18 April 1974 Sometimes my French still comes in handy. 'Seasons In The Sun' is a translation and cover of a Jacques Brel song called 'Le Moribond', a title which means 'The Dying Man'. Brel's original, like other songs of his, is set to an upbeat martial tempo, and it has a cynical, worldly-wise humour; … Continue reading Terry Jacks – ‘Seasons In The Sun’
Paper Lace – ‘Billy, Don’t Be A Hero’
4 April 1974 This is the first of two number ones in a row that are death ballads. It's also the first of two huge 1974 hits for Paper Lace, and the second of those, the knuckle-gnawingly awful 'The Night Chicago Died', deals with death too. I can also confirm that listening to 'Billy, Don't … Continue reading Paper Lace – ‘Billy, Don’t Be A Hero’
Drake – ‘Toosie Slide’
1 May 2020 Don't worry, everyone. Here to save us poors from the drudgery of Covid lockdown is... Drake, showing us around his real-life mansion in the video (below) for 'Toosie Slide', from his trophy room to his marble kitchen island to his indoor pool, before a fireworks display by his outdoor pool and all … Continue reading Drake – ‘Toosie Slide’
Tina – ‘Cross Your Heart’
21 March 1974 Sharing its name with a brand of bra which could well have been the template for the singer's slightly daring dress at Eurovision 1974, 'Cross Your Heart' was one of eight songs all performed by Tina at Ireland's national selection contest. Yes, you're right: we've already seen Tina at the top of … Continue reading Tina – ‘Cross Your Heart’
Alvin Stardust – ‘Jealous Mind’
7 March 1974 Never mind your favourite James Bond; who's your favourite Alvin Stardust? I've only just found out that the familiar leather-clad, mulleted and sideboarded Alvin Stardust is not the Alvin Stardust who appeared on Alvin Stardust's debut hit, 'My Coo Ca Choo'. That record was written, produced, performed and initially promoted by Alvin … Continue reading Alvin Stardust – ‘Jealous Mind’
Saint Jhn – ‘Roses’
6 March 2020 You can still see them here and there: old decal signage and path markings asking us to keep two metres apart. Other effects from March 2020 onwards have also endured. The Covid pandemic changed lives, upended lives, and took lives. Lockdown and social distancing brought an almost instant move for millions to … Continue reading Saint Jhn – ‘Roses’
Suzi Quatro – ‘Devil Gate Drive’
28 February 1974 Would it be doing the dog on my ongoing "Chinn & Chapman, the Stock Aitken & Waterman of glam" narrative to suggest that with Suzi Quatro they even had their own Kylie? Maybe not. After all, she had star quality and seemed perfect for their writing-production style, but only ever seemed to … Continue reading Suzi Quatro – ‘Devil Gate Drive’
The Sweet – ‘Teenage Rampage’
14 February 1974 The key information you need in advance for 'Teenage Rampage' is that, this time around, Steve Priest's pre-chorus bit is not camp. I repeat: not camp. Even in the TV appearances, such as the video below, he's not fluttering his fingers while staring down the camera straight into your there-to-be-corrupted soul. Without … Continue reading The Sweet – ‘Teenage Rampage’
Billie Eilish – ‘No Time To Die’
21 February 2020 I was intrigued, back in early 2020, when the writer and performer of the title song for the imminent new James Bond film was announced to be Billie Eilish. Wouldn't it be gas, I though, if the song turned out to be 'Bad Guy'-style bleepy, mopey lo-NRG electro-pop full of angsty teenage … Continue reading Billie Eilish – ‘No Time To Die’
Mud – ‘Tiger Feet’
31 January 1974 Here's the first of three chart-topping singles in a row in early 1974 for the writer-producer duo of Chinn & Chapman - the Stock Aitken & Waterman of glam, and I mean that to hurt. We already saw their wares at the top of the Irish charts in 1973 with The Sweet's … Continue reading Mud – ‘Tiger Feet’
