The Shirelles

 

 

Greetings all.

If you follow the Funky16Corners Radio Show, you will recall that a while back I did a two-episode arc devoted to the original versions of tunes made famous by British Invasion bands in the mid-60s.

Today’s selection, ‘Sha-La-La’ by the Shirelles is one of them.

Oddly, as well as I knew the version by Manfred Mann (one of my fave UK groups) I had no idea until recently that the song was a cover.

The song was a minor hit for the Shirelles in the Spring of 1964, grazing the Pop Top 50, having even less of an impact on the R&B charts.

Manfred Mann covered it, changing the tempo from a brisk shuffle to a fast 4/4, taking it into the Top 40 in October of 1964.

Despite the fact that it took me a little while to get used to the tempo change, I think I’ve come to appreciate the Shirelles version more. In addition to the girls’ vocals, you get some solid soul clapping and a great (LOUD) bass pushing things along.

Despite some solid quality in their later 45s (how about ‘Last Minute Miracle’?) this was the highest the Shirelles would find themselves on the charts before they transitioned into the ‘oldies’ circuit.

I hope you dig the tune, and I’ll see you all on Friday.

 

Keep the faith

Larry

 

 

 

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Also, the brand new Funky16Corners ‘Keep Calm and Stay Funky’ stickers have arrived! The stickers are 4″ x 3″ and printed on high quality, glossy stock. They are $2.00 each, with free shipping in the US ($2.00 per order shipping outside of the US). Click here to go to the ordering page.

Also, make sure that you check out the links below to the Be The Match Foundation and POAC (click on the logos for more info).

 

PS Head over to Iron Leg too.