Thank Frida it’s Friday.
That means your favourite part of the week: the music competition.
This week I want to know: What is your favourite song whose title features a European city?
Here’s mine.
Answer below for a chance to win a continental cool €25 Golden Discs voucher.
The winner will be chosen by my translator.
Please include video links if possible.
Lines MUST close at Saturday 11am.
Nick says: Good luck!
Last week’s winner here.
Sponsored Link
The Koln Concert – Part I – Keith Jarrett
Made all the more poignant by his recent health news.
Doesn’t appear to be a genuine video available, so not posting a link to an inferior cover version.
Parisienne Walkways – Gary Moore and the Lizzy man
For the sustain of that bloody Les Paul alone!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcAgmoGeMB4
Hey my answer disappeared – Noooo???
Anyway ‘Parisienne Walkways’ – Gary Moore and Philo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcAgmoGeMB4
For the guitar sustain alone
Who will be the first to nominate summer in Dublin I wonder?
Anyway my nomination is not galway girl or limerick youre a lady, oh no.
Its miss sarajevo by u2
https://youtu.be/euGFdZ5UUuI
Ha!
I asked myself the same thing.
Has to be Artful Dodger – R U Ready Feat. Mc Alistair
From It’s all about the Sttagglers 2002
(R u ready ready London)
Initially I didn’t really like this song, but it’s a grower. This video is also pretty cool.
George Ezra – Budapest
https://youtu.be/VHrLPs3_1Fs
Enjoy
This means nothing to me….
Just beat me to it
https://youtu.be/wv1ANNakp_g
David Bowie A Windmill in Old Amsterdam
Game over lads
https://youtu.be/Y1fiOJDXA-E
Montserrat Caballé & Freddy Mercury
Ye’ll know it – most likely as the Barcelona Olympics (92) Grand Opener
But it was actually completed in 88 to meet the Olympic Committee / Organisers deadline
Caballé was originally invited by the Barcelona Bid Team – her home city, soon after they won the games in 87
But she immediately reached out to Freddy Mercury
And this is the result + an album
It definitely set the tone for the games
Anyone remember the diving events from Barcelona ’92?
Of course Freddy never got to see the reaction as he passed in 91
But to me this is his Masterpiece
Play it at full blast
Interesting side note to the making of the album ‘Barcelona’
Between Montserrat Caballé’s touring schedule and Freddy’s illness, they collaborated and recorded remotely. He would record Caballé’s parts in full falsetto himself and send the demo on to her – wherever in the World she was
And vice versa – sometimes in each of his four octaves
Great tune
Fiesta – The Pogues
Come all you rambling boys of pleasure
And ladies of easy leisure
We must say adios! until we see
Almeria once again
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pYI9t-I6qo
This is the real Shane McGowan at his best!
Apologies, just like the Leaving Cert all those years ago, I didn’t CAREFULLY read the question TWICE before answering.
“What is your favourite song whose TITLE features a European city?”
I think we’re past all such frivolity now as caring about rules. We don’t need no stinkin batches!
Sick bed of Cú Chulainn, for that brothel in Madrid, incontinence in Frankfurt and STD’s in Cologne!
https://youtu.be/FZIISfOm3dI
Amsterdam = Jacques Brel
https://youtu.be/kOMblsHP1kw
And Scott Walker’s version in English….
https://youtu.be/EQJwp-5BXZ8
Like most all of Brel’s songs, the lyric paints a picture like few other can.
The fabulously glamorous Marlene Dietrich :)
Captures Berlin beautifully
Das Ist Berlin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbN9CfHCO60&list=RDZq6vz8GHx-4&index=8
“When you get dressed up even though it’s ugly
Berlin, Berlin, Berlin
And when Stephen suddenly becomes Stephanie
This is Berlin, Berlin, Berlin
When you don’t come from Germany and you’re a real Berliner anyway
This is Berlin, Berlin, Berlin, Berlin, Berlin, Berlin
Oh oh oh oh Berlin, Berlin, Berlin
Oh Oh oh oh that is Berlin, Berlin, Berlin”
This classic tune that has an incredible background ( Wikipedia is worth looking up while listening)
Passengers – Miss Sarajevo
https://youtu.be/gdczQ2LsY0I
Enjoy!!
best thing U2 ever did…
Supergrass – “St. Petersburg” from their underrated Road to Rouen album (2 cities for the price of 1!)
https://youtu.be/gLCzx7rXXeI
The Clash, London Calling
I’d love a night out on the tear acting the maggot with my pals down Norwood way.
https://youtu.be/EfK-WX2pa8c
The Polis wouldna let us stop
Another nicht in Rothsay O!
One Hogmany at Glesca Fair,
There was me, mysel’ and sev’ral mair,
We a’ went off to hae a tear
An’ spend the nicht in Rothesay, O
wistful sigh, wouldn’t a bit of debauchery be good for the soul, halos hurt :)
sorry I should specify from the following song ( no video )
Traditional Scottish Songs
– The Day We Went to Rothesay, O!
tis a song about going down the river Clyde to the resort of Rothesay – a popular trip for many citizens of Glasgow, particularly in July at the “Glasgow Fair”.
The Day We Went to Rothesay, O!
One Hogmany at Glesca Fair,
There was me, mysel’ and sev’ral mair,
We a’ went off to hae a tear
An’ spend the nicht in Rothesay, O,
We wandered thro’ the Broomielaw,
Thro’ wind an’ rain an’ sleet an’ snaw,
And at forty minutes after twa,
We got the length o’ Rothesay, O.
Chorus:
A dirrum a doo a dum a day,
A dirrum a doo a daddy O,
A dirrum a doo a dum a day,
The day we went to Rothesay, O.
A sodger lad named Ru’glen Will,
Wha’s regiment’s lyin’ at Barra Hill,
Gaed off wi’ a tanner to get a gill
In a public hoose in Rothesay, O.
Said he ‘I think I’d like to sing’
Said I ‘Ye’ll no’ dae sic a thing’
He said ‘Clear the room and I’ll mak’ a ring
And I’ll fecht them all in Rothesay, O.
Chorus
In search of lodgins we did slide,
To find a place where we could bide;
There was eighty-twa o’ us inside
In a single room in Rothesay, O.
We a’ lay doon to tak’ our ease,
When somebody happened for to sneeze,
And he wakened half a million fleas
In a single room in Rothesay, O.
Chorus
There were several different kinds of bugs,
Some had feet like dyer’s clogs,
And they sat on the bed and they cockit their lugs,
And cried ‘Hurrah for Rothesay, O !
‘O noo’, says I, ‘we’ll have to ‘lope’
So we went and joined the Band O’Hope,
But the polis wouldna let us stop
Another nicht in Rothesay, O.
Chorus
Meaning of unusual words:
mair-more
tear=a spree
nicht=night
Broomielaw=Glasgow docklands
Ru’glen=Rutherglen
gaed=went
tanner=sixpence
sic=such
bide=stay
eighty-twa=eighty-two
dyer’s clogs=wooden shoes
lugs=ears
lope=run
another wee ditty
” I belong to Glasgow, dear auld Glasga toon, there’s something the matter wi Glasgee cause it’s goin roon and rooond,
I’m just a common auld working chap as anyone here can see,
but if I git a pint of a saterday night,
Glasgee belannnnnngs te meeeee”
You’re so cool.
says the flowing locked viking chomping on frozen pizza as he sings in Norse ! ( etc ) :)
Rotterdam (or Anywhere) – The Beautiful South
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06EbMhzwLBw
Paul Heaton is an extremely talented songwriter who is also blessed with a voice to match. Here is one of many underrated songs by “The Beautiful South”, this one featuring the equally talented Jacqui Abbott
Great call.
+1
Has to be Port Of Amsterdam by David Bowie. It’s a great cover version of a Jacques Brel song.
https://youtu.be/4uPZIG5BHD4
Belfast Child – Simple Minds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vhhTvcLoRw
Haunting, chilling, evocative, and the song’s not bad either!
By a fortuitous turn of events I was listening to Café Bleu by the style council only yesterday whilst reading of the cappucinoi kid ! It is as if the gods of my record collection were directing me.
My choice number 1 would be – Tracey Thorn. what a voice.
The PARIS Match
https://youtu.be/r9P6aeUvb4U
The gift you gave was desire – the match that started my fire.
Weller showing no fear – swapping Monkey Boots and Lonsdale tops
for Penny Loafers,fine knits and galouise – Oh La La
confusing and conflicting many acolytes – no power chords, no anger, no bite.
New beginnings
As Always Happy Friday
Galway Girl – Steve Earle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Lcnvd8BNFE
This is how you sing the song. Mundy, I’m looking at you!
Streets of Berlin – Philip Glass and Tara Hugo
https://youtu.be/gbX8xcaajSc
Honourable mention to the Ute Lemper and Mick Jagger interpretations, but this is superlative
Bowie – Warszawa
https://youtu.be/9Gy94N_mcWs
The prettiest girl in Oslo, by Bigbang,
https://youtu.be/FFASSBG9Jzw
Written for my girl, obviously.
Lana Del Ray, Venice Bitch. https://youtu.be/Qg3DxELVPj4
I know it’s cheating slightly, but it’s still a great song from Lizzie Grant’s alter ego.
Zagreb one four by the Pterodactyls, not a joyous song by any means, but bloody good
https://youtu.be/rzuhC5sabhI
Warren Zevon – Werewolves of London
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qae25976UgA
Still sends a chill down my spine all these years later.
Yes indeed
The Dubliners – Rocky Road to Dublin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxBKgOyMzSc
Ah lads, how could ye forget this!
Lou Reed – Berlin…Unsettlingly sweet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo9nZEalABQ
Joy Divison – Warsaw. Banger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=serIf92zTDc
Belfast by Orbital.
Saw them performing it at BBC’s Biggest Weekend 2018 @ Titanic Slipways in Belfast.
They made a big deal of it, was really brilliant!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oewMXXbl5O0
tune indeed – nice, great live
Tip top tune :)
The Paris Match by The Style Council but with Tracey Thorn singing.
Her voice is sublime.
https://youtu.be/uAdal53PKmk
Lille – by the wonderful Lisa Hannigan.
Had to mention this song also as I always loved the lyric, the composition and musicality is gorgeous and the video visually stunning in its simplicity. Genius.
https://youtu.be/2G21swi–fc
ELO – Last Train to London
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up4WjdabA2c
Jeff Lynn’s ELO are often overlooked by music snobs, I don’t know why. Do yourself a favour sometime, listen to their back catalogue, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Blue Sky thinking ?
Muse, Stockholm syndrome.
Great tune, great video, horrible condition.
https://youtu.be/gXN9acC9edU
Do you think we are all victims of Broadsheet syndrome :)
you try to stay away but learn to love the tickling tentacles of the headlines and occasionally fun comments ( although everyone could do with a swedish massage by the sounds of things these days …tense tense tense )
I stayed away a lot because the constant Covid stuff was having a negative impact on my mood which was no fun when in lockdown. Boredom brought me back and I’m still trying to avoid that topic but I do enjoy this every Friday. Always some bangers and clicking links here is a great way to start the weekend.
I have also stopped reading as much as possible and commenting on the C word, it’s not good for the head/ blood pressure and just goes around in circles and turns into poop flinging mostly,
Agree with you and RB Janet, I tend to skip all the Covid posts, but I do love Nick and his voucher competition.
How you and the bump doing by the way?
expanding in all the right directions ;) thanks Lushie
Awwwwww…. :)
+1 Repro :)
Dreadzone
A nCantebury Tale
Time for an ambient noodle or two.
https://youtu.be/VH9tAIChM5M
Life.Love & Unity My sisters and brothers
This beautiful tune from one of the greatest vocalist of all time, like the brilliant Johnny Cash her voice just got better and better.
Defo one for later with a tipple of you choice.
The sublime Miss Emmylou Harris – Boulder To Birmingham.
https://youtu.be/edON26OBGi4
Amy Stewart
KNOCK on Wood
It has an airport ,so I reckon next step city status
https://youtu.be/XKuJUxGntRI
For my disco brothers and sisters
I’ll take that
Thankyou Eamonn.
Great excuse for a premature Sunday morning kitchen dance.
I’m not even hoovering and it went on ;)
Glad you enjoyed AMY
Never too early to don the disco slippers – Happy Friday
Paisley is technically in Scotland, so Paisley Park by Prince is allowed.
Indeed Paisley Abbey is home to the tomb of Marjory Bruce, daughter of Robert the Bruce.
Belfast.
Energy Orchard.
At one time they were THE live band to see in London,carrying the flag for Irish rock on a sea of Guinness and great songs.
The Mean Fiddler,Dingwalls,Borderline,Half Moon Putney and more sweaty and raucous Irish pubs than I could ever remember.
When Bap Kennedy strode up to the mike with a glass in his hand and a glint in his eye you just knew you were in for a proper hooley.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwHzlyB9Q94
One of the most underrated bands, stunning they weren’t bigger and a brilliant song.
Phoenix – Rome
https://youtu.be/VwpexqKTYXI
Enjoy
Marly-Gomont by Kamini tells of the rapper’s life in the teenshy-weenshy eponymous village. I haven’t a clue what he’s saying behind that ting-ting-ting, but it’s funny all the same.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5hSqAQu0CQ
Leaving Rome – Jo Jo Bennett (1969)
Nice Trojan label reggae instrumental
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijoH9w5kel4
Nothing wrong with that, nothing at all
+1
https://youtu.be/sUPCNFM-070
a nice song about leaving your native town
Brest ,
Miossec
The Times
there is a cloud over liverpool
https://youtu.be/s5my7C8xrn4
putting the power in power pop
Japan – Suburban Berlin (1978)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Po8efUZBdI
Half Man Half Biscuit – All I Want For Xmas Is A Dukla Prague Away Kit
https://youtu.be/V3Or410w6hI
*fistbump*
Fionn Regan – Moving to Berlin
https://youtu.be/78UtCuMMedc
How about this bit of brilliance from one of the best girl bands ever?
With the beautiful Miss Susanna Hoff, ( who recently duetted with Travis on their new album, well worth checking out!)
The Bangles- Going Down To Liverpool
https://youtu.be/Zj7OJeyhq2Q
Enjoy and have a great weekend!!
ah yeah
Stan Getz & Chet Baker – Dear Old Stockholm
https://youtu.be/ksQBfJ968TA
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – Maid of Orleans
https://youtu.be/vmwMhjbThKg
well that was different :)
In a good way?
Silverbacks – Dunkirk
https://youtu.be/trMhSw5xcp4
Mount Washington – Lisboa
https://youtu.be/HSiDHiN4xvE
Ok it’s a province, not a city, but this song, on this album…
https://youtu.be/3eNK38nmzw4
for bertie —
https://youtu.be/nFl5meLpsVI
it’s ok Bertie there’s no toes
it’s actually quite nice
I would have preferred big yellow toenails to that.
lynott – dublin
https://youtu.be/guYmOVMphqE
are you back among us Brother ? :)
i am !
got too cold there
welcome back Sir :)
thank you, J
Scott Walker – Copenhagen
https://youtu.be/b-U99rWu3rQ
Lankum deconstructing The Pride of Petravore
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN56-2mHZnY
And if you’re wondering where it is, it’s in Cavan https://www.logainm.ie/en/1371829?s=Pedar+a+Voher%27s
and where’s Cavan ? ;)
Paul Cleary – Straight From the Heart., as always.
Dublin CIty Town
https://youtu.be/xqvQ9qomfac
Itchycoo park by the Small Faces. Great song to soundtrack driving on a sunny day with the windows down.
https://youtu.be/fayL1WTR1Go
INDIANS IN MOSCOW – “Indians in Moscow” (1983)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VfT_tKQjjA
Synth-pop from Hull
Manicured noise – Moscow 1980
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-hUvVbvUMY
instrumental from a post-punk Manchester group
Rotterdam – Beautiful South. Just a superb example of the Heaton & Abbot partnership https://youtu.be/-u5Fu_Aw9hw
Persons of a certain vintage might remember this one, cats UK, Luton airport..
https://youtu.be/dldJCeZjcBo
It has to be Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers classic pop gem “Give Paris One More chance”
Who else could inspire our amour for the city of lights & love with lyrics like
“Now hear the boys singing Beegees songs under the skies
Give Paris one more chance
And on the steps of Montmartre they harmonise
Give Paris one more chance”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMF7Jq8xNGI
From the man who also gave us “Nineteen in Naples”
In a distant galaxy far, far away.
“With rosary beads and sandwiches for Stuttgart we began, Joxer packed his German phrasebook and jumpleads for the van.”
Christy Moore – Joxer Goes to Stuttgart
https://youtu.be/YjXGgYgYFi0
Take control your all slaves.
Slaves – Cheer Up London
“Cheer up London; It’s not that bad; How can it be so bad; When you’re already dead?”
https://youtu.be/sCU9ZKgfwlc
oh the song is all about all the miserable cun…sorry slaves in London on public transport-who need cheer up London with I have no idea why Barry from Eastenders.
“Put another 0 in your paycheck
Are you done digging your grave yet?
Put another 0 in your paycheck
Are you done digging your grave? What!”