Music Blogs

There are few, if any, occasions that match the trauma of a funeral. Snap, Crackle and Pop is in the rather fortunate position of attending only a handful. But of these, one sticks in the mind, as its conclusion was marked by the eerie tones of "Whiter Shade Of Pale" sweeping from the speakers to the massed mourners. It was an emotional moment. But also one that should be banned, according to Gloucestershire vicar Geoff Strickland.

The 68-year-old, from St James Church, in Quedgeley, believes these musical interludes have no place at such an occasion and wants an end to this 21st century phenomenon, which he blames on the "outpouring of unbelievable emotion" that followed the death of Princess Diana in 1997. "To stand at the door of the church and hear Frank Sinatra singing ‘My Way' as the coffin is carried in, and then to hear ‘Grandad' playing as they file out is not right", he insisted.

His comments back the view of Church of England vicar, Father Ed Tomlinson, who said last week he felt "like a lemon" whenever services concluded with a song from the likes of Tina Turner or Sinatra. "We have changed to a culture that I find incredibly hard to accept", said Strickland, adding, tellingly: "I am 68, have been a priest for 44 years, and do not want to change". Well, the words horse and bolted spring to mind, given the clear upsurge in demand. A recent survey of 30,000 services showed 58 per cent of people in England and Wales chose pop music above any other, resulting in the following Top 10 most-played:

10 "Unforgettable" Nat King Cole
09 "You'll Never Walk Alone" Gerry & The Pacemakers
08 "I Will Always Love You" Whitney Houston
07 "My Heart Will Go On" Celine Dion
06 "You Raise Me Up" Westlife/Boyzone/Josh Grobin
05 "Over The Rainbow" Eva Cassidy
04 "Angels" Robbie Williams
03 "Time To Say Goodbye" Sarah Brightman/Andrea Bocelli
02 "Wind Beneath My Wings" Bette Midler/Celine Dion
01 "My Way" Frank Sinatra/Shirley Bassey