So far all the modes of transport have been human or mechanical, but it would be remiss of me to exclude one of the oldest means that people have empolyed to move from place to another that of animal locomotion. Some animals are used due to sheer physical strength in tasks such as ploughing or […]
Space Travel
Today we undertake our second visit to space and those who travel amongst the stars. We begin with the closing theme tune to one of the seminal TV programmes of my childhood – Fireball XL5. Don Spencer released his first single, “Fireball”, on the HMV label – it was the closing theme song for the […]
Space Flight
Space Flight is the use of space technology to achieve the flight of spacecraft into and through outer space. Spaceflight is used in space exploration, and also in commercial activities like space tourism and satellite telecommunications. Additional non-commercial uses of spaceflight include space observatories, reconnaissance satellites and other Earth observation satellites. A spaceflight typically begins […]
Aeroplanes and Flying
A second trawl amongst the ragbag of songs about aeroplanes and we begin with a surprising entry from 1934. “On the Good Ship Lollipop” was the signature song of child actress Shirley Temple sang it in the film of 1934, Bright Eyes. The song was composed by Richard A. Whiting and the lyrics were supplied […]
Flying
Finally our transport series takes to the skies with some songs about flying. Flight or flying is the process by which an object moves through a space without contacting any planetary, either within an atmosphere or through the vacuum of outer space. This can be achieved by generating aerodynamic lift associated with gliding or propulsive […]
People Get Ready
We continue our theme of travel today with “People Get Ready” a 1965 single by the Impressions, and the title track from the People Get Ready. The single is the group’s best-known hit, reaching number 14 on the Billboard. The gospel-influenced track was a Curtis Mayfield composition that displayed the growing sense of social and […]
Sailing
Sailing employs the wind—acting on sails, wingsails or kites—to propel a craft on the surface of the water, on ice or on land over a chosen course, which is often part of a larger plan of navigation. Until the middle of the 19th century, sailing ships were the primary means for marine exploration, commerce, and […]
Ships
A ship is a large watercraft that travels the world’s oceans and other sufficiently deep waterways, carrying goods or passengers, or in support of specialized missions, such as defence, research, and fishing. Ships are generally distinguished from boats, based on size, shape, load capacity, and purpose. In the Age of Sail a “ship” was a […]
Boats
A boat is a watercraft of a large range of types and sizes, but generally smaller than a ship, which is distinguished by its larger size, shape, cargo or passenger capacity, or its ability to carry boats. Small boats are typically found on inland waterways such as rivers and lakes, or in protected coastal areas. […]
Sea Shanties
So now our musical journey brings to travel over water, so i thought i would start with some ‘Sea Shanties’. Sea shanty songs are traditionally belted out by sailors, hard at work on the open seas on ships and boats. Typically, a true sea shanty (or chanty, as it is sometimes called) is sung as a team. And […]