The modern era has seen little in the way of City related music recordings, and some would say the recordings were not musical in any case.

Spring 1984, City were well clear at the top of Division 4. York musician, Bob De Vries, ex of York’s top punk band, Cyanide, was the brains behind, "Here We Go", a singalong of a popular terrace chant of the day heard up and down the country. Bob must have done a good job as Everton recorded the same song a year later in advance of their FA Cup Final appearance.

The B side of City’s effort was "Hello Den, Gotta New Striker", a clever take on a recent Alexei Sayle hit "Hello John, Gotta A Motor".

A few years later, I recall, during The Roof Appeal, a local musician Wayne. I’m not sure of his surname, so I won’t say what I think it was to avoid any embarrassment, but there again, I might be completely wrong. A one man band, he either went by the name "Walwyn", or sang about Keith Walwyn, whichever, a hero. He did a couple of fundraisers for us.

In an era when local record store / distributor, Red Rhino, hosted a strong roster, many being football fans who attended matches at Bootham Crescent when in York. It’s a pity one or more of them couldn’t have released a City song. How about "Brian Pollard", the debut LP by The Wedding Present, or "John Bryny Striking", from The Jesus And Mary Chain, or they could have just re-recorded the original with David Rush or "Scorin’ With Butler", Ted Chippington’s classic which eventually saw the light of day as "Rockin’ With Rita".

Closer to home, none of the aforementioned Cyanide, Shove, The Germz, Dave Sollitt (he of many local bands post Cyanide) or The Redskins ever got round to recording a City song.

We waited well over a decade before the nxet City song.

February 2006 saw the launch of City’s (conference) promotion push CD "City of Dreams." The song was written and performed by 29 year old York City supporter, Neil James, and is an inspirational tune which the club hoped would assist their quest for promotion to the Football League. The CD, which also features another track called "True", was widely available across York.

It was no cheesy football song, but it was catchy, anthemic and passionate, sounding great after spanking a team 5-1. It even contained recordings from the Longhurst stand. Tracks included City Of Dreams / True / City Of Dreams (Instrumental).

Priced at £3.99, £1 from every sale went to the Guardian Angels Appeal and the rest to the York City Supporters’ Trust. Songwriter and performer, Neil James said, "I am a huge York City fan and wanted to do something to help the club which is a massive part of my life. To write a York City anthem was an honour and a privilege. I hope the fans like the song and will buy the CD as the proceeds will be helping two great causes".

Commenting on the release of "City of Dreams", York City Communications and Community Director Sophie McGill said, "The song is fantastic and very catchy. The lyrics are very poignant and all City fans will really be able to relate to this uplifting anthem. Neil has written and performed the song on a voluntary basis and we would like to thank him for this unique fundraising effort". Sophie McGill added, "Since I first heard the song a few months ago, I’ve never stopped singing it. Hopefully, with the support of the local media, it will be a favourite in York and we will be able to raise important funds for the Trust and the Guardian Angels Appeal".

City’s 2009 FA Trophy Final, if my research doesn’t fail me, marked our first recording of the digital download era.

Kit Simon, who uses the stage-name Chuitar, penned "City At Wembley" ahead of the club’s FA Trophy Final clash with Stevenage Borough.

He said, "As we’d not heard talk of anyone doing a cup final song for City, Chuitar were formed to have a go at knocking one together on a home computer".

He described it as a "rap-styled odyssey" and has set up a website where fans can download the song in the run-up to the game.

Kit, 33, said, "The track is a little bit ‘rough n ready.’ But it’s better than nowt, it’s free and it name checks City legend Iain Dunn, so it’s gotta be worth a listen".

In a thread on the York City supporters’ website, Red and Blue Net, most fans gave it the thumbs up. Iain Dunn, who played for City from 1988 to 1991 also approved. He said, "This is the first time I’ve heard the song, but it’s a fantastic honour to be named in it. I last played for York City in 1991, but I still follow them and having supported City since childhood will be going to Wembley with family and friends to cheer them on".

Although he lives on the outskirts of London, Kit’s dad lives in the Hull Road area and Kit began watching City in the grim 1987/88 relegation season. He says that set his expectations "appropriately low" but he has mixed opinions for the cup final. He said: "My head says Stevenage, who’ve been very strong in 2009, will batter us. My heart is keeping its fingers crossed that Stevenage will have their minds on a play-off final (Ed’s note: Stevenage lost in the playoff semi final after Ki’ts prediction) and that City will choose May 9 to prove they’re not the worst team we’ve ever had. So let’s say 2-1 to York".

City at Wembley lyrics (first few verses)

City at Wembley x 4

City at Wembley x 4

City at Wembley x 4

Well we’re York City and we’re not that good

It’s changed a lot since Derek Hood

But on May the 9th you know where we’ll be

And that’s cheering on the lads at Wembley

As seasons go this one’s not been fun

It’s changed a lot since since Iain Dunn

But come the day listen for the roar

As it’s Sodj to Brodie and Brodie scores!

We’ve not been there since 93

When Ginner got promotion with a penalty

But now our time’s come round again

Let’s separate those boys from men

Charles Hutchinson, Leeds United fan and arts critic for The Press, said, "It obeys all the rules – it’s three minutes, it’s repetitive and as catchy as swine flu, and it does exactly what it says on the tin – City at Wembley, City at Wembley (repeat, repeat!). As for the Cockney York rapper, he sounds about as convincing as Ossie Ardiles in Tottenham’s 1981 Cup Final song".

Chuitar 2009 - Listen

After the barn-storming success of their 2009 FA Trophy Cup Final song ( PRS cheque for £2.39 to prove it!) Chuitar thought it was only right to return with a brand new track for City's trip to Wembley for the 2010 play-off final.

Wembley 2010 is another rap-styled odyssey, this time also featuring the City fans (as recorded on a mobile phone at Luton).

It is all a bit rough around the edges (as, indeed, was their MC's voice after Luton), but its still worth a listen.

Enjoy!

Chuitar 2010 - Listen

Chuitar 2010 - Free MP3 Download