THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

795-Maria Muldaur-Midnight at the Oasis.

1974-Number 21 single.

Best Bit-At 1.20. I always thought that the plural of cactus was cacti, but it appears that cactuses is also acceptable.

Maria Muldaur was born Maria Grazia Rosa Domenica D’Amato, on September 12th, 1942, in New York City, United States. She began her career in music in the early 1960’s, as Maria D’Amato, in the ‘Folk/Rock’ group ‘Even Dozen Jug Band,’ other notable pre fame members of that group included Steve Katz, (later of Blood, Sweat and Tears) and John Sebastian (later of the Lovin’ Spoonful.) After the ‘Even Dozen Jug Band,’ Maria joined the ‘Jim Kweskin & the Jug Band,’ which was where she met her future husband Geoff Muldaur,’ after the ‘Kweskin’ band split, Maria, and Geoff, who were now married, recorded two Albums together in 1969, and 1972, when the couple divorced in 1972, Maria than pursued her solo career.

The discography of Maria Muldaur includes an Album with the ‘Even Dozen Jug Band’ in 1964, four Albums with the ‘Jim Kweskin & the Jug Band,’ between 1965-1968, and two Albums as ‘Geoff & Maria Muldaur. The solo discography of Maria Muldaur includes 39 official Albums released between 1973-2021, and in America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, and also on the UK top 40, only ‘Midnight at the Oasis,’ has charted for her, reaching Number 6 on Billboard, and Number 21 in the UK.

‘Midnight at the Oasis’ was the first single released from Maria Muldaur’s self titled debut studio Album from August 1973, the song was written by David Nichtern, and produced by Lenny Waronker, and Joe Boyd. Nichtern played acoustic guitar on the track, with notable session musicians, including Jim Gordon, (1945-2023) (drums) Daniel Friedberg, (bass) and Amos Garrett, (electric guitar) who performed the instrumental section, also playing on the song. David Nichtern was born on February 19th, 1948, in Manhattan, New York City, United States, as well as writing ‘Midnight at the Oasis,’ he has won awards for his work on the American television soap operas ‘ One Life to Live,’ and ‘As the World Turns.’ In 1970 Nichtern became a student of the ‘Shambhala Buddhist tradition of Tibetan Buddhism,’ and was taught by the founder, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, (1939-1987) Nichtern went on to become a senior teacher in the faith.

‘Midnight at the Oasis’ is a song full of sexual innuendo, but the tone is playful throughout. David Nichtern has explained how it all came about,’I wrote the song before I started working with Maria, the details are a little bit intimate, but let’s just say there was a girl, a waterbed, feta cheese, and grape leaves, and a ‘Martin 000-18′ near by. I actually produced the demo that got Maria her Warner Bros individual artist deal, so I was on the map already with them to that extent.’ Nichtern has also gone on to say,’My memory is that I came out to LA, and got to play rhythm guitar on several tracks (on Maria Muldaur’s debut studio Album.) From there I got more and more involved with the record. At a rehearsal, I played ‘Midnight at the Oasis’ for Lenny Waronker and he liked it, and wanted to include it on the record. Warner’s released the album, and then Midnight as the first single, they hung in there with it for something like nine months until it took off, that might not happen today, the rest is herstory as they say…’

Because of the songs suggestive lyrics, Maria Muldaur has said that people have approached her at her concerts, and other events, and claimed that ‘Midnight at the Oasis’ had inspired sexual encounters, loss of virginity, and pregnancy. Maria Muldaur has said,’I could have written quite the little x-rated book. So when I start that song, people’s faces light up, and I see very happy, maybe slightly x-rated memories flitting across their faces. And so that’s worth more than any Grammy nomination or award, to hear first hand from your fans, from hundreds and hundreds of fans, how a piece of music I didn’t even write, but that I selected and recorded, and just put out there in the airwaves, just had such a happy impact on people’s lives. What a gift is that.’ In 1994 the British ‘Jazz/Funk’ group the ‘Brand New Heavies,’ with featured vocals by N’Dea Davenport, reached Number 13 on the UK top 40 singles chart, with their cover version of the song.

‘I know your daddy’s a sultan, a nomad known to all. With fifty girls to attend him, they all send him, jump at his beck and call. But you won’t need no harem, honey, when I’m by your side, and you won’t need no camel, no no, when I take you for a ride.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

796- Bingo Players featuring Far East Movement-Get Up (Rattle.)

2013-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.46. It’s amazing what a difference adding some ‘party lyrics,’ a sprinkling of ‘dirty bass’ can make.

The Bingo Players were the Dutch Electronic Dance Music duo of Maarten Hoogstraten, and Paul Bäumer, who formed in the Netherlands in 2006, and worked together until Bäumer died of cancer in 2013. After the death of Bäumer, Hoogstraten announced that Bäumer had wished for him to continue under the Bingo Players name. Under the name of the ‘Bingo Players’ there have been 52 singles issued between 2006-2022, and one extended play, entitled ‘What’s Next,’ in 2017. The Bingo Players have also remixed dozens of tracks, and are credited as the producers of the hit singles ‘Forever Now,’ by Ne-Yo,’ (UK Number 31-2012) and ‘Acid Rain,’ for Alexis Jordan (U.S. Billboard Dance Club songs Number 1-2013.) On the ‘GfK Dutch Charts, MegaCharts,’ the Bingo Payers have charted twice within the top 40, with ‘Get Up (Rattle’) reaching Number 19, and their original version of ‘Cry (Just a Little,’) which was later covered by the American Rapper Flo Rida as ‘I Cry,’ (Billboard Number 6 & UK Number 3-2012) making Number 7 in 2011.

The Far East Movement are an American Hip-Hop and Electronic Dance Music group who were formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 2003, by Kevin Nishimura, (Kev Nish) James Roh, (Prohgress) and Jae Choung, (J-Splif) who left the group in 2016. The other band member is Virman Coquia, (DJ Virman) who joined the group in 2007.) The Far East Movement, which is often abbreviated to ‘FM,’ became the first Asian/American group to have a Number 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, when their 2010 track ‘Like a G6,’ featuring ‘The Cataracs, and Dev, topped the chart. The Far East Movement have released five studio Albums between 2005-2016, and 36 singles between 2007-2020, as either the lead, or the featured artist, there are also five mixtapes available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, three of their songs have reached the top 40, with ‘Like a G6,’ making the Number 1 spot in 2010. In the UK they have achieved five top 40 singles, with ‘Get Up (Rattle’) reaching Number 1. Their latest Album ‘Identity,’ from 2016, featured many Asian performers, in an attempt to bridge the gap between Asian, and American artists.

‘Get Up (Rattle’) was the seventh of eight singles released from the Far East Movement’s fourth studio Album ‘Dirty Bass,’ from May 2012, and also from the deluxe edition of ‘Dirty Bass,’ from where ‘Get Up (Rattle) first appeared. The song started out life as an instrumental called ‘Rattle,’ by the Bingo Players, which was issued in Europe in 2011 to very limited success, charting the highest in Denmark, where it reached Number 35, in the Bingo Players home country the Netherlands, the song stalled at Number 91. It was when the Far East Movement added vocals, that the track became a major hit, reaching the top 40 in nine countries, including the Netherlands where it made Number 19. ‘Get Up (Rattle’) can boast 10 songwriters, including both members of the Bingo Players, and all four members of the Far East Movement. other writing credits include Koen Groeneveld, and Addy van der Zwan, who are members of the Dutch Dance Music producers the ‘Klubbheads.’ while songs production is credited to the Bingo Players.

‘Get Up (Rattle’) tells the story of a group of friends who are intent on partying for as long as they can physically stay on their feet. It’s six in the morning, and they are still going strong. (They’ll pay for it in later life.)

‘Yo, this house party is crazy, my crew is hella wavy. Yo, flip the cut, then say what’s up, then slide out with your lady. No ifs or buts about it, my style is technotronic. Got grips and models, so spin the bottle, girl I’m just getting started.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

797-AC/DC-Whole Lotta Rosie.

1978-Number 68 single. The live version reached Number 36 in 1980.

Best Bit-At 0.37. The chubby chasers anthem.

