THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

587-Madonna-Vogue.

1990-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 4.00.Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, Joe DiMaggio, Marlon Brando, Jimmy Dean, Grace Kelly, Jean Harlow, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Rita Hayworth, Lauren Bacall, Katharine Hepburn, Lana Turner, and Bette Davis. Alongside all of them, Madonna’s place in history is also assured.

Madonna Louise Ciccone, (see also best songs 774) was born on August 16th, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan, United States, her mother who died of breast cancer in 1963, was also called Madonna Louise, so as a child her family referred to her as ‘Little Nonnie.’ Madonna is a singer, songwriter, and an actress, and is known by the honorific title of ‘Queen of Pop.’ She has starred in 17 films, and directed a further two between 1985-2021, receiving mixed reviews, from the very negative overall critical appraisal for her performance in ‘Who’s That Girl,’ in 1987, to the glowing tributes paid to her, for her performance in ‘Evita,’ in 1996.

It was in 1978 that Madonna dropped out of college, and relocated to New York City. She said of her move to New York, ‘It was the first time I’d ever taken a plane, the first time I’d ever gotten a taxi cab. I came here with $35 in my pocket. It was the bravest thing I’d ever done.’ One of her first ventures in to performing music was in 1979, as a singer, drummer, and guitarist, in a group called the ‘Breakfast Club,’ Then in 1980, with her then boyfriend Stephan Bray, they formed the band ‘Emmy,’ where the two of them began writing songs together, recording a four song demo tape in November 1980, it was soon after that, that Madonna decided to promote herself as a solo artist. According to the American Billboard magazine, Madonna is the most successful solo artist in the ‘Billboard Hot 100’ chart history, and second overall behind the Beatles. The American academic, social critic, and feminist, professor Camille Paglia, of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, said of Madonna in 2017, ‘She’s a major historical figure, and when she passes, the retrospectives will loom larger and larger in history.’

With sales in excess of 300 million records sold worldwide, Madonna is the best selling female recording artist of all time. She has released 14 studio Albums between 1983-2014, and 94 singles between 1982-2023, there are also three soundtrack Albums, seven official compilation Albums, and six live Albums available. In America on Billboard, nine of her studio Albums have reached Number 1, while in the UK, she has also achieved nine Number 1 studio Albums. On the American Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, Madonna has had 49 top 40 singles, with 12 of those tracks reaching Number 1, the first was ‘Like a Virgin,’ in 1984, and the latest is ‘Music’ in 2000. In the UK, Madonna has had 68 top 40 singles, with 13 of those songs reaching Number 1, the first being ‘Into the Groove,’ in 1985, and the latest being ‘4 Minutes,’ featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, in 2008.

‘Vogue’ was co-written, and co-produced by Madonna, and Shep Pettibone, with Madonna credited for the lyrics, and Pettibone for the music, which can be placed in the genre of ‘House Music.’ The song appears as the final track on Madonna’s second of three soundtrack Albums, ‘I’m Breathless,’ from May 1990, ‘Vogue’ was the first of two singles issued from the Album, and went on to become the best selling single of 1990 worldwide, with sales in excess of six million copies, and it topped the charts in 30 different countries. Madonna had just finished work on the film ‘Dick Tracy,’ and although ‘Vogue’ had nothing at all to do with the film, it was still added to the films soundtrack Album ‘I’m Breathless.’

It was Madonna’s friend Debi Mazar who first told Madonna of the dance craze that was known as ‘Vogueing.’ It was a dance craze that was popular in the gay community, originating in Harlem, New York, in the late 1980’s, where dancers used elaborate hand gestures, and frequently stopped to pose. The dance originally arose from ‘Harlem Ballroom’ cultures, as danced by African/American, and Latino gay/trans people, from the early 1960’s onward.

In a round about way the lyrics for ‘Vogue’ were inspired by the ‘Dick Tracy’ film, which Madonna co-starred in alongside Warren Beatty. Madonna has said,’I wrote it when I was making Dick Tracy. After we shot the movie, Warren Beatty asked me if I could write a song that would fit my character’s point of view, that she could have conjured up. She was obsessed with speakeasies and movie stars, and things like that. The idea for the lyrics came through that request.’

‘Ladies with an attitude, fellows that were in the mood. Don’t just stand there, let’s get to it, strike a pose, there’s nothing to it, Vogue.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

588-The Crusaders-Street Life.

1979-Number 5 single.

Best Bit At 1.27. The Crusaders were Jazz musicians, they played Jazz, they played Jazz Fusion, they played Soul Jazz, and they played Jazz Funk…..’NIIICE.’

The classic line up of The Crusaders, and those who also played on ‘Street Life,’ were, Joe Sample, (1939-2014) (keyboards) Wilton Felder, (1940-2015) (saxophone) and Nesbert ‘Stix’ Hooper (drums.) The trio first met at high school in Houston, Texas, United States, and formed their first band ‘The Swingsters’ in 1954. Soon after their formation they were joined by Wayne Henderson, (1939-2014) (trombone) who would stay a member until 1976. Other early members were Hubert Laws, (flute) and Henry Wilson (bass.) This early incarnation of the group played a mixture of ‘Jazz,’ and ‘R&B,’ but soon turned more to ‘Hard Bop,’ and renamed themselves the ‘Modern Jazz Sextet,’ but they also recorded in a more ‘R&B’ vein as the ‘Nighthawks,’or ‘Nite Hawks.’ In 1960 Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, Stix Hooper and Wayne Henderson moved to Los Angeles, and changed their name once again, this time to the ‘Jazz Crusaders.’ In 1970 when signing with the ‘Chisa Records’ label, the decision was taken to shorten their name to ‘The Crusaders,’ in an attempt to widen their potential audience. ‘The Crusaders had a total of 11 different members come and go, until the group was retired in 2010.

