Elvis Presley - "Mama Liked The Roses"

SONGS I LOVE:

(From: You Tube/Jackiej61too/January 17th, 2009.)
Oh, Mama liked the roses

She grew them in the yard
But Winter always came around
And made the growing way too hard

Oh, Mama liked the roses
And when she had the time
She'd decorate the living room,
For all us kids to see...

Mama Liked The Roses - Blue Christmas - Elvis

The above Elvis Christmas album has an interesting selection because it was compiled in 1970 and each song lasts for about two minutes. Simple and straight, Elvis sings them in his usual style, with much fervour, feeling and dedication to this special time in the year.

The songs are: Blue Christmas 2.05, Silent Night 2:23, White Christmas 2:23, Santa Claus Is Back In Town 2:21, I'll Be Home For Christmas 1:54, If Every Day Was Like Christmas 2:52, Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane) 2:00, Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem 2:34, Santa, Bring My Baby Back (To Me) 1:52, Mama Liked The Roses, 2:35. The genre and style are either Blues, Pop or Rock n Roll.

Blogger's favourite is the last on the list. *It was written by Johnny Christopher. Presley recorded it on January 16th, 1969 at American Sound Studios and was the B-side to The Wonder of You, reaching #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and stayed for 12 weeks. It is a beautiful song and again showing The King's versatility. Remembering mum on Christmas Day? Now that's something?

Image: flickr.com

*Video/Information: Jackiej61too. Thank you!

Original Article: Andy Lim Collection.

British Skiffle Music Influenced Singapore 60?

"British skiffle (image - The Doghouse Skiffle Group) grew out of the developing post-war British jazz scene, which saw a move away from swing music and towards authentic traditional jazz. It is a type of pop music with jazz, blues, folk, roots and country influences, using homemade or improvised instruments.

The origins of skiffle are obscure, but are generally thought to lie in African-American musical culture in the early 20th century. Skiffle is often said to have developed from New Orleans jazz, but this has been disputed. It became popular again in England in the 1950s, where it was mainly associated with Lonnie Donegan and played a major part in beginning the careers of other eminent music people in the late 50s and 60s.

They used things like a washboard, jugs, tea chest bass, cigar-box fiddle, musical saw, and comb-and-paper kazoos, as well as more conventional instruments like acoustic guitar and banjo. The term 'skiffle' was one of many slang phrases for a rent party, a social event with a small charge designed to pay rent on a house."

In Singapore, except for a few singers, most of the 60s artistes that have recorded with the top music labels came after skiffle was established. By then the swanky, solid guitars and drum-set were available, all polished and shiny. Who needs a washboard?

But skiffle sound is different. And it is great. Still got the vinyl anyone?

Information/Reference: edited source from Wikipedia.

Image: http://mungomania.com/

(3) Lonnie Donegan & Skiffle Music, British 60s

SONGS I LOVE:
Putting On The Style

Sweet sixteen, goes to church
Just to see the boys
Screams and laughs and giggles
At every little noise
Turns her face a little
And turns her head awhile
But everybody knows
She's only putting on the style

Released on 28/06/1957 with Gamblin' Man on the flip, Putting On The Style was 2 weeks at #1 and 19 weeks on the hit parade chart. And blogger loves this song so much he still remembers the words, especially the chorus.

Chorus:
She's putting on the agony
Putting on the style
That's what all the young folks
Are doing all the while
And as I look around me
I sometimes have to smile
Seeing all the young folks
Putting on the style

Donegan was as big as the Beatles and Cliff Richard but they came on the scene later. He was the King of Skiffle and with a washboard, a tea chest bass (box, stick, string) and a cheap Spanish guitar, Donegan and his mates entertained audiences with folk and blues songs following a skiffle-group style of the 1930s.

The earlier songs that blogger love are, Cumberland Gap, Don't You Rock Me Daddy-O, Gamblin' Man and Rock Island Line. There are many websites on Lonnie Donegan and if you haven't heard of him, you should visit these sites.
Image: flickr.com
Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

60s Music Alive And Well In PJ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Lagu: 'Benci Tapi Rindu' Oleh Kugiran

B.C. Teoh's rendezvous at the Titanic Pub at Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, K.L., Malaysia:

"Titanic pub's setting is very cozy. There are a lot of LP covers sticking systematically on the walls.

