Wednesday 29 September 2010

Mandy

I used to listen to Radio Luxembourg under my pillow when I was a teenager. And then one night in 1975, Radio Luxembourgs record of the week (which meant that they played it on the hour, every hour)was Mandy by Barry Manilow. I saw him on American Idol recently, and the advice he gave to the young man singing was " make them fall in love with you - then break their hearts" Mr Manilow how could you!! Through out the late 1970's, he dragged me through every emotion - he may not be a looker, and I know he's not everybodies cup of tea, but his concerts were show stopping.

(Something for the over 60's tomorrow - I promise!!)


16 comments:

Kathy said...

Yes, Mr Manilow is a guilty pleasure ... I love Mandy, and Time in New England. I've got them both on my Spotify playlist .. which I usually listen to while I'm on my laptop. It's never going to be cool to admit to liking him though.
Love Kathy xxx

Unknown said...

I remember going to see a production of Copacabana (my friend and I were the only people in the audience without a purple-rinse)- the show was absolutely fantastic. He writes the songs that make the whole world sing afterall :0)

Jill x

A garden just outside Venice said...

"Shopaholics anonymous", that's really hilarious! Ha ha!
Hope you're well!
xxxxx

Selfsewn said...

'Oh oh Diane' you've brought back childhood memories of watching Barry concerts with my Mum late at night on the telly... I'm a secret fan or maybe it was the chocolate we used to share making him sweet?

'Clare..I swear!!'

Rosie said...

He is a good entertainer - I like 'Could it be Magic' - I saw a concert on TV once - it was amazing he just walked on and sang the words 'Spirit moves Me' and the who place erupted - it was ages before he could contiune:)

harmony and rosie said...

Not sure what happened yesterday but I can say I've been singing 'Could it be Forever' for the last two. I expect it'll be 'Mandy' now! Donny wasn't my thing, neither Bazza but I think they're both far better looking now than they were then!

Rowan said...

Like you I used to listen to Radio Luxembourg on my portable( well, the 1960s version of portable!) radio under my pillow. I've always loved the song 'Mandy' and I'm lucky enough to have seen Barry Manilow perform it live at Sheffield Arena a few years ago. My friend and I were not really that keen on him but the son of my American friend knew one of Barry Manilow's sound crew and got me free tickets three rows from the centre front. We loved every minute, he's a fantastic performer with a lovely sense of humour and I've been a fan of his ever since.

Living the frugal life in France said...

Gosh you have really got the memories stirring. I had a portable radio - a yellow one - isn't funny the things that come back to you. As I was reading your post I was thinking about listening to Luxembourg and being told that Elvis was dead - and then I see that LuLalabibaby @ Dreaming of The Simple Life had written exactly the same thing.
60's will be good as they were the records of my parents - Val Doonican, the sound of music - AHH memories.
Love these posts. Maybe we should all start one and compare our music??

lori said...

oh. mandy. this kills me; i graduated from high school in 1977 and barry manilow, elton john, the eagles, and neil diamond take me right back there. it's amazing how music can do that, isn't it. i feel my 1978 bones when i listen to this song - thank you for posting it!

the crafty currant said...

This always reminds me of the simpsons when homer sings ..."oh Margy, how you came and you brought me a turkey, on my vacation from worky!' ... makes me giggle. Thanks for dropping by and leaving me a lovely comment x

Unknown said...

You haven't fallen out with me have you Diane? :0(

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

diane b said...

He sure does act what he is singing. He had some great songs. I like your music memories.

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

Ooh, I'm not mad keen on our Barry M (I prefer Barry White myself!) but I do have his greatest hits on vinyl -probably because of Copacabana which is an absolute classic in my book.

Loving your music posts (have I said this before?). More please.

Julia said...

There's something about Mr Manilow Diane, my Mum used to have one of his albums, I remember him being heavily spangled (and made up) and falling hopelessly in love with his tunes - especially Copacabana!! It makes me giggle remembering the days we would sing along and dance to his music in the back room...good times eh?!

Love Julia x x x

elsy said...

hi diane...have just spent a happy 20 minutes catching up....lovvvvve barry, a great crooner and showman, saw him once at wembley as a favour to a friend and was converted.....thanks for the reminder, will dig out the cassette ...and i want to go to the forbidden corner so much, you are such an ambassador for the north......you'll have all us southerners moving!

Deb from WhatsInMyAttic said...

I love Barry Manilow. He's a great musician and a great showman! Can't wait wait for your post for us older folks! hehe