MINUTE TO WIN IT
Here’s an earworm for you, and one which the creators hope you will be singing as Coventry is announced as the City of Culture 2021.
This new sing-a-long song entitled ‘Minute To Win It’ was written by Christine Sugary Staple, Neville Staple and Tom Lowry at Planet Studios, Coventry, featuring Tony HRS Moore and Paul Sampson (with various Coventry friends).
Musically this fun song is a cultural snapshot of Coventry’s diverse musical history, using ska rhythms and infused with the sound of the tumbi and tabla, to inject more than a touch of Bhangra to the proceedings.
It’s the idea of Coventry’s very own Original Rude Boy, Neville Staple and his performer wife and manager, Christine Sugary Staple. The couple independently decided to do something to celebrate Coventry, whilst supporting the 2021 City of Culture Bid.
Sugary reveals that “the music is a full mix of cultural sounds and lyrics that are meant to be fun, with a feel of unity and celebration. Just like you may get at a rugby or footie match in the terraces. We feel that of all the cities across the UK, Coventry must be the greatest contender for the City of Culture 2021.”
Husband Neville said: “We do a lot of things across Coventry supporting projects in schools and helping with various charities and student mentoring.
“So we decided to link the song to the Lord Mayor’s charity, so that all download profits will go to ‘Teenage Cancer Trust and Zoe’s Place’.
A brilliant choice. So, it would be great if the people of Coventry would get behind the song, download it and be prepared to celebrate the place we call home, while supporting those who have daily struggles to deal with.
“Regardless of the bid, let’s show that Cov is our winning city.”
The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Tony Skipper, said: “It’s great that the whole city is rallying round the city’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021 and getting people together to celebrate Coventry in song is an enjoyable way of showing that support.
“I love that the song is based on the iconic ring road too and the lyrics capture our city’s sense of togetherness and having fun. Support the Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal and download the song from here: http://www.originalrudeboy.co.uk/minute-to-win-it/
GODIVA ROCKS
So one of Coventry’s most anticipated musicals finally arrived last week at The Belgrade Theatre in the shape of Godiva Rocks, The Coventry Musical.
Those expecting to be spoon-fed a Alan Pollock/Hamish Glen storyline have another think coming., Godiva Rocks was every bit as clever as their earlier successes (One Night In November and Too Much Pressure).
The storyline shifts from the 60s to the 80s at some pace, punctuated by a feast of classic Coventry songs on the way. I had great fun in spotting various musicians on the night, and watching their reaction as their particular song was featured. Especially local legend Ray King, who was singing all along to the song he covered in the 1960s, ‘Gimme A Kind Of Sign Girl’.
The King reference was hilarious, and the cast’s take on The Primitives’ song Crash was superb. Some said they found the plot a little hard to digest, and in truth, you had to stick with it, though it would all come clear in the second act.
The story of course was not based on fact, only certain locations were real. Once you got that in your head, it was an enjoyable ride. I talked to many of the local musicians after the show, and pretty much all of them enjoyed it, so that has to be a major thumbs up to all involved.
