THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

330-Frankie Smith-Double Dutch Bus.

1981-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.38.The ‘slang’ language used in this song would become a staple in Hip-Hop music, with artists such as Snoop Dogg,(see also best songs 544) and Jay Z (see also best songs 636-477 and 23) being amongst those influenced.

Frankie Smith was born Franklyn Leon Smith on January 29th, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, he died on March 8th, 2019, at the age of 79. Frankie Smith along with this songs co-writer Bill Bloom had both been employed in the early 1970’s at Philadelphia International Records where they worked with some of the labels top acts including the O’Jays (see also best songs 648) and The Detroit Spinners, (see also best songs 834) but it wasn’t until they released this track that they found major success.

‘Old School Hip-Hop’ developed in New York, but by the early 1980’s it was spreading across America. Like many early Rap songs ‘Double Dutch Bus’ tells a fancy-full story, Smith Raps about a ‘Funky’ bus on which everybody is having a party, the problem though is that Smith misses the bus and has to walk 15 blocks to get to work. While walking he sees girls playing ‘Double Dutch,’ a game where you have to jump over ropes in rhythm to keep going.

The bus that Smith was rapping about is a very common sight in Philadelphia, having been inaugurated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in 1964, with around 200 of them now in service. The skipping game of ‘Double Dutch’ originated amongst Dutch immigrants in New York City, it’s popularity spread across America, and today sporting competitions are held worldwide.

‘Double Dutch Bus’ is probably best remembered for it’s use of slang which was used by African/American pimps and hustlers in the 1970’s. The ‘iz-izzle-izzo-ilz’ speak was originally developed by African/Americans in the 1920’s, with hot spots of the speak in Oakland, New York City, and Philadelphia. It was partially developed as young African/American girls improvised chants and nursery rhymes while jumping with rope, with the ‘iz’ dialect serving to add syllables when necessary to maintain the rhythm. The Rapper Snoop Dogg is probably the best known artist who uses the ‘slang’ in his music, and his everyday speech. Another good example is Jay Z who in 2001 had a hit with ‘Izzo (H.O.V.A.’) where he spells out ‘HOVA’ in ‘izzle-speak.’

‘Double Dutch Bus’ was co-written, and co-produced by Frankie Smith, and Bill Bloom, and was taken from Smith’s only studio Album release ‘Children of Tomorrow’ from 1980. The 12 inch single was certified ‘Gold’ in 1981 for sales of over 500,000, making it just the second 12 inch single at that time to earn the certification, the first was ‘No More Tears (Enough Is Enough’) by Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer from 1979.’ Double Dutch Bus’ would prove to be the only hit for Smith, but he did release a further seven singles between 1980-1985.Frankie Smith has said of the song,’Double Dutch’ is a tribute to all the girls in the world, especially the girls on my block. I’ve been watching them for 25 years, they use their mothers clotheslines to play the game, it’s an art. It’s a tribute to them, they’re really good at it.’

‘Hizzey gizzirls y’izzall hizave t’ mizzove izzout the wizzay sizzo the gizzuys can plizzay bizzasketbizzal.’ (‘Hi girls, you have to move out the way so the guys can play basketball.’)

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

331-The Shangri-Las-Leader of the Pack.

1965-Number 11 single. It was reissued in 1972, this time reaching Number 3, and again in 1976 making Number 7.

Best Bit-At 0.01. The song is perhaps the most famous ‘Teenage tragedy song,’ they are also known as ‘Tear Jerkers,’ ‘Death Discs,’ and ‘Splatter Platters.’ Other examples of successful songs with a similar lyrical theme from the late 1950’s to the mid 1960’s include ‘Teen Angel’ by Mark Dining from 1959, ‘Johnny Remember Me’ by John Leyton from 1961, and ‘Dead Man’s Curve’ from Jan and Dean recorded in 1964.

The Shangri-Las were formed in 1963, in New York, New York, United States, by two pairs of sisters who first met at Andrew Jackson High School, in Queens, New York City. They were Mary Weiss, and her sister Betty, and the identical twins Marge Ganser (1948-1996) and Mary Anne Ganser (1948-1970.) They began performing at school shows, and talent contests which brought them to the attention of the record producer Artie Ripp who signed them to their first record deal with ‘Kama Sutra’ records, this was when they began calling themselves ‘The Shangri-Las,’ taking their name from a restaurant in Queens, New York.

In April 1964 while the girls were still minors their parents signed them to ‘Red Bird Records’ which was when they first started working with this songs co-writer and producer George ‘Shadow’ Morton.’ The Shangri-Las remained active until 1968, but did reform to tour in 1977, and then again in 1989. Their discography comprises two studio Albums both released in 1965, and 15 singles released between 1963-1967, of which five reached the Billboard top 40 in America, and two have made the UK top 40. The girls streetwise image which was initially a promotional device for this song set them apart from many of the other girl groups of the 1960’s, with many of their songs dealing with taboo subjects of the time. Many artists have cited them as an influence, including Blondie, New York Dolls, and The Jesus and Mary Chain.

‘Leader of the Pack’ was written by George Morton, and the legendary songwriting team of Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, (1940-2009) (see also best songs 820-262 and 192) though Morton claimed to have only added Barry and Greenwich to the songwriting credits for business reasons, Greenwich has questioned Morton’s recollection. George ‘Shadow’ Morton (1941-2013) had first met Barry and Greenwich when they were working at the ‘Brill Building’ in Manhattan, New York City. Barry was sceptical that Morton wasn’t quite the songwriter he claimed to be, so Barry challenged him to write a song, and he came up with ‘Remember (Walking in the Sand’) which would become The Shangri-Las first hit in 1964, reaching Number 5 on Billboard. Morton who earned his nickname ‘Shadow’ from George Goldner (1918-1970) the co-owner of ‘Red Bird Records,’ because his whereabouts could never be pinned down, is remembered for his innovative production work with sound effects and percussion. After leaving ‘Red Bird Records’ he went on to work with many artists including Janis Ian, Vanilla Fudge, and New York Dolls.

‘Leader of the Pack’ is the tale of tragic young love. The girl falls in love at first sight with the leader of a motorbike gang, to which her parents strongly disapprove of. The girls father tells her in no uncertain terms that they must split, when she tells her love that it is over he drives away in to the night, but skids on a rainy road and is killed.

‘He sort of smiled and kissed me goodbye, the tears were beginning to show. As he drove away on that rainy night I begged him to go slow, but whether he heard I’ll never know.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

332-Lorde-Royals.

2013-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.44. I would imagine that for the convenience of saving time, that when a fan asks for an autograph, she signs Lorde, rather than Ella Maarija Lani Yelich-O’Connor.

Lorde (pronounced Lord) was born on November 7th, 1996, in Auckland, New Zealand, To date she has released three studio Albums between 2013-2021, 11 singles, and four EP’s. In her native New Zealand all of her solo singles have reached the top 40, while in America on Billboard she has charted on four occasions, and in the UK, also four times as well.

It was one of Lorde’s school teachers who suggested to her mother that she may have above average intelligence, and after tests it was concluded that at the age of six she was a gifted child. In her early teens Lorde attended Belmont Intermediate School in Auckland, where she and some of her fellow students finished runners up in the 2009 ‘Kids’ Lit Quiz, World Finals,’ which is a global literature competition for students aged 10 to 14. In May 2009 Lorde and her friend Louis McDonald won the Belmont Intermediate School annual talent show, leading to an appearance Jim Mora’s show on Radio New Zealand. McDonald’s father sent recordings of the duo to Scott Maclachlan of the Universal Music Group, leading to Maclachlan signing Lorde to the label.

It was Maclachlan who paired Lorde with this songs co-writer, and producer Joel Little. Together Little, and Lorde composed the five tracks including ‘Royals’ that would make up her debut release ‘The Love Club EP’ in 2012. Joel Little who was born on February 13th, 1983, in Auckland, New Zealand, and had previously been the singer and guitarist with New Zealand Pop/Punk band ‘Goodnight Nurse’ between 2001-2010, having released two studio Albums, and 11 singles, achieving one top 20 hit in their native country.