By the time we reached there at about 9:10pm, all the tables had been occupied so we had to sit by the bar counter. The 5-piece band consisted of a saxaphonist, a drummer, an organ player and 2 guitarists cum singers. There was a female singer who went up to sing for about 15 minutes too. All the musicians are about 50 years young. Very experienced group!

The songs they sang included Rhinestone Cowboy, Yesterday, It Never Rains In California. Living Doll, Summer Holidays and Santana's Black Magic Woman. The female singer sang 2 Chinese oldies, Your Cheating Heart and Benci Tapi Rindu.

At the end of the 1st session, I chatted with a musician and he told me that Jimmy Ho (lead guitarist of Philips/Universal Music recording artistes, The Avengers) was not available and the main singer that night was actually a replacemement for Jimmy Ho. We left at the middle of the 2nd session. Our group enjoyed the night very much."

Have you been to this place lately? Let us know...

Image/original article: BC Teoh, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Check out his website at: http://vinylmylove.blogspot.com/

(2) 'Mean Woman Blues' - Elvis Presley - Lyrics

Mean Woman Blues (Elvis' Version)
I got a woman mean as she can be
I got a woman mean as she can be
Sometimes I think she's almost mean as me

A black cat up and died of fright
Cause he crossed her path last night
Kissed so hard she proved my lips
Hurts so good my heart just flips...

By: Claude Demetrius.

Image from: Loving You poster http://imagecache2.allposters.com/

(1) Blogger's First Song On Stage: Elvis' 'Mean Woman Blues' & Fight Scene In 'Loving You'

SONGS I LOVE:

The first time blogger went on stage was at his school concert in the mid 50s to sing Elvis' version of Mean Woman Blues. Accompanied by Peter Chua (who later became a medical doctor) on an ordinary acoustic guitar, he sang his way through the two minute routine like any rock n roll song. No applause but he satisfied his own hunger and enjoyed his debut. Mr Vivian Quek, his music teacher, eyed him with concern.

"Mean Woman Blues is a 12-bar blues song written by Claude Demetrius. It was a soundtrack recording by Elvis Presley for his 1957 motion picture, Loving You. The Elvis version went to number eleven on the R&B charts (Wikipedia)" and it is blogger's favourite song.

Blogger remembers the part when The King sang the song before the usual 'big fight scene' in many of Elvis' movies (YouTube sidebar). Blogger saw the movie three times.

The other songs on Elvis' Loving You album, include, Party, Teddy Bear, Got A Lotta Living To Do, Hot Dog, Lonesome Cowboy and Loving You. In 1963, Mean Woman Blues was also recorded as a 45rpm single by Roy Orbison that went to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 music charts. Jerry Lee Lewis made his version of the song in a live album.

YouTube: To listen to the song push to 2.45 minutes but best to watch the fight scene too. Thanks to heeter71, December 17th 2008 for the video clip).

Image/Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

Adeste Fideles, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear Christmas Songs With Pat Boone In Singapore

In the 60s Pat Boone is one of the biggest names in popular music and his vinyls sell so well that the record shops in North Bridge Road, Singapore will have many copies of his songs.

During the Christmas season everyone buys Pat Boone's yuletide hits because he is the epitome of the religious and loving family man. Blogger bought this second hand Long Play only a few weeks ago for S$2.00 but the songs are definitely worth more than that.

According to the sleeve, "the songs of Christmas have warmly sentimental words and melodies of grace and purity, and they are filled to overflowing with a wonderfully vibrant joy." Some songs in this album have youthful gaeity, quiet reverence and while others are ages old, some are from recent times. But "they share one magical quality; they reveal our affection for friends and neighbours who surround us."