AC/DC (see also best songs 245 and 170) were formed in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, in 1973, at the time of writing they remain active with Angus Young being the groups one constant. AC/DC are one of the worlds best ever selling acts, with sales in excess of 200 million records sold. Their 1980 Album ‘Back in Black,’ is the second best selling Album of all time, with sales in excess of 50 million copies.

Angus McKinnon Young was born on March 31st, 1955, in Glasgow, Scotland, he had seven elder siblings, including six brothers and one sister. Angus was brought up in the Cranhill district of Glasgow, which was a tough, working class suburb with high unemployment. After seeing an advertisement on television offering assisted travel for families to immigrate to Australia, 15 members of the extended Young family migrated in June 1963. Angus Young was 18 years old when he and his brother Malcolm (1953-2017) formed AC/DC in 1973, their first single ‘Can I Sit Next To You Girl,’ reached Number 50 on the ‘Aria’ chart in Australia in 1974, but did not appear on the groups debut studio Album ‘High Voltage,’ in 1975. Angus Young is known for his flamboyant stage performances, which include his signature schoolboy look, which was suggested to him by his sister Margaret, who also chose the bands name. In order to match the schoolboy image, the press and the public were told that Angus was born in 1959, instead of his true birth year of 1955. Angus Young has stated that his musical influences include Little Richard, (1932-2020) Muddy Waters, (1913-1983) and Chuck Berry (1926-2017.) As part of his stage performance, Angus includes his version of the ‘Duck Walk,’ which he copied from Chuck Berry (see also best songs 548-308 and 30.)

‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ was the fourth and final single released from ‘Let There Be Rock,’ which was the fourth studio Album by AC/DC from March 1977. ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ was co-written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, (1946-1980) with the production being by Harry Vanda, and George Young (1946-2017) (see also best songs 939-447 and 245.) ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ became a fans favourite, and a staple of very nearly everyone of the groups live performances, with the audience always shouting ‘Angus,’ at the start of the songs introduction. In 1978 AC/DC released their first live Album called ‘If You Want Blood You’ve Got It,’ which was the only live Album recorded with Bon Scott. After the death of Scott in 1980, the live version of ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ was re-issued from the Album, and charted in the UK at Number 36, it had originally been released as the only single from ‘If You Want Blood You’ve Got It,’ in 1978, when it failed to chart.

The intro to ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ is based on the 1955 Chuck Berry song ‘No Money Down,’ which AC/DC had initially used as the main riff for an earlier song of their’s called ‘Dirty Eyes,’ which they re-worked into ‘Whole Lotta Rosie.’ The original track ‘Dirty Eyes’ was eventually issued on the AC/DC five disc ‘box set, ‘ ‘Bonfire,’ in 1997. ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ is the story about a woman whose measurements are ’42’-39′-56,’ and she weighs in at 19 stones (121 kg.) The song is based on a true story, Angus Young has explained,’We’d been in Tasmania, and after the show Bon Scott said he was going to check out a few clubs. He said he’d got about 100 yards down the street when he heard this yell: ‘Hey! Bon!’ He looked around and saw this leg and thought: ‘Oh well!’ From what he said, there was this Rosie woman and a friend of hers. They were plying him with drinks and Rosie said to him: ‘This month I’ve slept with 28 famous people,’ and Bon went: ‘Oh yeah?!’ Anyway, in the morning he said he woke up pinned against the wall, he said he opened one eye and saw her lean over to her friend and whisper, ’29!’ There’s very few people who’ll go out and write a song about a big fat lady, but Bon said it was worthy.’ In recent years the woman the song was written about has been identified as Rosemaree Garcia, an Australian sex worker, who saw Bon Scott for some time before he went to England. Rosie was born in Launceston, Tasmania, and lived in St Kilda, and died in the Melbourne suburb of Prahran, in 1979, at the age of 22.

‘Wan’ tell you story ’bout woman I know. When it comes to lovin’ she steals the show. She ain’t exactly pretty, ain’t exactly small, 42-39-56, you could say she’s got it all.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

798-Fatback Band-(Are You Ready) Do The Bus Stop.

1975-Number 18 single.

Best Bit-At 2.53. I would queue for a lifetime to catch this tune.

The Fatback Band (see also best songs 217) are the brainchild of Bill Curtis, who formed the group in 1970, in New York City, United States. Since their inception, there have been 27 personnel changes, with Curtis being the one constant. Their last Album of original material was was released in 1988, but they still continue to tour to this day. Prior to forming The Fatback Band, Bill Curtis had already been an experienced session drummer in the 1950’s, and 1960’s, and wanted to merge the ‘Fatback Jazz Beat’ sound of New Orleans, into a streetwise ‘Funk’ band. In 1977 they dropped the ‘Band,’ and just called themselves ‘Fatback.’

The Fatback Band have released 23 studio Albums between 1972-1988, there is also remix Album that was issued in 2003, and a best of called ’21 Karat Fatback.’ They have also issued 42 singles between 1973-2005, and although they have never charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in America, 11 of their singles have reached the Billboard R&B top 40 chart. In the UK six of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘I Found Lovin” charting the highest at Number 7 on it’s second re-release in 1987.

(‘Are You Ready) Do The Bus Stop’ was the first of three singles released from The Fatback Band’s sixth studio Album ‘Raising Hell,’ from 1975, and was their second studio Album release of that year, with many reviewers at that time writing that is was a far superior Album than their previous release ‘Yum Yum.’ ‘Raising Hell’ proved to be The Fatback Band’s most commercially successful Album, as it also contained the UK hit singles (‘Do the) Spanish Hustle,’ which reached Number 10, and ‘Party Time’ which made Number 41, both songs charting in 1976. (‘Are You Ready) Do The Bus Stop’ was co-written by Bill Curtis, and Johnny Flippin, who was a member of The Fatback Band between 1971-1983, playing bass, percussion, and also providing vocals. The songs production is credited to all the band members at that time. Other songs written by Johnny Flipin include The Fatback Band’s biggest UK hit single ‘I Found Lovin’,’ which on it’s 1987 re-issue in the UK, reached a peak of Number 7. (‘Are You Ready) Do The Bus Stop’ is typical of The Fatback Band’s ‘Funky’ sound, although by this stage of their career they were becoming more commercial. and they had already embraced the ‘Disco’ explosion. (‘Are You Ready) Do The Bus Stop’ is a song about a certain type of dance, that has it’s own dance moves, which unfortunately appear to have been lost in the annals of time, but the song is credited with helping popularise ‘Line Dancing.’

Although not credited with being a major influence on the development of ‘Rap,’ or ‘Hip-Hop’ music, The Fatback Band were involved in the release of what is cited as the first commercially released ‘Hip-Hop’ song. Issued on March 25, 1979, the track ‘King Tim III (Personality Jock’) by The Fatback Band, with ‘Rap’ vocals by Tim Washington, beat ‘Rapper’s Delight,’ by the ‘Sugarhill Gang’ (see also best songs 17) by very nearly six months, as that single was released on September 16, 1979. ‘King Tim III (Personality Jock’) is often overlooked, as it only peaked at Number 26 on the American Billboard Hot ‘R&B’ chart, whereas ‘Rappers Delight’ was the commercial breakthrough for the genre, peaking at Number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, and reaching Number 3 in the UK. ‘King Tim III (Personality Jock’) was written by Bill Curtis, and Fred Demery of The Fatback Band, who wrote the music, with Jerry Thomas producing. The story goes that Bill Curtis wanted to try something a bit different on a track, and when Thomas asked him what he wanted to do, Curtis suggested a Rap. One of the people in the studio knew Washington, and Curtis agreed to give him a try, and the rest is history.

Bus Stop, bus stop, are you ready to do the bus stop. Bus stop, Bus stop, form a line to the front, form a line to the back. Are you ready to do the bus stop.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

799-The Everly Brothers-Walk Right Back.

1961-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.07. Phil and Don in perfect harmony, at least when they were singing.

