Comments on: THE SIMON PARK ORCHESTRA – “Eye Level” http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/ Lollards in the high church of low culture Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:46:57 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Jimmy the Swede http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-976543 Jimmy the Swede Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:17:53 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-976543 Lazarus - The first track Mark is referring to is explained at comment # 76 on the "December '63 (Oh What A Night)" thread back in 1976. Lazarus – The first track Mark is referring to is explained at comment # 76 on the “December ’63 (Oh What A Night)” thread back in 1976.

]]> By: Mark G http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-975227 Mark G Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:24:16 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-975227 "since" = Bunny action though. I will limit my reply to "there was at least one, it got to number one for two hours or thereabouts..." Actually, after a quick skim through, I reckon I found one in 1999. “since” = Bunny action though.

I will limit my reply to “there was at least one, it got to number one for two hours or thereabouts…”

Actually, after a quick skim through, I reckon I found one in 1999.

]]> By: Lazarus http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-975215 Lazarus Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:04:58 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-975215 Re: the earlier posts about the tune being set to lyrics, that was also done in the eighties to advertise Oranjeboom lager (which I saw in a Maidstone pub only a year or two ago). And apologies if this has been commented on already, but I don't think there's been a (purely) instrumental Number One since, has there? Re: the earlier posts about the tune being set to lyrics, that was also done in the eighties to advertise Oranjeboom lager (which I saw in a Maidstone pub only a year or two ago).

And apologies if this has been commented on already, but I don’t think there’s been a (purely) instrumental Number One since, has there?

]]> By: Waldo http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-974428 Waldo Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:30:35 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-974428 I am grateful for this, Conrad. Barry Foster must have zeroed in on Joanna too, then!! I am grateful for this, Conrad. Barry Foster must have zeroed in on Joanna too, then!!

]]> By: Conrad http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-974147 Conrad Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:13:39 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-974147 Joanna was indeed lovely, although technically a scrummy "second" wife, Arlette being played by a different actress in the first series Joanna was indeed lovely, although technically a scrummy “second” wife, Arlette being played by a different actress in the first series

]]> By: Waldo http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-971122 Waldo Sun, 01 Jan 2012 09:30:01 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-971122 My initial contribution to this thread (Sep '07) mentioned my attraction back in the day to Joanna Dunham, who played Van der Valk's wife. An absolutely lovely and classy woman. Whilst allowing myself the guity pleasure of an old episode of "Sykes" the other day, I watched as Eric turned up in a doctors' waiting room with the ever-sneering Mr Brown ("Fotheringay" to many of us) and the bloke who played the bent jockey in "Hi-Di-Hi" before being called in to see the doctor. This turns out to be the aforementioned Joanna and Sykes is immediately smitten. The script then sinks into a very childish storyline involving Eric feigning illness so as to get a home visit from the delightful lady doctor. He also has one or two Walter Mitty dreams involving a brave Eric coming to the aid of Joanna in distress. Hattie, meanwhile, simply stands to one side muttering "Oh, Er-ikkk!" every five minutes, which is all she does every week anyway, of course. I sat through all this with a smile on my face. Firstly, nodding sagely that the twelve year-old Waldo had zeroed in on Joanna all those years ago, and secondly, my opinion being re-enforced as to how Van der Valk managed to snare such a srummy wife in the first place. Happy Days! (and Happy New Year, everyone!) My initial contribution to this thread (Sep ’07) mentioned my attraction back in the day to Joanna Dunham, who played Van der Valk’s wife. An absolutely lovely and classy woman. Whilst allowing myself the guity pleasure of an old episode of “Sykes” the other day, I watched as Eric turned up in a doctors’ waiting room with the ever-sneering Mr Brown (“Fotheringay” to many of us) and the bloke who played the bent jockey in “Hi-Di-Hi” before being called in to see the doctor. This turns out to be the aforementioned Joanna and Sykes is immediately smitten. The script then sinks into a very childish storyline involving Eric feigning illness so as to get a home visit from the delightful lady doctor. He also has one or two Walter Mitty dreams involving a brave Eric coming to the aid of Joanna in distress. Hattie, meanwhile, simply stands to one side muttering “Oh, Er-ikkk!” every five minutes, which is all she does every week anyway, of course.

I sat through all this with a smile on my face. Firstly, nodding sagely that the twelve year-old Waldo had zeroed in on Joanna all those years ago, and secondly, my opinion being re-enforced as to how Van der Valk managed to snare such a srummy wife in the first place.

Happy Days! (and Happy New Year, everyone!)

]]> By: Jimmy the Swede http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-919770 Jimmy the Swede Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:23:23 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-919770 Johnnie Walker gave this a spin on yesterday's SOTS during the Pink Floyd Special, in which a certain album from 1973 was extensively discussed. Mention of Van der Valk there came none. Johnnie introduced it by saying that.. "and this was in the singles chart in 1973". Afterwards, Johnnie simply gave the name of the piece and the performing orchestra, adding "that brought back a lot of memories". What a bloody capital bloke! Johnnie Walker gave this a spin on yesterday’s SOTS during the Pink Floyd Special, in which a certain album from 1973 was extensively discussed. Mention of Van der Valk there came none. Johnnie introduced it by saying that.. “and this was in the singles chart in 1973″. Afterwards, Johnnie simply gave the name of the piece and the performing orchestra, adding “that brought back a lot of memories”. What a bloody capital bloke!

]]> By: Jimmy the Swede http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-770201 Jimmy the Swede Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:13:33 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-770201 Way to go, Bernard!! Way to go, Bernard!!

]]> By: Bernard Johns http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-769906 Bernard Johns Tue, 04 Jan 2011 08:44:43 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-769906 Eye Level Carol : Nos 107, 108 From Canon Bernard Johns, Chepstow. GB It was I who wrote the words of the Carol set to Eye Level, for the Marlborough Road Infants School Cardiff Christmas Presentation about 1980, the year Eye Level theme was first released (I think). The words quoted in 108 are not quite accurate: Now there were shepherds in the fields who were keeping their sheep The night was cold but the sky was clear An angel he told them Messiah was born And he lay in the village near. Ring a bell, bang a drum, sing Happy Christmas Day For the Lord Jesus Christ is born; Ring a bell, bang a drum, sing Happy, Happy blessed morn. Off went the shepherds, two three and four It was along the Bethlehem way There was the baby with Mary his mother Wrapped warm in the new-mown hay. Ring a bell... This to the shepherds was a wonderful sight For here on earth was their new-born king, High in the heavens was a glorious sound And they heard many angels sing. Ring a bell... Eye Level Carol : Nos 107, 108
From Canon Bernard Johns, Chepstow. GB
It was I who wrote the words of the Carol set to Eye Level, for the Marlborough Road Infants School Cardiff Christmas Presentation about 1980, the year Eye Level theme was first released (I think). The words quoted in 108 are not quite accurate:

Now there were shepherds in the fields who were keeping their sheep
The night was cold but the sky was clear
An angel he told them Messiah was born
And he lay in the village near.

Ring a bell, bang a drum, sing Happy Christmas Day
For the Lord Jesus Christ is born;
Ring a bell, bang a drum, sing Happy, Happy blessed morn.

Off went the shepherds, two three and four
It was along the Bethlehem way
There was the baby with Mary his mother
Wrapped warm in the new-mown hay.