The discography of The Crusaders includes 24 Albums issued as the ‘Jazz Crusaders’ (including compilations) between 1961-2005, and a further six between 1994-2006, when the line up was Wayne Henderson and Wilton Felder. They have also released 15 singles as ‘The Jazz Crusaders’ between 1962-1970, and one single as ‘The Nite Hawks,’ in 1959, and one single as ‘The Night Hawks,’ in 1961. As The Crusaders they released 22 Albums between 1971-2004, and 25 singles between 1971-1988, there are also 19 official compilation Albums available. In America on Billboard six of The Crusaders Albums have reached the top 40, with ‘Street Life’ peaking the highest at Number 18, while their only charting single on the Billboard Hot 100 is ‘Street Life,’ which made Number 36. In the UK, ‘Street Life’ is also their only charting single, reaching Number 5 in 1979.

‘Street Life’ was the commercial peak for The Crusaders, while at the same time being the commercial breakthrough for the songs unaccredited guest vocalist Randy Crawford, who was born Veronica Crawford on February 18th, 1952, in Macon, Georgia, United States. In October 2018 Randy Crawford was set to perform ‘The Farewell South Africa’ tour in Cape Town, and Pretoria, but it was cancelled due to her suffering a stroke.This would have been her final performance prior to retiring from recording and performing. Prior to ‘Street Life,’ Randy Crawford had released three non charting Albums, and six non charting singles, but after the success of ‘Street Life’ her fortunes changed. In total Randy Crawford has released 16 studio Albums between 1976-2008, and 59 singles between 1972-2008, there are also 11 official compilation Albums, and two live Albums available. In America on Billboard her only charting single was ‘Street Life,’ but she has had far more success in the UK, where five of her singles have reached the top 40, with ‘One Day I’ll Fly Away,’ charting the highest at Number 2 in 1980, having been written by Joe Sample, and Will Jennings, and produced by The Crusaders.’

‘Street Life’ was the only single released from The Crusaders 12th studio Album as ‘The Crusaders,’ from December 1979, the song was co-written by Joe Sample, and Will Jennings, with the production credited to Wilton Felder, Stix Hooper, and Joe Sample. Will Jennings who was born on June 27th, 1944, in Kilgore, Texas, United States, is a lyricist, who has been inducted into the ‘Songwriter’s Hall of Fame,’ and has won several awards, including three ‘Grammy Awards,’ two ‘Golden Globe Awards,’ and two ‘Academy Awards.’ His best known songs include ‘My Heart Will Go On,’ (see also best songs 220) ‘Up Where We Belong,’ and ‘Tears in Heaven.’

Joe Sample was inspired to write ‘Street Life’ after visiting the beginner’s ski slope at ‘Mammoth Mountain,’ in California. He has said,’I saw people falling, running into each other… it was absolute chaos. It looked like a boulevard of madness. And I said, ‘That’s what street life is.’ Joe Sample then teamed up with Will Jennings, who has said,’The lyric, all that came right off of Hollywood Boulevard,’

‘There’s always love for sale, a grown up fairy tale. Prince charming always smiles, behind a silver spoon, and if you keep it young, your song is always sung. Your love will pay your way beneath the silver moon.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

589-Sly and the Family Stone-Dance to the Music.

1967-Number 7 single.

Best Bit-At 1.30. The respected American music critic Joel Selvin said,’There are two types of black music, Black music before Sly Stone, and black music after Sly Stone.’

Sly and the Family Stone were formed in San Francisco, California, United States, in 1966, and remained active until 1983. The classic line up consisted of Sly Stone, (multi instrumentalist) his brother Freddie Stone, (guitar) their sister Rose Stone, (keyboards) Cynthia Robinson, (1944-2015) (trumpet) Jerry Martini, (saxophone) Larry Graham, (bass) and Greg Errico, (drums) in total there were 19 different members come and go. Sly and the Family Stone were the first successful American Rock group to have a racially integrated male and female line up. They are considered to be one of the most influential groups in the development of American ‘Pop’ music due to their experimentation. They were pioneers of the music genre ‘Psychedelic Soul,’ which was a major influence on ‘Funk.’ ‘Soul,’ ‘R&B,’ and ‘Hip-Hop,’ and also an influence on the ‘Motown’ records, writer, and producer Norman Whitfield, (1940-2008) (see also best songs 911-777-569-533-480-346 and 233) who transformed his style from the Motown ‘sound,’ to experimenting with ‘Psychedelic Soul,’ most notably with The Temptations.

The discography of Sly and the Family Stone includes 10 studio Albums released between 1967-1982, and 19 singles released between 1967-1983, there are also six official compilation Albums, and two live Albums available. In America their fifth studio Album ‘There’s a Riot Goin’ On,’ from 1971, is their most successful, reaching Number 1 on Billboard, it is also their only charting Album in the UK, where it peaked at Number 31. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, they have had 10 top 40 hits, with ‘Everyday People,’ (1968) ‘Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin’) /’Everybody Is a Star,’ (1969) and ‘Family Affair,’ (1971) all reaching the Number 1 position, with ‘Dance to the Music’ reaching Number 8, while in the UK, five of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Dance to the Music,’ peaking the highest at Number 7.

