String Along - Iltaseuraa

Johnny's debut single in 1963 as a solo artist and first big hit was "Hymyhuulet" (finnpicked here), and on it's flipside was this rarely heard "Iltaseuraa" (Company for the evening). The arrangements were done by Jaskko Salo and the Finnish lyrics by Saukki. The original "String Along" was originally a Top 40 US hit for Fabian (b. Fabian Forte) in 1960. But it gained greater success in 1963 when versioned by Rick Nelson. It peaked number 25 in Billboard Hot 100 Chart and it was surely the inspiration for Johnny's recording. You can see Rick perform it, here.

80 Finnpicks to go.

Here's the pair:

Do It Over Again - Tee kaikki tuo uudelleen

Pirkko Mannola recorded "Tee kaikki tuo uudelleen" (Do that all over again) in 1963. This was one of the records she was accompanied by vocal group Four Cats. The Finnish lyrics were provided by Sauvo "Saukki" Puhtila. Although Pirkko was very popular singer at the time, this particular single was not a hit for her. The original song came from Sweden. Jerry Williams (b. Sven Erik Fernström) and The Violents was a very popular beat group in Scandinavia in the beginning of the 60's and they had a hit with the song in 1963. Jerry - "The Swedish King Of Rock'n'Roll" - was the lead singer in the Violents before going solo. We have already presented Jerry and the band in Finnpicks, see here.

Here's the pair:

Blah, Blah, Blah - Jäkäti jäk

This weekend we present two classic humour songs from the 60's. The first one is performed by Ismo Kallio, who recorded "Jäkäti jäk" (Yakety yak) in 1963 together with vocal group Four Cats. The original song is in the Database of The Finnish Institute of Recorded Sounds erroneously credited as being "Yakety Sax" (also known as the Benny Hill Theme) by Boots Randolph, but it is in fact a novelty record called "Blah, Blah, Blah" recorded by Italian-American singer, songwriter and restaurateur Nicola Paone in 1958. The song was ranked No. 1 on the US charts by Cash Box magazine in January 1959. Paone was very popular in the US in the 50's, especially among his 'paesanos' (countrymen). He was even called "the Italian Bing Crosby," The "Blah, Blah, Blah" presented here is probably the single version, becouse it misses the second verse, which is present in the Finnish version.

Here's the pair:

Dangerous Happiness - Vaarallista onnea

On the B-side of Eino Grön's 1963 single "Seinillä on korvat" (see earlier entry) was this "Vaarallista onnea" (Dangerous happiness). Both sides of the single became very popular and built up Eino's career. The Finnish lyrics for today's finnpick were written by Sauvo Puhtila. Despite of the title of the original being in English, the song originated from Sweden. It was a big Scandinavian hit for Jerry Williams & The Violents. Jerry has been finnpicked before (see here). Soon after this success Jerry launched a solo career. In pre-Jerry Williams days The Violents had a great success with the instrumental tune "Alpens ros", but after his departure the star days were soon over and the band faded out around 1965.

Here's the pair:

Min ton rotas ton ourano - All Alone Am I - Yksin oon mä vain

Here's the B-side to yesterday's finnpick, and it continues the theme 'Finnpicks Goes To Movies'. Markita Mattson's "Yksin oon mä vain" was not a hit, which is a bit odd, becouse the song was very popular worldwide in it's English language version and Markita's Finnish rendering is of quite good standard. The original song, however, was of Greek origin. "Min ton rotas ton ourano" (Don’t ask the sky) was included in the movie "To nisi ton gennaion" (Island of the Brave) and was performed by actor and singer Tzeni (Jenny) Karezi. It was composed by Manos Hadjidakis and for Greeks it is one of the most beloved songs ever played in a movie. You can see the performance, here. This song became an international smash hit under the title "All Alone Am I" in 1962 when interpreted by Brenda Lee (b. Brenda Mae Tarpley).

