The Cat on "Where The Action Is" Kirkcaldy VRN 1287 AM - Sunday 30 August 2009

Here's the playlist for tonight's "Where The Action Is", which is dedicated to Willie Logan:

She Trinity - He Fought The Law (Columbia 1966)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
The Left Banke - I've Something On My Mind (Smash 1967)
The Darlettes - Lost (Mira 1965)
Michael Leslie - Make Up Or Break Up (Pye 1965)
Tony Jackson Group - Fortune Teller (Pye 1965)
The Ivy League - My World Fell Down (Pye 1966)
Homer Banks - A Lot of Love (Minit 1966)
Annette Funicello - Pineapple Princess (Vista 1960) (Connect 3)
Little Eva - Sugar Plum (Give Me Some) (Unreleased 1960) (Connect 3)
Love - Orange Skies (Elektra 1966) (Connect 3)
Joy Dawn (aka Claudine Clark) - Live It Up (Swan 1963)
The Animals - I'm Crying (Columbia 1964)
John Philips - Mississippi (Dunhill 1970) (Birthday: 30/8/45 John Philips, singer)
The Pivots - (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone (Demo 1967)
Mick and Malcolm - Big Black Smoke (Pye 1967)
Die Sweetles - Die Schule Ist Aus (School Is Out) (Polydor 1964) (Foreign Language)
The Chiffons - Every Boy and Every Girl (BT Puppy 1970)
Billy Preston - Billy's Bag (VJ 1965) (Half-Time Instrumental)
The Buzz - I Gotta Buzz (Columbia 1966) (for Lenny Helsing!)
Ike and Tina Turner - I Can't Believe What You Say (For Seeing What You Do) (Kent 1964)
Mark Wynter - Can I Get To Know You Better (Pye 1965)
Sue Thompson - Walkin' My Baby (Hickory 1965)
Kim Weston - Looking For The Right Guy (Motown 1964)
Bettye Swann - Make Me Yours (Money 1967)
The Cardigans - Rise and Shine (Stockholm 1995) (Under The Influence)
Wilson Pickett - Don't Fight It (Atlantic 1965)
Gary Benson - That Man's Got No Luck (Pye 1966)
The What Four - I'm Gonna Destroy That Boy (Columbia 1966)
Bobby Fuller Four - King of the Wheels (Mustang 1965) (Connect 3)
The Young Idea - On The King's Road (Music for Pleasure 1968) (Connect 3)
Ben E King - I Can't Break The News To Myself (Atlantic 1966) (Connect 3)
The Liverbirds - He's Something Else (Star Club 1966)
The Pen-etts - That's No Way To Spend My Time (Becco 1962)
The Contours - Just A Little Understanding (Motown 1966) (Two of a Kind)
The Contours - First I Look At The Purse (Motwon 1965) (Two of a Kind)
Bobby Bare - Detroit City (RCA 1963)
The Bystanders - She Comforts My Sorrow (Unreleased 1966)
The Velvelettes - A Bird In The Hand (Is Worth Two In The Bush) (Motown 1965)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

Next week's show will be dedicated to the songs and music of Ellie Greenwich who died recently.

If you'd like to suggest a topic for one or both of the Connect 3 features or an artist for the Two of a Kind, Foreign Language, Half-Time Instrumental or Under the Influence features then feel free.

Remember, if you're ever involved in a non-fatal accident in the Kirkcaldy area, do tune in on 1287AM or Channel 3 on the hospital headsets to "Where The Action Is", a blend of mod, soul, Motown, girl groups/singers and alternative pop from the late 50s through to the early 70s.

Feel free to leave a comment or indeed a request or two. I can't promise to play it immediately - the shows are usually done live but prepared two or three weeks in advance - but I'll endeavour to play them within a month.

The Cat
=^..^=

The Cat on "Where The Action Is" Kirkcaldy VRN 1287 AM - Sunday 23 August 2009

Here's the playlist for tonight's "Where The Action Is", which also featured an interview with Andrew Collins:

Otis Redding - Mr Pitiful (Volt 1965)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
Bobby Womack - Across 110th Street (United Artists 1972)
Jenny Moss - Hobbies (Columbia 1963)
Stacy Cane - Funny Face (Jubilee 1965)
The Byrds - All I Really Want To Do (CBS 1965)
Young Swingers (aka The Ashes) - Let's Take Our Love (Portofino 1965)
Eddie Floyd - Why Is The Wine Sweeter (On The Other Side) (Stax 1969)
? & The Mysterians - 96 Tears (Cameo Parkway 1966) (Connect 3)
Sandra Barry - Question (Pye 1965) (Connect 3)
The Balloon Farm - A Question of Temperature (Laurie 1968) (Connect 3)
The Radiants - Voice Your Choice (Chess 1964)
The Grass Roots - Midnight Confessions (Dunhill 1968)
The Who - Anyway Anyhow Anywhere (Brunswick 1965) (Birthday: 23/8/46 Keith Moon, drummer)
Glenda Collins - It's Hard To Believe It (Pye 1966)
Diane Renay - The Company You Keep (New Voice 1965)
Alma Cogan - Tennessee Waltz (EMI Columbia 1964) (Foreign Language)
Sharon Tandy - Daughter of the Sun (Atlantic 1968)
The Tornados - Robot (Decca 1963) (Half-Time Instrumental)
The Chants - I Could Write A Book (Pye 1964)
Andrew Collins Interview
The Honeycombs - Have I The Right (Pye 1964) (Under The Influence)
The Beatles - Paperback Writer (Parlophone 1966)
The Chic-Lets - I Want You To Be My Boyfriend (Josie 1964)
The Beach Boys - I Know There's An Answer (Capitol 1966) (Connect 3)
Keely Smith - One Less Bell To Answer (Atlantic 1967) (Connect 3)
Heinz & The Wild Boys - Questions I Can't Answer (Columbia 1964) (Connect 3)
Fontella Bass - I Surrender (Chess 1966)
The Music Machine - The People in Me (Original Sound 1967)
Julie Grant - Lonely Sixteen (Pye 1962) (Two of a Kind)
Julie Grant - Count On Me (Pye 1963) (Two of a Kind)
Renee St Clair - My Hero (Jubilee 1966)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

A big thanks to Andrew Collins for coming in for a chat.

If you'd like to suggest a topic for one or both of the Connect 3 features or an artist for the Two of a Kind, Foreign Language, Half-Time Instrumental or Under the Influence features then feel free.

Remember, if you find yourself in the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy area, do tune in on 1287AM or Channel 3 on the hospital headset to "Where The Action Is", a blend of mod, soul, Motown, girl groups/singers and alternative pop from the late 50s through to the early 70s.

Feel free to leave a comment or indeed a request or two. I can't promise to play it immediately - the shows are usually done live but prepared two or three weeks in advance - but I'll endeavour to play them as soon as I can.

The Cat
=^..^=

The Cat on Kirkcaldy VRN 1287AM - Sunday 16 August 200

Here's the playlist for tonight's "Where The Action Is":

Barry Ryan - Eloise (MGM 1968)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
Suzy Wallis - Little Things Like That (RCA 1965)
The Freshmen - Just To See You Smile (Pye 1969)
Fearns Brass Foundry - Don't Change It (Decca 1968)
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - You're All I Need To Get By (Tamla 1968)
Joey Heatherton - Live and Learn (Decca 1966)
Faith Taylor & The Sweet Teens - Your Candy Kisses (Federal 1958)
Les Fleur de Lys - Moondreams (Immediate 1964) (Connect 3)
Micky Moonshine - Name It You Got It (Decca 1974) (Connect 3)
Joe Simon - Moon Walk Pt 1 (Sound Stage 7 1969) (Connect 3)
The Casuals - Jesamine (Decca 1968)
Carolyn Carter - I'm Thru (Jamie 1965)
American Breed - Bend Me Shape Me (Acta 1968) (Birthday: 16/8/45 Gary Loizzo, singer)
Adrienne Posta - Something Beautiful (Decca 1966)
The Montanas - Take My Hand (Pye 1967)
Pat Simon - Small Town (Vogue 1967) (Foreign Language)
Diana Ross & The Supremes - In and Out of Love (Motown 1968)
The Outlaws - Swinging Low (HMV 1961) (Half-Time Instrumental)
Dolly Parton - Don't Drop Out (Monument 1966)
Frankie & Johnny - I'll Hold You (Decca 1966)
The Isley Brothers - This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak For You) (Tamla 1968)
Reparata & The Delrons - Look In My Diary (Unreleased, Year Unknown)
The Settlers - 'Til Winter Follows Spring (Pye 1966)
The Sharmettes - My Dream (King 1962)
Canide Payne - Take Me (Deltasonic 2007) (Under The Influence)
Mama Cass - Dream A Little Dream of Me (Dunhill 1968)
Charmaine - Young Girl (Serock 1962)
The Bobbettes - Looking For A Lover (King 1961)
The Zombies - Time of the Season (Date 1968) (Connect 3)
The Uglys - End of the Season (Pye 1966) (Connect 3)
The Four Seasons - Let's Hang On (Philips 1965) (Connect 3)
Dusty Springfield - I Close My Eyes and Count To Ten (Philips 1968)
The Gooddees - Condition Red (Hip 1968)
Billie Davis - I Want You To Be My Baby (Decca 1968) (Two of a Kind)
Billie Davis - Billy Sunshine (Decca 1969) (Two of a Kind)
The Marbles - Only One Woman (Polydor 1968)
The Shondells - Special Delivery (King 1963)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

If you'd like to suggest a topic for one or both of the Connect 3 features or an artist for the Two of a Kind, Foreign Language, Half-Time Instrumental or Under the Influence features then feel free.

Remember, if you're ever involved in a non-fatal accident in the Kirkcaldy area, do tune in on 1287AM or Channel 3 on the hospital headsets to "Where The Action Is", a blend of mod, soul, Motown, girl groups/singers and alternative pop from the late 50s through to the early 70s.

Feel free to leave a comment or indeed a request or two. I can't promise to play it immediately - the shows are usually done live but prepared two or three weeks in advance - but I'll endeavour to play them within a month.

The Cat
=^..^=

The Cat on "Where The Action Is" Kirkcaldy VRN 1287AM - Sunday 9 August 2009

This is the playlist for tonight's show:

Simon Dupree & The Big Sound - Stained Glass Window (Unreleased 1967)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
The Mindbenders - The Letter (Fontana 1967)
Cher - Girl Don't Come (Imperial 1965)
Neil Sedaka - My Dinosaur Pet (Razor & Tie 2008) (HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLICK!)
The Marvelettes - I Just Can't Let Him Down (Unreleased Year Unknown)
Karen Young - Wonderful Summer (Pye 1965)
Lulu & The Luvvers - Choc Ice (Decca 1965)
The Action - Twenty-Fourth Hour (Parlophone 1967) (Connect 3)
The Ivy League - Four and Twenty Hours (Piccadilly 1967) (Connect 3)
Gene Pitney - Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa (United Artists 1963) (Connect 3)
Sharon Tandy - I've Found Love (Pye 1965)
The Searchers - Don't You Know Why (Pye 1965)
The Pretty Things - SF Sorrow Is Born (Columbia 1968) (Birthday: 9/8/44 Viv Prince, drummer)
Jackie Lee - The Pony Man (Pye Year Unknown)
Valerie Mountain & The Eagles - Some People (Pye 1962)
Katy David - Plus Tard (Call Me) (Label Unknown 1966) (Foreign Language)
Baby Washington - I've Got A Feeling (Sue 1962)
The Saints - Husky Team (Pye 1963) (Half-Time Instrumental)
Glenda Collins - You're Gonna Get Your Way (Unreleased Year Unknown)
Autumn - My Little Girl (Pye 1971)
Billie Davis - Just Walk In My Shoes (Pye 1966) (Played for Simon Goddard)
John Leyton - Lone Rider (HMV 1962)
The Birds - Run Run Run (Unreleased 1966)
The Byrds - Turn Turn Turn (CBS 1965)
The Popguns - Because He Wanted To (Midnight Music 1989) (Under The Influence)
Episode Six - Put Yourself In My Place (Pye 1965)
Billy Fury - Wondrous Fire (Decca 1960)
October Country - I Wish I Was A Fire (Epic 1968)
Young Blood - Green Light (Pye 1968) (Connect 3)
The Small Faces - Green Circles (Immediate 1967) (Connect 3)
George Baker Selection - Little Green Bag (Colossus 1970) (Connect 3)
Twinkle - Take Me To The Dance (Decca 1965)
Steve Hammond - I Think We're Alone Now (Pye 1967)
Manfred Mann - Hubble Bubble (Toil and Trouble) (HMV 1964) (Two of a Kind)
Manfred Mann - Ha Ha Said The Clown (Fontana 1967) (Two of a Kind)
Sands of Time - Where Did We Go Wrong (Pye 1966)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

The dodgy CD players have been sent off for repair so the old, trusty ones are back and, boy, what a difference.

Remember, if you're ever involved in a non-fatal accident in the Kirkcaldy area, do tune in on 1287AM or Channel 3 on the hospital headsets to "Where The Action Is", a blend of mod, soul, Motown, girl groups/singers and alternative pop from the late 50s through to the early 70s.

Feel free to leave a comment or indeed a request or two. I can't promise to play it immediately - the shows are usually done live but prepared two or three weeks in advance - but I'll endeavour to play them within a month.

The Cat
=^..^=

Gloomy Sunday

I’m rather worried. On the past two Sundays I’m been a grumpy, grouchy, tetchy so-and-so.

As a long-time depression sufferer I’ve become analytical about my moods and thoughts and feelings. I KNOW when I’m not doing too well, even though I seem powerless to do anything about it. In November last year I took the decision to come off anti-depressants for good. I’d like to say that I weaned myself off them in the approved manner, following extensive consultation with my doctor, but in truth I just took them less and less and in a somewhat haphazard fashion. Maybe that wasn’t the cleverest thing I’ve ever done but I HAD to do something.

Over 13 years of medication and probably suffering before that, I seemed to have tried everything. Recently, however, the tablets, or to be more precise the side effects, were becoming intolerable. Persistent gastric problems were taking its toll and I resolved to end the situation.

Gradually, over the 8 months since coming off medication, I’ve managed to steady the good ship Paul. There were a couple of blips when my daughter kindly passed on chicken pox and then a throat infection and also a dodgy King Prawn curry which saw me floored for three days when I should have been on holiday. A lesser person might have crumbled under the strain but I managed to keep it together. I’ve only had two depression-related days off sick in 2009.

One of those days off triggered my employer’s Absence Management Policy as I’d taken so many days off over a certain period (I forget their trigger points). A trip to the Well-Being Unit for what seemed like a pointless going-through-the-motions exercise turned out to be anything but. After assessing rather quickly that there was no underlining issue with my recent absences, I pointed out that I was a bit down about my weight. My workload comes in peaks and troughs and when I’m bored I eat too much. It’s something to do, to fill the time, even if it’s only for 30 seconds (a biscuit here, a cake there). The doctor referred me to the Unit’s Exercise Specialist. He would be in touch.

He e-mailed me a form, which enquired on my health and habits. I was to meet him in the gym for an assessment of my “condition”. You don’t have to be a brain surgeon to know that I was unfit. I resembled a stunt double for Barbapapa. Having had no regular exercise regime of any note since Nelson was a lad this first assessment would be interesting. It was. I had very poor upper body strength and no stamina. That’s why I can’t do a press-up to save myself. When I was in the Navy I was forced to do them in front of the rest of the class. When it came to the fitness test I cheated…one, two, miss a few, nineteen, twenty…

I was given two routines to alternate between; one Cardiovascular and one Resistance, involving weights. We agreed to meet up back at the gym in three weeks to see how I was progressing. That first week, for one reason or another, I never made in to the gym. On the second week I was persuaded to come of out of “retirement” and play 5-a-side football. I hadn’t played in five years and it showed. Before playing I nipped into the work gym and did a warm-up, including 10 minutes on the bike, just to get the legs going.

I figured that as one of that maniacal tribe who enjoys playing ‘between the sticks’ I would have an easy introduction back into the beautiful game. It wasn’t. Within ten minutes one of my teammates wanted to go in goal “for a rest”. Now, as a goalkeeper of not considerable skill, I find the notion that goalkeepers have an easy life as insulting. A rest? As mad as it sounds, I love being in goals (or I used to). The shouting at defenders, the glory of the round-the-post fingertip save and the inevitable howler are part and parcel of a keeper’s lot. Even when I appear to be doing nothing, I’m assessing the options in front of me and directing defenders. A rest? What a cheek!

The next morning I was stiff and not in a “good” way. The following Monday I played again, once more after a “warm-up” in the gym, and damaged my right quad. So much so that I gave the next game a miss. I was to be on holiday (all round the Neuk of Fife) over the next week and when I returned to the gym for my second assessment I confessed that I’d only been to the gym twice in three weeks.

That week I managed two trips to the gym (no excuses) and the next week another couple – one sick day, one ½ day for Flick’s sports day and a day “acting” at the Risk Factory were my justifiable reasons for non-attendance.

Monday 6 July was to be another assessment day but a ‘suspect device’ at work meant the gym meeting would be re-scheduled for the afternoon. I also returned to the football. Big mistake! While taking care to ensure my quads were stretched I forgot the hamstrings and sure enough, during a lung-bursting midfield charge, I pulled up suddenly with a muscle pull tighter than two coats of paint. Ironically, I myself had to go in goals “for a rest” but it only seemed to aggravate it. I decided there and then to return to the comfort of retirement. I spoke to someone at work who I would politely term a “fitness freak” and he said that guys over 35, unless professional, really shouldn’t be playing football. I couldn’t agree more*.

Gradually I’ve managed to increase my visits to the gym and my boss has kindly agreed that I can take an early lunch and go to the gym at 11am, to beat the rush. This has made a big difference and the change is very noticeable. On a couple of days when I’ve had the car, instead of enduring two buses to work, I’ve got in so early I’ve been able to get to the gym BEFORE work. When I told my wife this I expected her to continue her praise of my attempts to boost my endorphin levels, mood and fitness. “That’s so Eighties!” were her thoughtful words of encouragement.

Over the last three weeks I’ve been at the gym every single working day and I wondered if my Sunday grumpiness is down to me coming down off an endorphin-fuelled high. Maybe I’ve becoming, dare I say it, addicted to exercise. (There’s a sentence I never thought I’d write).

This bad mood was only the start of a bad day yesterday. Firstly, I dropped my John Leyton Anthology double CD. While CDs are apparently indestructible, the jewel cases that host them aren’t and it shattered. That set my nerves on edge for the rest of the day and I even worried that it might bring on a panic attack. Yes, that sounds daft but anyone who has ever had such an attack will know exactly what I mean.

I got into the car and resolved to cheer myself with a good show. I got a hundred yards away from my house when someone coming round a blind bend decided he wasn’t going to stop for the obstruction on his side of the road. I had to slam on my brakes and I opened my window as he passed. I pointed out, in a straightforward and polite fashion, that he should’ve pulled in and, if he’d been doing the correct speed for the road (20mph), he would’ve seen me coming. Then he could’ve easily pulled in before the poorly parked vehicle straddling the kerb on the bend, allowing me to pass. He made some bizarre statement about having to be “supernatural” (I think he meant “psychic”) before calling me a “prick” and cowardly driving off. What a sad old man.

I did think about giving chase but I figured I’d probably do something stupid and he really wasn’t worth it. I could only remember the first part of his registration number (SH04) but that’s enough for me to keep an eye for him in future. Maybe when he sees how big I am I might get an apology out of him but I doubt it. Cock!

That encounter set the tone for the rest of the day. More driving knobheads on route to Kirkcaldy meant my nerves were frazzled by the time I got to the station. If I thought the calming influence of my own rather excellent taste in music would ease my mood I was to be sadly mistaken. Both studios have new double CD players and the one in Studio B is very temperamental. I might expect it with “burned” CDs but it shouldn’t happen with brand new “normal” ones. I had to abort a couple of tracks and improvise replacements. Two tracks started halfway though!

To make matters worse I could see on the studio TV, linked to the outside camera, that kids were trying to climb on to the roof of the station. I called Security and they chased them away. I’ve never been gladder to get away from the studio. Even a trip to Tesco on the way home raised my hackles, as I couldn’t find the porridge oats. It’s undergoing refurbishment but that’s no excuse. I left empty-handed.

Only the site of my daughter getting her bedtime story brought a smile to my face after a draining day. I kissed her goodnight and went downstairs to heat up my tea. The Good Lady Wife joined me for “Top Gear” and a double helping of “House”. By the end of the programmes, I was physically and mentally knackered.

Roll on Monday’s gym session and a chance to “cheer” up again. I hate being such a misery guts, despite the name of the blog!

Talking of misery guts and this blog, I’ll finish with this comment I received to one of my previous blogs (http://miseryguts.blogspot.com/2009/04/cat-on-where-action-is-kirkcaldy-vrn_13.html). I received these words of wisdom from “sfw”: “Why did you pinch my blog name? I guess it does not matter much, you post less frequently than me and you are not even half as interesting.”

This comment made me laugh for a number of reasons. Firstly, I certainly didn’t pinch his blog name – why would I? I’ve been using the nom-de-plume “Misery Guts” since the early 1980s and without going into details I can prove it. (In fact, there’s a very interesting current story connected to my pseudonym but I can’t spill the beans).

If it “does not matter much”, why post? I may only post once a week, usually with my radio show playlist, due to commitments elsewhere but I don’t need to make my blog more ‘interesting’ by regularly posting pictures of scantily-clad young women, like “swf”. Perhaps there’s nothing much else to do in Victoria, Australia than ogle pictures of women and perform unnatural acts on farm machinery and animals. Who knows?

Misery Guts

* I’ve started reading a book called “Simple Goalkeeping Made Spectacular” by Graham Joyce. Graham is a writer and ex-goalkeeper of sorts who, at the age of 52, is called up to the England Writers’ XI. I’m enjoying it immensely and feeling his pain.

The Cat on "Where The Action Is" Kirkcaldy VRN 1287AM - Sunday 2 August 2009

This is the playlist for tonight's show:

David John & The Mood - Diggin' for Gold (Parlophone 1967))
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
The Contour - Do You Love Me (Motown 1962)
Jean & The Statesides - Putty In Your Hands (Columbia 1964)
Glenda Collins - I Lost My Heart at the Fairground (HMV 1963)
Sandie Shaw - Stop Feeling Sorry For Yourself (Pye 1965)
Diane Renay - Dynamite (United Artists 1966)
Evie Sands - Picture Me Gone (Cameo 1966)
Nancy Sinatra - Love Is Strange (Unreleased 1969) (Connect 3)
Tracy - Strange Love (Columbia 1971) (Connect 3)
The Action - Strange Roads (Unreleased 68/69) (Connect 3)
Gary Puckett & The Union Gap - Lady Willpower (CBS 1968)
The Honeycombs - I Can't Stop (Interphon 1964)
Amen Corner - Expressway To Your Heart (Decca 1968) (Birthday: 2/8/46 Andy Fairwather-Low)
Elkie Brooks - He's Gotta Love Me (HMV 1965)
Eddie Cochran - Sweetie Pie (London 1960)
Four Tops - Piangono Glo Vomini (I Can't Help Myself) (Motown 1965) (Foreign Language)
Cryan Shames - Please Stay (Decca 1966)
The Packabeats - Theme from The Traitors (Pye 1962) (Half-Time Instrumental)
Count Five - Psychotic Reaction (Double Shot 1966)
Verdelle Smith - Tar and Cement (Capitol 1966)
Gulliver's People - Splendour in the Grass (Parlophone 1966)
The Ivy League - Wait A Minute (Piccadilly 1964)
The Pandoras - Games (Liberty 1967)
Jackie Lee - You Too (Can Have Heartaches) (Columbia 1966)
The Barracudas - (I Wish It Could Be) 1965 Again (Zonophone 1980) (Under The Influence)
Paul Revere & The Raiders - I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone (Columbia 1966)
Heinz - Country Boy (Decca 1963)
Carol Elvin - Don't Leave Me (Parlophone 1963)
Josephine Sunday - You Won't Ever Know Her Name (Tower 1965) (Connect 3)
Boyce & Hart - Thanks for Sunday (A&M 1969) (Connect 3)
Kiki Dee - The Day Will Come Between Sunday and Monday (Motown 1970) (Connect 3)
The Murmaids - Paper Sun (Liberty 1968)
Charles Kingsley Creation - Summer Without Sun (Columbia 1965)
Annette Funicello - Tall Paul (Disneyland 1958) (Two of a Kind)
Annette Funicello - Beach Party (Label Unknown 1963) (Two of a Kind)
Elton John - Tony Dancer (DJM 1971)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

Another show beset by technical difficulties due to a problematic new CD player! The Gary Puckett, Heinz and Kiki Dee tracks were all abandoned! It was, quite simply, one of those nights.

Remember, if you're ever involved in a non-fatal accident in the Kirkcaldy area, do tune in on 1287AM or Channel 3 on the hospital headsets to "Where The Action Is", a blend of mod, coul, Motown, girl groups/singers and alternative pop from the late 50s through to the early 70s.

