Providing Disco & Karaoke Since 19770113 266 8963 0113 266 8963
Posted by: In: Other 31 Oct 2024 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

419-Percy Faith-Theme from A Summer Place.

1960-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.00. You say it better when you say nothing at all.

‘Theme from A Summer Place was written for the 1959 American romantic drama film ‘A Summer Place.’ Originally called the ‘Molly and Johnny Theme,’ it was performed for the movie by the American ‘Easy Listening’ music arranger Hugo Winterhalter (1909-1973.) The music was not the films main title music, and was only played intermittently during the film, it only came to be immediately associated with the movie after this recording by Percy Faith.

‘Theme from A Summer Place’ was written by Max Steiner (1888-1971) (melody) and Mack Discant (1916-1961) (lyrics.) Although the lyrics were not used in the film, or in the Percy Faith version, there have been dozens, or maybe even hundreds of vocal versions recorded. Max Steiner was born Maximilian Raoul Steiner, on May 10th, 1888 in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, he died on December 28th, 1971, from congestive heart failure, at the age of 83. Steiner composed over 300 film scores, including ‘Casablanca,’ (1942) (but not ‘As Time Goes By’) ‘Gone With the Wind,’ (1939) and ‘King Kong,’ (1933.) He is referred to as the ‘Father of film music,’ or the ‘Dean of film music.’

Percy Faith was born on April 7th, 1908, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he died on February 9th, 1976, from cancer, at the age of 67. Percy Faith recorded around 100 studio Albums between 1951-1976, 21 of which made the Billboard Hot 200 chart. He also had great success as a music producer for himself, and others. His productions can be heard on 16 Billboard hit singles, including both of his Number 1’s, this song in 1960, and the ‘Moulin Rouge Theme’ in 1953. Percy Faith is credited with popularising the genre of ‘Easy Listening’ also known as ‘Mood Music,’ although at times he has been ridiculed for inventing ‘elevator music.’ Although Percy Faith’s professional career began at the height of the ‘Swing Era,’ he refined and rethought orchestration techniques, including use of large string sections, to soften and fill out the brass-dominated popular music of the 1940’s. Percy Faith is the only artist to have the best selling single of the year during both the ‘Pop’ singer era (1953-‘Song from Moulin Rouge’) and the ‘Rock’ era, (1959-‘Theme from A Summer Place’) and he is one of only three artists, along with Elvis Presley and the Beatles, to have the best selling single of the year twice,

‘Theme from A Summer Place’ was written by Max Steiner, and produced by Percy Faith, and was released as a single in September 1959, it can also be found on Percy Faith’s 1971 compilation Album ‘A Summer Place.’ In 1959 prior to the film ‘A Summer Place’ being released, Percy Faith had already recorded and released ‘Theme from A Summer Place’ as a single. At first it only charted moderately, but it eventually took off in February 1960, spending nine consecutive weeks at Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, which at that time set a new record, which would stand until 1977. The song remains the longest running Number 1 instrumental in the history of the Billboard singles chart. Percy Faith re-recorded ‘Theme from A Summer Place’ twice. In 1969, as a female choral version, and then in 1976 as a ‘Disco’ version titled ‘Summer Place 76,’ which was released posthumously. In 1960 the British music producer Norrie Paramor (1914-1979) (see also best songs 709) released his arrangement of the ‘Theme from A Summer Place’ as a single on Columbia Records, featuring wordless vocals by the Scottish soprano Patricia Clarke, and credited to ‘Norrie Paramor & His Orchestra,’ the single reached number 36 on the UK top 40. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, a vocal version by the American male vocal trio the ‘Lettermen’ reached Number 16 in 1965.

‘Easy Listening’ music is a genre of music that was most popular during the 1950’s to the 1970’s. It is related to ‘Middle-Of-The-Road’ (MOR) music, and encompasses instrumental recordings of standards, hit songs, non-Rock vocals, and instrumental covers of selected popular Rock songs. It mostly concentrates on music that pre-dates the ‘Rock and Roll’ era, characteristically on music from the 1940’s and 1950’s. Vocalists who are associated with ‘Easy Listening,’ and appear in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list include, Frank Sinatra, (see also best songs 877-567-469-120 and 73) Nat King Cole, (see also best songs 988-327-226 and 161) The Carpenters, (see also best songs 744) and The Mills Brothers (see also best songs 960 and 535.)

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

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

420-Janet Kay-Silly Games.

1979-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 4.20. For those about to ‘Lovers Rock’ we salute you.

The genre of music that is known as ‘Lovers Rock’ has nothing to do with ‘Rock’ music, it is in fact a style of ‘Reggae’ music that is noted for it’s romantic content, rather than carrying a political message. It combines the ‘Soul’ sounds that were coming out of Chicago, and Philadelphia in the early 1970’s, with ‘Rocksteady,’ and ‘Reggae’ bassline rhythms. The roots of ‘Lovers Rock’ lie in the last days of ‘Rocksteady’ in Jamaica, and the early days of ‘Reggae,’ with Jamaican and American singers such as Ken Boothe, Johnny Nash, (1940-2020) (see also best songs 584) and John Holt (1947-2014) enjoying international hits with versions of well known love songs. The genre evolved out of London, England, and would go on to inspire future acts such as Boy George and Culture Club to bring it in to the mainstream. Perhaps the most commercially successful ‘Lovers Rock’ song in the UK is the 1986 Number 1 single by the Jamaican singer/songwriter Boris Gardener with ‘I Wanna Wake Up with You.’

Janet Kay Bogle MBE was born on January 17th, 1958, in Willesden, London, England, she was appointed ‘Member of the Order of the British Empire’ (MBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to music. He breakthrough in the music business occurred when she came to the attention of Tony ‘Gad’ Robinson of the British Reggae band Aswad while singing impromptu at a rehearsal studio. Robinson was impressed and recommended her to the Jamaican singer/songwriter Alton Ellis (1938-2008) (see also best songs 101) who was now based in London, and was looking for a female singer who could hit the high notes comfortably. One of Janet Kay’s earliest recordings was a cover of the Minnie Ripperton (1947-1979) song ‘Lovin’ You,’ (see also best songs 503) which was produced by Ellis. As well as pursuing a career in music, Janet Kay is also an actress, and was a founding member of the ‘BiBi Crew,’ Britain’s first theatre troupe made up entirely of Black women. The discography of Janet Kay includes 12 Albums released between 1982-2012, and eight singles released between 1978-1990. As the lead artist ‘Silly Games’ remains as her only charting single on the UK top 40, with a 1990 remix of the track reaching Number 62. Also in 1990 a cover version of ‘Silly Games’ by the English singer Lindy Layton featuring Janet Kay on backing vocals reached Number 22 in the UK.

‘Silly Games’ was the second single released by Janet Kay, from 1979, the song was written and produced by Dennis Bovell MBE, who was born on May 22nd, 1953, in Saint Peter, Barbados, West Indies, he was appointed ‘Member of the Order of the British Empire’ (MBE) in the 2021 Birthday Honours for services to music. Dennis Bovell has released 17 Albums to date between 1978-2015, either using his real name, or the stage name ‘Blackbeard.’ He is also a long term associate of the Jamaican ‘Dub Poet’ Linton Kwesi Johnson,’ working with him on several of his Albums. Bovell is also a music producer, having worked with artists as diverse as Madness, The Thompson Twins, The Slits, and I-Roy. Dennis Bovell had begun his music career as a founding member of the British Reggae band ‘Matumbi’ in 1971, they would remain active through until 1982, releasing five studio Albums between 1978-1982, and nine singles between 1973-1983, there are also three official compilation Albums available. In the UK ‘Matumbi’ are best remembered for performing the opening theme song to ‘Empire Road,’ a British television series made by the ‘BBC’ in 1978, and running until 1979.

Dennis Bovell has explained how ‘Silly Games’ came about, ‘There was an advert for ‘Memorex’ where Ella Fitzgerald sang a note and broke a glass, and I wanted a song with a note like that, little girls always try to sing a high note, so when I wrote Silly Games and put that high note in there, it meant that every female in the dance would try and sing that note.’ As for the songs meaning Bovell has described ‘Silly Games’ as ‘The story of a bold young lady proposing to a young man. C’mon, we’ve been giving each other the eye. I know you like me. Stop playing games.’ ‘Silly Games’ was split in to two parts for the 7 inch single release, with the ‘Dub’ part of the song released as the ‘B’ side, and called ‘Dangerous.’ For the 12 inch release the full six minutes and 18 seconds appears in full as one track.

‘I’ve been wanting you for so long, it’s a shame, oh baby. Every time I hear your name, oh the pain, boy how it hurts inside.’

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

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

421-Garbage-Only Happy When It Rains.

1995-Number 29 single.

Best Bit-At 1.52. I guess they won’t be buying a holiday home in the Sahara Desert then.

Garbage were formed in Madison, Wisconsin, United States, in 1993 by Butch Vig, (drums and production) Shirley Manson, (vocals) Duke Erikson, (guitar, bass and keyboards) and Steve Marker, (guitar and keyboards.) The band derived their name from something that Butch Vig wrote in his studio journal in 1993, ‘I hope that all this garbage will become something beautiful.’ At the time of writing they remain active, with the same four band members having always being constant, although they have all pursued solo projects, especially when the band went on hiatus in 2006, and again in 2008-2009. The discography of Garbage who have sold in excess of 17 million records worldwide, includes seven studio Albums released between 1995-2021, and 37 singles released between 1995-2023, there is also one extended play, (EP) one remix Album, and three official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, ‘Stupid Girl’ from 1996, which reached Number 24, is their only top 40 single to date, with ‘Only Happy When It Rains,’ stalling at Number 55, although they have had great success on the Billboard ‘Alternative Airplay’ chart, with 13 of their tracks making the top 40, with ‘#1 Crush’ from 1997 reaching Number 1. In the UK, Garbage have had 16 top 40 hit singles, with ‘Stupid Girl’ peaking the highest at Number 4 in 1996.

Butch Vig (see also best songs 788-722-641 and 9) was born Bryan David Vig on August 2nd, 1955, in Viroqua, Wisconsin, United States, he is acknowledged as one of the world’s best, and most successful music producers. He was the producer of the 1991 Album ‘Nevermind’ by Nirvana, (see also best songs 788 and 9) which has sold in excess of 15 million copies worldwide to date. Vig had first met fellow future ‘Garbage’ band mate Steve Marker at the University of Wisconsin where they both were students. Both Vig and Marker had known Duke Erikson as far back as 1983 when he helped them set up ‘Smart Studios’ in Madison, Wisconsin. It was Marker who saw Shirley Manson performing on ‘MTV’ and recommended her to the other three as a potential lead singer for the band. Butch Vig has been a music producer since 1983, producing some of the worlds top acts, including The Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day, and House of Pain.

Shirley Ann Manson was born on August 26th, 1966, in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, Her career breakthrough occurred when becoming a member of the Scottish Rock band ‘Goodbye Mr Mackenzie, who had a 1989 UK Number 37 hit with ‘The Rattler,’ she would eventually go on to front that band, who would later splinter to become ‘Angelfish,’ which was where she was first seen performing by Steve Marker. Marker has explained why Shirley Manson was his choice to front ‘Garbage, ‘We wanted to work with a female vocalist who didn’t have a high, chirpy, quality to her voice, we had discussed who we really respect, and names like Patti Smith and Chrissie Hynde came up, and Shirley had some of the same depth.’ Butch Vig has said, ‘We wanted someone who could sing in an understated way, at the moment, a lot of these alternative-rock singers have a tendency to scream. Shirley is just the opposite. By using understatement, she can sound even more subversive.’

‘Only Happy When It Rains’ was the second of five singles released from the self titled debut Album by Garbage from August 1995, the song was co-written, and co-produced by all four members of the group. The lyrics to ‘Only Happy When It Rains’ are Garbage mocking themselves, as they, and particularly ‘Alternative Rock,’ and ‘Grunge’ artists at that time were singing dark and depressing song lyrics. Steve Marker has said, ‘It’s really just us poking fun of ourselves. We’re poking fun at the alternate rock angst, wearing your heart on your sleeve thing, and at ourselves for writing such dark songs.’ Butch Vig has said that the song is ‘An homage to The Jesus And Mary Chain’ (see also best songs 878 and 336.) Shirley Manson has explained the songs lyrics as, ‘About wanting love, but knowing life will always get in the way, yet not being obliterated by that. It’s a song for people that know what it is like to live on the dark side of life. It’s about devotion but a different kind, a devotion to the truth and to freedom, and to hell with the consequences.’

‘I only smile in the dark, my only comfort is the night gone black. I only listen to sad, sad songs, I’m only happy when it rains.

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

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

422-Eddie Cochran-Somethin’ Else.

1959-Number 22 single.

Best Bit-At 1.49. The moral of the song. If you work hard you can achieve.

Eddie Ray Cochran (see also best songs 50) was born on October 3rd, 1938, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, United States, he died on April 17th, 1960, at the age of 21. Eddie Cochran was one of the most important figures in the development of ‘Rockabilly,’ ‘Rock N’ Roll,’ and ‘Rock’ music in general, with his experimentation with multi tracking recording, distortion techniques, and overdubbing, dating back to as early as 1955. Cochran portrayed the image that every young male 1950’s ‘Rocker’ craved, with his portrayal of a sharply dressed, handsome young man, with a rebellious attitude. In 1955, Eddie Cochran formed a duo with the guitarist Hank Cochran, (1935-2010) (no relation) and they became known as the ‘Cochran Brothers,’ when they split the following year, Eddie Cochran began a song-writing career with Jerry Capehart, (1928-1998) who would also go on to be his manager until his death. On February 7th, 1959, Eddie Cochran performed live on the American Country Music television programme ‘Town Hall Party,’ where the host asked him about his prediction for the future of ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll’ music, Cochran answered, ‘I think actually rock ‘n’ roll will be here for quite sometime. But I don’t think it’s going be rock ‘n’ roll as we know it today. I think it has been around for a long time, but nobody actually recognised it. The way I look at it, rhythm and blues y’know, and blues has been around for so long, and then they kind of blended country and western music in with it y’know. I think it’s going to be here for a long time, but changing.’ In early 1959, two of Eddie Cochran’s friends, Buddy Holly (1936-1959) (see also best songs 898 and 264) and Ritchie Valens, (1941-1959) along with the Big Bopper, (1930-1959) (see also best songs 1017) were killed in a plane crash while on tour on February 3rd, 1959. Cochran’s friends and family later said that he was badly shaken by their deaths, and he developed a morbid premonition that he also would die young. Eddie Cochran was anxious to give up life on the road and spend his time in the studio making music, thereby reducing the chance of suffering a similar fatal accident while touring. Financial responsibilities, however, required that Cochran continue to perform live, and that led to his acceptance of an offer to tour the United Kingdom in 1960.

The discography of Eddie Cochran includes one studio Album, ‘Singin’ to My Baby,’ released in November 1957, and 20 singles released between 1955-1963, there are also 19 extended plays, (EP’s) and at least 27 official compilation Albums, and three live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, three of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Summertime Blues’ from 1958, peaking the highest at Number 8, while ‘Somethin’ Else’ stalled at Number 58. In the UK, Eddie Cochran has had nine top 40 hits, with ‘Three Steps to Heaven’ making the Number 1 spot following his death in 1960.

‘Somethin’ Else’ was co-written by Bob Cochran, (Eddie’s brother) and Sharon Sheeley, (1940-2002) who at the time of Eddie Cochran’s death was ‘unofficially engaged’ to him, the song was produced by Eddie Cochran. Sharon Kathleen Sheeley was born on April 4th, 1940, in Newport Beach, California, United States, she died on May 17th, 2002 from a cerebral haemorrhage, at the age of 62. Her other writing credits include ‘Poor Little Fool’ recorded by Ricky Nelson, (1940-1985) when the song made Number 1 on Billboard in 1958, Sheeley at the age of 18 became the youngest woman to write an American Number 1 hit. Sheeley also found great success as a songwriter when teaming up with fellow female American songwriter Jackie De Shannon (see also best songs 573.) In April 1960, Sharon Sheeley travelled to the United Kingdom to join Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent, (1935-1971) (see also best songs 757) who were touring there. On the night of April 16th, 1960, Sharon Sheeley, Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran were travelling in a private hire taxi from a concert in Bristol to London Heathrow Airport when it slammed into a lamp post near Chippenham. All three were rushed to a hospital. Cochran, who had been thrown from the vehicle, suffered fatal brain injuries and died the next day, at the age of 21. Sheeley suffered a broken pelvis, and Vincent broke his ribs and collarbone. The other two in the taxi were Patrick Tompkins, the tours manager, who sustained facial injuries, and the taxi’s driver George Martin, who did not sustain any significant injuries.

‘Somethin’ Else’ has been recorded by numerous artists over the years, notable covers include a live version from the French singer Johnny Hallyday, (1943-2017) whose rendition topped the chart in France in 1962, and a version by the Sex Pistols (see also best songs 576-92 and 27) with Sid Vicious (1957-1979) on lead vocals, which reached Number 3 in the UK in 1979.

‘Never thought I’d do this before, but here I am a-knockin’ on her door. My car’s out front and it’s all mine, just a ’41 Ford, not a ’59. I got that girl and I’m a-thinkin’ to myself, she’s sure fine lookin’ man, wow she’s something else.’

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

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

423-D’banj-Oliver Twist.

2012-Number 9 single.

Best Bit-At 3.04. ‘Please sir, I want some more.’

D’banj was born Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo on June 9th, 1980, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, his stage name is a combination of his first name and his surname. In 2001 he arrived in London, England, to continue his studies as a mechanical engineer, but his passion for music got the better of him when meeting the music producer and songwriter Michael Ajereh, better known by his working name Don Jazzy, who was also of Nigerian decent. Together they started the record label ‘Mo’Hits Records,’ from where D’banj released his first three studio Albums, and 13 singles between 2005-2008, the pair also released music from other artists who were signed to the label. D’banj and Don Jazzy worked together until their mutual split in 2011. By now D’banj had signed to the ‘G.O.O.D. Music’ record label owned by Kanye West, and appeared on the compilation Album ‘Cruel Summer,’ on the track ‘The Morning.'(see also best songs 849 and 267) D’banj is one of the most successful acts to come out of Nigeria, and Africa, his musical genres include ‘Afrobeats,’ ‘Pop,’ ‘Hip-Hop,’ and ‘R&B.’ The discography of D’banj includes six studio Albums released between 2005-2024, and 40 singles released between 2005-2022, there are also two official compilation Albums available. In Europe ‘Oliver Twist’ is his only charting single, having peaked at Number 9 in the UK in 2012.

‘Oliver Twist’ can be filed under the musical genre of ‘Afrobeats,’ which is an umbrella term to describe popular music from West Africa and the diaspora, that initially developed in Nigeria, Ghana, and the UK in the 2000’s and 2010’s. ‘Afrobeats’ is most identifiable by its signature driving drum beat rhythms, whether electronic or instrumental, and is a diverse fusion of various different genres such as British ‘House Music,’ ‘Hiplife,’ ‘Hip-Hop,’ ‘Dancehall,’ ‘Soca,’ ‘Jùjú Music,’ ‘Highlife,’ ‘R&B,’ ‘Ndombolo,’ ‘Naija beats,’ ‘Azonto,’ and ‘Palm-Wine music.’ The term ‘Afrobeats’ was created in order to package these various sounds into a more easily accessible label, which were unfamiliar to the UK listeners where the term was first coined. It is the British radio and television presenter Abrantee Boateng who is credited for coining the name ‘Afrobeats.’ The styles of music that make up ‘Afrobeats’ largely began sometime in the late 1990’s and early to mid-2000’s. With the launching of the British pay-per-view ‘MTV Base Africa’ in 2005, West Africa was given a large platform through which artists could get coverage on a scale that was unheard of previously. However it was when Abrantee Boateng in April 2011 began presenting a radio show on ‘Choice FM’ (now ‘Capital Xtra’) that the genre really took off. The launch of his show gained popularity, and provided a launch pad for both UK based and African artists to submit songs for playlist consideration. Abrantee used his daytime show to test daytime play of ‘Afrobeats,’ including this track ‘Oliver Twist.’

‘Oliver Twist’ was co-written by D’banj, and Don Jazzy, with the production being by Don Jazzy, the song was first released in Nigeria in August 2011, and then made available in the UK in May 2012. ‘Oliver Twist’ also appeared on the June 2013 compilation Album ‘D’Kings Men,’ which is an Album issued on ‘DB’ records a label owned by D’banj. The Album is a showcase of the artists signed to the label, and comprises of 21 tracks, of which 11 were issued as singles. Don Jazzy was born Michael Collins Ajereh, on November 26th, 1982, in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria, he is a music producer, and songwriter. In 2004 he collaborated with D’Banj to form ‘Mo’ Hits Records,’ the pair would work together until their split in 2011.

As for this songs meaning, Charles Dickens’ poor workhouse boy ‘Oliver Twist’ famously asked for more gruel, only to be rebuffed by Mr. Bumble. D’banj’s wish is more fanciful, he tells his girlfriend that his desire is to be with famous Pop Divas such as Beyonce, and Rihanna, but can’t, because he is just like Oliver Twist. He then tells his girlfriend that he knows that she is much the same as he is, because she desires the R&B singer Trey Songz, and also the music producer (of this song) Don Jazzy.

‘See I like Beyonce, but she dey with Jigga. I like Nikki, her yansh is bigger. I like Rihanna, she dey make me day go gaga.’

Posted by: In: Other 25 Oct 2024 Comments: 0

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

424-Technotronic-Pump Up the Jam.

1989-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 2.04. It’s a good job that the lyrics are not too taxing, as Congolese model Felly Kilingi who is lip-syncing couldn’t speak a word of English.

At that time it was considered normal to get someone attractive to appear on the CD sleeve, or front the video, pretending to be the actual vocalist on the track. Other well known examples include Milli Vanilli, C&C Music Factory, and Black Box (see also best songs 501.)

‘Technotronic’ was the brainchild of Jo Bogaert who was born in Aalst, Belgium, in 1956, using the stage name Thomas de Quincey he co-wrote, and produced for Technotronic, from it’s inception in 1987, through until the project was retired in 2002. Bogart is a songwriter, and producer of ‘Electronic Dance Music,’ and is a leading exponent in ‘New Beat,’ which is a Belgian ‘Electronic Dance Music’ genre that fuses elements of New Wave, Hi-NRG, EBM and Hip-Hop. Away from Technotronic, Jo Bogaert has been behind a number of other ‘New Beat’ bands, including ‘Nux Nemo,’ and ‘Acts of Madmen,’ he has also released three solo Albums between 1984-1993.

The discography of Technotronic includes three studio Albums released between 1989-1995, and 24 singles released between 1989-2022, there are also six official compilation Albums, and remix Albums available. In Belgium on ‘Ultratop,’ which publishes the official record charts in that country, Technotronic have had 12 top 40 hits, with both ‘Pump Up the Jam,’ featuring Ya Kid K, (1989) and ‘Get Up! (Before the Night Is Over’) featuring Ya Kid K, (1990) both reaching the Number 1 position. In the UK, Technotronic have had nine top 40 hits, with ‘Pump Up the Jam,’ featuring Ya Kid K, (1989) and ‘Get Up! (Before the Night Is Over’) featuring Ya Kid K, (1990) both peaking the highest at Number 2, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, Technotronic have had three top 40 hits, with ‘Pump Up the Jam,’ featuring Ya Kid K, peaking the highest at Number 2.

‘Pump Up the Jam’ was the first of six singles released from Technotronic’s debut studio Album of the same name from November 1989. The song was co-written by Jo Bogaert, (music) who also produced the track, and Manuela Kamosi (lyrics) using her stage name ‘Ya Kid K,’ she also provides the vocals on the track. Ya Kid K was born Manuela Barbara Kamosi Moaso Djogi, on January 26th, 1972, in Kinshasa, Zaire, she moved to Belgium at the age of 11. As well as providing input, and the vocals to other Technotronic Albums, she has also released two solo studio Albums in 1992, and 2014. She has a child with fellow Technotronic performer ‘MC Eric,’ who provided the vocals on ‘This Beat Is Technotronic,’ the bands third single release from 1990. Also in 1990 both Bogaert and Ya Kid K, using the stage name ‘Hi Tek 3,’ wrote, produced, and performed ‘Spin That Wheel,’ which appeared on the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ soundtrack Album, and was released as a single, reaching Number 15 in the UK. Technotronic have had 13 different official members, with several of their songs having the lead vocals provided by differing artists, including ‘This Beat Is Technotronic,’ which featured MC Eric, in 1990, ‘Turn It Up,’ which featured Melissa and Einstein, also in 1990, ‘Move That Body,’ which featured Reggie, in 1991, and ‘Like This,’ which featured Monday Midnite, in 1999.

‘Pump Up the Jam’ is a ground breaking song, and is an early example of ‘Rap’ and ‘House Music’ joining forces, in what was to become known as ‘Hip-House.’ ‘Pump Up the Jam’ is credited with being the very first ‘House Music’ track to break in to the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 in America, when reaching Number 2 in 1989. Jo Bogaert’s has spoken about his surprise of the success of ‘Pump Up the Jam. ‘I knew, yeah, this was a good track, but my farthest expectation was that it would be a club hit. The hairs on my arms stood up and I knew that it was history.’

On a personal note, when I first heard the track back in 1989, my first thoughts were, is this a novelty song? Maybe that was because it sounded so different to anything I had ever heard before. The song has stood the test of time a lot better than most, and still sounds fresh and new to this day.

‘Pump up the jam, pump it up, while your feet are stompin’ and the jam is pumpin.’ Look at here the crowd is jumpin.’ pump it up a little more, get the party going on the dance floor.’

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

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

425-Tracy Chapman-Fast Car.

1988-Number 5 single. In 2011 the song re-entered the chart, and this time peaked at Number 4.

Best Bit-At 2.01. What about this for an accolade! ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine ranked the song at number 167 on their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time, the highest ranking song both written and performed by a female artist.

Tracy Chapman was born on March 30th, 1964, in Cleveland, Ohio, United States, she began playing the guitar and writing songs at the age eight. After graduating from ‘Wooster School,’ in Connecticut, she then attended ‘Tufts University,’ in Massachusetts, majoring in Anthropology. While a student at Tufts, she busked in nearby spots, and recorded demos of songs at the Tufts University radio station, ‘WMFO,’ which the radio station would play. A student at ‘Tufts’ called Brian Koppelman, heard her playing, and brought her to the attention of his father, Charles Koppelman, (1940-2022) who ran ‘SBK Publishing,’ he signed her in 1986. After she graduated from ‘Tufts’ in 1987, he helped her to sign a contract with ‘Elektra Records.’ Tracy Chapman was already signed to ‘Elektra’ records when her career received a major boost. On June 11th, 1988, at Wembley Stadium, London, England, Chapman was one of the many artists booked to play at the ‘Nelson Mandela 70th birthday tribute,’ which was being broadcast to 67 countries, and an audience of 600 million. Chapman had duly played her afternoon spot, but when problems arose over Stevie Wonder’s (see also best songs 920-843-834-682-570-603-366-205-152 and 65) backing track being lost, Chapman was asked to fill in at prime time, bringing her acclaimed exposure. The sales of her self titled debut Album rocketed, taking it to Number 1 on the Billboard Album chart, with the single ‘Fast Car’ going top 10 in the UK and America.

The discography of Tracy Chapman includes eight studio Albums released between 1988-2008, and 22 singles released between 1988-2009, there are also two official compilation Albums available. In America on Billboard, her self titled debut studio Album reached Number 1, and has gone on to sell in excess of 20 million copies worldwide, while two of her singles have made the Billboard Hot 100, top 40, with ‘Give Me One Reason,’ peaking the highest at Number 3 in 1995, while ‘Fast Car’ reached Number 6. In the UK, ‘Fast Car’ remains as her only charting single to date.

‘Fast Car’ was the first of three singles released from Tracy Chapman’s self titled debut studio Album, from April 1988, the song was written by Tracy Chapman, with the production being by David Kershenbaum, who was born in Springfield, Missouri, United States. Kershenbaum is a veteran music producer who has worked with artists including Duran Duran, Cat Stevens, and Tori Amos, and has earned 75 international Gold and Platinum Albums, as well as multiple ‘Grammy’ awards, and an ‘Oscar’ nomination. As well as producing Tracy Chapman’s debut Album, he also produced her second Album ‘Crossroads,’ (1989) and her fifth ‘Telling Stories’ (2000.) As a music supervisor, Kershenbaum has worked on many films. He supervised music for many movies, including ‘The Last of the Mohicans’ soundtrack, which has sold in excess of 1,800,000 copies. Other films he worked on include ‘Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure,’ (1989) ‘Road House,’ (1989) and ‘Navy SEALs’ (1990.)

‘Fast Car’ re-entered the UK top 40 in 2011 after Michael Collings a contestant on the television show ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ sang his rendition. This time the song charted one place higher when reaching Number 4. In 2015 the ‘Dance Music’ producer Jonas Blue released a version of ‘Fast Car’ as his debut single, featuring the vocals of Sophie Elton, better known by her stage name ‘Dakota,’ and this version reached Number 2 in the UK. Another ‘Dance’ version of ‘Fast Car’ this time by the Swedish record producer Tobtok, featuring vocals from the British singer River, found top 40 chart success in five countries, including Poland, where it made Number 15 also in 2015. In 2023 the American Country Music artist Luke Combs released his version, which reached Number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also made Number 1 on the ‘Billboard Hot Country Songs’ and ‘Country Airplay’ charts, and won Tracy Chapman the ‘Country Music Association Award’ for ‘Song of the Year,’ making her the first black person to win the award. Tracy Chapman has said, ‘I never expected to find myself on the Country charts, but I’m honoured to be there. I’m happy for Luke and his success, and grateful that new fans have found and embraced Fast Car.’

The lyrics to ‘Fat Car’ tell the story of someone trying to escape a life where there is very little prospect of them being able to better themselves, because circumstances are heavily weighted against them. The sting in the tail is that what the narrator is trying to escape, comes around full circle, and history repeats itself, and she ends up back at square one. I personally find myself thinking of the Mac Davis composition, ‘In the Ghetto,’ sung by Elvis Presley, from 1969 (see also best songs 442.)

‘You got a fast car, I got a job that pays all our bills. You stay out drinking late at the bar, see more of your friends than you do of your kids. I’d always hoped for better.’

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

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

426-Neil Diamond-Cracklin’ Rosie.

1970-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 2.33. I am confident that from this point onward in the song, even I could do a karaoke performance justice.

Neil Leslie Diamond (see also best songs 536 and 13) was born on January 24th, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, with worldwide record sales in excess of 130 million, he is one of the best selling artists of all time. In 2018 he announced that he would retire from touring due to having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but added that he would continue to write and record. As a teenager Neil Diamond attended the ‘Erasmus Hall High School,’ in Brooklyn, New York City, where he was a member of the Freshman Chorus and Choral Club, along with his classmate Barbra Streisand (see also best songs 699 and 145.) Neil Diamond has said that they were not close friends at the time, ‘We were two poor kids in Brooklyn. We hung out in the front of Erasmus High and smoked cigarettes.’ In 1978 Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand duet-ted together on the track ‘You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,’ as ‘Barbra & Neil,’ with the song reaching Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in America, and Number 5 in the UK, giving Neil Diamond his third and final Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 single, and Barbra Streisand the third of her five chart toppers. Neil,Diamond has been married on three occasions. His first wife was his high school sweetheart, Jaye Posner, together they had two daughters. The couple separated in 1967, and divorced in 1969. He then married Marcia Murphey in 1969, and had two sons, the couples marriage ended in the mid 1990’s, and they were divorced in 1996. In 2012, at the age of 71, Neil Diamond married his third wife Katie McNeil, who is 30 years younger than him. McNeil served as his manager, and produced the documentary ‘Neil Diamond: Hot August Nights NYC.’ Diamond has said that his 2014 Album ‘Melody Road’ was inspired by their relationship, ‘There’s no better inspiration or motivation for work than being in love. It’s what you dream of as a creative person. I was able to complete this album, start it, write it and complete it, under the spell of love, and I think it shows somehow.’

‘Cracklin’ Rosie’ was the second of three singles released from Neil Diamond’s his sixth studio Album ‘Tap Root Manuscript,’ from October 1970, the song was written by Neil Diamond, with the production being by Tom Catalano (see also best songs 13.) Tom Catalano who worked closely with Neil Diamond on several of his earlier Albums was born on April 2nd, 1933, in New York, United States, other artists he has worked with include Anne Murray, and Helen Reddy (1941-2020.) ‘Tap Root Manuscript,’ is considered to be one of Neil Diamond’s most experimental Albums, although side 1, which includes ‘Cracklin Rosie’ is ‘Pop/Rock,’ it is side 2 where Neil Diamond experiments, and pushes the barriers. Side 2 is a conceptual suite of related songs expressing an African theme, titled ‘The African Trilogy,’ within this suite was the song ‘Soolaimon,’ which reached Number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. The 19-minute suite saw African Folk styles twined with Blues and Gospel elements to create what Diamond called ‘a Folk ballet.’ This effort predates many Western Pop artists’ interest in ‘World Music,’ for example Peter Gabriel’s 1980 founding of ‘World of Music, Arts and Dance,’ (WOMAD) and the African-influenced Album ‘Graceland’ by Paul Simon in 1986.

Many rumours have circulated over the years as to the true meaning of the lyrics to ‘Cracklin’ Rosie’, but Neil Diamond has confirmed that his inspiration for writing the song came after hearing a story about a native Indian Canadian tribe who had more men than women in their flock, and that the lonely men of the tribe, who couldn’t get a partner would sit around the camp fire and drink their wine together. ‘Crackling Rosé’ is the name of an inexpensive sparkling wine once produced by Andres Wines of British Columbia, and it is said that while on tour in the early days, Diamond may have purchased the product. It is also rumoured that in a piece of very clever marketing in order to get his song played on the radio, Diamond directed the lyrics ‘Play it now, Play it now my baby’ directly at Rosalie Trombley, (1939-2021) who was the music director at the Canadian radio station ‘CKLW’ at that time. Trombley had the final say as to what got played, and what didn’t, and could make or brake a song, the 1973 song ‘Rosalie’ by Bob Seger, and later covered by Thin Lizzy (see also best songs 125) in 1975 is about her.

The session musicians who played on this song were members of the Los Angeles based ‘The Wrecking Crew,’ who were employed for thousands of studio recordings during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Members of the ‘Crew’ who appear on this track, and it’s parent Album include Hal Blaine (1929-2019) (drums) Larry Knechtel (1940-2009) (keyboards) Joe Osborn (1937-2018) (bass) Al Casey (1936-2006) (guitar) Tony Terran (1926-2017) (trumpet) and Gene Estes (1931-1996) (percussion.) For ‘The Wrecking Crew’ (see also best songs 978-846-811-744-672-660-527-486-262-202-197-192-180-127 and 71.)

‘Cracklin’ Rose you’re a store bought woman, you make me sing like a guitar hummin,’ so hang on to me girl, our song keeps runnin’ on.’

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

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

427-Alice Cooper-Teenage Lament ’74.

1973-Number 12 single.

Best Bit-At 2.42. ‘We’re not worthy, we’re not worthy.’

Alice Cooper, also known as the ‘Alice Cooper Band’ can trace their roots back to ‘Cortez High School,’ in Phoenix, Arizona, United States, where in 1964, 16 year old Vincent Furnier, and his school friends formed a band to enter a local annual ‘Letterman’s’ talent show which they subsequently won using the stage name ‘The Earwigs’ (a probable nod to the Beatles.) They soon renamed themselves ‘The Spiders,’ and recorded their first single ‘Why Don’t You Love Me’. By 1967 the band members had graduated from high school, and once again changed their stage name, this time to ‘Nazz,’ but after finding out that the artist Todd Rundgren (see also best songs 90 and 22) was already using that name for his backing band, they settled upon ‘Alice Cooper’ in 1968, Alice Cooper was a character in the 1960’s, and 1970’s American television series ‘Mayberry R.F.D.’ The band remained active until 1975, with the line up consisting of Vincent Furnier, (vocals, and harmonica) Glen Buxton, (1947-1997) (lead guitar) Michael Bruce, (rhythm guitar, and keyboards) Dennis Dunaway, (bass) and Neal Smith (drums.) Two additional members, Mick Mashbir, (guitar) and Bob Dolin, (keyboards) performed with the band in 1973-1974. When the Alice Cooper Band split in 1975 the lead singer Vincent Furnier legally changed his name to Alice Cooper, so that he could continue to perform with that stage name.

The discography of the Alice Cooper Band includes seven studio Albums released between 1969-1973, and 16 singles released between 1969-2016, there are also two official compilation Albums, and three live Albums available. As ‘The Spiders’ they issued two singles, in 1965, and 1966, and as ‘Nazz,’ they issued one single in 1967. The Alice Cooper Band have had five top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in America, with ‘School’s Out’ peaking the highest at Number 7 in 1972, while ‘Teenage Lament ’74’ reached Number 48. In the UK, they have also had five top 40 hits, with ‘School’s Out’ making the Number 1 spot in 1972.

Alice Cooper was born Vincent Damon Furnier, on February 4th, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, United States. As Alice Cooper he has gone on to have a very successful solo musical career, he has also acted in several films, and appeared on many television programmes. When a member of the ‘Alice Cooper Band’ he became famously known for his elaborate stage shows, and eccentric behaviour when performing. The music press dubbed this ‘Shock Rock,’ and Cooper is recognised as a major influence on future ‘Heavy Rock’ performers. Alice Cooper has said that it was seeing the English singer Arthur Brown performing ‘Fire,’ (1968-UK Number 1 & Billboard Number 2 single) that inspired his live stage shows, ‘Can you imagine the young Alice Cooper watching that with all his make-up and hellish performance? It was like all my Halloweens came at once!’ Cooper has also said, ‘British rock always was more theatrical than its U.S. counterpart. Often this involved destruction or macabre gimmickry, that’s why most people thought we were British at first.’ In 2005 Alice Cooper was asked how much longer he would go on performing, to which he answered, ‘I look at Mick Jagger, (see also best songs 933-662-452-160 and 77) and he’s on an 18-month tour, and he’s six years older than me, so I figure, when he retires, I have six more years. I will not let him beat me when it comes to longevity.’

As a solo artist, as ‘Alice Cooper,’ he has released 22 studio Albums between 1975-2023, and 48 singles within the same time period, there are also three extended plays, (EP’s) 19 official compilation Albums, and eight live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, six of his solo singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Poisen’ peaking the highest at Number 7 in 1989, while in the UK, he has charted within the top 40 on seven occasions, with ‘Poisen’ peaking the highest at Number 2.

‘Teenage Lament ’74’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Muscle of Love,’ the seventh and final studio Album by The ‘Alice Cooper Band,’ from November 1973, the song was co-written by Alice Cooper, and fellow group member Neal Smith, with the production being by Jack Douglas, and Jack Richardson (1929-2011.) ‘Teenage Lament ’74’ tells of a young boy working his way through adolescence, with all the usual trials and tribulations. He thinks that being 15 will be a breeze, but trying to impress his peers, and hearing his parents squabble is taking it’s toll. The song is also noteworthy for it’s female backing vocals, which include contributions from Liza Minnelli, (see also best songs 182) Ronnie Spector, (1943-2022) (see also best songs 127) Labelle, and The Pointer Sisters.

‘Well I cut my hair weird, I read that it was in. I looked like a rooster that was drowned and raised again.’

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

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

428-Johnny Cash-San Quentin.

1969-It has never been released as a single in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.46. Johnny Cash playing to a captive audience.

Johnny Cash (see also best songs 857 and 199) was born J. R. Cash on February 26th, 1932, in Kingsland, Arkansas, United States, he died on September 12th, 2003, at the age of 71, of complications from diabetes. Cash suffered from drug addiction for long periods in his life, which led to him being arrested on occasions for possession, although he never spent more than one night in prison, (on at least seven occasions) he had great empathy with the conditions that long term inmates had to endure during their custodial sentences.

Johnny Cash is one of the worlds best selling artists, with sales in excess of 90 million records, he wrote over 1000 songs, and there have been a total of 97 Albums issued since 1957. Among the Albums released include 15 live recordings, of which four were recorded in prisons. Cash first performed at San Quentin (also his first ever prison performance) on January 1st, 1959. San Quentin State Prison is in California, United States, and first opened in July 1852. In the audience that day was an inmate by the name of Merle Haggard, (1937-2016) who at the age of 18 had been sentenced to 15 years in San Quentin for burglary. Seeing Cash perform turned Haggard’s life around, and he went on to become one of Country Music’s most successful acts with 38 Number 1 songs on Billboard’s Country Music chart. In 1969 when appearing on the ‘Johnny Cash Show’ Haggard told Cash that the first time he had ever seen him perform was at San Quentin, to which Cash replied ‘I don’t remember you being in that show Merle,’ to which Haggard responded, ‘I was in the audience Johnny.’

San Quentin’ is the opening track on side 2 on the original first issue of the Album ‘Johnny Cash at San Quentin,’ from June 1969, the song also appears in a shorter version as track 2 on side 2, with the Album notes stating ‘performed a second time at the audience’s request.’ ‘Johnny Cash at San Quentin’ was the 31st overall Album release by Johnny Cash, it was recorded on February 24th, 1969. The song ‘San Quentin’ was written by Johnny Cash, who also provided lead vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica, with the production being by Bob Johnston. (1932-2015.) Also appearing on the track, and it’s parent Album were June Carter Cash, (1929-2003) (vocals) the Carter Family, (vocals, autoharp, acoustic guitar) Marshall Grant, (1928-2011) (bass guitar) W.S. Holland, (1935-2020) (drums) Carl Perkins, (1932-1998) (see also best songs 664) (rhythm guitar, lead guitar, vocals) Bob Wootton, (1942-2017) (lead guitar) and The Statler Brothers (vocals.) The Album which has sold in excess of three million copies in the United States has been re-issued on Compact Disc in 2000, where it was expanded to 18 tracks, and in 2006 as the ‘Legacy Edition,’ which now carried 31 tracks, and a bonus ‘DVD.’ Johnny Cash’s first recorded for release concert prison Album had been the previous year, the ‘Folsom Prison,’ Album, which had also been met with critical acclaim. There would be two more ‘prison albums,’ ‘Pa Osteraker’ recorded in 1972, in Sweden, and ‘A Concert Behind Prison Walls,’ recorded in 1974, at Tennessee State Prison, but not released until 11 days after Cash’s death, on September 23rd, 2003.

‘San Quentin,’ and it’s parent Album ‘Johnny Cash at San Quentin,’ were produced by Bob Johnston, (see also best songs 529 and 96) who was born Donald William Johnston, on May 14th, 1932, in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, he died on August 14th, 2015, in a memory facility and a hospice, at the age of 83. As well as being a music producer Bob Johnston was also a songwriter, co-writing several songs for Elvis Presley’s (1935-1977) films between 1964-1968. In 1964 Johnston moved into production, and began working for ‘Columbia Records’ in New York, where in 1965 he was successful in gaining the assignment to produce Bob Dylan, followed by Simon & Garfunkel, Johnny Cash, Flatt & Scruggs, and then Leonard Cohen (1934-2016.)

The concert at San Quinton in 1969 was filmed by the English television company ‘Granada’ as part of a documentary about prison life. Two songs from the concert were both being performed for the very first time. ‘San Quentin,’ and the Shel Silverstein (1930-1999) (see also best songs 242) cover of ‘A Boy Named Sue.’ In a 2000 review of the Compact Disc edition, Phil Sutcliffe wrote in the American music magazine ‘Blender, ‘Cash, just 25, sings as old as the hills, and looks oddly Volcanic. Prisoners ‘have their hearts torn out,’ Cash reckoned. It sounds as if he did too, wild-eyed and shuddering at the oppression of the walls. The crowd is a 1,000-strong caged animal.

‘San Quentin I hate every inch of you. You’ve cut me and scarred me through and through, and I’ll walk out a wiser weaker man, Mister Congressman you can’t understand.’