THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

737-George Harrison-My Sweet Lord.

1971-Number 1 single. When it was re-released in 2002 it was Number 1 again.

Best Bit-At 2.39. George Harrison was the first of the Beatles to have a solo Number 1 single……Ringo is still waiting for his.

George Harrison MBE (see also best songs 726) was born on February 25th, 1943, in Liverpool, England, he died from lung cancer that had spread to his brain, on November 29th, 2001, at the age of 58. Prior to starting his solo career in 1970, George Harrison had been a member of the ‘Skiffle,’ and ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ group ‘The Quarrymen,’ who by 1960, with differing members, would become the ‘Beatles,’ (see also best songs 599-319-238-218-157-141-80-51-10 and 5) he was also notably, a founding member of the British/American ‘supergroup,’ the ‘Traveling Wilburys’ in 1988. Although the majority of the Beatles songs were written by John Lennon (1940-1980) and Paul McCartney, George Harrison did contribute many significant songs to the Beatles Albums from 1965 onwards, including ‘Taxman,’ (1966) ‘Within You Without You,’ (1967) ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps,’ (1968) ‘Here Comes the Sun,’ (1969) and ‘Something,’ (1969.) George Harrison is probably best remembered for leading the ‘Beatles’ in to ‘Folk/Rock,’ and then towards ‘Indian classical’ music, through his use of Indian instruments, such as the sitar. It can be argued that Harrison broadened the scope of popular music, through his incorporation of Indian instrumentation.

As a solo artist George Harrison released 12 studio Albums between 1968-2002, and 29 singles (including the re-issue of My Sweet Lord) between 1970-2003, there are also four official compilations, plus four box sets, and two live Albums available. In the UK, 10 of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘My Sweet Lord’ making the Number 1 spot on two separate occasions, having been re-issued in November 2001, after Harrison’s death, and reaching the top spot in January 2002, with all proceeds going to Harrison’s ‘Material World Charitable Foundation,’ for dispersal to selected charities, apart from in the United States, where proceeds went to the ‘Self Realisation Fellowship.’ In America on the Billboard Hot 100, George Harrison has had 13 top 40 solo hits, with ‘My Sweet Lord,’ (1970) and ‘Got My Mind Set on You’ (1987) both reaching Number 1.

‘My Sweet Lord’ was the first of two singles released from George Harrison’s third studio Album, the triple Album, ‘All Things Must Pass,’ from November 1970. In America, where ‘My Sweet Lord’ was released in November 1970, nearly two months prior to it’s UK release, it was issued a double ‘A’ sided single with ‘Isn’t It a Pity,’ while in the UK,’What Is Life’ was released as the ‘B’ side. ‘My Sweet Lord’ was written by George Harrison, with the songs production credited to Harrison, and Phil Spector (1939-2021) (see also best songs 820-782-262-192-127-91 and 20.) George Harrison wrote ‘My Sweet Lord’ in praise of the Hindu God ‘Krishna,’ while at the same time intending the lyrics to serve as a call to abandon religious sectarianism through his deliberate blending of the Hebrew word ‘Hallelujah,’ with chants of ‘Hare Krishna, and ‘Vedic’ prayer. ‘My Sweet Lord’ which went on to become the best selling single of 1971, made George Harrison the first ex Beatles member to have a Number 1 single. Some famous names played on the track, including, Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton, and Pete Ham, (1947-1975) on acoustic guitars, Klaus Voormann, on bass, and Ringo Starr played the drums. Prior to ‘My Sweet Lord’ being released on ‘All Things Must Pass,’ it had first been recorded by the long term Beatles collaborator Billy Preston, (1946-2006) for his 1970, fifth studio Album ‘Encouraging Words.’

‘My Sweet Lord’ was the subject of a very long drawn out court case involving ‘Bright Tunes,’ who owned the rights to the song ‘He’s So Fine,’ which was written by Ronnie Mack (1940-1963.) That song had been a Billboard Number 1 in 1963 for the American girl group ‘The Chiffons. ‘Bright Tunes’ claimed that Harrison had deliberately plagiarised Mack’s song, which Harrison denied. The initial action was filed on February 10th, 1971, and in September 1976 the court found that Harrison had subconsciously copied ‘He’s So Fine,’ but not deliberately. Harrison had to pay $587,000, with the majority going to Mack’s immediate family. Incidentally the ‘Holland Dozier Holland’ song ‘Jimmy Mac’ was inspired by the death of Ronnie Mack. Commenting about the court case in 1977, George Harrison said,’Look, I’d be willing, every time I write a song, if somebody will have a computer, and I can just play any new song in to it, and the computer will say, ‘Sorry,’ or ‘OK.’ The last thing I want to do is keep spending my life in court.’

‘Mm, my Lord, I really want to see you, really want to be with you. Really want to see you, Lord, but it takes so long, my Lord, my sweet Lord.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

738-Scissor Sisters-Filthy/Gorgeous.

2005-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 4.16.It’s the best song in the world ever to be written about transvestite prostitutes, unless you know a better one.

