The Boat That Rocked

In every era of music there are No#1 hits. There are songs that go viral. There are even comical tracks that somehow make their way up the charts…but then, then there are the awesome tracks. The tracks that define the era. These are often not the most popular, but are often the ones that make you smile every time you hear them. These are my favourite songs and this weeks Cover Soundtrack is filled to the brim with them.

The Boat That Rocked is a really quirky film. My wife knows it as the one that leaves me feeling surprisingly really [can I use really here again?] good. Why? I think its a combination of great writing, great acting and a soundtrack that someone has spent a long time compiling.

For those who haven’t seen this film [there might be a few of you], its basically the story of the so called end to pirate radio in Britain in the 60’s. It’s actually called Pirate Radio in other parts of the world, but regardless of what its called, it was the perfect opportunity to compile a very astute collection of 60’s tracks that quite rightly was considered only fit for pirate radio in the 60’s.

It’s comical. It’s heartwarming. It’s inspiring. There are large elements to this film that are based from history, although I’m sure for the most, the storyline is fictitious. But thats not what this film is about. This film is fun. It leaves a taste of nostalgia in your mouth that will have you asking for seconds and doesn’t ask anything more from you than just to simply enjoy it.

In the vein of true British romantic comedies, this has large elements of the feel good nature that the Poms have come to master such as Notting Hill, Love Actually and Four Weddings and a Funeral. Although in this case, it focuses on a select group of renegade DJ’s that you can’t help but barrack for.

But lets not forget what we’re here for. The music.

I’ve learned over the years that my love of 60’s music is possibly not….how do I put this….congruent, with others of my generation. I’m cool with that though. But if you have any affiliation with this era of music, this album will have you rocking. [in a beautifully innocent 60’s kinda way]

With nigh on 40 songs in this double disc album, there are a couple of real gems that stand out.

On the whole, its a pretty upbeat album with a heap of rock songs, but there are a few slow tracks that a really beautiful. ‘These Arms of Mine’ by Otis Redding, ‘Crimson & Clover’ by Tommy James & The Shondells and a great track I wasn’t to familiar with called ‘Stay With Me’ by Duffy. All of them ‘hold that girl/guy as close as you can and dance till you drop’ kind of music. Something we should all be doing more of more often.

Then comes the more up tempo tracks. The Who’s ‘My Generation’, The Kinks ‘All Day And All Of The Night’, ‘Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)’ by John Fred & His Playboy Band and even Jimi Hendrix’s ‘The Wind Cries Mary’. All of them left me with visuals of the cast dancing on their boat to tracks they spin out over the airwaves. As I write this, I think I am realising that sometimes, the compilation of tracks are just as important as the tracks themselves. And The Boat That Rocked is a massive testament to that.

But as usual, I have one real standout favourite track which fits beautifully into this melding of 60’s gold. ‘Sunny Afternoon’ by the Kinks is a track that I could listen to whilst pretty much doing anything and I’d feel like I was in a film scene of some sort.

Also, it makes me feel really good. So thats what I’m leaving you with. Something that will hopefully smile your dial and keep the day bopping along.

M /