Feel free to leave a comment or indeed a request or two. I can't promise to play it immediately - the shows are usually done live but prepared two or three weeks in advance - but I'll endeavour to play them within a month.

The Cat
=^..^=

The Cat on "Where The Action Is" Kirkcaldy VRN 1287 AM - Sunday 26 July 2009

This is the playlist for tonight's show:

Martha Reeves and the Vandellas - Honey Chile (Motown 1967)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
Madeline Bell - Mercy Mercy Mercy (Philips 1967)
Sandie Shaw - Gotta See My Baby Everyday (Pye 1965)
Big Star - When My Baby's Beside Me (Stax 1972)
Sharon Marie - Thinkin' 'Bout You Baby (Capitol 1964)
The Treasures - Hold Me Tight (Shirley 1964)
Vicki Carr - Tunesmith (Liberty 1967)
Gary Usher - Sacramento (Capitol 1964) (Connect 3)
Annette Funicello - California Sun (Label Unknown 1963) (Connect 3)
The Flowerpot Men - Let's Go To San Francisco Pt 1 & 2 (Deram 1967) (Connect 3)
The Crystals - Uptown (Philles 1962)
Houston Wells & The Marksmen - North Wind (Parlophone 1962)
Darlene Love - Strange Love (Philles 1964) (Birthday: 26/7/41 Darlene Love)
The Ivy League - What More Do You Want (Piccadilly 1964)
Curtis Lee - Pretty Little Angel Eyes (Dunes 1961)
France Gall - Jazz A Gogo (Label Unknown 1964) (Foreign Language)
Michael Cox - Stand Up (HMV 1962)
The Survivors - After The Game (Capitol 1964) (Half-Time Instrumental)
The Rockin' Berries - Let's Try Again (Piccadilly 1965)
Mike Berry & The Admirals - It's Just A Matter of Time (HMV 1962)
Emitt Rhodes - With My Face On The Floor (Dunhill 1970)
Petula Clark - Gotta Tell The World (Pye 1965)
Kim Weston - Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A While) (Motown 1965)
Rachel & The Revolvers - The Revo-lution (Dot 1962)
Teenage Fanclub - Sparky's Dream (Creation 1995) (Under The Influence)
Pickettywitch - You Got Me So I Don't Know (Pye 1969)
The Ronettes - Be My Baby (Philles 1963)
John Leyton - Son This Is She (HMV 1961)
Nancy Sinatra - Tony Rome (Reprise 1967) (Connect 3)
Dana Gillespie - London Social Degree (London 1967) (Connect 3)
The Paris Sisters - I Love How You Love Me (Gregmark 1961) (Connect 3)
The Honeys - Hide Go Seek (Capitol 1963)
Veronica - So Young (Phil Spector 1961)
Ian Gregory - Can't You Hear The Beat of a Broken Heart (Pye 1961) (Two of a Kind)
Ian Gregory - Mr Lovebug (Pye 1962) (Two of a Kind)
Love - You Set The Scene (Elektra 1967)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

Remember, if you're ever involved in a non-fatal accident in the Kirkcaldy area, do tune in on 1287AM or Channel 3 on the hospital headsets to "Where The Action Is", a blend of mod, coul, Motown, girl groups/singers and alternative pop from the late 50s through to the early 70s.

Feel free to leave a comment or indeed a request or two. I can't promise to play it immediately - the shows are usually done live but prepared two or three weeks in advance - but I'll endeavour to play them within a month.

The Cat
=^..^=

The Cat on "Where The Action Is" Kirkcaldy VRN 1287 AM - Sunday 19 July 2009

This is the playlist for tonight's show:

Rick and Sandy - Lost My Girl (Decca 1965)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
The Settlers - Major To Minor (Pye 1967)
The Lovin' Spoonful - She Is Still A Mystery (Kama Sutra 1967)
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - I Second That Emotion (Tamla 1967)
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Quicksand (Gordy 1963)
The Poets - I Love Her Still (Decca 1965)
The Searchers - Popcorn Double Feature (Pye 1967)
Emmitt Rhodes - Fresh As A Daisy (Dunhill 1970) (Connect 3)
Big Star - Daisy Glaze (Stax 1973) (Connect 3)
The Seeds - Daisy Mae (GNP Crescendo 1965) (Connect 3)
Game - Gonna Get Me Someone (Decca 1966)
John Carter & John Kennedy - It's Your Turn To Cry (Piccadilly 1966)
Vicki Carr - It Must Be Him (Liberty 1967) (Birthday: 19/7/41 Vicki Carr)
Lulu - Day Tripper (Columbia 1967)
The Knack - Who'll Be The Next In Line (Decca 1965)
Ria Bartok - Tu Te Moques de Moi (I Don't Wanna Leave You) (Foreign Language)
Jimmy James & The Vagabonds - This Heart of Mine (Piccadilly 1966)
The Small Faces - Own Up Time (Decca 1966) (Half-Time Instrumental)
The Mighty Avengers - Walkin' Thru The Sleepy City (Decca 1965)
Glen Campbell - Guess I'm Dumb (Capitol 1965)
Petula Clark - Monday, Monday (Pye 1965)
Carnaby - Jump and Dance (Piccadilly 1965)
Sandra Barry & The Boys - Really Gonna Shake (Decca 1964)
The Action - Love Is All (Label Unknown 1967/68)
The Orchids - Caveman (Sarah 1989) (Under The Influence)
The Orchids - That Boy Is Messing Up My Mind (Columbia 1963)
The Chosen Few - So Much To Look Forward To (Pye 1965)
Smoke - We Can Take It (Columbia 1967)
The Honeys - He's A Doll (Warner Bros 1964) (Connect 3)
The Paper Dolls - Something Here In My Heart (Keeps A Tellin' Me No) (Pye 1968) (Connect 3)
Linda Doll & The Sundowners - He Don't Want Your Love Anymore (Piccadilly 1964) (Connect 3)
The Mockingbirds - One By One (Decca 1968)
Episode Six - I Hear Trumpets Blow (Pye 1966)
Cilla Black - I've Been Wrong Before (Parlophone 1965) (Two of a Kind)
Cilla Black - Something Tells Me (Something's Gonna Happen Tonight) (EMI 1971) (Two of a Kind)
The Chants - I Could Write A Book (Pye 1963)
The Raspberries - If You Change Your Mind (Capitol 1972)
The Walker Brothers - After The Lights Go Out (Smash 1966)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

Remember, if you're ever involved in a non-fatal accident in the Kirkcaldy area, do tune in on 1287AM or Channel 3 on the hospital headsets to "Where The Action Is", a blend of mod, coul, Motown, girl groups/singers and alternative pop from the late 50s through to the early 70s.

Feel free to leave a comment or indeed a request or two. I can't promise to play it immediately - the shows are usually done live but prepared two or three weeks in advance - but I'll endeavour to play them within a month.

The Cat
=^..^=

The Cat on "Where The Action Is" Kirkcaldy VRN 1287 AM - Sunday 12 July 2009

This is the playlist for tonight's show::

The Action - Shadows and Reflections (Parlophone 1967)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
The Mamas and the Papas - Go Where You Wanna Go (Dunhill 1965)
The Shangri-las - Out In The Streets (Red Bird 1965)
The Rockin' Berries - He's In Town (Piccadilly 1964)
The Seeds - Can't Seem To Make You Mine (GNP Crescendo 1965)
The Boys - Splendor In The Grass (Kama Sutra 1965)
The Ad-Libs - He Ain't No Angel (Blue Cat 1965)
The Ivy League - Running Round In Circles (Piccadilly 1966) (Connect 3)
Les Fleur de Lys - Circles (Immediate 1966) (Connect 3)
Buffy Sainte-Marie - The Circle Game (Vanguard 1967) (Connect 3)
The Beach Boys - Don't Worry Baby (Capitol 1964)
The Chiffons - I Have A Boyfriend (Laurie 1963)
Julie Grant - Somebody Tell Me (Pye 1962) (Birthday: 12/7/46 Julie Grant)
Barry McGuire - This Precious Time (Dunhill 1966)
The Bandits - I Remember The Girl (Panorama 1966)
France Gall - Christiansen (Philips 1964) (Foreign Language)
The Jelly Beans - Baby Be Mine (Red Bird 1964)
David Ede & The Rabin Rock Band - Twistin' Those Meeces To Pieces (Pye 1962) (Half-Time Instrumental)
Duane Eddy & The Rebelettes - Guitar Child (RCA Victor 1964)
Sharon Marie - Run-Around Lover (Capitol 1963)
The Exciters - Do-Wah-Diddy (United Artists 1963)
The Survivors - Pamela Jean (Capitol 1964)
The Byrds - Don't Doubt Yourself, Babe (Columbia 1965)
The Honeys - The One You Can't Have (Capitol 1963)
The Spooks - Sally Machine (Egomania 2001) (Under The Influence)
Moody & The Deltas - Everybody Come Clap Your Hands (Daisy 1963)
Big Star - I'm In Love With A Girl (Stax 1973)
The Fashionettes - Daydreamin' of You (GNP Crescendo 1964)
Bobby Vee - Take Good Care of My Baby (London 1961) (Connect 3)
Bobby Sheen - I Want You For My Sweetheart (Dimension 1965) (Connect 3)
Bobby Cristo - The Others Side of the Track (Decca 1964) (Connect 3)
Karen Verros - Little Boy (Dot 1965)
Brenda Lee - So Deep (Decca 1962)
The Who - Magic Bus (Track 1968) (Two of a Kind)
The Who - Substitute (Reaction 1966) (Two of a Kind)
The Orchids - That Boy Is Messin' Up My Mind (Columbia 1963)
American Spring - Shyin' Away (Columbia 1973)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

Remember, if you're ever involved in a non-fatal accident in the Kirkcaldy area, do tune in on 1287AM or Channel 3 on the hospital headsets to "Where The Action Is", a blend of mod, coul, Motown, girl groups/singers and alternative pop from the late 50s through to the early 70s.

Feel free to leave a comment or indeed a request or two. I can't promise to play it immediately - the shows are usually done live but prepared two or three weeks in advance - but I'll endeavour to play them within a month.

The Cat
=^..^=

"Where The Action Is" playlist - Sunday 5 July 2009

This is tonight's show in all its glory:

Keith West - Excerpt from a Teenage Opera (Parlophone 1967)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
The Merseys - The Cat (Fontana 1967)
Arthur Conley - Sweet Soul Music (Atlantic 1967)
The Hellions - Think It Over (Piccadilly 1965)
The Yardbirds - Over Under Sideways Down (Columbia 1966)
Simon and Garfunkel - Keep The Customer Satisfied (Columbia 1970)
Limey and the Yanks - Guaranteed Love (Starburst 1965)
R Dean Taylor - There's A Ghost in My House (Motown 1974) (Connect 3)
Val McKenna - House For Sale (Spark 1968) (Connect 3)
The Kinsmen - Glass House Green, Splinter Red (Decca 1968) (Connect 3)
Etta James - Pay Back (Argo 1961)
Loose Ends - Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore (Decca 1966)
The Canadian Squires - Leave Me Alone (Ware 1965) (Birthday: 5/7/43 Robbie Robertson, The Band)
Young Idea - Tar and Cement (EMI 1968)
Arthur Alexander - Soldier of Love (London 1962)
Brigitte Bardot - Harley Davidson (Mercury 1967) (Foreign Language)
Chris Clark - Head To Toe (Motown 1967)
The Eagles - March of the Eagles (Pye 1962) (Half-Time Instrumental)
Samantha Jones - Today Without You (Penny Farthing 1969)
Carter-Lewis & The Southerners - Skinny Minnie (Oriole 1964)
The Move - Here We Go Round The Lemon Tree (Regal Zonophone 1967)
Annette Funicello - First Name Initial (Vista 1959)
Barbara Ruskin - Pawnbroker, Pawnbroker (President 1968)
Johnny Kidd & The Pirates - Hungry For Love (HMV 1963)
Belle and Sebastian - Wrapped Up In Books (Rough Trade 2003) (Under The Influence)
The Knickerbockers - Love Is A Bird (Challenge 1966)
The 23rd Turnoff - Leave Me Here (Deram 1967)
Marvin Gaye - One More Heartache (Motown 1966)
Billie Davis - It's So Funny I Could Cry (Unreleased 1963) (Connect 3)
The Redcaps - Funny Things (Decca 1964) (Connect 3)
John Leyton - Funny Man (HMV 1963) (Connect 3)
Cinnamon - You Won't See Me Leaving (Beacon 1968)
Vicky Gomez - Boys Are Dime A Dozen (ABC Paramount 1965)
The Kinks - This Man He Weeps Tonight (Pye 1969) (Two of a Kind)
The Kinks - Tin Soldier Man (Pye 1967) (Two of a Kind)
Gene Chandler - I Fooled You This Time (Checker 1966)
Fontella Bass - I Surrender (Checker 1966)
David Bowie - I Dig Everything (Pye 1966)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

It was great getting back in the studio for a live show although the studio itself was like a sauna, even with the windows wide open.

Feel free to leave a comment or indeed a request or two.

The Cat on "Where The Action Is" Kirkcaldy VRN 1287 AM - Sunday 28 June 2009

Here are the tracks from last night's show, which I recorded in advance because it clashed with my daughter dancing at the Carnegie Hall. Sadly it was the one in Dunfermline.

Simon Dupree & The Big Sound - Kites (EMI 1967)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
Wishful Thinking - VIP (Decca 1966)
Glenda Collins - Something I Got To Tell You (Pye 1966)
The Left Banke - She May Call You Up Tonight (Smash 1967)
Ella Washington - He Called Me Baby (Sound Stage 1968)
The Isley Brothers - Behind A Painted Smile (Motown 1969)
Tony Jackson Group - Fortune Teller (Pye 1965)
Mike Berry & The Outlaws - Tribute To Buddy Holly (HMV 1961) (Connect 3)
Dorothy Berry - You're So Fine (Challenge 1963) (Connect 3)
Dave Berry - Picture Me Gone (Decca 1966) (Connect 3)
The Poets - Baby Don't You Do It (Immediate 1966)
The Spectres - (We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet (Piccadilly 1967)
Procol Harum - Shine On Brightly (Birthday: 28/6/45 David Knights, bass player)
The Actions - Shadows and Reflections (BBC 1967)
Norma Tracy & The Cinderella Kids - Skateboard Song (Label and year unknown)
The Searchers - C'est de Notre Age (Vogue 1965) (Foreign Language)
Patsy Ann Noble - Sour Grapes (Columbia 1963)
Jimmy Nicol & The Shubdubs - Night Train (Pye 1964) (Half-Time Instrumental)
Madeline Bell - You Don't Love Me No More (Columbia 1964)
The Stories - Love Is In Motion (Kama Sutra 1973)
Bobby Fuller Four - Let Her Dance (Mustang 1965)
The Velvelettes - Lonely, Lonely Girl Am I (VIP 1965)
Beat Boys - That's My Plan (Decca 1963)
The Bootiques - Did You Get Your Fun (Date 1966)
The Icicle Works - Love Is A Wonderful Colour (Beggars Banquet 1983) (Under The Influence)
Nico - I'm Not Saying (Immediate 1965)
Gene Chandler - Nothing Can Stop Me (Constellation 1965)
The Beach Boys - I Can Hear Music (Capitol 1969)
The Searchers - Love Potion Number Nine (stereo) (Pye 1963) (Connect 3)
The 2 of Clubs - Heart (Fraternity 1966) (Connect 3)
Bella and Me - Whatever Happened To The 7 Day Week (Columbia 1967) (Connect 3)
Jackie Lee - Anything You Want (Any Way You Want) (Unreleased)
Jackie Lee - Love Is A Gamble (Pye 1969)
Walker Brothers - Love Her (Smash 1965) (Two of a Kind)
Walker Brothers - My Ship Is Coming In (Philips 1965) (Two of a Kind)
Emitt Rhodes - Fresh As A Daisy (ABC/Dunhill 1970)
West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band - Transparent Day (Reprise 1967)
Lucas and the Mike Cotton Sound - Step Out of Line (Pye 1967)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

This show was a bit of a cop-out because almost all of these tracks had been aired on my show at some point during this year but I didn't have a lot of time to put it together so it's a virtual "greatest hits" of "Where The Action Is" in 2009. Normal service will be resumed next weekend. In fact, the next two shows are already finished.

Feel free to leave a comment or indeed a request or two.