Pat Boone sings them in his usual gentle, sincere and outgoing way. On Dot Record DLP 3222 Side One are: White Christmas, Jingle Bells, Adeste Fideles, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Silver Bells and Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town.

Side Two has: Silent Night, Oh Holy Night, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, The First Noel, I'll Be Home For Christmas, Joy To The World, and a special one, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear.
The Orchestra and chorus is Mort Lindsey's.

Check February 25th, 2009 posting on this blog. Or just click PaulAnka/PatBoone below.

Image/Original Article: Andy Lim Collection.

YouTube: santaclauspapainoel1/December 17th, 2008.

Aretha Franklin Yesterday's Gold, Today's Best

Blogger has been listening to her for 40 years so again it's a personal choice but this album is one of Franklin's best because it has her first hit, an Atlantic single, I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You), a 67 blues ballad that introduces us to her gospel style. It reached the Top 10 on the Hot 100, holding the #1 spot for seven weeks on Billboard's R&B Singles chart.

Then came, Respect, written and originally recorded by Otis Redding it firmly launched her to superstardom. It reached #1 on both the R&B and the Pop charts. It's supposed to be the greatest hit of the 60s.

The other songs are all hits and include, Do Right Woman - Do Right Man, Dr. Feelgood, Baby, I Love You, A Natural Woman and a personal favourite, Chain Of Fools. Side Two carries: Since You've Been Gone, Aint No Way, Think, You Send Me (a Sam Cooke hit), The House That Jack Built and the 60s Bacharach hit, I Say A Little Prayer and See Saw. It's on Atlantic Records/SD 8227 (image).

She needs no introduction and has been ranked by Rolling Stone magazine as the greatest singer of all time. And she's done them all, jazz, blues, rock, R&B, gospel and of course soul, as she's also been dubbed the 'lady of soul music'. She has won so many awards and recorded so many songs that it's best to read about her on Wikipedia.

Franklin was the only featured singer at the 2009 Presidential Inauguration ceremony for Barack Obama and released a digital single of My Country 'Tis of Thee, the song she performed in front of the world at the historic ceremony.

In a press release in New York, NY on November 5, 2009, The Queen of Soul will release Aretha, A Woman Falling Out Of Love on Aretha’s Records in January 2010.

*There are 36 images of this similar cover under Google's Images, the first time blogger has encountered for any singer.

YouTube Video: thecatkeaton/April 15, 2007. (sidebar)

Original article & vinyl: Andy Lim Collection.

Christmas Songs 60s Asian Music Collection

Christmas songs are popular internationally and likewise in Asia, especially in *Singapore in the 60s, the number of Christmas albums that floods the market during the season is innumerable. Many of these melodies are recorded by Asian singers but most are just covers of yuletide songs.

.The vinyl by Agnes Chan (image) is a good example. But it is a little different since the songs were pressed when she was singing in her teens. The child-like rendition of the four Christmas goodies on this EP is like the baubles on the tree, tinkling and cheerful.

.This parcel - LIFE/EP 2124 - has the title song, All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth, Mr Mistletoe, Rocking Around The Christmas Tree and The Little Drummer Boy. All songs were arranged by Wallace Chow, designed by LRIL and printed by KMIL, PJ.

Rocking Around The Xmas Tree (sidebar) was written by Johnny Marks and originally recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958.

.*Large majority of English Language speakers.

Image from YouTube by: justiniong 1120/December 22nd 2008. Vinyl & article: Andy Lim Collection.

2) Indonesian Folk Music: 30's Impian Semalam Lyrics

           

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The original song has two verses, the first sung by a female and the reply by a male. In this instance, it is sung by Uji Rashid. The other version has only one verse and, in this instance by the Ohello Sisters.  It is a livelier one, with hip-shaking gyrations by the two lovely sisters.

I sing it time and again with The Silver Strings. We shall be performing it again on the 18th September (Sunday 3 - 4 pm), at the National Library Ground Floor (Hans Coffee House), at North Bridge Road.