‘Dance to the Music’ was the only single issued from Sly and the Family Stone’s second studio Album of the same name, from April 1968, and was written and produced by Sly Stone, who was born Sylvester Stewart on March 15th, 1943, in Denton, Texas, United States. He acquired the nickname ‘Sly’ while still at school, when a classmate misspelled his name ‘Slyvester.’ The name ‘Stone’ was adopted by the family members as their stage name. It is Sly Stone who is singled out for playing a critical role in the development of ‘Funk,’ with his pioneering fusion of ‘Soul,’ ‘Rock,’ ‘Psychedelia,’ and ‘Gospel,’ in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The American online music database ‘AllMusic’ wrote, ‘James Brown (1933-2006) (see also best songs 880-612-340-143 and 88) may have invented ‘Funk,’ but Sly Stone perfected it,’ they also credited him with ‘Creating a series of euphoric yet politically charged records that proved a massive influence on artists of all musical and cultural backgrounds.’ The pressures of success took it’s toll on Sly Stone, and he turned to drugs, which by the mid 1970’s had taken him over. His drug use and erratic behaviour effectively ended the group, but in due course, Stone would eventually go on to work with others, including George Clinton in 1981 and his group ‘Funkadelic.’ Sly Stone has also released two solo Albums, in 1975, and 2011, and 13 singles between 1961-2023.

After the critical success of Sly and the Family Stone’s debut Album ‘A Whole New Thing,’ in 1967, Clive Davis (see also best songs 870) who was the executive of ‘CBS Records’ at that time, insisted that the band record a more commercial sounding song in order to gain more radio play, and to get them in to the charts, which was something the band had no real interest in wanting to do, preferring their more experimental approach. A compromise was reached, but not everyone was happy, Jerry Martini dismissed the song as,’Glorified Motown beats,’ saying the song was an ‘Unhip’ thing for them to do.’ Martini also said that Sly Stone only did the song to satisfy the CBS executives desire for a hit, stating, ‘Sly hated it.’

‘You might like to hear my organ, I said ride Sally ride. If I could hear the horns blow, Cynthia on the throne, yeah! Cynthia and Jerry got a message that’s sayin’, all the squares, go home!’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

590-Pluto Shervington-Dat.

1976-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 0.13. And you thought the trip to Tesco’s was stressful.

Pluto Shervington was born Leighton Keith Shervington, on August 13th, 1950, in Saint Andrew Parish, Kingston, Jamaica, he died on January 19th, 2024, from pneumonia-related complications, at the age of 73. Shervington who acquired the nickname ‘Pluto’ while at school, became involved in music at the age of 16, joining a band called ‘The Presidents,’ then leaving a year later to join ‘The Hurricanes.’ and then he then moved on to join the show-band ‘Tomorrow’s Children,’ which was where he developed his ‘heavy patois’ singing style. In 1972 after the split of ‘Tomorrow’s Children,’ Pluto started a business called ‘Sound Associates Limited,’ located in New Kingston, which was a recording studio, which provided radio and television services for advertising agencies, he also wrote and produced jingles for most of the major advertising agencies. Pluto was heavily inspired by the Jamaican Reggae singers Ernie Smith, and Tinga Stewart, who both sang in heavy Jamaican patois, in later years both Pluto and Smith would record together. In 1997 Pluto moved to Miami, Florida, where he continued to record, and tour periodically up until his death.

The discography of Pluto Shervington includes at least 10 Albums released between 1974-2012, and three UK top 75 singles, which were ‘Dat,’ (1976-Number 6) ‘Ram Goat Liver,’ (1976-Number 43) and ‘Your Honour’ (1982-Number 19.) Pluto also found success as a music producer, most notably in the UK for his Reggae production of the song ‘Midnight Rider,’ by Paul Davidson, which reached Number 10 in 1976.

‘Dat’ was written by Pluto Shervington, with the production credited to Paul Khouri, and was issued on the ‘Opal Records’ label, with ‘Dat (version) as the ‘B’ side. Paul Khouri is the son of the pioneering Jamaican record producer Ken Khouri, (1917-2003) who is credited with inventing the musical genre ‘Rocksteady’ in Jamaica, in the mid 1960’s. There are some who consider ‘Dat’ to be almost a novelty song, probably because of it’s subject matter, and ‘Jamaican patois’ delivery. The song is about a Rastafarian secretly buying pork, (pork is not allowed in the Rastafarian religion) instead of the more expensive meats, in order to keep his shopping bill down, so that he has enough money left ‘to buy a little weed,’ presumably Cannabis, The song is a humorous take on the lengths the narrator will go in order to keep what he is doing a secret. Speaking about ‘Dat’ Pluto Shervington has said,’Dat is a satire song, and the joke was on the Rastas at the time who claimed that they didn’t eat pork. But the truth is they did eat it, but they couldn’t tell anyone. So when they went to order it from the meat store, that didn’t say ‘pork’, they used to say ‘I want some of dat thing there!’

Jamaican Patois, known locally as ‘Patwah,’ and called ‘Jamaican Creole’ by linguists, is an English based creole language, with West African, Taíno, Irish, Spanish, Hindustani, Portuguese, Chinese, and German influences, spoken primarily in Jamaica, and among the Jamaican diaspora. The majority of non English words in ‘Patois’ derive from the West African ‘Akan’ language. It is spoken by the majority of Jamaicans as a native language. Patois first developed in the 17th Century, when enslaved people from West and Central Africa were exposed to the dialectal language spoken by the slaveholders of British English, Hiberno-English and Scottish descent. Jamaican Patois exists mainly as a spoken language, and is also heavily used for musical purposes, especially in ‘Reggae,’ and Dancehall,’ as well as other musical genres.

