Stumblin' in - Kompastuttiin

Berit (see earlier entry) recorded an album called "Rakkauden jälkeen" in 1980. On one of the tracks she was teamed up with Matti Esko (see earlier entry) and they performed the song "Kompastuttin" (We stumbled). It was also released as a single, but didn't succeed chartwise. The original song was a Chinnichap composition called "Stumblin' in" and it was performed by Smokie's lead singer Chris Norman and Suzi Quatro. The song was included in Quatro's album "If You Knew Suzi" (US version). It was released as a single, and it went all the way to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979. It's quite extraordinary, that this song was Quatro's ONLY US Top 40 hit.

Here's the pair:

Diridonda - Diridonda

Now, this song will put you in a happy mood. Berit (see earlier entry) recorded "Diridonda" in 1979 and it was a minor hit for her. The song was also included in her album "Kerro tunteesi ääneen" released in that same year. The song was of Croatian (part of Yugoslavia at the time) origin. It was performed by one of the most popular Croatian groups Novi Fosili. The group represented Yugoslavia n 1987 Eurovision Song Contest in Brussels, faring very well with the song "Ja Sam Za Ples" and placing 4th in the final results. You can see them perform "Diridonda", here.

Here's the pair:

Some Kind Of A Summer - Kesistä parhain

Don't know if we now have the best summer of all times, but definitely we're really experiencing some kind of a summer. This awkward introduction leads us to today's Finnpick, Berit's (see earlier entry) "Kesistä parhain" (The best summer). Berit recorded it in 1975 for her album "Sattuma kuljettaa". The lyrics were provided by old stalwart Sauvo "Saukki" Puhtila. The original song "Some Kind Of A Summer" was performed by 70's teen idol David Cassidy, and it was included in his 1972 album "Rock Me Baby". It was released only as an album track. The lyrics can be seen at his fansite.

Here's the pair:

Finche la barca va - Sattuma kuljettaa

Berit (b. Tuula Härmä) recorded "Sattuma kuljettaa" (Driven by coincidence) in 1972. It was her first hit single. Berit had started her career already as a 14-year old in the 60's, and made her first recording in 1969. Her most successful period was in the 80's. Although she did one acclaimed disco-album, her strong line was the schlagers. I've always assumed that this song was a Finnish one but actually it was of Italian origin and called "Finche la barca va" (Until the boat goes). It was performed by Orietta Berti (b. Orietta Galimberti). in 1970 and it is her best known song. It placed 3rd in the popular "Un disco per l'estate" contest. Orietta has had many hits in Italy in 60's, 70's and 80's, but she has never really broken through internationally. Both the Finnish and Italian lyrics are partly based on the old fable of "The Ant and The Cricket".

p.s. I'm now leaving for a holiday trip and there are no Finnpicks for about a week.

Here's the pair: