Our pick of the pops: July 2007

Our pick of the pops

Pas de taxi

Angelic-looking blonde Annie Philippe enjoyed a number of hits in the mid-1960s. This track was included on her 1967 EP Le mannequin and sees her fending off admirers as she waits for a taxi. Dismissing potential suitors, she concludes that to get a girl, “If you’re not handsome, you have to have a car.”

Patty Pravo

Se perdo te

This record changed the Italian public’s perception of Patty Pravo. She went from being a purveyor of pop fluff to serious songstress overnight upon its release in 1968. The emotional ballad shows off her vocal ability and maturity and is an absolute gem.

Nita Rossi

Untrue unfaithful

This was the first – and arguably best – of four releases by Brit girl Nita Rossi. Issued in 1965 on the Piccadilly label, the song was penned by Tom Jones’s manager, Gordon Mills. On it, poor old Nita gives herself a hard time for falling in love with a Lothario.

Bonny St Claire

I surrender

This Mod favourite was the B-side of Dutch singer Bonny St Claire’s single Come home, issued in 1969. Just a year earlier she was discovered after being plucked from the audience to accompany Dutch group Peter and the Rockets on stage at a concert.

Marion

Er ist wieder da

Atypically downbeat for a German hit, this song swept 22-year-old Marion to fame in late 1965. Its haunting tune suited her plaintive vocals perfectly and she became the coolest of German singers for a year or so. (American singer Peggy March issued a cover of the song in the US as He’s back again.)

Marianne Faithfull

Is this what I get for loving you?

Britain’s Marianne Faithfull shot to fame with As tears go by in 1964. This song, released three years later, just missed the UK top 40. It’s a world away from the Ronettes’ original but is none the worse for it.