The Hen's Tooth Jan 16th-Jan 23rd
Monday's "Hen's Tooth"picked out byThe Duke working at Honda.Journey originally formed in'73 with ex Santana members, were originally named the Golden Gate Rhythm Section and intended to serve as a backup group for established Bay Area artists. The band included recent Santana alumni Neal Schon on lead guitar,Gregg Rolie on keyboards and lead vocals. Bassist Ross Valory and Rhythm guitarist George Tickner, and drummer Prairie Prince of The Tubes.They had numerous 'power ballad' hits and their eighth and biggest-selling studio album, "Escape," was released in 1981. The album, which has thus far sold nine times platinum, went to number one on the album charts that year, and included three top-ten hits: "Who's Cryin' Now", "Open Arms" and Simon Cowell's favourite song,"Don't Stop Believing"This because the band refused X-Factor winner Joe McElderey permission to release the song at Christmas.The original was subsequently re released and is currently Top 40 again.
Tuesday's "Hen's Tooth" selected by Melanie Dowler back to winter 1980. Joey Ramone and The Ramones at the forefront of the punk movement,'Sheena Is A Punk Rocker?!"The group was formed in Forest Hills, Queens, New York in 1974. All of the band me...mbers adopted pseudonyms ending with the surname "Ramone", though none of them were actually related. They performed 2,263 concerts, touring virtually nonstop for 22 years.In 1996, after a tour with the Lollapalooza music festival, the band played a farewell show and disbanded. Eight years after the breakup, the band's three founding members—lead singer Joey Ramone, guitarist Johnny Ramone, and bassist Dee Dee Ramone had sadly all passed away.After blazing a trail through the new wave movement, the band turned more pop back end of the decade and teamed up with legendary producer Phil Spector. He produced the,"End Of The Century" album, which eventually spawned the band's biggest UK Hit...A FAB cover of The Ronettes all time classic.."Baby I Love You"
Wednesday Ian in Neath picked out an often overlooked song from American Rupert Holmes. American-British composer, singer-songwriter, musician and author of plays, novels and stories.Most famous for 'Escape (The Pina Colada Song)Holmes played the piano for both The Cuff Links and The Buoys, with whom he had his first international hit, "Timothy", in 1971. He also produced several tracks for the lovely Lynsey De Paul! "Him" was a minor hit of the spring of 1980 a FAB song!
Thursday January 21st selected by Johnny Stokes. Formed way back in 1968 when Brian May advertised for a 'Ginger Baker' type drummer whilst at London's Imperial College. Roger Taylor applied and the band 'Smile' were born. Farrokh Bulsara,known as Freddie to his family and school friends was a fan and after adding the name Mercury joined as lead singer. In 1970 Freddie hit on the name Queen and several bass players later, John Deacon signed up in 1971. Their breakthrogh single was, "Seven Seas Of Rhye" which hit the UK top 10 in 1974..Often talked about as 'The Greatest Band Ever'an awesome choice John."Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy"
Friday January 22nd Hen's Tooth was just the perfect weekend song, picked out by Sian Elsworth of Llanheleth...All I'll say on this is CLASSIC...Jackson "Off The Wall"... Let the madness in the music get to you...Thanks Sian a gem!
Saturday January 23rd Thanks to David in Ammanford who pulled a real rabbit from the hat-Doobie Brothers -"Listen To The Music". The more mature may recall that Radio 1 used to use this song as their signature tune many moons ago. Featuring the stiring vocal of Michael McDonald this is 'feelgood off the hook!'West coast rocks, what a riff!
