The Cryan' Shames - The Sailing Ship (1967)

This song comes from the group’s second album, A Scratch in the Sky, released in 1967. Although they abandoned the British Invasions sounds that had summarized them in their earlier years, the band couldn’t seem to figure out which style they wanted to move forward with on this album. The songs range from highly whimsical sunshine-pop to harmonic psychedelics featuring bagpipes. Although the album has its ups and downs both in mood and greatness, there are a few good tracks to be found.

This song in particular, written by band members Jim Fairs and Lenny Kerley, is probably my favorite track on the album. It appears as the second track on A Scratch in the Sky and is played here in its entirety (versus the single version which was forty-one seconds shorter). If you like it, be sure to check out the tracks “A Carol for Lorelei” and “Cobblestone Road (She’s Been Walkin’).”

After you've listened to the song below, check out all of the songs posted featuring The Cryan' Shames.



The Cryan' Shames - The Sailing Ship (1967)

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Lyrics:

I'm sailing my ship away to sea
The stars are guiding me

I'm going where no one else can be
Across the shining sea

I am, that is, I was or I will be
Upon confusing seas

I'm sailing my ship away to sea
And I'm so lonely
(And I'm so lonely)
(And I'm so lonely)

The Cryan' Shames - Sugar and Spice (1966)

Originally known as The Travelers, this group began their story in Hinsdale, Illinois. When they were notified that another group was already going by their name, they tried to come up with something new. The band's tambourine player Jim Pilster, nicknamed J.C. Hooke because of his missing left hand and hook attachment, commented that it was “a cryin’ shame” they couldn’t come up with a new name. And with that, the new name was born.

This song, their largest claim to fame, was released in 1966. It was originally by The Searchers in 1963, who did only slightly better on the U.S. charts than these guys. The group had originally intended to release a cover of "If I Needed Someone" by The Beatles, as it had not yet been made available in the U.S., but The Beatles' publisher vetoed the idea, citing that the original recording should hit the U.S. before a cover.



The Cryan' Shames - Sugar and Spice (1966)

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Lyrics:

Sugar and spice
And all things nice
Kisses sweeter than wine
Sugar and spice
And all things nice
You know that little girl is mine

Everybody stops and stares at my baby
When she's walkin’ down the street
People passin’ by just look at my baby
‘Cause my baby looks so sweet

You know she's
Sugar and spice
And all things nice
Kisses sweeter than wine
Sugar and spice
And all things nice
You know that little girl is mine

Every time we kiss, I get that feeling
Every time we simply meet
When I see her smile, I get that feeling
‘Cause my baby looks so sweet

You know she's
Sugar and spice
And all things nice
Kisses sweeter than wine
Sugar and spice
And all things nice
You know that little girl is mine

Sugar and spice
And all things nice
Kisses sweeter than wine
Sugar and spice
And all things nice
You know that little girl is mine

Never ever knew a girl so lovely
Sweet enough to want to eat
Everyone's crazy ‘bout my baby
‘Cause my baby looks so sweet

You know she's…
Sugar and spice
And all things nice
Kisses sweeter than wine
Sugar and spice
And all things nice
You know that little girl is mine