Cambodia - Matka tuntemattomaan

After a couple of days break - caused by flu - the journey towards the end of Finnpicks continues. Satu Pentikäinen recorded "Matka tuntemattomaan" (The journey to the unknown) in 1982. It was released on the B-side of a single (the A-side was cover of Bucks Fizz's "Land of Make Believe"), as well as on the album "Lapsuus jäi". Unfortunately the single sank without a trace and the album wasn't big seller either. The original song was one of the mega hits of Kim Wilde and called "Cambodia" and released in 1981. It was written - as most of her biggies - by her father Marty Wild and her brother Ricky Wilde. The lyrics of the song tell the story of the wife of a Thailand-based Royal Air Force Pilot, whose husband mysteriously disappears after flying out to Cambodia and never returns. It is said to be inspired by some of the tragedies that occurred in South Vietnam.  You can see the official music video of the song, here.

Only 2 Finnpicks to go.

Here's the pair:

Gypsy Woman - Mustalainen

On her debut album "Satu" (1980), Satu Pentikäinen (see earlier entry) sang about "Mustalainen" (The Gypsy). Raul Reiman provided the lyrics for this song, that was released only as an album track. The original song "Gypsy Woman" was co-written by rockabilly/rock'n roll legend Dorsey Burnette who wrote several other tunes for teen legend Ricky Nelson ((b. Eric Hilliard Nelson). This song was released by Nelson on the B-side of his 1963 single "String Along". The other co-writer of the song was Joe Osborn, who at the time was the bass player in Ricky's backing group. Joe was also a member of the famous "Wrecking Crew", nickname for an unofficial collection of first-call studio musicians in Los Angeles. You can see Ricky Nelson perform "Gypsy Woman", here.

Here's the pair:

Don't Stop The Music - Soi soi

Satu Pentikäinen (see ealier entry) l recorded "Soi soi" (Playing playing) for her album "Satu" in 1980. It was also released as a single, on the B-side of "Pienen tytön täytyy", which was a minor hit. But this B-side is a very good disco pop tune, too. And compares well with the original, which was called "Don't Stop The Music" and of US origin. American actres, TV comedienne and singer Vicki Lawrence (b. Vicki Ann Axelrad) recorded it in 1979 on her disco album "Newborn Woman". It was released also as a single, no-charter in USA, but fared better on Europe disco scene. Vicki is remembered as one-hit-wonder for his sole worldwide smash hit "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" (1973) which was composed by her husband Bobby Russell.

Here's the pair:

No More Monday - Perjantaina

On this day of Friday we are proud to present a song called "Perjantaina" (On Friday). Satu Pentikäinen (see previous entry) recorded it for her 1981 album "Pellit auki". The title of the original song was addressing a different day of the week. "No More Monday " was co-written and performed by Cherry Laine. She released two versions of this song; one in Germany in 1980 and another in France in 1981. Cherry was Jamaican-born singer who moved to England in early age. In the 70's she became a protegee of the German producer Bernd Möhrle and broke through in 1977 with "Night in Chicago" which was a disco hit all over Europe.

Here's the pair:

She Was Too Young - Lauantai

The song of the day is - literally - "Lauantai" (Saturday). It was recorded in 1980 by Satu Pentikäinen, who started in 1977 as a backing singer for Tapani Kansa, when she was only 14 years old. Her first record “Menolippu” - disco cover of earlier Finnpick “One Way Ticket” - was released in 1978 and was an instant hit. "Lauantai" was on her first album "Satu".The original song was called "She Was Too Young" anf petformed by Dutch pop group The Cats, succesfull in the Netherlands and Germany from the late 60's to the mid 80's. This song, a minor European hit, was written by band member Cees Veerman.

Here's the pair: