THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

392-Shamen-Ebeneezer Goode.

1992-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.09. When the Shamen appeared on the British television music programme ‘Top of the Pops,’ they had to tone down the song due to it’s drug references. The groups Rapper Mr C replaced the final lyric ‘Got any salmon?’ (salmon is rhyming slang for ‘salmon and trout,’-‘snout’) to ‘Got any underlay?’ He was later asked about this in a radio interview, to which he replied that it was not a drug reference, but a ‘rug’ reference.

The Shamen were formed in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1985, in total 14 different members have come and gone, with the band was retired in 1999. I haven’t found any explanation as to why they called themselves ‘Shamem,’ but the name ‘Shamen’ derives from the Indian culture, and holds the meaning of ‘Holy Man.’ The three founding members of the Shamen were Colin Angus, Derek McKenzie, and Keith McKenzie, they were soon joined by Peter Stephenson. Their debut Album ‘Drop’ released in 1987 was a mixture of ‘Psychedelic Rock,’ and ‘Alternative Rock,’ a far cry from what they would eventually become best known for. By mid 1987 front-man Colin Angus was becoming interested in ‘Dance Music,’ which was integrated into the bands sound, and was furthered by the addition of a new member Will Sinnott (1960-1991.) Angus and Sinnott’s interest in ‘Acid House’ music grew, causing the departure of Keith McKenzie, and Peter Stephenson, who were not fans of the bands new direction. The Shamen’s transition to a Dance Music act was complete with the addition of Richard West (Mr C) and ‘Evil’ Eddie Edwards in 1989.

The discography of the Shamen includes eight studio Albums released between 1987-1998, and 28 singles released between 1985-1998, there are also at least four official compilation Albums available. In the UK, three of their studio Albums have reached the top 40, with ‘Boss Drum,’ from 1992, peaking the highest at Number 3, while 12 of their singles have made the UK top 40, with ‘Ebeneezer Goode,’ reaching Number 1. In America, the Shamen have had one top 40 entry on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, when ‘Move Any Mountain,’ reached Number 38 in 1991, while three of their tracks made Number 1 on the Billboard ‘Dance Club Songs’ chart, although ‘Ebeneezer Goode,’ has not charted on any Billboard chart.

‘Ebeneezer Goode’ was the second of six singles released from ‘Boss Drum,’ the fifth studio Album from the Shamen, from September 1992, the song was co-written by Colin Angus, and Richard West, with the production being by the Shamen. For it’s single release ‘Ebeneezer Goode’ received a remix by the ‘Beatmasters,’ who were then the duo of Manda Glanfield, and Paul Carter, they had also previously worked on the Shamen’s 1991 UK Number 4 hit ‘Move Any Mountain.’ The Beatmasters had previously had success with four UK top 20 hits in the late 1980’s, including ‘Rok da House,’ featuring ‘The Cookie Crew,’ which was recorded in 1986, and is considered one of the earliest examples of ‘Hip House,’ (see also best songs 805) and thought by many to be the first song of that genre. At the time of writing the Beatmasters remain active, with two other official members.

‘Ebeneezer Goode’ is one of the most controversial songs to reach Number 1 in the UK, due to it’s perceived endorsement of recreational drug use, although it does warn us to be careful in how many we take, as they can be harmful. The songs chorus ‘Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode’ is audibly identical to ‘E’s are good,’E’ being common slang for the drug ecstasy. However, ‘E’ is also sung many other times during the song, ostensibly as ‘E’ (i.e. he,) such as in ‘E’s sublime, E makes you feel fine.’ ‘Ebeneezer Goode’ also contains references to the use of cannabis with ecstasy, referencing the rolling of a cannabis joint with the lines ‘Has anybody got any Veras?’ (‘Vera Lynns’ being rhyming slang for ‘skins’ or rolling papers) and ‘Got any salmon?’ (‘salmon and trout’ being rhyming slang for ‘snout’ or tobacco). The songs opening line ‘A great philosopher once wrote,’ is a sample of the voice of the English actor Malcolm McDowell, taken from the 1973 British comedy drama fantasy film ‘O Lucky Man!’

‘There’s a guy in the place who’s got a bittersweet face, and he goes by the name of Ebeneezer Goode. His friends call him ‘Ezeer and he is the main geezer, and he’ll vibe up the place like no other man could.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

393-Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels-C.C. Rider/Jenny Take a Ride.

1965-Number 33 single.

Best Bit-At 1.44. Down the years many songs would be banned by the broadcasting media for what today we would deem as causing little or no offence. Then there were other songs with lyrics and meanings which went straight over the establishments heads.

‘See See Rider’ is a ‘traditional song’ (see also best songs 781) that probably originates from the early 1880’s, the ‘Ragtime,’ and ‘Jazz pianist’ Jelly Roll Morton (1890-1941) stated that he first heard the song as a young boy in New Orleans around 1901. The legendary Blues singers Lead Belly,'(1888-1949) (see also best songs 431) and Blind Lemon Jefferson (1893-1929) are known to have performed the song in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas from around 1912.

The first recording of the song titled ‘See See Rider Blues’ was made by the ‘Blues’ singer Gertrude ‘Ma’ Rainey (1886-1939.) Rainey’s recording contains some new lyrics written by Rainey and Lena Arant (1873-1957.) There are probably hundreds of recordings of the song done in many different genres. Other significant versions include the 1943 recording by Wee Bea Booze, (1912-1986) she reached Number 1 on the American Billboard’s magazine ‘Harlem Hit Parade,’ which was a precursor of the Billboard R&B chart. The song has been a top 40 hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart on four occasions, this version by Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels incorporating ‘Jenny Take a Ride’ reached Number 10 in 1965. The other hit versions are from Chuck Willis (1926-1958) which made Number 12 in 1957, LaVern Baker (1929-1997) reached Number 34 in 1963, and The Animals (see also best songs 851) made Number 10 in 1966. Elvis Presley (1935-1977) (see also best songs 954-664-442 and 194) would for a period of time perform an upbeat live version of the song to open his shows, with his band playing the song again at the very end of his performance.

Mitch Ryder was born William Sherille Levise Jr. on February 26th, 1945, in Hamtramck, Michigan, United States. There have been approximately 40 Albums of his music made available, issued between 1966-2024, he has also released 35 singles between 1965-1987. Mitch Ryder is known for his dynamic stage performances, and major artists who have stated that they were influenced by him include Bruce Springsteen, (see also best songs 1040 and 549) Bob Seger, and John Mellencamp (see also best songs 405.)

It was the legendary singer/songwriter, and music producer Bob Crewe (1930-2014) (see also best songs 914-863-739-499-393-284-164-112 and 83) who chose the name ‘Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels,’ and they recorded successfully for Crewe’s ‘DynoVoice’ record label. It is said that Bob Crewe selected the stage name when he saw ‘Mitch Ryder’ in the Manhattan telephone directory. Bob Crewe wanted to promote Mitch Ryder as a ‘blue-eyed soul singer’ backed by a ‘horn band,’ like a white Wilson Pickett (1941-2006) (see also best songs 488.) They assembled a ten piece band of white R&B musicians from Baltimore, Maryland, and then toured as ‘The Mitch Ryder Show’ in February 1967. Mitch Ryder was the last person to perform with Otis Redding, (1941-1967) (see also best songs 712 and 377) they performed the song ‘Knock On Wood’ (see also best songs 828) on December 9, 1967, in Cleveland, Ohio, on a local television show called ‘Upbeat.’ Redding died in a plane crash near Madison, Wisconsin the following day,

Mitch Ryder’s participation with the Detroit Wheels came to an end in 1968, and his next venture was forming a ‘Rock’ band called ‘Detroit’ in 1970, releasing one studio Album called ‘Detroit,’ in 1971. Ryder withdrew from music in 1973 after experiencing throat trouble, he moved to Colorado with his wife and took up writing and painting. In 1983, Mitch Ryder returned to a major record label with the John Mellencamp produced Album ‘Never Kick a Sleeping Dog.’ Since then he has continued to record and tour in the United States and Europe. In 2005, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels were inducted into the ‘Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame,’ and in 2009, Mitch Ryder was inducted as a solo artist.

The Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels recording of ‘C.C. Rider’ is a medley of two songs, the other being ‘Jenny Jenny,’ which was originally co-written by Little Richard (1932-2020) (see also best songs 521) and Enotris Johnson, (1935-2015) and recorded by Little Richard in 1957, and making Number 10 on Billboard, and Number 11 in the UK. The term ‘See See Rider’ could refer to a woman who had liberal sexual views, had been married more than once, or was skilled at sex, but there are also several other different meanings (far too many to go into here) of what a ‘C.C. Rider’ was.

‘Yeah, see, C.C. Rider, I said see what you have done now. Oh see, C.C. Rider, ah, come on see baby what you have done. Jenny, Jenny, Jenny, won’t you come along with me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

394-The Alarm-Sixty Eight Guns.

1983-Number 17 single.

Best Bit-At 4.50. Before they changed their name to The Alarm, they were called ‘The Toilets.’ It was a good idea to change the name.

The earliest incarnation of what would eventually become ‘The Alarm’ containing Mike Peters, (alias Eddie Bop) were formed in Rhyl, Wales, United Kingdom, in 1977, calling themselves ‘The Toilets,’ and playing ‘Punk Rock’ music. In 1978, after band member changes they renamed themselves ‘Quasimodo,’ playing covers of ‘The Who’s’ songs, and being joined by guitarist Dave Sharp. Soon after there was another name change, this time to ‘Seventeen,’ where they were joined by this songs co-writer Eddie MacDonald. As ‘Seventeen’ they released one single in 1979 called ‘Don’t Let Go,’ on the ‘Vendetta’ label. In 1981 they once again changed the band name, this time to ‘Alarm Alarm,’ named after one of their earlier songs, but after the legendary Radio 1 DJ John Peel (1939-2004) (see also best songs 728-659-435-409 and 336) commented that with Duran Duran, Talk Talk, and now Alarm Alarm, perhaps he should call himself John Peel John Peel, so the name was shortened to ‘The Alarm.’ In June 1983, the group embarked on their first tour of the United States supporting U2 on their ‘War Tour,’ they would also go on to open for Bob Dylan, and The Police. The Alarm remained together until founding member Mike Peters left to pursue a solo career in 1991. Since 2000 Peters has resurrected the name, sometimes touring and recording as ‘The Alarm MM++’ with differing musicians.

The discography of The Alarm includes 19 studio Albums released between 1984-2021, and 35 singles released between 1981-2021, there are also eight extended plays, (EP’s) five box sets, two soundtrack Albums, eight official compilation Albums, and 29 live Albums available. In the UK, The Alarm have had nine top 40 hit singles, with ‘Sixty Eight Guns’ peaking the highest at Number 17 in 1983, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, their highest chart placing is ‘Rain in the Summertime,’ which made Number 71 in 1987, while ‘Sixty Eight Guns’ stalled at Number 106. They have charted on 11 occasions on the American Billboard ‘Mainstream Rock’ chart, with ‘Sold Me Down the River,’ peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1989.

‘Sixty Eight Guns,’ or ’68 Guns’ as it is written interchangeably on the various releases was the third of four singles released from ‘Declaration,’ the debut studio Album by The Alarm, from February 1984, the song was co-written by Mike Peters, and Eddie MacDonald, with the production being by Alan Shacklock. The four band members who played on the track, and the Album were Mike Peters, Dave Sharp, Eddie MacDonald, and drummer Nigel ‘Twist’ Buckle, who had joined the band when they were known as ‘Seventeen.’ Alan Albert Shacklock, who also played piano on the Album, was born on June 20th, 1950, in Kingsbury, North London, England, he was a founding member of the influential English Rock band Babe Ruth in 1970, whose song ‘The Mexican,’ which he wrote and produced, is considered influential in the early development of ‘Break Dancing,’ and ‘Hip-Hop’ culture.

The lyrics to ‘Sixty Eight Guns’ were written by Mike Peters after reading a book called ‘A Glasgow Gang Observed,’ by the Scottish author Patrick James, first published in 1973, but written in 1968, which is why there are 68 guns in the songs title. The book tells the story of the observations made by a warden of a borstal, he went out on to the streets undercover with an inmate who was let out at weekends, and he was seeing first hand the dangers in gang culture, and the changes in society in 1968. Mike Peters has said, ‘It was about young people at that difficult age where you’re too cool for school, but not wise enough for adult life. So it’s about people like that, like I was once. We hung around on street corners, we started bands, we bought clothes, we identified with each other, and we credit these very bonded groups of individuals. And that’s how the Alarm grew. Sixty Eight Guns is really the description of the feeling that you could make change for yourself, and make your life a better place to be in.’

‘And now they are trying to take my life away, forever young I cannot stay, hey! On every corner I can see them there, they don’t know my name, they don’t know my kind.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

395-Darude-Sandstorm.

2000-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 5.00. With this song Darude became the first ever artist from Finland to have a top 3 hit in the UK singles chart.

Darude is the stage name of ‘Electronic Dance Music’ producer Toni-Ville Henrik Virtanen, who was born on July 17th, 1975, in Eura, Satakunta, Finland. While being the DJ at a friends party, Virtanen played the 1996 song ‘Rude Boy’ by Leila K several times in a row, this earned him the nickname ‘Rude Boy,’ which eventually morphed into ‘Da Rude,’ and then ‘Darude.’ In order to get his music heard he began releasing demos to radio stations beginning in 1997, and offering his music for download on ‘MP3.com,’ making him one of the forerunners of online file sharing for music promotion.

The discography of Darude includes five studio Albums released between 2000-2023, and 18 singles released between 1999-2019, there are also four extended plays (EP’s) available. Darude has also released a multitude of remixes and productions of other artists work between 2000-2019, including a 2000 remix of ‘Played-A-Live (The Bongo Song’) by the Safri Duo (see also best songs 557.) In Finland, on the ‘Official Finnish Charts’ (Finnish: ‘Suomen virallinen lista,’ which is compiled and published by ‘Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland,’ Darude has had seven top 40 hit singles, with four of those tracks reaching the Number 1 position, with ‘Sandstorm’ peaking at Number 3. In the UK, he has had three top 40 charting singles, ‘Sandstorm,’ (1999-Number 3) it’s follow up ‘Feel the Beat,’ (2000-Number 5) and that ones follow up ‘Out of Control (Back for More,’) (2001-Number 13. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, his only charting single is ‘Sandstorm,’ which stalled at Number 83.

‘Sandstorm’ was the first of three singles released from ‘Before the Storm,’ the debut studio Album by Darude, from September 2000, the song which can be filed under ‘Eurodance,’ and ‘Trance,’ and is an instrumental, was written by Darude, with the production being by Darude, and JS16, which is the stage name of Jaakko Sakari Salovaara, who was born on January 13th, 1975, in Finland. Before starting a long working association with Darude, he was best known for producing the Finnish ‘Hip-Hop’ group ‘Bomfunk MC’s,’ whose best known song produced by ‘JS16’ was the 2000 UK Number 2 single ‘Freestyler.’ His first solo release was the 1991 single ‘Hypnosynthesis,’ at the age of 16, hence the number 16 in his ‘stage’ name, he then went on to form his own record label ’16 Inch Records.’ ‘JS16’ has released one solo studio Album, ‘Stomping System,’ in 1998, and 15 singles, 11 as the lead artist, and a further four as a featured artist, between 1991-2020.

‘Sandstorm’ was initially released in Finland in October 1999, and following it’s success, it was released in many other countries in 2000. The song was written by Darude who chose the instrumentals title because the ‘Roland JP-8080’ synthesizer used in the song displays the text ‘sand storm’ on startup. ‘Sandstorm’ went on to become the biggest selling 12 inch single worldwide in the year 2000, and has since gone on to sell in excess of 1 million copies to date. The song can be filed under the genre of ‘Trance’ music. Trance (see also best songs 510) is a genre of ‘Electronic Dance Music,’ it’s roots can be traced back to the late 1980’s, and would develop in the early 1990’s in Germany, before spreading throughout the rest of Europe. It can be described as a melodic offshoot of ‘Techno,’ and ‘House Music.’ Other genres of music that are often incorporated in Trance include Classical music, and Film music.

It is fair to say that ‘Sandstorm’ has continued to grow in popularity over the years. When initially released in 1999 it spent 17 consecutive weeks at Number 1 on the Finnish ‘Dance Music’ chart, which led to it’s release throughout Europe, and the rest of the world. In March 2010, ‘Sandstorm’ was certified Gold in the United States by the ‘Recording Industry Association of America’ for sales of over 500,000 copies. In January 2020, it was certified Platinum for sales over one million worldwide. On the centenary of Finland’s independence in 2017, celebrations in Helsinki included Darude as one of the main performers with his ‘Sandstorm.’ The song has also gained recognition for its usage in live sporting events worldwide, and popularity in internet ‘meme culture.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

396-Flamingos-I Only Have Eyes for You.

1959-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 2.14. One of the most fascinating things about compiling this list is noting the progression in Popular music. The Flamingos were influenced by groups such as The Mills Brothers, (see also best songs 960 and 535) and The Ink Spots, (see also best songs 702 and 266) and in turn The Temptations (see also best songs 1031-1001-777 and 569) have publicly stated the debt they owe the Flamingos.

The Flamingos were formed in Chicago, Illinois, United States in 1953, and are considered one of the most influential vocal groups in ‘Pop,’ and ‘Doo-Wop’ music history. None of the original quintet of Jake Carey, (bass) Zeke Carey, (second tenor) Johnny Carter, (first tenor) Paul Wilson, (baritone) and Earl Lewis are still alive. Tommy Hunt joined the group in 1956, and left to pursue a solo career in 1961, and Terry Johnson joined in 1958 and still tours with three others as The Flamingos to this day, both performed on this song. Tommy Hunt is best remembered in the UK, and particularly by fans of ‘Northern Soul’ music for his 1976 Number 28 single ‘Loving on the Losing Side.’ In total there have been 31 different members of the Flamingos come and go, and at the time of writing they remain active. The discography of the Flamingos includes nine Albums between 1953-1971, and 53 singles between 1953-1976, In America on the Billboard Hot 100, two of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘I Only Have Eyes for You’ peaking the highest at Number 11, while in the UK, their only top 40 chart entry remains ‘The Boogaloo Party,’ which made Number 26 in 1966.

‘I Only Have Eyes for You’ was written by Harry Warren, (1893-1981) who provided the music, and Al Dubin, (1891-1945) who wrote the lyrics. The song was written for the 1934 Warner Bros. musical comedy ‘Dames,’ and was first performed in the film by the actors Dick Powell, (1904-1963) and Ruby Keeler (1909-1993.) There were two popular versions of the song released in 1934, one by Ben Selvin, (1898-1980) with vocals by Howard Phillips, (1899-1992) and the other by Eddy Duchin, (1909-1951) with vocals by Lew Sherwood, (1903-1971) and Jane Froman (1907-1980.) The other significant recording of the song was by Art Garfunkel (see also best songs 529-200-96 and 71) who took his version to Number 1 in the UK for two weeks in 1975. The Flamingos recorded a ‘Doo-Wop’ (see also best songs 499) version of the song for their 1959 Album ‘Flamingo Serenade,’ it was the second of three singles released from the Album, with the production being by George Goldner (1918-1970) (see also best songs 250.)

Harry Warren (see also best songs 775 and 321) was born Salvatore Antonio Guaragna on December 24th, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, he died on September 22nd, 1981, at the age of 87. Warren was a prolific songwriter, he wrote over 800 songs between 1918-1981, and was the first major American songwriter to write primarily for film. Harry Warren was nominated for the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Original Song’ 11 times, and won three Oscars, his songs have been featured in over 300 films. He collaborated with many of the most celebrated lyricists over his six decade career, including Mack Gordon, (1904-1959) (see also best songs 877-775 and 321) Ira Gershwin, (1896-1983) (see also best songs 286 and 231) and Johnny Mercer (1909-1976) (see also best songs 934281 and 45.)

Terry ‘Buzzy’ Johnson who arranged ‘I Only Have Eyes for You’ for the Flamingos has said, ‘I was laying down in my room with the guitar on my chest, playing around with the chords, but no matter what I tried it just didn’t fit. Finally, it was about 12 or one in the morning, and I was so tired that I fell asleep, and in my dream I heard ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’ just the way it came out on our record. I heard the ‘doo-bop sh-bop’ (backing vocals,) I heard the way the harmony would sound, I heard the harmony so clear, and I heard the structure of the chords. As soon as I woke up, I grabbed the guitar off my chest and it was like God put my fingers just where they were supposed to be. I played those chords and I heard the harmonies, and so I called the guys. I woke them all up and I said, ‘Come over to my room right now! I’ve got ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’!’ They were like, ‘Are you crazy? It’s almost four o’clock!’ and I said, ‘I need you all now, otherwise I may not be able to remember.’ So they came to my room, all of them grumbling, and when they heard me do it they looked at me like, ‘What the hell is this?’ They laughed at me: ‘What’s ‘doo-bop sh-bop, goo-bop sh-bop, boo-bop sh-bop, loo-bop sh-bop, shoo-bop sh-bop”?’ You see, although in my dream it was ‘doo-bop sh-bop’, I had everybody doing a different thing, changing things around to make sure no one could really pick out what we were saying.’

‘I don’t know if we’re in a garden, or on a crowded avenue. You are here and so am I, maybe millions of people go by, but they all disappear from view, and I only have eyes for you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

397-Andy Kim-Rock Me Gently.

1974-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 2.23. Nowadays nearly every new song has a remix, but back in 1974 if you got the instrumental on the ‘B’ side, then it was a real treat.

Andy Kim was born Androwis Youakim on December 5th, 1946, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, both of his parents were Lebanese immigrants. He chose to record using the different surname in order to obscure his Lebanese ethnicity. As a teenager Andy Kim moved to New York to pursue a career in music at the world famous ‘Brill Building,’ which was where he first met the legendary song writer Jeff Barry (see also best songs 820-331-262-192 and 127.) Together they wrote ‘Sugar Sugar’ in 1967, which when recorded by the fictional cartoon band ‘The Archies,’ became the best selling single worldwide in 1969, spending four weeks at Number 1 on Billboard in America, and eight weeks at Number 1 in the UK, Kim also sang backing vocals on the track. By 1974 the hits had dried up, and Andy Kim was also without a recording contract, so in an attempt to resurrect his career he formed his own label ‘Ice Records,’ and personally financed the recording of ‘Rock Me Gently.’ After sending promos of the track to various labels, it was ‘Capital Records’ who signed him up. Andy Kim is one of Canada’s most popular and successful musicians. He was inducted into the ‘Canadian Music Hall of Fame’ in 2019, and he was named an ‘Officer of the Order of Canada’ in 2023 ‘OC.’

The discography of Andy Kim includes 10 studio Albums released between 1968-2015, and 28 singles released between 1963-2015, there are also three official compilation Albums available. As well as recording as Andy Kim, his early singles were issued as ‘Andy Kimm.’ He has also released two of his studio Albums, one from 1980, and another from 1984, using the stage name of ‘Baron Longfellow.’ In Canada on the ‘RPM’ singles chart, Andy Kim has had 10 top 40 hits, with ‘Baby, I Love You,’ (1969) and ‘Rock Me Gently, (1974) both reaching Number 1. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, he has had seven top 40 hits, with ‘Rock Me Gently’ peaking the highest at Number 1, while in the UK, ‘Rock Me Gently’ is his only top 40 charting single.

‘Rock Me Gently’ was the first of two singles released from Andy Kim’s self titled fifth studio Album from 1974, the song was written and produced by Andy Kim, and the Album reached Number 21 on the American Billboard 200 Album chart. Some of the top session musicians of the period performed on the track, and it’s parent Album, including Larry Carlton, (see also best songs 356) (guitar) Ed Greene (drums) Max Bennett, (1928-2018) (bass) and Michael Omartian (keyboards.)

Andy Kim moved to New York’s ‘Brill Building’ (see also best songs 740-539 and 331 as a teenager to pursue a career in music. The Brill Building is an office building at 1619 Broadway on 49th Street in the New York City borough of Manhattan, just north of Times Square, and farther uptown from the historic musical ‘Tin Pan Alley’ (see also best songs 669-535-443 and 412) neighbourhood. It was built in 1931 as the Alan E. Lefcourt Building, after the son of its builder Abraham E. Lefcourt, (1876-1932) and designed by Victor Bark Jr. The building is 11 stories high and has approximately 175,000 square feet (16,300 m2) of rent-able area. The ‘Brill’ name comes from Maurice Brill, a haberdasher who operated a store at street level and subsequently bought the building. The Brill Building was purchased by 1619 Broadway Realty LLC in June 2013, and underwent renovation during the 2010’s. A CVS Pharmacy opened on the first two floors of the building in 2019.

During the ‘Big Band’ era (1910’s-1940’s) composers and lyricists who worked at the ‘Brill Building’ included Irving Berlin, (1888-1989) (see also best song 731-457-385 and 100) and Johnny Mercer, (1909-1976) (see also best songs 934-281 and 45) and from the 1950’s onward hundreds of writers and musicians have composed there including Burt Bacharach (1928-2023) and Hal David, (1921-2012) (see also best songs 902-740-832-815-644 and 224) Neil Diamond, (see also best songs 536-426 and 13) and Bob Crewe (1930-2014) (see also best songs 914-863-739-499-393-284-164-112 and 83.)

The American singer/songwriter Carole King (see also best songs 1030-1021 and 98) has described the atmosphere at the ‘Brill Building.’ Every day we squeezed into our respective cubby holes with just enough room for a piano, a bench, and maybe a chair for the lyricist if you were lucky. You’d sit there and write and you could hear someone in the next cubby hole composing a song exactly like yours. The pressure in the Brill Building was really terrific because Donny (Kirshner) (1934-2011) would play one songwriter against another. He’d say, ‘We need a new smash hit,’ and we’d all go back and write a song and the next day we’d each audition for Bobby Vee’s producer.

‘Ain’t it good, ain’t it right, that you are with me here tonight. The music playing, our bodies swayin’ in time.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

398-Isaac Hayes-Shaft.

1971-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 2.40. Isaac Hayes’ utterance of the word ‘damn,’ made this the first Number 1 song on Billboard to include a curse word.

Isaac Hayes (see also best songs 530 and 1) was born Isaac Lee Hayes Jr. on August 20th, 1942, in Covington, Tennessee, United States, he died on August 10th, 2008, at the age of 65, medical examiners listed a recurrence of stroke, (he had a minor one in 2006) as the cause of death. As well as having a prolific musical career, (for the discography of Isaac Hayes see best songs 1) Hayes was also an actor appearing in many films and television series. In 1997 he joined the founding cast of Comedy Central’s animated television series ‘South Park.’ He provided the voice for the character of ‘Chef,’ the amorous elementary-school lunchroom cook, from the show’s debut on August 13, 1997, through until the end of its ninth season in 2006, where he voiced over 136 episodes. A song from the series performed by Chef called ‘Chocolate Salty Balls (P.S. I Love You’) became an international hit in 1999, and reached Number 1 on the UK singles chart. Isaac Hayes had taken a great interest in ‘Scientology’ in 1993, and after the makers of ‘South Park’ had made an episode that satirised ‘Scientology,’ Isaac Hayes felt that he couldn’t work on the show anymore, and asked to be released from his contract with Comedy Central.

‘Theme from Shaft’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Shaft,’ the soundtrack double Album for the 1971 film of the same name, by Isaac Hayes, from July 1971, the song was written and produced by Isaac Hayes, with the rhythm, horn, and string arrangements by Johnny Allen (1917-2914.) Isaac Hayes was asked by Joel Freeman (1922-2018) the producer of the ‘Metro Goldwyn Mayer’ film ‘Shaft’ to write the films soundtrack. Hayes agreed but only on the condition that he could audition for the lead role of ‘John Shaft,’ even after finding out the part had been given to Richard Roundtree, (1942-2023) Hayes kept his end of the deal. The ‘Theme from Shaft’ proved to be a groundbreaking song both musically and culturally. In 1972 the song won the ‘Acadamy Award for Best Original Song,’ with Isaac Hayes becoming the first African/American to win that honour, and in 2014 the Album was added to the ‘National Recording Registry,’ by the ‘Library of Congress’ for being ‘culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.’ With sales in excess of 500,000 in America, the Album is the best selling ever on the ‘Stax’ record label. The film ‘Shaft,’ and it’s soundtrack are also an early example of what was to become known as a ‘Blaxploitation’ film, blaxploitation is the mix of the two words ‘black’ and ‘exploitation, and was coined by the African/American Civil Rights activist Junius Griffin (1925-2009.) Blaxploitation films were initially aimed at the African/American audience, but due to their popularity, soon found favour with audiences across racial and ethnic lines. The films were also the first to feature ‘Funk’ and ‘Soul Music,’ and there are many film soundtracks available. The ‘Theme from Shaft’ is also recognised by many music critics as an early influence on the soon to be coming ‘Disco’ era, with this song cited as one of the very first ‘Disco’ tracks.

The musicians and vocalists who appear on the ‘Shaft’ Album soundtrack include James Alexander, (bass) who was a member of the ‘Bar-Kays, (see also best songs 831 and 1) Charles Pitts, (1947-2012) whose distinctive ‘wah-wah’ guitar style would become very influential in ‘Soul’ and ‘R&B,’ and Willie Hall, (drums) who has played with many of the worlds top artists, and was the drummer on Isaac Hayes’ ‘Hot Buttered Soul’ Album (see also best songs 1.) The three female vocalists on the ‘Theme from Shaft’ are Pat Lewis, (1947-2024) Rose Williams, and Telma Hopkins. Soon after recording this song Hopkins would become a member of the female duo ‘Dawn,’ as part of Tony Orlando’s backing group (see also best songs 886.) It was Hopkins who famously exclaims ‘Shut your mouth’ on the ‘Theme from Shaft.’ Hopkins went on to become an actress on the television shows ‘Bosom Buddies,’ and ‘Family Matters,’ where she was often prompted to say ‘Shut Your Mouth!’ which became a catchphrase for her.

‘You see this cat Shaft is a bad mother, (shut your mouth) but I’m talkin’ about Shaft (then we can dig it.) He’s a complicated man, but no one understands him but his woman (John Shaft.’)

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

399-Conway Brothers-Turn It Up.

1985-Number 11 single.

Best Bit-At 1.22. When I was in my youth, whenever I was called ‘young man’ I would find it very condescending. All these years later, if I was called it now, I would smile from ear to ear.

The Conway Brothers were a ‘Funk,’ and ‘Soul’ group formed in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in 1982, by the four brothers Frederick, (keyboards) Hiawatha, (drums) Huston, (bass) and James Conway (guitar.) The discography of the Conway Brothers includes two studio Albums, ‘Turn It Up!,’ from 1985, and ‘Lady in Red,’ from 1987, they also released five singles between 1982-1987, and there is one official compilation Album that was issued in 1996. Their second and final studio Album ‘Lady in Red’ included the title track, which was their take on the 1986 Chris de Burgh composition. The Album also included their take on a Ohio Players (see also best songs 506) medley of songs, and also their fifth and final single release ‘I Can’t Fight It.’ Their 1996 compilation Album called ‘Dance Club Hits Vol. 1,’ consists of a mixture of tracks from both of their studio Albums. The Conway Brothers never made the American Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, but their final three singles did make the lower reaches of the Billboard ‘Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs’ chart. In the UK, ‘Turn It Up,’ was their only charting song on the top 40, reaching Number 11, although the follow up track, ‘Raise the Roof,’ also from 1985, made Number 77.

‘Turn It Up’ was the third of four singles released from the Conway Brother’s debut studio Album of the same name from 1985, the song was co-written by the Conway Brothers, with the production being by the Conway Brothers and Hudson Beauduy, who is better known by his working name ‘Hot Mix Hudson.’ ‘Turn It Up’ has been described by music critics as retaining the ‘Old School feel of 70’s Disco, while incorporating the more up to date sound (of it’s era) of the mid 1980’s.’ To promote the song the Conway Brothers appeared on the British television music programme ‘Top Of the Pops,’ dancing, and attempting to mime to the song. The legendary DJ John Peel, (1939-2004) (see also best songs 728-659-435-409 and 336) along with his co-host Janice Long, (1955-2021) introduced their performance, which is well worth checking out on ‘YouTube.’

The Conway Brothers were one of the first artists signed to ‘Ichiban Records,’ which was set up in 1985 by the husband and wife team of John Abbey, and Nina Easton. John Ernest Abbey was born on July 8th, 1945, in London, England, in 1966 he founded the magazine initially called ‘Home of the Blues,’ but soon renamed as ‘Blues & Soul.’ Prior to setting up ‘Ichiban Records,’ Abbey had founded ‘Action Records’ in 1968, and ‘Contempo Records’ in 1973. In 1977 John Abbey married his first wife the American singer Tamiko Jones, and in 1978 he set up international tours for musicians, including Curtis Mayfield (1942-1999) (see also best songs 719 and 195) and Clarence Carter. He would later go on to manage the American female vocal group The Three Degrees, and in 2015, he was appointed CEO of ‘Connor Ray Music,’ based in Houston, Texas.

The Conway Brothers are just one of dozens of artists in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list that have recorded in the musical genre of ‘Funk.’ ‘Funk’ is a music genre that originated in African-American communities in the mid-1960’s. The word ‘Funk’ initially referred to, and still refers to a strong odour. It was originally derived from the Latin ‘fumigare,’ which means ‘to smoke,’ via the ‘Old French’ ‘fungiere.’ The term ‘Funk,’ while still linked to body odour, had the positive sense that a musician’s hard-working, honest effort led to sweat, and from their ‘physical exertion’ came an ‘exquisite’ and ‘superlative’ performance. ‘Funk’ de-emphasises melody and chord progressions and focuses on a strong rhythmic groove of a bass-line played by an electric bassist, and a drum part played by a percussionist, often at slower tempos than other popular music. ‘Funk’ typically consists of a complex percussive groove with rhythm instruments playing interlocking grooves that create a ‘hypnotic’ and ‘danceable’ feel. From the early 1970’s onwards, ‘Funk’ has developed various sub-genres. While George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic (see also best songs 612-340-143 and 26) were making a harder variation of ‘Funk,’ bands such as Kool and the Gang, Ohio Players (see also best songs 506) and Earth, Wind and Fire (see also best songs 916 and 462) were making ‘Disco’ influenced ‘Funk’ music. Other key names in the development of ‘Funk’ include James Brown, (1933-2006) (see also best songs 880-349-270 and 88) and Sly Stone (see also best songs 589.) There are several sub-genres of ‘Funk,’ including ‘Funk Rock,’ (see also best songs 977) ‘Electro Funk,’ (see also best songs 716) ‘G Funk,’ (see also best songs 544) and ‘Jazz Funk’ (see also best songs 588.)

‘Came to here to smoke, but the vibe here is a joke, turn it up. We’re doing our best, we have just one request, turn it up. If the steam cook can take it, you better give us some more, got to keep the people on the floor.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

400-Pat Boone-Johnny Will.

1961-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 0.48. I have done some research, and it appears that $10 in 1961 is the equivalent of approximately $105 in 2025.

Patrick Charles Eugene Boone was born on June 1st, 1934, in Jacksonville, Florida, Unites States. He has sold in excess of 49 million records worldwide, and in the late 1950’s, was America’s second best selling artist behind Elvis Presley (1935-1977) (see also best songs 954-664-442 and 194.) Many of his early recordings were cover versions of ‘Rock N’ Roll,’ and ‘R&B’ songs, such as ‘Tutti Frutti,’ and ‘Ain’t That a Shame,’ bringing those genres, and the artists who wrote and recorded the originals to the attention of a much wider audience. Pat Boone also had great success in film and television, and also as a writer. Between October 3rd, 1957, through until June 23rd, 1960, ‘The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom’ ran for 115 episodes, over three seasons on the ‘ABC’ television network. Boone has also appeared in 27 films, between 1955-2017, and as a writer has had 26 books published, many sharing his religious beliefs. According to the American ‘Billboard’ magazine Pat Boone was the only singer that could compete in popularity with Elvis Presley during the 1950’s. Until the 2010’s, he held the record for spending 220 consecutive weeks on the Billboard charts with one or more songs. It has been estimated that over the course of his career, he recorded more than 2,600 official tracks, making him one of the most prolific artists in music history.

The discography of Pat Boone includes 78 studio Albums released between 1956-2015, and 113 singles released between 1953-1984, there are also 78 official compilation Albums, and three soundtrack Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 30 of his singles have reached the top 40, with six of those tracks making the Number 1 position, with ‘Johnny Will’ making Number 35, while in the UK, he has had 26 top 40 hits, with ‘I’ll Be Home,’ from 1956, peaking the highest at Number 1.

‘Johnny Will’ which was the 53rd single released by Pat Boone, was the seventh of eight singles chosen for Pat Boone’s 1962 compilation Album ‘Pat Boone’s Golden Hits Featuring Speedy Gonzales,’ the song was co-written by Fred Tobias, (1928-2021) and Paul Evans, with the production being by Randy Wood (1917-2011.) Fred Tobias was born on March 25th, 1928, in New York City, New York, United States, he died on May 29th, 2021, at the age of 93. His other best known co-writes include ‘Born Too Late,’ by the Poni-Tails, (1958-Billboard Number 7 & UK Number 5) ‘Good Timin,” for Jimmy Jones, (1960-Billboard Number 3 & UK Number 1) and ‘Little Bitty Girl,’ for Bobby Rydell (1960-Billboard Number 19.) The other co-writer of ‘Johnny Will’ was Paul Evans, who was born on March 5th, 1938, in Queens, New York, United States, he is a singer/songwriter, and musician. As ‘Paul Evans and the Curls,’ he charted with the ‘novelty’ song ‘Seven Little Girls Sitting in the Backseat,’ (1959-Billboard Number 9 & UK Number 25) he has also had a further two Billboard top 20 hits. In the UK in 1978, his co-write of ‘Hello,This Is Joannie (The Telephone Answering Machine Song’) with Fred Tobias reached Number 6. Paul Evans’ two most successful co-writes are ‘When,’ for The Kalin Twins, (Billboard Number 5 & UK Number 1) and ‘Roses Are Red (My Love,’) for Bobby Vinton (Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 15.)

‘Johnny Will’ was produced by Randy Wood, who was born Randolph Clay Wood, on March 30th, 1917, in McMinnville, Tennessee, United States, he died on April 9th, 2011, from complications from a fall at his home at the age of 94. In 1945 he opened a store in Tennessee selling electrical appliances and some records. After noticing that many teenagers were seeking ‘R&B’ records, he started a mail order business for hard-to-find records. He began stocking ‘R&B’ records for sale to a white audience, and by 1950, the store had become ‘Randy’s Record Shop.’ He became co-owner of a local radio station, ‘WHIN,’ and in January 1950 set up ‘Dot Records,’ with the Nashville Radio DJ Gene Nobles, (1913-1989) so as to release recordings by musicians who appeared on the station. By 1955 Randy Wood realised that there was a market for ‘R&B songs’ re-recorded by white singers, which would allow them to be played on Pop Music stations catering for a white audience. At the time, many Pop radio stations in the U.S. would not play records by black musicians. Wood signed Pat Boone to ‘Dot Records,’ and had him record cover versions of ‘R&B’ songs. Many music critics criticised the ‘watering down’ of the original versions, but there is no doubt that it helped bring artists such as Little Richard, and Fats Domino even more into the mainstream.

‘I checked and found they’re sellin’ tickets at five bucks each, and all that kinda’ money ain’t within my reach. But if I want to be the guy who is her only thrill, I better take her to the dance next week or Johnny Will.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

401-Velvet Underground-Sweet Jane.

1970-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.16. Lou Reed wrote lots of songs about drugs, and even the odd one about transvestites, but this isn’t one of them.

The Velvet Underground (see also best songs 165) were formed in 1964, in New York City, United States by Lou Reed, (1942-2013) (see also best songs 131 and 58) (vocals, and guitar) John Cale, (see also best songs 219) (bass guitar, and keyboards) Sterling Morrison, (1942-1995) (guitar) and Angus MacLise (1938-1979) (percussion.) Prior to the Velvet Underground performing their first gig in 1965 MacLise quit, stating that the band were selling out, he was replaced by Moe Tucker (drums.) John Cale departed in 1968, and was replaced by Doug Yale, (guitars.) In total there were nine official members come and go between 1964 until the split in 1973. There were reformations in 1990, 1992-1993, and finally in 1996. Although during their years together they achieved little commercial success, since their split they have become recognised as one of popular music’s most influential acts. Music critics now see them as crucial in the development of ‘Alternative Rock,’ ‘Punk Rock,’ and ‘New Wave.’

The discography of The Velvet Underground includes five studio Albums released between 1967-1973, although no original founding members played on the final studio Album release ‘Squeeze’ from 1973, there have also been 19 singles issued between 1966-2009, which includes re-issues of previous singles in differing format. There are also six box sets, 14 official compilation Albums, and six live Albums available.

‘Sweet Jane’ was the last of three singles released from ‘Loaded,’ the fourth studio Album from The Velvet Underground, from November 1970, the song was co-written by Lou Reed, Sterling Morrison, and Doug Yule, with the production credited to Geoff Haslam, Shel Kagan, and The Velvet Underground. Their record label ‘Atlantic Records’ had told the band that they needed hit singles, which is why the Album was called ‘Loaded,’ as in loaded with hits. Although of course because of the groups reputation many thought that ‘Loaded’ was a drugs reference. There was a lot of infighting during the recording of the Album, and Lou Reed left before it was finished. In his absence ‘Sweet Jane’ was edited down for radio play. This angered Reed who said, ‘If I knew they were going to press on with the Album I would have stayed with them and showed them what to do.’ The full version of the song can be heard on The Velvet Underground’s Album ‘Live at Max’s Kansas City,’ recorded in 1969.

Sterling Morrison was born Holmes Sterling Morrison Jr. on August 29th, 1942, in East Meadow, New York, United States, he died on August 30th, 1995, a few months after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, at the age of 53. Morrison was a founding member of The Velvet Underground, and would remain a member until leaving in 1971, unlike his band mates he never released a solo Album or made recordings under his own name. His musical career post The Velvet Underground was primarily limited to informal sessions for personal enjoyment, though he did play in a few bands around Austin, Texas, most notably the ‘Bizarros.’ In 1992 Reed, Cale, Tucker, and Morrison reformed, and then toured Europe in 1993, but by the end of the tour, relationships had soured again, and plans for an American tour were cancelled. In 1994 Morrison joined Maureen Tucker’s band for a tour. Upon their induction into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ in 1996, Reed, Cale and Tucker performed a song titled ‘Last Night I Said Goodbye to My Friend,’ which was dedicated to Sterling Morrison.

The original unedited full length studio version of ‘Sweet Jane’ can be found on The Velvet Underground’s 1995 box set ‘Peel Slowly and See.’ In 1972 the English ‘Glam Rock’ group Mott the Hoople (see also best songs 334) covered ‘Sweet Jane’ for their ‘All the Young Dudes’ Album, which was produced by David Bowie, (1948-2016) (see also best songs 807-440-334-302-209-186-118-47-31 and 5) Lou Reed fully endorsed this cover, and even did a reference vocal to help them out. Another version Reed liked was the one recorded by the American Rock band Brownsville Station on their 1973 Album ‘Yeah!’ ‘Sweet Jane’ is a message, telling the younger generation not to make assumptions that they know everything, maybe the older people (Jack and Jane) were once like them. The song is partly about inter-generational understanding. Just because Jack and Jane have now compromised, and settled for a 9-5 suburban existence, doesn’t mean that they have forgone their thoughts and actions of yesteryear.

‘And everyone who ever had a heart, oh, that would turn around and break it. And anyone who ever played a part, whoa, and wouldn’t turn around and hate it.’