THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

391-Lorna Bennett-Breakfast in Bed.

1972-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.16. Breakfast in bed, most likely kippers.

‘Breakfast in Bed’ was written pacifically for Dusty Springfield for her 1969 fifth studio Album ‘Dusty in Memphis,’ by Eddie Hinton, (1944-1995) and Donnie Fritts, (1942-2019) at that time both were employed as songwriters at the ‘Muscle Shoals Sound Studio’ in Sheffield, Alabama, United States. Hinton also played lead guitar for the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, and Fritts is best remembered as the keyboardist for Kriss Kristofferson for over 40 years. The songs chorus includes the line ‘You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,’ a deliberate attempt to remind people of Dusty’s 1966 UK Number 1 single with that title. When ‘Breakfast in Bed was released as a single by Dusty Springfield (see also best songs 882 and 171) it failed to chart in the UK, and only reached Number 91 in America.

On hearing ‘Breakfast in Bed’ it was the legendary Reggae producer Harry J (1945-2013) (see also best songs 371) who thought it would make in to a great Reggae song. In 1972 Harry J produced three versions, an instrumental by the percussionist Bongo Herman, called ‘African Breakfast (In Bed,’) a version by the Jamaican ‘Toaster’ David ‘Scotty’ Scott, (1951-2003) called ‘Skank in Bed,’ and the recording by Lorna Bennett. On some releases of this song the version by Scotty appears on the ‘B’ side of the seven inch single.

Lorna Bennett was born on June 7th, 1952, in Newton, Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica. It was while performing at an early age she was noticed by the Jamaican record producer Geoffrey Chung (1950-1995) who nurtured her early recording career, before being taken under the wing of Harry J, it was Chung who gave ‘Breakfast in Bed’ it’s Reggae arrangement. Bennett achieved two Number 1 songs in Jamaica, with this track, and also her cover version of ‘Chapel of Love,’ originally recorded by The Dixie Cups. Along side her recording career Bennett also studied Law at university, and on the completion of her degree she gave up music and opened a legal practise in her home town of St Elizabeth, she did return to music again in 2001. Bennett has released one studio Album called ‘This is Lorna’ in 1972, and a total of 20 singles between 1970-2005.

‘Breakfast in Bed’ has been recorded in many genres by numerous artists, but has only charted in the UK top 40 on one occasion. It was the recording by UB40 (see also best songs 537 and 173) featuring Chrissie Hynde which reached Number 6 in 1988.

‘Breakfast in Bed’ tells the story of someone who has been rejected by their current lover, and goes back to an ex for comfort. The ex suggests that they get back to the way that they used to be when they were lovers.

‘You’ve been crying, your face is a mess. Come in baby, you can wipe the tears on my dress. She’s hurt you again I can tell, I know that look so well.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

392-The Shamen-Ebeneezer Goode.

1992-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.09.When The Shamen appeared on Top of the Pops they had to tone down the song due to it’s drug references. The groups Rapper Mr C replaced the final lyric ‘Got any salmon?'(salmon is rhyming slang for ‘salmon and trout,’-‘snout’) to ‘Got any underlay?’ He was later asked about this in a radio interview, to which he replied that it was not a drug reference, but a ‘rug’ reference.

The Shamen were formed in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1985, in total 13 different members came and went until the band were retired in 1999. The three founding members were Colin Angus, Derek McKenzie, and Keith McKenzie, they were soon joined by Peter Stephenson. Their debut Album ‘Drop’ released in 1987 was a mixture of Psychedelic Rock, and Alternative Rock, a far cry from what they would eventually become best known for. By mid 1987 frontman Colin Angus was becoming interested in Dance music, which was integrated in to the bands sound, and was furthered by the addition of a new member Will Sinnott (1960-1991.) Angus and Sinnott’s interest in Acid House music grew, causing the departure of Keith McKenzie, and Peter Stephenson, who were not fans of the bands new direction. The Shamen’s transition to a Dance Music act was complete with the addition of Richard West (Mr C) and ‘Evil’ Eddie Edwards in 1989. In total The Shamen released eight studio Albums between 1987-1998, and 28 singles between 1985-1998, of which 11 reached the UK top 40.

‘Ebeneezer Goode’ was co-written by Colin Angus, and Mr C, the original version of the song appears on The Shamen’s fifth studio Album ‘Boss Drum’ from 1992. For it’s single release ‘Ebeneezer Goode’ received a remix by the ‘Beatmasters’ who were then the duo of Manda Glanfield, and Paul Carter, they had also previously worked on The Shamen’s 1991 UK Number 4 hit ‘Move Any Mountain.’ The Beatmasters had previously had success with four UK top 20 hits in the late 1980’s, including ‘Rok da House’ which was recorded in 1986, and is considered one of the earliest examples of ‘Hip House,’ and thought by many to be the first song of that genre.

‘Ebeneezer Goode’ is one of the most controversial songs to reach Number 1, due to it’s perceived endorsement of recreational drug use, although it does warn us to be careful in how many we take, as they can be harmful. The songs chorus ‘Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode’ is audibly identical to ‘E’s are good,’E’ being common slang for the drug ecstasy. The songs opening line ‘A great philosopher once wrote,’ is a sample of the voice of the actor Malcolm McDowell, taken from the 1973 film ‘O Lucky Man!’

‘There’s a guy in the place who’s got a bittersweet face, and he goes by the name of Ebeneezer Goode. His friends call him ‘Ezeer and he is the main geezer, and he’ll vibe up the place like no other man could.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

393-Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels-C.C. Rider/Jenny Take a Ride.

1965-Number 33 single.

Best Bit-At 1.44. Down the years many songs would be banned by the broadcasting media for what today we would deem as causing little or no offence. Then there were other songs with lyrics and meanings which went straight over the establishments heads.

‘See See Rider’ is a traditional song that probably originates from the early 1880’s, the Ragtime, and Jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton (1890-1941) stated that he first heard the song as a young boy in New Orleans around 1901. The legendary Blues singers Lead Belly,(1888-1949) (see also best songs 431) and Blind Lemon Jefferson (1893-1929) are known to have performed the song in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas from around 1912.

The first recording of the song titled ‘See See Rider Blues’ was made by the Blues singer Gertrude ‘Ma’ Rainey (1886-1939.) Rainey’s recording contains some new lyrics written by Rainey and Lena Arant. There are probably hundreds of recordings of the song done in many different genres. Other significant versions include the 1943 recording by Wee Bea Booze (1912-1986) she reached Number 1 on Billboard’s magazine Harlem Hit Parade, which was a precursor of the Billboard R&B chart. The song has been a top 40 hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart on four occasions, this version incorporating ‘Jenny Take a Ride’ reached Number 10 in 1965. The other hit versions are from Chuck Willis (1926-1958) which made Number 12 in 1957, LaVern Baker (1929-1997) reached Number 34 in 1963, and The Animals made Number 10 in 1966.

The term ‘See See Rider’ could refer to a woman who had liberal sexual views, had been married more than once, or was skilled at sex, but there are also several other different meanings (far too many to go into here) of what a ‘C.C. Rider’ was.

Mitch Ryder was born William Sherille Levise, Jr. on February 26th, 1945, in Hamtramck, Michigan, United States. There have been approximately 40 Albums of his music made available, issued between 1966-2019, he has also released 35 singles between 1965-1987. Mitch Ryder is known for his dynamic stage performances, and major artists who have stated that they were influenced by him include Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, and John Mellencamp.

It was the legendary singer/songwriter, and music producer Bob Crewe (1930-2014) (see also best songs 914-863-739-499-393-284-164-112 and 83) who chose the name ‘Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels,’ and they recorded successfully for his ‘DynoVoice’ record label. ‘C.C. Rider/Jenny Take a Ride’ is a medley of two songs, the other being ‘Jenny Jenny,’ originally co-written by Little Richard and Enotris Johnson, and recorded by Little Richard in 1957, and making Number 10 on Billboard.

