A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
This was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and released by Lou Johnson in 1964. It reached No 49 in the US. It was covered (poorly) by British singer … Continue readingLou Johnson: (There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me
LAST week we left Richard and Linda Thompson preparing to make their third album together, to fulfil a contract with Island Records. The self-styled ‘sheik’ who led their Sufi Muslim … Continue readingThompson v Thompson
Written by Burt Bacharach, Luther Dixon and Mack David, brother of Hal David, this reached No 8 in America in 1961. It was recorded by the Beatles on their debut … Continue readingThe Shirelles: Baby It’s You
A song that always reminds me what a privilege it is to be living and working in London no longer. From the 1978 album All Mod Cons.
This is in my all time Top Ten (currently extending to 22). The Beach Boys mainly recorded songs they wrote themselves, but on this occasion they chose a folk song … Continue readingThe Beach Boys: Sloop John B
Mr Bowie seems to be having trouble keeping himself on the lead in this live clip from 1974. And his band are hardly under control.
The wonderful Pixies, where Beefheart meets Black Sabbath meets the Beach Boys. From the 1990 album Bossanova.
AS well as writing some of the 20th century’s most-loved songs, many with his brother Ira as lyricist, George Gershwin was the only popular composer of the period to make … Continue readingThe Melody Makers 2: George Gershwin
Recorded in 1972 for Exile on Main Street but not released until 2010 as a bonus track for the album’s deluxe rerelease. Great to hear Keef in his heyday.
The title track of his 1974 debut solo album featured the great Little Feat. This version has Feat frontman Lowell George plus the Meters.