Day: 30 Apr 2018

Here we all are again. Another Monday. Another Edition of Northern Soul Monday. We are here to celebrate Northern Soul Together. To listen and learn about the Feature Song while we Turn It Way Up. We’ll be learning a little Northern Soul History together, too. Are you ready? Suit and Talc optional. Let’s go!

This Week’s Northern Soul Monday’s we are Turning Up the Volume on “Under My Thumb” by Wayne Gibson. The Single was Released in 1966, on Columbia Records. And yes, it is a Cover of The Rolling Stones Song, originally written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

“Under My Thumb” by Wayne Gibson
Northern Soul Monday

Wayne Gibson, born Edward William Allen, was a British Pop Singer who had two Hits on the UK Singles Chart – “Kelly” and Today’s Featured Song, “Under My Thumb”.

Early in Wayne’s career, in the early 1960’s, he was the Lead Singer for The Tornadoes. They (The Tornadoes) eventually changed their name to Wayne Gibson and The Dynamic Sounds. They played at The Top Ten Club in Hamburg, Germany, in 1961-62. (from Wikipedia)

In 1963, Wayne Gibson and The Dynamic Sounds won a Recording deal with Decca Records. Shel Talmy, who produced The Kinks and The Who later in his career, produced their first Singles. They released 2, both Cover Songs – “Linda Lu” (originally by Ray Sharpe) and “Come On” (originally by Richie Valens). Neither was a success.

The Band made a move then to the Pye Label. There they released a Cover Version of Del Shannon’s “Kelly”, with Jimmy Page (a session Musician then) on guitar. It reached #48 on the UK Charts.

“Kelly” by Wayne Gibson And The Dynamic Sounds

Their next Single, “Portland Town”, went nowhere though, so it was off to another new Label. This time it was the Columbia Label, and then off to Parlophone. Eventually, they went on to be the regular Backing-Band on the BBC TV Series, “The Beat Room”.

“The Beat Room”

Wayne Gibson went Solo in 1966. He Released his Cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Under My Thumb” was produced by Terry King. It was not an immediate hit, nor was his next Single, another Cover, this one of The Beatles’ “For No One”. After 1966, and two “No Hits” in a row, Wayne left the business.

However, as is many a Northern Soul Hit Song story, in 1972, a small label called Kingdom reissued both “For No One” and “Under My Thumb”. The latter would become well known and loved on the Northern Soul club scene in the UK. Because of that “Under My Thumb” was reissued on the Pye Disco Demand Label. It reached #17 on the Charts in late 1974, and Gibson even performed it on “Top of the Pops”.

A Little Bit of Northern Soul History:

Ben Sherman Suits and T-Shirts

In the early days of Northern Soul nights, the threads weren’t a million miles away from the Mod nights of the time – sharp, button tailored Ben Sherman suits abound. However as the scene developed, the nights became wilder and revelers didn’t want to ruin the clothes they’d spent a fortune on down the local club. (from Ben Sherman UK)

Later Northern Soul fashion was therefore focused more on the functional – jeans, wide-fitting trousers and t-shirts. You were there to dance, not stand around in the corners after all.

However, this move towards functional fashion didn’t mean that those entrenched in the subculture couldn’t show any individuality at all, with badges and patches used to show you were part of the group in the know, many emblazoned with the now infamous ‘Keep the Faith’ slogan and black gloved hand.

Some people described Northern Soul style as “loosened up Mod”. It’s true that the earliest Northern Soul fashion was rooted in the Mod look. Trim fits by Ben Sherman (see above) and Brutus, Levi’s jeans, and brogues. It became a bit of “Mod light”, an evolution that was necessary in order to accommodate the energetic, and sometimes acrobatic, dancing synonymous with Northern Soul.

And the women? Mod A-line skirts became ankle-length circle skirts, vests, slim fit shirts, platform shoes, and knit tanks – all accessorized with Northern Soul patches.

Thanks for joining us for another edition of Northern Soul Mondays. Be sure to check back here next week to see who we will be spinning, and take another step back into Northern Soul History with us. Until then, Keep the Faith.

It’s time for FIRST WAVE ON MONDAYS again. First Wave includes New Wave, Punk, Goth, and other Alternative Music from the late 70’s, 80’s, and early 90’s. On First Wave On Mondays, you will find a “First Wave” Song, Playlist, or Album Feature every Monday. We will also include a bit of History about the Songs, Albums, Bands, Artists, and the Genre. And, of course, there will also be a bit of waxing nostalgic along the way.

This Week we take a look, and listen, to Siouxsie And The Banshees’ 1978 Single, “Hong Kong Garden”.