Ring a bell…

This to the shepherds was a wonderful sight
For here on earth was their new-born king,
High in the heavens was a glorious sound
And they heard many angels sing.
Ring a bell…

]]> By: Anj http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-760074 Anj Sat, 04 Dec 2010 20:30:51 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-760074 My Dad wrote the lyrics to 'Ring a bell' He was a Vicar and my Mum recorded the track. She was a teacher and this was written for her school at the time. This was about 35 years ago. I still sing it in my head too My Dad wrote the lyrics to ‘Ring a bell’ He was a Vicar and my Mum recorded the track. She was a teacher and this was written for her school at the time. This was about 35 years ago. I still sing it in my head too

]]> By: Chelovek na lune http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-727986 Chelovek na lune Thu, 07 Oct 2010 22:35:53 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-727986 #6 (somewhat belatedly). How reassuring. My first thought on hearing this (for the very first time, right now) was "blimey, this makes me think of the theme from `Crown Court'"- which I used to love watching as a very wee kid, usually at my grandma's. in the late 80s. Now I see... Who'dave thought it. I quite like this, as far as TV themes go. #6 (somewhat belatedly). How reassuring. My first thought on hearing this (for the very first time, right now) was “blimey, this makes me think of the theme from `Crown Court’”- which I used to love watching as a very wee kid, usually at my grandma’s. in the late 80s. Now I see…

Who’dave thought it. I quite like this, as far as TV themes go.

]]> By: Paul Diedrich http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-709700 Paul Diedrich Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:34:00 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-709700 This is my favorite version of "Eye level". Our local radio station used to play it during the morning rush. I was never able to buy a copy of it. I tried at my local music store one week and was told that it was not released yet. The next week, I was told it was out of print. I even considered trying to buy the rights to it just to publish it again! I didn't even know it was the theme for a TV program. I still don't have this. If it is on a CD somewhere, I'd sure like to know so I can buy it! This is my favorite version of “Eye level”. Our local radio station used to play it during the morning rush. I was never able to buy a copy of it. I tried at my local music store one week and was told that it was not released yet. The next week, I was told it was out of print. I even considered trying to buy the rights to it just to publish it again! I didn’t even know it was the theme for a TV program. I still don’t have this. If it is on a CD somewhere, I’d sure like to know so I can buy it!

]]> By: AndyPandy http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-690506 AndyPandy Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:55:12 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-690506 Erithian @101 You were right about Sibelius and his "Karelia Suite" if it was the piece used by a current affairs programme I think the programme was "This Week" which used the Intermezzo from it. My dad used to have a "Favourite TV Themes" album in the early 70s with that theme on it - he'd bought it mainly for "The Oneiden Line" theme (which was incidentally from "Spartacus" by Khachaturian). Erithian @101
You were right about Sibelius and his “Karelia Suite” if it was the piece used by a current affairs programme I think the programme was “This Week” which used the Intermezzo from it.
My dad used to have a “Favourite TV Themes” album in the early 70s with that theme on it – he’d bought it mainly for “The Oneiden Line” theme (which was incidentally from “Spartacus” by Khachaturian).

]]> By: Billy Smart http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-690442 Billy Smart Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:52:36 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-690442 That Network 11-disc box set is now £18 on Amazon, and I've been watching it for professional television studies purposes. There's an unforgettable moment in the 1972 series. A corpse is dragged out of the canal. Van Der Valk examines the body. "Expensive shirt. Well manicured hands. It appears our dead friend was a homosexual" he informs Inspector Kroon. A few minutes later, we get a montage of the two policemen making enquiries in various Amsterdam gay bars, to the sound of 'Eye Level' specially arranged for wah-wah and xylophone... That Network 11-disc box set is now £18 on Amazon, and I’ve been watching it for professional television studies purposes. There’s an unforgettable moment in the 1972 series. A corpse is dragged out of the canal. Van Der Valk examines the body. “Expensive shirt. Well manicured hands. It appears our dead friend was a homosexual” he informs Inspector Kroon. A few minutes later, we get a montage of the two policemen making enquiries in various Amsterdam gay bars, to the sound of ‘Eye Level’ specially arranged for wah-wah and xylophone…

]]> By: Elsie Bee http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-667617 Elsie Bee Sat, 26 Dec 2009 18:06:32 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-667617 It is very addictive... my friend's kids sang it at their school service last week and it's still floating in my head! It is very addictive… my friend’s kids sang it at their school service last week and it’s still floating in my head!

