S.O.S

A birthday request from my daughter, Sally - "Can you do SOS, a bit like Pierce Brosnan in Mama Mia?" Well, with my throat giving up as a cold arrives, I can but try...

Spirit In The Sky

It's one of those songs that just has to be played.
The year is nearly a quarter done, and over £800 has been raised so far. Thanks once again to everyone who has chipped in. Another £700 is needed to make the magic happen - where every song played means a solar lamp gets to a family in Africa. And there's a big button over on the right....

Amelia Earheart's Last Flight

I first came across this song, the story of the ill-fated American aviator, many years ago on a Ronnie Lane LP. I only found out recently that he only sang half the song. In fact, among the many recordings of this song, there are hardly any with all four verses. So, here they are.

 

Let It Be Me

A song which has been recorded by dozens of artists over the years. Most people probably know the Everly Brothers version, but others include Sam & Dave, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Elvis P, Neil Diamond...the list just goes on. And then me and the uke.

From Me To You

I meant to do this one soon after the Rutles song on Jan 10th, but forgot. So here it is - the one it sounds a bit like.

Under The Boardwalk

Yesterday's song from The Trammps leads us neatly to today's - a hit for The Drifters, another line-up of smooth suits, perfectly choreographed. Then there's me and the uke...

Hold Back The Night

To celebrate the clocks going forwards, a seventies disco classic.

Innocent When You Dream

I know some people who are put off listening to Tom Waits by his voice, and the strange sounds of some of his later albums. But beneath that gruff exterior, there are some lovely songs. More will be along later in the year, but for now...

The Gas Man Cometh

I have dim and distant memories of Flanders and Swann being on television - two posh blokes singing witty songs around a piano. This song has stuck with me ever since, but these days I doubt if all the tradesmen would turn up the next day.

Wedding Bells

My weakness for a country song strikes again (see Jan 9th & 19th). This was a hit for Hank Williams in 1949, but was written by Claude Boone. Or was it? Legend has it he bought it for $25 from a local musician & drunk called James Arthur Pritchett. If that's true, Claude got a bargain.

Paint It Black

Apparently the recording session for the Rolling Stones original was transformed when somebody walked into the studio with a sitar in their hand. I left my door slightly open, just in case, but no such luck. Just me and the plastic uke again.

The Letter

Written by Wayne Carson (who also wrote Always On My Mind), a hit for The Boxtops, and possibly the shortest song so far.

Come Up And See Me (Make Me Smile)

Alfie the dog is back for more, pretending to be a cushion, and this time she stays until the end. Although she does yawn a bit.

Blade Of Grass

A couple of days ago I thought it would soon be time to give the grass a trim. Then the snow happened, again. So all I can do is watch it...(A guest appearance by Alfie the dog, until the music starts)

Blue Days, Black Nights

It's amazing what you find out, doing these songs. I knew this was Buddy Holly's first single, and always assumed he wrote it. But no, it was written by Ben Hall, who recorded it with his band The Circle 4 Ramblers. Great name.

Happy Hawaii

Something daft for a Friday, an ABBA song which had a strange history, and a shirt to go with it. Originally called "Why did it have to be me", the lyrics and title were changed mid-recording, and "Happy Hawaii" was the result. But then they had a change of heart and went back to the first version, which ended up on the Arrival LP. The Hawaii version did eventually get released, on the B-side of "Knowing Me Knowing You". So now you know.

Devil Knows You're Dead

This is a song which clicked with me the first time I heard it. Delta Spirit took all of those Irish blessings that you hear at the best weddings, and turned them into this.

See You

There could be a few Depeche Mode songs making it to the top of the pile as this year progresses. Vince Clarke knew how to make a good pop song, and so did Martin Gore, who wrote this one.

Fings ain't wot they used t'be

A big hello to the people in Brazil, Hungary, Ukraine, and United Arab Emirates, who seem to be regular viewers of this website. Sadly, unless you are familiar with 1950s London, large parts of today's song will mean very little to you...

Days

After yesterday's journey to the garden, it's pouring with rain again, so we are back inside for a tricky little number from Ray Davies & The Kinks.

Don't Fence Me In

This week's additional challenge, courtesy of the Ukulele Underground forum, is to record a song outside. So out into the garden I go. Given the view, this one seemed appropriate.

Back In The Night

I bet nobody else remembers "The Geordie Scene", a music show from Newcastle, shown on ITV in the mid 70s. That's where I first saw the mighty Dr Feelgood, and probably where I first heard this song, written by their guitarist Wilko Johnson.

Showdown

Back to the early days of the Electric Light Orchestra for today's song. Lots of minor chords, and the promise of rain - happy Friday everyone!

Stray Cat Strut

I had to keep our dog out of the room while I did this, or she'd growl every time the C word was mentioned.

One Day Like This

I went to see Elbow last night, and what an evening of glorious music it turned out to be. This morning, there's one song I have to have a go at.

P.S. The original video wasn't the best, so I had another go the following day.

Tiger Feet

Ever said something you later regretted? I told someone that when the total reached £750, I'd do this one.

Fisherman's Blues

Wanted - one fiddle player to whirl around in the background. Until then, it's just me and the uke.

With A Girl Like You

Way back in the mists of time (Jan 10th to be precise) I did a Rutles song. Thank you to Benji & Ashley for prompting me to do another classic from the pre-fab four.

Do Anything You Wanna Do

...as long as you hit that "Make a Donation" button over on the right. Surely it's time for the total to reach the £750 half way mark?

Don't Run Away From Me Now

Here's one to cry into your beer to. Only a songwriter as good as Kirsty MacColl could leave something like this on a B-side. There will be more from her later in the year, I promise.

Daydream

The snow is deeper than it was yesterday, so what better than a song about walking outside in the sun and falling flat on your face on somebody's lawn.