Category: M’s Track of the Day

This was the Stones’ first single. It was written and released by Chuck Berry in October 1961. It didn’t make the charts but the B-side, Go Go Go, reached number 38 … Continue readingRolling Stones: Come On

This always seemed to me an odd topic for a pop song but it’s very catchy. The Antoinette was a real ship which sank in 1895, though all the crew survived. The … Continue readingDave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich: The Wreck Of The Antoinette

This was Cliff’s second No 1, the follow-up to Livin’ Doll. It was the first record after the Shadows changed their name from the Drifters to avoid confusion with the US … Continue readingCliff Richard and the Shadows: Travellin’ Light

Another that is a bit after the peak of pop but it’s good. It was written by group members Don Felder, Don Henley and Glenn Frey. It was recorded in … Continue readingThe Eagles: Hotel California

The first surf song to be a No 1 hit in the US, this was part-written by Brian Wilson and given to Jan and Dean, who completed it, though only … Continue readingJan and Dean: Surf City

This was written by Boudleaux Bryant. The Everly Brothers recorded it in just two takes on March 6, 1958, with Chet Atkins on guitar, and it was released the following … Continue readingEverly Brothers: All I Have To Do Is Dream

I am ashamed to admit that until I looked it up I did not know the Beatles recorded this song by Mitch Murray in 1962, before Gerry and the Pacemakers. … Continue readingGerry and the Pacemakers: How Do You Do It?

It’s taken me a long time to get round to one of the best known 60s numbers. The music, influenced by J S Bach’s Air from Orchestral Suite No. 3 BWV1068 (‘Air … Continue readingProcol Harum: A Whiter Shade of Pale

This was written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff and released in September 1972 by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, featuring solo vocalist Teddy Pendergast. It was their biggest … Continue readingHarold Melvin & the Blue Notes: If You Don’t Know Me by Now

This means Samba For You, and was written by group founder Carlos Santana. It featured on the 1970 album Abraxas and was released as a single in 1973, reaching No 27 in … Continue readingSantana: Samba Pa Ti