Wight Is Wight - Kuunnelkaa uutta sanomaa

Simon Scott (real name Veikko Salonen, see earlier entry) recorded "Kuunnelkaa uutta sanomaa" (Listen to the new message) in 1970. It was released on the B-side of his debut single "Vain ulkopuolelle jään". Both failed to make the charts, but they're still remembered by Finnish schlager aficionados. The lyrics for "Kuunnelkaa uutta sanomaa" were made by another performing artist Jukka Kuoppamäki with his familiar manifesto style.  The original song was somewhat oddly titled "Wight Is Wight" and it was a product of French songwriting partners Roland Vincent and Michel Delpech (who also performs the song). The most known of their songs is "Pour Un Flirt" (covered in Finnish as "Flirtaten"). Released in 1969,  the hippie influenced "Wight Is Wight" sold over one million copies in in France, and was recorded the following year in English by Sandie Shaw (non-hit). You can see Michel perform it live with Demis Roussos (and with pathos), here.

Just 18 Finnpicks to go.

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Here Comes the Dawn - Jään ikkunaan

Katri Helena recorded "Jään ikkunaan" (I'll stay by the window") in 1973. It was released on the B-side of her big success "Anteeksi suo" (presented in Finnpicks earlier, see here). It was released also on her album "Kun kohdattiin". The Finnish lyrics were made by Pertsa Reponen. The original song was called "Here Comes the Dawn" and it was co-written and performed by Bob Azzam (b. Wadih George Azzam). This Lebanese-at-birth singer and musician made it big with "Mustapha" (finnpicked here), but this is his 70's material, a track on his album "Garden Of Love".

49 Finnpicks to go.

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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.

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Africa - Afrikka

We start now the second Finnpicks Disco Week. Well, it's been almost three years since the first one! The first entry is a song called "Afrikka" (Africa) performed by Lea Laven. It was released in 1983 on her album "Lahjan sain", but even if it clearly had hit potential, not as a single. The Finnish lyrics were written by Kaisu Liuhala, who wrote lyrics for numerous songs (for example "Fantasiaa", the Finnish Eurovision song in 1983) before concentrating in production. The original song "Africa" (a.k.a "Africa (Voodoo Master)") was performed by Rose Laurens (b. Rose Podwojny), a French singer-songwriter. This song was a 1982 smash hit in many European countries. You can see her perform the song, here.

P.S. This is the Finnpicks entry number 900. I have decided to close down this blog, when I reach the even number of 1000. I think one thousand Finnish covers is enough even for a die-hard fan. So, here starts the countdown: 100 Finnpicks to go.

Here's the pair:

Mustapha - Mustapha

The song "Mustapha" was very popular in Finland in 1960. Jussi & Eero Raittinen made a version for their debut single, but we present here the 'female version' by Brita Koivunen. The Finnish lyrics were provided by Kari Tuomisaari. The original song was an Egyptian traditional folk song adapted by Bob Azzam & His Orchestra (finnpicked before, see here).  The song was number 1 in France in 1960 and was popular all around Europe.

Here's the pair:

Tout,tout doucement - Tule jo kotiin

We conclude this mini-series of "leaving" songs with a "coming back" song and with another one by Tapani Kansa. He recorded "Tule jo kotiin" (Come back home) in 1983 for his album "Tässä ja nyt". The lyrics were provided by Vexi Salmi. The album broke several years hiatus of recording, but after this album it took several years before Tapani recorded pop music again. The original song "Tout, tout doucement" (All softly) was written by Frenchman Jean Jacques Goldman under pseudonym 'Sweet memories'. The song was a minor hit in France for songstress named Jane Surrey. I know nothing about Jane, but I guess she was an English woman, becouse this song was recorded in London.

Here's the pair:

Petite femme - Et saa sitä miettiäkään

Kai Hyttinen recorded "Et saa sitä miettiäkään" (You shall not even think about it) in 1975 for his album "Saanhan olla hän". It was not released as a single, being perhaps something else that public expected from Kai. The lyrics were crafted by Kai's (and ours) old friend Veikko "Vexi" Salmi. The original song was called "Petite femme" (Little woman) and it was a 1974 hit for French singer named Santiana. His real name was Jean-Pierre d'Amico, and he was born in Tunisia but made his career in France. He was popular singer in the 70's and later moved to broadcasting business being the the first program director of French youth radio station NRJ (broadcasting nowadays also in Finland).

Here's the pair:

La chanson orientale - Yhdet ainoat autonvalot

This song is strangely enchanting. Ritva Palukka recorded only two singles, and this "Yhdet ainoat autonvalot" (Only one pair of headlights) was on the B-side of the first one. On the B-side was Ritva's version of the 1965 Eurovision song contest winner "Poupee de cire poupee de son". This B-side is unfairly forgotten, becouse it is far better than the A-side (at least in my opinion). The original song "Le chanson oriental" (The oriental song) was a European hit for French singer and crooner Sacha Distel (b. Alexandre Distel). Besides being a singer he also was an exceptional jazz guitarist. Sacha was a romantic icon who in France became a latterday Maurice Chevalier. The song tells a story of a man who meets a strange beautiful dancer while holidaying in the Orient.

Here's the pair:

Tzeinerlin - Käyköön niin tai näin

Our old friend Robin recorded "Käyköön niin tai näin" (Will it be it as it may) in 1970. It was released on the B-side of his minor hit "Jäähyväiset" (finnpicked here). The Finnish lyrics were made this time by Robin himself. The original song was of French origin and called "Tzeinerlin". It wa written by André Popp, the famous French composer and arranger, and it was a continental hit in 1970 for Les Compagnons de la Chanson. They were a French vocal group from Lyon, founded during World War II. Their most known song is the "'Les trois cloches' (The Three Bells) (yet to be finnpicked) that they recorded in 50's together with Edith Piaf. The version that Robin covered was the one by Herman's Hermits. They had a international hit with it under title "Years May Come, Years May Go".

Here's the triplet:

Je t'attends - Maa muuttukoon

Pasi Kaunisto had one of his greatest and most loved hits with "Maa muuttukoon" (May the world change) in 1970. The immaculate lyrics were provided by Veikko "Vexi" Salmi. The original song "Je t'attends" (I am waiting for you) was written and performed by French legend Gilbert Becaud (b. François Silly). "Monsieur 100000 Volts" wrote many worldwide hits, of which the best-known are perhaps "Et Maintenant" (What Now My Love), "Je t'appartiens" (Let I Be Me) and "Nathalie" (finnpicked here).

Here's the pair:

Le Chemin De Papa - Vaarin humpappa

On the B-side of the Tapani Perttu's "Nooakin Arkki" (finnpicked here) in 1970 was this "Vaarin humpappa" (Granpa's oom-pah-pah). The lyics were written by Kari Tuomisaari and the arrangement was provided by Jaakko Salo. The original song "Le Chemin De Papa" (Papa's way) was written and performed by Joe Dassin. It was released on his album "Les Champs-Elysées" in 1969. You can see him perform the song on French television, here.

Here's the pair:

Papa aime maman - Isä tykkää äidistä

This is a start of "Finnpicks for Kids" -week. We present some songs for the kids, by the kids, and of the kids. We begin with a song called "Isä tykkää äidistä" (Father likes mother), recorded in 1960 by Per-Erik "Pärre" Förars (see earlier entry) with the help of Pikku-Kati (b. Kati Borg). Pärre was already an established and popular schlager singer at the time. And in a way Pikku-Kati (Li'l Kati) was, too. The young lady had done one previous recording in 1958; a duet with Kauko Käyhkö. In the end of the 60's Kati continued her singing career and joined the group Ernos. And in fact that's her singing on yesterday's finnpick! Presently she's working as a sexual therapist, and consulting how fathers can better like/love mothers ;-). The original finnpicked song was of French origin. "Papa aime maman" (Papa loves mama) was written by French orchestra leader and musician Jo Moutet (b. Joseph Moutet). He had a Euro -hit with the song in 1960 under the moniker "Le group J.M.S." (perhaps J.M.S. means Jo Moutet Singers?). However, I guess the song arrived in Finland via Sweden, where Lars Lönndahl and his daughter Anita made Swedish version "Pappa Älskar Mamma". You can see the J.M.S -group perform this song in an early Scopitone movie, here.

Here's the pair:

Maman papa - Tyttö kampaa märkää tukkaa

Let's hear another finnpick of French origin. Tuula Amberla released "Tyttö kampaa märkää tukkaa" (The girl combs her wet hair) in 1984 following up her breakthrough single "Lulu". In the middle of the 80's Tuula was perhaps the most succesful Finnish female singer and her first two albums were selling in vast quantities. The lyrics and arrangements for this finnpick were made by her regular collaborators, Jukka Alihanka and Ilpo Murtojärvi, respectively. The original song was written and co-performed by French singer-songwriter Georges Brassens. He recorded the song "Maman Papa" already in the beginning of the 1950's. At that point Geoges was still performing in cafes and cabaret restaurants, but after meeting with songstress Patachou (b. Henriette Ragon), she brought him into the music scene. And in fact, this "Maman papa" is one of their duets. Brassens is now an iconic figure in France, he achieved fame through his simple, elegant songs and articulate, diverse lyrics, and he is considered to be one of France's most accomplished postwar poets.

