THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

593-The Sisters of Mercy-Lucretia My Reflection.

1988-Number 20 single.

Best Bit-At 1.28. To have a song written about you must be wonderful, but perhaps not so wonderful when you are being compared to Lucrezia Borgia.

The Sisters of Mercy were formed in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, in 1980, by Andrew Eldritch, who at that time was studying Mandarin Chinese at the ‘University of Leeds,’ and his associate Gary Marx, in order to initially ‘satisfy their desire to hear themselves on the radio.’ Their stage name was influenced by the Robert Aitman (1925-2006) 1971 American Western film ‘McCabe & Mrs Miller,’ which featured the 1967 Leonard Cohen (1934-2016) song ‘Sisters of Mercy.’ In total 21 different members have come and gone, with Andrew Eldritch being the groups one constant, they split briefly between 1985-1986, but then reformed with different members, and at the time of writing they remain active. There have been some very famous names who have been past members of The Sisters of Mercy, including Tony James, who before joining the group in 1989, and staying until 1991, had been a member of the English ‘Punk Rock’ band ‘Generation X,’ and the British ‘New Wave’ band ‘ Sigue Sigue Sputnik’ (see also best songs 163.) Another ex member was Wayne Hussey, who was with the group between 1983-1985, then leaving to go on to form the English ‘Gothic Rock’ group ‘The Mission (see also best songs 1051 and 984.)

Since a dispute with their record label ‘EastWest Records’ in 1993, The Sisters of Mercy have not officially released any new music, and have been only a touring group since then, with Andrew Eldritch reasoning that he can make more money on the road than in the studio. They have continued to make new music since 1993, and premier it while on stage. The discography of The Sisters of Mercy includes three studio Albums released between 1985-1990, and 16 singles released between 1980-1993, there are also two official compilation Albums, and one box set available. In the UK, seven of their singles have reached the top 40, with their 1992 re-make of their 1983 track ‘Temple of Love (1992’) featuring the Israeli singer Ofra Haza, (1957-2000) (see also best songs 856) peaking the highest at Number 3 in 1992. The Sisters of Mercy have never had a single chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in America, although their 1990 track ‘More,’ did reach Number 1 on the Billboard ‘Modern Rock Tracks,’ chart, which is now known as the ‘Alternative Airplay’ chart.

Andrew Eldritch was born Andrew William Harvey Taylor, on May 15th, 1959, in Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, he is known for his bass-baritone vocal style, and pale and thin look, and in his earlier days, ‘shock of black hair.’ The Sisters of Mercy are regarded as a major influence on the musical genre of ‘Gothic Rock,’ with Eldritch earning the honorific title ‘The Godfather of Goth,’ but Eldritch laughs that off, insisting that The Sisters of Mercy are no part of the ‘Goth’ scene. Eldritch has said, ‘It’s disappointing that so many people have in all seriousness adopted just one of our many one-week-of-stupid-clothes benders. I’m constantly confronted by representatives of popular culture who are far more Goth than we, yet I have only to wear black socks to be stigmatised as the demon overlord.’ When first forming The Sisters of Mercy, Andrew Eldritch played the drums, but he later began to use a drum machine, freeing him up to focus on his vocal performance. Eldritch lovingly called his drum machine, which was initially a ‘BOSS DR-55,’ ‘Doktor Avalanche,’ and although he has used several different makes of drum machines over the years, they are all called ‘Doktor Avalanche,’ and the drum machine is looked upon as a band member.

‘Lucretia My Reflection’ was the last of three singles released from The Sisters of Mercy’s second studio Album ‘Floodland,’ from November 1987, the song was written by Andrew Eldritch, and produced by Eldritch, and Larry Alexander. The title of the song refers to Lucrezia Borgia, (1480-1519) of the prominent Borgia family, of the Italian Renaissance, who were notorious for their ruthless political tactics, and alleged crimes. Andrew Eldritch wrote the song for his fellow band mate, and bass player, the American born Patricia Morrison, of whom Eldritch said, ‘She always strikes me as a Lucretia type person,’ In 1996, Morrison, who was then a member of the ‘Punk Rock’ group ‘The Damned,’ (see also best songs 273) married their lead singer David Vanian. The lyrics to ‘Lucretia My Reflection,’ include the line,’once a railroad, now it’s done,’ this is a reference to the 1932 song ‘Brother, Can You Spare A Dime,’ (see also best songs 259) which is a song about the disastrous effect the ‘Great Depression’ had on the American way of life. The lyrics to ‘Lucretia My Reflection,’ also concern the fall of an empire, war, and the consequent destruction of other aspects of life.

I hear the roar of a big machine, two worlds and in between. Hot metal and methedrine, I hear empire down. We got the empire, now as then, we don’t doubt, we don’t take reflection. Lucretia, my direction, dance the ghost with me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

594-Kurtis Blow-The Breaks.

1980-Number 47 single.

Best Bit At 1.26. There is no cussing on this ‘Old School Rap,’ so you can let your granny listen to it.

Kurtis Blow was born Kurtis Walker on August 9th, 1959, in New York City, United States, he is a Rapper, songwriter, music producer, DJ, actor, and he became an ordained minister in 2009, founding ‘The Hip-Hop Church,’ in Harlem. New York. In 1979 at the age of 20, he became the first Rapper to be signed to a major record label, ‘Mercury Records.’ Kurtis Blow has produced, or collaborated with other ‘Hip-Hop’ artists, including Wyclef Jean, The Fat Boys, and Run DMC, (see also best songs 305 and 113) DJ Run (Joseph Simmons) actually started his career being billed as ‘The Son of Kurtis Blow.’

