Reviews
Our pick of books and films
Telstar
Book
Hit Bilanz:
Deutsche Chart Singles 1956-1980
DVD
Telstar
DVD
Up the junction
Telstar
Talented, maverick, er... unhinged – these are terms that have been used to describe legendary British producer Joe Meek. And this film captures those three sides of him excellently. It didn’t stay long in cinemas when it was released, so it’s great that it’s now readily available on DVD. Meek was the producer behind many of the wonderful recordings by Glenda Collins. Sadly, she’s not referred to in the film, but that won’t prevent you from enjoying it. Set in early 1960s north London, the film tells the story of Meek’s success with the Tornados’ Telstar, his fixation with singer Heinz, his paranoia and, ultimately, his untimely death. Con O’Neill stars as Meek, and there are also great performances from Kevin Spacey and James Corden.
Book
Anti yéyé: Une autre histoire des sixties
Kathy Kirby: My story... By the golden girl of pop
For too long Britain’s Kathy Kirby has kept herself out of the public eye. However, on this DVD, she gives her first interview on camera in years. Appearing Norma Desmond-like, her head wrapped in a turban, she looks back on her rise and, yes, her fall from grace. There are plenty of old clips to enjoy and interviews with stars such as Sandie Shaw, Marc Almond and former lover Bruce Forsyth. Much is made is this documentary-style film of Kathy’s beauty and the quality of her vocals. Ultimately, though, the viewer can’t help but come away with a feeling of sadness – the images of the grotty exterior of her home give context to her life now and leave their mark. That said, to see Kathy Kirby on screen for 80 minutes is a treat.
Kathy Kirby: My story...
DVD
Kathy Kirby: My story...
DVD
Dateline diamonds
Book
1000 Nadelstiche:
Ameriker und Briten singen deutsch 1955-1975
DVD
Masculin féminin
Funky Fräuleins
This compilation CD from Bureau B presents, according to its sleeve, a selection of “female beat, groove, disco and funk in Germany 1968-1978”. We reckon the beat claim doesn’t hold water, but then again, we wouldn’t really expect a beat record to have been made after 1968. Five of the 18 tracks are from the 1960s – the highlight of which is Heidi Brühl’s Berlin, though Jane Morel’s Special Agent and Shirley Thompson’s Goldene Insel deserve a mention too. The collection also includes tracks by other Ready steady girls! favourites – Peggy March, Renate Kern, Sandra Haas and Vicky Leandros – and a host of top names from the German and Austrian music scene, such as Caterina Valente, Hildegard Knef, Marianne Mendt and Marianne Rosenberg. The lesser-known Lotte & Leherb bring the set, erm, to a peak with a duet that makes Je t’aime... Moi non plus seem tame.
Funky Fräuleins
CD and LP
Funky Fräuleins
Book
L’odyssée de la chanson française
DVD
To sir with love
Book
British hit singles and albums:
Guinness Books
Book
Ready, steady, go! Swinging London and the invention of cool