Impian Semalam
The Dream Last Night

Written/Composed By Oei Yok Siang (Indonesia)
Translation by Andy Lim LA (Singapore)

You Tube video from:  Siaran Radio Malaya

(1)
 Waktu semalam bung, aku bermimpi       

Last night dear/brother/lover, I had a dream

Bertemu ular bung, besar sekali
Was confronted by a snake, a very large one

Ular mengiggit bung, jari-kaki ku
The snake dear, bit my toe

Sudah mengiggit bung, ular berlalu
After doing so, the snake moved away

 Ku picit picit bung darah keluar
As I pressed and pressed (the wound), it bled

Aku menjerit "Aduh!" hingga tersadar
I screamed, "Ouch," as I woke up

Apa kah itu bung, erti maksud nya?
What does it mean dear?

Impian semalam, sangat seram-nya?
This dream last night, a most frightful dream?

(2)
Jangan bimbang 'dek, jangan risaukan,

Don't worry dear, don't be too concerned

Itu hanya mimpi, cuma khayalan,
It's only a dream, just an illusion

Bila malam datang, bulan pun terang,
When night comes, the moon shines bright

Bintang pun bersinar, kelip-kelipan,
The stars too shine with twinkling lights

Kuntum yang di taman, sedang berkembang,
One flower in the garden, is in bloom now

Harum baunya aduh, sungguh menawan
Fragrant smelling, oh, it is most attractive

Dicium dipetik, bunga di taman
Kissed, then plucked, this flower in the garden

Itulah ertinya, impian semalam.
That's the meaning of your dream last night.

Version sung by: Uji Rashid.

You Tube video from: Siaran Radio Malaya

by Uji Rashid.

The symbolism is obvious. The song depicts the experience of a pretty young maiden within the confines of flora and fauna. In her dream, the snake appears, bites her and disappears. As she relates her dream to her mother or friend, depending whether it's "bu" ("ibu" - mother), "bung" (brother), the interpretation is clear.

The interpretation is only one of many. Others believe it is just a song about a girl who had a nightmare that turned out to be a pleasant experience when she woke up in the morning.

This song is still very popular among the Indonesians, Malaysians and Singaporeans too, a classic which needs revival for its kampong and traditional beliefs and folklore.

My other interpretation is obvious, that it discusses the Garden of Eden and Adam and Eve. Let me know if I am too far-fetched because there are Christians among the Chinese in Indonesia. Some folks say the song is also symbolic of a girl's innocence and her first sin. Sin I am not sure but definitely, she's innocent no more. And the presence of the snake biting the girl, she felt it, as the blood oozed a little and she yelled, ''Aduh,'' [Oh]... I leave the rest to the listener's imagination.

Great composer Mr. Oei.

Out of a list of about 77 Indonesian composers found on its *website, one name stands prominent because Oei Yok Siang wrote three of the Indonesian songs I am familiar with. They are Impian Semalam, Aksi Kucing and the very well-known Gambang Semarang. The other two are Idaman Gadis Teruna and Djaka Lodang. Comment anyone?

Silver Strings with Nick, Andy, Audie, Rickie, John and Mike

the group that accompanies Andy singing 'Impian Semalam'.

*Reference: Pt. Penerbit Karya Musik Pertiwi - Katalog Komposer. It is a music publisher at Jalan Kebon Jeruk No. XV. 13, Kelurahan Maphar, Kecamatan Tamansari, Jakarta Barat 11160.

Image: Indonesian singer Anggun, who does not sing this song. http://discover-indo-tierranet.com/

Impian Semalam by The Stylers 

时代乐乐队 2020

YouTube Video from: Alvin EH Tan

Recommended by Fred Ching, 

music and concert enthusiast.

Original article: Andy Lim Collection.
Translation is also original. 

Please credit writer if you copy it.

