The songs that made me

The songs that made me - Just Recruitment

As part of our ongoing series, Just Recruitment director Peter Foy recounts singles from the 1970s that he couldn’t live without

By Peter Foy

A while ago I shared with you my best albums of the 1970s. I did it because I loved that time and because the Just Recruitment Group website gave me the perfect platform to indulge in some nostalgia.

    The 45rpm disc was a staple of 1970s life for any and every teenager. That’s where the pocket money went.  

Now I have the chance for another look back on my youth, with a series about my favourite singles from the 1970s.

In this era, there were bands that delivered albums. Works of art that could not be sullied by having any one track released as a single. I think of Genesis, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Pink Floyd, and many others.

There were other bands that targeted the singles market.

The 45rpm disc was a staple of 1970s life for any and every teenager. That’s where the pocket money went. Whether at school, university or in our first job we loved singles. And I mean loved.

So, inspired by Johnnie Walker’s great radio show, I am going to share some 1970s singles with you. I can’t do a top 10, because it’s too hard. So here’s the first of a number of reflections on the great music from the era that made me. Happy listening!

The songs that made me1. Van Morrison “Moondance”

I do not believe for one moment that this is the greatest song of the 1970s. It’s probably not even Van Morrison’s best song from the era.

But I am confident that if you were to appear on Pointless, and were asked to name a 1970s hit that no one else thought of, picking “Moondance” would be a big mistake. It’s bound to feature in a number of answers. Everyone loves it.

2. David Bowie “John, I’m only Dancing”

Bowie was always on the edge. Testing and challenging our accepted norms. In this beautiful song he says it’s okay to be different.

He turns normal on its head to say look I’m dancing with a girl, but I am still yours. I’m your man and you’re my man. This was one of the step changes that made Bowie such an important figure to the gay community.

3. Queen "Seven Seas of Rhye”

We need a single! That’s how this started: BBC’s Top of The Pops wanted Queen. So, Queen needed a single. Seven Seas was chosen. And it’s my favourite Queen single of all time.

4. Elton John “Your Song”

Honestly, I am not being influenced by the current buzz about Elton and this song. It appeared when I was a pre-teen and I loved it. Then as a teenager I sang it to my girlfriend. We loved it. It’s still on my playlist, and probably always will be.

5. Gilbert O’Sullivan “Nothing Rhymed”

GOS appeared on the ‘70s music scene and came very close to becoming a phenomenon. Then he had to go away and fight a long legal battle. And although he emerged victorious, his career never really got back on track.

He did create a catalogue of brilliant songs, though. “Nothing Rhymed” is the best of the bunch.

    “You’re so Vain”. The most played single at my uni’s coffee bar in 1979.  

The best of the rest

If none of the above song choices resonates, here are a few other favourites that may hit the spot.

Eric Clapton “Wonderful Tonight”: Never a hit in the UK. Eric’s soulful love song was huge in Japan and the Netherlands. It has become a go-to wedding song. It is also my favourite song that has no literary value. I hate it and love it in equal measure.

Al Stewart “The Year of The Cat”: This was huge in the 1970s and then completely forgotten. Do what I did. Listen to it. WOW!

Don McLean “American Pie”: God and Don are the only people who know what this song means, but everyone can sing it! And they do, frequently.

Carly Simon “You’re so vain”: Back in the day I would go into the uni coffee bar, buy a drink and look for people I knew. I would go to their table via the jukebox. Four songs: one for me (probably Dylan), one for my girl (probably Bowie), one for my best mate Glyn (always the latest hit), and one for the room: “You’re so Vain”. The most played single at my uni’s coffee bar in 1979.

Paul Simon “50 Ways to leave your lover”: I used to see Paul Simon as a poor man’s Dylan, which was very unfair. This beautiful song deserves its place in the pantheon of 1970s greats. Listen to it, though probably not when your partner’s nearby!

© 2020 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

Published: 28 January 2020

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: The best 10 albums from the 1970s (in my opinion)

You may also enjoy: Just testing: Subaru Levorg 2.0i GT Lineartronic

Jobs currently available

New job
Production Operative
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £26,800 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913737
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing global organisation, based on the outskirts of Sudbury - they are looking for a skilled Production Operator to join their team.

You must be willing to learn new skills and to work in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility, including undertaking comprehensive training to enable you to take part in tasting panels. Full training on the use of specialist equipment will be provided.

Key duties in this role include:

  • Handle ingredients on an industrial scale
  • Operate lines as required by the business
  • Undertake packaging, storage and distribution tasks
  • Maintaining accurate records in line with the required standards and customer requirements
  • Maintaining high standards of hygiene
  • Working closely with Operational, Logistics and other business teams to maximise production quality and efficiency
  • Uphold exceptional Health and Safety standards
  • Build a comprehensive knowledge of ingredients and processes to ensure production meets customer requirements

Skills required for this role:

  • The ability to follow written instructions and perform basic calculations
  • Previous experience of working to robust quality standards and following procedures
  • The ability to communicate with colleagues at all levels and confident to escalate any issues to ensure quality and safety
  • Strong computer literacy – e.g. able to input data, confirm settings on machinery and produce reports with training
  • Conscientious with strong attention to detail

Working hours for this role are:

3 Rotating Shifts (14.00 – 22.00; 06.00 – 14.00; 22.00 – 06.00; Monday – Friday, rotating weekly)

Free parking is available onsite and due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Quality Supervisor
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913738
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business based on the outskirts of Sudbury - they are recruiting for a 'Quality Supervisor' to join their team on a permanent basis.

The key purpose of this role is to support the ongoing growth of the QA Lab and team, and to own the processes that ensure the needs of both internal stakeholders and customers are met, while maintaining the highest standards of safety at all times.

You will be working closely with the Quality Manager in a state-of-the-art facility that produces the highest quality products for customers throughout the UK and Ireland.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Direct management of a team of 6 QA Technicians working across 3 shifts, supporting their development, motivation and performance/attendance management
  • Ensuring that standards are followed through verification of certificates of analysis, internal audits, control system checks and audits
  • Supporting the QA Manager to ensure the company's compliance with regulatory bodies and customer standards
  • Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of safety standards and legislation by tracking changes and industry updates and events
  • Ensuring changes required to maintain compliance with safety standards, legislation and customer requirements are highlighted to the QA Manager
  • Working with the QA Manager to implement updated policies and procedures and train them out to the wider business
  • Carrying out analysis of micro-environmental controls and providing regular reports to the business
  • Ensuring that any identified issues or non-conformances are discussed with the QA Manager and that the relevant teams identify and implement the actions to remedy them, through root cause analysis
  • Supporting the successful running of the QA Lab by carrying out verification and training activities
  • Analysing the certificates of analysis of raw materials and finished goods and releasing them to be used in production or released to the customers
  • Undertaking internal audits relating to QMS and finished product requirements
  • Maintain traceability, hygiene, quality, and process records with validation of results, identification of trends, root cause analysis where applicable and instigation of corrective actions
  • Work closely with third-party certification bodies for sustainability, religious and ethical obligations
  • Carry out sampling and investigations for microbiological, allergen, nutritional or customer requirements
  • Working with essential service providers such as Pest Control, Hygiene and workwear providers to ensure delivery of these services to a high standard
  • Managing the equipment calibration schedule
  • Assist with new product/process trials

Role requirements include:

  • Minimum 5 years of experience, preferably in a QA or Technical role
  • Proficient in BRC, HACCP and legislative food safety requirements
  • Internal auditing experience
  • Competent in Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel. PowerPoint etc.
  • Strong skills in Microsoft SharePoint / Excel – able to automate processes, create templates and systems of record
  • Experience in delivering training in face-to-face and online settings
  • Experience of working in a food manufacturing environment
  • People Management skills – you have experience managing a small team in a manufacturing environment. You are able to delegate and distribute tasks/workload across a small team effectively to ensure tasks are delivered to the standard required

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.

Free parking is available on-site and due to the working location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Mechanical Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £38,000 - £40,000 per annum
Location: Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB20
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer for their client based in Bury St. Edmunds.

The purpose of this role is to proactively prevent equipment failures and ensure that scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) is completed as planned. The role also involves maintaining quality, reducing waste, and meeting efficiency and KPI targets by working collaboratively as part of the team, while always following Health & Safety procedures.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm.
20 days holiday rising to 25 days for every year worked plus bank holidays.
The company operates a 1:3 call-out system.

Qualifications and job skills required:

  • Previous manufacturing/processing/warehouse/cold store industry experience.
  • Mechanical bias, qualifications/time served apprenticeship.
  • 4 years’ experience.
  • A good standard of both written and oral English.
  • Basic health & safety.
  • Data and analytical skills.
  • Computer literate. (Word/Excel/Windows-based packages).

Desirable skills:

  • Experience with PLC, hydraulics, temperature control, instrumentation, and welding.
  • FLT/MEWP licence.
  • Proficient in using power tools, including drills, grinders, cutting equipment, saws, files, and presses.
  • Proactive, can-do attitude with drive and ambition to achieve maintenance excellence.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Electrical Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £38,000 - £40,000 per annum
Location: Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB21
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for an Electrical Maintenance Engineer for their client based in Bury St. Edmunds.

The purpose of this role is to proactively prevent equipment failures and ensure that scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) is completed as planned. The role also involves maintaining quality, reducing waste, and meeting efficiency and KPI targets by working collaboratively as part of the team, while always following Health & Safety procedures.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm.20 days holiday rising to 25 days for every year worked, plus bank holidays.The company operates a 1:3 call-out system.

Qualifications and job skills required:

  • Previous manufacturing / processing / warehouse / cold store industry experience.
  • Electrical bias, electrical qualifications/time served apprenticeship.
  • 4 years’ experience.
  • A good standard of both written and oral English.
  • Basic health & safety.
  • Data and analytical skills.
  • Computer literate. (Word/Excel/Windows-based packages).

Desirable skills:

  • Experience with PLC, hydraulics, temperature control, instrumentation, and welding.
  • Possession of a FLT/MEWP licence.
  • Proactive, can-do attitude with drive and ambition to achieve maintenance excellence.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Electrical Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £40,000 - £42,000 per annum
Location: Wrexham
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB23
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for an Electrical Maintenance Engineer for their client based in Wrexham.

The purpose of this role is to proactively prevent equipment failures and ensure that scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) is completed as planned. The role also involves maintaining quality, reducing waste, and meeting efficiency and KPI targets by working collaboratively as part of the team, while always following Health & Safety procedures.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm.
20 days holiday rising to 25 days for every year worked, plus bank holidays.
The company operates a 1:3 call-out system.

Qualifications and job skills required:

  • Previous manufacturing / processing / warehouse / cold store industry experience.
  • Electrical bias, electrical qualifications/time served apprenticeship.
  • 4 years’ experience.
  • A good standard of both written and oral English.
  • Basic health & safety.
  • Data and analytical skills.
  • Computer literate. (Word/Excel/Windows-based packages).

Desirable skills:

  • Experience with PLC, hydraulics, temperature control, instrumentation, and welding.
  • Possession of a FLT/MEWP licence.
  • Proactive, can-do attitude with drive and ambition to achieve maintenance excellence.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more