The Cat
=^..^=

The Cat on "Where The Action Is" Kirkcaldy VRN 1287 AM - Sunday 21 Jun 2009

Here are the tracks from last night's Goffin and King special (all tracks marked with an asterisk* are G and K tracks):

Helen Shapiro - It Might As Well Rain Until September (EMI 1964)*
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
The Action - Just Once In My Life (Unreleased)*
Lee Starr & The Astrals - Walkin' With My Angel (Unreleased)*
The Chiffons - The First and Last (BT Puppy 1970)*
Truly Smith - The Boy From Chelsea (Decca 1967)*
Bobby Vee - The Idol (Liberty 1962)*
Gene McDaniels - The Point of No Return (Liberty 1962)*
Donna Loren - Just A Little Girl (Capitol 1964)* (Connect 3)
Bobby Vee - Go Away Little Girl (Liberty 1963)* (Connect 3)
Aretha Franklin - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (Atlantic 1967)* (Connect 3)
Carole King - He's A Bad Boy (Dimension 1963)*
Richard "Popcorn" Wylie - Brand New Man (Epic 1963)*
The Kinks - God's Children (Pye 1971) (Birthday: 21/6/44 Ray Davies)
Barbara Ruskin - Halfway To Paradise (Piccadilly 1965)*
Jackie DeShannon - Heaven Is Being With You (Liberty 1961)*
Lulu - Wenn Du Da Bist (Decca 1964) (Foreign Language)
Lulu - Can't Hear You No More (Decca 1964)
The Kinks - Lola (Pye 1971) (Half-Time Instrumental)
The Satisfactions - I Didn't Have Any Summer Romance (Unreleased 1966)*
Barry St. John - Hey Boy (Decca 1965)*
Billie Davis - Wasn't It You? (Decca 1967)*
Herman's Hermits - Show Me Girl (Columbia 1965)*
Cher - Will You Love Me Tomorrow (Imperial 1966)*
Bertell Dache - Not Just Tomorrow, But Always (United Artists 1961)*
The Thanes - You Shouldn't Be Sad (Rev-ola 2004) (Under The Influence)
The Honey Bees - Some of Your Lovin' (Fontana 1965)*
Connie Stevens - They're Jealous of Me (Warner Bros 1964)*
Marianne Faithfull - Is This What I Get For Loving You Baby (Decca 1967)
The Turtles - So Goes Love (White Whale 1967)* (Connect 3)
Jill Jackson - I'll Love You For A While (Reprise 1965)* (Connect 3)
Arlene Smith - He Knows I Love Him Too Much (Big Top 1961)* (Connect 3)
The Everly Brothers - You're Just What I Was Looking For Today (Unreleased 1967)*
The Hollies - Honey and Wine (Parlophone 1965)*
The Monkees - Take A Giant Step (Colgems 1966)* (Two of a Kind)
The Monkees - Pleasant Valley Sunday (Colgems 1967) (Two of a Kind)
The Animals - Don't Bring Me Down (MGM 1966)*
Little Eva - Keep Your Hands Off My Baby (Dimension 1962)*
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

Most of the tracks from last night's show came from the two CDs pictured, which I purchased with some birthday vouchers. Money well spent.

It was also Ray Davies' birthday so there were three Kinks tracks, including The Thanes' excellent cover.

Next week's show has already been recorded so I'll post that tracklist next Sunday.

The Cat on "Where The Action Is" Kirkcaldy VRN 1287AM - Sunday 7 June 2009

Another afternoon/early evening spent in the studios of Victoria Radio Network as everyone else enjoys the good weather and loads of live sport on the telly:

The Foundations - Baby Now That I've Found You (Pye 1967)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
Felder's Orioles - Backstreet (Piccadilly 1966)
Barbara Pennington - 24 Hours A Day (Label Unknown 1976)
Maxine Darren - How Can I Hide It From My Heart (Pye 1965)
The Searchers - Second Hand Dealer (Pye 1967)
Mel Wynn & The Rhythm Aces - Stop Sign (Label Unknown 1868)
The Alan Bown Set - Headline News (Pye 1966)
The Byrds - So You Wanna Be A Rock 'n' Roll Star (Columbia 1967) (Connect 3)
Herman's Hermits - Here Comes The Star (Columbia 1969) (Connect 3)
Don Charles - Lucky Star (Decca 1963) (Connect 3)
Billie Davis - No Other Baby (Piccadilly 1965)
Tony Jordan - The Wind Calls (Pye 1967)
Billy Butler & The Enchanters - The Right Track (Okeh 1966) (Birthday: 7/6/45 Billy Butler)
The Four Vandals - The Wrong Side of Town (Label Unknown 1999)
Eddie Cave & The Fyx - Fresh Out of Tears (Pye 1966)
Les Roche Martin - Les Mains dans Les Roches (EMI 1967) (Foreign Language)
Sarah Jane - Listen People (Pye 1966)
The Tornados - The Ice Cream Man (Decca 1968) (Half-Time Instrumental)
The Ivy League - That's Why I'm Crying (Piccadilly 1965)
Kim D - Come On Baby (Pye 1965)
Father's Angels - Bok To Bach (Label Unknown 1967)
Julie Grant - Come To Me (Pye 1964)
Petula Clark - Don't Sleep On The Subway (Pye 1967)
Neo Maya - I Won't Hurt You (Pye 1967)
Secret Affair - My World (US Remix) (I-Spy 1979) (Under The Influence)
The Exotics - I Don't Want Nobody (To Lean Me On) (Pye 1970)
Lavern Baker - Wrapped, Tied and Tangled (Label Unknown 1967)
Tammy St. John - Dark Shadows and Empty Hallways (Pye 1964)
Just Brothers - Sliced Tomatoes (Lupine 1965) (Connect 3)
The Sweetcorn - Sunshine Follows The Rain (Pye 1970) (Connect 3)
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - The Onion Song (Tamla Motown 1969) (Connect 3)
The Loving Kind - Ain't That Peculiar (Pye 1966)
Lorraine Silver - Happy Faces (Pye 1966)
Jackie Wilson - I've Lost You (Brunswick 1967) (Two of a Kind)
Jackie Wilson - The Who Who Song (Brunswick 1967) (Two of a Kind)
Anita Harris - Something Must Be Done (Pye 1966)
Jack Montgomery - Dearly Beloved (Label Unknown 1966)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

The Cat's "Where The Action Is" on Kirkcaldy VRN 1287AM - Sunday 31 May 209

Missing all the sunshine to bring the patients and listeners of VRN 1287AM the following great tunes:

Darrell Banks - Our Love (Is In The Pocket) (Revilot 1966)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
Barbara Ruskin - Song Without End (Pye 1966)
Sandie Shaw - Nothing Comes Easy (Pye 1966)
Nita Rossi - Every Little Day Now (Pye 1965)
Al Wilson - The Snake (Soul City 1968)
The Uglys - End of the Season (Pye 1966)
Simone Jackson - Tell Me What To Do (Pye 1963)
The Kinks - Picture Book (Pye 1968) (Connect 3)
Madeline Bell - Picture Me Gone (Philips 1967) (Connect 3)
Margo Guryan - Take A Picture (Bell 1968) (Connect 3)
John L Watson & The Hummleflugs - Lookin' For Love (Pye 1964)
Bob Relf - Blowin' My Mind To Pieces (Trans-American 1968)
Jan Panter - Put Yourself In My Place (Pye 1966)
Marmalade - Lovin' Things (CBS 1968) (Birthday: 31/5/47 Junior Campbell)
The Rockin' Berries - Barterers and their Wives (Unreleased)
Annie Philippe - Baby Love (Baby Love Groove Mix) (Riviera 1964) (Foreign Language)
The Small Faces - Here Comes The Nice (Immediate 1967)
The Checkmates - Tornado (Pye 1961) (Half-Time Instrumental)
Wayne Gibson - Under My Thumb (Columbia 1966)
Keith Powell & Billie Davis - When You Move You Lose (Piccadilly 1966)
Glenda Collins - It's Hard To Believe It (Pye 1966)
The Byrds - Mr Tambourine Man (Columbia 1965)
Fred Hughes - Baby Boy (Brunswick 1969)
The Settlers - Till Winter Follows Spring (Pye 1966)
The Primary V - Lost and Confused (Neon Tetra 2008) (Under The Influence)
The Blue Chips - Tell Her (Pye 1966)
Polly Brown - So Much In Love (Pye 1973)
The Paper Dolls - Something Here In My Heart (Keeps A Tellin' Me No) (Pye 1968)
Starbreaker - Sounds of Summer (Label Unknown 1977) (Connect 3)
Simon Dupree & The Big Sound Authority - Reservations (Parlophone 1967) (Connect 3)
Sight and Sound - Jackie (Pye 1970) (Connect 3)
Evelyn Thomas - Weak Spot (29th Century 1975)
Stella Star - Say It (Pye 1967)
Kathy Kirby - Dance On (1963 Decca) (Two of a Kind)
Kathy Kirby - Miss Dynamite (1963 Decca) (Two of a Kind)
Barbara Acklin - Just Ain't No Love (Brunswick 1968)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

I had improvise tonight as two CDs decided to start skipping!! Until next time, good night and good health.

