Wilson not far behind) and he was a great songwriter. … Continue readingThe Ronettes: Be My Baby

I am not Dylan’s greatest fan, though I did queue for nine hours to get tickets for a concert at Earl’s Court in 1978. My seat was so far back … Continue readingBob Dylan: My Back Pages