THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

547-Cerrone-Supernature.

1978-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 8.08. The British dance troupe ‘Hot Gossip’ would perform regularly to this song on the television comedy and music programme ‘The Kenny Everett Video Show,’ thus giving the song plenty of exposure, as well as lots of ‘Naughty Bits’ provided by Hot Gossip.

Marc Cerrone was born on May 24th, 1952, in Vitry-sur-Seine, France, he is a music producer, songwriter, and drummer. Cerrone made his first recordings in 1972 as part of a ‘Disco’ group called ‘Kongas,’ scoring a 1973 American Billboard ‘Dance Club Songs’ Number 37 hit with the track ‘Anikana-O.’ Cerrone has sold in excess of 30 million records worldwide, with his discography including 23 studio Albums released between 1974-2020, and 69 singles that have been released between 1972-2020, there are also four box sets, six soundtrack Albums, 19 official compilation Albums, and five live Albums available. In his native France on the ‘Syndicat national de l’édition phonographique,’ (SNEP) which is the official French national chart of best-selling records, Cerrone has had two Number 1 Albums, and six top 40 singles, with ‘Give Me Love,’ from 1977 charting the highest at Number 2, while ‘Supernature’ reached Number 26. In the UK, Cerrone has had three top 40 hits, with ‘Supernature’ peaking the highest at Number 8. In America he has had one top 40 hit, when ‘Love in C Minor’ made Number 36 in 1976, with ‘Supernature’ stalling at Number 70, although 11 of his songs have made the Billboard ‘Dance Club Songs’ chart, with ‘Supernature’ reaching the Number 1 position.

‘Supernature’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Supernature (Cerrone III’) which was the third studio Album released by Ceronne, from September 1977, the song was co-written by Cerrone, and Alain Wisniak, who together wrote the music, and Lene Lovich who provided the lyrics. The vocals on the track were provided by the unaccredited singer Chi-Chi Favelas.

Lene Lovich was born Lili-Marlene Premilovich, on March 30, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, to an English mother and American father of Serbian descent. In 1962 at the age of 13, she emigrated with her mother and three siblings to Hull, East Yorkshire, England. Prior to signing to ‘Stiff Records’ in 1978, Lovich had busked around the London Underground, and appeared in cabaret clubs as an ‘Oriental’ dancer, and also as a ‘go-go dancer’ with the ‘BBC Radio One Roadshow.’ She was one of thousands of audience members invited to sing along at the 1972 ‘Lanchester Arts Festival,’ at the ‘Locarno Ballroom.’ in Coventry, when Chuck Berry recorded what would become his only UK Number 1 single, ‘My Ding-a-Ling.’ Lene Lovich made her breakthrough as a ‘New Wave’ artist in the UK in 1978, with the song ‘Lucky Number,’ which she co-wrote with her long term collaborator, and life partner Les Chappell. As a solo artist she has released five studio Albums between 1978-2005, and 19 singles between 1976-2018, there are also 10 official compilation Albums available. In the UK, three of her singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Lucky Number’ peaking the highest at Number 3 in 1978.

‘Supernature’ has an environmental theme, imagining a future in which the use of chemicals in agriculture has caused ‘creatures down below’ to emerge, and take revenge against mankind, Lene Lovich has always been an advocate of animal rights. In 1987 Lene Lovich recorded her own version of ‘Supernature’ for a compilation Album recorded by various artists called ‘Animal Liberation.’ In 1989 the English ‘Synth-Pop’ duo ‘Erasure’ covered ‘Supernature,’ releasing it as one of the ‘B’ sides to their track ‘You Surround Me.’ Then in 1994 the ‘Electronic Dance’ music group ‘The Time Frequency’ covered the song for their debut studio Album ‘Dominator,’ and in 1996 the song was subject to a ‘House Music’ remix by the producer Danny Tenaglia. Duran Duran have also covered the song, releasing their version on their 16th studio Album ‘Danse Macabre,’ in 2023.

‘Once upon a time science opened up the door, they would feed the hungry fields, ’til they couldn’t eat no more. But the potions that were made touched the creatures down below, oh, and they grew up in the way that we’d never seen before. Supernature.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

548-Chuck Berry-Maybellene.

1955-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.06. Chuck Berry was amongst the first group of inductees into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ on January 23rd, 1986. This is what they said, ‘While no individual can be said to have invented Rock and Roll, Chuck Berry comes the closest of any single figure to being the one who put all the essential pieces together. It was his particular genius to graft Country & Western guitar licks onto a Rhythm & Blues chassis in his very first single, ‘Maybellene.’

Chuck Berry (see also best songs 308 and 30) was born Charles Edward Anderson Berry, on October 18th, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, he died of a heart attack on March 18th, 2017, at the age of 90. Chuck Berry was a significant player in the development of ‘Rock ‘N Roll,’ predominately through his refining and development of ‘Rhythm and Blues,’ but also through his stage persona, and his song lyrics. He was born into a middle-class black family, and showed an interest in music from an early age, giving his first public performance at ‘Sumner High School,’ in St. Louis. It was while still a high school student, that he was convicted of armed robbery and was sent to a reformatory, where he was held from 1944 to 1947. After his release he married in 1948, and got a job at an automobile assembly plant. In 1953, being influenced by the guitar riffs, and showmanship techniques of the ‘Blues’ musician T-Bone Walker, (1910-1975) Berry began performing with the Johnnie Johnson Trio. In 1955 he travelled to Chicago where he met the ‘Blues’ legend Muddy Waters, (1913-1983) (see also best songs 596) who suggested that he contact Leonard Chess, (1917-1969) of ‘Chess Records.’

There are many who cite ‘Maybellene’ as the first real ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ song. Chuck Berry had heard the American traditional song ‘Ida Red’ performed by the American Western swing musician Bob Wills (1905-1975) and his backing band the ‘Texas Cowboys,’ played in the style of ‘Western Swing,’ which is a sub-genre of American ‘Country Music.’ Chuck Berry would play his take on the song in racially integrated clubs, and saw that the music brought people together. Leonard Chess had Chuck Berry audition for him, and it was Berry’s rendition of ‘Ida Red’ that Chess was impressed with. Chess had become aware that now ‘World War II’ was 10 years in the past, there was a whole generation of teenagers with money to spend, and Chess knew exactly how to manipulate the situation. Chess suggested a bigger beat for the song, and added a bass, and a maracas player at the recording session. Chuck Berry re-wrote the lyrics on Chess’ direction, singing about fast cars, and sexuality, which appealed to teenagers. There are conflicting stories as to how the song got it’s title. Chuck Berry has said that ‘Maybellene’ was the name of a cow in a child’s school reading book he had remembered from his childhood school days, but Johnny Johnson, (1924-2005) who played the piano on the track has said that on spotting a ‘Maybelline’ mascara box on the floor of the studio, Leonard Chess said,’ Well hell, let’s name the damn thing ‘Maybellene,’ altering the spelling to avoid a law suit by the cosmetic company who made the product.

‘Maybellene’ was written by Chuck Berry, with the production being by Leonard Chess, and his younger brother Phil Chess, (1921-2016) the song gave Chuck Berry his first hit single, reaching Number 5 on the American Billboard Hot 100 in 1955. ‘Maybellene’ was later added to the soundtrack Album ‘Rock, Rock, Rock!’ after the song featured in the 1956 motion picture of the same name, which was also the first ever Album released on the ‘Chess Records’ label. ‘Maybellene’ did not appear on Chuck Berry’s debut studio Album ‘After School Session,’ from May 1957, but was added as a bonus track on the 2004 reissue. ‘Maybellene’ has at least 70 official known cover versions, including recordings by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins. The other charting version of the song on the Billboard Hot 100 is by the American artist Johnny Rivers, who took his cover entitled ‘Maybelline’ to Number 12 in 1964. Playing on the Chuck Berry original were, Chuck Berry, (vocals, and guitar) Johnnie Johnson, (piano) Willie Dixon, (1915-1992) (see also best songs 596 and 135) (bass) Jerome Green, (1934-1973) (maracas) and Ebby Hardy (drums.)

‘As I was motivatin’ over the hill, I saw Mabellene in a Coup de Ville. A Cadillac arollin’ on the open road, nothin’ will outrun my V8 Ford. The Cadillac doin’ about ninety-five, she’s bumper to bumper, rollin’ side by side. Maybellene why can’t you be true.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

549-Bruce Springsteen-Born to Run.

1975-Number 93 single. The song was issued a a live version in 1987, and peaked at Number 16.

Best Bit-At 3.04. In an episode of ‘The Sopranos,’ the character Christopher Moltisanti quotes the songs lyrics, saying, ‘The highway’s jammed with broken heroes, on a last chance power drive.’ This was an in-joke by the script writers, as Steven Van Zamdt of ‘The E Street Band,’ who provided input on this song, also played Silvio Dante in The Sopranos.

Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (see also best songs 1040) was born on September 23rd, 1949, in Long Branch, New Jersey, United States, with record sales in excess of 150 million worldwide, he is one of the best selling artists of all time. In October 1972, Springsteen formed a band to record his debut studio Album ‘Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.’ The band would eventually become known as the ‘E Street Band,’ although the name was not officially used until September 1974. Bruce Springsteen acquired the nickname ‘The Boss’ sometime within that time period, ‘The Boss’ may sound very ‘Rock ‘N Roll,’ but that wasn’t why he was given it. Evidently Bruce Springsteen took it upon himself to collect his band’s nightly pay, and distribute it among his band mates. The nickname also reportedly sprang from playing the board game ‘Monopoly,’ which Springsteen played with other Jersey Shore musicians. At the time of writing Bruce Springsteen is the 27th best selling artist of all time, and is recognised by many music critics as one of the greatest songwriters in ‘Pop Music’ history, being called a ‘Rock ‘n’ roll poet, who radiates working class authenticity.’ He is a pioneer of ‘Heartland Rock,’ which is a music genre that combines mainstream Rock music with poetic and socially conscious lyrics, that feature narratives primarily concerning working class American life. In 1999 he was inducted into the ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame,’ and also the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.’

The discography of Bruce Springsteen includes 21 studio Albums released between 1973-2022, and 77 singles released within the same time period, there are also seven box sets, eight official compilation Albums, and 23 live Albums available. In America on the ‘Billboard 200,’ nine of his Albums have reached Number 1, with his seventh studio Album ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ from June 1984, at the time of writing, being the 23rd best selling Album of all time. On the ‘Billboard Hot 100,’ 18 of his singles have reached the top 40, with his 1984 track ‘Dancing in the Dark’ peaking the highest at Number 2, while ‘Born to Run,’ made Number 23. In the UK, Bruce Springsteen has achieved 10 Number 1 studio Albums, and 19 top 40 singles, with ‘Streets of Philadelphia,’ from 1994, charting the highest at Number 2.

