Last Night in Soho (song)

Last updated

"Last Night in Soho"
LastNightinSohoSingle.jpg
Cover of the single released in Italy
Single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich
B-side "Mrs. Thursday"
Released28 June 1968
Recorded31 May 1968 [1]
Studio Philips Studios, Stanhope House, London
Genre Psychedelic pop
Length3:17
Label Fontana
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Steve Rowland
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich singles chronology
"The Legend of Xanadu"
(1968)		"Last Night in Soho"
(1968)		"The Wreck of the 'Antoinette'"
(1968)

"Last Night in Soho" is a single by English pop band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released by Fontana on 28 June 1968. Written by the band's regular songwriters Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, it was the follow-up to the chart topper "The Legend of Xanadu" and gave the band their final top-ten placing on the UK Singles Chart, reaching number 8. [2]

Contents

Composition

"Last Night in Soho" is described in Colin Larkin's Encyclopedia of Popular Music as "a leather-boy motorbike saga portraying lost innocence in London's most notorious square mile". [3] Songwriters Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley wrote the song with "a strong visual image" in mind, prompted by a comment made by Dave Dee. [4] [5] The duo were keen to write a song about a British city to counter the many famous songs about cities like New York and Paris. [4] In contrast to the exotic themes of the band's previous singles "Zabadak!" and "The Legend of Xanadu", the song is set in Soho, an area in the West End of London renowned for much of the 20th century as a base for the city's sex industry and night life. It concerns an ex-convict who attempts to go straight for the sake of his lover, but succumbs to temptation after reuniting with his hoodlum friends. [6] The final verse finds him heading for a prison sentence and bidding a regretful farewell to his lover. [7] [8] Writer Rob Chapman has described the song as "a psycho-drama set in Gangland" with "a middle eight straight out of Lionel Bart and Joan Littlewood". [8]

The song incorporates a dramatic orchestral arrangement by Reg Tilsley. A detuning hammond organ signifies the arrival of the police. [4] Frontman Dave Dee considered the song more serious than previous hits for his band, telling Disc and Music Echo "Nobody can say that we've made repetitive records in the past. They were gimmicky but always different from each other. But there comes a time when you must progress and try something a little straighter". The song was Dee's favourite of his band's hits. [9]

Release

"Last Night in Soho", backed with the band's own composition "Mrs. Thursday", was released by Fontana on 28 June 1968. [10] The band were photographed with a motorcycle in front of a Soho strip bar in promotion of the single [9] and performed it on the 4 July edition of Top of the Pops. [11] The song peaked at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart, ultimately spending eleven weeks on the chart. It was Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich's final top ten single. [2]

Reception and legacy

The song received praise from Peter Jones of Record Mirror , who noted "the constant switching of style that keeps this group right there at the top". [12] Chris Welch of Melody Maker considered the song not as commercial as "The Legend of Xanadu", deeming it "well away from their usual gimmick-laden performances". [13] Ray Davies, whose Kinks single "Days" was in the charts at the same time as "Last Night in Soho", declared in Disc and Music Echo's "Hit Talk" column "I don't like "Last Night in Soho". "Xanadu" was not a favourite of mine and neither is this". [14] Interviewed for the Melody Maker column "Blind Date", The Who's Keith Moon commented "I prefer this to the Hungarian Beer Chants they usually do". [13]

Following the single's success, Dave Dee expressed his wish to become an actor, telling Disc and Music Echo "it's okay to keep turning out hits, but it reaches the point where you have nothing particular to aim for. If you have no challenge life becomes very dull and boring and you end up making duff records". [9] Dee left the band over a year later in September 1969 and appeared in the 1970 comedy film Every Home Should Have One starring Marty Feldman. [15]

Having heard "Hold Tight", a 1966 hit single for Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, used in the Quentin Tarantino film Death Proof , film director Edgar Wright came upon "Last Night in Soho". His 2021 psychological horror film is named after the song. [16] The song plays over the film's end credits. [17]

