Sounds on Sunday: 50 years on/6

POP MUSIC was once so new and daring: it’s shocking to think that it’s over 50 years old. Some standards have been around for over half a century… What, then, were we listening to 50 years ago? It was an odd year, 1970. The influence of the older generation saw a good deal of old school easy listening in the charts – while the movements that were to develop during the 1970s were not yet established. Come with us – whether it’s down memory lane or to unknown territory – and remember or find out what it was all about.

It’s come to the point where we begin to wonder who was responsible for 1970 – and whether they should apologise. Back Home, by the England World Cup Squad, reached the top of the UK pop chart on 12th May – and stayed there for an astonishing three weeks.  It just goes to show how deeply the beautiful game is embedded in the English psyche – and the Irish psyche too, apparently. Back Home also reached the number two slot in the Irish charts. Were Irish music fans being encouraging or charitable?

England went into the 1970 World Cup as the title holder – remember 1966? They were not able to retain their winning ways, however – the West German team gained revenge for their defeat in the finals four years previously and knocked the England team out in the quarter finals. The England football team has continued to chase success in the World Cup – and, for the most part unfortunately, in the charts. Have a quick listen – then, if you’re still in the mood, google “Skinner and Badiel”.

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