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Propellerheads — History Repeating (w/ Shirley Bassey)
Album: Decksandrumsandrockandroll
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3701









Released: 1998
Length: 3:55
Plays (last 30 days): 5
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The word is about - there's something evolving
Whatever may come - the world keeps revolving
They say the next big thing is here
That the revolution's near
But to me it seems quite clear
That it's all just a little bit of history repeating

The newspapers shout - a new style is growing
But it don't know if it's coming or going
There is fashion - there is fad
Some is good - some is bad
And the joke is rather sad
That it's all just a little bit of history repeating

And I've seen it before
And I'll see it again
Yes, I've seen it before
Just little bits of history repeating

Some people don't dance if they don't know who's singing
Why ask your head? It's your hips that are swinging
Life's for us - to enjoy
Woman, man - girl and boy
Feel the pain - feel the joy
And side-step the little bits of history repeating
Just little bits of history repeating

And I've seen it before
And I'll see it again
Yes, I've seen it before
Just little bits of history repeating
Comments (409)add comment
 jagdriver wrote:


HEY!!!! What about us tech writers?

Yeah, I know....we don't need no stinkin' doc-U-men-TA-tion!!!!!!!!!


As a fellow tech writer, I second that.
Posted 3 months ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
Love the video they made for this
Posted 3 months ago by pjrasmussen    [ Reply ]
It's a great pleasure
Posted 3 months ago by MJdub    [ Reply ]
Posted 5 months ago by Lemonhead    [ Reply ]
Okay, folks, you have to admit. She is most definitely channeling Ethel Merman there.
Posted 9 months ago by jacopo777    [ Reply ]
Happy Birthday Shirley Bassey!
Posted 11 months ago by nancynancy    [ Reply ]
This mash-up equals KLF + Tammy !!  The diva from Tiger Bay ;D
Posted 11 months ago by Johnny_Alpha    [ Reply ]
i think i first heard this back in 1998 and i was hooked. love it. 
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Bill you’re brilliant. War by Edwin Starr followed by History Repeating by Propellerheads. Big thumbs up!!
Posted 1 year ago by spetrie    [ Reply ]
 arserocket wrote:

SB - 10

PHs - 10

Overall 20 out of 10



Loving your numbers!!
Posted 1 year ago by hellsgardener    [ Reply ]
SB - 10

PHs - 10

Overall 20 out of 10
Posted 1 year ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
Shirley Bassey - 10
Remixes - 0
Overall - 5.  

≈:o(


Posted 2 years ago by Snipey    [ Reply ]
 penn07 wrote:

Dreadfull voice



Legendary voice. Check her live performance of Goldfinger. She's got her style and it's amazing.
Posted 2 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 penn07 wrote:

Garbage she couldnt ding here.


Nearly.  Keep trying.
Posted 2 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
Dreadfull voice
Posted 2 years ago by penn07    [ Reply ]
Garbage she couldnt ding here.
Posted 2 years ago by penn07    [ Reply ]
This was starting out like Radio Citizen "The Hop" for a second.
Posted 2 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Feels like it should precede or follow on with All Seeing I - Walk Like A Panther 👍
Posted 2 years ago by CCSandman    [ Reply ]
I love Shirley Bassey's voice.
Posted 2 years ago by Ok_Sobriquet    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:
I'd like to hear her do a duet of this , or something, with Bjork.
I think that would be awesome - two contrasting growling women.{#Angel} 


Had to stop and say that I totally agree. That would be awesome! I like the way you think.   
Posted 3 years ago by deadheadmark    [ Reply ]
 sajitjacob wrote:

I just realized Graham Norton's show is >20 years old. I was in the audience for an early episode it was Carrie Fischer's first appearance on the show. 




Loved that show.  Then it became a bland format for advertising current movies.
Posted 3 years ago by bluefrog    [ Reply ]
I got this CD when it came out and played it from start to finish for years. The whole thing is great!
Posted 3 years ago by Kajukenbo    [ Reply ]
I just realized Graham Norton's show is >20 years old. I was in the audience for an early episode it was Carrie Fischer's first appearance on the show. 
Posted 3 years ago by sajitjacob    [ Reply ]
 Tamaracktour2020 wrote:

Can't you just see Austin Powers jiving to this!  Oh Baby!




Absolutely! Groovy Baby!!
Posted 3 years ago by maxvonevil    [ Reply ]
Just ridiculously good. As expected.
Posted 3 years ago by plaid    [ Reply ]
Very "Punny" name for the album... 
Posted 3 years ago by Ok_Sobriquet    [ Reply ]
Can't you just see Austin Powers jiving to this!  Oh Baby!
Posted 3 years ago by Tamaracktour2020    [ Reply ]
Bill just read my mind... I was watching the black and white video of this tune and was hoping RP was going to play it.  Cool 
Posted 3 years ago by Tamaracktour2020    [ Reply ]
Just nasty; that's a 9 then.
Posted 3 years ago by BuellRider    [ Reply ]
 Canadese wrote:
I'd love to hear Shirley Bassey again singing the theme from 'Goldfinger'
 
Interesting comment, listening to this song made me think that it sounded like a Bond theme...