“Hong Kong Garden” was Released as the Debut Non-Album Single by Siouxsie And The Banshees, in 1978, by Polydor Records. The Single hit #7 quickly on the UK Singles Chart. (from Wikipedia)

“Hong Kong Garden” by Siouxsie And The Banshees
from the Album, The Scream (1978)
First Wave On Mondays

Extremely catchy and danceable, there is something in “Hong Kong Garden” which crosses Genre borders becoming a melding together of Goth, Punk, New Wave, and even Pop. I would hear this Song playing at Goth clubs like Helter Skelter and Stigmata, as well as New Wave clubs like Hot Lava and Ground Zero, back in the late 80’s.

I’d go on to add “Hong Kong Garden” to many a Mix Tape and later, Mix CD. Even now, the Track finds its way onto Playlists. Oh, and its a Song I like to workout to, as well. Genre-bending and border-breaking, “Hong Kong Garden” is.

Originally “Hong Kong Garden” was an Instrumental Track called “People Phobia” which was composed by Guitarist John McKay, in 1977. He played it for the Band for the first time on a Tour Bus, Siouxsie has said. She’s also stated that the revised/retitled, and with Lyrics Version of the Song, “Hong Kong Garden”, was named after the Hong Kong Garden Chinese takeaway in Chislehurst High Street, in the UK.

Lyrically, the Song is about racist activities of skinheads visiting the take-away.

“I’ll never forget, there was a Chinese restaurant in Chislehurst called the ‘Hong Kong Garden’. Me and my friend were really upset that we used to go there and like, occasionally when the skinheads would turn up it would really turn really ugly. These gits would just go in en masse and just terrorise these Chinese people who were working there. We’d try and say ‘Leave them alone’, you know. It was a kind of tribute”.

Siouxsie went on to say:

“I remember wishing that I could be like Emma Peel from The Avengers and kick all the skinheads’ heads in, because they used to mercilessly torment these people for being foreigners. It made me feel so helpless, hopeless and ill.”

“Hong Kong Garden” was the first of 17 Top 40 singles that Siouxsie and the Banshees achieved in the British charts. Five years later they recorded their biggest ever UK hit with their cover of the Beatles’ “Dear Prudence.” In 1991 “Kiss Them For Me” became their only US Top 40 hit, peaking at #23. It did better over the Atlantic than in the UK where it only reached #32. (from Songfacts)

“Hong Kong Garden” (live, 1978) by Siouxsie And The Banshees

In 2006, a reworked version of “Hong Kong Garden” was included on the soundtrack for Sofia Coppola’s film Marie Antoinette, augmented by a new orchestral string introduction arranged by Brian Reitzell. (from Wikipedia)

“Hong Kong Garden” scene from Marie Antoinette

Hope you enjoy this Week’s Edition of First Wave On Mondays and had some fun listening and learning about “Hong Kong Garden”.

Please feel free to recommend a First Wave Song, Band, Artist, or Story for consideration. Email your recommendations and ideas to lyriquediscordesubmissions@gmail.com.

All dressed up and everywhere to go
A Monday Playlist

Available to Stream on Spotify and YouTube

“Fashion” by David Bowie
“Peacock Suit” by Paul Weller
“Baggy Trousers” by Madness
“Knee Socks” by Arctic Monkeys
“Shoes” by Bobby “Blues” Bland
“Dedicated Follower of Fashion” by The Kinks
“Cut My Hair” by The Who
“Leather Jacket” by Arkells
“(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes” by Elvis Costello
“Dress Up In You” by God Help The Girl
“Zoot Suit” by The High Numbers
“Angst In My Pants” by Sparks
“Favourite Shirt (Boy Meets Girl)” by Haircut 100
“Devil With a Blue Dress” by Mitch Ryder
“These Boots are Made For Walkin'” by Nancy Sinatra
“My Adidas” by Run-DMC
“Big For Your Boots” by Stormzy
“White Dress” by Kanye West
“Thrift Shop” by Macklemore, featuring Ryan Lewis and Wanz
“Raspberry Beret” by Prince
“The Emperor’s New Clothes” by Sinéad O’Connor
“Hand In Glove” by The Smiths
“Your Sisters’ Clothes” by Pulp
“Summer Dress” by July Talk
“If Love Is a Red Dress (Hang Me In Rags)” by Maria McKee
“Blue Jeans and White T-Shirts” by The Gaslight Anthem
“Sad Dress” by Belly
“Walking In My Shoes” by Depeche Mode
“Leather” by Tori Amos
“Famous Blue Raincoat”

All dressed up and everywhere to go

Hey Monday, “I Put a Spell On You”, or at least the first Song on Today’s Top 5 Music Obsessions did. Up at 4am, earlier than normal, as I send off my youngest for his first trip away from home without family. The sun wasn’t even there to meet us, but both of our nerves and excitement were. I’m so grateful for coffee this morning. And, for Music.

Are you ready for Monday? For the first week of May? And for this week’s Music Obsessions? I’d sure love to hear what yours are.