The discography of Kurtis Blow includes seven studio Albums released between 1980-1988, and 28 singles released between 1979-1999, there are also five extended plays, two collaborative Albums, with the group ‘The Trinity,’ and one with the group ‘Urban Gypsys available, as well as 11 official compilation Albums, and one live Album. He has never had an Album, or single chart on the mainstream American Billboard top 40 charts, but has had several entries on the Billboard ‘Dance Club Songs’ chart, and the Billboard ‘Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs’ chart, with ‘The Breaks’ peaking at Number 9 and Number 4 on those respective charts. In the UK, Kurtis Blow has had two top 40 entries, with his debut single ‘Christmas Rappin,” making Number 30 in 1979, and ‘If I Ruled the World reaching Number 24 in 1985.

‘The Breaks’ was the first of three singles released from Kurtis Blow’s self titled debut Album from September 1980, and was co-written by Kurtis Blow, Robert Ford Jr., (1949-2020) James B. Moore, Russell Simmons, and Larry Smith, (1952-2014) with the production being by J.B. Moore, and Robert Ford Jr. Robert Ford Jr. was born on June 30th, 1949, in New York City, United States, he died on May 19th, 2020, at the age of 70. It was while working as a journalist for Billboard magazine in 1978 that Ford wrote the first article about ‘Hip-Hop’ to appear in any major publication. He left Billboard a year later to become a record producer, and songwriter, going on to co-write, and co-produce many of Kurtis Blow’s songs. It was Ford and J.B. Moore who co-wrote ‘Christmas Rappin” in 1979, offering it to Kurtis Blow, and through it’s success, leading to Kurtis Blow signing with ‘Mercury Records,’ on which he released all seven of his solo studio Albums. It was also in 1979 that Robert Ford Jr. first met Joseph Simmons, (DJ Run) who then introduced him to his older brother Russell Simmons. Ford began taking Russell Simmons to music industry events, and encouraged him to become a record producer, and he also encouraged Kurtis Blow to hire Russell Simmons as his manager. Russell Simmons would go on to co-found ‘ Def Jam Recordings’ with Rick Ruben in 1984.

Kurtis Blow wanted to make a tribute song for all of the ‘Break Dancers’ who lived in and around the South Bronx, and Harlem in the early 1970’s. He took his idea for the song to J.B. Moore, and Robert Ford Jr. who suggested expanding the concept of other implied meanings for ‘breaks,’ such as the good, or bad breaks in life. In 1980 there were no radio stations playing ‘Rap,’ or ‘Hip-Hop’ music, so radio play was minimal. Kurtis Blow has spoken about how the song came to the attention of the general public,’There was no real marketing for the song, no plan. We just wanted to make a kick-ass record, and that’s exactly what we did. The clubs ate it up. You couldn’t find a club in America during the summer of 1980 that would not play this song around 12, 1 o’clock in the morning.’

Kurtis Blow performed ‘The Breaks’ on the legendary American music show ‘Soul Train,’ whose host and creator Don Cornelius (1936-2012) told the Rapper after his performance,’It doesn’t make sense to old guys like me… I don’t understand why they love it so much.’ Cornelius was expressing how many of his generation felt about the emergence of ‘Hip-Hop.’

‘Clap your hands, everybody, if you got what it takes, ’cause I’m Kurtis Blow and I want you to know that these are the breaks. Brakes on a bus, brakes on a car, breaks to make you a superstar.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

595-The Cranberries-Zombie.

1994-Number 14 single.

Best Bit-At 0.14. In April 2020 The Cranberries became the first Irish band to surpass one billion views on You Tube, with this song.

The Cranberries were formed in Limerick, Ireland, in 1989, by Mike Hogan, (bass) his brother Noel Hogan, (guitar, and mandolin) Fergal Lawler, (drums) and Niall Quinn, (lead vocals, and guitar) in 1990 Quinn left the group, and was replaced by Dolores O’Riordan (1971-2018) (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards, mandolin.) The Cranberries who were known as ‘The Cranberry Saw Us’ until 1990, and have made music in the genres of ‘Alternative Rock,’ ‘Indie Rock,’ ‘Pop Rock,’ ‘Jangle Pop,’ ‘Post-Punk,’ and ‘Dream Pop,’ were active between 1989-2002, then were on hiatus, until getting back together in 2009, and remaining active until 2019, when the group was retired.

The Cranberries who have sold in excess of 50 million records worldwide, released eight studio Albums between 1993-2019, and 23 singles between 1992-2013, there are also seven official compilation Albums, seven extended plays, and three live Albums available. In Ireland on the ‘Irish Recorded Music Association’ (IRMA) Album chart, all of their studio Albums have reached the top 20, with their debut ‘Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?’ from 1993 making the Number 1 spot. On the Irish singles chart, 11 of their singles have reached the top 40, with both ‘Linger,’ (1993) and ‘Zombie,’ (1994) peaking the highest at Number 3. In the UK, they have had nine top 40 hits, with both ‘Salvation,’ (1996) and ‘Promises.’ (1999) charting the highest at Number 13, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, three of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Linger,’ (1993) peaking the highest at Number 8. In America ‘Zombie’ has never been issued as a single, with the thinking being that it would make more people buy the Album, but it did reach Number 1 on the ‘Billboard Alternative Airplay’ chart, which was then called the ‘Billboard Modern Rock Tracks’ chart.

