James Dean - James Dean

Vicky Rosti recorded "James Dean" in 1976 for her album "1-2-3-4 Tulta!". It was released only as an album track. A very professional team was responsible for production (Jaakko Salo), arrangement (Veikko Samuli) and Finnish lyrics (Juha Vainio). The original was one of the Eagles' classics, titled also (of course) "James Dean". On the morning of September 30th, 1955, 24-year-old actor James Dean rode his silver Porsche 550 Spyder (purchased just a few days earlier) from Hollywood to Salinas, and had a head-on collision, dying instantly. Hence the lyrics in the Eagles' song: "Along came a Spyder and picked up a rider. And took him down the road to eternity". You can see Eagles perform the song live, here.

Just 20 Finnpicks to go.

Here's the pair:

Poor Side Of Town - Tämän kaupungin yöt

Inga Sulin is a first-timer in Finnpicks. She started her recording career in 1965 and ended it in 1980. She recorded 4 albums and several singles but never really broke through as a singer. But she's done a remarkable career in theater and television. On her second album "Feelings (1976) were many covers of such diverse originals as Van McCoys "Hustle" and Hoagy Carmichaels's "Stardust", and this "Tämän kaupungin yöt" (The nights of this town). It's quite an extraordinary version of "Poor Side Of Town", which is the most known song of Johnny Rivers (b. John Henry Ramistella). Johnny's been finnpicked before, see here. This song was written by Rivers himself, together with his producer Lou Adler.

32 Finnpicks to go.

Here's the pair:

Games People Play - Leikit ihmisten

Seija Simola released the album "Tunteen sain" in 1976. One of the tracks was "Leikit ihmisten" (The games of the people) Pertti Reponen's lyrics depicted the various vanities of the man. As did the original "Games People Play", whisch was written and performed by singer and songwriter Joe South in 1968. The lyrics and title are thought to be a direct reference to Dr. Eric Berne's bestselling book of the same name released in 1964. It deals with the "games" human beings play in interacting with one another. Joe South's song won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Song and the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. The distinctive guitar at the opening is played on a Danelectro Guitar Sitar.

67 Finnpicks to go.

Here's the pair:

Brasilia Carnaval - Brasilian karnevaalit

We started this Finnpicks Disco Week from Africa and we end it in Brazil. Both locations have contributed a lot to development of disco music. Danny recorded "Brasilian karnevaalit" (The Brazilan carnaval) in 1976. It was released on his album "Elämän maku". The original song "Brasilia Carnaval" was a hit for disco group Chocolat's, whom we have met before, see here. Chocolat's (a.k.a Chocolate Boys) was a a latin-flavoured disco/soul/funk group originating from Belgium, I guess.

94 Finnpicks to go.

Here's the pair:

Can't Stop Myself From Loving You - En liepeisiis jää roikkumaan

This is a requested song and a good one at that. ELF (Eric Lars Four) recorded the song "En liepeisiis jää roikkumaan" (I will not be hanging in your apron strings) in 1976. It was released as a single (on B-side), but didn't get much notice. The original song was written by the famous Australian songwrting duo Harry Vanda and George Young, who also became famous as the members of the group Easybeats. In 1974 it was recorded by an Aussie named Johnny Cave, who used noble stage name William Shakespeare. It was Shakespeare's first hit in Australia, reaching number 2 in the charts.

Here's the pair:

Besame Mucho (Senora) - Besame mucho

The group Gulliver (see earlier entry) recorded "Besame mucho" in 1976 and it was released as a single. It was minor hit and was released also on their 1977 album "Paraisilla ollaan". The Finnish lyrics of this happy-go-lucky tune were put together by Veikko "Vexi" Salmi. The original song was called "Besame Mucho (Senora)", and it was a 1976 continental hit for Italian group Easy Connection. Internationallly they can be called One Hit Wonders, becouse I couldn't find any more hits worth to mention. But, what the heck, once is enough, when you do it big!

Here's the pair:

Dr. Rock and Roll - On rohtoo rock'n roll

Eric Lars Four (or just ELF) was an underrated pop/rock group from Kajaani, Finland. At first they acted as the backing group for such famous female artists as Laila Kinnunen, Carola and Katri Helena. In the latter part of the 70's they also recorded two albums and a couple of singles. The first single of ELF was this "On rohtoo rock'n roll" (Rock'n roll is a drug), released in 1976. The original song was written and performed by US singer/songwriter Gary St. Clair. The song was the opening track on his 1971 self-titled album. This album might have been the one and only Gary ever released, becouse I have not found any other releases, or, in fact, ANY information on Gary St. Clair. But at least he could really rock and roll ...
Here's the pair:

Baby - Baby

Perhaps the four most-used words in song titles are 'i', 'love', 'you' and 'baby'. Today's finnpick is an example of the last one. Danny recorded his "Baby" in 1976 for his album "Elämän maku". The Finnish lyrics (yes, most of the lyrics are in Finnish ;-)) were this time provided by Chrisse Johansson. The original "Baby" was written (under pseudonym J. Garko) and performed by 60's and 70's Italian singer and songwriter Alberto Anelli. I don't know anything about him, but it's my guess that as a singer he used the pseudonym "El Tigre" (The Tiger). And this "Baby" was a Top 20 hit in Italy for him under that name.


Here's the pair:

Far Far Away - Tie kauemmas vei

Danny recorded "Tie kauemmas vei" (The road took me farther away) in 1976 and it was released only as a track on a compilation album. The song was arranged by Veikko Samuli and the Finnish yrics were written by Pertsa Reponen. The original song "Far Far Away" was a big hit for Slade in 1974. It appeared on the album "Slade in Flame" and as a single it peaked at number 2 in the UK. The single was released to promote their upcoming film, also titled "Slade in Flame". There's also a newer Finnish version performed by group Miljoonasade as "Tie tiettömään". You can hear it, here.


Here's the pair:

We'll Live It All Again - Sen eläisin uudelleen

Now it's time for our yearly countdown to Eurovision Song Contest. This years contest takes place in Düsseldorf, Germany next Saturday, the 14th of May.  Out first countdown entry is "Sen eläisin uudelleen" (I'd live it all again) and it was recorded by altogether 3 duos in 1976 and one more in 1980. We present here the versions by Lea Laven & Leo Luoto and Päivi Paunu & Martti Metsäketo (both from 1976). The original song "We'll Live It All Again" ("Noi lo rivivremo di nuovo" in Italian)was the Italian entry in ESC 1976. It was performed by famous male-female duo Al Bano & Romina Power. Romina sang in mainly English and Al in Italian. Italy placed in 7th, while Finland took the 11th place with "Pump-Pump". You can see the ESC performance, here.

Here's the triplet:

Don Carlo dansar - Auringonmaa

Yes, it's 'Both Sides Now' -time again. On the B-side of yesterday's Anneli Pasanen finnpick was another cover of Swedish dance band hit. It was called "Auringonmaa" and the lyrics were again witten by Chrisse Johansson. The original song was a 1976 Swedish hit for the group Schytts. They were the original performers of the earlier finnpick "Jossain" (see here). As yesterday's finnpick, this This "Don Carlo dansar" (Don Carlo dances) was also composed by Torgny Söderberg.

Here's the pair:

Min dröm om frihet - Rakastan jokaista päivää

Anneli Pasanen's most popular song was perhaps "Rakastan jokaista päivää" (I love each and every day) released in 1976. Words for this most optimistic song were written by Chrisse Johansson. The original song cane from our neighbouring country Sweden and was a big hit for the forefather of all Swedish dance bands - Vikingarna (The Vikings). The band was formed already in 1958 and disbanded in 2004, but announced their comeback now in March 2011, however, with only two original members remaining. They are the best-selling "dansband" in Scandinavian music history, and had at the time of their disbanding sold more than 11 million records. This song "Min dröm om frihet" (My dream of freedom) was composed by Torgny Söderberg, who also wrote Herreys 1984 Euorovision winner "Diggi-loo, Diggi-ley".

Here's the pair:

Sweet City Woman - Kaunis kaupunkilainen

Purema was a Finnish country rock group, active in the 70's and 80's, releasing altogether 4 albums. The debut album "Eks tiä" was released in 1976, and the title track was a minor hit for them. The album included also this "Kaunis kaupunkilainen" (Pretty city woman). The Finnish lyrics were made by group's guitarist Matti Tuominen, who also wrote the majority of band's recorded output. The original song "Sweet City Woman" was massive hit for a canadian rock band The Stampeders in 1971. It climbed the charts to the Number One position across Canada, and after rush-released in the US, reached the Number Eight spot in Billboard Top 100 Chart. The song was written by the group's guitarist Rich Dodson. The hallmark of the song is the use of banjo as the lead instrument.

Here's the pair:

Morning Sky - Aurinkoon

Katri Helena recorded "Aurinkoon" (To the sun) in 1976. It was released on the B-side of her smash hit "Syysunelmia". The Finnish lyrics were from the pen of Chrisse Johansson.. The original song was of Dutch origin. George Baker Selection had a international hit with "Morning Sky" in 1975. The song was written - as all the groups hits - by George Baker aka. Johannes "Hans" Bouwens. You can see the group perform the song, here.

Here's the pair:

Please Don't Touch - Ei koskettaa saa

Methinks, this is one of the best rock songs ever (at least in it's original version). The group Amulet recorded "Ei koskettaa saa" (No touching allowed) in 1976 for their album "Caddy By Amulet". This hard rocking band was founded in 1968 and was most active in the 1970s. The band had no big hits but it enjoyed steady fan following. The same song was re-finnpicked with different lyrics in 1988, when Pate Mustajärvi released it as "Helvetistä taivaaseen (... ja takaisin)" (From hell to heaven (... and back)) on the B-side of his "Boulevard de la Madeleine" single. Pate Mustajärvi (real name Pauli Mustajärvi) is a Finnish rock legend, both with his band Popeda and in solo, going strong for over 30 years since the end of 1970's. The original of today's finnpicked song was titled "Please Don't Touch" and it was the debut single and first hit (number 25 in UK) for British rockers Johnny Kidd and The Pirates. Johnny Kidd (b. Frederick Heath) also wrote the song. In 1959, when rock music was only just emerging, this must have been really hard stuff, And it still is ...