The Scissor Sisters were formed in New York City, United States, in 2000, the five original members were ‘Jake Shears,’ (born Jason Sellards, vocals, piano, and guitar) ‘Babydaddy,’ (born Scott Hoffman, bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, and rhythm guitar) ‘Ana Matronic,’ ((born Ana Lynch, vocals, percussion, and keyboards) ‘Del Marquis,’ (born Derek Gruen, lead guitar, and bass guitar) and ‘Paddy Boom,’ (born Patrick Seacor, drums, electronic drums, and percussion) Boom left the group in 2008, and was replaced in the same year by ‘Randy Real,’ (born Randy Schrager, drums, electronic drums, and percussion.) The Scissor Sisters are known for mixing their musical genres, and have recorded in the genres of ‘Pop/Rock,’ ‘Indie Pop,’ ‘Glam Rock,’ ‘Nu-Disco,’ and in their very early days, ‘Electroclash.’ They started out life performing as ‘Dead Lesbian,’ and then the ‘Fibrillating Scissor Sisters,’ before becoming the ‘Scissor Sisters,’ which is derived from the lesbian sexual act ‘tribadism.’ The Scissor Sisters haven’t released a new Album since 2012, and only one single since then, (‘Swerlk’ with MNDR in 2017) but despite the lack of activity, the groups official line is that they are on ‘indefinite hiatus.’

The discography of the Scissor Sisters includes four studio Albums released between 2004-2012, and 17 singles issued between 2002-2017, they have also released two extended plays, (EP’s) in 2004, and 2010. The Scissor Sisters have found far more success abroad than they have in their native America, although three of their studio Albums have charted within the top 40 on the ‘Billboard 200’ chart. They have never had an entry on the ‘Billboard Hot 100,’ singles chart, although three of their tracks including ‘Filthy/Gorgeous’ have made Number 1 on the ‘Billboard Dance Club’ chart. In the UK, 10 of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘”I Don’t Feel Like Dancin,’ which was co-written with Elton John, reaching Number 1 in 2006.

Ana Matronic was born Ana Lynch on August 14th, 1974, in Portland, Oregon, United States, since getting married in 2010, her name is now Ana Kirby. Ana Matronic joined the Scissor Sisters after meeting Jake Shears, and Babydaddy, when they were both booked on the same bill at a gig in Manhattan, realising that they all had the same musical objectives. In 2005 Ana provided unaccredited additional vocals on the English Rock band New Order’s single ‘Jetstream,’ which reached Number 20 on the UK top 40. Jake Shears was born Jason F. Sellards, on October 3rd, 1978, in Mesa, Arizona, United States, he was first introduced to ‘Babydaddy,’ who was born Scott Hoffman, on September 1st, 1976, in Houston, Texax, United States, at the age of 19. Since 2017 Shears has pursued a solo career releasing two studio Albums in 2018, and 2023, and nine singles within the same time period. In 2004 Shears, and Babydaddy, along with Kylie Minogue, co-wrote the song ‘I Believe in You,’ which reached Number 2 on the UK top 40 for Kylie Minogue.

‘Filthy/Gorgeous’ was the fifth and final single released from the Scissor Sisters self titled debut Album from February 2004. In America the Album stalled at Number 102, but in the UK it went to Number 1, and has currently sold in excess of 2,700,000 copies in that country, worldwide the Album has sold in excess of 3,300,000 copies. In the UK the Album is one of the top 30 best selling Albums of the 21st Century. ‘Filthy/Gorgeous’ was co-written by the Scissor Sisters band members Jason Sellards, Scott Hoffman, and Ana Lynch, with the production credited to all four band members at that time. The Scissor Sisters female lead singer Ana Matronic has said that some of the subject matter on the Album was going to shock people, she said, ’We wanted it to be honest, the song (Filthy Gorgeous) is about trannie hookers on acid, so what the f… do you want?’

‘When you’re walkin’ down the street, and a man tries to get your business, and the people that you meet want to open you up like Christmas. You gotta wrap your fuzzy with a big red bow, ain’t no some bitch gonna treat me like a ho. I’m a classy honey, kissy, huggy, lovey dovey, ghetto princess.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

739-The Four Seasons-December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night.)

1976-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.13. Who’s says men can’t multitask, the drummer sings at the same time as well.

The Four Seasons (see also best songs 284) were formed in Newark, New Jersey, United States, in 1960, the only two constants have been Frankie Valli, (see also best songs 284 and 83) and Bob Gaudio, (see also best songs 1007-914-863-499-393-284-164 and 112) who each own 50% of the act, and virtually all of the recording catalogue. At the time of writing Frankie Valli stills tours with other musicians using ‘The Four Seasons’ name, and is the groups only original performer, following the retirement from performing live by Bob Gaudio.

By 1975 The Four Seasons hadn’t had a major hit for eight years, and with the exception of Frankie Valli, and Bob Gaudio, the other members who had performed on the 1960’s hits had all gone. The replacements who performed on ‘December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night’) along with Frankie Valli, (vocals) and Bob Gaudio, (keyboards) were Gerry Polci, (drums, and lead vocals) Don Ciccone, (1946-2016) bass, and vocals) John Paiva, (guitar) and Lee Shapiro (synthesizers.) The vocals on ‘December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night’) were shared by Gerry Polci, (verses) Franki Valli, (first bridge, and backing vocals) and Don Ciccone (second bridge, and backing vocals.) The song was co-written by Bob Gaudio, and his then future wife Judy Parker, (1938-2017) with the production being by Gaudio. ‘December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night’) was the second of three singles released from The Four Seasons 14th studio Album ‘Who Loves You,’ from December 1975, and would go on to become the groups best ever selling single, giving them a fifth American Billboard Hot 100 Number 1, and their first UK Number 1 song.

