Oh wow. An original disc from that time period -- very cool. And still a song worth listening to 60 years later. I wouldn't be surprised if someone approached you to sell it!
Love Petula - the same aunt who turned me on to Lesley Gore turned me on to "Downtown". Been a big fan ever since. (Her version of The Kinks' "Days" is particularly lovely.)
I hadn't heard her version of "Days" -- thanks for sharing. She almost sounds country at certain points, but then I suspect she could sing anything. What a wonderful aunt to turn you on to her and Lesley Gore!
Loving and touching tribute here. Another question we can add to your list - Why do we not talk about the women of the British Invasion, like ever, in comparison to the men? Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark, Sandie Shaw, Marianne Faithful, etc.
I look forward to that! Admittedly, I'm a huge Dusty fan which is why I defend her honor in British Invasion discussions. Her story is so heartbreaking that it can sometimes overshadow the stories of her talent. I can't wait to hear your perspective.
That's a lovely homage to her and I learned so much I didn't know. I will definitely link to your piece in my post.
I'm getting the sense that the music careers of many groups and artists fizzled in the late 60s not because of the artist but because of cultural and industry trends, and women in the pop music space appeared to be inordinately affected (Dusty, Petula, Lesley Gore, the girl groups). Late 60s saw the rise of hard rock, and I suspect a lot of record company funds were channeled in that direction with almost all A&R people being guys. I'm sure that's grossly simplifying things (and I'm not a music historian, just speculating), but I'm so glad her career was resurrected and kudos to the Pet Shop Boys for doing so. (Something I also didn't know!)
What an accomplished icon!! And I’d love to appear with Animal on the Muppet Show.
I think she's called a national treasure in the UK. An icon in my book too.
Animal would be a riot!
Fascinating. Downtown was one of th first records I ever bought. Still got it somewhere!
Oh wow. An original disc from that time period -- very cool. And still a song worth listening to 60 years later. I wouldn't be surprised if someone approached you to sell it!
3. Elmo
He's great in so many ways, and quite the celeb. Good choice.
Love Petula - the same aunt who turned me on to Lesley Gore turned me on to "Downtown". Been a big fan ever since. (Her version of The Kinks' "Days" is particularly lovely.)
I hadn't heard her version of "Days" -- thanks for sharing. She almost sounds country at certain points, but then I suspect she could sing anything. What a wonderful aunt to turn you on to her and Lesley Gore!
Loving and touching tribute here. Another question we can add to your list - Why do we not talk about the women of the British Invasion, like ever, in comparison to the men? Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark, Sandie Shaw, Marianne Faithful, etc.
Excellent point! I will be covering Dusty Springfield soon as she's another phenomenon like Petula, with a really unique voice.
I look forward to that! Admittedly, I'm a huge Dusty fan which is why I defend her honor in British Invasion discussions. Her story is so heartbreaking that it can sometimes overshadow the stories of her talent. I can't wait to hear your perspective.
Here's my latest on her: https://songsthatsavedyourlife.substack.com/p/no12-son-of-a-preacher-man-dusty
That's a lovely homage to her and I learned so much I didn't know. I will definitely link to your piece in my post.
I'm getting the sense that the music careers of many groups and artists fizzled in the late 60s not because of the artist but because of cultural and industry trends, and women in the pop music space appeared to be inordinately affected (Dusty, Petula, Lesley Gore, the girl groups). Late 60s saw the rise of hard rock, and I suspect a lot of record company funds were channeled in that direction with almost all A&R people being guys. I'm sure that's grossly simplifying things (and I'm not a music historian, just speculating), but I'm so glad her career was resurrected and kudos to the Pet Shop Boys for doing so. (Something I also didn't know!)