Thunderclap Newman

1. Something in the Air

Hand out the arms and ammo

We're going to blast our way through here

We've got to get together sooner or later

Because the revolution's here, and you know it's right

They let these lyrics on the radio? I guess that mostly because singer Speedy Keen sounds like he couldn't revolve a Safesec door. Keen's first enduring contribution was writing "Armenia City in the Sky". Pete Townshend produced the record he made with teen guitarist Jimmy McCulloch and postal worker Andy Newman; the album bombed despite apparently being reasonable, and the group split up.

If "Something in the Air"'s call for (some vaguely defined) revolution is unconvincing, it's still remarkable that such sentiments were expressed in a hit single, at a time when even Lennon wasn't sure if he wanted to be in or out. There are two different versions: the one I listen to has simple, mellow strumming by McCulloch (and a French horn for some reason). The most revolutionary thing about it is Newman's unexpected saloon boogie bridge, leading into a key change and that arms verse. It may not be Chanel No. 5, but sometimes Old Spice will do.