Dolores O’Riordan was born Dolores Mary Eileen O’Riordan, on September 6th, 1971, in Ballybricken, County Limerick, Ireland, she died on January 15th, 2018, as a result of accidental drowning in a bath following sedation by alcohol intoxication. at the age of 46. Dolores O’Riordan had suffered with depression for many years, and in 2015 was diagnosed with ‘Bipolar Disorder.’ In the months following her death she was named ‘The Top Female Artist of All Time,’ on ‘Billboard’s Alternative Songs’ chart. After her death she received many tributes, including one by Philip Merrill of ‘The Recording Academy,’ in California, who wrote that she was ‘A gifted songwriter and vocalist, whose ballads helped define Alternative Pop in the 1990’s.’ He went on to write that ‘She was credited for her innovative style, embodied by her measured vocal power, her honest, vulnerable songwriting, reinforced by her Irish accent, thus helping the Cranberries to rise into worldwide stardom.’

‘Zombie’ was the first of four singles released from The Cranberries second studio Album ‘No Need to Argue,’ from October 1994, the song was written by Dolores O’Riordan, and produced by Stephen Street (see also best songs 940-256 and 21.) ‘Zombie’ is a protest song, inspired by the ‘IRA’ (Irish Republican Party) bombing in Warrington, England, on March 20th, 1993, when two children, Johnathan Ball, who was three years old, and Tim Parry, who was 12 years old, both lost their lives, when two devices hidden in litter bins were detonated. Dolores O’Riordan had previously been on a tour bus in London, and had heard a bomb going off close by, and this, along with her Irish heritage, inspired her to write the song.

Musically ‘Zombie’ was a departure from The Cranberries previous output, as the band had been known for a more mellow sound, but Dolores O’Riordan wanted to get her point across with a ‘harder’ sound, hence the elements of ‘Grunge,’ which was very popular at the time.

The ‘IRA’ were a militant group, that were determined to remove British troops from Northern Ireland. On August 31st, 1994, just a few weeks after ‘Zombie’ was released, the ‘IRA’ declared a ceasefire after 25 years of conflict.

‘It’s the same old theme, since nineteen-sixteen. In your head, in your head, they’re still fightin’. With their tanks, and their bombs, and their bombs and their guns. In your head, in your head, they are dyin’. In your head, in your head, zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

596-Muddy Waters-Hoochie Coochie Man.

1954-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.01. I could tell you what a ‘Hoochie Coochie’ is, but it’s probably best you don’t know, but I’ll tell you anyway.

‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ was written by Willie Dixon, who was born William James Dixon, on July 1st, 1915, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, United States, he died on January 29th, 1992, primarily as a result of long term diabetes, at the age of 76. Willie Dixon is recognised as an important link between the ‘Blues,’ and ‘Rock and Roll,’ which in turn would then lead on to the era of ‘Rock Music.’ In the late 1950’s he worked alongside ‘Blues,’ and ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ legends, including Chuck Berry, (1926-2017) (see also best songs 548-308 and 30) Bo Diddley, (1928-2008) (see also best songs 381) Muddy Waters, (1913-1983) and Little Walter, (1930-1968) at the ‘Chess Record’ label, where he would become that labels primary songwriter, eventually going on to write or co-write, in excess of 500 songs during his career. Many of Willie Dixon’s songs have become ‘Blues’ standards, and have been covered by artists in the ‘Rock’ era. His song ‘Little Red Rooster,’ was covered by the Rolling Stones in 1964, and reached Number 1 in the UK. Other famous songs written by Willie Dixon include, ‘I Just Want to Make Love to You, (1954) and ‘You Can’t Judge a Book by the Cover’ (1962.) His song ‘You Need Love,’ (1962) was a big inspiration for Led Zeppelin, on their 1969 track ‘Whole Lotta Love’ (see also best songs 135.) The discography of Willie Dixon includes 22 official Albums released between 1959-2008.

Muddy Waters was born McKinley Morganfield, in Issaquena County, Mississippi, United States, there is a debate about his actual date of birth, but it was probably April 4th, 1913, he died on April 30th, 1983, from heart failure, at the age of 70. His mother died shortly after his birth, and he was brought up by his grandmother Della Grant, who gave him his nickname ‘Muddy’ at an early age, because he loved to play in muddy waters, ‘Waters’ was added years later. Like Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters is considered to be a pivotal figure in the post World War II ‘Blues Music’ scene, being called the ‘Father of modern Chicago Blues.’ His influence can be heard in the music of some of the biggest names of the 1960’s, including the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck (1944-2023.) The discography of Muddy Waters includes 13 studio Albums released between 1960-1981, he has also appeared on a further 17 Albums as an accompanist, that have been issued between 1961-2007, there are also in excess of 25 official compilation Albums, and in excess of nine live Albums available. Muddy Waters released 62 singles between 1941-1977, and has also appeared as an accompanist on a further 20, between 1948-1958.

According to the music writer and critic Michael John ‘Cub’ Koda, (1948-2000) of the American monthly popular culture magazine ‘Rolling Stone,’ ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ has ‘The most recognisable blues lick in the world.’ ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ is a ‘Chicago Blues’ song written by Willie Dixon, and first recorded by Muddy Waters in 1954, with the production being by Leonard Chess (1917-1969.) The lyrics deal with superstitions, and mysticism, that has been passed on down through the generations, with the narrator telling us that even before he was born, that a ‘Gypsy woman told my momma,’ that he was ‘Gonna make those pretty women jump and shout.’ The term ‘Hoochie Coochie’ was first used in the mid to late 1800’s, to describe several provocative ‘belly dances.’ In America, specifically in African/American culture, a ‘Hoochie Coochie’ refers to the genitals of a drunken woman, the phrase is derived from the term ‘Hooch,’ which is a slang word for alcohol, while ‘Coochie,’ is a slang word for a woman’s genitals.

‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ can be filed under the musical genre of ‘Chicago Blues,’ which is a form of ‘Blues’ music that developed in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the 1950’s. ‘Chicago Blues’ is based on traditional ‘Blues’ such as ‘Delta Blues,’ which had originated in the early part of the 20th Century in the Mississipi Delta, but the key feature that distinguish ‘Chicago Blues’ from the earlier traditions, is the prominent use of electrified instruments, especially the electric guitar, and especially the use of electronic effects, such as distortion and overdrive. ‘Chicago Blues’ has proved to be one of the most significant influences on early Rock Music.

‘On the seventh hour, of the seventh day, on the seventh month, the seventh doctor said, he’s born for good luck, and I know you see. Got seven hundred dollars, and don’t you mess with me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

597-Shirley & Company-Shame, Shame, Shame.

1975-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 0.38. There’s absolutely no shame whatsoever in lovin’ 70’s Disco.

Shirley & Company were an act put together by Sylvia Robinson, (1935-2011) to record the 1974 Album ‘Shame, Shame, Shame.’ The act consisted of six studio musicians, and two singers who would promote the songs in the media. One of the singers was Shirley Goodman, who was born Shirley Mae Goodman, on June 19th, 1936, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, she died on July 5th, 2005, having suffered a stroke in 1994, at the age of 69. Shirley Goodman had initially found success in the 1950’s as part of the duo ‘Shirley and Lee,’ with Leonard Lee, (1935-1976) together they released two studio Albums, and eight singles between 1952-1961, achieving two top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in America in 1956. Shirley was also a studio backing vocalist for other artists, and can be heard on The Rolling Stones 1972 Album ‘Exile on Main Street.’ The other vocalist on ‘Shame, Shame, Shame’ is Jason Alvarez, who was born Jesús Álvarez, on December 28th, 1951, in Havana, Cuba. Since 1981 he has been a solo artist, releasing 10 Albums in the ‘Christian R&B,’ and ‘Jesus Music’ genres, he became an ordained minister in 1982. The saxophone solo on the track was played by the American ‘Soul Jazz, ‘Swing,’ and ‘R&B’ tenor saxophonist, Seldon Powell (1928-1997.)

‘Shame, Shame, Shame’ was the first of three singles released from Shirley & Company’s only studio Album of the same name, from 1975. In America, and also in the UK, ‘Shame, Shame, Shame’ would prove to be their only charting single, although another track from the Album ‘Disco Shirley,’ made Number 12 in the Netherlands, and Number 27 in Belgium. ‘Shame, Shame, Shame’ is considered to be a defining song from the earlier part of the ‘Disco’ era, and is notable for it’s prominent use of the ‘Bo Diddley beat,’ (see also best songs 381.) The song was a worldwide hit, reaching Number 1 in Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and West Germany, as well as charting in South Africa, (Number 3) and Australia (Number 16.)

‘Shame, Shame, Shame’ was written and produced by the legendary Sylvia Robinson, (see also best songs 523-466-290-87 and 17) who was born Sylvia Vanderpool, on May 29th, 1935, in Harlem, New York, United States, she died on September 29th, 2011, due to congestive heart failure, at the age of 76. There is a debate about who actually wrote ‘Shame, Shame, Shame’, as both Sylvia Robinson, and the American Soul singer Donnie Elbert (1936-1989) both claimed authorship. This led to Donnie Elbert leaving the ‘All Platinum’ record label, co-founded by Sylvia Robinson, and Robinson being credited as the songs sole writer. Sylvia Robinson is a very important figure in popular music, particularly in the development of ‘Hip-Hop.’ and she is known as the ‘Mother of Hip-Hop.’ She first found success as half of the duo ‘Micky & Sylvia,’ who had the 1956 Billboard Number 11 hit single with ‘Love Is Strange.’ In 1973 she had a solo hit single with ‘Pillow Talk,’ a song she had also written. She had initially offered the song to Al Green, (see also best songs 347) but he turned it down, saying that it’s suggestive lyrics went against his religious beliefs. The ‘orgasmic gasps’ and moaning on the track predate Donna Summer’s ‘Love to Love You Baby’ (see also best songs 78) by two years. Sylvia Robinson released five solo studio Albums between 1973-1977, and at least 22 singles between 1951-1982, as either ‘Little Sylvia,’ Sylvia Robbins,’ or ‘Sylvia, there is also one official compilation Album, issued in 1996. Her only charting single as a solo artist is ‘Pillow Talk,’ which reached Number 3 on Billboard, and Number 14 in the UK. With Mickey Baker, (1925-2012) as ‘Mickey & Sylvia,’ there were seven Albums issued between 1957-1997, and 26 singles released between 1954-1965.

Sylvia Robinson has also been part of consortium’s that have set up record labels. In 1967 she helped form ‘All Platinum’ records, (see also best songs 466) and in 1979, she was part of the team responsible for the founding of ‘Sugar Hill Records.’ Two of ‘Hip-Hop’s’ most important songs ‘Rappers Delight,’ by The Sugar Hill Gang, (see also best songs 17) and ‘The Message,’ by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, (see also best songs 290) probably would not have happened without her influence.

‘Don’t stop the motion, if you get the notion. You can’t stop the groove, ’cause you just won’t move. Got my sunroof down, got my diamonds in the back, put on your shaky wig woman, if you don’t I ain’t comin’ back. Shame shame shame, hey, shame on you, if you can’t dance too.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

598-Proclaimers-I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)

1988-Number 11 single.

Best Bit-At 1.34. To ‘haver’ is to talk foolishly. Some American radio stations initially banned the song, thinking that to ‘haver’ was something rude.

The Proclaimers are the duo Craig Reid, and Charlie Reid, they are twin brothers, who were born on March 5th, 1962, in Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland, their music has been described as ‘Alternative Folk,’ ‘Celtic Rock,’ ‘Post Rock,’ and ‘Rhythm and Blues.’ The brothers have been officially active since 1983, starting out as an acoustic duo, before recruiting a backing band, and becoming more ‘Rock’ orientated, their sound is recognisable by their strong Scottish accents, which they intentionally play up. Craig Reid has said,’It was a conscious thing, because we were singing about where we live, our experiences, and it just felt stupid to sing in an English or American accent.’ Craig Reid has acknowledged 1970’s ‘Punk Rock’ as a major influence, citing the Clash, the Jam, the Damned and the Sex Pistols as inspirational.

The discography of the Proclaimers, who have sold in excess of five million records worldwide, includes, 11 studio Albums released between 1987-2022, and 25 singles that have been released between 1987-2019, there are also six official compilation Albums available. On the Scottish Album chart, two of their Albums have reached Number 1, while on the UK Album chart, their second release ‘Sunshine on Leith,’ is their most successful, reaching Number 6 in 1988. On the UK top 40 singles chart, the Proclaimers have had six chart entries, with the 2007 re-make of (‘I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles,’ featuring Brian Potter, and Andy Pipkin, making the Number 1 spot. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, they are recognised as ‘one hit wonders,’ as ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles’) remains their only chart entry to date. In 1993 (five years after it had been a hit in the UK) ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles’) was chosen for the American romantic comedy ‘Benny & Joon,’ starring Johnny Depp, and due to this exposure the song became a hit, peaking at Number 3.

‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles’) was the first of four singles released from the Proclaimers second studio Album ‘Sunshine on Leith,’ from August 1988, the song was co-written by Charlie Reid, and Craig Reid, with the production being by Pete Wingfield, who also produced the Album. Pete Wingfield (see also best songs 104) was born William Peter Wingfield, on May 7th, 1948, in Liphook, Hampshire, England, he is a music producer, songwriter, a vocalist, and plays the keyboards. In the 1970’s, he was a specialist in ‘Soul Music,’ and regularly contributed articles and reviews to the monthly journals, he also was a member of the British Soul band ‘Olympic Runners.’ Pete Wingfield is perhaps best remembered for his 1975 UK Number 7 & Billboard Number 15 hit single ‘Eighteen with a Bullet,’ which in 1998 featured on the soundtrack to the British black comedy crime film, ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.’ As a music producer Pete Wingfield produced the debut Albums for Dexys Midnight Runners, (‘Searching for the Young Soul Rebels,’ 1980) and the Kane Gang (‘Bad and Lowdown World of the Kane Gang,’ 1985.)

In 2007 the Proclaimers re-recorded ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles,’) with the slight change of title to ‘(I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles,’ along with the British comedians Peter Kay, and Matt Lucas, for that years charity ‘Comic Relief’ single, it went to Number 1 in the UK, and ended as the eighth best selling single of the year. The popularity of the song led to a renewed interest in the original, and it re-entered the UK top 40 at Number 37. The Proclaimers become the first act in over 20 years to chart simultaneously with two different recordings of the same song on the UK chart. The last artist to achieve this was the Scottish singer Lulu, who in the last week of July 1986 had both her original 1964 recording of ‘Shout’ (see also best songs 508) in the Top 75, alongside a brand new ’86’ version.

Craig Reid and Charlie Reid wrote the bulk of ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles,’) while they were sitting in a flat in Edinburgh waiting for a lift to a gig in Aberdeen. Craig Reid has recalled, ‘I can remember sitting at the piano, and the chords just came to me. I reckon I just wrote the whole thing in 45 minutes. I knew that it was a good song, maybe even a single, but I had no idea how popular it would become.’

‘But I would walk five hundred miles, and I would walk five hundred more, just to be the man who walks a thousand miles, to fall down at your door.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

599-Beatles-Eleanor Rigby.

1966-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.17. It appears that when Eleanor Rigby was alive nobody had heard of her, but now she’s dead, she’s very well known.

‘Eleanor Rigby’ was released in August 1966 as a double ‘A’ sided single, with ‘Yellow Submarine’, both tracks were taken from the Beatles (see also best songs 599-456-319-238-141-80-51-10 and 6) seventh studio Album ‘Revolver.’ although the song is credited to Lennon/McCartney, (as the majority of Beatles songs were) this one was mainly McCartney. None of the Beatles played an instrument on the song, with McCartney providing lead, and harmony vocals, and Lennon, (see also best songs 927-473-218-168 and 20) and Harrison, (see also best songs 737 and 726) both providing harmony as well. It was a classical string ensemble of studio musicians comprising four violins, and two cellos, that played the music, which was arranged and produced by George Martin (1926-2016.) McCartney (see also best songs 646-107) has stated that he came up with the name ‘Eleanor’ from the actress Eleanor Bron who had starred with the Beatles in the 1965 film ‘Help.’ He has said that ‘Rigby’ came from a shop in Bristol called ‘Rigby & Evens Ltd, Wine & Spirit Shippers,’ which he had seen while on a visit to see his girlfriend of that time Jane Asher. However it has been pointed out that the graveyard of St Peter’s Church in Liverpool, which is in walking distance of the Woolton Village garden fete, where McCartney and Lennon first met on the afternoon of July 6th, 1957, contains the gravestone of an individual called Eleanor Rigby. Another of the gravestones there has the word ‘McKenzie’ written on it. McCartney’s explanation for this is that he must have subconsciously remembered the headstone, as he insists that he made the name up.

The song ‘Eleanor Rigby’ has caused controversy in religious circles. After Eleanor Rigby is buried, we learn that ‘no one was saved.’ this could indicate that her soul did not elevate to heaven as promised by the church. This could also be seen as a swipe at Christianity, and the concept of being saved by Jesus. ‘Eleanor Rigby’ was released in August 1966, just weeks after the furor over John Lennon’s remarks, ‘Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn’t argue about that; I’m right, and I will be proved right. We’re more popular than Jesus now.’

‘Eleanor Rigby’ tells the story of two lonely people, the churchgoing woman Eleanor Rigby, and the pastor Father McKenzie, whose sermons no one will hear. In the third verse Eleanor dies, and only Father McKenzie is present at the funeral to bury her. McCartney said, ’When I was really little, I lived on a housing estate, there were lots of old ladies, and I enjoyed sitting around with these older ladies because they had these great stories, in this case about World War II. One in particular I used to visit, and I’d go shopping with her, you know, she couldn’t get out, so I figured in my mind, of a sort of lonely old lady.’

‘Eleanor Rigby’ was released as a double ‘A’ sided single along with ‘Yellow Submarine,’ these were the only tracks issued as singles from the Beatles seventh studio Album ‘Revolver,’ from August 1966. The songs writing is credited to ‘Lennon/McCartney,’ with the production being by George Martin, who was born George Henry Martin on January 3rd, 1926, in Highbury, London, England, he died on March 8th, 2016, from complications associated with stomach cancer, at the age of 90. ‘Sir George Henry Martin CBE’ who was commonly referred to as the ‘Fifth Beatle,’ because of his extensive involvement in each of the Beatles’ original Albums, has been described as the ‘World’s most famous record producer,’ he was Knighted in 1996, in recognition of his services to the music industry and popular culture. George Martin has produced 30 UK Number 1 singles, and 23 American Billboard Number 1 singles. He produced his first UK Number 1 single in 1961, which was ‘You’re Driving Me Crazy,’ for ‘The Temperance Seven.’ Other highlights away from the Beatles, include his production of ‘Anyone Who Had a Heart,’ for the British singer Cilla Black, (1943-2015) which went on to become the best selling single in the UK by a female British artist in the 1960’s. In the 1980’s George Martin produced both ‘Ebony and Ivory,’ for Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder, (1982-UK & Billboard Number 1 ) and ‘Say Say Say,’ for Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson (1983-UK Number 2 & Billboard Number 1.) In 1997 he produced ‘Candle in the Wind 1997,’ for Elton John, (UK & Billboard Number 1) which is the second highest selling physical single of all time, behind Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas,’ (see also best songs 457) from 1942, and is the highest selling single since charts began in the 1950’s.

‘Eleanor Rigby died in the church, and was buried along with her name, nobody came. Father McKenzie wiping the dirt from his hands, as he walks from the grave, no one was saved.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

600-Jim Capaldi-It’s All Up to You.

1974-Number 27 single.

Best Bit-At 0.21. Just man up, and tell what’s she’s missing, for goodness sake.

Jim Capaldi was born Nicola James Capaldi, on August 2nd, 1944, in Evesham, Worcestershire, England, he died on January 28th, 2005, of stomach cancer, at the age of 60. His father whose career was as a music teacher, was of Italian descent, and was also called Nicola, and it was his father who introduced the young Jim Capaldi to music, studying the piano, and voice coaching, and by the age of 14, he was also an accomplished player of the drums.

Jim Capaldi’s first major breakthrough occurred in 1967 when forming the ‘Psychedelic Rock’ band ‘Traffic’ with Steve Winwood, Chris Wood (1944-1983,) and Dave Mason, in Birmingham, England. Capaldi, and Mason had both previously played together in the bands the ‘Hellions,’ and ‘Deep Feeling,’ while Winwood had been the lead singer of ‘The Spencer Davis Group’ from the age of 14.The other founding member Chris Wood had been a member of a Birmingham band called ‘Locomotive. ‘Traffic’ were active on and off between 1969-2004, with alternating group members. Jim Capaldi was the drummer in Traffic, and it was also he who named the band, coming up with the name while the four group members were waiting to cross the street in Dorchester.

With ‘Traffic,’ Jim Capaldi released eight studio Albums between 1967-1994, and 13 singles within the same time period, there are also nine official compilation Albums, and three live Albums available. In the UK, five of their studio Albums have reached the top 40, with their self titled second Album from 1968, peaking the highest at Number 9, while all of their first four singles reached the UK top 40, with ‘Hole in My Shoe,’ from 1967, charting the highest at Number 2. In America on Billboard, seven of their studio Albums have made the top 40, with ‘John Barleycorn Must Die,’ from 1970, peaking the highest at Number 5, while they have had no top 40 entries on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

It was while still a member of ‘Traffic,’ that Jim Capaldi launched his solo career, to run concurrently with being a member of Traffic, who would later spend the years of 1975-2003 on hiatus. Jim Capaldi released 13 solo studio Albums between 1972-2004, and 27 singles between 1972-2001, there are also four official compilation Albums available. In the UK, two of his singles have made the top 40, with ‘It’s All Up to You,’ reaching Number 27 in 1974, and his cover version of ‘Love Hurts,’ which had first been recorded by the ‘Everly Brothers’ in 1960, making Number 4 in 1975. His only chart entry on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart was his 1983 song ‘That’s Love,’ which reached Number 28.

Following Jim Capaldi’s death a tribute concert took place in January 2007, at the ‘Roundhouse,’ in Camden Town, London, England, with the proceeds going to the ‘Jubilee Action Street Children’s Appeal.’ Artists who took part included Pete Townshend, Paul Weller, Steve Winwood, and Gary Moore (1952-2011.) A recording of the concert was released as a double CD set the same year.

‘It’s All Up to You’ was the first of three singles issued from ‘Short Cut Draw Blood,’ the third solo studio Album from Jim Capaldi, from December 1975. The song was written and produced by Jim Capaldi, who also provided the vocals, drums, and percussion on the track. The other artists who performed on ‘It’s All Up to You’ were Jess Roden, (guitar) John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick, (piano, and clavinet) Phil Chen, (1946-2021) (bass) and Harry Robinson, (1932-1996) who did the sting arrangements. ‘It’s All Up to You’ tells the story of someone who is besotted by another, but that other has no idea. The narrator tells us of how much he loves this person, and how he would do anything to make them happy, but he hasn’t told them his feelings, possibly frightened of having his heart broken.

‘Everyday I watched you walkin’, walkin’ by my window pane. From the first time that I saw you, baby, I knew I’d never be the same. I wanna give you my lovin’, could you ever love me too? But you never seem to notice me, or what I’m goin’ through.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

601-Kid Cudi vs. Crookers-Day ‘n’ Nite.

2009-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.14. This is one of a handful of songs in this countdown that has been chosen because of it’s remix.

Kid Cudi was born Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, on January 30th, 1984, in Cleveland, Ohio, United States, he is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and an actor. He first caught the attention of the public when publishing the original version of ‘Day ‘n’ Nite’ on his ‘MySpace’ page, the song became popular on line, leading to Kid Cudi teaming up with the music producers Plain Pat and Emile Haynie, to record his first full-length project, a mixtape titled ‘A Kid Named Cudi,’ in 2008. This in turn led to him coming to the attention of the American Rapper Kanye West, (see also best songs 1049-849-636-477 and 267) who signed him to his ‘Good Music’ record label later that year. Kid Cudi has also had an acting career running concurrently with his music career, having appeared in 23 films between 2010-2023. He has also acted in several television series, including ‘One Tree Hill,’ (2010) and ‘Westworld’ (2020.)

The discography of Kid Cudi includes 10 studio Albums released between 2009-2024, and 32 singles released between 2008-2023, there is also one official compilation Album, one box set, and one mixtape available. In America on Billboard, five of his Albums have reached the Billboard 200 Album chart top five, while as the lead artist, five of his singles have reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, with ‘The Scotts,’ with ‘Travis Scott as The Scotts,’ making Number 1 in 2020, and ‘Day ‘n’ Nite’ peaking at Number 3. He has also charted on a further six occasions as a featured or guest artist. In the UK, Kid Cudi has charted twice on the top 40 singles chart as the lead artist, with ‘Day ‘n’ Nite,’ and ‘The Scotts,’ (Number 11-2020) he has also charted a further five times as either the featured artist, or as a guest artist, with both ‘Memories,’ by David Guetta, featuring Kid Cudi, and ‘All of the Lights,’ by Kanye West, featuring Rihanna, Kid Cudi, and Fergie, both making Number 15 in 2010.

‘Day ‘n’ Nite’ was co-written by Kid Kudi, and the American music producer Oladipo Omishore, who is better known by his working name ‘Dot da Genius,’ the pair also co-produced the track. ‘Day ‘n’ Nite’ first appeared on Kid Kudi’s ‘MySpace’ page in 2007, and then in 2008 on his mixtape ‘ A Kid Named Cudi.’ The song was next issued as the debut single from his debut studio Album ‘Man on the Moon: The End of Day,’ from September 2009, it was the first of three singles released from the Album.

The original version of ‘Day ‘n’ Nite’ is a ‘Hip-Hop’ track. In March 2008 the Italian production duo of Francesco ‘Phra’ Barbaglia, and Andrea ‘Bot’ Fratangelo, who worked together until 2012 as the ‘Crookers,’ remixed the track, and first publishing it as a free download, before releasing it commercially in the United States in August 2008. The Crookers remix of the song is very different from the original, and can be filed under the genre of ‘Electro House.’ On first hearing the Crookers remix, Kid Cudi said that he ‘Immediately loved it,’ adding, ‘I thought they did an amazing job. I didn’t think it was going to be as ill as it was. Before I heard it I thought, ‘Ah, it’s ‘Techno’ so it’s going to be cheesy,’ but it came out really ill.’

Kid Cudi is known for wearing his heart on his sleeve musically, often ‘Rapping’ about his own personal feelings, and this is very much the case on ‘Day ‘n’ Nite.’ He has stated that when he wrote the song he was not in a great place emotionally, ‘I was going through a lot of stuff at the time in my life, and so I felt like I needed to write those things down just to get them off my chest. I wasn’t really thinking about making a hit record or anything like that, I was just making the song to get my feelings out.’ In 2004 Kid Cudi had moved from his Cleveland hometown to New York City, where he stayed with his uncle, Kalil Madi, until he was kicked by him. ‘We were actually beefing because he forced me out the house when I didn’t have another situation set up, so I was bitter.’ Kid Kudi’s uncle passed away in 2006, and he wrote this song inspired by his feelings of regret at not patching up differences before his death. ‘I never apologised for it, and that kills me,’ he has said.

‘Day and night I toss and turn, I keep stressing my mind, mind. I look for peace, but see I don’t attain, what I need, for keeps this silly game we play, play.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

602-Neil Young and Crazy Horse-My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue)

1979-It has never been released a single ‘A’ side in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.54. A line from this song, ‘It’s better to burn out than to fade away,’ were some of the words written by Kurt Cobain (1967-1994) in his suicide note.

Neil Percival Young (see also best songs 559) was born on November 12th, 1945, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, his often distorted electric guitar playing, especially with the American Rock band Crazy Horse, earned him the nickname ‘Godfather of Grunge,’ leading to him becoming a major influence on bands such as Nirvana, (see also best songs 788 and 9) and Pearl Jam, (see also best songs 458.) The extensive discography of Neil Young includes 46 studio Albums released between 1968-2024, and 62 singles released between 1969-2023, there are also three official compilation Albums, and 12 live Albums available. His most successful single release is the 1971 track ‘Heart of Gold,’ which reached Number 1 in both Canada, and on the Billboard Hot 100 in America, as well as peaking at Number 10 in the UK. Prior to his solo career he had been a member of the American Rock band ‘Buffalo Springfield,’ (see also best songs 559) between 1966-1968, appearing on all three of their studio Albums. He was also a member of the ‘supergroup’ ‘Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, (see also best songs 417) from 1969 onwards, appearing on three Albums as part of that quartet, there is also an Album attributed to ‘The Stills-Young Band,’ from 1976, called ‘Long May You Run.’

‘My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue’) is the first track on ‘Rust Never Sleeps,’ the 10th Album by Neil Young from June 1979, and featuring the American Rock band ‘Crazy Horse.’ The song was written by Neil Young, and Jeff Blackburn, (1945-2023) and produced by Young, David Briggs, (1944-1995) and Tim Mulligan. Jeff Blackburn receives songwriting credits mainly for providing the line, ‘It’s better to burn out than to fade away,’ which had first been used in a song by the short-lived American Rock group ‘The Ducks,’ (1977) which had featured both Young and Blackburn in it’s line up. The Album ‘Rust Never Sleeps’ was recorded live at different concert venues in America between 1976-1978, and overdubbed in the studio in order to remove as much crowd noise as possible. The Album which features both studio and live tracks opens with this song ‘My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue,’) which is an acoustic track, while the final song on side 2 of the Album is an electric version of the track called ‘Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black.’) Neil Young’s often distorted electric guitar playing, of which the electric version is a fine example, earned him the nickname ‘Godfather of Grunge.’

Neil Young wrote ‘My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue’) at a time when he thought his music might not be relevant anymore. His idol Elvis Presley (1935-1977) (see also best songs 954-64-442 and 194) had recently died, and ‘Punk Music’ was the new ‘Rock ‘N Roll.’ The song deal with the fleeting nature of fame, and how hard it is to stay relevant as an artist. The lyrics allude to three specific artists, ‘The king is gone but he’s not forgotten, is a reference to Elvis Presley. The line ‘Rock and roll is here to stay,’ is the title of the 1958 Billboard Number 19 hit for the American ‘Doo-Wop,’ and ‘Rock and Roll’ vocal group Danny & the Juniors, (see also best songs 973) where in that song they proclaim ‘Rock ‘n roll is here to stay, it will never die,’ and the line ‘This is the story of a Johnny Rotten,’ is Neil Young recognising that the next generation of artists were taking his place. Johnny Rotten was the lead singer of the Sex Pistols, (see also best songs 576-92 and 27) who at that time were at the sharp end of ‘Punk Rock,’ that Young felt was replacing him.

In 2005 Neil Young spoke about Kurt Cobain’s suicide note that contained the line from this song: ‘It’s better to burn out than to fade away.’ Young said,’The fact that he left the lyrics to my song right there with him when he killed himself left a profound feeling on me, but I don’t think he was saying I have to kill myself because I don’t want to fade away. I don’t think he was interpreting the song in a negative way. It’s a song about artistic survival, and I think he had a problem with the fact that he thought he was selling out, and he didn’t know how to stop it. He was forced to do tours when he didn’t want to, forced into all kinds of stuff. I was trying to get a hold of him because I had heard some of the things he was doing to himself, just to tell him it’s OK not to tour, it’s OK not to do these things, just take control of your life and make your music. Or, hey, don’t make music. But as soon as you feel like you’re out there pretending, you’re f–cked. I think he knew that instinctively, but he was young, and he didn’t have a lot of self-control. And who knows what other personal things in his life were having a negative impression on him at the time?’

‘The king is gone but he’s not forgotten, this is the story of a Johnny Rotten. It’s better to burn out than it is to rust, the king is gone but he’s not forgotten. Hey hey, my my, Rock and roll can never die.’