Move over Al, here comes Jo Stafford singing about a bloke who gallivants around the world whilst leaving her alone with only a vibraphone and swing band for solace. Egypt, Algiers, unspecified jungle climate - this guy is all over the place. So doting is Jo that she neglects to tell us exactly why he's racking up this many air miles. He's probably a bit of a twat.
Well, maybe not. The original version of the song, 'Hurry Home To Me', was written in the 40s and concerned lovers separated by the Second World War. Probably a bit more mortal peril a little less buying souvenirs from the Old Algiers market. In 1952 the song was revamped into a more universal anthem for separated couples, wisely toning down the war a touch. Stafford's recording was a great success, getting to number one in both the UK and US. Many versions were recorded by different artists, I particularly like this one by Gene Vincent from 1958.
I really like this song. It's just beautiful. Stafford's voice is is hearty yet delicate and swells above the saxes. Perhaps the vibraphone could be called a bit tacky, but I quite like the cheek of it, along with those moments that the saxes rise to flourish brazenly. There's a lot going on under that sweet, simple melody. Again, I would slow dance to this (if I knew how). I guess they liked slow dancing in the 50s?
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