Daughter of Darkness - Pettävä nainen

Well, well - it's time for another Frederik Friday. And this song nicely fits in the dark season we now live in here in Finland. Frederik recorded "Pettävä nainen" (Cheating woman) in 1970. It was on Frederik's debut album and also released as a single, but it wasn't such a great success. Again, the original was an international success for Tom Jones. "Daughter of Darkness". The song reached number 5 in UK Charts in 1970. It was written by Les Reed, who also arranged it, and another prolific songwriter Geoff Stephens. This duo wrote also "There's A kind Of Hush", finnpicked here.  You can see Tom perform "Daughter of Darkness", here.

33 Finnpicks to go.

Here's the pair:

Valentino - Teen niin kuin teen

This Finnpick should have published yesterday, as a part of Frederik Friday -series. But I didn't have time to post it, so here it is somewhat belated. Frederik recorded "Teen niin kuin teen " (I'll do as I please) in 1978 for his album "Tuu jo tangoon". The Finniah lyrics - taylor-made for Frederik - were provided by Chrisse Johansson. The original song was also performed by Frederik, i.e. a Belgian–Italian singer Frederic Francois (b. Francesco Barracato), who wrote and sang "Valentino" in 1978. You can see him perform the song, here.

44 Finnpicks to go.

Here's the pair:

Rockaria! - Rock-aaria

Now it's time for Frederik Friday again! Frederik did a surprise move in 1977 and recorded two ELO covers for his album "Olen Dracula", of which we have already presented one (see here). Now it's turn to lend your ears to the other one. Another surprise with "Rock-aaria" is, that the Finnish lyrics were written by Irina Milan. And I guess she is also singing in the 'aria' part of the song. The original "Rockaria!" was released on the band's successful 1976 album "A New World Record" and was later released as a single. On the recording, it featured the operatic voice of Mary Thomas during the introduction, but during live performances, the 'aria' was provided by the band's bassist Kelly Groucutt.

Here's the pair:

I Was Made For Loving You - Eero Eros

Well, it's now time for Frederik Friday again! Frederik recorded "Eero Eros" in 1991 for his album "Killeri". For this - and for the majority of the other tracks - the lyrics were provided by Jaana Rinne. She is probably best known for her work as a lyricist in many Clifters' albums. The original song was the classic rock anthem "I Was Made For Loving You", a smash hit for Kiss. It was originally recorded for their 1979 album "Dynasty" and released as the A-side of their first single from that album. The song is written in the disco style that was popular in the US at the time. Kiss guitarist and vocalist Paul Stanley, who co-wrote the song, has stated that it was a conscious effort on his part to prove how easy it was to write and record a hit disco song. You can see Kiss perform the song, here.

Here's the pair:

Brasilero - Brasilero

Katri Helena recorded "Brasilero" in 1977. It was released on the B-side of her Top 10 hit, the Finnish version of that year's Eurovision winner "L'oiseau et l'enfant". Katri herself wrote the Finnish lyrics for "Brasilero". Also Frederik released a version of that in the same year, using Katri's lyrics. The original "Brasilero" was - again - written by hitmakers Roberto Danova and Peter Yellowstone. There are about 30 Finnish version of their songs of which we have already presented quite a few, and there's more to come. The original performer was called Roberto Montecristo. Roberto was in the 70's a successful producer of various artists like Kelly Marie, Mungo Jerry and Joe Dolan. In 1976 he released this song "Brasilero", which broke out in Europe and established him also as a singer.

Here's the triplet:

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:

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:

Skydiver - Tuulen teitä kuljen

It's Frederik Friday again! Frederik recorded "Tuulen teitä kuljen" (I travel the ways of the wind) in 1974 for his album "En periks anna milloinkaan". It was also released as a single, on the B-side of this earlier finnpick. The original song was a minor hit for Daniel Boone, who is of course best known for his "Beautiful Sunday" hit (finnpicked here). Both the Finnish and English version of the song tell about the odd combination of love and parachuting/skydiving. In a way it's a logical follow-up to last weeks Frederik finnpick "Tule kiivetään" (Come on let's climb up) ... ;-)

Here's the pair:

Livin' Thing - Tule kiivetään

The Frederik Friday returns!. Frederik recorded "Tule kiivetään" (Come on, let's climb up) in 1977 for his album "Olen Dracula". It's not one of Frederik's best efforts, but well worth listening to, at least for the sake of curiosity. The original is namely one of Electric Light Orchestra's biggest hits, and ELO is quite rarely been covered in Finnish. "Livin' Thing" appeared first on ELO's classic 1976 album, "A New World Record". The song was released as a single and went into Top 10 in several countries. A little bit of trivia: Patti Quatro, the sister of Suzi Quatro sang uncredited vocals, particularly the 'higher and higher' parts of "Livin' Thing".

