When I was a boy, this song was never off the radio. After being No.1 for weeks in 1971, Middle Of The Road's Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep was a staple right up until the Eighties kicked in.
So it's a terrible shame that this bouncy, handclap-laden turn of the Seventies groover doesn't get the exposure it so richly deserves and has all but disappeared into the bottom of the karaoke list. I suppose the band name doesn't help at all. Middle Of The Road? No thanks.
But really, what's not to like? Ultra catchy singalong chorus, shout-out opening, lumpen Seventies plodding on the spot beat, mountainous vocals, fuzzy bass and of course, those handclaps mean this gem is an absolute classic. And let's not forget the hotpants of the foxy lead singer. Some might call it cheese, and though I disapprove is ever a song was to be described as such, this is it. But it transcends that. It's pure pop gold. It's the perfect song for getting everyone on the dancefloor at my club (remember that?).
And here it is for your sunny Friday listening pleasure. It's a definite summer day song. They were Scottish, you know:
Enjoyed that? Then don't forget to check out other hits like Sacramento, Tweedle Dum Tweedle Dee and the lovely, shimmering, Holiday 72-invoking Soley Soley. I believe they're still big in Germany.
