A 3 hour tour

Every once in a while I still come across a cultural reference that doesn't translate. It doesn't happen often, but now that I've made some friends it's happening more often. Ross' knowledge base isn't necessarily typical of a British person- especially of his age, so now that I'm regularly conversing with other people I find that it's a whole new world.

The other day I was at the park with a group of my mom friends having a little picnic. One of the boys had a very cute bucket hat on. Sort of like this:

As all babies and the blissfully mentally unburdened do, he had a look of carefree cheer on his sweet face. I took one look at him and proclaimed that he looked like Gilligan. 

Bob Denver as Gilligan

His mother looked at me and replied that she didn't know what I was talking about. "Gilligan? Gilligan's Island?" I queried. Nope. I turned to the rest of the group and asked, sure that Clare must just be lacking this info through some sort of bizarre blip. Blank looks all around.

My mouth fell open and I spluttered in disbelief. Even my rousing rendition of the iconic theme tune did nothing but tinge their blank looks with bemusement. 

Not as good as my version...

It just blows my mind that such huge cultural references like this are completely lost on a large chunk of the population and that there are equally large gaps in my knowledge from the other view point.

What's the biggest clunker of a cultural reference you've ever dropped on a group?

Nursery Rhymes Again

I already talked about Nursery Rhymes once.  Let's do it again!

Let's start with the one that Reader Michelle commented about.  I'm not sure whether to call in by it's British name, or it's American one.  I'm talking about "Ring a Ring of Roses" or "Ring Around the Rosie".  In addition to the name/first line of the song being different, as Michelle noted, the final line varies by country.  I grew up with "Ashes, ashes, we all fall down!", but Ross knows it as "A tissue, a tissue, we all fall down!"  Either way, the song is strangely morbid and about the plague, right?  I'm not sure the reason for the difference... Anyone know?

Another tiny difference is a rhyme about a spider.  The Itsy Bitsy Spider to me, is The Eensy Weensy Spider here.

This picture doesn't really have anything to do with this post,

but all posts need a picture and my baby and his toes are adorable.

You're welcome.

The next one confuses me every time we go to Rhythm Time.  "The Farmer in the Dell" is a classic childhood song.  The first time we sang it at Rhythm Time we got to the final line and I realized that the leader was saying something completely different than me.  I was saying, as I'd learned, "Hi-ho the derry-oh".  I leaned over to a dad who was attending the group with his son.  I know his wife, but hadn't met him prior to this session.  I asked him what she was saying.  He looked at me, confused.  I explained that I didn't understand the words she was saying at the end.  He still seemed confused.  I clarified that we say "Hi-ho the derry-oh" in America.  He paused and said, "I wouldn't worry about it.  They're just nonsense words."  Now it was my turn to look confused.  I said, "Well, yes, but I want to say the RIGHT nonsense words."  He remained confused and I let it go and just went back to singing- straining extra hard when we got to the line in question, trying to figure out what words I should be saying.

I asked Ross when he got home that evening.  He said that, here it's "Ee-i, adio".  Alright then!  Progress.  But guess what?  I looked it up on Wikipedia and learned that the line depends on where in England you are.  Apparently Londoners say "Ee-i, tiddly-i" and those in the West Country say "Ee-i, Ee-i".

So there you go.  Some more interesting (at least to me, and hopefully to you) differences in the way we sing to our kiddos.
Anyone know any other differences in nursery rhymes?

Cheerful Sunday

One song, three ways is very cheerful.

First up, the original.  It nearly reached over-play saturation, but I still dig it:

Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye feat. Kimbra

Next, the Glee-ified version.  With the hawtness of Darren Criss and Matt Bomer:

Somebody that Glee Used to Know

And finally, a version for all my nerds out there:  

The Star Wars That I Used to Know

Rabbit on.

Spurred by reader Michelle's comment on my last post, I decided to devote a couple of posts to children's songs in the US and UK.

