portrait of this blog's author - by Stephen Blackman 2008

Thursday, June 28, 2018

I think my brother bought this when it came out I know I didn't but it certainly stuck in the ear worm category and the voices here are attractive for sure but Asher went on to major production roles and this was very much a one hit wonder. Listening to it back now it may well have been a McCartney composition but boy is it cloying and juvenile in it's sentiments, you can tell he was 16, still that's what teenage was all about huh? It is almost a peon to suicidal threat! Check the lyrics. Also check out out what sounds like a Phillicorda organ solo!?! Fab! Gear! Swinging!


On this day in music history: June 27, 1964 - “A World Without Love” by Peter & Gordon hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 1 week. Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, it is the debut single and biggest hit for the London based pop music duo. Peter Asher and Gordon Waller meet each other while students at the Westminster School For Boys in London. The two become fast friends, bonding over their mutual love of music, particularly Buddy Holly and The Everly Brothers. Originally calling themselves Gordon And Peter, they begin playing school functions and eventually graduating to playing gigs in local clubs. While playing at the Pickwick Club in London, the duo meet EMI staff producer and A&R man Norman Newell. Impressed, he offers them a recording contract with EMI Records two weeks after first seeing them perform. Needing songs for their first recording session, Asher turns to Beatle Paul McCartney who at the time is dating his sister actress Jane Asher, and living with them at their home in London. McCartney offers “A World Without Love”, a song that Paul had written when he was only sixteen years old. The early composition had not been recorded by The Beatles themselves, largely since John Lennon could never sing the songs opening line “Please lock me away…” without laughing. Peter & Gordon agree to do the song, recording it at Abbey Road Studios on January 21, 1964. Released in the UK first on EMI’s Columbia label in late February of 1964, it races to the top of the UK singles chart on April 23, 1964, replacing The Beatles “Can’t Buy Me Love” at number one. “Love” is then released in the US by Capitol Records on April 27, 1964. Entering the Hot 100 at #76 on May 9, 1964, it climbs to the top of the chart seven weeks later. “A World Without Love” becomes the first Lennon - McCartney song to top the US singles chart not performed by The Beatles. This does not happen again until 1975 when Elton John’s version of “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” (featuring John Lennon on guitar and background vocals) hits number one in January of 1975. 
with thanks to the most excellent Behind The Grooves by Jeff Harris

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