Posted 3 years ago by lynn01    [ Reply ]
Deliciously quirky and enjoyable. 
Posted 4 years ago by easmann    [ Reply ]
loved hearing Shirley Bassey again!
Posted 4 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
so high rating so low plays?
Posted 4 years ago by giammin    [ Reply ]
La vie est un éternel recommencement...
Posted 5 years ago by francesco_insyde    [ Reply ]
Posted 5 years ago by linden    [ Reply ]
Swinging, baby!
Posted 5 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
I'd love to hear Shirley Bassey again singing the theme from 'Goldfinger'
Posted 5 years ago by Canadese    [ Reply ]
You can repeat this history all you like. Love this tune.
Posted 5 years ago by xray38    [ Reply ]
 Springbok84 wrote:
Really enjoyed listening to this.

 
Same here!!  Not sure if I've heard it before, although if I have it wasn't memorable.  Today though, while sifting through 100+ cases at work, this was a great way to keep the grove going.  Long Live RP and these oddball gems BnR pull out now and again! 
Posted 6 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
Really enjoyed listening to this.
Posted 7 years ago by Springbok84    [ Reply ]
Wow! havn't heard that track for years..... Love Shirley and the Prop Heads.

Good job diggin around the vault  to find that one!
Posted 7 years ago by geodesmo    [ Reply ]
Dame Shirl occupies true godlike status in our home and in my heart.  Unfortunately, she was part of a show on the tellybox the other day and it was a car crash.  It was clear that she should have stopped a while back and bowed out gracefully whilst still at the top of her game.  I could have cried with embarrassment for her.  Why can't these celebs know when to stop?  Surely she's not short of a bob or two. 
Posted 7 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
I remember this song well from "There's something about Mary".  Some pretty interesting music in that movie actually.
Posted 8 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
 ChrisVIII wrote:
Has she sung one of James Bond's theme ? Somehow her voice reminds me of it...
 
Three of them: Goldfinger, Diamonds are Forever and Moonraker.
Posted 8 years ago by ElCamoteLoco    [ Reply ]
'a little bit'
Posted 8 years ago by LYS    [ Reply ]
👌👌👌
 
Posted 8 years ago by moein    [ Reply ]
 ChrisVIII wrote:
Has she sung one of James Bond's theme ? Somehow her voice reminds me of it...

This song here is energizing and makes me feel like dancing. I love that kind of music, I haven't known those times but it seems to me I would have had more fun going out and dancing on that than on current disco / dance "hits".

 
Well yes she did sing "GoldFinger" {#Bounce}
Posted 8 years ago by willmcnaught    [ Reply ]
 ChrisVIII wrote:
Has she sung one of James Bond's theme ? Somehow her voice reminds me of it...

This song here is energizing and makes me feel like dancing. I love that kind of music, I haven't known those times but it seems to me I would have had more fun going out and dancing on that than on current disco / dance "hits".

 
LOL, checking the date, I see it's only from 1998 ?! Well, I've known that time but it wasn't what was playing in clubs or at parties ! Clearly I was missing something...
Posted 8 years ago by ChrisVIII    [ Reply ]
I just remember this as background music in There's Something About Mary.  Made me laugh today when I heard it.
Posted 8 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
Has she sung one of James Bond's theme ? Somehow her voice reminds me of it...

This song here is energizing and makes me feel like dancing. I love that kind of music, I haven't known those times but it seems to me I would have had more fun going out and dancing on that than on current disco / dance "hits".
Posted 8 years ago by ChrisVIII    [ Reply ]
Oh my, Ms. Basey, your voice, your interpretation, your swing ... God bless you! {#Cheers}
Posted 8 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
Some people don't dance if they don't know who's singing.
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
 joetekubi wrote:
Shirley Bassey's voice evokes an era from long ago, and the music fits perfectly.  Inspired lunacy and a nice groove also!