I mentioned that we've been going to Rhythm Time where we sing a variety of songs with the babies.  We shake maracas and tambourines.  We bounce and dance and act silly.  It's pretty fun.  Linus is liking it more and more each week.  Sometimes he ends up eating the whole time instead of participating, but I figure the exposure to music is good for him regardless.  He's still not a big fan of when the drums get banged too loudly.  I'm not a big fan of loud noises, so perhaps he gets that from me.  We also sing songs and do movements at Baby Yoga, which I think Linus prefers for it's more mellow vibe.

Linus shaking his maraca.

One song that we sing at yoga is new to me.  It's called "Run Rabbit Run", and it goes:

Run, rabbit.  Run, rabbit.

Run, run, run.

Don't let the Farmer get his

Gun, gun, gun.

He'll get by without his rabbit pie.

So, Run, rabbit.  Run, rabbit.

Run, run, run.

We generally sing it while we're moving the babies' legs in a running motion, which is supposed to be good for digestion and releasing gas.  The yoga teacher told us a story the other day about how she'd recently done a Baby Yoga workshop at a conference and got in trouble for using this song because the organizers felt it was insensitive to the large number of vegetarians present.  I pointed out that it could actually be construed as pro-vegetarian as it encourages the rabbit to elude the Farmer!  What could be more veg-friendly!? :)  In reality this song is about World War 2 and is meant to poke fun at the Germans.  How very political!

On a note unrelated to singing, do you know what it means if someone says "Oh, she does rabbit on"?  It could easily be applied to me and my penchant for verbosity.  It means "she sure talks incessantly".  Word is that it's cockney rhyming slang-  "Rabbit and Pork" -> pork rhymes with talk (if you use a cockney accent, though I think it's a stretch).  So to "rabbit" means to "talk".  I prefer to think about it as how rabbits are known for going at it like, well, rabbits and that somehow relates to the speed of the chatter... or something...

Good conclusion, Meg.  "Or something"...  Yep, that's how I roll.

Fire Fire!

Yesterday at Tummies and Tinies (the mommy group that I go to on Wednesday mornings) they had a Fire Safety Officer (FSO) there to talk to us about... well... fire safety.  I think we would have all preferred to be left to our own devices and had a nice chat while we played with our kids, but we dutifully listened to the woman's presentation.

Babies Everywhere!

(A different day at Tummies and Tinies)

She went over basic fire safety topics and told us about the top fire hazards in the home.  I can't say that I learned anything earth-shattering, but it's nice to have a refresher on safety issues from time to time- especially now that there's a baby in the house, we want to be on top of things!  

At one point in her talk, the woman told us about a woman who's young daughter's nightgown caught on fire.  She said that the woman had picked up her daughter and run with her to the bathroom, put her in the tub and run the water over her to put the fire out.  The daughter ended up with burns on over 50% of her body.  The FSO asked what the mother should have done instead.  There was a brief pause in the room.  You know the kind.  When a room full of only semi-interested adults are waiting to see if someone else will call out the answer.  

I proudly called out "Stop, drop, and roll!"  The FSO looked at me with vague surprise in her eyes and said "Yes.  That's right."  The other mothers turned to look at me with interest on their faces.  I queried, "Do they not teach that here?"  The FSO explained that they teach the concept of smothering the fire, but not the key phase of "Stop, drop, and roll" that is so ubiquitous in childhood safety education in The States.  One of my friends said that she'd forgotten that was what you should do, but confirmed that she had been taught it in the past.  She was impressed with my little catch phrase and softly repeated it to herself saying "I'm going to use that!"  I thought it was so funny that something so ingrained in me was totally novel to this room full of people!  

It reminds me, yet again, of all those tiny little differences between cultures.  The sayings that aren't common to both societies.  Like in America it's "Buckle up for safety", whilst in the UK it's "Clunk, click, every trip".  It still happens every once in a while that Ross or I will say something and the other will be baffled as to what they mean.  It keeps things fresh. ;)

As a fire related sidenote:  At the music group that we go to on Tuesdays we sing different nursery rhyme songs.  Most of them are familiar to me, but the first week one came along that I'd never heard before.  It goes:

London's burning.  London's burning.

Fetch the engines.  Fetch the engines.

Fire, fire!  Fire, fire!

Pour on water.  Pour on water.

The group's leader could tell that I didn't know the song by the look on my face and said that I'd have to bring in an "American" nursery rhyme to teach the group.  I still haven't been able to think of any that don't have UK roots.  Isn't it funny that nursery rhymes are all so old and no new ones have really caught on?

What catch phrases do you know that don't occur in both cultures?

Do you know any "American" nursery rhymes?

Love Song or Cry for Help?

A long time ago I blogged about a song that left me perplexed.  Well, it's happened again...

There's a new song that has been getting a fair amount of airplay:

Black Heart by Stooshe

I have to say I find this song a bit disturbing and find myself cringing every time it plays on the radio.  

Daddy, I've fallen for a monster

Somehow he's scaring me to death

(ah yes he is)

He's big and he's bad.

I love him like mad.

Mamma he's the best I ever had.

Daddy, I've fallen for a monster.

He's got a black heart.

Seriously?!  Is this supposed to be a love song?  I don't get it.  This song makes me uncomfortable and sounds like a cry for help in getting out of an abusive relationship.  It seems to think that these bad qualities are balanced by the fierceness of the singer's love for her man.  It hardly seems the type of message I'd want my daughter listening to and singing along with!

Full disclosure:  I never got the "bad boy" attraction that so many girls have.  I always went for the soft-spoken nerdy guy in the boy band.  I prefer a goofy sense of humour, intelligence, and a sweet heart in my men.  (Sorry, Ross.  I didn't mean to blow your street cred.  Words out.  You're a wonderfully sweet goofball!)

The Hump

It's that time again...

This year's Eurovision competition will be held in Azerbaijan, as they won last year.

Eldar & Nigar sing Running Scared

The big news is that the UK has pulled out the big guns.  The Hump will be representing us.  Who?

The Hump

Why, Engelbert Humperdinck of course!  Hopes are high and his effort has been getting pretty heavy airtime on the radio.

Love Will Set You Free

And because I can't talk about Englebert without thinking about this bit of funny from the hilarious Eddie Izzard.

What's in a name?

It's a pretty good song (at least as far as Eurovision goes) and the star power doesn't hurt, but I still don't feel like I have an accurate grasp on Eurovision voting...

Do you think the UK stands a chance this year?

Cheerful Sunday

A Month of Linus is a wonderful reason to be cheerful.

I started an album on Facebook called "Daily Linus" where I post a new picture everyday.  (His grandma loves it!)  In celebration of Linus being a month old (How is that possible?!!) I asked Ross to set all the pictures to one of our favorite songs.  

Hope you're having a wonderful day!

The Name Game

As we near the finish line to the arrival of our baby boy, (10 days til my due date, y'all!  TEN DAYS! How is that possible?!!?  My older brother was 10 days early.  Yikes!) we've been nearing a final choice on name.  Nope.  I'm not telling.  Yet.  But I would like to talk about how you test drive names for a baby.  I mean, you've got to get the feel of a name and see how it handles.  If it fits.  If it's "the one", right?

Fill in the blank

First up is the obvious way- referring to the baby by the name.  We've gotten to the point that we either refer to our son by our prospective final choice or "the baby".  No more endless rotation of ridiculous possible names.

A friend suggests the following methods:  1. Envision the name signed on a holiday card with the rest of the family.  This makes sense.  You can see if it fits with the family as a whole.  I guess you could also literally write all the names out to physically see it.  2. Holler the name as if your child is in trouble.  Other variations include: as if you're getting their attention on a playground or other crowded space and as if you're calling them in from playing outside because it's dinner time.  Also an excellent barometer, I think.

We've tried our own non-traditional methods.  When we see the midwife at the Children's Centre there are often mommy and me type classes going on.  So as we wait for Mandy, we often get a peek at what's going on.  Sometimes it's a "messy play" class with adorable babies doing sensory play with different textures.  Sometimes it's a singing group.  One day, whilst waiting, the singing group was doing a little introduction song where they went around the circle singing this song with each child's name put in:

_______ is a jumping bean.

The biggest bean you've ever seen!

He/She can jump so high.

He/She can nearly touch the sky!

We've since used this song to test drive names and frequently refer to the baby as the biggest bean we've ever seen.  

The final thing we've done only works on certain names because there's a list to select from, but it's pretty fun!  Ross found a link on one of the many "freebie" sites he subscribes to that inserts your chosen name into a song sung by Elmo!  You can try out as many different names as you like in the free short clip (though you can't save it) and you can download with your final selection if you like.  There's no better way to decide on a name than by getting Elmo's stamp of approval.

Did you test drive a few different names for your baby, or did you just pick?

What method of testing do you think works best?

My funny valentine

One of the things I totally dig about the UK (That's right.  I like things about life here.  I mention them fairly often.  Ha!) is the radio.  When we were dating, Ross often talked about how the radio in the UK is superior to that in the US.  I never really understood what he was talking about or how the radio here could be any different...

Then I came over and I realized that the radio here IS better!  I think part of the difference is that their are lots of BBC stations.  Each one is geared to different demographics and plays different types of music.  The station that we listen to is BBC2 which is a mix of talk, news, and popular music.  The popular music that gets played seems to have a far more wide-reaching playlist than the average radio station in the US.  Don't get me wrong, you'll still hear the same songs over and over again from time to time, but you hear songs from different eras and more varied artists.  

Lately, Radio 2 has been playing Paul McCartney(or Macca as he's affectionately known)'s new single.  His new album has a simple jazzy style that is really nice.  I'm sharing this song with you today in honor of Valentine's Day.  

My Valentine

(Also, it wouldn't be me if I didn't get in a public proclamation of how much I adore my own sweet funny Valentine of a husband.  I love you Ross!  You're my favourite.  I like you!  You are the one I like!)

Hope you're all having a lovely day full of some type of love or other.

The Other Adele

I'm sure you're all familiar with a singer named Adele.  She's got some catchy songs and I think that her latest album could end up doing well... I mean I'm no expert....

But there's another Adele whose music I'm digging on lately.  Emeli Sande has been forced to use her middle name due to the success of the other Adele.  I have to say, I really like the soulful jam of this song.  I love the simple arrangement and as one half of a couple that loves to spend almost all our time together, the lyrics hit home.

Next to me

Any new music out there that you are really feeling?

I've never heard of that... Christmas music edition Part 2

I'm back with more Christmas tunes from the Great British Songbook.  

This first one has been playing quite a bit recently.  "Stop the Cavalry" was a number 3 Christmas hit in 1980.  I asked Ross why it's considered a Christmas song, other than the cheerful horns and the fact that it contains the lyric "I wish I was at home for Christmas", it doesn't strike me as particularly Christmas-y.  Ross said he wasn't sure why it doesn't get played at other times.  A quick bit of research on Wikipedia reveals that it wasn't actually intended to be a Christmas hit, but was written as a protest song.

Still... the horns are undeniably cheerful (even if the lyrics aren't)!

Da da da da dum!

This next selection is by Aled Jones.  "Walking in the Air" shot it's teen singer to stardom after it was released as a single.  The song was used as the soundtrack for the beloved British holiday cartoon The Snowman.  It reached number 5 in the UK pop charts in 1985.

Let's go walking!

This one makes me feel very happy!  "I Believe in Father Christmas" is another one that the artist never intended as a Christmas hit.  He says he was protesting the loss childhood innocence and the commercialization of Christmas.  It went to number 2 in the UK charts in 1974.

