Every now and again, I can't recall what made a song stand out for me and become an all-time favorite, and this week's tune is that now and again. Tried to think if it was a movie or a top songs list, but nothing came to me. In the end, I decided I'm at an age where it's entirely possible that I heard it on the radio a few years removed from when it was a hit--and just carried it with me to this day....
Peter and Gordon (Peter Asher and Gordon Waller) formed in the U.K. in 1962, were a part of the British Invasion, released fourteen albums in six years, and had four hits that sold over a million copies before going their separate ways in 1968. Peter Asher went on to be a record producer extraordinaire, producing records for thirty-seven different artists (most notably James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt--he also managed Ronstadt), won three production Grammys, and spent some time in the executive suites at various record labels. Waller dabbled in musical theater, released a few solo albums, and worked as a salesman. They reunited in 2005 and performed off and on together until 2009 when, sadly, Waller died of a massive heart attack. Asher continues to perform, wrote a book about his time with the Beatles (Paul McCartney dated Asher's sister, Jane, and lived with her family, sharing a room with Peter in the Beatles very early days), and produced a record for Susanna Hoffs of Bangles fame just this year.
"A World Without Love" was the first single ever released by Peter and Gordon, from their ever so cleverly named debut album, Peter and Gordon. The single would reach #1 (with a bullet!) in both the U.K. and the United States, as well as Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. It is also included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of the 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. The album peaked at #18 in Great Britain, and #21 here in America.
Fun Fact #1: Paul McCartney wrote this week's tune when he was sixteen (why he's one of the all-time greats, indeed), held onto it for a few years, and never felt it was good enough for the Beatles. When Peter and Gordon got their recording contract, Asher asked McCartney if they could have it. McCartney gave it to them, and the rest as they say, is history.
Fun Fact #2: This week's tune is one of two Lennon and McCartney songs (every song released during their time together as Beatles was a Lennon/McCartney tune, regardless of who wrote it or when) not recorded by the Beatles to hit #1. The other? A cover of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" by Sir Elton John.
If an alien came down to earth, and somewhat oddly (I'd think) asked one of us to name a song that epitomizes sixties pop, one couldn't really go wrong with "A World Without Love." Lush harmonies, a smooth and creamy melody, and a bass drum that serves as the heartbeat (literally--listen closely) of the song make for a song that sounds every bit as shiny and new as it did fifty years ago when it was first released. Throw in a theme of waiting for the love of your life and knowing she'll be there someday and you have one of pop music's most magical moments ever.
Lyric Sheet: "Please lock me away/And don't allow the day/Here inside/Where I hide/With my loneliness..."
Enjoy:
Republicans = Nazis
Peace,
emaycee
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