British Comedy Songs

I do enjoy satire, intellectual comedy but sometimes I just want to let go with unrestrained belly laughs. Over the years I think the following work for me, unfortunately or not - I know most of the words.

I know that these are all white, middle-class humour but so what, they have a place.

The Ying Tong Song - The Goons changed humour in the UK for ever. This is a more complex song than might first appear. On another level its just silly - but easy to learn.


Benny Hill - nothing complex here either - but no swearing, just good fun.


Monty Python - whilst growing up I laughed and laughed and laughed.



John Shuttleworth - archetypal Northern English humour. My students think he is hilarious.



Goodies - there seems to be a thread here in inane unsophisticated humour.



Billy Connolly - a master - a very complex man - I recommend all to read 'Billy' by his wife Pamela Stevenson.



Victoria Wood - this is from a long time ago - she is so funny, so observant, breaking down barriers with careful, precise humour



Bill Bailey - brilliant - a classically trained musician, appears as a stand-up comedian and regularly on QI, if you haven't heard of the programme I recommend you to google it.

Travel makes one a better person

I've been to California a couple of times - LA I can take or leave, Hollywood a bit tacky for my taste. Santa Monica and Venice brill - Yosemite, San Francisco excellent.
"L.A. Woman"-The Doors, Carolina in My Mind"-James Taylor

Been to Egypt a couple of times, cruising down the Nile. The Egyptians are such nice people - seeing Karnak and all the other temples puts everything else into perspective. Cairo is a 24 hour city and so full of contradictions - 21st century alongside medieval.

I went down the Canadian Rockies a year ago - brilliant. The people are everything they are supposed to be - so friendly, food is brilliant, the wildlife is extraordinary. The scenery is stunning as are the trees.
Canada (by Joni Mitchell)

Our heart really lies in Greece - been many, many times.
The Greeks Don't Want No Freaks - Eagles

Been to Morocco - Marrakesh Express-Crosby, Stills and Nash - excellent seafood, Fez and the Atlas Mountains brilliant.

Barcelona - Queen. Gaudi architecture good, I've taken kids walking down the Ramblas.
Spanish Moon (Little Feat)

LONDON calling by the Clash - not been in years!

Been to Cuba a couple of times. Havana is wonderful.
Cuba--Gibson Bros.
Cuban Crisis - Atlanta Rhythm Section

France - Grateful Dead