]]> By: Elsie Bee http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-667615 Elsie Bee Sat, 26 Dec 2009 17:51:22 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-667615 (Eye Level Carol) There were shepherds in the fields Who were watching their sheep The night was cold But the skies were clear An angel told them that Christ was born And he lay in a village near "Ring a bell, bang a drum, Sing Happy Christmas morn For the Lord Jesus Christ is born Ring a bell, bang a drum, Sing happy, happy, happy Happy blessed morn” Off went the shepherds Hurrying fast They went along the Bethlehem way There with the baby Was Mary and Joseph He was lying in a manger’s hay "Ring a bell, bang a drum, Sing Happy Christmas morn For the Lord Jesus Christ is born Ring a bell, bang a drum, Sing happy, happy, happy Happy blessed morn” This to the shepherds was a wonderful sight Here on earth was the Newborn King High in the heavens Was a glorious star And they heard many angels sing "Ring a bell, bang a drum, Sing Happy Christmas morn For the Lord Jesus Christ is born Ring a bell, bang a drum, Sing happy, happy, happy Happy blessed morn” (Eye Level Carol)

There were shepherds in the fields
Who were watching their sheep
The night was cold
But the skies were clear
An angel told them that Christ was born
And he lay in a village near

“Ring a bell, bang a drum,
Sing Happy Christmas morn
For the Lord Jesus Christ is born
Ring a bell, bang a drum,
Sing happy, happy, happy
Happy blessed morn”

Off went the shepherds
Hurrying fast
They went along the Bethlehem way
There with the baby
Was Mary and Joseph
He was lying in a manger’s hay

“Ring a bell, bang a drum,
Sing Happy Christmas morn
For the Lord Jesus Christ is born
Ring a bell, bang a drum,
Sing happy, happy, happy
Happy blessed morn”

This to the shepherds was a wonderful sight
Here on earth
was the Newborn King
High in the heavens
Was a glorious star
And they heard many angels sing

“Ring a bell, bang a drum,
Sing Happy Christmas morn
For the Lord Jesus Christ is born
Ring a bell, bang a drum,
Sing happy, happy, happy
Happy blessed morn”

]]> By: Eekabear http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-610965 Eekabear Sun, 26 Apr 2009 09:56:44 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-610965 I wonder if anyone can help? I have christmas lyrics in my head whenever I hear 'Eye Level' and I hope to god I heard them and didn't make them up... does anyone else recognise these lyrics that go along with the main theme of Eye Level? If so, please let me know where they came from... "Ring a bell, bang a drum, Sing Happy Christmas Day For the Lord Jesus Christ is born Ring a bell, bang a drum, Sing happy, happy blessed morn" I wonder if anyone can help? I have christmas lyrics in my head whenever I hear ‘Eye Level’ and I hope to god I heard them and didn’t make them up… does anyone else recognise these lyrics that go along with the main theme of Eye Level? If so, please let me know where they came from…

“Ring a bell, bang a drum,
Sing Happy Christmas Day
For the Lord Jesus Christ is born
Ring a bell, bang a drum,
Sing happy, happy blessed morn”

]]> By: tim davidge http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-609758 tim davidge Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:43:50 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-609758 In his entry for The Shadows' "Wonderful Land", Tom pegs the number as evoking "a Sixties that ended up...not happening". It's a claim one might make for "Eye Level", with reference to Europe in the Seventies. A calm, prosperous, European future beckoned. From this distance (middle-age now, mid-teens then), it evokes more the end of an era. In his entry for The Shadows’ “Wonderful Land”, Tom pegs the number as evoking “a Sixties that ended up…not happening”. It’s a claim one might make for “Eye Level”, with reference to Europe in the Seventies. A calm, prosperous, European future beckoned. From this distance (middle-age now, mid-teens then), it evokes more the end of an era.

]]> By: DJ Punctum http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-505533 DJ Punctum Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:28:17 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-505533 Ah! Wikipedia USELESSpedia morelike! Ah!

Wikipedia USELESSpedia morelike!

]]> By: Jonathan Bogart http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-505458 Jonathan Bogart Tue, 23 Sep 2008 05:16:13 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-505458 Marcello @ 99 xpost - Bit late for a correction, but Bessie Smith's NLYWYDAO was recorded in '29. (Wikipedia is wrong.) The song appears to have been written in '23, which may be the source of the confusion. Marcello @ 99 xpost – Bit late for a correction, but Bessie Smith’s NLYWYDAO was recorded in ’29. (Wikipedia is wrong.) The song appears to have been written in ’23, which may be the source of the confusion.

]]> By: wichita lineman http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-423811 wichita lineman Mon, 19 May 2008 20:26:14 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-423811 It wouldn't count as his theme, being from 1969, but Alexandria Good Time by Robin Gibb mentions Bonar Law - Robin being something of a history buff. Sadly for BL, it was on the flip of the exceedingly rare withdrawn version of Saved By The Bell. So instead of being tagged to a pan-European number one, no one's ever heard the forgotten PM's only mention in pop. Apart from the 'lucky' fellow who paid something daft like 500 quid for it on ebay. It wouldn’t count as his theme, being from 1969, but Alexandria Good Time by Robin Gibb mentions Bonar Law – Robin being something of a history buff. Sadly for BL, it was on the flip of the exceedingly rare withdrawn version of Saved By The Bell. So instead of being tagged to a pan-European number one, no one’s ever heard the forgotten PM’s only mention in pop. Apart from the ‘lucky’ fellow who paid something daft like 500 quid for it on ebay.

]]> By: mike http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-323898 mike Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:20:48 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-323898 HORNE: Will you take my case? JULIAN: Well, it depends on what it is. <a href="http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/fabulosa/law.htm" rel="nofollow">We've got a criminal practice that takes up most of our time</a>. HORNE: Yes, but apart from that - I need lega1 advice. SANDY: Ooh - isn't he bold? HORNE: Will you take my case?

JULIAN: Well, it depends on what it is. We’ve got a criminal practice that takes up most of our time.

HORNE: Yes, but apart from that – I need lega1 advice.

SANDY: Ooh – isn’t he bold?

]]> By: Erithian http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-323889 Erithian Wed, 10 Oct 2007 12:05:57 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-323889 I could be embarrassingly wrong about the Sibelius – it was a classical piece that was used as a TV current affairs theme, and it wasn’t Nantucket Sleighride! My colleague who’s a 60s radio comedy fan tells me Bona Law was a legal practice featured in “Round the Horne”. And another thread crashes through the 100-posts barrier! I could be embarrassingly wrong about the Sibelius – it was a classical piece that was used as a TV current affairs theme, and it wasn’t Nantucket Sleighride!

My colleague who’s a 60s radio comedy fan tells me Bona Law was a legal practice featured in “Round the Horne”.

And another thread crashes through the 100-posts barrier!

]]> By: pˆnk s lord sükråt cunctør http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-323888 pˆnk s lord sükråt cunctør Wed, 10 Oct 2007 11:59:30 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-323888 “Nobody Knows You When You’re Bonar Law” “Nobody Knows You When You’re Bonar Law”

]]> By: Marcello Carlin http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-323885 Marcello Carlin Wed, 10 Oct 2007 11:50:45 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2007/09/the-simon-park-orchestra-eye-level/#comment-323885 For Bonar Law they could have used "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out" - Bessie Smith's recording came out in 1923. For Bonar Law they could have used “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out” – Bessie Smith’s recording came out in 1923.

]]>