Charts

Chart (1968)Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report) [18] 61
Germany (Official German Charts) [19] 13
Ireland (IRMA) [20] 11
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) [21] 15
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [22] 15
New Zealand (Listener) [23] 4
Singapore (Radio Singapore) [24] 1
UK Singles (OCC) [2] 8

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich</span> British band

Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich are an English rock band active during the 1960s. Formed in Salisbury in 1964, the band consisted of David Harman, Trevor Ward-Davies (Dozy), John Dymond (Beaky), Michael Wilson (Mick) and Ian Amey (Tich). Their novel name, zany stage act and lurid dress sense helped propel them to chart success with a string of hit singles penned by songwriters Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley including "Hold Tight!", "Bend It!" and "Zabadak!". Over the course of the band's career, they played several different genres, including freakbeat, mod and pop. Two of their single releases sold in excess of one million copies each, and they reached number one in the UK Singles Chart with the second of them, "The Legend of Xanadu". Unlike many other British bands of the 1960s who were associated with the British invasion of the United States, Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich had limited commercial US success. They did better in Canada with 7 songs in the top 100. Since their original break-up in 1973, the band have reunited in various formations and a lineup featuring Dymond.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Legend of Xanadu</span> 1968 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"The Legend of Xanadu" is a single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich that reached number one in the UK Singles Chart in 1968 and was the group's biggest hit. It was written by songwriters Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley. As was the case with many of the group's recordings, it features novelty elements — a trumpet section and the distinctive sound of a whip cracking in the chorus. The musical accompaniment was directed by John Gregory. The single was certified gold in November 1968.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave Dee</span> English singer-songwriter, musician

David John Harman, known professionally as Dave Dee, was an English singer-songwriter, musician, A&R manager, fundraiser and businessman. He was the frontman for the 1960s pop band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hold Tight (Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich song)</span> 1966 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"Hold Tight!" is a song by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. The song was recorded on 11 January 1966 at Fontana's studio in Marble Arch, London and released as a single in February 1966. It was included on the band's debut album, issued on 24 June 1966.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zabadak! (song)</span> 1967 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"Zabadak!" is a song by British musical group Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, written by Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley. It was released as a single in September 1967, peaking at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and becoming the group's only single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 52. It was their fifth of seven to chart in Canada.

<i>Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich</i> (album) 1966 studio album by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich is the debut self-titled album by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. It largely features songs penned by Alan Blaikley and Ken Howard including the band's first top 20 hit "Hold Tight!", which reached a peak of #4 on the UK Singles Chart in April 1966. In 1967, the album was issued in some countries under the title What's in a Name.

<i>If Music Be the Food of Love... Prepare for Indigestion</i> 1966 studio album by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

If Music Be the Food of Love... Prepare for Indigestion is the second studio album by English rock band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released in December 1966. It features the singles "Hideaway", "You Make It Move" and "Bend It!". Unlike the band's debut album, it failed to reach the top 20 of the UK Albums Chart, peaking at number 27. Reviewing the album for Allmusic, Lindsay Planer described If Music Be the Food of Love... as "another batch of strong Brit-pop compositions" and praised the band's sense of humour and "sharp musicality".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trevor Ward-Davies</span> English bassist (1944–2015)

Trevor Leonard Ward-Davies, who went by the stagename Dozy, was an English pop bassist, who was an original member of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich from 1964 until his death in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">From the Underworld</span> 1967 single by The Herd

"From the Underworld" is a single by the English rock band the Herd, released in August 1967. Written by the band's managers Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, the song's lyrics are based on the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. It became the band's first hit upon release, reaching number 6 on the UK Singles Chart and launching singer Peter Frampton as a pop star. It was later included on the group's only studio album Paradise Lost (1968).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Wreck of the 'Antoinette'</span> 1968 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"The Wreck of the 'Antoinette'" is a song by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released as a single in September 1968. It peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart.