‘December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night’) was originally written by Bob Gaudio, and Judy Parker about the end of prohibition in America, which had lasted between 1920-1933, the songs original title was ‘December 5th, 1933.’ On hearing the song, and realising it’s potential, Frankie Valli urged Bob Gaudio to change the songs subject. Gaudio re-wrote the lyrics, which became a nostalgic remembrance of a young man’s first affair, being loosely based on the early relationship between Bob Gaudio, and Judy Parker. The group were relieved when the song did receive play on the more ‘conservative’ radio stations, as the song does have ‘sexual overtones,’ Frankie Valli has said,’It’s about losing your cherry, a guy having sex for the first time. It’s a similar theme to the Shirelles hit Will You Love Me Tomorrow.’

Gerri Polci who played the drums, and also sang the lead vocal on ‘December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night’) is an American, who was born on June 9th, 1952. He was a member of The Four Seasons between 1973-1990, and was briefly married to Antonia Valli, the daughter of Frankie Valli. Their daughter, (Frankie Valli’s granddaughter) Olivia Valli, is now a musical theatre performer, and she has taken the role of her own grandmother in the musical ‘Jersey Boys’ that dramatises the early days of The Four Seasons. Polci’s other notable work includes musical arrangements for Barry Manilow, (see also best songs 750) and co-founding in 2007, the group ‘The Hit Men,’ which included fellow former The Four Seasons band members Lee Shapiro, and Don Ciccone.

‘December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night’) was remixed in 1988 by the Dutch music producer Ben Liebrand (see also best songs 781.) In 1993, ‘Curb Records,’ who had released the original version of the song, picked up the 1988 remix and released it in America, where it peaked at Number 14 on Billboard. On hearing the remix Frankie Valli who was not a fan of the new version said,’I’ll never like it better than when it was pure.’ In 1996 the British ‘Pop/Dance’ act ‘Clock,’ took their cover version of the song to Number 13 in the UK. The French singer Claude François (1939-1978) recorded a translated version of ‘December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night’) as ‘Cette année-là,’ which means, ‘That Year,’ the lyrics to his version were written by Eddy Marnay, (1920-2003) and set the song in 1962, with François referencing his rise to fame. In 2000, this version was interpolated by the French rapper Yannick, as ‘Ces soirées-là,’ which means ‘These Evenings,’ this version was a Number 1 hit in France, and was used in the opening act of the stage show ‘Jersey Boys,’ which is based on the story of The Four Seasons.

‘Oh, what a night, late December back in sixty-three. What a very special time for me, as I remember what a night. Oh, what a night, you know I didn’t even know her name, but I was never gonna be the same. what a lady, what a night.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

740-Bobby Gentry-I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.

1969-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.03. The words of advice from the good Doctor Hal David,’Don’t kiss a guy, because you’ll get enough germs to catch pneumonia, and after you do, he’ll never phone ya.’

‘I’ll Never Fall in Love Again’ was co-written by Burt Bacharach, (1928-2023) who wrote the music, and Hal David (1921-2012) who provided the lyrics. The song was written for the 1968 musical ‘Promises, Promises,’ which was based on the 1960 film ‘The Apartment,’ written by Billy Wilder, (1906-2002) and I. A. L. Diamond (1920-1988.) In total Bacharach and David wrote five songs for the musical, with ‘I’ll Never Fall in Love Again’ being the final one written. At the time when Bacharach and David (see also best songs 902-832-815-644 and 224) were commissioned to write ‘I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,’ Burt Bacharach was hospitalised with pneumonia, and it was that event which gave Hal David the idea for those ‘strange’ lyrics.

Burt Freeman Bacharach was born on May 12th, 1928, in Kansa City, Missouri, United States, he died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles, California, on February 8th, 2023, at the age of 94. Burt Bacharach was a composer, songwriter, record producer, pianist, singer, and a conductor, he also played the piano, and the keyboards, and was a vocalist as well. He composed several hundred songs, that have been covered by over 1000 artists, including co-writing 73 Billboard, and 52 UK top 40 singles. It was while serving his draft in the United States Army in the late 1940’s, that Bacharach met the singer Vic Damone, (1928-2018) while they were both stationed in Germany, following his discharge Bacharach spent the next three years as a pianist and conductor for Damone. In 1956, at the age of 28, Bacharach was recommended by the composer Peter Matz (1928-2002) to the German actress and singer Marlene Dietrich, (1901-1992) and for the next five years Bacharach toured worldwide with Dietrich as her arranger and conductor for her nightclub shows. In the early 1960’s Bacharach parted ways with Dietrich, making the decision to dedicate far more of his time to songwriting.

