THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

383-Keane-Bedshaped.

2004-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 3.35. The band are named after a family friend of Tom Chaplin’s family called Cherry Keane who looked after Tim Rice-Oxley and Tom Chaplin when they were children, she would tell them to ‘Go after their dreams.’ At her death from cancer she left money to the Chaplin family, of which some was used by Tom, ‘To see me through the harder times with the music.’

Keane are an ‘Alternative Rock’ group who were formed in Battle, East Sussex, England, in 1995, by Tim Rice-Oxley, (keyboards) Richard Hughes, (drums) and Dominic Scott, (guitar) originally calling themselves ‘Lotus Eaters,’ (not to be confused with the 1980’s Liverpool band of the same name) they performed as a covers band playing songs by their favourite bands including U2, (see also best songs 766-320-190 and 84) and the Beatles (see also best songs 599-319-238-218-141-80-51-10 and 5.) Tom Chaplin (lead vocals) joined the group in 1997, and Scott left in 2001, and in 2011, after being a touring musician with the group since 2007, Jesse Quin (bass, and keyboards) became an official member. In 2014 Keane went on hiatus, with members pursuing other musical projects, but they did reform in 2018, and at the time of writing they remain active.

For an ‘Alternative Rock’ group Keane are unusual, in that while guitars have been minimally used, even in their early work their appearance in the final mix has always been slight, and while Tom Chaplin has stepped up as an almost full time guitarist in the band, that instrument is never featured as prominently as to be more than barely noticed. Because of this they have been dubbed as ‘the band with no guitars,’ thanks to their heavily piano-based sound. By using delay and distortion effects on their pianos and similar keyboards, they often create sounds that aren’t immediately recognisable as being played on a piano or a keyboard.

The discography of Keane who have sold in excess of 13 million records worldwide includes five studio Albums released between 2004-2019, and 32 singles released between 2000-2023, there are also 10 extended plays, (EP’s) one official compilation Album, and four live Albums available. In the UK, the first four of their studio Albums have all reached the Number 1 position, with their latest ‘Cause and Effect,’ (2019) peaking at Number 2, while 10 of their singles have made the UK top 40, with ‘Somewhere Only We Know,’ (2004) and ‘Is It Any Wonder?’ (2006) both peaking the highest at Number 3. In America, three of their studio Albums have reached the top 20 on the Billboard 200 Album chart, while none of their singles, including ‘Bedshaped,’ have made the Billboard Hot 100, top 40 chart.

‘Bedshaped’ was the third of five singles released from ‘Hopes and Fears,’ the debut studio Album from Keane, from May 2004, the song was originally composed by Tim Rice-Oxley in 2001, but was further worked on later, with fellow band members Richard Hughes, and Thomas Chaplin, along with James Sanger all receiving the songwriting credits, with the production being by to Andy Green. It is said that James Sanger is the most successful person in ‘Pop Music’ that no one has heard of. He is credited with working on records that have sold in excess of 70 million worldwide, as a songwriter, producer, and engineer. With sales in excess of 2.7 million copies sold ‘Hopes and Fears’ is one of the 50 best selling Albums of all time in the UK, in total worldwide the Album has sold in excess of 5.8 million copies to date.

Timothy James Rice-Oxley was born on June 2nd, 1976, in Oxford, England, he is the keyboardist, and principle songwriter for Keane. Away from Keane he is a member of the ‘Alternative/Country’ group ‘Mt. Desolation,’ along with fellow Keane band member Jesse Quin, and members of Mumford & Sons, (see also best songs 517) The Killers, (see also best songs 917) and The Staves. ‘Mt. Desolation’ have released three studio Albums between 2010-2023. Tim Rice-Oxley has posted an explanation of the meaning to ‘Bedshaped’ on the ‘Keane’ official message board, ‘The song is about feeling that you’ve been left behind by an old friend or lover, and about hoping that you’ll be reunited one day, so that you can live out the end of your lives together the way you started them, a hope that they’ll eventually want to get away from the bright lights and come back home. It’s a sad and angry song, but also full of hope. I think I’m right in saying that in hospital when someone is ill and has to spend a lot of time in bed they can become ‘bedshaped.’ It sounds a bit depressing, but in the context of the song I wanted to suggest old age and frailty.’

‘Don’t laugh at me, don’t look away. You’ll follow me back with the sun in your eyes and on your own Bed shaped.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

384-Cat Stevens-Matthew and Son.

1967-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 2.24. A lot of people have commented that this songs verse sounds very similar to the 1982 song ‘Mad World’ by Tears For Fears. Cat Stevens made a reference to this at a concert in 2016 while playing Matthew and Son, inserting the lyrics, ‘I think it’s kind of funny, I think it’s kind of strange, yes I think it’s kind of funny, that this sounds the same!’

Yusuf Islam commonly known by his stage name Cat Stevens, (see also best songs 203) was born Steven Demetre Georgiou, on July 21st, 1948, in Marylebone, London, England. Thinking that his birth name might be difficult to remember, he chose the name Cat Stevens, partly because a girlfriend had said that he had eyes like a cat, and partly because he thought that a potential future American fan base were animal lovers. Stevens initial success was in the UK with the release of his debut Studio Album also called ‘Matthew and Son’ in 1967, but it wasn’t until 1970 with the release of ‘Tea for the Tillerman,’ his fourth studio Album, that he made his breakthrough in America, and becoming even more successful than he was in the UK.

Cat Stevens has been very close to death on two occasions. In 1969 he contracted tuberculosis, and during his recuperation he took up meditation, yoga, and metaphysics, he read about many religions beliefs, and also became a vegetarian. In 1976 he nearly drowned off the coast of Malibu, California, and said he shouted,’Oh God!, if you save me I will work for you.’ He stated that immediately afterwards a wave appeared and took him back to the shore. Stevens then spent time looking into many religions, and it was after his brother David brought him a copy of the Qur’an as a birthday gift, that he then decided to become a Muslim. He converted to the Muslim faith in 1977, changing his name to Yusuf Islam, and then abandoning his musical career for nearly two decades. Yusuf gradually resumed his musical career in the 1990’s, and released his first new Album ‘The Life of the Last Prophet’ as Yusuf Islam in 1995, his first new material in 17 years. His most recent two releases in 2017 (‘The Laughing Apple’) and 2020’s ‘Tea for the Tillerman 2’ were both released as ‘Yusuf/Cat Stevens.’ For the discography of Cat Stevens see best songs 203.

‘Matthew and Son’ was the second of two singles released from Cat Stevens’ debut studio Album of the same name, from March 1967, the song was written by Cat Stevens, with the production being by Mike Hurst, who was born Michael John Longhurst Pickworth, on September 19th, 1942, in Kilburn, London, England. Mike Hurst first found success in the music business when winning an audition to join Dusty, (see also best songs 882 and 171) and Tom Springfield (see also best songs 609) in the British Folk/Pop trio ‘The Springfields,’ in February 1962. Together they issued three studio Albums between 1962-1963, and 12 singles between 1961-1964, with four of those tracks reaching the UK top 40, and one making the American Billboard Hot 100. After ‘The Springfields,’ Mike Hurst moved into music production, his notable work from around that period includes producing P. P. Arnold, ‘The First Cut Is the Deepest,’ (1967-UK Number 18) and Manfred Mann, ‘Mighty Quinn’ (1968-UK Number 1 & Billboard Number 10.) In the early 1970’s he produced for the Australian band New World, and in 1973 he formed his own production company, ‘Solid Gold,’ and wrote and produced for the English Pop band Fancy. The same year he signed the English ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll’ band Showaddywaddy (see also best songs 542) to ‘Bell Records,’ and produced a string of UK hit singles for them. In 1978 he started managing the Welsh singer Shakin’ Stevens, and produced his first hit ‘Hot Dog’ (1980-UK Number 24.) In the 21st Century Mike Hurst’s production work has included the Scottish Indie/Pop group Belle and Sebastian.

‘Matthew and Son’ can boast some of the most notable session musicians of the era playing on the track, including the future co-founder of Led Zeppelin John Paul Jones, (see also best songs 135 and 66) who played bass, Big Jim Sullivan, (1941-2012) (see also best songs 891-467-171-164-129-111 and 45) who played guitar, and Nicky Hopkins (1944-1994) keyboards, who was also a studio session player for many other artists, including The Rolling Stones, and The Who, and appears on this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list on other occasions.

According to Cat Stevens, ‘Matthew and Son’ took it’s name from ‘Henry Matthews,’ which was a shop from where he had bought a suit. Stevens has said, ‘I had a girlfriend and she was working for a big firm, and I didn’t like the way she had to spend so much of her time working.’ The song is about a business where some of the workers who have been there all of their lives are working for poor wages. They can hardly make ends meet, but dare not ask for a wage rise for fear of being dismissed. There working conditions are also inadequate, with short breaks, and poor food being provided.

‘Matthew and Son, the work’s never done, there’s always something new. The files in your head, you take them to bed, you’re never ever through.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

385-Fred Astaire with Johnny Greene’s Orchestra-Let’s Face the Music and Dance.

1936-It has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 0.50. Fred Astaire died of pneumonia on June 22nd, 1987, at the age of 88. Shortly before his death Astaire said,’ I didn’t want to leave this world without knowing who my descendant was, thank you Michael,’ referring to Michael Jackson (see also best songs (812-511-249-191 and 137.)

‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ is another classic from the pen of Irving Berlin, (1888-1989) (see also best songs 731-457 and 100) who some have called the greatest songwriter of all time. Berlin wrote the song for the 1936 American musical comedy ‘Follow the Fleet’ starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers (1911-1995) in the fifth of their 10 film collaborations as dance partners. Other songs written for the movie by Berlin, and recorded by Fred Astaire which also became hits were ‘Let Yourself Go,’ and ‘I’m Putting All My Eggs In One Basket.’

Fred Astaire was born Frederick Austerlitz on May 10th, 1899, in Omaha, Nebraska, United States, he is widely considered the greatest dancer in film history. It was Astaire’s mother who first pushed Fred and his sister Adele in to show business as a singing and dancing double act, she changed the family name from Austerlitz, as she felt ‘Austerlitz’ was reminiscent of the ‘Battle of Austerlitz,’ Family legend attributes the name to an uncle with the surname ‘L’Astaire.’ Fred Astaire appeared in 34 film musicals, and eight films non musical, he also made many television appearances, including ‘The Fred Astaire Show’ in 1968. It is said that away from the cameras Fred Astaire was an intensely private person and was rarely seen on the Hollywood social scene, preferring to devote his spare time to his family and his hobbies, which included horse racing, playing the drums, songwriting, and golfing. His first wife was the New York socialite Phyllis Potter, (1908-1954) who died of lung cancer at the age of 46. He would marry again in 1980, at the age of 81, to the American Robyn Smith who was 45 years his junior and a jockey. Fred Astaire’s life has never been portrayed on film, as he refused permission for such portrayals, saying, ‘However much they offer me, and offers come in all the time, I shall not sell.’ His will included a clause requesting that no such portrayal should ever take place, he commented, ‘It is there because I have no particular desire to have my life misinterpreted, which it would be.’

Fred Astaire is best remembered for his ground breaking dance routines, but many critics have rated his singing as among the finest of his era, although the extremely modest Astaire frequently claimed that he could not sing. Irving Berlin considered Fred Astaire the equal of any male interpreter of his songs, ‘As good as Jolson, (see also best songs 310) Crosby (see also best songs 934-457 and 259) or Sinatra, (see also best songs 877-567-469-120 and 73) not necessarily because of his voice, but for his conception of projecting a song.’ Jerome Kern (1885-1945) (see also best songs 687 and 82) considered him the supreme male interpreter of his songs.

Irving Berlin was born Israel Beilin, on May 11th, 1888, in Tolochin, Russian Empire, which is now Belarus, he died in his sleep on September 22, 1989, of a heart attack, and natural causes at the age of 101. Berlin was held in the highest esteem by his peers, the American composer George Gershwin (1898-1937) (see also best songs 286 and 231) said,’ I frankly believe that Irving Berlin is the greatest songwriter that has ever lived. He has had a greater influence upon American music than any other man. It was Irving Berlin who was the very first to have created a real, inherent American music. Irving Berlin was the first to free the American song from the nauseating sentimentality which had previously characterised it.’

‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ has been recorded by many artists over the years, the first recording just ahead of Fred Astaire in January 1936 was by Vincent Lopez (1895-1975) and His Orchestra, while perhaps the most famous recording was made by Nat King Cole (1919-1965) (see also best songs 988-327-226 and 161) for his Album ‘Let’s Face the Music’ in 1964, whose version after being used in a 1994 television commercial reached Number 30 in the UK.

‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ has a message, it tells the listener to enjoy yourself while you can, because trouble could be just around the corner, which was apt, as it was written in 1936.

‘There may be trouble ahead, but while there’s moonlight and music and love and romance, let’s face the music and dance.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

386-T. Rex-Get It On.

1971-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 3.27. Can you name a song that is known by a different title in another country?

Marc Bolan (see also best songs 790 and 67) was born Mark Feld on September 30th, 1947, in Hackney, London, England, he died on September 16th, 1977, when the car he was travelling in as a passenger struck a fence post, and then a tree, killing him instantly. He chose his stage name ‘Bolan’ as a tribute to Bob Dylan, (see also best songs 792-621-358-103-36 and 7) choosing the first two letters in ‘Bob,’ and the last three letters in ‘Dylan’. Marc Bolan formed T. Rex (originally called Tyrannosaurus Rex) in 1967, the group remained active until his death in 1977, with Bolan being the one constant, in total there were 13 different members come and go, with the classic line up who played on this track being Marc Bolan, (lead vocals, and guitar) Steve Currie, (1947-1981) (bass guitar) and Bill Legend (drums.)

‘Get It On’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Electric Warrior,’ the sixth studio Album from T. Rex, from September 1971, the first four Album releases were as ‘Tyrannosaurus Rex.’ ‘Get It On’ was written by Marc Bolan, with the production being by Tony Visconti, (see also best songs 790-386-302-209-118 and 67) the other musicians who played on the track were Rick Wakeman, (piano, and Hammond organ) (see also best songs 203 and 5) Ian McDonald, (1946-2022) ( baritone and alto saxophones) and Mark Volman, and Howard Kaylan, (backing vocals) (see also best songs 790.) The ‘Electric Warrior’ Album is considered groundbreaking, acknowledged as the first fully fledged ‘Glam Rock’ Album, and an influence on future artists in their development of Hard Rock, to Punk, to New Wave.

‘Get It On’ should be filed under the musical genre of ‘Glam Rock.’ Glam Rock is a style of Rock music that developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1970’s, and was primarily defined by the flamboyant clothing, makeup, and the hairstyles of its musicians. Glam Rock music primarily developed from the ‘Rock and Roll’ of the 1950’s, and the ‘Bubblegum Pop’ of the late 1960’s, with differing artists also incorporating ‘cabaret,’ ‘science fiction,’ and complex ‘Art Rock.’ ‘Glam Rock’s’ origins are associated with Marc Bolan, and it was his appearance on the ‘BBC’ music show ‘Top of the Pops’ in March 1971 wearing glitter and satins, to perform ‘Hot Love’ that is often cited as the moment of it’s inception.

When ‘Get It On’ was released in America it was re-titled ‘Bang a Gong’ as to avoid confusion with a current minor hit called ‘Get It On’ from the American Jazz Rock group ‘Chase.’ ‘Get It On’ is a song with clever obscure lyrics, it is probably about sex, but can also be interpreted as a song about drugs. ‘Bang the Gong’ is slang for snorting coke, and in the 1850’s it meant asking for Opium. ‘Get It On’ is the best selling single released by T. Rex and spent four weeks at Number 1 in the UK, it was the follow up to ‘Hot Love’ which had spent six weeks at Number 1. In America amazingly T. Rex are known as ‘one hit wonders’ with this song being their only charting record, when reaching Number 10 on Billboard. The songs producer was the legendary Tony Visconti who would work on a total of eight T. Rex Albums between 1968-1974,’ he has explained why he thinks that T. Rex had limited commercial success in the States, ‘When he came over, (Marc Bolan) he would play ‘Get It On’ with a 20-minute guitar solo, like he was Jimi Hendrix. The kids wanted to hear basic Rock ‘N’ Roll. His attendance at shows dropped immediately.’

In 1985 ‘Get It On’ was covered by the ‘supergroup’ ‘The Power Station,’ which was made up of Robert Palmer, (1949-2003) (see also best songs 432) members of the ‘Disco’ group ‘Chic,’ (see also best songs 175 and 17) and the ‘Pop/Rock’ group Duran Duran,’ (see also best songs 903) they took their version to Number 22 in the UK, and Number nine on Billboard in America, one place above the T. Rex original.

As for songs that are known by different titles in other countries, the two which come to mind with me are the Sheena Easton song ‘9 to 5’ (1981) which in America is known as ‘Morning Train,’ in order to avoid confusion with the Dolly Parton song (1980) of the same name. In 1967 the American Pop/Rock group The Monkees recorded a song written by band member Micky Dolenz called ‘Randy Scouse Git,’ the record company refused to release it in the UK under that title because of the offence it might cause, eventually both parties agreed on the track being called ‘Alternate Title.’

‘Well you’re dirty and sweet, clad in black, don’t look back and I love you. Well you’re slim and your weak, you’ve got the teeth of a hydra upon you, you’re dirty sweet and you’re my girl.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

387-The Housemartins-Happy Hour.

1986-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 1.57. If you were to replace the vocals of Paul Heaton for those of Morrissey, (see also best songs 940 and 72) then it probably wouldn’t be quite as happy an hour.

The Housemartins ‘Jangle Pop’ (see also best songs 616) was compared by many to The Smiths, however The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr (see also best songs 673-222-167 and 42) was not impressed. He complained that ‘Happy Hour’ was a complete rip off of ‘I Won’t the One I Can’t Have,’ ‘And they’ve nicked others too.’

The Housemartins were formed in 1983 in Hull, England, United Kingdom, by Paul Heaton (vocals) and Ian ‘Stan’ Cullimore, (guitar) throughout the bands lifetime Heaton went by the name of ‘P. d. Heaton.’ After the recording of their first demo they were joined by Ted Key, (bass) and Chris Lang, (drums) when Key left the band in 1985 he was replaced by Norman Cook (see also best songs 760 and 95.) Lang would be replaced by Hugh Whitaker, who in turn was replaced by Dave Hemingway, who along with Heaton would go on to form The Beautiful South in 1988 (see also best songs 862.) The Housemartins were active between 1983-1988, releasing two studio Albums, and nine singles, seven of which reached the UK top 40, with ‘Caravan of Love’ making Number 1 in December 1986, but not being the Xmas chart topper, having been kept off the top spot by Jackie Wilson’s ‘Reet Petite’ (see also best songs 449.) There are also five official compilation Albums available.

‘Happy Hour’ was the third of four singles released from ‘London 0 Hull 4,’ the debut studio Album by The Housemartins, from June 1986, the song was co-written by Paul Heaton, and Stan Cullimore, with the production being by John Williams. The Albums title refers to the band’s home town of Kingston upon Hull, and is written in the format of a football score. It refers to Paul Heaton’s assertion that The Housemartins were only the fourth best band in Hull, in other words Hull had four great bands, and London didn’t have any. The other three Hull based bands Heaton referred to were ‘Red Guitars,’ ‘The Gargoyles,’ and ‘Everything But the Girl’ (see also best songs 348.)

Stan Cullimore was born Ian Peter Cullimore, on May 6th, 1962, in Stapleford, Cambridgeshire, England, prior to pursuing a music career he studied Maths at the University of Hull from 1980, and graduated in 1984. Cullimore first met Paul Heaton in 1983 when he responded to a local newspaper advertisement by The Housemartins seeking musicians. The majority of the songs recorded by The Housemartins, including ‘Happy Hour,’ were co-written by Heaton and Cullimore. After the group split, Cullimore went on to become a journalist and an author of over 120 children’s books, he also composes music and songs for children’s television. In 2009, he co-wrote and appeared in a preschool music series called ‘The Bopps,’ for ‘Nick Jr UK,’ which is part of the ‘Nickelodeon’ television network.

‘Happy Hour’ and it’s parent Album ‘London 0 Hull 4,’ were produced by John Williams, who was born John Owen Williams, in 1951, in Wolverhampton, England, he is an A&R executive, record producer, photographer, manager, recording artist, and songwriter. Williams has worked with numerous artists in differing capacities since the early 1970’s, being contracted to ‘Polydor,’ ‘Island,’ and ‘RAK Records,’ during that decade. In 1981 he became a session producer for ‘BBC Radio One.’ where over a five year period he produced sessions for John Peel, (1939-2004) (see also best songs 728-659-435-409 and 336) Kid Jensen, Janice Long, (1955-2021) and Peter Powell. Since the split of The Housemartins he has continued to produce several Albums for Paul Heaton, including the 2021 Album ‘Manchester Calling.’ and the 2022 Album ‘N K-Pop,’ which both reached Number 1 in the UK.

Many of Paul Heaton’s lyrics during his time with The Housemartins reflected his interest in Christianity, and Marxism, the back cover of ‘London 0 Hull 4’ contains the message ‘Take Jesus- Take Marx- Take Hope.’ Norman Cook who would go on to achieve even greater success as ‘Fatboy Slim’ has said, ‘Paul realised that he hated writing about love, and that writing politically came easier to him,’ Cook has described some of their songs as ‘angrily political.’

‘Happy Hour’ is a humorous but scathing look at life in the working man’s world, which involved most evenings down the local pub. A ‘Happy Hour’ is a promotional tool used by public houses when they discount their prices. The narrator in the song is on a night out with his boss, who he has to begrudgingly pretend he likes, but his boss is a ‘yuppie,’ and a misogynist. The memorable video to the song was set in a pub, featuring animated Plasticine figures of the band members. It was filmed in The Star Public House, in St. Johns Wood, London.

‘It’s another night out with the boss, following in footsteps overgrown with moss. And he tells me women grow on trees, and if you catch them right they will land upon their knees.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

388-Nilsson-‘Everybody’s Talkin”

1969-Number 23 single.

Best Bit-At 2.21. During a 1968 press conference the Beatles were asked what their favourite American group were, and they answered ‘Nilsson.’

The original version of ‘Everybody’s Talkin” was written, and first recorded by Fred Neil in 1966, for his self titled second studio Album. Evidently the song was the last recorded for the Album, with Neil anxious to wrap things up quickly so he could return home to Miami, Florida, the songs lyrics reflect Neil’s feelings at that time.

Fred Neil was born Frederick Ralph Morlock Jr. on March 16th, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, United States, he died of cancer on July 7th, 2001, at the age of 65. Neil was one of the pioneers of ‘Folk Rock,’ and a major influence on the careers of such artists as Joni Mitchell, (see also best songs 637 and 558) David Crosby, (1941-2023) (see also best songs 621 and 417) and Tim Buckley (1947-1975.) Some of Neil’s early compositions were recorded by Buddy Holly, (1936-1959) (see also best songs 898 and 264) and Roy Orbison, (1936-1988) (see also best songs 657) most famously ‘Candy Man’ which he co-wrote with Beverly Ross, (1934-2022) and was the ‘B’ side of Orbison’s 1961 Billboard Number 2 single ‘Crying.’ Fred Neil shunned the limelight, and had no interest in being a performer, and retired in 1971, only rarely making guest appearances in public. He issued five studio Albums between 1964-1971, and there are six official compilation Albums available. Fred Neil released his original version of ‘Everybody’s Talkin” as titled ‘Everybody’s Talkin’ (Echoes,’) the Nilsson version omits (‘Echoes’)

‘Everybody’s Talkin” was the second of two singles released from ‘Aerial Ballet,’ the third studio Album from Harry Nilsson, from July 1968, the song was written by Fred Neil, with the production being by Rick Jarrard (1939-2021) (see also best songs 512.) The Album’s title, ‘Aerial Ballet,’ was inspired by the aerial ballet act performed by Nilsson’s Swedish grandparents, who were circus performers and dancers. The American Rock group ‘Aerosmith’ (see also best songs 305) took their name after seeing the Album’s sleeve art which features a circus performer jumping out of a biplane.

Harry Edward Nilsson III (see also best songs 39) was born on June 15th, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, United States. He was born with congenital heart problems, and eventually suffered a heart attack in February 1993, he died of heart failure on January 15th, 1994, at the age of 52, Both of Nilsson’s songs featured in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list are both cover versions, though he was a critically acclaimed songwriter, and also a major influence on future artists in his own right. Nilsson was looking for a song to record for his third studio Album ‘Aerial Bandit,’ from 1968, all the Album’s other 12 tracks are original compositions by Nilsson. The Album’s producer Rick Jarrard played Nilsson the Fred Neil song, and he decided to record it, adding strings, and vocal harmony. The song was released as a single in North America, but initially made little impact on the charts. It was the Beatles (see also best songs 599-319-238-218-141-80-51-10 and 5) press officer Derek Taylor (1932-1997) who recommended the song for the 1969 American drama film ‘Midnight Cowboy’s’ film soundtrack to it’s director John Schlesinger, (1926-2003) who used the song over the films opening titles. The song was re-issued and reached Number 6 on Billboard, Number 1 in Canada, and Number 23 in the UK, giving Nilsson his commercial path to success.

‘Everybody’s Talkin” has at least 100 known cover versions by many respected artists, including Stevie Wonder, Neil Diamond, and Glen Campbell (1936-2017.) The other top 40 hit recording of the song in the UK is by the British group ‘The Beautiful South,’ who reached Number 12 in 1994. ‘Everybody’s Talkin” is probably about the way Fred Neil was feeling when he wrote the song, and in later years he did go and live that life he was singing about. The lyrics also sit well with the opening sequence of the ‘Midnight Cowboy’ film. Ric O’Barry who was a close friend of Fred Neil has revealed Neil’s favourite version, ‘One time Fred and I were driving over the Seven Mile Bridge heading to Miami, and he told me about he and this other kid who went to see Louis Armstrong as teenagers. Fred was a huge Satchmo fan. Suddenly he whipped out the CD in the car and its Satchmo singing ‘Everybody’s Talkin”. Fred was just so honoured by that.’

‘I’m going where the sun keeps shining through the pouring rain, going where the weather suits my clothes. Banking off of the North East wind, sailing on a summer breeze, and skipping over the ocean like a stone.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

389-Supergrass-Moving.

1999-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 3.34. What does Supergrass lead singer and songwriter Gaz Coombes have in common with Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Liam Gallagher, Liberace, Lemmy, Paul Weller, and Country singer Don Williams? All will be revealed after you have read through until the end.

Supergrass were formed in Oxford, England, in 1993 by Gaz Coombes, (vocals, and guitar) Danny Goffey, (drums) and Mick Quinn, (bass) they were officially joined by Rob Coombes (keyboards, and piano) the older brother of Gaz in 2002, although he had been an unofficial member of the band for the majority of it’s career to that point. Supergrass, started out life as ‘Theodore Supergrass,’ for about two months, until as in the words of Mick Quinn, ‘We realised that Theodore was a bit rubbish so we took that off.’ Supergrass are recognised as being part of the UK ‘Britpop’ scene (see also best songs 256 ) of the 1990’s, and also as an ‘Alternative Rock’ group. They split in 2010, sighting musical differences, but did reunite between 2019-2022, to tour, and again in 2024, to tour once more, but they have stated that they will not be recording any new music together.

The discography of Supergrass includes six studio Albums released between 1995-2008, and 26 singles released between 1994-2015, there are also three extended plays, (EP’s) three official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. A seventh studio Album, tentatively titled ‘Release the Drones’ was announced in early 2010, Gaz Coombes stated that the Album was ‘nearly finished,’ and it was scheduled for release in May, at the time of writing the Album remains unfinished and unreleased. In the UK, their debut studio Album ‘I Should Coco,’ from 1995 reached Number 1, with all of their other studio Albums peaking within the top 20. When ‘I Should Coco’ made Number 1, it was the first debut Album by a ‘Parlophone’ recording artist to reach Number 1 since the Beatles with ‘Please Please Me’ in 1963. Also in the UK, 14 of their singles have reached the top 40, with the double ‘A’ sided ‘Alright’ and ‘Time,’ (1995) and ‘Richard III,’ (1997) both peaking the highest at Number 2. In America on Billboard, they have never charted on the Hot 100 singles chart, or the 200 Album chart, but ‘Cheapskate,’ from 1997, did make Number 35 on the Billboard ‘Modern Rock Tracks’ chart, which since 2009 has been known as the ‘Alternative Airplay’ chart.

Gaz Coombes was born Gareth Michael Coombes, on March 8th, 1976, in Oxford, England, he is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the Alternative Rock band Supergrass. Between the ages of five to nine he lived with his family in San Francisco, California, United States, before returning to Oxford. Gaz Coombes and fellow future Supergrass member Danny Goffey co-formed, along with others ‘The Jennifers,’ whilst attending ‘Wheatley Park School,’ just outside Oxford in 1990. The Jennifers released one single called ‘Just Got Back Today,’ on ‘Nude Records’ in 1992, before they disbanded, that single is now a highly sought-after rarity. Gaz Coombes has released four solo studio Albums between 2012-2023, two extended plays, (EP’s) and 14 singles between 2012-2022.

‘Moving’ was the second of three singles released from Supergrass’ self titled third studio Album, from September 1999, the song was written by Supergrass and Rob Coombes, with the production credited to Supergrass and John Cornfield. Nine other musicians provided extra percussion, violin, viola, and cello on the track, with the British violinist and orchestra leader Gavyn Wright of the ‘London Session Orchestra,’ and the ‘Penguin Cafe Orchestra,’ providing strings. The Album is often referred to as ‘the X-ray album,’ due to the picture on the sleeve of the three band members represented as skeletons.

‘Moving’ tells the story of how difficult life on the road touring can be, the songs official video is intended to depict the tedium. The passing of time is shown by the change of outfits the band are wearing, and also by the selection of different hotel rooms that they are seen in, the footage is sped up and slowed down to add to that effect.

What does Supergrass lead singer and songwriter Gaz Coombes have in common with Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Liam Gallagher, Liberace, Lemmy, Paul Weller, and Country singer Don Williams? Along with all those other superstars of Pop music, Gaz Coombes also sports ‘side whiskers,’ ‘side burns,’ ‘furry face huggers,’ ‘sidies,’ or even ‘mutton chops.’

‘Got a mow, low feeling around me, and a cold stone feeling inside. I’ve got to find somebody to help me, I keep you in mind.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

390-Harry Belafonte-Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)

1957-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 2.33. This genre of music is known as ‘Mento,’ it is a style of Jamaican Folk Music that predates, and has greatly influenced Ska and Reggae music.

Harry Belafonte was born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr. on March 1st, 1927, in New York City, United States, he died from congestive heart failure, on April 25th, 2023, at the age of 96. Harry Belafonte was a singer, songwriter, actor, and an activist. As a child he was sent to live with his grandmother in Jamaica in 1932, but returned to New York in 1940, after leaving high school he joined the Navy and served during World War II. Harry Belafonte began his music career as a club performer in New York singing Pop music, but he would later develop an interest in Folk music. Aside from his singing career Harry Belafonte acted in many films, and appeared in several documentaries. Belafonte was also politically active, being greatly inspired by the American singer Paul Robeson, (see also best songs 82) who mentored him. Belafonte supported the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950’s, and 1960’s, and was one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s (1929-1968) confidants. Among his many achievements, Harry Belafonte won three ‘Grammy Awards,’ an ‘Emmy Award,’ and was inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ in the ‘Early Influence’ category in 2022.

The discography of Harry Belafonte includes 27 studio Albums released between 1954-1988, and 19 singles released released between 1953-1988, there are also six collaboration Albums, eight official compilation Albums, and eight live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, seven of his singles have reached the top 40, with (‘Day-O) Banana Boat Song’ peaking the highest at Number 5, while in the UK, he has also charted within the top 40 on seven occasions, with ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ making Number 1 in 1956.

(‘Day-O) Banana Boat Song’ was the second of two singles released from Harry Belafonte’s third studio Album ‘Calypso,’ from May 1956. The song is a traditional Jamaican Folk song, probably dating back to the turn of the 20th Century. This Harry Belafonte recording includes song writing credits for Harry Belafonte, William Attaway, (1911-1986) and Lord Burgess, (1924-2019) with the production being by Ed Welker, and Herman Diaz Jr. The Album ‘Calypso’ is the first ‘Long Play’ record Album to sell over one million copies worldwide. In 2015 ‘Calypso’ was inducted into the ‘Grammy Hall of Fame,’ and in 2018, the Album was selected for preservation in the ‘National Recording Registry,’ by the ‘Library of Congress,’ as being ‘culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.’

(‘Day-O) Banana Boat Song’ tells the story of dock workers who would work throughout the night loading bananas on to ships. As daylight approaches they await the arrival of the ‘Tallyman’ who will take inventory so that they can go home. Harry Belafonte has said, ‘The most important thing to me about ‘The Banana Boat Song’ is that before America heard it, Americans had no notion of the rich culture of the Caribbean. Very few of them did, anyway, which made no sense to me. It made no sense to me back then that people in America would not respond to the Caribbean culture I knew in joyous, positive ways. But there were these cultural assumptions then about people from the Caribbean – that they were all rum drinking, sex-crazed and lazy – not they were tillers of the land, harvesters of bananas for landlords of the plantations. I thought, let me sing about a new definition of these people. Let me sing a classic work song, about a man who works all night for a sum equal to the cost of a dram of beer, a man who works all night because it’s cooler then than during the day.’

The first official recording of the song was in 1952 by the Trinidadian singer Edric Connor, (1913-1968) it was on his version that Harry Belafonte based his recording. In 1955 the American singer/songwriters Lord Burgess (1924-2019) and William Attaway (1911-1986) wrote a version of the lyrics for the American ‘NBC’ television variety series ‘The Colgate Comedy Hour,’ in which the song was performed by Harry Belafonte, this was what led to Belafonte recording the song. In America on Billboard, six different artists have made the top 40 with their differing interpretations of the song, with the American vocal group ‘The Tarriers,’ charting their version the highest at Number 4 in 1957. In the UK, as well as the Harry Belafonte recording, ‘The Tarriers’ reached Number 15, and Shirley Bassey made Number 8 also in 1957.

‘Day-o-day-o, daylight come and we want to go home. Work all night on a drink of rum, stack banana ’til the morning come.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

391-Lorna Bennett-Breakfast in Bed.

1972-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.16. Breakfast in bed…. most likely kippers.

‘Breakfast in Bed’ was written pacifically for Dusty Springfield, (1939-1999) (see also best songs 882 and 171) for her 1969 fifth studio Album ‘Dusty in Memphis,’ by Eddie Hinton, (1944-1995) and Donnie Fritts, (1942-2019) at that time both were employed as songwriters at the ‘Muscle Shoals Sound Studio’ in Sheffield, Alabama, United States. The songs chorus includes the line ‘You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,’ a deliberate attempt to remind people of Dusty’s 1966 UK Number 1 single with that title. What most people listening to the song don’t realise is that it is actually about two lesbian lovers. The singer is obviously a woman (‘you can dry the tears on my dress,’), as is the person knocking on her door (‘you’ve been cryin’, your face is a mess.) Dusty Springfield herself was a lesbian who hadn’t come out yet, but she would later. The songs subject was more than a little daring for it’s time. ‘Breakfast in Bed was released as a single by Dusty Springfield, but it failed to chart in the UK, and only reached Number 91 in America.

‘Breakfast in Bed’ was co-written by Eddie Hinton, and Donnie Fritts. Eddie Hinton was born on June 15th, 1944, in Jacksonville, Florida, United States, he died from a heart attack on July 28th, 1995, at the age of 51. He is best remembered for his work with numerous ‘Soul Music,’ and ‘R&B singers,’ and playing lead guitar for the ‘Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section,’ (see also best songs 488) from 1969 to 1971. Donnie Fritts, was born Donald Ray Fritts, on November 8th, 1942, in Florence, Alabama, United States, he died on August 27th, 2019, from complications of heart surgery, at the age of 76. Donnie Fritts was a recording artist in his own right, releasing five Albums between 1974-2018, but he is best remembered for being the American singer/songwriter Kris Kristofferson’s (1936-2024) (see also best songs 341) keyboardist for over 40 years. Through Fritts’ association with Kris Kristofferson he appeared in movies, including ‘A Star Is Born,’ (1976) and ‘Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid’ (1973.) In 2008 Fritts was inducted into the ‘Alabama Music Hall of Fame.’

On hearing ‘Breakfast in Bed’ it was the legendary Reggae music producer Harry J (1945-2013) (see also best songs 371) who thought it would make into a great Reggae song. In 1972 Harry J produced three versions, an instrumental by the percussionist Bongo Herman, called ‘African Breakfast (In Bed,’) a version by the Jamaican ‘Toaster’ David ‘Scotty’ Scott, (1951-2003) called ‘Skank in Bed,’ and this recording by Lorna Bennett. On some releases of this song the version by Scotty appears on the ‘B’ side of the seven inch single.

Lorna Bennett was born on June 7th, 1952, in Newton, Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica. It was while performing at an early age that she was noticed by the Jamaican record producer Geoffrey Chung (1950-1995) who nurtured her early recording career, before being taken under the wing of Harry J, it was Chung who gave ‘Breakfast in Bed’ it’s Reggae arrangement. Bennett achieved two Number 1 songs in Jamaica, with this track, and also her cover version of ‘Chapel of Love,’ originally recorded by ‘The Dixie Cups.’ Alongside her recording career Bennett also studied Law at university, and on the completion of her degree she gave up music and opened a legal practise in her home town of St Elizabeth, she did return to music again in 2001. Bennett has released one studio Album called ‘This is Lorna’ in 1972, and a total of 20 singles between 1970-2005.

Geoffrey Chung was born Geoffrey Aloysius Chung, in 1950, in Kingston, Jamaica, he died on October 13th, 1995, of liver cancer, at the age of 44. He began working as a music producer in the 1970’s, producing for high profile acts including The Abyssinians, and Marcia Griffiths. In the early 1980’s he became resident engineer at the ‘Sound Dynamics’ studios in Jamaica, where he mixed several Albums by Peter Tosh, (1944-1987) and also co-produced early recordings by Frankie Paul (1965-2017.) In the late 1980’s, he relocated to Miami, where he established his own recording studio, in 1991 he produced and engineered Maxi Priest’s first compilation Album ‘Best of Me.’

‘Breakfast in Bed’ has been recorded in many genres by numerous artists, but has only charted in the UK top 40 on one occasion. It was the recording by UB40 (see also best songs 537 and 173) featuring Chrissie Hynde which reached Number 6 in 1988. A version by the English Reggae artist Sheila Hylton, which was produced by Harry J, reached Number 57 on the UK top 40 in 1979.

‘Breakfast in Bed’ tells the story of someone who has been rejected by their current lover, and goes back to an ex for comfort. The ex suggests that they get back to the way that they used to be when they were lovers.

‘You’ve been crying, your face is a mess. Come in baby, you can wipe the tears on my dress. She’s hurt you again I can tell, I know that look so well.’