‘Born to Run’ was the first of two singles release from Bruce Springsteen’s third studio Album of the same name from August 1975. The song was written by Bruce Springsteen, and co-produced by Springsteen, and Mike Appel, who was born on October 27th, 1942, in Flushing in Queens, New York City, United States. Mike Appel was also the producer of Springsteen’s first two studio Albums, as well as his manager at that time. Musical differences between the two came to a head during the recording of the ‘Born to Run’ Album, leading to a parting of the ways, and a lengthy legal battle, that was eventually settled out of court.

Bruce Springsteen’ first two studio Albums which were both released in 1973, were commercially unsuccessful, although critically acclaimed. Springsteen earned the reputation of being a perfectionist while attempting to perfect ‘Born to Run’ over the course of several months, which was inspired by Phil Spector’s ‘Wall of Sound’ production (see also best songs 820-782-737-262-192-127-91 and 20.) Springsteen who has acknowledged Steven Van Zandt for being partially responsible for the songs signature guitar line, wrote the lyrics in his home in New Jersey, he has recalled, ‘One day I was playing my guitar on the edge of the bed, working on some song ideas, and the words ‘born to run’ came to me. At first I thought it was the name of a movie or something I’d seen on a car spinning around the circuit. I liked the phrase because it suggested a cinematic drama that I thought would work with the music that I’d been hearing in my head.’

‘Born to Run’ tells the tale of a young couple who think that if they want a better life, then they have to leave town, to find out if their dreams can be achieved, like in the movies. Bruce Springsteen played the song live for the first time on May 9th 1974, the Rock critic Jon Landau was at the show and wrote,’I saw Rock ‘N Roll’s future, and it’s name is Bruce Springsteen.’ Landau eventually became Springsteen’s manager.

‘Oh, someday girl, I don’t know when, we’re gonna get to that place where we really wanna go. We’ll walk in the sun, but till then, tramps like us, baby we were born to run.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

550-Deep Purple-Hush.

1968-Number 58 single.

Best Bit-At 2.48. It’s the answer to that old age question, how much fun can you have with your organ?

Deep Purple (see also best songs 89) were formed in Hertford, Hertfordshire, England, in 1968, by Ian Paice, (drums) who is the groups one constant, Jon Lord, (1941-2012) (keyboards) Ritchie Blackmore, (guitars) (see also best songs 976) Nick Simper, (bass) and Rod Evans (lead vocals.) It was those five original members who recorded ‘Hush’ for their 1968 debut studio Album ‘Shades of Deep Purple.’ They had started out as a ‘Psychedelic Rock,’ and ‘Progressive Rock’ group, but had shifted towards ‘Hard Rock,’ and ‘Heavy Metal’ by 1970. In 1988 Deep Purple re-recorded ‘Hush’ for the live Album ‘Nobody’s Perfect,’ to celebrate the groups 20th anniversary, the line up for that recording were the original remaining members, Ian Paice, Ritchie Blackmore, and Jon Lord, plus Ian Gillan, (lead vocals) and Roger Glover, (bass, and keyboards) who had both joined the group in 1969, having replaced Nick Simper, and Rod Evans who had left the same year.

‘Hush’ was the debut single from Deep Purple, and was the only single released from their debut studio Album ‘Shades of Deep Purple,’ from July 1968. The song was was written by Joe South, (1940-2012) with the production being by Derek Laurence (1941-2020.) ‘Hush’ was a cover version for Deep Purple, as the song had been written specifically for the American ‘Country/Soul’ singer Billy Joe Royal (1942-2015) in 1967, with his recording peaking at Number 52 on Billboard in America. Ritchie Blackmore had heard the Billy Joe Royal version, and in more recent years has said, ‘It was a great song, which would be a good song for our act, if we could come up with a different arrangement. We recorded the whole song in two takes.’ Deep Purple had great success with ‘Hush,’ taking it to Number 4 on Billboard in 1968, although in their native UK, the song stalled at Number 58.

‘Hush’ has been recorded by many artists, and in many different genres. In 1968 the songs composer Joe South recorded ‘Hush’ for his second studio Album ‘Games People Play.’ The song was a hit in Australia, reaching Number 15 in 1967 for the Australian Rock group ‘Somebody’s Image,’ while the most successful version of the song in the UK, has been the recording by the English ‘Psychedelic Rock’ group ‘Kula Shaker,’ whose version is in the same style as that of Deep Purple, and reached Number 2 in 1997. Other acts to have recorded ‘Hush’ for inclusion on their studio Albums include, ‘Merrilee Rush, (1968) the Love Affair, (1968) and Milli Vanilli (1988.) The Partridge Family performed a version on their television series, with David Cassidy (1950-2017) on vocals.

‘Hush’ was written by Joe South, who was born Joseph Alfred Souter, on February 28th, 1940, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, he died on September 5th, 2012, of heart failure, at the age of 72. In 1970, he won the ‘Grammy Award,’ for ‘Song of the Year,’ for ‘Games People Play,’ a song he recorded himself, reaching Number 12 on Billboard, and Number 6 in the UK, and then in 1972, he was again nominated, this time for his composition ‘Rose Garden,’ which is his most commercially successful song, reaching Number 3 on Billboard, and also Number 3 in the UK, in 1970, when recorded by the American ‘Country Music’ artist Lynn Anderson (1947-2015.) After the death of his brother Tommy, who committed suicide in 1971, Joe South became clinically depressed, and turned to drugs. He has said,’I didn’t see myself doing drugs for the kicks. I did it more or less to keep going, and to tap into inspiration. I equated the chemicals with the inspiration.’ His drug abuse resulted him in parting ways with his record label, and then living for a time on the Hawaiian island of Maui, during the 1970’s. He said of that time,’I really kicked myself around for years. One of the main hang-ups was I just refused to forgive myself. You know, you can go through drug treatment centres, and it’s not a permanent healing until it’s a spiritual healing.’

‘Hush’ is a song about someone being totally infatuated by another, and they will do anything to get them to feel the same. Joe South probably got the idea for ‘Hush’ from an old African/American spiritual song, which includes the line ‘Hush I hear Jesus calling my name.’ It has also been pointed out that the ‘Na na na, na na’ part of the song is very similar to the melody in the 1967 Beatles song ‘A Day in the Life’ (see also best songs 10.) In 1990 the British Rock group The Charlatans lifted the organ riff from the Deep Purple version of ‘Hush’ for their 1990 UK Number 9 hit ‘The Only One I Know’ (see also best songs 844.)

‘Na na na na na na. I got a certain little girl she’s on my mind, no doubt about it she looks so fine. She’s the best girl that I ever had, sometimes she’s gonna make me feel so bad.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

551-Kings of Leon-The Bucket.

2004-Number 16 singles.

Best Bit-At 2.18. The correct pronunciation is bucket, not bouquet.

The Kings of Leon (see also best songs 106) were formed in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, in 1999, by the three brothers Caleb, (lead vocals, and rhythm guitar) Jared, (bass, keyboards, and backing vocals) and Nathan Followill, (lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals) and their cousin Matthew Followill, (drums, percussion, and backing vocals) the groups name comes from their grandfather, who was called Leon, he died in 2014. When first starting out the Kings of Leon’s music was described as a mixture of ‘Southern Rock,’ and ‘Garage Rock,’ which over the course of time has changed to a more ‘Alternative Rock,’ and ‘Arena Rock’ sound.

The discography of the Kings of Leon includes nine studio Albums released between 2003-2024, and 26 singles released within the same time period, there are also five extended plays available, along with two official compilation Albums, and one live Album. In America on the ‘Billboard 200’ Album chart, seven of their Albums have reached the top 40, with their seventh studio Album ‘Walls,’ from 2016, reaching the Number 1 position, while on the ‘Billboard Hot 100,’ two of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Use Somebody’ from 2008, peaking the highest at Number 4, whilst ‘The Bucket’ failed to chart. It has been in the UK where the Kings of Leon have always had their greatest commercial success, with all nine of their studio Albums making the top three positions, with six of the Albums making the Number 1 spot. On the UK top 40 singles chart they have achieved 11 hits to date, with ‘Sex on Fire’ peaking the highest at Number 1 in 2008.

‘The Bucket’ was the first of three singles released from ‘Aha Shake Heartbreak,’ the second studio Album from the Kings of Leon, from November 2004, the song was co-written by Caleb Followill, Nathan Followill, Jared Followill, and Matthew Followill, with the production credited to Ethan Johns, and Angelo Petraglia. Ethan Johns was born Ethan Thomas Robert Johns, in 1969, in Merton. London, he is the son of the legendary music producer Glyn Johns (see also best songs 1048-933-732-662-265-77 and 70.) Ethan Johns has produced for many artists, including Paul McCartney, and Tom Jones, and has been co-producer on three of the Kings of Leon studio Albums. He has also released five solo studio Albums between 1991-2018.

The other co-producer of ‘The Bucket’ was Angelo Petraglia, who was born on May 5th, 1954, in the Bronx, New York City, United States. Petraglia is best known for his work with the ‘Kings of Leon,’ having first met Nathan and Caleb Followill when they were located just outside Nashville, Tennessee, and showing an interest in ‘Country Music’ in the late 1990’s. Angelo Petraglia helped the siblings hone their songwriting skills, and introduced them to the musical influences of Thin Lizzy, (see also best songs 125) The Rolling Stones, (see also best songs 933-662-452-160 and 77) and the Clash (see also best songs 638 and 294) in particular.

‘The Bucket’ has at least three meanings. Caleb Followill has said,’It was about me being famous for the time, and about the girls I had finally experienced.’ Caleb has also confirmed that the songs first verse was written through the eyes of the band’s manager, the man responsible for getting them cigarettes at 3.0.am, and fixing the zippers on their shoes. In the main though ‘The Bucket’ was written about the groups bassist Jared Followill, who was the youngest member in the band at the age of 18 at that time. It tells of Caleb’s observations of how he, and his brother deal with fame, and also the things that can be aggravating, especially when touring, but it’s also a song about brotherly love.

‘I’ll be the one to show you the way, you’ll be the one to always complain. Three in the morning come a bang bang bang, all out of fags and I just can’t wait. Cancel the thing that I said I’d do, I don’t feel comfortable talking to you, less you got the zipper fixed on my shoe, then I’ll be in the lobby drinking for two. Eighteen, balding, star, golden, fallen, heart.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

552-Thompson Twins-Love On Your Side.

1983-Number 9 single.

Best Bit-At 1.12. Sturdy hips, and very good balance are the requirements.

The Thompson Twins were formed in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, in 1977, and remained active until 1993, in total there have been 11 different members come and go, with the classic line up, who achieved mainstream success, being recognised as Tom Bailey, (bass guitar, keyboards, and vocals) Alannah Currie, (drums, and vocals) and Joe Leeway (percussion, keyboards, and vocals.)The group took their name from the two fictional detectives, ‘Thompson and Thompson,’ in the comic strip ‘The Adventures of Tintin,’ which had first been published in 1929. Joe Leeway left the group on amicable terms in 1986, leaving Tom Bailey, and Alannah Currie to continue as a duo. They would marry in 1991, and divorce in 2003. In 1993 Bailey and Currie retired the name ‘Thompson Twins,’ but continued as a duo, calling themselves ‘Babble,’ and releasing two less commercial, and more experimental Albums, ‘The Stone’ in 1993, and ‘Ether’ in ‘1996.’ In 1989 Bailey and Currie wrote, and Bailey produced, the song ‘I Want That Man,’ for Debbie Harry, which reached Number 13 on the UK top 40.

The discography of the Thompson Twins includes eight studio Albums released between 1981-1991, and 35 singles released between 1980-1992, there are also 15 official compilation Albums available. In the UK, three of their studio Albums have made the top 40, with their fourth release ‘Into the Gap,’ from 1984 reaching the Number 1 spot. 10 of their singles have made the UK top 40, with ‘You Take Me Up,’ from 1984, peaking the highest at Number 2. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, the Thompson Twins have had great success, playing a prominent part during the ‘Second British Invasion,’ with seven of their singles reaching the top 40, with ‘Hold Me Now,’ proving the most successful, when making Number 3 in 1983, although ‘Love On Your Side,’ stalled at Number 45.

Tom Bailey was born Thomas Alexander Bailey on January 18th, 1956, in Halifax, West Riding of Yorkshire, England. After the ‘Thompson Twins,’ and ‘Babble,’ he released several
‘Dub’ and ‘Electronica’ Albums, between 2001-2015 under the name ‘International Observer,’ and in 2018, he released his debut studio Album ‘Science Fiction,’ under his own name Tom Bailey. Alannah Joy Currie was born on September 20th, 1957, in Aukland, New Zealand, she emigrated to the UK in 1977, when she joined the Thompson Twins in 1981, she had already known Tom Bailey for around four years, having first met him South London. After the two ‘Babble’ Albums, Alannah Currie returned to New Zealand, working primarily as a glass artist, and environmental activist. She was the founder of the women’s anti-genetic engineering movement ‘Mothers Against Genetic Engineering in Food,’ and the ‘Environment (MAdGE.’) In 2003 she designed a series of protest billboards that caused controversy in New Zealand, and won several international art and science awards.

‘Love On Your Side’ was co-written by Tom Bailey, Alannah Currie, and Joe Leeway, with the production being by Alex Sadkin (1949-1987.) The song was the second of four singles released from the Thompson Twins third studio Album ‘Quick Step & Side Kick,’ from February 1983. ‘Love On Your Side’ which gave the trio their first UK top 40 hit, pays homage to one of their previous singles ‘In the Name of Love,’ from 1982, The lyrics to ‘Love On Your Side’ say, ‘I’ve played you all my favourite records,’ followed by the melody of the chorus from the song ‘In the name of love.’ The original lyrics to ‘Love On Your Side’ were written by Alannah Currie from a female perspective, but because the vocals were performed by Tom Bailey, they were changed to a male perspective. Tom Bailey has said of the songs meaning, ‘It’s actually a complicated and quite dark song. It’s about discovering that your girlfriend or boyfriend wants to experiment with a relationship in a much deeper or broader sense than you were prepared to do. And so it drags you into this kind of helpless feeling of being lost, helplessly in love, but taking some kind of confidence from the fact that love will help you through those difficult situations. So it’s a naive and complicated song.’

‘I hear you laughing in some other room, and it makes me feel locked out. You say my passion often stifles you, and you need to move about. But I was taught that boys n need girls, you say that’s not true, You’d rather fool around than be alone with me, well that’s alright for you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

553-Freda Payne-Band of Gold.

1970-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.38. It might sound like Motown, it may look like Motown, and it even smells like Motown, but in fact the only thing that’s not Motown, is the record label it was recorded on.

In 1968 the legendary songwriting team of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, (1941-2022) and Eddie Holland (see also best songs 969-823-650-411-212 and 148) left Motown records over a dispute with the labels owner Berry Gordy Jr. over profit sharing, and royalties. The trio set up two new record labels in their own names, one being ‘Invictus,’ the label where this song was recorded, and the other being ‘Hot Wax,’ records. As a result of an ongoing court case between ‘H-D-H’ and Berry Gordy, no songs written by the trio could appear on the song writing credits in their own name, something which continued until 1970. Instead the name ‘Edyth Wayne’ who was an acquaintance, was used alongside that of Ronald Dunbar, (1939-2018) who had worked with the trio at Motown, and had joined them in the new venture.

Freda Charcilia Payne was born on September 19th, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, she is the older sister of Scherrie Payne, who was the lead singer of the ‘Supremes’ (see also best songs 1001-411-212 and 148) between 1973-1977. During her career Freda Payne has been a TV talk show host, and an actress in musicals, and films. The discography of Freda Payne includes 16 studio Albums released between 1964-2021, and 29 singles released between 1962-1986, three of which are as a featured artist, there are also six official compilation Albums, and three live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, three of her singles have made the top 40, with ‘Band of Gold’ peaking the highest at Number 3 in 1970, while in the UK, she has charted twice within the top 40, with ‘Deeper and Deeper,’ providing her other hit, when reaching Number 33 in 1970, as the follow up to ‘Band of Gold.’

‘Band of Gold’ was the second of three singles released from Freda Payne’s third studio Album of the same name, from August 1970. The song was written by the legendary songwriting team of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland, using the pseudonym ‘Edythe Wayne, also given song writing credit was Ronald Dunbar, the track was produced by Brian Holland, and Lamont Dozier. When first offered ‘Band of Gold’ Freda Payne was reluctant, stating that the songs subject was more suitable for a young innocent girl. According to Ronald Dunbar, it was he who encouraged Payne to record the song, saying, ‘You don’t have to like it, just sing it.’ The songs subject is open to interpretation, some think it is about a bride not being able to consummate her marriage because this is her first time, and some think it is the groom who is impotent, perhaps through being gay. Lamont Dozier who co-wrote ‘Band of Gold’ has said,’The story was, the girl found out this guy was not all there. He had his own feelings about giving his all. He wanted to love this girl, he married the girl, but he couldn’t perform on his wedding night because he had other issues about his sexuality. I’ll put it that way. It was about this guy that was basically gay, and he couldn’t perform. He loved her, but he couldn’t do what he was supposed to do as a groom, as her new husband.’

Lamont Herbert Dozier was born on June 16th, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, he died on August 8th, 2022, at the age of 81. As part of ‘H-D-H’ Lamont Dozier, along with Brian Holland served as the trio’s musical arranger and producer, while Eddie Holland concentrated mainly on the lyrics and vocal production. As a performer and writer/producer away from ‘H-D-H’, Lamont Dozier released 12 Albums between 1973-2018, and 23 singles as a solo artist, or with others between 1957-1991. Significant songs written or co-written by Lamont Dozier without the Holland brothers include ‘Going Back to My Roots,’ (see also best songs 414) and the 1988 American Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 6 single ‘Two Hearts,’ with Phil Collins. In total Lamont Dozier has co-written and produced 14 American Billboard Number 1 singles, and four UK Number 1 singles.

‘Band of Gold’ has a number of well known artists performing on the track. The instrumentation was provided by members of the ‘Funk Brothers,’ (see also best songs 948-650-414-382-212-148 and 28) whom ‘H-D-H’ had worked with at Motown records. The tracks backing vocals were performed by Scherrie Payne, Thelma Hopkins, Joyce Vincent Wilson, and Pamela Vincent, both Thelma and Joyce would go on to form ‘Dawn’ with Tony Orlando (see also best songs 886.) The Electric Sitar part was played by Dennis Coffey, and the lead guitar was played by Ray Parker Jr. (see also best songs 560.)

‘You took me from the shelter of my mother I had never known, or loved any other. We kissed after taking vows, but that night on our honeymoon we stayed in separate rooms.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

554-Scritti Politti-Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)

1984-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 1.04. ‘The moment I wake up, before I put on my makeup,’ (see also best songs 644.)

Scritti Politti were formed in Leeds, England, in 1977, by Green Gartside, his childhood friend Nial Jinks, and Tom Morley, who Gartside had met while studying at Leeds Polytechnic. The name ‘Scritti Politti’ was chosen as a homage to the Italian Marxist writer Antonio Gramsci (1891-1937.) The correct spelling in Italian to refer to ‘Political Writings’ would have produced ‘Scritti Politici,’ but Gartside changed it to ‘Scritti Politti,’ as he thought it sounded more ‘Rock ‘N Roll.’ Scritti Politti originally started out life as a ‘Punk Rock’ group, inspired by the ‘Sex Pistols,’ (see also best songs 576-92 and 27) and ‘The Damned,’ (see also best songs 273) but after the release of their debut studio Album ‘Songs to Remember’ in 1982, Gartside grew tired of their musical style, and was becoming influenced by American ‘Funk/Soul’ acts like ‘Chic,’ (see also best songs 175 and 17) ‘The Jacksons,’ (see also best songs 249 and 137) and Aretha Franklin (see also best songs 644 and 366.) This caused the parting of the ways, with Nial Jinks, and Tom Morley leaving Scritti Politti, and being replaced by David Gamson, and Fred Maher, for the recording, and change in style, on the groups second studio Album ‘Cupid & Psyche 85,’ in 1985. In total there have been 17 different members come and go, with Green Gartside being the groups one constant, and they remain active as a quartet at the time of writing.

The discography of Scritti Politti includes five studio Albums released between 1982-2006, and 21 singles released between 1978-2011, there are also three official compilation Albums, and three extended plays available. In the UK, five of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘The Word Girl’ peaking the highest at Number 6 in 1985. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, their only top 40 charting single remains ‘Perfect Way,’ which reached Number 11 in 1985, while ‘Wood Beez’ stalled at Number 91, incidentally ‘Perfect Way’ which was issued at the groups commercial peak, only made Number 48 in the UK.

