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

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

885-New Order-Blue Monday.

1983-Number 9 single.When reissued and remixed in 1988 it peaked at Number 3, and when remixed again in 1995, it reached Number 17.

Best Bit-At 3.32.With sales in excess of 700,000 this song is the biggest selling 12 inch single of all time.

After the death of Ian Curtis in 1980, the three remaining members of Joy Division changed the bands name to New Order, they were Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris. The band also changed their musical style, heading in a more ‘Synthpop’, ‘Alternative Dance’, ‘Electronic,’ direction. They added Morris’ then girlfriend, and future wife, Gillian Gilbert, who played keyboards, and guitar, as the fourth member.

‘Blue Monday’ has been described as ‘A crucial link between 70’s disco,and the Dance/House boom that took off at the end of the 80’s.’ New Order readily admit their influences, when speaking about how the song came to fruition. Peter Hook has said that the song was ‘stolen’ from the Donna Summer song ‘Our Love,’ written by Summer, and Giorgio Moroder, which is featured on her 1979 ‘Bad Girls’ Album.Bernard Sumner said part of the arrangement came from ‘Dirty Talk,’ by ‘Klein + M.B.O.’, and the synthesised bassline is taken from ‘You Make Me Feel Mighty Real,’ by Sylvester.

The respected music journalist Clinton Heylin alleged that the song was derived from ‘Gerry and the Holograms’ 1979 ‘Novelty’ song of the same name, which Sumner denies, but I urge you to have a listen, and make up your own mind.

‘But if it wasn’t for your misfortune, I’d be a heavenly person today.’

Posted by: In: Other 21 Oct 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

886-Dawn-Knock Three Times.

1971-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.01.If the answer is twice on the pipe, then the best thing to do is forget about her, and go and have a cold shower.

At the time of recording this song there was no official Tony Orlando and Dawn. Orlando was under contract to a different record label, so had to record the song discreetly, such was his feeling about it’s hit potential.The female vocals are provided by Toni Wine, and Linda November, Wine had co-written ‘Dawn’s’ first hit in 1970, ‘Candida,’ she is also the co-writer of ‘A Groovy Kind Of Love,’ a hit for The Mindbenders, and later Phil Collins.

With the success of ‘Candida,’ and ‘Knock Three Times’ Orlando wanted to tour, and that is where the official ‘Dawn’ was formed, with the recruiting of Thelma Hopkins, and Joyce Vincent, who would also provide vocals on the future studio Album’s.Tony Orlando and Dawn became so successful in America that they even had their own television variety show on CBS between 1974-1976.

‘Knock Three Times’ was co-written by Irwin Levine (1938-1977,) and L.Russell Brown, they also wrote other hits for Dawn including ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree,’ which is one of the 50 best selling songs of all time.

‘Knock Three Times’ is about a guy who fancies his downstairs neighbour, and leaves her a note one day saying, that if she is interested, she must knock three times on the ceiling, but if she isn’t interested, bang twice on the pipe.We never find out how she responds.

‘Hey girl what ya doin’ down there, dancin’ alone every night while I live right above you.’

Posted by: In: Other 21 Oct 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

887-The Bachelors-Hello Dolly.

1966-Number 38 single.

Best Bit-At 0.56.The Bachelors were originally called ‘The Harmonichords,’ but at the suggestion of Dick Rowe, A&R at Decca Records, he recommended the name change to The Bachelors,’Because that’s the kind of boy, a girl likes,’

‘Hello Dolly’ was written by Jerry Herman (1931-2019,) for the musical of the same name, first performed in 1964.Herman was also the composer and lyricist for two other Broadway Musicals, ‘Mame,’ (1966,) and ‘La Cage aux Folles (1983,) he also wrote the ‘Gay Pride’ song,’I Am What I Am.’

‘Hello Dolly’ was performed by Carol Channing (1921-2019,) as Dolly Gallagher Levi in the original 1964 Broadway Cast, but it was the version recorded by Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) in December 1963 that is best known, it was a Billboard Number 1 single in 1964, and is the biggest selling single of Armstrong’s career.

There are many noteworthy versions of Hello Dolly, with most choosing the Louis Armstrong recording as the definitive, but I have always had a soft spot for The Bachelors arrangement and delivery of the song.The Bachelors were formed on Dublin, Ireland in 1957, by the brothers Conleth, and Declan Cluskey, and John Stokes. They had limited success with this song, but did achieve 17 top 40 singles in the UK between 1964-1967, including the Number 1 hit ‘Diane’ in 1964.

