Late last month Mary Weiss, lead singer of the pioneering 1960s girl group The Shangri-Las passed away. The band was best known for its classic “Leader of the Pack,” but also the hit “(Remember) Walking in the Sand.”

Recorded in ’64 the latter song – fun fact: the demo is said to have featured a not-yet famous Billy Joel on piano ¬– became a hit (No. 2 hit in Canada) and went on to become a favourite cover for many other bands over the years, not least Aerosmith, which rocked up the tune into one of its greatest hits in 1979. Another fun fact: Weiss performed (uncredited) background vocals on that recording.

With a nod to Weiss’s memory, we offer this kick-amp modern version of the tune – a duet between the late guitar god Jeff Beck (some say the best ever) and powerhouse Irish vocalist Imelda May (some say another Billie Holiday).

You will remember this.

Lyrics

Seems like the other day
My baby went away
He went away ‘cross the sea
It’s been two years or so
Since I saw my baby go
And then this letter came for me
It said that we were through
He found somebody new
Oh, let me think, let me think, what can I do?
Oh no, oh no, oh no no no no no

(Remember) walkin’ in the sand
(Remember) walkin’ hand in hand
(Remember) the night was so exciting
(Remember) smile was so inviting
(Remember) then he touched my cheek

(Remember) with his fingertips
Softly, softly we’d meet with our lips

Whatever happened to
The boy that I once knew?
The boy who said he’d be true
Oh, what will happen to
The life I gave to you?
What will I do with it now?

(Remember) walkin’ in the sand
(Remember) walkin’ hand in hand
(Remember) the night was so exciting
(Remember) smile was so inviting
(Remember) then he touched my cheek
(Remember) with his fingertips
Softly, softly we’d meet with our lips