A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
WHEN Burnley won the League Championship in 1960, it was largely thanks to their brilliant inside-forward Jimmy McIlroy. The Northern Ireland international appeared almost 500 times for the Clarets and … Continue readingKing James the First of Burnley
Probably my favourite 10cc track of all time.
A live version from their 2006 tour, and very nice too.
First appearance on A & M for P P & M. What a bunch of patronising bastards.
This (to me) weird number was written by Rick Evans in 1964. It was released by him and Danny Zager in 1969, topping the charts on both sides of the … Continue readingZager and Evans: In the Year 2525
WHEN we lived in London we used to see and hear a lot of ring-necked parakeets. In my opinion they are beautiful birds, bright green and a brilliant exotic sight, … Continue readingThe Parakeet Regiment
Winsome little number from the film soundtrack The Lovely Bones.
Recorded during the 1968 sessions for Liege and Lief, this beauty finally emerged on a CD reissue of Unhalfbricking. Here’s a live version by Tom Petty. And for good measure, … Continue readingFairport Convention: The Ballad of Easy Rider
In tribute to Gary Brooker, who has died aged 76. It does get going eventually.
This is by Gerry Goffin (apparently he said it was his favourite of the lyrics he wrote) and his wife Carole King. Here is the demo, which to me outshines … Continue readingThe Drifters: Up On The Roof