‘Yeah, see, C.C. Rider, I said see what you have done now. Oh see, C.C. Rider, ah, come on see baby what you have done. Jenny, Jenny, Jenny, won’t you come along with me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

394-The Alarm-Sixty Eight Guns.

1983-Number 17 single.

Best Bit-At 4.50. Before they changed their name to The Alarm, they were called ‘The Toilets.’ It was a good idea to change the name.

The earliest incarnation of what would eventually become ‘The Alarm’ containing Mike Peters, (alias Eddie Bop) were formed in Rhyl, Wales, United Kingdom, in 1977, calling themselves The Toilets, and playing Punk Rock Music. In 1978, after band member changes they renamed themselves ‘Quasimodo,’ playing covers of ‘The Who’s’ songs, and being joined by guitarist Dave Sharp. Soon after there was another name change, this time to ‘Seventeen,’ where they were joined by this songs co-writer Eddie MacDonald. As ‘Seventeen’ they released one single in 1979 called ‘Don’t Let Go,’ on the ‘Vendetta’ label. In 1981 they once again changed the band name, this time to ‘Alarm Alarm,’ named after one of their earlier songs, but after the legendary Radio 1 DJ John Peel commented that with Duran Duran, Talk Talk, and now Alarm Alarm, perhaps he should call himself John Peel John Peel, so the name was shortened to ‘The Alarm.’ The band remained together until founding member Mike Peters left to pursue a solo career in 1991. Since 2000 Peters has resurrected the name, sometimes touring and recording as ‘The Alarm MM++’ with differing musicians. The Alarm released five studio Albums between 1984-1991, and 20 singles of which seven reached the UK top 40, with this song being the highest charting.

‘Sixty Eight Guns,’ or ’68 Guns’ was co-written by Mike Peters and Eddie MacDonald and was released in August 1983, and later added to The Alarm’s debut studio Album ‘Declaration’ from February 1984. The four band members who played on the track, and the Album were Peters, Sharp, MacDonald, and drummer Nigel ‘Twist’ Buckle, who had joined the band when they were known as ‘Seventeen.’

The lyrics to ‘Sixty Eight Guns’ were written by Mike Peters after reading a book called ‘A Glasgow Gang Observed’ by the Scottish author Patrick James, first published in 1973, but written in 1968, which is why there are 68 guns in the songs title. The book tells the story of the observations made by a warden of a borstal, he went out on to the streets undercover with an inmate who was let out at weekends, and he was seeing first hand the dangers in gang culture, and the changes in society in 1968. Mike Peters has said,’ It’s was about young people at that difficult age where you’re too cool for school, but not wise enough for adult life. So it’s about people like that, like I was once, and that’s how The Alarm grew.’

‘And now they are trying to take my life away, forever young I cannot stay, hey! On every corner I can see them there, they don’t know my name, they don’t know my kind.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

395-Darude-Sandstorm.

2000-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 5.00. With this song Darude became the first ever artist from Finland to have a top 3 hit in the UK singles chart.

Darude is the stage name of Electronic Dance Music producer Toni-Ville Henrik Virtanen, who was born on July 17th, 1975, in Eura, Satakunta, Finland. While being the DJ at a friends party Virtanen played the 1996 song ‘Rude Boy’ by Leila K several times in a row, this earned him the nickname ‘Rude Boy,’ which eventually morphed into ‘Da Rude,’ and then ‘Darude.’ To date he has released four studio Albums between 2000-2015, and 14 singles, of which four have reached Number 1 in Finland, while in the UK he has achieved three top 20 singles. Darude has also released a multitude of remixes of other artists work between 2000-2019, including a 2000 remix of ‘Played-A-Live (The Bongo Song’) by the Safri Duo (see also best songs 557.)

