'Happy Birthday, What More Can I Say?'

This one is dedicated to... myself.

I have already posted all about these Scottish lads once before. So, I'll keep this brief. I found the Bluebells during a period of my life I like to call "The Great Costello Grab." Most of my teen years were spent acquiring anything associated with Elvis Costello, from old Trouser Press covers to bizarre promo items like the three-dimensional cutout of his clown head from the 'Spike' cover that undulated on a big spring. I got into the Bluebells because Costello produced seven songs for the band, including "Happy Birthday (Turn Gold)" from the flipside to the 1983 12" single "Sugar Bridge (It Will Stand)."

As I wrote the first time around, the band's brand of pop is pleasant and lightweight. They remind me of Friends Again just a bit, but I wouldn't say I like the Bluebells quite as much as that Scottish peer. My favorite piece of trivia about the band is that they were asked to record a single for Postcard, but the label folded before it came to fruition. "Happy Birthday" first appeared as a flexi for the Glasgow magazine Stand & Deliver. You can find that version on the wonderful 'Scared to Get Happy' box set. The Costello-produced song is available on 'The Singles Collection.'

Happy birthday to me. I hope you enjoy both takes of the song.

The Bluebells - Happy Birthday (Turn Gold) (mp3)