(1) Impian Semalam - The Dream Last Night - Malay Song By Indonesian-Chinese Composer

IMAGE - https://chordu.com/chords-tabs-impian-semalam-cipt-oey-yok-siang--id_z8sHHjDDn34

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Impian Semalam - The Dream Last Night

[Composer - Oei Yok Siang - Indonesian Chinese]

LADY SINGER:

Waktu semalam bung, aku bermimpi
Last night dear, I had a dream

Bertemu ular bung, besar sekali
Was confronted by a snake, a very large one

Ular menggigit bung, jari kaki ku
The snake bit my toe

Suda mengiggit bung, ular berlalu
After doing so, the snake moved away

Ku picit, picit, darah keluar
As I pressed (the wound), it bled

Aku menjerit, "Adu!" hingga tersedar
I screamed, "Ouch," as I woke up

Apa kah itu bung, erti maksud-nya?
What is the meaning dear?

Impian semalam, sangat seramnya?
This dream last night, this most frightful dream?

REPLY:

Jangan khuatir dik, jangan berduka
Don't worry dear, don't be alarmed

Impian semalam, alam kuasa
The dream last night, nature controls

Bila malam datang, Bulan-nya terang
When night falls, the moon is bright

Bintang pun bersinar, Kelip-kelipan
Stars shine bright, twinking right

Bunga di taman dik,  Sedang berkembang
Flower in the garden, and in bloom

Tak lama lagi aduh,  Di-petik orang
Is soon plucked by someone

Itulah itu dik,  Erti maksudnya
That's the meaning dear

Impian semalam, Impian bahagia.
Of your dream, a delightful dream.

Impian Semalam - Ohello Sisters - 

YouTUBE Video by gundulero.

The fun version - The ladies are sexy.

Who cares about the lyrics 😆

A few months ago, while looking for my favourite Indonesian pop song Impian Semalam, I chanced upon the You Tube version on the right, was mesmerized by the sex appeal of the singers and their interpretation of the song.

These singers are the Ohello Sisters, as in 'Oh hello!' not 'Othello' (Shakespeare's Moor). The accompaniment uses modern and traditional instruments and is in Indonesian Malay, so if you understand the language it's a plus, otherwise just enjoy the music and the ladies! They are fabulous!

It is a well-known fact that some songs in the Indonesian Malay language were penned by the Chinese in Indonesia. Impian Semalam was written by Indonesian Chinese composer, Oei Yok Siang who lived in the 1930s. More about this great man in another posting. I know there's a Chinese version of this song too. Anyone?

The original song has two verses, the first sung by a female and the reply by a male. The other version has only one verse and, in this instance by the Ohello Sisters.  It is a livelier one, with hip-shaking gyrations by the two lovely sisters.

Seriously, this particular song discusses the loss of innocence. The lady walks in the garden, gets bitten by a snake, and spills a little blood. The lyrics remind me of the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve [just my own interpretation]. I feel the male singer, in another version, is unnecessary. Let the listener decide what the song means. A little learning is a dangerous thing. How many folks are familiar with symbolism... It's all there.

I managed to sing the song at a few concerts we had recently in 2015 and 2016 in Singapore and never tried to explain the meaning. Perhaps I should.

YouTube: 

Gununggede, August 12, 2007.

Image: 

Indonesian singers Anggun and Titi Kamal, who do not sing this song. http://cutegirls-indonesia.blogspot.com/

Please credit writer if you use interpretation or information.

[The Silver Strings - 2016 line-up]

NICK, ANDY, AUDIE, 

RICKIE, JOHN, MICHAEL 

This article has been updated but

the post remains under its original 1.12.09.

Andy Singapore 60's Music and Influence: Blogger Profile

For 2 years (1964 - 1966), I fronted Singapore guitar groups, recording artistes: The Velvetones, Swallows and Silver Strings. Enjoyed fun and excitement those years. 

Since I took an academic path afterward this blog serves as a coffee-stop and written to:

(a) relive my missing music years, 
(b) keep seniors posted about our local music, 
(c) encourage music stories from readers, 
(d) keep our younger generation, especially my 3J's, aware of our heritage and 
(e) help students with term papers or information regarding popular culture and local music history in the 60's. 