Here's the pair:

Make My Bed Mama - Kotiinpäin äiti

This song has been requested. Frederik recorded "Kotiinpäin äiti" (Homeward Bound, Mama) in 1976 for his album "Ramaya" and it was also released as a single. It was a minor success at the time, and it has become one of the Frederik's absolute classics. That's no wonder, becouse I think Frederik here clearly beats the original. The touching lyrics were done by Juha vainio. The original song was written and performed by the German pop singer Simon Butterfly (real name Bernd Simon), who we have finnpicked before, see here. That "Rain, Rain, Rain" was Simon's biggest hit (in 1973) and this "Mama" -song was his come-back hit after some leaner years.

Here's the pair:

Shoes - Kunnon maalaishäät

Frederik has recorded many odd songs in his long career. This is one example of those. "Kunnon maalaishäät" (Real rural wedding) was a track on his album "Se jokin minulla on" in 1975. The album was full of cover songs of which the version of "Kung Fu Fighting" was most popular and this "Kunnon maalaishäät" most obscure. The unusual lyrics were provided Vexi Salmi. The original song "Shoes" (or "She Didn't Forget Her Shoes" in some sources) was a minor (and only) hit for American singer Reparata (b. Mary Aiese O'Leary), formerly known as the lead singer of the girl group Reparata and The Delrons. "Shoes" was unlike anything else in the charts at that time, and was not in any definable genre. Described as a "bizarre wedding song" (same can be said of the Finnish version), the lyrics tell the story of Johnny and Louise's wedding day, and the contributions of various relatives and friends to the wedding. The song is not about shoes, although it does include the line "Mother didn't give her abuse / she didn't forget her shoes".

Here's the pair:

Arabian melody - En periks anna milloinkaan

Now, this is one again one of those forgotten gems. At least the original song is. Frederik recorded "En periks anna milloinkaan" (I will never give in) in 1974. It was on the album of the same name, and was released also as a single. Although the song and the lyrics (by Veikko "Vexi" Salmi) fit well with Frederik's macho image, the song wasn't such big hit for him. The original - that I haven't heard until quite recently - was an obscure, almost instrumental pre-disco tune from France called "Arabian Melody". It was performed by a group called Pop Concerto Orchestra. It appears to have been popular in France (and probably elsewhere in Middle-Europe) in the 70's. However it did not break through in Finland, nor did almost any other French act. But this tune is something to go wild about. The PCO group was formed by Frenchmen Olivier Toussaint and Paul de Senneville. Toussaint was the lead singer, and he (together vith Celine) reprsesented Monaco in the 1978 Eurovision Song Contest.

Here's the pair:

Soul Dracula - Olen Dracula

For some time we have spend time with ladies and women in general. But now - something completely different... It's time for the return of Frederik Friday! Frederik recorded "Olen Dracula" (I'm Dracula) for his eponymous album in 1977. The 'scary' lyrics were done by Raul Reiman. It was released as a single, but it didn't have any greater success. The original song was called "Soul Dracula" and it was the first single released in 1975 by the group Hot Blood, and a big hit in the discos all over the world. Hot Blood was a German studio act comprised of Stefan Klinkhammer, Penny Duke, May Ambruster and many others, including Munich Philharmonic(!). Stefan, who may have been the Dracula in the song, is German producer, songwriter and arranger, who has written many songs for Boney M. The band was purely a recording act and did not do any live appearances. The follow-up single in the same vein (;-)) "Terror On The Dance Floor" wasn't nearly as successful; you can hear it here.

Here's the pair:

I Want To Go To Brazil - Torren yö

Lets' hear another one from Frederik, and at the same time respond to a request long overdue. Frederik recorded "Torren yö" (The night in Torre(molinos)) in 1979 for his album "Tsingis khan". It was not released as a single but it's still fine piece of music, Frederik-style. The lyrics are this time by Raul Reiman. The original comes from an unexpected singer, Johnny Logan. The Irish man Johnny was (and is) known hor his strong ballads, but obviously he recorded other kind of material, too. This "I Want To Go To Brazil" was written by often finnpicked composer Roberto Danova. The song was included in the 1979 album "Johnny Logan" and represents Johnny's foray into disco sound.