The Everly Brothers were the duo of Isaac Donald Everly, and his brother Phillip Everly, they are considered to be one of the most important acts in the development of popular music in the late 1950’s, through till the early 1960’s. Don Everly who was the older brother, was born on February 1st, 1937, in Brownie, Kentucky, United States, he died on August 21st, 2021, from undisclosed causes, at the age of 84. Phil Everly was born on January 19th, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, he died on January 3rd, 2014, from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, at the age of 74. The Everly Brothers were born in to a musical family, and first appeared on radio singing with their parents Ike Everly, (1908-1975) and Margaret Everly, (1919-2021) in the 1940’s on ‘KMA,’ and ‘KFNK,’ in Shenandoah, Iowa, where the brothers were known as ‘Little Donnie,’ and ‘Baby Boy Phil.’ It was while performing on radio in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1956, that the brothers came to the attention of a family friend, Chet Atkins, (1924-2001) who at that time was manager at ‘RCA Victor,’ studios in Nashville. It was Atkins who introduced the Everly Brothers to Wesley Rose, (1918-1990) of ‘Acuff-Rose’ music publishers, Rose told them he would secure them a recording deal if they signed to ‘Acuff-Rose’ as songwriters.

The Everly Brothers were making their way in the music business at the same time as the onset of the ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ era, and they are considered an important part in it’s development, particularly for their ‘close harmony’ singing, which heavily influenced the next generation, including, the Beatles, The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, and the Bee Gees. Paul McCartney has stated that the Everly Brothers were a major influence on the Beatles, and has said,’When John and I first started to write songs, I was Phil, and he was Don.’

The Everly Brothers were active as a duo between 1951-1973, and then again between 1983-2005. Shortly after the death of Phil Everly in 2014, Don Everly admitted that he had lived ‘A very difficult life’ with his brother, and that they had become estranged again in later years. Don put many of the brothers disputes down to, ‘Their vastly different views on politics and life,’ with the music being the one thing they shared closely, saying, ‘It’s almost like we could read each other’s minds when we sang.’ Don has also said that he never got over his brothers death, ‘I always thought about him every day, even when we were not speaking to each other. It still just shocks me that he’s gone.,’ In a 2016 interview, Don Everly said that he would pick up his brothers ashes every morning, and say ‘Good morning,’ admitting that it was a peculiar ritual.

The discography of The Everley Brothers includes 21 studio Albums released between 1957-1988, and 75 singles issued between 1956-1998, there are also 29 official compilation Albums, and two live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, 26 of those songs reached the top 40, with three of those tracks making the Number 1 spot, while in the UK, they have had 33 top 40 hits, with four of those songs reaching Number 1.

‘Walk Right Back’ was originally released in America in 1961 as the ‘B’ side to ‘Ebony Eyes,’ which reached Number 8 on Billboard, it was later changed to the ‘A’ side, and peaked at Number 7. In the UK, the two tracks were issued as a double ‘A’ side, reaching Number 1. ‘Walk Right Back’ was written by Sonny Curtis, with the production credited to Wesley Rose. Sonny Curtis who was born on May 9th, 1937, in Meadow, Texas, United States, was a member of the ‘Crickets,’ and played on some of Buddy Holly’s earlier 1956 ‘Decca’ sessions. Curtis joined the ‘Crickets’ as a full time member in late 1958, and took over as lead vocalist, and lead guitarist, after the death of Holly. Among the other notable songs written by Curtis are ”I Fought the Law,’ which was covered by the Bobby Fuller Four and the Clash, ‘More Than I Can Say,’ a hit for Bobby Vee, and also for Leo Sayer, and ‘Love is All Around,’ the theme song for The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

The Everly Brothers recorded ‘Walk Right Back’ without hearing the songs original second verse, in order to fill out the song they repeat the first verse twice. Sonny Curtis has said,’The joke is that Perry Como (UK Number 33-1973) and Andy Williams, and a whole bunch of others including myself, recorded the song with the second verse included, but when Anne Murray did it in 1978, she just did the same as the Everly’s, just the one verse, and that was a big hit all over again, so maybe the second verse was never meant to be!’

These are the lyrics to the second verse:
‘These eyes of mine that gave you loving glances once before, change to shades of cloudy grey. I want so very much to see you, just like before. I’ve got to know you’re coming back to stay. Please believe me when I say, ‘It’s great to hear from you,’ but there’s a lot of things a letter just can’t say, oh, me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

800-Beyonce featuring R Kelly-If I Were a Boy.

