This week’s “Remake of a Classic” comes to us from the popular 60s group, The Fortunes. Formed in Birmingham, England, in March 1963, the group first took the name of The Cliftones before changing it to The Fortunes. Some of their recordings include, "You've Got Your Troubles" "Summertime, Summertime", "Caroline", "Here It Comes Again", "This Golden Ring", "Storm In A Teacup", "Freedom Come, Freedom Go", and, of course, "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again." They also recorded the song, "It's The Real Thing", which was featured in Coca-Cola commercials.

Released in May 1971, “Here Comes that Rainy Day Feeling Again” appeared on the band’s album of the same name, and was composed by Tony Macaulay, Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway. Macaulay is best known for writing, among others, "Build Me Up Buttercup" and "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)". Cook and Greenaway co-wrote, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" and "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress". “Rainy Day” became The Fortunes’ third U.S. top 40 hit in 1971, reaching number 15 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number 8 on the Cash Box Top 100.

Sonny and Cher did a cover of the tune on their 1972 Album, “All I Ever Need is You” (IMO, it's like nails on a chalkboard), and KISS fans will pick up on the fact that the tune’s descending bass line is spot-on the bass line in “Shout It Out Loud”.

Doing this cover was pretty straight forward (which means there wasn't a lot of cussing involved). Although it wasn't much of a challenge, musically, it sure was a lot of fun. Yeah, the lyrics are a bit of a downer, but the infectious, upbeat vibe is pretty cool. For those keeping score, a total of 16 tracks were used: six for vocals, four for guitars, two for strings, two for drums (the beauty of using an electronic kit), and one each for bass and vibes.