Here's the triplet:

L'eclisse Twist - Kuunpimennys

We conclude this year with the theme 'Finnpicks Goes To Movies'. We present some songs that were included in the various film soundtracks. These movies were quite obscure, but this first one is an exception. A songstress named Markita Mattson made two singles in the 60's. This "Kuunpimennys" (Eclipse of the moon) was the A-side of her first single released in 1963. Unfortunately I don't know much about Markita. She appeared in 1963 in several TV-shows and even in one film ("Lauantaileikit" directed by Maunu Kurkwaara). But after that - no trace of her, except one further single in 1964. This "Kuunpimennys" was arranged by Jaakko Salo and the lyrics were provided by Sauvo Puhtila under pseudonym Solja Tuuli. The original song "L'eclisse Twist" appeared in the soundtrack of the 1962 Italian movie "L'eclisse" (The Eclipse). It was directed by the legendary Michelangelo Antonioni, who also wrote the original lyrics for this song! The score was done by Giovanni Fusco, who scored many of the Neorealist films of Antonioni. The song was made popular by Italian pop singer Mina (b. Anna Maria Mazzini). The song was on the flipside of her Top 10 Italian chart hit "Renato". Mina was known for her three-octave vocal range, and her image as an emancipated woman. Mina's TV appearances in 1959 were the first for a female rock and roll singer in Italy. Her loud singing earned her the nickname "Queen of Screamers". The public also labeled her the "Tiger of Cremona" for her wild gestures and body shakes.

Here's the pair:

A Teenager Sings The Blues - Teinitytön blues

Anki Lindqvist's second single (see the first one finnpicked, here) was this "Teinitytön blues" (Teenage girl blues). It was released in 1963, and Anki was 17 at the time. The lyricist who tried to depict teenager's problems was a 35 year old man Sauvo "Saukki" Puhtila. The artist, who Anki covered was the same that she covered with her first single, Helen Shapiro. Helen's "A Teenager Sings The Blues" was on her 1962 EP. Also the 3rd and 4th singles by Anki were Shapiro covers ("No Trespassing" and "Fever" respectively). The record company really tried to make Anki to Finland's Helen Shapiro!

Here's the pair:

Go 'Way From My Window - Mene ikkunani luota

As today is the 70th birthday of Cliff Richard, we present a finnpick bunch that includes a contribution from Sir Cliff. One of the most loved songs of Päivi Paunu's folk days is "Mene ikkunani luota" (Go away from my window) that she recorded for her first single in 1966. The beautiful lyrics were provided by folk-compatriot Pertti "Pertsa" Reponen. The song that Päivi obviously covered was Joan Baez's version "Go 'Way From My Window" on her 1964 album "Joan Baez/5". The song is a traditional American folk song originally called "One Night As I Lay On My Bed", which is recorded under many different titles. Perhaps the most famous one is the heartbreaking delivery and arrangenment by legendary folklorist and singer John Jacob Niles, who recorded it with the title "Go 'Way From My Window" on his 1958 album "I Wander As I Wander". I was truly surprised as I found another Finnish version of this song, recorded BEFORE Päivi Paunus's version. Lasse Liemola recorded "Nyt ikkunasta katson" (Now I'm looking out the window) for the B-side of his 1963 single "Taas kerran". The inspiration for this recording must have come from Cliff Richard's version "I'm Looking Out the Window". This song was released in the UK in November 1962, and rose to the Top 10 in early 1963. You can see Cliff perform the song, here. Funny thing is, that in Finland (at least), Päivi's version is labeled as 'traditional', and Lasse's version is credited to John Jacob Niles. Well, it's definetely the same song, as you yourself can hear ...

Here's the bunch:

Twist À Saint-Tropez - Yyterin twist

Timo Jämsen (see earlier entry) was one of the pioneers of Finnish rock'n roll. In 1963 he caught on the 'Twist Craze' by recording "Yyterin twist" (Twisting in Yyteri) together with his backing group The Strangers (the famous arranger Jaakko Salo played the organ) . It was the A-side to earlier finnpicked "Eilen vasta Liisan näin" (see here). Yyteri is located in the Finnish city of Pori and it is known for it's sand beach area, that is one of widest in Scandinavia. The original twist "Twist A Saint-Tropez" was of French origin. A group called Les Chats Sauvages (The Wild Cats) had a big hit with it in 1961. The band was among the first outfits to perform rock and roll music in France. Their lead singer at the time, Dick Rivers (real name Hervé Forneri), has since built himself a very successful solo career.

Here's the pair:

Dansevise - Tanssilaulu

Laila Kinnunen (see earlier entry) was the first artist to represent Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest. That was in 1961 with the song "Valoa ikkunassa". In the year 1963 Laila made a cover version of the winning song as "Tanssilaulu" (Dance song). The arrangement was by Jaakko Salo and the lyrics by Sauvo "Saukki" Puhtila. The ESC winner in 1963 in London was another Scandinavian country, Denmark, with "Dansevise", performed by husband and wife duo Grete & Jörgen Ingmann. Finland got 'zero points' for the first time with "Muistojeni laulu". Danmark's winning entry was perhaps the first pop song to win ESC, although it wasn't pure pop, only jazz waltz with guitar in major role (Jörgen Ingmann was a famous guitarist). You can see the duo's performance, here.