2008-This remixed version featuring R Kelly has never charted in the UK, but the original Beyonce solo recording peaked at Number 1.

Best Bit-At 1.26. Even in the battle of the sexes,’The grass is always greener.’

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, (see also best songs 23) was born on September 4th, 1981, in Houston, Texas, United States, she is a singer, songwriter, and a businesswoman, who is known by the honorific title of ‘Queen Bey.’ As a solo artist Beyonce has sold in excess of 200 million records, making her one of the best selling artists of all time. She has also sold a further 60 million as part of the American ‘R&B/Pop’ girl group Destiny’s Child, having appeared on all five of their studio Albums between 1998-2004. The discography of Beyonce as a solo artist includes seven studio Albums released between 2003-2022, and 83 singles, as either the lead or featured artist, issued between 2000-2023, there are also three official compilation Albums, five live Albums, and one soundtrack Album available. In America on Billboard, all seven of her studio Albums have reached the Number 1 position, while she has charted on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart on 40 occasions as the lead artist, and a further eight times as the featured artist. On Billboard she has had a total of eight solo Number 1 singles, while in the UK, she has achieved 31 top 40 hits as the lead artist, and a further four as the featured artist, with five of those tracks reaching Number 1.

If I Was a Boy was one of eight singles released from Beyonce’s third studio Album ‘I Am… Sasha Fierce,’ from November 2008. The Album is a ‘Double Album,’ with disc 1 being ballads, and disc 2 being all uptempo, in order to show off Beyonce’s full range. ‘If I Was a Boy,’ from disc 1, and ‘Single Ladies,’ from disc 2 were released simultaneously as the first two singles, to promote the Album. ‘If I Was a Boy’ was co-written by Brittany Jean Carlson, and Toby Gad, with the production being by Gadd, and Beyonce. Initially Carlson didn’t want Beyonce to record the song, as at that time she was an aspiring singer/songwriter, and felt that if she released ‘If I Was a Boy’ herself, it could help launch her own career, but eventually she came to an arrangement that was amicable to both parties. Most of the songs lyrics were written by Carlson who took her inspiration from the break-up of a romantic relationship. She concluded that if she was a boy, she would be a better more caring man than her past lover. Carlson has said,’Having someone like Beyoncé record your song about an ex-boyfriend, kinda makes it the best break-up ever. It started off as a simple therapeutic writing session, and it turned into the best thing that ever happened to me.’ Beyonce saw ‘If I Was a Boy’ as a new challenge, something up until that point that she had never done before, saying,’It’s broad. But I had to try it, because I remember Aretha Franklin (1942-2018) (see also best songs 644 and 366) said, a great singer can sing anything and make it her own.’ Beyoncé also added that she was influenced by her recent role playing Etta James (1938-2012) in the 2008 film ‘Cadillac Records.’ She said that she decided to follow the example of the ‘Blues’ and ‘R&B’ singer, and broaden her horizons. Beyonce said,’Etta expressed herself, she was bold. That inspired me to do a lot of things musically that no one else is doing.’

‘If I Was a Boy’ was co-produced by Toby Gad, who was born on March 28th, 1968, in Munich, West Germany, he is one of the most successful songwriters, and producers of the 21st Century. Gad got his big break in 1986 when he was recommended to the German music producer Frank Farian, who in the 1970’s had founded the Pop group ‘Boney M,’ and who at that time was working with his new act ‘Milli Vanilli.’ Under the supervision of Farian, Gad co-wrote three songs on ‘Milli Vanilli’s debut Album, which later went multi-platinum. Gad has written or produced dozens of songs, for a wide range of artists, which include two Billboard, and two UK Number 1 singles, for Fergie, (Big Girls Don’t Cry-Billboard 2007) John Legend, (All of Me-Billboard 2013) Beyonce, (If I Was a Boy-UK 2008) and Nicole Scherzinger (Don’t Hold Your Breath-UK 2011.)

I have chosen the far superior (in my opinion) remix of ‘If I Was a Boy,’ featuring the vocals of R Kelly (see also best songs 993.) Unfortunately I can find very little information about the track, but it appears to have been released unofficially by R Kelly, as a download only, I also have no idea who wrote the lyrics R Kelly sings. or who produced the track.

‘It’s a little too late for you to come back, say it’s just a mistake, think I’d forgive you like that. If you thought I would wait for you, you thought wrong. But you’re just a boy, you don’t understand.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

801-Madness-House of Fun.

1982-Number 1 single. When it was re-issued in 1992 it made Number 40.

Best Bit-At 2.06. I have it on very good authority from someone who should be in the know, that ‘Joe,’ is in fact a name check for the fictional character ‘Joe Sugden,’from the television soap opera ‘Emmerdale,’ but he may have been fibbing to me.

Madness (see also best songs 69) were formed in Camden Town, London, England, in 1976, and remained active through until 1986. The group reformed in 1992, and are still performing with six of the seven original members, who are considered to be the ‘classic line up.’ Madness released their debut Album ‘One Step Beyond,’ in 1979, and their latest, (at the time of writing) ‘Can’t Touch Us Now,’ in 2016. They have also released 43 singles between 1979-2019, and there are 16 official compilation Albums, and four live Albums available, as well as four box sets.

‘House of Fun’ is the only UK Number 1 single by Madness, and was the groups 12th single release in May 1982, it was released as a 7 inch single in order to promote the groups first greatest hits collection ‘Complete Madness,’ from April 1982. The Album version of ‘House of Fun’ fades out, but the full length single version is 11 seconds longer, and has a cold finish. ‘House of Fun’ was co-written by Mike Barson, (music) and Lee Thompson, (lyrics) with the production by Clive Langer, and Alan Winstanley. The story goes that ‘House of Fun’ was originally recorded under the title ‘Chemist Facade,’ without the ‘Welcome to the House of Fun,’ chorus. While the song was being recorded, the head of ‘Stiff Records’ Dave Robinson, insisted that the song should have a chorus, if it was to be issued as a single. The lead singer of Madness, Graham ‘Suggs’ McPherson claims that he came to the rescue, he has said,’I came up with the title, and wrote the chorus, but didn’t get credited! To this day I can barely mention the title onstage without wanting to throw up. It’s about the embarrassment of going to a chemist’s shop to buy a condom for the first time.

Both of the songs credited writers, are also both founding members of Madness. Lee Thompson who wrote the lyrics, was born on October 5th, 1957, in St Pancras, London, England, he is a multi instrumentalist, who is best known for playing the saxophone in Madness. Mike Barson who wrote the music to ‘House of Fun,’ was born on April 21st, 1958, in Edinburgh, Scotland, with Madness he is often seen playing the keyboards, or piano. It was Thompson, and Barson who originally formed ‘The Invaders’ in 1976, who later changed their name to ‘Madness,’ after the 1963 ‘Ska’ song by ‘Prince Buster’ (1938-2016) (see also best songs 734 and 139.)

‘House of Fun’ was co-produced by Clive Langer, and Alan Winstanley, who over the years have worked together on many occasions. Clive Langer was born on June 19th, 1954, in Hampstead, London, England. Prior to becoming a music producer he was a member of the British ‘cult’ band ‘Deaf School,’ before going on to join the British Punk band ‘Big in Japan.’ In 1982 Langer co-wrote the song ‘Shipbuilding,’ with Elvis Costello,’ and played the organ on the version by Robert Wyatt, that reached Number 35 in the UK in 1982. Alan Winstanley was born on November 2nd, 1952, in Fulham, London, England, prior to joining forces with Clive Langer, Winstanley had worked as an audio engineer on Albums by The Stranglers, Joe Jackson, and Generation X. For the other songs on this ‘1000 best list co-produced by Langer, and Winstanley (see best songs 913 and 69.)

‘House of Fun’ is a song is about coming of age. The lyrics tell the story of a boy on his 16th birthday attempting to buy condoms at a chemist. The UK age of consent is 16, and the boy makes a point of stating that he is ’16 today and up for fun.’ However, the boy is misunderstood by the chemist, as he asks for the condoms, using slang euphemisms, such as ‘box of balloons with a featherlight touch,’ and ‘party hats with the coloured tips.’ The confused chemist behind the counter eventually informs the boy that the establishment is not a joke shop, and directs him towards the ‘House of Fun,’ which is a joke shop further down the road.

