THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

790-T. Rex-Hot Love.

1971-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.56. A lot of time is spent by people discussing the best ‘intro’s’ to songs, but very little is spoken about the best ‘outro.’ I would like to put this one forward as a strong contender.

Marc Bolan (see also best songs 386 and 67) was born Mark Feld on September 30th, 1947,in Stoke Newington. London, England, he died in a car crash on September 16th, 1977, at the age of 29. Bolan never learned to drive, and it is said the reason was because he had a fear of a premature death. Despite the fear, cars or automotive components are at least mentioned, or are the subject of many of his songs. He appeared twice on the British BBC television music show ‘Top Of The Pops’ in March 1971 to promote this song, where he was dressed for the first time in shiny satin stage-wear, and glittery makeup, (the latter at the suggestion of his stylist Chelita Secunda, 1945-2000)) music historians see this as a crucial trigger in what was to become known as ‘Glam Rock.’

‘Hot Love’ was released on February 12th, 1971, as a stand alone single, and later added to re-issues of ‘Electric Warrior,’ the second studio Album by T. Rex, from September 1971. ‘Hot Love’ was the second single release by Marc Bolan as the newly revamped ‘T. Rex,’ and was the follow up to ‘Ride a White Swan,’ (UK Number 2-1971) overall it was the ninth single issued by the group, as the previous incarnation as ‘Tyrannosaurus Rex’ had already released seven singles. ‘Hot Love’ which was the first of four UK Number 1 singles for T. Rex, but only reached Number 72 in America on the Billboard Hot 100, was written by Marc Bolan, and produced by Tony Visconti. Also performing on the track alongside Marc Bolan (lead vocals, and guitar) were band members Steve Currie, (1947-1981) (bass guitar) Mickey Finn, (1947-2003) (handclaps) and Bill Legend (drums.) As well as producing, Tony Visconti also did the string arrangement, and Howard Kaylan, and Mark Volman, provided the backing vocals.

Tony Visconti (see also best songs 386-302-209-118 and 67) was born Anthony Edward Visconti on April 24th, 1944, in New York City, New York, United States, his commercial breakthrough came in 1970 when producing ‘Ride a White Swan,’ for T. Rex. Tony Visconti who has released two studio Albums,’Visconti’s Inventory,’ in 1977, and ‘It’s a Selfie, in 2019, is one of the most influential, and successful music producers in ‘Pop Music’ history. His credits include producing 14 Albums with David Bowie, (1947-2016) 11 Albums with Tyrannosaurus Rex, and then T. Rex, and an Album with Morrissey, ‘Ringleader of the Tormentors,’ in 2006. Tony Visconti has also produced for dozens of other artists including two Albums for ‘Badfinger,’ in 1969, and 1970, two Albums with ‘Sparks,’ in 1975, and 1997, and two Albums with the ‘Boomtown Rats,’ in 1980, and 1982.

Bill Legend who was born William Arthur Fifield, on May 8th, 1944, in Barking, Essex, England, is the only surviving member of the classic T. Rex line up, having joined the group after the release of ‘Ride a White Swan.’ ‘Hot Love’ was the first T. Rex song that he played the drums on, and he would go on to play on the groups next four studio Albums between 1971-1974. It was Marc Bolan who gave him his stage name, as he had previously been drumming for a band called ‘Legend.’

The backing vocals on ‘Hot Love’ were provided by Howard Kaylan, and Mark Volman, who in 1965 had both been founding members of the American Rock band ‘The Turtles,’ After the demise of The Turtles in 1970, and due to contractual problems, the duo began working under the names of ‘Flo & Eddie,’ they then joined the American Rock group,’The Mothers of Invention,’ playing alongside Frank Zappa. The pair would go on to produce Albums for other artists, as well as providing backing vocals on over 100 Albums.

‘Well, she’s faster than most and she lives on the coast, uh-huh. Well, she’s faster than most and she lives on the coast, uh-huh. I’m her two-penny prince and I give her hot love, uh-huh.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

791-Terror Squad-Lean Back.

2004-Number 24 single.

Best Bit-At 1.31. The dance they are doing is called ‘The Rockaway.’ I would imagine it is one of the easier dance routines to choreograph.

Terror Squad was the brain child of the ‘Hip-Hop’ artist Fat Joe, who was born Joseph Antonio Cartagena, on August 19th, 1970, in New York City, United States. Prior to forming Terror Squad, Fat Joe had already recorded two solo studio Albums, in 1993, and 1995, it was when signing with ‘Atlantic Records’ in 1997 that Fat Joe, under his deal, was granted the freedom to create his own record label, which he called ‘Terror Squad Productions.’ Terror Squad were made up of artists who Fat Joe had signed to his label, and among those who appeared on his third studio Album ‘Don Cartagena,’ in 1998 were, Christopher Lee Rios, (1971-2000) who was better known as ‘Big Punisher,’ Felix Delgado, who is better known by his stage name ‘Cuban Link,’ and Antonio Cruz, whose stage name is ‘Tony Sunshine. The Terror Squad were active between 1998-2004, with nine different members coming and going, including a pre fame DJ Khaled.

