Glitter, Glam, and a Flash of Nostalgia: When Alvin Stardust Brought Us “My Coo Ca Choo”
A playful, suggestive slice of glam-rock, “My Coo Ca Choo” captured the zeitgeist of the mid-70s, a time of theatrical spectacle and unabashed pop exuberance. Reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart in late 1973, it became an anthem of its era, a rollicking, singalong tune that, despite its seemingly simple lyrics, carried a certain knowing wink. It was a moment, a flash of sequined brilliance amidst the somewhat drab landscape of the early 70s, a time when the world was shaking off the dust of the previous decade and embracing a new, more flamboyant identity.
Ah, Alvin Stardust. The name itself conjures up images of slicked-back hair, leather jumpsuits, and a voice that was equal parts smooth and raspy. He wasn’t just a singer; he was a persona, a character meticulously crafted for the stage and the screen. “My Coo Ca Choo” arrived during his triumphant comeback, a phoenix rising from the ashes of his earlier incarnation as Shane Fenton. The song was a pivotal moment in that resurgence, a bold declaration of a new identity, a new sound, and a new era.
The story behind the song is steeped in the theatricality that defined the glam-rock movement. Written by Peter Shelley, it was a masterclass in catchy simplicity, the kind of tune that burrows its way into your memory and refuses to leave. The “Coo Ca Choo” itself, a nonsensical phrase, became a kind of coded language, a playful invitation to a world of carefree abandon. It was a time of glitter and platform boots, a time when the lines between performance and reality were deliberately blurred. And Stardust, with his enigmatic charm and knowing grin, was the perfect embodiment of this spirit.
Beneath the catchy melody and the flamboyant presentation, “My Coo Ca Choo” hinted at something more. It was a song about the thrill of the chase, the playful dance of attraction, and the sheer joy of being alive. It wasn’t about deep philosophical pronouncements or complex social commentary. It was about the moment, the fleeting pleasure of a shared glance, a whispered word, a dance floor encounter. It was a song that celebrated the simple, unadulterated pleasure of pop music, a reminder that sometimes, all you need is a catchy tune and a charismatic performer to transport you to another world.
Think back to those days, the smoky clubs, the flashing lights, the sheer energy of the crowd. Alvin Stardust stood at the center of it all, a magnetic figure, a master of ceremonies in a world of his own making. “My Coo Ca Choo” was his calling card, a song that announced his arrival and solidified his place in the pantheon of glam-rock icons. It was a time when music was about spectacle, about creating a world of fantasy and escapism. And Stardust, with his undeniable charisma, was the perfect guide.
The song’s impact extended beyond the charts. It became a staple of the era, a soundtrack to countless parties and late-night drives. It was a song that resonated with a generation hungry for something new, something exciting, something that broke free from the conventions of the past. When you hear “My Coo Ca Choo” today, it’s more than just a song. It’s a portal to a bygone era, a reminder of a time when music was about pure, unadulterated joy. It’s a testament to the enduring power of a catchy tune and a charismatic performer, a moment captured in amber, a slice of pop history that continues to shimmer and shine.