THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

326-? and the Mysterians-96 Tears.

1966-Number 37 single.

Best Bit-At 0.04. In the piecing together of the development of Rock Music, and learning about how the previous generation influenced the next, this band, and this song were definitely an inspiration. Of that there is no question.

The Mysterians were formed in 1962 in Bay City, Michigan Saginaw, United States, by Larry Borjas, (guitar) Robert Martinez, (drums) and Bobby Balderrama, (lead guitar) the three of them were all sons of migrant farmers who had settled in Michigan,they took their name from the 1957 Japanese science fiction film ‘The Mysterians.’ Their initial motivation was the instrumental ‘Surf Rock’ music of artists such as Link Wray (1929-2005) (see also best songs 301) and Duane Eddy, but after the ‘British Invasion’ they decided they also needed a vocalist, after hearing the Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. The new vocalist was Rudy Martinez, the brother of Robert, who went by the stage name of ‘Question Mark.’ To cement this new line up they became ‘? and the Mysterians,’ the original quintet were completed by the recruiting of keyboard player Frank Rodriguez. The band which have seen 19 members come and go have never officially been retired, but have had periods where they have been on hiatus. They have released four studio Albums between 1966-1999, and 13 singles between 1966-2012. In America this song was a Billboard Number 1 single, and they also charted at Number 22 with the follow up ‘I Need Somebody,’ while in the UK this song remains their only hit.

’96 Tears’ was written and produced by Rudy Martinez, when asked why 96? Martinez has said that the number 96 has ‘A deep, philosophical meaning,’ but he has refused to elaborate any further. The organ riff on the track was played by Frank Rodriguez on a ‘Vox Continental,’ although the organ had been used on previous hits,(see also best songs 851) the playing of it on this track would lead to it’s use on future hit singles, (see also best songs 235) and also by countless other wannabee hit makers.

In 1971 the Rock music critic, and writer Dave Marsh wrote a piece for the ‘Creem’ music magazine, where when writing about ‘? and the Mysterians’ called them ‘Punk Rock,’ this was the first time ‘Punk Rock’ had ever been mentioned, and Marsh is credited with coining the term. ‘? and the Mysterians’ are also retrospectively remembered as one of the first ‘Garage Rock’ bands, a term that was not used until the early 1970’s. ‘? and the Mysterians’ were the archetypal American Garage Rock band playing a raw and energetic style of Rock ‘N Roll in the early 1960’s. The genre of ‘Garage Rock’ derives from the perception that groups were often made up of young amateurs who rehearsed in the family garage.

’96 Tears’ are not the narrators tears. He has been given the elbow by his partner, and plans to get back with them in order to make then suffer how he has suffered, by then splitting up with them, in order to get his own back.

‘You’re way on top now since you left me, you’re always laughing way down at me, but watch out now, I’m gonna get there.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

327-Nat King Cole-Smile.

1954-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.08. Michael Jackson often cited ‘Smile’ as his favourite song. In 2009 at Jackson’s memorial his brother Jermaine sang a version in Michael’s honour (see also best songs 570.)

The original version of ‘Smile’ was written by Charlie Chaplin for the 1936 American silent comedy ‘Modern Times.’ The film which was also written, produced, and directed by Chaplin is a comment on the desperate employment and financial conditions many people faced during the ‘Great Depression.’ In 1989 the film was one of the first 25 films selected by the ‘Library of Congress’ for preservation in the United States ‘National Film Registry’ for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.

Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin Jr. was born on April 16th, 1889, in London, England, he died after suffering a stroke in his sleep on December 25th, 1977, at the age of 88. Chaplin who had been born in to severe poverty, went on to become the ultimate ‘rags to riches’ story. Through his onscreen persona of ‘The Tramp’ Chaplin became a worldwide icon. Chaplin was a perfectionist, and due to his high profile and financial position was able to spend as long as he wished perfecting his films.

Although Chaplin is given sole credit for the writing of ‘Smile’ and the film score for ‘Modern Times,’ this has been hotly disputed by Alfred Newman, (1900-1970) and David Raskin. (1912-2004) Newman had collaborated with Chaplin on his previous film ‘City Lights,’ and towards the end of the ‘Modern Times’ soundtrack recording sessions Chaplin and Newman had a falling out, leading to Newman’s angry departure. According to David Raskin it was he who wrote the music as a young man. He said that Chaplin would often sit in the washroom, humming tunes and telling Raskin to ‘take this down.’ Raskin said his job was to turn the humming into a score, and create timings and synchronisation that fit the situations.

In 1954 the lyricists John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons (1910-1987) wrote the lyrics for ‘Smile.’ Turner ran the ‘Peter Maurice Music Company’ who employed Parsons, the company specialised in adapting songs originally written in foreign languages into English, Parsons would work on the translation and Turner would suggest some changes. Other well known translations by Turner and Parsons include ‘O mein Papa,’ and ‘Auf Wiederseh’n, Sweetheart,’ which became an American Number 1 single for Vera Lynn (1917-2020) (see also best songs 172 and 49) in 1952.

‘Smile’ has been recorded by many of the world’s top artists, with the first version with lyrics by Nat King Cole (1919-1965) (see also best songs 988-226 and 161) in 1954, and reaching Number 2 in the UK, and Number 10 in America. Another notable recording is from Michael Jackson (1958-2009) (see also best songs 812-511-249 and 191) who included the song on his 1995 Album ‘HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1.’

‘Smile’ is a song of positivity, it tells us that we must never lose faith in the hope that things will get better. Smile and you will feel better, smile and you will make others feel better as well.

‘Smile though your heart is aching, smile even though it’s breaking. When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by if you smile.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

328-Chicago-If You Leave Me Now.

1976-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.36. And today’s Pop quiz question is, do you know where this band were originally formed?

And of course I wouldn’t be naughty, this isn’t a trick question. The band Chicago have indeed got their origins in Chicago, Illinois, United States. The original line up of Walter Parazaider, (saxophone) Terry Kath, (1946-1978) (guitar) Danny Seraphine, (drums) James Pankow, (trombone) Lee Loughnane, (trumpet) and Robert Lamm, (vocals, and keyboards) formed as ‘The Big Thing’ in February 1967, with some of the band members having previously played in other local bands. It was some months later that bassist, and future lead singer Peter Cetera would also become a band member. After signing with ‘Columbia Records’ in 1968 they changed their name to the ‘Chicago Transit Authority,’ but after the success of their self titled debut Album they had to change their name to ‘Chicago,’ in order to avoid legal action from the ‘Chicago Transit Bus Authority’ (C.T.A.) from where they took the name.

In total 26 different band members have come and gone, with Lamm, Loughnane, and Pankow, being the groups three constants. With sales in excess of 100 million they are one of the best selling acts of all time, and were the best selling singles group on Billboard during the 1970’s. They have released 24 studio Albums between 1968-2017, with the first four releases all being double Albums, there are also seven official live Albums, and 11 compilation Albums available. Chicago have issued 64 singles between 1969-2019, with 35 of them reaching the Billboard top 40 in America, and three of those have made the Number 1 spot, including this song. In the UK where they have not been as successful, six of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘If You Leave Me Now’ ending 1976 as the UK’s sixth best selling song of the year.

For the early part of the groups career a lot of the bands music was more Rock orientated, with the major writing being provided by Terry Kath and Robert Lamm, Chicago described their early sound as a ‘Rock and Roll band with horns’ (see also best songs 631.) ‘If You Leave Me Now’ signified the start of a new era for the band, who were to become better known as a ‘Soft Rock’ act. The song was written and sung by the bands bass player Peter Cetera, with very little input from the other band members, which led to friction within the group. With the success of this new style of sound, the bands record company were eager to pursue the recording of further ballads.

Peter Paul Cetera was born on September 13th, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. After the success of ‘If You Leave Me Now’ Cetera wanted to pursue a solo career alongside still being a member of Chicago, much in the same way Phil Collins had a solo career separate from Genesis,(see also best songs 741) while still being acknowledged as a band member. Cetera released his first self titled solo Album in 1981 which was a commercial failure, only making Number 143 on the Billboard Album chart, with Cetera blaming his record company for lack of promotion. Cetera eventually parted ways with Chicago in 1984 having recorded 14 studio Albums with the group. As a solo artist he has released seven studio Albums between 1981-2004, and 28 singles, of which seven have reached the Billboard top 40, with two of them ‘Glory of Love,’ and ‘The Next Time I Fall,’ with Amy Grant, making the Number 1 spot.

‘A love like ours is love’s that hard to find, how could we let it slip away. We’ve come too far to leave it all behind, how could we end it all this way.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

329-The KLF featuring Tammy Wynette-Justified & Ancient (Stand By the JAMs.

1991-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.25. This is perhaps the most unusual match-up in Pop music history, where the critically acclaimed, House, Techo, and Hip-Hop act The KLF teamed up with the ‘First Lady of Country Music,’ with Tammy Wynette making the transition from ‘Stand By Your Man,’ to ‘Stand By the JAM’s.’

The KLF are Bill Drummond (King Boy D) and Jimmy Cauty (Rockman Rock) who joined forces in 1987, in London, England, they have also worked together using six other names including ‘The Timelords,’ and ‘K Foundation.’ Bill Drummond was born William Ernest Drummond on April 29th, 1953, in Butterworth, South Africa. In 1978 he was the co-founder of the Liverpool Punk Rock band ‘Big in Japan,’ who although never achieving commercial success were responsible for kick starting the careers of several artists including Holly Johnson,(see also best songs 19) Budgie,(see also best songs 668 and 238) and Ian Broudie. Jimmy Cauty was born James Francis Cauty on December 19th, 1956, in Wirral, Cheshire, England, alongside working with Drummond, he was also the co-founder of the ‘Ambient House,’ Electronic group ‘The Orb,’ with Alex Patterson in 1988, Cauty has been married to Alannah Currie formerly of the ‘Thompson Twins’ since 2011 (see also best songs 552.)

In early 1987 Drummond who was already a big name in the music industry, having been the manager of ‘Echo & the Bunnymen (see also best songs 971) and the ‘Teardrops Explodes’ decided it was time for a change, and wanting to make a Hip-Hop record he got in touch with Jimmy Cauty who he had known from previous ventures. The duo named themselves ‘The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu.’ a name along with ‘The KLF’ that were both inspired by ‘The Illuminatus! Trilogy,’ a series of three novels by Robert Shea, (1933-1994) and Robert Anton Wilson, (1932-2007) first published in 1975. Under differing names Drummond and Cauty have released six studio Albums, and 22 singles together between 1987-1997. In the UK they have achieved eight top 40 singles with both ‘Doctorin’ the Tardis’ as ‘The Timelords,’ and ‘3 a.m. Eternal (Live at the S.S.L.) as ‘The KLF’ both reaching Number 1, while in America two of their singles have reached the Billboard top 40, including this song which made Number 11 in 1991.

Tammy Wynette was born Virginia Wynette Pugh on May 5th, 1942, in Tremont, Mississippi, United States, along with Loretta Lynn, Lynn Anderson (1947-2015) and Dolly Parton (see also best songs 704) she is credited with defining the role of women in Country music in the 1970’s. Wynette was given her stage name by the record producer Billy Sherrill (1936-2015) who after seeing Wynette wearing her long blonde hair in a ponytail was reminded of Debbie Reynolds (1932-2016) in the film ‘Tammy and the Bachelor.’ Wynette suffered with many medical problems, including an addiction to pain killers, and is said to have had in the region of 26 major operations. She died at the age of 55 from a blood clot on her lung. Tammy Wynette released 33 studio Albums between 1967-1994, and a further nine with her husband George Jones ( 1931-2013) (before and after their divorce) from 1971-1995.

‘Justified & Ancient’ (Stand By the JAM’s’) was partly written back in 1987, with a more downbeat version appearing on their fourth and final studio Album of new music ‘The White Room,’ released in 1991. The song tells the tale of when Drummond and Cawty bought an ice cream van to use as a promotional tool, it also tells of the duo getting in touch with Tammy Wynette to record the song. The unaccredited Rap on the track was performed by Ricardo Lyte, (1967-2013) who along with Drummond and Cawty are credited as the songs writers.

‘They called me up in Tennessee, they said ‘Tammy stand by the Jams,’ but if you don’t like what they’re going to do, you better not stop them ’cause they’re coming through.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

330-Frankie Smith-Double Dutch Bus.

1981-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.38.The ‘slang’ language used in this song would become a staple in Hip-Hop music, with artists such as Snoop Dogg,(see also best songs 544) and Jay Z (see also best songs 636-477 and 23) being amongst those influenced.

Frankie Smith was born Franklyn Leon Smith on January 29th, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, he died on March 8th, 2019, at the age of 79. Frankie Smith along with this songs co-writer Bill Bloom had both been employed in the early 1970’s at Philadelphia International Records where they worked with some of the labels top acts including the O’Jays (see also best songs 648) and The Detroit Spinners, (see also best songs 834) but it wasn’t until they released this track that they found major success.

‘Old School Hip-Hop’ developed in New York, but by the early 1980’s it was spreading across America. Like many early Rap songs ‘Double Dutch Bus’ tells a fancy-full story, Smith Raps about a ‘Funky’ bus on which everybody is having a party, the problem though is that Smith misses the bus and has to walk 15 blocks to get to work. While walking he sees girls playing ‘Double Dutch,’ a game where you have to jump over ropes in rhythm to keep going.

The bus that Smith was rapping about is a very common sight in Philadelphia, having been inaugurated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in 1964, with around 200 of them now in service. The skipping game of ‘Double Dutch’ originated amongst Dutch immigrants in New York City, it’s popularity spread across America, and today sporting competitions are held worldwide.

‘Double Dutch Bus’ is probably best remembered for it’s use of slang which was used by African/American pimps and hustlers in the 1970’s. The ‘iz-izzle-izzo-ilz’ speak was originally developed by African/Americans in the 1920’s, with hot spots of the speak in Oakland, New York City, and Philadelphia. It was partially developed as young African/American girls improvised chants and nursery rhymes while jumping with rope, with the ‘iz’ dialect serving to add syllables when necessary to maintain the rhythm. The Rapper Snoop Dogg is probably the best known artist who uses the ‘slang’ in his music, and his everyday speech. Another good example is Jay Z who in 2001 had a hit with ‘Izzo (H.O.V.A.’) where he spells out ‘HOVA’ in ‘izzle-speak.’

‘Double Dutch Bus’ was co-written, and co-produced by Frankie Smith, and Bill Bloom, and was taken from Smith’s only studio Album release ‘Children of Tomorrow’ from 1980. The 12 inch single was certified ‘Gold’ in 1981 for sales of over 500,000, making it just the second 12 inch single at that time to earn the certification, the first was ‘No More Tears (Enough Is Enough’) by Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer from 1979.’ Double Dutch Bus’ would prove to be the only hit for Smith, but he did release a further seven singles between 1980-1985.Frankie Smith has said of the song,’Double Dutch’ is a tribute to all the girls in the world, especially the girls on my block. I’ve been watching them for 25 years, they use their mothers clotheslines to play the game, it’s an art. It’s a tribute to them, they’re really good at it.’

‘Hizzey gizzirls y’izzall hizave t’ mizzove izzout the wizzay sizzo the gizzuys can plizzay bizzasketbizzal.’ (‘Hi girls, you have to move out the way so the guys can play basketball.’)

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

331-The Shangri-Las-Leader of the Pack.

1965-Number 11 single. It was reissued in 1972, this time reaching Number 3, and again in 1976 making Number 7.

Best Bit-At 0.01. The song is perhaps the most famous ‘Teenage tragedy song,’ they are also known as ‘Tear Jerkers,’ ‘Death Discs,’ and ‘Splatter Platters.’ Other examples of successful songs with a similar lyrical theme from the late 1950’s to the mid 1960’s include ‘Teen Angel’ by Mark Dining from 1959, ‘Johnny Remember Me’ by John Leyton from 1961, and ‘Dead Man’s Curve’ from Jan and Dean recorded in 1964.

The Shangri-Las were formed in 1963, in New York, New York, United States, by two pairs of sisters who first met at Andrew Jackson High School, in Queens, New York City. They were Mary Weiss, and her sister Betty, and the identical twins Marge Ganser (1948-1996) and Mary Anne Ganser (1948-1970.) They began performing at school shows, and talent contests which brought them to the attention of the record producer Artie Ripp who signed them to their first record deal with ‘Kama Sutra’ records, this was when they began calling themselves ‘The Shangri-Las,’ taking their name from a restaurant in Queens, New York.

In April 1964 while the girls were still minors their parents signed them to ‘Red Bird Records’ which was when they first started working with this songs co-writer and producer George ‘Shadow’ Morton.’ The Shangri-Las remained active until 1968, but did reform to tour in 1977, and then again in 1989. Their discography comprises two studio Albums both released in 1965, and 15 singles released between 1963-1967, of which five reached the Billboard top 40 in America, and two have made the UK top 40. The girls streetwise image which was initially a promotional device for this song set them apart from many of the other girl groups of the 1960’s, with many of their songs dealing with taboo subjects of the time. Many artists have cited them as an influence, including Blondie, New York Dolls, and The Jesus and Mary Chain.

‘Leader of the Pack’ was written by George Morton, and the legendary songwriting team of Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, (1940-2009) (see also best songs 820-262 and 192) though Morton claimed to have only added Barry and Greenwich to the songwriting credits for business reasons, Greenwich has questioned Morton’s recollection. George ‘Shadow’ Morton (1941-2013) had first met Barry and Greenwich when they were working at the ‘Brill Building’ in Manhattan, New York City. Barry was sceptical that Morton wasn’t quite the songwriter he claimed to be, so Barry challenged him to write a song, and he came up with ‘Remember (Walking in the Sand’) which would become The Shangri-Las first hit in 1964, reaching Number 5 on Billboard. Morton who earned his nickname ‘Shadow’ from George Goldner (1918-1970) the co-owner of ‘Red Bird Records,’ because his whereabouts could never be pinned down, is remembered for his innovative production work with sound effects and percussion. After leaving ‘Red Bird Records’ he went on to work with many artists including Janis Ian, Vanilla Fudge, and New York Dolls.

‘Leader of the Pack’ is the tale of tragic young love. The girl falls in love at first sight with the leader of a motorbike gang, to which her parents strongly disapprove of. The girls father tells her in no uncertain terms that they must split, when she tells her love that it is over he drives away in to the night, but skids on a rainy road and is killed.

‘He sort of smiled and kissed me goodbye, the tears were beginning to show. As he drove away on that rainy night I begged him to go slow, but whether he heard I’ll never know.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

332-Lorde-Royals.

2013-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.44. I would imagine that for the convenience of saving time, that when a fan asks for an autograph, she signs Lorde, rather than Ella Maarija Lani Yelich-O’Connor.

Lorde (pronounced Lord) was born on November 7th, 1996, in Auckland, New Zealand, To date she has released three studio Albums between 2013-2021, 11 singles, and four EP’s. In her native New Zealand all of her solo singles have reached the top 40, while in America on Billboard she has charted on four occasions, and in the UK, also four times as well.

It was one of Lorde’s school teachers who suggested to her mother that she may have above average intelligence, and after tests it was concluded that at the age of six she was a gifted child. In her early teens Lorde attended Belmont Intermediate School in Auckland, where she and some of her fellow students finished runners up in the 2009 ‘Kids’ Lit Quiz, World Finals,’ which is a global literature competition for students aged 10 to 14. In May 2009 Lorde and her friend Louis McDonald won the Belmont Intermediate School annual talent show, leading to an appearance Jim Mora’s show on Radio New Zealand. McDonald’s father sent recordings of the duo to Scott Maclachlan of the Universal Music Group, leading to Maclachlan signing Lorde to the label.

It was Maclachlan who paired Lorde with this songs co-writer, and producer Joel Little. Together Little, and Lorde composed the five tracks including ‘Royals’ that would make up her debut release ‘The Love Club EP’ in 2012. Joel Little who was born on February 13th, 1983, in Auckland, New Zealand, and had previously been the singer and guitarist with New Zealand Pop/Punk band ‘Goodnight Nurse’ between 2001-2010, having released two studio Albums, and 11 singles, achieving one top 20 hit in their native country.

Lorde who chose her stage name from her interest in history, and the aristocracy, added the ‘E’ on to Lord in order for it to sound feminine. She has said that she always loved the word ‘Royal’ and wrote the song around the word, writing some of the lyrics at the age of just 12. Lorde has stated that she was also inspired to write the lyrics after listening to the Kanye West and Jay Z collaborative Album ‘Watch the Throne’ (see also best songs 477.) ‘Royals’ is a take down of the luxurious lifestyle that ‘Hip-Hop’ artists brag about. Lorde has said,’ All those references to expensive alcohol, beautiful cars, I was thinking, this is opulent, but it’s also bulls..t.’

At the age of 16 years and 11 months Lorde became the youngest female artist to achieve a Billboard Number 1 single since Tiffany, who was also 16 years old when reaching Number 1 with ‘I Think Were Alone Now’ in 1987 (see also best songs 364.) Lorde also became the first artist born in New Zealand to top the Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artist. The song also made Lorde the youngest solo artist ever to write, and perform a Hot 100 chart topper.

‘But every songs like gold teeth, Grey Goose, trippin’ in the bathroom, bloodstains, ball gowns, trashin’ the hotel room. We don’t care, we’re driving Cadillacs in our dreams.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

333-Les Brown and His Band of Renown with vocals by Doris Day-Sentimental Journey.

1944-Has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 1.23.’You get the grey skies outta my way, you make the sun shine brighter than Doris Day.’

Doris Day was born Doris Mary Anne Kappelhoff on April 3rd, 1922, in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, she died on May 13th, 2019, at the age of 97 after having contracted pneumonia. Doris Day was given her stage name in 1939 by the American orchestra leader Barney Rapp (1900-1970) for whom she was working for at the time. Rapp probably thought that ‘Kappelhoff’ was a bit of a mouthful, and he admired Doris’ rendition of the song ‘Day After Day.’ Doris Day has said that as a youngster growing up she listened to the radio, and the one voice she admired above all the others was that of Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996) (see also best songs 944-702-286-231 and 100.)

Although Doris Day is critically acclaimed as one of the greatest, and most successful singers of the 1940’s, and 1950’s, it can be strongly argued that she had an even greater film career. She appeared in 39 feature films between 1948-1968, starring alongside nearly all the biggest names during the ‘Golden Age of Hollywood.’ Notable films include ‘Calamity Jane’ from 1953, (her favourite role) and the 1956 Alfred Hitchcock suspense thriller ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much,’ with James Stewart.

Doris Day started her singing career in 1939 as a big band singer, she released 30 studio Albums between 1949-1965, with a further two Albums released later. Her 1967 ‘The Love Album’ wasn’t released until 1994, and ‘My Heart’ (her last recording) was recorded in 1985, but not released until 2011. A total of 59 of her singles between 1945-1958 have reached the Billboard top 40 in America, with five making the Number 1 spot. While in the UK 15 of her singles have made the top 40, with ‘Secret Love,’ and ‘Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be’) both reaching Number 1.

‘Sentimental Journey’ was written by Les Brown (1912-2001) and Ben Homer (1917-1975) who both provided the music, and Bud Green (1897-1981) who wrote the lyrics. Les Brown and His Band of Renown had been performing the song, but were unable to record it because of the 1942-1944 musician’s strike. When the strike ended the song was recorded with Doris Day as the vocalist, giving her, her first hit single, and also her first Billboard Number 1 in 1945. The songs release coincided with the end of the Second World War in Europe, and it became the unofficial homecoming theme for many soldiers.

‘Sentimental Journey’ tells the story of someone excitingly anticipating a trip by train to somewhere that they haven’t visited for quite some time. The narrator is feeling great emotional attachment to be ‘going home,’ and wonders why they ever left in the first place.

‘Got my bag, got my reservation, spent each dime I could afford. Like a child in wild anticipation, I long to hear that all aboard.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

334-Mott the Hoople-All the Young Dudes.

1972-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 0.53. A dude is a term of address for a young man. In the late 19th Century a dude was a person who dressed outlandishly. In the 1970’s Glam Rock gave people the opportunity to cross dress, maybe giving Aerosmith a good idea for a song title.

Mott the Hoople were formed in 1969, in Hereford, Herefordshire, England, initially playing Hard Rock music. It was the Island Records employee Guy Stevens (1943-1981) who gave the band the name ‘Mott the Hoople,’ after reading the Wilard Manus novel ‘Mott the Hoople,’ incidentally Stevens was also responsible for the naming of Procol Harum (see also best songs 434.) In total there have been 17 band members come and go, with the classic line up recognised as Ian Hunter (vocals) (see also best songs 661) Mick Ralphs (guitar and keyboards) Verden Allen (organ) Pete Overend Watts (1947-2017) (bass) and Dale ‘Buffin’ Griffin (1948-2016) (drums.) As Mott the Hoople they released seven studio Albums between 1969-1974, and a further two as ‘Mott’ in 1975, and 1976. They released 14 singles between 1969-1974, with six of them reaching the UK top 40, while in America this song remains their only charting song when reaching Number 37. The band officially split in 1980, but reunions have occurred in the 21st Century, and as of 2022 they still tour.

By 1972 Mott the Hoople had recorded four studio Albums, and although they were critically acclaimed, they had met with poor sales, and the band were on the verge of splitting up. David Bowie (1947-2016) was a friend of the bands bass player Pete Overend Watts, as well as a long term fan of the band, and wanting some of his songs to be recorded by other artists offered Mott the Hoople his song ‘Suffragette City’ from his not yet released ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust’ Album. Mott the Hoople considered the song not the style they were looking for, so Bowie went away and quickly wrote ‘All the Young Dudes.’

On first hearing the song Ian Hunter recalled,’He just played it on an acoustic guitar. I knew straight away it was a hit. There were chills going down my spine. It’s only happened to me a few times in my life, when you know this is a biggie.’ Drummer Dale Griffin said,’We couldn’t believe it. In the office at Regent Street he’s strumming it on his guitar and I’m thinking, he wants to give us that? He must be crazy. We broke our necks to say yes, you couldn’t fail to see it was a great song.’ Bowie would go on to produce the Album of the same name, as well as providing backing vocals. Bowie (see also best songs 807-440-302-209-186-118-47-31 and 5) would later offer Mott the Hoople ‘Drive-In Saturday’ for the follow up single, but the band declined as they wanted to pursue with their own material.

‘All the Young Dudes is considered a ‘Glam Rock’ classic, with David Bowie recording his own studio version in December 1972 during the sessions for the ‘Aladdin Sane’ Album, but the song went unreleased until appearing in 1995 in mono on the compilation Album ‘Rarestonebowie.’ Had Mott the Hoople not recorded the song then it would have appeared on ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust.’ The ‘All the young dudes carry the news’ line refers to part of Bowie’s story where there is no electricity, and Ziggy Stardust uses songs to spread the news. Bowie said,’All the Young Dudes is a song about the news. It’s not a hymn to the youth, as people thought, it is completely the opposite.

‘Lucy looks sweet ’cause he dresses like a queen, but he can kick like a mule, it’s a real mean team. And my brother’s back home with his Beatles and his Stones, we never got it off on that revolution stuff, what a drag too many snags.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

335-Faith No More-Epic.

1990-Number 25 single.

Best Bit-At 0.33. After hearing Faith No More’s Album ‘The Real Thing,’ Anthony Kiedis who is the lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers (see also best songs 977) accused Mike Patton the lead singer of Faith No More of stealing his style. Tongue in cheek Kiedis said,’My drummer says he’s gonna kidnap (Patton) him, shave his hair off, and cut off one of his feet, just so he’ll be forced to find a style of his own.’ In another interview he clarified his comment, remarking, ‘I love ‘The Real Thing,’ and I liked his vocals, when I heard the record I noticed subtle similarities, but when I saw the video it was like,’Wait a second here, what the f…?’ Mike Patton has since gone on to say that he is flattered that Kiedis talks about him in interviews, and enjoys the free publicity it brings.

Faith No More were formed in San Francisco, California, United States, in 1979, three of the original line up, Billy Gould, (bass) Roddy Bottum, (keyboards and rhythm guitar) and Mike Bordin (drums) are the bands three constants. They were active until 1998, but reformed again in 2009. There are currently five band members, but in total there have been 15 come and go. They have released seven studio Albums between 1985-2015, and 25 singles. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 this song remains their only chart hit, reaching Number 9, while in the UK, 12 of their singles have reached the top 40.

‘Epic’ was the second single released from Faith No More’s third studio Album ‘The Real Thing’ from 1990, with all five band members at that time receiving the song writing credits. The bands lead singer Mike Patton who had joined the group in 1989 was responsible for the lyrics, while the majority of the songs music had been composed at an earlier date. Faith No More were struggling for a breakthrough hit, with their record label suggesting that this was their last chance. The label let the band choose a song for release, and a video for it to be made, but both the band and the label had no real expectations of the song being a hit.

‘Epic’ is now considered a ground breaking song, helping to create the new genres of ‘Rap Metal,’ and ‘Rap Rock,’ which would influence the next generation of bands such as Slipknot,(see also best songs 379) Linkin Park, and Korn.

What ‘Epic’ is about is open to interpretation. I personally would like to think it is about that ultimate feeling of satisfaction, when for instance you finally meet that special person that will change your life. Or it might be that moment when you finally achieve something that you have always strived for. It’s that fleeting moment when your on cloud nine. In 1990 Mike Patton who wrote the lyrics gave some insight to the songs meaning when saying it was about sexual frustration, sex, and the lack of it. Patton said that the song is about masturbation,’Most people don’t like to talk about it. I’m here to tell ya, I love it. That’s kinda of what Epic’s really about.’…. I prefer my interpretation.

‘Can you feel it, see it, hear it today? If you can’t, then it doesn’t matter anyway. You will never understand it ’cause it happens too fast, and it feels so good, it’s like walking on glass.’