I'm feelin' blue, wish I knew how you do it to me but I haven't a clue (Gerry and The Pacemakers) #119

Gerry And The Pacemakers How Do You Do It?/ Away From You (Columbia, DNZ 10292, 1963)

The song that George Martin famously told the Beatles was a guaranteed #1 but they turned him down - they didn't think it fitted them (a glance at all those rhymes in the title helps explain why). Instead Martin produced this version by Gerry and his band and, yep, it went to number 1!

Amazing that this song, their first single, sets out the stall so completely for Gerry Marsden and crew. The cheeky chappy bouncy persona is set from the off with both the distinctive Gerry lilt and the Pacemaker beat firmly in place.

Gerry and co were rivals of the Beatles in the very early days but couldn't hack the pace as Lennon/McCartney continued to innovate and while Gerry subsequently had further hits he couldn't replicate the creative trails that the fabs blazed. Sadly the band was as sexy as a bag of salt and vinegar crisps and there was always the distinctly unhip band name to contend with as well.

Hidden gem: The B side is also a snappy little pop song, a little rhythmic gem like Besame Mucho - written by Gerry and bass player Les Chadwick. Unfortunately those rhymes again cause some queasy moments - you/blue/knew, side/cried - eek!