Lorde who chose her stage name from her interest in history, and the aristocracy, added the ‘E’ on to Lord in order for it to sound feminine. She has said that she always loved the word ‘Royal’ and wrote the song around the word, writing some of the lyrics at the age of just 12. Lorde has stated that she was also inspired to write the lyrics after listening to the Kanye West and Jay Z collaborative Album ‘Watch the Throne’ (see also best songs 477.) ‘Royals’ is a take down of the luxurious lifestyle that ‘Hip-Hop’ artists brag about. Lorde has said,’ All those references to expensive alcohol, beautiful cars, I was thinking, this is opulent, but it’s also bulls..t.’

At the age of 16 years and 11 months Lorde became the youngest female artist to achieve a Billboard Number 1 single since Tiffany, who was also 16 years old when reaching Number 1 with ‘I Think Were Alone Now’ in 1987 (see also best songs 364.) Lorde also became the first artist born in New Zealand to top the Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artist. The song also made Lorde the youngest solo artist ever to write, and perform a Hot 100 chart topper.

‘But every songs like gold teeth, Grey Goose, trippin’ in the bathroom, bloodstains, ball gowns, trashin’ the hotel room. We don’t care, we’re driving Cadillacs in our dreams.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

333-Les Brown and His Band of Renown with vocals by Doris Day-Sentimental Journey.

1944-Has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 1.23.’You get the grey skies outta my way, you make the sun shine brighter than Doris Day.’

Doris Day was born Doris Mary Anne Kappelhoff on April 3rd, 1922, in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, she died on May 13th, 2019, at the age of 97 after having contracted pneumonia. Doris Day was given her stage name in 1939 by the American orchestra leader Barney Rapp (1900-1970) for whom she was working for at the time. Rapp probably thought that ‘Kappelhoff’ was a bit of a mouthful, and he admired Doris’ rendition of the song ‘Day After Day.’ Doris Day has said that as a youngster growing up she listened to the radio, and the one voice she admired above all the others was that of Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996) (see also best songs 944-702-286-231 and 100.)

Although Doris Day is critically acclaimed as one of the greatest, and most successful singers of the 1940’s, and 1950’s, it can be strongly argued that she had an even greater film career. She appeared in 39 feature films between 1948-1968, starring alongside nearly all the biggest names during the ‘Golden Age of Hollywood.’ Notable films include ‘Calamity Jane’ from 1953, (her favourite role) and the 1956 Alfred Hitchcock suspense thriller ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much,’ with James Stewart.

Doris Day started her singing career in 1939 as a big band singer, she released 30 studio Albums between 1949-1965, with a further two Albums released later. Her 1967 ‘The Love Album’ wasn’t released until 1994, and ‘My Heart’ (her last recording) was recorded in 1985, but not released until 2011. A total of 59 of her singles between 1945-1958 have reached the Billboard top 40 in America, with five making the Number 1 spot. While in the UK 15 of her singles have made the top 40, with ‘Secret Love,’ and ‘Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be’) both reaching Number 1.

‘Sentimental Journey’ was written by Les Brown (1912-2001) and Ben Homer (1917-1975) who both provided the music, and Bud Green (1897-1981) who wrote the lyrics. Les Brown and His Band of Renown had been performing the song, but were unable to record it because of the 1942-1944 musician’s strike. When the strike ended the song was recorded with Doris Day as the vocalist, giving her, her first hit single, and also her first Billboard Number 1 in 1945. The songs release coincided with the end of the Second World War in Europe, and it became the unofficial homecoming theme for many soldiers.

‘Sentimental Journey’ tells the story of someone excitingly anticipating a trip by train to somewhere that they haven’t visited for quite some time. The narrator is feeling great emotional attachment to be ‘going home,’ and wonders why they ever left in the first place.

‘Got my bag, got my reservation, spent each dime I could afford. Like a child in wild anticipation, I long to hear that all aboard.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

334-Mott the Hoople-All the Young Dudes.

1972-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 0.53. A dude is a term of address for a young man. In the late 19th Century a dude was a person who dressed outlandishly. In the 1970’s Glam Rock gave people the opportunity to cross dress, maybe giving Aerosmith a good idea for a song title.

Mott the Hoople were formed in 1969, in Hereford, Herefordshire, England, initially playing Hard Rock music. It was the Island Records employee Guy Stevens (1943-1981) who gave the band the name ‘Mott the Hoople,’ after reading the Wilard Manus novel ‘Mott the Hoople,’ incidentally Stevens was also responsible for the naming of Procol Harum (see also best songs 434.) In total there have been 17 band members come and go, with the classic line up recognised as Ian Hunter (vocals) (see also best songs 661) Mick Ralphs (guitar and keyboards) Verden Allen (organ) Pete Overend Watts (1947-2017) (bass) and Dale ‘Buffin’ Griffin (1948-2016) (drums.) As Mott the Hoople they released seven studio Albums between 1969-1974, and a further two as ‘Mott’ in 1975, and 1976. They released 14 singles between 1969-1974, with six of them reaching the UK top 40, while in America this song remains their only charting song when reaching Number 37. The band officially split in 1980, but reunions have occurred in the 21st Century, and as of 2022 they still tour.

By 1972 Mott the Hoople had recorded four studio Albums, and although they were critically acclaimed, they had met with poor sales, and the band were on the verge of splitting up. David Bowie (1947-2016) was a friend of the bands bass player Pete Overend Watts, as well as a long term fan of the band, and wanting some of his songs to be recorded by other artists offered Mott the Hoople his song ‘Suffragette City’ from his not yet released ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust’ Album. Mott the Hoople considered the song not the style they were looking for, so Bowie went away and quickly wrote ‘All the Young Dudes.’

On first hearing the song Ian Hunter recalled,’He just played it on an acoustic guitar. I knew straight away it was a hit. There were chills going down my spine. It’s only happened to me a few times in my life, when you know this is a biggie.’ Drummer Dale Griffin said,’We couldn’t believe it. In the office at Regent Street he’s strumming it on his guitar and I’m thinking, he wants to give us that? He must be crazy. We broke our necks to say yes, you couldn’t fail to see it was a great song.’ Bowie would go on to produce the Album of the same name, as well as providing backing vocals. Bowie (see also best songs 807-440-302-209-186-118-47-31 and 5) would later offer Mott the Hoople ‘Drive-In Saturday’ for the follow up single, but the band declined as they wanted to pursue with their own material.

‘All the Young Dudes is considered a ‘Glam Rock’ classic, with David Bowie recording his own studio version in December 1972 during the sessions for the ‘Aladdin Sane’ Album, but the song went unreleased until appearing in 1995 in mono on the compilation Album ‘Rarestonebowie.’ Had Mott the Hoople not recorded the song then it would have appeared on ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust.’ The ‘All the young dudes carry the news’ line refers to part of Bowie’s story where there is no electricity, and Ziggy Stardust uses songs to spread the news. Bowie said,’All the Young Dudes is a song about the news. It’s not a hymn to the youth, as people thought, it is completely the opposite.

‘Lucy looks sweet ’cause he dresses like a queen, but he can kick like a mule, it’s a real mean team. And my brother’s back home with his Beatles and his Stones, we never got it off on that revolution stuff, what a drag too many snags.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

335-Faith No More-Epic.

1990-Number 25 single.

Best Bit-At 0.33. After hearing Faith No More’s Album ‘The Real Thing,’ Anthony Kiedis who is the lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers (see also best songs 977) accused Mike Patton the lead singer of Faith No More of stealing his style. Tongue in cheek Kiedis said,’My drummer says he’s gonna kidnap (Patton) him, shave his hair off, and cut off one of his feet, just so he’ll be forced to find a style of his own.’ In another interview he clarified his comment, remarking, ‘I love ‘The Real Thing,’ and I liked his vocals, when I heard the record I noticed subtle similarities, but when I saw the video it was like,’Wait a second here, what the f…?’ Mike Patton has since gone on to say that he is flattered that Kiedis talks about him in interviews, and enjoys the free publicity it brings.

Faith No More were formed in San Francisco, California, United States, in 1979, three of the original line up, Billy Gould, (bass) Roddy Bottum, (keyboards and rhythm guitar) and Mike Bordin (drums) are the bands three constants. They were active until 1998, but reformed again in 2009. There are currently five band members, but in total there have been 15 come and go. They have released seven studio Albums between 1985-2015, and 25 singles. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 this song remains their only chart hit, reaching Number 9, while in the UK, 12 of their singles have reached the top 40.