This is the discography of the British band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hideaway (Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich song)</span> 1966 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"Hideaway" is a song by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released as a single in June 1966. It peaked at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bend It!</span> 1966 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"Bend It!" is a song by English pop band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released as a single by Fontana on 9 September 1966. Written by the band's management team Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, the song's Greek flavour and tempo changes garnered comparisons to Mikis Theodorakis's composition "Zorba's Dance". Though considered a departure from the "big-beat" style of the band's previous hits, "Bend It!" was a major chart success. It peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and had combined sales of over a million in the UK and Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Save Me (Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich song)</span> 1966 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"Save Me" is a song by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released as a single in December 1966. It peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Touch Me, Touch Me</span> 1967 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"Touch Me, Touch Me" is a song by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released as a single in March 1967. It peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Okay! (song)</span> 1967 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"Okay!" is a song by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released as a single in May 1967. It peaked at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Make It Move</span> 1965 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"You Make It Move" is a song by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released as a single in November 1965. It was the group's first charting single, peaking at number 26 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tonight Today</span> 1969 single by D. B. M. & T.

"Tonight Today" is a song by the remaining members of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich after the departure of Dave Dee. It was released as a single in November 1969.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ian Amey</span> Musical artist

Ian Frederick Stephen Amey, who went by the stagename Tich, was an English pop rock guitarist, who was a member of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich from 1964 until his retirement in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Dymond</span> Musical artist

John Dymond, who goes by the stagename Beaky, is an English pop guitarist, who is a founding member of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. As of 2015, Dymond is the only original member still active in the band.

References

  1. ↑ "Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick, & Tich – May 1968". 11 November 2016. Archived from the original on 11 November 2016. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 "Dave Dee Dozy Beaky Mick Tich: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  3. ↑ Larkin, Colin (2011). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. 5th Concise Edition: Omnibus Press. p. 516.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  4. 1 2 3 Kutner, Jon. "Last Night In Soho (Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich)". Jon Kutner. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  5. ↑ Altham, Keith (December 1968). "Dave Dee's Happy To Make Instant Hits". New Musical Express. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  6. ↑ "Ex-cop Dave Dee turns crook!" (PDF). Disc and Music Echo: 6. 22 June 1968. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  7. ↑ "Soho Song". Runcorn Weekly News: 20. 27 June 1968. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  8. 1 2 Chapman, Rob (2015). Psychedelia and Other Colours (1st ed.). Faber & Faber. p. 555. ISBN   978-0-571-28200-5.
  9. 1 2 3 Farmer, Bob (3 August 1968). "Dave Dee... from Soho to Pantomime, just for the challenge" (PDF). Disc and Music Echo: 13. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  10. ↑ "More Big Name 45's" (PDF). New Musical Express. 22 June 1968. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  11. ↑ "Disc News" (PDF). Disc and Music Echo: 4. 6 July 1968. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  12. ↑ Jones, Peter (29 June 1966). "Your guide to this week's new singles" (PDF). Record Mirror. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  13. 1 2 Welch, Chris (6 July 1968). "Pop Singles" (PDF). Melody Maker. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  14. ↑ Davies, Ray (17 August 1968). "Hit Talk" (PDF). Disc and Music Echo: 3. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  15. ↑ Matthews, Simon (27 October 2016). Psychedelic Celluloid: British Pop Music in Film & TV 1965 - 1974. Oldcastle Books. p. 192. ISBN   9781843444589 . Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  16. ↑ Nicholson, Tom (30 October 2019). "Edgar Wright On 'Last Night In Soho', Quentin Tarantino And 'Baby Driver 2'". Esquire. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  17. ↑ Sokol, Tony (29 October 2021). "Last Night in Soho Soundtrack List Captures the Dreams of '60s Music Mod Life". Den of Geek. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  18. ↑ Kent, David (2005). Australian Chart Book 1940–1969. Australian Chart Book Pty Ltd, Turramurra, N.S.W. ISBN   0-646-44439-5.
  19. ↑ "Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich – Last Night in Soho" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  20. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Last Night in Soho". Irish Singles Chart.
  21. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  22. ↑ "Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich – Last Night in Soho" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  23. ↑ "flavour of new zealand - search listener". www.flavourofnz.co.nz. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  24. ↑ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard . 19 October 1968. p. 77. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.