THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

297-Swing Out Sister-Where in the World.

1989-Number 47 single.

Best Bit-At 4.14. They took their name from the title of an obscure 1945 musical movie called ‘Swing Out Sister,’ They claim they chose the name because it was the only one they could all agree on, in that they all hated it.

Swing Out Sister were formed in 1985, in Manchester, England, by Andy Connell, (keyboards) and Martin Jackson, (drums) prior to joining forces Connell had performed in other bands, with the highest profile being the Manchester based Post Punk band ‘A Certain Ratio.’ Jackson had also been in other bands, most notably ‘Magazine,’ who were another Post Punk band, also from the Manchester area. The pair recorded demo’s for ‘Phonogram Records,’ who insisted that they added vocals to their Electronic based music, and they turned to the Soul singer Diane Charlemagne. (1964-2015) Due to contractual problems Charlemagne was unable to officially work with the pair, so they approached Corinne Drewery whom they had first met in 1984, to become the groups vocalist, Drewery had previously been a fashion designer.Jackson stayed with Swing Out Sister for the release of their debut Album ‘It’s Better to Travel,’ although he is credited with co-writing two of the tracks on the bands second Album ‘Kaleidoscope World’. Since Jackson’s departure Swing Out Sister have been a duo, bringing in several high profile musicians to perform on their 11 studio Albums to date, which have been released between 1987-2017. They have also released 23 singles between 1985-2007, of which six have made the UK top 40. In America the have had two hits on the Billboard top 40, with ‘Breakout’ from 1986, making Number 6.

‘Where in the World’ was the second single released from Swing Out Sister’s second studio Album ‘Kaleidoscope World’ from 1989. Where their debut Album ‘It’s Better to Travel’ had been recorded with mainly Electronic instruments,’Kaleidoscope World’ was recorded with the addition of an Orchestra, making for a retro sounding sophisticated ‘Easy Listening’ sound. This sound would be continued throughout the duo’s career. Their music is heavily influenced by the ‘Easy Listening’ genre of the 1960’s, you could say they were the Bacharach and David of the 1980’s (see also best songs 902-832-815-740-644 and 224.)

‘Where in the World’ was co-written by Andy Connell (music) and Corinne Drewery, (lyrics) and tells the tale of a woman who for whatever reason has parted from her lover. She is making herself physically and mentally ill because she is missing this person so much. Notable musicians who performed on this track include, Vini Reilly who played the Spanish guitar on the surprise ending to the song. Reilly also features in this countdown, having played guitar and keyboards on the Morrissey song ‘Suedehead’ (see also best songs 940.) The drummer on this song is Chris Whitten who was also the drummer on ‘The Whole of the Moon’ by the Waterboys (see also best songs 755.)

‘Keep telling me my condition hasn’t changed, can’t appreciate there’s no one but myself to blame.’