Everybody Knows - Alusta mä kaiken alkaisin

This time I'm presenting a requested song. Jormas (see earlier entry) was for a short period of time the most popular pop band in Finland. In 1968 they recorded "Alusta mä kaiken alkaisin" (I would begin the all from the start). It was released as a B-side on a single that fared quite well, aided by the popularity of the A-side's Beatles cover (Hello Goodbye). The Finnish lyrics were written by Juha Vainio. The original song "Everybody Knows" was witten by famous British songwriters/producers Barry Mason and Les Reed. It was a big hit for Dave Clark Five in 1967 reaching number 2 in UK charts. Uncharacteristically, the lead vocals were done by Lenny Davidson, instead of Mike Smith. You can see the band perform the song, here.

Just 22 Finnpicks to go.

Here's the pair:

Comme Un Garcon - Arvaathan ken

Ann Christine strated recording in 1962 and in 1968 she released already her 16th single. On the B-side was this "Arvaathan ken" (Guess who). The song was arranged, and the backing orchestra conducted, by Aarne Raninen. The original song was called "Comme Un Garcon" (Like a boy) and it was a hit in 1967 for famous French singer Sylvie Vartan. The lyrics of the song tell how the she acts like a boy, but when she is with her boyfriend she acts a like a little girl. You can see Sylvie perform it, here.

73 Finnpicks to go.

Here's the pair:

Le Stagioni dell' Amore/Seasons Of Love - Käymään vain

One of the biggest hits of Kai Hyttinen was "Käymään vain" (Just dropping in). It was the best selling single in Finland in the autumn of 1968. Juha Vainio's catchy Finnish lyrics and Jaakko Borg's arrangement contributed to the success. The original song was called "Le Stagioni dell' Amore" (The seasons of love) and it was a small hit in Italy for songstress Milva (b. Maria Ilva Biolcati).  She was also known as 'La Rossa', (Italian for 'The Red'), due to the colour of her hair. Milva was one the most populra female Italian singers of the 60's. This original Italian version of the song has been very hard to find, and since I don't have it, I'll present the - even rarer - English language version. Apparently Milva was trying to reach the vast English -speaking audience and become a truly international star. The song was released in UK on the B-side of a single in 1967, with the title "Seasons Of Love". However, it failed to draw any attention.    

Here's the pair:

No Help From Me - Kellon soiton kuulla saan

Kirka recorded "Kellon soiton kuulla saan" (I'll hear the bell ring) in 1968 and it was released on the B-side of his modestly successful single "Okolona River Bottom Band". It was arranged by Jaakko Salo and the Finnish lyrics were from the pen of Pertsa Reponen. The original song was called "No Help From Me" and it was the B-side to Lemon Pipers' smash hit "Green Tambourine" (finnpicked before, see here). The song represents the 'true' Lemon Pipers, who were basically blues, hard rock and rock'n roll group, but they got labeled as psychedelic bubblegum band. The song featured lead vocals by guitarist Bill Bartlett and did not appear on either of the group's two albums.

Here's the pair:

Angel of the Morning - Kaipuu

Pepe Willberg (see earlier entry)  recorded "Kaipuu" (Yearning) for his first solo single in 1968 and had a modest hit with it. The Finnish lyrics were done by Pertsa Reponen. Another fine version (non-hit) of the song was done by Katri Helena in 1971. There are dozens of different Finnish songs with the title "Kaipuu". This only shows how we Finns like always to yearn for something. The original song, "Angel of the Morning", was written by American songwriter Chip Taylor (brother of actor Jon Voight and uncle of actress Angelina Jolie). It was originally offered to Connie Francis to sing, but she thought that it was too risqué for her. Taylor then produced a recording of the song with singer, songwriter and guitarist Evie Sands  in 1967. Despite the single being one of the most-requested radio songs wherever played, the financial troubles of the record company prevented its release and distribution at the time. It finally became a hit in 1968 via a recording by Merrilee Rush & the Turnabouts. The song hit the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 7.