Here's the pair:

Innamorato Come Un Ragazzo - Nyt tai ei koskaan

Frederik had a big hit with "Nyt tai ei koskaan" (Now or never) in 1969. It has become one of his most popular and most requested songs. The delivery and the lyrics are a good example of Frederiks first attempts in his macho style. The original was a lesser known 1968 Italian song "Innamorato Come Un Ragazzo" (In love like a boy) sung by Vasso Ovale. (b, Basilio Ovale). It was written by his father Achilles Ovale. Vasso had a couple of hits in Italy in the 60's, but he never really broke through, neither in Italy nor internationally.

Here's the pair:

Maria Madelena - Maria taikka Leena

I couldn't resist the temptation to put Maria Magdalena to follow Jesus Christ, like, as we have been told, she did in real life. Frederik (yes, HIM again!) recorded "Maria taikka Leena" (Maria or Leena) in 1979 on his "Tsingis Khan" -album. The original song was called "Maria Madelena" and it was one of the lesser hits (1977) for our old friend from Mozambique, Afric Simone. This was the third Afric Simone -cover from Frederik, and one more was to come. The afro-disco song - which is not of religious nature - was once again written by Afric himself in collaboration with Stan Regal.

p.s. I'm on holiday trip for a week, so no finnpicking for a while.

Here's the pair:

Jesus Cristo - Jeesus Kristus

We end our religious spree with a powerful song by a powerful singer - Frederik. It could be surprising to find out Frederik grabbing a song with a religious theme. But anyway, his "Jeesus Kristus" (Jesus Christ), a single from 1972 - with lyrics by Vexi Salmi - beats the original 6 to 0. And the original "Jesus Cristo" (Jesus Christ) was performed by the Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos (finnpicked before, see here). The song was written by Roberto himself together with Carlos Erasmo. It was a huge hit in South America at the time. You can see him present the song live, here.

Here's the pair:

Ramaya - Ramaya

This is the last of Frederik Friday for now. One of Frederik's biggest hits has been "Ramaya" that he recorded in 1976. The song fits very well Frederik's style of singing and performing. The original "Ramaya" was performed by our old Finnpick friend Afric Simone in 1975. This was not the first time Frederik covered Afric (see previous entry). The song is extremely catchy and perhaps the song that most people remember Simone by. The song was instant worldwide hit and was - as usual - collaboration of Stanislav Regal and Afric Simone himself.

Here's the pair:

Dschinghis Khan - Tsingis Khan

It's Frederik Friday and Frederik's contribution to Finnpicks Disco Week is his rendition of "Tsingis Khan". The album of the same name was released in 1979. It was Frederik's biggest success to date and earned him his first Gold Record. I don't know it this is true, but it has been told that when the German composer of the song Ralph Siegel heard this version, he called to Finland saying that this was better than original. The original being of course "Dschinghis Khan" performed by the group Dschinghis Khan. The group was initially formed for just one purpose; to perform this song in Eurovison Song Contest 1979 (as it did, and placed 4th) but it became a much bigger and long-lasting phenomenon and has earned some cult status among disco people. The real Genghis Khan - the name meaning ‘Universal Ruler’ - lived about 1155–1227. He was originally called Temujin and was the son of a Mongol chieftain. He became ruler of all Mongols in 1206 and subsequently conquered other areas in Asia. When he died, his empire ranged from the Yellow Sea to the Black Sea. Genghis Khan controlled probably a larger area than any other individual in history. The ruins of his capital Karakorum are southwest of Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.

Here's the pair:

Avec les filles je ne sais pas - Tyttö kuin tiikeri

Just when you thought it was safe to browse this blog, the Frederik Friday strikes again! Frederik recorded "Tyttö kuin tiikeri" (A girl like tiger) on his album "Alta pois" in 1981 and it was also released as a single. It was not one his big successes, but kept up with the proven standard of Frederik. The original song was called "Avec les filles je ne sais pas" "With the girls, I dont know" and performed by French singer Philippe Lavil (real name Philippe Durand de La Villejégu du Fresnay). He was born in Martinique but emigrated to France at early age. He was introduced to singing by his English teacher, and the young man bought a guitar and decided to become a singer. He recorded his first single in 1969. This 'filles' -song was one of his biggest hits and released in 1970.

Here's the pair: