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Posted by: In: Other 23 Dec 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

825-Freeez-I.O.U.

1983-Number 2 single.In 1987 remixes of the song were made available on a 12 inch single, and charted at Number 23.

Best Bit-At 3.06.The songwriters missed a trick, With the lyrics being ‘A-E-A-E-I-O-U-U-I,’they could have sold the rights to ‘Sesame Street,’ to teach the cool kids their vowels.

Freeez were an English Electronic Dance Music group formed in London, England in 1978, by John Rocca, they were active until 1985.Their initial breakthrough occurred in 1981, when the Jazz Funk song ‘Southern Freeez,’ taken from their debut Album of the same name,reached Number 8 in the UK.

Freeez were joined by Arthur Baker for their second Album,’Gonna Get You,’ in 1983.Baker co-wrote, and produced many of that Album’s tracks, including this song, with John Rocca, who provided lyrics, and sang the falsetto vocal.

Arthur Baker was born in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, in 1955, he was a very important player in the development of Hip-Hop, and Electronic Dance Music, having worked with many artists such as Afrika Bambaataa (see also best songs 716,) and New Order (see also best songs 619 and 885.)

‘Girl, I know I owe you so much, but I can’t pay you, with just, with just one touch.’

Posted by: In: Other 20 Dec 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

826-Wretch 32- 6 Words.

2014-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 1.19.His mother was from Jamaica where ‘wretch’ means to be slim, or skinny. She called him ‘Wretch’ as a child, and the name stuck. He has said that ’32’ is his lucky number, and thought it would be fun to have a number as a surname.

Wretch 32 was born Jermaine Scott Sinclair on 9th March, 1985, in Tottenham, London, England, to date he has released four studio Albums, and achieved six top 40 singles, including the 2011 Number 1, ‘Don’t Go.’ He is known as a Hip-Hop, R&B, and Grime artist, who is a Rapper, and occasional singer.

‘6 Words’ is filed under the music genre of ‘Drum and Bass’ because of the additional production work of Mark Wilkinson, he has had three top 40 hits under his own stage name of ‘Wilkinson,’ most notably the 2013 Number eight single ‘Afterglow.

‘Wretch 32 received criticism in some quarters, due to the fact that he sang on this track, rather than Rap. He has said,’Listening to Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, and all those guys when I was growing up, I heard them guys rapping, and singing, and they can’t really sing, but it still sounds good. I always had in my head,’I’m gonna make a record where there are no rap verses, and that’s what 6 Words is.I’d say that Gary Barlow, and Chris Martin inspired it because, in the studio, all I was thinking was that I needed to write a better song than what they would write.”

‘I can’t sing, but I wrote you a song, yeah, wrong notes, but the melody’s so clear.’

Posted by: In: Other 20 Dec 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

827-Dean Friedman-Lucky Stars.

1978-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 3.09.Because the song was only credited to Dean Friedman, the female vocalist became known as the ‘Mystery Voice.’

The mystery voice in question belonged to Denise Marsa, whom Friedman had heard sing in a club, and invited her to sing on several tracks on his second Album ‘Well Well Said The Rocking Chair,’ in 1978.Her other chart success occurred in 1984 when she sang lead vocals on ‘The Flirts’ song ‘Helpless (You Took my Love,)’ which reached Number 13 in Germany, and Number 15 in Switzerland.Dean Friedman was born May 23rd, 1955, in Paramus, New Jersey, United States.In America he is considered a one hit wonder, as his only Billboard hit was ‘Ariel’ which reached Number 26 in 1977.In the UK apart from this song, his only other chart single was ‘Lydia,’ which peaked at Number 31 in 1978.

‘Lucky Stars’ tells the story of a couple arguing about his ex-girlfriend, as she is worried that they might get back together. but he assures her that she is the only one for him.

‘Well slide over here, ’cause I may not be all that bright, but I know how to hold you tight.’

Posted by: In: Other 18 Dec 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

828-Eddie Floyd-Knock on Wood.

1966-Number 19 single.

Best Bit-At 0.46.In the UK the expression is ‘touch wood,’ but this American expression, meaning the same, fits in better with the song.

Eddie Floyd,and Steve Cropper (see also best songs 906 and 712) were both songwriters for the Stax record label, and they initially wrote it with Otis Redding in mind.The saying ‘knock on wood’ is used to express gratitude for good fortune, while hoping that it will continue. In the song the narrator is knocking on wood, because he has been lucky enough to find the girl of his dreams.The song is memorable for it’s pauses, after Floyd sings ‘I better knock,’ there is a pause before drummer Al Jackson (see also best songs 906 and 347) comes in with his drumbeats, and Floyd completes the line with,’on wood.’It was Jackson who came up with the idea, in order to simulate the sound of someone knocking on a door.

Eddie Floyd was born on June 25th, 1937, in Montgomery, Alabama, United States. He first found success as a member of the R&B group The Falcons between 1957-1963, most notably with the 1959 million selling song ‘You’re So Fine.’The Falcons are celebrated as being the forerunners for the next generation of acts such as The Four Tops, and The Temptations.

‘Knock on Wood’ has been recorded by many different artist through the years, most notably in 1979 when a Disco version by Ami Stewart went to Number 1 on Billboard, and Number six in the UK, a remixed version also made Number seven in 1985, and in 1974 a live version from David Bowie peaked at Number 10 in the UK.

‘It’s like thunder and lightning, the way you love me is frightening.’

Posted by: In: Other 18 Dec 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

829-Dire Straits-Sultans of Swing.

1978-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 5.17.The best of ‘Pub Rock,’ in every sense.

It is said that inspiration for the song came from Mark Knopfler witnessing a Jazz Band playing in a corner of a practically deserted pub in Deptford, South London. At the end of their performance the lead singer announced that they were the ‘Sultans of Swing,’ and Knopfler found the contrast between the groups dowdy appearance, and surroundings, and their grandiose name amusing.Mak Knopfler was born on August 12th, 1949, in Glasgow, Scotland. He formed Dire Straits (see also best songs 298) in Deptford, London, in 1977, with his brother David, John Illsley, and Pick Withers.They are one of the world’s best selling bands, with sales in excess of 100 million, their Album ‘Brothers In Arms’ was the best selling Album of 1985.

‘Sultans of Swing’ was released as the bands debut single, and was written by Mark Knopfler who took a lot of inspiration for his songs from things he saw around him, he has said that he found that harder to do when he became famous.The ‘Guitar George,’ and ‘Harry,’ who are mentioned in the lyrics, are George Young, and Harry Vander, who were guitarists in the Australian band ‘The Easybeats’ in the 1960’s (see also best songs 939.)

‘And then the man he steps right up to the microphone, and says at last just as the time bell rings,’Goodnight,now it’s time to go home.”

Posted by: In: Other 16 Dec 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

830-Miley Cyrus-We Can’t Stop.

2013-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.49.Billy Ray needs to have a word, if she was my daughter, I’d be very worried, these antics could break his achy breaky heart.

Miley Cyrus was born Destiny Hope Cyrus on November 23rd, 1992, in Franklin, Tennessee, United States, she is the daughter of Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.Between 2006-2011 she portrayed the character of Hannah Montana, attaining two Number one, and three top 10 soundtracks, on the Billboard Album chart.

In an attempt to get rid of her ‘Good girl next door, Disney image,’ in 2013 Miley Cyrus went all Hip-Hop.The highly controversial lyrics in this song about recreational drugs have been almost unanimously criticised by music critics.In a further attempt to distance herself from her past, at the 2013 MTV music awards, she performed with Robin Thicke, her simulated sex acts with a foam finger were described as ‘disturbing,’ and the whole performance as ‘cringe-worthy.’

‘We Can’t Stop’ was co-written by Cyrus, Mike Will Made It, and Rock City, who also produced the song.The track also samples the 1985 Hip-Hop song ‘La Di Da Di,’ giving that songs writers Doug E, Fresh, and MC Ricky D writing credits as well.

‘So la-da-di-da-di, we like to party, dancing with Molly.’

Posted by: In: Other 16 Dec 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

831-The Bar-Kays-Shake Your Rump to the Funk.

1976-Number 41 single.

Best Bit-At 0.48.Whether it’s your Booty, or your Tail Feather, or your groove thing, or even your money maker, when the call comes for you to take to the dance floor, you must always Shake it.

The Bar-Kays formed in 1966 in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, starting out as a studio session group, backing the major artists at Stax Records, as well as releasing their own material. In 1968 bass player James Alexander who was one of original members at the bands formation, and drummer Willie Hall who joined later,played on Isaac Hayes classic Album ‘Hot Buttered Soul.'(see also best songs 1)Their first hit single was ‘Soul Finger,’ which reached Number 17 on Billboard in 1967, and Number 33 in the UK. They have gone on to release 21 studio Albums, the latest in 2012.

On December 10th, 1967, four members of the band were flying with Otis Redding (see also best songs 712 and 377) as they toured as his backing band, when their airplane crashed in to Lake Monona, Wisconsin, United States, while attempting to land at Truax Field.The only survivor of the seven on board was the bands trumpeter Ben Cauley (1947-2015,) bassist James Alexander was on another plane, as the plane carrying Redding held only seven passengers. Cauley and Alexander went on to rebuild the group, eventually shifting the bands sound from the R&B, and Soul of the 1960’s, to the Funk of the 1970’s.

‘Don’t stop dancing to the music, just let the music make you high.We got rhythm you can use it, don’t let this feeling pass you by.’

Posted by: In: Other 16 Dec 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

832-B.J. Thomas-Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.

1970-Number 38 single.

Best Bit-At 2.28.It’s a glass half full song, and if you can catch some of them raindrops, it will be even fuller.

‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head’ was written by the legendary songwriting team of Hal David (1921-2012,) and Burt Bacharach (see also best songs 902-815-740-644 and 224) for the 1969 film ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, which starred Paul Newman, and Robert Redford.The song was first offered to Ray Stevens, who turned it down, and then supposedly Bob Dylan, who also declined.It was Dionne Warwick who recommended B.J. Thomas to Bacharach and David, as she had already recorded many of their songs, and shared the same record label, ‘Scepter Records’ with Thomas.

B.J. Thomas was born Billy Joe Thomas on August 7th, 1942, in Hugo, Oklahoma, United States, he has achieved great success on the Billboard chart with 14 top 40 hits.He has had two Number 1 singles, with this song, which also provided Bacharach and David with their first million seller, and (‘Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,’ in 1975, which is the longest song title to have ever been an American Number 1.

‘And just like the guy whose feet are too big for his bed, nothing seems to fit.’

Posted by: In: Other 13 Dec 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

833-Captain Sensible-Glad It’s All Over.

1984-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 1.05.This isn’t happy talk, this is sensible talk.

Captain Sensible was born Raymond Ian Burns on 24 April, 1954, in Balham, London, England,He adopted his stage name Captain Sensible ironically because he used to be a ‘debauched maniac’ who had fun ‘regardless of the consequences,’ but he admits to calming down after becoming a vegetarian.He started his music career as a member of the group the Damned, who are considered the first Punk Rock group to release a single, ‘New Rose,’ in 1976 (see also best songs 273.)

‘Glad It’s All Over’ was co-written by Captain Sensible, and Tony Mansfield who was also the songs producer, and percussionist.It is said that Mansfield used a Duckhams oil can (floor tom,) a casserole dish (high hat,) and a Rountrees chocolate tin (snare drum,) and after a ‘bit of tuning’ with a panel hammer, the kit sounded just right.Prior to working with Captain Sensible, Mansfield had been a member of the synth-pop band New Musik, who achieved three top 40 singles in 1980, he would go on to produce other artists in the 1980’s, including A-ha, and The B-52’s.

‘Glad It’s All Over’ was written as an anti war song, and was Captain Sensible’s comment on the 1982 Falklands War.

‘Submarines in the harbour, incognito, submarines of your dreams not mine.’

Posted by: In: Other 13 Dec 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

834-Detroit Spinners-It’s a Shame.

1970-Number 20 single.

Best Bit-At 1.13.Tamla Motown’s second team, finally given their day in the spotlight.

In America they are known as the Spinners, but in the UK to avoid confusion with the British Folk group The Spinners, they are known as the Detroit Spinners.They originally formed in 1954, in Ferndale, Michigan,United States, and after several lineup changes signed with Motown Records in 1964. The only remaining, and still living original member of the band is Henry Fambrough (born 1938,) who stills tours with the group.In 1972, on the advice of Aretha Franklin they moved from Motown to Atlantic Records, where they would achieve great success, including the UK 1980 Number 1 single ‘Working My Way Back To You.’

‘It’s a Shame’ was co-written by Stevie Wonder (see also best songs 920-843-682-570-503-366-205-152 and 65,) Syreeta Wright, and Lee Garrett, the song is notable for it being the first track Wonder had produced for anyone but himself, he also played the drums on the song.

The song was sampled in 1990 by British born Rapper Monie Love,who took her version to Number 12 in the UK top 40.Her version, and the Detroit Spinners original both deal with the break up of a love affair.

‘You’re like a child at play, on a sunny day, but you play with love, and then you throw it away.’