THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

720-Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark-Enola Gay.

1980-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 2.20.When the song was first released it was misperceived by some as a homosexual love song.As such, the track was banned from being played on the BBC children’s programme ‘Swap Shop.’

‘OMD’ were formed in 1978 in Meois, Wirral, Merseyside, England, by Andy McCluskey, and Paul Humphreys, they had first met at primary school in the early 1960’s.As teenagers they were both involved in different local bands, but eventually they both decided that the music they wanted to make would be ‘Electronic,’ as both were influenced by artists such as Kraftwerk, and Brian Eno. Working with others they were active until 1989, when Humphrey’s split with McCluskey, leaving to form a new band called the ‘Listening Pool.’McCluskey kept the band name’Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark’ going until 1996, but the pair reformed again in 2006.

‘Enola Gay’ is an anti war song, addressing the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on 6th August, 1945, it was written by Andy McCluskey. The song is named after the Enola Gay, which was the ‘USAAF B-29 Superfortress bomber aeroplane that carried ‘Little Boy,’the name given to the first atomic bomb to be used in an act of war.The name of the aeroplane was chosen by the pilot, Colonel Paul Tibbets (1915-2007,) who named it after his mother, Enola Gay Tibbets (1893-1963.)’It’s 8.15, that’s the time it’s always been,’ refers to all the clocks and watches in Hiroshima being frozen by the electromagnetic pulse created by the atomic detonation.

‘Enola Gay, you should have stayed at home yesterday, ah-ha, words can’t describe the feeling, and the way you lied.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

721-Bryan Ferry-Let’s Stick Together.

1976-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 2.01.Jerry Hall obviously.

The songs video is one of Pop music’s most iconic, featuring the appearance of Jerry Hall, who was at the time in a relationship with Bryan Ferry,she had previously appeared on the cover of Roxy Music’s 1975 Album ‘Siren.’In the video Hall mimes the yelps, which were performed on the song by an unnamed performer.

The original version of ‘Let’s Stick Together’ was written and recorded by the Blues singer Wilbert Harrison (1929-1994,) in 1962, Harrison is best remembered for his 1959 Billboard Number 1 single ‘Kansas City,’written by Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller. Harrison’s version of ‘Let’s Stick Together’ failed to chart, and in 1969 he reworked the song, using different lyrics, calling the new version’Let’s Work Together,’and this time it charted at Number 32 on Billboard.In 1970 the American Blues Rock band Canned Heat (see also best songs 1037) released their version of ‘Let’s Work Together,’which reached Number 26 on Billboard, and Number 2 in the UK.

In 1976 Bryan Ferry(see also best songs 57 and 316) released his version of ‘Let’s Stick Together’ from his third solo studio Album of the same name, recorded when Roxy Music were on hiatus.This track was one of six cover versions, the rest of the Album was made up reworkings of old Roxy Music songs.

The lyrics to ‘Let’s Stick Together’ are about someone wanting to continue a relationship, whereas the lyrics to ‘Let’s Work Together’ are a call for unity.

‘But now you never miss your water till your well runs dry, come on now baby give our love a try.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

722-Green Day-21 Guns.

2009-Number 36 single.

Best Bit-At 1.06.’For those about to rock, we salute you.’

Green Day were formed in East Bay, California, United States in 1987, by Billie Joe Armstrong, and Mike Dirnt, they were joined shortly after by drummer John Kiffmeyer, who was replaced by the current drummer Tre Cool in 1990. When originally forming the band at the age of 15, they called themselves ‘Sweet Children,’ but in order to avoid confusion with another local band called ‘Sweet Baby’ they changed to Green Day, due to the band members fondness for cannabis. In 2001 Billie Armstrong said that he considered it to be the worst band name in the world.

’21 Guns’ is taken from Green Day’s eighth studio Album ’21st Century Breakdown,’ and is their last charting top 40 single on Billboard, and in the UK to date. The song addresses the subject of patriotism.Lead singer, and the songs co-writer Billie Armstrong said,’It brings up ’21st Century Breakdown’ in a lot of ways, and the 21 gun salute for someone that’s fallen, but done in an arena Rock ‘N Roll sort of way.’

‘Do you know what’s worth fighting for, when it’s not worth dying for. Does it take your breath away, and you feel yourself suffocating.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

723-Marvin Gaye-Got to Give It Up.

1977-Number 7 single.

Best Bit-At 1.39.The song was subject to a landmark court case in 2013 against the writers of ‘Blurred Lines,’ a song which had given Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams a Billboard, and UK Number 1 single. Gaye’s family argued that it sounded too similar to ‘Got to Give It Up,’ and the judgement awarded $7.3 million to the Gaye family, nice work if you can get it.

In the mid 1970’s Tamla Motown were feeling under pressure to keep up with the latest music trends, namely ‘Disco,’ so Marvin Gaye came up with this gem (see also best songs 183 and 114.)

Gaye was suffering financial problems in 1976, and in order to relieve the debt, he took on a lengthy tour of Europe, which included a performance at the London Paladium, on October 3rd, 1976, which was recorded, and released as a double album in 1977, the only studio recording was this track, which had been originally recorded at Gaye’s own studio called ‘Marvin’s Room,’ in Los Angeles, in December 1976.’Got to Give It Up’ was written by Marvin Gaye, and produced by Art Stewart, who on the back of that success, went on to produce albums by Rick James, and Teena Marie. Others to appear on the track were Gaye’s brother Frankie (1941-2001,) providing backing vocals, with Frankie Beverley also contributing to the track, along with Jack Ashford of the Funk Brothers. The song was a big influence on Michael Jackson, who based his debut hit ‘Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough’ on this, heavily influenced by Gaye’s percussion, and vocal delivery (see also best songs 812.)

‘I used to go out to parties, and stand around, ’cause I was too nervous to really get down.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

724-Primal Scream-Loaded.

1990-Number 16 single.

Best Bit-At 3.28.When asked by the NME how all the samples for the song were cleared, Bobby Gillespie said,’I don’t know what you’re talking about’. (with a grin on his face) ‘Imagine if we hadn’t got the Fonda one though, we wouldn’t be sat here now. I don’t know where we’d be, but we would not be sat here talking to you. The Gods were smiling on us that day.’

Primal Scream were formed in Glasgow, Scotland in 1982 by Bobby Gillespie, and Jim Beattie, and of the 22 band members who have come and gone, Gillespie has remained the one constant. The band were originally an ‘Indie Rock’ group, before moving in to ‘Psychedelic Rock.’ and ‘Garage Rock, but it was when they incorporated ‘Dance Music’ to their sound, they finally achieved mainstream success.’Loaded’ was released 18 months before it’s parent Album ‘Screamadelica,’ which would go on to become the first ‘Mercury Music Prize’ winner in 1992.’Loaded’ came about after Primal Scream had got in touch with the producer/remixer/songwriter/DJ Andy Weatherall, (1963-2020) asking him to remix an earlier song of there’s called ‘I’m Losing More Than I Ever Had.’Weatherall incorporated many samples including the spoken word intro by actor Peter Fonda (1940-2019) from the 1966 film ‘Wild Angels.’There is also a vocal sample taken from The Emotions 1976 song ‘I Don’t Wanna Lose Your Love,’ plus Bobby Gillespie singing a line from Robert Johnson’s 1936 Blues song ‘Terraplane Blues, and a drum loop from an Italian bootleg remix of Edie Brickell’s 1988 track ‘What I Am.’

‘Just what is it that you want to do? Well. we wanna be free, we wanna be free to do what we wanna do.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

725-Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes-Don’t Leave Me This Way.

1977-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 3.13.Because of the bands billing, you could be forgiven for thinking that Harold Melvin (1940-1997) was the lead singer, but he wasn’t.

Originally known as The Charlemagnes, they became ‘The Blue Notes’ in 1954, originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.In 1970 the group recruited Teddy Pendergrass (1950-2010) as their drummer, and later that year he replaced John Atkins as lead singer. Their breakthrough occurred in 1972 when signing with Philadelphia Records, whose founders were Kenny Gamble, and Leon Huff.

‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ was written by the legendary song writing team of Kenny Gamble, and Leon Huff, with lyrics by Cary Gilbert (1942-1993.)Together Gamble, and Huff have written, or produced 175 Gold, and Platinum records (see also best songs 1001-896-648-604 and 322.) The song was originally recorded in 1975, and released on Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes final Album,’Wake Up Everybody,’ with Teddy Pendergrass as lead singer, the song was not released at that time due to contractual legalities. Philadelphia International records main competitors in the ‘Soul’ market at that time were Tamla Motown, and they took advantage releasing a version by Thelma Houston which went to Number 1 on Billboard in 1977, and Number 13 in the UK. In 1986 the British duo The Communards (see also best songs 318) released their version of the song, which spent four weeks at Number 1, and also became the best selling song of that year.

‘Oh baby, my heart is full of love, and desire for you, so come on down, and do what you gotta do.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

726-Cream-Badge.

1969-Number 18 single.

Best Bit-At 2.11.The creme de la creme of Cream.

Cream were the world’s first ‘supergroup,’ formed in 1966 by bassist Jack Bruce (1943-2014,) guitarist Eric Clapton, and drummer Ginger Baker (1939-2019.) They recorded four studio Albums between 1966-1968, before once again going their own ways, although they did perform together again in 1993, and again in 2005. The band was named ‘Cream’ as the three members were considered the ‘cream of the crop’ amongst Blues, and Jazz musicians.

‘Badge’ is taken from Cream’s forth, and final Album, ‘Goodbye,’ and was co-written by Eric Clapton, and George Harrison (see also best songs 737,) who also played rhythm guitar on the track, under the pseudonym L’Angelo Misterioso. The songs title ‘Badge’ has absolutely nothing to do with the songs subject, as when Clapton was reading through Harrison’s notes, he misread ‘Bridge'(as in the songs bridge) for ‘Badge,’ which Harrison found funny, so they decided to use it. The songs lyrics are not intended to make any sense, the line about swans living in the park, was actually a throwaway comment made by Ringo Starr when he was drunk, although Starr does not receive any song writing credits.

‘Talkin’ ’bout a girl that looks quite like you, she didn’t have the time to wait in the queue.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

727-The Police-Wrapped Around Your Finger.

1983-Number 7 single.

Best Bit-At 3.19.Sting uses some big words in this one, such as ‘Scylla,”Charibdes,”Mephistopheles,’ and ‘Allabaster,’ with that kind of knowledge he should have been a teacher.

The Police were formed in London, England in 1977, by Gordon Sumner (Sting,) Stewart Copeland, and Henry Padovani, Andy Summers would replace Padovani within six months.They were active until 1984, before reforming for three concerts in 1986, and again in 2007-2008, for a reunion tour, they have sold in excess of 75 million records (see also best songs 1020.)

‘Wrapped Around Your Finger’ was the second single released from the Police’s fifth studio Album ‘Synchronicity,’ written by Sting, this was a personal song, as were two of the other tracks released as singles, ‘Every Breath You Take,’ and ‘King of Pain.’ Sting has described ‘Wrapped Around Your Finger’ as a ‘spiteful song, about turning the tables on someone who had been in charge,’

Sting would often use mythological, and literary references in his songs. Here he includes Scylla, and Charybdis who are monsters of Greek mythology, you will also hear Sting sing,’Mephistopheles is not your name,’Mephistopheles is another name for the devil.

‘Devil and the deep blue sea behind me, vanish in the air, you’ll never find me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

728-Medicine Head-One and One Is One.

1973-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 1.35.In 1972 Medicine Head released their third album ‘Dark Side of the Moon’,Pink Floyd had just recorded an album with the same name, and to avoid confusion they changed it to ‘Eclipse,’ when the Medicine Head album turned out to be a commercial dud, Pink Floyd changed the name back to’Dark Side of the Moon,’ and the rest is history.

Medicine Head were formed in Stafford, England in 1968, they were active until 1977.The original duo of John Fiddler, born September 25th, 1947, and Peter Hope-Evans, born September 28th, 1947, first met at Wednesfield Grammr School, and later both attended Stafford Art School. The duo got their break when coming to the attention of legendary DJ John Peel (1939-2004,)who signed them to his ‘Dandelion Record’ label. Hope-Evans left the band for over a year during the recording of the third studio Album’Dark Side of the Moon,’ and was replaced by Keith Relf (1943-1976) (see also best songs 361) on bass, and drummer John Davies, he returned in 1973 for the recording of their most successful Album,’One and One Is One.’

‘One and One Is One’ was Medicine Head’s most successful song reaching Number 3 in 1973, they also achieved three other top 40 singles. They released six studio Albums, three of which were recorded for John Peel’s ‘Dandelion’ label. ‘One and One Is One’ was written by John Fiddler, and is a love song, and a celebration of compatibility.

‘Got no confusion with you by my side, and when it’s time to go, I’m satisfied.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

729-J-Kwon-Tipsy.

2004-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 0.47.The secret to having a good party, just drink enough, but not too much.Everything in moderation.

J-Kwon was born Jerrell Jones on March 26th, 1986, in St Louis, Missouri. He has released four studio Albums to date, the first being ‘Hood Hop’ in 2004, from where this track was taken, and the latest, the self titled ‘J-Kwon’ in 2010.’ At the age of 12 Jones was expelled from his home for allegedly dealing drugs, over the next few years he stayed at friends homes, and slept in cars.

J-Kwon got his big breakthrough at the age of 17 when signing with the ‘So So Def/Arista’ record label, and recording ‘Tipsy,’ which he co-wrote with Joe Kent, and Mark Williams, who work together as ‘Trackboyz,’ they also produced the song.Another of the Trackboyz productions was the 2003 Billboard Number 3 hit,’Air Force Ones,’ for St Lunatics, who like J-Kwon, also originate from St Louis. ‘Tipsy peaked at Number 2 on Billboard in 2004, being kept off the top spot by Usher, with ‘Yeah,'(see also best songs 982.) J-Kwon released ‘You & Me’ as the follow up single, bur that stalled at Number 58 on Billboard, and he hasn’t charted since.

Tipsy’ tells the story of under age drinking, and of the narrator having a house party while his parents are away, without their permission. The accompanying video is more in the style of Will Smith, than 50 Cent.

‘One, here comes the two to the three to the four, everybody drunk out on the dance floor.’