Heavier

Disco Funk & 16ths

Blues

Hendrix Songs

Big hit for Peter Allen who wrote and performed the song in 1980

In the version of the song used by Qantas, "Rio" is replaced by "Rome" as Qantas did not operate flights to Rio de Janeiro, but flew to the Italian capital at the time the video was made.
Sadly Allen died at Mercy Hospital, San Diego, on 18 June 1992, from an AIDS-related throat cancer.

Originally in F major, my version is in D major.

Piano etc. backing is MIDI

I Still Call Australia Home

Written by Leon Russell, big hit for Helen Reddy, The Carpenters and George Benson.

Drums & keyboards MIDI
Guitar LH Ibanez Artist jumbo acoustic 
My version as a Bossa Nova.

This Masquerade

Big hit for Dire Straits in 1983

My version in the same key A major
Guitars LH Wasburrn A10
Drums & piano MIDI

Twisting By The Pool

Originally from the 1944 musical film "Kismet" staring Marlene Dietrich. It became a Broadway musical in 1953 and "Stranger In Paradise" has been covered by many artists since, starting with Tony Bennett.

My version is in F major.

The music was adapted from Alexander Borodin's "Polovtsian Dance" from his opera "Prince Igor" in 1890.

Borodin was a brilliant organic chemist and physician, and founded the School of Medicine for Women in Saint Petersburg, where he taught until 1885.

He wrote Russian Romantic classical music "in his spare time"!

Stranger In Paradise

A big hit for Elvis in 1958, written by Bill Trader and published in 1952.

Elvis recorded it in Nashville, while he was on leave from the Army and featured guitar by Hank Garland, Chet Atkins and Presley, bass by Bob Moore, drums by D. J. Fontana and Buddy Harman and piano by Floyd Cramer and backing vocal by the Jordanaires, with the bass voice provided by Ray Walker.

"I Need Your Love Tonight" b/w "(Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I" was Elvis' first single to not receive a 78 RPM pressing in the United States.

My version in the same key of C major, with many secondary dominant chords (E7, A7 and D7).  14-08-2022


Lead Guitar - LH Fender Stratocaster
Rhythm Guitar - Ibanez Jumbo Acoustic strung LH
Bass Guitar - LH 4-string Washburn
Lead & Harmony Vocal Mic - Shure Beta SM 58A
Drums - MIDI

Fool Such As I

"The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore)" was written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio.

It was originally released as a single credited to Frankie Valli as a solo artist in 1965 on the Smash label, but was more successful when recorded by The Walker Brothers in 1966

Covered by many other artists since.

Lead Guitar - Left handed Washburn A 10
Rhythm Guitar - Left handed Ibanez Artist Jumbo acoustic
Bass - Left handed Washburn 4-string
Bell - cast aluminium pot-lid
Shaker - swimming-pool sand in steel container
Drums & keyboards - MIDI

The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Any More

26 January we commemorate the founding of Australia in 1788, by Governor Arthur Philip, on the instructions of the British Monarch, King George 111.
Now Australia has a new Monarch, King Charles III.

At the time, God Save The King was the National Anthem of Great Britain and the members of her Empire, including Australia, then known as New South Wales.

Here are all nine original verses from then, written by John Bull around 1795:

God save our gracious King
Long live our noble King
God save the King
Send him victorious
Happy and glorious
Long to reign over us
God save the King

O Lord our God arise
Scatter his enemies
And make them fall
Confound their politics
Frustrate their knavish tricks
On Thee our hopes we fix
God save us all

Thy choicest gifts in store
On him be pleased to pour
Long may he reign
May he defend our laws
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice
God save the King

Not in this land alone
But be God's mercies known
From shore to shore
Lord make the nations see
That men should brothers be
And form one family
The wide world over

From every latent foe
From the assassins blow
God save the King
O'er him thine arm extend
For Britain's sake defend
Our father, prince, and friend
God save the King

Lord grant that Marshal Wade
May by thy mighty aid
Victory bring
May he sedition hush
And like a torrent rush
Rebellious Scots to crush
God save the King

God bless the prince, I pray,
God bless the prince, I pray,
Charlie I mean;
That Scotland we may see
Freed from vile Presbyt'ry,
Both George and his Feckie,
Ever so, Amen.