‘Party hats, simple enough clear, comprehend savvy understand, do you hear? A pack of party hats with the coloured tips, too late, Gorgon’s heard gossip. Well hello Joe, hello Miss Clay, many happy returns from the day.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

802-Bone Thugs-n-Harmony-”Tha Crossroads.”

1996-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 3.12. ‘Well your toe bone connected to your foot bone, your foot bone connected to your heel bone, your heel bone connected to your ankle bone,your ankle bone connected to your leg bone. Ezekiel connected dem dry bones.’

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony were formed in 1991, in Cleveland, Ohio, United States, originally calling themselves ‘Band Aid Boys.’ They then formed ‘B.O.N.E. Enterpri$e,’ and recorded their debut studio Album ‘Faces of Death,’ in 1993, but their big breakthrough occurred when they signed with ‘Ruthless Records,’ in late 1993, and began working alongside that labels co-founder Eric ‘Easy-E’ Wright (1964-1995) (see also best songs 564 and 128) There have been five members of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, who at the time of writing remain active, they are, Bryon McCane, (Bizzy Bone) Charles Scruggs, (Wish Bone) Steven Howse, (Layzie Bone) Anthony Henderson, (Krayzie Bone) and Stanley Howse (Flesh-n-Bone.)

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, who record in the genres of ‘Hip-Hop,’ ‘Gangsta Rap,’ and ‘R&B,’ have released 11 studio Albums between 1993-2017, and 36 singles, as either the lead, or featured artist, between 1994-2023, there are also four official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, seven of their songs have made the top 40, with ”Tha Crossroads,” spending eight weeks at Number 1. In the UK, they have charted within the top 40 on five occasions, with ”Tha Crossroads,” peaking the highest at Number 8. All five members of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony have also released solo Albums of their own as well.

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, who ‘MTV’ called,’The most melodic Hip-Hop group of all time,’ first issued ‘Crossroad’ on their second studio Album ‘ E. 1999 Eternal,’ in July 1995. The track was released as the Albums third and final single in April 1996, a year after the death of ‘Eazy-E.’ The original Album version had been dedicated to the groups friend ‘Wallace Laird III,’ but following the death of ‘Easy-E,’ many of the lyrics were changed, and the song was released with several remixes, and was also dedicated to his memory as well. ”Tha Crossroads,” has song writing credits given to the groups members, as well as Tony C, and Tim Middleton, who works under the name ‘DJ U-Neek,’ he was also the songs producer. Middleton who had also worked on the groups debut Album, continued to work with Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, and their solo projects, through until 2013. ”Tha Crossroads,” also samples The Isley Brothers 1993 track, ‘Make Me Say It Again Girl,’ although none of that group receive official writing credit.

”Tha Crossroads’,” critically acclaimed music video gives plenty of clues as to what the song is about. The main focus of the video is an imposing man, with sunglasses and a trench coat, who represents the ‘Reaper.’ Bone Thugs-n-Harmony are among the few who can see the Reaper, and watch him as he gathers Souls of various individuals who are marked for death, such as a young man, who leaves his distraught mother behind, presumably having died after entering life as a gang member. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s friend Wally, along with Wish Bone’s Uncle Charles, Eazy-E, and a newborn baby, which had possibly died from a childbirth complication, are other significant figures taken by the Reaper. The Reaper then leads the Souls, with the baby in his arms, up a mountain, where he reveals himself to be an angel, then takes the dead to Heaven.

”Tha Crossroads” is one of the best selling ‘Rap’ records of all time, going on to be the seventh best selling song in America on Billboard, and the best selling song in New Zealand, in 1996. In 2002 the English ‘Hip-Hop’ group ‘Blazin Squad,’ whose 10 members had an approximate age of 16, recorded the song for their debut single, with different lyrics, taking their version to Number 1 in the UK.

‘Let’s all bring it in for Wally, Eazy sees Uncle Charlie. Little boo, God’s got him, and I’m gonna miss everybody. I only roll with Bone, my gang look to where they lay, when playin’ with destiny, plays too deep for me to say.’