THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

467-Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin-Je t’aime… moi non plus.

1969-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 4.04. When the song reaches it’s ‘climax.’

Serge Gainsbourg was born Lucien Ginsburg on April 2nd, 1928, in Paris, French Third Republic, France, he died of a heart attack on March 2nd, 1991, at the age of 62. He had had a first heart attack in 1973, but had refused to cut down on his smoking, and drinking. It was around 1957 while filling in a form to join the songwriting society ‘SACEM,’ that he decided to change his first name to Serge, his future partner Jane Birkin has said, ‘Lucien reminded him of a hairdresser’s assistant.’ He chose ‘Gainsbourg’ as his last name, in homage to the English painter Thomas Gainsborough, (1727-1788) whom he admired. During his lifetime Serge Gainsbourg was considered to be the most important artist in French Pop music, and since his death he has reached legendary stature in France. He was also an actor appearing in nearly 50 film, and television roles, and was the composer of the soundtracks for nearly 60 films, and television programs. He wrote and directed four feature films, including the 1976 film ‘Je t’aime moi non plus,’ starring Jane Birkin. Charlotte Gainsbourg who was born in 1971, and is the daughter of Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin has said about her father, ‘He was a poet. What he did was way ahead of its time. You can just read his lyrics, he plays with words in such a way that there are double meanings that don’t work out in English. He was just so very authentic. He was so shy, and very touching. And he was very generous. Every time I get into a taxi in Paris I hear a story about my father, because he used to take taxis all day long and the drivers tell me how sweet he was. One day a taxi driver told me my father had paid for his teeth to be mended, somebody else’s roof needed to be mended and he paid for that. He just had real relationships with people from the street. He was selfish in ways that artists can be, but there was no snobisme. He was always amazed at the fact that he had money. I remember going to lovely hotels with him and he was like, ‘Oooh, how fun this is.’ He had the eyes of a child.

Serge Gainsbourg recorded in many musical genres, including ‘Jazz,’ ‘Chanson,’ ‘Yé-Yé,’ ‘Rock,’ ‘Zouk,’ ‘Funk,’ ‘Reggae,’ and ‘Electronica’ over the course of his 34 years career, he was also an influence on many English speaking artists, including Nick Cave, Michael Stipe, (see also best songs 710) and Beck (see also best songs 879 and 230.) The discography of Serge Gainsbourg includes 17 studio Albums released between 1958-1987, and 80 singles and extended plays (EP’s) released between 1958-2020, there is also one official compilation Album, and four live Albums available, and at least 10 soundtrack Albums. In his native France, his 13th studio Album ‘Aux armes et cætera,’ is his most successful, reaching Number 1 on the ‘SNEP’ French Album chart in 1979. Nine of his singles have made the French top 40 chart, with ‘Lemon Incest,’ with Charlotte Gainsbourg, peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1985, while ‘Je t’aime… moi non plus,’ with Jane Birkin, made Number 3 in 1969, and when re-released, made Number 4 in 1974.

Jane Mallory Birkin was born on December 14th, 1946, in Marylebone, London, England, on July 16th, 2023, she was found dead at her home in Paris, at the age of 76, no cause of death was disclosed. Jane Birkin was an actress and singer, having had a prolific career as an actress, mostly in French cinema. In 2001 she was appointed an ‘Officer of the Order of the British Empire’ (OBE) ‘for services to acting and UK-French cultural relations,’ and in 2013, she was appointed to the ‘Ordre des Arts et des Lettres as Chevaliers.’ In 2018, she was awarded the ‘Order of the Rising Sun in the Spring Conferment,’ for her efforts in promoting cultural exchanges between Japan and France. Jane Birkin appeared in 70 films between 1965-2021, and released 13 studio Albums between 1969-2020, there are also six official live Albums available.

Serge Gainsbourg wrote ‘Je t’aime… moi non plus’ in 1967 at the suggestion of the French actress Brigitte Bardot. Gainsbourg and Bardot were having an affair, and Bardot asked Gainsbourg to write the most beautiful love song he could imagine. The pair recorded their version, but when Bardot’s husband Gunter Sachs (1932-2011) found out about the affair, Bardot pleaded with Gainsbourg not to release the song. In 1968 Gainbourg and the English actress Jane Birkin began a relationship when they met on the set of the film ‘Slogan.’ After filming the pair recorded ‘Je t’aime… moi non plus,’ Birkin who knew of the Bardot version has said, ’I only sang it because I didn’t want anybody else to sing it.’ When the singer Marianne Faithfull (see also best songs 452) was questioned whether she had been approached by Gainsbourg she said, ’Hah. He asked everybody.’

‘Je t’aime… moi non plus’ (French for ‘I love you, me neither’) was inspired by a Salvador Dali (1904-1989) comment, ’Picasso is Spanish, me too, Picasso is a genius, me too, Picasso is a communist, me neither.’ Because of the explicit nature of the lyrics, and the suggestive moans and groans, the song received a media ban in many countries. It is claimed that the Vatican even expressed their disapproval, with Gainsbourg calling the Pope ‘Our greatest PR man.’ When the song reached Number 1 in the UK, it became the first banned song to reach the top spot, it was also the first foreign language song to make Number 1 in the UK.

‘Je vais je vais et je viens entre tes reins.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

468-Peggy Lee-Fever.

1958-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 2.28. Peggy Lee was the inspiration for the Muppet character ‘Miss Piggy.’ Originally called ‘Miss Piggy Lee,’ the name was shortened to Miss Piggy when the Muppet’s became well known.

Peggy Lee was born Norma Deloris Egstrom, on May 26th, 1920, in Jamestown, North Dakota, United States, she died on January 21st, 2002, after years of poor health, of complications from diabetes and a heart attack, at the age of 81. Peggy Lee who was the seventh of eight children, was a singer, songwriter, and actress whose career spanned seven decades, she wrote over 270 songs, and recorded more than 1,100 masters, earning herself the honorific title ‘Queen of American Pop.’ Peggy Lee began singing professionally on American radio, in North Dakota, in 1936, then in October 1937, the radio personality Ken Kennedy, (1911-1976) of the ‘WDAY’ radio station in Fargo, North Dakota, auditioned her and put her on the air that day, but not before he changed her name to Peggy Lee. As a songwriter Peggy Lee co-wrote ‘Mañana (Is Soon Enough for Me’) with her first husband Dave Barbour, (1912-1965) she recorded the song herself, and spent nine weeks at Number 1 on ‘Billboard’s Best Sellers chart’ in 1948. In 1955 with Sonny Burke, (1914-1980) (see also best songs 469) she co-composed all of the original songs for the ‘Disney’ movie ‘Lady and the Tramp.’ Her acting career included starring in the 1952 re-make of ‘The Jazz Singer,’ for which she was nominated for the ‘Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.’ During her career, she appeared in hundreds of variety shows, and several TV movies, and specials.

The discography of Peggy Lee includes 60 Albums released between 1948-1993, and at least 172 singles released between 1941-1992, 24 of those singles were released between 1941-1950, with ‘Benny Goodman (1909-1986) and His Orchestra,’ and several others were also in collaboration with others. In America on the ‘Billboard Best Sellers chart,’ which would later become the ‘Billboard Hot 100’ chart, 47 of her single have reached the top 40, with ‘Mañana (Is Soon Enough for Me’) peaking the highest at Number 1 in 1948, while ‘Fever’ reached Number 8 in 1958. In the UK, Peggy Lee has charted within the top 40 on three occasions, with ‘Mr Wonderful,’ (1956) and ‘Fever,’ (1958) both peaking the highest at Number 5.

‘Fever’ was co-written by the American ‘R&B’ singer and songwriter Eddie Cooley, (1933-2020) and Otis Blackwell, (1931-2002) who used the pseudonym John Davenport due to contractual commitments, John Davenport was the name of Blackwell’s stepfather. Blackwell was a influential figure in the development of ‘Rock N’ Roll,’ and an early inspiration to a young Elvis Presley (1935-1977.) Otis Blackwell was born on February 16th, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, he died on May 6th, 2002, of a heart attack, at the age of 71. Some of the songs written, or co-written by Otis Blackwell include, ‘Don’t Be Cruel,’ (1955-Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 2) ‘All Shook Up,’ (1956-Billboard & UK Number 1) and ‘Return to Sender,’ (1962-Billboard Number 2 & UK Number 1) all hits for Presley, he was also the writer of ‘Great Balls of Fire,’ made famous by Jerry Lee Lewis (see also best songs 99.) Otis Blackwell and Elvis Presley never met in person. Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, (1909-1997) asked Blackwell to appear in the Presley movie ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!,’ for which he had written ‘Return to Sender,’ but a superstition about meeting Presley kept him from accepting.

‘Fever’ was first recorded by the American ‘R&B’ singer Little Willie John (1937-1968) in 1956. His version reached Number 24 on Billboard, but made Number 1 on the Billboard ‘R&B chart.’ Little Willie John’s sister was Mabel John, (1930-2022) who has recorded for ‘Tamla Motown,’ and ‘Stax Records,’ she was also a member of The Raelettes, (see also best songs 475) who were Ray Charles backing group. Other significant versions of ‘Fever’ include, the ‘McCoys,’ whose recording made Number 7 on Billboard, the 1993 version by Madonna, which made Number 6 in the UK, and the 1960 recording by Elvis Presley, from his Album ‘Elvis Is Back!,’ whose arrangement is based on the Peggy Lee arrangement.

The Little Willie John original recording of ‘Fever’ is an ‘R&B’ track, but when Peggy Lee recorded it she gave it a complete overhaul. The song was re-written with lyrics she composed herself, these include the verses beginning with ‘Romeo Loved Juliet,’ and ‘Captain Smith and Pocahontas. Lee also significantly rearranged the song from the original by slowing the tempo, and using minimal instrumentation. The bass was played by Joe Mondragon (1920-1987) and the very limited drum set was by Shelly Manne. (1920-1984) As to who provided the famous ‘finger snaps’ it is unsure, with Lee, Manne, the guitarist Howard Roberts, (1929-1992) and the songs producer Dave Cavanaugh (1919-1981) all sited as possibles. Peggy Lee’s rendition of ‘Fever’ has been described as ‘torchy lounge.’ ‘sultry,’ ‘slinky and inimitable,’ with it being best remembered for ‘her playful delivery, charisma and sexuality,’ by various music writers.

‘Now you’ve listened to my story, here’s the point that I have made. Chicks were born to give you fever, be it Fahrenheit or Centigrade, they give you fever.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

469-Frank Sinatra-Theme from New York, New York.

1980-Number 59 single. When it was re-issued in 1986 it reached Number 4.

Best Bit-At 2.21. At the end of every New York Yankees baseball match, if the team had won they played Sinatra’s version, but if they had lost the original by Liza Minnelli was played. Needless to say Minnelli was not best pleased, and after she complained only the Sinatra version is now heard, win or lose.

‘Theme from New York, New York’ was co-written by Fred Ebb, (1928-2004) who provided the lyrics, and John Kander, (see also best songs 441 and 182) who wrote the music, for the 1977 Martin Scorsese musical film ‘New York, New York,’ starring Liza Minnelli, (see also best songs 182) and Robert De Niro. In the film Minnelli sings the original version of the song, which was released as a single, and taken from the films soundtrack Album, and peaked at Number 104 on the Billboard Hot 100 ‘bubbling under chart.’ The song was first brought to the attention of Frank Sinatra (1915-1998) (see also best songs 877-567-120 and 73) by his longtime associate and former employee of his publishing company Frank Military. After hearing it Sinatra began performing it live in a medley with ‘New York, New York,’ which is a 1944 song not to be confused with ‘Theme from New York, New York.’ Audiences loved his rendition of ‘Theme from New York, New York.’ so much that Sinatra kept moving it to later into the set, which he was still closing with “My Way,’ by 1980 the song had become the closer for his performances. Although recorded at the twilight of his career ‘Theme from New York, New York’ soon became one of Frank Sinatra’s best loved songs, and one of his signature tunes.