The Cat on "Where The Action Is" Kirkcaldy VRN 1287 AM - Sunday 24 May 2009

Here are this week's offerings for the patients and listeners of VRN 1287AM:

Dobie Gray - Out On The Floor (Charger 1966)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
The Breakaways - That's How It Goes (Pye 1964)
Lucas and the Mike Cotton Sound - Step Out of Line (Pye 1967)
The Knack - (The Man From The) Marriage Guidance and Advice Bureau (Piccadilly 1967)
West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band - Transparent Day (Reprise 1967)
Erma Franklin - (I Get The) Sweetest Feeling (Brunswick 1970)
Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band - If This Is Love (I'd Rather Be Lonely) (HMV 1961)
John Leyton - Thunder and Lightning (HMV 1961) (Connect 3)
Manfred Mann - Smokestack Lightning (Capitol 1964) (Connect 3)
Little Johnny Taylor - Zig Zag Lightning (Galaxy 1966) (Connect 3)
Sandra Barry - We Were Lovers (When The Party Began) (Pye 1965)
Charlie Rich - Love Is After Me (Hi 1966)
Patti Labelle & The Bluebells - All Or Nothing (Atlantic 1965) (Birthday: 24/5/44 Patti Labelle)
The Kytes - Frosted Panes (Pye 1966)
Timebox - I'll Always Love You (Piccadilly 1967)
Jacqueline Taieb - Qu'est-ce Qu'on Se Marre a la Fac (La Fac de Lettres) (Fontana 1968) (Foreign Language)
The Zombies - Time of the Season (Date 1968)
The Outlaws - Swinging Low (HMV 1961) (Half-Time Instrumental)
The Capreez - How To Make A Sad Man Glad (Sound 1968)
Antoinette - There He Goes (The Boy I Love) (Pye 1964)
The Bobby Fuller Four - I Fought The Law (El Paso version) (Norton 1996)
Jimmy James - Ain't No Big Thing (Pye 1967)
Peter Nelson - Don't Make Promises (You Can't Keep) (Piccadilly 1966)
Glo Macari - He Knows I Love Him Too Much (Pye 1965)
Fleet Foxes - Mykonos (Bella Union 2009) (Under The Influence)
The Pretty Things - SF Sorrow Is Born (Columbia 1968)
The Cooperettes - Shing-A-Ling (Brunswick 1967)
Ways and Means - Make The Radio A Little Louder (Pye 1967)
Helen Shapiro - Look Over Your Shoulder (Columbia 1964) (Connect 3)
The Beach Boys - Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulders) (Capitol 1966) (Connect 3)
Brenda Holloway - You Can Cry On My Shoulders (Tamla 1965) (Connect 3)
Edwin Starr - Twenty Five Miles (Gordy 1969) (Two of a Kind)
Edwin Starr - Stop Her On Sight (SOS) (Ric-Tac 1966) (Two of a Kind)
Lorraine Chandler - Love You Baby (Ashford 1968)
Sandie Shaw - As Long As You're Happy (Pye 1964)
Youngblood - Green Light (Pye 1968)
Jimmy Radcliffe - Long After Tonight Is All Over (Musicor 1964)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

An enjoyable show tonight although I had a bit of difficulty saying "baroque pop folk" - you try it!

Until next time, good night and good health.

The Cat on "Where The Action Is" Kirkcaldy VRN 1287 AM - Sunday 17 May 2009

After the fun and frolics of Eurovision it's back to my usual mix of mod, soul and alternative 60s pop.

Betty Everett - Getting Mighty Crowded (Vee Jay 1964)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
The Lovin' Spoonful - She Is Still A Mystery (Kama Sutra 1967)
The Jades - Surface World (Fenton 1967)
The Chordettes - Pink Showlaces (Cadence 1959)
The Yardbirds - Over Under Sideways Down (Columbia 1966)
Reparata and the delrons - Look In My Diary (Unreleased)
Shelley Fabares - Lost Summer Love (Vee Jay 1964)
Billie Davis - Bedtime Stories (Columbia 1963) (Connect 3)
Brenda Holloway - Tell Me Your Story (Unreleased 1965) (Connect 3)
The Stories - Love Is In Motion (Kama Sutra 1973) (Connect 3)
The Monks - Monk Time (Polydor 1965)
Gene Chandler - Nothing Can Stop Me (Constellation 1965)
Baby Jane & The Rockabyes - How Much Is That Doggie In The Window (Birthday: 17/5/21 Bob Merrill, songwriter)
Arthur Alexander - You're The Reason (Dot 1962)
Viscount V - She Doesn't Know (Lavette 1966)
Francoise Hardy - Ce Petite Coeur (Pye 1965) (Foreign Language)
The Supremes - Your Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart (Motown 1966)
The Tornados - Dragonfly (Decca 1963) (Half-Time Instrumental)
Irma Thomas - Break-A-Way (Imperial 1964)
The Beach Boys - I Can Hear Music (Capitol 1969)
Benny Spellman - Fortune Teller (Minit 1962)
PJ Proby - Just Like Him (Liberty 1964)
Joey Heatherton - Live and Learn (Decca 1966)
The Shangri-las - Out In The Street (Red Bird 1965)
Camera Obscura - Honey In The Sun (4AD 2009) (Under The Influence)
The Action - Something Has Hit Me (Parlophone 1967)
Noreen Corcoran - Love Kitten (Vee Jay 1963)
Helen Shapiro w/The Jordanaires - Woe Is Me (Columbia 1963)
The Flowerpot Men - A Walk In The Sky (Deram 1967) (Connect 3)
Paradox - There's A Flower Shop (Flujac 1968) (Connect 3)
The Searchers - Where Have All The Flowers Gone (Mono) (Pye 1963) (Connect 3)
Carolyn Carter - I'm Thru (Jamie 1965)
Barbara Acklin - Am I The Same Girl (Brunswick 1969)
The Marvelettes - Destination Anywhere (Tamla 1968) (Two of a Kind)
The Marvelettes - Too Many Fish In The Sea (Tamla 1964) (Two of a Kind)
The Butterflys - Good Night Baby (Red Bird 1964)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

Until next time, good night and good health.

The Cat on "Where The Action Is" Kirkcaldy VRN 1287 AM - Sunday 10 May 2009

Here is the list for last weekend's Eurovision special, during which I counted down my Top 10 Eurovision tracks of all time.

10 Gina G - Ooh Aah...Just A Little Bit (UK 1996)
Marc Antoine Charpentier - Eurovision Theme (show theme)
Birgitte - Open Your Heart (Iceland 2003)
Sakis Rouvas - Shake It (Greece 2004)
9 The New Seekers - Beg, Steal or Borrow (UK 1972)
Friends - Listen To Your Heartbeat (Sweden 2001)
Charlotte Nilsson - Take Me To Your Heaven (Sweden 1999)
8 Secret Garden - Nocturne (Norway 1995)
Baccara - Parlez Vous Francais (Luxembourg 1978) (Connect 3)
Vicky Leandros - Apres Toi (Luxembourg 1972) (Connect 3)
Corrine Hermes - Si La Vie Est Cadeau (Luxembourg 1983) (Connect 3)
7 Teach-Inn - Ding-A-Dong (Holland 1975)
Marta Roure - Jugarem A Estimar-Nos (Andorra 2004)
Jade Ewen - It's My Time (2009 UK Entry)
6 Beth - Dime (Spain 2003)
Anne Marie David - Tu Tu Recoinnoitras (Luxembourg 1973)
Sandie Shaw - Un Tout Petit Pantin (Puppet On A String) (UK 1967) (Foreign Language)
Bardo - One Step Further (UK 1982)
Sertab Erener - Everyway That I Can (Turkey 2003)
5 Dana International - Diva (Hebrew Radio version) (Israel 1998)
Belle and the Devotions - Love Games (UK 1984)
Rollo and King - Never Ever Let You Go (Denmark 2001)
4 Severine - Un Banc Un Arbor Une Rue (Monaco 1971)
t.A.T.u - Ne Ver' Ne Bojsia (Russia 2003)
Lisa Andreas - Stronger Every Minute (Cyprus 2004)
3 F.L.Y. - Hello from Mars (Latvia 2003)
Natasha St-Pier - Je N-ai Que Mon Ame (France 2001)
Massiel - He Gives Me Love (La La La) (Spain 1968)
Sahlene - Runaway (Estonia 2002) (Connect 3)
Jessica Garlick - Come Back (UK 2002) (Connect 3)
Prime Minister - Northern Girl (Russia 2002) (Connect 3)
2 Brainstorm - My Star (Latvia 2000)
Chiara - Angel (Malta 2005) (Two of a Kind)
Chiara - The One That I Love (Malta 1998) (Two of a Kind)
1 France Gall - Poupee De Cire, Poupee de Son (Luxembourg 1965)

Mrs Cat was a very special studio guest for this show.

