About six months ago, I decided to make a playlist that charted the development of my musical tastes. The selection process was quite simple. It is a chronological sequence of tracks that when I heard them, became my favourite track at the time I heard them. I listened to it yesterday, there are lots of memories in there. A few guilty pleasures that have generated a snigger or two (I'm past caring). I will expand on it later, when I've completely finished. But where does it start. When I was about four years old, in 1966. I can't remember the show. It must have been in my front room with the family, in front of our black and white telly. All of a sudden, this strange song started. It sounded like nothing I'd ever heard in my life. Then the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen appeared. Being four, I'd not describe it as lust, but I knew this lady singing the song was special. I remember very few things from back then, but I can remember my Dad telling me that she was Frank Sinatra's daughter. I didn't know who Frank was then, but Dad explained he was the most famous actor/singer in the world.
The song was "These boots are made for walking". I don't know if this is the video I saw, but I am sure you can see why it made such an impression. Although I didn't realise it at the time, it is probably the moment that I first wanted to get into music! I saw it a few times and it always had the same effect, but over the course of time, I sort of forgot it. Music moved on (not necessarily for the better) into hippydom. By the time I was properly a teenager and into music, I'd more or less forgotten Nancy and her amazing rendition of the song. Then I saw Johnny Thunders in around 1982, again can't recall the date or the venue, but he did the number. If it was cool enough for Johnny, it was cool enough for me!
The next day, I went out and bought a copy of Nancy Sinatra's greatest hits ( a Japanese import if I recall correctly). Being a punk, I felt it was a guilty pleasure, something to hide at the bottom of the record pile, and listen to only when no one was around. Then I bumped into a lovely girl at a gig. We were chatting and I thought "She'd make a great singer for The False Dots". We got chatting and I asked her over for a chat about it, I can't deny that there wasn't an ulterior motive, but she was keen. She came over and we got chatting. She asked "What sort of vocals do you want?". I'd not really thought about it. So I said "Have you ever listened to any Nancy Sinatra, I'd like that with a punk vibe". She said "I love Nancy, have you got any of her records?" I replied yes and stuck it on the turntable. We had a wonderful evening discussing music etc. Nothing naughty happened, as I was so excited about the possibility of a proper lead singer taking over the duties and getting us a deal. We agreed to meet a week later and I promised to write a couple of songs. She asked if she could borrow the album. I spent a week writing songs in the "Nancy Sinatra style". I gave her a bell the following week. She dropped a bombshell on me "My boyfriend isn't happy with this, I'm sorry I can't come over". She'd not mentioned the boyfriend at all. She then hung up. I was gutted, devastated. I put the songs in my lyrics folder and cursed my poor judgement. Not only that, I'd lost the album!
I mentioned the idea of a female singer to the band, they thought it was a good idea. Shortly after, I started going out with a girl. Her best friend had a sister who was looking to join a band. Apparently she was a decent singer. So Elanor Caine joined the band, initially with a brief to sound like Nancy Sinatra. I presented one of the songs I'd written to her to sing.
My brief to the engineer was to make Eleanor sound like Nancy Sinatra. I soon realised that this was a bridge to far. It worked well. We recorded it and got a deal with 101 records on the strength of it. The song appeared on a complilation. That line up split up before we could persue it further. The song was inspired by Bang Bang, but nowhere near as intense in the version we recorded. I wrote it as a sort of follow up. The ideas is that the writer is sitting in her cell after arrest regretting and missing the man she shot down. I made up a dodgy cover story as I was still a bit embarrassed as to the true nature of the song!
Anyway, as I grew up, I realised that liking Nancy's music was not a guilty pleasure, it was a badge of honour. One of my best mates Boz Boorer played with Morrissey, who before he went bonkers and became a right wing looney was best mates with Nancy and wrote songs for her, which worked really well.
A few years ago, when I was researching The Tweets of the Week for this blog, I came across a tweet by Nancy. I responded and followed her. To my amazement, she followed me back. I was rather chuffed, she even liked my tweet!
Not only was Nancy a massive influence on my music, she also shared my view of Donald Trump. I can honestly say that her tweets are one of the best things on Twitter. Her Dad Frank was a massive supporter of the civil rights movement and wouldn't play venues with segregation. He clearly brought Nancy up properly. Now you may say "Well all of these snowflake pop stars, who've done nothing but spend their life being mollidcoddled having a pop at a national hero like Donald Trump are out of order". Well as Nancy tweeted this week, she actually (unlike Donald Trump who dodged the draft) took personal risks during the Vietnam war, travelling to the far east and entertaining the troops. This week she posted these amazing pictures on Twitter
Marty, you may not believe this but I actually did a couple of shows on the Kitty Hawk in Viet Nam in 1967. That landing on the deck was terrifying, the KH looked like a match box from the chopper! Taking off was scary too. I slept in the Captain's cabin (ALONE)! Stay safe,… https://t.co/LTapXCF3Sqpic.twitter.com/svWHBNIbYX
I could go on forever about Nancy, but I am sure you get the idea. I'll finish here and leave the last word to her. She's moved in circles where she knows these people. If you are an American, do yourself and the rest of the world a favour and heed her words!
