1967 songs extract from the book 'A Pop Revolution'

The best songs of 1967? from 'A Pop Revolution'

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pop-Revolution-Transatlantic-Music-Scene/dp/0956272533
  
THE BEST 10 SONGS OF 1967?
Death Of A Clown by Dave Davies
Having previously treated the airwaves to the superb ‘Waterloo Sunset’, Dave Davies emerged from the shadow of his brother Ray and the other Kinks to briefly fly solo on this delightful ditty. He followed up the success of this release with another admirable single, ‘Susannah’s Still Alive’ before returning to further Kinks projects. Anyhow, let’s all drink to this UK Top 3 hit with its la-la-la backing vocals.
Don’t Sleep In The Subway by Petula Clark
‘Downtown’ is undoubtedly Petula’s best-known song. It even reached the coveted Number One position on the US Billboard and Cashbox singles charts. However, I have a liking for this relatively minor hit. Petula Clark may have delivered a number of strong-selling singles, but her vocals and the musical accompaniment on this particular recording are worthy of repeated listens.
007 by Desmond Dekker And The Aces
Desmond Dekker was the first male Jamaican singing sensation to find international popularity. This recording may have been viewed in some quarters as something of a novelty song, but more hits followed. In this track Dekker makes reference to the rude boys of the shanty town. These were Jamaican gangsters whose deeds inspired some of the material at this time in Jamaica where the craze of blue beat and ska was in fashion. It also found a willing audience amongst inner-city Britain.
Excerpt From A Teenage Opera by Keith West
It wasn’t exactly an opera song, though the subject matter was something of a soap opera as folks ponder the absence of the once-reliable grocer Jack. As we discover that poor old Jack’s delivery days are over, we are treated to a wondrous tune. The backing vocals of the children would have attracted a young audience, but this single proved popular amongst the older age group who appreciated the strings of this unusual ballad. This was definitely one of the 1960s’ best novelty records.
Let’s Go To San Francisco by The Flower Pot Men
San Francisco was the happening place to be in 1967 as numerous flower people made pilgrimages to Haight-Ashbury to bask in the sunshine, the sea, the sounds, and the substances. The Flower Pot Men were one-hit wonders but they did leave the legacy of this fine museum piece from the ‘summer of love’. Scott McKenzie and the Animals had also paid homage to San Francisco in their song titles, as the west coast of the USA became the Mecca for all self-respecting hippies.
Light My Fire by The Doors
The Doors eclipsed both the Beach Boys and the Byrds in 1967 as the leading act from the west coast of the USA. They hit the ground running with a memorable debut album that featured the psychotic ‘The End’ as well as this lighter item. Ray Manzarek’s keyboards are an absolute joy here as the charismatic Jim Morrison remains sufficiently sober to get playful. Hereafter Jim’s behaviour would become erratic, but quality tunes continued to be delivered until his death in 1971.
Massachusetts (The Lights Went Out In) by The Bee Gees 
Whilst other citizens of pop world were thinking about San Francisco, the Bee Gees were singing of a location on the opposite coast. A decade before they became the premier disco act, the Gibb brothers were issuing this two and a half minute piece of melancholy. Record buyers were suitably impressed by the orchestral arrangement and the vocals of this release to reward these new singing sensations with a British chart-topper. The USA were yet to be convinced.
She’s A Rainbow by The Rolling Stones
1967 has been described as an ‘annus horribilis’ for the strolling ruins as they fell foul of the law and fell out with one another. Ultimately Brian, Keef, and Mick narrowly escaped porridge, but they didn’t escape widespread scorn when they attempted their very own ‘Pepper’ album. The result was the sorely under-rated ‘Their Satanic Majesties Request’. This LP featured the delightful ‘She’s A Rainbow’. Assisted by the piano, this was a colourful psychedelic Stones track.
Somethin’ Stupid by Nancy Sinatra And Frank Sinatra 
The Sinatras had been regular visitors to the Transatlantic charts in recent times, and each had enjoyed a Number One single in 1966. In fact they spent the turn of the year competing against one another in the midst of the Billboard’s Top 10. Now at last, father and daughter joined ranks with this easy listening piece which predictably climbed to the top of the pop listings. It was a unique achievement for a family get-together. Maybe it inspired the Jacksons and the Osmonds.
Within You, Without You by The Beatles
George Harrison was among the first western pop artists to embrace the eastern sounds as demonstrated by the likes of India’s sitar man, Ravi Shankar. Harrison brought this influence into his own compositions. A number of Asian instruments were drafted into the likes of John Lennon’s ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ and George’s offering for the Pepper album, ‘Within You Without You’. This five-minute wonder is a strong contender for the album’s best song.