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| THE SPECTRUM-London Bridge Is Coming Down/Tables And Chairs US RCA Victor 47-9593 1968 |
UK pop quartet The Spectrum had slogged around for a bit and scored a European hit with their 2nd single, the pop slush that was "Samantha's Mine". They also cut the end title theme for the Gerry Anderson animated TV show "Captain Scarlet". But for me their big one will always be their fifth UK single (RCA 1700 June 1968) "London Bridge Is Coming Down", which was issued in the US as their third 45 in August 1968.
For anyone who's never heard it before "London Bridge Is Coming Down" takes the melody of the old children's nursery rhyme "London Bridge Is Falling Down" and changes the lyrics to be about London Bridge which was dismantled in 1967 and eccentrically transported to Arizona where it was reassembled. It's delivered rapid fire with a cool guitar lick, tight harmonies, some organ and a crisp production with a catchy chorus "London Bridge is coming down, coming down it's off to Arizona...".
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| Portuguese E.P. |
The B-side "Tables And Chairs" is your typical flip side late 60's boredom. Orchestrated elevator pop music, lots of harmonies, orchestration and heavy on the mediocre!
"London Bridge Is Coming Down" was finally comped on the Past And Present CD "Piccadilly Sunshine Part 3" and both sides are available on the Grapefruit double CD "All The Colours Of The Spectrum: The Complete Recordings 1964-1970".
TRIVIA: Drummer Keith Forsey became a producer under the wing of Giorgio Moroder and later produced Billy Idol's first solo 45's.
Hear "London Bridge Is Coming Down":
https://youtu.be/VdYkmfgIxlA
Hear "Tables And Chairs":
https://youtu.be/Hyh_O7j4wp4
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