‘Epic’ was the second single released from Faith No More’s third studio Album ‘The Real Thing’ from 1990, with all five band members at that time receiving the song writing credits. The bands lead singer Mike Patton who had joined the group in 1989 was responsible for the lyrics, while the majority of the songs music had been composed at an earlier date. Faith No More were struggling for a breakthrough hit, with their record label suggesting that this was their last chance. The label let the band choose a song for release, and a video for it to be made, but both the band and the label had no real expectations of the song being a hit.

‘Epic’ is now considered a ground breaking song, helping to create the new genres of ‘Rap Metal,’ and ‘Rap Rock,’ which would influence the next generation of bands such as Slipknot,(see also best songs 379) Linkin Park, and Korn.

What ‘Epic’ is about is open to interpretation. I personally would like to think it is about that ultimate feeling of satisfaction, when for instance you finally meet that special person that will change your life. Or it might be that moment when you finally achieve something that you have always strived for. It’s that fleeting moment when your on cloud nine. In 1990 Mike Patton who wrote the lyrics gave some insight to the songs meaning when saying it was about sexual frustration, sex, and the lack of it. Patton said that the song is about masturbation,’Most people don’t like to talk about it. I’m here to tell ya, I love it. That’s kinda of what Epic’s really about.’…. I prefer my interpretation.

‘Can you feel it, see it, hear it today? If you can’t, then it doesn’t matter anyway. You will never understand it ’cause it happens too fast, and it feels so good, it’s like walking on glass.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

336-The Jesus and Mary Chain-Some Candy Talking.

1986-Number 13 single.

Best Bit-At 1.24. The BBC banned the track because they thought it was about Heroin. Ironically the first recording of the song was made for the BBC Radio 1 John Peel in session show.

The Jesus and Mary Chain (see also best songs 878) were formed in East Kilbride, Scotland, in 1983 by the brothers Jim Reid (born December 29th, 1961) and his brother William Reid, (born October 28th, 1958) they are the bands only two constants. They broke up the band in 1999, but got together once again in 2007, and at the time of writing remain active. The Jesus and Mary Chain have released seven studio Albums between 1985-2017, as well as 21 singles, and six EP’s. They have achieved 12 UK top 40 singles, with ‘April Skies’ from 1987 being the most successful when reaching Number 8. Although they have never charted on the Billboard top 40 singles chart in America, five of their tracks have made the United States Alternative Rock chart, with their 1989 track ‘Blues from a Gun’ reaching Number 1.

‘Some Candy Talking’ was co-written by William and Jim Reid, and first appeared as one of the three tracks on their ‘Some Candy Talking’ EP released in June 1986. The EP was released some seven months after their critically acclaimed, and highly influential debut Album ‘Psychocandy.’ With the release of ‘Psychocandy’ The Jesus and Mary Chain created a new genre of music that has become known as ‘Noise Pop,’ The duo would structure the traditional type of Pop song, but as so to gain attention they would add guitar feedback, and noise, which would prove highly influential on the fourth coming ‘Shoegazing’ genre, and Alternative Rock Music in general. As with all Pop Music, it is what has gone before that is the greatest influence on the next generation of artists, and as for The Jesus and Mary Chain it is safe to say that high among their influences will have been The Ramones,(see also best songs 707 and 102) The Velvet Underground,(see also best songs 401 and 165) and The Beach Boys (see also best songs 930-811-180 and 74.)

When ‘Some Candy Talking’ was released it was banned by all the major radio stations as it was thought that the song was about Heroin, but the bands lead singer Jim Reid, in an interview in 2005 stated that the song had nothing to do with drugs. I shall leave you to make up your own minds.

‘I’m going down to the place tonight, to see if I can get a taste tonight. A taste of something warm and sweet, that shivers your bones and rises to your heat.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

337-Willie Nelson-Funny How Time Slips Away.

1961-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.48. …and the older you get, the quicker it slips.Willie Hugh Nelson was born on April 29th, 1933, in Abbott, Texas, United States. Nelson had thought for much of his life that his birthday was April 30th, but he discovered late in life from an elderly relative that he was actually born just before midnight on the 29th, as the doctor hadn’t recorded his time of birth accurately, now Willie celebrates both days.