 
Ditto.
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
David Sedaris on lead vocals?
Posted 8 years ago by Tjerome    [ Reply ]
 ddog wrote:
{#Propeller} {#Propeller} {#Propeller}

 
{#Roflol}{#Roflol}{#Roflol}
Posted 8 years ago by michel_zws    [ Reply ]
I would love to hear Lucille #2 (Austero, that is) covering this... {#Drunk}
Posted 8 years ago by floydoftherocks    [ Reply ]
Anyone want to Dance, this is awesome stuff Billy Boy!
Posted 9 years ago by Stefan_Lutz    [ Reply ]
Shirley Bassey's voice evokes an era from long ago, and the music fits perfectly.  Inspired lunacy and a nice groove also!
Posted 9 years ago by joetekubi    [ Reply ]
This will always remind me of a place in Fukui; a funky party dive called "Propeller," with black light and bead curtains; a friend was teaching in that town... There was a festival going on, so I drove up from Noto, and we proceeded to gather an entourage of locals, Peruvians, and Brazilians, and the beer and sake flowed, and lo and behold, the groove in Propeller peaked when they played THIS!
Posted 9 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
This works for me !
Posted 9 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
{#Propeller} {#Propeller} {#Propeller}
Posted 9 years ago by ddog    [ Reply ]
 JBarDom wrote:
Uncomparable Madam Bassey.

 
I think you'll find it's "Dame Shirley"...Love this song...abso efn lutley. 
Posted 9 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
{#Bananasplit}
Posted 10 years ago by dirtbagpook    [ Reply ]
Uncomparable Madam Bassey.
Posted 10 years ago by JBarDom    [ Reply ]
 GarageDragon wrote:
Is it just me or does she sound a bit like Peewee Herman?
 
I agree--but (1) that's a good thing in my book, and (2) she does in a good way!
Posted 10 years ago by bluejay08003    [ Reply ]
 GarageDragon wrote:
Is it just me or does she sound a bit like Peewee Herman?
 
It's probably you, but I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Shirley Bassey was an influence on Pee Wee's singing style.
Posted 11 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Great song, great album.  A few other ones RP should add to their playlist.... at minimum  On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
Posted 11 years ago by donroll    [ Reply ]
nice to hear Shirley again, great voice....{#Dance}
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
a powerful funky groovy song
cool too 
Posted 11 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
{#Bananasplit}Perfect wakeup music! {#Bananasplit}
Posted 11 years ago by Gand62    [ Reply ]
LOVE Shirley Bassey, but this just doesn't work for me.... I HATE that!
 
Posted 11 years ago by vandarbar    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}{#Bananapiano}
Posted 11 years ago by Catalytic    [ Reply ]
Shirley Bassey, I love you.  ("That's Dame Shirley Bassey to you, unclehud.  And stop calling me.")

Dame Shirley Bassey
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Where's that dancing cat?
Posted 11 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
 GarageDragon wrote:
Is it just me or does she sound a bit like Peewee Herman?
 
totally
Posted 11 years ago by Raechel    [ Reply ]
Is it just me or does she sound a bit like Peewee Herman?
Posted 11 years ago by GarageDragon    [ Reply ]
..how could y'all let me rate this one at only a 7-?!?..i'm very disappointed in you folks..9, minimum..

:P
Posted 11 years ago by cShaggy    [ Reply ]
 Hannio wrote:


My daughter has perfect pitch.  Which is good since she is a middle school choir teacher.
 
bet it is often torture for her too though.
Posted 12 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
Wanna dance!
Posted 12 years ago by asilbuch    [ Reply ]
I miss a lot this band, the album is a great big-beat example
Posted 12 years ago by Euskadita    [ Reply ]
damn, i love this one! a great groove.
 
Posted 12 years ago by zenhead    [ Reply ]
.....to say it with romeo´....
....everybody in my head is dancing......smiley
Posted 12 years ago by rockpommel16    [ Reply ]
I like that song. {#Dancingbanana_2}{#Motor}{#Bananajam}
Posted 12 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
Could not possibly say why, but I kinda like this.........{#Drummer}
Posted 12 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpqYPBi6iHI        The original Black & White take..


Posted 12 years ago by Toke    [ Reply ]
That little baby scratch with the horn sample during the chorus gets me every time!  Damn these guys were top notch! {#Propeller}
Posted 12 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]

Posted 12 years ago by Rockit    [ Reply ]
Using a "core" bouncy ball as my desk chair. This song is perfection! :)
Posted 12 years ago by fingerpin    [ Reply ]
 arserocket wrote:
Wow - this keeps me right in the zone when mucking out pigs! 
 

You keep the pigs in your SUV?

And on a different note - Great set, Bill.
Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Wow - this keeps me right in the zone when mucking out pigs! 
Posted 12 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
Love, love, love this song!
Posted 12 years ago by parnoldo    [ Reply ]
 SinisterDexter wrote:
Wow, Albert King, followed by Nina Simone, followed by Shirley Bassey. What a set.
 
Yeah!  Wow, I'm loving it.