Here's the pair:

I Saw Linda Yesterday - Eilen vasta Liisan näin

Timo Jämsen (see earlier entry) recorded "Eilen vasta Liisan näin" (I saw Liisa just yesterday) in 1963. It was released on the B-side of his big hit "Yyterin twist" (a cover of "Twist a Saint Tropez"). The lyrics were done by Sauvo "Saukki" Puhtila. The original song was performed and co-written by American pop- and country singer and songwriter Dickey Lee (finnpicked before, see here) l "I Saw Linda Yesterday" was released in 1963 and reached number 14 in US charts.

Here's the pair:

Number One - Ykkönen

This song was one of my top favourites in 60's. Kai Lind (see earlier entry) recorded "Ykkönen" (One) in 1963 and it was released as a single. However, the succes didn't match the one with the original. That was an Swedish import called "Number One" and was performed by Jerry Williams (real name Erik Fernström). At the beginning of 60's Jerry was the lead singer in the group The Violents (known in Finland for their "Twistin' Patricia -hit), but soon launched his very succesful solo career. He performed quite energetic stage act, and earned a nick name "Mr. Dynamite". Although his rockn'roll days are way over, Jerry obviously can't slow down, becouse in 2000 he released an album with the name "Can't Slow Down", and it sold gold within a month.

Here's the pair:

Crying In The Wind - Tuuli Viedä Saa

Now, this was, and still is, one of my favourite 60's songs. Laila Halme recorded "Tuuli Viedä Saa" (The wind can take it)) in 1963. Laila represented Finland in Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Muistojeni laulu". (it came last) in that same year. Despite being a good singer and having a couple of hits in the start of 60's she never really broke through. This song, however, is one of the best, The original "Crying In The Wind" is a lesser-known Paul Anka song. He wrote it and sang it. But it never was a hit and it's quite rarely played anywhere anymore, Which is a pity, becouse I think it is one of Anka's better tunes.

Here's the pair:

Orient Express - Meksikon pikajuna

Let's start this Finnpicks Humour Week with the one and only Reino "Repe" Helismaa He truly was a jack of many trades; lyricist, composer, singer, entertainer, actor, script writer and novelist. He's primarily known of his lyrics, which he wrote to about 1500 recorded songs. Numerous of those songs have become classics of Finnish popular music. Repe's own recorded songs were mostly of humorous nature, of which this "Meksikon pikajuna" (Mexican Express) is fine example. Repe recorded it twice, in 1949 and in 1963. In the latter year it became a surprise hit for him. I remember myself been greatly irritated when the A-side was always played on the radio, and I never heard the end of the story of this train robbery taking place in the Mexican Express. It was on the B-side, you see. Well, we now present both sides. The A-side is from the 1949 recording, and the B-side from the 1963 recording. I was always wondering why the original song was never played anywhere. The reason for that was quite obvious; the original was a German instrumental called "Orient Express" from the 1930's. The composer was Gerald Mohr, who seems to have written several numbers for German dance- and salon orchestras in the 1930's. I don't know if this is the original recording (probably not), but this is the oldest I could find, from the year 1933, performed by Hans Bund und seinem Tanz-Orchester. The Orient Express is of course the famous long-distance passenger train, the original end-points being London and Istanbul. Ever since it took to the rails in 1883, it has been known as the finest train in Europe; the "Grand Hotel on Wheels".

Here's the triple:

Bobby's Girl - Pekan tyttö

A year after Marion Rung was Finland's representative in 1962 Eurovision Song Contest with "Tipitii", she recorded this teeny pop song "Pekan tyttö" (Pekka's girl"). At the time she was still only 17 years old. The original, "Bobby's Girl", was the first recording (1962) of Brooklyn, New York teenager Marcia Blane (b. Marcia Blank). With its spoken introduction and "You're not a kid anymore" backing refrain, the song quickly won the hearts of teenage America, entering the charts in mid-October, and by December it was at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Susan Maugham did a UK version of the song.