I believe! Do you?

Today's final entry is at the request of my husband.  He has fond memories of The Wombles.  They recycled before it was cool to be green.   I don't really get it, since we didn't have The Wombles in America.  Ross used to freak out over them as a kid, and from what I can tell, he wasn't alone!  This ditty went to number 2 in 1974.  I actually mentioned the Wombles in my last Christmas music post, for the eagle-eyed of you out there... 

Remember you're a Womble!

So there's your 2nd instalment of Christmas music from the UK.

I hope it put you in the spirit of the season and that you are getting ready for a fabulous Christmas!

(or that you're having a nice Hanukkah, or that you had a nice Winter Solstice, or whatever floats your winter holiday boat!) 

I've never heard of that... Christmas music edition Part 1

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we can all feel free to talk about Christmas.
Yay Christmas!  I asked Ross last year what signifies the official start of the Christmas season in the UK, as they don't have the Thanksgiving marker.  He didn't really have an answer for me, but it tends to be about four weeks before Christmas- which is pretty much Thanksgiving.

I noticed this weekend that some of those good old holiday ads that make it feel like Christmas have started airing, just like back in the US- namely the "He does exist!  They do exist!" M&Ms commercial and the Coca-cola "The holidays are coming" commercial.  It's funny how much they put me in the mood for the holidays!

But that's not what I wanted to talk about today.  What I want to talk about are Christmas songs that never made it across the pond.

This first example will act as a segue (What?  It's good writing to announce that kind of thing), as an instrumental version has been featured in a number of seasonal commercials over the years.  I'd never heard the song prior to moving to the UK and I have to admit that Shane McGowan (and therefore this song) sort of scare me.  He's like a drunk hobo in a bar singing karaoke.  Ross says this song is more about Kirsty MacColl and that I'm not allowed to say anything bad about her.  I've actually featured Kirsty on my blog in the past, so I guess I like her too!  Anyway "Fairytale of New York" was released in 1987 and is a popular holiday-time song here.  It's apparently (according to wikipedia) "frequently voted the Number One Best Christmas Song" in the UK and Ireland.  Who knew!?

Fairytale of New York

When I asked Ross about other songs that should be included, he immediately said that "Merry Xmas Everybody" by Slade is the biggest of all time.  It was released in 1973, but has remarkable staying power as it was voted the Number One Christmas Song of all time in 2007!  This video contains 2 points of British pop culture bonus.  The band is introduced by the beloved, eccentric, recently-deceased Jimmy Savile.  He is wearing, for some reason a Wombles costume (without the head).  

Merry Christmas Everybody!

The next song on the list that Ross said MUST be included is "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday".  Apparently the 70's were the heyday for future British classic Christmas tunes.  This song never made it to number one because it was "famously" (I'm not sure why...) beat out by the above entry from Slade.

So Wizzard!

Our final entry for today is from the institution Cliff Richard.  You my remember that he was the subject of his own "I've never heard of that..."  Though he's been in the business since 1958, his first Christmas song (Little Town) wasn't released until 1982.  Sir Cliff has made up time by becoming quite prolific in the Christmas music department over the years.  This may have something to do with his status as Britain's best known Christian.  Seriously, he beat both Jesus and the Pope in a recent poll where British people were asked what came to mind when they thought of Christianity.  Ross deemed "Mistletoe and Wine" to be the best of Cliff's effforts, so I share it with y'all now.

Mistletoe and Wine

The Brits take their Christmas music pretty seriously, so I'm learning there are way too many classics for just one post!  So I'll stop there for now, but I'll be back with more musical merriment in a second installment.

What's your favourite Christmas song?

Chip Shop

As far as fast food goes, there are far fewer options in the UK than in the US.  We've got McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC.  I think that's pretty much it.  Any other's I've forgotten?

I think one reason for that is British institution of a Chip Shop- also known as a "Chippy".  This is a place that sells the classic fish and chips.  And by chips they mean fries.  

Chipfries!

There are a few chains, but they seem to be largely independently run.  They range from sketchy-as-all-get-out to fairly posh.  I do have to admit that I've never actually been to one... I've been to a place called Metro (mixed reviews!), but it's a bit more restaurant than chippy.  Ross doesn't really do fast food, so my exposure has been limited.  (This guy is good for me in lots of ways!)

Then, it's my impression, that this lead to the general "take away" style restaurant that is prevalent here.  Some of them still qualify as chippies because they do serve fish and chips, but they also serve... well, every other kind of fast food imaginable... seriously, burgers, pizza, even Chinese food... Yep.  All from the same "restaurant".  

So there are all these Chip Shops filling the gap that, in America, is filled by Wendy's, Whataburger, Taco Bell, Sonic, etc.  Anyway, that's my theory.

I now leave you with a song that plays on the radio from time to time.  It's got a fun rockabilly feel and it makes me smile.  It hope you do to.

I'm not sure about you...

It was apparently released (in a limited fashion) to DJs in America with the lyric changed to ...works down the truck stop, but never got much notice... It was Kirsty MacColl's first hit in the UK in 1981, going all the way to #14.

Comedy Songs

The British seem to have a soft spot for comedy/novelty songs in an entirely different way than Americans.
Americans tend to reserve novelty songs for Christmas- how else can you explain "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer"?

I'm always tickled when Ross exposes me to one of the many historical comedy songs that take up his valuable brain space.  Some are annoying.  Some are funny.  Some are charming.  Some are catchy.  The best are all of the above.

Below are a couple of my favourites:

Don't Sting Me!

Diddle-liddle-liddle-um

I hope they've given you a little chuckle and a smile.

What songs make you smile?

Remove my jacket

I'm sure you've heard this song.

Is this show any good?

It's on the radio ALL THE TIME in England, and I'd hazard a guess that it's pretty ubiquitous in the US too.  It's a pretty good summer song.  Light and catchy with a good beat.  

Ross insists that the song is not a pop tribute to the dance stylings of a legendary front man.  No.  He believes that it is a reference to some long-forgotten etiquette.  You see in days gone by, at formal events (generally weddings), there was a certain point in the evening where it was acceptable for smokers to light up and for gentlemen to remove their jackets.  In English culture, this point in the evening is after the toasts.  Specifically the toast to the queen.

My husband loves to bandy about long-forgotten knowledge such at this.  Despite it's completely arcane nature it brings him pleasure.  When we we've attended weddings together, he's frequently pointed out the uncouth men who removed their jackets prior to the toasts.  (Never mind that they were summer weddings in Texas.  My man in classy!) :)

At any rate.  Ross loves to sing along to this tune and sub in the words "Remove my jacket" for "Moves like Jagger".  It fits surprisingly well.  It's pretty cute- if a little weird.

What completely outdated/useless knowledge do you carry around in your head?

Lola

I've heard this song a few times in the last couple of days and it makes me smile.  I'd never heard it prior to moving here.  One of my favourite things about living here is Radio 2, which plays a great mix of current and older songs.  It's a much more diverse playlist than you get on your average American station.

I thought you might like it as well.

Lola by The Kinks

Cheerful Sunday

Elaine Paige on Sunday.
Our favourite radio programme, featuring the most ridiculous host and great music!

EPOS

Old Hollywood

I love old Hollywood musicals.  I mean, who doesn't?

Even Ross loves them!  (Ok, that's probably not fair since his taste in movies isn't exactly typical...)

He'll frequently scroll through the cable listings and record old movies that are showing late and night.  Then we'll watch them on the weekend while he's working on his laptop.  

Last weekend we watched Anchors Aweigh.

Dancing men!

It seemed like a sure winner from the description:  Gene Kelly!  Frank!  Singing!  Dancing!  Uniforms!

Man was it ever obvious that this movie had a big budget- and not in a good way.  It seemed that the narrative (and I use that term loosely) only existed in the most tenuous of states.  It was basically a string of bits.  Forget plot!  Let's have a woman singing in irritating trilly soprano.  In a Mexican restaurant!  Let's have Gene dance with a cartoon!  Ok- so that scene is a classic.  And some great dancing.  

With bonus Spanish subtitles!

I was even able to buy Frank as the shy guy with no game, asking for Gene's help with the ladies.  And though The Chairmas kept up with Gene admirably in one fun dance number (which I couldn't find online),  there's just no comparing the style and grace of Gene to anyone else.  It seemed unfair to ask Frank to even try it.  

So while I enjoyed a few of the scenes, if you're looking for a fun singing dancing men in uniform frolic with Frank and Gene, I'd say check out this one instead:

On The Town

It was released after Anchors Aweigh, which seems sort of like a first draft in comparison.  

Next up, let's talk Rodgers & Hammerstein.  I've got a soft spot for Oklahoma! as it was the musical my high school put on my senior year.  I served as dance captain for the production and as a featured dancer.  I was head slut in the dream ballet, thankyouverymuch.  So, when Ross noticed that Carousel was showing, he hit record.  We watched it a few weeks ago and OH! MY! LORD!  

Looks good, right?

It had many of the hallmarks of a classic R&H musical.  Big dance numbers!  Brightly coloured costumes!  Dated views on gender roles!  Surreal dream ballet! 

These things are not surprising in an musical.  What I was absolutely floored by, however, was that the main message seemed to be that "If a man really loves you, his hits feel like kisses."  That's the big romantic story of the film?  Seriously?!  Ok.  I probably could have forgiven this if there had at least been catchy songs, but as mentioned above I can't stand a trill-laden eardrum-bursting soprano.  So I guess, my point is, I'm fine with domestic abuse as long as there's a catchy soundtrack.

Ross and I were horrified as we watched.  Ross was utterly confused as he remembered his mum saying she loved the movie.  Then he did the math and figured out she was a 15 year old girl dating the bad boy across the street (hint: Ross' dad!).  Well, I guess we'll let it slide.

What old movie musicals do you love?

Have you seen anny particularly dated films that riled you up?

I've never heard of that... Cliff Richard

In this series, we previously took a look at 80's Tunes.  This time, we'll take a look at a huge popstar- Cliff Richard.

Sir Cliff

I settled on this topic because it's Wimbledon time.  Some of you may wonder what the connection is.  Well I'll tell you.  We were watching a show about the history of Wimbledon and it featured as one of the top moments of Wimbledon a little clip featuring Sir Cliff himself.  After we'd watched it, I asked Ross is I didn't know who Cliff was because I'm too American or because I'm too young.  He answered that it was most likely due to my American-ness.  The clip in question?  An impromptu Wimbledon concert:

One heck of a rain delay

Though virtually unknown in America, Cliff has a fairly unique distinction of having had a UK number one in every decade from the 1950's to 2000's.  He has also sold more singles than any other artist in the UK.  

I asked Ross about which songs of note I should include in this post.  You should know, he was unable to sing them for me without dancing around.  It's pretty cute.

I'll now leave you with a few choice hits for your enjoyment.

In 1963 a cheesy movie musical was released called Summer Holiday.  This song, from the soundtrack became a huge hit.  It's fairly apropos, as Sir Cliff has never married.

Karaoke Style!

 

In 1968, Cliff Richard's "Congratulations" took 2nd place at the Eurovision Song Contest- losing by just 1 point!  At least one major restaurant chain uses this to herald patron's birthdays, rather than the traditional Birthday song.

Apparently he did want to be a pirate

And one final amusing tidbit:

In 1972, he was refused admittance to Singapore because his hair was too long.