‘Sandstorm’ was initially released in Finland in October 1999, and following it’s success was released in many countries in 2000, it was the first single release from Darude’s debut studio Album ‘Before the Storm,’ released in September 2000. The song was written by Darude who chose the instrumentals title because the ‘Roland JP-8080’ synthesizer used in the song displays the text ‘sand storm’ on startup. ‘Sandstorm’ was produced by Jaakko Salovaara, who goes by the stage name of ‘JS16,’ he was also born in Finland. Before starting a long working association with Darude he was best known for producing the Finnish ‘Hip-Hop’ group ‘Bomfunk MC’s,’ whose best known song produced by ‘JS16’ was the 2000 UK Number 2 single ‘Freestyler.’ ‘Sandstorm’ went on to become the biggest selling 12 inch single worldwide in the year 2000, and has since gone on to sell over 1 million copies to date.

‘Sandstorm’ can be filed under the genre of ‘Trance’ music. Trance is a genre of Electronic Dance Music, it’s roots can be traced back to the late 1980’s, and would develop in the early 1990’s in Germany, before spreading throughout the rest of Europe. It can be described as a melodic offshoot of Techno, and House Music. Other genres of music that are often incorporated in Trance include Classical music, and Film music.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

396-Flamingos-I Only Have Eyes for You.

1959-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 2.14. One of the most fascinating things about compiling this list is noting the progression in Popular music. The Flamingos were influenced by groups such as The Mills Brothers, and The Ink Spots, and in turn The Temptations have publicly stated the debt they owe the Flamingos.

The Flamingos were formed in Chicago, Illinois, United States in 1953, and are considered one of the most influential vocal groups in Pop, and ‘Doo-Wop’ music history. None of the original quintet of Jake Carey, (bass) Zeke Carey, (second tenor) Paul Wilson, (first tenor) Paul Carter, and Earl Lewis are still alive, but Tommy Hunt who joined the group in 1956, and left to pursue a solo career in 1961, and Terry Johnson who joined in 1958 and still tours with three others as The Flamingos to this day, both performed on this song. Tommy Hunt is best remembered in the UK, and particularly by fans of ‘Northern Soul’ music for his 1976 Number 28 single ‘Loving on the Losing Side.’ The Flamingos have released nine studio Albums between 1953-1976, and 53 singles. In America they have only reached the Billboard top 40 twice, with this song reaching Number 11 in 1959, while in the UK their only charting song was ‘The Boogaloo Party’ which made Number 26 in 1966.

‘I Only Have Eyes for You’ was written by Harry Warren (1893-1981) who provided the music, and Al Dubin (1891-1945) who wrote the lyrics. The song was written for the 1934 Warner Brothers musical comedy ‘Dames,’ and was first performed in the film by the actors Dick Powell (1904-1963) and Ruby Keeler. (1909-1993) There were two popular versions of the song released in 1934, one by Ben Selvin (1898-1980) with vocals by Howard Phillips (1899-1992) and the other by Eddy Duchin (1909-1951) with vocals by Lew Sherwood (1903-1971) and Jane Froman (1907-1980.) The other significant recording of the song was by Art Garfunkel (see also best songs 529-200-96 and 71) who took his version to Number 1 in the UK for two weeks in 1975.Harry Warren (see also best songs 775 and 321) was born Salvatore Antonio Guaragna on December 24th, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, he died on September 7th, 1981, at the age of 87. Warren was a prolific songwriter, he wrote over 800 songs between 1918-1981, and was the first major American songwriter to write primarily for film.

‘I don’t know if we’re in a garden, or on a crowded avenue. You are here and so am I, maybe millions of people go by, but they all disappear from view, and I only have eyes for you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

397-Andy Kim-Rock Me Gently.

1974-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 2.22. Nowadays nearly every new song has a remix, but back in 1974 if you got the instrumental on the ‘B’ side, then it was a real treat.

Andy Kim was born Andrew Youakim on December 5th, 1946, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, both of his parents were Lebanese immigrants. He chose to record using the different surname in order to obscure his Lebanese ethnicity. Kim has released 10 solo studio Albums between 1968-2015, two of those Albums, one from 1980, and another from 1984, were released with Kim using the stage name of Baron Longfellow. Kim has also released 28 singles between 1963-2015, with this song remaining his only hit in the UK. In America he has had six top 40 hits on Billboard, with this song reaching Number 1. In his home country of Canada he has charted on eight occasions, with this song, and ‘Baby I Love You’ from 1969, both making Number 1.

