THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

882-Dusty Springfield-Son of a Preacher Man.

1968-Number 9 single.

Best Bit-At 1.43. ‘I’m on the intercom,’ Where is it, where is the intercom.’ ‘It’s on the wall by the two African fellows, to the right, warm, warmer, ‘DISCO.’

‘Son of a Preacher Man’ was used in one of the key scenes in the classic 1994 American crime film ‘Pulp Fiction,’ (see also best songs 347 and 301) which was directed by Quentin Tarantino (see also best songs 524) who said that if he hadn’t been allowed to use the song, he would have cut the scene from the movie. The clip from the film proved very popular in Iceland, where the song was re-issued in 1995, and reached Number 1 on ‘Íslenski listinn,’ the Icelandic top 20 music chart.

‘Son of a Preacher Man’ was co-written by John Hurley, (1941-1986) and Ronnie Wilkins, with the production credited to Jerry Wexler, (1917-2008) Arif Mardin, (1932-2006) (see also best songs 985 and 85) Jeff Barry, (see also best songs 820-331-220 and 192) and Tom Dowd, (1925-2002) (see also best songs 475 and 179) and if there was ever a better quartet on a records production, please let me know. ‘Son of a Preacher Man’ was first issued as a single in November 1968, and then as one of the 11 tracks on Dusty Springfield’s fifth studio Album ‘Dusty in Memphis,’ in January 1969. The songs writers John Hurley, and Ronnie Wilkins other best known song is ‘Love of the Common People,’ which was first recorded by ‘The Four Preps’ in 1967, and was most successful when recorded by the Everly Brothers, (Canada Number 4-1968) Nicky Thomas, (UK Number 9-1970) and Paul Young (UK Number 2-1983)

Hurley and Wilkins had written ‘Son of a Preacher Man’ with Aretha Franklin (1942-2018) (see also best songs 644 and 366) in mind, but Jerry Wexler who was working on Dusty Springfield’s debut Album for ‘Atlantic Records,’ ‘Dusty in Memphis,’ on hearing it, liked it so much, that he insisted on Springfield recording it. It is said that Aretha Franklin wasn’t keen on the songs subject initially, with her own father being a Gospel preacher, but she eventually changed her mind, and recorded it for her 1970 Album ‘This Girls in Love With You.’ The song also appears as the ‘B’ side to her 1970 single ‘Call Me.’

Jerry Wexler (see also best songs 644) was born Gerald Wexler on January 10th, 1917, in The Bronx, New York City, United States, he died on August 15th, 2008, from congestive heart failure at the age of 91. Prior to becoming a music producer, Wexler had been a music journalist for ‘Billboard Magazine,’ and it was he who coined the term ”Rhythm and Blues.’ In June 1949 at Wexler’s suggestion, the magazine changed the name of the ‘Race Records’ chart to ‘Rhythm & Blues Records.’ Wexler has said,’Race’ was a common term then, a self-referral used by blacks. On the other hand, ‘Race Records’ didn’t sit well. I came up with a handle I thought suited the music well, ‘Rhythm and Blues.’ It was a label more appropriate to more enlightened times.’ In 1968 on the recommendation of Dusty Springfield, Wexler, along with the co-founder of ‘Atlantic Records’ Ahmet Ertegun (1923-2006) signed Led Zeppelin (see also best songs 135 and 66) to ‘Atlantic,’ and then in 1975 Wexler moved from ‘Atlantic Records’ to its parent company ‘Warner Brothers Records.’ When asked by a documentary filmmaker several years before his death, what he wanted on his tombstone, Wexler replied ‘Two words. More bass.’

‘Dusty in Memphis’ has proved to be a very slow burner. On it’s initial release it sold very poorly, despite ‘Son of a Preacher Man’ going top 10 in the UK, but over the years it has become Springfield’s most acclaimed work, with constant placings in many best of lists. In 2020, the Album was selected by the ‘Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry’ for being ‘culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.’ ‘Son of a Preacher Man’ gave Dusty Springfield her last top 10 UK hit single for 19 years, until collaborating with ‘The Pet Shop Boys’ (see also best songs 871 and 378) on the 1987 Number 2 single ‘What Have I Done To Deserve This?’

‘Son of a Preacher Man’ tells the story of a young girl who sneaks away with the preacher’s son every time that he and his father come to visit. The ‘Son of a Preacher Man’ romances her, and teaches her about love, he would turn out to be the only boy she ever really loved.’

‘How well I remember, the look that was in his eyes. Stealin’ kisses from me on the sly, takin’ time to make time, tellin’ me that he’s all mine. Learnin’ from each other’s knowin,’ lookin’ to see how much we’ve grown.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

883-Swedish House Mafia vs. Tinie Tempah-Miami 2 Ibiza.

2010-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 2.13. Let me explain one or two of the acronyms. AP, is ‘Audemars Piguet,’ which is a watch company, ‘MP3,’ is a music file. Bold BB, is a model of ‘Blackberry,’ CK, is ‘Calvin Klein,’ LV, is a ‘Louis Vitton’ handbag, APC, is a French fashion brand, and BGS, is my own acronym for ‘Bloody Good Song.’