Instead of going in to the butchers and asking for Pork, the narrator in his embarrassment asks for ‘Dat.’ Pluto Shervington when asked if he had invented the word ‘Dat,’ that was now in the Jamaican dictionary, said,’It was already in there, I just used it. It was an existing expression that had probably only been in there about a year or so. I think I just popularised it.’

Rasta Ozzy, from up the hill, decide fi check pon him grocery bill, and when him add up the things him need, di dooney done, weh him save fi buy little weed. Him hand upon him jaw, Lord, red in eye, and just mediate. This time is so hard Lord, I man a think ’bout emigrate.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

591-Kid Creole and the Coconuts Present Coati Mundi-Que Pasa/Me No Pop I.

1980-Number 32 single.

Best Bit-At 0.04. They’ve got a lovely bunch of Coconuts.

Kid Creole was born Thomas August Darnell Browder, on August 12th, 1950, in The Bronx, New York City, United States, he took his stage name in 1980, from the 1958 musical drama film ‘King Creole,’ starring Elvis Presley (1935-1977.) As an adult he began going by his two middle names, August Darnell, forming his first band ‘The In-Laws,’ with his half-brother, Stony Browder Jr. (1949-2001) in 1965. After the band disbanded he became an English teacher in a middle school, in Hempstead, New York, through until 1974, when once again he teamed up with Stony Browder Jr. this time to form ‘Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band’ in 1976, becoming its lyricist and bass player. The other three band members were Cory Daye, Mickey Sevilla, and Andy Hernandez. With ‘Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band,’ August Darnell released three studio Albums between 1976-1979, (a fourth Album without him was issued in 1984) and eight singles, also between 1976-1979, of which their second single ‘Cherchez La Femme,’ reached Number 27 on Billboard in America, and Number 2 in the Netherlands in 1976.

In 1980 August Darnell, now calling himself ‘Kid Creole,’ and Andy Hernandez, now going by the name of ‘ Coati Mundi,’ along with the Swiss-born Adriana Kaegi, who at that time was Darnell’s wife, co-founded ‘Kid Creole and the Coconuts.’ Their music incorporates a variety of styles and influences, in particular a mix of ‘Disco,’ and ‘Latin American,’ Caribbean, and Cab Calloway (1907-1994) (see also best songs 303) styles, conceptually inspired by the ‘Big Band’ era. ‘The Coconuts’ are a trio of female backing vocalists, and dancers, (of which there have been many over the years) were founded, and originally choreographed and costumed by Adriana Kaegi. There have been 32 different members of ‘Kid Creole and the Coconuts’ come and go, and at the time of writing they remain active with August Darnell being the groups one constant. The discography of ‘Kid Creole and the Coconuts.’ includes 14 studio Albums released between 1980-2011, and 27 singles released within the same time period, there are also seven official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In America none of their singles or Albums have charted, but in the UK, their third Album ‘Tropical Gangsters,’ from 1982 peaked at Number 3, and seven of their singles have reached the UK top 40, with ‘Annie, I’m Not Your Daddy,’ charting the highest at Number 2 in 1982.

‘Que Pasa / Me No Pop I’ was the fourth single released by Kid Creole and the Coconuts, from 1980, but did not appear on their debut studio Album ‘Off the Coast of Me,’ from August 1980. The song was written by Andy Hernandez, with the production being by Hernandez, and August Darnell. Andy Hernandez who is also known as ‘Coati Mundi,’ and prior to that ‘Sugar Coated’ Andy Hernandez, when with ‘Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band,’ was born on January 3rd, 1950, in New York City, New York, United States. As well as providing vocals, he also played the Vibraphone whilst in Kid Creole and the Coconuts. He has released two solo studio Albums, in 1983, and 2010, and has acted in many films, and television shows, including in the 1987 American comedy film ‘Who’s That Girl,’ starring Madonna, and on television in the American crime drama series ‘Miami Vice.’

With ‘Rap’ music being very much in it’s infancy at that time ‘Que Pasa / Me No Pop I’ definitely had a feeling of ‘novelty’ about it, when it was first released in 1980, as the song includes singing, and a ‘Rap’ by Andy Hernandez, as ‘Coati Mundi.’ The majority of the lyrics are in English, but some are in Spanish, and as I am not fluent in Spanish, I can only make an educated guess as to what the song is about. It appears that the narrator and his girlfriend are no longer compatible, and in his anger he tells her what he thinks of her. Whereas ‘Pop I’ and ‘Olive Oil’ were made for each other, it appears that these two were not.

‘I wear baggy pants and two-tone shoes, I’m a gentleman, with me you can’t lose. I’m five foot three, but if you mess with me, you’re gonna lose your manhood, you dig. I tell you, there’ll be another bi-centennial before I hear the truth from your mouth. You better hear me out, you better hear me out.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

592-Manfred Mann-Semi-Detached, Suburban Mr. James.

1966-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 2.08. Owning a suburban semi-detached doesn’t make you a ‘square,’ in fact it’s actually a great investment.