From France and Pretender
Great Britain defend her,
Foes let them fall;
From foreign slavery,
Priests and their knavery,
And Popish Reverie,
God save us all.

God save the Guillotine
Till England's King and Queen
Her power shall prove:
Till each appointed knob
Affords a clipping job
Let no vile halter rob
The Guillotine

God Save The King

#28 hit in Australia for The Walker Brothers in 1975
Written and recorded by Tom Rush in 1968
My version in D♭ major
Drums, keyboard etc. MIDI
Vocals SM-57 with reverb
Percussion Tambourine

Typical Scott Walker song about lost love.

No Regrets

#1 hit in Australia for J Gellis Band - their only hit
Original version in G major
My version in G♭ major
The melody recently adopted for an Australian TV advertisement for Hotondo Homes.

Here are the lyrics, so you can sing along!

Does she walk? Does she talk?
Does she come complete?
My homeroom, homeroom angel
Always pulled me from my seat
She was pure like snowflakes
No one could ever stain
The memory of my angel
Could never cause me pain

Years go by I'm lookin' through a girly magazine
And there's my homeroom angel on the pages in-between

My blood runs cold
My memory has just been sold
My angel is the centerfold
Angel is the centerfold
My blood runs cold
My memory has just been sold
Angel is the centerfold

Slipped me notes under the desk
While I was thinkin' about her dress
I was shy I turned away
Before she caught my eye
I was shakin' in my shoes
Whenever she flashed those baby-blues
Something had a hold on me
When angel passed close by
Those soft and fuzzy sweaters
Too magical to touch
To see her in that negligee
Is really just too much

My blood runs cold
Yeah, my memory has just been sold
My angel is the centerfold
Angel is the centerfold
My blood runs cold
My memory has just been sold
(Oh yeah)
Angel is the centerfold

Na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na, na-na-na-na

It's okay I understand
This ain't no never-neverland
I hope that when this issue's gone
I'll see you when your clothes are on
Take your car, yes we will
We'll take your car and drive it
We'll take it to a motel room
And take 'em off in private

A part of me has just been ripped
The pages from my mind are stripped
Oh no, I can't deny it
Oh yeah, I guess I gotta buy it

My blood runs cold
My memory has just been sold
My angel is the centerfold
Angel is the centerfold
My blood runs cold
My memory has just been sold
My angel in the centerfold

Na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na, na-na-na-na
(Alright, alright)
(One, two, three, four)
Na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na, na-na-na-na

My blood runs cold
My memory has just been sold
My angel is the centerfold
Angel is the centerfold
My blood runs cold (oh yeah)
My memory has just been sold
Angel is the centerfold
Angel is the centerfold

Na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na, na-na-na-na

Centerfold

#35 hit in Australia for The Carpenters in 1971
Written by Leon Russell
My version in F minor
Drums and keyboards - MIDI
Guitar - LH Fender Stratocaster middlepickup
Bass - LH 5-string Steinberger Sprint both pickups
Percussion - tambourine and vibroslap
Lead & harmony vocals - Sure SM-57
multitracked with ProTools version 8

"I can hardly wait to sleep with you again" in the original lyrics.
Carpenters wimped out and sang "be with you again".

Photo reversed to make left-handed guitar appear right-handed.

Superstar

#2 hit in Australia for Elton John in 1972
The song was inspired by John's discovery of leading Australian band Daddy Cool and their hit single "Eagle Rock", which was the most successful Australian single of the early 1970s (with 1,000,000 sold), remaining at No.1 for a record of 10 weeks. John heard the song and the group on his 1972 Australian tour and was greatly impressed by it. A photo included in the album packaging features John's lyricist, Bernie Taupin, wearing a "Daddy Who?" promotional badge. The song also includes a lyrical reference to the 1950s hit record "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and his Comets ("While the other kids were rocking around the clock...").
Originally in G major, my version in D major 150 b/min 3:54

Crocodile Rock

Huge hit for Rolf Harris in 1960 around the World.

Although Australian, Harris spent most of his life in England, and even recorded a version, with modified lyrics, with The Beatles.

Harris feel from grace after numerous accusations of sexual assault,  he spent time in jail,  and most of his numerous awards were withdrawn.

My version includes the politically-incorrect fourth verse, that refers to "Abos".

Harris performed the song at the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, including this verse:
"Can I welcome you to the Games, friends,
Welcome you to the Games,
Look, I don't know all your names, friends,
But let me welcome you all to the Games."

Harris died at his home in Bray, in Berkshire, England, on 10 May 2023, aged 93. His death was not publicly announced until 23 May to allow for "a dignified funeral",

133 b/min E major  3:36  Backing mostly MIDI

Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport

Big hit for Neil Sedaka in 1959, written about his hero and fellow songwriter, Carol King (Mrs Goffin).
Originally in B major,my version in G major.
Bolero rhythm 137 b/min
Carol King's husband and lyricist, wrote a sequel "Oh Neil".

Oh! Carol

Hit by Elvis in in 1958
Written by Dave Bartholomew, Pearl King, and Anita Steiman. 
It originally was an R&B hit for Smiley Lewis in 1956
Lyrics contain a triple negative with "I ain't never did no wrong"
Original lyrics included "One night of sin is what I'm now paying for"
Elvis's version in E major

My version in C major

Vocals: Sure SM57 with reverb
Guitar: LH Fender Strat bridge pickup
Bass: LH 5-string Steinberger Spirit with plectrum
Drums: MIDI
Percussion: Tambourine

One Night

Written and recorded by The Beatles, predominantly George Harrison in 1968, for their White Album.
88 b/min B major
Harpsichord - MIDI
Percussion - Tambourine, Hand-clap
Vocals - SM57 dynamic microphone
Photo - Sarah Hyphen-Young? ;-)

Piggies

Minor hit for Elvis in 1959, written by Aaron Schroeder and Sidney Wyche.
Elvis's version in C major.
My version in G major.
Lead & Harmony Vocals Sure SM57 mic
Lead, Riff & Rhythm Guitars LH Fender Stratocaster
Bass LH 5-string Steinberger Sprint
Percussion Tambourine
Drums MIDI

Photo: No one in particular.

Big Hunk O' Love

Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, first recorded by Richard Chamberland (Dr Kildare) in 1963.
The tune was also recorded as a demo by Dionne Warwick in 1963, and was re-recorded with a Burt Bacharach arrangement.
The most successful version was by The Carpenters, with instrumentation by The Wrecking Crew in 1970.
Photo: "Close to Ewe".

87 - 89 b/min  C major

Close To You C D♭

"I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)" is a song by American duo Hall & Oates. Written by Daryl Hall, John Oates and Sara Allen, the song was released as the second single from their tenth studio album, Private Eyes in 1981.

Hall started the Rock 1 setting on Roland CompuRhythm then began playing a bass line on a Korg organ, and sound engineer Neil Kernon recorded the result. Hall then came up with a guitar riff, which he and Oates worked on together. The next day, Hall, Oates and Sara Allen worked on the lyrics.

The song is not about a romantic relationship, but rather, the demands of the US music industry.

110 b/min cut 4 rhythm
My key G# minor

I Can't Go For That

#1 hit in Australia for Elvis Presley in 1961
Based on the Italian song of the Neapolitan language, "'O Sole mio" (music by Eduardo di Capua)
My version in D major

It's Now Or Never

Hit for Johnny Mathis and many others.
My version in C major.
A jazz standard written in 1954 by pianist Erroll Garner, while in a plane landing in O'Hare airport, Chicago. 
He composed it as an instrumental in the traditional 32-bar format.
The lyrics were added later by Johnny Burke.

Misty

#6 hit in Australia for Barbra Streisand from the movie of the same name, in 1973.
Composed by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Alan & Marilyn Bergman. 
Covered by many artists, including Johnny Mathis.
My version in A major.

The Way We Were

Hit by The Beatles in 1966 from their "Revolver" album.
Original in E major
 The verse is based on an ascending major chord sequence, while the middle eight (being 4 bars in fact), which modulates to the relative major of the tonic – if it had been minor, creates a telling contrast. The introduction beginning "To lead a better life" opens in the key of G and involves a I–iii–♭III–ii–V7 chord progression. The ♭III (B♭ chord) on "I need my love to be here" (arpeggiated in the melody line) is a dissonant substitute for the more predictable VI (E7) that would normally lead to the ii (Am) chord.
My version in D major.
Not having a 12-string guitar, I recorded a second guitar track one octave higher.
Vocals - Sure SM57 dynamic mic double tracked on melody
Guitars - Left handed Fender Strat
Bass - Left handed Sreinberger Sprint 5-string
Drums - MIDI
Percussion - Tambourine, wooden sticks

Here There & Everywhere

Roughly along the lines of Joe Cocker's version. Written by Bobby Sharp and recorded first in 1961 by Ray Charles. (Thanks Joe - I put on my orthotic shoe and stand corrected.)

Guitars - LH Fender Stratocaster, Bass LH 4-string Washburn, drums, piano & brass MIDI

Unchain My Heart

Baby Come Back

Written by Bob Dylan covered by Jimi Hendrix

My version a semitone higher than Hendrix's (he tuned his guitar down a semitone).
Drums are MIDI
Rhythm guitar - Ibanez Artist jumbo acoustic strung left handed
Bass Guitar - Left hand 4-string Washburn
Lead Guitar - Left hand Fender Stratocaster with wah wah & distortion and reverb
Sound effects - public domain
Vocal - double tracked

All Along The Watchtower

First recorded by Masters Apprentices 

Vocals: Sure SM-57 dynamic
Lead Guitar: LH Washburn A10
Rhythm Guitar:  LH Washburn A10
Bass: LH 4-string Washburn
Drums: Chris Anderson on Pearl kit


(Photo Alex on Pearl kit)

Living In A Child's Dream

Written by Jimi Hendrix

I'm using Left Handed Fender Stratocaster neck pickup
with a touch of compression and reverb.
Bass is Left Handed Washburn 4-string
Drums are MIDI

Photo: playing guitar and clavinet at Sunbury Rock Festival
Rock Mass
Sunday 28 January 1973

Wind Cries Mary

Written and recorded by Redgum in 1983.

On my version I sing both parts and play all guitars, bass and the drums too - yes I know it's sloppy and I'm no drummer.

Photo is my elder son Alex on manoeuvres in Malaysia.

I Was Only 19

Written and recorded by  Gary Moore in 1990
On my version I sing an octave below the original, and play lead guitar, over a MIDI backing track.

Still Got The Blues For You

Hit for Jimi Hendrix in 1967
12-bar in the unlikely key of B major
On this draft recording I'm singing and playing lead, rhythm and bass guitars, and yes, the sloppy drumming is me also.
Hmm I'll have another crack at it sometime.

in 2020 (pre-Covid) we visited Hendrix's Red House in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco. It was still there, with its original coat of red paint. Downstairs was a marijuana and hippy paraphernalia shop.

Red House

Hit of Joe Walsh in 1973
My version in C major (melody minor pentatonic)
Guitars LH Ibanez Superstrat
I don't have a voice-box so I used a wah-wah pedal
Bass LH 4-string Washburn
Drums are MIDI
Photo with Keith Moore at Somers Yacht Club gig 
(not in this recording but I like the photo anyway).

Rocky Mountain Way

Hit for Jimi Hendrix in 1966
Featuring Chris on acoustic drums, and me on LH Washburn guitar, LH 4-string Washburn bass and cow-bell. 
No MIDI in this recording!

Stone Free

Big hit for Stevie Wonder in 1972
All backing on my recording from MIDI files.
Recorded in Dominican Republic


Superstition

Young Girl

#4 Hit for Gary Puckett & Union Gap in Australia in 1968.
Written by Jerry Fuller for their album "Incredible".