Posted 12 years ago by Kimbolini    [ Reply ]
Bill's ON FIRE this afternoon, just like this album cover!!  Marvin Gaye, Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone, Tom Petty, rockin' Cowboy Junkies, Jeff Beck, and now this!  schweet ...


Posted 12 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Goldfinger meets Ocean's 11. Love it. 
Posted 12 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Wow, Albert King, followed by Nina Simone, followed by Shirley Bassey. What a set.
Posted 12 years ago by SinisterDexter    [ Reply ]
Something About Mary.
Loved this song then and glad to hear it so long later here.
 
Posted 13 years ago by jocelynsart    [ Reply ]
Top tune. Takes me back. Pretty decent album too. two thumbs up.
Posted 13 years ago by ShepHeard    [ Reply ]
Love the James Bond Goldfinger song!
Posted 13 years ago by ddog    [ Reply ]
Sure is fun ain't it
Posted 13 years ago by wenatchee    [ Reply ]
Shirley Bassey has some serious pipes...
Posted 13 years ago by dpvest    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
Actually, she's right on key - it's the vibrato in her voice that throws people off.  She hits the note, but her vibrato goes about a quarter-note above and below the note, so it's really distracting. (True confession: I was told by my music teacher that I had perfect pitch. I didn't know what that was, so he said, "Hum what you think is a middle C." I shrugged and hummed, and then he hit a middle "C" on the piano, and the tones matched. I'm pretty sure I couldn't do it now, but back when I was younger and less jaded, all things seemed possible.)  Shirley Bassey reaffirms my faith in the human voice, and the power of discernment.
 

My daughter has perfect pitch.  Which is good since she is a middle school choir teacher.
Posted 13 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
OMG - I knew I recognized that voice! Sublime.
Posted 13 years ago by ferwoman    [ Reply ]
Such an unlikely combination that works so perfectly.
Posted 13 years ago by trissi    [ Reply ]
Great tune, big vocals, perfect for a Friday
Posted 13 years ago by djsarong    [ Reply ]
Funky and fun.

{#Tongue}
Posted 13 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
 Alexandra wrote:

This song just makes me want to put on a mini-skirt and long white go-go boots and dance on some high-up platform in a trendy retro jazz nightclub.


 

hey don't let us stop you...
Posted 13 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
 Alexandra wrote:

This song just makes me want to put on a mini-skirt and long white go-go boots and dance on some high-up platform in a trendy retro jazz nightclub.


 
Please, only as long as you can still kick it! ;)

Posted 13 years ago by pdjpirate    [ Reply ]

This song just makes me want to put on a mini-skirt and long white go-go boots and dance on some high-up platform in a trendy retro jazz nightclub.


Posted 13 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
ah, a groove to make my day.

Posted 13 years ago by zenhead    [ Reply ]
 crockydile wrote:

Keep eating out, watching TiVo and listening to your iPod, everything is fine....{#Rolleyes}
 

So,  you mean to say we should chop off Steve Jobs' head with a guillotine?   A show trial for Jose Andres?
Posted 13 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
I'm not joking...and don't call me Shirley..
Posted 13 years ago by drewd    [ Reply ]
That old Hammond ....
Posted 13 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
Sounds like something from a 60's James Bond movie.
Posted 13 years ago by ddog    [ Reply ]
 hippiechick wrote:
So sick of this song, and she sings so off key, it drives me mad!
  Actually, she's right on key - it's the vibrato in her voice that throws people off.  She hits the note, but her vibrato goes about a quarter-note above and below the note, so it's really distracting. (True confession: I was told by my music teacher that I had perfect pitch. I didn't know what that was, so he said, "Hum what you think is a middle C." I shrugged and hummed, and then he hit a middle "C" on the piano, and the tones matched. I'm pretty sure I couldn't do it now, but back when I was younger and less jaded, all things seemed possible.)  Shirley Bassey reaffirms my faith in the human voice, and the power of discernment.


Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Groooooovy. Shirley is wonderful.
Posted 13 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
So sick of this song, and she sings so off key, it drives me mad!
Posted 13 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
 cc_rider wrote:

I'll take a free bottle in front of me, thanks.
 
Mister Wizard!!!
Posted 13 years ago by AvoidingWork    [ Reply ]
Something about Shirley and that dirty grungy hammond chord strikes.



Posted 13 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
Something about Shirley
Posted 13 years ago by X-jock    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

It only takes one-eighth of a second for a stingray to incapacitate its prey. Guessing that's the same amount of time for you to get bored with a song.  Um, and sorry about your whatever not working anymore. I recommend B6, Viagra, Alka-Seltzer, or a pre-frontal lobotomy.

 
{#Roflol}{#Clap} Nice troll squashing. I'd sure like to see you two get together over a beer or five - that would be a combustible, but perhaps surprisingly compatible, combination :o)


Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]