Burt Bacharach had first met Hal David in 1956 when the pair were both working as songwriters in the ‘Brill Building,’ in New York City. One of the first songs that they published as co-writers was ‘I Cry More,’ which was featured in the motion picture ‘Don’t Knock the Rock,’ in 1956, being performed by Alan Dale (1925-2002.) Between 1956, and until they first parted ways in the mid 1970’s, the partnership of Bacharach and David produced in excess of 230 songs written for the Pop market, motion pictures, television, and Broadway. Burt Bacharach released eight solo Albums between 1965-2005, and three collaboration Albums with Elvis Costello, (1998) Ronald Isley, (2003) and Daniel Tashian (2020.) Bacharach also scored the music for 10 films between 1965-2016, including ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,’ (1969) and ‘Arthur’ (1981.) His production work includes three Albums with Neil Diamond, five Albums with Marlene Dietrich, and two with his protege Dionne Warwick.

‘I’ll Never Fall in Love Again’ was first performed as a duet in 1968 in the Broadway premier of ‘Promises, Promises,’ between the characters played by Jill O’Hara and Jerry Orbach, (1935-2004) their recording appears on the original Broadway cast Album. The first recording of the song to reach any chart was by Johnny Mathis, whose cover made Number 35 on the Billboard ‘Easy Listening’ chart in May 1969. The most successful version of the song in America is from Dionne Warwick, who took her version to Number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1969. In the UK, in 1990 the Scottish Pop/Rock band Deacon Blue took their arrangement of the song to Number 2, the song had been released as part of an extended play entitled ‘ Four Bacharach & David Songs.’

The most successful version of ‘I’ll Never Fall in Love Again’ in the UK, is this recording I have chosen by the American singer Bobbie Gentry, (see also best songs 18) who recorded the song for her fifth studio Album ‘Touch ‘Em with Love,’ from July 1969. It was the second of two singles released from the Album, which was produced by Kelso Herston, (1931-2018) and went all the way to Number 1 in the UK. Kelso Herston was born Kelton Dean Herston on April 23rd, 1931, in Alabama, United States, he died on December 4th, 2018, at the age of 87. Herston was a top session musician, and can be heard playing on either bass or guitar, on countless songs for artists including Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. In 1971 Herston set up his own very successful production company to make ‘jingles’ for such companies as ‘Budweiser, and Pepsi. By 1969 the career of Bobby Gentry had peaked, and her record label ‘Capitol’ felt that a change of musical direction was needed to keep her in the public eye, so they brought in Herston, who provided her with a more mainstream sound, which has been described as ‘Country Soul,’ or ‘Blue Eyed Soul.’

‘Don’t tell me what it’s all about, ’cause I’ve been there and I’m glad I’m out, out of those chains, those chains that bind you, that is why I’m here to remind you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

741-Genesis-Mama.

1983-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 2.14. On the songs official video, where you can watch Phil Collins doing an impression of a scary monster.

Genesis were formed in Godalming, Surrey, England, in 1967, with the first line up consisting of Tony Banks, (keyboards, and guitar) Mike Rutherford, (bass) Peter Gabriel, (see also best songs 254) (lead vocals) Anthony Phillips, (guitar) and Chris Stewart (drums.) Phillips, and Stewart had left by 1970, with Phil Collins (lead vocals, and drums) joining that year. Peter Gabriel left the group in 1975, and in total there have been 11 official members come and go, with the group finally being retired in 2022. The groups five original members had all met while attending the ‘Charterhouse Public School,’ in Godalming, Surrey, and it was Jonathan King, who also attended the school at the same time, who gave the band their name. King was the producer of the groups debut Album ‘From Genesis to Revelation,’ in 1969, and in order to announce his new career as a music producer, he called the group ‘Genesis.’

Throughout the course of their time together, the music that the group made changed drastically from their early days of ‘Progressive Rock,’ to ‘Pop Rock,’ with the change bringing great commercial success, and record sales estimated anywhere between 100 to 150 million sold, making them one of the best selling groups of all time. The discography of Genesis includes 15 studio Albums released between 1969-1997, and 49 singles issued between 1968-2006, there are also four official compilation Albums, six live Albums, and 10 box sets available.

‘Mama’ was the first of five singles released from Genesis’ twelfth studio Album called ‘Genesis’ from October 1983, the song was written by Tony Banks, Phil Collins, and Mike Rutherford, who were the three members of Genesis at that time, with the production being by Hugh Padgham (see also best songs 727 and 603.) Hugh Charles Padgham was born on February 15th, 1955, in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, England, as a producer his career highlights include producing eight Albums for Genesis, and two for the ‘Police.’ Hugh Padgham is credited with creating the ‘gated reverb’ drum sound used so prominently on Phil Collins’ 1981 single ‘In the Air Tonight,’ which became the template for much of the recorded pop drum sound of the 1980’s. Padgham’s gated drum effect is created by adding a large amount of heavily compressed room ambience to the original drum sound, and then feeding that reverb signal through an electronic device known as a ‘noise gate.’ The result is the ‘gated reverb’ effect, in which the reverberation cuts off abruptly, rather than fading away. Padgham has said,’The whole thing came through the famous ‘listen mic’ on the SSL console. The SSL had put this massive compressor on it because the whole idea was to hang one mic in the middle of the studio and hear somebody talking on the other side. And it just so happened that we turned it on one day when Phil (Collins) was playing his drums. And then I had the idea of feeding that back into the console and putting the noise gate on, so when he stopped playing it sucked the big sound of the room into nothing.’

