Category: M’s Track of the Day

This was written by the great Gene Pitney. It was first recorded by country singer Johnny Duncan but doesn’t seem to have made any impression on the charts. In 1961 … Continue readingRicky Nelson: Hello Mary Lou

One of the outstandingly weird groups of the pop era, the Spotnicks were from Sweden. I don’t think their singles merit individual posts, but it is worth seeing their videos. … Continue readingThe Spotnicks

I think the punctuation should be Lovers’, not Lover’s, on the grounds that it is a concerto for all lovers, not just one. It was recorded in 1965 by the … Continue readingThe Toys: A Lover’s Concerto

This was Burnette’s third single, reaching No 11 in America and No 5 in Britain in 1960. It was written by Barry De Vorzon and Ted Ellis. In 1964 Burnette … Continue readingJohnny Burnette: Dreamin’

This was Britain’s Eurovision Song Contest entry in 1961, finishing in second place out of 16. It was written by the Allisons, who were marketed as brothers but were not … Continue readingThe Allisons: Are You Sure

Paul and Paula were Ray Hildebrand and Jill Jackson. This was their first single, written by Hildebrand. In 1963 it topped the charts in America and reached No 8 in … Continue readingPaul and Paula: Hey Paula

This was written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield as the title track of a 1961 film in which Francis was starring. What a magnificent voice! There is an interesting account … Continue readingConnie Francis: Where the Boys Are

This is a Paul McCartney composition credited to Lennon-McCartney, like all songs the pair wrote individually. It was first released on the Beatles album Revolver in August 1966. McCartney produced the Cliff … Continue readingCliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers: Got To Get You Into My Life

This was written by group leaders John Carter and Ken Lewis with Bill Bates. It was first recorded by Bick Ford in 1963 as the B-side of his only single. … Continue readingCarter-Lewis and the Southerners: Sweet and Tender Romance

This was written by band leader Roger McGuinn and impresario Jacques Levy for a musical which was never staged. It was recorded for their (Untitled) album and released as a … Continue readingThe Byrds: Chestnut Mare