THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

666-Iron Maiden-Can I Play with Madness.

1988-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 2.42. As the old saying goes,’It’s heads down and I’ll see you at the other end.’ At least I think it’s an old saying, although it is just possible I made it up myself.

Iron Maiden are a ‘Heavy Metal’ group, who were formed by Steve Harris, in Leyton, East London, in 1975. In total there have been 19 different members come and go, with the classic line up probably considered as Steve Harris, (bass and keyboards) Dave Murray, (guitars) Adrian Smith, (guitars and keyboards) Bruce Dickinson, (vocals) Nicko McBrain, (drums) and Janick Gers (guitars.) Steve Harris chose the name Iron Maiden from a film adaptation of ‘The Man in the Iron Mask,’ (1939) from the novel by Alexandre Dumas, as the title reminded him of the ‘Iron Maiden torture device.’ Iron Maiden have used a mascot called ‘Eddie’ for over 40 years. ‘Eddie,’ who is also known as ‘Eddie the Head,’ has appeared on all of the groups Album covers, and nearly all of their singles, and in their merchandise, which includes T-shirts, posters and action figures. ‘Eddie’ also appears at all Iron Maiden live performances, and cannot be missed, as he muscle-bound, and stands around 10 feet tall.

Iron Maiden are one of the best selling groups of all time, with record sales in excess of 130 million worldwide. Their discography includes 17 studio Albums released between 1980-2021, and 47 singles released between 1980-2022, there are also five box sets, plus 13 official live Albums, and seven compilation Albums available. In the UK, Iron Maiden have achieved 35 top 40 singles, with ‘Bring Your Daughter… to the Slaughter,’ reaching the Number 1 spot in January 1990, they have also had five of their Albums reach the Number 1 spot in the UK. In America on Billboard, Iron Maiden have never had any of their singles chart within the ‘Hot 100’ top 40, but 13 of their Albums have made the ‘Billboard 200’ top 40 Album chart.

‘Can I Play with Madness’ was the first of three singles released from Iron Maiden’s seventh studio Album ‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son,’ from April 1988, the song was co-written by the band members Adrian Smith, Bruce Dickinson, and Steve Harris, with the production being by Martin Birch, who was born on December 27, 1948, in Woking, Surrey, England, he died on August 9th, 2020, at the age of 71, the cause of death was undisclosed. Martin Birch produced 10 Iron Maiden studio Albums, and officially announced his retirement in 1992, after producing the Iron Maiden Album ‘Fear of the Dark.’ Birch was one of the most important names in ‘Heavy Metal,’ producing for several of the genres top acts, including Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath.

‘Heavy Metal’ is a genre of ‘Rock Music’ that developed in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, largely in the United Kingdom, and the United States. Most music historians would agree that the genre became popular through the British groups Led Zeppelin, (see also best songs 135 and 66) Black Sabbath, (see also best songs 814) and Deep Purple (see also best songs 550 and 89.) ‘Heavy Metal’ which has it’s roots in ‘Blues Rock,’ ‘Psychedelic Rock,’ and ‘Acid Rock,’ was developed with the adding of distorted guitars, and extended guitar solos. By the end of the 1970’s the next generation of musicians, including Iron Maiden, who had been heavily influenced by those that came before them, were keeping the genre alive, in what the music press dubbed, ‘the new wave of British heavy metal.’ There are music critics who point to the May 1968 song, ‘Born to Be Wild,’ (Billboard Number 2 & UK Number 30) by the Canadian-American Rock band ‘Steppenwolf,’ as ‘the first’ ‘Heavy Metal’ song, with the genre taking it’s name from that songs lyrics in the second verse,’heavy metal thunder.’

‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son,’ is a concept Album, with ‘Can I Play with Madness’ being part of it’s theme of mysticism surrounding the folklore concept of being the ‘seventh son of a seventh son,’ it is also the first Iron Maiden Album to include the use of keyboards. The songs music video is significant for it being the final appearance of the ‘Monty Python’ actor, and comedian Graham Chapman, (1941-1989) before his death. ‘Can I Play with Madness’ tells the story of a young man wanting to learn his future from an old prophet with a crystal ball. The young man is suffering from visions and nightmares, and thinks he is going mad, but when the young man thinks that the prophets advise is lies, they become angry with each other.

‘Give me the sense to wonder, to wonder if I’m free. Give me a sense of wonder to know I can be me. Give me the strength to hold my head up, spit back in their face.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

667-Gladys Knight & the Pips-Midnight Train to Georgia.

1973-It was not a hit in the UK, until being re-issued in 1976, when reaching Number 10.

Best Bit-At 1.28. Back in 1952 when they first formed, Gladys Knight, was also just a ‘Pip.’

Gladys Maria Knight (see also best songs 214) who is known by the honorific title of ‘The Empress of Soul,’ was born on May 24th, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It was in 1952 that the first incarnation of the ‘Pips’ were formed, by Gladys Knight, her brother Merald ‘Bubba’ Knight, her sister Brenda, and her cousins William Guest, (1941-2015) and Eleanor Guest, (1940-1997) their stage name being inspired by another cousin’s nickname, James ‘Pip’ Woods. After a couple of years performing in talent shows, the group were signed by ‘Brunswick Records’ in 1957, and recorded two singles that failed to chart. Brenda Knight, and Eleanor Guest eventually left the group, and were replaced by another cousin, Edward Patten, (1939-2005) and a non-relative, Langston George (?-2007) in 1959, he remained a group member until 1962. It was also in 1959 that they officially became ‘Gladys Knight & the Pips,’ and they remained active until 1989, when Gladys Knight parted ways, in order to pursue a solo career.

‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ was written by Jim Weatherly, who was born James Dexter Weatherly, on March 17th, 1943, in Pontotoc, Mississippi, United States, he died of natural causes on February 3rd, 2021, at the age of 77. Jim Weatherly was a singer/songwriter, in the genres of ‘Country Music,’ and ‘Pop Music,’ before turning his hand to music in 1964, he had been a successful American footballer, playing quarterback at the University of Mississippi. During his near 50 year music career, Weatherly released 11 Albums between 1972-2008, and eight singles between 1973-1980, with his 1974 song ‘The Need to Be,’ providing him with his only Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hit, when reaching Number 11. Jim Weatherly also wrote two other hit singles for Gladys Knight & the Pips, ‘Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye,’) (1973-Billboard Number 2 & UK Number 31) and “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” (1974-Billboard Number 3 & UK Number 7.) Other artists to record Weatherly’s songs include Brenda Lee, Lynn Anderson, (1947-2015) and Ray Price (1926-2013.)

Jim Weatherly wrote and recorded the original version of ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ in the ‘Country Music’ genre, calling it ‘Midnight Plane to Houston.’ Some months later the management of the American ‘Soul’ singer Cissy Houston, (Whitney Houston’s mother) got in touch, asking if they could record the song, and change the songs title, as they didn’t want the word ‘Houston’ appearing in both the artists, and songs title name. The Cissy Houston recording appeared on her 1970 Album ‘Presenting Cissy Houston.’ Gladys Knight & the Pips had already had success with the Jim Weatherly song ‘Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye,’) which had been issued as their final single for ‘Motown’ records, before they joined the ‘Buddah’ label. ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ which was recorded in the same style as the Cissy Houston version, gave Gladys Knight & the Pips their first Billboard Number 1 single, and the track has become Gladys Knight signature song.

Jim Weatherly has explained how he got the idea for ‘Midnight Train to Georgia,’ ‘The song actually came about after a phone call I had with Farrah Fawcett (1947-2009.) Lee Majors was a friend of mine. We’d played in the Flag Football League together in L.A. He had just started dating Farrah. One day I called Lee and Farrah answered the phone. We were just talking, and she said she was packing. She was gonna take the midnight plane to Houston to visit her folks. So, it just stayed with me. After I got off the phone, I sat down and wrote the song probably in about 30 to 45 minutes.’

‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ was the second of four singles released from ‘Imagination,’ the 11th studio Album from Gladys Knight & the Pips, from October 1973, the song was written by Jim Weatherly, with the production credited to Tony Camillo, (1928-2018) and Gladys Knight & the Pips. Fans of 1970’s ‘Disco’ music will remember Tony Camillo best for his 1975 hit ‘Dynomite,’ (Billboard Number 10 & UK Number 28) which was issued by ‘Bazuka,’ an instrumental group put together by Tony Camillo.

In her autobiography, ‘Between Each Line of Pain and Glory,’ Gladys Knight wrote that ‘She hoped that ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ was a comfort to the many thousands who come each year from elsewhere to Los Angeles, to realise the dream of being in motion pictures, television or music, but then fail to realise that dream, and plunge into despair.’

L.A. proved too much for the man, so he’s leavin’ the life he’s come to know, ooh. He said he’s goin’ back to find, ooh ooh ooh, what’s left of his world. The world he left behind, not so long ago.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

668-Siouxsie and the Banshees-Peek-a-Boo.

1988-Number 16 single.

Best Bit-At 2.32. On the Beavis and Butt-Head episode ‘Sperm Bank,’ Beavis noted while watching the video, that, ‘this is music for people who don’t have any friends.’

Siouxsie Sioux (see also best songs 238) was born Susan Janet Ballion, on May 27th, 1957, in Southwark, London, England, she is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and music producer, who has recorded in the genres of ‘Post-Punk,’ ‘New Wave,’ ‘Gothic Rock,’ ‘Alternative Rock,’ and ‘Exotica.’ Siouxsie Sioux is universally considered to be one of the most influential artists in ‘Pop Music’ history, with fellow musicians including Bono, Robert Smith, Peter Hook, and many more praising her influence. In turn Siouxsie herself has credited watching David Bowie (1948-2016) (see also best songs 807-440-334-302-209-186-118-47-31 and 5) on television, and attending a Sex Pistols (see also best songs 576-92 and 27) concert, for her own inspiration.

Siouxsie Sioux formed Siouxsie and the Banshees in 1976 with Steven Severin, after the pair first met at a Roxy Music (see also best songs 721-316 and 57) concert in 1975, a dozen other members came and went, with only Siouxsie, and Severin, being the groups two constants, until they split in 1996. In 2002, Siouxsie, along with her then husband ‘Budgie,’ Steve Severin, and Knox Chandler, reformed Siouxsie and the Banshees to promote the band’s remastered back catalogue, by releasing ‘The Best of Siouxsie and the Banshees,’ and also to perform live, the ‘Seven Year Itch tour.’

The discography of Siouxsie and the Banshees includes 11 studio Albums released between 1978-1995, and 30 singles issued within the same time period, there are also four official compilation Albums, and three live Albums available. In the UK, 18 of their singles have reached tho top 40, with their 1983 cover version of the Beatles ‘Dear Prudence,’ peaking the highest at Number 3. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, only their 1991 track ‘Kiss Them for Me,’ has made the top 40, when reaching Number 23, although seven of their singles have made the Billboard ‘Alternative Airplay’ chart, including ‘Peek-a-Boo,’ which in September 1988, became the first ever song to top that newly established chart. To run concurrently alongside Siouxsie and the Banshees, in 1981 Siouxsie Sioux, and the groups drummer Budgie, joined forces to form the duo ‘The Creatures,’ releasing four studio Albums, and eight singles, between 1983-2003, Siouxsie has also released one solo studio Album called ‘Mantaray,’ in 2007.

‘Peek-a-Boo’ was co-written by Siouxsie Sioux, Steven Severin, and Budgie, with the production credited to Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Mike Hedges. ‘Peek-a-Boo’ was written as an experimental song, and Mike Hedges has explained how it’s unusual sound came about. ‘It all started a year or so before, when the Banshees made an Album of cover versions called ‘Through The Looking Glass.’ On that Album they’d recorded a version of a John Cale song called ‘Gun,’ and when we were recording it I turned it over – which you can do on analogue tape – and it sounded amazing. We recorded forward drums over the backwards track – crunchy and loopy, kind of hip-hoppy. Then we added accordion and bass, although there’s only one piece of bass on the entire track. It was all very quick. From turning the tape over, it probably took the best part of a day and a half to finish the song.’

In order to avoid any potential legal action,’Peek-a-Boo’ is also credited as being written by the legendary American songwriters Harry Warren, (1893-1981) (see also best songs 877-775-396 and 321) and Johnny Mercer, (1909-1976) (see also best songs 934-281 and 45) as they were the co-writers of the 1938 song ‘Jeepers Creepers,’ The lyrics ‘Golly Jeepers, where’d you get those weepers? Peepshow, creepshow, where did you get those eyes? were considered too similar.

Siouxsie Sioux has explained what the lyrics to ‘Peek-a-Boo’ are about, saying,’It’s about the way that women are portrayed in our Fascist media. ‘Peekaboo’ is a reaction against the conformist images that the media puts on women. Siouxsie went on to equate the meaning behind ‘Peekaboo’ to the 1972 horror movie ‘The Stepford Wives.’

‘Creeping up the backstairs, slinking into dark stalls, shapeless and slumped in bathchairs, furtive eyes peep out of holes.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

669-Kay Starr with Orchestra Conducted by Harold Mooney-Comes A-Long A-Love.

1953-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.32. It’s the song that people could Jive to, while they were patiently waiting for Rock ‘N Roll to be invented.

Kay Starr was born Catherine Laverne Starks, on July 21st, 1922, in Dougherty, Oklahoma, United States, she died on November 3rd, 2016, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease, at the age of 94. From the age of seven Catherine began taking part in local talent contests, which eventually led to her performing twice a week on the Dallas’s ‘WRR’ radio station. At the age of 15 she moved with her family to Memphis, Tennessee, where she was given her own ‘Starr Segment,’ on the Memphis’s ‘WREC’ radio station. Due to many people incorrectly saying her surname, she adapted the stage name of ‘Kay Starr.’ In 1939 she was recommended as a singer to the American bandleader Bob Cosby, (1913-1993) (the younger brother of Bing Crosby) with whom she performed with briefly, before performing another brief assignment with the American bandleader Glenn Miller (1904-1944) (see also best songs 808-321 and 146.) In 1940 Kay Starr completed her high school education, then moved to Los Angeles to work alongside the American Jazz musician Joe Venuti, (1903-1978) before performing with the American Jazz trumpeter, and bandleader Wingy Manone (1900-1982.) From 1943-1945 she sang with the American Jazz saxophonist Charlie Barnet, (1913-1991) and his ensemble, before going solo, and signing a contract with ‘Capital Records’ in 1946.

The discography of Kay Starr includes 18 studio Albums released between 1955-1981, and 87 singles released between 1945-1981, there are also 18 official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In America on Billboard, Kay Starr has had 32 top 40 hit singles, with both ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ (1952) and ‘The Rock and Roll Waltz,’ (1955) both getting to Number 1, while ‘Comes A-Long A-Love,’ peaked at Number 9. In the UK, where there was no official chart until November 1952, she has had five top 40 hits, with ‘Comes A-Long A-Love,’ and ‘The Rock and Roll Waltz,’ both making the Number 1 position. In January 1953, on the then fledgling UK singles chart, ‘Comes A-Long A-Love’ became only the third different song to top the chart.

‘Comes A-Long A-Love’ was the 40th single released by Kay Starr, from September 1952, and would later appear on her 1956 compilation Album ‘The Hits of Kay Starr.’ The song which can be filed under the genre of ‘Traditional Pop,’ was written by Al Sherman, (1897-1973) with the arrangement being by Harold Mooney (1911-1995.) The songs melody was adapted from the final part of the overture to the Italian composer Gioachino Rossini’s (1792-1868) opera Semiramide (1823.)

‘Comes A-Long A-Love’ was the last hit song written by Al Sherman, who was born Avrum Sherman, on September 7th, 1897, in Kiev, Russian Empire, which is now the Ukraine, he died on September 16th, 1973, at the age of 76. Al Sherman was the middle link in a very talented musical family tree, as his father, the violinist Samuel Sherman, (1871-1948) was the court composer, and conductor for Emperor Franz Josef I, (1830-1916) of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, between 1903 and 1909. Al Sherman was a songwriter and composer, who was active during the ‘Tin Pan Alley’ era in American music history, with some of his most recognisable song titles including, ‘You Gotta Be a Football Hero,’ (1933) ‘Now’s the Time to Fall in Love,’ (1931) and ‘Lindbergh (The Eagle of the U.S.A.’) (1927.) It is often said that Al Sherman’s greatest achievement was the mentoring of his sons the ‘Sherman Brothers,’ Robert Sherman, (1925-2012) and Richard Sherman, who was born in 1928. Together the Sherman brothers wrote major film scores for many enduring film classics, including ‘Mary Poppins,’ (1964) ‘The Jungle Book,’ (1967) and ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ (1968.)

‘Comes along a love, suddenly brother are you happy and excited. Comes along a love, suddenly everywhere you go you feel invited. Comes along a love, suddenly every dream you have becomes ignited. You just begin to live, comes along love.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

670-The Jam-The Eton Rifles.

1979-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 2.58. A song about class war, from a class act.

The Jam (see also best songs 94 and 59) were formed as far back as 1972 at ‘Sheerwater Secondary School,’ in Woking, Surrey, England, by the classic line up of Paul Weller, (vocals, lead guitar, bass guitar, and keyboards) and Rick Buckler, (drums, and percussion) Bruce Foxton, (vocals, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, and backing vocals) would join them in 1974. Between 1972-1976 there were five other group members, but it was the aforementioned three members who would stay the course, until The Jam split in 1982. Following the parting of the ways, Paul Weller went on to form ‘The Style Council’ in 1983, and then pursue a solo career from 1989.

Bruce Douglas Foxton was born on September 1st, 1955, in Woking, England, he is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Following the break up of The Jam, Foxton released his solo debut studio Album ‘Touch Sensitive,’ in 1984, which stalled at Number 68 on the UK Album chart. There were four singles released off of the Album, with ‘Freak,’ reaching Number 23 on the UK top 40, prior to the Albums release in 1983. Bruce Foxton has gone on to release a further three studio Albums between 2012-2017, and a total of seven singles, issued between 1983-2012. Between 1985-1986, Foxton once again joined forces with Rick Butler to form the short lived ‘Alternative Rock’ group ‘Sharp,’ along with Jimmy Edwards (1949-2015) on vocals. The trio issued two singles in 1986, and there was a compilation Album issued in 2002. In 1991 Foxton became an official member of the Northern Irish group ‘Stiff Little Fingers,’ with whom he would remain with for the next 15 years, playing on all of their final six studio Albums. In 2007, Foxton once again teamed up with Rick Butler, and members of Butler’s ‘Jam tribute band,’ ‘The Gift,’ to form ‘From the Jam.’ who at the time of writing remain active. Bruce Foxton sang lead vocals on two of the Jam’s hit singles, ‘News of the World,’ (1978-UK Number 27) and ‘David Watts,’ (1978-UK Number 25) he also wrote a number of The Jam’s recordings, including ‘News of the World,’ and ‘Smithers-Jones,’ which was issued as the ‘B’ side to ‘When You’re Young’ (1979-UK Number 17.) ‘Smithers-Jones,’ was later reworked with strings for ‘Setting Sons,’ the fourth studio Album by The Jam, from 1979.

‘The Eton Rifles’ was the only single released from The Jam’s fourth studio Album ‘Setting Sons,’ from November 1979, the song was written by Paul Weller, with the production credited to Vic Coppersmith-Heaven, (see also best songs 384 and 59) and The Jam. ‘The Eton Rifles’ which gave The Jam their first UK top 10 single, was the only one of their 18 singles to not have an official promotional music video recorded.

‘The Eton Rifles,’ like many of Paul Weller’s songs from around that time, is about the political happenings of that era.The lyrics recount the difficulties faced by the working class, in protesting against a system seen by Weller as being unjust. ‘The Eton Rifles’ tells of a street battle that Paul Weller had read about in a newspaper concerning a ‘rights to march’ through Slough in 1978, breaking off to attack pupils from the elite public school ‘Eton College,’ who had been jeering the lunchtime marchers. Paul Weller got the idea for the song after reading about a march in the June 17, 1978 edition of ‘The Socialist Worker’ newspaper. The article read, ‘Eton had never seen anything like it. ‘Right to Work’ marchers met ‘Rock Against Racism’ punks weaving through the streets of Eton behind ‘Crisis,’ a band pounding out driving Rock music from the back of a lorry. Two movements coming together outside Eton public school, heart of privilege and pomp. The chants, ‘Annihilate the National Front,’ fake upper-class accents, ‘What does one want – the Right to Work,’ ‘Eton boys rather naughty, Liverpool boys rather good.’ Pogoing in protest, as a giant silver spoon is presented to the Eton Head Boy. ‘I hope your jolly campaign gets you somewhere,’ he said.’ Paul Weller has said, ‘There was a lot of class hatred in my songs at the time. Eton Rifles would be an obvious example of that we used to go on Sunday drives with my uncle, and we’d drive through Eton, and I remember seeing the young chaps.,’

‘The Eton Rifles’ has some very clever lyrics. The opening line, ‘Sup up your beer and collect your fags, there’s a row going on down near Slough,’ is a cheeky way to start the song, as the word ‘fag,’ has a double meaning in England. It can be another word for ‘cigarettes,’ but an Eton schoolboy would more likely interpret it as a slang term for a young public schoolboy, who must perform chores for an older student.

‘Thought you were smart when you took them on, but you didn’t take a peep in their artillery room. All that rugby puts hairs on your chest, what chance have you got against a tie and a crest.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

671-Drowning Pool-Bodies.

2001-Number 34 single.

Best Bit-At 0.08. The Mosh Pit is their church, this is where they heal their hurts.

Drowning Pool are a Alternative, Metal, Nu Metal, Hard Rock, and Post-Grunge group, who were formed in Dallas, Texas, United States, in 1996, and at the time of writing they remain active. Drowning Pool were formed by the groups two constants C. J. Pierce (guitars) and Mike Luce, (drums) and were soon joined by Stevie Benton, (bass) who is also still a group member. Drowning Pool who took their name from the 1975 American thriller film ‘The Drowning Pool,’ starring Paul Newman, performed only instrumentals until the arrival of the vocalist Dave Williams (1972-2002) in 1999. Williams who sang lead vocals on ‘Bodies,’ was found dead in the groups tour bus in Manassas, Virginia, on August 14th, 2002, with an autopsy establishing that he had died from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, (heart disease) which had been undiagnosed until his death, he was 30 years old. Since the death of Williams, the group have used a further three lead vocalists, Jason Jones, between 2003–2005, Ryan McCombs, between 2005–2011, and then again in 2023 to the present, and Jason Moreno, from 2003-2005.

The discography of Drowning Pool includes seven studio Albums released between 2002-2022, and 20 singles released between 2001-2022, there are also two extended plays, and one official live Album available. In America on Billboard their first two studio Albums reached the top 20, while none of their singles have made the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, although 16 of their tracks have reached the Billboard ‘Mainstream Rock’ chart, with ‘Feel Like I Do,’ peaking the highest at Number 4 in 2010. In the UK, ‘Bodies,’ remains their only charting single to date, reaching Number 34 in 2001.

‘Bodies’ was the first of three singles released from Drowning Pool’s debut studio Album ‘Sinner,’ from June 2001. It was the groups guitarist C. J. Pierce who came up with the songs riff, and it was Dave Williams who wrote the lyrics, but all four group members at that time officially receive the song writing credits. ‘Bodies,’ and it’s parent Album ‘Sinner,’ was produced by the American music producer, and engineer, Jay Baumgardner, who since 1989 has worked with other artists, including ‘Bush,’ ‘Ugly Kid Joe,’ and ‘Alien Ant Farm.’ Dave Williams has spoken about ‘Bodies,’ ‘CJ came up with the riff, and I thought that was cool, and I said, ‘Let the bodies hit the floor,’ and they looked at me and said, ‘That’s pretty cool.’ We just built it around that hook and the rest fell in place. It’s about my perspective when I look out and see the pit. It’s about forgetting everything that has happened to you that week, leave your bull..it at the door and get it all out. But you have to have respect for the others in the pit. If you push them down, you have to pick them back up. I’m not going to get behind the violence thing, it is violent, but there is a certain amount of respect and a code.’

The ‘Mosh Pit’ has a fascinating history. ‘Moshing’ which is also known as ‘slam dancing,’ or simply ‘slamming,’ is an extreme style of dancing, in which participants push or slam into each other. Taking place in an area called the mosh pit, or simply the pit, it is typically performed to aggressive styles of live music, such as ‘Punk Rock,’ and ‘Heavy Metal.’ The direct predecessor to moshing was the ‘Pogo,’ which was a style of dance done in the 1970’s English ‘Punk Rock’ scene, in which the crowds members would jump up and down while holding their arms beside them. According to the 2000 ‘rockumentary’ film ‘The Filth and the Fury,’ the ‘Pogo’ was invented by the Sex Pistols (see also best songs 576-92 and 27) bassist Sid Vicious (1957-1979) in 1976. ‘Moshing’ became popular with fans of other musical genres over the years, entering ‘Hip-Hop’ in the mid 1980’s, during live performances by the Beastie Boys, (see also best songs 610) leading to other ‘Hip-Hop’ artists such as Public Enemy, (see also best songs 578 and 37) and Ice-T witnessing similar scenes. ‘Moshing’ has also crossed over in to ‘Electronic Dance Music,’ following the Prodigy’s (see also best songs 925 and 151) live performance at the ‘Endfest’ music festival in Seattle, Washington, in 1996.

‘Skin against skin, blood and bone, you’re all by yourself, but you’re not alone. You wanted in, and now you’re here, driven by hate, consumed by fear. Let the bodies hit the floor.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

672-Sonny & Cher-I Got You Babe.

1965-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. Groundhog Day.

Sonny Bono was born Salvatore Phillip Bono, on February 16th, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, he died on January 5th, 1998, of injuries incurred when he hit a tree, while skiing at the ‘Heavenly Mountain Resort,’ in South Lake Tahoe, California, United States, at the age of 62. The epitaph on Bono’s headstone reads ‘AND THE BEAT GOES ON.’ His mother who was of Italian descent, called him ‘Sono,’ as a term of endearment, which evolved over time into ‘Sonny.’

Sonny Bono began his music career as a songwriter at ‘Specialty Records,’ before going on to work, initially as a ‘gofer’ for the legendary Phil Spector (1939-2021) (see also best songs 820-782-737-262-192-127-91 and 20) in the early 1960’s. Sonny Bono’s first major success as a songwriter was co-writing ‘Needles and Pins,’ initially a Number 1 hit in Canada for Jackie De Shannon, (1963) and then a Number 1 hit in the UK for The Searchers (1964.) Bono had first met Cher in a Los Angeles coffee shop in 1962, and recommended her to Phil Spector, who initially employed her as a session singer. Among the classic songs that Cher sang backing vocals on, include ‘Be My Baby,’ (see also best songs 127) for The Ronettes, and ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin,” (see also best songs 782) for the Righteous Brothers. Soon after meeting, Sonny & Cher began a romantic relationship, alongside their working relationship, and they married in 1964, and remained married until their divorce in 1975. Between 1971-1974, Sonny & Cher starred in the ‘CBS’ television variety show, ‘The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.’ Their last appearance together was on the ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ television talk show, on November 13th, 1987, on which they sang an unrehearsed, and unscheduled rendition of ‘I Got You Babe.’ After separating from Cher, Sonny Bono went on to be an actor in many films, and television series, such as ‘Fantasy Island,’ and ‘Charlie’s Angels.’ Films that he appeared in include, ‘Troll,’ (1986) and ‘Hairspray’ (1988.) During the mid 1980’s Sonny Bono entered politics, becoming the 16th ‘Mayor of Palm Springs,’ between 1988-1992, and then becoming the ‘Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California’s 44th district,’ from 1995, until his death in 1998.

The discography of Sonny & Cher includes five studio Albums released between 1965-1973, and 23 singles issued between 1964-1973, there is also one soundtrack Album, two live Albums, and eight official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 11 of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘I Got You Babe’ making the Number 1 spot, while in the UK, they have had eight top 40 hits, with ‘I Got You Babe’, also peaking the highest at Number 1.

‘I Got You Babe’ was the second of three singles singles released from the debut studio Album ‘Look at Us,’ by Sonny & Cher, from August 1965, and was written and produced by Sonny Bono. Bono was somewhat inspired to write the song after hearing Bob Dylan’s 1964 song ‘It Ain’t Me Babe,’ Bono wrote ‘I Got You Babe,’ with his own opposite sentiment, using for that period the unusual song lyric ‘Babe.’ ‘I Got You Babe’ was recorded with some of the top session musicians of the era, including members of ‘The Wrecking Crew.’

‘I Got You Babe’ became a Number 1 single again in the UK in 1985, when covered by the British Reggae band ‘UB40,’ (see also best songs 537 and 173) with guest female vocals provided by the American singer Chrissie Hynde, their version also reached Number 28 on Billboard in America. In 1993 Cher re-recorded ‘I Got You Babe’ with the American animated characters ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ for the compilation comedy Album ‘The Beavis and Butt-Head Experience.’ The song met with critical acclaim, and charted in the UK at Number 35. Other significant covers of the song are from David Bowie, (1947-2016) and Marianne Faithfull, who recorded a live version for the 1973 television special, ‘The 1980 Floor Show,’ for the musical variety series ‘The Midnight Special.’ In 1968 the American singer Etta James (1938-2012) recorded a ‘Funky’ version of ‘Got You Babe,’ which reached Number 69 on Billboard, and was then used in 2020 in a ‘Walmart commercial.’

‘I Got You Babe’ was notably used in the 1993 film ‘Groundhog Day,’ starring Bill Murray, where his character is awakened to the song every morning at precisely 6.00.a.m. on the alarm clock in his hotel room. The movie has grown a cult following over the years, with fans getting together to watch the film every February 2nd, and because of this, ‘I Got You Babe’ has become part of the ‘Groundhog Day’ tradition.

‘I got flowers in the spring, I got you to wear my ring, and when I’m sad, you’re a clown, and if I get scared, you’re always around.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

673-The Smiths-Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now.

1984-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 1.40. The ultimate ‘Marmite’ group, with the ultimate ‘Marmite’ song.

The Smiths (see also best songs 222-167 and 42) were formed in Manchester, England, in 1982, with the classic line up comprising of Morrissey, (lead vocals, and percussion) (see also best songs 940 and 72) Johnny Marr, (guitars, piano, keyboards, and harmonica) Andy Rourke, (1964-2023) (bass) and Mike Joyce, (drums) they remained active until 1987.

‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’ was the fourth single released by The Smiths, and was issued as a stand alone single, to fill the gap between their debut studio Album ‘The Smiths,’ (1984) and their follow up ‘Meat Is Murder,’ (1985) ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’ would be later added to The Smiths first compilation Album ‘Hatful of Hollow’ in November 1984. The song was written by Johnny Marr, (music) and Morrissey, (lyrics) with the production being by John Porter, (see also best songs 167) ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’ is also notable for marking the beginning of producer Stephen Street’s (see also best songs 940-595-464-256 and 21) working relationship with The Smiths, as the ‘in-house engineer.’

The story goes that Seymour Stein, (1942-2023) who was the co-founder of ‘Sire Records,’ and the vice president of ‘Warner Bros. Records,’ and who had already signed artists such as ‘The Ramones,’ and ‘Madonna,’ had now turned his attentions to ‘The Smiths,’ and in an attempt to persuade them to sign with him, he had bought Johnny Marr a red ‘Gibson ES-355’ guitar, on which Marr composed the music to ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now.’ Marr has recalled sitting in a New York hotel room on January 2nd, 1984, and coming up with the songs riff, getting inspiration from his new guitar. After finishing ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now,’ he then wrote one of the songs ‘B’ sides, ‘Girl Afraid’ on the same evening, and considers the two songs ‘a pair.’

The lyrics for ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’ were later added by Morrissey, and have gone a long way to defining the general public’s opinion of him, as on the track he sings about being depressed, and miserable. Speaking in 2017 Morrissey said,’Years ago I sang a song called ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now,’ and it’s like an old school uniform. People insist I wear it, but I’m really not that miserable. I’m not an unhappy person. Not in the least. I’m certainly very surprised and very pleased to still be here.’

For many years fans of The Smiths lived in hope that at sometime they might reform to play live, or even record together again, but any chance of that happening came to an end with the death of The Smiths bass player Andy Rourke in 2023. Andrew Michael Rourke was born on January 17th, 1964, in Manchester, England, and died after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer, on May 19th, 2023, at the age of 59. Andy Rourke who played on all of The Smiths recordings, was regarded as one of the greatest bassists of his generation, for his ‘melodic’ and ‘Funk’ inspired approach to bass playing. Rourke had known Johnny Marr since secondary school, where they both had attended ‘St Augustine’s Grammar School,’ in Sharston, Manchester. Rourke joined The Smiths after the groups first gig in 1982, when Johnny Marr fired the original bass player Dale Hibbert. One of the main causes of The Smiths splitting up in 1987 was that Andy Rourke, and the groups drummer Mike Joyce both started legal proceedings against Morrissey and Marr over royalties. Because he was short of money due to his heroin addiction, Andy Rourke settled out of court for £83,000, and 10% of all future royalties, while relinquishing all further claims. Mike Joyce pursued his claim until 1996, and was awarded substantially more in court, believed to be around £1 million, plus 25% of The Smiths recording royalties.

Morrissey had always been a fan of the English singer Sandie Shaw, (see also best songs 902) and in all probability was inspired by the song title of her 23rd, and final single of the 1960’s, ‘Heaven Knows I’m Missing Him Now,’ which failed to chart in 1969. ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’ references the Roman Emperor ‘Caligula,’ who ruled from AD 37 to AD 41. Caligula was infamous for his depraved sex life, and incestuous relationships with his sisters. Morrissey sings in ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now,’ ‘What she asked of me at the end of the day, Caligula would have blushed.’

‘I was happy in the haze of a drunken hour but heaven knows I’m miserable now. I was looking for a job, and then I found a job, and heaven knows I’m miserable now. In my life, why do I give valuable time, to people who don’t care if I live or die’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

674-Billy Ocean-Love Really Hurts Without You.

1976-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.41. If you’re a wedding DJ, and you play this, and the crowd still wont dance, then it’s not your fault.

Billy Ocean was born Leslie Sebastian Charles, on January 21st, 1950, in Fyzabad, Trinidad and Tobago, in 2020 he was appointed ‘Member of the Order of the British Empire,’ (MBE) in recognition for his services to music. Billy Ocean who took his stage name from a local football team in his home town of Trinidad and Tobago, who called themselves ‘Oceans 11,’ emigrated with his family to Romford, Essex, England, at the age of 10, shortly before Trinidad and Tobago became independent in 1962. To say Billy Ocean wasn’t an overnight success would be an understatement, as he had struggled to make a commercial breakthrough for many years, initially issuing his first two non charting singles in 1971, and 1972, as Les Charles, and then again failing to chart as ‘Scorched Earth,’ in 1974, with a studio band.

‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ was the song which finally brought Billy Ocean commercial success in 1976, it was co-written by Billy Ocean, and Ben Findon, with the production being by Findon. ‘Love Really Hurts Without You,’ was the first of three singles released from Billy Ocean’s self titled debut studio Album from 1976. Billy Ocean has said that he was ‘The most surprised person in the world that ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ had become a hit,’ as he had got to the point where he assumed his records would be flops. Billy Ocean had written the original version of ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ several years earlier, while working as a pattern cutter, at a fashion house on Savile Row, in London. Ocean has recalled buying a piano for £23 from one of his co-workers, and teaching himself to play it. ‘The novelty of it was coming home every lunchtime and evening, and tinkling my piano, until eventually I did get something out of it, which was the song ‘Love Really Hurts Without You.’ My left hand started playing the melody, and my right hand just did some down beats, and my voice just started coming out with the opening lyric, ‘You run around town like a fool and you think that it’s groovy,’ and the song just came together there and then.’ Billy Ocean has also admitted that the songs tune was heavily influenced by the intro to the ‘Four Tops’ 1965 ‘Motown’ track ‘I Can’t Help Myself,’ and it’s 1972 cover version by Donnie Elbert (1936-1989.)

The discography of Billy Ocean includes 11 studio Albums released between 1976-2020, and 41 singles, released between 1971-2016, there are also 12 official compilation Albums available. In the UK, Billy Ocean has had 12 top 40 hit singles, with ‘When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going,’ reaching Number 1 in 1986, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, he has also had 12 top 40 hits, with ‘Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run,’) (1984) ‘There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry,’ (1986) and ‘Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car,’ (1988) all making the Number 1 spot. On Billboard ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ peaked at Number 22. In 1999 ‘When the Going Gets Tough,’ which had been co-written by Billy Ocean, became a UK Number 1 single for a second time, when covered by the Irish boy band Boyzone, for that years ‘Comic Relief’ charity single.

‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ was co-written and produced by Ben Findon, who was born Benjamin David Findon, in the United Kingdom. As a songwriter he has co-written many hit singles during the 1970’s, and 1980’s, particularly for Billy Ocean, which include ‘Red Light Spells Danger,’ (1977-UK Number 2) The Nolans, ‘I’m in the Mood For Dancing,’ (1980-UK Number 3) and The Dooleys, ‘Wanted’ (1979-UK Number 3.) Ben Findon who also produced, or co-produced all of the above tracks, was also involved as a songwriter alongside Sharon Sheeley (1940-2002) (see also best songs 422) a decade or so earlier.

‘You walk like a dream, and you make like you’re queen of the action. You’re using ev’ry trick in the book, the way that you look, you’re really something to see. You cheat and you lie, to impress any guy that you fancy, but don’t you know I’m out of my mind, so give me a sign, and help to ease the pain inside me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

675-Busta Rhymes-Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up.

1998-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. He’s a clever Trevor.

Busta Rhymes (see also best songs 841 and 210) was born Trevor George Smith Jr. on May 20th, 1972, in the East Flatbush neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York City, United States, he was given his stage name by Chuck D of Public Enemy, (see also best songs 578 and 37) who named him after the American ‘NFL,’ and ‘CFL’ football player George ‘Buster’ Rhymes. At the age of 12, his family moved to Uniondale, New York, where for a short while he attended the ‘George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School,’ in Brooklyn, with the future rappers Christopher ‘The Notorious ‘B.I.G’ Wallace, (see also best songs 955 and 307) and Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter (see also best songs 636-477-267 and 23.) In 1984, and 1985, Smith spent two summers in England, with his mother and younger brother, residing with his maternal aunt, and attending the ‘Skerton Community High School,’ in Morecambe, Lancaster, England.

In 1986, Busta Rhymes, now back in New York, co-formed the East Coast ‘Hip-Hop’ group ‘Leaders of the New School,’ their big breakthrough came when they were invited to become an opening act for Public Enemy. With ‘Leaders of the New School,’ Busta Rhymes released two studio Albums in 1991, and 1993, and six singles within the same time period. Busta Rhymes unique style of quickfire rapping soon led to him becoming in demand for guest appearances on other artists records, including Mary J. Blige, (see also best songs 359) and TLC. Busta Rhymes unique style was an influence on many, including, Eminem, (see also best songs 936) and Kendrick Lamar. The American rapper Big Daddy Kane stated that Busta Rhymes has the best flow in Hip-Hop,’ when alluding to the original version of ‘Turn It Up.’

The solo discography of Busta Rhymes, who has sold in excess of nine million Albums, includes 11 studio Albums, that have been released between 1996-2023, and 108 singles, which includes 57 as the featured artist, issued between 1995-2023, there are also seven mixtapes, and three official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, as the lead artist, eight of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘I Know What You Want,’ with Mariah Carey, featuring The Flipmode Squad, (2003) and What’s It Gonna Be?!’ featuring Janet Jackson, (2003) both charting the highest at Number 3. As the featured artist he has appeared on three top 40 hits, including ‘Don’t Cha,’ with The Pussycat Dolls, which peaked at Number 2 in 2005. In America on Billboard ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up,’ reached Number 10. In the UK, Busta Rhymes has achieved 18 top 40 hits as the lead artist, with ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up,’ peaking the highest at Number 2, he has also had a further five top 40 hits as the featured artist, with ‘Don’t Cha,’ with The Pussycat Dolls, reaching Number 1.

‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up’ was in it’s original form called ‘Turn It Up,’ and was first issued on Busta Rhymes’ second studio Album ‘Disaster Strikes…’ from September 1997. ‘Turn It Up’ heavily samples the 1972 song ‘Love and Happiness,’ by the American Soul singer Al Green, and for that Al Green shared writing credits with Busta Rhymes. In 1998 Busta Rhymes remixed, and co-produced ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up’ along with William A. Lewis, who is better known by his stage name ‘Spliff Star,’ this remix was added to ”Disaster Strikes…’ and issued as the third of four singles released off of the Album. ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up’ was also chosen as one of the tracks for the soundtrack for the 1998 American teen romantic comedy ‘Can’t Hardly Wait,’ and featured on the films soundtrack ‘Can’t Hardly Wait: Music From The Motion Picture.’

‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up’ heavily samples the theme from the 1980’s American action crime drama television series ‘Knight Rider,’ which was composed by Stu Phillips, and Glen A. Larson, (1937-2014) although neither Phillips or Larson receive songwriting credits on ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up.’ In 1998 the British/Indian artist ‘Panjabi MC’ sampled ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up’ for his UK Number 5 hit single ‘Mundian To Bach Ke (see also best songs 966.) Also in 1998 the ‘Hip-Hop’ duo of Timberland & Magoo sampled ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up,’ for their Billboard Hot 100 Number 37 hit ‘Clock Strikes.’

On ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up’ Busta Rhymes is not shy to tell us of his own achievements, as he boasts about his street credibility, as well as his personal wealth. The song also features references to smoking weed, and driving around in a ‘Mercedes-Benz S500,’ which could be interpreted as symbols of luxury and excess. Overall, the song celebrates the success and indulgences of Busta Rhymes and his crew.

‘What y’all wanna do, don’t you know we always coming through, me and my crew. Let me hear you say fire it up, say fire it up, fire it up.’