Here's the pair:

C'est ecrit dans le ciel - Tähtien kertomaa

Rauni Pekkala (see earlier entry) recorded "Tähtien kertomaa" (Written on the stars) in 1961 collaborating with the vocal group Neloset (see earlier entry). It was released only on EP, with 3 other songs. The song became a classic schlager, often requested, both in Rauni's and Vieno Kekkonen's versions. The original song was of French origin. "C'est ecrit dans le ciel" (It's written on the skies) was continental hit in 1961 for Bob Azzam (b. Wadih George Azzam). Bob Azzam was born in Beirut, Lebanon (some sources say Cairo, Egypt!), but started his career in Italy in the end of the 50's. In 1960 he and his orchestra made their breakthrough in France and in all of Europe with the Arabic-style song "Mustapha". When Bob's success was eventually declining, he moved to Geneva, where he opened a nightclub in his name.

Here's the pair:

Oumparere - Aika haavat parantaa

Once again it's time for Frederik Friday! Frederik recorded "Aika haavat parantaa" (Time heals the wounds) for his "Ramaya" album in 1976. This song is very typical of Frederik, but very rarely heard nowadays. The lyrics were done by the master, Juha Vainio. The original song "Oumparere" was co-written and performed by Algerian-born French singer Enrico Macias. He has been finnpicked before, see here. BTW, Enrico was named Singer of Peace by UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim in 1980.

Here's the pair:

Le Rossignol Anglais - On jo yö

Hortto Kaalo was once the most popular vocal group in Finland, and it specialized in Romany Music. They released their first single "Miksi ovet ei aukene meille" in 1970. It was an instant hit. Their first two albums went gold. This "On jo yö" (It's already night) was the B-side to their another hit "Ei kenenkään lähimmäinen" in 1971. The original song "Le Rossignol Anglais" (English nightingale) was a big hit in French-speaking countries in 1964 for French singer and guitarist Hugues Aufray. The troubadour Hugues wrote his own music (including this finnpick), but also covered in French several Bob Dylan songs. In 1964 Aufray represented Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest placing 4th with his song "Dès que le printemps revient".

Here's the pair:

Hey Little Girl - Voi pienoinen

It's friday again, and Frederik! One of his hidden gems is this "Voi pienoinen" (Oh little one). Frerik recorded it in 1974, and it was released on the B-ide of the single "Hissun kissun". Finnish words were written by Vexi Salmi. The original song "Hey Little Girl" was written by F.R. Destrefles, which is ome of the pseudonyms for French singer and composer F.R. David (of the "Words" fame). I don't know if F.R. ever recorded this song himself, but it was a small hit in France in 1973 for a singer named Barry Finlay. I did not find any onfo on Barry, so it's possible that he's just another one of F.R's alter egos. Whatever it may be, the song is catchy pop tune, well worth of reviving.

Here's the pair:

Disco Bouzouki - Villi ilta

Another weekend reindez-vous with Daniel Vangarde. Arja Koriseva recorded "Villi ilta" (Wild night) in 1990 for her first album. Arja is not known for her disco songs, so this is a rare exception. The lyrics (by Turkka Mali) tell about escapades in bachelorette night. The original song "Disco Bouzouki" was written by French producers and songwriters Daniel Vangarde and Jean Kluger. It was a continental hit for a group called Bouzouki Disco Band (a.k.a Great Disco Bouzouki Band) in 1977. It was most probably a studio band put together by Vangarde and Kluger, because after one more single it vanished from the music world.

Here's the pair:

A-I-E-A-O-A - A.i.e

Well, here's another treat from Daniel Vangarde. Paula Koivuniemi recorded "A.i.e" in 1979. It was released as a single but it was not a hit. The nonsense lyrics were from the lyrics factory of Chrisse Johansson. The original song "A-I-E-A-O-A" was part of a project called "Yamasuki". It was the brainchild of French pop composers Jean Kluger and Daniel Vangarde. In 1971 they released a concept album "Le Monde Fabuleux Des Yamasuki". It included a renowned black-belt Judo master to introduce the tracks, which were all sung in Japanese by a school choir. This "A-I-E-A-O-A " -track was also released as a single. However, the song did not break through, until it was re-worked by Belgian disco group Black Blood in 1975, with Swahili lyrics and a more African vibe. In 1981, "Aie a Mwana" became the first single released by English girl group Bananarama.

Here's the triplet:

Sitamalobadudo - Fin de semana - Viikonloppu

Now being weekend we present a song called "Viikonloppu" (Weekend). It was first recorded in Finnish by girl group Seidat in 1972, but that recording I unfortunately don't have. Instead here's the most known Finnish version by Kisu, recorded in 1973 for his "Kun paljon antaa" album. The lyrics were written by veteran lyricist Kari Tuomisaari. The original song called "Sitamalobadudo" was written by our old French friend, songwriter and producer Daniel Vangarde. I don't exactly know who recorded the original version, but the Spanish beat group Los Diablos (finnpicked before, see here) had a big hit with it in 1971 with the title "Fin de semana" (Weekend) and I guess it was just their version that inspired Finnish artists.

Here's the pair: