Song of the Week: Lightnin’ Strikes
Lou Christie
Lightnin’ Strikes
On the weekend I found a bit of paper on the dresser with a name and song title hastily scrawled across it. This isn’t unusual as I often leave myself notes if I’ve heard something particularly good on the radio, but this time my main thoughts were ‘Lou Christie? Who?? What on earth is this?’
Thanks to the wonderful world of the internet, I tracked the song down and bang, of course remembered straight away. ‘Lightnin’ Strikes’ was on Sound of the Sixties one morning on Radio 2, a sunny Saturday morning where I sat on the edge of the bed, doing nothing, just staring delightedly out window being sucked in by that chorus.
I can’t believe that I hadn’t heard ‘Lightnin’ Strikes’ before (it was a big hit), let alone forgotten hearing it that morning.
Thank heavens for little bits of paper.
‘Lightnin’ Strikes’, Lou Christie, 1965
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Tags: song of the week
September 10th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Obviously I’m a fan. I like lines in songs about chapels in pines.
This was a US number one, but never much of a hit here. I do have a soft spot for the 1969/70 British No.2 I’m Gonna Make You Mine. Do check it out.
September 10th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Don’t know that one F-C. Will take a trip to YouTube this evening. Ah, I love the internet…
September 10th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
I know this tune so well – and always thought it was Franki Valli. For some reason it makes me think of 1974/75 as it seemed to crop up the radio intermittently around then. I probably heard it in the back of the parents car on the way home from a holiday in Devon/Cornwall
Great tune – you really dig out some corkers, do you fancy a Funky Friday spot guest spot? Whenever’s good for you is good for me
September 10th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Not sure i’ve heard this before…. sounded OK. The cover is a winner tho isnt it?? The way his coat is turned over makes it look like a mad ‘ol beard! and the white dashes (rain??) give it an extra beardy feel!
September 10th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
A Funky Friday guest spot Mondo? Considering how much material you’ve yet to post, that’s very flattering indeed. I’m going away next week for a couple of weeks – perhaps I should contact you when I get back? That will give me plenty of time to put together the kind of Olivia Newton John centred playlist that I know everyone will love ;)
I’m afraid your comment bought a smile to my face Piley. You’re not keen on the song but you like the beardy feel of the cover?! I wish they’d gone for a more literal cover myself, with a lightning bolt striking down upon him as well. He does look suitably moody and brooding however – which is exactly what you want from a rock star. No one does it better than Brian Jones though I think.
September 11th, 2009 at 1:28 am
he looks like Danny Dyer’s younger more art school brother the one who lived in Paris for bit and drinks earl grey tea.
September 11th, 2009 at 10:00 am
yep, the brooding one BTLP!
September 11th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Give us a shout (planetmondo@gmail.com) when you’re back and let’s give it a whirl – actually I have got a funky little ONJ sixties number in the vaults.
September 13th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I had never heard this one before. Thanks for posting it. Hope you’ve had a cool weekend.
September 13th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Hi Keith, It is a good one isn’t it? Very big in the States too – well, at least in 1965!
September 13th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
always trust a man with big hair and a pea coat. only make sure it’s a proper one with little anchors on the buttons and cord lined pockets. if not he’s obviously a diabolical faker.
x
September 15th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
I used to love this but never knew who it was by. Backing vocals just made for singing along into a hairbrush. I’m off to get my Denman.