I hope people do the right thing and vote for Kamala. Our country needs her wisdom, her experience and her heart. Please don't be conned by Trump. Beware. He is a menace who will try to destroy our beloved United States of America.
So what makes a Twitter account worth following? For me it is an account that posts information I find interesting. This may be someone who takes interesting pictures, posts interesting stuff about music or history or just off the wall stuff. It may be that they are just rather witty. I have a bit of an aversion to feeds that are over filled with GIF's and Emoji's as I tend not to find juvenile accounts very interesting and grown ups wanting to get down with the kids even worse. Don't get me wrong, the odd one can occasionally make me smile, but that is when they are used to emphasise an already interesting point. I thought I'd have a look and see who has caught my eye. Now don't get me wrong, not everyone on this list of people are people I like and admire, although most I admire very much, but if you were new to Twitter, these are the ones to follow first. I've picked one from each sphere of interest that I have.
1. @RealDonaldTrump - When the history of the 21st Century is written (if we ever make the 22nd), I wonder what the books will say of Donald Trump. Love him or hate him, he was the first President to embrace Twitter and although much of what he tweets is truly horrific, if you are not following him, you are probably missing out on the Social Media show of the century. I believe that Trumps behaviour will become the norm not the exception in years to come. Donald Trump has redefined the art of political tweeting and I don't think that the Genie can be put back in the bottle.
Paul Ryan, the failed V.P. candidate & former Speaker of the House, whose record of achievement was atrocious (except during my first two years as President), ultimately became a long running lame duck failure, leaving his Party in the lurch both as a fundraiser & leader......
2. @NancySinatra - Daughter of Frank and living legend. If you need an antidote to Trump follow Nancy. I had a massive crush on her in the '60's when I saw her amazing rendition of 'These boots were made for walking'. I was only six and I wasn't quite sure why I was fascinated, but fascinated I was. Out of curiosity, I checked her out on Twitter and found that like a good wine, she's improved with age. She strikes me as someone who would be great to sit next to at a dinner party. But best of all she is full of humanity. A big credit to her Dad.
Nazi who drove car into crowd and killed Heather Heyer sentenced in federal court to life in prison https://t.co/F4aaUfR8kI
3. @JamesMartinSJ - If you think all US Roman Catholic Priests are raving bigots, check out Fr James Martin. He gives me a degree of hope for the Roman Catholic Church and for humanity. I am amazed at his fortitude in the face of a truly vile campaign of harrassment on
What might the story of the "Road to Emmaus" have to say to #LGBT Catholics? What might Luke's beautiful story of the Risen Christ appearing to two bereft disciples (24:13-35) say to a group of Catholics that often feels marginalized from their church?https://t.co/mI8ZYJS64u
4. @RodneyMarsh10 - Football is one of my big loves. Rodney Marsh was my hero in the mid 70's. A marque signing for Manchester City FC and a mercurial talent. His twitter feed is hilarious. I especially enjoy his baiting of Manchester United Fans. I don't think anyone is better at this.
>Fantastic , maybe at the end of the season the club can have an open top parade and give every fan a copy of their P&L......... https://t.co/ajfHKwmQzi
5. @CrowleyOnAir - BBC Radio London DJ Gary Crowley is a massive figure in the London music scene (and by default the global music scene). His championing of new bands is legendary. He has probably got the best Twitter feed of any DJ. If you like music, it is well worth following. Gary gets Twitter and really uses it to interact with fans. This tweet is an excellent example
6. @BritainElects - Now for something completely different! This site lists all of the election results and opinion polls. If you write a blog which sometimes covers politics, as I do, it is invaluable. I find the results from obscure council's elsewhere in the country fascinating. I also love the way that the politically motivated (me included) usually retweet these to gloat when their political flavour of choice is doing well.
Bridlington North (East Riding of Yorkshire) result:
LDEM: 42.7% (+42.7)
CON: 26.6% (-44.5)
YORK: 11.4% (+11.4)
UKIP: 6.4% (+6.4)
LAB: 4.4% (-24.5)
IND (Dixon): 4.1% (+4.1)
IND (Robson): 2.5% (+2.5)
IND (Milns): 1.9% (+1.9)
7. @YesteryearTweet - The work of Mark Amies, who is great friend of this blog and the Industrial History correspondent for BBC Radio London. I enjoy looking at historical pictures and Mark does this very well. It's worth having a listen to him every other Tuesday on the Robert Elms Show.
R.I.P Freddie Jones.
One of the screen's great character actors, there was no one quite like him......although I used to get him mixed up with Aubrey Morris! pic.twitter.com/wdNhOAdbmi
8. @Boakand Bailey - If like me you like beer, then beer tweeters are a very handy source of info for fine pubs and tasty ales. For me, Boak and Bailey are the best.
10. @DoonesburyComic - Garry Trudeau's Doonesbury cartoon has consistently been the finest newspaper cartoon strip for decades. Follow it on Twitter if you don't but the Guardian.
