THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

759-Lou Preager and His Orchestra-with vocals by Paul Rich.-Cruising Down the River.

1946-It has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 1.23. In the olden days before Sunday trading laws were relaxed, this is how you would spend your Sunday afternoon.

In the 1930’s, and 1940’s, the real Pop stars were the bandleaders, and they would often hire vocalists, sometimes on long contracts, to work exclusively for them. In 1945 the ‘BBC’ launched a public songwriting competition, as part of the radio show hosted by Lou Preager, (1906-1978) the competition was known as ‘Write a Tune,’ with a winning prize of £1000, the format proved very popular, and was repeated again in 1947, and 1950. The winners in 1945 were two middle aged women called Elly Beadell, (1890-1971) and Nelly Tollerton, Beadell had written the lyrics back in the 1920’s, with the medley composed by the music hall performer Ena Dayne, (1900-1977) but as Dayne could not read music, it was transcribed by Tollerton. Although Dayne was not entitled to royalties as her name was left off the credits, it is said that both Beadell and Tollerton made sure that she was paid her entitlement.

‘Cruising Down the River’ proved a great success, with Lou Preager and His Orchestra, with vocals by Paul Rich, becoming one of the best selling songs in the UK in 1946, with it’s sales of records, and sheet music. In America the most successful versions were recorded by the American orchestra leader ‘Blue Barron,’ (1913-2005) who reached the ‘Billboard magazine Best Seller’ chart on January 21, 1949, and lasted 19 weeks on the chart, peaking at Number 1, and the recording by the American Big Band leader Russ Morgan, (1904-1969) which also reached Number 1, and spent 22 weeks on the chart. ‘Cruising Down the River’ also charted on a further three occasions in 1949 on the ‘Billboard magazine Best Seller’ chart, with Smilin’ Jack Smith, (1913-2006) reaching Number 14, ‘Primo Scala and the Keynotes’ which was the pseudonym of the English Dance Band leader Harry Bidgood, (1898-1957) making Number 27, and the recording by Frankie Carle, (1903-2001) reached Number 28. In 1953 in the American Musical film ‘Cruisin’ Down the River.,’ the song was performed by Dick Haymes (1918-1980) (see also best songs 842.)

Lou Preager was born Louis Jacob Preager, on January 12th, 1906, in Poplar, London, England, from the 1960’s Preager suffered from ill health, and retired from music in 1962, he died on November 14th, 1978, at the age of 72. Lou Preager is best remembered as a Dance Band leader, Disc Jockey, and pianist, with his recordings taking place in the 1930’s, 1940’s, and 1950’s, During the Second World War Preager joined the ‘Intelligence Corps’ in 1941, where his right arm was seriously injured in a motor accident, and he received hospital treatment for eight months, and was then invalided out of the army in 1942. He then formed a 14 piece orchestra to play at the ‘Hammersmith Palais’ in London, where he led the resident band there for 18 years. The band made frequent radio broadcasts, including, from 1942, 96 editions of ‘Music While You Work,’ the band later appeared on television. A number of vocalists sang with the band, including Paul Rich, (1921-2000) and Elisabeth Welch (1904-2003.) During the 1950’s, Lou Preager presented ‘Housewives’ Choice’ on the BBC, and also at that time he was a well-known Disc Jockey. In 1959, his orchestra moved to the Lyceum Ballroom, in London, where he was often seen in the TV programme ‘Come Dancing.’

The version of ‘Cruising Down the River’ I have chosen is the recording by Lou Preager, with the vocals of Paul Rich. Rich was born on August 20th, 1921, in London, England, and died in the year 2000 from a heart attack. In 1941 Rich became a singer and guitarist with the ‘Oscar Rabin Band,’ before joining Lou Preager the following year. Paul Rich remained with Preager through until 1955, when he left to pursue his business interests, which included a chain of retail shops. From 1957, through until 1965 he recorded for Woolworth’s ‘ Embassy Records’ label, and in the 1960’s he became involved in music publishing, becoming the general manager of ‘Carlin Music’ in 1967. Rich retired from music, and his other activities in 1996.

‘Cruising down the river on a Sunday afternoon, with one you love, the sun above waiting for the moon. The old accordion playing a sentimental tune, cruising down the river on a Sunday afternoon.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

760- Fatboy Slim and Riva Starr featuring Beardyman-Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat.

2013-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 1.27. Ground Hog Day.

Fatboy Slim (see also best songs 950-387 and 95) was born Quentin Leo Cook on July 31st, 1963, in Bromley, Kent, England. In the 1980’s he was a member of the ‘Indie Rock’ band the ‘Housemartins, and then in the 1990’s he had a complete change of musical direction, when becoming one of the leading exponents in the then new genre of ‘Big Beat.’ Cook who holds the record for most top 40 chart entries in the UK, under different names, first became ‘Fatboy Slim’ in 1996. As Fatboy Slim, Cook has released four studio Albums between 1996-2004, and 28 singles between 1996-2022, there are also two official compilation Albums, three live Albums, and three remix Albums available. Norman Cook was a member of the Housemartins, where he played bass between 1985–1988, he was then a member of ‘Rockaway Three,’ in 1988, and then ‘Double Trouble,’ between 1988–1990. He found major success with ‘Beats International,’ between 1989–1992, and then charted with fellow ‘Electronic Dance Music’ producer John Reid, as the duo ‘Pizzaman,’ from 1993–1997. Also between 1993-1996 Cook was a member of ‘Freak Power,’ and in 1995 he was part of ‘Fried Funk Food,’ and the ‘Mighty Dub Katz,’ who had the 1995 hit ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ in Europe and Canada, although it didn’t chart in the UK until 1997, when reaching Number 24. Cook has also been a member of ‘The Brighton Port Authority’ since 2008.

‘Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat’ was co-written by Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) Stefano Miele, (Riva Starr) and Darren Foreman, (Beardyman) with the songs production being credited to Fatboy Slim, and Riva Starr. ‘Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat’ was released in October 2013, with both the original version, and the more radio friendly Calvin Harris (see also best songs 652 and 566) mix, both appearing on the same extended play, (EP) the song went on to peak at Number 3 in the UK, giving Fatboy Slim his first top 40 hit in seven years, and his first top 10 record since ‘Star 69’/’Weapon of Choice,’ in 2001.

‘Riva Starr’ was born Stefano Miele, in June 1974, in Naples, Italy, as well as releasing his own music in the ‘Electronic Dance Music’ genre, he also set up and owns the ‘Snatch!’ records label. ‘Beardyman’ was born Darren Alexander Foreman, on May 14th, 1982, in Stanmore, North London, England, he was given the nickname ‘Beardyman,’ when a name was quickly needed for a flyer for an early show, and he had a beard at the time. ‘Beardyman’ is a multivocalist, musician and comedian, and is known for his ‘beatboxing’ skills, and use of live looping. In 2006 Beardyman battled to become ‘UK Beatbox Champion,’ and retained his title in 2007, making him the first ‘beatboxer’ in UK history to win two championships in a row. He was then on the 2008 judging panel. Beardman has released two studio Albums to date, in 2011, and 2014, and four singles as the lead artist, between 2011-2022. As well as appearing with Fatboy Slim on ‘Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat,’ the pair also teamed up again in 2017 for the single ‘Boom F**king Boom,’ which failed to chart.

For ‘Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat,’ it is said that Beardyman recorded his improvised vocals in one take. Fatboy Slim has explained how he was inspired to write the song when in New York.’Me and Riva were out vinyl shopping in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, earlier this year when we met this dude ranting in the street about some three day bender he had been on. We hooked him into our serato and chopped him up into a tune. I just wish we’d caught his full name.’ The music video for ‘Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat,’ features 250 contestants in a marathon dance endurance contest. Fatboy Slim has said of the video,’ I take off my hat and trousers to everyone who competed. It was brutal, it was emotional, and no one died.’

‘So there was this DJ who was like kicking off, I don’t know what he was doing, but it was sick man. Like, he was like hands in the air, and then this cat walked in, you know, not like a cat. Like a feline cat, like a real, like you know. Like you know what I’m saying dog, like cats and dogs. It was raining, it wasn’t raining. We were raving.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

761-Randy Edelman-Concrete and Clay.

1976-Number 11 single.

Best Bit-At 2.21. Randy Edelman has written a colossal amount of original music, and what do I do? I choose a cover version.

Randy Edelman was born on June 10th, 1947, in Paterson, New Jersey, United States, he is best known for his film scores, and he is a Composer, conductor, and also plays the piano. Randy Edelman’s film scores include ‘XXX,’ (2002) ‘Ghostbusters 2,’ (1989) ‘Kindergarten Cop,’ (1990) ‘The Last Mohicans,’ (1992) and many more, he also wrote the theme, and scored many episodes of the American television series ‘MacGyver,’ which ran for seven seasons between 1985-1992. Randy Edelman is also a prolific writer of ‘Pop’ music, and has released 14 Albums between 1972-2011, with many of his songs being covered by some of the worlds top artists. His best known composition that was covered by another artist is probably ‘Weekend in New England,’ which reached Number 10 on the American Billboard Hot 100 in 1976, when recorded by Barry Manilow. Edelman has charted twice on the UK top 40, with ‘Concrete and Clay’ reaching Number 11 in 1976, and ‘Uptown Uptempo Woman,’ making Number 25 in the same year. Randy Edelman has been married to the singer/songwriter Jackie DeShannon since 1976 (see best songs 573.)

Randy Edelman recorded his cover of ‘Concrete and Clay’ for his fifth Album ‘Farewell Fairbanks,’ in 1975, it was the only cover version on the Album. The original version of ‘Concrete and Clay’ was written by Tommy Moeller, and Brian Parker, (1940-2001) who were both members of the British Pop band ‘Unit 4 + 2,’ and gave that group their only UK Number 1 single with the song in 1965, ‘Concrete and Clay’ also charted on Billboard in America, peaking at Number 28. ‘Unit 4 + 2’ were formed in Hertfordshire, England, in 1963, with Moeller, and Parker being two of the original four who formed the group. At first they called themselves ‘Unit 4,’ being inspired by ‘Unit 4,’ which was the fourth and final segment of the BBC Radio show ‘Pick of the Pops,’ which featured the Top 10 singles of that particular week. The quarter were soon joined by Russ Ballard, and Bob Henrit, who first played with the group as session musicians, hence the name change to ‘Unit 4 + 2,’ that pair would both become fully fledged official members in 1967. In total there were 11 different members of ‘Unit 4 + 2,’ through until their split in 1970. ‘Unit 4 + 2’ released two studio Albums, the first in 1965, (‘1st Album’) and the second (‘Unit 4 + 2’) in 1969, they also issued 12 singles between 1964-1969, with their only other UK hit being ‘(You’ve) Never Been in Love Like This Before,’ which reached Number 14 in 1965. In America only ‘Concrete and Clay’ charted.

‘Concrete and Clay’ failed to make great inroads on Billboard in America due to a competing version by the American singer Eddie Rambeau. The legendary music producer Bob Crewe (1930-2014) (see also best songs 914-863-739-499-393-284-164-112 and 83) had heard ‘Concrete and Clay’ while on a trip to the UK, and realising it’s potential got it recorded and released a week before the competing version from ‘Unit 4 + 2’ was issued in the States. Sales were split with ‘Unit 4 + 2’ peaking at Number 28, and Eddie Rambeau reaching Number 35. Other significant versions of the song include the 1986 re-make by Martin Plaza, co-lead singer of the Australian band ‘Mental as Anything,’ whose cover version reached Number 2 in Australia. Also in 1986 a remake by the German synthpop music group ‘Hong Kong Syndikat,’ reached Number 26 in Germany, and also reached Number 12 in France in 1987.

‘Concrete and Clay’ is a love song. The narrator is in love, (probably for the first time) and he is appreciating all of the wonders of nature that surround him. His feelings are so strong that he thinks that even hardened substances such as ‘concrete’ or ‘clay’ will crumble well before the love that he and his partner share.

‘You to me are sweet as roses in the morning, and you to me are soft as summer rain at dawn, in love we share that something rare. The sidewalks in the street, the concrete and the clay beneath my feet begins to crumble.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

762-Them-Here Comes the Night.

1965-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.26. ‘Them’ recorded ‘Here Comes the Night’ first, but their label ‘Decca Records’ chose to release the version by fellow label mate Lulu instead, leaving the band bitterly disappointed. It has been said that when Lulu’s version only reached Number 50, the band had a ‘certain grim satisfaction.’

‘Them’ were formed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1964, by Van Morrison, (lead vocals, saxophone, and harmonica) Alan Henderson, (1944-2017) (bass) Billy Harrison, (guitar) Ronnie Milling, (drums) and Eric Wrixon (1947-2015) (keyboards.) ‘Them’ remained active until 1966, when a split which was partly caused by money problems, led the group members to branch out in different directions, with two of the group forming the ‘Belfast Gypsies.’ In 1979 there was a one off reunion, and group members formed ‘The Belfast Blues Band’ between 1990-2015. In total there have been 26 different members of ‘Them,’ and it’s offshoots. As ‘Them,’ and with Van Morrison as a member, they released two studio Albums ‘The Angry Young Them.’ in 1965, and ‘Them Again,’ in 1966, they also issued 10 singles between 1964-1967, with two of those tracks reaching the UK top 40,’Baby Please Don’t Go,’ (1964-Number 10) and ‘Here Comes the Night’ (1965-Number 2.) While in America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, they also charted twice, with ‘Here Comes the Night’ reaching Number 24, and ‘Mystic Eyes’ making Number 33 in 1965. Although ‘Them,’ who took their stage name from the 1954 science fiction horror film ‘Them,’ were only active in their original form for a short while, they are considered to be one of the most influential acts in the development of ‘Rock Music,’

Van Morrison was born George Ivan Morrison, on August 31st, 1945, in Bloomfield, Belfast, Northern Ireland, he is known affectionately to his fans as ‘Van the Man.’ In 1996 Morrison who has been known as ‘Van’ since primary school, received an ‘OBE,’ and in 2015 he was ‘Knighted’ by the then Prince Charles, for his services to the music industry, and to tourism in Northern Ireland. As a solo artist Van Morrison has at the time of writing released 44 studio Albums between 1967-2023, and 80 singles between 1967-2018, there are also nine official compilation Albums, and seven live Albums available. Van Morrison has always had far more success commercially with his Albums, rather than his singles releases, with 34 of his Albums making the UK top 40, with ‘Magic Time’ from 2005 peaking the highest at Number 3. On Billboard in America, 19 of his Albums have reached the top 40, with ‘Keep Me Singing,’ from 2016, charting the highest at Number 9. In the UK his only two top 40 singles are ‘Whenever God Shines His Light,’ with Cliff Richard, (1989-Number 20) and ‘Gloria’ with John Lee Hooker, (1993-Number 31) while on Billboard in America he has had five top 40 hits, with ‘Domino’ from 1970, peaking the highest at Number 9.

‘Here Comes the Night’ was the third single released by ‘Them’ in March 1965, and can be found on ‘The Angry Young Them,’ the debut studio Album from the band from June 1965. ‘Here Comes the Night’ was written and produced by Bert Berns, who was born Bertrand Russell Berns, on November 8th, 1929, in New York City, United States, Berns, who had a history of cardiac trouble as a result of his heart being damaged from rheumatic fever contracted during childhood, died in his New York apartment of heart failure on December 30, 1967, at the age of 38. Some of the classic songs that he wrote and produced include ‘Twist and Shout,’ ‘Everybody Needs Somebody to Love,’ and ‘Piece of my Heart.’ Bert Berns also produced ‘Blowin’ Your Mind!’ the debut studio Album of Van Morrison in 1967, which included one of Morrison’s signature songs, ‘Brown Eyed Girl.’

‘Here Comes the Night’ tells of the narrator jealously watching his ex lover showing her affection for a new partner. He realises how lonely he now is, and wishes that she was still with him.

‘I could see right out my window walkin’ down the street, my girl with another guy, his arm around her like it used to be with me. Whoa, it makes me want to die, yeah yeah yeah. Well, here it comes, here comes the night.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

763-Simply Red-Fairground.

1995-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.15. After years of waiting to find a Simply Red song that could fill a dance-floor, along came ‘Fairground,’ as long as you could dance ‘Latin American.’

Simply Red were formed in Manchester, England, in 1985, with Mick Hucknall retiring the name in 2010. In 2015 Hucknall once again began working as Simply Red, and at the time of writing they remain active, with Mick Hucknall being the bands one constant. Hucknall started his career in music in 1977 as a member of the ‘Punk’ group ‘The Frantic Elevators.’ After their demise in 1984, Hucknall linked up with Elliot Rashman, who would become his manager, and assembled a band of local musicians to play a brand of ‘Blue-Eyed Soul’ music. The group went under a number of names, initially calling themselves ‘World Service,’ then ‘Red And The Dancing Dead,’ then ‘Just Red,’ after Mick Hucknall’s nickname ‘Red,’ because of his hair colour, but Hucknall decided it would sound better with the addition of the word ‘Simply’ The band’s name is also linked to Hucknall’s allegiance to being a supporter of the English football team Manchester United, as the club’s home shirt colour is red. In total there have been 29 different members come and go, with the saxophonist Ian Kirkham, who joined the group in 1986, being the second longest serving member after Mick Hucknall.

Simply Red have sold in excess of 50 million Albums worldwide, with their 1991 Album ‘Stars’ having sold over 9 million copies, where in the UK it was the best selling Album of 1991, and 1992, and has sold around 3.5 million copies in that country to date. The discography of Simply Red includes 13 studio Albums released between 1985-2023, and 56 singles issued within the same time period, there are also seven official compilation Albums, and five live Albums available. In the UK, 31 of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Fairground’ making the Number 1 spot, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, they have had five top 40 hits, with ‘Holding Back the Years,’ (1986) and ‘”If You Don’t Know Me by Now,’ (1989) both reaching Number 1. Mick Hucknall has also released two Albums, and four singles under his own name, between 2008-2012.

‘Fairground’ was the first of four singles released from ‘Life,’ the fifth studio Album by Simply Red from October 1995, the song was co-written by Mick Hucknall, René ter Horst, Gaston Steenkist, and Sérgio Mendes, with the production credited to Mick Hucknall, and Stewart Levine, who in total has worked on five Simply Red studio Albums to date. ‘Fairground’ heavily samples the 1992 ‘Latin House Music’ song ‘Give It Up,’ (1993-UK Number 5 single) by the ‘Good Men,’ who are the Dutch music producers René ter Horst, and Gaston Steenkist, they in turn had sampled the song ‘Fanfarra (Cabua-le-le,’) a mid 1960’s recording by the Brazilian artist Sérgio Mendes, which is why all three share the writing credits with Mick Hucknall on ‘Fairground.’

In the lyrics of ‘Fairground,’ Mick Hucknall acknowledges ‘The Good Men’s,’ contribution to the song, with the line ‘Let’s make amends like all goodmen should.’ The Good Men have worked under at least 10 different names since forming their partnership in 1991, including as ‘Chocolate Puma,’ and ‘Riva,’ René ter Horst, works under the name ‘DK Zki, and Gaston Steenkist, uses the name ‘Dobre.’ Their biggest hit singles in the UK include ‘I Wanna Be U,’ as ‘Chocolate Puma,’ (2001-Number 5) and ‘Who Do You Love Now?’ with Dannii Minogue, as ‘Riva’ (2001-Number 3.) The duo have also issued one studio Album to date, ‘Father in the Bathroom’ in 1994.

‘Fairground’ which is the best selling single by Simply Red in the UK, with sales of just short of 800,000, is a song about missing that someone special. The narrator is having a good time with his friends, but wants to let that person know that he is thinking of them, and can’t wait until they meet again.’

‘Driving down an endless road, taking friends or moving alone, pleasure at the fairground on the way. It’s always friends that feel so good, let’s make amends like all good men should, pleasure at the fairground on the way.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

764-Stereophonics-Local Boy in the Photograph.

1997-Number 51 single. When it was re-issued later that year it peaked at Number 14.

Best Bit-At 1.28. Stereophonics are a Welsh band from the village of Cwmaman, as far as I am aware they are ‘the only band in the village.’

The Stereophonics (see also best songs 38) were formed in Cwmaman, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, in 1992, by Kelly Jones, (lead vocals, lead guitar, and keyboards) Stuart Cable, (1970-2010) (drums) and Richard Jones, who was not related to Kelly Jones (bass guitar.) Kelly Jones and Stuart Cable had lived on the same street as children, and had also played in other local groups together previous to forming the Stereophonics, while Richard Jones had also grown up in Cwmaman. Prior to becoming ‘Stereophonics’ the trio called themselves the ‘Tragic Love Company,’ a name inspired by their favourite bands, the ‘Tragically Hip,’ ‘Mother Love Bone,’ and ‘Bad Company.’ In 1996 they signed with the ‘V2’ record label, who insisted on a name change before they would allow them to release any music. The name ‘Stereophonics’ was chosen after Stuart Cable read the manufacturer name of a gramophone, ‘Falcon Stereophonic,’ the trio decided on ‘The Stereophonics,’ which was soon shortened to just ‘Stereophonics.’

In 2003 Stuart Cable was sacked by the Stereophonics, with the official statement saying that ‘he had other commitments he wanted to pursue,’ but there were also personal problems. Cable had been spending less time with the band, having been given his own television chat show ‘Cable TV,’ with ‘BBC Wales,’ and the other band members felt that he was spending too much time on his new media career at the expense of rehearsals. Cable was also going through a divorce, and in his autobiography he stated that ‘he had been a hard drinker and drug user, particularly whisky and cocaine.’ On June 7th, 2010, he was found dead at his home. On the previous two days he had began drinking, and the coroners report concluded that he had choked to death on his own vomit in his sleep, he was 40 years old. In 2004 Cable had been replaced in the band by Javier Weyler on drums, and he remained a member until 2012, when Jamie Morrison took over. Adam Zindani joined the band as a guitarist in 2007, and at the time of writing the group remain active as a quartet.

The lyrics to ‘Local Boy in the Photograph’ were written by Kelly Jones, with the music credited to all three band members at that time, with the production being by the New Zealand music producers Steve Bush, and Marshall Bird, that duo would also go on to produce the Stereophonics second studio Album ‘Performance and Cocktails,’ in 1999. ‘Local Boy in the Photograph’ was released in March 1997 as the second of five singles from the Stereophonics debut studio Album ‘Word Gets Around,’ from August 1997, and after only reaching Number 51, it was re-released in August 1997, and this time reached Number 14 in early 1998. All of the lyrics to all 12 tracks on ‘Word Gets Around’ were written by Kelly Jones about everyday life in Cwmaman, the band’s hometown. The deluxe, and super-deluxe editions of the Album were released in October 2010, with the name of the Album being taken from lyrics in the album’s last song, ‘Billy Davey’s Daughter.’

‘Local Boy in the Photograph’ originated from a newspaper article about a boy from Flint in North Wales, who committed suicide by jumping in front of a train. Kelly Jones who had known the boy has said,’I used to play county football, and there was a kid that used to play right back. I got to know him pretty well, he was a good looking kid who had it all. A few years later we found out he jumped in front of a train. There was a picture of him in the local paper, it was a picture of him smoking a joint, actually. That’s the picture they used, and he was the local boy in the photograph. I’d never known anybody our age to do that, to end his life. It was more about celebrating his life than his death, really, about the kid sitting on the bench drinking, with the imagery of the seasons and the clock going back, and I think that descriptive writing is what people would stop and listen to.’ Kelly Jones has also said,’When I wrote ‘Local Boy In The Photograph’ sitting on my bedroom floor when I was 18 years old, I didn’t imagine I’d have 50,000 people singing it back to me.’

‘A pebble beach, we’re underneath a pier, just been painted red, where I hear the news for the first time. And all the friends lay down the flowers, sit on the banks and drink for hours. Talk of the way they saw him last, local boy in the photograph. He’ll always be twenty three, yet the train runs on and on.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

765-The Stylistics-You Make Me Feel Brand New.

1974-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.56. Buy one, get one free. The only hit of The Stylistics to feature two lead vocalists, the magical falsetto of Russell Thompkins Jr., and a rare outing for the baritone of Airrion Love.

The Stylistics were formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, in 1968 by the coming together of two local bands,’The Percussions,’ from where came James Dunn, and Herb Murrell, and ‘The Monarchs,’ from where came Russell Thompkins Jr., James Smith, and Airrion Love. At the time of writing The Stylistics remain active as a quartet, with only Airrion Love, and Herb Murrell remaining from the original line up. In total there have been 10 different members come and go over the years.

The Stylistics released their debut single ‘You’re a Big Girl Now’ in 1970, on the ‘Sebring’ record label, and after it had become a regional hit, it was picked up by ‘Avco Records,’ who signed The Stylistics to their first major contract. ‘Avco Records’ then approached the already proven music producer Thom Bell (see also best songs 183) to work with the group, initially Bell was not impressed, but agreed to produce the group, as he strongly believed in the potential of The Stylistics lead singer Russell Thomkins Jr. Thom Bell, along with his working partner Linda Creed, (1948-1996) (see also best songs 183) wrote many of the early Stylistics hits including ‘Betcha by Golly Wow,’ (1972) and ‘Rockin’ Roll Baby’ (1973.) Thom Bell parted with The Stylistics in 1974, and when ‘Avco Records’ transitioned in to ‘H&L Records’ The Stylistics the began working alongside Van McCoy, (1940-1979) (see also best songs 690) and that labels founders and songwriters Hugo Peretti, (1916-1986) and Luigi Creatore (1921-2015) (see also best songs 194.) With declining sales The Stylistics moved to the ‘Philadelphia International Records’ subsidiary label, ‘TSOP Records’ in 1980, where they were briefly re-untied with Thom Bell. This was soon followed by the departure of both James Dunn, and James Smith, and the recruiting of a new member Raymond Johnson, who stayed with the group until 1985. Russell Thompkins Jr. remained with the group until 2000, and then released a solo Album in 2002, before starting a new group ‘Russell Thompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics,’ in 2004, who at the time of writing still tour, in competition with The Stylistics.

The discography of The Stylistics includes 23 studio Albums released between 1971-2008, and 50 singles issued between 1971-1992, there are also 11 official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 10 of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’ peaking the highest at Number 2, while in the UK they have charted within the top 40 on 16 occasions, with ‘Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love’) reaching Number 1 in 1975.

‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’ was co-written by Thom Bell, (music) and Linda Creed, (lyrics) with the production being by Bell. The song had first appeared on The Stylistics third studio Album ‘Rockin’ Roll Baby,’ from November 1973, but later after being released as a single, and becoming a major hit, it also appeared on The Stylistics fourth studio Album ‘Let’s Put It All Together,’ from May 1974. Linda Creed was born on December 6th, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, she died of breast cancer on April 10th, 1986, at the age of 37. As well as co-writing many of the early hits of The Stylistics, Linda Creed is best remembered for co-writing with Michael Masser, (1941-2015) (see also best songs 900) the song ‘The Greatest Love of All,’ for the 1977 film ‘The Greatest,’ which is a biopic of the boxer Muhammad Ali. The song was originally recorded by George Benson in 1977, and most notably covered by Whitney Houston in 1985. Linda Creed wrote the lyrics while struggling with breast cancer, and the words describe her feelings about coping with the great challenges that one must face in life.

The lyrics for ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’ were also written from a personal point of view by Linda Creed. She wrote the words at the same time as she had just become engaged to be married, she has said,’I was engaged and giddy with love. I was so happy while I was writing that song. Each line I was jumping up and down saying ‘I love it.”

‘Only you cared when I needed a friend, believed in me through thick and thin. This song is for you, filled with gratitude and love. God bless you, you make me feel brand new.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

766-U2-I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.

1987-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 2.33. On an episode of the American talk show ‘Late Night with Conan O’Brien,’ U2 took part in the ‘Celebrity Secrets’ portion of the show, where they joked that at one time the band were in a grocery store, and could not find the cereal ‘Boo Berry,’ and that was the inspiration for this song.

‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ was the second of five singles released from ‘The Joshua Tree,’ which was the fifth studio Album release by U2, from March 1987. The lyrics to ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ are credited to Bono, with the music being credited to all four band members. The production was by Daniel Lanois, (see also best songs 320 and 190) and Brian Eno, (see also best songs 302-190-118-109 and 57) with them both also producing the parent Album ‘The Joshua Tree,’ and both also provided backing vocals on ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.’

Bono was born Paul David Hewson, on May 10th, 1960, in Dublin, Ireland, he was one of the founding members of U2 (see also best songs 320-190 and 84) in 1976. Away from music Bono is an activist for social justice causes, both through U2, and as an individual. He is particularly active in campaigning to fight extreme poverty, and ‘HIV/AIDS’ in Africa, for which he co-founded ‘DATA EDUN,’ the ‘ONE Campaign,’ and ‘Product Red.’ Bono has been recognised, and honoured for his charitable works, In 2005, he was named one of the ‘Time Persons of the Year.’ He was granted an honorary knighthood by Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in 2007 for ‘his services to the music industry, and for his humanitarian work,’ and was made a ‘Commandeur of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ (Order of Arts and Letters) in 2013.

Bono who is the lead vocalist, and the main songwriter with U2, on all of their 15 studio Albums that have been released between 1980-2023, has been known by his nickname ‘Bono’ since the age of 14 or 15. As a teenager many of his friends gave each other nicknames, Bono had several names, at first, he was known as ‘Steinhegvanhuysenolegbangbangbang,’ then just ‘Huyseman,’ followed by Houseman,’ ‘Bon Murray,’ ‘Bono Vox of O’Connell Street,’ and finally just ‘Bono.’ ‘Bono Vox’ is an alteration of ‘Bonavox,’ which was the name of a hearing aid shop in Dublin. The name derives from the Latin phrase for ‘good voice,’ The nickname was given to him by his childhood friend Derek Rowan, who would go on to become the famous Irish artist, painter, and sculptor, ‘Guggi.’ Bono initially disliked the name, but after learning of its translation, he accepted it, and in addition to it being his stage name, his close family, friends, and fellow band members, also refer to him as Bono.

‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ gave U2 the second of their two Billboard Number 1 singles in America. One of the songs co-producers Daniel Lanois has said,’I’ve always liked Gospel music, and I encouraged Bono to take it to that place … It was a very non-U2 thing to do at the time, to go up the street of Gospel. I think it opened a door for them, to experiment with that territory. Bono is singing at the top of his range, and there is something very compelling about somebody pushing themselves. It’s like hearing Aretha Franklin almost. It jumps on you, and you can’t help but feel the feeling.’

For the ‘Joshua Tree’ Album, U2 wanted to explore various forms of American music. Bono had been listening to Gospel music from such artists as The Staple Singers, and ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ was to be U2’s ‘Gospel’ song. In an interview with ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine Bono said that the song was ‘An anthem of doubt, more than faith,’ It was ‘The Edge’ (David Evans) who came up with the songs title, he said that it was influenced from a line in the Bob Dylan song ‘Idiot Wind,’ (1975) ‘You’ll find out when you reach the top, you’re on the bottom.’ The lyrics to ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ are open to interpretation, they may be about a search for love, but more than likely they are about a search for spiritual enlightenment. In my own personal opinion Bono wants to believe that there is a God 100%, but he can only get 99% of the way there. He knows that 100% ‘Faith’ without any proof is not logical.

‘I believe in the Kingdom Come, then all the colours will bleed into one, bleed into one, but yes, I’m still running. You broke the bonds, and you loosed the chains, carried the cross of my shame, of my shame, you know I believe it.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

767-Louis Armstrong-What a Wonderful World.

1968-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.17. I always thought Teresa Green was a real person, until I read the lyrics.

Louis Daniel Armstrong (see also best songs 1039-286-231 and 100) was born on August 4th, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, he died of a heart attack in his sleep on July 6th, 1971, at the age of 69. Louis Armstrong, who was nicknamed ‘Satchmo,’ ‘Satch,’ and ‘Pops,’ was a trumpeter, and vocalist, and is best remembered as one of the most influential people in the genre of ‘Jazz’ music. The origin of his nickname ‘Satchmo’ is uncertain, but one of the stories goes that it was short for ‘Satchelmouth.’ The tale is that as a young boy in New Orleans, Armstrong would dance for pennies. He scooped the coins off the street and stuck them into his mouth to prevent bigger children from stealing them. Someone dubbed him ‘satchel mouth’ for his mouth acting as a satchel. The nickname ‘Pops’ came from Armstrong’s own tendency to forget people’s names, and simply call them ‘Pops’ instead. You can hear Armstrong referring to himself as ‘Pops’ during this songs spoken intro.

The discography of Louis Armstrong includes at least 46 singles released between 1923-1968, and at least 35 Albums issued in his lifetime, between 1944-1968. Since his death there have been 20 official posthumous releases between 1979-2021. He released his first recordings ‘Froggie Moore’/’Chimes Blues’ in 1923, and his final Album, which includes ‘What a Wonderful World,’ on ‘Louis Armstrong and His Friends’ in 1970. In the UK he has had eight top 40 hit singles, with the double ‘A’ sided ‘What a Wonderful World,’ and ‘Cabaret,’ reaching the Number 1 spot in 1968.

‘What a Wonderful World’ was co-written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss, with the production credited to Thiele. Bob Theile was born on July 27th, 1922, in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York, United States, he died of kidney failure on January 30th, 1996, at the age of 73. Bob Thiele is best remembered for working as a producer on numerous classic Jazz Albums, and collaborating with many of the all time greats of the genre, including Duke Ellington, (1899-1974) (see also best songs 1039) and Gill Scott Heron (1949-2011) (see also best songs 181.) George David Weiss (see also best songs 194) was born on April 9th, 1921, in New York City, United States, he died on August 23rd, 2010, of natural causes, at the age of 89. He was a songwriter, and arranger, who collaborated on three Broadway musicals, and some of the songs he co-wrote include ‘Lullaby of Broadway,’ ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight,’ (he co-wrote the re-written lyrics) and ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love,’ which became a Billboard and UK Number 1 single for Elvis Presley in 1961.

George David Weiss said that he wrote ‘What a Wonderful World’ specifically for Louis Armstrong, as he was inspired by Armstrong’s ability to bring together people of different races. Louis Armstrong was performing at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, so he chose to record the song nearby at Bill Porter’s (1931-2010) ‘United Recording’ studio following the show at 2.0.am. Armstrong had recently signed to ‘ABC Records,’ and the labels president Larry Newton (1920-2005) who was also present for the recording was very disappointed to hear Armstrong recording a ballad as he wanted him to record a ‘swingy pop’ song like ‘Hello Dolly,’ which had been a Billboard Number 1 for Armstrong in 1964, when he was signed to the ‘Kapp’ record label. Newton was so angered that he tried to stop the session, and was eventually removed and locked out of the studio for his disruption. Following this Newton refused to promote the song in America, which saw it fail to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1988 following the songs use in the American war comedy ‘Good Morning, Vietnam,’ the song finally charted on Billboard, peaking at Number 32.

In the UK ‘What a Wonderful World’ became the best selling song of 1968, and making Louis Armstrong at that time, the oldest ever solo male artist at 66 years old, to have a Number 1 single. In 2007 the recorded duet between Katie Melua, and Eva Cassidy (1963-1996) of ‘What a Wonderful World,’ which was released in aid of the ‘British Red Cross’ charity, saw the track return to Number 1 for a second time.

The colours of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky, are also on the faces of the people passing by. I see friends shaking hands, saying, how do you do? What they’re really saying is I love you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

768- John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John-Summer Nights.

1978-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 3.19. As they said in Gavin and Stacey,’It’s not a proper wedding disco until we’ve done the ‘Grease Megamix.”

‘Summer Nights’ was co-written by the American actor, composer, and lyricist Jim Jacobs, and the American theatre, composer, lyricist, writer and actor Warren Casey, (1935-1988) who together also wrote the original Grease Musical, which was first performed in Chicago, United States, in 1971. The musical was named after the 1950’s United States working class youth subculture, known as ‘Greasers.’ The musical is set in 1959, at the fictional ‘Rydel High School, which the writers had named after the American Rock N’ Roll teen idol Bobby Rydel, (1942-2022) and follows the lives of 10 working class teenagers.

In 1978 the musical was made in to a movie, with some of the original songs dropped, and others being commissioned for the film. The two main characters in the movie are John Travolta, (see also best songs 882-211 and 35) who played the male lead role of Danny Zuko, and Olivia Newton-John, (1948-2022) who played the leading female part of Sandy Ollson. The main story line of Grease is the relationship between Danny and Sandy, who had first met in the summer of 1958 at the beach, and fallen in love. At the end of summer Sandy was meant to be going back to Australia, and the two thought that they might never meet again. Sandy’s parents have a change of mind, and she enrols at Rydel High School, both unaware of each others presence, as this is the school that Danny also attends.

‘Summer Nights’ was co-written by Jim Jacobs, and Warren Casey, with the production being by the American songwriter, musical arranger, and producer Louis St. Louis (1942-2021.) The song was track 2 of the 24 songs that appeared on ‘Grease: The Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture,’ which was released in April 1978. With sales of just short of 30 million copies sold worldwide, the Album is at the time of writing the 33rd best selling Album of all time. ‘Summer Nights’ was the fourth of six singles released from the Album, and reached Number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, but it was in the UK where it found it’s greatest success, spending seven weeks at Number 1, and becoming the third best selling song of 1978 in that country, and going on to be the seventh best selling song in the UK in the 1970’s. ‘You’re the One That I Want,’ which was the other duet on the soundtrack between John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, and had been released as the second single, had spent nine weeks at Number 1, before being dislodged by ‘Summer Nights,’ which completed an unbroken run of 16 weeks at Number 1 for the duo. In the film ‘Grease,’ ‘Summer Nights’ is performed as two separate dance sequences interjected, to show both parties at the same time, as Danny and Sandy recount events of their romance to their respective groups, ‘The T Birds,’ and ‘The Pink Ladies.’ Both versions of events differ greatly, with Sandy’s telling of the romance of their relationship, while Danny’s version is more sexual.

In 1991 ‘Summer Nights,’ along with ‘You’re the One That I Want,’ and a third track from the soundtrack Album, ‘Greased Lightnin,” which was performed solely by John Travolta, were remixed by the English music producers Phil Harding, and Ian Curnow, for ‘PWL,’ by the request of ‘Polydor Records,’ in order to make a ‘new song’ called the ‘Grease Megamix.’ This new track was created to promote the film ‘Grease,’ on it’s first release onto home video. The ‘Grease Megamix’ proved very successful, bringing the original film to the attention of a whole new generation, when reaching Number 3 on the UK top 40, as well as reaching Number 1 in Australia, and Spain, and going top 10 in many other countries. The ‘Grease Megamix’ was never issued as a single in America, making it ineligible for the Billboard Hot 100 chart at that time.

‘She swam by me, she got cramp. He went by me, got my suit damp. I saved her life, he nearly drowned, he showed off splashin’ around.’