Here's the bunch:

Why Can't I Cry - Hän mennyt on

We haven't finnpicked with Tapani Kansa lately. Now is the time. He recorded "Hän mennyt on" (She has gone) in 1968. It was included on his debut album, and released also as a single. But it was only a minor hit - perhaps this was too much of a power ballad for Finnish taste. The lyrics were done by Pertsa Reponen,. The original song was called "Why Can't I Cry" and the version that Tapani covered must have been the one on Tom Jones' 1968 album "Delilah" (Kansa covered also the title song). Tom's rendition might have been the original one, but let's also take account on the woman's view by listening to Petula Clark's interpretation from the same year 1968.

Here's the triplet:

She's My Girl - Hän jääköön

New Joys took a challenge in recording "Hän jääköön" (She ought to stay) in 1968 on the B-side of the earlier finnpicked "Tamburiininsoittaja" (see here). The song was not easy to perform, but New Joys fared comfortably well. The Finnish lyrics were done by our frequent finnpicker Arto Sotavalta. The original song was called "She's My Girl" and it was a hit single for The Turtles in 1967. It was written by US songwriter duo Garry Bonner and Alan Gordon, who was also responsible for their greatest hit "Happy Together" (which was also covered by New Joys!). The song showcases the singing abilities of the lead singer Howard Kaylan. You can see the band perform "She's My Girl", here.

Here's the pair:

Christine - Christine

Now, here's an interesting finnpick. Tarja-Tuulikki Tarsala recorded "Christine" in 1968 for the compilation album "Riemurasia". It was never released as a single and I think it never got played on the radio. At least I've never heard it played. So, this might be the "world premiere" in media for this Finnish version. The reason for it's neglect was of course the risque content; Tarja-Tuulikki's provocative delivery and the sparse, double entendre lyrics (by Jukka Virtanen). Tarsala was an actor so she did not record more than couple of songs as a solo and a couple more as a member of vocal group Stidit. BTW, the final sentence of the song - "now try the flipside" - refers to this song being the last track on the A-side of the album. The original song was released in 1963, and performed by Miss X. It was a minor in UK hit in 1963 around the time of the Christine Keeler and John Profumo (British Secretary of State for War) sex and spy scandal, hence the title "Christine". Miss X was actually British actress Joyce Blair (sister of actor/musical arranger Lionel Blair). She dubbed herself Miss X because there was a Miss X cited in the Profumo court case. The song was banned by the BBC and Radio Luxembourg. "Christine" was written by Spanish actor Don Jaime de Mora y Aragón (he plays piano on the original record) in collaboration with British writer, composer and lyricist Leslie Bricusse.

Here's the pair:

Per un amore - Rakkauden tähden

Lea Valonen recorded only one single. "Rakkauden tähden" (For love) was released in 1968 under her first name Lea. The arranger was Aarno Raninen and the lyrics were maid by Sauvo Puhtila. I'm sorry but I know nothing about Lea. This single went nowwhere and she quit recording. The original song came from Italy. It was called "Per un amore" (For love) and it was a big Italian hit for a singer named Vibeke. Well I don't know anything about her, either. But both of these versions of unknown girls are well worth listen to.

Here's the pair:

This Guy's in Love With You - Vain mies

It's again time for "Both Sides Now". The B-side to yesterday's finnpick of Lasse Mårtenson was this "Vain mies" (Only a man). The Finnish lyrics were by Lasse himself, made under pseudonym "L. Vaajakorpi". The arrangement was done Esko Linnavalli. The original song was a Burt Bacharach & Hal David -written hit for Herb Alpert. Alpert originally sang "This Guy's in Love with You" on a 1968 television show. In response to numerous viewer telephone calls, the song was released as a single and reached the number one spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in June of that year,

Here's the pair:

My Name Is Jack - Kustaa

This is the final "Finnpicks for the Kids", for now. Robin released "Kustaa" as a single in 1968. although the song that he covered was a hit, Robin's version was not. Perhaps the lyrics by Juha Vainio did not touch the hearts of wider (grown.up) audience. The original song was written by legendary record producer John Simon and he also performed it. The song was on the soundtrack of a hippy 1967 rockumentary movie of Peter Yarrow's (of Peter, Paul and Mary) called "You Are What You Eat". Nor the movie nor the song did cause much commotion, but Manfred Mann picked up this "My Name Is Jack" and made it later that same year a smash hit.