Manfred Mann were formed in London, England, in 1962, as the ‘Mann-Hugg Blues Brothers,’ by the South African born keyboards player Manfred Lubowitz, and the English drummer Mike Hugg. They were soon joined by Mike Vickers, (guitar) Dave Richmond, (bass) and Paul Jones (vocals.) On the advice of their music producer John Burgess, (1932-2014) they changed their name to Manfred Mann in 1963. The band initially formed as a ‘Jazzy,’ ‘Blues,’ based music group, but found mainstream success when turning to ‘Pop,’ having chart success with many cover versions, although several of their early ‘EP’s,’ and ‘B’ sides, would still be ‘R&B’ material that the band had written themselves. Dave Richmond left the group in 1964, and was replaced by Tom McGuinness, (bass) and in 1965 Jack Bruce, (1943-2014) (bass) was a member for around a year, before going on to be a co-founder of the ‘supergroup’ ‘Cream’ (see also best songs 726.) In 1966 Klaus Voormann (bass, recorder, flute, and saxophone) (see also best songs 927) joined, as did the new lead singer Mike D’Abo, who replaced Paul Jones, who left to pursue a solo career. The group were active through until 1969, with Manfred Lubowitz going on to form an entirely new group called ‘Manfred Mann’s Earth Band.’

The discography of Manfred Mann includes nine studio Albums released between 1964-1968, and 26 singles released between 1963-1969, there are also nine extended plays, and 24 official compilation Albums, one soundtrack Album, and seven box sets available. In the UK, 17 of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Do Wah Diddy Diddy,’ (1964) ‘Pretty Flamingo,’ (1966) and ‘Mighty Quinn’ (1968) all making the Number 1 spot. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, four of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Do Wah Diddy Diddy’ making Number 1. In America ‘Semi-Detached, Suburban Mr. James’ was not issued as a single, as the original version by the English group ‘Herbie’s People’ had already been released there.

‘Semi-Detached, Suburban Mr. James’ was co-written by Geoff Stephens, (1934-2020) and John Carter, with the production being by Shel Talmy (see also best songs 1014-939-926 and 770) The song was released on October 26th, 1966, the same day as the release of Manfred Mann’s third studio Album ‘As Is,’ but it did not appear on the Album. The songs first appearance on an Album in Europe, was on the groups 1971 compilation ‘This Is… Manfred Mann.’ ‘Semi-Detached, Suburban Mr. James’ is noted in that it is one of the first ‘Pop’ recordings to use the ‘Mellotron,’ an instrument that would later become prevalent in the fledgling ‘Progressive Rock’ scene. On the instrument, keyboardist Manfred Mann plays loops using the flute setting during the intro, which is then heard after each chorus. The ‘Mellotron’ was introduced to Manfred Mann by Mike Vickers, who would then introduce the instrument to the Beatles.

‘Semi-Detached, Suburban Mr. James’ was co-written by Geoff Stephens, who was born on October 1st, 1934, in New Southgate, North London, England, he died on December 24th, 2020, from pneumonia and COVID-19, at the age of 86. Geoff Stephens has written or co-written many hit singles including ‘The Crying Game,’ (1964-UK Number 5) for Dave Berry, and (1992-UK Number 5) for Boy George. In 1966 Stephens formed ‘The New Vaudeville Band,’ and wrote ‘Winchester Cathedral,’ which went to Number 1 on Billboard in America, and Number 4 in the UK in 1966. His most successful song in the UK is ‘Silver Lady,’ which was a Number 1 hit in 1977 for David Soul. The other co-writer of ‘Semi-Detached, Suburban Mr. James’ is John Carter, who was born John Nicholas Shakespeare, on October 20th, 1942, in Small Heath, Birmingham, England, he is a singer, songwriter, and record producer. John Carter had been a founding member of the English vocal trio the ‘Ivy League,’ achieving three UK top 40 singles between 1964-1965, including ‘Tossing and Turning,’ (Number 3) a song he co-wrote. Another major hit was his co-write of ‘Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat,’ which when recorded by Herman’s Hermits in 1965, reached Number 2 on Billboard in America. Carter was also a member of ‘The New Vaudeville Band,’ and it was he who sang the lead vocals on ”Winchester Cathedral.’ In the 1970’s, with Geoff Stephens he co-wrote the 1970 UK ‘Eurovision Song Contest’ entry ‘Knock, Knock Who’s There?’ for Mary Hopkin, which finished runner up in that competition that year, and in 1974, together with his wife Gillian Shakespeare, he co-wrote ‘Beach Baby’ for ‘The First Class’ (see also best songs 1000.)

The lyrics to ‘Semi-Detached, Suburban Mr. James’ are told from the point of view of a lover spurned. He tries to convince his ex girlfriend that she would find life with the new man in her life Mr James tedious and boring, where as with him, it would be excitement and adventure.

‘So you finally named the day when wedding bells will chime. I was sorry to hear you say, you’re gonna be his not mine. Do you think you will be happy, giving up your friends, for your semi-detached suburban Mr. James.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

593-The Sisters of Mercy-Lucretia My Reflection.

1988-Number 20 single.

Best Bit-At 1.28. To have a song written about you must be wonderful, but perhaps not so wonderful when you are being compared to Lucrezia Borgia.

The Sisters of Mercy were formed in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, in 1980, by Andrew Eldritch, who at that time was studying Mandarin Chinese at the ‘University of Leeds,’ and his associate Gary Marx, in order to initially ‘satisfy their desire to hear themselves on the radio.’ Their stage name was influenced by the Robert Aitman (1925-2006) 1971 American Western film ‘McCabe & Mrs Miller,’ which featured the 1967 Leonard Cohen (1934-2016) song ‘Sisters of Mercy.’ In total 21 different members have come and gone, with Andrew Eldritch being the groups one constant, they split briefly between 1985-1986, but then reformed with different members, and at the time of writing they remain active. There have been some very famous names who have been past members of The Sisters of Mercy, including Tony James, who before joining the group in 1989, and staying until 1991, had been a member of the English ‘Punk Rock’ band ‘Generation X,’ and the British ‘New Wave’ band ‘ Sigue Sigue Sputnik’ (see also best songs 163.) Another ex member was Wayne Hussey, who was with the group between 1983-1985, then leaving to go on to form the English ‘Gothic Rock’ group ‘The Mission (see also best songs 1051 and 984.)