Although I have lived the age and participated in the music I am neither a music guru nor historian. No showing off past glories. Completed a Diploma in TESL (Victoria U., New Zealand); Cert. Eng Lit (U. of Aberdeen, Scotland); BA English Language/Literature (U. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) and MA Applied Linguistics (Macquarie, Sydney, Australia). 

I welcome mail from readers with similar interest. This blog is neither sponsored nor advertorial and not done for financial gains. Most articles, images are acknowledged. Any infringement, please inform for immediate deletion. 

IF YOU HAVE ARTICLES TO SHARE, PLEASE WRITE TO ME. Sudi mampir. 欢迎. Huangying. 

Andy Young

Birthday

November

Sagittarius

(3) Accolades To Hank Marvin UTube Viewers

(3) MORE CLIFF & SHADOWS: August 30th, 2006: YouTube Video: ZeKRuLe. Comments:

1. Maxld: Solo is always the best part of The Shadows performances. That's when the real Marvin magic starts to kick in, and the song just gets from "great" to "freaking awesome" towards the end.

2. Revelonray: there's only one Hank Marvin. He's just great! Best sounding by a mile.

3. Talldark77: Many people mock Hank as the oldies, but the fact remains he's an awesome guitarist who inspired most of the greats. He's one of the originals and one of the best.

4. MusicBravo: Mark Knopfler, Mike Oldfield and many more subjects copied The Shadows, undoubtedly. Already wrote this page in history - congratulations Shadows.

5. Hittheskins: To be fair to The Ventures, The Shadows deserve to be in the Hall of Fame. I think the difference was always the Hank Marvin Factor. He's simply one of the greatest guitarists ever and backed up by one of the greatest drummers and rhythm guitarists of all time. Special mention to Jet Harris and Tony Meehan - two more greats. Best instrumental band ever!

6. Gorgeous stuff. Hank Marvin has always had such a rich, melodic style. He's picking single notes but they always sounds grand in size. And that grand sound is the one thing all great British guitarists have in common - from Townshend to Marr, Jimmy Scott to Jeff Beck. Now you know where it all started. With this guy. Hank Marvin...

7. Hittheskins: The highest accolade I can say about this fantastic group is that within the first note plucked you just know its HANK MARVIN; 50 years of the greatest instrumental group ever. I just love that sound. It's sublime.
Reference: Quotes from You Tube for Moonlight Shadows.
Image: http://www.4.bp.blogspot.com/

(8) Hong Kong Pop Anders Nelsson And MING, The Kontinentals 70s - Original Compositions

This Long Play costs me S$10.00 and it's worth every dollar I paid. Can you guess where this group Ming comes from and who the members are? The 70s fans should know them better.

Born in Berkeley, California, U.S.A. of Swedish & American parentage Anders Nelsson brought this group together. The original line-up consisted: Ronald Chan, bass, Mario Bernardo, guitar and vocals, Maria Wu, drums and vocals, Anders Nelsson, guitar. Nelsson was supposed to plan, write and produce but resulted in him fronting the group.

They had several hits in Hongkong and Asia, most in Thailand with Reason Why and Malaysia with This Time Tomorrow between 1973 and 1976. When the group disbanded after three years, there were some changes and Hardy Li joined with keyboards. Mario Bernardo left the group and was replaced by Johnson Tang with guitar and vocals.

Nelsson wrote his first published song, I Still Love You and it was recorded as the second single by his first recording group The Kontinentals on Orbit Records in 1965. It spent a couple of months in the Hongkong charts in late 1965 and early 1966. It was recorded in Cantonese too.

Recorded in 1974, the above EMI/Columbia vinyl (image) is S 33ESX-221 with Reasons Why, It Doesn't Matter Anymore, Missing You Did Ya, Peace Of Mind, Merry-Go-Love on Side One. 

Ming: Never Comin' Home. 

YouTube Video by: sai kit hon

Side Two has: White Eagle, Never Coming Home, Another Morning, 13 Down And 8 To Go, Aren't You Satisfied and Wiseman. Except for It Doesn't Matter Any More by Paul Anka, the others are by Anders Nelsson. MING not only had local/original English compositions but adopted harder guitar-based styles and emphasised instrumentation over singing.

