Search - Marion Ryan :: Love Me Forever

The godmother of Brit pop ? Maybe

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 12/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Marion was the first female singing star of British television, in the 1950's. Television was not available to everybody then - it was still a bit of a luxury - but it is still a bit of a surprise that Marion has been almost forgotten. Her records were less successful than her TV work.The quality of the music is excellent, apart from the opening novelty song about sailors who can't speak good English. She did this song in a poor imitation of a foreign accent which even the writer of the sleeve notes describes as excruciating. So why was this song included? The remaining 29 tracks show what Marion could really do, and it's pure magic !!!!Her one big hit (a British number 5), was Love me forever, a cover of an Eydie Gorme song. Most of the other songs are also covers of American songs, so who needs to buy this? I admit it's not essential, but Marion's lovely voice and her pure English accent set her covers apart from all the American versions. Marion's versions are not better, but they are distinctive.Marion has been nicknamed the Godmother of Brit pop. I can see why, but Alma Cogan and Petula Clark, who were more successful in the fifties pop charts, and who carried their success into the sixties, might also claim this title. Marion's twin sons, Paul and Barry, had some success in the late sixties (particularly with Eloise, a British number 2). At around that time, Marion emigrated to Florida for retirement in obscurity, eventually dying following a heart attack.The very bright cover shows a very beautiful lady (Marion) in an expensive fifties dress, set against a flowery background. In the absence of a picture here, you can see it at the record company's own website. Don't be put off by it's gaudiness - it's the music that matters !!!!"