Rabbit

Annabel asked for something by Chas & Dave. This isn't the one she wanted, but it's probably close enough. Also, we've had a bit of snow.

A Hard Day's Night

The snow is coming down, and I am stuck inside with a pile of songs and a ukulele. Time for some Beatles.

Sheena Is A Punk Rocker

It's those Ramone boys again, and this time they're looking over my shoulder...

Something

Today would have been George Harrison's 75th birthday. He was my favourite Beatle. Frank Sinatra once described this song as the best love song in 50 years, and you don't argue with Frank.

Here Comes The Rain, Baby

Rule No1 - never try to do something that Roy Orbison sang.
Rule No2 - if there is a "Y" in the month, you can break Rule No1, but only if it is a B-side that nobody will know.

Sex and Drugs and Rock 'n Roll

I'm sure pizza and something good on the telly should be in there too, but anyway, here goes...

Say Goodbye To Hollywood

Here's a song I first came across when Ronnie Spector recorded it with the E-Street Band - can things get much better? And having seen her a couple of years ago, I can confirm that her voice is still as good. Meanwhile, at 8 in the morning, I'm not so sure about mine...

Common People

Is this one really 23 years old? Eek.

Consider Yourself

By the end of this year, you will realise that I do like a good stage musical. Here's a song from one that I know well - Oliver. My school did a big production of it, and I was the sound engineer. Forty years later, I still know every word.

Hi Ho Silver Lining

50 songs down! Just 315 to go. So it's a party favourite today, and with a bit of added rain on the roof. Oh, and the return of the whistle.

Born Free

This weeks added challenge from the Ukulele Underground forum is to do a song which was nominated for an Oscar. This won the Best Original Song award in 1966.

Picture This

There is something magical about the way some songs take you right back to a time and a place. This song for me is N225, Lupton Flats, Leeds, the day I arrived at Leeds University. I can even see the view from the window.
Anyway, back to today...

Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head

Bacharach & David wrote some gorgeous songs. And then along comes a bloke with a ukulele. But it was on the list, so it had to happen.

I Fought The Law

A hit for The Bobby Fuller Five in '66, and, years later, The Clash. But written by Sonny Curtis, who joined The Crickets after Buddy Holly died, and continued until they called it a day in 2016.

Photograph

We all know about Lennon & McCartney (and don't worry, they'll be along later), but what about Harrison & Starr? This is one they wrote together, and a hit for Ringo.

Ride A White Swan

The first album I ever bought, side one, track eight. Looking at it now, it's a bit odd...surely riding a white swan must be illegal? And as for sitting a black cat on your shoulder, well, it's not going to stay there is it, especially if you are catching stars and putting them on your forehead. So, here's 90 seconds of fine nonsense.

Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out

Staying with the blues, and going back even further, to the 1920s. It was released by Bessie Smith in 1929, two weeks after Wall Street hit an all time high, and two weeks before it crashed.

Blues Stay Away From Me

This week's extra challenge, courtesy of the Ukulele Underground forum, is either a blues, or a song in the key of G. This is both, a song first released by The Delmore Brothers in 1949.

As the donations creep ever closer to the £750 half-way mark, thoughts are turning to which party song to wheel out when that target is reached. Definitely something 70s....

Wednesday Week

If there is one CD which is bound to cheer you up when you're a bit down, it has to be The Best Of The Undertones. Perfect teenage pop. And mostly uke-able.

Rockin' All Over The World

Today's video will double up as my entry for another worthy cause, the "Status...GO!!!" competition being run by the wonderful Grand Old Uke Of York in aid of St Leonard's Hospice here in York. Great idea chaps!

Meanwhile, back in the kitchen...

Secret Heart

Did somebody ask for something by Ron Sexsmith? If not, why not? He can pack a lot of goodness into two minutes.

A few people have asked about this ukulele that I am using. Yes, it is all plastic, a Maccaferri Islander, possibly from the 1950s or 60s. Hope it lasts the year.

The Man Who Sold The World

We passed upon the stair, don't y'know...A bit of David Bowie, filmed on location.

Time To Ring Some Changes

The first of what will probably be several Richard Thompson songs on this journey. As true today as it was when he wrote it forty-odd years ago.

Blitzkreig Bop

This week's extra challenge, courtesy of the Ukulele Underground forum, is to do a song with contrast in it. So here's a Ramones classic of two halves.

Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You)

Something gentle for a Sunday morning, by A Flock Of Seagulls, the band who really hit the peaks with the hair-do. I will not be trying to emulate them.

Angel Fingers

Remember, a Wizzard song isn't just for Christmas...In fact I am pretty sure this one was the first single that I bought with my own money. I am also fairly certain that my baby will be jiving at some point this year.

Enjoy Yourself

Another request from a different Sally - this time the one I bump into at Glastonbury - who wanted anything by The Specials (or Guns n Roses, but the less said about that the better...). Anyway, this is one The Specials recorded, as have many others.

Can't Get You Out Of My Head

See what happens when the donations reach a big round number? It's party time, and no party is complete without Kylie. Sally asked me to do more songs that she knows. So it's all her fault...