Green Gartside was born Paul Julian Strohmeyer, on June 22nd, 1955, in Cardiff, Wales, His father died while he was a child, and his widowed mother married her boss, a solicitor from Newport, Wales, named Gordon Gartside, from whom he adopted his new surname. Gartside has said, ‘The ‘Green’ bit came about because I didn’t like the fact there were two other Paul’s in my class, and I wanted something different. So I just chose something random after listening to a Captain Beefheart Album, where all the musicians were named odd things like Zoot Horn Rollo. I thought having a made-up name was well cool.’ While studying art at Leeds Polytechnic in 1977, Gartside formed the ‘Post-Punk’ group ‘Scritti Politti,’ it was after they moved to London, that they secured their first recording contract with ‘Rough Trade Records,’ who released their debut studio Album ‘Songs to Remember’ in September 1982. Away from Scritti Politti, Green Gartside has worked with many of the worlds top artists, including Elvis Costello, Chaka Khan, and Manic Street Preachers. In 1983 he provided guest vocals on the Eurythmics’s cover version of the Sam & Dave song ‘Wrap It Up,’ from their second studio Album ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This.’)

‘Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin’) was the seventh overall single released by Scritti Politti, from February 1984, and later appeared as the first of seven singles released from their second studio Album ‘Cupid & Psyche 85,’ from June 1985. ‘Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin’) was written by Green Gartside, with the production being by the legendary music producer Arif Mardin, (1932-2006) (see also best songs 985-882-881-541-228 and 85) who also produced a further two tracks on the Album. The song’s subtitle is a reference to ‘I Say a Little Prayer,’ which had been an American Billboard Number 10 hit, and a UK Number 4 hit for Aretha Franklin in 1968. Coincidentally Arif Mardin had done the arrangement for that Aretha Franklin song.

‘Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin’) isn’t just a declaration of love, it borders on complete infatuation of someone. The narrator states that there isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for this person, stating that he prays every night just like Aretha Franklin, in her 1968 hit ‘I Say a Little Prayer.’

‘There’s nothing I wouldn’t take, oh, even intravenous. There’s nothing I wouldn’t take to get to be approved. There’s nothing I wouldn’t be, oh that’s the gift of schizo. There’s nothing that’s new to me, I’ve seen it all before now sugar, and each time I go to bed I pray like Aretha Franklin.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

555- Hank Williams With His Drifting Cowboys-Jambalaya (On the Bayou)

1952-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.30. A Jambalaya is a Creole rice dish of West African, French, and Spanish influence, consisting mainly of meat and vegetables mixed with rice, but what the hell am I going on about, this is a music countdown, not a recipe pamphlet.

Hank Williams was born Hiram King Williams, on September 17th, 1923, in Mount Olive, Butler County, Alabama, United States, he died from the causes of alcohol abuse, and prescription drugs, on January 1st, 1953, at the age of 29. Williams had been born with ‘Spina Bifida occulta,’ a defect of the spinal column, which had given him lifelong pain. Williams parents were both followers of ‘Freemasonry,’ and had named their son ‘Hiram 1,’ after a king in the Hebrew Bible, however his name was misspelled on the birth certificate. Although dying at a young age Hank Williams is regarded as one of the most significant and influential American singers and songwriters of the 20th Century, and a great influence in the development of ‘Country and Western Music.’ Artists whom he inspired include Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Williams was inducted into the ‘Country Music Hall of Fame,’ in 1961, then the ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame,’ in 1970, and the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,’ in 1987, and then in 1999 he was given a star on the ‘Hollywood Walk of Fame.’ In 2010, he was posthumously awarded a ‘Pulitzer Prize Special Citation,’ for his ‘Craftsmanship as a songwriter who expressed universal feelings with poignant simplicity and played a pivotal role in transforming Country Music into a major musical and cultural force in American life.’

The discography of Hank Williams, who wrote or co-wrote in excess of 167 songs, includes 12 studio Albums released between 1951-2009, 10 of which were issued after his death. There are also 25 official compilation Albums, and eight live Albums, all released posthumously. Hank Williams released 41 singles during his lifetime, (1947-1952) with a further 30 (1953-1996) being issued after his death. In America on Billboard, he has charted twice on the Hot 100, top 40, with ‘Lovesick Blues,’ reaching Number 24 in 1949, and ‘Jambalaya (On the Bayou’) peaking at Number 20 in 1952. Hank Williams found his greatest commercial success on the American Billboard ‘Hot Country Songs’ chart, where 41 of his singles reached that charts top 40, with 11 of those tracks including ‘Jambalaya (On the Bayou’) reaching the Number 1 position, while in the UK, none of his songs have ever reached the top 40 singles chart.

‘Jambalaya (On the Bayou’) was co-written by Hank Williams, and Moon Mullican, (1909-1967) with both artists releasing their respective versions of the song in July 1952. Because Mullican was under contract to ‘King Records’ at that time, he was not credited as a co-writer, meaning he wouldn’t have to pay royalty’s to the record label. Moon Mullican was born Aubrey Wilson Mullican, on March 29th, 1909, in Polk County, Texas, United States, on New Years Eve 1966 he suffered a heart attack, and died early in the morning on January 1st, 1967, at the age of 57. Mullican acquired the nickname ‘Moon’ in the early 1930’s, with some sources suggesting that it was short for ‘moonshine,’ and some attributing it to his all night performances. His family say it was because he loved to play ‘Shoot the Moon,’ which is a variation of the dominoes game ’42.’ It is also highly suspected that the widely popular syndicated comic strip ‘Moon Mullins,’ which debuted in 1923, played a role in the similar nickname, and alliteration sticking to Mullican. Moon Mullican who was also nicknamed ‘King of the Hillbilly Piano Players,’ was associated with the ‘Hillbilly Boogie’ style which influenced ‘Rockabilly’ music, which led to the onset of ‘Rock and Roll.’ Jerry Lee Lewis (1935-2022) (see also best songs 678-362 and 99) cited Mullican as a major influence on his own singing and piano playing. Moon Mullican was once quoted as saying,’We gotta play music that’ll make them goddamn beer bottles bounce on the table.’

Hank Williams, and Moon Mullican based the melody to ‘Jambalaya (On the Bayou’) on an old Cajun song called ‘Grand Texas,’ but whereas that songs lyrics tell of a lost love, where the narrator is left by his woman for another, ‘Jambalaya (On the Bayou’) is about celebration. The Narrator attends a party with his girlfriend Yvonne, where he is introduced to her family, as a possible future husband. At the party they are treated to Cajun cuisine, notably Jambalaya, crawfish pie, and file gumbo. Other notable hit versions of the song include, Jo Stafford, (1952-Billboard Number 3 & UK Number 11) Fats Domino, (1961-Billboard Number 30) John Fogerty under the name of the ‘Blue Ridge Rangers,’ (1973-Number 16) and The Carpenters (1973-UK Number 12.)

‘Thibodaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin’, a kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen. Dressed in style they go hog wild, me oh my oh, son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

556-B. B. King-The Thrill Is Gone.

1969-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 3.15. B. B. King was once performing in Arkansas, United States, when a fight broke out between two men, which caused a fire. King evacuated the hall along with the audience, but forgot his guitar, so he decided to go back in and retrieve it. He found out later that the two men were fighting over a woman called Lucille. From that moment on he named his guitar ‘Lucille,’ as a reminder not to fight over women, or run into a any burning building.

B. B. King was born Riley B. King, on September 16th, 1925, near Itta Bena, Mississippi, United States, he died in his sleep from Vascular Dementia, caused by a series of small strokes, as a consequence of his type 2 diabetes, on May 14th, 2015, at the age of 89. B. B. King was one of the most influential ‘Blues’ musicians of all time, earning the nickname ‘The King of the Blues,’ and is considered one of the ‘Three Kings of the Blues Guitar,’ along with Albert King, (1923-1992) and Freddie King, (1934-1976) none of whom are related. He was a major inspiration, especially on white guitar players, such as Eric Clapton, (see also best songs 726) Jeff Beck, (1944-2023) (see also best songs 361 and 205) and Gary Moore (1952-2011) (see also best songs 932.) Prior to becoming a world renowned ‘Blues’ musician, King had worked as a singer, and Disc Jockey at the ‘WDIA,’ radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, where he had been given the nickname ‘Beale Street Blues Boy,’ as he was part of the ‘Blues’ scene situated on Beale Street, in Memphis, Tennessee, the nickname was later shortened to ‘Blues Boy,’ and finally ‘B. B.’

The discography of B. B. King includes 43 studio Albums released between 1956-2008, and 138 singles released between 1949-2014, there are also at least 21 official compilation Albums, and 16 live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, five of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘The Thrill Is Gone’ charting the highest at Number 15 in 1970. 61 of his singles have made the Billboard ‘Top R&B’ chart, with two of those tracks, ‘3 O’Clock Blues,’ (1951) and ‘You Know I Love You,’ (1952) both reaching the Number 1 spot. In the UK, his only top 40 chart entry is his collaboration with the Irish Rock group ‘U2’ on the 1988 song ‘When Love Comes to Town,’ which reached Number 6.

‘The Thrill Is Gone’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Completely Well,’ the 17th studio Album from B. B. King,’ from December 1969, the song was co-written by Roy Hawkins, (1903-1974) and Rick Darnell, (1929-2008) with the production being by Bill Szymczyk. ‘The Thrill Is Gone’ was originally recorded in 1951 by Rick Darnell, and reached Number 6 on the ‘Billboard R&B chart’ in that same year. B. B. King had known of the song from playing it when he was a disc jockey, and when finally getting around to recording it, he was not happy with the initial outcome. It was the songs producer Bill Szymczyk who suggested the radical idea of adding strings to the track, which was a complete departure from B.B. King’s usual sound. The idea worked remarkably well, and ‘The Thrill Is Gone’ went on to become B.B. King’s signature song.

Bill Szymczyk was born William Frank Szymczyk, on February 13th, 1943, in Muskegon, Michigan, United States, he is a music producer, and recording engineer. Unlike many music producers, Szymczyk has no background as a musician. He was originally a sonar operator for the U.S. Navy, and took some audio production classes as part of his Navy training. After leaving the Navy in 1964, he enrolled at the ‘New York University’s Media Arts School,’ and then worked at a firm which produced demo recordings for ‘Screen Gems Records.’ Szymczyk has frequently been noted as the sort of producer who pushes bands to expand their musical horizons. He himself has credited this tendency to his lack of musical knowledge, stating: ‘I’m a professional listener. I listen and I react. I never was a musician, so I don’t bring any preconceived prejudices to the table. I don’t favour the guitar over the keyboard, and so fourth. I just listen and try to figure out if I have anything I can bring to a song.’ Szymczyk has produced for many artists including The Who, and Bob Seger, but it is his productions on six ‘Eagles’ Albums,’ (see also best songs 505 and 198) including ‘Hotel California,’ for which he will be best remembered.

‘The thrill is gone, it’s gone away from me. The thrill is gone baby, the thrill is gone away from me. Although I’ll still live on, but so lonely I’ll be, the thrill is gone, is gone away for good.’