My version in F
Vocals - SM57 microphone
Rhythm Guitar - Ibanez Jumbo acoustic strung left-handed
Lead Guitar - Left-Handed Washburn A10 
Bass Guitar - Left-Handed Washburn 4-string 
Strings & Drums - MIDI

Lady Willpower

Hit for The Animals in 1964 adapted from an old folk song.
My version in D minor.
My experiment in range - singing from a low D2 to a high D4 (without pitch-shift). Drums and organ are MIDI files

House Rising Sun

Hit by Charlie Danniels Band in 1979
My recording featuring Paul (on right)on fiddle and Liam (2nd from left)on drums.

The Devil Came Down To Georgia

This is my cover of Wielrd Al Yankovitch's send-up of Billy Ray Sirus's hit, "Achy Breaky Heart".
(Apology to Chris)
My version is in A

Achy Breaky Song

Australian hit for Richard Clapton in 1975
Clapton plays rhythm guitar on this song using a capo on the 3rd fret in E flat.
I don't have a capo so I played it in C (the "apartheid" key).
Calpton's birthname is unsure. He changed his name to Richard Clapton, in honour of guitarists Keth Richard and Eric Clapton.

Although the song was widely perceived to be about prostitutes, Clapton has stated it was actually about three girls who lived on The Avenue in Rose Bay, Sydney when he was living the next street over. Clapton was happy for the misunderstanding to continue, saying, "My manager at the time simply said 'Sex sells. Let that urban myth keep festering out there and you'll sell a lot of records.' and I did."

Vocals: Sure SM57 dynamic
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: LH Ibinez Superstrat
Bass: LH 5-string Steinberger, 
Drums & Organ: MIDI
Recording: ProTools version 8

Girls On The Avenue

Hit originally by Ace in 1974 in B flat. I dropped they key down a tone to A flat.

How Long Has This Been Going On In A Flat

Hit for Derek & The Dominos in 1971
Quite a complicated song, with sections in three different keys.
Eric Clapton's best composition in my opinion.
Yeah, I had a beard for a while, some years ago.

Layla in Dm C#m and C

Black Night

Foxy Lady

Originally by Player in 1977 (in  higher key, of course)
Classic "Yacht Rock".
In my version the drums and synth parts are MIDI

This song is the definitive "Yacht Rock" song.

Big hit for Pink Floyd in 1980

My version in the same key D minor.

Drums and keyboard parts are MIDI
Guitar left handed Fender Stratocaster
Bass left handed Steinberger Spirit 5-string

Another Brick In The Wall

Locomotive Breath

Big hit for "Foreigner" in 1982 and the theme for the movie "Rocky".

I've kept it in the same key, C minor, but sang it an octave lover, then added a harmony over the top.

Eye Of The Tiger

Song by the late great Gary Moore
I'm playing it in the same key - C# minor, but singing it an octave lower.
Guitars - LH Fender Stratocaster, Bass LH 5-string Steinberger, drums & brass MIDI.

Cold Day In Hell

A big hit for Bobby "Boris" Pickett in 1962. The idea came while his band  "The Cordials" was playing the backing for "Little Darlin'" and Pickett speaking in a Boris Karloff voice over the top.

In my version additional vocal harmony backing by Cait, Clarkey and Dennis. Piano and drums are MIDI files and sound effects are public domain.

Photo from my days with "Moonlight"

Monster Mash

Big hit for Gary Puckett & The Union Gap in 1967
Originally in D - E my version on G - A
I've dropped out all the brass etc. and just kept tenor sax

Woman Woman

Big hit for Shawn Mendez & Camila Cabello
Originally in A minor my Dominican Bachata version on G minor

Señorita Bachata

Written by Barcharch and David, was a huge hit for many artists, including The Walker Brothers in 1965 and Dionne Warwick in 1970 and Johnny Mathis in mid 70s.

My version is based on the Walker Brothers arrangement, but a tone lower in G, so I could reach the high harmony.

The drums and strings are MIDI, the vocals, guitars and bass are me.

Typical Bacharach complex chord progression.

Photo: me in the Disco Era.

Make It Easy On Yourself

Unless indicated "featuring Alex on lead guitar", all lead, rhythm and bass guitar parts played by Royston. All lead and harmony vocals sung by Royston. Drums are either played by Chris, or are MIDI files. Keyboard parts are MIDI parts.

Royston's Music

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