As a teenager Kim moved to New York to pursue a career in music at the world famous ‘Brill Building,’ which was where he first met the legendary song writer Jeff Barry (see also best songs 820-331-262-192 and 127.) Together they wrote ‘Sugar Sugar’ in 1967 which when recorded by the fictional cartoon band ‘The Archies’ became the best selling single worldwide in 1969, spending four weeks at Number 1 on Billboard, and eight weeks at Number 1 in the UK, Kim also sang backing vocals on the track.

By 1974 the hits had dried up, and Kim was also without a recording contract, so in an attempt to resurrect his career he formed his own label ‘Ice Records,’ and personally financed the recording of ‘Rock Me Gently.’ After sending promos of the track to various labels, it was ‘Capital Records’ who signed him up. He recorded his self titled Album ‘Andy Kim.’ for Capital, and there were also four singles released, before Kim reverted back to his own label ‘Ice Records’ for his next release.

‘Ain’t it good, ain’t it right, that you are with me here tonight. The music playing, our bodies swayin’ in time.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

398-Isaac Hayes-Shaft.

1971-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 2.40. Isaac Hayes’ utterance of the word ‘damn’ made this the first Number 1 song on Billboard to include a curse word.

Isaac Hayes (1942-2008) (see also best songs 530 and 1) was asked by Joel Freeman (1922-2018) the producer of the Metro Goldwyn Mayer film ‘Shaft’ to write the films soundtrack.Hayes agreed but only on the condition that he could audition for the lead role of ‘John Shaft,’ even after finding out the part had been given to Richard Roundtree, Hayes kept his end of the deal.

The ‘Theme from Shaft’ proved to be a groundbreaking song both musically and culturally. In 1972 the song won the ‘Acadamy Award for Best Original Song,’ with Isaac Hayes becoming the first African/American to win that honour, and in 2014 the Album was added to the ‘National Recording Registry,’ by the ‘Library of Congress’ for being ‘culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.’ The film ‘Shaft,’ and it’s soundtrack are also an early example of what was to become known as a ‘Blaxploitation’ film, blaxploitation is the mix of the two words ‘black’ and ‘exploitation, and was coined by Junius Griffin. Blaxploitation films were initially aimed at the African/American audience, but due to their popularity, soon found favour with audiences across racial and ethnic lines. The films were also the first to feature ‘Funk’ and ‘Soul Music,’ and there are many film soundtracks available. The ‘Theme from Shaft’ is also recognised by many music critics as an early influence on the soon to be coming ‘Disco’ era, with this song cited as one of the very first ‘Disco’ tracks.

The ‘Theme from Shaft’ and the accompanying 14 track double Album soundtrack ‘Shaft’ was written and produced by Isaac Hayes, 11 of the tracks are instrumentals. The musicians and vocalists who appear on the Album include James Alexander, (bass) who was a member of the ‘Bar-Kays.(see also best songs 831 and 1) Charles Pitts, (1947-2012) whose distinctive ‘wah-wah’ guitar style would become very influential in ‘Soul’ and ‘R&B,’ and Willie Hall (drums) who has played with many of the worlds top artists, and was the drummer on Isaac Hayes’ ‘Hot Buttered Soul’ Album (see also best songs 1.) The three female vocalists on the ‘Theme from Shaft’ are Pat Lewis, Rose Williams, and Telma Hopkins. Soon after recording this song Hopkins would become a member of the female duo ‘Dawn,’ as part of Tony Orlando’s backing group.(see also best songs 886) It was Hopkins who famously exclaims ‘Shut your mouth’ on the ‘Theme from Shaft.’ Hopkins went on to become an actress on the TV shows ‘Bosom Buddies,’ and ‘Family Matters,’ where she was often prompted to say ‘Shut Your Mouth!’ which became a catchphrase for her.

