THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE 1960s THAT NO ONE HAS EVER HEARD
1,417) The Secrets — “She’s Dangerous”
Cliff Ward, 70s singer-songwriter extraordinaire and writer of the defining UK pop-psych masterwork “Path Through the Forest” (see #5), wrote this ‘67 B-side for the Ward-led Secrets. It’s a dangerously good song, “Tamla influenced pop” with an “appealing use of sirens and gunshot sound effects”. (Jon Harrington, liner notes to the CD comp Halcyon Days: 60s Mod, R&B, Brit Soul & Freakbeat Nuggets) Is this song about Mae West? “Well, when I’m good, I’ve very good, but when I’m bad, I’m better.”
As to the Secrets, Dustin E tells us that:
A Worcestershire act fronted by Cliff Ward, who would go on to achieve global success in the early Seventies as a solo artist. . . . Their recorded legacy is testament to Clifford Ward’s songwriting talents which at the time of the Secrets was only given limited albeit generous exposure to the public courtesy of a handful of singles with CBS. Eddie Tre-Vett was the mindful eye whose own faith would keep things going for Ward and the Secrets . . . . By 1969, after constant and heavy touring on the continent, the band split . . . .
liner notes to the CD comp Piccadilly Sunshine: Volumes 11-20: A Compendium of Rare Pop Curios from the British Psychedelic Era
As to Cliff Ward, All Music Guide informs us
Clifford Thomas Ward . . . . typified the early 70s bedsitter singer-songwriter with a series of albums that were at best delightful and at worst mawkish. . . . [B]y 1962 [he] was fronting local beat group Cliff Ward and the Cruisers. The group changed their name to Martin Raynor and the Secrets and made their recording debut for EMI Records in 1965, before recording several more tracks as the Secrets for CBS Records. In 1967 Ward enrolled at Worcester teacher training college to study English and divinity, after which he taught at . . . high school. His debut album appeared on disc jockey John Peel’s brave-but-doomed Dandelion Records label in 1972. His second album and his first release for Charisma Records, Home Thoughts, proved to be his finest work and gave him wider recognition. Ward constructed each song as a complete story sometimes with great success. The beautiful “Gaye” became a UK Top 10 hit but surprisingly the stronger “Home Thoughts From Abroad” and the infectious and lyrically excellent “Wherewithal” failed to chart. Mantle Pieces and Escalator contained a similar recipe of more harmless tales like the minor hit “Scullery” with affecting lyrics . . . . Ward’s refusal to tour and promote his songs did not help endear the singer to his record company, however . . . .
https://www.allmusic.com/artist/clifford-t-ward-mn0000157416#biography
Pay to Play! The Off the Charts Spotify Playlist! + Brace for the Obscure 60s Rock Merchandise
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