The discography of Willie Nelson consists of 95 studio Albums, 51 compilation Albums, and 13 live Albums released between 1962-2021. He has also released 130 singles between 1957-2020, with nine of them charting on the Billboard Hot 100, while in the UK his only charting single to date is his 1984 collaboration with Julio Iglesias on the Number 17 hit ‘To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before.’ Much of Willie Nelson’s early success came as a songwriter, with two of his most famous compositions being ‘Crazy’ a song which since recorded by Patsy Cline (1932-1963) in 1961, has gone on to become one of the most played songs in Country Music, and ‘Pretty Paper’ which when recorded by Roy Orbison (1936-1988) (see also best songs 657) reached Number 6 in the UK in 1963.

Willie Nelson is considered one of the most important figures in American music, in the genres of Country Music, Country Rock, and Outlaw Country, which is a sub genre of American Country Music, of which Nelson is considered one of it’s originators. Along with other artists including Waylon Jennings (1937-2002) and Kris Kristofferson (see also best songs 341) Nelson recorded Country Music with more of a ‘Rock’ orientated slant, as opposed to the slick production style, of the ‘Nashville Sound,’ developed by record producers such as Chet Atkins (1924-2001.) Willie Nelson has also appeared in numerous films since making his acting debut in ‘The Electric Horseman’ in 1979, other acting highlights include appearing in ‘Barbarosa’ in 1982, and the film version of his 1975 Album ‘Red Headed Stranger,’ in 1986.

‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ was written by Willie Nelson in 1961, with the first recorded version being by the American Country Music singer Billy Walker (1929-2006.) The most successful version of the song was by Jimmy Elledge (1943-2012) who took his recording to Number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961, and has since gone on to sell in excess of one million copies. In 2017 Willie Nelson recorded a duet of the song with Glen Campbell (1936-2017) which appeared on Campbell’s final Album ‘Adios.’

‘Funny How Time Slips Away. is a song of bitterness. The narrator bumps in to his ex girlfriend, and he tells her that he is doing fine. He says that he has heard that she has told her new love that she will be with him until the end of time, the same thing she once said to him. He hints to her that one day she may also get dumped the way he was by her. With the passing of time the narrator has got over his broken heart, hence the songs title,’Funny How Time Slips Away.’

‘I gotta’ go now, guess I’ll see you hanging around. Don’t know though, oh no, never know when I’ll be back in town. But I remember what I told you, that in time your gonna pay.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

338-Little Anthony & The Imperials-Better Use Your Head.

1966-It didn’t chart in the UK until it was re-released in 1976, when reaching Number 42.

Best Bit-At 0.38. How about this for an accolade. The legendary songwriter, and producer Kenny Gamble (see also best songs 1001-896-725-648-604-571 and 322) has stated that Little Anthony & The Imperials and their music, were a major influence in the development of ‘Philadelphia Soul,’ and on artists such as the Stylistics, the Delfonics, and the Chi-Lites.

When it comes to longevity Little Anthony & The Imperials must be closing in on number one. The Imperials were officially formed in 1958 in Brooklyn, New York City, United States by Clarence Collins, Tracey Lord, Nathanial Rodgers, Ernest Wright, and Anthony Gourdine. They had previously recorded for ‘Apollo’ records as a ‘Doo-Wop’ group in 1957, with a slightly different line up. known as ‘The Chesters.’ As The Imperials success was instant, as their first single ‘Tears on My Pillow’ reached Number 4 on Billboard in America, selling over one million copies. It was the legendary DJ Alan Freed (1921-1965) who first started calling them ‘Little Anthony & The Imperials’ when playing ‘Tears on My Pillow,’ having been impressed with the falsetto vocals of lead singer Anthony Gourdine. In 1990 a cover version by Kylie Minogue in a similar style became a UK Number 1 single. Like many acts of longevity, band members have come and gone over the years, and their have been a total of 12 official group members in that time, in the current line up are the original forming members Anthony ‘Little Anthony’ Gourdine, and Ernest West. Little Anthony & The Imperials have released 12 official Albums between 1959-1975, of which two are greatest hits compilations. They have also released 48 singles between 1958-1978, with seven of them reaching the Billboard top 40, while in the UK their only charting single was their final release ‘Who’s Gonna Love Me,’ which made Number 17 in 1978.