‘So take her wrap fellas,find her an empty lap fellas, Dolly never go away again.’

Posted by: In: Other 21 Oct 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

888-Ed Sheeran-Supermarket Flowers.

2018-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 0.47.According to a 2019 survey by Co-Op Funeral care, this song is the sixth most popular funeral song.’My Way’ by Frank Sinatra remains at Number 1 for the 53rd year in a row.

‘Supermarket Flowers’ was co-written by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid, and Benny Blanco (see also best songs 373) who also produced the song.It is the final track on Sheeran’s third studio Album ‘Divide.’ released in 2017.

The song is a tribute to Sheeran’s late grandmother.He said,’She was in hospital near my house where I was making the Album, so I saw her quite a lot, and she passed away while I was in the studio.’Explaining the songs title, Sheeran also said,’My gran passed away,and we were clearing out her hospital room, and the supermarket flowers from the windowsill, and having that moment.

‘Sheeran has said it was his grandmother (Anne) who inspired him, and his brother Matthew, who is a classical composer, to pursue a career in music.He said that she was the musical one in the family.Although the lyrics were written by Sheeran,they are actually written from the viewpoint of his mother.

‘Dad always told me,’don’t you cry when you’re down,’ but mum, there’s a tear every time that I blink.’

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

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

889-The Brothers Johnson-Stomp!

1980-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 2.42.If you ever wondered why they were nicknamed ‘Thunder Thumbs,’ and ‘Lightnin’ Licks,’ have a listen to this.

The Brothers Johnson (see also best songs 1022,) were the brothers George (Lightnin’ Licks,) and Louis (Thunder Thumbs,) (1955-2015.) They were active between 1975-1982, releasing five studio Albums, before pursuing solo projects, but playing together on many occasions, through to Louis’ death in 2015.

‘Stomp!’ was taken from the brothers forth studio Album ‘Light Up The Night’ released in 1980, The song was co-written by George, and Louis, Rod Temperton, and Louis’ ex wife Valerie Johnson.This track and it’s parent Album, were produced by Quincy Jones, and one of the backing singers was Michael Jackson (1958-2009.)

The pairing of Quincy Jones, and Rod Temperton (1949-2016) is one of the most successful in Pop music history (see also best songs 812 and 703) other collaborations from then include, the Michael Jackson Albums ‘Off The Wall,’ and ‘Thriller,’ which Louis Johnson played bass guitar on.

‘Everybody take it to the top,we’re gonna stomp all night, in the neighbourhood.’

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

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

890-Faithless-Insomnia.

1995-Number 27 single, when re released in 1996, it peaked at Number 3,

Best Bit-At 7.00.’Sweet Dreams Are Made of This.’

Faithless (see also best songs 207,) are a Electronic Dance Music group who were formed in London, England, in 1995, by Maxwell Frazer (Maxi Jazz,) who is the lead vocalist, Ayalah Bentovim (Sister Bliss,) who plays keyboards, and produces, Rowland Armstrong (Rollo,) who is a producer, and also the brother of the singer Dido (see also best songs 936.) James Catto was also a founding member, but left to form ‘1 Giant Leap’ in 1999, Aubrey Nunn joined in late 1995, and stayed until 2006.

‘Insomnia’ was the second track released from the bands debut Album ‘Reverence,’ and was written by Maxi Jazz, Sister Bliss, and Rollo. As the title suggests the song is about the medical condition of not being able to sleep.The subject is resonant with fans of Dance Music, as stimulant use is common in club, and rave culture, and insomnia is a common side effect.

‘And let me dream of making mad love to my girl on the heath, tearing off tights with my teeth.’

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

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

891-Thunderclap Newman-Something in the Air.

1969-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.55.Pete Townshend never knew the feeling of having a Number 1 single in the UK with The Who, but he got a taste of what it was like here.

Pete Townshend actually can boast two Number 1 songs. He produced the 1968 chart topper, ‘Fire,’ by The Crazy World of Arthur Brown,’ and also produced, and played bass guitar on this song.Townshend (see also best songs 926-306 and 265,) and Tho Who’s manager Kit Lambert (1935-1981,) brought together the musicians, John ‘Speedy’ Keen (1945-2002,) Jimmy McCullock (1953-1979,) and Jazz Pianist Andy ‘Thunderclap’ Newman (1943-2016,) for a side project, which also included the release of the bands 1970 Album ‘Hollywood Dream.’

The song was written by Speedy Keen, who had previously worked with The Who, writing the song ‘Armenia City in the Sky,’ which is the opening track on The Who’s 1967 Album’ The Who Sell Out.’ The song was going to be called revolution, but the Beatles had already released a song with that title.

Jimmy McCuuoch played lead guitar on the track, he was only 15 years old at the time. He would later go on to be a member of Paul McCartney and Wings, between 1974-1977 (see also best songs 646,) he died in 1979 of heart failure due to morphine, and alcohol poisoning, at the age of 26, he was not known as a user of hard drugs.The other performer on the track was the pianist Andy ‘Thunderclap’ Newman, whom Townshend had known since his art college days.In 2010 Newman reformed the band, with him as the only original member, they went on tour, and also released the Album,’Beyond Hollywood.

‘Hand out the arms and ammo, we’re going to blast our way through here.’

Posted by: In: Other 15 Oct 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

892-Mike Posner-I Took a Pill in Ibiza (SeeB remix.)

2015-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.32.You can’t please everyone.Ibiza’s tourism officials were annoyed as they felt the songs lyrics contributed to the islands reputation for drug related debauchery. As a result Mike Posner was invited to the island to discover how much more it had to offer as a destination, apart from it’s nightlife.

Mike Posner was in a Ibiza nightclub with his friend Avicii (1989-2018,) (see also best songs 123,) when he was recognised by a fan, who offered him a pill, Posner who was depressed at the time accepted it.Posner had great success with songs such as ‘Cooler Than Me,’ and ‘Please Don’t Go,’ back in 2010, but had realised that fame was not all it was cracked up to be, and although only in his mid 20’s, perhaps his career was already over.

Posner wrote this song as a Folk/Pop song, originally releasing it in April, 2015, on his EP ‘The Truth.’ The Norwegian music producers Simen Eriksrud, and Espen Berg,better known as ‘SeeB’ got to hear the track, and set about remixing it in the ‘Tropical House’ genre.Ironically a song about falling from a great height, and nearly hitting the bottom, put Mike Posner right back at the top of the tree.

‘I took a pill in Ibiza to show Avicii I was cool.’

Posted by: In: Other 15 Oct 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

893-KC and the Sunshine Band- (Shake, Shake, Shake,) Shake Your Booty.

1976-Number 22 single.

Best Bit-At 0.17.In the 21st Century they call it Twerking, but back in the 20th Century, it was called Shaking.

KC and the Sunshine Band were formed in Hialeah, Florida, U.S. in 1973, they were active until 1985, but then reformed in 1993, and released their last new music to date in 2019. Harry Wayne Casey, and Richard Finch met while both were employed at ‘TK. Records,’ the bands name comes from Casey’s surname, and the ‘Sunshine State’ of Florida.

In the states they achieved a remarkable five Billboard Number one singles, including this track, while in the UK ,their only chart topper, ‘Give It Up,’ from 1983, credited to KC and the Sunshine Band, but with no input from Richard Finch, is probably the song they are best remembered for.

Casey, and Finch also achieved great success, writing and producing for other artists including Betty Wright (1953-2020,) and George McCrae, whose ‘Rock Your Baby’ topped the charts in 51 different countries (see also best songs 64.)

‘Everybody get on the floor, let’s dance, don’t fight the feeling, give yourself a chance.’

Posted by: In: Other 15 Oct 2020 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

894-Nick Heywood-Whistle Down the Wind,

1983-Number 13 single.

Best Bit-At 3.12.To ‘Whistle Down the Wind’ means you abandon, send away, or leave something, or someone.

Nick Heywood was born on the 20th May, 1961, in Beckenham, Kent, England.He was one of the founding members of Haircut One Hundred in 1980, and he stayed with them for one Album, until his dismissal in 1982. Heywood was the bands songwriter,vocalist, and lead guitarist. With Haircut One Hundred he achieved four UK top 10 singles, with the most successful being the Number three hit ‘Love Plus One.’

As a solo artist he has achieved a further five top 40 singles, and released nine studio Albums, the latest being ‘Woodland Echoes’ in 2017.

‘Whistle Down the Wind’ had been touted as the fifth single for release by Haircut One Hundred, but after Heywood parted company, it became his first solo single, from his debut Album ‘North of a Miracle.’The song, and it’s parent Album were produced by Geoff Emerick (1945-2018,) who had worked as a sound engineer on classic Beatles Albums such as Sgt. Pepper’s, Revolver, and Abbey Road. and the Albums orchestral arrangement was by Andrew Powell (see also best songs 866-130-81 and 2.)

‘Hello, hello, hope you’re feeling fine, hello, hello, hope you’re feeling mine.’