Here's the triplet:

There's A Kind Of Hush - Tulla uudelleen ei voi hetki tää

Taiska Sunday once more... Taiska recorded "Tulla uudelleen ei voi hetki tää" (This moment will not come back) in 1976. It was released on the B-side of our first ever Finnpick "Moi moi vain" and also on the album "Mombasa". Berit recorded this song in that same year, and I'll present also her version here if I ever get hold of it. The original song "There's A Kind Of Hush" was the collaboration of two renowned British songwriters Les Reed and Geoff Stephens. Stephens formed in 1966 The New Vaudeville Band, writing and recording songs in a 1920s musical style, best known for their Stephens-penned debut single "Winchester Cathedral". This "There's a Kind of Hush" was one of their later recordings and did not get much attention. But a little later, a cover version done by Herman's Hermits was a monster hit. But most probably Taiska's and Berit's versions were inspired by The Carpenters' rendition released in 1976.

Here's the triplet:

Brown Eyed Girl - Perjantai - Punatukkainen

It's time again for "a song of the day". Kisu recorded "Perjantai" (Friday) for his 1976 album "Tunteet". It is completely forgotten track, which is quite peculiar, becouse the original is such a classic song. It is "Brown Eyed Girl", the signature song of Irishman Van Morrison. It was the first solo single for him after he left the group Them. It was first released in May 1967 on the album "Blowin' Your Mind!". When released as a single, it reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. It featured the Sweet Inspirations (Cissy "Whitney's mother" Houston and Lee "Dionne's sister" Warwick) singing back-up vocals. In Finland the song was later (1998) covered with different lyrics - with the title "Punatukkainen" (Red-haired) by singer and songwriter Aki Sirkesalo, who sadly passed away six years later in Thailand in the tsunami of 2004.

Here's the triplet:

Love Will Keep Us Together - Stop, ei tuhlata aikaa

Pepe Willberg recorded "Stop, ei tuhlata aikaa" (Stop, let's waste no time) for his debut solo album "Sinulle" in 1976. By coincidence, we seem to have Pertsa Reponen week, becouse the lyrics for this song were again done by him. The arrangements for the album were done by Markku Johansson. The original song "Love Will Keep Us Together" was the product of the pens of power songwriting-duo Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield. It was first released in the UK on Sedaka's 1973 LP "The Tra-La Days Are Over". However, it is best remembered for the 1975 cover version by The Captain & Tennille (finnpicked before, see here). It was their debut single, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975 and it was the top US single for the entire year. You can see the joint performance of the duo and Neil Sedaka, here.

Here's the triplet:

Cara Mia - Cara mia

The Finnish power duo Matti ja Teppo (the Ruohonen brothers) have not recorded many cover songs, but this is one of those. This song, "Cara mia", discofied version of the original, was very suitable for their voices and style. It was released in 1976 as an album track on their eponymous album. The lyrics were done by Vexi Salmi. The song was also culled as a single and it hit the Finnish Jukebox Chart (number 5) in 1977. This was some kind of a come-back for the boys, after some leaner years. The "Cara Mia" song was big hit in 1965 for US vocal group Jay and The Americans. You can see the group perform the song, here. But "Cara Mia" was already a hit in 1954 for English singer David Whitfield who recorded the song with the Mantovani Orchestra. The record spend ten consecutive weeks in the number one slot on the UK Singles Chart and was one of the biggest selling British records in the pre-rock days. The song was co-written by Tulio Trapani, which was the pseudonym for Mantovani.

Here's the triplet:

Herzen haben keine Fenster - Rakkaus

This song is again one of those forgotten gems I've come across while editing Finnpicks. Fredi recorded "Rakkaus" (Love) in 1976 for his album "Laula kanssain". The lyrics were provided by Chrisse Johansson. The same song was finnpicked by Kirka in 1981 sung with different lyrics, titled "Sinuun minä luotan (I trust you). The original song was of German origin. Composer Hans Meyer wrote the song and Austrian born songstress Elfi Graf (b. Elfriede Sepp) made it a big hit in Germany in 1974. You can see her perform "Herzen haben keine Fenster" (Hearts don't hve windows), here. Later in USA, Bobby Vinton got hold of the song and made a big US and international come-back hit with it under title "My Melody Of Love". Bobby, being of Polish origin, sings it partly in Polish. This same song titled as "Don't Stay Away Too Long" was a hit for duo Peters and Lee in UK.

Here's the triplet: