THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

465-The Mock Turtles-Can You Dig It?

1991-Number 18 single.

It was also remixed and reissued in 2003, reaching Number 19.

Best Bit-At 2.42. In 2002 Vodafone wanted to use the track in a £25 million advertising campaign and needed the songs writer Martin Coogan’s permission, he said, ‘Where do I sign.’

The Mock Turtles were formed in Middleton, Greater Manchester, England, in 1985 by Martin Coogan (vocals, guitar and percussion) Martin Glyn Murray (guitar) Steve Cowen (drums) Steve Green (bass) and Krzysztof Korab (keyboards.) The band have never officially split, although there have been changes in personal over the years, Martin Coogan is the eldest brother of the comedian Steve Coogan, and also the television presenter Brendan Coogan.

The Mock Turtles have released one studio Album to date and three compilations between 1990-2003, there have also been 10 singles, with only the follow up to this song ‘And Then She Smiles’ (UK Number 44) and this songs remix seeing any chart action. The band took their name from the fictional character devised by Lewis Carroll in his 1865 book ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.’ Because of the bands name some people thought that The Mock Turtles were a spoof band, and were just imitating the ‘Madchester’ sound of the early 1990’s.

‘Can You Dig It?’ is taken from The Mock Turtles debut Album ‘Turtle Soup’ from 1990, it was originally released as the ‘B’ side to their fourth single ‘Lay Me Down,’ but after new guitar parts were added it was deemed worthy of an ‘A’ side release. Martin Coogan had been watching the 1979 American thriller film ‘The Warrior’ which features the rallying call ‘Can You Dig It? and thought it would make a good title for a song.

In 2002 Vodafone used the song in UK television advertisements, on the strength of that Martin Coogan commissioned a remix of the track by Fatboy Slim (see also best songs 760-387 and 95) and Simon Thornton, which saw the new version re-enter the UK top 40, and reach Number 19 in 2003, Vodafone continued their advertising campaign using the remix instead of the original.

‘Can You Dig It?’ tells the story of someone coming out of a relationship where he has been mistreated. His ex partner thinks they only have to snap their fingers and he will come running back, but they are wrong because now he is stronger.

‘Can you understand me now, I’ll get through somehow. You won’t ever get me down, won’t see me hanging around.’