Shang-a-lang - Shang-a-lang

Upon researching the Finnpicks I have come up with many surprises and amazing facts. Today's finnpick is one example of those. Well, I couldn't have imagined Kari Tapio ever covering Bay City Rollers. But he really did it, in 1974, when he released single with "Shang-a-lang" on it. Perhaps understandably, it was not a hit and the song has not been included in any of Kari's compilation albums. But nothing wrong with the song, though ... The original "Shang-a-lang" was written by top songwriter duo Phil Coulter and Bill Martin and was the 3rd UK Top Ten hit for Bay City Rollers  reaching number 2 in 1974. You can see them perform it, here.

61 Finnpicks to go.

Here's the pair:

Rock'n Roll Love Letter - Serenadi beijareille

In the 70's Bay City Rollers was as popular in Finland as everywhere else. However, I don't know if this kind of tribute serenade was made anyplace else. Anna Babitzin's (Kirka Babitzin's little sister) single "Serenadi beijareille" (A serenade to beijarit ("beijarit" was the Finnish nickname for the band)) was released in 1977. It wasn't a sellout, but I guess all the die-hard BCR bought it. The arrangement as by Veikko Samuli and the Finnish lyrics by Kari Tuomisaari. It was cover of Bay City Rollers' Rock'n Roll Love Letter". which was one of their singles not released in UK. In USA, in 1976 it went to number 28 in Billboard Chart.  You can see the band perform the song, here. The original song was written an performed by American singer and songwriter Tim Moore.  It was on his 1975 album "Behind The Eyes". BTW, Moore's guitar work on "Rock'n Roll Love Letter" drew the attention of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and the two became friends.

Here's the triplet:

Summerlove Sensation - Taivaallinen nainen

Markku Aro recorded "Taivaallinen nainen" (Heavenly woman) in 1974 for his album "Oma kultasein". The lyrics for this track were provided by Jussi Tuominen, who is famous for scripting and producing several popular Finnish TV sitcoms, for example "Tankki täyteen" and "Reinikainen" (both in collaboration with Neil Hardwick). The original song was called "Summerlove Sensation" and it was one of the many hits for 'teen sensation' Bay City Rollers. You can see them perform this UK Top 3 hit, here.


Here's the pair: