On June 3rd, I went record shopping with a friend who was visiting from Australia, a new tradition since he moved from Astoria about six years ago. One of the records I picked up was a new reissue of the lost Merseybeat classic "Yes It is" by the band Rockin' Horse. If you're unfamiliar with the record, it's time to get familar.
A quick, lazy way of describing it is to say it is The Rutles years before The Rutles but without the jokes. But it really is more than that, as singer/songwriter Jimmy Campbell is the real deal.
More on "Yes It Is" in a bit.
Since June 3rd, I have been racking my brain trying to figure something out. The opening track of "Yes It Is" is a song called "The Biggest Gossip In The World" and from the opening seconds, it reminded me of something. For days, I have been singing the hook. For days, I have been humming and "bah-bah-ing" the melody, trying to come up with something. Did Rockin' Horse steal from someone, or did someone steal from Rockin' Horse?
This has been plaguing me for almost two weeks. Then, at 6:23 this morning, I woke up with the answer.
Phew!
Now, back to "Yes It Is."
This record features gem after gem, and maybe there isn't one song as brilliant as any of Pete Ham's best, "Yes It Is," to my ears, plays more consistently than any Badfinger record as a whole.
6 comments:
Be sure to check out the band Billy Kinsley formed after Rockin Horse, Liverpool Express. They even do Julian The Hooligan again.
Nick Lowe has never denied his thievery of tunes. I think his famous quote is "You're Only As Good As Who You Rip Up." Good call
Not "Calendar Girl" by Neil Sedaka?
But I digress -- I've had that Rocking Horse album for a while -- it *is* pretty great.
I'm with Shriner with "Calendar Girl." Up to and including the opening vocal melody.
Calendar Girl is not a wrong answer. It's just not MY answer.
Yes, the Rockin' Horse track has a similar melody to Calendar Girl.
But American Squirm is what the sound and melody of the Rockin' Horse track brought to my mind.
Yeah, Badfinger had some great songs, and not so great albums. Thanks for bringing this one to my attention.
Post a Comment