Here's the triplet:

Up Up And Away- Hop hop ylöspäin

As today is Jimmy Webb's birthday. let's listen to a song written by this songwriter genius. Lasse Mårtenson recorded "Hop hop ylöspäin" (Hup hup upwards) in 1968. It was released on the b-side of his hit "Kuinka kaunista on" (cover of "What A Wonderful World"). Pertti Reponen put the Finnish words in the song. The original song "Up Up And Away" was popularized by the american vocal group The 5th Dimension. It became a major pop hit, reaching number 7 on the U.S. Pop Singles chart in 1967. The song, themed around images of hot air ballooning, won several Grammy Awards in 1968. You can see the group perform "Up Up And Away", here.

Here's the pair:

Groovin' - Tuuleen kadonnut

This a song that always puts me in the real summer mood. Sadly, the Finnish versions are rarely played. The beat group Frankies recorded "Tuuleen kadonnut" (Lost in the wind) in 1968. It was the B-side of their only single. On the A-side was their cover of Monkees' Daydream Believer. Frankies was the backing group of Johnny, but he was not involved in this recodding. The lyrics were provided by Pertsa Reponen and the song was arranged by Esa Helasvuo, subsequently a big name in Finnish jazz. In 1984 Riki Sorsa (real name Esko Richard Sorsa) recoded another Finnish version, with different lyrics, called "Kulkee" (It grooves) for his album "Kellot ja Pelit". Riki is a popular pop Finnish singer, starting his career in 1975 with the band Zoo. After that he launched a successful solo career. In Eurovision Song Contest 1981 he represented Finland with the entry "Reggae OK". Today's finnpicked original song was "Groovin'" and it was a smash hit for American pop and rock group Rascals (at the time it was still called Young Rascals) The song was written by group members Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati, and legend has it they wrote it after realizing that because of their work schedule, they could see their girlfriends only on Sunday afternoons. You can see them perform the song, here.

Here's the pair:

Jag tror på sommaren - Taas on aika auringon

If yesterday's Finnpick was the definitive summer pop tune, this must be the definitive summer waltz. Reijo Salminen recorded "Taas on aika auringon" (It's sunshine time again) in 1968 and it was the most requested and played summer song in the end of the 60's and in the 70's (at least). Reijo Salminen was not primarily a singer but a comedian and an entertainer, whose specialty was doing impressions of famous people. This song however was a smash hit for him. The words were put in by lyrics master Jukka Virtanen. The original tune originated from Sweden. The waltz "Jag tror på sommaren" (I believe in summer) was written by Stig Olin and performed in 1967 by Mats Olin. Stig was a multi-talented man; actor, movie director, screenwriter and songwriter. But perhaps he's best known for being the father of the famous movie star Lena Olin. Mats, who sang this song, was his son (and Lena's brother ;-)).

Here's the pair:

To Love Somebody - Kun yksin kulkee

Danny recorded "Kun yksin kulkee" (When you're going on your own) in 1968 for his "Danny" album. It was released as a single, but it turned out to be one of the rare non-hit singles for Danny at the time. The original was a Bee Gees classic "To Love Somebody". The song was written in 1967 by Barry and Robin Gibb and it was originally meant to be a soul song for Otis Redding to record. Redding died in a plane crash before he could record it. So the Bee Gees decided to record their own version of the song with Barry taking the lead and the result was a pop classic. We present here a live performance of the song.

Here's the pair:

Bud - Kurkunleikkajien yö

This song is remembered by many but heard by few. "Kurkunleikkaajien yö" (The night of the throat cutters) has become some kind of cult classic, becouse of it's obscurity and odd lyrics (by Juha "Junnu" Vainio"). It was recorded by Kari Häme in 1968. Kari's recording career was only two years long, consisting of mere two singles. This song was on his first single. I don't know why Juhan Vainio decided to write lyrics about throatcutting, while the original dealt with a completely different subject. It was an instrumental tune called simply "Bud", recorded by Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass (finnpicked before, see here) in 1967 on their album "Herb Alpert's Ninth". This mournful, minor-key melody was written "In memory of our dear friend Ervan (Bud) Coleman" (who had died from surgery complications, albeit not throat cutting I guess, before the album was completed). Bud Coleman was the composer of several Brass tunes (notably "Tijuana Taxi") and also played guitar and mandolin and several TJB tracks.

Here's the pair:

Ladybird - Leikiten - Leppäkerttu

Well, here's one true classic, covered many times all over the world. Lasse Mårtenson and Marjatta Leppänen were the first to cover this song in Finnish. They recorded "Leikiten" (Easy as a child's play) in 1968 and it was minor hit. Lasse we have met many times before but now we hear Marjatta's voice for the first time. She began her recording career already in 1961, had some hits in the 60's and 70's but she gradually turned more and more into performinmg in stage shows and doing televison work. The song was re-covered in 1989 when Anna Hanski (see previous entry) with Pekka Kaasalainen (singer/guitarist from the group Vilperin Perikunta) recorded it with different lyrics titled as "Leppäkerttu" (Ladybird). The original song "Ladybird" was written by Lee Hazlewood and performed by him and Nancy Sinatra. It was a smash hit for them worldwide even if the song stayed at number 20 in the US charts in 1967. As a bonus we present the 1993 version by Anna Hanski and Lee Hazlewood from their album "Gypsies And Indians".

Here's the bunch:

Angelica - Angelica

As we are today one week away from International Women's Day, I thought it would be appropriate to spend this preceding week with the songs about women. We start with "Angelica", a song that Danny recorded and released as a single in 1968. The lyrics were done by Pertsa Reponen. The song was written by famous songwriting duo Cynthia Weill and Barry Mann. The first recording of the song was done by Gene Pitney and it was released on his album "Backstage" in 1966. It was not released as a single. Which is, "Angelica" being such a wonderful piece of music, quite odd. Also Scott Walker recorded a fine version of the song on his debut album in 1967; you can listen to it, here.

Here's the pair:

Only A Fool Breaks His Own Heart - Muisto vain jää

The vocal duo Jouko ja Kosti recorded "Muisto vain jää" (Left with just a memory) on their first single in 1968 (the B-side finnpicked earlier, see here) It turned out to be a number one hit for them and launched a successful, yet short career. The song was originally recorded by US jazz singer Arthur Prysock in 1965. This version got some airplay but didn't chart. In the following year the tune was picked up by Jamaican musicians Mighty Sparrow and Byron Lee and made it hit in Jamaica and later also in UK, where it surfaced with first ska wave. In 1968 Tom Jones recored it for his album "Delilah", and I guess that's how it found it's way to Finland. There's an insteresting story of the song's origin, here. The song is often errornously credited to Slinger Francisco (Mighty Sparrow’s real name), and apparently he hasn't always been very particular in correcting this information ;-) We present here the Arthut Prysock version (although it's not the original, but re-recorded in the 80's) and the SECOND version by Mighty Sparrow and Byron Lee.

Here's the triplet:

Simon Says - Simo sanoo sen

Now we move from lollipop to bubblegum. Robin recorded "Simo sanoo sen" (Simo says that) in 1968. It was on the b-side of his single "Mua onnitelkaa" (see it finnpicked, here) The original song "Simon Says" was a huge bubblegum pop hit for American group 1910 Fruitgum Company. It was their first successful single, reaching number 4 in the US charts, and subsequently becoming one of the bubblegum anthems. "Simon says" is actually a classic children game. One of the people is "it" (i.e. Simon). The others must do what Simon tells them to do when asked with a phrase beginning with "Simon says". If Simon says "Simon says jump", the players must jump (players that do not jump are out). However, if Simon says simply "jump", without first saying "Simon says", players do not jump; those that do jump are out. Well, it's not exactly rare, in action movies, to hear the bad guy saying "I didn't say 'Simon says'" and "outing "the victim ...

Here's the pair: