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Posted by: In: Other 30 Aug 2024 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

473-John Lennon-Working Class Hero.

1970-It has never been released as a ‘A’ sided single in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.55. Why did Lennon choose this song to use the ‘F’ word on? In 1998 Yoko Ono explained, ‘He told me, ‘That’s part of being working class. It won’t be working class if what you say is all very clean and very proper.’

‘Working Class Hero’ is track 4 on side 1 on ‘John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band,’ which was John Lennon’s (1940-1980) (see also best songs 927-456-168 and 20) first Album since the break up of the Beatles, (see also best songs 599-456-319-238-218-141-80-51-10 and 6)) released on December 11th, 1970. Lennon’s detractors pointed out that he was actually raised in a upper-middle-class home by his aunt, and therefore had little understanding as to what it is to be raised working class. Lennon responded by saying,’The thing about Working Class Hero that nobody ever got right was that it was supposed to be sardonic. It had nothing to do with socialism, it had to do with, if you won’t to go through that trip, you’ll get to where I am, and this is where you’ll be. Because I’ve been successful as an artist, and have been happy and unhappy, and I’ve been unknown in Liverpool or Hamburg and been happy and unhappy.’ Lennon has also been quoted as saying,’I think it’s concept is revolutionary, and I hope it’s what ‘Give Peace A Chance’ (see also best songs 168) was about, but I don’t know. On the other hand, it might just be ignored. I think it’s for the people like me who are working class, who are supposed to be processed into the middle classes. It’s a revolutionary song, not the song itself, but that it’s a song for the revolution.’

‘Working Class Hero’ is one of the 11 tracks on the debut solo studio Album ‘John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band,’ by John Lennon, from December 1970, the song was written by John Lennon, who is the only performer on the track, providing acoustic guitar and vocals, with the songs production credited to Yoko Ono, (see also best songs 456 and 168) and Phil Spector (1939-2021) (see also best songs 820-737-262-192-127-91 and 20.) John Lennon’s musical influence for ‘Working Class Hero’ came from hearing the similar ‘Masters of War,’ (1963) and ‘North Country Blues’ (1964) songs by Bob Dylan, (see also best songs 792-621-358-103-36 and 7) who in turn had been influenced by the American Folk singer Jean Ritchie’s (1922-2015) arrangement of the traditional English Folk song ‘Nottamun Town.’ It has been said that Lennon obsessed about the recording of the song for many days, singing an endless amount of takes, somewhere between 100-130, getting very frustrated that it didn’t sound like what he wanted. The tape operative Andy Stephens has said that he watched the former ‘Beatle’ obsess about it day after day, singing ‘An endless number of takes. If the mix in his headphones wasn’t exactly what he wanted, he would take them off and slam them into the wall, he wouldn’t say, ‘Can I have a bit more guitar?’ He would literally rip the cans off his head and smash them into the wall, then walk out of the studio.’ The finished take on the Album is actually a composite of two different takes, performed in two different studios, and knitted together.

‘John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band’ is the debut solo studio Album by John Lennon, it was released on the same day (December 11th, 1970) as Yoko Ono’s similarly titled debut solo studio Album ‘Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band.’ It followed John Lennon’s recording of three experimental Albums with Yoko Ono between 1968-1969, and a live album from the 1969 line up of the ‘Plastic Ono Band.’ The songs on ‘John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band’ were heavily influenced by Lennon’s recent ‘primal scream therapy.’ Its lyrics reflect Lennon’s personal issues and includes themes of child-parent abandonment, and psychological suffering. Following the break-up of the Beatles in April 1970, John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono undertook ‘primal therapy’ with the guidance of the American psychologist, and psychotherapist, Arthur Janov (1924-2017) for four weeks at his London offices. The three then flew to Los Angeles to continue the therapy for four months. Janov’s therapy technique emphasised emotionally reliving repressed childhood traumas rather than analytical discussion, but Lennon’s therapy was never completed due to the expiry of his U.S. visa. Janov had intended that Lennon’s treatment would require a minimum of a year, such was the severity of his trauma, and had expressed concern that the therapy had ended prematurely, and that Lennon’s rediscovered anger over his childhood remained unresolved.

‘Working Class Hero’ is a call to the everyday man to not conform to what the more privileged, and powerful tell them to do. Lennon sets himself up as an example of what can be achieved through thinking for yourself, and being a revolutionary. The line ‘If you won’t to be like the folks on the hill,’ is a reference to the Beatles song ‘The Fool On the Hill.’

‘As soon as you’re born they make you feel small, by giving you no time instead of it all, ’til the pain is so big you feel nothing at all. A working class hero is something to be. A working class hero is something to be.’

Posted by: In: Other 29 Aug 2024 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

474-Harry Chapin-W.O.L.D.

1973-Number 34 single.

Best Bit-At 4.33. ‘Oh, if a man tried to take his time on earth, and prove before he died what one man’s life could be worth, I wonder what would happen to this world.’ These are the words inscribed on Harry Chapin’s gravestone, the epitaph is taken from his 1978 song ‘I Wonder What Would Happen to This World.’

Harold Forster Chapin (see also best songs 995) was born on December 7th, 1942, in New York City, United States, he died on July 16th, 1981 en route to perform a free benefit concert at ‘Eisenhower Park,’ New York, when he was fatally injured in a traffic collision with a semi-trailer truck. Chapin’s widow Sandy won a $12 million decision in a negligence lawsuit against ‘Supermarkets General,’ the owners of the truck involved. Chapin was a dedicated humanitarian who fought to end world hunger, and would regularly perform for free to raise funds, and awareness. Harry Chapin’s wife is now the chairperson of the ‘Harry Chapin Foundation,’ where she continues to pursue his legacy. His son, Josh, is also involved with the foundation, along with other family members. The Chapin family have been artistic throughout the generations. Harry Chapin’s father Jim Forbes Chapin, (1919-2009) his brothers Tom and Steve, and daughter Jen Chapin are musicians, while his nieces, Abigail and Lily Chapin, perform under the name the ‘Chapin Sisters.’ His paternal grandfather, James Ormsbee Chapin, (1887-1975) was an artist who illustrated the American poet and playwright Robert Frost’s (1874-1963) first two books of poetry, while his maternal grandfather was the American philosopher and rhetorician Kenneth Burke, (1897-1993) and the ‘Country’ singer Mary Chapin Carpenter is his fifth cousin.

Harry Chapin was one of the greatest storytellers through his music, and has gone on to sell in excess of 16 million records worldwide. In 1972 he signed a multi million dollar recording contract with ‘Electra Records,’ who outbid ‘Columbia Records’ for his signature, the contract was one of the biggest of its time, and It granted him free recording time, along with many other perks. The discography of Harry Chapin includes nine studio Albums released between 1972-1980, and 13 singles released within the same time period, there are also 14 official compilation Albums, and two live Albums available. There is also an Album recorded in 1966 called ‘Chapin Music!’ which is by ‘The Chapin Brothers,’ who were Harry, Tom and Steve Chapin, along with their father Jim. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, Harry Chapin has had four top 40 entries, with ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ reaching Number 1 in 1974, while ‘W.O.L.D.’ reached Number 36, and in the UK, ‘W.O.L.D.’ was his only top 40 singles chart entry.

‘W.O.L.D.’ was the only single released from ‘Short Stories,’ which was the third studio Album from Harry Chapin, from December 1973, the song was written by Harry Chapin, with the production being by Paul Leka (1943-2011) (see also best songs 995.) The Album ‘Short Stories’ has a total of 10 tracks, and includes two other fans favourite songs in ‘Mr Tanner,’ and ‘Mail Order Annie.’ The lyrics to ‘W.O.L.D.’ tell the story of an ageing Disc Jockey who gave up his family life to travel around America working at several different radio stations following his passion, which he believed would bring him happiness, only to discover that his life, looks, and voice have all passed him by, as hinted in the songs title (W.)’O.L.D.’ Harry Chapin had been doing a promotion at a radio station, when he heard a telephone conversation between one of the station’s Disc Jockeys Jim Connors, (1940-1987) who was speaking with his wife. This led to Chapin and Connors having a deep discussion on and off air about all the troubles associated with being part of the music business, inspiring Chapin to write this song.

When Harry Chapin performed ‘W.O.L.D.’ live he frequently replaced ‘W.O.L.D.’ in the last verse with the call letters of a local radio station in the town where the performance was being held. The live version of the song from the compilation ‘The Gold Medal Collection’ has an example of this, where ‘W.O.L.D.’ was replaced with ‘KHJ,’ a radio station in Los Angeles. Co-incidentally there is an actual radio station in Marion. Virginia, which has been broadcasting since 1968 called ‘WOLD-FM.’

‘Sometimes I get this crazy dream that I just take off in my car, but you can travel on ten thousand miles and still stay where you are. Thinking that I should stop this jockin’ and start that record store, maybe I could settle down, if you’d take me back once more.’

Posted by: In: Other 28 Aug 2024 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

475-Ray Charles-What’d I Say.

1959-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 3.45. Ray Charles said, ‘I’m not one to interpret my own songs, but if you can’t figure out ‘What I Say,’ then something’s wrong. Either that, or you’re not accustomed to the sweet sounds of love.’

Ray Charles Robinson (see also best songs 185) was born on September 23rd, 1930, in Albany, Georgia, United States, he died of complications resulting from liver failure, on June 10th, 2004, at the age of 73. Ray Charles is considered to be one of the most influential musicians in ‘Pop Music’ history, pioneering the genre of ‘Soul Music’ during the 1950’s, by combining ‘Blues,’ ‘Jazz,’ ‘Rhythm and Blues,’ and ‘Gospel’ styles into his music, and then during the 1960’s he recorded in the ‘Country Music’ genre as well. Ray Charles who was often referred to as ‘The Genius,’ by his fellow musicians, and fans, but preferred to be called ‘Brother Ray,’ started to lose his sight at the age of four, and was blind by the age of seven, probably resulting from the disease ‘glaucoma.’ In his 1978 autobiography, ‘Brother Ray: Ray Charles’ Own Story,’ he writes that he became hooked on women after losing his virginity at 12 years old to a woman about 20. ‘Cigarettes and smack (heroin) are the two truly addictive habits I’ve known. You might add women. My obsession centres on women, did then and does now. I can’t leave them alone.’ Ray Charles fathered 12 children with 10 different women, the eldest child being Evelyn in 1949, and the youngest Ryan, in 1987. He was 18 years old when he first tried marijuana, as he thought it helped musicians ‘Create music and tap into their creativity.’ He later became addicted to heroin for 17 years, and was arrested on many occasions for possession of narcotics.

The discography of Ray Charles is complex and extensive, with at least 20 different record labels having released near identical compilations of his pre-‘Atlantic Records’ recordings. It is reckoned that there are at least 200 official compilation Albums available. The American music journalist Robert Christgau has called Ray Charles’ discography a ‘Monumental mess, and that any map of his oeuvre must be personal and provisional.’ For the discography of Ray Charles see best songs 185.

‘What’d I Say,’ which is also known as ‘What I Say,’ was the second of two singles released from Ray Charles’ sixth studio Album called ‘What’d I Say’ for ‘Atlantic Records,’ and released in October 1959. ‘What’d I Say,’ was written by Ray Charles, with the production credited to Jerry Wexler (1917-2008) (see also best songs 882-644 and 530.) ‘What’d I Say’ is considered to be a landmark song, and key in the development of what was to become known as ‘Soul Music.’ Ray Charles mixed ‘Gospel,’ and ‘R&B’ and ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ to create the song. At one show he was playing live, and the band had played all of their material, but there was still 12 minutes to fill. Ray Charles told the band to improvise, and over the course of many concerts, and due to audience appreciation, the song developed, and then it was finally recorded, it would become the song with which Ray Charles would finish every concert for the rest of his career. The female backing vocals on the track were provided by ‘The Raelettes,’ who were an American girl vocal group formed in 1958 to provide backing vocals for Ray Charles, they had been put together from a previous ‘R&B’ girl group called ‘The Cookies,’ who had been active since 1954. Ray Charles has recalled the time in 1958 at a club in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, when he improvised on stage for what would eventually become ‘What’d I Say.’ He simply asked his band to follow his lead, which they did. He told his backing singers ‘The Raelettes’ to simply repeat whatever he said. ‘I had sung everything I could think of. So I said to the guys, ‘Look, I’m going to start this thing off, I don’t know where I’m going, so y’all just follow me.’ And I said to the girls, ‘Whatever I say, just repeat after me.’

Ray Charles scored his first top 10 hit on the American Billboard Hot 100 with ‘What’d I Say,’ when it peaked at Number 6 in 1959. In America the song has reached the top 40 on three further occasions, in 1961, Jerry Lee Lewis (1935-2022) made Number 30 with his version, in 1962 Bobby Darin (1936-1973) took the song to Number 24, and in 1964 Elvis Presley (1935-1977) made Number 21. ‘What’d I Say,’ has never been a hit single in the UK, but the Ray Charles recording was very influential. Paul McCartney has said that after hearing it that he wanted to be involved in music. George Harrison (1943-2001) remembered an all-night party he attended in 1959 where the song was played for eight hours non-stop. ‘It was one of the best records I ever heard.’ The opening electric piano in the song was the first John Lennon (1940-1980) had ever heard, and he tried to replicate it with his guitar. Lennon later credited Charles’ opening of ‘What’d I Say’ to the birth of songs dominated by guitar riffs.

‘Hey mama, don’t you treat me wrong, come and love your daddy all night long,all right now, hey hey, all right. See the girl with the diamond ring, she knows how to shake that thing all right now, now, now, hey hey, hey hey.’

Posted by: In: Other 27 Aug 2024 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

476-Barry White-Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up.

1974-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 0.45. In a recent survey it was revealed that many of the babies born between 1973-1983 were conceived while their parents were listening to Barry White songs. Even so I made that up, it could still be true.

Barry White (see also best songs 560 and 153) was born Barry Eugene Carter on September 12th, 1944, in Galveston, Texas, United States, he was obese for the majority of his adult life, reportedly weighed up to 375 pounds, he was also a chain smoker, and suffered from related health problems. While undergoing dialysis and awaiting a kidney transplant in May 2003, he suffered a severe stroke, which forced him to retire from public life, he also suffered multiple seizures in his last few weeks. His unstable health eventually prevented him from receiving a new kidney, and he died on July 4th, 2003, at the age of 58.

Barry White’s first big break came in 1972, when producing the all girl group ‘Love Unlimited,’ their debut Album ‘From a Girl’s Point of View We Give to You… Love Unlimited,’ (Barry White was renowned for long song titles) reached Number 19 on the American Billboard ‘Top R&B’ Album chart. With ‘Love Unlimited,’ Barry White produced, and wrote the majority of their five studio Albums released between 1972-1979, and their 15 singles released between 1972-1980. Two of their singles reached the American Billboard Hot 100, ‘Walkin’ in the Rain with the One I Love,’ (1972-Number 14) and ‘I Belong to You,’ (1974-Number 27) while in the UK, they also charted twice, with ‘Walkin’ in the Rain with the One I Love,’ (1972-Number 14) and ‘It May Be Winter Outside (But in My Heart It’s Spring’) (1973-Number 11.)

In 1973 Barry White created ‘The Love Unlimited Orchestra,’ which was a 40-piece orchestral group to be used originally as a backing band for ‘Love Unlimited,’ however after writing ‘Love’s Theme’ which went on to be a Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 single in 1973, he decided to write and record and release Albums and singles as ‘The Love Unlimited Orchestra.’ as their own entity. With ‘The Love Unlimited Orchestra’ Barry White released 10 Albums between 1974-1983, and 20 singles between 1973-1983, with two of those singles reaching the Billboard Hot 100, ‘Love’s Theme,’ (1973-Number 1) and ‘Satin Soul,’ (1975-Number 22.) In the UK, only ‘Love’s Theme’ charted, reaching Number 10. Some of the musicians who performed in ‘The Love Unlimited Orchestra,’ included Melvin ‘Wah Wah’ Watson, (1950-2018) (see also best songs 713) who was also a member of the ‘Funk Brothers, Ray Parker Jr. (see also best songs 560) and Wilton Felder, (1940-2015) (see also best songs 588.) As well as working with ‘Love Unlimited,’ and creating ‘The Love Unlimited Orchestra,’ Barry White also was on the look out for a male solo singer to record his songs, but after not finding what he was looking for, he was persuaded to perform his own songs himself. For the solo discography of Barry White, see also best songs 560.)

‘Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Stone Gon,” the second studio by Barry White, from October 1973. All five tracks on the Album, including ‘Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up’ were written and produced by Barry White, who also sang lead vocals, and was also arranged by Barry White, and Gene Page (1939-1998.) In 1997 the English singer Lisa Stansfield covered ‘Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up,’ taking her version to Number 25 in the UK. In 1992 Barry White had teamed up with Stansfield to record a duet version of her most successful song ‘All Around the World,’ for the ‘B’ side of her single ‘Time To Make You Mine,’ with all of the artists royalties being donated to the charity ‘Trading Places,’ the song reached Number 14 in the UK. They then teamed up again in 1999 to record ‘The Longer We Make Love,’ for White’s Album ‘Staying Power.’ In 1987 the English music producer Paul Hardcastle (see also best songs 471) did a remix of ‘Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up,’ it was issued with the slightly amended spelling of ‘Never, Never Going to Give You Up’ in several European countries, to promote the compilation album ‘Barry White – The Collection,’ the remix peaked at Number 65 in the UK in 1988.

”Cause I found what the world is searching for, here, right here, my dear, I don’t have to look no more. And all my days, I’ve hoped and I’ve prayed for someone just like you, make me feel the way you do. Never, never gonna give you up.’

Posted by: In: Other 26 Aug 2024 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

477-Jay-Z and Kanye West-N….s in Paris.

2012-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 2.43. The song received it’s title, as it was recorded at ‘Le Meurice,’ which is a hotel in Paris. If you want to stay the night, that will set you back well over $3,200.

‘N….s in Paris’ which is edited for radio as ‘In Paris,’ or ‘Paris,’ was the fourth of seven singles released from the collaborative studio Album ‘Watch the Throne,’ by the American Rappers Jay-Z, (see also best songs 636-267 and 23) and Kanye West, (see also best songs 1049-849-636 and 267) from August 2011. The song was co-written by Jay-Z, Kanye West, Chauncey Hollis, and due to part of it’s sampling the American screenwriter, and film producer John Altschuler is also credited, the track was produced by Kanye West, Chauncey Hollis, Mike Dean, and Anthony Kilhoffer. Jay-Z and Kanye West had already collaborated on many occasions prior to 2011, and the idea was to record enough material for a five track extended play, (EP) but things went so well that it ended up as a 12 track Album, with seven of the songs, all with promotional video’s, being released as singles. The duo had first begun working together in 2000 on the track ‘This Can’t Be Life,’ from Jay-Z’s fifth studio Album ‘The Dynasty: Roc La Familia,’ on which West co-wrote the track with Jay-Z, and others, and also was that songs producer. They would next work closely on Jay-Z’s sixth studio Album ‘The Blueprint,’ in 2001.

Chauncey Hollis, (see also best songs 267) who was one of the co-writers, and co-producers of ‘N….s in Paris,’ was born Chauncey Alexander Hollis Jr. on May 21st, 1987, in Fontana, California, United States, he is known professionally as ‘Hit-Boy.’ In 2011 he was signed by Kanye West to his ‘GOOD Music’ record label as an in-house production staff member, prior to his signing ‘Hit-Boy’ had first gained major recognition for his work on Lil Wayne’s 2009 single ‘Drop the World,’ featuring Eminem, which had reached Number 18 on the American Billboard Hot 100. Since 2011 ‘Hit-Boy’ has gone on to work with countless ‘Hip-Hop,’ and ‘R&B’ artists, including the likes of Drake, Beyonce, and Mary J Blige. It was ‘Hit-Boy’ who wrote the ‘beat’ for ‘N….s in Paris,’ and he has said, ‘N….s in Paris’ came about from me having a beat idea already. When I went to New York, I just further went into it. It was just a batch of beats. Kanye asked me for some beats, and that was one of the beats I gave him.’ The song was recorded by Jay-Z and Kanye West in Paris, hence the songs title, and ‘Hit-Boy’ has also said that he sent all the necessary files so that the duo could complete the track. ‘They actually went over to Paris, I didn’t get to make that trip. next thing I know, they’re like, ‘Yo, I need all the files for that beat.’ Kanye West has said that he was inspired to write ‘N….s in Paris’ after a previous visit to Paris. ‘I am where art meets commercial. The sweet spot between the hood and Hollywood. When we’re in Paris dressing all crazy at fashion shows, we listening to Jay-Z. Jeezy in Paris, that’s what it is.’

‘N….s in Paris’ makes use of musical, and vocal samples, including loops, beats, and drum loops, from the American software company ‘Big Fish Audio, Inc.’ Also sampled is the 1959 song ‘Baptising Scene,’ by Reverend W.A. Donaldson, and Jay-Z raps the line, ‘Jackson, Tyson, Jordan,’ which is lifted from the 1998 song ‘Victory,’ performed by Puff Daddy, The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes (Billboard-Number 19 single.) At the start of ‘N….s in Paris’ you hear the line We’re gonna skate to one song, and one song only,’ this is the voice of the American actor Will Ferrell, sampled from the 2007 American sports comedy film ‘Blades of Glory. Ferrell has said, ‘I was completely flattered when they asked if they could sample me into the song, and when I heard it for the first time, I just started to laugh because it felt so surreal, but I really did like the song.’

On the surface ‘N….s in Paris’ appears to contain the usual amount of bragging that can be heard on many a ‘Rap’ record, but if you dig a little deeper, you realise that all the bravado is just a safety mechanism, as the two rappers try to come to terms with dealing with all of the trappings of fame, and wealth. The Album’s title ‘Watch the Throne’ could be their way of telling us that while they are at the top of the ‘Rap’ game, the next generation are waiting in the wings, just waiting for the chance to take their crown.

What’s Gucci, my ni..a? What’s Louis, my killer? What’s drugs, my dealer? What’s that jacket, Margiela? Doctors say I’m the illest, ’cause I’m suffering from realness, got my niggas in Paris and they going gorillas, huh. ‘I don’t even know what that means. No one knows what it means, but it’s provocative. No, it’s not, it’s gross, gets the people goin.’

Posted by: In: Other 24 Aug 2024 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

478-Symarip-Skinhead Moonstomp.

1969-It didn’t chart in the UK until it was reissued in 1980, when reaching Number 54.

Bet Bit-At 1.58. Light years before the more difficult to perform the ‘Moonwalk,’ (see also best songs 581 and 191) came the ‘Moonstomp.’

‘Symarip’ were formed in the late 1960’s by Frank Pitter, (drums) and Michael Thomas, (bass guitar) originally calling themselves ‘The Bees.’ Throughout their career they have also used other stage names including ‘Seven Letters,’ Zubaba,’ and ‘The Pyramids.’ The bands name was originally spelled ‘Simaryp,’ which is an approximate reversal of the word pyramids. The other three group members who were also of West Indian descent were Josh Roberts, (guitar) Roy Ellis, (vocals, and trombone) and Monty Nalsmith, (keyboards.) The group were active between 1967-1985, with Thomas and Nalsmith, plus other new members reforming in 2008 to tour. ‘Symarip’ were heavily influenced by the ‘Ska,’ Reggae,’ and ‘Rock Steady’ music coming out of Jamaica in the mid to late 1960’s. and are widely regarded as one of the first ‘skinhead’ Reggae bands, targeting skinheads as an audience. The discography of ‘Symarip’ includes four studio Albums (two as ‘Symarip,’ and two as ‘The Pyramids’) released between 1968-1985, and a further two compilation Albums released on ‘Trojan’ records in 2004, and 2009, they have also released at least 65 singles under their differing stage names, between 1967-1974.

In 1969 the Jamaican Reggae artist Derrick Morgan wrote and recorded ‘Moon Hop,’ which reached Number 49 in the UK. The song was written to commemorate the July 20th, 1969 landing of the ‘Apollo Lunar Module’ on the moon. Symarip’s very similar sounding ‘Skinhead Moonstomp’ soon followed. Symarip denied accusations of plagiarism, saying there was no relation between the two songs, but Derrick Morgan disagreed, calling them ‘Copy Cats.’ The Symarip recording of ‘Skinhead Moonstomp’ is credited as being co-written by Roy Ellis and Monty Nalsmith, of Symarip, with the production credited to Graeme Goodall (1932-2014.) At the very start of ‘Skinhead Moonstomp’ you hear the lyrics ‘I want all you skinheads to get on your feet, put your braces together and your boots on your feet,’ this introduction was heavily influenced by the ‘Sam & Dave’ song ‘I Thank You’ (1968-Billboard Number 9 & UK Number 34.) In 1980, in the wake of the ‘Second coming of Ska,’ and the forming of ‘2 Tone Records,’ ‘Skinhead Moonstomp’ was reissued, and charted for the first time in the UK, when reaching Number 54. Other notable versions recorded, include ‘The Specials’ from their 1980 ‘The Special A.K.A. Live! EP,’ which also included their UK Number 1 single ‘Too Much Too Young,’ (see also best songs 924) and also a version by the late great Judge Dread (1945-1998.)

Derrick Morgan ‘OD’ was born on March 27th, 1940, in Clarendon, Jamaica, he has written, produced and recorded in the genres of ‘Rocksteady,’ ‘Reggae and ‘Ska.’ He has been a prolific recording artist, issuing over 250 singles in Jamaica, from 1959 onwards, and 21 Albums between 1969-2019. In 1960 he became the only artist ever to fill the places from one to seven on the Jamaican Pop chart simultaneously. In the 1960’s in Jamaica there was a great rivalry between Morgan and Prince Buster, (1938-2016) (see also best songs 734 and 139) who accused Morgan of stealing his ideas. This led to several ‘diss’ records from both parties, with followers of the two artists often clashing, eventually the government had to step in with a staged photo shoot depicting the rivals as friends. Derrick Morgan retired from the music industry because of illness in the 2010’s, but has since performed sporadically.

‘Skinhead Moonstomp’ was produced by Graeme Goodall, who was born in 1932, in Caulfield, Victoria, Australia, he died on December 3rd, 2014, from natural causes, at the age of 82. Goodall was a key figure in the promoting of Jamaican music, constructing several of the Island’s recording studios, and co-founding ‘Island Records’ in 1959 with Chris Blackwell, (see also best songs 494-291 and 56) and Leslie Kong (1933-1971.) After Goodall’s relationship broke down with Chris Blackwell he relocated to the UK in 1965, and starting up his own record labels ‘Doctor Bird,’ ‘Pyramid.’ and the ‘Trojan Records’ subsidiary ‘Attack Records.’ In 1969 Leslie Kong sent Goodall the master tapes of a song called ‘Poor Me, Israelites’ by Desmond Dekker, (1941-2006) which was proving popular in clubs, but receiving little air play, Goodall remixed the track and released it in the UK in 1969 on ‘Pyramid Records’ as ‘Israelites.’ the single went on to top the UK Singles Chart, and sell in excess of two million copies (see also best songs 122.)

Now, before we reach the moon, fellas, we got to make sure that everything is spic and span, alright? We got to make sure you, shine your boots, brush your teeth, because the man on the moon look different from man on the Earth. That’s what I say boys.’

Posted by: In: Other 23 Aug 2024 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

479-Def Leppard-Animal.

1987-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 3.54. The band play a very well deserved encore.

Def Leppard were formed in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, in 1977, originally calling themselves ‘Atomic Mass,’ at the time of writing they remain active, with two of the founding members Rick Savage, and Joe Elliott being the bands two constants. It was the groups lead singer Joe Elliott who suggested the bands name ‘Deaf Leopard,’ which was modified to ‘Def Leppard’ by Tony Kenning, who was a a band member in the original line up, and stayed with the group until 1978. The other founding member was Peter Willis, who remained with the band until 1982, and was then replaced by Phil Collen. Rick Allen joined as the drummer in 1978, the same year as Steve Clark (1960-1991) joined as a guitarist, after Clark’s death, Vivian Campell became his replacement. On March 29th, 2019, Rick Savage, Joe Elliott, Rick Allen, Phil Collen, Vivian Campbell, Peter Willis, and Steve Clark were inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.’ Def Leppard whose musical style has been described as ‘Glam Metal,’ ‘Hard Rock,’ ‘Heavy Metal,’ ‘Arena Rock,’ and ‘Power Pop,’ are one of the best selling groups of all time, with sales in excess of 100 million records sold worldwide. Two of their studio Albums ‘Pyromania,’ (1983) and ‘Hysteria,’ (1987) have both been certified ‘Diamond’ by the ‘Recording Industry Association of America’ (‘RIAA.’) making them one of only five ‘Rock’ bands with two original studio Albums selling over 10 million copies each in the United States, alongside the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Van Halen.

Rick Allen who was born Richard John Cyril Allen, on November 1st, 1963, in Dronfield, Derbyshire, England, has been the drummer with Def Leppard since the age of 15, when his mother replied on his behalf to an advertisement placed by a band called ‘Def Leppard’ looking for a drummer to replace Tony Kenning, the advertisements headline read, ‘Leppard loses skins.’ He celebrated his 16th birthday with a performance at the ‘Hammersmith Odeon,’ London, when Def Leppard opened for AC/DC. (see also best songs 797-245 and 170.) On the afternoon of 31st December 1984, Allen was involved in a car crash when a car in front of his deliberately slowed for Allen to catch up, only to speed up as he tried to pass. This went on for several miles until, in frustration, Allen accelerated to finally pass, at which point he lost control of his left-hand-drive ‘Corvette C4,’ which hit a dry stone wall and entered a field. His left arm was entangled in the seat belt and severed, remaining in the car while Allen was flung out. Doctors initially re-attached the arm, but it was later amputated due to an infection. After receiving hundreds of thousands of letters from all around the world, Allen eventually decided that he wanted to continue playing drums with Def Leppard, and adopted a specially designed electronic drum kit. He uses four electronic pedals for his left foot to play the pieces he used to play with his left arm, which from left to right trigger sounds of a closing hi-hat, bass drum, snare drum, and a tom drum. On the British ‘Gigwise’ website, Allen is ranked Number 7 on the their ‘Greatest Drummers of All Time’ list.

The discography of Def Leppard includes 12 studio Albums released between 1980-2022, and 60 singles released between 1979-2024, there are also four extended plays, (EP’s) 11 box sets, six official compilation Albums, and four live Albums available. In the UK, 19 of their singles have reached the top 40, with both ‘Let’s Get Rocked,’ (1992) and ‘When Love & Hate Collide,’ (1995) peaking the highest at Number 2, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, they have had 15 top 40 hits, with ‘Love Bites,’ (1988) reaching Number 1, while ‘Animal’ made Number 19.

‘Animal’ was the first of seven singles released from ‘Hysteria,’ the fourth studio Album by Def Leppard from August 1977, the song was co-written by Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Steve Clark, and Rick Savage, of Def Leppard, along with Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange, (see also best songs 632-314 and 170) who was also the songs producer. Prior to the release of ‘Hysteria,’ Def Leppard had become superstars in America, due to the success of their previous Album ‘Pyromania,’ although they had a following in the UK, it wasn’t until ‘Animal’ and the more commercial ‘Pop/Rock’ production on ‘Hysteria,’ which brought them success in Europe. Phil Collen the groups guitarist who had written the original demo for ‘Animal,’ a while earlier has said, ‘We’d revisit it, and I remember we were recording vocals in Paris for something and one day Joe (Elliott) had done this vocal and Mutt Lange had said, ‘Wow, this vocal’s killer. Let’s rewrite the song around that.’ So we did and it was our first English top 10 single, so it was worth waiting.’ Phil Collen has credited the songs producer Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange for taking the song to the next level. ‘He said, ‘Yeah, this is okay but this can be great.’ That’s always his thing. ‘Yeah, it can be alright and it can be an okay song but we want to make it great.’ And I think we achieved that. Certainly with the album, Hysteria. It had a different kind of response to it than if we had just sat there and released the first draft.’

‘Animal’ is a song about lusting after another, the narrator compares himself to an animal who is stalking his prey. The line, ‘Like the restless rust, I never sleep,’ is a reference to Neil Young’s 1979 live Album ‘Rust Never Sleeps’ (see also best songs 602.)

‘A wild ride, over stony ground, such a lust for life, the circus comes to town. We are the hungry ones, on a lightning raid, just like a river runs, like a fire needs flame, oh I burn for you.’

Posted by: In: Other 22 Aug 2024 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

480-Yvonne Fair-It Should Have Been Me.

1976-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 2.20. With hindsight I would imagine that the Preacher probably regretted asking if anyone had any objections to this wedding.

Yvonne Fair was born Flora Yvonne Coleman on October 21st, 1942, in Richmond, Virginia, United States, she died from pancreatic cancer on March 6th, 1994, at the age of 51. Yvonne Fair started her music career as a member of the all girl African/American ‘Pop,’ and ‘Doo-Wop,’ and ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ group ‘The Chantels’ for a short while in the late 1950’s, before joining the ‘James Brown Revue’ in 1961. Her first solo single release was on the ‘King’ record label in 1962, it was a James Brown (1933-2006) (see also best songs 880-349-270 and 88) composition called ‘I Found You,’ which failed to chart, but was later re-worked by Brown to become one of his signature songs ‘I Got You (I Feel Good’) (see also best songs 270.) After working with James Brown, with whom she had a child with in 1965, she left the ‘King’ label, and signed with ‘Motown’ records, where she toured regularly with that labels top names, often opening for them. In 1972 she had a small part as a singer in the Motown produced biographical musical drama film ‘Lady Sings the Blues.’ In the mid 1970’s Norman Whitfield (1940-2008) (see also best songs 911-777-569-533-346 and 233) worked with her on a series of Motown singles, which all became part of her one solo Album release ‘The Bitch Is Black’ in 1975. By the 1980’s Yvonne Fair had retired from recording, and would occasionally perform in small clubs and bars around Los Angeles. She also worked as Dionne Warwick’s (see also best songs 224) wardrobe coordinator. Prior to starting her music career, she had been married, and had a child with Leroy Fair. Her second marriage was to the American R&B vocalist Sammy Strain, who was a member of both Little Anthony and the Imperials, (see also best songs 338) and the O’Jays (see also best songs 648.) Sammy Strain is one of the few artists in music history that is a double ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ inductee, having been inducted with the O’Jays in 2005, and the Imperials in 2009. Yvonne Fair’s daughter Venisha Brown, whom she had with James Brown, struggled with drug addiction, and was arrested multiple times, she died from complications from pneumonia on September 19th, 2018, at the age of 53.

The discography of Yvonne Fair includes one studio Album ‘The Bitch Is Black,’ from 1975, and 13 singles released between 1962-1975, of which her first three singles were ‘with the James Brown Band.’ Her only charting single is ‘It Should Have Been Me,’ which was also her final single release, which reached Number 85 in America on the Billboard Hot 100, Number 5 in the UK, and Number 10 in Australia.

‘It Should Have Been Me’ was originally written in 1963 by William ‘Mickey’ Stevenson, and Norman Whitfield, who were both long term employees at ‘Motown’ records. The first recording of the song was in 1963 by Stevenson’s wife Kim Weston, with backing vocals by ‘The Supremes,’ (see also best songs 1001-411-212 and 148) and instrumentation by ‘The Funk Brothers’ (see also best songs 948-650-569-480-414-382-212-148 and 28.) The first hit version of the song was the 1968 recording by Gladys Knight & The Pips, which reached Number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, once again the instrumentation was provided by The Funk Brothers, and also the ‘Detroit Symphony Orchestra,’ who have provided music on other Motown recordings. In 1975 The Funk Brothers completed the treble when once again providing the instrumentation on the Yvonne Fair version, which was produced by Norman Whitfield, and was one of seven previous singles that had been issued by Yvonne Fair, and collected for her ‘The Bitch Is Black’ Album. In 1991, the American singer ‘Adeva’ released a ‘House Music’ version of ‘It Should Have Been Me,’ which reached Number 48 in the UK.

‘It Should Have Been Me’ was co-written by William ‘Mickey’ Stevenson, (see also best songs 948 and 346) who was born on January 4th, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, after spending his formative years recording ‘Doo-Wop,’ and ‘Gospel Music,’ he joined ‘Motown’ in 1959, the year it was founded. He was head of the ‘A&R’ department there during the ‘glory’ years of the mid 1960’s, and was also responsible for organising and establishing the company’s in-house studio band, which came to be known as ‘The Funk Brothers.’ Other ‘classic’ Motown songs co-written, or co-produced by William ‘Mickey’ Stevenson, include Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston’s ‘It Takes Two,’ (1966-Billboard Number 14 & UK Number 16) Jimmy Ruffin’s ‘What Becomes of the Brokenhearted,’ (1966-Billboard Number 7 & UK Number 8) and Stevie Wonder’s ‘Uptight (Everything’s Alright’) (1965-Billboard Number 3 & UK Number 14.)

‘Then the preacher asked, ‘Will there be silence, please? If any objections to this wedding speak now or forever, forever hold your peace.’ Then I shouted, it should have been me, you know that it should have been me.’

Posted by: In: Other 21 Aug 2024 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

481-Elton John and Kiki Dee-Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.

1976-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.53. Watching Elton’s dance moves in the iconic video makes you realise why when performing in concert, he tended to spend most of his time sat at the piano.

‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ was issued as a stand alone single on June 25th, 1976, it was co-written by Elton John, (see also best songs 946-237 and 62) and his usual songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, but this time using the pseudonyms ‘Anna Orson’ (Elton John) and ‘Carte Blanche,’ (Bernie Taupin) with the production being by Gus Dudgeon (1942-2002) (see also best songs 946-223 and 62.) Elton John and Bernie Taupin were both big fans of the ‘Motown’ style duet of the 1960’s, such as those performed by Marvin Gaye (1939-1984) (see also best songs 723-183 and 114) and Tammi Terrell, (1945-1970) and Kim Weston. Initially the idea was to cover The Four Tops (see also best songs 650) song ‘Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever,’ (1966-Billboard Number 45) until they came up with this original gem. Elton had planned to record the duet with Dusty Springfield (1939-1999) (see also best songs 882 and 171) but she had to withdraw because she was too ill at that time. ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ went on to become the first UK Number 1 single for Elton John, although it would be a further 14 years until his first solo UK Number 1 ‘Sacrifice.’ In 1993 Elton John re-recorded ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ in a ‘Disco’ style with the American drag queen RuPaul, for his duets Album, the song was produced by Giorgio Moroder, (see also best songs 78 and 11) and reached Number 3 in the UK. In 1981, Elton John and Kiki Dee finally got around to covering ‘Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever,’ as a duet, with the song appearing on Kiki Dee’s 11th Album release ‘Perfect Timing,’ the song was issued as a single, but failed to chart. ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ went on to reach Number 1 in the UK, and also Number 1 in America on Billboard. The song finished as the second best selling record of 1976 in both countries, in the UK behind ‘Save Your Kisses for Me,’ by Brotherhood of Man, and on Billboard behind ‘Silly Love Songs,’ by Wings. In June 2013, 37 years after its original release, ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ reached one million sales in the UK, and at the time of writing it’s sales are now 1.2 million.

Elton John recorded his vocals for ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ in Toronto, then the tape was sent to London, where Kiki Dee recorded her vocal. The songs producer Gus Dudgeon has said, ‘I was with Elton in Canada and he actually sang about three quarters of the song and gave Kiki about four lines. I said, ‘Hang on a minute, is this supposed to be a duet or a guest appearance? Elton replied, ‘A duet.’ Then you’ve got to give her at least 50% of the song.’ Kiki Dee has said, ‘Elton had recorded the song abroad and also did my vocals in a high-pitched voice which was quite funny, so I knew which lines to sing.’ Bernie Taupin has recalled, ‘I was in Barbados one evening in 1976 when Elton called from Toronto to play me a backing track he’d just cut with the band. Half cut myself by this point, the afternoon’s poolside cocktails having muddied my brainwaves, I listened and took note. Elton was in need of a lyric that could be done as a duet. I told him I would give it a shot, hung up, and stuck my head in the ice bucket. In 10 minutes, I’d thrown something together that was simplistic without being overly trite, and that is how ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ came about.’

Kiki Dee was born Pauline Matthews on March 6th, 1947, in Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, it was the English songwriter Mitch Murray who created her stage name. Her breakthrough occurred when signing with ‘Fontana Records’ in 1963, where she released 11 non charting singles between 1963-1968, and also her debut Album ‘I’m Kiki Dee’ in 1968. In 1970 Kiki Dee became the first British white artist to sign with ‘Motown Records,’ on it’s subsidiary ‘Rare Earth’ label, which was a short lived label dedicated to ‘Rock Music,’ played by white artists, she released one Album ‘Great Expectations,’ for the label in 1970, and two singles in 1970, and 1971. It was her next move to ‘Rocket’ records co-owned by Elton John, which saw her finally break in to the charts, when ‘Amoureuse’ reached Number 13 in the UK in 1973. In 1993 Kiki Dee and Elton John once again joined forces, recording the 1956 Cole Porter (1891-1964) (see also best songs 944-655-295 and 73) song ‘True Love,’ for Elton’s ‘Duets’ Album, the song reached Number 2 in the UK, and is Kiki Dee’s last appearance on the chart to date.

The discography of Kiki Dee includes 22 Albums released between 1968-2022, and 37 singles released between 1963-1993. In the UK, Kiki Dee has had nine top 40 hit singles, with ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ peaking the highest at Number 1, while without Elton John, her three highest charting singles ‘Amoureuse,’ (1973) ‘Loving and Free,’ (1976) and ‘Star,’ (1981) all coincidentally reached Number 13. In America on Billboard her only other charting single is ‘I’ve Got the Music in Me,’ which reached Number 12 in 1974.

‘Nobody knows it, when I was down I was your clown. Nobody knows it, right from the start I gave you my heart, I gave you my heart. So don’t go breaking my heart, I won’t go breaking your heart.’

Posted by: In: Other 20 Aug 2024 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

482-2Pac featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman-California Love.

1996-Number 6 single.

Best Bit- At 2.19. Like so many other great ‘Hip-Hop’ songs, this one also uses many samples, but before some of you get on your musical high horses, just remember that in ‘Pop Music’ ‘NO’ song has ever been totally original. Every new song is influenced by something that has gone before.

Tupac Amaru Shakur was born Lesane Parish Crooks on June 16th, 1971, in East Harlem, Upper Manhattan, New York City, United States, he died from internal bleeding after being shot four times, once in the arm, once in the thigh, and twice in the chest, in a drive by shooting on September 13th, 1996, in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, he was 25 years old. Both of his parents were political activists and were heavily involved in the ‘Black Panther Party,’ and he was renamed at the age of one year old in honour of Tupac Amaru, (1738-1781) who had led the ‘Andean uprising’ in 1780. Tupac Shakur who is also known by his other stage names ‘2Pac,’ and ‘Makaveli,’ is considered to be one of the greatest and most influential Rappers of all time, and one of the most influential music artists of the 20th century, especially in his role as a prominent political activist for Black America. His early lyrics have been noted for addressing social injustice, political issues, and the marginalisation of other African-Americans, but towards the end of his recording career he became more synonymous with ‘Gangsta Rap,’ where his lyrics were aimed more at the ‘Gangsta’ lifestyle. Away from music, Tupac Shakur also had a career as an actor, appearing in movies, and on television, including the 1993 American romantic drama film ‘Poetic Justice,’ where he co-starred alongside Janet Jackson (see also best songs 679.) From around the age of 11, Tupac began writing poetry, some of which sold for $90,000 at auction in 2022.

The discography of Tupac Shakur who has sold in excess of 75 million records worldwide, includes four studio Albums released between 1991-1996, and 44 singles released between 1991-2008, there are also seven posthumous Albums, one soundtrack Album, two remix Albums, two live Albums, and nine official compilation Albums available. In America on Billboard, five of his Albums have reached Number 1, which includes three posthumous releases, while 10 of his singles (including one as a featured artist) have made the Billboard Hot 100, with ‘California Love’ peaking the highest at Number 1. In the UK, he has had 16 top 40 hits, with the posthumous release ‘Ghetto Gospel’ featuring Elton John, getting to Number 1 in 2005.

‘California Love’ is credited with 11 different writers due to all of it’s sampling, with the production being by Dr. Dre (see also best songs 564-544-189-128 and 48.) The song was the first of four singles released from ‘All Eyez on Me,’ which was the fourth and final studio Album released by Tupac Shakur during his lifetime. ‘California Love’ which was issued as a double ‘A’ sided single with ‘How Do U Want It, (also from the Album) was one of two tracks that Dr. Dre collaborated on with Tupac for the Album, which was first released on June 4th, 1996. ‘California Love’ samples the 1972 Joe Cocker (1944-2014) song ‘Woman To Woman,’ which reached Number 1 in Spain. The chorus ‘California knows how to party,’ was performed by the American ‘Funk’ artist Roger Troutman, (1951-1999) using his characteristic ‘Talk Box,’ and was taken from the 1982 song ‘West Coast Poplock,’ by ‘Ronnie Hudson & The Street People,’ which was written by Ronnie Hudson, and Mikel Hooks, and was itself a reworking of Roger Troutman’s 1981 song ‘So Ruff, So Tuff.’ In ‘California Love,’ Troutman also sings ‘Shake it, shake it, baby,’ he first sang that line on his own 1982 song ‘Dance Floor,’ when performing with his band ‘Zapp.’ Dr. Dre performs the first verse, which was ghost written by James ‘J-Flexx’ Anderson, and Tupac Shakur, who it is said took 15 minutes to write his Rap, performs the second verse, the song is a celebration of Californian life.’

‘California Love’ was released as Tupac Shakur’s comeback single after his release from prison in 1995, and was his first release on ‘Death Row Records.’ The labels owner Suge Knight (see also best songs 520) had helped Tupac out of his worsening financial situation while in prison, in return for Tupac releasing music on his label. The gambol paid off as ‘California Love’ became an American Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 single, and the Album ‘All Eyez on Me’ sold in excess of seven million copies worldwide. Dr. Dre performed ‘California Love’ with Snoop Dogg (see also best songs 544) at the 2022 ‘Super Bowl’ halftime show, changing the line ‘I been in the game for 10 years makin’ rap tunes’ to ‘I been in the game for 30 years makin’ rap tunes.’

‘Out on bail, fresh out of jail, California dreamin.’ Soon as I step on the scene, I’m hearin’ hoochies screamin.’ Fiendin’ for money and alcohol, the life of a Westside player, where cowards die and the strong ball, only in Cali where we riot, not rally, to live and die.’