During the course of this year I aim to upload a song every day for your consideration as to whether they were good enough and sufficiently commercial to have become UK Top 20 singles. Many different genres will be represented, so if this particular one’s not your preferred style then hopefully it won’t be too long before you find one that is.
For those songs that are interesting enough for you to give them a proper listen, please press “like” if you think it could have been a hit, and “dislike” if you don’t, in the hope that we get enough votes to obtain a balanced overview. Also, if leaving a critical comment please try to take into account the year of original release - most of the songs that I'll be uploading are decades old so it wouldn’t be surprising if some sound dated now.
Today’s choice is Alan Freeman Days by Robin Gibb which was first released on the Various Artist compilation album “Songs From The British Academy Vol. 1” in 2008, and six years later on Robin’s final studio album “50 St. Catherine Drive”. Back in 2008 though it was also released as a digital single, and whilst it’s also rumoured that promo CD singles exist I have yet to see one. As the title suggests it’s a tribute song, and if I’m to be brutally honest for the most part such releases tend to be pretty naff. This one’s a belter though, and musically merits being treated like any other quality pop song. Lyrically of course it’s something of a tear-jerker, especially where Gibb draws comparison between the loss of one of his best friends with the emotions he experienced with the sudden death of his twin brother Maurice. Songs like these generally come with a “for devoted fans only” warning, but no such caution is required here - this is simply one that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves good music!
For anyone unaware of who Alan Freeman was, what better way to inform you than let Robin explain in his own words. “I rote this song in memory of the late DJ Alan “Fluff” Freeman, a pioneer broadcaster of British popular music dating back to the days of The Beatles. Alan Freeman’s contribution to the exposure of British records and taking chances with new acts and new sounds gave credence to the British invasion of music in the American market and world market in the mid 60’s. Alan was a good friend and he contributed greatly to The Bee Gees’ British and worldwide success, having been a big promoter of our first records, as well as my 1969 solo hit Saved By The Bell. I am proud to sing about Alan.”
Hopefully you’ll drop by again tomorrow for something completely different!