Billy Cotton And His Band - Ive Got My Eyes On You Begin The Beguine

gyandutt

Review by Gyandutt Pandey

Album Review: "I've Got My Eyes On You / Begin The Beguine" by Billy Cotton And His Band Released in 1940 under the Rex label, Billy Cotton and His Band’s take on Cole Porter’s timeless tracks feels like stepping into a smoky dance hall in wartime Britain. This little slice of UK pop history delivers two iconic tunes—"Begin The Beguine" and "I’ve Got My Eyes On You"—that still hold up today. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. Let’s start with “Begin The Beguine.” If you’re unfamiliar, this track is basically the soundtrack for swaying under dim lights or pretending your living room is a jazz club (no judgment here). Cole Porter wrote the original, sure, but Billy Cotton gives it his own swingy charm. The brass section punches through just right, while the rhythm has this easygoing shuffle that makes you wanna tap your feet even if you're sitting down. What sticks with me? That gradual build-up—it starts smooth and then sneaks up on ya, layering instruments until everything clicks into place. By the end, you’re hooked, humming along whether you meant to or not. Then there’s “I’ve Got My Eyes On You,” which feels more playful compared to the dreamy vibe of “Begin The Beguine.” There’s something cheeky about how the melody bounces around, almost as if Billy Cotton himself is winking at you from across the room. Lyrically, it’s simple stuff—classic love-at-first-sight fluff—but when paired with those bright horns and snappy drums, it becomes irresistibly fun. I can picture people back in the day cutting loose to this one at parties, forgetting their worries for three minutes. Honestly, isn’t that what good music should do? What strikes me most about this album is its ability to transport listeners. Listening to these tracks now, decades later, they carry echoes of another era—an age where big bands ruled and every song seemed designed to lift spirits during tough times. Sure, production values are dated by modern standards, but that raw energy? Still infectious. Here’s the kicker though: hearing Billy Cotton tackle Cole Porter reminds me why covers matter. They keep songs alive, letting new generations discover them in fresh ways. And honestly? Sometimes I think we could all use a bit more beguining in our lives. So yeah, give this record a spin if you stumble upon it. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself dancing awkwardly in your kitchen.

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Artist: Billy Cotton And His Band
Album: Ive Got My Eyes On You Begin The Beguine

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: billy-cotton-and-his-band-ive-got-my-eyes-on-you-begin-the.zip
  • MP3 size: 8.4 mb
  • FLAC size: 104.6 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
I've Got My Eyes On You
Begin The Beguine

Images

lataa albumi Billy Cotton And His Band - Ive Got My Eyes On You Begin The Beguine

Catalog Numbers

9795

Labels

Rex

Listen online

  • lytte på nettet
  • lyssna på nätet
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • ascolta in linea
  • ouvir online
  • escuchar en línea
  • écouter en ligne
  • online anhören
  • online luisteren

Formats

  • Shellac
  • 10"
  • 78 RPM

Credits

RoleCredit
Written-ByCole Porter

Notes

  • A side from " Broadway Melody Of 1940"
  • Manufactured in England

About Billy Cotton And His Band

Initially known as the London Savannah band, this orchestra was formed by Billy Cotton in 1924. Cotton continued to direct the band throughout its existence. The band began recording for the Metropole and Piccadilly labels in 1928. While the Metropole releases were given name credit, Piccadilly (the Metropole company's budget label) credited sides by Cotton under the pseudonyms of "Bohemian Band" and "Piccadilly Dance Band." By 1930 the band was appearing at the Streatham Locarno and the Astoria Ballroom and under contract to the Regal label, Columbia's lower-priced subsidiary. When Cotton secured a high-profile engagement at Ciro's Club in London's West End the band's recordings appeared on Columbia, going back to Regal in late 1931 and then to Regal-Zonophone following Columbia's merger with HMV. At first a conventional dance band, the orchestra gradually tended towards music hall/vaudeville entertainment, introducing visual and verbal humor in between songs. Cotton's early records are sought after for their distinctive driving rhythm and fine arrangements punctuated by hot solos. The band recorded for Regal-Zonophone, Rex and Decca throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Famous musicians who played in Billy Cotton's band during the 1920s and 1930s included Syd Lipton and Nat Gonella. The band was also noted for their African American trombonist and tap dancer, Ellis Jackson. Their signature tune was "Somebody Stole My Gal".

Name Vars

  • Billy Cotton
  • Billy Cotton & Band
  • Billy Cotton & His Band
  • Billy Cotton & Son Jazz
  • Billy Cotton And His Band with Vocal Chorus
  • Billy Cotton Band
  • Billy Cotton Et Son Jazz
  • Billy Cotton Og Hans Orkester
  • Billy Cotton With His Band
  • Members of The Band
  • The Band
  • The Billy Cotton Band
  • The Billy Cotton Band And Singers
  • The Billy Cotton Band Show

Aliases

  • Bohemian Band
  • Billy Cotton's London Savannah Band
  • Piccadilly Dance Band

Members

  • Phil Phillips
  • Cab Kaye
  • Jack Halsall
  • Billy Cotton
  • Jimmy Shankland
  • Les Casey
  • Frank Barnes
  • Mick Burberry
  • Clem Bernard
  • Frank Kenyon
  • Ellis Jackson
  • Cyril Grantham
  • George Burgess
  • Chips Chippendall
  • Sidney Lipton
  • Arthur Baker
  • Joe White
  • Laurie Johnson
  • Lal Jackson
  • Arthur Williams
  • Dave Burchett

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a fun fact: The album *I’ve Got My Eyes On You / Begin The Beguine* by Billy Cotton and His Band is a piece of musical history. Released in 1940 in the UK, it features two tracks that highlight the charm of the era. One of them, *"Begin The Beguine,"* was written by the legendary Cole Porter. This song became a massive hit and is still iconic today. It’s wild to think that such a small album could carry so much timeless energy!