His company, The Melody Bank produced a large number of jingles for advertising, film soundtracks for Hongkong films, and songs for local artistes that included George Lam, Alan Tam, Rowena Cortes and Kenny B. According to his biography, he 'spearheaded the successful promotion of Kenny G to superstar status in Asia.'

The Kontinentals

Article and extracts have been taken from:

1. Wikipedia.
2. http://andersnelsson.com/biography.htm

Image: Andy Lim Collection.

(2) Hank Marvin - Undisputed Guitar Guru 60s+

(2)MORE CLIFF & SHADOWS: There are many websites about Hank Marvin and information available is incredible and Blogger thinks it's the best time to write about Hank Marvin because he remembers he has an instrumental version of Georgia On My Mind when he posted Ray Charles earlier. A quick search reveals the record on the right.

The image shows the cover of Hank Marvin's 1969 LP, the year after he left the Shadows and went solo. They had reined unchallenged as Britain's top guitar group.

So with a view to future security, positive or otherwise, they began to pursue their own activities best suited to their individual talents. "And if there is one consolation to be found in the break-up of this polished group, it is the emergence of Hank Marvin as an accomplished solo performer (Derek Johnson - sleeve back cover)."

According to Johnson, the Shadows sound is the Marvin sound and together with Brian Bennett as drummer and musical director, their dexterity, creativity and sensitivity show in this album.

Blogger bought it for S$10.00 ten years ago. From the Internet shops he finds that it costs just about double today. The reason for buying? Although some of the songs are familiar, blogger finds the compositions different and perhaps intriguing?

Side One: 1. Aquarius 2. Born Free 3. This Guy's In Love With You 4. Tokyo Guitar (Marvin) 5. Chameleon (Bennett) and 6. Lara's Theme.

Side Two has: 7. The Big Country 8. Love And Occasional Rain (Bennett) 9. Georgia On My Mind 10. The Windmills Of Your Mind 11. *Sacha (Lordan/Greenaway/Cook) and 12. High Sierra (Marvin/Lordan).

The record is produced by Norrie Paramor, the man who featured in many of Cliff & Shadows pressings. Hank MARVIN has an instrumental piece in his own name entitled, NIVRAM. Got it? Is he still living in Perth, Australia?

Reference: Derek Johnson - sleeve cover. (EMI/Columbia/SCX 6352 HANK MARVIN)

Image: www.imeem.com/

Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

(1) "The Ultimate Cliff by" Lewry And Goodall

Cliff Richard and The Shadows:

If you still don't know about Cliff Richard after all these years then it's time to buy this book. I have a 1996 copy of The Ultimate Cliff.  Bought from a bookshop at a university I wondered why it was sold there? It must have been recommended by one of the professors but I wasn't too sure if NIE offers pop music culture as an elective.

Unknown facts about Richard that might interest you, the 400 page book is divided into 6 parts and they include his childhood, the people he works with, his music (very detailed) and his performances.

There is also a memorabilia section that includes prices of his singles, EPs and LPs. This book is interspersed with published and unpublished photographs that any fan of Sir Cliff might want to keep. Oh and the Shadows too!

According to the short blurb about writers Peter Lewry and Nigel Goodall, they have "probably listened to more of Cliff Richard's recorded music... than any other person." There's also a foreword by Bruch Welch. A good read on a rainy night. Very detailed.

Remark from a friend: "Eh! Why you waste time... reading this book? Better read Bertrand Russell."

Image: The updated edition/ amazon.co.uk

Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

"White Christmas" - Bing Crosby - 100 Million - All Versions!

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It's the best time to discuss Bing Crosby's White Christmas single which has sold 50 million copies worldwide and it's the most by any release. And it is still selling now. 

The Guinness Book of World Records lists the song as a 100-million seller and this figure encompasses all versions of the song, including albums. It's the number one Christmas song on ItsRanked Top 40 Christmas Songs of all time.