Terror Squad released a total of two Albums, in 1999, and 2004, and five singles in the same time period, both Albums reached the top 40 on Billboard in America, while their only charting single on Billboard was ‘Lean Back,’ which made the Number 1 spot. Fat Joe has released 10 studio Albums between 1993-2010, and 43 singles as the lead artist, he has also appeared on a further 26 singles as the featured artist, between 1993-2021. There are also three collaborative Albums available, including ‘Plato O Plomo’ from 2017, with ‘Remmy Ma,’ who also performed with him on ‘Lean Back.’ In America on the Billboard Hot 100, Fat Joe has appeared on 10 top 40 singles, with ‘What’s Luv?’ featuring Ja Rule and Ashanti, charting the highest at Number 2 in 2002, while in the UK, he has charted within the top 40 on six occasions, with ‘What’s Luv?’ peaking the highest at Number 4 in 2002.

‘Lean Back’ was the first of two singles released by Terror Squad from their second and final studio Album ‘True Story,’from July 2004. The song was co-written by Fat Joe, Remy Ma, and Scott Storch, who was also the tracks producer. The song was performed by Fat Joe, and Remi Ma, with Ma providing the second verse. Scott Spencer Storch was born on December 16th, 1973, in Long Island, New York, United States, he is one of the most prolific producers, and songwriters of the 21st Century. Storch began his music career as a keyboard player for the Philadelphia based ‘Hip-Hop’ group ‘The Roots,’ His breakthrough as a producer came in 1999 when he co-produced ‘Still D.R.E.’ with Dr. Dre, it was Storch who provided the memorable keyboard riff on the track. Scott Storch has produced for dozens of artists, including Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera.

Remy Ma was born Reminisce Kioni Mackie, on May 30th, 1980, in New York City, United States, up until 2020 she was one of only six female Rappers to have performed on a Billboard Number 1 single. After the death of Big Punisher in 2000, Fat Joe signed Remi Ma as a member of Terror Squad, and she performed on the groups second Album ‘True Story.’ She also released her one solo Album, ‘There’s Something About Remy: Based on a True Story,’ in 2006, and the collaboration Album ‘Plato O Plomo,’ with Fat Joe in 2017. Remi Ma has also released 13 singles as the lead artist between 2002-2021, and she has appeared on a further 15 singles as the featured artist between 2001-2017. Her only top 40 hit as a solo artist on Billboard to date is ‘All the Way Up’ with Fat Joe featuring French Montana and Infared, which made Number 27 in 2016.

‘Lean Back’ as you would expect, is full of all the cliches you would associate with many Rap songs, and it has more than it’s fare share of braggadocio. The dance that the songs chorus talks about is called ‘The Rockaway,’ which Fat Joe has described as just ‘Throwing back the right shoulder to the beat of the song,’ which must have been handy for a man of his ample size.

‘Said my n…s don’t dance, we just pull up our pants, and do The Rockaway, now lean back, lean back, lean back, lean back.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

792-Bob Dylan-Subterranean Homesick Blues.

1965-Number 9 single.

Best Bit-At 0.10. It appears Dylan was doing Rap, well over a decade before anyone else.

‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ was the first of three singles released from ‘Bringing It All Back Home,’ which was the fifth studio Album by Bob Dylan, (see also best songs 621-358-103-36 and 7) the song was written by Bob Dylan, with the production being by the legendary music producer Tom Wilson, (1931-1978) (see also best songs 358-165-103-96 and 7.) Tom Wilson was born Thomas Blanchard Wilson Jr. on March 25, 1931, in Waco, Texas, United States, he died of a heart attack on September 6th, 1978, at the age of 47. Wilson played a very important role in the development of both Bob Dylan, and Simon & Garfunkel, (see also best songs 529-200-96 and 71) in their transition from ‘Acoustic Music,’ into ‘Electronic Music.’ Wilson also produced Albums for many other artists’ including The Velvet Underground, Eric Burdon & the Animals, and Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention. The first side of ‘Bringing It All Back Home’, of which ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ is the opening track, features electric songs, while the second side of the Album is mainly acoustic. The move in to ‘Electronic Music’ alienated Dylan from some of his former peers, and fans, in the ‘Folk Music’ community. The Album would prove to be Dylan’s commercial breakthrough, giving him his first top 10 Album on Billboard in America, where it reached Number 6, while ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues,’ gave him his first top 40 single on Billboard, where it reached Number 39.

‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ reflects certain elements of American society in the mid 1960’s. Using several slang terms, the song references the drug culture, and politics of the time, the turmoil surrounding the war in Vietnam, and also the American Civil Rights movement. Bob Dylan has said that his inspiration for the song came from the writing technique of the ‘Beat Poets’ of the 1950’s, such as Jack Kerouac, (1922-1969) and Allen Ginsberg, (1926-1997) Dylan has also cited the ‘Scat’ songs of the 1940’s, and the Chuck Berry (1926-2017) (see also best songs 548-308 and 30) song ‘Too Much Monkey Business,’ from 1956, as further influences. The songs title ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues,’ is probably a nod towards the 1958 novel ‘Subterranean’s,’ by Jack Kerouac., while ‘Homesick Blues,’ is Dylan telling us that even so he has made it big, he still misses his past life. In one of John Lennon’s (1940-1980) last interviews before he died in 1980, he said that on hearing ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues,’ he was so captivated by it, that he was worried that he would never be able to write anything that could compete with it.

‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ skips quickly from one cultural reference to another. Dylan touches on social discontent,’Twenty years of schoolin’ and they put you on the day shift.’ He talks about drug busts,’The phone’s tapped anyway, Maggie says that many say,they must bust in early May. Orders from the D.A.’ He also mentions the violent policing, as which was witnessed at many ‘Civil Rights’ protests,’Better stay away from those, that carry around a fire hose,’ and Dylan also points out about the fight against authority,’Don’t follow leaders. Watch the parkin’ meters.’ The lyrics resemble a stream of consciousness, which was a writing technique championed by ‘Beat Poets’ such as Jack Kerouac, and Allen Ginsberg, both of whom were a major influence on Dylan.

‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ was not only a major influence on future generations of artists, it can also boast one of the most memorable, and groundbreaking promotional film clips, which was the forerunner to what would become the music video. The clip was shot in an alley close to the ‘Savoy Hotel.’ in London, with Bob Dylan holding up cue cards with selected words and phrases from the songs lyrics. There are intentional misspellings, and puns throughout the clip, which featured brief cameo appearances from Allen Ginsberg, and the American Folk singer/songwriter Bob Neuwirth (1939-2022.) The promotional film clip was first widely shown in a documentary called ‘Don’t Look Back,’ in 1967, about Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour of England, by the American documentary film maker D. A. Pennebaker, (1925-2019) it was Dylan who came up with the idea of holding up cue cards with selected words and phrases from the lyrics. The cue cards were written by the Scottish singer/songwriter Donovan, Allen Ginsberg, Bob Neuwirth, and also by Bob Dylan himself.

‘Johnny’s in the basement, mixing up the medicine, I’m on the pavement thinking about the government. The man in the trench coat, badge out, laid off, says he’s got a bad cough, wants to get it paid off. Look out kid, it’s somethin’ you did. God knows when, but you’re doing it again.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

793-The Wannadies-You and Me Song.

1994-Number 119 single. When it was re-released in 1996, it peaked at Number 18.

Best Bit-At 0.49. If you’re a a fan of ‘Easy Listening’ music, then the first 49 seconds will be right up your street. If you love ‘Rock N’ Roll,’ then you can pogo around the room for the next 1.59 seconds.

The Wannadies are an ‘Alternative Rock’ band who were formed in Skellefteå, Sweden, in 1988 by Pär Wiksten, (vocals, and guitars) Christina Bergmark, (keyboards, and vocals) Stefan Schönfeldt, (guitars) his younger brother Fredrik Schönfeldt, (bass) Gunnar Karlsson, (drums) and Björn Malmquist (violin.) The Wannadies were active until 2009, then in 2016 they reunited for one festival appearance, and as of 2020, they have reformed to release new music, and go on tour. Erik Dahlgren is currently a member of the five musicians in the band, as two of the original six, Gunnar Karlsson, and Björn Malmquist, did not rejoin in 2020.

The Wannadies have only ever had hit singles, and success with their Album releases in their native Sweden, and the UK. The discography of The Wannadies includes six studio Albums released between 1990-2002, and 18 singles issued between 1990-2020, there are also three official compilation Albums, and three extended plays available. In their native Sweden on the ‘Sverigetopplistan,’ which is the Swedish national record chart, The Wannadies have reached the top 40 with all six of their studio Albums, while their only charting single to date is ‘Love in June,’ which reached Number 38 in 1994. In the UK, The Wannadies only charting Album was their fourth release ‘Bagsy Me,’ in 1997, which peaked at Number 37. They have achieved three top 40 hit singles, with the re-issue of ‘You and Me Song,’ reaching Number 18 in 1996, the follow up ‘Someone Somewhere,’ also in 1996, making Number 38, and ‘Hit,’ from 1997, peaking at Number 20.

‘You and Me Song’ was co-written by the five members of The Wannadies at that time, with the production being by Nille Perned, who also produced 10 of the 11 tracks from it’s parent Album, ‘Be A Girl,’ from November 1994. The Album was the third studio Album by The Wannadies, and ‘You and Me Song’ was the second of four singles issued, also in November 1994, in Sweden. The Album, and ‘You and Me Song,’ didn’t receive an official release in the UK until August 1995, when it failed to chart.

The Wannadies got their big international break when the Australian film director Baz Luhrmann chose ‘You and Me Song’ as one of the songs for the soundtrack of the 1996 romantic crime film ‘William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet.’ The Wannadies record label re-issued the song in April 1996, and this time it found chart success in the UK. Incidentally the first release of the song was as ‘You and Me Song,’ but it was re-issued as ‘You & Me Song,’ having acquired an ampersand. The groups record label also added ‘You and Me Song’ to The Wannadies fourth studio Album ‘Bagsy Me,’ in 1997.

‘You and Me Song’ is also remembered for it’s use in the British soap opera ‘Coronation Street’ in 2003, when the serial killer Richard Hillman drove his car in to a canal, while holding the Platt family hostage in the vehicle. In 2007 ‘Coronation Street’ once again used the song, when this time David Platt, drives his car into that same canal as a suicide attempt, only to survive, ruining his sister Sarah’s wedding day.

‘You and Me Song’ is a love song, where the narrator is committed to making the relationship with his significant other work, as he wants them to be together, not for a short while, but for as long as can be.

‘Always when we fight, I try to make you laugh until everything’s forgotten. I know you hate that, ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba. I love you Sunday sun, the week’s not yet begun, and everything is quiet. And it’s always you and me, always, and forever.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

794-Guy Mitchell-Singing the Blues.

1956-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.41. Not to be confused with the kind of ‘Blues’ that Lead Belly, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Bessie Smith, or B.B. King were known for singing.

Guy Mitchell was born Albert George Cernik, on February 22, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, to Croatian immigrant parents, he died on July 1st, 1999, of complications from cancer surgery at, the age 72. As well as having a singing career, he was also an actor, notably appearing in ‘Those Redheads From Seattle,’ in 1953, and ‘Red Garters,’ in 1954. At the height of his stardom, between 1957-1958, he had his own television show,’The Guy Mitchell Show,’ on the ‘ABC’ network in America. It was Mitch Miller (1911-2010) who was in charge of talent at ‘Columbia Records,’ who gave him his stage name,’My name is Mitchell, and you seem like a nice guy.’

The discography of Guy Mitchell includes at least 11 Albums released between 1953-1985, and 77 singles (including re-issues) between 1950-1970. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, 22 of those tracks reached the top 40, with ‘Singing the Blues,’ (1956) and ‘Heartaches By The Number,’ (1959) both making the Number 1 spot. In the UK, he has had 14 top 40 hits, with four of those songs reaching Number 1. Guy Mitchell is also one of the artists who had a single in the very first UK chart, which was published on November 14th, 1952, when ‘Feet Up (Pat Him on the Po-Po’) held the Number 5 position. Including ‘Singing the Blues,’ Guy Mitchell has recorded six songs which have all gone on to be one million selling records worldwide.

‘Singing the Blues’ was the 45th single released by Guy Mitchell, in October 1956. The song was written by Melvin Endsley, (1934-2004) with the production being by Mitch Miller (1911-2010.) The whistling in the song was provided by the American bandleader and musical arranger Ray Conniff (1916-2002.) The original recording of ‘Singing the Blues’ was by the American Country Music singer Marty Robbins, (1925-1982) who took his version to Number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Number 1 on the Billboard Country chart in 1956, and 1957, for 13 weeks. In the 1950’s it was not unusual for more than one version of a song to be in the chart at the same time. The most successful recording of ‘Singing the Blues’ was this version by Guy Mitchell which spent 10 non-consecutive weeks at Number 1 on Billboard. In the UK, the song spent three non-consecutive weeks at Number 1, with another version by ‘Tommy Steele with the Steelmen,’ spending a week at Number 1, in January 1957. In 1983, the American Country/Folk singer Gail Davies, took her version of ‘Singing the Blues’ to Number 17 on the Billboard Country chart, while in the UK, the song has also charted for Dave Edmunds, (1980-Number 28) Daniel O’Donnell, (1994-Number 23) and Cliff Richard & the Shadows (2009-Number 40.)

‘Singing the Blues’ was written by Melvin Endsley, who was born on January 30, 1934, in Drasco, Arkansas, United States, he died on August 16, 2004, at the age of 70. Endsley contracted polio at the age of three, requiring him to have to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life. From the age of 11, he spent three years in the ‘Crippled Children’s Hospital,’ in Memphis. While there, he listened to Country Music on the radio, and taught himself to play the guitar. During his lifetime, Endsley wrote in excess of 400 songs, with some of his other notable works being, ‘Knee Deep in the Blues,’ which reached Number 16 on Billboard, and Number 3 in the UK for Guy Mitchell in 1957, the song also made Number 3 on the Billboard Country chart for Marty Robbins. Also in 1957, Andy Williams (1927-2012) reached Number 8 on Billboard, and Number 16 in the UK, with ‘I Like Your Kind of Love,’ while in 1966 the American Country and Folk Music group ‘The Browns,’ reached Number 16 on the Billboard Country chart with ‘I’d Just Be Fool Enough.’

‘Oh, the moon and stars no longer shine, the dream is gone I thought was mine. There’s nothin’ left for me to do, but cry-y-y-y over you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

795-Maria Muldaur-Midnight at the Oasis.

1974-Number 21 single.

Best Bit-At 1.20. I always thought that the plural of cactus was cacti, but it appears that cactuses is also acceptable.

Maria Muldaur was born Maria Grazia Rosa Domenica D’Amato, on September 12th, 1942, in New York City, United States. She began her career in music in the early 1960’s, as Maria D’Amato, in the ‘Folk/Rock’ group ‘Even Dozen Jug Band,’ other notable pre fame members of that group included Steve Katz, (later of Blood, Sweat and Tears) and John Sebastian (later of the Lovin’ Spoonful.) After the ‘Even Dozen Jug Band,’ Maria joined the ‘Jim Kweskin & the Jug Band,’ which was where she met her future husband Geoff Muldaur,’ after the ‘Kweskin’ band split, Maria, and Geoff, who were now married, recorded two Albums together in 1969, and 1972, when the couple divorced in 1972, Maria than pursued her solo career.

The discography of Maria Muldaur includes an Album with the ‘Even Dozen Jug Band’ in 1964, four Albums with the ‘Jim Kweskin & the Jug Band,’ between 1965-1968, and two Albums as ‘Geoff & Maria Muldaur. The solo discography of Maria Muldaur includes 39 official Albums released between 1973-2021, and in America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, and also on the UK top 40, only ‘Midnight at the Oasis,’ has charted for her, reaching Number 6 on Billboard, and Number 21 in the UK.

‘Midnight at the Oasis’ was the first single released from Maria Muldaur’s self titled debut studio Album from August 1973, the song was written by David Nichtern, and produced by Lenny Waronker, and Joe Boyd. Nichtern played acoustic guitar on the track, with notable session musicians, including Jim Gordon, (1945-2023) (drums) Daniel Friedberg, (bass) and Amos Garrett, (electric guitar) who performed the instrumental section, also playing on the song. David Nichtern was born on February 19th, 1948, in Manhattan, New York City, United States, as well as writing ‘Midnight at the Oasis,’ he has won awards for his work on the American television soap operas ‘ One Life to Live,’ and ‘As the World Turns.’ In 1970 Nichtern became a student of the ‘Shambhala Buddhist tradition of Tibetan Buddhism,’ and was taught by the founder, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, (1939-1987) Nichtern went on to become a senior teacher in the faith.

‘Midnight at the Oasis’ is a song full of sexual innuendo, but the tone is playful throughout. David Nichtern has explained how it all came about,’I wrote the song before I started working with Maria, the details are a little bit intimate, but let’s just say there was a girl, a waterbed, feta cheese, and grape leaves, and a ‘Martin 000-18′ near by. I actually produced the demo that got Maria her Warner Bros individual artist deal, so I was on the map already with them to that extent.’ Nichtern has also gone on to say,’My memory is that I came out to LA, and got to play rhythm guitar on several tracks (on Maria Muldaur’s debut studio Album.) From there I got more and more involved with the record. At a rehearsal, I played ‘Midnight at the Oasis’ for Lenny Waronker and he liked it, and wanted to include it on the record. Warner’s released the album, and then Midnight as the first single, they hung in there with it for something like nine months until it took off, that might not happen today, the rest is herstory as they say…’

Because of the songs suggestive lyrics, Maria Muldaur has said that people have approached her at her concerts, and other events, and claimed that ‘Midnight at the Oasis’ had inspired sexual encounters, loss of virginity, and pregnancy. Maria Muldaur has said,’I could have written quite the little x-rated book. So when I start that song, people’s faces light up, and I see very happy, maybe slightly x-rated memories flitting across their faces. And so that’s worth more than any Grammy nomination or award, to hear first hand from your fans, from hundreds and hundreds of fans, how a piece of music I didn’t even write, but that I selected and recorded, and just put out there in the airwaves, just had such a happy impact on people’s lives. What a gift is that.’ In 1994 the British ‘Jazz/Funk’ group the ‘Brand New Heavies,’ with featured vocals by N’Dea Davenport, reached Number 13 on the UK top 40 singles chart, with their cover version of the song.

‘I know your daddy’s a sultan, a nomad known to all. With fifty girls to attend him, they all send him, jump at his beck and call. But you won’t need no harem, honey, when I’m by your side, and you won’t need no camel, no no, when I take you for a ride.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

796- Bingo Players featuring Far East Movement-Get Up (Rattle.)

2013-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.46. It’s amazing what a difference adding some ‘party lyrics,’ a sprinkling of ‘dirty bass’ can make.

The Bingo Players were the Dutch Electronic Dance Music duo of Maarten Hoogstraten, and Paul Bäumer, who formed in the Netherlands in 2006, and worked together until Bäumer died of cancer in 2013. After the death of Bäumer, Hoogstraten announced that Bäumer had wished for him to continue under the Bingo Players name. Under the name of the ‘Bingo Players’ there have been 52 singles issued between 2006-2022, and one extended play, entitled ‘What’s Next,’ in 2017. The Bingo Players have also remixed dozens of tracks, and are credited as the producers of the hit singles ‘Forever Now,’ by Ne-Yo,’ (UK Number 31-2012) and ‘Acid Rain,’ for Alexis Jordan (U.S. Billboard Dance Club songs Number 1-2013.) On the ‘GfK Dutch Charts, MegaCharts,’ the Bingo Payers have charted twice within the top 40, with ‘Get Up (Rattle’) reaching Number 19, and their original version of ‘Cry (Just a Little,’) which was later covered by the American Rapper Flo Rida as ‘I Cry,’ (Billboard Number 6 & UK Number 3-2012) making Number 7 in 2011.

The Far East Movement are an American Hip-Hop and Electronic Dance Music group who were formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 2003, by Kevin Nishimura, (Kev Nish) James Roh, (Prohgress) and Jae Choung, (J-Splif) who left the group in 2016. The other band member is Virman Coquia, (DJ Virman) who joined the group in 2007.) The Far East Movement, which is often abbreviated to ‘FM,’ became the first Asian/American group to have a Number 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, when their 2010 track ‘Like a G6,’ featuring ‘The Cataracs, and Dev, topped the chart. The Far East Movement have released five studio Albums between 2005-2016, and 36 singles between 2007-2020, as either the lead, or the featured artist, there are also five mixtapes available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, three of their songs have reached the top 40, with ‘Like a G6,’ making the Number 1 spot in 2010. In the UK they have achieved five top 40 singles, with ‘Get Up (Rattle’) reaching Number 1. Their latest Album ‘Identity,’ from 2016, featured many Asian performers, in an attempt to bridge the gap between Asian, and American artists.

‘Get Up (Rattle’) was the seventh of eight singles released from the Far East Movement’s fourth studio Album ‘Dirty Bass,’ from May 2012, and also from the deluxe edition of ‘Dirty Bass,’ from where ‘Get Up (Rattle) first appeared. The song started out life as an instrumental called ‘Rattle,’ by the Bingo Players, which was issued in Europe in 2011 to very limited success, charting the highest in Denmark, where it reached Number 35, in the Bingo Players home country the Netherlands, the song stalled at Number 91. It was when the Far East Movement added vocals, that the track became a major hit, reaching the top 40 in nine countries, including the Netherlands where it made Number 19. ‘Get Up (Rattle’) can boast 10 songwriters, including both members of the Bingo Players, and all four members of the Far East Movement. other writing credits include Koen Groeneveld, and Addy van der Zwan, who are members of the Dutch Dance Music producers the ‘Klubbheads.’ while songs production is credited to the Bingo Players.

‘Get Up (Rattle’) tells the story of a group of friends who are intent on partying for as long as they can physically stay on their feet. It’s six in the morning, and they are still going strong. (They’ll pay for it in later life.)

‘Yo, this house party is crazy, my crew is hella wavy. Yo, flip the cut, then say what’s up, then slide out with your lady. No ifs or buts about it, my style is technotronic. Got grips and models, so spin the bottle, girl I’m just getting started.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

797-AC/DC-Whole Lotta Rosie.

1978-Number 68 single. The live version reached Number 36 in 1980.

Best Bit-At 0.37. The chubby chasers anthem.

AC/DC (see also best songs 245 and 170) were formed in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, in 1973, at the time of writing they remain active with Angus Young being the groups one constant. AC/DC are one of the worlds best ever selling acts, with sales in excess of 200 million records sold. Their 1980 Album ‘Back in Black,’ is the second best selling Album of all time, with sales in excess of 50 million copies.

Angus McKinnon Young was born on March 31st, 1955, in Glasgow, Scotland, he had seven elder siblings, including six brothers and one sister. Angus was brought up in the Cranhill district of Glasgow, which was a tough, working class suburb with high unemployment. After seeing an advertisement on television offering assisted travel for families to immigrate to Australia, 15 members of the extended Young family migrated in June 1963. Angus Young was 18 years old when he and his brother Malcolm (1953-2017) formed AC/DC in 1973, their first single ‘Can I Sit Next To You Girl,’ reached Number 50 on the ‘Aria’ chart in Australia in 1974, but did not appear on the groups debut studio Album ‘High Voltage,’ in 1975. Angus Young is known for his flamboyant stage performances, which include his signature schoolboy look, which was suggested to him by his sister Margaret, who also chose the bands name. In order to match the schoolboy image, the press and the public were told that Angus was born in 1959, instead of his true birth year of 1955. Angus Young has stated that his musical influences include Little Richard, (1932-2020) Muddy Waters, (1913-1983) and Chuck Berry (1926-2017.) As part of his stage performance, Angus includes his version of the ‘Duck Walk,’ which he copied from Chuck Berry (see also best songs 548-308 and 30.)

‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ was the fourth and final single released from ‘Let There Be Rock,’ which was the fourth studio Album by AC/DC from March 1977. ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ was co-written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, (1946-1980) with the production being by Harry Vanda, and George Young (1946-2017) (see also best songs 939-447 and 245.) ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ became a fans favourite, and a staple of very nearly everyone of the groups live performances, with the audience always shouting ‘Angus,’ at the start of the songs introduction. In 1978 AC/DC released their first live Album called ‘If You Want Blood You’ve Got It,’ which was the only live Album recorded with Bon Scott. After the death of Scott in 1980, the live version of ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ was re-issued from the Album, and charted in the UK at Number 36, it had originally been released as the only single from ‘If You Want Blood You’ve Got It,’ in 1978, when it failed to chart.

The intro to ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ is based on the 1955 Chuck Berry song ‘No Money Down,’ which AC/DC had initially used as the main riff for an earlier song of their’s called ‘Dirty Eyes,’ which they re-worked into ‘Whole Lotta Rosie.’ The original track ‘Dirty Eyes’ was eventually issued on the AC/DC five disc ‘box set, ‘ ‘Bonfire,’ in 1997. ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ is the story about a woman whose measurements are ’42’-39′-56,’ and she weighs in at 19 stones (121 kg.) The song is based on a true story, Angus Young has explained,’We’d been in Tasmania, and after the show Bon Scott said he was going to check out a few clubs. He said he’d got about 100 yards down the street when he heard this yell: ‘Hey! Bon!’ He looked around and saw this leg and thought: ‘Oh well!’ From what he said, there was this Rosie woman and a friend of hers. They were plying him with drinks and Rosie said to him: ‘This month I’ve slept with 28 famous people,’ and Bon went: ‘Oh yeah?!’ Anyway, in the morning he said he woke up pinned against the wall, he said he opened one eye and saw her lean over to her friend and whisper, ’29!’ There’s very few people who’ll go out and write a song about a big fat lady, but Bon said it was worthy.’ In recent years the woman the song was written about has been identified as Rosemaree Garcia, an Australian sex worker, who saw Bon Scott for some time before he went to England. Rosie was born in Launceston, Tasmania, and lived in St Kilda, and died in the Melbourne suburb of Prahran, in 1979, at the age of 22.

‘Wan’ tell you story ’bout woman I know. When it comes to lovin’ she steals the show. She ain’t exactly pretty, ain’t exactly small, 42-39-56, you could say she’s got it all.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

798-Fatback Band-(Are You Ready) Do The Bus Stop.

1975-Number 18 single.

Best Bit-At 2.53. I would queue for a lifetime to catch this tune.

The Fatback Band (see also best songs 217) are the brainchild of Bill Curtis, who formed the group in 1970, in New York City, United States. Since their inception, there have been 27 personnel changes, with Curtis being the one constant. Their last Album of original material was was released in 1988, but they still continue to tour to this day. Prior to forming The Fatback Band, Bill Curtis had already been an experienced session drummer in the 1950’s, and 1960’s, and wanted to merge the ‘Fatback Jazz Beat’ sound of New Orleans, into a streetwise ‘Funk’ band. In 1977 they dropped the ‘Band,’ and just called themselves ‘Fatback.’

The Fatback Band have released 23 studio Albums between 1972-1988, there is also remix Album that was issued in 2003, and a best of called ’21 Karat Fatback.’ They have also issued 42 singles between 1973-2005, and although they have never charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in America, 11 of their singles have reached the Billboard R&B top 40 chart. In the UK six of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘I Found Lovin” charting the highest at Number 7 on it’s second re-release in 1987.

(‘Are You Ready) Do The Bus Stop’ was the first of three singles released from The Fatback Band’s sixth studio Album ‘Raising Hell,’ from 1975, and was their second studio Album release of that year, with many reviewers at that time writing that is was a far superior Album than their previous release ‘Yum Yum.’ ‘Raising Hell’ proved to be The Fatback Band’s most commercially successful Album, as it also contained the UK hit singles (‘Do the) Spanish Hustle,’ which reached Number 10, and ‘Party Time’ which made Number 41, both songs charting in 1976. (‘Are You Ready) Do The Bus Stop’ was co-written by Bill Curtis, and Johnny Flippin, who was a member of The Fatback Band between 1971-1983, playing bass, percussion, and also providing vocals. The songs production is credited to all the band members at that time. Other songs written by Johnny Flipin include The Fatback Band’s biggest UK hit single ‘I Found Lovin’,’ which on it’s 1987 re-issue in the UK, reached a peak of Number 7. (‘Are You Ready) Do The Bus Stop’ is typical of The Fatback Band’s ‘Funky’ sound, although by this stage of their career they were becoming more commercial. and they had already embraced the ‘Disco’ explosion. (‘Are You Ready) Do The Bus Stop’ is a song about a certain type of dance, that has it’s own dance moves, which unfortunately appear to have been lost in the annals of time, but the song is credited with helping popularise ‘Line Dancing.’

Although not credited with being a major influence on the development of ‘Rap,’ or ‘Hip-Hop’ music, The Fatback Band were involved in the release of what is cited as the first commercially released ‘Hip-Hop’ song. Issued on March 25, 1979, the track ‘King Tim III (Personality Jock’) by The Fatback Band, with ‘Rap’ vocals by Tim Washington, beat ‘Rapper’s Delight,’ by the ‘Sugarhill Gang’ (see also best songs 17) by very nearly six months, as that single was released on September 16, 1979. ‘King Tim III (Personality Jock’) is often overlooked, as it only peaked at Number 26 on the American Billboard Hot ‘R&B’ chart, whereas ‘Rappers Delight’ was the commercial breakthrough for the genre, peaking at Number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, and reaching Number 3 in the UK. ‘King Tim III (Personality Jock’) was written by Bill Curtis, and Fred Demery of The Fatback Band, who wrote the music, with Jerry Thomas producing. The story goes that Bill Curtis wanted to try something a bit different on a track, and when Thomas asked him what he wanted to do, Curtis suggested a Rap. One of the people in the studio knew Washington, and Curtis agreed to give him a try, and the rest is history.

Bus Stop, bus stop, are you ready to do the bus stop. Bus stop, Bus stop, form a line to the front, form a line to the back. Are you ready to do the bus stop.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

799-The Everly Brothers-Walk Right Back.

1961-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.07. Phil and Don in perfect harmony, at least when they were singing.

The Everly Brothers were the duo of Isaac Donald Everly, and his brother Phillip Everly, they are considered to be one of the most important acts in the development of popular music in the late 1950’s, through till the early 1960’s. Don Everly who was the older brother, was born on February 1st, 1937, in Brownie, Kentucky, United States, he died on August 21st, 2021, from undisclosed causes, at the age of 84. Phil Everly was born on January 19th, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, he died on January 3rd, 2014, from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, at the age of 74. The Everly Brothers were born in to a musical family, and first appeared on radio singing with their parents Ike Everly, (1908-1975) and Margaret Everly, (1919-2021) in the 1940’s on ‘KMA,’ and ‘KFNK,’ in Shenandoah, Iowa, where the brothers were known as ‘Little Donnie,’ and ‘Baby Boy Phil.’ It was while performing on radio in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1956, that the brothers came to the attention of a family friend, Chet Atkins, (1924-2001) who at that time was manager at ‘RCA Victor,’ studios in Nashville. It was Atkins who introduced the Everly Brothers to Wesley Rose, (1918-1990) of ‘Acuff-Rose’ music publishers, Rose told them he would secure them a recording deal if they signed to ‘Acuff-Rose’ as songwriters.

The Everly Brothers were making their way in the music business at the same time as the onset of the ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ era, and they are considered an important part in it’s development, particularly for their ‘close harmony’ singing, which heavily influenced the next generation, including, the Beatles, The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, and the Bee Gees. Paul McCartney has stated that the Everly Brothers were a major influence on the Beatles, and has said,’When John and I first started to write songs, I was Phil, and he was Don.’

The Everly Brothers were active as a duo between 1951-1973, and then again between 1983-2005. Shortly after the death of Phil Everly in 2014, Don Everly admitted that he had lived ‘A very difficult life’ with his brother, and that they had become estranged again in later years. Don put many of the brothers disputes down to, ‘Their vastly different views on politics and life,’ with the music being the one thing they shared closely, saying, ‘It’s almost like we could read each other’s minds when we sang.’ Don has also said that he never got over his brothers death, ‘I always thought about him every day, even when we were not speaking to each other. It still just shocks me that he’s gone.,’ In a 2016 interview, Don Everly said that he would pick up his brothers ashes every morning, and say ‘Good morning,’ admitting that it was a peculiar ritual.

The discography of The Everley Brothers includes 21 studio Albums released between 1957-1988, and 75 singles issued between 1956-1998, there are also 29 official compilation Albums, and two live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, 26 of those songs reached the top 40, with three of those tracks making the Number 1 spot, while in the UK, they have had 33 top 40 hits, with four of those songs reaching Number 1.

‘Walk Right Back’ was originally released in America in 1961 as the ‘B’ side to ‘Ebony Eyes,’ which reached Number 8 on Billboard, it was later changed to the ‘A’ side, and peaked at Number 7. In the UK, the two tracks were issued as a double ‘A’ side, reaching Number 1. ‘Walk Right Back’ was written by Sonny Curtis, with the production credited to Wesley Rose. Sonny Curtis who was born on May 9th, 1937, in Meadow, Texas, United States, was a member of the ‘Crickets,’ and played on some of Buddy Holly’s earlier 1956 ‘Decca’ sessions. Curtis joined the ‘Crickets’ as a full time member in late 1958, and took over as lead vocalist, and lead guitarist, after the death of Holly. Among the other notable songs written by Curtis are ”I Fought the Law,’ which was covered by the Bobby Fuller Four and the Clash, ‘More Than I Can Say,’ a hit for Bobby Vee, and also for Leo Sayer, and ‘Love is All Around,’ the theme song for The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

The Everly Brothers recorded ‘Walk Right Back’ without hearing the songs original second verse, in order to fill out the song they repeat the first verse twice. Sonny Curtis has said,’The joke is that Perry Como (UK Number 33-1973) and Andy Williams, and a whole bunch of others including myself, recorded the song with the second verse included, but when Anne Murray did it in 1978, she just did the same as the Everly’s, just the one verse, and that was a big hit all over again, so maybe the second verse was never meant to be!’

These are the lyrics to the second verse:
‘These eyes of mine that gave you loving glances once before, change to shades of cloudy grey. I want so very much to see you, just like before. I’ve got to know you’re coming back to stay. Please believe me when I say, ‘It’s great to hear from you,’ but there’s a lot of things a letter just can’t say, oh, me.’