Coventry classics that deserve a second chance
Through my long career as a music journalist there has been so many great songs, but every so often a song comes along and in my mind ranks as something of a classic, even if it never troubled the charts or even picked up that much attention. So here are a few of those songs that in my opinion deserve a second chance as in a fair and just world they would have charted and created their own legacy. If you can please check them out they deserve that much.
The People Have Spoken-The Ripps
The Ripps were a nearly band around the time of The Enemy, unlike the Enemy they never quite made it, but this slice of brass driven Ska should never be forgotten. Produced by the legendary producer Roger Lomas this song ticked all the boxes. It should have been a contender but sadly the group reinvented themselves shorty after drummer Rachel left and dropped the brass section and also this song in the process. Check it out if you can find it.
From A To B-Eyeless In Gaza
Nuneaton’s finest, electro duo that were back in the 1980’s, this for so many years was the song I always declared my all time favourite song. Martyn Bates has a unique melancholy to his voice that adds a tantalising edge to everything he sings. This however in my opinion is simplistic in its compound, but that only adds to the drama and nostalgic edge to the whole thing. Beyond iconic!
Walk Away- Satin Dolls
Julie Ann Burrows led the band from the front dominating every stage she sang on. This was their first and best song without a doubt, the opening was divine and it rocked along with a super catchy chorus.
Trouble-Matt Cattell
Saw Matt recently and he played this, and became the catalyst for this article. I never get tired of this song, atmospheric and slightly sinister in a benign way, it would have looked well at home on the charts and the accompanying video was equally superb.
Red Flag- Abz
Play it and play it and play it again, I never want this song to become old or something of the past, Abz has moved on with more great songs, but I can’t get past this disco classic that builds till it reaches it’s own critical mass and you know what I’ll just play it one more delicious time.
Ever Seen The Sky So Blue- The Danny Ansell Band
This should be Coventry’s official song (beyond City of Culture) as it includes all the great things about our city all in one anthemic masterpiece of a song. Danny and the band continue to make great music and if you are a Cov music fan there is no chance you have not heard of one of the cities hardest working bands, there has been so many great compositions by them, but this one is so very important in the history of DAM and Coventry.