Since a dispute with their record label ‘EastWest Records’ in 1993, The Sisters of Mercy have not officially released any new music, and have been only a touring group since then, with Andrew Eldritch reasoning that he can make more money on the road than in the studio. They have continued to make new music since 1993, and premier it while on stage. The discography of The Sisters of Mercy includes three studio Albums released between 1985-1990, and 16 singles released between 1980-1993, there are also two official compilation Albums, and one box set available. In the UK, seven of their singles have reached the top 40, with their 1992 re-make of their 1983 track ‘Temple of Love (1992’) featuring the Israeli singer Ofra Haza, (1957-2000) (see also best songs 856) peaking the highest at Number 3 in 1992. The Sisters of Mercy have never had a single chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in America, although their 1990 track ‘More,’ did reach Number 1 on the Billboard ‘Modern Rock Tracks,’ chart, which is now known as the ‘Alternative Airplay’ chart.

Andrew Eldritch was born Andrew William Harvey Taylor, on May 15th, 1959, in Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, he is known for his bass-baritone vocal style, and pale and thin look, and in his earlier days, ‘shock of black hair.’ The Sisters of Mercy are regarded as a major influence on the musical genre of ‘Gothic Rock,’ with Eldritch earning the honorific title ‘The Godfather of Goth,’ but Eldritch laughs that off, insisting that The Sisters of Mercy are no part of the ‘Goth’ scene. Eldritch has said, ‘It’s disappointing that so many people have in all seriousness adopted just one of our many one-week-of-stupid-clothes benders. I’m constantly confronted by representatives of popular culture who are far more Goth than we, yet I have only to wear black socks to be stigmatised as the demon overlord.’ When first forming The Sisters of Mercy, Andrew Eldritch played the drums, but he later began to use a drum machine, freeing him up to focus on his vocal performance. Eldritch lovingly called his drum machine, which was initially a ‘BOSS DR-55,’ ‘Doktor Avalanche,’ and although he has used several different makes of drum machines over the years, they are all called ‘Doktor Avalanche,’ and the drum machine is looked upon as a band member.

‘Lucretia My Reflection’ was the last of three singles released from The Sisters of Mercy’s second studio Album ‘Floodland,’ from November 1987, the song was written by Andrew Eldritch, and produced by Eldritch, and Larry Alexander. The title of the song refers to Lucrezia Borgia, (1480-1519) of the prominent Borgia family, of the Italian Renaissance, who were notorious for their ruthless political tactics, and alleged crimes. Andrew Eldritch wrote the song for his fellow band mate, and bass player, the American born Patricia Morrison, of whom Eldritch said, ‘She always strikes me as a Lucretia type person,’ In 1996, Morrison, who was then a member of the ‘Punk Rock’ group ‘The Damned,’ (see also best songs 273) married their lead singer David Vanian. The lyrics to ‘Lucretia My Reflection,’ include the line,’once a railroad, now it’s done,’ this is a reference to the 1932 song ‘Brother, Can You Spare A Dime,’ (see also best songs 259) which is a song about the disastrous effect the ‘Great Depression’ had on the American way of life. The lyrics to ‘Lucretia My Reflection,’ also concern the fall of an empire, war, and the consequent destruction of other aspects of life.

I hear the roar of a big machine, two worlds and in between. Hot metal and methedrine, I hear empire down. We got the empire, now as then, we don’t doubt, we don’t take reflection. Lucretia, my direction, dance the ghost with me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

594-Kurtis Blow-The Breaks.

1980-Number 47 single.

Best Bit At 1.26. There is no cussing on this ‘Old School Rap,’ so you can let your granny listen to it.

Kurtis Blow was born Kurtis Walker on August 9th, 1959, in New York City, United States, he is a Rapper, songwriter, music producer, DJ, actor, and he became an ordained minister in 2009, founding ‘The Hip-Hop Church,’ in Harlem. New York. In 1979 at the age of 20, he became the first Rapper to be signed to a major record label, ‘Mercury Records.’ Kurtis Blow has produced, or collaborated with other ‘Hip-Hop’ artists, including Wyclef Jean, The Fat Boys, and Run DMC, (see also best songs 305 and 113) DJ Run (Joseph Simmons) actually started his career being billed as ‘The Son of Kurtis Blow.’

The discography of Kurtis Blow includes seven studio Albums released between 1980-1988, and 28 singles released between 1979-1999, there are also five extended plays, two collaborative Albums, with the group ‘The Trinity,’ and one with the group ‘Urban Gypsys available, as well as 11 official compilation Albums, and one live Album. He has never had an Album, or single chart on the mainstream American Billboard top 40 charts, but has had several entries on the Billboard ‘Dance Club Songs’ chart, and the Billboard ‘Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs’ chart, with ‘The Breaks’ peaking at Number 9 and Number 4 on those respective charts. In the UK, Kurtis Blow has had two top 40 entries, with his debut single ‘Christmas Rappin,” making Number 30 in 1979, and ‘If I Ruled the World reaching Number 24 in 1985.

