The Shape of Things To Come - Epitafi

Lea Laven recorded "Epitafi" (The Epitaph) in 1972 to somewhat obscure Finnish lyrics by Chrisse Johansson. It was released on her "Vuisikertaa" album. The original song was called "The Shape of Things To Come" (not to be confused with the Yardbirds' 1966 song "Shapes of Things"). It was written by famous songwriting duo Cynthia Weill and Barry Mann for the 1968 US exploitation movie "Wild in the Streets" and performed by a fictional band named Max Frost and the Troopers. Actually the song was performed by a studio group called The 13th Power. The song became a number 22 hit on the US Billboard charts. You can see the song performed in the movie, here. 

Only 5 Finnpicks to go.

Here's the pair:

Spooky - Hamppu-aave

Lea Laven recorded very-oddly-named "Hamppu-aave" (Weed ghost) in 1970 for her album "Lea Laven - Se jokin". Considering drug associated title, it's perhaps understandable that the song was never released as a single, even if the original one was an international hit. The Finnish lyrics - obscure but quite innocent - were provided by Chrisse Johansson. The original was originally an instrumental jazz tune, composed and performed by saxophonist Mike Sharpe. It was picked up by a pop rock group Classics IV, and band's guitarists J.R. Cobb and Buddy Buie added lyrics to it. Subsequently, the single "Spooky" went up to number 3 in the Billboard Hot 100. The lead singer of Classics IV, Dennis Yost, has been credited as the creator of the "Southern Soft Rock" sound. He was known as "the singer's singer" and "The Classic One" because of his smooth, unique voice, and was described as singing "with a tear in his voice".

Just 15 Finnpicks to go.

Here's the triplet:

Never Ending Song Of Love - Mun on niin hyvä olla

Well, Finnpicks has made it to Anno Domini 2012 - and that makes me feel fine :-). So, the first entry for this new year is "Mun on niin niin hyvä olla" (I feel so fine) by Lea Laven. She recorded it in 1973 and it was released as a B-side to "On ja ei" (cover of Suzi Quatro's "Can he Can"), finnpicked earlier, see here. The Finnish lyrics were provided by Lea's standard lyricist Chrisse Johansson. The original song was performed rock & soul conglomeration called Delaney & Bonnie & Friends.  It was fronted by husband-and-wife singer-songwriters Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. This "Never Ending Song Of Love" is credited to Delaney only. The song was a single taken from largely acoustic 1971 album "Motel Shot", and it was Billboard's number 67 single of the year 1971. In UK, the group New Seekers made a version that rose all the way to number 2 in the UK Charts and became one of the biggest selling singles of that year. You can see them perform the song, here. 
Just 26 Finnpicks to go.
Here's the pair:

Your Baby Ain't Your Baby Anymore - Menneet ovat menneitä

Lea Laven recorded "Menneet ovat menneitä" (Bygones are bygones) in 1974 for her album "Niin". The Finnish lyrics were - as nearly always on Lea's records at the time - written by Chrisse Johansson.  The original song was called "Your Baby Ain't Your Baby Anymore" and it was a Top 20 Uk hit in for Paul Da Vinci (b. Paul Prewer), who also co-wrote it. Paul is best known as the incredible voice on the Rubettes' number one selling single "Sugar Baby Love". He didn't join in the band and tried solo career. This was his debut solo single. You can see him perform the song, here.

75 Finnpicks to go.

p.s. Right now I'm traveling, so I'm not able to update this blog daily.

Here's the pair:

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:

Alaska country - Alaska country

The end stop in our Grand Tour of USA is the northern-most state. Lea Laven recorded "Alaska country" in 1972 for her album "Vuosikertaa". The arrangement was in the the capable hands of Veikko Samuli and the Finnish lyrics were from the pen of Chrisse Johansson. The original "Alaska Country" was a track on Shocking Blue's second album "Scorpio's Dance" released in 1970. The album was partly recorded in New York and continues the band's exploration of Americana and country music. Alaska Country" was one of the most obvious references to America. Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It was purchased from the Russian Empire in 1867.

Here's the pair:

He's So Fine - Siis jos vain

Lea Laven released "Siis jos vain" (So, if only) on her album "Lea Laven" in 1987. The Finnish lyrics were provided by Chrisse Johansson. It's quite a mystery why this classic had not been covered before. Well - a couple of years later it was finnpicked again, by The Clifters. They performed it on their "Sexi on in" album under the title "Ou Lenita" (Oh Lenita) to new Finnish lyrics by Jaana Rinne. The original song was one of the most famous pop songs "He's So Fine" originally made by all-girl vocal group The Chiffons (finnpicked earlier, see here, see also the "My Sweet Lord" entry). It topped the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in the spring of 1963. The Tokens (of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" fame) produced the song and played on the backing track. 

