THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

656-Boz Scaggs-Lowdown.

1976-Number 28 single.

Best Bit-At 3.19. The makers of the film ‘Saturday Night Fever’ approached the management of Boz Scaggs, asking if they could use this song on the soundtrack of their new film. Scaggs’ management said no, instead taking up the offer of another film called ‘Looking for Mr. Goodbar, released around the same time. The ‘Saturday Night Fever’ soundtrack to date has sold in excess of 23 million copies worldwide.

Boz Scaggs was born William Royce Scaggs, on June 8th, 1944, in Canton, Ohio, United States, he acquired the nickname ‘Bosley’ while at school, which was later shortened to ‘Boz.’ At the age of 15 he attended the same school as Steve Miller, (see also best songs 715) the pair would later attend the same university. Boz Scaggs played on both of Steve Millers first two studio Albums, ‘Children of the Future,’ (1968) and ‘Sailor’ (1968.) Between 1965-1974 Boz Scaggs released six solo studio Albums, which all met with poor sales, it wasn’t until the release of his seventh Album ‘Silk Degrees’ in 1976, that things changed.

The discography of Boz Scaggs includes 19 solo studio Albums released between 1965-2018, and six official compilation Albums, that have been issued between 1980-2019. He has also released 17 singles between 1971-1994, of which eight have reached the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart top 40, with ‘Lowdown’ peaking the highest at Number 3, while in the UK he has charted within the top 40 on four occasions, with ‘What Can I Say’ from 1976, charting the highest at Number 10.

‘Lowdown’ was the second of four singles released from ‘Silk Degrees,’ the seventh solo studio Album from Boz Scaggs, from February 1976, the song was co-written by Boz Scaggs, and David Paich, with the production being by Joe Wissert. ‘Silk Degrees’ was initially a slow burner, but after the release of ‘Lowdown,’ sales quickly began to pick up, and at the time of writing it has sold in excess of five million copies in the United States. As well as the Album’s hit singles, which also included, ‘It’s Over,’ ‘What Can I Say,’ and ‘Lido Shuffle,’ was the song ‘We’re All Alone,’ which when covered by the American singer Rita Coolidge, reached Number 7 in America, and Number 6 in the UK. Boz Scaggs has spoken about how the Album’s title came about,’It was just something I had scribbled on the side of a page. The last thing I do after I record an album is name it. Silk Degrees doesn’t mean anything specifically. It’s just an image I couldn’t get out of my head.’

‘Lowdown’ was co-written by David Paich, who was born on June 25th, 1954, in Los Angeles, California, United States. In 1977 he was one of the co-founders of the American Rock group ‘Toto,’ and he is best known as their principal songwriter, and keyboardist. With ‘Toto’ he has sold in excess of 40 million records worldwide, with the songs he has written, or co-written for ‘Toto’ including, ‘Hold the Line,’ (1978-Billboard Number 5 & UK Number 14) ‘Rosanna,’ (1982-Billboard Number 2 & UK Number 12) and ‘Africa,’ (1982-Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 3.) Other notable work, away from ‘Toto’ include, co-writing the ‘Disco’ track ‘Got to Be Real,’ which made Number 12 on Billboard for the American singer Cheryl Lynn in 1978, and also working as a session musician, and musical arranger on Michael Jackson’s 1982 Album ‘Thriller’ (see also best songs 511 and 191.) David Paich had been brought in by Boz Scaggs to help him create a change in direction, in order to achieve commercial success, Scaggs also brought in Jeff Porcaro, (1954-1992) (drums) and David Hungate, (bass) who would both join up later with Paich to form ‘Toto.’

Boz Scaggs has explained his early working experience with David Paich, ‘We took off for a weekend to this getaway outside of LA, where there was a piano. and stayed up all night banging around ideas. We hit on ‘Lowdown,’ and then we brought it back to the band and recorded it. We were just thrilled with that one. That was the first song that we attempted, and it had a magic to it.’ As for the songs meaning, the word ‘Lowdown’ is a popular slang word meaning, a summary of what’s going on for real. The song is about a girl who doesn’t appreciate what her man gives her. The ‘dirty lowdown’ is the honest truth.

‘Baby’s into running around, hanging with the crowd, putting your business in the street. Talking out loud, saying you bought her this and that, and how much you done spent. I swear she must believe it’s all heaven sent.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

657-Roy Orbison and the Candy Men-Oh, Pretty Woman.

1964-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0-35. ‘MERCY!’

Roy Kelton Orbison was born on April 23rd, 1936, in Hendersonville, Tennessee, United States, he died of a heart attack on December 6th, 1988, at the age of 52. Music critics described his music as ‘Operatic,’ which earned him the nickname, ‘The Caruso of Rock,’ after the Italian Operatic tenor Enrico Caruso, (1873-1921) he was also widely known as ‘The Big O.’ During his career Roy Orbison suffered badly from stage fright, which is why he took to wearing dark sunglasses when performing, leading many initially in to thinking that he was actually blind. It was while at high school that Roy Orbison and some friends formed the band ‘Wink Westerners,’ playing ‘Country’ standards and Glenn Miller songs, (1904-1944) (see also best songs 808-321 and 146) which led to appearances on the local radio station ‘ KERB,’ in Kermit, Texas. With the ‘Wink Westerners,’ Orbison won a talent contest, leading to television appearances on ‘KMID-TV,’ in Midland, Texas. When Johnny Cash (1932-2003) (see also best songs 857-428 and 199) toured the area in 1955 and 1956, he appeared on the same local television show, and suggested to Roy Orbison that he should get in touch with Sam Phillips (1923-2003) at ‘Sun Records,’

