“Puppet On A String” Sakura Accompanied by The Quests.

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What could be better than a Singapore singer covering western pop songs in broken English with a fuzz-guitar backing. Here for your enjoyment is Sakura’s four- track 1967 EP featuring Puppet On A String plus six superb tracks from her album Sakura Goes Boom Boom.

Sandie Shaw notoriously disowned the ’60s Eurovision novelty song Puppet On A String but Sakura Teng has made it her own, and even poses as puppets (and puppeteer!) on the sleeve. And what the hell is she wearing? Presumably silver tights and baby doll dresses were all the rage in Singapore in ’67. Chinese singers famously have trouble singing western lyrics so you have to admire Sakura who not only impersonates Elvis on Rock ‘n’ Roll Yodelling Guy but also (you guessed it) yodels. Is there anything this woman can’t do!

But save room for her take of the John Lee Hooker classic from her album Sakura Goes Boom Boom which has to be heard to be believed, and the fuzz guitar-driven cover of Connie Francis’ Stupid Cupid. Sakura is backed by a band called The Quests who were seemingly the in-house band at EMI-Columbia, Singapore and also backed other singers including Rita Chao.

Note: the back of the album bears the advertising legend: ‘Sakura also goes bazazz with Max Factor’!

- Contributed by: David Noades

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