Frank Sinatra who had first introduced ‘Theme from New York, New York’ into his repertoire during performances at the ‘Radio City Music Hall,’ in New York, in October 1978, first recorded the song for his 55th studio Album ‘Trilogy: Past Present Future,’ which was recorded between July to December 1979, and released in March 1980. ‘Trilogy: Past Present Future,’ is a triple Album, with side 1 & side 2 being made up of songs originally written between the decades of the 1920’s to the 1950’s, these were arranged by Billy May (1916-2004.) Side 3 & side 4 are Sinatra’s interpretations of more recent songs written in the 1960’s, and 1970’s, which were arranged by Don Costa, (1925-1983) with the exception of the track ‘Something,’ which was arranged by Nelson Riddle (1921-1985) (see also best songs 877-286 and 73.) Side 5 & 6, which was arranged by Gordon Jenkins, (1910-1984) is an interpretation of what music may sound like in the future. Of all the music ever recorded by Frank Sinatra ‘The Future’ has received the worst reviews of his career, with the American music critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine describing ‘The Future’ as ‘a mess,’ although it has also been called ‘ambitious, experimental, and self-referential, more of a free-form suite than a set of songs.’

‘Theme from New York, New York’ was the last of Frank Sinatra’s 297 single releases to reach the American Billboard Hot 100, when peaking at Number 32 in 1980. During his career he recorded two more studio versions, in 1981 for his ‘NBC TV’ special ‘The Man and His Music,’ and in 1993 for Capitol Records. The latter recording was edited into a duet with Tony Bennett (1926-2023) (see also best songs 868) for Sinatra’s ‘Duets’ Album. The version recorded for the Album ‘Trilogy: Past Present Future’ was produced by Sonny Burke, who was born Joseph Francis Burke, on March 22nd, 1914, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States, he died from cancer on May 31st, 1980, at the age of 66. Sonny Burke was a musical arranger, composer, Big Band leader, and producer, his career highlights include co-writing with Peggy Lee, (1920-2002) (see also best songs 468) the songs to ‘Disney’s’ 1955 animated musical ‘Lady and the Tramp,’ and with John Elliot, (1914-1972) he co-wrote songs for ‘Disney’s’ ‘Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom,’ which won the 1953 Oscar for ‘Best Short Subject (Cartoons.’) Sonny Burke produced many Albums for Frank Sinatra, including his 1969 signature song ‘My Way, he also produced Petula Clark’s (see also best songs 838) ‘This Is My Song,’ (1967-UK-Number 1) written by Charles Chaplin, (1889-1977) for his movie, ‘A Countess From Hong Kong’ (1967.)

Many songs have been written about New York, but this is the one which really captured the hearts of ‘New Yorkers.’ the lyrics ‘If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere,’ sum up what many New Yorkers feel about their city, where competition is intense, but success there is richly rewarded and very satisfying. The song stresses personal responsibility in the line, ‘It’s up to you, New York, New York,’ as it’s a place where you can’t expect a handout, but have an opportunity to succeed no matter who you are. The song is written from the perspective of an entertainer who leaves a small town, and tries to make it in the city. Instead of worrying over the difficulties he/she will face, they embraces the challenges in anticipation of a new life in New York.

‘I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps, and find I’m a number one, top of the list, king of the hill, a number one.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

470-Bread-Lost Without Your Love.

1976-Number 27 single.

Best Bit-At 1.00. As I work my way through this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list, I am beginning to see the recurring theme of ‘lovers spurned.’ The good news is that there are many more classic heart-breakers to come.

‘Bread’ were formed in Los Angeles, California, United States in 1968 by David Gates, (vocals, bass guitar, keyboards, violin, viola, percussion) Jimmy Griffin, (1943-2005) (vocals, guitar, keyboards and percussion) and Robb Royer, (bass guitar, guitar, flute, keyboards, percussion, recorder, and backing vocals) who left the group in 1971, the classic line up was completed by Mike Botts, (1944-2005) (drums) who joined in 1969, and Larry Knechtel, (1940-2009) (keyboards, bass guitar, guitar, and harmonica) who joined in 1971. David Gates explained how the groups name came about, ‘A bread truck came along right at the time we were trying to think of a name. ‘How about bush, telephone pole? Ah, bread truck.” It began with a ‘B,’ like the Beatles, and the Bee Gees. Bread also has a kind of universal appeal. It could be taken a number of ways. Of course, for the entire first year people called us the Breads.’ Bread were active between 1968-1973, with one of the main reasons for the parting of the ways being that Jimmy Griffin who wrote many of the bands songs, was having his compositions continuously overlooked for single release by the bands record label ‘Electra,’ in favour of those written by David Gates. In fact all of the bands 13 American Billboard Hot 100 singles had been written by Gates. The group did reform in 1976 for the release of their final studio Album ‘Lost Without Your Love,’ and it’s accompanying tour, but once again old tensions arose. In 1996 having settled their differences the band reunited for a world tour, which extended into 1997, the last time they would ever play together.

The discography of Bread includes six studio Albums released between 1969-1977, and 16 singles released within the same time period, there are also 12 official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 12 of their singles have reached the top 40, with their fourth single release, and first hit, ‘Make It With You,’ getting to Number 1 in 1970, while ‘Lost Without Your Love’ made Number 9. In the UK, Bread have had five top 40 entries, with ‘Make It With You,’ peaking the highest at Number 5.

‘Lost Without Your Love’ was the first of two singles released from Bread’s sixth and final studio Album of the same name from January 1977. ‘Lost Without Your Love’ was written and produced by David Gates, who was born David Ashworth Gates, on December 11th, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States, he has recorded in the genres of ‘Soft Rock,’ ‘Country,’ and ‘Pop/Rock.’ David Gates formed his first band called ‘The Accents,’ while studying at the ‘Will Rogers High School,’ in Tulsa, another member of that band was the future singer/songwriter Leon Russell (1942-2016.) In 1961 David Gates relocated to Los Angeles, to work as a songwriter, and studio musician. In 1963 he had his major breakthrough when writing ‘Popsicles and Icicles,’ which reached Number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 for ‘The Murmaids.’ David Gates released six solo studio Albums between 1973-1994, and 28 solo singles between 1957-1994. On the Billboard Hot 100, he has had three top 40 solo hit singles, with ‘Goodbye Girl’ from 1977 peaking the highest at Number 15. Although David Gates and Bread never had a UK Number 1 song, Gates has written ‘If,’ which when recorded by Telly Savalas, (1922-1994) topped the chart in 1975. In 1974 the Reggae singer Ken Boothe covered ‘Everything I Own,’ which made Number 1, and that fete was repeated by the English singer Boy George, who took his version of ‘Everything I Own’ to the top in 1987. David Gates officially retired from music in 2007, and lives on his 1,400-acre (570 ha) cattle ranch in Mount Vernon, Washington, United States.

Larry Knechtel who was born Lawrence William Knechtel, on August 4th, 1940, in Bell, California, United States, joined Bread in 1971, he died on August 20th, 2009, of an apparent heart attack, at the age of 69. Knechtel was a prolific session musician, playing keyboards, bass guitar, and harmonica, and worked with dozens of the worlds most renowned artists, he was also a member of the ‘Wrecking Crew’ (see also best songs 978-846-811-744-672-660-527-486-262-202-197-192-180-127 and 71) who were inducted into the ‘Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum,’ in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2007. The many notable career highlights of Larry Knechtel include winning a ‘Grammy Award’ for his piano work on ‘Bridge over Troubled Water,’ by Simon and Garfunkel, (see also best songs 71) playing bass guitar on the Byrds version of ‘ Mr. Tambourine Man,’ and providing the harpsichord, organ, and tack piano on the Beach Boys classic 1966 Album ‘Pet Sounds.’

‘I’m as helpless as a ship without a wind, a touch without a feel, I can’t believe it’s real, and someday soon I’ll wake, and find my heart won’t have to break.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

471-Paul Hardcastle-19.

1985-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.26. Paul Hardcastle’s follow up single release to ’19’ was ‘Just For Money,’ which coincidentally reached Number n-n-n-nineteen.

Paul Louis Hardcastle was born on December 10th, 1957, in Kensington, London, England, he is a composer, musician, producer, songwriter, radio presenter, and multi-instrumentalist. His first professional venture in to the music business came in 1981 when he became the keyboard player for the British Soul band ‘Direct Drive,’ then in 1982 he left that group to form the duo ‘First Light,’ with the vocalist Derek Green, who had also been a member of ‘Direct Drive,’ in order to play ‘Jazz Funk,’ and ‘Electro Music.’ Together they released two studio Albums in 1983, and 1984, before parting ways. Following his greatest commercial success in the mid to late 1980’s, Paul Hardcastle resumed working as ‘First Light,’ this time with Kevin Henry, the results of which became the 1989 Album ‘You Had It All.’ Since the 1990’s, Paul Hardcastle has recorded several ‘Synth Jazz’ Albums, alternating releases under the pseudonyms ‘Kiss the Sky,’ with the British singer Jaki Graham, and also as the ‘Jazzmasters,’ as well as releasing Albums under his real name.

The discography of Paul Hardcastle includes 14 studio Albums released between 1985-2014, a series of 10 ‘Smooth Jazz’ Albums released between 1994-2022, a series of seven ‘Jazzmasters’ series Albums released between 1993-2014, three ‘Chill Lounge’ series Albums released between 2012-2015, and 13 official compilation Albums, covering many aspects of his work released between 1993-2023. Paul Hardcastle has also released 34 singles between 1984-2022, of which four have made the UK top 40, with ’19’ topping the chart for five consecutive weeks in 1985. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, his only charting single remains ’19’ which peaked at Number 15, although four of his tracks have reached the ‘Billboard Dance Club Songs’ top 40, with ’19’ making Number 1. His 1986 UK Number 15 hit single ‘The Wizard,’ was used as the theme tune for the ‘BBC’ music programme ‘Top of the Pops’ between April 1986, until September 1991.

’19’ was the third of five singles released from Paul Hardcastle’s self titled third studio Album from 1985, the song was co-written by Paul Hardcastle, Mike Oldfield, Bill Couturié, and Jonas McCord, with the production being by Paul Hardcastle. Musically the song is ‘Electro-Pop,’ and was inspired by the work of the American ‘Electronic Music’ producer Afrika Bambaataa (see also best songs 716.) Paul Hardcastle had watched a documentary made by ‘ABC’ news in 1982 on television called ‘Vietnam Requiem,’ which had been directed by Bill Couturié, and Jonas McCord, that told about post-traumatic stress disorder suffered by Vietnam veterans.The documentary said that the average age of the soldiers was nineteen, and this struck a chord with Hardcastle who immediately thought of his carefree lifestyle in comparison at that age. ’19’ samples dialogue, and sound effects from ‘Vietnam Requiem,’ and therefore Bill Couturié, and Jonas McCord receive songwriting credits alongside Paul Hardcastle. The narration sampled from ‘Vietnam Requiem’ was voiced by the American narrator Peter Thomas (1924-2016) who also received royalties from the songs release. Also credited as a writer of ’19’ is the English songwriter and producer Mike Oldfield, who receives royalties after he sued Paul Hardcastle over the similarities between ’19’ and his 1973 song ‘Tubular Bells.’

’19’ went on to top the charts in 13 countries, but only made Number 15 in America. In the States a song was placed on the chart not only by how many it sold, but also by how many radio stations played the track. In America many of the radio stations banned the song, claiming it sent out an anti American message, so even so it was the best selling song for three consecutive weeks, it never received it’s full recognition. Alongside ’19’ not receiving airplay on American radio, it also caused controversy when it was aired on ‘MTV’ in the United States. The first version of the video included footage from the television networks ‘NBC’ and ‘ABC,’ including a newscast by ‘ABC’ anchorman Frank Reynolds (1923-1983.) Both ‘NBC’ and ‘ABC’ objected to the ‘bad taste’ of using the serious clips in a ‘trivial’ form of ‘propaganda.’ Jonas McCord and Bill Couterié were forced to produce a new video incorporating public domain footage, but ‘ABC’ permitted Reynolds’ audio to remain. Couterié asserted at the time that the television networks opposed the video because it involved Rock music, and has said, ‘What is the difference between the words in our song and the 7 o’clock news? The only difference is Rock N’ Roll. And why did they love the documentary and hate the video so much? Every word in the song is from the film, and there was never any argument with the facts. The only difference is the music.’

‘In 1965 Vietnam seemed like just another foreign war, but it wasn’t. It was different in many ways, as so were those who did the fighting. In World War II the average age of the combat soldier was 26, in Vietnam he was 19.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

472-Libertines-Can’t Stand Me Now.

2004-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.43. The bands two main protagonists Carl Barât, and Pete Doherty had a turbulent relationship, they rarely saw eye to eye, and were often at loggerheads…. and they weren’t even married.

The Libertines were formed in London, England, in 1997, by Carl Barât, and Pete Doherty, they are both guitarists in the group, and also share the lead vocals, as well as being a songwriting partnership. The Libertines remained active until 2004, but reformed in 2010 for a brief period, to play the ‘Reading and Leeds Festivals,’ and then reformed again in 2014 to record new material and play live, and at the time of writing they remain active. In 1998 Carl Barât, and Pete Doherty were joined by Johnny Borrell, (bass) who was a group member until 1999, and in 2000 by Paul Dufour, (1948-2022) (drums) who was a group member until 2001. In 1999 John Hassall, (bass) and in 2001 Gary Powell (drums) joined the group, as their replacements.

The discography of the Libertines, who took their name from the French writer Marquis de Sade’s (1740-1814) unfinished novel ‘Lusts of the Libertines,’ (1785) includes four studio Albums released between 2002-2024, and 12 singles between 2002-2023, there are also four extended plays, (EP’s) one official compilation Album, and one official live Album available. In the UK, two of their studio Albums ‘The Libertines,’ (2004) and ‘All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade,’ (2024) both reached Number 1, while six of their singles have made the UK top 40, with ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ peaking the highest at Number 2 in 2004.

Pete Doherty was born on March 12th, 1979, in Hexham, Northumberland, England, at the age of 16, he won a poetry competition and embarked on a tour of Russia organised by the British Council. Pete Doherty first met Carl Barât when Barât was studying drama at ‘Brunel University,’ in Uxbridge, West London, and sharing a flat in Richmond, London, with Amy-Jo Doherty, Pete’s elder sister. The pair soon realised that they shared a passion for songwriting, and decided to abandon their university courses, and move into a flat together, which they named ‘The Albion Rooms.’ The working and personal relationship between Pete Doherty and Carl Barât was repeatedly put under strain by Doherty’s drug addiction, which has seen Doherty serve time in prison, and spend time trying to get clean in rehabilitation facilities. In 2022 Doherty stated that he had ‘Been clean since December 2019.’ Away from the Libertines Pete Doherty has released four solo studio Albums between 2009-2022, and four solo singles between 2009-2016. While still a member of the Libertines, Pete Doherty formed the ‘Indie Rock’ band ‘Babyshambles’ in 2003, and with ‘Babyshambles,’ he has released three studio Albums between 2005-2013, and seven singles between 2004-2013, with six of those singles reaching the UK top 40, with ‘F#ck Forever,’ peaking the highest at Number 4 in 2005, there are also three extended plays, (EP’s) one official live Album available.

‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ was the first of two singles released from the Libertines second studio Album ‘The Libertines,’ from August 2004, the song was co-written by Peter Doherty, Carl Barât, and Mark Hammerton, (1970-2021) with the production of the track, and it’s parent Album being by Mick Jones, formally of ‘The Clash,’ and ‘Big Audio Dynamite,’ (see also best songs 867-638 and 294) Jones had also produced the Libertines debut studio Album ‘Up the Bracket.’ Mark Hammerton, who was also known as Mark Keds, were the working names of Mark Myers, who was born on October 28th, 1970, in London, England, he died on January 11th, 2021, from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, at the age of 50. Myers was best known for being a member of the English ‘Post/Punk,’ groups ‘Senseless Things,’ and ‘Deadcuts.’

The Libertines breakthrough in 2002 occurred at the same time as ‘Garage Rock’ was making a revival through the success of bands such as ‘The Strokes,’ (see also best songs 450) and the ‘White Stripes’ (see also best songs 324.) Of the Libertines sound Pete Doherty has said, ‘Oasis (see also best songs 1006-758 and 15) is the sound of a council estate singing it’s heart out, and the Libertines is the sound of someone just put in the rubbish chute at the back of the estate, trying to work out what day it was.’

Have we enough to keep it together, or do we just keep on pretending and hope our luck is never ending now. You tried to pull the wool, I wasn’t feeling too clever, and you take all that they’re lending, until you need amending now.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

473-John Lennon-Working Class Hero.

1970-It has never been released as a ‘A’ sided single in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.55. Why did Lennon choose this song to use the ‘F’ word on? In 1998 Yoko Ono explained, ‘He told me, ‘That’s part of being working class. It won’t be working class if what you say is all very clean and very proper.’

‘Working Class Hero’ is track 4 on side 1 on ‘John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band,’ which was John Lennon’s (1940-1980) (see also best songs 927-456-168 and 20) first Album since the break up of the Beatles, (see also best songs 599-456-319-238-218-141-80-51-10 and 6)) released on December 11th, 1970. Lennon’s detractors pointed out that he was actually raised in a upper-middle-class home by his aunt, and therefore had little understanding as to what it is to be raised working class. Lennon responded by saying,’The thing about Working Class Hero that nobody ever got right was that it was supposed to be sardonic. It had nothing to do with socialism, it had to do with, if you won’t to go through that trip, you’ll get to where I am, and this is where you’ll be. Because I’ve been successful as an artist, and have been happy and unhappy, and I’ve been unknown in Liverpool or Hamburg and been happy and unhappy.’ Lennon has also been quoted as saying,’I think it’s concept is revolutionary, and I hope it’s what ‘Give Peace A Chance’ (see also best songs 168) was about, but I don’t know. On the other hand, it might just be ignored. I think it’s for the people like me who are working class, who are supposed to be processed into the middle classes. It’s a revolutionary song, not the song itself, but that it’s a song for the revolution.’

‘Working Class Hero’ is one of the 11 tracks on the debut solo studio Album ‘John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band,’ by John Lennon, from December 1970, the song was written by John Lennon, who is the only performer on the track, providing acoustic guitar and vocals, with the songs production credited to Yoko Ono, (see also best songs 456 and 168) and Phil Spector (1939-2021) (see also best songs 820-737-262-192-127-91 and 20.) John Lennon’s musical influence for ‘Working Class Hero’ came from hearing the similar ‘Masters of War,’ (1963) and ‘North Country Blues’ (1964) songs by Bob Dylan, (see also best songs 792-621-358-103-36 and 7) who in turn had been influenced by the American Folk singer Jean Ritchie’s (1922-2015) arrangement of the traditional English Folk song ‘Nottamun Town.’ It has been said that Lennon obsessed about the recording of the song for many days, singing an endless amount of takes, somewhere between 100-130, getting very frustrated that it didn’t sound like what he wanted. The tape operative Andy Stephens has said that he watched the former ‘Beatle’ obsess about it day after day, singing ‘An endless number of takes. If the mix in his headphones wasn’t exactly what he wanted, he would take them off and slam them into the wall, he wouldn’t say, ‘Can I have a bit more guitar?’ He would literally rip the cans off his head and smash them into the wall, then walk out of the studio.’ The finished take on the Album is actually a composite of two different takes, performed in two different studios, and knitted together.

‘John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band’ is the debut solo studio Album by John Lennon, it was released on the same day (December 11th, 1970) as Yoko Ono’s similarly titled debut solo studio Album ‘Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band.’ It followed John Lennon’s recording of three experimental Albums with Yoko Ono between 1968-1969, and a live album from the 1969 line up of the ‘Plastic Ono Band.’ The songs on ‘John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band’ were heavily influenced by Lennon’s recent ‘primal scream therapy.’ Its lyrics reflect Lennon’s personal issues and includes themes of child-parent abandonment, and psychological suffering. Following the break-up of the Beatles in April 1970, John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono undertook ‘primal therapy’ with the guidance of the American psychologist, and psychotherapist, Arthur Janov (1924-2017) for four weeks at his London offices. The three then flew to Los Angeles to continue the therapy for four months. Janov’s therapy technique emphasised emotionally reliving repressed childhood traumas rather than analytical discussion, but Lennon’s therapy was never completed due to the expiry of his U.S. visa. Janov had intended that Lennon’s treatment would require a minimum of a year, such was the severity of his trauma, and had expressed concern that the therapy had ended prematurely, and that Lennon’s rediscovered anger over his childhood remained unresolved.

‘Working Class Hero’ is a call to the everyday man to not conform to what the more privileged, and powerful tell them to do. Lennon sets himself up as an example of what can be achieved through thinking for yourself, and being a revolutionary. The line ‘If you won’t to be like the folks on the hill,’ is a reference to the Beatles song ‘The Fool On the Hill.’

‘As soon as you’re born they make you feel small, by giving you no time instead of it all, ’til the pain is so big you feel nothing at all. A working class hero is something to be. A working class hero is something to be.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

474-Harry Chapin-W.O.L.D.

1973-Number 34 single.

Best Bit-At 4.33. ‘Oh, if a man tried to take his time on earth, and prove before he died what one man’s life could be worth, I wonder what would happen to this world.’ These are the words inscribed on Harry Chapin’s gravestone, the epitaph is taken from his 1978 song ‘I Wonder What Would Happen to This World.’

Harold Forster Chapin (see also best songs 995) was born on December 7th, 1942, in New York City, United States, he died on July 16th, 1981 en route to perform a free benefit concert at ‘Eisenhower Park,’ New York, when he was fatally injured in a traffic collision with a semi-trailer truck. Chapin’s widow Sandy won a $12 million decision in a negligence lawsuit against ‘Supermarkets General,’ the owners of the truck involved. Chapin was a dedicated humanitarian who fought to end world hunger, and would regularly perform for free to raise funds, and awareness. Harry Chapin’s wife is now the chairperson of the ‘Harry Chapin Foundation,’ where she continues to pursue his legacy. His son, Josh, is also involved with the foundation, along with other family members. The Chapin family have been artistic throughout the generations. Harry Chapin’s father Jim Forbes Chapin, (1919-2009) his brothers Tom and Steve, and daughter Jen Chapin are musicians, while his nieces, Abigail and Lily Chapin, perform under the name the ‘Chapin Sisters.’ His paternal grandfather, James Ormsbee Chapin, (1887-1975) was an artist who illustrated the American poet and playwright Robert Frost’s (1874-1963) first two books of poetry, while his maternal grandfather was the American philosopher and rhetorician Kenneth Burke, (1897-1993) and the ‘Country’ singer Mary Chapin Carpenter is his fifth cousin.

Harry Chapin was one of the greatest storytellers through his music, and has gone on to sell in excess of 16 million records worldwide. In 1972 he signed a multi million dollar recording contract with ‘Electra Records,’ who outbid ‘Columbia Records’ for his signature, the contract was one of the biggest of its time, and It granted him free recording time, along with many other perks. The discography of Harry Chapin includes nine studio Albums released between 1972-1980, and 13 singles released within the same time period, there are also 14 official compilation Albums, and two live Albums available. There is also an Album recorded in 1966 called ‘Chapin Music!’ which is by ‘The Chapin Brothers,’ who were Harry, Tom and Steve Chapin, along with their father Jim. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, Harry Chapin has had four top 40 entries, with ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ reaching Number 1 in 1974, while ‘W.O.L.D.’ reached Number 36, and in the UK, ‘W.O.L.D.’ was his only top 40 singles chart entry.

‘W.O.L.D.’ was the only single released from ‘Short Stories,’ which was the third studio Album from Harry Chapin, from December 1973, the song was written by Harry Chapin, with the production being by Paul Leka (1943-2011) (see also best songs 995.) The Album ‘Short Stories’ has a total of 10 tracks, and includes two other fans favourite songs in ‘Mr Tanner,’ and ‘Mail Order Annie.’ The lyrics to ‘W.O.L.D.’ tell the story of an ageing Disc Jockey who gave up his family life to travel around America working at several different radio stations following his passion, which he believed would bring him happiness, only to discover that his life, looks, and voice have all passed him by, as hinted in the songs title (W.)’O.L.D.’ Harry Chapin had been doing a promotion at a radio station, when he heard a telephone conversation between one of the station’s Disc Jockeys Jim Connors, (1940-1987) who was speaking with his wife. This led to Chapin and Connors having a deep discussion on and off air about all the troubles associated with being part of the music business, inspiring Chapin to write this song.

When Harry Chapin performed ‘W.O.L.D.’ live he frequently replaced ‘W.O.L.D.’ in the last verse with the call letters of a local radio station in the town where the performance was being held. The live version of the song from the compilation ‘The Gold Medal Collection’ has an example of this, where ‘W.O.L.D.’ was replaced with ‘KHJ,’ a radio station in Los Angeles. Co-incidentally there is an actual radio station in Marion. Virginia, which has been broadcasting since 1968 called ‘WOLD-FM.’

‘Sometimes I get this crazy dream that I just take off in my car, but you can travel on ten thousand miles and still stay where you are. Thinking that I should stop this jockin’ and start that record store, maybe I could settle down, if you’d take me back once more.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

475-Ray Charles-What’d I Say.

1959-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 3.45. Ray Charles said, ‘I’m not one to interpret my own songs, but if you can’t figure out ‘What I Say,’ then something’s wrong. Either that, or you’re not accustomed to the sweet sounds of love.’

Ray Charles Robinson (see also best songs 185) was born on September 23rd, 1930, in Albany, Georgia, United States, he died of complications resulting from liver failure, on June 10th, 2004, at the age of 73. Ray Charles is considered to be one of the most influential musicians in ‘Pop Music’ history, pioneering the genre of ‘Soul Music’ during the 1950’s, by combining ‘Blues,’ ‘Jazz,’ ‘Rhythm and Blues,’ and ‘Gospel’ styles into his music, and then during the 1960’s he recorded in the ‘Country Music’ genre as well. Ray Charles who was often referred to as ‘The Genius,’ by his fellow musicians, and fans, but preferred to be called ‘Brother Ray,’ started to lose his sight at the age of four, and was blind by the age of seven, probably resulting from the disease ‘glaucoma.’ In his 1978 autobiography, ‘Brother Ray: Ray Charles’ Own Story,’ he writes that he became hooked on women after losing his virginity at 12 years old to a woman about 20. ‘Cigarettes and smack (heroin) are the two truly addictive habits I’ve known. You might add women. My obsession centres on women, did then and does now. I can’t leave them alone.’ Ray Charles fathered 12 children with 10 different women, the eldest child being Evelyn in 1949, and the youngest Ryan, in 1987. He was 18 years old when he first tried marijuana, as he thought it helped musicians ‘Create music and tap into their creativity.’ He later became addicted to heroin for 17 years, and was arrested on many occasions for possession of narcotics.

The discography of Ray Charles is complex and extensive, with at least 20 different record labels having released near identical compilations of his pre-‘Atlantic Records’ recordings. It is reckoned that there are at least 200 official compilation Albums available. The American music journalist Robert Christgau has called Ray Charles’ discography a ‘Monumental mess, and that any map of his oeuvre must be personal and provisional.’ For the discography of Ray Charles see best songs 185.

‘What’d I Say,’ which is also known as ‘What I Say,’ was the second of two singles released from Ray Charles’ sixth studio Album called ‘What’d I Say’ for ‘Atlantic Records,’ and released in October 1959. ‘What’d I Say,’ was written by Ray Charles, with the production credited to Jerry Wexler (1917-2008) (see also best songs 882-644 and 530.) ‘What’d I Say’ is considered to be a landmark song, and key in the development of what was to become known as ‘Soul Music.’ Ray Charles mixed ‘Gospel,’ and ‘R&B’ and ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ to create the song. At one show he was playing live, and the band had played all of their material, but there was still 12 minutes to fill. Ray Charles told the band to improvise, and over the course of many concerts, and due to audience appreciation, the song developed, and then it was finally recorded, it would become the song with which Ray Charles would finish every concert for the rest of his career. The female backing vocals on the track were provided by ‘The Raelettes,’ who were an American girl vocal group formed in 1958 to provide backing vocals for Ray Charles, they had been put together from a previous ‘R&B’ girl group called ‘The Cookies,’ who had been active since 1954. Ray Charles has recalled the time in 1958 at a club in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, when he improvised on stage for what would eventually become ‘What’d I Say.’ He simply asked his band to follow his lead, which they did. He told his backing singers ‘The Raelettes’ to simply repeat whatever he said. ‘I had sung everything I could think of. So I said to the guys, ‘Look, I’m going to start this thing off, I don’t know where I’m going, so y’all just follow me.’ And I said to the girls, ‘Whatever I say, just repeat after me.’

Ray Charles scored his first top 10 hit on the American Billboard Hot 100 with ‘What’d I Say,’ when it peaked at Number 6 in 1959. In America the song has reached the top 40 on three further occasions, in 1961, Jerry Lee Lewis (1935-2022) made Number 30 with his version, in 1962 Bobby Darin (1936-1973) took the song to Number 24, and in 1964 Elvis Presley (1935-1977) made Number 21. ‘What’d I Say,’ has never been a hit single in the UK, but the Ray Charles recording was very influential. Paul McCartney has said that after hearing it that he wanted to be involved in music. George Harrison (1943-2001) remembered an all-night party he attended in 1959 where the song was played for eight hours non-stop. ‘It was one of the best records I ever heard.’ The opening electric piano in the song was the first John Lennon (1940-1980) had ever heard, and he tried to replicate it with his guitar. Lennon later credited Charles’ opening of ‘What’d I Say’ to the birth of songs dominated by guitar riffs.

‘Hey mama, don’t you treat me wrong, come and love your daddy all night long,all right now, hey hey, all right. See the girl with the diamond ring, she knows how to shake that thing all right now, now, now, hey hey, hey hey.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

476-Barry White-Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up.

1974-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 0.45. In a recent survey it was revealed that many of the babies born between 1973-1983 were conceived while their parents were listening to Barry White songs. Even so I made that up, it could still be true.

Barry White (see also best songs 560 and 153) was born Barry Eugene Carter on September 12th, 1944, in Galveston, Texas, United States, he was obese for the majority of his adult life, reportedly weighed up to 375 pounds, he was also a chain smoker, and suffered from related health problems. While undergoing dialysis and awaiting a kidney transplant in May 2003, he suffered a severe stroke, which forced him to retire from public life, he also suffered multiple seizures in his last few weeks. His unstable health eventually prevented him from receiving a new kidney, and he died on July 4th, 2003, at the age of 58.

Barry White’s first big break came in 1972, when producing the all girl group ‘Love Unlimited,’ their debut Album ‘From a Girl’s Point of View We Give to You… Love Unlimited,’ (Barry White was renowned for long song titles) reached Number 19 on the American Billboard ‘Top R&B’ Album chart. With ‘Love Unlimited,’ Barry White produced, and wrote the majority of their five studio Albums released between 1972-1979, and their 15 singles released between 1972-1980. Two of their singles reached the American Billboard Hot 100, ‘Walkin’ in the Rain with the One I Love,’ (1972-Number 14) and ‘I Belong to You,’ (1974-Number 27) while in the UK, they also charted twice, with ‘Walkin’ in the Rain with the One I Love,’ (1972-Number 14) and ‘It May Be Winter Outside (But in My Heart It’s Spring’) (1973-Number 11.)

In 1973 Barry White created ‘The Love Unlimited Orchestra,’ which was a 40-piece orchestral group to be used originally as a backing band for ‘Love Unlimited,’ however after writing ‘Love’s Theme’ which went on to be a Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 single in 1973, he decided to write and record and release Albums and singles as ‘The Love Unlimited Orchestra.’ as their own entity. With ‘The Love Unlimited Orchestra’ Barry White released 10 Albums between 1974-1983, and 20 singles between 1973-1983, with two of those singles reaching the Billboard Hot 100, ‘Love’s Theme,’ (1973-Number 1) and ‘Satin Soul,’ (1975-Number 22.) In the UK, only ‘Love’s Theme’ charted, reaching Number 10. Some of the musicians who performed in ‘The Love Unlimited Orchestra,’ included Melvin ‘Wah Wah’ Watson, (1950-2018) (see also best songs 713) who was also a member of the ‘Funk Brothers, Ray Parker Jr. (see also best songs 560) and Wilton Felder, (1940-2015) (see also best songs 588.) As well as working with ‘Love Unlimited,’ and creating ‘The Love Unlimited Orchestra,’ Barry White also was on the look out for a male solo singer to record his songs, but after not finding what he was looking for, he was persuaded to perform his own songs himself. For the solo discography of Barry White, see also best songs 560.)

‘Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Stone Gon,” the second studio by Barry White, from October 1973. All five tracks on the Album, including ‘Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up’ were written and produced by Barry White, who also sang lead vocals, and was also arranged by Barry White, and Gene Page (1939-1998.) In 1997 the English singer Lisa Stansfield covered ‘Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up,’ taking her version to Number 25 in the UK. In 1992 Barry White had teamed up with Stansfield to record a duet version of her most successful song ‘All Around the World,’ for the ‘B’ side of her single ‘Time To Make You Mine,’ with all of the artists royalties being donated to the charity ‘Trading Places,’ the song reached Number 14 in the UK. They then teamed up again in 1999 to record ‘The Longer We Make Love,’ for White’s Album ‘Staying Power.’ In 1987 the English music producer Paul Hardcastle (see also best songs 471) did a remix of ‘Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up,’ it was issued with the slightly amended spelling of ‘Never, Never Going to Give You Up’ in several European countries, to promote the compilation album ‘Barry White – The Collection,’ the remix peaked at Number 65 in the UK in 1988.

”Cause I found what the world is searching for, here, right here, my dear, I don’t have to look no more. And all my days, I’ve hoped and I’ve prayed for someone just like you, make me feel the way you do. Never, never gonna give you up.’