Category: M’s Track of the Day

AS a tribute to the pop genius Phil Spector, who has died at the age of 81, here is the record he considered his best. I disagree, but that doesn’t … Continue readingIke and Tina Turner: River Deep – Mountain High

The lyrics were written by Dick Manning to an 1876 melody called Dance of the Hours by Ponchielli. It was first recorded in 1962 by Nancy Sinatra who did well with it … Continue readingMaureen Evans: Like I Do

This was written by Phil Spector, Pete Andreoli and Vini Poncia, and released in 1964. It was comparatively unsuccessful, reaching No 34 in America and No 35 in Britain. This … Continue readingThe Ronettes: Do I Love You?

I can’t say I was a particular Donovan fan, but this one is OK. It was his first single, which he wrote. It was released in 1965 and reached No … Continue readingDonovan: Catch the Wind

This was written by John D Loudermilk and released in 1961. In the US it was the B-side of Walk Right Back, which reached No 8. The record was a double A-side … Continue readingEverly Brothers: Ebony Eyes

This was written by Jeff Barry and first recorded by American singer Ginny Arnell in 1960 as the B-side of her single Look Who’s Talkin’, which was not a hit. … Continue readingHelen Shapiro: Tell Me What He Said

This was written by Maurice Mysels and Ira Kosloff, and was Elvis Presley’s seventh single release on the RCA Victor label, the follow-up to Heartbreak Hotel. It was released in … Continue readingElvis Presley: I Want You, I Need You, I Love You

This was written and produced by Shadow Morton, who was behind most of the Shangri-Las’ hits. It reached No 18 in the US in 1964. This is a fairly poor … Continue readingThe Shangri Las: Give Him a Great Big Kiss

This was written by husband and wife team Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil with Tony Orlando in mind, but producer Phil Spector persuaded them to let him have it for … Continue readingThe Crystals: Uptown

This was written by Paul McCartney while the group were in Hamburg in early 1962 but credited as always to Lennon-McCartney. It was recorded on September 11, 1962, at Abbey … Continue readingThe Beatles: PS I Love You