This Monday’s Top 5 Music Obsessions, the last Monday of April 2018, starts with the amazing Annie Lennox. “I Put a Spell On You” was featured in the Movie Fifty Shades of Grey which I will admit to seeing, and I will admit to loving the Music from it – especially this Track. As soon as I heard it I cataloged it away in my “Favorite Cover Songs” List.

Next up is Depeche Mode’s “Clean”. This is the “Bare” Version, which is gorgeously dark and dreamy. I love the Acoustic-ness of it. This past weekend I put together a Mega-Playlist of Goth/Darkwave Songs that I love for a good friend of my oldest daughter’s. When I went to select a DM Song I chose “Clean”, the original Version. And then today, thinking on that Playlist, I went looking for “Clean” again and fond this Version. I’m Loving (and Obsessing) over it.

Track 3 is a Singer and Song that my younger daughter introduced to me. She’s been playing Kailee’s Music since she was on Soundcloud only, and is still loving her Music and excited that she has more exposure now. This Song, by Kailee Morgue, is called “Ghost of Mine”, and it is the Acoustic Version. Kailee has such a beautiful Voice. Wow.

Up next is a Singer I’d near forgotten about until I saw her name listed on my rediscovered Always On the Run Lyric Site. I think I first discovered Dot Allison when she was making Music with Pete Doherty. “Tomorrow Never Comes” by Dot Allison is the perfect reminder of her Music, and of how much I enjoy her Voice. It is definitely a Track I’m Obsessing over today.

Last, but not least, is the perfectly amazing Cocteau Twins with the Song “Pandora (For Cindy)”. I can’t stop Playing this one today. I really, really can’t. My recommendation? Listen to this through good headphones. You won’t be sorry.

Are you ready to hear Today’s 5 Now? You can stream Today’s Songs, and this week’s, as well, at Spotify and YouTube. I add each day’s 5 Songs to both Playlists every day.

Top 5 Music Obsessions of the Day – April 30, 2018

1. “I Put a Spell On You” by Annie Lennox

2. “Clean” (Bare Version) by Depeche Mode

3. “Ghost of Mine” (Acoustic) by Kailee Morgue

4. “Tomorrow Never Comes” by Dot Allison

5. “Pandora (For Cindy)” by Cocteau Twins

Top 5 Music Obsessions – Week of 4/30/18

“I Can’t Be With You” by The Cranberries is my Favorite Track off of their second Studio Album, No Need to Argue. The Single was the third from the Album everywhere except North America where it was released as the fourth, and final Single. (from Wikipedia)

I bought the CD of No Need to Argue the day it came out, and “I Can’t Be With You” was my First Listen Favorite. It has remained my Favorite from the Album since then, and is in my Top 5 Favorite Cranberries Songs list, as well. Oh, and the Album, No Need to Argue, is my Favorite of The Cranberries, followed very closely by Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?.

“I Can’t Be With You” by The Cranberries
from the Album, No Need to Argue (1994)
Song of the Day

“Put your hands in my hands,
and come with me,
we’ll find another end.
And my head,
and my head
on anyone’s shoulder,
’cause I can’t be with you.”

“I Can’t Be With You” as a Single achieved minor chart success in most of the European countries where it was released, peaking at #21 in Ireland, its highest position in the various charts. This Single was less successful than the previous Cranberries’ Singles.

I had the CD Single, and played it Obsessively, as I did the entire Album. It was 1994. It was the year I would see The Cranberries play live with the man I would marry years later, in 2000, and have two kids with. We were both in love with Dolores’ Voice and The Cranberries’ first two Albums, and we were both in love with each other.

“I Can’t Be with You” (live, 1994) by The Cranberries

He would end his lie in 2009. We would lose Dolores this year. I hope somewhere they’ve met up, or he’s gotten to see her play live again. They are both missed.

The Music Video (see above) was directed by Samuel Bayer, who also directed Nirvana’s iconic Video, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, several others of The Cranberries’ Singles, including “Zombie”, and a whole lot more from other Bands and Artists.

I’m crazy Obsessed with how Dolores looks in this video. I want both of her outfits, especially the crocheted beret and that suit. I’m also sitting her contemplating her hair color. I’m crazy about both looks she has in this Video.

The CD Single for “I Can’t Be With You” included The Cranberries’ dreamy cover of The Carpenters’ “(They Long To Be) Close To You”, originally written by Burt Bacharach and Hal Davis. I love this Version.

“(They Long To Be) Close To You” by The Cranberries

Until right now I’d forgotten that that Cover was on the CD Single. I need to dig through a stack of CD’s that I gave to my younger daughter and see if I still have the Single. I’d love to play it again.

What do you think of The Cranberries’ “I Can’t Be With You”? What is your Favorite Cranberries Song from the Album No Need to Argue?