‘The Breaks’ was the first of three singles released from Kurtis Blow’s self titled debut Album from September 1980, and was co-written by Kurtis Blow, Robert Ford Jr., (1949-2020) James B. Moore, Russell Simmons, and Larry Smith, (1952-2014) with the production being by J.B. Moore, and Robert Ford Jr. Robert Ford Jr. was born on June 30th, 1949, in New York City, United States, he died on May 19th, 2020, at the age of 70. It was while working as a journalist for Billboard magazine in 1978 that Ford wrote the first article about ‘Hip-Hop’ to appear in any major publication. He left Billboard a year later to become a record producer, and songwriter, going on to co-write, and co-produce many of Kurtis Blow’s songs. It was Ford and J.B. Moore who co-wrote ‘Christmas Rappin” in 1979, offering it to Kurtis Blow, and through it’s success, leading to Kurtis Blow signing with ‘Mercury Records,’ on which he released all seven of his solo studio Albums. It was also in 1979 that Robert Ford Jr. first met Joseph Simmons, (DJ Run) who then introduced him to his older brother Russell Simmons. Ford began taking Russell Simmons to music industry events, and encouraged him to become a record producer, and he also encouraged Kurtis Blow to hire Russell Simmons as his manager. Russell Simmons would go on to co-found ‘ Def Jam Recordings’ with Rick Ruben in 1984.

Kurtis Blow wanted to make a tribute song for all of the ‘Break Dancers’ who lived in and around the South Bronx, and Harlem in the early 1970’s. He took his idea for the song to J.B. Moore, and Robert Ford Jr. who suggested expanding the concept of other implied meanings for ‘breaks,’ such as the good, or bad breaks in life. In 1980 there were no radio stations playing ‘Rap,’ or ‘Hip-Hop’ music, so radio play was minimal. Kurtis Blow has spoken about how the song came to the attention of the general public,’There was no real marketing for the song, no plan. We just wanted to make a kick-ass record, and that’s exactly what we did. The clubs ate it up. You couldn’t find a club in America during the summer of 1980 that would not play this song around 12, 1 o’clock in the morning.’

Kurtis Blow performed ‘The Breaks’ on the legendary American music show ‘Soul Train,’ whose host and creator Don Cornelius (1936-2012) told the Rapper after his performance,’It doesn’t make sense to old guys like me… I don’t understand why they love it so much.’ Cornelius was expressing how many of his generation felt about the emergence of ‘Hip-Hop.’

‘Clap your hands, everybody, if you got what it takes, ’cause I’m Kurtis Blow and I want you to know that these are the breaks. Brakes on a bus, brakes on a car, breaks to make you a superstar.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

595-The Cranberries-Zombie.

1994-Number 14 single.

Best Bit-At 0.14. In April 2020 The Cranberries became the first Irish band to surpass one billion views on You Tube, with this song.

The Cranberries were formed in Limerick, Ireland, in 1989, by Mike Hogan, (bass) his brother Noel Hogan, (guitar, and mandolin) Fergal Lawler, (drums) and Niall Quinn, (lead vocals, and guitar) in 1990 Quinn left the group, and was replaced by Dolores O’Riordan (1971-2018) (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards, mandolin.) The Cranberries who were known as ‘The Cranberry Saw Us’ until 1990, and have made music in the genres of ‘Alternative Rock,’ ‘Indie Rock,’ ‘Pop Rock,’ ‘Jangle Pop,’ ‘Post-Punk,’ and ‘Dream Pop,’ were active between 1989-2002, then were on hiatus, until getting back together in 2009, and remaining active until 2019, when the group was retired.

The Cranberries who have sold in excess of 50 million records worldwide, released eight studio Albums between 1993-2019, and 23 singles between 1992-2013, there are also seven official compilation Albums, seven extended plays, and three live Albums available. In Ireland on the ‘Irish Recorded Music Association’ (IRMA) Album chart, all of their studio Albums have reached the top 20, with their debut ‘Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?’ from 1993 making the Number 1 spot. On the Irish singles chart, 11 of their singles have reached the top 40, with both ‘Linger,’ (1993) and ‘Zombie,’ (1994) peaking the highest at Number 3. In the UK, they have had nine top 40 hits, with both ‘Salvation,’ (1996) and ‘Promises.’ (1999) charting the highest at Number 13, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, three of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Linger,’ (1993) peaking the highest at Number 8. In America ‘Zombie’ has never been issued as a single, with the thinking being that it would make more people buy the Album, but it did reach Number 1 on the ‘Billboard Alternative Airplay’ chart, which was then called the ‘Billboard Modern Rock Tracks’ chart.

Dolores O’Riordan was born Dolores Mary Eileen O’Riordan, on September 6th, 1971, in Ballybricken, County Limerick, Ireland, she died on January 15th, 2018, as a result of accidental drowning in a bath following sedation by alcohol intoxication. at the age of 46. Dolores O’Riordan had suffered with depression for many years, and in 2015 was diagnosed with ‘Bipolar Disorder.’ In the months following her death she was named ‘The Top Female Artist of All Time,’ on ‘Billboard’s Alternative Songs’ chart. After her death she received many tributes, including one by Philip Merrill of ‘The Recording Academy,’ in California, who wrote that she was ‘A gifted songwriter and vocalist, whose ballads helped define Alternative Pop in the 1990’s.’ He went on to write that ‘She was credited for her innovative style, embodied by her measured vocal power, her honest, vulnerable songwriting, reinforced by her Irish accent, thus helping the Cranberries to rise into worldwide stardom.’

