From 1982, Joan Armatrading’s second (and last) top twenty hit in the UK – though it was a no. 1 in South Africa.

Joan Armatrading: Drop the Pilot

I saw on the internet that guitarist Bernie Marsden had died and yesterday read his obituary in the Guardian.

He had a varied career in numerous bands but is most remembered for being a member of Whitesnake when that band first appeared on the scene.

Heavy metal isn’t really my thing but this, Whitesnake’s first real UK hit and which Marsden co-wrote, is not by any means over the top.

Whitesnake: Fool For Your Loving

Bernard John Marsden: 7/5/1951 – 24/8/2023. So it goes.

One from the ever eclectic B A Roberston, this nevertheless always struck me as an odd subject for a pop song – especially one with a punk sensibility.

Intriguing certainly, though it doesn’t seem to have been a hit.

The clip is taken from The Kenny Everett Video Show.

B A Robertson: Saint Saens

It’s been some week, though, rivalling 2016 in that regard.

First Tony Bennett, then Vince Hill and and lately Trevor Francis have all also left us.

I knew that Bennett’s signature song I Left My Heart in San Francisco hadn’t been a big hit in the UK but was still surprised to see it had only reached no 25 and also that he had so few hits here.

Vince Hill of course had a no 2 with Edelweiss, riding on the back of the success of the film of The Sound of Music with a song whose title my young self had no idea how to spell until I finally saw it written down.

Trevor Francis was simply one of the most talented footballers of his generation.

Anthony Dominick Benedetto (Tony Bennett;) 3/8/1926 – 21/7/2023. So it goes.

Vincent (Vince) Hill; 16/4/1934 – 22/7/2023. So it goes.

Trevor John Francis; 19/4/1954 – 24/7/2023. So it goes.

This is the best selling single from the album Private Dancer which marked Tina Turner’s renaissance from the lean years after she left her abusive husband Ike.

Tina Turner: What’s Love Got To Do With It

I never took to The Smiths. I couldn’t get on with singer Morrissey’s posturing and narcissism.

But I am glad that, on his death, the band’s bassist Andy Rourke has got the recognition he deserved. He was an integral part of the group’s sound.

His bass is well to the fore here.

The Smiths:

Andrew Michael (Andy) Rourke: 17/1/1964 – 19/5/2023. So it goes.

The much missed Kirsty MacColl’s first hit. An example of that slyly humorous type of song she executed so perfectly.

Kirsty MacColl: There’s a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He’s Elvis

On the face of it Fine Young Cannibals is an unlikely name for a pop group but it didn’t stop them having success in the late 1980s.

This is the group’s biggest hit in terms of UK chart position. A No. 5 in 1988.

Fine Young Cannibals: She Drives Me Crazy

The death of founder member of Dundee band the Associates, Alan Rankine, was announced earlier this week.

The group’s sound was perhaps most recognisable through the vocals of lead singer Billy McKenzie who sadly died in 1997.

This was the group’s first big hit.

The Associates: Party Fears Two

Alan Rankine: 17/3/1958 – 3/1/2023. So it goes.

Yet another sad loss. This time Terry Hall of The Specials, Special AKA, Fun Boy Three, The Colourfield and more.

It wasn’t until I saw reports of his death that I discovered he had been subjected to a horrific ordeal as a schoolboy.

His musical legacy is assured, though.

With The Specials he helped to bring back the mid-sixties ska sound. The band was also significant for being multi-racial and addressing social issues.

With Fun Boy Three the musical emphasis changed – see a previous entry in this category here but I always liked this rather pessimistic song from that band.

Fun Boy Three: The Lunatics Have Taken Over the Asylum

However, many consider this – even more gloomy – track The Specials’ masterpiece.

The Specials: Ghost Town

Terence Edward (Terry) Hall: 19/3/1959 – 18/12/2022. So it goes.