Lawrence Chan

Not every record that s released can be a hit, but - hit or not - every record released is still a memory for someone. In The Forgotten 45s 1957-1959 we are remembering the records that deserved to be a UK hit but, for whatever reason, were not. Packed with singles by hit-makers of the calibre of Gene Vincent, Alma Cogan, Frankie Lymon, Lonnie Donegan, Brenda Lee and Dion, as well as US acts hoping to extend their success beyond the domestic market, this 3CD set devotes one disc to each year from 1957 to 1959, and will be followed by a companion set covering the years 1960-1962. Reflecting the musical preferences of the era, the featured styles run the gamut of R&B, doo wop, rock & roll, country, skiffle and mainstream pop. Considered alongside hits-of-the-year compilations, like Fantastic Voyage s exhaustive British Hit Parade series, The Forgotten 45s offers a fascinating parallel narrative. Artists, labels and other pundits could reasonably have expected these recording to be UK hit singles, but they were denied that success. The reason may be apparent with hindsight: the timely release of a rival version, or the listening public starting to fall out of love with the artist, or their style of music. But other misses are harder to fathom, and of course it is this unpredictability that goes a long way to explain our fascination with hit records. If you were one of the few that bought one or more of these tracks back in the day, then you already know the enjoyment you derived from them, and you can sit back and let the memories come flooding back. If you are only now discovering the music of a bygone age, then The Forgotten 45s offers an intriguing, different dimension to your journey.

We heard your calls so we've delivered – 'Sing Your Heart Out 2019' - 40 massive hits you can't help but sing along to! Whether you're in the car, getting ready to go out or just want to flex your vocal chords, Sing Your Heart is here to help!

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