‘Mama’ which is the highest charting single for Genesis in the UK is a song about a young man who is obsessed with a prostitute whom he sees as a mother figure, the prostitute has no interest in him on a personal level. Phil Collins partly got the idea for the song after reading the British actor David Niven’s (1910-1983) memoir ‘The Moon’s a Balloon,’ where Niven describes meeting a 45 year old prostitute shortly after coming out of cadet college. Hugh Padgham has said that the inspiration for Phil Collins’ sinister laugh at 2.14 on the tracks official video came about after hearing the 1982 ‘Rap’ song ‘The Message,’ by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, (see also best songs 290) where that songs rapper Melle Mel menacingly laughs over that track.

‘I can’t see you mama, but I can hardly wait, and to touch and to feel you mama, oh I just can’t keep away. In the heat and the steam of the city, oh its got me running and I just can’t brake. So say you’ll help me mama, ’cause its getting so hard, oh.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

742-Fat Larry’s Band-Zoom.

1982-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.56. But what could ‘Zoom’ really be about. Could it be about video communication, or maybe it’s about a brand of ice cream on a stick, which was very popular in the 1960’s, or it could maybe about whizzing down the motorway at speed, but my inclination is that it is a romantic song, about love at first sight.

The Fat Larry’s Band were a ‘Funk,’ and ‘R&B’ group formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, in 1976, by ‘Fat’ Larry James, who was born in Philadelphia, on August 2nd, 1949, he died on December 5th, 1987, from a heart attack, at the age of 38. Prior to forming the ‘Fat Larry’s Band,’ ‘Fat’ Larry James had been a session musician, singing backing vocals for other Philadelphia Soul groups, including ‘Blue Magic,’ and the ‘Delfonics.’ In total there were 13 different members of the ‘Fat Larry’s Band,’ who remained active until the death of James in 1987. The Fat Larry’s Band released eight studio Albums between 1976-1986, and 19 singles within the same time period, there are also two official compilation Albums available. The Fat Larry’s Band never charted on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, but did have four entries on the Billboard ‘Hot R&B’ chart. In the UK, two of their singles reached the top 40, with ‘Center City,’ their debut release, being their other hit, when making Number 31 in 1976. ‘Zoom’ also found success in New Zealand, and also in Australia, where it peaked at Number 10.

‘Zoom’ was co-written by Len Barry, (1942-2020) and Bobby Eli, (1946-2023) with the production being by Larry James, who also sang lead vocals, and played the drums on the track The song was the fourth of four singles released from ‘Breakin’ Out,’ the sixth studio Album from the ‘Fat Larry’s Band,’ from 1982. Len Barry was born Leonard Warren Borisoff, on June 12th, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, he died on November 5th, 2020, from myelodysplasia, or cancer of the bone marrow, at the age of 78. Len Barry began his music career as a member of the Philadelphia ‘Doo-Wop’ group ‘The Dovells,’ appearing on all five of their Billboard Hot 100 hits between 1961-1963, including ‘Bristol Stomp,’ (Billboard Number 2-1962.) As a solo artist Len Barry had a 1965 hit with ‘1-2-3,’ a song he co-wrote, which reached Number 2 on Billboard, and Number 3 in the UK, it is that song that he is best remembered for. In total Len Barry released 25 singles as a solo artist between 1964-2006, with three of those tracks making the Billboard Hot 100, and two reaching the UK top 40.

‘Zoom’ was also co-written by Bobby Eli, who was born Eli Tatarsky, on March 2nd, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, he died on August 17th, 2023, at the age of 77. Bobby Eli was a musician, arranger, composer, and record producer, and a founding member, and lead guitarist of the Philadelphia studio band ‘MFSB.’ As a member of ‘MFSB’ he played on dozens of tracks issued on the ‘Philadelphia International’ record label, for artists including Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, the O’Jays, and Billy Paul, who all feature in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list. Other notable songs co-written by Bobby Eli include, ‘Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely, for the Main Ingredient, ‘Sideshow,’ for Blue Magic,’ and with Len Barry, ‘Love Town,’ which was a hit for Booker Newberry, making Number 6 in the UK in 1983.

Of the 13 different members of the Fat Larry’s Band, one of the most significant was Bryan Loren, who was born Bryan Loren Hudson, on May 5th, 1966, in Long Island, New York, United States, he appeared on five Fat Larry Band Albums, including playing on ‘Zoom.’ He has released two solo studio Albums in 1984, and 1992, and his song writing credits include, co-writing, along with Michael Jackson, (1958-2009) the UK 1990 Number 1 single ‘Do the Bartman,’ for ‘The Simpsons.’ In 2020 Bryan Loren transitioned from male to female, becoming Bryanna Loren Hudson.

‘Zoom, you chased the day away. High noon, the moon and stars came out to play. Then my whole world went zoom, moonbeams dancin’ in the afternoon, shadows blowin’ as the roses bloom.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

743-Cosmic Gate v Aquagen-Fire Wire v Party Alarm. (Remix)

2001-It has never charted in this format in the UK.

