Another Day #21: World Teachers' Day

Today is the 60th anniversary of the official UNESCO World Teacher's Day.

A day to pay tribute to amazing teachers (like Swiss Adam) and wonderful former teachers (like George). I don't consider myself worthy of any accolades since my own teaching these days is far removed from the trenches.

Jim Bob - Mrs Fucking MacMurphy (Teaches Food Technology)

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - Teach Your Children

Wide Boy Awake - Slang Teacher

April Stevens - Teach Me, Tiger

Jethro Tull - Teacher

Prince - Teacher Teacher

Rockpile - Teacher Teacher

Leonard Cohen - Teachers

Another Day #20: October

If I've timed this right, John Medd should be unveiling lots of lovely Autumn photos today on his monthly photo challenge. (Or perhaps he's gone a bit early as he sometimes does.) Anyway, in lieu of writing anything meaningful on this blog anymore, here are a few October songs from the hard drive of plenty...

Rosie Thomas - October

American Aquarium - Bible Black October

Tim Gilbert - Early October

Chris & Cosey - October (Love Song)

Another Day #19: Ask A Stupid Question Day

"Ask a Stupid Question Day is celebrated annually on September 28 to help students overcome their fear of speaking up in class."

There's no such thing as a stupid question. But here are a few good attempts...

Shirley Ellis - Ever See A Diver Kiss His Wife While The Bubbles Bounce About Above The Water?

Victim - Why Are Fire Engines Red?

Eric Von Schmidt - Who Knocked The Brains Out Of The Sky?

Wallop - When Is Your Dream?

The Haywains - Why Do I Get the Feeling Your Mother Hates Me?

Cornershop - What Did The Hippie Have In His Bag?

Another Day #18: Cop Co-op

Monday the 7th of September is the International Day of Police Co-Operation. So if Sting pops round your gaff, be nicer to him than you normally would, even if he proposes some tantric yoga.

No Police today though - just a load of cops.

Bo Diddley - Cops & Robbers

The Strokes - New York City Cops

The Model Rockets - Tell The Kids The Cops Are Here

Fred Thomas - Cops Don't Care Pt. II

Heavy Metal Kids - The Cops Are Coming

Inner Circle - Bad Boys

Another Day #17: Don't Panic!

Lots of things to be aware of today! For a start, it's National Clean Air Day 2026...

The Hollies - The Air That I Breathe

Let's hope the air stays clean, because it's also International Picnic Day...

Mickey & Sylvia - Let's Have a Picnic

Suede - Picnic By The Motorway

Doubt you'll get much clean air if that's your picnic spot of choice, Bret.

Modest Mouse - It Always Rains On A Picnic

There always has to be someone who spoils it before we even get there, eh?

Let's not bother. We'll stay in and embrace some clean water instead, for National Clean Your Aquarium Day. Any excuse to play something from these guys... ooh, wait - looks like they've got a new song out!

Here's another way to clean the air. Today is also the International Day for Countering Hate Speech so this seems pretty appropriate...

China Street - Rock Against Racism

Over in the USA, meanwhile, it is National Wanna Get Away Day. Who can blame them?

Here's a great bit of Memphis power pop from 1981...

Tommy Hoehn - Get Away!

And here's something a little heavier from one of Superman's arch-foes in 1993...

Brainiac - Get Away

Finally though, and no prizes for guessing why I saved this one till last, Thursday the 18th of June is also International Panic Day. Enjoy.

Another Day #16: Russian Superman Day

June 12th is a a national holiday in Russia, commemorating the end of the Soviet Union back in 1990. And if that just makes you think of the WONDERFULNESS done since by that VERY NICE MAN Vladimir Putin then, GOOD FOR YOU.

(This post has been edited to stop the bots reporting me. I don't want to end up in a Siberian Salt Mine, thank you very much. I've got in enough trouble for slagging off Trump all the time.)

Remember what Sting told us - the Russians love their children too!

The Beatles - Back In The USSR

Matt Monro - From Russia with Love

Boney M. - Rasputin

Manic Street Preachers - Revol 

Do you think that the Russians want war?

These are the sons and the daughters of parents who died in the last one

Do you think that they want to go through that again?

The destruction, the bloodshed, the suffering and pain

In the second world war, out of every three dead, one was Russian

If we try with all of our power

Can we not find a way to peacefully settle our difference?

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Cold War, it's a day to celebrate that strange visitor from another planet who became a symbol of truth, justice and the American Way. Except they don't say that anymore - in fact, about 15 years ago, Superman renounced his American citizenship and now represents "Truth, justice and a better tomorrow". Considering he's still an immigrant, it's a wonder the Tangerine Tosspot hasn't tried to have him deported. Or maybe he's worried the Man of Steel would move to Russia...?

The Flaming Lips - Waitin’ For A Superman (Is It Getting Heavy?)

Donovan - Sunshine Superman

Cinerama - Superman

The Ides of March - Superman

Laurie Anderson - O Superman

The Hesitations - Soul Superman

Another Day #15: National Repeat Day

Today is, I'm presuming in the US, but maybe elsewhere too, "National Repeat Day". 

I'll let them explain...

Ever had an experience that was so amazing, it’s worth doing twice? Or said something so brilliant that it simply bears repeating? Well, that’s exactly what this day is all about.

What?!?

National Repeat Day invites people to lean into the oddly satisfying side of doing something again on purpose. It can be as simple as replaying a favourite song or as ambitious as recreating an entire “best day ever” itinerary.

Was this written by AI? What exactly is "oddly satisfying" about doing something you like again? Why do I need a special day to play my favourite song again? 

See? I can do it whenever I like.

April Stevens - Do It Again

The Rifles - The Rifles - Repeat Offender

Raffaella Carrà - Do It, Do It Again

The charm is in the second pass: noticing new details, improving the outcome, or just enjoying the comfort of something familiar.

Shut up now.

A good rule of thumb: repeat what feels joyful or meaningful, not what feels draining. 

Well, d'oh. If I'm repeating what feels draining, isn't that just like every other day of my life?

Edwyn Collins - Do It Again

Manic Street Preachers - Repeat 

The Kinks - Do It Again

Repetition can be playful, but it can also be powerful. Athletes repeat drills to get stronger. Musicians repeat scales to get smoother.

Excuse the language, but fucking hell. This is like someone reminding me to breathe in case I forget and turn blue.

Home cooks repeat a recipe until it becomes a signature dish. National Repeat Day simply turns that everyday truth into a theme worth highlighting.

Oh. My. God. Go away. I hate you.

The Deaf Aids - Do It Again

The Soundtrack Of Our Lives - Instant Repeater '99

The Beach Boys - Do It Again

LCD Sound System - On Repeat

Korova Milk Bar - Do It Again

The Offspring - Can't Repeat

Röyksopp & Robyn - Do It Again

Propellerheads featuring Miss Shirley Bassey - History Repeating

Another Day #14: National Beverage Day

I'm not telling my students this, but today is No Homework Day.

Johnnie Taylor - Take Care Of Your Homework

Actually, in my current job, I don't give homework. So every day is No Homework Day. 

Today is also World Carnivorous Plant Day, which gives us all an excuse to watch this again...

That's Levi Stubbs from The Four Tops as the voice of Audrey II, in case you didn't know.

And it's Tourist Appreciation Day too. Which might make you appreciate these guys a little more...

The Tourists - So Good to Be Back Home Again 

Lonely Tourist - Four Phone Calls

Furthermore, it's also National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. In the words of Terry Hall... try wearing a cap!

The Specials - Too Much Too Young

Instead of any of that funny business, I'd advise teenagers to enjoy a nice Crepe Suzette today. Because, yes, hard as it may be to believe, it's also National Crepe Suzette Day.

The Descendents - Crepe Suzette

I was shocked by how many songs there were featuring Crepe Suzettes in the title... including offerings from Danny Kaye, Kenneth Williams and Cyril Watters with The New Century Orchestra. Thank God for The Descendents.

You may choose to wash your crepe suzette down with a nice beverage. Which is good because it's also National Beverage Day. The word "beverage" always reminds me of The Dude...

And what is The Dude's Beverage of choice, that he really doesn't want to spill?

A White Russian, of course... that's vodka, kahlúa and double cream (milk powder will apparently suffice if you don't have any cream) over ice.

Marillion - White Russian

Sad Lovers & Giants - White Russians

Please drink your White Russians responsibly. You can do what you like with your crepe suzettes.

Another Day #12: Scream Day

Today is Scream Day, "an unconventional yet meaningful observance that encourages individuals to release stress, frustration, and emotional tension through a simple act—screaming."

Little Esther - Hollerin' And Screamin'

A Certain Ratio - Life's a Scream

Carrie - California Screamin'

20/20 - The Night I Heard a Scream

Moose - Screaming 

Bronski Beat - Screaming

"In a fast-paced world filled with pressure and responsibilities, this day serves as a reminder that emotional expression is essential for mental well-being."

Amen to that, brother.

Tom Waits - Earth Died Screaming

Biff Bang Pow - Then When I Scream

Robyn Hitchcock - Young People Scream

Jim Bob - Scream If You Want To Go Slower

Nut - Scream

Have a good scream on me today.

Another Day #11: Record Store Day

Tomorrow is Record Store Day.

You’re going to need a second mortgage

Another Day #10: Easter Monday

It's Easter Monday!

Which means it's also one of these...

Surely there won't be any other special Awareness Days happening today?

Think again. Because in the USA, it's also...

Army Day

Good job there isn't a war on, eh, Donnie? Just a little "excursion"...

Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Oliver's Army

Status Quo - In The Army Now

Kate Bush - Army Dreamers

However, there's another Army that will be celebrating today, because it's also...

National Tartan Day

"National Tartan Day was created to celebrate Scottish history and the achievements of people of Scottish descent around the world."

 

There may well be a song that involves the words "Tartan" and "Army", but I'll leave it for CC to feature that one.

Instead, here's a song from a native son of Scotland... and it's the "Tartan Mix", which I assume means they stuck a minute of bagpipes on at the beginning...

Rod Stewart - Every Beat Of My Heart [Tartan Mix]

From Scotland to Australia next, where it's...

Waltzing Matilda Day

...celebrating "a song that has a knack for slipping into people’s heads and staying there, whether it’s sung in a stadium, taught in a classroom, or hummed while doing the dishes."

Tom Waits - Tom Traubert's Blues

Eric Bogle - And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda

If Waltzing Matilda is now stuck in your head... well, you know what you need, don't you? 

National Teflon Day

A day to celebrate all the crimes a certain Orange Autocrat has got away with? 

Caged Animals - Teflon Heart

If only he was in a cage. Sadly, whatever you accuse him of, it won't stick.

Meanwhile, if you're sick of Easter Eggs by now, maybe try a little pasta...

National Carbonara Day

No idea who came up with that genius idea.

"The ideal thing that almost anyone can do on National Carbonara Day is to head out to a favourite Italian restaurant and order up a plate of carbonara pasta."

But surely there aren't any songs about Carbonara?

Spliff - Carbonara

I'd advise you not to click on that link. Don't blame me if you did.

To cheer you up at the end of this post, why not contemplate your own mortality? Yes, it's...

Plan Your Epitaph Day

Here's a song I want playing at my funeral...

Sometimes when you're doing simple things around the house

Maybe you'll think of me and smile

Another Day #9: Good Friday

What's so good about it?

Don't answer that.

There is always some contention raised at Top Ten Towers about whether or not one should receive / start eating Easter Eggs on Good Friday... or wait until Sunday. Personally, I'm well past Easter Eggs - I'd rather have some nice nuts. But some people hate waiting till Sunday for their eggs. What does the hivemind think?

Cowboy Junkies - Good Friday

Elvis Perkins - Good Friday

Mental As Anything - Good Friday

Modern Romance - Good Friday

For Against - Dark Good Friday

WHY? - Good Friday

Then Comes Silence - Good Friday

The Black Crowes - Good Friday

If it's just an average Friday today, or you're having to wait till Sunday for your Easter Eggs, you may be interested to learn that Friday April 3rd 2026 is also...

Don't Go To Work Unless It's Fun Day

"This light-hearted occasion encourages individuals to pause and assess how they actually feel about their work, not just how they think they’re supposed to feel. If the day’s agenda looks like nothing but stress, monotony, or one meeting too many, the message is simple: rethink the plan."

OK, are you going to pay my mortgage while I take time to rethink the plan?

There's a line in there which goes "You can burn it down as far as I’m concerned", which always reminds me of whenever we had a fire drill in my previous job... all those teachers (and students) stood out in the car park, praying it wasn't just a practice.

Walk to Work Day

Is it just me, or will a lot of people not be going to work today because it's a Bank Holiday? I don't think either of these days have been planned very well this year, have they?

Virginia Coalition - Walk To Work

Of course, if you are walking to work, you might be using Shanks's pony...

Pony Express Day

So if you're wondering who to blame...

Johnny Johnson & the Bandwagon - Blame It On The Pony Express

But possibly my favourite pointless suggestion for today is this one...

National Find A Rainbow Day

And I quote...

"Quite a few ways to celebrate Find a Rainbow Day can be imagined. It might be fun to grab some friends and try to find a rainbow, although this activity may be dependent on the weather."

D'oh!

Don't despair though, because there's one occasion I can absolutely get behind celebrating today...

World Party Day

"World Party Day is based on the idea that peace is not the opposite of war, merely its absence. The real opposite of war is party, and World Party Day aims to synchronise a massive, world-wide party to celebrate everything that’s good and optimistic!"

I'm not really sure I believe that the real opposite of war is party - for two reasons. Firstly, I've been to quite a few parties that ended up as wars. And secondly, I'd rather stay home and read a book.

However, this day wins because it allows us the opportunity to celebrate the work of the late, great Karl Wallinger...

I hope it's a Good Friday for you...

Another Day #8: Quirky Country Music Song Title Day

Step aside, World Theatre Day.

Hold my beer, International Scribble Day.

Heartfelt apologies to Wear A Hat Day, National Skipping Day, International Whisk(e)y Day and National Spanish Paella Day.

And as for National Viagra Day... well, I just couldn't get up much enthusiasm.

They all pale into insignificance next to Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day. I don't make them up, I just write them down.

The website I visited suggested a few, starting with a bonafide classic...

The Indelicates do a great version of that too. But I can't find it online.

Johnny Cash - Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart 

Roger Miller - You Can’t Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd 

Bobby Bare - Drop Kick Me, Jesus, Through The Goalposts Of Life

Jerry Reed - She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)

Here are a few more favourites...

Orville Peck & Margo Price - You're An Asshole, I Can't Stand You And I Want A Divorce

Randy Hazlick, MD (Dr Rock) - I'd Rather Have A Bottle In Front Of Me Than A Frontal Lobotomy

Travis Tritt - Here's A Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)

Zoe Muth - If I Can't Trust You With a Quarter (How Can I Trust You With My Heart?)

Gary Stewart - She's Acting Single, I'm Drinking Doubles

I tried looking up a song called I Don't Know Whether To Kill Myself Or Go Bowling, but all I got from the tube of you was this...

So here's something a little more cheerful to close. 

Feel free to add your favourites in the Comments.

Mid-Life Crisis Songs #132: Fifty Four

Today I will be dining on squashed tomatoes and stew.

Followed by a dessert of bread and butter in the gutter.

Yum.

Here are some songs.

The Ethiopians - Engine 54

Jill Jackson - 1954

Dana & Gene - Dario, Can You Get Me Into Studio 54?

Wayne Hancock - Highway 54

Toots & The Maytals - 54-46 Was My Number

Chic - Le Freak

On the day I was born, Harry Nilsson was at Number One. Not with this song, sadly...

Another Day #7: Friday the 13th

Sometimes I'm spoiled for choice with this feature.

Today is L. Ron Hubbard Day... so I hope you're all practicing some scientology in his honour.

What if you're wrong

But then so am I?

And what really happens when we die?

And what if L. Ron Hubbard, he was right?

Well, that would bum me out

Jill Sobule - The Rapture

It's also Smart & Sexy Day... "a special moment to recognize and embrace the diverse intelligence and talents that flourish within each of us."

Whatever.

Rod Stewart - Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?

Give yourself a good laugh and watch that video if you've not seen it in awhile. Kenny Everett springs to mind.

Not only that, but it's National Coconut Torte Day. A day to contemplate sit in the dessert which "sits in that delicious gray area between cake and pastry: rich like a cake, structured like a layer dessert, and often dressed up enough to look like it belongs in a bakery window."

I don't think I've ever eaten a coconut torte. Have I been missing out.

Harry Nilsson - Coconut

It's National Jewel Day too - I did my quiz about jewels this week, but it wasn't a particularly interesting subject so I won't bother you guys with it.

Prince & The New Power Generation - Diamonds And Pearls 

It's also (no, I'm not making any of these up): National Earmuff Day, International Riesling Day, National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day (on Friday the 13th... are you mad!?!), National Freelancers Day and World Sleep Day.

The Smiths - Asleep

But all of these wonderful celebrations are trumped (I don't like using that verb any more, even in terms of metaphorical card games) by the aforementioned Bad Luck Friday... our second in a row, thanks to February's insistence on being exactly four weeks long (most of the time). 

Good luck getting through it!

Que Sunryse - Friday The Thirteenth

Atomic Rooster - Friday 13th

The Misfits - Friday 13th

Actually, there are surprisingly few decent songs about Friday 13th. Thank god then for little Bob Smith, who's clearly having another Bad Hair Day in this video... no change there then.

Another Day #6: National No Smoking Day

IV and The Strange Band - Cigarette Ends

I think I've smoked about three cigarettes in my life, and each time was to impress a girl. The same girl. I suppose I kind of liked the buzz, but not enough (thankfully) to become addicted or have any desire to spend any of my own hard-earned cash on the things. How many fewer CDs would have I have been able to afford, if I'd developed a habit? How many comics would I not have been able to buy?

Arctic Monkeys - Cigarette Smoker Fiona

My dad smoked cigars when I was a kid, and I always loved the smell of them. As he got older, and had less money, he switched to a pipe and tobacco. I've probably mentioned this before, but one day in his early 60s, a doctor told him, "you keep smoking that pipe and you won't be here in ten years time". So my dad quit, cold turkey, and lived another 30 years... although arguably some damage had already been done, and he struggled with emphysema and other bronchial disorders, and (old age aside), those were probably what got him in the end.

Pink Floyd featuring Roy Harper - Have A Cigar

My Mum only smoked the occasional cigarette, at parties. Whenever I saw her with one in her hand, I became upset. I grew up watching some pretty graphic smoking ads on TV... from an early age, I was pretty well indoctrinated against fags... unless I thought I might use one to get a girl to like me.

Hawksley Workman - Jealous of Your Cigarette

It's hard to believe now just how much the smell of cigarette smoke used to be everywhere when we were teenagers... and how rare it is to smell them these days. It's all bloody vapes with the kids these days. Horrible things, with their claggy, artificial scents. Makes me feel a certain nostalgia for fag smoke... and definitely for cigars.

Tex Williams - Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)

Here are a few more songs about smoking... 

Squeeze - Cigarette of A Single Man

 

Bryan Ferry - Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

Nick Nicely - 49 Cigars

Hefner - The Hymn For The Cigarettes

Golden Earring - Smoking Cigarettes

Robert Fripp & Daryl Hall - You Burn Me Up Like A Cigarette

What about you? Are you a reformed smoker? Or still sneaking one down a dark alley when nobody's looking?

Another Day #5: Dr. Seuss Day

 Today is the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1904, the creator of The Grinch, The Cat In The Hat, The Lorax and many other popular children’s books and characters. He’s also the man who gave Marti Pellow a band name… but don’t hold that against him.

“They are tame. Oh, so tame! They have come here to play. They will give you some fun. On this wet, wet, wet day.” (from The Cat In The Hat)

Wet Wet Wet - Wishing I Was Lucky

I suppose you could argue he also gave Jamiroquai a nickname - but I have to draw the line somewhere.

You can celebrate Dr. Seuss Day by eating a plate of Green Eggs and Ham… or, if you don’t like them, maybe try listening to these tunes instead.

You're a star-bellied sneetch, you suck like a leech,
You want everyone to act like you

The Dead Kennedys – Holiday In Cambodia

Sebadoh - The Lorax
 

And if that's not lovin' me
Then all I've got to say
God didn't make little green apples
And it don't rain in Indianapolis in the summertime
And there's no such thing as Doctor Seuss
Or Disneyland, and Mother Goose is no nursery rhyme

Roger Miller – Little Green Apples

Sam I Am, down with the program
Green Eggs and Ham, Yosemite Sam

The Beastie Boys – Egg Man

Baby, instant soup doesn't really grab me
Today I need something more sub-stub-sub-substantial
A can of beans or black-eyed peas, some Nescafé and ice
A candy bar, a falling star, or a reading from Doctor Seuss
 
The Cat in the Hat came back
Wreaked a lot of havoc on the way
Always had a smile and a reason to pretend
But their world has flat backgrounds
And little need to sleep but to dream
The sidewinder sleeps on his back

 

Another Day #4: Toothache Day

Today is Toothache Day. I don't make these things up, you can google it if you don't believe me.

Here's an early classic from The Charlies...

The Charlatans - Toothache

Of a similar vintage, we find this...

Ned's Atomic Dustbin - Twenty Three Hour Toothache

Next, a fairy tale tune written by the wonderful Stephin Merritt of The Magnetic Fields... apparently it's from a movie soundtrack. The cast includes Blair Brown, Mia Maestro, Qian Yi, Mary Lou Rosato and 

Fiona Shaw... but the interweb doesn't appear to be able to tell me which of them are singing here.

Stephin Merritt - Auntie Toothache

Here's an atmospheric tune from Austin-based Americana band RF Shannon, led by songwriter Shane Renfro...

RF Shannon - Tooth Ache

Here's the wonderful Ezra Furman, always worth a listen...

Ezra Furman - My Teeth Hurt

And you can never go wrong with mid-90s Green Day either...

Green Day - Pulling Teeth 

Here's the weirdest thing you'll hear today. I picked this up in a charity shop. It wasn't a keeper, but I sold the CD on the bay of E for a tidy profit, so this band clearly has its fans...

Lard - Can God Fill Teeth?

(Nothing to do with Marc Riley, as far as I can tell.)

Possibly not about tooth ache, but I will take any excuse to play The Felice Brothers...

The Felice Brothers - Teeth In The Tabloids

Finally, here's a lovely little tune by LA singer-songwriter Sam Valdez...

Another Day #3: National Weatherperson's Day

Today is National Weather Person’s Day, primarily in the USA where it marks the birthday of John Jeffries, thought to be America's first weatherman. He was also the first person to ever collect weather data from a balloon over London in 1784, rising to a height of 9000 feet with a thermometer, a barometer, and a hygrometer to see if it was raining. Presumably he also took an umbrella.

Here are some predictable tunes about Weather People to celebrate…

A Tribe Of Toffs - John Kettley (Is A Weatherman)

The Weather Prophets - She Comes From The Rain

The Weather Girls - It's Raining Men

Spearmint – The Weather Forecaster

Opinionated weather forecasters telling me it’s going to be a miserable day
Miserable to who? I quite like a bit of drizzle, so stick to the facts

Half Man Half Biscuit – A Country Practice

Hank Williams Jr. - Weatherman

Blur – This Is A Low

Sheryl Crow – Weather Channel

Tom Waits – Emotional Weather Report

ELO – Mr. Blue Sky

Another Day #2: Penguin Awareness Day

Tuesday the 20th of January is Penguin Awareness Day, according to the WWF, and who doesn't appreciate a nice penguin? 

And yes, that means Namesakes will be a day late this week - because penguins come first! (I hope George isn't too upset.)

Here are a few appropriate tunes...

Kool & The Gang - The Penguin

New Fast Automatic Daffodils - Penguins

Nic Jones - Farewell To The Gold (from the album Penguin Eggs)

The Tragically Hip - Emperor Penguin 

Bloodhound Gang - Socially Awkward Penguin

Ivor Cutler - A Land of Penguin

Rufus Thomas - Do The Funky Penguin

Sandra's Wedding - Penguin Joke

Millencolin - Penguins & Polar Bears

They don't live together, you know.

Stackridge - Percy The Penguin 

Fleetwood Mac - (I'm A) Road Runner (from the 1973 album, The Penguin)

Penguin Cafe Orchestra - Perpetuum Mobile

My p-p-p-pick of the Penguins comes from 1954 when it was originally released as a B-side to a forgotten tune, Hey Señorita. DJs began flipping it and playing the B-side and a million-selling record was born... one that iffypedia informs me, "became the first independent label release to appear on Billboard's national pop charts". Does that mean it was the first ever indie record? The band never had another hit, but a lot of lawyers made a lot of money out of various court cases regarding who actually wrote the song (among other contentious issues).

I, like many children of the 80s, first heard Earth Angel performed by Marvin Berry & The Starlighters (with Marty McFly on guitar) as the dramatic climax of the movie Back To The Future. That's when I fell in love with the tune... although it took me a while to finally hear the original...