Here's the triplet:

California Here I Come - Sinustakin apua ois

Yes, it's "both Sides Now" again. Today we present the flipside to yesterday's finnpick "On miten on". Chrisse Johansson wrote the (somewhat obscure) Finnish lyrics for this "Sinustakin apua ois" (You could be of some help). Lea Laven's interpretation is quite good, but went unnoticed at the time. The original Shocking Blue song was called "California Here I Come" and it was on the excellent second SB album "At Home" released in 1969. It was the their first album recorded with lead vocalist Mariska Veres.

Here's the pair:

Shocking You - On miten on

Lea Laven has recorded more Shocking Blue covers than any other Finnish artist, maybe more than ANY artist. Its' such an irony that she have never had a charted hit with those covers. Lea's voice had same kind of output and tone than Mariska Veres had, so that may explain the multitude of her Shocking Blue finnpicks. In 1972 Lea released a single with Shicking Blue song on both sides. Today we present "On miten on" (It is what it is). And it's among the best of Lea's covers. The original was called "Shocking You" and it was a hit for SB in 1971. You can see the band perform the song, here.

Here's the pair:

Un po'artista un po'no - Yksin oon

It's been a while since we last heard of Lea Laven, the Cover Queen of the 70' and 80's. She recorded this "Yksin oon" (Alone am I) in 1988 for her album "Kortit kertoo kohtalomme". It was released only as an album track, even if it had some single hit potential. The original song was of Italian origin made by a couple of well-known artists. It was written by Toto Cutugno and performed by Adriano Celentano. The song "Un po'artista un po'no"(A little bit artist, a little bit not) was on Celentano's eponymous 1980 album, created during his golden years of collaboration with Cutugno between 1977 and 1980. The song was also a single hit. You can see music video made of the song, here.

Here's the pair:

Can The Can - On ja ei

Now it's the time for our second Finnpicks Chinnichap Week. We explore the Finnish covers of songwriting duo Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman. The first week was dedicated to The Sweet, now enter Suzi Quatro and Mud. Lea Laven recorded "On ja ei" (It is and it isn't) in 1973 and it was released as a single. And it was a minor hit for her. The lyrics were, as nearly always in Lea's songs at the time, by Chrisse Johansson. The original song "Can The Can" was the second single and the breakthrough hit for Suzi Quatro. The somewhat agressive lyrics tell the girls to put their man in cage, so that other girls won't get him. You can see Suzi perform the song, here.

Here's the pair:

Un, deux ,trois - Niin se käy

Niin se käy, so it goes - Finland is out of this year's Eurovision Song Contest ...

Lea Laven recorded "Niin se käy" (So it goes) in 1976. There were altogether 7(!) Finnish versions recorded of the song that year - all to the lyrics written by Veikko "Vexi" Salmi. The original was the "Un, deux, trois" (One, Two, Three) was the French entry in the ESC 1976, performed by Catherine Ferry. It was ranked 2nd in a field of 18 with 147 points, the highest score of any French entry to date. The winner was "Save Your Kisses For Me" (by Brotherhood of Man) and Finland placed 11 the with "Pump pump". Ferry recorded the French entry also in English, German, Spanish, under the titles "One, Two, Three", "Eins, zwei, drei" and "Un, dos, tres" respectively.

Here's the pair:

Si - Niin

Today is the 2nd birthday of Finnpicks! And we continue with our Eurovision Song Contest countdown ...

Lea Laven has never represented Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest, but she has covered many of the international entries. In 1974 she had a big hit and breakthrough with "Niin" (So), to the lyrics by Chrisse Johansson. It was the cover of Italy's entry of that year "Si" (Yes), performed by Gigliola Cinquetti. Gigliola had won in 1964 but now she finished second just behind Abba. And here's a piece of ESC trivia: the live telecast of her song was banned in Italy by the national broadcaster RAI, as the event partially coincided with the campaigning for the 1974 Italian referendum on divorce which was held a month later in May. It was censored because of concerns that the name and lyrics of the song (which constantly repeated the word 'Sì') could be accused of being a subliminal message and a form of propaganda to influence the Italian voting public to vote 'Yes' in the referendum.

Here's the pair:

Sorry, I'm A Lady - Sorry, jos oon lady

We slide away from 'Ladies' to Baccara with this song. Lea Laven recorded "Sorry, jos oon leidi" in 1978 for her album "Aamulla rakkaani näin". In the same year also Vicky Rosti and Mami versioned the song with the same lyrics (by Pertsa Reponen). Mami was an interesting group. It was a vocal duo of Maarit (see earlier entry) and Irina Milan (see earlier entry) formed for making the "Disco Shock" album in 1978. They recorded 9 tracks for the album, mainly Baccara covers. It's a pity that this dynamic duo has not made any further recordings. But of course they both have individually made brilliant careers in the music biz. The original song "Sorry, I'm A Lady' was the second single of Spanish duo Baccara (Mayte Mateos and María Mendiola) in 1977 and big hit all over the world. This song, as all their hits was written by Dutch producer and composer Rolf Soja. You can see Mayte and Maria perform the song, here.

