THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

720-Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark-Enola Gay.

1980-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 2.21. When the song was first released, it was perceived by some as a homosexual love song. As such, the track was banned from being played on the BBC children’s television programme ‘Swap Shop.’

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) were formed in Meols, Wirral, Merseyside, England, in 1978, by Andy McCluskey, who was born on June 24th, 1959, in Heswall, Wirral, England, and Paul Humphreys, who was born on February 27th, 1960, in London, England. McClusky, and Humphreys took the groups name from a list of song lyrics and ideas that were written on McCluskey’s bedroom wall, and was chosen so they would not be mistaken for a ‘Punk’ band, McCluskey has since expressed regret over choosing ‘Such a very silly name.’ The duo had first met at primary school in the early 1960’s, and as teenagers they were both involved in different local bands, but eventually they both decided that the music that they wanted to make would be ‘Electronic,’ as both were influenced by artists such as Kraftwerk, (see also best songs 41) and Brian Eno (see also best songs 766-302-190-118-109 and 57.) Working with others, McCluskey, and Humphreys were active together until 1989, when Humphreys, split with McClusky due to musical differences, leaving to form a new band called ‘Listening Pool.’ McClusky kept the ‘OMD’ name going until 1996, but the duo reformed again in 2006, and at the time if writing they remain active. In total there have been 12 official members come and go, with Andy McCluskey being the groups one constant.

The discography of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark includes 14 studio Albums released between 1980-2023, and 46 singles issued between 1979-2023, there are also nine official compilation Albums, and 10 live Albums available. In the UK, all 14 of their studio Albums have reached the top 40, with ‘Bauhaus Staircase,’ from 2023, peaking the highest at Number 2, while 17 of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘Souvenir, (1981) and ‘Sailing on the Seven Seas,’ (1991) both peaking the highest at Number 3. In America on Billboard, their only Album to chart within the top 40 is ‘Crush,’ from 1985, which reached Number 38, while four of their singles have made the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, with ‘If You Leave,’ from 1986, charting the highest at Number 4.

‘Enola Gay’ was the only single released from ‘Organisation,’ which was the second studio Album from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, from October 1980, the song was written by Andy McCluskey, with the production credited to ‘OMD,’ and Mike Howlett. Andy McCluskey who was born George Andrew McCluskey, has sold in excess of 40 million records worldwide with ‘OMD.’ In 1998 he founded the UK pop girl group ‘Atomic Kitten,’ serving as songwriter and producer for the groups debut Album ‘Right Now,’ from 2000, on the Album’s re-release in 2001 it reached Number 1 in the UK. McCluskey who parted ways with Atomic Kitten after that first Album, scored his first Number 1 hit as a songwriter in the UK, when ‘Whole Again,’ topped that chart in 2001.

Mike Howlett who produced ‘Enola Gay,’ was born Michael John Gilmour Howlett, on April 27th, 1950, in Lautoka, Fiji, prior to making his name as a music producer, he had played the bass guitar in the mid 1970’s for the British Progressive Rock group ‘Gong.’ Then in 1977 he co-formed the short lived band ‘Strontium 90,’ with Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers, who would later go on to form ‘The Police’ (see also best songs 1020 and 727.) In the 1980’s Howlett went on to produce artists of the calibre of ‘Tears for Fears,’ and Joan Armatrading. He is also the producer of two other songs in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list (see also best songs 996 and 748.)

‘Enola Gay’ is an anti war song, addressing the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6th, 1945. 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,’Enola Gay,’ was chosen by it’s pilot, Colonel Paul Tibbets, (1915-2007) who named it after his mother, Enola Gay Tibbets (1893-1963.) The songs lyrics,’It’s 8.15, that’s the time it’s always been,’ refers to all of the clocks and watches in Hiroshima being frozen by the electromagnetic pulse created by the atomic detonation. Andy McCluskey has said that he ‘Wasn’t really politically motivated to write the song,’ which was informed by his fascination with World War II bombers. He has said that he hopes it ‘Conveyed an ambivalence about whether it was the right or the wrong thing to do.’

‘Enola Gay, you should have stayed at home yesterday, ah-ha, words can’t describe, the feeling and the way you lied. These games you play, they’re going to end in more than tears some day, ah-ha Enola Gay, it shouldn’t ever have to end this way.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

721-Bryan Ferry-Let’s Stick Together.

1976-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 2.00. Jerry Hall obviously.

‘Let’s Stick Together’ can boast having one of Pop music’s most iconic video’s, which features the appearance of the American model and actress Jerry Hall, who was at that time in a relationship with Bryan Ferry, she had previously appeared on the cover of Roxy Music’s 1975 Album ‘Siren.’ In the video Jerry Hall mimes the ‘yelps,’ which were performed on the song by an unnamed performer.

‘Let’s Stick Together’ was originally written and recorded in 1962 by the American ‘Rhythm and Blues’ singer and musician Wilbert Harrison, who was born on January 5th, 1929, in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, he died of a stroke in a nursing home on October 26th, 1994, at the age of 65. Wilbert Harrison is best remembered for his recording of the 1959 Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 single ‘Kansas City,’ which sold over one million copies. ‘Kansas City’ had originally been written back in 1952 by the legendary song writing team of Jerry Leiber, (1933-2011) and Mike Stoller (see also best songs 954-804-524-124 and 86.) Due to contractual problems Harrison was not allowed to release a follow up single to ‘Kansas City’ straight away, and that caused his career to stall to a point, it would be a further 11 years until he charted on the Billboard Hot 100 again. Harrison’s original recording of ‘Let’s Stick Together’ failed to chart when issued in 1962, but in 1970, using the same melody, but adding different lyrics, he reached Number 32 on Billboard, with the track re-worked as ‘Let’s Work Together.’ Also in 1970, the American ‘Blues/Rock’ group ‘Canned Heat’ (see also best songs 1037) took their cover version of ‘Let’s Work Together’ to Number 2 in the UK, and Number 26 on Billboard. 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.

In 1976 Bryan Ferry (see also best songs 316 and 57) recorded ‘Let’s Stick Together’ for his third solo studio Album of the same name, which was released in September of that year. The Album was issued after Roxy Music had announced their disbandment earlier on in the year, and comprised of 11 tracks, which included six cover versions, and five songs that had previously been recorded by Roxy Music, and re-recorded by Bryan Ferry, in a smoother and more oriented to ‘Jazz,’ and ‘R&B’ style. ‘Let’s Stick Together’ was the first of three singles released from the Album, which was co-produced by Ferry and Chris Thomas, the song was the Album’s only single to chart in the UK, where it gave Bryan Ferry his biggest solo hit, when reaching Number 4, although none of the three singles charted on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1988 a remix of ‘Let’s Stick Together’ by Bruce Lampcov and Rhett Davies was issued to help promote the release of ‘The Ultimate Collection,’ which brought together 16 tracks previously recorded by Roxy Music, or solo by Bryan Ferry. The new recording of ‘Let’s Stick Together’ was a hit again in the UK, this time reaching Number 12.

‘Let’s Stick Together’ and it’s parent Album were co-produced by Bryan Ferry, and the legendary music producer Chris Thomas, (see also best songs 576-316-285-92 and 27) who was born on January 13th, 1947, in Perivale, Middlesex, England. Thomas got his big break in production in 1967, when writing to the ‘Beatles’ producer George Martin (1926-2016) asking for work. Thomas soon gained the trust of George Martin, and although not credited, he was the producer of both the songs ‘Birthday,’ and ‘Happiness Is a Warm Gun,’ from the Beatles self-titled double album, which is also known as the ‘White Album,’ from 1968. Chris Thomas would go on to work closely with many other of the worlds top artists, including Elton John, the Sex Pistols, and U2. In 1973 he took on mixing duties with Pink Floyd for their ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ Album, and during the 1970’s he was also the producer of five Roxy Music Albums.

‘Well if you’re stuck for a while, consider our child, how can it be happy without its mom and pa? We stick together, come on, come on, let’s stick together. You know we made a vow not to leave one another ever.’

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, and at the time of writing they remain active, with Billie Joe Armstrong, (lead vocalist, and guitarist) Mike Dirnt, (bass) and Tré Cool (drums) being recognised as the classic line up. In total there have been six different members come and go. It was Billie Joe Armstrong, and Mike Dirnt, who were both 15 years old at the time, who co-founded the group, along with Sean Hughes, (bass) and Raj Punjabi, (drums) calling themselves ‘Blood Rage.’ The name changed to ‘Sweet Children,’ between 1987-1989, before ‘Green Day’ was finally settled upon, the name was chosen due to the groups fondness for ‘cannabis.’ The phrase, ‘Green day,’ was slang in the Bay Area of California, for spending a day doing nothing but smoking marijuana, Billie Joe Armstrong has said that he considered it to be ‘The worst band name in the world.’

With sales in excess of 75 million, Green Day are one of the best selling groups of all time, their 1991 Album ‘Kerplunk,’ with sales of over 4.5 million copies is one of the best selling independent albums of all time. Green Day started out life as a ‘Punk Rock’ group, but over the years they have also experimented, and recorded in other genres, including ‘Alternative Rock,’ and ‘Power Pop.’ The discography of Green Day includes 14 studio Albums released between 1990-2020, and 48 singles issued between 1994-2023, there are also four official compilation Albums, and four live Albums available. In America on Billboard, three of their studio Albums have reached Number 1, and five of their singles have made the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart top 40, with ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams,’ peaking the highest at Number 2 in 2004, ’21 Guns’ reached Number 22. In the UK, four of their Albums have reached the Number 1 spot, and 22 of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘The Saints Are Coming,’ billed as ‘ U2 and Green Day,’ peaking the highest at Number 2 in 2006.

’21 Guns’ was the second of five singles released from ’21st Century Breakdown,’ which was the eighth studio Album issued by Green Day, from May 2009, the track was written by Billie Joe Armstrong, with the production credited to Butch Vig, (see also best songs 788-641-421 and 9)) and Green Day, Butch Vig was also the Albums co-producer as well. Butch Vig was born Bryan David Vig, on August 2nd, 1955, in Viroqua, Wisconsin, United States, he is best known as the co-founder, drummer, and co-producer of the Alternative Rock group Garbage, and also as the producer of the ‘diamond selling’ Nirvana Album ‘Nevermind,’ from 1991. Other significant acts produced by Butch Vig include, The Smashing Pumpkins, (‘Gish’) Sonic Youth, (‘Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star’) and Foo Fighters (Wasting Light.)

Billie Joe Armstrong, was born on February 17th, 1972, in Oakland, California, United States, he is considered by some music critics to be one of the greatest Punk Rock guitarists of all time. Away from Green Day, Armstrong has released two studio Albums, ‘Foreverly,’ with Norah Jones in 2013, and ‘No Fun Mondays,’ in 2020, he has also issued 13 solo singles between 2013-2020. Armstrong has released music with his side projects, ‘Pinhead Gunpowder,’ ‘The Network,’ ‘Foxboro Hot Tubs,’ ‘SWMRS,’ ‘The Boo,’ ‘The Shrives,’ and ‘The Longshot,’ all between 1994-2020.

A 21-gun salute is the most commonly recognised of the customary gun salutes that are performed by the firing of cannons or artillery as a military honour. As naval customs evolved, 21 guns came to be fired for heads of state, or in exceptional circumstances for heads of government, with the number decreasing with the rank of the recipient of the honour. ’21 Guns’ addresses the subject of patriotism. Billie Joe Armstrong has said,’It brings up ’21st Century Breakdown’ (Album) 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. Does the pain weigh out the pride, and you look for a place to hide. Did someone break your heart inside, you’re in ruins.’

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.

Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. (see also best songs 183 and 114) was born on April 2nd, 1939, in Washington, D.C., United States, he died on April 1st, 1984, after being shot in the chest, and his shoulder, by his father Marvin Gay Sr., (1914-1988) at the age of 44. By the mid 1970’s Marvin Gaye’s record label Tamla Motown were feeling under pressure to keep up with the latest music trends, namely ‘Disco,’ so Marvin Gaye, after a lot of persuading, came up with this gem. Throughout 1976 Marvin Gaye was suffering financial difficulties, due to pending lawsuits from former band mates, and the divorce proceedings between himself and his first wife Anna Gordy (1922-2014.) In order to relieve Gaye from his debt, his European concert promoter Jeffrey Kruger (1931-2014) booked him on a lengthy European tour. The tour was a great success, with one of the shows which was filmed at the ‘London Palladium, being released as an Album ‘Live at the London Palladium.’ Around the same time ‘Motown’ tried to get Marvin Gaye to record ‘Disco Music,’ which was the best selling genre at that time. However Gaye criticised ‘Disco,’ saying, ‘It lacked substance,’ and refused to record a ‘Disco’ Album. However he finally came around to the idea after seeing the success his label mate Diana Ross (see also best songs 1001-900-519-365-212-183-148 and 28 ) had achieved with her ‘Disco’ hit ‘Love Hangover’ (1976-Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 10.)

‘Got to Give It Up’ was the only single released from Marvin Gaye’s live double Album ‘Live at the London Palladium,’ from March 1977, all of the other tracks on the Album were live recordings, with ‘Got to Give It Up’ being the only studio recording. The song was written by Marvin Gaye, with the production of the track, and also the Album, being by Art Stewart. ‘In it’s entirety ‘Got to Give It Up’ runs for 11.52, and takes up the whole of side 4 of the Album, but it was an edited version of 4.12, which was issued for the 7 inch single. The song proved very successful reaching the Number 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, and also on their ‘Hot R&B’ chart as well. Following the success of ‘Got to Give It Up,’ Art Stewart came to the attention of other ‘Motown’ artists including Rick James, (1948-2004) (see also best songs 418) and he and James co-produced Rick James’ 1978 Album ‘Come Get It!’ Art Stewart also worked closely with James’ fellow ‘Motown’ label mate Teena Marie (1956-2010) (see also best songs 735.)

‘Got to Give It Up’ was originally titled ‘Dancing Lady,’ as Marvin Gaye had been influenced by Johnny Taylor’s (1934-2000) 1976 Billboard Number 1 single ‘Disco Lady.’ ‘Got to Give It Up’ was recorded at ‘Marvin’s Room,’ which was a recording studio founded by Marvin Gaye in Los Angeles in 1975. The lead vocals were sung by Marvin Gaye, who also sang backing vocals, along with his brother Frankie Gaye, (1941-2001) and his second wife Janis Hunter (1956-2022.) Other notable names performing on the track were Jack Ashford of the ‘Funk Brothers,’ who provided percussion, and the singer songwriter Frankie Beverley, the tenor saxophone solo was provided by Fernando Harkness.

‘Got to Give It Up’ was an important influence on Michael Jackson (1958-2009) (see also best songs 812-511-249-191 and 137.) Jackson would write, along with his brother Randy, ‘Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground,’) (1978-Billboard Number 7 & UK Number 4) adapting parts of Gaye’s chant, transforming it into ‘Let’s dance, let’s shout, shake your body down to the ground,’ Michael Jackson’s song ‘Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough,’ (1979-Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 3) written solely by Michael Jackson, and recorded the same year as ‘Shake Your Body,’ took even more of Gaye’s influence on ‘Got to Give It Up,’ by using percussive instruments, and Jackson singing the track falsetto, as Gaye had done on ‘Got to Give It Up.’

‘I used to go out to parties and stand around, ’cause I was too nervous to really get down. But my body yearned to be free, I got up on the floor, and found someone to choose me.’

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 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, in total there has been 24 different members come and go, with Gillespie being the groups one constant, and at the time of writing they remain active with four current members. Primal Scream who took their name from a term for a type of cry heard in ‘primal therapy,’ created by the American psychologist, psychotherapist Arthur Janov, (1924-2017) started out life as 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.

Primal Scream have released 11 studio Albums between 1987-2016, and 26 singles between 1985-2016, there are also four official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In the UK, 16 of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Country Girl’ from 2006 peaking the highest at Number 5. In America they have never charted on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, but they have had four entries on the ‘Billboard Alternative Airplay’ chart, with ‘Movin’ on Up,’ placing the highest at Number 2 in 1992.

Bobby Gillespie was born Robert Gillespie, on June 22nd, 1961, in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2021 he issued his book ‘Tenement Kid,’ which is a memoir relating to his childhood in the 1960’s in Springburn, Glasgow, his discovering of ‘Punk Rock’ music, and then his realisation as an artist, through until the release of the ‘Screamadelica’ Album in 1991, the book has been met with critical acclaim. Prior to going full time with Primal Scream, Gillespie had split his career with being the drummer for ‘The Jesus and Mary Chain,’ (see also best songs 878 and 336) playing on the groups debut Album ‘Psychocandy’ from 1985. After that the Reid Brothers who were two of the four members of ‘The Jesus and Mary Chain’ at that time, gave Gillespie an ultimatum to abandon Primal Scream or be replaced, Gillespie has said,’I never really enjoyed being in Primal Scream, but the Mary Chain is Jim and William’s band, and I knew I could express myself better in Primal Scream.’

‘Loaded’ was released in February 1990, some 19 months before the release of it’s parent Album ‘Screamadelica,’ from September 1991, in total six singles were released from the Album. ‘Screamadelica’ has received universal praise from music critics, and has been frequently named one of the best Albums of the 1990’s in various polls. It won the first ever ‘Mercury Music Prize’ in 1992, and has sold over three million copies worldwide to date. ‘Loaded’ was co-written by Primal Scream group members Bobby Gillespie, Andrew Innes, and Robert Young, (1964-2014) with the production being by Andrew Weatherall, who was born Andrew James Weatherall, on April 6th, 1963, in Windsor, Berkshire, England, he died on February 17th, 2020, with the cause given being a pulmonary embolism. ‘Loaded’ came about after Primal Scream had got in touch with Weatherall, agreeing a £500 fee to remix an earlier song of their’s called ‘I’m Losing More Than I Ever Had.’ Weatherall incorporated many samples including spoken word, and the finished work is seen as groundbreaking in it’s fusion of ‘Rock Music,’ and ‘Dance Music.’

Andrew Weatherall reduced ‘I’m Losing More Than I Ever Had.’ to around a seven second loop, then added a heavy bass line, and a drum loop from an Italian bootleg mix of Edie Brickell’s 1988 track What I Am.’ Other samples include a vocal sample taken from American girl group ‘The Emotions’ 1976 song ‘I Don’t Wanna Lose Your Love,’ and Bobby Gillespie singing a line from the ‘Blues’ singer Robert Johnson’s (1911-1938) 1936 Blues song ‘Terraplane Blues.’ Perhaps the most memorable sample on ‘Loaded’ is the spoken word intro taken from the 1966 film ‘Wild Angels,’ which features an audio sample of the actual words spoken in that film by the actors Frank Maxwell, (1916-2004) and Peter Fonda (1940-2019.)

Bobby Gillespie has said,’We just did ‘Loaded’ as an experiment. There was nothing in it for us anyway, so we had nothing to lose, you know? There was no game plan with Weatherall at all. We didn’t think ‘We’re going to get famous and rich’ or ‘We’re gonna get a hit.’ It was just us trying to make a record that could ply in this scene and that people could dance to. But I remember when we finished it sounded f—ing amazing. We’d done it.’

‘Just what is it that you want to do? Well, we wanna be free, we wanna be free to do what we wanna do, and we wanna get loaded and we wanna have a good time. And that’s what we’re gonna do, we’re gonna have a good time, we’re gonna have a party.’

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 groups billing, you could be forgiven for thinking that Harold Melvin was the lead singer, but he wasn’t.

Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes were formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, in 1954, prior to forming as the ‘Blue Notes,’ they were originally known as ‘The Charlemagnes.’ The first line up consisted of five members, including Harold Melvin, (1940-1977) and lead singer Franklin Peaker (1935-2006.) The group officially disbanded in 1996, but some members have sporadically played live as the ‘Blue Notes’ on occasions since. In total there have been 18 different members come and go, with no new music released since 1984. Prior to finding success, the group had issued four unsuccessful singles in America between 1965-1970 on various record labels, although their first release ‘Get Out (And Let Me Cry’) did reach Number 35 in the UK in 1965. In 1970 the group recruited Teddy Pendergrass (1950-2010) as the drummer for their backing band, but after hearing him sing, he took over lead vocals from the then lead singer John Atkins (1944?-1998.) Success finally arrived when they landed a recording deal with ‘Philadelphia International Records’ in 1971.

The discography of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes includes nine studio Albums released between 1972-1984, of which the first four were all recorded on ‘Philadelphia International’ records, the other five Albums were issued on labels including ‘ABC,’ and ‘MCA,’ there are also nine official compilation Albums available. Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes released 29 singles between 1965-1994, with all the hits coming from their time on ‘Philadelphia International’ records. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, four of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘If You Don’t Know Me by Now,’ charting the highest at Number 3 in 1972. In the UK, six of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ peaking the highest at Number 3 in 1977.

Teddy Pendergrass was born Theodore DeReese Pendergrass, on March 26th, 1950, in Kingstree, South Carolina, United States. In 2009 he underwent successful surgery for colon cancer, but a few weeks later he returned to the hospital with respiratory issues. After seven months, he died of respiratory failure, on January 13, 2010, at the age of 59. Pendergrass left ‘Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes’ in 1976 over financial disagreements, and launched a very successful solo career, releasing 14 solo studio Albums between 1977-1998, and 39 singles between 1977-1997. It was on the Billboard ‘Hot R&B’ chart where he found his greatest charting success, with 27 of his tracks reaching that charts top 40, including three Number 1 hits. In March 1982 a car crash left Pendergrass paralysed from the chest down, but in time he was able to continue his successful solo career, until announcing his retirement in 2007. Just prior to the car crash, especially in America, Teddy Pendergrass had become so popular, that by the early 1980’s, the media were calling him ‘the black Elvis,’ not only in terms of his crossover popularity, but also due to him buying a mansion akin to ‘Elvis’s Graceland,’ located just outside his hometown of Philadelphia.

‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ was the third and final single released from ‘Wake Up Everybody,’ which was the fourth studio Album by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, from November 1975. ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ was co-written by the legendary song writing duo of Kenny Gamble, and Leon Huff, with the lyrics written by Cary Gilbert, (1942-1993) (see also best songs 896) Gamble and Huff (see also best songs 1001-896-648-604-571-338-322 and 258) who had formed ‘Philadelphia International Records,’ in 1971, also produced the track. ‘Philadelphia Records’ chose not to issue ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ as a single, so that labels main competitors in the ‘Soul’ market at that time who were ‘Motown’ records, took advantage and released a version by Thelma Houston which went to Number 1 on Billboard in 1977, and Number 13 in the UK. The version by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes was finally issued as a single in America in 1979, but only as a 12 inch single, and it failed to chart. The other significant recording of ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way,’ is the version by the British synth-pop duo ‘The Communards,’ (see also best songs 318) who spent four weeks at Number 1 in the UK with the song in 1986, their version also reached Number 40 in America, but in the UK it was the best selling single of that year.

‘Oh, baby, my heart is full of love and desire for you, so come on down and do what you’ve got to do. You started this fire down in my soul, now can’t you see it’s burning out of control. So come on down and satisfy the need in me, ’cause only your good loving can set me free.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

726-Cream-Badge.

1969-Number 18 single.

Best Bit-At 2.12. The crème de la crème of Cream.

‘Cream’ were formed in London, England, in 1966, by Jack Bruce, (1943-2014) (lead vocals, and bass, keyboards, piano, harmonica, cello, acoustic guitar, and recorder) Ginger Baker, (1939-2019) (drums, and backing and lead vocals) and Eric Clapton, (lead and rhythm guitars, and backing and lead vocals) the trio are widely considered to be the first ‘supergroup.’ A ‘supergroup’ is a musical group formed with members who are already successful as solo artists, or as members of other successful groups. The group were named ‘Cream,’ as the three members were considered the ‘cream of the crop’ amongst ‘Blues,’ and ‘Jazz’ musicians. As ‘Cream’ they were active between 1966-1968,’ although they did perform together again in 1993, and then for a final time in 2005.

‘Cream’ who have sold in excess of 15 million Albums worldwide, released four studio Albums between 1966-1969, and there have been 10 singles issued between 1966-2006. There are also 10 official compilation Albums, and four live Albums available. In the UK, all four of their studio Albums reached the top 10, with their final release ‘Goodbye’ making Number 1, while in America on the ‘Billboard 200,’ all four Albums made the top 40, with their third release ‘Wheels of Fire’ reaching Number 1. Seven of their singles made the top 40 in the UK, with ‘I Feel Free’ peaking the highest at Number 11 in 1966, while in America on the ‘Billboard Hot 100,’ three of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘White Room’ from 1968, charting the highest at Number 5.

Eric Patrick Clapton CBE was born on March 30th, 1945, in Ripley, Surrey, England, he is the only three-time inductee to the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,’ once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of the ‘Yardbirds’ (see also best songs 361) and of ‘Cream.’ With record sales of around 300 million worldwide, he is one of the best selling artists of all time. He acquired his nickname ‘slowhand,’ because whenever he broke a guitar string during a concert, he would stay on stage and replace it. The English audiences would wait out the delay by doing what is called a ‘slow handclap,’ it was the music producer Giorgio Gomelsky (1934-2016) who gave him that nickname. Prior to starting a solo career in 1970, Eric Clapton had played in a number of different local bands, before joining the ‘Yardbirds’ from 1963-1965, and then ‘John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers,’ from 1965 to 1966. He then became a member of ‘Cream’ between 1966-1968, after which he formed ‘Bind Faith,’ who were active for just a few months, before forming ‘Derek and the Dominos,’ who like ‘Blind Faith,’ he released just one studio Album with. As a solo artist Eric Clapton has released 21 studio Albums between 1970-2018, and 61 singles between 1970-2016, there are also 21 official compilation Albums, and 15 live Albums available. Clapton has also released a further 25 singles as a member of the aforementioned groups he was a member of prior to 1970. In the UK as a solo artist 12 of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Tears in Heaven’ from 1992, peaking the highest at Number 5, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, he has had 15 top 40 hits, with ‘I Shot the Sheriff,’ reaching Number 1 in 1974.

‘Badge’ was the only single issued from ‘Cream’s’ fourth an final studio Album ‘Goodbye,’ (also known as ‘Goodbye Cream’) from February 1969. ‘Badge’ was co-written by Eric Clapton, and George Harrison, (1943-2001) (see also best songs 737) with the production credited to Felix Pappalardi, (1939-1983) who had also been the producer of ‘Cream’s’ second and third studio Albums, Pappalardi also played the piano and mellotron on ‘Badge.’ George Harrison played rhythm guitar on the track, but due to contractual reasons he is listed under the pseudonym of ‘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 songwriting credits.

‘Thinkin’ ’bout the times you drove in my car, thinkin’ that I might have drove you too far, and I’m thinkin’ ’bout the love that you laid on my table. I told you not to wander ’round in the dark, I told you ’bout the swans, that they live in the park, then I told you ’bout our kid, now he’s married to Mabel.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

727-Police-Wrapped Around Your Finger.

1983-Number 7 single.

Best Bit-At 3.39. Sting uses some big words in this one, such as ‘Scylla, ‘Charybdes,’ ‘Mephistopheles,’ and ‘Alabaster,’ with that kind of knowledge he should have been a school teacher.

The Police (see also best songs 1020) were formed in London, England, in 1977, by Gordon Sumner, better known as ‘Sting,’ (bass guitar, lead and backing vocals, double bass, and keyboards) Stewart Copeland, (drums, percussion, and backing vocals) and Henry Padovani, (guitars) Andy Summers (guitars, backing vocals, and keyboards) would replace Padovani within six months of them forming, and that trio are recognised as the classic line up. The Police remained active through until they split in 1986, since then there has been a one off performance in 1992, and another in 2003, with a final re-union, for a world tour in 2007-2008, to mark the groups 30th anniversary.

With record sales in excess of 75 million sold worldwide, the Police are one of the best selling groups of all time.Their discography includes five studio Albums released between 1978-1983, and 26 singles issued between 1977-2000, there are also seven official compilation Albums, three box sets, and three live Albums available. In the UK the Police’s final four Albums all reached the Number 1 position, while in America their only Album to top the ‘Billboard 200’ Album chart was their final release ‘Synchronicity,’ in 1983. In the UK, 18 of their singles have reached the top 40, with five of them making the Number 1 spot, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, they have had nine top 40 entries, with ‘Every Breath You Take,’ from 1983 reaching the Number 1 position.

‘Wrapped Around Your Finger’ was the second of five singles released from ‘Synchronicity,’ the fifth and final Album by the Police, from June 1983. ‘Synchronicity’ is the groups most critically acclaimed Album, and their best selling, with sales in excess of nine million worldwide. At the time of the Album’s release, and following the supporting tour, the Police’s popularity was at such a high that many were calling them the ‘biggest band in the world’ at that time. ‘Wrapped Around Your Finger’ which was one of the 11 tracks on ‘Synchronicity,’ (track 3-side 2) was written by Sting, with the production credited to the Police, and Hugh Pagdham, (see also best songs 741 and 603) who had also worked with the Police on their previous Album ‘Ghost in the Machine,’ from 1981.

‘Wrapped Around Your Finger,’ which peaked at Number 8 on the American Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, like other tracks on ‘Synchronicity,’ such as ‘Every Breath You Take,’ and ‘King of Pain,’ were loosely written by Sting about his own personal life experiences. Sting has described ‘Wrapped Around Your Finger’ as ‘A spiteful song about turning the tables on someone who had been in charge.’ Of the songs meaning Sting has said,’This song is vaguely alchemical, and probably about a friend of mine, a professional psychic and my tutor in tarot, with bits of ‘Doctor Faustus’ and ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ thrown into the pot for good measure.’ Sting would often at around that time use mythological, and literary references in his songs. In ‘Wrapped Around Your Finger,’ he includes ‘Scylla,’ and ‘Charybdis,’ who were mythical sea monsters from Greek mythology. The saying ‘Being between Scylla and Charybdis, is an idiom deriving from Greek mythology, which has been associated with the proverbial advice ‘to choose the lesser of two evils.’ The sayings between the devil and the deep blue sea,’ and ‘between a rock and a hard place,’ express similar meanings. Sting also sings ‘Mephistopheles is not your name,’Mephistopheles’ is another name for the devil.

‘Wrapped Around Your Finger’ is a song about being under the control of another person. For most of the song, the singer is under the control of the woman who dominates him, but by the end however, he figures her out, and turns the tables.

‘Devil and the deep blue sea behind me, vanish in the air you’ll never find me. I will turn your face to alabaster, when you’ll find your servant is your master. You’ll be wrapped around my finger.’

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 studio Album called ‘Dark Side of the Moon.’ Pink Floyd had just recorded an Album with the same title, and to avoid confusion Pink Floyd changed it’s name to ‘Eclipse,’ when the Medicine Head Album turned out to be a commercial dud, Pink Floyd changed the title back to ‘Dark Side of the Moon,’ and the rest is history.

Medicine Head were formed in Stafford, England in 1968, and remained active through until 1977. For the majority of their career Medicine Head were the duo of John Fiddler, who was born on September 25th, 1947, in the Moxley area of Darlaston, Staffordshire, and Peter Hope-Evans, who was born on September 28th, 1947, in Brecon, Powys, Wales, the pair had first met while attending ‘Wednesfield Grammar School,’ in Wolverhampton, they would both later attend ‘Stafford Art School,’ before quitting, in order to begin performing music together. The duo got their big break when coming to the attention of the legendary DJ John Peel, (1939-2004) (see also best songs 435) who had seen them perform live in Birmingham, England, and he signed them to his recently founded ‘Dandelion Record’ label. Peter Hope-Evans left Medicine Head for over a year during the recording of ‘Dark Side of the Moon,’ and and was replaced by Keith Relf (1943-1976) (see also best songs 361) on bass, and John Davies on drums, Hope-Evans returned to Medicine Head in 1973 for the recording of their most successful Album ‘One and One Is One.’ After the break up of Medicine Head in 1977, John Fiddler became a member of the short lived British Rock band ‘British Lions,’ between 1977-1980, and then the English Rock band ‘Box of Frogs,’ between 1983-1986, he also released a solo Album called ‘Return of the Buffalo,’ in 1995. Peter Hope-Evans has since appeared as a session musician on many Albums, most prominently with Pete Townshend, and he has also played in several bands, including the ‘Rock/Pop’ group, ‘The Dance Band,’ who released the 1980 album ‘Fancy Footwork.’

Medicine Head released seven studio Albums between 1970-1976, the first three were for the ‘Dandelion Record’ label, but after that label fell in to financial difficulties, Medicine Head signed with ‘Polydor’ records. Medicine Head also released 13 singles between 1969-1976, and there has been a further five official compilation Albums issued between 2001-2011. In the UK, four of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘One and One Is On,’ peaking the highest at Number 3 in 1973, their other three UK top 40 singles were (‘And The) Pictures in the Sky,’ (1971-Number 22) ‘Rising Sun,’ (1973-Number 11) and ‘Slip and Slide’ (1974-Number 22.)

‘One and One Is One’ was the the only single released from Medicine Head’s fourth studio Album of the same name from 1973, the song was written by John Fiddler, with the production being by Tony Ashton, (1946-2001.) who also played the piano, organ, and mellotron on the Album. Tony Ashton was born Edward Anthony Ashton, on March 1st, 1946 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, he died of cancer on May 28th, 2001, at the age of 55. In 1962 Ashton became a member of the Liverpool based band ‘The Remo Four’ as an organist and vocalist, and although they had no chart success with any of their solo 13 singles, they did chart at Number 33 in the UK in 1964 with Tommy Quickly, on the track ‘Wild Side of Life,’ ‘The Remo Four’ are probably best remembered for backing George Harrison (1943-2001) on his 1968 debut solo Album ‘Wonderwall Music.’ After the demise of ‘The Remo Four’ in 1968, Tony Ashton co-formed the group ‘Ashton, Gardner and Dyke’ in 1969, releasing three studio Albums, and four singles between 1969-1972, and finding success in the UK in 1971 with ‘The Resurrection Shuffle, which reached Number 3. Tony Ashton also released three solo studio Albums between 1974-1984, and 10 singles/EP’s between 1971-1996.

‘One and One Is One’ which was written by John Fiddler is a love song, and a celebration of compatibility.

‘Don’t need nobody just me and you. Like the way you walk, like the things you do. 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 0.58. Lifestyle recommendation: The secret to having a good party, just drink enough, but not too much. Everything in moderation.

J-Kwon was born Jerrell C. Jones, on March 28th, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. It appears that he had a very difficult childhood, having lived on the streets homeless for a period of time from the age of 13, making a living by selling drugs. At the height of his fame around 2004 he refused to talk any further about his life in the drug trade, but some of his lyrics do reflect his life at that time, he has called his music of that period ‘street music.’ His ambition had always been to make it as a ‘rapper,’ and after entering and winning a ‘rap battle,’ he came to the attention of the production duo ‘Trackboyz,’ leading to him being signed to a contract with the ‘So So Def’ record label. Mark Williams of the ‘Trackboyz’ has said of J-Kwon,’Most other 17 or 18 year old’s are worried about going to college. Kwon was homeless, Kwon was in the street, so he didn’t have the comfort that other 17 year old’s have. His rapping I liked it, but it was his personality, how he sold himself to me that really got me. He was cocky and charismatic. He had a little bit of everything in him and he wasn’t scared.’

The discography of J-Kwon includes four studio Albums released between 2004-2010, and nine singles issued between 2004-2009, there is also one official mixtape, and a remix Album available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, his only top 40 entry remains ‘Tipsy,’ which reached Number 2 in 2004, being kept off the top spot by Usher with ‘Yeah!’ (see also best songs 982.) His only other entry on that chart was his follow up single ‘You & Me,’
featuring Sadiyyah, which reached Number 58, also in 2004, although he did make Number 23 as a featured performer on the track ‘Fresh Azimiz,’ by Bow Wow, which also featured Jermaine Dupri, in 2005. ‘Tipsy’ which also made Number 2 on the Billboard ‘Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs’ chart, was the only charting single for J-Kwon in the UK, it also saw success in Australia, where it made Number 5, and in Germany where it peaked at Number 17.

‘Tipsy’ was the debut single from J-Kwon, and the only single released from his debut Album ‘Hood Hop,’ from April 2004. The song was co-written by J-Kwon, along with Joe Kent, and Mark Williams, who are an American Hip-Hop’ production duo, who are also credited with producing ‘Tipsy.’ Joe ‘Capo’ Kent, and Mark ‘Tarboy’ Williams, as they are professionally known, formed their partnership in 2002, and at the time of writing remain active. Commercially ‘Tipsy’ remains the duo’s biggest success, but they were also the producers for the track ‘Air Force Ones,’ by Nelly featuring Kyjuan, Ali and Murphy Lee, which made Number 3 on Billboard in 2002, Their only other chart entry to date is the track ‘Po Folks,’ by Nappy Roots, featuring Anthony Hamilton, which reached Number 21 on Billboard in 2002.

‘Tipsy’ is a song about under age drinking, in America the lawful age to consume alcohol is 21, while in the UK it is 18. In the song J-Kwon is bragging that that he knows under age drinking is wrong, but he has got a fake ‘ID,’ to enable him to purchase the alcohol. ‘Tipsy’ has a memorable promotional video, in which J-Kwon is hosting a house party while his parents are away. The video pays homage to the 1990 comedy film ‘House Party,’ and the 1983 sex comedy ‘Risky Business,’ and also to the music video of the 1994 song ‘Gin and Juice,’ by Snoop Dogg. The ‘So So Def’s’ record labels Daz Dillinger, Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat, and Derrty’s Murphy Lee make cameo appearances, along with the American comedian and actor Lavell Crawford, who makes an appearance at the end and beginning of the video as J-Kwon’s father. It should be pointed out that the music video is more in the style of Will Smith, (prankster) rather than 50 Cent (gangster.)

‘One, here comes the two to the three to the four, everybody drunk out on the dance floor. Baby girl ass jiggle like she want more, like she a groupie and I aint even on tour. Maybe ’cause she heard that I rhyme hardcore, or maybe ’cause she heard that I buy out the stores.’