As I loll around in my delightful Samos hotel,
over-eating and drinking, my mind, never other than flippant, flits to the pop
and rock music of my misspent youth mainly of 1955 – 1965 vintage – OK,
“retro-rock nostalgia” you may sniff. I can happily consign to oblivion all
thought of Brexit, the EU, Trump, Iranian clerics and their hideous retinues
and instead get my feet tapping with those golden oldies which particularly
appealed to me. You will all have quite different favourites!
1. Singing the Blues by Tommy Steele. (1956)
Although Bill Haley had made some impression,
it took home-grown Tommy Steele to make the critical breakthrough and open up
the UK rock scene with this cheery number. Suddenly I recall everyone was
whistling and singing this song in school corridors (I was 14). Tommy never
repeated this smash-hit but he was very popular as a “cockney sparra”, regularly
filled the London Palladium and had a long run in the West End hit “Half a
Sixpence”, the musical adaptation of “Kipps’ by H G Wells.
2.
Can’t Help Falling in Love with You by Elvis Presley (1969)
Elvis dominated the rock scene in the late
1950s, and although this is a much later number, his mastery of the romantic
ballad went hand in hand with his more energetic efforts. The deep tones of his
unmistakable voice send hearts a-quiver still and many a lovelorn suitor will
emulate The King and sing this great song to their suitably grateful beloved.
3.
Rave
On by Buddy Holly
(1958)
Texan Buddy Holly and the Crickets entered the rock scene
in 1955 and despite his geeky appearance and horn-rims was soon second only to
Elvis in popular esteem. His Peggy Sue songs were iconic and he produced
hit after hit. His death at 22 in an air crash was a huge shock to all his
admirers. Rave On gives a flavour of his unforgettable talent.
4. Good
Golly, Miss Molly (1958) by Little Richard
Little Richard was rock
personified. Endlessly dynamic, dressed garishly and with a voice which hit
notes in the stratosphere, he would stand in front of a piano, hit keys with
the heel of his boots, scream out the lyrics and grin demonically at his rapt
audience. Tutti Frutti, Long Tall Sally and Lucille were part of
his standard repertoire along with Good Golly, Miss Molly – all of which,
of course, our dear parents hated. Young women threw their underwear to him in
yearning tribute. He was a true pioneer and a major influence on a generation
of rockers.
5.
Wonderful
World by Sam Cooke (1960)
Sam Cooke was a talented singer and song-writer
who moved over to rock, and later soul, from gospel singing. His Wonderful World
is his most memorable number and his easy delivery style was much admired. His
early promise never blossomed as he was shot dead by a lady motel manager in
Los Angeles in 1964 after a drunken fracas, a premature finale.
6.
The House of the Rising Sun by The Animals (1964)
This rock classic formed part of the British
Invasion of the US pop world in the wake of the Beatles. The 5-member Animals
hailed from the North East of England and the best-known members were Alan
Price and Eric Burdon. The song itself is an adaptation of an old English
folk-tune, reset to New Orleans. There were other Animals hits like We gotta
get out of this Place and Please don’t let me be Misunderstood but
The Rising Sun is a tremendous anthem, if a trifle louche.
7. Let
It Be by The Beatles (1970)
The Beatles were an irresistible
force from 1963 to 1970 and early Beatles tracks much enlivened our
undergraduate parties. They produced songs of quality and presented them in
original ways. By about 1966 they abandoned deafening live concert performances
and worked on studio albums. Their interests wandered off to psychedelia, Indian
mysticism and drug culture and lost me. But at their best they were
incomparable. Let it Be was their rueful farewell.
8. A
Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum (1967)
This obscure English band
produced a debut single which is one of the all-time greats. Its purported debt
to Bach, the Baroque and god knows who else, elevates its status to higher
levels than perhaps it deserves, but in any event it is highly enjoyable and
easily evokes the spirit of the Sixties.
9. Tonight
I celebrate my Love for You by Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson (1983)
This number unaccountably caught
my attention in the 1980s when I had long moved away from rock and pop and was
much happier with Purcell, Handel and Mozart. I liked the tune and the romance
of it all, and recall the late, great Terry Wogan poking gentle fun at Bryson’s
mother who had inflicted the name “Peabo” on his innocent son!
1 Lady
in Red by Chris de Burgh (1986)
Again a one-off for me, simply a
great song which gave me pleasure. Chris de Burgh was an unlikely pop star
being the scion of a prosperous Anglo-Irish military family. He still performs
and has a wide audience, less in the UK than on far-flung foreign shores.
My 10 selections will not please
everyone but so be it. I hope there are moments of pleasure for you all as you
share my look back to the good old days and their fragrant memories!
SMD
14.07.19
Text Copyright ©
Sidney Donald 2019
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