Song of the Week #12 ~ Victoria Wood

"A Better Day" – Victoria Wood, Victoria Wood Live (1997)

My Song of the Week this week is another one by Victoria Wood! Performed live in 1997, "A Better Day" (also referred to as "Andrea") is one of Victoria's more serious songs, and is poignant yet inspiring and hopeful. You can watch the full live show here.

Song of the Week #11 ~ The Bad Shepherds

"White Riot" – The Bad Shepherds, By Hook Or By Crook (2010)

Founded in 2007 by comedian Adrian Edmondson, The Bad Shepherds are one of the most unique bands I've come across. They cover 70s and 80s punk songs using folk instruments. While they might initially appear to be a novelty, the brilliance of their music speaks for itself and proves that The Bad Shepherds are a band who can and should be taken seriously. Although mandolin and fiddle are not instruments that I would've previously considered capable of taking on a punk classic such as The Clash's "White Riot", it actually really does work and I loved this version instantly. Some of my other favourites on the album are "Making Plans For Nigel" and "Friday Night, Saturday Morning". Definitely a great band to check out if you haven't already!

Song of the Week #9 ~ Victoria Wood

"Bum To The World" – Victoria Wood, Live In Your Own Home (1994)

"Your food is being sprayed with germs, spat on and reheated."

This week's Song of the Week is "Bum To The World" by the wonderfully talented Victoria Wood from her 1994 live show, Live In Your Own Home, which can be found in full here. I love Victoria's songs because they're always extremely funny and very well written (with brilliant rhymes); comic poetry sung to upbeat, catchy tunes. Some of the verses in this song remind me a little of Mrs Lovett's songs in Sweeney Todd, although I'm not sure exactly why. If you liked this one, check out any of Victoria's other songs. In particular, I would recommend "Andrea (A Better Day)", "It Would Never Have Worked" and "The Ballad of Barry and Freda", which was my Song of the Week back in December.

Song of the Week #8 ~ Jesse Jo Stark

"Driftwood" – Jesse Jo Stark, Driftwood EP (2017)

This week's track is Jesse Jo Stark's brand new release, "Driftwood". American singer-songwriter and fashion designer Jesse Jo is one of this generations finest talents, not to mention effortlessly cool. I'd say she's likely to become a major star pretty soon. The Driftwood EP follows 2014's Down Your Drain EP, the title track of which was re-released as a single last year and also features on the new release. Featuring an ethereal vocal reminiscent of Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval, "Driftwood" has a far more acoustic, country sound than previous tracks "Silver Kiss", "Down Your Drain" or my personal favourite "Dance To The Cramps". Jesse Jo describes "Driftwood" as a "deadly ode to being consumed by love and then letting it go." Have a listen and check out some of her other tracks too!

Song of the Week #7 ~ ABBA

"Hey, Hey Helen" – ABBA, ABBA (1975)

This week's Song of the Week is "Hey, Hey Helen" by ABBA from their third studio album, ABBA. The self-titled LP features hits such as "Mamma Mia" and "S.O.S.", however my personal favourites on the album are "So Long" and "Hey, Hey Helen". I picked this track because it's one of ABBA's lesser-known, under-rated tunes, and also because it's a really great rock and roll song! Have a listen and let me know what you think!

Song of the Week #6 ~ Jennifer Saunders

"Holding Out For A Hero" – Jennifer Saunders, Shrek 2 Soundtrack (2004)

This week's Song of the Week is "Holding Out For A Hero" sung by comedy legend Jennifer Saunders (one of my all-time favourite comedians) as the Fairy Godmother in Shrek 2. I really love the slower intro on this version, as well as the fact that Jennifer's vocal is refreshingly clearer and higher compared to the original by Bonnie Tyler. Give this a listen and let me know what you think!

Song of the Week #5 ~ Laurel

"Maybe Baby" – Laurel, Park EP (2016)

For this week's Song of the Week, I've chosen "Maybe Baby" by Laurel from her 2016 EP, Park. It's very upbeat and modern but I think it also has a sort of classic feel to it, hope you like it!

Song of the Week #4 ~ Victoria Wood

In memory of Victoria Wood (1953-2016), a comic genius and legend.

"The Ballad of Barry and Freda" – Victoria Wood, Victoria Wood Live (1988)

This week's Song of the Week is "The Ballad of Barry and Freda" by Victoria Wood. It's a funny, witty and charming song which showcases Victoria's trademark observational comedy as well as her musical talent. This is one of my favourite pieces of music ever, and I adore the pure brilliance of the lyrics. I rarely have such admiration for a person's talent both as a writer and as a performer. I think it takes someone very special to write a song like this, yet Victoria always came across as such a humble person; I hope she knew just how good her songs really are. This version was recorded live in 1988, enjoy!

Song of the Week #3 ~ Brenda Lee

As it's Christmas in a couple days, I've chosen something festive this week!

"Papa Noël" – Brenda Lee (1958)

This week's track is "Papa Noël" by Brenda Lee. It was the released in 1958 as the B side of her famous Chrismas classic "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree". Merry Christmas!

Song of the Week #2 ~ Loretta Lynn

Here's the second installment of my new 'Song Of The Week' feature, enjoy!

"Black Jack David" – Loretta Lynn, Full Circle (2016)

This week's track is "Black Jack David" by Loretta Lynn. Full Circle was Loretta's first studio album in 12 years, since 2004's Van Lear Rose. It was certainly a thrill to hear the new tracks, which are as brilliant as ever, and as always I adore the story-telling in Loretta's songs. For me, this is without a doubt the best new release of 2016, and just last week the album was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Country Album! I picked "Black Jack David", Loretta's version of a traditional folk song, because I've had this song on repeat while walking around Leeds city centre and it really makes me happy, plus I love the guitar on this song. 

Song of the Week #1 ~ Crystal Gayle

I'm going to start a new 'Song Of The Week' feature, mostly to get me into writing more frequently as I feel like I've neglected this blog for too long. Every Friday I'll post about one song I've really enjoyed listening to during the week. Hope you enjoy the first one! As always, I'm open to music suggestions, however random, and you can contact me via any of the links in the sidebar or on social media!

"Why Have You Left The One You Left Me For" – Crystal Gayle, When I Dream (1978)

This week's Song of the Week is Crystal Gayle's "Why Have You Left The One You Left Me For", from her 1978 album When I Dream. I picked this one because last weekend I found a couple of Crystal LPs (When I Dream and Somebody Loves You) in a charity shop for £1 each (!!!) and this is the song that kept me sane while writing my first 2,000 word essay this week. My other favourites on the album are "Hello I Love You" and "Don't Treat Me Like A Stranger". Hope you love this track as much as I do!