A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
Another brilliant Phil Spector production, but it did not get the success it deserved. It was written by Spector, Pete Andreoli and Vince Poncia. The backing vocals were augmented by … Continue readingThe Ronettes: The Best Part of Breaking Up
This beautiful song was written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood and first recorded by Hammond on his 1972 album It Never Rains in Southern California. It was arranged by Warren … Continue readingPhil Everly: The Air That I Breathe
Springsteen, Junkies-style. From 1994.
HEAVEN knows we’re miserable now, as Mr Morrissey almost said, so here’s a suggestion to lift the gloom. Invest four quid or so in a copy of the Blues Brothers DVD, pour yourself a … Continue readingBrothers banish the Blues
First in a short season of songs by Loose Windscreen performed by other artists. This is from 1978. And here’s another version by Robert Gordon and Link Wray. I read … Continue readingThe Pointer Sisters: Fire
Written by Chip Taylor, who said he was inspired by the Rolling Stones’ Ruby Tuesday, this was first recorded by New Yorker Evie Sands and released in 1967. It would probably … Continue readingP P Arnold: Angel of the Morning
Dig the drummer’s crazy beard.
A NUMBER of composers were not averse to re-using tunes in different settings, sometimes many years apart, and a good example is Schubert’s Rosamunde theme. The melody made its first appearance in … Continue readingSchubert’s Rosamunde
Not often you get the good lady wife and myself plugging the same artist. This was recommended by reader Andy Marshall in response to a recent clip of Tony Joe … Continue readingSir Douglas Quintet: Mendocino
This was written by the group’s frontman, Domingo ‘Sam’ Samudio, based on the 1962 Hully Gully Now by Big Bo and The Arrows, which in turn was based on the 1953 Feelin’ Good by Little … Continue readingSam the Sham and the Pharaohs: Wooly Bully