Javier’s English Corner

I have already written here some time that The Smiths are my favourite 80’s band for several reasons, but I would have to say the most important one is that they bring back sweet memories of a time when just listening to a good song was like the day’s highlight and you cannot imagine how much English I learned by reading these guys’ lyrics, which were absolutely top-notch. I don’t know how to put it; when I listened to The Smiths, something happened inside me and they are still very special to me.

For a lot of Smiths’ fans, “There is a light that never goes out” is the band’s best song. One thing is certain; it is one of the best anyway. Enjoy it here or go to a listening comprehension activity about it.

The Proclaimers are a Scottish band composed of identical twins Charlie and Craig Reid (born March 5, 1962). They are best known for the songs “Letter from America“, “I’m on My Way“, and “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)“. This last song was a great hit and I remember how some English MTV show hosts used to mock their strong Scottish accent when they first became popular. Actually, The Proclaimers are one of the few bands who do not change their accents when they sing. If you take other examples, such as let’s say The Beatles or Texas, although they have characteristic Liverpudlian and Scottish accents respectively, for some reason they lose it in their songs. This does not happen with the Reid twins, which adds a little spice and regional colour to their singing.

I have chosen “A long long long time ago”, one of my favourite songs from “Hit The Highway” (1994), their third album. You can do a listening comprehension exercise here.

Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) was an American roots rock band who gained popularity in the late 1960s and early ’70s with a string of successful songs from multiple albums released in 1968, 1969 and 1970. Before their break-up in 1972, this band earned their golden place in the history of modern popular music with songs such as Proud Mary, Have you ever seen the rain, Sweet Hitch-Hiker, Bad moon rising or Down on the corner. They had a distinct sound that has withstood the three decades which have gone by since their split-up.

I have chosen to post Proud Mary, the band’s first big hit back in 1969, which has been covered by over a hundred artists, including Ike and Tina Turner’s successful version from 1971. You can enjoy the song now or go here for a listening comprehension activity.