As it's Sunday, we usually post something a little different on the blog. Today it's five guilty pleasures. As a punk rock and roller, people always assume all I listen to is punk and metal at 250 db. I do have a few guilty pleasures. Songs which the wearing of the T-Shirt at work may raise a couple of eybrows ;^)
What makes a guilty pleasure? It's a song which you really like, but you'd not be seen dead admitting to liking in front of your mates at the pub.
#1 - Duran Duran - Girls on Film
A bit of a story behind this. In 1981, when I left school, I went to live in Stockholm. My girlfriend was into Duran Duran. They were doing a tour and playing in Stockholm. They were known, but were not a big band. We went to see them at the Underground. I wasn't a fan. I was into punk. I got talking to one of the roadies at the bar and we were invited backstage. The band had been travelling around Europe and were a bit bored, having not talked about football or beer to anyone for a month or two. I got chatting to Simon LeBon. It turned out he'd lived in Hendon. We had a good laugh, he is a really nice bloke and we got guest listed for the show the next night at the Roxy. The band were brilliant and I've been a fan ever since. Somewhere I've got a signed tour program. The girls who came with me were well impressed !
#2 - Erasure - Sometimes
I remember seeing this on Top of the Pops. I was immediately struck by what a great song it is. I suggested that we did a rocked up version of it to the band and endured an evening of severe pisstaking. One day I will do it though.
#3 - Soft Cell - Torch
I'm a big fan of Soft Cell, they do great songs and are unique. I think this song is the best of the bunch.
#4 - The Jackson Five - Rockin Robin
I was nine when this came out. I thought it was great that a kid was singing in a proper band. It wasn't a crass novelty act, it was a proper band. The Jackson Five were a band I felt a great affection for and still do. Seeing Michael Jackson before the plastic surgeons ripped him apart is and it all went wrong is tinged with sadness, but I never ever hear this song without smiling.
#5 - Nancy Sinatra - These boots were made for walking
As Mrs T is in Norwich with eldest daughter for a swimming gala, one of my mates suggested I did a Mr Jacqui Smith special and gave you a few good saturday night videos for any husbands who are home alone. Now unfortunately, these won't cost the taxpayer a penny, but feel free to send me a £10 via Mill Hill Music Complex, if you have a generous expense account.
Suzi Quattro - Can The Can
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - I Love Rock and Roll
Blondie - Rip Her to Shreds
Nancy Sinatra - These boots were made for walkin
Donna Summer - I feel Love
Penetration - Don't Dictate
Siouxsie & The Banshees - Spellbound
Garbage - Stupid Girl
Xray Specs - The Day The World Turned Dayglo
Aretha Franklin - Natural Woman
Well, putting this playlist together made my saturday night, hope you enjoyed it half as much.
It's Saturday so here's the first in a series of posts detailing some of my most and least favourite things. I thought I'd start with a list of my fave girlie tracks.
1. I Love Rock N Roll - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts 2. Can The Can - Suzi Quattro
3. These Boots were made for Walking - Nancy Sinatra
4. Africa Morning - The False Dots
5. The Day the World Turned Dayglo - X-Ray Specs
6. Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire - Joni Mitchell 7. Save Me - Aretha Franklyn 8. Rip Her to Shreds - Blondie 9. Grafitti Limbo - Michelle Shocked 10. After the Goldrush - Prelude
Criteria for selection - These tracks all a changed the way I looked at music or were so good I couldn't stop listening to them or they had a deep impact on me.
Joan Jett - The best ever rock chick track. I always sing along to the chorus. It doesnt get any better.
Suzi - When I saw her do this on Top of the Pops, it was just like "Wow". I bought the single the next day and played it 100 times without interruption. My sister Caroline was driven nuts.
Nancy - I was about 4 when I first heard this. It must have deeply affected me because when I dug the clip out on YouTube it was like finding a gold nugget you'd buried. She was probably my first crush
Venessa Sagoe - She sung this on a demo we did. It still makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. Venessa was so good. It's not narcisism, she made the song
Poly Styrene - She was the Anti Star. It's a great song, really different. She was the first girl singer I admired solely for what she was and what she stood for. She's still great.
Joni - I love Joni & this is her best track. She is a brilliant singer, songwriter and person. Big Yellow Taxi was the first environmental anthem I ever listened to.
Aretha - The Saints (Aussie punk band) did this. We covered it with the Dots when we had the horn section. I'd never heard the original and then I saw it on a jukebox & thought "Should check this out". It blew my mind. I put it on 10 times in a row, until a skinhead came up and told me he'd kill me if I played it again.
Debbie Harry - My biggest crush ever. This song is so New York. It's great.
Michelle Shocked - Short, Sharp Shocked was my fave album the year it came out. This was the best track. She lost her way after it, but this song is just raw emotion.
Prelude - I just loved this track when it came out. I found the original 45 again of it a couple of weeks ago. Ended up playing it 6 times on the trot. I've no idea what it's about, but it sort of sounds like I imagine the angels in heaven sound as they sing while you climb the pearly stairway (I sincerely hope so anyway !!!!)
