Today is number 350 on the 'Star Track' playlist. Time then for a bumper posting.

But first, how I got to today's track... 

For the majority of this year we have become addicted to watching re-runs of the TV series 'Heartbeat' on ITV3. The result being it has reminded me of many songs from the 60s, some quite obscure, lost but not forgotten. The programmes, which were lovingly made between 1992 and 2010 hold up very well and in recreating those innocent times of my youth are a mark of its continued popularity. This is how I was reminded of 'I Put a Spell on You'. 

From here I found this website "Far Out" which added versions I was not familiar with: "The 5 best covers of 'I Put a Spell on You'". Originally written and released by 'Screamin' Jay Hawkins in 1956 I quote "Far Out":- Over the years, various artists have come up with different presentations of ‘I Put a Spell on You’ using the influence gathered from their own genre of music.

So buckle up and click here for those 5 versions - as listed below:- have a listen, take your time and take your pick

1. ➤ Creedence Clearwater Revival > from 1968, great guitar from John Fogerty

2. ➤ Nina Simone > a very jazzy version

3. ➤ Natacha Atlas > British-Egyptian singer well known for her diverse musical experimentations - this has WILD middle eastern beats 

4. ➤ Alan Price Set (see below)

5. ➤ Annie Lennox > another different take - simple piano builds to a bigger production

The version I heard on 'Heartbeat' was by the Alan Price Set from 1966 > which put me in mind of the Animals 'House of the Rising Sun' (due to the organ sound from Alan Price*)

Not surprisingly 'I Put a Spell on You' is another song from the Hall of Fame's 500 songs that shaped Rock and Roll. 

* Curiously Alan Price turned up in a Christmas episode of 'Heartbeat' in 2004, as a shifty musician.