Until next time, good night and good health.

The Cat on "Where The Action Is" Kirkcaldy VRN 1287 AM - Sunday 3 May 2009

Today is my birthday and we're played lots of celebratory tunes. Songs about birthdays, cakes, parties and having a good time.

The Beatles - Birthday (Apple 1968)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
Warwick - Let's Get The Party Going (RAK 1973)
Annette Funicello/Frankie Avalon - Beach Party (1963)
Fontella Bass - How Glad I Am (Chess 1966)
Bobby Fuller Four - Birthday Cake (Keep Your Hands Off It) (Unreleased)
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Special Occasion (Tamla 1968)
The Clingers - Gonna Have A Good Time Tonight (Columbia 1969)
The Kinks - Pary Line (Pye 1966) (Connect 3)
Glenda Collins - Been Invited To A Party (HMV 1965) (Connect 3)
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - Two Can Have A Party (Tamla 1967) (Connect 3)
American Spring - Good Times (United Artists 1972)
The Cookies - I Want A Boy for My Birthday (Dimension 1963)
James Brown & The Blue Flames - I Got You (I Feel Good) (Birthday: 3/5/33 James Brown)
Emily Evans - A Cake and A Candle (Jamie 1963)
The Ivy League - We're Having A Party (Piccadilly 1965)
Sandie Shaw - Il a de La Peine (As Long As You're Happy Baby) (Pye 1964) (Foreign Language)
The Zombies - Brief Candles (CBS 1968)
Tony Russell - Happy Larry (On The Buses theme) (Half-Time Instrumental)
Karen Kelly - Party Talk (Sound Stage 7 1964)
Baby Jane & The Rockabyes - Happy Birthday (Wherever You Are) (Unreleased 1963)
Tony Richie - Has Anyone At The Party Seen Jenny (Beacon 1968)
Dave Clark Five - Glad All Over (Columbia 1963)
Petula Clark - Life and Soul of the Party (Pye 1966)
Tami Lynn - At The Party (Atco 1964)
Altered Images - Happy Birthday (Epic 1981) (Under The Influence)
Maxine Brown - Baby Cakes (Wand 1967)
The Pixies Three - The Birthday Party (Mercury 1963)
College Boys - Good Times (Pye 1967)
The Box Tops - Happy Times (Mala 1967) (Connect 3)
Nancy Sinatra - Happy (Reprise 1968) (Connect 3)
Lorraine Silver - Happy Faces (Pye 1968) (Connect 3)
The Victorians - You're Invited To A Party (Liberty 1964)
Pussyfoot - Good Times (Pye 1968)
The Cake - Baby That's Me (Decca 1967) (Two of a Kind)
The Cake - PT 280 (Decca 1968) (Two of a Kind)
Karen Young - Let's Start The Party Again (Pye 1965)
Love Affair - Bringing On Back The Good Times (CBS 1969)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

Next week's will be my Eurovision extravaganza. It's already been recorded and Mrs Cat was my very special guest.

The week after that will be a "normal" show, if there is such a thing. I was given some cracking CDs for my birthday so I've no doubt they will permeate into the next few shows.

Until next time, good night and good health.

The Cat on "Where The Action Is" Kirkcaldy VRN 1287 AM - Sunday 26 April 2009

Today's show has a theme of "Names". It's also been pre-recorded due to my attendance at the Camera Obscura/Attic Lights gig in Glasgow tonight:

Shirley Ellis - The Name Game (Congress 1965)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)
The Four Tops - Bernadette (Motown 1967)
Jackie Lee - Rupert (Pye 1971)
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Jimmy Mack (Tamla 1967)
Cryan Shames - Greenburg, Glickstein, Charles, David Smith and Jones (Columbia 1968)
Love - Hey Joe (Elektra 1967)
The Turtles - Elenore (White Whale 1968)
The Overlanders - Michelle (Pye 1966) (Connect 3)
The Temptations - Hey Jude (Gordy 1969) (Connect 3)
The Beatles - Dear Prudence (Apple 1968) (Connect 3)
The Kinks - Lola (Pye 1970)
Nancy Sinatra - Tony Rome (Reprise 1967)
The Troggs - Hi Hi Hazel (CBS 1967) (Birthday: 26/4/43 Tony Murray, The Troggs)
Petula Clark - Romeo (Pye 1961)
Davie Jones & The King Bees - Liza Jane (Vocation 1964)
France Gall - Bonsoir John John (Philips 1967) (Foreign Language)
Creation - Tom Tom (Polydor 1968)
The Eagles - Johnny's Tune (Pye 1962) (Half-Time Instrumental)
The Hollies - Lucille (Parlophone 1964)
Twinkle - Micky (Instant 1969)
The Who - Happy Jack (Reaction 1966)
Billy Fury - Colette (Decca 1959)
Keith West - Sam (Parlophone 1967)
The Aerovons - Bessy Goodheart (Resurrection 1969)
Attic Lights - Paul (Island 2008) (Under The Influence)
Annette Funicello - Tall Paul (Disneyland 1959)
Bobby Fuller Four - Pamela (Unreleased)
Everpresent Fullness - Susie Q (Unreleased)
The Langley Schools Music Project - Help Me Rhonda (1976/77) (Connect 3)
The Survivors - Pamela Jean (Capitol 1964) (Connect 3)
The Regents - Barbara Ann (Gee 1961) (Connect 3)
The Beach Boys - Wendy (Capitol 1964)
Antoinette - Jenny Let Him Go (Decca 1964)
The Monkees - Mary, Mary (RCA/Colgems 1967) (Two of a Kind)
The Monkees - Valleri (RCA/Colgems 1967) (Two of a Kind)
The Jewells - Smokie Joe's (Dimension 1965)
Pamela Blue - My Friend Bobby (Decca 1963)
The Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble (Decca 1967) (show theme)

Next week's show will be live and will have a celebration/party/birthday theme as it's my birthday! I might go and see The Ray Summrs at the Greenside Hotel in Leslie after it but I haven't made my mind up yet.

The week after that will be the Eurovision special, which I've already recorded, with a special guest in the shape of Mrs Cat, who sat knitting in the corner through most of it. She did try to guess the Connect 3s though.

Twatler

I subscribe to Mojo and Web User, which fulfil all my music and geeky needs. My good lady on the other hand prefers Tatler and Vanity Fair.

While "my" magazines invariably end up on the study floor, with salient page corners marked for articles I may or may not get around to looking at, Vanity Fair and Tatler usually live in the upstairs, non en suite bathroom. (I appreciate that to some people the idea of a magazine rack in the smallest room in the house is abhorrent but I feel the same about televisions in bedrooms, so we're all even on that). Invariably during a natural break I'll pick up an issue of Vanity Fair that I didn't manage to finish an article in and make my way through it. However, the pleasure from Vanity is of a more titillating variety. While I enjoy the lengthy articles about people I probably haven't heard of in VF, what entertains me most in Tatler is the stupid names of the people featured.

In a recent issue - it may even be the current one - the list of staff, contributors and all manner of editors tickled my fancy. While both the Parker Bowles had got themselves tidy little jobs as Car and Food editor (let's face only they could afford to eat in the places reviewed or drive the cars fawned over), there's also a Features editor by the name of Ticky Hedley-Dent (sounds like a greyhound running in the 7.40 at Monmore) and Contributing editors by the names of Cressida, Luli and Dorrit, not forgetting one Bryan Adams. Surely not THE..., nah, couldn't be!

My favourite, however, is one of the four, yes count them, four Contributing fashion editors. Ladies and gentleman, I give you, Debonnaire Von Bismarck*. You just couldn't make it up!

The Cat
=^..^=

* Her Facebook page, which I came across after a Google search to see if this was a real person, misses out the "Von". One of her friends is David Furnish.