Best Bit-At 3.09. ‘Vorsprung Durch Tecchnik.’ The ultimate in German Techno-logy.

‘Fire Wire,’ and ‘Party Alarm’ are two separate songs. ‘Fire Wire’ was originally released in 2001, from the debut studio Album by ‘Cosmic Gate,’ called ‘Rhythm & Drums,’ which was released in February 2001. ‘Fire Wire’ appears in two different versions on the Album, the ‘Club Mix,’ at a running time of 8.13, and also as the ‘DJ Scot Project Remix,’ which goes for 9.56. The radio edit of ‘Fire Wire’ which runs at a little under three minutes, peaked at Number 9 on the UK top 40 singles chart in 2001. ‘Party Alarm’ was the second single released from ‘Aquagen,’ and was a track from their debut studio Album ‘Abgehfaktor,’ from 2000, the song in it’s original form has never charted in the UK. The Album includes all of the first five singles released by ‘Aquagen,’ as well as the ‘Und ab geht’s’ mix of ‘Party Alarm.’

‘Cosmic Gate’ are the ‘Electronic Music’ production duo of Claus Terhoeven, who was born in 1972, and also works under the stage name of ‘Nic Chagall,’ and Stefan Bossems, who is also known as ‘DJ Bossi,’ and was born in 1967, both hail from Krefeld, Germany. The duo who formed their partnership as ‘Cosmic Gate’ in 1999, are critically acclaimed in the genres of ‘Trance,’ Techno,’ and ‘Progressive Music,’ and at the time of writing they remain active. Together they have released 11 studio Albums between 2001-2023, and 58 singles between 1999-2022, there is also one official compilation Album available,’Back 2 the Future – The Classics from 1999-2003: Remixed,’ which was released in 2011. Cosmic Gate have also been commissioned to produce dozens of remixes for various other artists, and have also released 18 volumes of ‘DJ Mix’ compilations, between 2001-2020. In Germany five of their singles have made the ‘GfK Entertainment charts’ top 40, which is the German official singles chart, with ‘Exploration of Space,’ peaking the highest at Number 12 in 2001, while ‘Fire Wire’ failed to chart. In the UK two of their tracks have made the top 40, with the other being ‘Exploration of Space,’ which reached Number 29 also in 2001.

‘Aquagen,’ like ‘Cosmic Gate, also hail from Krefeld, Germany, and are the ‘Electronic Dance Music’ duo of Gino Montesano, and Olaf Dieckmann, the pair formed ‘Aquagen’ in 1999, and at the time of writing they remain active. As ‘Aquagen’ the duo have released three studio Albums between 2000-2002, and 14 singles between 1999-2013, there is also one official compilation Album called ‘So Far So Good (The Very Best Of,’) from 2009. In the UK, they have charted within the top 40 singles chart on two occasions, with ‘Phatt Bass,’ Aquagen vs Warp Brothers,’ reaching Number 9 in 2000, and their cover version of ‘Hard to Say I’m Sorry,’ by the American Rock group ‘Chicago,’ (see also best songs 328) making Number 33 in 2002.

‘Fire Wire’ is one of a number of songs in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list that can be filed under ‘Trance,’ or ‘Techno.’ Techno is a genre of electronic dance music, (EDM) which is generally produced for use in a continuous DJ set, with tempo’s often varying between 120 and 150 beats per minute (bpm.) In order to make their music artists will use electronic instruments, such as drum machines, sequencers, and synthesizers, as well as digital audio workstations. Drum machines from the 1980’s, such as the ‘Roland TR-808,’ and ‘TR-909,’ are highly prized, and software emulations of such retro instruments are popular. During the mid to late 1990’s, as computer technology became more accessible and music software advanced, interacting with music production technology was possible using means that bore little relationship to traditional musical performance practices from previous decades, for instance, many were now able to gain access to the use of a laptop, and the chance to make your own music had become far more accessible, with the software that was continuously being updated.

‘Fire-Wire,’ ‘Seid ihr bereit fur. Die nachste Stufe im Aquagen-Zyklus?’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

744-Carpenters-Yesterday Once More.

1973-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.49. ‘Yesterday Once More’ was written about someone feeling nostalgic when they heard a certain song, and ironically when people hear this song now, it makes them feel nostalgic.

Karen Anne Carpenter was born on March 2nd, 1950, in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Karen began dieting while in high school, and by following the ‘Stillman diet,’ she remained around 120lb, (54 kg) until her career reached it’s peak in 1973. After seeing photos of herself performing, she felt that she was looking overweight, so she changed her diet, and by September 1975 her weight had dropped to around 91lb (41kg.) By 1981 Karen was taking thyroid-replacement medication, and consuming as many as 90 tablets per night. The self abuse finally took it’s toll, when on February 4th, 1983, she collapsed on the floor in her parents home, having had a cardiac arrest, after being rushed to hospital, she was later pronounced dead, at the age of 32. Karen Carpenter suffered from ‘anorexia nervosa,’ which is a disease which the majority of people did not know about or understand back then, but Karen’s family helped to bring it in to the spotlight by starting up the ‘Karen A. Carpenter Memorial Foundation,’ which raises money for research on anorexia nervosa, and other eating disorders.