Crosby's holiday collection Merry Christmas was first released as an LP in 1949, and has never been out-of-print since. Nearly 200 other singers have covered this particular Christmas song written by Irving Berlin. Name any pop singer and he or she would have covered it.

In Singapore, blogger heard it for the first time in a church somewhere in North Bridge Road. But that was a long, long time ago... But Singapore's Christmas will always be wet but green!

"I really love this Album by Bing Crosby. I grew up in Singapore in the 1950's and 1960's, and this is the ONE Christmas Album that went around the world with us (Literally) through the years!!!I still have the Album, By The Way!!!" (Rosalie, Newark, DE)

White Christmas: Bing Crosby.

Official Video YouTube: Bing Crosby.

Written by Irving Berlin it was for the movie musical, 'Holiday Inn', sung by Crosby on Christmas Day in 1941, it stayed on the Billboard Charts for 11 weeks until 1963 with more than 500 covers. It is so popular because it does not have a Christian theme. Wow!

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Malay Pops: Jeffrydin, A Ramlie, Les Kafilas, Hooks.

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MALAY POPS SINGAPORE 60's:

First aired on Radio Singapore in the weekly pop chart programme, Lagu Pujaan Minggu Ini, the composite word kugiran (kumpulan gitar rancak) was used by the first Malay DJ, Mohd Ismail Abdullah or M.I.A. 

It was rumoured that the word was coined by a subtitling officer, Daud Abdul Rahman. It was also P. Ramlee who used it to differentiate the combo-styled Malay bands of earlier times from the guitar groups.

The golden age of pop yeh-yeh started its demise in 1971. It's a pity because the formation and development of these guitar groups encouraged the establishment and existence of various recording companies in Singapore in the 60's and a lot of these songs were recorded on vinyl and sold well commercially. But there were bootleg records too. Plenty.

Some of the singers who have established themselves during this period included, M Osman, A Ramlie (Oh Fatimah), Jeffrydin, Roziah Latiff n The Jayhawkers, Adnan Othman, Halim 'Jandaku' Yatim, Afidah Es, J Kamisah, Siti Zaiton, J. Sham, A Rahman Onn, Hasnah Haron, Fatimah M Amin, Asmah Atan and Orkid Abdullah.

There were also A. Remie, Zamzam, Salim I, Kassim Selamat, M Rahmat, A Karim Jais, M Ishak, Hussien Ismail, Jaafor O, A Halim, Azizah Mohamed, S Jibeng and L Ramlee.

Manny Said was an original member of 'The Rhythm Boys'

Above pix was taken from his Facebook. [3.4.2023]

Other popular rock and pop bands of the period include The Rhythm Boys, The Siglap Five, The Hooks which featured A Romzi as lead vocalist, Siglap Boys, Les Kafilas (image), Cliffters featuring Rikieno Bajuri, Impian Bateks featuring Rudyn Al-Haj with his popular number Naik Kereta Ku and cappella like Oh Posmen, Gadis Sekolah and Zam Zam and the Twilights.

The Swallows EP featuring La Aube, Angkut Angkut Bilis and vocalist Kassim Selamat were featured in a radio station in Germany. There, La Aube was in the German pop chart. Most of the artistes mentioned are Singaporeans.

(Some of the bands mentioned have postings on this blog. Check them out.)

You Tube video: Oh Fatimah - A. Ramlie by 5band.

The above article has been edited.

Reference: 

(1) Wikipedia, 

(2) http://www.antya.com//

Image: http://popoknet.blogspot.com/

A.Ramlie & The Rythmn Boys - Oh Fatimah

YouTube Video: KEON ZZECHO

Participants & Supporters Of Local 60s Music

From Left: Jerry Fernandez is vocalist of the Neu Faces and has an events company, Veronica Young is Singapore's Millie Small, Ronnie See is leader, vocalist and rhythm guitarist from The Burns, Audie Ng is leader and bassist of The Silver Strings.

Back Row: Paul and Maria are back-up singers, Andy is a bystander, Victor Lam is percussionist with The Burns and Ging plays lead guitar.
Image: From Veronica Young Collection/Venue: Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore, 2009.