SIDE ONE
FOREVER
The ultimate tribute to the great songwriters of the past. Hear six pianos
vibrate over a thundering drum rhythm, while a gentle vocal melody takes
you on an unforgetable trip to paradise.
STOP
I remember, that was then...Turn up the volume and you can still hear
her footsteps approaching No.40 Egerton Gardens, London SW3. This song
is under two minutes long.
MY FAVOURITE GIRL
The Hit Parade’s second single became well known for giving a new
depth to contemporary music. “My Favourite Girl”is performed
with gusto, imagination and a minimum of fuss and bother, and even includes
a guitar solo.
IT RAINED ON MONDAY AFTERNOON
Back in 1984, the world smiled upon this young and wide-eyed group. But
then came that fateful Monday Afternoon. They were crying when they recorded
this top jazz number.
THE SUN SHINES IN GERRARDS CROSS
This is why The Hit Parade were never just another pop group – the
third single was an HM roots classic. Gut-wrenching, uncontrollable and
blinding rock music from the ghettoes of South Buckinghamshire. Phew!
YOU HURT ME TOO
This particular song was penned on the hills of Aira Force. She blushed
and turned away, he took a pebble and dropped it into the running water.
Now only the photographs remain.
HUEBOS MEXICANA
Closing Side One with an international flavour, Huebos Mexicana is a breakfast
dish served in the cafes of Palenque, Chiapas. Rumours maintain that the
barrios and cantinas still ring to the beat of this infectious tune.
SIDE TWO
YOU DIDN’T LOVE ME THEN
A hi-tech 24 track recording which features the ringing chords of a Rickenbacker
330 guitar. Real fans of the group will find this song most rewarding
when listened to on the platform of Acton Town tube station.
SEE YOU IN HAVANA
The record that went to No.1 in everybody’s favourite chart. Romantic,
melancholy, distraught and drenched in an ocean of tears, the voice of
Cath Carroll remembers love as it once was. How marvellous.
WIPE AWAY THE TEARS
A touching duet that reaches out across the world; highlights of this
song include a devastating key change up to C major and the probing lyrical
content of a lovesick 13 year old…”Where is the angel that
abandoned me like this?”
I GET SO SENTIMENTAL
The trip through the woods, back into our childhood continues. By the
fallen tree, near the railway tracks, two names are carved deep into the
wood. On this occasion the curse of sentimentality rocks to a driving
motown beat.
SUE
The Hit Parade turn their hands to a traditional Music Hall ballad. The
stage-hands. The grease-paint. And of course the undying devotion and
worship of the Goddess Woman. “Sue” is sung in the key of
A major.
THE SUN IN MY EYES
Without doubt the greatest song ever written. Blindness, passion and the
now-familiar Hank Marvin guitar solo enrich this final chapter in the
Hit Parade’s Book Of Love. It was written at her house, while she
sat next door packing her cases.
COME AND GET ME GIRL
The last Hit Parade recording. Where is she now? Far, far away but still
somehow and impossibly within his reach. Perhaps she will hear this moving
final melody one day, perhaps it will strike that elusive chord…
YOU AS JUST A MEMORY
An impromptu and spontaneous jam session from many of the worlds greatest
players. Recorded totally live, this closing Hit Parade song frequently
brings tears to the eyes of all who hear it.
FILE UNDER: SIXTIES POP
The Hit Parade:
Julian Henry
Anna Wildsmith
Nains Watts
Joanna Wood
Matt Moffatt
Cath Carroll
Producers:
Nains Watts
Oswin Falquero
JSH RECORDS:
A BETTER BUY BECAUSE THEY’RE BETTER SONGS
JSH Records
Cat no JPEW1