At the age of 14, in 1964, Karen Carpenter was bought a set of drums by her parents, and by the age of 15 with her brother Richard, and their friend Wes Jacobs, they began performing together as the ‘Dick Carpenter Trio.’ In 1967 Karen and Richard, along with this song co-writer John Bettis, and others, formed the group ‘Spectrum,’ by this stage Karen was now also being recognised not only for her talent as a drummer, but for also having a unique singing voice. After signing with ‘A&M Records’ in 1969, Karen continued to be the drummer, as well as lead vocalist for the Carpenters debut studio Album, before the legendary drummer Hal Blaine (1929-2019) (see also best songs 978-811-672-527-426-202-127-110 and 71 ) was brought in to share the studio recording drumming duties. After her death Hal Blaine was one of her fellow musicians who highly praised her talent as a drummer. Karen’s singing also garnered critical praise, with Paul McCartney saying that she had,’The best female voice in the world, melodic, tuneful and distinctive,’ while Elton John said that she had,’One of the greatest voices of our lifetime.’

With record sales in excess of 100 million the Carpenters are one of the best selling acts of all time. Their discography includes 14 studio Albums released between 1969-2001, and 49 singles issued between 1966-2003, there are also 16 official compilation Albums, and two live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 21 of their singles have reached the top 40, with three of those tracks making Number 1, with ‘Yesterday Once More,’ peaking at Number 2. In the UK they have charted within the top 40 on 17 occasions with ‘Yesterday Once More,’ (1973) and ‘Please Mr Postman,’ (1974) both peaking the highest at Number 2. Karen Carpenter also posthumously released one Solo Album in 1996, and Richard Carpenter had issued two solo Albums, in 1987, and 1998.

‘Yesterday Once More’ was the first of three singles released from ‘Now & Then,’ the fifth studio Album by the Carpenters, from May 1973, the song was co-written by Richard Carpenter, and his long term collaborator John Bettis, with the songs production credited to Richard and Karen Carpenter. ‘Yesterday Once More’ is the Carpenters best selling single worldwide, with sales at around two million copies sold, with one million of those being in America, Richard Carpenter has stated that it is his favourite song of those that he has written. ‘Yesterday Once More’ is the opening track on side 2 of ‘Now & Then,’ and after playing in full, it segues in to eight edited cover versions by the Carpenters of 1960’s songs, with ‘Yesterday Once More’ reprised at the end. Tony Peluso (1950-2010) who played lead guitar on the Album, is also heard performing as a radio DJ throughout the eight song melody. Peluso was also the DJ heard on the Carpenters 1976 UK Number 9 hit ‘Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft.’

‘When I was young I’d listen to the radio, waitin’ for my favourite songs, when they played I’d sing along, it made me smile. Those were such happy times and not so long ago, how I wondered where they’d gone, but they’re back again just like a long lost friend, all the songs I loved so well.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

745-Adam Faith-What Do You Want?

1959-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.46. Blink and you’ll miss it. At 1.34, this is the shortest UK Number 1 song ever.

Adam Faith was born Terence Nelhams Wright, on June 23rd, 1940, in Acton, Middlesex, England. In 1986, he had open heart surgery, and then in 2003, he became ill after his evening stage performance in the touring production of ‘Love and Marriage,’ in Stoke-on-Trent, England, and he died of a heart attack early the next morning, on March 8th, 2003, at the age of 62. Adam Faith was a teen idol, actor, and a journalist, taking his stage name on the advice of the British television producer Jack Good, (1931-2017) who showed him a book of names, he picked ‘Adam’ from the boys list, and ‘Faith’ from the girls list. Adam Faith is remembered by many as much for his acting as well as his singing. He appeared in eight films between 1960-1980. including ‘Stardust,’ (1974) and ‘McVicar (1980.) His television work included 26 episodes of ‘Budgie’ between 1970-1972, and 30 episodes of ‘Love Hurts,’ between 1992-1994. In the early 1970’s he went into music management, managing the English singer Leo Sayer, among others. He also co-produced, along with David Courtney, the debut solo studio Album from Roger Daltrey, called ‘Daltrey,’ from 1973.

Adam Faith who became the first British artist to make the UK top five with each of his first seven hits, released seven studio Albums between 1960-1993, and 42 singles between 1958-1994, there are also 20 official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In the UK, 23 of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘What Do You Want?’ (1959) and ‘Poor Me,’ (1960) both making the Number 1 spot. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, his only top 40 entry was ‘It’s Alright,’ which reached Number 31 in 1964.

‘What Do You Want?’ was the fourth single release from Adam Faith, and his breakthrough hit from October 1959. The song was written by Les Vandyke, (1931-2021) (see also best songs 997) and produced by John Burgess, (1932-2014) with the songs arrangement being by John Barry (1933-2011.) John Edward Burgess was born on March 8th, 1932, in London, England, he died in March 2014, at the age of 82. Burgess began his career in music working in the promotion and publicity section of ‘EMI’ records in 1951. When that company took over ‘Capitol Records,’ he became responsible for promoting its artists, including Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee and Dean Martin. In the mid 1950’s Burgess had become the assistant to the record producer Norman Newell, (1919-2004) it was when Newell was unavailable for the recording session, that Burgess was given responsibility for producing the then unknown Adam Faith’s fourth single, ‘What Do You Want?’ In the 1960’s Burgess would go on to produce hits for ‘Freddie and the Dreamers,’ including ‘If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody,’ (1963-UK Number 3) and “I’m Telling You Now”, (1963-UK Number 2 & Billboard Number 1) and also for ‘Manfred Mann,’ on their early hits, including ‘Do Wah Diddy Diddy,’ (1964-UK & Billboard Number 1) and “Pretty Flamingo’ (1966-UK Number 1 & Billboard Number 29.) John Burgess was also the producer of the ‘James Bond Theme’ in 1962, which was one of the many recordings he produced for the ‘John Barry Seven.’

