Some current listening favourites:
Pinball/Brian Protheroe. I had no idea the former Gentlemen and Players (remember that?) star was a singer. This one and only hit from 1974 could have been out today, except for the rather dated references to pale ale, Soho and, er, pinball, surely all the rage at the time. But it's more a song about loneliness and depression really. He's got an alright voice. If you lived in a seedy London bedsit in the 70s, then this is the song for you. Or if you think that sounds like the most exciting thing in the world then, again, this one's right up your alley.
Red Wine and Promises/Lal and Mike Waterson. The Waterson sister (who's now sadly dead) and her husband join forces for this heartbreaking number a woman who drinks too much and falls over. She's probably an alcoholic. Lal, whose voice is similar but slightly softer and more melancholy than Norma's, does a tour de force here. When she sings 'I don't want no bugger's arms around me', she's drunk and helpless, but she's still got her pride. I defy you not to be moved.
Lovely Rita, Meter Maid/The Beatles. I can take or leave the Beatles as a whole - I'm a Stones man - but I saw that programme about the groups of today remaking the songs from Sgt Pepper, and I realised what a good, intricate and hard to sing song this is. And so 60s too - meter maid never caught on, did it, and lives on only in song. Nice and jolly.
Lazy Line Painter Jane/Belle and Sebastian. Now, I've only recently discovered them. Someone put Legal Man on a compilation for me and I was hooked. I had no idea that they were like they are. I love the lyrics, and love girl/boy singing combinations. They're the upmarket Beautiful South. I've no idea where to start when buying them, so guidance would be much appreciated.
Portsmouth/Mike Oldfield. Who hasn't morris danced to this while you've got friends on air flute, tambourine and that drum he played on Blue Peter? Oh, only me? I love this modern day sea shanty with no words. How does Mike Oldfield do it? And it was a hit too. Shame he's bonkers.