The Swedish House Mafia (see also best songs 483) are a collective of music writers and producers, who during the late 1990’s, and early 2000’s would often collaborate together. Steve Angelo, and Sebastian Ingrosso had grown up together as children in Stockholm, and in the late 1990’s they would often cross paths with ‘Axwell’ Hedfors, and then in the early 2000’s they met Eric Prydz. The four of them were nicknamed ‘Swedish House Mafia,’ by their fans, and when they decided to officially form in 2008, they kept the name, but Eric Prydz declined the offer to join the group, describing himself as a ‘control freak’ in the studio who can’t abide collaboration, even with close friends. Prydz announced he would be leaving the group, soon after the collective officially formed, in November 2008.

Axwell Christofer Hedfors was born on December 18th, 1977, in Lund, Malmohus County, Sweden, alongside Steve Angelo, and Sebastian Ingrosso, he was was a member of the Swedish House Mafia between 2008-2013, and also when the trio reformed in 2018. The Swedish House Mafia who are still active at the time of writing, issued two compilation Albums in 2010, and 2012, and after their reformation they released their first studio Album ‘Paradise Again,’ in 2022. Away from the Swedish House Mafia, Axwell has released two compilation Albums, a remix Album, and 19 singles, In Sweden on the ‘Sverigetopplistan’ national record chart, he has had five top 40 hit singles, with ‘What a Wonderful World,’ with Bob Sinclar featuring Ron Carroll, charting the highest at Number 18 in 2008. In the UK, Axwell has had two top 40 hits, with ‘I Found U,’ featuring Max’C,’ peaking the highest at Number 6 in 2007.

Sebastian Carmine Ingrosso was born on April 20th, 1983, in Stockholm, Sweden. Away from the Swedish House Mafia collective, Ingrosso has issued 21 singles between 2004-2017, eight of those singles were in collaboration with Steve Angello, and three with Axwell Hedfors. In his native Sweden, four of those tracks have made the top 40, with ‘Reload,’ with Tommy Trash featuring John Martin, making Number 5 in 2013, while in the UK, he has charted twice, with ‘Reload,’ charting the highest at Number 3.

Steve Angelo was born Steven Patrik Josefsson Fragogiannis on November 22nd, 1982, in Athens, Greece, but was raised in Sweden from an early age. Angelo has released two solo studio Albums in 2016, and 2018, and six compilation Albums between 2003-2014, he has also issued 48 singles between 2003-2018. In Sweden two of those singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Baby When the Light,’ with David Guetta featuring Cozi, reaching Number 35 in 2007, while in the UK, he has charted once, with ‘Show Me Love,’ with Laidback Luke featuring Robin S. peaking at Number 11 in 2008 (see also best songs 994.)

‘Miami 2 Ibiza’ was co-written by Axwell, Steve Angelo, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Patrick Okogwu, who is better known by his stage name Tinie Tempah (see also best songs 586.) The song was produced by the three members of the Swedish House Mafia, who also wrote the music, with Tinie Tempah providing the lyrics. ‘Miami 2 Ibiza’ appears on the Swedish House Mafia’s debut compilation Album ‘Until One,’ from October 2010, and also appears on the same Album in instrumental form. It is also a track on Tinie Tempah’s debut Studio Album ‘Disc-Overy,’ which was also released in October 2010.

‘I got my visa and my Visa, a diva and her dealer, bitch, I’m up on the guest list with the Swedish House Mafia. You can find me on a table full of vodka and tequila, surrounded by some bunnies, and it ain’t f..king Easter.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

884-Prince-Alphabet St.

1988-Number 9 single.

Best Bit-At 4.46. ‘A.B.C.D.E.F.H. I love you.’ Prince could sing the alphabet, and make it sound wonderful.

‘Alphabet St.’ was the first of three singles released from ‘Lovesexy,’ from May 1988, the 10th studio Album by Prince (1958-2016) (see also best songs 487-269-85 and 54.) ‘Lovesexy’ which was recorded in just seven weeks received mixed reviews, and was his first studio Album since ‘Controversy’ in 1981 to not reach the American Billboard 200 Album chart top 10, stalling at Number 11. Also on Billboard ‘Alphabet St. was the only single from the Album to chart within the top 100, reaching Number 8, while in the UK, the other two singles issued,’Glam Slam,’ reached Number 29, and ‘I Wish U Heaven,’ made Number 24. Alphabet St. was written and produced by Prince, who also sang lead and backing vocals, played electric guitar, bass guitar, and also synthesizers. Other musicians playing on the track were Eric Leeds, (saxophone) and Sheila E. (drums) the Rap on the track, and other backing vocals were provided by Cat Glover.

Sheila E. was born Sheila Cecilia Escovedo, on December 12th, 1957, in Oakland, California, United States. She comes from a musical background, with her father being Pete Escvedo, a percussionist, who has released 12 Albums of Latin Jazz, between 1977-2018. Her other musical relatives include an unkle, Coke Escovedo, (1941-1986) who was a member of Santana, (see also best songs 158) and also another unkle, Javier Escovedo, who was the founder of the American ‘Punk Rock’ group ‘The Zeros.’ Like her father, Sheila E. is a drummer, and percussionist, who as well as playing on studio recordings with Prince, has also toured as part of his live band. As a solo artist, Sheila E. has released eight studio Albums between 1984-2017, and 20 singles between 1984-2019. Three of those singles have charted on the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, with the Prince penned song ‘The Glamorous Life,’ charting the highest at Number 7 in 1984. In the UK, her only top 40 hit to date is ‘The Belle of St. Mark,’ which reached Number 18 in 1984, and was also written by Prince.

Cat Glover who provides the ‘Rap,’ and backing vocals on ‘Alphabet St. was born Catherine Vernice Glover, on July 23rd, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, she first found success when winning the American talent show ‘Star Search,’ alongside her dancing partner Patrick Allen, where they performed as ‘Pat & Cat.’ In the late 1980’s Cat Glover choreographed and appeared in several of Prince’s videos, and also in his concert film ‘Sign o’ the Times,’ she also travelled with him as a backing vocalist and dancer on the ‘Sign o’ the Times,’ and ‘Lovesexy’ tours. The other Prince song that Cat Glover can be heard Rapping on is ‘Cindy C,’ from the 1987 ‘The Black Album.’

Eric Leeds who played the saxophone on ‘Alphabet St. was born on January 19th, 1952, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, he was introduced to Prince in the mid 1980’s by his brother Alan Leeds who had been the tour manager for Prince in the early 1980’s. Eric Leeds was a member of the Prince side project ‘The Family’ in 1985, before becoming a member of Prince’s recording and touring backing band ‘The Revolution.’ After the break up of ‘The Revolution,’ Leeds continued to work with Prince through until the 2004 live Album ‘C-Note.’ Eric Leeds has also released three solo studio Albums between 1991-2000, with the first two being issued on Prince’s own record label ‘Paisley Park.’

‘Alphabet St. is one of the most sexually explicit songs on this ‘Best 1000’ list, and yet as far as I know, not one radio station, or television broadcast has ever refused to play it. The songs subject is oral sex, and the letters of the alphabet represent the shapes the narrator can make with his tongue. Astute listeners will hear in the songs lyrics that there is no ‘G.’ Did you ‘spot’ that?

‘Talk to me lover, come on tell me what you taste, didn’t your mama tell you life is to good to waste. Didn’t she tell you that Lovesexy was the glam of them all. If you can hang, you can trip on it, you surely won’t fall.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

885-New Order-Blue Monday.

1983-Number 9 single. When it was remixed and re-issued in 1988, it peaked at Number 3, and when remixed again in 1995, it made Number 17.

Best Bit-At 3.32. With sales in excess of 700,000, this song is the best selling 12 inch vinyl single of all time.

After the death of Ian Curtis in 1980, the three remaining members of Joy Division (see also best songs 619) changed the bands name to ‘New Order,’ the name was chosen by the bands manager Rob Gretton, (1953-1999) who had seen the name ‘New Order’ in an article in ‘The Guardian’ newspaper titled ‘The People’s New Order of Kampuchea.’ The three members of Joy Division who became ‘New Order’ were Bernard Sumner, (vocals and guitar) Peter Hook, (bass) and Stephen Morris, (drums) they were soon joined by Morris’ then girlfriend, and future wife, Gillian Gilbert, who played keyboards and guitar. Phil Cunningham, (guitar) became a full time member in 2001, followed by Tom Chapman, (bass and keyboards) in 2011. Peter Hook departed the group in 2007. Whereas ‘Joy Division’ played ‘Post Punk,’ ‘Gothic Rock,’ and ‘New Wave,’ ‘New Order’ radically changed their musical style, heading in a more ‘Synthpop,’ ‘Alternative Rock,’ and Electronic’ direction.

The discography of ‘New Order’ includes 10 studio Albums released between 1981-2015, and 45 singles released between 1981-2020. There are also 12 official compilation Albums, and six live Albums available. In the UK, two of those studio Albums have reached Number 1, and 27 of the singles have made the top 40, including the two remixes of ‘Blue Monday.’ They have achieved one UK Number 1 single with ‘World in Motion’ in 1990, which was performed with the England national football team, and credited as ‘ENGLANDneworder.’ In America on the Billboard Hot 100 it is slimmer pickings, with only two of their singles reaching the top 40, with ‘Regret’ from 1993, peaking the highest at Number 28.

‘Blue Monday’ was co-written and produced by Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, and Bernard Sumner, who were the four members of ‘New Order’ at that time. The song was released in March 1983 only on the 12 inch format, with the ‘B’ side being a primarily instrumental version of the song entitled ‘The Beach.’ In 1988, ‘New Order,’ along with the legendary Quincy Jones (see also best songs 1022-889-812-703-511-357 and 191) remixed ‘Blue Monday,’ which peaked at Number 3 in the UK, and also enhanced further sales of the 12 inch version. A further remix in 1995 by the German duo ‘Hardfloor,’ saw the song chart for a third time at Number 17. In the UK,’Blue Monday’ is one of that countries best ever selling singles, with sales in excess of 1.2 million.

‘Blue Monday’ has been described as ‘A crucial link between 1970’s ‘Disco’ music, and the ‘Dance/House’ boom that took off at the end of the 1980’s. ‘New Order’ readily admit that ‘Blue Monday’ has many influences. When speaking about how the song came to fruition, Peter Hook has said that the song was stolen from the Donna Summer (1948-2012) track ‘Our Love,’ which was written by Summer, and Giorgio Moroder, (see also best songs 78 and 11) and is featured on Summer’s 1979 Album ‘Bad Girls.’ Bernard Sumner has also spoken about how ‘Blue Monday’ came about, admitting that part of the songs arrangement came from the 1982 ‘Italian Disco’ song ‘Dirty Talk,’ by ‘Klein + M.B.O.’ Sumner has also said that ‘Blue Monday’s’ synthesised bassline was taken from the 1978 ‘Disco’ song ‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)’ by Sylvester (see also best songs 162.) The respected music journalist Clinton Heylin alleged that ‘Blue Monday’ was derived from the 1979 ‘Novelty’ song ‘Gerry and the Holograms,’ by ‘Gerry and the Holograms,’ which Sumner denies, but I urge you to have a listen, and make up your own mind.

The meaning of ‘Blue Monday’ is vague, with many suspecting it is either about a failed relationship, or drug addiction, Peter Hook has said,’I don’t think there is a great deal to tell behind the lyrics if I am going to be brutally honest. It was just one of those things where Barney just went for it, and the rest was history.’

‘How does it feel, to treat me like you do. When you’ve laid your hands upon me, and told me who you are. Thought I was mistaken, I thought I heard your words. Tell me, how do I feel.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

886-Tony Orlando and Dawn-Knock Three Times.

1971-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.36. If the answer is twice on the pipe, then the best thing to do is forget about her, and go and have a cold shower.

Tony Orlando was born Michael Anthony Orlando Cassavitis, on April 3rd, 1944, in New York City, United States, he is a singer, songwriter, music producer, and an actor. He achieved his first hit single as a solo artist in 1961 at the age of 16, with the original version of ‘Halfway to Paradise,’ which peaked at Number 39 on Billboard in America. His follow up single ‘Bless You,’ also charted making Number 17 on Billboard, and charted in the UK at Number 5. Tony Orlando released a further 13 singles between 1961-1979, but they all failed to chart. He has also released eight solo Albums between 1961-2014.

As well as being a recording artist, Tony Orlando became a music producer, and he also worked his way up to become the vice president of the publishing company ‘CBS Music.’ In 1969 he recorded with the studio group ‘Wind,’ and had a Billboard Number 28 hit with ‘Make Believe.’ It was at this time that Orlando accepted a $3,000 advance, and sang lead vocals on a song called ‘Candida,’ as a favour for two producer friends of his called Hank Medress, (1938-2007) and Dave Appell (1922-2014.) When ‘Candida’ was released in 1970, Orlando insisted that his name be left off, as if it failed to chart it might damage his reputation, and there could also be legal issues, as Orlando was signed to ‘CBS Records,’ and ‘Candida’ was issued on ‘Bell Records.’ The name ‘Dawn’ was chosen as Orlando’s pseudonym, which was the middle name of the daughter of ‘Bell Records’ executive Steve Wax. ‘Candida’ became a hit (Billboard Number 3, and UK Number 9) and Orlando recorded the Album ‘Candida,’ which included ‘Knock Three Times.’

‘Knock Three Times’ was co-written by Irwin Levine, (1938-1997) and L Russell Brown, Levine was also responsible for ‘Candida,’ and with Brown, ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree,’ (1973) which is one of the 50 best selling songs in America on Billboard of all time. The ‘Candida’ Album has vocals by Tony Orlando, Toni Wine, Cynthia Weil, Jay Siegal, and Linda November, but all the other ‘Dawn’ releases were performed by Tony Orlando, Telma Hopkins, and Joyce Vincent Wilson. Toni Wine who was the other co-writer of ‘Candida,’ also co-wrote ‘A Groovy Kind of Love,’ (The Mindbenders 1965, and Phil Collins 1988) with Carol Bayer Sager, and she sang vocals on the ‘Archies’ 1969 Billboard, and UK Number 1 ‘Sugar Sugar.’

Tony Orlando and Dawn have released nine studio Albums between 1970-2005, and 26 singles between 1970-1991, there are also 17 official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 they have achieved 14 top 40 singles, with three of those songs, including ‘Knock Three Times,’ reaching Number 1, while in the UK, they have charted on six occasions, with ‘Knock Three Times,’ and ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree,’ both making Number 1. Such was the popularity and success of Tony Orlando and Dawn, that in 1974,’CBS’ television gave them there own variety show, which ran until December 1976. The show was scheduled to replace ‘The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour,’ and was made in the same vein, with sketches featuring sarcastic back-and-forth banter between Orlando, Hopkins and Vincent, similar to the sarcastic dialogue between Sonny and Cher (see also best songs 672.)

L. Russell Brown and Irwin Levine, who wrote ‘Knock Three Times,’ were thinking of the song ‘Up on the Roof,’ (see also best songs 1021) and they wanted to write a song with that kind of lyrical flavour, about tenement living.’Knock Three Times’ is about a guy who fancies his downstairs neighbour, and leaves her a note one day saying, that if she is interested, she must knock three times on the ceiling, but if she isn’t interested, she should bang twice on the pipe. We never find out how she responds.

‘Hey girl what ya doin’ down there, dancin’ alone every night while I live right above you. I can hear your music playin,’ I can feel your body swayin,’ One floor below me you don’t even know me
I love you, oh my darling.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

887-The Bachelors-Hello Dolly!

1966-Number 38 single.

Best Bit-At 0.52. The Bachelors were originally called ‘The Harmonichords,’ but at the suggestion of Dick Rowe, (1921-1986) A&R at Decca Records, he recommended the name change to ‘The Bachelors,’ ‘Because that’s the kind of boy, a girl likes.’

‘Hello Dolly!’ was written by Jerry Herman, (1931-2019) for the 1964 musical of the same name, with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, and a book by Michael Stewart, (1924-1987) based on Thornton Wilder’s (1897-1975) 1938 farce ‘The Merchant of Yonkers,’ which Wilder revised, and retitled ‘The Matchmaker’ in 1955. Jerry Herman was born Gerald Sheldon Herman on July 10th, 1931, in New York City, United States, he died on December 26th, 2019, at the age of 88. Herman was also the composer and lyricist for other successful Broadway Musicals, including ‘Mame,’ (1966) and ‘La Cage aux Folles’ (1983.) Herman who was openly gay, wrote ‘I Am What I Am,’ for ‘La Cage aux Folles,’ which has become a ‘Gay Pride’ anthem, and was a 1983 hit single for Gloria Gaynor (UK Number 13.)

‘Hello Dolly!’ was first sung by the American actress Carol Channing, (1921-2019) who starred as Dolly Gallagher Levi, in the original 1964 Broadway cast. The American Jazz trumpeter, and vocalist Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) (see also best songs 1039-767-286-231 and 100) was asked to make a demonstration recording of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ for the song’s publisher to use to promote the show. When the Louis Armstrong recording was issued as a single in 1964, it went all the way to Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in America, breaking a 14 weeks run at the top by three consecutive Beatles singles. When Armstrong was asked about his new Number 1 song, he replied, ‘It sure feels good to be up there with those Beatles.’ ‘Hello Dolly!’ became the best selling single of Armstrong’s career, and at the age of 62, he was the oldest ever artist to have a Billboard Number 1, since the charts modern day inception in 1958. In 1969 ‘Hello Dolly!’ was made into a musical romantic comedy starring Barbra Streisand, (see also best songs 699 and 145) where Louis Armstrong made a guest appearance performing part of the song.

Just prior to the release of the film version of ‘Hello Dolly!’ the American songwriter Mack David (1912-1993) filed a lawsuit against Jerry Herman for infringement of copyright, claiming that the first four bars of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ were the same as those in the refrain of David’s song ‘Sunflower,’ from 1948. Herman claimed that he had never heard ‘Sunflower’ before the lawsuit, and wanted a chance to defend himself in court, but, for the sake of those involved in the show, and the potential film, he reluctantly agreed to pay a settlement before the case would have gone to trial. Herman agreed to pay $200,000 so that the film which could potentially make millions wouldn’t be delayed. In 1998 Herman said,’I didn’t mean to use six notes that sounded like some other song. I need to copy somebody else’s song like I need another nostril.’

There are many noteworthy versions of ‘Hello Dolly!’ with the Louis Armstrong recording being considered the definitive, but I have always had a soft spot for The Bachelors arrangement and delivery of the song. The Bachelors were formed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1957, by the brothers Conleth (Con) Cluskey, (1935-2022) and Declan (Dec) Cluskey, along with their friend John Stokes. The trio remained together until 1984, when the Cluskey brothers had a fall out with Stokes. Following the split, the Cluskey brothers appeared as ‘The New Bachelors,’ and Stokes as ‘Stokes & Coe.’ Stokes allegedly also then appeared as ‘The New Bachelors,’ and the Cluskey’s performed as ‘Con & Dec, The Bachelors.’ It is estimated that there are over 70 Albums of the recordings of The Bachelors available on the market worldwide, with a total of 29 singles released between 1962-1969, they have also issued three extended plays. In their native Ireland they have achieved eight top 40 singles, with ‘I Wouldn’t Trade You for the World,’ reaching Number 1 in 1964. In the UK, they have charted within the top 40 on 17 occasions, with ‘Diane,’ from 1964, being their one chart topper. While in America on Billboard, they have had six top 40 hits, on the Hot 100, with ‘Diane’ peaking the highest at Number 10.

‘We feel the room swayin’, for the band’s playin’ one of your old favourite songs from way back when. So, golly gee, fellas, find her a vacant knee, fellas, Dolly’ll never go away, Dolly’ll never go away, Dolly’ll never go away again.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

888-Ed Sheeran-Supermarket Flowers.

2018-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 0.47. According to a 2019 survey by ‘Co-Op’ care, this song is the sixth most popular funeral song. ‘My Way’ (see also best songs 120) by Frank Sinatra remained at Number 1 for the 53rd year in a row.

Edward Christopher Sheeran was born on February 17th, 1991, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England, with sales in excess of 150 million records he is one of the best selling artists of all time. At the age of four he moved with his family to Framlingham, in Suffolk, where he first sang in the local church choir, it was at the age of 11, that he learned to play the guitar. In 2004, at the age of 13, Ed Sheeran independently released his first collection of songs, titled ‘Spinning Man,’ and then he began gigging, to get himself heard. In 2010 he posted a video through ‘SB.TV,’ which gained him lots of positive publicity, which was quickly followed by the release of the ‘Loose Change’ EP, which featured his future breakthrough debut hit single ‘The A Team.’

The discography of Ed Sheeran includes six studio Albums released between 2011-2023, these Albums are called + (2011) x (2014) ÷ (2017) = (2021) and – (2023.) He has also issued 37 official singles as lead artist (at the time of writing) in the same time period. In the UK as the lead artist he has achieved 32 top 40 entries, with 11 of those songs reaching Number 1. Ed Sheeran has also appeared on a further 28 singles as a featured artist, with 12 of those tracks making the top 40, with three of those songs reaching the Number 1 spot. He has also charted with a further 15 tracks that have reached the top 40 on downloads, and streaming alone, without actually being given an official release, these include ‘Supermarket Flowers.’ In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, he has had 17 top 40 hits as the lead artist, with two of those tracks reaching Number 1. As a featured artist on Billboard, Ed Sheeran has charted on four occasions, while a further three tracks have charted as unofficial releases. In the UK, all six of his studio Albums have reached Number 1, while in America, only his debut Album ‘+’ has failed to make Number 1, having peaked at Number 5 in 2011.

‘Supermarket Flowers’ is the 12th and final track on the standard edition of ‘ ÷’ which was the third studio Album released by Ed Sheeran in March 2017. There were five official singles released from the Album, with a further three issued as promotional singles,’Supermarket Flowers’ was the final release in February 2018, following Sheeran’s performance at the ‘2018 Brit Awards.’ ‘Supermarket Flowers’ was co-written by Ed Sheeran, along with his long term working partner Johnny McDaid, (see also best songs 14) and Benny Blanco, (see also best songs 373) with the production being by McDaid, and Blanco.

‘Supermarket Flowers’ is written as a tribute to Ed Sheeran’s maternal grandmother ‘Anne,’ Sheeran has said,’I just wanted to make a tribute to my gran, she was the musical one in my family. Hopefully I will pass that on to my kids.’ He has also gone on to say,’She was in a hospital near my house where I was making the Album, so I saw her quite a lot while making the album, and she passed away while I was in the studio. So that’s my first reaction for anything that happens to me, good or bad, pick up a guitar.’ ‘Supermarket Flowers’ had not been one of the tracks chosen for the Album, as it was simply a personal tribute to his grandmother, but after Sheeran performed the song at the funeral he had a change of mind, ‘Sheeran has said,’My grandfather just turned to me, [at the funeral] he was like you have to put that out, that has to go on the record. It’s such a good memory, that’s why it’s ended up on there.’

Ed Sheeran has also explained where the songs title came from,’My gran passed away, and we were clearing out her hospital room, and the supermarket flowers from the windowsill, and having that moment.’ Although the lyrics were written by Sheeran, they are actually written from the viewpoint of his mother.

‘I took the supermarket flowers from the windowsill, I threw the day-old tea from the cup. Packed up the photo album Matthew had made, memories of a life that’s been loved.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

889-The Brothers Johnson-Stomp!

1980- Number 6 single.

Best Bit- At 2.42. If you ever wondered why they were nicknamed ‘Thunder Thumbs,’ and ‘Lightnin’ Licks,’ then have a listen to this.

The Brothers Johnson (see also best songs 1022) were formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 1975, by the brothers, George, (Lightnin’ Licks) and Louis E. Johnson (1955-2015) (Thunder Thumbs.) George and Louis began in music by forming the band ‘Three Plus One,’ with their older brother Tommy, and their cousin Alex Weir, and then they toured professionally as a backing group for acts such as Bobby Womack, (1944-2014) and the Supremes. They then joined Billy Preston’s, (1946-2006) band where they contributed to his 1973 Album ‘Music Is My Life,’ and his 1974 release ‘The Kids & Me,’ before coming to the attention of Quincy Jones, (see also best songs 1022-812-703-511-357 and 191) who hired them to play on his 1975 Album ‘Mellow Madness.’ George and Louis were active as a duo from 1975 until 1982, when they split in order to pursue solo projects. They then re-united in 1984, and recorded, and toured together through until Louis’ death from liver cancer, at the age of 60, in 2015. The Brothers Johnson are best remembered as a duo, but over the years they have actually worked with 11 other official band members, in different time periods.

The discography of The Brothers Johnson includes seven studio Albums released between 1976-1988, and 21 singles released within the same time period, there are also eight official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, they have had four top 40 entries, with their debut single ‘I’ll Be Good to You,’ charting the highest at Number 3 in 1976, ‘Stomp’ made Number 7, but did reach Number 1 on the Billboard ‘Hot R&B’ chart. In the UK, The Brothers Johnson have made the top 40 on two occasions, with their cover of ‘Strawberry Letter 23,’ making Number 35 in 1977. Away from The Brothers Johnson, Louis recorded a ‘Gospel Music’ Album in 1981, and also played bass on Michael Jackson’s 1982 Album ‘Thriller.’ George Johnson has released one solo single called ‘Back Against the Wall,’ which was issued on Quincy Jones’ record label ‘Qwest.’

‘Stomp!’ was the first of three singles released from The Brothers Johnson’s fourth studio Album ‘Light Up the Night,’ from April 1980, and was co-written by Louis Johnson, George Johnson, Valerie Johnson, who was Louis’ wife, and Rod Temperton, with Quincy Jones producing the single, and it’s parent Album. Among the artists who provided backing vocals on the track, were Michael Jackson, (1958-2009) Jim Gilstrap, Scherrie Payne, and Quincy Jones.

Rodney Lynn Temperton (see also best songs 511 and 357) was born on October 9th, 1949, in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, England, he died on September 25th, 2016, after a a brief aggressive battle with cancer, he was 66 years old. Temperton was a pupil at ‘ De Aston Grammar School, in Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, and was a year older than Bernie Taupin, (see also best songs 946-481-237 and 62) who attended ‘Market Rasen Secondary Modern School.’ Temperton started his music career as a keyboard player, joining the British ‘Funk/Disco’ band ‘Heatwave’ in 1974, and writing hits for them including ‘Boogie Nights,’ (UK-Number 2, and Billboard Number 2, in 1977) and ‘Always and Forever’ (UK-Number 9, and Billboard Number 18, in 1978.) In 1979 Temperton was recruited by Quincy Jones to write for Michael Jackson’s fifth solo studio Album ‘Off the Wall,’ which produced the Billboard Number 1 single ‘Rock With You.’ Even greater success came in 1982 when Temperton wrote three songs for Michael Jackson’s sixth solo studio Album ‘Thriller,’ including the title track, the Album is the best selling Album of all time, with sales estimated in excess of 70 million copies sold worldwide. Rod Temperton also achieved great success writing hits for other artists including George Benson (‘Give Me the Night’-1980) and Donna Summer (‘Love Is in Control (Finger on the Trigger’-1982.)

It is said that Quincy Jones liked to give his songwriters assignments, he had asked George Johnson to write a song called ‘Stomp,’ Jones had done the same thing in 1976 when asking Johnson to write a song called ‘Get The Funk Out Ma Face.’ It is said that Johnson wrote the word ‘stomp’ on a piece of paper, and then drew a picture of a foot. After spending all night on the song, he took what he had done to the studio the next day, and ‘Stomp!’ was born.

‘Steppin’ out, the weekend’s open wide, fill it up, let’s blast the jams and ride. While we’re cruisin’ around in the street, listen up for the party in feet. Slap me five, that’s the place we’ve arrived, it’s alive, everybody take it to the top.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

890-Faithless-Insomnia.

1995-Number 27 single. When it was re-released in 1996, it peaked at Number 3.

Best Bit-At 6.52.’Sweet dreams are made of this.’

Faithless (see also best songs 207) are an ‘Electronic Dance Music’ group who were formed in London, England, in 1995, by Maxwell Frazer, (Maxi Jazz) (1957-2022) who was the lead vocalist, Alalah Bentovim, (Sister Bliss) who plays keyboards, and produces, Rowland Armstrong, (Rollo) who is a music producer, and is also the brother of the singer Dido (see also best songs 936.) James Catto, who provided vocals was also a founding member, but left in 1999 to form the ‘Electronic Music’ duo ‘1 Giant Leap,’ with Duncan Bridgeman. The groups other member was Aubrey Nunn, (bass guitar) who joined late in 1995, and stayed until leaving in 2006.

‘Insomnia’ was co-written by Maxi Jazz, Sister Bliss, and Rollo, with the production credited to Rollo. The song was the second of four singles released from Faithless’ debut studio Album ‘Reverence,’ from April 1996, which later in 1996 was re-released as ‘Reverence / Irreverence,’ which contained an extra CD with remixes of the original songs. ‘Insomnia’ was first issued in November 1995, when reaching Number 27 in the UK, but over the next few months the song proved very popular in Europe, and it was the BBC Radio 1 DJ Pete Tong who campaigned for the songs re-release, which saw it peak this time in the UK at Number 3, in 1996.

As the songs title suggests, ‘Insomnia’ is about the medical condition of not being able to sleep. The subject is resonant with fans of ‘Dance Music,’ as stimulant use is common in club, and rave culture, and insomnia is a common side effect. Sister Bliss has spoken about the development of the song, ‘We wrote Insomnia in a garden shed, since that was where our producer Rollo Armstrong had his studio. Being in there all day and then DJ-ing all night was like having permanent jetlag. So I came up with the title ‘Insomnia’ because I couldn’t get to sleep. Rollo didn’t really play an instrument. He has a condition called ‘synaesthesia,’ where you see music as colours, so he’d just describe how he wanted something to sound. We were very stoned a lot of the time.

The lyrics for ‘Insomnia’ were written by Maxi Jazz who has said,’I got a call from Rollo asking if I could write some words for a new Dance track called ‘Insomnia.’ I spent 20 minutes with a pad jotting down my thoughts, finished the lyrics in the studio the following evening, then spent about 25 minutes putting the vocals down. That was that. The lyrics are from personal experience. I didn’t suffer from insomnia, but I’d just had an abscess on my tooth. It was so painful it would keep me awake. That first line, ‘Deep in the bosom of the gentle night,’ is not me channelling Dylan Thomas. That was forced on us by ‘MTV’ because they felt the original first line, ‘I only smoke weed when I need to,’ was too graphic. There were eyebrows raised about the lines ‘Making mad love to my girl on the heath, tearing off tights with my teeth,’ but they managed to stay in.’ Maxi Jazz has also said,’If I had a quid for every time someone’s come up going, “I can’t get no sleep”, I’d be living on the space station.’

As with many songs of the ‘Dance Music’ genre, there are a countless amount of official, and unofficial remixes that flood the market, for ‘Insomnia’ there are three main ones to concentrate on. The original ‘Reverence’ Album version at 8.46, the radio edit at 3.38, and the ‘Monster Mix’ at 8.38. The Album version contains some bells chiming at the start of the song, which were sampled from a BBC Sound Archive disc. The Album version also features a sample from the 1994 song ‘Novelty Waves,’ by the Norwegian ‘Electronic’ musician Geir Jenssen, who records under the stage name ‘Biosphere.’ The best known version of ‘Insomnia’ is the ‘Monster Mix,’ which is the mix that is also featured on Faithless’ greatest hits album ‘Forever Faithless,’ which was released in 2005. This mix was created by Bill Padley in 1995, with the edit being picked up by BBC Radio 1, and helped turn the song into a hit single.

‘I used to worry, thought I was going mad in a hurry. Gettin’ stressed, makin’ excess mess in darkness. No electricity, something’s all over me, greasy insomnia, please release me, and let me dream of makin’ mad love to my girl on the heath, tearin’ off tights with my teeth.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

891-Thunderclap Newman-Something in the Air.

1969-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.56. Pete Townshend never knew the feeling of having a Number 1 single in the UK with The Who, but he got a taste of what it was like here.

Pete Townshend (see also best songs 926-306 and 265) can actually boast two Number 1 songs, as he also co-produced the 1968 UK chart topper, ‘Fire,’ for ‘The Crazy World of Arthur Brown.’ In 1969, Pete Townshend, along with ‘The Who’s’ manager Kit Lambert, (1935-1981) put together a group of musicians to create a band to perform songs written by John ‘Speedy’ Keen, (1945-2002) who Townshend had previously shared a flat with. Speedy Keen had previously been a roadie for The Who, and had also written ‘Armenia City in the Sky,’ which is the opening track on The Who’s 1967 Album ‘The Who Sell Out,’ this was the only song that The Who ever performed live, that was specifically written for the group by a non-member. Townshend and Lambert also recruited the Jazz pianist Andy ‘Thunderclap’ Newman, (1943-2016) whom Townshend had known from his time at art college, and also the 16 year old Scottish guitarist Jimmy McCulloch (1953-1979.) These three musicians would play on ‘Something in the Air,’ along with Pete Townshend who played bass, under the pseudonym ‘Bijou Drains.’

‘Something in the Air’ was the first of four singles released from ‘Hollywood Dreams,’ from September 1970, which would be the only studio Album issued by Thunderclap Newman. The four singles were also the bands only other releases. In the UK, ‘Something in the Air’ went to Number 1, making them ‘One Hit Wonders,’ (see also best songs 990-698-496-467-116 and 101) as the other three singles failed to chart within the top 40, with the follow up single ‘Accidents’ stalling at Number 46, and the other two failing to make any impact at all. ‘Something in the Air’ was initially going to be called ‘Revolution,’ but was later re-named to avoid confusion with the Beatles 1968 song of the same name, which had appeared on the Beatles ‘White Album,’ and also as the ‘B’ side of ‘Hey Jude.’ In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart,’Something in the Air’ would also provide Thunderclap Newman with their only chart hit, peaking at Number 37.

‘Something in the Air’ was written by Speedy Keen, who also provided the vocals, and played the drums on the track. Keen would go on to release two solo studio Albums in 1973, and 1975, before turning to production, where he produced for the American Punk band ‘Johnny Thunders’ Heartbreakers,’ and he also produced the self titled debut Album by the English Heavy Metal band ‘Motorhead’ in 1977. Speedy Keen who died of heart failure in March 2002, at the age of 56 reflected on ‘Something in the Air,’ in a 1975 interview, saying,’I wrote it about two months before we recorded it, and we put it out as a joke. He also gave his thoughts on why ‘Thunderclap Newman’ were ‘One Hit Wonders,’Something In The Air’ was very hard to live up to because it wasn’t done under any pressure, and it was very hard to get that same feel when we knew we had to produce another single,’

‘Andy ‘Thunderclap’ Newman after whom the band were named, got his nickname ‘Thunderclap’ at school, in honour of his playing technique on the keyboards. After ‘Thunderclap Newman’ parted ways in 1971, Newman released his one solo Album ‘Rainbow,’ in 1971, and then left music to work as an electrician. In 2010 Newman put together a new version of ‘Thunderclap Newman,’ with him being the only original member, they recorded the Album ‘Beyond Hollywood,’ and played several live shows. Andy Newman died on March 29th, 2016, at the age of 73.

Jimmy McCulloch was the guitarist with Thunderclap Newman, in 1974 he became a full time member of ‘Paul McCartney and Wings,’ his debut track with them was ‘Junior’s Farm’ (see also best songs 646.) then after leaving ‘Wings’ in 1977, he toured with the reformed ‘Small Faces.’ McCulloch died on September 27th, 1979, of heart failure, due to morphine and alcohol poisoning, although he was not a user of hard drugs, he was 26 years old.

‘Something in the Air’ is a call for revolution, but whereas many songs of the ‘Flower Power’ era called for peaceful revolt, it appears that the message in this song is to revolt by any means necessary.

‘Hand out the arms and ammo, we’re going to blast our way through here. We’ve got to get together sooner or later, because the revolution’s here, and you know it’s right, and you know that it’s right.