After the success of ‘Tears on My Pillow’ the band struggled for further success, and members came and went, but by 1963 the four members which are now recognised as the classic line up were Gourdine, Wright, Collins, and Samuel Strain, who would go on to become a member of The O’Jays between 1975-1992. This was when they began working with the songwriter/producer Teddy Randazzo (1935-2003) who wrote this song. Randazzo had great success as a songwriter, writing many other songs for Little Anthony & The Imperials, including the much covered ‘Goin’ Out of My Head.’ Randazzo’s two most successful songs are ‘Yesterday Has Gone,’ a UK Number 4 hit for Cupid’s Inspiration in 1968, and ‘It’s Gonna Take a Miracle’ which when covered by Deniece Williams in 1982 reached Number 10 on Billboard, in America.

In the early 1970’s the song began to gain popularity within the Northern Soul scene,(see also best songs 969) with the track becoming a favourite in the clubs. This led to the song being reissued, and reaching Number 42 in the UK in 1976.

‘Better Use Your Head’ is the tale of a couple whose relationship is threatened when one of them is attracted to another, and may take up with that other person. The other partner is willing to give their relationship a second chance, but warns that if they stray there will be no going back.

‘You better stop and think what you’re sayin’, you’d better hold on make sure you’re sold on letting me go. Make sure you know what you wanna surpass.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

339-Carly Rae Jepson-Call Me Maybe.

2012-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.00. Lust at first sight.

Carly Rae Jepson was born on November 21st, 1985, in Mission, British Columbia, Canada. After performing several lead roles in her high school’s musical productions, she enrolled at the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, British Columbia. In 2007 she competed on the fifth season of Canadian Idol, where she finished in third place. To date Carly Rae Jepson has released five studio Albums between 2008-2020, two remix Albums, four EP’s, and 26 singles, nine of which have reached the top 40 in her home country, three have made the top 40 on Billboard in America, while in the UK she has charted on four occasions.

‘Call Me Maybe’ was co-written by Carly Rae Jepson, Tavish Crowe, and Josh Ramsey, who also produced the track. The song made it’s first appearance on Jepson’s second EP release ‘Curiosity,’ from February 2012, as track two of the six track EP, the song would later appear on Jepson’s second studio Album ‘Kiss,’ released in September 2012. ‘Call Me Maybe’ was originally written as a ‘Folk’ song by Jepson, and Tavish Crowe, who was a guitarist with Jepson’s touring band, and has since collaborated with her on other occasions. The song received a complete overhaul when Josh Ramsey came on board, transforming it into the ‘Bubblegum Pop’ track we now all know. In his home country of Canada, Ramsey is best known for being the lead singer of the Canadian Pop/Rock band ‘Marianas Trench’, whom he formed in 1999.

In December 2011, prior to ‘Call Me Baby’ becoming a worldwide hit, the singers Justin Bieber, and Selena Gomez were in Canada, and heard the track on the radio. Both were impressed with what they heard and wrote about it on their Twitter accounts, instantly gaining Jepson international attention, leading to her being signed by Scooter Brawn (Bieber’s manager) to his ‘Schoolboy Record’ label. Beiber’s tweet had said,’The song is possibly the catchiest song I’ve ever heard.’ ‘Call Me Maybe’ went onto top the charts in 18 countries, and to date has sold, and streamed over 18 million worldwide, it is the best selling single by a female artist in the 21st Century to date. The song has also been ranked by Billboard Magazine as Number 1 on the list of ‘The best chorus’ of the 21st Century.’

‘Call Me Maybe’ is the story of a female being smitten at seeing a very attractive male take off his shirt, as she watches from across the street. She immediately want’s this guy, and try’s to catch his attention. The song’s memorable video show’s Jepson rehearsing in a garage with her band, and when the guy walks over to them, it isn’t her who he is interested in, but the male guitarist, who he gives his phone number to. In 2018 Holden Nowell who played the part of Jepson’s love interest in the video said that it was his idea to hand over his phone number on a piece of paper, as the original story line had called for him to kiss the male band member, and Nowell told the directors,’I’m going to be completely honest with you, I’m not going to kiss a guy, especially for $500.’

‘I threw a wish in the well, don’t ask me I’ll never tell. I looked at you as it fell, and now you’re in my way.’