Roy Orbison cut his teeth as as singer and songwriter at ‘Sun Records,’ but he failed to make a commercial breakthrough, until coming to the attention of the American music producer Fred Foster (1931-2019) (see also best songs 341) who signed him up to ‘Monument Records,’ in 1960, a label which he had founded in 1958. Fred Foster is credited with the development of Roy Orbison, and he would oversee the most successful period in Orbison’s career between 1960-1965, but with the inevitable change in music tastes, Roy Orbison would find his record sales declining over the next 20 plus years, until his career was given a big boost when he was asked to join the British/ American ‘supergroup’ the ‘Traveling Wilburys’ in 1988, performing alongside Bob Dylan, George Harrison, (1943-2001) Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty (1950-2017.) With the ‘Traveling Wilburys’ Orbison adopted the stage name ‘Lefty Wilbury,’ in honour of one of his earliest musical influences, the American ‘Country,’ and ‘Honky Tonk’ singer Lefty Frizzell (1928-1975.)

The solo discography of Roy Orbison includes 23 studio Albums released between 1961-2015, and 92 singles issued between 1956-2017, there are also 24 official compilation Albums, and four live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, 20 of his tracks have made the top 40, with ‘Running Scared,’ (1961) and ‘Oh, Pretty Woman,’ (1964) both reaching Number 1. In the UK he has achieved 32 top 40 hits, with ‘Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel’) (1960) ‘It’s Over,’ (1964) and ‘Oh, Pretty Woman,’ (1964) all making the Number 1 position.

‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ was co-written by Roy Orbison, and Bill Dees, (1939-2012) with the production being by Fred Foster, and was released as a stand alone single. It has gone on to sell in excess of seven million copies worldwide, and after being chosen as a piece of music for the film, the producers named the 1990 American romantic comedy ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ after the song. The songs title was inspired by Roy Orbison’s wife, Claudette, (1941-1966) interrupting a conversation to announce that she was going out. When Orbison asked if she had enough cash, Bill Dees, the songs co-writer interjected,’Pretty woman never needs any money.’ Bill Dees has also said,’Mercy,’ was mine, I used to say that all the time, when I saw a pretty woman, or had some good food.’

Bill Dees has told how quickly the song came about,’He sang it (Orbison) while I was banging my hand down on the table, and by the time she returned (Claudette) we had the song. I love the song. From the moment that the rhythm started, I could hear the heels clicking on the pavement, click, click, the pretty woman walking down the street, in a yellow skirt and red shoes. We wrote Oh Pretty Woman on a Friday, the next Friday we recorded it, and the next Friday it was out. It was the fastest thing I ever saw. Actually, the yeah, yeah, yeah in Oh Pretty Woman probably came from the Beatles.’

‘Pretty woman, walkin’ down the street, pretty woman the kind I like to meet. Pretty woman I don’t believe you, you’re not the truth, no one could look as good as you, MERCY!.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

658-Katrina and the Waves-Walking on Sunshine.

1985-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 0.09. How would you like to own the rights to a song that earns approximately $1 million per year.

Katrina and the Waves were officially formed in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, in 1985, by Kimberley Rew, (songwriter, guitarist) Katrina Leskanich, (vocals) Vince de la Cruz, (bass) and Alex Cooper, (drums) they remained active through until the group was dissolved in 1999. The discography of Katrina and the Waves includes 10 studio Albums released between 1982-1997, and 33 singles (including re-releases) in that same time period, there are also six official compilation Albums available. In the UK, three of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Love Shine a Light’ peaking the highest at Number 3 in 1997. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, they have also charted within the top 40 on three occasions, with ‘Walking on Sunshine’ providing them with their biggest hit, when making Number 9 in 1985.

The primary songwriter for Katrina and the Waves was Kimberley Rew, who was born on December 3rd, 1951, in Bristol, England. Prior to co-founding Katrina and the Waves, he had been a member of the English Rock group ‘The Soft Boys,’ between 1978-1981, who played in the genres of ‘Alternative Rock,’ and ‘Neo-Psychedelia.’ Although they were critically acclaimed by many music critics, they were not commercially successful. Prior to co-forming Katrina and the Waves, Kimberley Rew released his first solo Album in 1982, and since 2000 he has issued a further 11 Albums, and one extended play. As well as writing ‘Walking on Sunshine’ he also wrote ‘Love Shine a Light,’ which when performed by Katrina and the Waves, went on to win the 1997 ‘Eurovision Song Contest,’ for the United Kingdom. Kimberley Rew also wrote, and recorded the original version of ‘Going Down to Liverpool,’ which when recorded by the all female American group ‘The Bangles,’ in 1985, reached Number 21 in Ireland, and Number 56 in the UK.

The lead singer of Katrina and the Waves was Katrina Leskanich, who was born on April 10th, 1960, in Topeka, Kansas, United States, her father who was a colonel in the United States Air Force, moved the family to England in 1976. Katrina started her music career in 1978 as a member of a ‘Pop’ covers band called ‘Mama’s Cookin’,’ which included her then boyfriend, and future Katrina and the Waves bassist Vince de la Cruz. In 1981 Kimberley Rew joined Mama’s Cookin’, and the group were re-named ‘Waves,’ in time Katrina would take over as the groups lead singer, leading to them re-naming themselves ‘Katrina and the Waves.’ After the groups break up, Katrina has gone on to release eight solo Albums, between 2004-2020, and six compilation Albums, she has also issued eight singles between 2006-2023. Katrina can also be heard singing backing vocals on the Natalie Imbruglia 1997 UK Number 2 hit single ‘Torn’ (see also best songs 938.)

‘Walking on Sunshine’ was written by Kimberley Rew, and in it’s original form in 1983, first appeared on Katrina and the Waves debut studio Album also called ‘Walking on Sunshine, the song, and it’s 1985 re-recording, were both produced by the veteran music producer Pat Collier, who has worked with dozens of artists over the years including ‘The Wonderstuff,’ ‘The House of Love,’ and ‘Robyn Hitchcock.’ In 1985 after signing with ‘Capitol Records,’ Katrina and the Waves re-recorded many of the songs from their first two studio Albums, for their third release called ‘Katrina and the Waves, and the tracks included a re-recording of ‘Walking on Sunshine,’ which has gone on to become one of the best money spinners of all time. According to a former employee at ‘EMI Records,’ ‘Walking on Sunshine’ is the crown in ‘EMI’s catalogue. Between 2000-2010, it became one of the most sought after songs with advertisers willing to pay up to $250,000 a time for the privilege.

Kimberley Rew has spoken about the song that changed his life,’I’d love to say Walking on Sunshine relates to a significant event in my life, like walking out of my front door, seeing a comet and being inspired, but it’s just a piece of simple fun, an optimistic song, despite us not being outstandingly cheery people. We were a typical young band, insecure and pessimistic. We didn’t have big hair, and didn’t look anything like a Motown-influenced group. We didn’t have any credibility or a fan base in awe of our mystique. We were a second-on-the-bill-at-a-festival-in-Germany pop band. But we had this song.’

‘I used to think maybe you loved me now, baby I’m sure, and I just can’t wait ’til the day when you knock on my door. Now every time I go for the mailbox, gotta hold myself down, ’cause I just can’t wait ’til you write me you’re coming around.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

659-Laurie Anderson-O Superman.

1981-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 2.40. If you know of a more unlikely song ever to make the UK top 40, then please let me know.

Laurie Anderson was born Laura Phillips Anderson, on June 5th, 1947, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, United States, you could call her a ‘Jack of all trades,’ but you would have to add, ‘master of many.’ During her long and illustrious career she has always tried to push back the boundaries, in the fields of ‘Pop Music,’ ‘Performance Art,’ and her multimedia projects. Laurie Anderson is also noted for inventing several devices that she has used in her recordings, in the genre of ‘Electronic Music,’ including the ‘Tape-bow violin,’ the ‘Talking Stick,’ and ‘Voice Filters.’ In 1992 she met the American singer/songwriter Lou Reed, (1942-2013) (see also best songs 401-165-131 and 58) the pair became romantically involved, and were married from 2008 until his death in 2013. The pair both worked together musically, contributing to each others recordings. The discography of Laurie Anderson includes seven studio Albums, released between 1982-2010, two Spoken word Albums, two official live Albums, and one compilation Album, she has also released an audio book in 2001, and has collaborated with several music artists since 1977, including Nona Hendryx, Jean Michel Jarre, and Nancy Wilson. Laurie Anderson has released 11 singles between 1981-2010, with only ‘O Superman’ charting, reaching Number 2 in the UK, Number 9 in the Netherlands, Number 11 in Ireland, Number 16 in South Africa, and Number 28 in Australia.

‘O Superman,’ which is also known as ‘O Superman (For Massenet,’) was the only single issued from Laurie Anderson’s debut studio Album,’Big Science,’ from April 1982, and was written and produced by Laurie Anderson. The genres of music that ‘O Superman’ can be filed under are ‘Electronic,’ Art Pop,’ ‘New Wave,’ ‘Experimental Pop, and ‘Minimalism.’ ‘O Superman’ remains one of the most unlikely songs to have become a hit single in the UK. It was the legendary BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel (1939-2004) (see also best songs 435) who championed the song, getting it on to the Radio 1 playlist, and therefore giving the general public a chance to hear something that they otherwise probably wouldn’t have.

In writing ‘O Superman’ Laurie Anderson has said that she drew from the aria, ‘Ô Souverain, ô juge, ô père” (“O Sovereign, O Judge, O Father,”) from Jules Massenet’s (1842-1912) 1885 opera ‘Le Cid.’ The first lines. ‘O Superman / O Judge / O Mom and Dad,’ echo the aria. The American musicologist Susan McClary suggests in her book ‘Feminine Endings’ that ‘O Superman’ may also have been inspired by Massenet’s 1902 opera ‘Le jongleur de Notre-Dame.’ The three musicians who played on ‘O Superman’ were Laurie Anderson, who provided the vocals, by using a ‘Roland VP-330 vocoder, which distorts the voice, the other most recognisable track to use a ‘vocoder’ in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list, is the Electric Light Orchestra, with ‘Mr Blue Sky’ (see also best songs 25.) ‘O Superman’ was recorded on a sparse background of two alternating chords, formed by the repeated spoken syllable ‘ha,’ which was created by looping with an ‘Eventide Harmonizer.’ The flute, and the saxophone on the track were played by the American Perry Hoberman, and the organ, and keyboards, were provided by the Canadian artist Roma Baran. There is also a sample of bird noises, that can be heard at various points during the song.

‘O Superman’ addresses issues of technology and communication, in particular planes and arms. Laurie Anderson has explained the songs meaning, ‘In 1979, Iranian students stormed the US Embassy in Tehran. America went blazing in with helicopters to get hostages out, but it backfired. A helicopter and a plane crashed in the desert, we were left with dead bodies, and a pile of burning debris, so I thought I’d write a song about all that, and the failings of technology.’

‘Cause when love is gone, there’s always justice, and when justice is gone, there’s always force, and when force is gone, there’s always Mom.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

660-Mamas & the Papas-California Dreamin’

1966-Number 23 single. When it was re-issued in 1997 it peaked at Number 9.

Best Bit-At 0.08. The Mamas & the Papas took their name from ‘The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club,’ whose female associates are known as ‘Mamas.’

The Mamas & the Papas were formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 1965, by the the husband and wife duo of John Phillips, (1935-2001) and Michelle Phillips, the pair would file for divorce in 1969. Prior to forming the Mamas & the Papas the pair had both been members of the American Folk Music group ‘The Journeymen.’ The other founding member was Denny Doherty, (1940-2007) who had previously been a member of the American Folk/Rock group the ‘Mugwumps.’ The groups fourth member, was Cass Elliot, (1941-1974) (see also best songs 247) who had also been a past member of the ‘Mugwumps,’ and was taken on soon after the groups formation, on the recommendation of Denny Doherty. These four are considered as the classic line up, with the American singer Jill Gibson, spending a brief period of time in 1966, replacing Michelle Phillips as a group member. The Mamas & the Papas would remain active until 1968, but due to contractual reasons with their record label, they ‘unofficially’ reformed in 1971 to release a final studio Album, ‘People Like Us.’

The discography of the Mamas & the Papas, who have sold in excess of 40 million records worldwide, includes five studio Albums released between 1966-1971, and 17 singles issued between 1965-1972, there are also 11 official compilation Albums available. In America on Billboard, their debut studio Album, ‘If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears,’ reached Number 1, with their next three all making the top 15, although their final Album stalled at Number 84. On Billboard, 10 of their singles reached the top 40, with ‘Monday, Monday,’ (1965) going all the way to Number 1, while ‘California Dreamin” peaked at Number 4. In the UK, the Mamas & the Papas have achieved six top 40 hit singles, with ‘Dedicated to the One I Love,’ charting the highest at Number 2 in 1967.

‘California Dreamin’ was the second of three singles released from ‘If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears,’ the debut studio Album from the Mamas & the Papas,’ from February 1966. ‘California Dreamin” was co-written by the then newlyweds John, and Michelle Phillips, with the production being by Lou Adler (see also best songs 527.) The song was written with the American singer Barry McGuire in mind, as the follow up to his 1965 Billboard Number 1 hit ‘Eve of Destruction,’ (see also best songs 527) McGuire recorded the song with the Mamas & the Papas providing backing vocals, but after hearing the ‘Mamas’ sing it, the music producer Lou Adler persuaded them to release it themselves instead.

‘California Dreamin” was written by John and Michelle Phillips when they were both living as newlyweds in New York City in 1963. Michelle Phillips was homesick, and finding the winter very cold, compared to what she was used to in California, and the song was inspired by her longing to be in another place. Michelle enjoyed visiting churches, and the songs second verse is inspired from a visit to ‘St. Patrick’s Cathedral,’ a few days previously. It is said that John hated the verse, as he disliked churches because of unpleasant memories of parochial school, but the verse was left in, as he couldn’t think of anything better to replace it with, and the other group members also overruled him.

‘California Dreamin” can boast some of the era’s top session musicians playing on it, including two members of the ‘Wrecking Crew,’ Hal Blaine, (1929-2019) (see also best songs 978-811-672-527-426-202-127-110 and 71)on drums, and Joe Osborn (1937-2018) on bass guitar. Playing guitar on the track was the American singer/songwriter P. F. Sloan, (1945-2015) (see also best songs 527) it was Sloan who also provided the songs guitar intro. ‘California Dreamin” has an unusual instrumental break in the middle of the song. John Phillips was looking for something a little different instead of a guitar break, so asked the American alto saxophonist and flautist Bud Shank, (1926-2009) who in one take improvised, and provided the middle section of the song, with an alto flute solo.

‘California Dreamin” was re-issued in the UK in 1997 after being used in a commercial for ‘Carling Premier Beer,’ and this time it charted at a new high of Number 9. The song was also a UK hit in 1990 for the English ‘Folk/Rock’ group ‘River City People,’ who took their version to Number 13. Other significant recordings of ‘California Dreamin”, include the American group ‘America,’ (1979-Billboard Number 56) the Beach Boys, (1986-Billboard Number 57) Jose Feliciano, (1968-Billboard Number 43) and Bobby Womack (1968-Billboard Number 43.) In 2016 a ‘Tropical House’ version by the German DJ/remixer, ‘Freischwimmer,’ reached Number 1 on the ‘Billboard Dance Club Songs’ chart, making it the first time that ”California Dreamin” had ever reached the Number 1 spot on any Billboard chart.

‘All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey, I’ve been for a walk on a winter’s day. I’d be safe and warm if I was in L.A. California dreamin,’ on such a winter’s day.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

661-Ian Hunter-Once Bitten, Twice Shy.

1975-Number 14 single.

Best Bit-At 0.07. The warmest of welcomes.

Ian Hunter Patterson was born on June 3rd, 1939, in Oswestry, Shropshire, England, due to the onset of World War 2, he moved with his family to Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, to live with the family of his Scottish father. Hunter lived in Scotland until the age of six, and has stated that he considers himself a Scot, but also identifies as English and British. Success for Ian Hunter came a little later in life than your average ‘Pop Star,’ as it wasn’t until 1972 at the age of 33, that as the lead singer of the English Rock group ‘Mott the Hoople,’ he achieved his first hit single, with the David Bowie (1948-2016) (see also best songs 807-440-334-302-209-186-118-47 and 31) written and produced ‘All the Young Dudes’ (see also best songs 334.) Mott the Hoople would achieve a further five UK top 40 singles, all written by Hunter., then in 1974 he left the group to pursue a solo career.

The solo discography of Ian Hunter includes 23 Albums released between 1975-2023, and 20 singles issued between 1975-2016. In the UK, only ‘Once Bitten, Twice Shy’ has charted within the top 40, when reaching Number 14 in 1975, Other career highlights away from Mott the Hoople include producing the second studio Album ‘Valley of the Dolls,’ by the English Punk Rock group Generation X, in 1979. Also in 1979 the American singer Barry Manilow covered Hunter’s song ‘Ships,’ taking it to Number 9 on Billboard, and then in 1997 the American Rock group ‘Presidents of the United States of America’ covered Hunter’s song ‘Cleveland Rocks,’ which was used as the theme song for the American television sitcom ‘The Drew Carey Show.’ ‘Cleveland Rocks’ became such an anthem in Cleveland, Ohio, by being played on the city’s radio station, and by being used as a victory song for the city’s sports teams, that in June 1979, Hunter was given the key to the city by Cleveland mayor.

‘Once Bitten, Twice Shy’ was Ian Hunter’s debut solo single, and the first of two singles released from his self titled debut studio Album, from March 1975. The song was written by Ian Hunter, with the production credited to Hunter, and Mick Ronson, (1946-1993) who also played guitar on the track. Mick Ronson (see also best songs 440-405-334-186-131-58-37 and 5) was born on May 26th, 1946, in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, England, he died of liver cancer on April 29th, 1993, at the age of 46. Mick Ronson had first met Ian Hunter in London in 1966 when both were trying to make the big time, Hunter with a group called ‘The Scenery,’ and Ronson with the ‘Voice,’ and also with ‘The Rats,’ whom with both groups, he was the guitarist at that time. Mick Ronson’s stellar career included working with David Bowie on five studio Albums between 1970-1973, and along with Bowie, working with Lou Reed (1942-2013) on his 1972 Album ‘Transformer.’ Ronson also had a long working relationship with Ian Hunter, working on six of his Albums, issued between 1979-1995. One of Ronson’s final assignments was producing ‘Your Arsenal,’ the third solo studio Album from Morrissey in 1992. Mick Ronson also released two solo Albums in 1974, and 1975, with a further four being issued after his death, between 1994-2001.

The definition of once bitten twice shy is, if you have failed, or been hurt when trying to do something, then you will be careful, or fearful about doing it again. The lyrics to ‘Once Bitten, Twice Shy’ maybe a true story, or just an observation. The song tells of a girl groupie, whom the narrator has taken a liking to. He first encounters her in the tour bus with the drummer, but before much action can take place between them, the narrator claims her, as he is a more senior member of the group. The groupie soon learns that ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ is a hard life, with lots of travel, and heaters on the bus that don’t always work, but as she gets the hang of it, she starts messing around with other guys, much to the narrators dismay.

In 1972 Ian Hunter wrote a book called ‘Diary of a Rock’n’Roll Star,’ which was published in 1974. The book chronicles the endless travelling, hotels, sound checks, performances. and notably, it strips away the ‘glittering facade’ of the ‘Rock Star’ that the music industry ‘PR’ machine would have music fans believe. A review of the book said,’Hunter delivers a distinctly British perspective, as he encounters the diverse American cultural landscape. Already in his 30’s and a show biz veteran, Hunter offers not only the usual cliché’s, but also mature, hard-won insights into the Rock game.’ In 1989 the American Rock group ‘Great White’ covered ‘Once Bitten, Twice Shy,’ with their version reaching Number 5 on Billboard in America, and stalling at Number 83 in the UK.

‘You didn’t know what rock and roll was, until you met a drummer on the Greyhound bus. I got there in the nick of time, before he got his hands across your state line.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

662-The Rolling Stones-Jumpin’ Jack Flash.

1968-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.16. The most famous song in the world ever, inspired by a gardener.

The Rolling Stones (see also best songs 933-452-160 and 77) were formed in London, England, in 1962. At the time of writing Mick Jagger, (lead vocals) and Keith Richards, (guitars) are the groups only two constants, the current trio is made up by Ronnie Wood, (guitars) who has been a group member since 1975. Charlie Watts, (1941-2021) (drums) was a group member from 1963 until his death, Bill Wyman, (bass and keyboards) was a group member between 1962-1993, Brian Jones, (1942-1969) (guitars) who was a member between 1962-1969, was dismissed from the group due to his alcohol and drug problems, and died from drowning in his swimming pool less than a month after his dismissal. Mick Taylor, (guitars) replaced Brian Jones, and was a group member until 1974. There have been a further seven official members who played with The Rolling Stones in their early years between 1962-1963, including Ian Stewart, (1938-1995) (keyboards) who was removed from the lineup in May 1963 at the request of The Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, who felt that he did not fit the band’s image. Ian Stewart remained as the groups road manager and pianist for over two decades until his death, and was posthumously inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ along with the rest of the band in 1989.

‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ was released as a stand alone single in May 1968, and the first Rolling Stones album on which the song appeared, was their 1969 compilation album, ‘Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2,’) one year after the single was released. It has since appeared on numerous other Rolling Stones compilations, including ‘Hot Rocks,’ 1964–1971, (1971) and ‘Forty Licks’ (2002.) ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ is The Rolling Stones most performed song, with it being played live over 1,100 times by the group since 1968. The song was co-written by Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards, with the production being by Jimmy Miller (1942-1994.)

James Miller who was born on March 23rd, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, would go on to produce five studio Albums for The Rolling Stones, from ‘Beggars Banquet,’ (1968) through to ‘Goats Head Soup,’ (1973) he also had a close working relationship with Steve Winwood, and Winwood’s various bands, including ‘Spencer Davis Group,’ ‘Traffic,’ and ‘Blind Faith.’ Jimmy Miller was also the producer of ‘Blackberry Way,’ (see also best songs 575) which was a Number 1 single for ‘The Move’ in the UK in 1968. In the 1970’s Miller produced the ‘Overkill,’ (1979) and ‘Bomber’ (1979) Albums for the Heavy Metal group ‘Motorhead,’ and in 1991 he worked with ‘Primal Scream’ on their third studio Album ‘Screamadelica’ (see also best songs 724.) Jimmy Miller died from liver failure on October 22nd, 1994, at the age of 52.

‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ gave The Rolling Stones their seventh UK Number 1 single, in total they achieved eight, all of which were in the 1960’s. Keith Richards has stated that he and Mick Jagger wrote the songs lyrics while staying at Richards’ country house, where they were awoken one morning by the sound of the gardener Jack Dyer, who was walking past the window. When Mick Jagger asked what the noise was, Richards responded, ‘Oh that’s Jack, that’s jumpin’ Jack.’ Keith Richards has said,’I started to work around the phrase on the guitar, which was in open tuning, singing the phrase ‘Jumping Jack.’ Mick said, ‘Flash,’ and suddenly we had this phrase with a great rhythm and ring to it.’ As for the songs meaning, Mick Jagger has said that the song arose,’Out of all the acid of Satanic Majesties. (Their Satanic Majesties Request-1967 Album) It’s about having a hard time and getting out. Just a metaphor for getting out of all the acid things.’ Keith Richards has said that the songs opening line ‘I was born in a crossfire hurricane,’ refers to his being born amid the bombing and air raid sirens of Dartford, England, in 1943, during World War II.

In his autobiography, Bill Wyman has claimed that it was he who came up with the songs distinctive main guitar riff on a piano, without receiving any credit, Wyman has also claimed that he wrote the bass line for ‘Miss You,’ (see also best songs 160) also receiving no recognition. Keith Richards has said, that of all the guitar riffs he has written, ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ is his favourite.

‘I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag. I was schooled with a strap right across my back, but it’s all right now, in fact it’s a gas, but it’s all right, I’m Jumpin’ Jack Flash, it’s a gas, gas, gas.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

663-10cc-I’m Mandy Fly Me.

1976-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 2.43. Please forgive me for ‘two much information,’ but there is no other way to let you know. ’10cc’ is a scientific term that represents a volume of semen, that is more than the average amount ejaculated, therefore emphasising the bands potency, and prowess.

’10cc’ (see also best songs 154) were officially formed in Stockport, England, in 1972, by their classic lineup of Graham Gouldman, (keyboardist/guitarist) Eric Stuart, (keyboardist/guitarist) Kevin Godley, (drums) and Lol Creme, (keyboardist/guitarist) although all four original members are multi instrumentalists. The quartet had already been working together since 1968, and previous to that, they had all worked in the music business, achieving success to different degrees, from the early to mid 1960’s. Due to musical differences, Kevin Godley, and Lol Creme both left ’10cc’ in 1976, after the release of their fourth studio Album ‘How Dare You!,’ to work as a duo as ‘Godley and Creme, leaving Graham Gouldman, and Eric Stuart to continue as 10cc, through until 1983. In 1992 all four original band members re-united to record the 10th ’10cc’ studio Album, called ‘Meanwhile,’ while their final release, ‘Mirror Mirror,’ in 1995, was just the work of Gouldman and Stewart, from the original line up. In total there have been 20 different members come and go, and at the time of writing Graham Gouldman still uses the name ’10cc’ when going on tour with other current members.

The discography of ’10cc’ includes 11 studio Albums released between 1973-1995, and 34 singles released between 1972-1995, there are also four box sets, and 15 official compilation Albums, and four live Albums available. In the UK, seven of their Albums have reached the top 40, with three of those all peaking at Number 3, while in America on Billboard, two of their Albums have made the top 40. In the UK, ’10cc’ have had 13 of their singles reach the top 40, with three of those all making the Number 1 position, while on Billboard, they have charted within the top 40 on three occasions, with ‘I’m Not in Love,’ peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1975, while ‘I’m Mandy, Fly Me,’ stalled at Number 60.

‘I’m Mandy, Fly Me’ was the second of two singles released from ‘How Dare You!’ the fourth studio Album by ’10cc’ from January 1976, the first single release was ‘Art for Art’s Sake,’ which reached Number 5 in the UK, and Number 83 on Billboard in America. ‘I’m Mandy, Fly Me’ was co-written by Eric Stuart, Graham Gouldman, and Kevin Godley, with the production credited to ’10cc.’

The idea for ‘I’m Mandy, Fly Me’ came about after Eric Stuart had seen an eye catching billboard poster,’ he has said,’I remember seeing in Manchester this beautiful poster, and just below it was this tramp, I mean a serious tramp, quite a raggedy guy, looking up at this girl, and I thought God, do you know, there’s a song there. Look at that guy looking up at Cindy-fly-me, and I know he’s never gonna get on an aeroplane, I don’t think, except in his dreams.’ ‘I’m Mandy, Fly Me’ tells of the tramps fantasy dream of flying on an aeroplane, which crashes. The tramp is saved by the beautiful stewardess, (now named Mandy) but then she is nowhere to be found, was it all a dream?

Eric Stewart has said that his first attempt at the song came out two bland, so both he and Graham Gouldman, changed the rhythm completely, and ‘Put two whacking great guitar solos in there, in the middle of this quiet, soft, floaty song. The end result was this lovely interesting song, with the whacking guitar solos in it.’ Graham Gouldman has also confirmed the similarity of the guitar solo at 2.43, to that by Paul McCartney, on his 1973 song ‘Band on The Run’ (see also best songs 107.) The initial idea for ‘I’m Mandy, Fly Me’ came from Eric Stewart, but there was also major input from Kevin Godley, who re-wrote many of Stewart’s initial lyrics.

The intro to ‘I’m Mandy, Fly Me’ starts with words and music that sound as if they are being played through a small tinny speaker. The lyrics are actually taken from the 1974 ’10cc’ track ‘Clockwork Creep,’ which is written from the perspective of a plane with a bomb on board. The lyrics sung are,’Oh, no, you’ll never get me up in one of these again, ’cause what goes up must come down, down, down.’

‘I’ve often heard her jingle, it’s never struck a chord. With a smile as bright as sunshine, she called me through the poster, and welcomed me aboard.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

664-Elvis Presley-Blue Suede Shoes.

1956-Number 9 single.

Best Bit-At 1.12.Carl Perkins was the first to admit there was no way he could compete with Elvis, ’He had everything, he had the looks, the moves, the manager, and the talent, and he didn’t look like Mr Ed, like a lot of us did.’

Carl Lee Perkins was born on April 9th, 1932, in Tiptonville, Tennessee, United States, he died of throat cancer on January 19th, 1998, at the age of 65. Carl Perkins who was nicknamed the ‘King of Rockabilly,’ was a leading player in the development of the genre of music that would become known as ‘Rockabilly,’ he is also recognised as a pioneer in the early days of ‘Rock ‘N Roll.’ It was Paul McCartney (see also best songs 646-599-238-218-157-141-107-80-51-10 and 5) who probably paid him the his highest compliment, saying, ‘If there was no Carl Perkins, there would be no Beatles.

Carl Perkins was born the son of poor sharecroppers, and from the age of six he worked long hours in the cotton fields with his family. His first introduction to music was listening to the ‘Grand Ole Opry,’ broadcast from Nashville, on his father’s radio. At the age of 14, Perkins and his brother Jay (?-1958) began performing together at the ‘Cotton Boll’ tavern on Highway 45, near Jackson, Tennessee, with payment being from tips, and free drinks. By the late 1940’s Carl Perkins was performing regularly on the radio station ‘WTJS.’ in Jackson, and was playing regularly six nights a week in the Jackson area. It was in July 1954, after hearing Elvis Presley’s version of the 1945 ‘Bluegrass’ standard ‘Blue Moon of Kentucky’ on the radio, that Perkins decided to audition for Sam Phillips, (1923-2003) at the legendary ‘Sun Records,’ (see also best songs 678) allegedly saying after hearing the song,’There’s a man in Memphis who understands what we’re doing. I need to go see him.’

The discography of Carl Perkins includes 44 original Albums released between 1957-2000, unfortunately I cannot find a comprehensive list of his singles discography, but his only charting single on the Billboard Hot 100 in America, is his original version of ‘Blue Suede Shoes,’ which peaked at Number 2, being held off the top spot by Elvis Presley’s ‘Heartbreak Hotel.’ Carl Perkins has had nine of his singles reach the top 40 on the Billboard ‘Hot Country Songs’ chart, with ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ going all the way to Number 1. ‘Blue Suede Shoes,’ which was the 15th best selling single of 1956 in America, was also Carl Perkins only UK top 40 entry, peaking at Number 10.

‘Rockabilly’ is considered to be an early style of ‘Rock ‘N Roll,’ that dates back to the early 1950’s in the United States, but especially in the South. As a genre it blends the sound of ‘Country’ music, with that of ‘Rhythm and Blues.’ The term ‘Rockabilly’ is a mixture of ‘Rock,’ from ‘Rock ‘N Roll,’ and ‘Billy,’ from ‘Hillbilly.’ ‘Hillbilly’ is a reference to ‘Country Music’ that was often called ‘Hillbilly Music’ in the 1940’s and 1950’s that contributed strongly to the style. Most of the songs that the teenage Carl Perkins played were Country standards in a faster rhythm, which led to him composing his own songs in that style, and heavily influencing the development of ‘Rockabilly.’

The version of ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ I have chosen is the Elvis Presley (1935-1977) (see also best songs 954-442 and 194) recording from January 30th, 1956, which was released on September 8th, 1956. The song which was produced by Presley’s long term collaborator Steve Sholes, (1911-1968) who in total produced 15 of Elvis Presley’s UK Number 1 singles. ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ first appeared for Presley on his self titled debut Album, which was issued in the UK as ‘Elvis Presley Rock n’ Roll,’ in March 1956. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ gave Elvis Presley his fourth top 40 hit, when peaking at Number 20, while in the UK, it was his seventh top 40 entry, peaking at Number 9.

Legend has it, that it was fellow ‘Sun Records’ artist Johnny Cash (1932-2003) (see also best songs 857-428 and 199) who gave Carl Perkins the idea for ‘Blue Suede Shoes. Johnny Cash told Carl Perkins about an airman he had met while serving in the military in Germany, who had referred to his regulation shoes as ‘Blue suede shoes.’ Perkins thought no more of it until one night while on stage he noticed a couple dancing. Between songs he heard a stern voice say ‘Uh-uh, don’t step on my suede’s.’ Perkins noted that the boy was more interested in keeping his shoes in pristine condition, than the ‘pretty little thing’ he was dancing with.

‘You can knock me down, step in my face, slander my name all over the place, and do anything that you want to do, but uh uh honey lay off of my shoes.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

665-The Game featuring 50 Cent-Hate It or Love It.

2005-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 0.19. ’Right, I had to get up in the morning at 10 o’clock at night, half an hour before I went to bed, drink a cup of sulphuric acid, work 29 hours a day down mill, and pay mill owner for permission to come to work, and when we got home, our dad and our mother would kill us and dance about on our graves singing hallelujah, and you try and tell young people of today that…they won’t believe you.’

‘The Game’ is the stage name of Jayceon Terrell Taylor, who was born on November 29th, 1979, in Compton, California, United States, he was coined ‘The Game’ by his grandmother, who was a huge fan of the 1997 mystery thriller film, ‘The Game.’ Both of his parents were members of the ‘Crips’ street gang, and he grew up in a primarily ‘Crip’ controlled neighbourhood known as ‘Santana Blocc.’ By the early 2000’s ‘The Game’ had become heavily involved in selling drugs, and participating in gang activities, saying in a 2006 interview, that he described his family as ‘dysfunctional.’

‘The Game’ began taking ‘Hip-Hop’ seriously in 2001, while recovering in hospital from gunshot wounds. Together with his older brother George, who would go on to release three Albums and eight mixtapes as ‘Big Fase 100,’ they formed their own record label, and made a mixtape, which came to the attention of Dr. Dre, (see also best songs 564-544-482-189-128 and 48) who signed ‘The Game’ to his ‘Aftermath Entertainment’ label in 2003, to work alongside 50 Cent, and ‘G-Unit,’ in order to build up ‘The Game’s’ reputation.

The discography of ‘The Game’ includes 10 studio Albums released between 2005-2022, and 30 singles that have been issued between 2004-2022, he has also appeared on a further 16 singles as a featured artist, and there are also seven official compilation Albums, and 14 mixtapes available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, four of his singles have made the top 40, with ‘Hate It or Love It’ peaking the highest at Number 2, while in the UK, he has charted within the top 40 on seven occasions, with ‘Hate It or Love It,’ peaking the highest at Number 4.

‘Hate It or Love It’ was the third of six singles released from ‘The Game’s’ debut studio Album ‘The Documentary,’ from January 2005, the Album has gone on to sell in excess of two million copies in the United States. ‘Hate It or Love It’ which features 50 Cent, (see also best songs 189) was co-written by ‘The Game,’ and 50 Cent, along with Marcello ‘Cool’ Antonio Valenzano, and Andre “Dre” Christopher Lyon, who are the record production, and songwriting duo, who work together under the name of ‘Cool & Dre.’ Their partnership was formed in 2001, in Miami, Florida, United States, and at the time of writing they remain active. ‘Cool & Dre’ have written and produced for many of the top ‘Hip-Hop’ acts of the 21st Century, including Rick Ross, and Kendrick Lamar. ‘Hate It or Love It,’ which also has additional production work from Dr Dre, samples the track ‘Rubber Band,’ by the American ‘Disco,’ and ‘Soul’ band ‘The Trammps,’ (see also best songs 184) from their 1975 second studio Album, ‘The Legendary Zing Album.’ Although ‘Rubber Band’ is heavily sampled, it’s song writers are not acknowledged on ‘Hate It or Love It’s’ song writing credits.

‘Hate It or Love It’ spent five consecutive weeks at Number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, being held off the top spot by 50 Cent himself, with his track ‘Candy Shop,’ featuring the American R&B singer Olivia Longott. On ‘Hate It or Love It’ ‘The Game,’ and 50 Cent reminisce about their childhoods, and the problems they had to overcome in order to be where they are today. This is evidenced in the songs music video, which shows the two Rappers being represented as kids, growing up in a tough neighbourhood. Just prior to the release of his debut studio Album ‘The Documentary,’ ‘The Game’ stated that the Albums songs are based on his life experiences, from his childhood to his success as a Rapper, saying,’I grew up in a boys home, and I was taken away from my parents when I was like eight years old… Here I am, 24. When my album drops I will be 25, so that’s 17 years I have been going through my struggle by myself. There are 17 tracks on my album, and every track sheds light on a different situation I went through the last 17 years,’

‘Coming up I was confused, my momma kissing a girl. Confusion occurs coming up in the cold world. Daddy ain’t around, probably out committing felonies. My favourite rapper used to sing ch-check out my melody.’