Here's the pair:

Summer Holiday - Toiveloma

Today's Finnpick honors the start of my summer vacation (tomorrow). And it means that there will be no new posts for a long while. Lasse Liemola (see previous entry) recorded "Toiveloma" (Ideal holiday) in 1963. It was not a big hit but the single was somewhat extraordinary becouse both sides were covers of the same artist's songs and also the song writer was the same on both. "Toiveloma" was cover of "Summer Holiday" and the other side of the single "Tanssikengät" was cover of "Dancing Shoes". Both were originally done by Cliff Richard & Shadows and both were penned by Shadows band member Brian Bennett, the former with Bruce Welch and the latter with Hank Marvin. Additionally, both songs were featured in the "Summer Holiday" music film released in February 1963 The film was the debut direction of Peter Yates. "Summer Holiday" was one of Cliff's biggest hits and it still one of the epitomes in summer records.

Have a nice summer (holiday) you all ...

Here's the pair:

Greenback Dollar - Suuret setelit

Four Cats is a harmony vocal group that saw the light of the day in 1958 as "Esa Laukka's Quartet", named after its founding member. In 1960 the group changed its name to Four Cats in line with famous international groups Four Freshmen and Four Aces. The group was very popular in the years 1961-65 scoring many hit records, for example "Saku Sammakko" (see previous entry) together with Brita Koivunen. One of their greatest 'solo' hits was "Suuret setelit" (Big money) in 1963. The covered song was "Greenback Dollar" originally written and performed by Hoyt Axton. (His mother was Mae Boren Axton, who co-wrote the classic rock 'n' roll song "Heartbreak Hotel", the first major hit for Elvis Presley). Hoyt establised himself as a well-known country music singer-songwriter with a unique earthy style and powerful voice. Many of his songs became well known throughout the world. Among them was this "Greenback Dollar", that was included in his first folk album titled "The Balladeer" (recorded live at the legendary Californian Troubadour nightclub). The song was made into massive hit by Kingston Trio in 1963. The trio was formed in 1957 by Dave Guard, Bob Shane, and Nick Reynolds, who were just out of college. They were greatly influenced by the calypso sounds of Harry Belafonte and other folk artists. It has been told that the group first considered itself primarily a calypso group, and therefore named itself after the capital of Jamaica. The group's first hit was a catchy rendition of a traditional folk song, "Tom Dooley" in 1958. By the time they struck gold with "Greenback Dollar", Guard had already left the group and replaced by John Stewart. The arrival of The Beatles and other rock bands pushed them out from the charts, and they disbanded in 1967.

Here's the triple:

Calling Dr. Casey - Kutsukaa tri Casey

In the first part of the 60's the televison really made a breakthrough in Finland. In with the television came the TV stars, and specially two TV doctors made an impact; Dr. Casey and Dr. Kildare. They (rather, the actors who played them) became the first true TV celebrities. Subsequently, it was no wonder that a song was made about them. In 1963 Erkki Pohjanheimo made his breakthrough with the single "Kutsukaa tri Casey" (Call Dr. Casey). Erkki won a singing contest arranged by the youth magazine 'Suosikki' in 1961 and things started to happen. At he same time he was working for the Finnish Television as a camera man, and when he dropped his singing career in 1967, continued as a succesful TV-director and -producer. The original song "Calling Dr. Casey" was written and performed by legendary American singer-songwriter John D. Loudermilk in 1962, as a B-side of his single. John started his music career in his native North Carolina under the pseudonym Johnny Dee. He didn't have a great success as a singer, but after reassuming his birth name and moving to Nashville, his commercial success specially as a songwriter earned him a place in the Nashville Songwriters Association International's Hall of Fame. His best known composition is the classic "Tobacco Road".

Here's the pair:

Stessa spiaggia stesso mare - Kuinkas käy nyt

Carola (see previous entry) recorded "Kuinkas käy nyt" (How it's gonna go now) as the b-side of her second single in 1963. The a-side was a cover of Neil Sedaka's Italian hit "Terza luna", but this b-side is much more exciting. Somehow it is still sounding fresh today. As it happens, it was also a cover of an Italian hit. The original song was called "Stessa spiaggia stesso mare" (Same beach, same sea). The performer was Piero Focaccia, who had only two big hits in the 60's, of which this is the first one. The other Piero, the composer of the song Piero Soffice, had more success writing many hits for several Italian artists in the 60's.

Here's the pair:

The Walls Have Ears - Seinillä on korvat

The recording career of Eino Grön started already in 1958. He got his first in 1959, and several more in the 1960's. He is still performing actively today. Eino was (and is) especially famous as a singer of tangos. On of those tango hits of his was "Seinillä on korvat" (The walls have ears), recorded in 1963. Elvis Presley performed the original "The Walls Have Ears" in 1962 in the movie 'Girls, Girls, Girls!'.

Here's the pair: