Retro

Retro Music 63

~ beetleypete ~ 39 Comments

Back to 1934. Seriously retro, and what for me was the golden age of Jazz. This version of a well-known song is from the Roy Fox Band, accompanied by some energetic tap-dancing ladies. Vocals are kept to a minumum, probably because the English accents don’t sound that good on a very American song.

Okay, here is a more familiar version from Duke Ellington (he wrote the song) and Ella Fitzgerald, shown on TV in 1965.

Call me partisan, but I prefer the tap-dancing version.

What good is melody, what good is music
If it ain’t possessin’ something sweet?
Nah, it ain’t the melody and it ain’t the music
There’s something else that makes this tune complete
Yes, it don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing
Well, it don’t mean a thing, all you got to do is sing
It makes no difference if it’s sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm everything you got
Yes, it don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing
It don’t mean a thing, don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing, boy
I said, it don’t mean a thing, and all you gotta do is sing like
Nah, it makes no difference if it’s sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm everything you got
Don’t mean a thing, boy, if it ain’t that a swing
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) lyrics © Sony/atv Harmony, Emi Mills Music Inc., Gotham Music Service Inc.

Retro Music 60

~ beetleypete ~ 27 Comments

We often hear the expression, “It doesn’t get better than this”. It is one I use myself, on many occasions.

In 1965, I was a 13 year-old fan of Soul Music. I didn’t mind at all when it crossed genres into Torch Songs, or romantic ballads. And this choice qualifies as all three.

Lap it up!

As you can see, it was written by Van McCoy. That’s pedigree.

Unforunately, Barbara had few follow-up hits. She retired in 2021, due to ill health. But she left us with this classic.

(It was also recorded by British duo, Peter and Gordon. But they are best forgotten.)

Baby I’m yours (baby I’m yours)
And I’ll be yours until the stars fall from the sky
Yours until the rivers all run dry
In other words, until I die
Baby I’m yours (baby I’m yours)
And I’ll be yours until the sun no longer shines
Yours until the poets run out of rhyme
In other words, until the end of time
I’m gonna stay right here by your side
Do my best to keep you satisfied
Nothing in the world can drive me away
‘Cause every day you’ll hear me say
Baby I’m yours
And I’ll be yours until two and two is three
Yours until the mountain crumbles to the sea
In other words, until eternity
Baby I’m yours
Till the stars fall from the sky
Baby I’m yours
Till the rivers all run dry
Baby I’m yours
Till the poets run out of rhyme
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Van McCoy
Baby, I’m Yours lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Van Mccoy Music, Inc

Retro Music 59

~ beetleypete ~ 42 Comments

Back to 1960, when I was just 8 years old. My dad worked in the record business, and brought home an album by Etta James. As soon as I heard the record, I knew I loved it, especially this title track.

Etta had a very long career, performing in many genres of music. She could tackle anything from Jazz to Gospel, Soul to Blues. Her life was affected by heroin addiction, and brushes with the law. She continued to make records and perform live up to her death in 2012, at the age of 73.

At last, my love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
Ooh yeah, yeah
At last, the skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clover
The night I looked at you
I found a dream, that I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to rest my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known
Ohh yeah yeah
You smile
You smile
Oh and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine
At last
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Harry Warren / Mack Gordon
At Last lyrics © Emi Feist Catalog Inc., Four Jays Music Publishing Company

Retro Music 57

~ beetleypete ~ 39 Comments

I was 19 years old in 1971, and my music tastes were becoming more varied. Deep down though, I was still a Soul Boy at heart, and that year I heard a wonderful Soul singer with his great new song. I bought this record the same day, then went on to buy his other records for the next four years.

By 1976 Al Green had decided to become a Gospel Minister, and changed his musical direction to Christian music. For me, that was a great loss to the genre of Soul Music.
He still performs today.

(The lyrics appear on the video.)

Retro Music 58

~ beetleypete ~ 43 Comments

Regular readers will know that I am not generally a fan of Rock Music. Whether that might be Progressive Rock, Heavy Rock, Heavy Metal, or any of the other names that fans give to it.

However, there are many notable exceptions, and this classic song is definitely one of those.

Led Zeppelin had been around since 1968, and this British four-piece band had already had much success, as well as legions of devoted fans. But I wasn’t one of those, so had never bought any of their records. Then I heard ‘Stairway To Heaven’, and decided I had to have it. This meant that I had to buy their latest album, which had no title. It was generally known as Led Zeppelin IV, and that’s what I asked for in the record shop.

True fans will be mortified to know that I didn’t like any of the other tracks, and only ever played ‘Stairway To Heaven’. I still like that song now.

Here it is, 52 years later. And in case you have forgotten by now, it is over 8 minutes long!

There’s a lady who’s sure
All that glitters is gold
And she’s buying a stairway to heaven
When she gets there she knows
If the stores are all closed
With a word she can get what she came for
Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
And she’s buying a stairway to heaven
There’s a sign on the wall
But she wants to be sure
‘Cause you know, sometimes words have two meanings
In a tree by the brook
There’s a songbird who sings
Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven
Ooh, it makes me wonder
Ooh, it makes me wonder
There’s a feeling I get
When I look to the west
And my spirit is crying for leaving
In my thoughts I have seen
Rings of smoke through the trees
And the voices of those who stand looking
Ooh, it makes me wonder
Ooh, it really makes me wonder
And it’s whispered that soon
If we all call the tune
Then the piper will lead us to reason
And a new day will dawn
For those who stand long
And the forests will echo with laughter
Oh whoa-whoa-whoa, oh-oh
If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow, don’t be alarmed now
It’s just a spring clean for the May Queen
Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run
And there’s still time to change the road you’re on
And it makes me wonder
Oh, whoa
Your head is humming and it won’t go
In case you don’t know
The piper’s calling you to join him
Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow?
And did you know
Your stairway lies on the whispering wind?
And as we wind on down the road
Our shadows taller than our soul
There walks a lady we all know
Who shines white light and wants to show
How everything still turns to gold
And if you listen very hard
The tune will come to you at last
When all are one and one is all, yeah
To be a rock and not to roll
And she’s buying a stairway to heaven
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Jimmy Page / Robert Anthony Plant
Stairway to Heaven lyrics © Flames Of Albion Music Inc., Succubus Music Ltd., Flames Of Albion Music, Inc.

Retro Music 56

~ beetleypete ~ 27 Comments

In 1968, I bought a record called ‘Stop Her On Sight’ (also known as S.O.S.) It was by the powerful American Soul singer and Motown recording artist named Edwin Starr. I already owned his previous UK hit record, ‘Headline News’. I really loved that new record, and went on to buy others by Edwin, including ‘Agent Double-O Soul’, ‘Twenty Five Miles’, and ‘War’.

Then in 2002, we discovered he was coming to London’s Jazz Cafe in Camden, just around the corner from where I lived. This intimate venue was a great place to see live acts, and I was not about to miss Edwin on stage. It was a great gig, and I had a fair bit to drink while watching him perform. I had been waiting for him to sing S.O.S., then I needed a toilet break, so missed most of the song.

When he later asked if we had requests, I had got close to the stage and yelled out “SOS!” He laughed, and replied “I already did that”. I shouted back, “I missed it because I was in the toilet”. He laughed again, and said “Okay”. They played it again, much to my delight, and the amusement and enjoyment of the crowd.

He had been based in England since 1983, and died in Nottinghamshire at the age of 61 the year after we saw him in Camden. We later became friendly with his brother, Angelo. He had played in the backing band for Edwin, and went on to tour with a tribute act to his brother.

I was originally going to feature ‘Headline News’, but in memory of that night in London, here is ‘S.O.S.’

Hey, hey, hey, I’m sending
Out an S.O.S.
(Sending, sending)
Hey, hey, hey, I’m sending
Out an S.O.S.
(Sending, sending)
I’m sending out an S.O.S.
Because I’m in so much distress
And if you see my baby
If you see my baby, stop her on sight
Hey, hey, hey, I’m sending
(Yes I am)
Out an S.O.S.
(Sending, sending)
(From me to Mexico)
Hey, hey, hey, I’m sending
(Hey now)
Out an S.O.S.
(Sending, sending)
I’m gonna tell the F.B.I.
I’m likely to get myself a secret spy
Because I lost my baby
So if you see my baby, stop her on sight
I lost
I lost my baby
I lost my baby
You can tell her by the way she walks
You can tell her by the way she talks
And you can tell her by the way she smiles
I guarantee you it will drive you wild
So if you see my baby
If anybody sees my baby
Stop her on sight
Hey, hey, hey, I’m sending
(Yes I am)
Out an S.O.S.
(Sending, sending)
(‘Cause I miss my baby so)
Hey, hey, hey, I’m sending
(Hey now)
Out an S.O.S.
(Sending, sending)
(I don’t know, I don’t know where she’s gone)
Hey, hey, hey, I’m sending
(But I want you)
Out an S.O.S.
(Sending, sending)
(I want you to stop my baby)
Hey, hey, hey, I’m sending
(Stop her on sight)
Out an S.O.S.
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Hamilton / Willie Hatcher / Morris

Retro Music 55

~ beetleypete ~ 36 Comments

Hard to believe it is almost 53 years ago that I heard this record on my car radio. It had the feel of Motown, but was by someone I had never heard of before. Off I went to the shop to buy the single, and as I only remembered the title, I was glad that they had it in stock.

I soon discovered that it had been written and composed by former Motown producers Holland–Dozier–Holland (under the pseudonym of Edythe Wayne) and Ron Dunbar, and that Invictus Records was their own new label. I also found out that Freda Payne had been well known on the Jazz circuit and had also worked in theatre as an actress. Her release of ‘Band oF Gold’ scored a top ten hit on both sides of the Atlantic, followed up by ‘Deeper and Deeper’, which I also bought.

However, she left Invictus in 1973, and never had the same fame after that, although she continued to work steadily in both acting and singing right up until 2021.

Now that you’re gone
All that’s left is a band of gold
All that’s left of the dreams I hold
Is a band of gold
And the memories of what love could be
If you were still here with me
You took me from the shelter of my mother, I had never known
Or loved any other
We kissed after taking vows
But that night on our honeymoon
We stayed in separate rooms
I wait in the darkness of my lonely room
Filled with sadness, filled with gloom
Hoping soon
That you’ll walk back through that door
And love me like you tried before
Since you’ve been gone
All that’s left is a band of gold
All that’s left of the dreams I hold
Is a band of gold
And the dream of what love could be
If you were still here with me
Oh, don’t you know that I wait
In the darkness of my lonely room
Filled with sadness, filled with gloom
Hoping soon
That you’ll walk back through that door
And love me like you tried before
Since you’ve been gone
All that’s left is a band of gold
All that’s left of the dreams I hold
Is a band of gold
And the dream of what love could be
If you were still here with me
Since you’ve been gone
All that’s left is a band of gold
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Edythe Wayne / Ronald Dunbar
Band Of Gold lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

Retro Music 54

~ beetleypete ~ 42 Comments

Over 50 years ago, I heard a song on my car radio and knew immediately that I had to buy the single that day. It was undoubtedly American, and bordered on ‘Easy-listening’, but it played in my head for the rest of the day until I stopped at a shop to buy the record. I had heard of the singer before, but only for his collaboration with other bands.

It still sounds good today, in my opinion.

Doctor, my eyes have seen the years
And the slow parade of fears without crying
Now I want to understand
I have done all that I could
To see the evil and the good without hiding
You must help me if you can
Doctor, my eyes
Tell me what is wrong
Was I unwise to leave them open for so long?
‘Cause I have wandered through this world
And as each moment has unfurled
I’ve been waiting to awaken from these dreams
People go just where they will
I never noticed them until I got this feeling
That it’s later than it seems
Doctor, my eyes
Tell me what you see
I hear their cries
Just say if it’s too late for me
Doctor, my eyes
They cannot see the sky
Is this the prize
For having learned how not to cry?
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Jackson Browne
Doctor My Eyes lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Retro Music 53

~ beetleypete ~ 33 Comments

A Motown hit that was not written by Holland, Dozier, Holland, but by Smokey Robinson. In 1966, this classic from The Temptations was one of my favourite records of the year.

I never met a girl who makes me feel the way that you do
It’s alright
Whenever I’m asked who makes my dreams real, I say that you do
You’re outta sight
So, fee-fi-fo-fum
Look out, baby, ’cause here I come
And I’m bringing you a love that’s true
So get ready, so get ready
I’m gonna try to make you love me too
So get ready, so get ready ’cause here I come
(Get ready ’cause here I come) I’m on my way
(Get ready ’cause here I come)
If you wanna play hide and seek with love, let me remind you
It’s alright
But the lovin’ you’re gonna miss in the time it takes to find you
It’s outta sight
So, fiddley-dee, fiddley-dum
Look out, baby, ’cause here I come
And I’m bringing you a love that’s true
So get ready, so get ready
I’m gonna try to make you love me too
So get ready, so get ready ’cause here I come
(Get ready ’cause here I come) I’m on my way
(Get ready ’cause here I come)
If all my friends should want you too, I’ll understand it
Be alright
I hope I get to you before they do, the way I planned it
Be outta sight
So, fiddley-dee, fiddley-dum
Look out, baby, ’cause here I come
And I’m bringing you a love that’s true
So get ready, so get ready
I’m gonna try to make you love me too
So get ready, so get ready ’cause here I come
(Get ready ’cause here I come) I’m on my way
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Smokey Robinson

Retro Music 52

~ beetleypete ~ 23 Comments

Many songs from the 1960s were associated with protest against the Vietnam War, even if they were not intended to. One of those was ‘Paint It Black’, by The Rolling Stones, released in 1966. This was a huge hit on both sides of The Atlantic, and reached the number one spot in the UK Charts.

21 years later, the song reached a new audience when it was used in the Stanley Kubrick film ‘Full Metal Jacket’.

You have to click the link ‘Watch on You Tube to see the video, due to the adult rating for the film.

I see a red door
And I want it painted black
No colors anymore
I want them to turn black
I see the girls walk by
Dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head
Until my darkness goes
I see a line of cars
And they’re all painted black
With flowers and my love
Both never to come back
I’ve seen people turn their heads
And quickly look away
Like a newborn baby
It just happens everyday
I look inside myself
And see my heart is black
I see my red door
I must have it painted black
Maybe then, I’ll fade away
And not have to face the facts
It’s not easy facing up
When your whole world is black
No more will my green sea
Go turn a deeper blue
I could not foresee this thing
Happening to you
If I look hard enough
Into the setting sun
My love will laugh with me
Before the morning comes
I see a red door
And I want it painted black
No colors anymore
I want them to turn black
I see the girls walk by
Dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head
Until my darkness goes
I wanna see it painted
Painted black
Black as night
Black as coal
I wanna see the sun
Blotted out from the sky
I wanna see it painted, painted, painted
Painted black, yeah
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Mick Jagger / Keith Richards