Got A Little Secret

For anyone who thinks that Leonard Cohen was a bit of a misery - there was often humour too.

Together In Electric Dreams

From a 1985 film of the same name, and a hit for Phil Oakey & Giogio Moroder.

Easy Terms

It's Show Tunes Friday again, and one from "Blood Brothers", the emotional rollercoaster that wins the prize for the musical I have seen most times - five I think. This is from the bit where Mrs Johnstone has to give away one of her twins, sob, sob...

This World

This is one I only heard recently, written by Malvina Reynolds, who also wrote "Little Boxes" and "Morningtown Ride".

The Air That I Breathe

Albert Hammond appeared on the big Radio 2 concert in Hyde Park the other week, and was given a grand total of two songs. Criminal. The man has written dozens of hits, and could have done an hour. Here's one of them.

Spider's Nest Blues

This week's additional challenge, courtesy of the Ukulele Underground forum, is to do a song about spiders. This one is mostly based on something the Memphis Jug Band recorded back in the 1930s. The thought of a spider landing in my tea would certainly cause me pain.

My Hometown

This is the one I had intended to play yesterday - Bruce's 69th birthday. Anyone who has seen his three and a half hour shows will find that hard to believe. Long may he keep going.

There Ain't No Pleasing You

This one has jumped to the front of the queue after yesterday's sad news. What a bloke. What a song.

Nobody Does It Better

Whoever it was that asked for a James Bond song, I hope they are still around, because it was ages ago. This one has finally emerged from the pile of possibles.

Oh What A Circus

I hereby declare that the next few Fridays will be Show Tune Days. Because I have a few possibly lined up, and it makes me do them, rather than wimp out and go for another Buddy Holly song. So, we will start with something from Evita.

No Expectations

This is a Rolling Stones song which has been covered by many. The Johnny Cash version is worth a listen - how to up-tempo a down-tempo song. And here's mine.

Who Knows Where The Time Goes

This Sandy Denny song has been a favourite of mine for many years. Versions by Sandy, Judy Collins, and Kate Rusby, often fight for top spot in my affections. But until today I had never tried to play it. So thank you to Rusty, a uke player from Australia, who gave me a clue to how it can be done, and to Storm Ali for giving me a day at home to play around with the chords.

Rome Wasn't Built In A Day

I think this one probably puts Nick Lowe at the top of the #365ukesongs songwriter appearances leader board. And rightly so. When I saw him do this one at a solo gig, just him and his guitar, it seemed like a perfect lesson in songwriting.

Sally MacLennane

Shane MacGowan can certainly squeeze a lot of words into a song. I could really do with someone behind me, hitting themselves on the head with a tin tray and yelling "Far Away!", but no, it's just me again.

We Are Going To Be Friends

I'm probably a couple of weeks late with this one, a simple tale of going back to school, courtesy of The White Stripes.

Rock Around The Clock

Not the first rock 'n roll song, but the one which sent youths all over into a cinema wrecking frenzy. I cannot be held responsible for any damage caused when listening to this one.

Bankrobber

Joe Strummer was rather fond of the ukulele, so here's one from The Clash, given the plastic uke treatment.

Indoor Fireworks

I heard a discussion on the radio recently about the most inappropriate songs for the first dance at a wedding. This one would be pretty high on the list, one of Elvis Costello's finest.

I Don't Like Mondays

Getting Old alert - this song is nearly 40 years old.

My Land Is A Good Land

Eric Andersen was part of the Greenwich Village folk scene in the 60s, and is still performing today. This caught my ear when I heard one of his early albums recently.

The Ugly Duckling

After yesterday's Good & Bad, here comes the Ugly, and many happy memories of Ed Stewart & Junior Choice.

Just How Bad Do You Wanna Be Good

This is one of those songs that I look at and think "where on earth did I hear this?" I really can't remember, but having been challenged to do songs about the good, the bad, and the ugly, this kills two birds with one stone.

I Still Miss Someone

Written sixty years ago by Johnny Cash and his nephew Roy.

You May Already Be A Winner

With the rain lashing down, a John Hiatt song brings hope...

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Hands up if you can sing along to the first verse of this song. Keep your hand up if you know the other verses...thought not. Best known as the theme song from Cheers, the whole song was released by Gary Portnoy in 1983.

Be My Baby

Another of those 60s classics that I get drawn to. Somewhere in my loft I have a box of Phil Spector singles. Hope that doesn't make me a bad person.

Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness

It's another wi-fi hotspot challenge. Hang around near a cafe long enough, and the upload is done. This one is by John Prine, another master of telling a story with three chords.

Those Were The Days

A bit too breezy outside, so it's another one from the van, a bit of an oldie (yes, fifty years) which was a hit for Mary Hopkin.

They Don't Know

The hazards of recording outside. You get to the end of the second verse and a huge caravan rumbles past. Carry on regardless...

Learning The Game

It's time for more Songs From A Van. So, as darkness approaches, somewhere in Norfolk, some gentle Buddy Holly.