‘Zombie’ was the first of four singles released from The Cranberries second studio Album ‘No Need to Argue,’ from October 1994, the song was written by Dolores O’Riordan, and produced by Stephen Street (see also best songs 940-256 and 21.) ‘Zombie’ is a protest song, inspired by the ‘IRA’ (Irish Republican Party) bombing in Warrington, England, on March 20th, 1993, when two children, Johnathan Ball, who was three years old, and Tim Parry, who was 12 years old, both lost their lives, when two devices hidden in litter bins were detonated. Dolores O’Riordan had previously been on a tour bus in London, and had heard a bomb going off close by, and this, along with her Irish heritage, inspired her to write the song.

Musically ‘Zombie’ was a departure from The Cranberries previous output, as the band had been known for a more mellow sound, but Dolores O’Riordan wanted to get her point across with a ‘harder’ sound, hence the elements of ‘Grunge,’ which was very popular at the time.

The ‘IRA’ were a militant group, that were determined to remove British troops from Northern Ireland. On August 31st, 1994, just a few weeks after ‘Zombie’ was released, the ‘IRA’ declared a ceasefire after 25 years of conflict.

‘It’s the same old theme, since nineteen-sixteen. In your head, in your head, they’re still fightin’. With their tanks, and their bombs, and their bombs and their guns. In your head, in your head, they are dyin’. In your head, in your head, zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

596-Muddy Waters-Hoochie Coochie Man.

1954-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.01. I could tell you what a ‘Hoochie Coochie’ is, but it’s probably best you don’t know, but I’ll tell you anyway.

‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ was written by Willie Dixon, who was born William James Dixon, on July 1st, 1915, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, United States, he died on January 29th, 1992, primarily as a result of long term diabetes, at the age of 76. Willie Dixon is recognised as an important link between the ‘Blues,’ and ‘Rock and Roll,’ which in turn would then lead on to the era of ‘Rock Music.’ In the late 1950’s he worked alongside ‘Blues,’ and ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ legends, including Chuck Berry, (1926-2017) (see also best songs 548-308 and 30) Bo Diddley, (1928-2008) (see also best songs 381) Muddy Waters, (1913-1983) and Little Walter, (1930-1968) at the ‘Chess Record’ label, where he would become that labels primary songwriter, eventually going on to write or co-write, in excess of 500 songs during his career. Many of Willie Dixon’s songs have become ‘Blues’ standards, and have been covered by artists in the ‘Rock’ era. His song ‘Little Red Rooster,’ was covered by the Rolling Stones in 1964, and reached Number 1 in the UK. Other famous songs written by Willie Dixon include, ‘I Just Want to Make Love to You, (1954) and ‘You Can’t Judge a Book by the Cover’ (1962.) His song ‘You Need Love,’ (1962) was a big inspiration for Led Zeppelin, on their 1969 track ‘Whole Lotta Love’ (see also best songs 135.) The discography of Willie Dixon includes 22 official Albums released between 1959-2008.

Muddy Waters was born McKinley Morganfield, in Issaquena County, Mississippi, United States, there is a debate about his actual date of birth, but it was probably April 4th, 1913, he died on April 30th, 1983, from heart failure, at the age of 70. His mother died shortly after his birth, and he was brought up by his grandmother Della Grant, who gave him his nickname ‘Muddy’ at an early age, because he loved to play in muddy waters, ‘Waters’ was added years later. Like Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters is considered to be a pivotal figure in the post World War II ‘Blues Music’ scene, being called the ‘Father of modern Chicago Blues.’ His influence can be heard in the music of some of the biggest names of the 1960’s, including the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck (1944-2023.) The discography of Muddy Waters includes 13 studio Albums released between 1960-1981, he has also appeared on a further 17 Albums as an accompanist, that have been issued between 1961-2007, there are also in excess of 25 official compilation Albums, and in excess of nine live Albums available. Muddy Waters released 62 singles between 1941-1977, and has also appeared as an accompanist on a further 20, between 1948-1958.

According to the music writer and critic Michael John ‘Cub’ Koda, (1948-2000) of the American monthly popular culture magazine ‘Rolling Stone,’ ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ has ‘The most recognisable blues lick in the world.’ ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ is a ‘Chicago Blues’ song written by Willie Dixon, and first recorded by Muddy Waters in 1954, with the production being by Leonard Chess (1917-1969.) The lyrics deal with superstitions, and mysticism, that has been passed on down through the generations, with the narrator telling us that even before he was born, that a ‘Gypsy woman told my momma,’ that he was ‘Gonna make those pretty women jump and shout.’ The term ‘Hoochie Coochie’ was first used in the mid to late 1800’s, to describe several provocative ‘belly dances.’ In America, specifically in African/American culture, a ‘Hoochie Coochie’ refers to the genitals of a drunken woman, the phrase is derived from the term ‘Hooch,’ which is a slang word for alcohol, while ‘Coochie,’ is a slang word for a woman’s genitals.

‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ can be filed under the musical genre of ‘Chicago Blues,’ which is a form of ‘Blues’ music that developed in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the 1950’s. ‘Chicago Blues’ is based on traditional ‘Blues’ such as ‘Delta Blues,’ which had originated in the early part of the 20th Century in the Mississipi Delta, but the key feature that distinguish ‘Chicago Blues’ from the earlier traditions, is the prominent use of electrified instruments, especially the electric guitar, and especially the use of electronic effects, such as distortion and overdrive. ‘Chicago Blues’ has proved to be one of the most significant influences on early Rock Music.

‘On the seventh hour, of the seventh day, on the seventh month, the seventh doctor said, he’s born for good luck, and I know you see. Got seven hundred dollars, and don’t you mess with me.’