”What Do You Want?’ was arranged by John Barry, who was born John Barry Prendergast, on November 3rd, 1933, in York, England, he died of a heart attack on January 30th, 2011, at the age of 77. John Barry will always be best remembered for his work on the ‘James Bond’ films, for which he composed the scores for 11 of those films between 1963-1987, as well as arranging and performing the ‘James Bond Theme,’ for the first film in the series, which was 1962’s ‘Dr. No.’ He also wrote the ‘Grammy,’ and ‘Academy Award’ winning scores to the films ‘Dances with Wolves,’ (1990) and ‘Out of Africa,’ (1985) as well as the scores of ‘The Scarlet Letter,’ (1995) ‘Chaplin,’ (1992) and many others, he also wrote the theme for the television series ‘The Persuaders!’ (1971.) As the ‘John Barry Seven,’ or the ‘John Barry Orchestra,’ he achieved nine UK top hits between 1960-1971, with ‘Hit and Miss’ from 1960, peaking the highest at Number 10.

‘One of these days when you need my kissing, one of these days when you want me too. Don’t turn around coz I’ll be missing, then you’ll want my love baby. Oh well, then you’ll wanta my love baby.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

746-B. T. Express-Express.

1974-Number 34 single.

Best Bit-At 0.22. Pop has ‘9 to 5,’ Swing has ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo,’ Skiffle has ‘The Rock Island Line,’ Dance has ‘The Last Train to Trancentral, Soul has the ‘Love Train,’ Folk/Rock has the ‘Marraskesh Express, but Funk has this.

B. T. Express were formed in Brooklyn, New York, United States, in 1974, by the music producer Jeff Lane. They started out in 1972 as the ‘King Davis House Rockers,’ and then were later called the ‘Brooklyn Trucking Express,’ before finally deciding on ‘B. T. Express.’ In total there were nine different members come and go, with the group remaining active through until 1987. The discography of B. T. Express includes seven studio Albums released between 1974-1982, and 20 singles issued between 1974-1994, there are also three official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, three of their tracks have reached the top 40, with their debut single ‘Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied’) peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1974. Their other two Billboard top 40 entries were ‘Express, (1974-Number 4) and ‘Give It What You Got’ (1975-Number 31.) B. T. Express also charted on the Billboard ‘Hot R&B’ chart on eight occasions, with ‘Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied’) and ‘Express’ both making Number 1. They also charted on six occasions on the Billboard ‘Dance Club Songs’ chart, where ‘Express’ also topped that countdown. In the UK their only top 40 single is ‘Express.’

Jeff Lane who was one of the main players in the bringing together of B. T. Express, who are best remembered as being one of the groups at the forefront of laying down the foundations for the ‘Disco’ era, would later go on to work with ‘Brass Construction,’ who were another Brooklyn based ‘Funk’ group. Jeff Lane was the producer of ‘Brass Construction’s’ 1976 Billboard Hot 100 Number 14, and Billboard Hot R&B Number 1 hit ‘Movin.” Lane would later go on to produce Albums by Eddie Kendricks, (Vintage ’78-1978) and Wilson Pickett (Right Track-1981.)

One of the musicians recruited by B. T. Express in 1974 was the keyboard player, and vocalist Kashif Saleem, who was born Michael Jones, on December 26th, 1956, in New York City, New York, United States, he died on September 25th, 2016, of ‘undetermined causes.’ Jones who studied Islam, and changed his name to Kashif Saleem, was considered a pioneer in ‘urban music,’ rated alongside Stevie Wonder, because of his specific synthesizer technology approach, and the introduction of ‘MIDI’ in his production. Kashif stayed with B. T. Express until 1978, and then in 1983 he signed with ‘Arista Records’ as a solo artist, releasing seven Albums, and 18 singles between 1983-2004. Kashif was also a music producer, and songwriter for other artists including Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King, (I’m in Love-UK Number 27-1980) and Whitney Houston, (You Give Good Love-Billboard Number 3-1985) he also dueted with Whitney Houston on the track ‘Thinking About You,’ which he co-wrote and produced, on Whitney Houston’s self titled debut Album in 1985.

‘Express’ was the third of four singles released from ‘Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied,’) which was the debut studio Album released by B. T. Express, from November 1974, all of the band members at that time are given writing credits, with Jeff Lane being the songs producer. ‘Express’ is a mainly instrumental track, with only the lyrics ‘Here comes the express, chuggin, chuggin, chuggin, chuggin, chuggin, uh’ being repeated, which once again begs the question, when is an instrumental not an instrumental? (see also best songs 985.)