Here's the triplet:

5353456 - Joko taas

Our cover lady Lea Laven recorded "Joko taas" (No, not again) on her 8th album album "Rotunainen" in 1979. Form this album we have already picked 3 earlier Finnpicks. This song was originally made in Italy. The original title was "5353456" and performed by Italian superstar Raffella Carra (b. Raffaella Roberta Pelloni), often simply known as "La Carrà". The song was released on the B-side of her hit "Tornerai" in 1975. The numbers in the title depict of course a phone number. And the singer in the song wonders why her loved one doesn't ring even if knows the number (lyrics). You can see Raffaella perform this song in Spanish TV, here.

Here's the pair:

Avant de nous dire adieu - Hän mennyt on

This song was first covered in Finnish by Markku Aro in 1976, but we present here the heart-felt female interpretation by Lea Laven from the year 1978 It's the version that was a bigger hit and also better has stood the test of time. The original song "Avant de nous dire adieu" (Before we say goodbye) was of French origin, performed in 1976 by beautiful Jeane Manson (b. Jean Manson). Jeane is an American model, singer and actress, who was Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Month in August 1974. Her entertainment career really started when she moved to France soon after she appeared in Playboy. Performing under the name Jeane Manson, she became a major recording star in Europe, with record sales exceeding 20 million copies. You can see Jeane perform the song, her first hit, here.

Here's the pair:

Doctor Kiss Kiss - Doctor kiss kiss

In these flu-ridden times we need a doctor. Here comes "Doctor kiss kiss". Lea Laven recorded this disco song in 1976. It was a medium-size hit for her when released as a single. Song text - as nearly always on Lea's records - was written by Chrisse Johansson. The original - with the same title - was a big European hit for earlier finnpicked (see here) group 5000 Volts. These both stompers were written by the groups producer Tony Eyers. You can see them perform the "Kiss" song in the Top of the Pops TV show, here. At this stage, Tina Charles had already left for solo career, and Linda Kelly was fronting the group.

Here's the pair:

Put Your Hand In The Hand - Uskon ihmiseen

Lea Laven recorded "Uskon ihmiseen" (I trust in mankind) in 1971. It was released as a single, but the song on the flip-side "Manolito" had more success. The positive lyrics were done by Chrisse Johansson and they tell about man searching his Creator. The original song was the smash hit called "Put Your Hand In The Hand" for a one-hit-wonder group named Ocean. Ocean was a Canadian gospel rock band formed in 1970. They are best known just for this record, that sold over one million copies at the time (1971). You can see the group performing the song, here. The song was penned by Gene MacLellan, a singer-songwriter, who was also a Canuck. Another well-known song of his is "Snowbird", made famous by Anne Murray.

Updated on 21.02.2010: added the other Finnish version by Lasse Mårtenson and Seija Simola, "Iske kourasi kouraan".

Here's the triplet:

Catch The Cat - Niin tai näin

Let's pick another one from Cherry Laine. The Queen of Covers Lea Laven recorded "Niin tai näin" (Be that what may) in 1979 on her "Rotunainen" album. The lyrics were done by one of the very few successful Finnish female lyricists Chrisse Johansson. The original song "Catch The Cat" was Cherry Laine's biggest success and it was written by her producer Bernt Möhrle. You can see her performing it- in the company of two 'cat dancers' - here.

Here's the pair:

Blossom Lady - Vuosikertaa

The Queen of Covers in 70's, Lea Laven recorded "Vuosikertaa" (Vintage) in 1972. Arrangement was done by future master arranger and songwriter Veikko Samuli. And this was one of the 8 (!) Shocking Blue covers that Lea did in that year. There are altogether 12 Robert H. J. Van Leeuwen -written songs covered in Finland and of those, Lea has done three out of four. Perhaps her voice has some similarity to Mariska Veres'. I bet we hear more of these in the future Finnpicks. Well, this "Vuosikertaa" was Shocking Blue's 1971 hit "Blossom Lady". This Dutch band was formed in 1967 by the guitarist Robbie van Leeuwen. The band's name was inspired by an Eric Clapton track called "Electric Blue". The lead vocalist Mariska Veres' vocal style was quite different from most female singers of the day. Mariska was half-Hungarian and half-German, and had often sung with her father, who played violin in a gypsy orchestra.