A Prologue to A Magic World - Ruperts People

Columbia single, 1967

Buried under the Alice in Wonderland covering is a very sad song about an isolated little girl. But we’re not intentionally trying to bring you down with a serious number; rather we think this is among the best modern fairytales on the list. What we find most clever about the song is that it’s essentially a rewrite of Reflections of Charles Brown but using a fairytale setting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Tales of Flossie Fillett – Turquoise

Decca single B-side, 1968

No amount of analysis can ever convince us that this song is about anything but the band’s ability to fit a bunch of strange names all into one song. But it’s just that kind of nonsense that appeals to the guardians of Toytown - gaining this song a coveted spot in the top ten. So clever is the name Barbara Boffbon that we’re going to nominate it to the Name Hall of Fame.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Toyland - Alan Bown 

MGM single, 1967

Though it only made the number 8 spot on our list we think this is probably the ultimate Toytown song - mainly because it’s about our utopian Toytown with teddy bears, molly mole, butter cups etc. Mind you, we’re not using the word “utopian” lightly because it seems likely that this visit to Toytown may be slightly drug induced. For those into such details it’s the mono single version of this song that is the most toytownesque. The main reason is that it features atmospheric playground sounds and because the recorder part is more prominent. The stereo album version is excellent but far more serious sounding. There is also a fantastic live BBC version with a groovy horn section.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auntie Mary's Dress Shop – Tomorrow

LP track from Tomorrow featuring Keith West, 1968

It was inevitable that the swinging 60s would produce a number of songs about clothing shops but what’s so special about this one is just how un-hip it is. While so many bands were taking the serious route, trying to be accepted by the underground movement, Keith and Tomorrow came up with this bouncy little tune. When all was said and done the band blamed bad timing for their lack of commercial success but in reality songs like this one proved that they weren’t as interested in the charts as they were in producing a great record.

 

 

 

 

 

  Peter’s Birthday – World of Oz

Deram single B-side, 1968

In our estimation this is one of the best songs about a child’s nightmare ever made. It all starts when Peter overindulges at his own birthday party and continues when black and white rainbows take him away to where licorice Allsorts are made.  Definitely a bit of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory influence at work. Favorite toytown lyric: Please don’t cut me up please. Please don’t cut me up.

 

 

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