‘You see this cat Shaft is a bad mother (shut your mouth,) but I’m talkin’ about Shaft (then we can dig it.) He’s a complicated man, but no one understands him but his woman (John Shaft.)

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

399-Conway Brothers-Turn It Up.

1985-Number 11 single.

Best Bit-At 2.30. When I was in my youth, whenever I was called ‘young man’ I would find it very condescending. All these years later, if I was called it now, I would smile from ear to ear.

The Conway Brothers were a Funk, and Soul group formed in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in 1982, by the four brothers Frederick, (keyboards) Hiawatha, (drums) Huston, (bass) and James Conway. (guitar) They remained active until 1987 releasing two studio Albums, and five singles, with this song being their only chart hit in the UK, in the States it failed to reach the top 100 on Billboard, but did make Number 81 on the R&B chart.

The Conway Brothers were one of the first artists signed to ‘Ichiban Records’ set up in 1985 by the husband and wife team of John Abbey, and Nina Easton. Abbey was born on July 8th, 1945, in London, England, in 1966 he founded the magazine initially called ‘Home of the Blues,’ but soon renamed as ‘Blues & Soul.’ Prior to setting up ‘Ichiban Records,’ Abbey had founded ‘Action Records’ in 1968, and ‘Contempo Records’ in 1973.

‘Turn It Up’ was the title track from the Conway Brothers debut studio Album from 1985, and was written, and produced by all four band members. The song has been described by music critics as retaining the Old School feel of 70’s Disco, while incorporating the more up to date sound (of it’s era) of the mid 1980’s. To promote the song the Conway Brothers appeared on the British television music programme ‘Top Of the Pops,’ dancing, and attempting to mime to the song. I would love to know what John Peel who introduced them was thinking to himself at the time (I have posted the video.)

‘Came to here to smoke, but the vibe here is a joke, turn it up. We’re doing our best, we have just one request, turn it up. If the steam cook can take it, you better give us some more, got to keep the people on the floor.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

400-Pat Boone-Johnny Will.

1961-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 0.48. I have done some research, and it appears that $10 in 1961 is the equivalent of $91.74 in 2022.

Patrick Charles Eugene Boone was born on June 1st, 1934, in Jacksonville, Florida, Unites States. To date he has released 72 studio Albums between 1956-2006, there are a further 68 compilation Albums, and three soundtrack Albums available. He has also released 63 singles between 1953-1984, with 30 of them reaching the Billboard top 40, and six of those making Number 1. In the UK he has charted in the top 40 on 26 occasions, with his 1956 song ‘I’ll Be Home’ being his only chart topper. Boone has sold in excess of 45 million records, and in the late 1950’s was America’s second best selling artist behind Elvis Presley. Many of his early recordings were cover versions of Rock N’ Roll, and R&B songs, such as ‘Tutti Frutti,’ and ‘Ain’t That a Shame,’ bringing those genres, and the artists who wrote and recorded the originals to the attention of a much wider audience.

Pat Boone also had great success in film and television, and also as a writer. Between October 3rd, 1957, through until June 23rd, 1960, ‘The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom’ ran for 115 episodes, over three seasons on the ‘ABC’ television network. Boone has also appeared in 27 films, between 1955-2017, and as a writer has had 26 books published, many sharing his religious beliefs.

‘Johnny Will’ was the 53rd single released by Pat Boone, it was co-written by Paul Evans (music) and Fred Tobias (1928-2021) (lyrics.) Evans is best remembered in the UK for his 1959 hit ‘Seven Little Girls Sitting in the Back Seat,’ (Number 25) and ‘Hello This Is Joannie (The Telephone Answering Machine Song’) which reached Number 6 in 1978. He also co-wrote ‘Roses Are Red My Love’ which made Number 1 on Billboard in 1962 for Bobby Vinton, and ‘When’ which was a UK Number 1 for The Kalin Twins in 1961.

‘I checked and found they’re sellin’ tickets at five bucks each, and all that kinda’ money ain’t within my reach. But if I want to be the guy who is her only thrill, I better take her to the dance next week or Johnny Will.’