THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

660-Mamas & the Papas-California Dreamin’

1966-Number 23 single. When it was re-issued in 1997 it peaked at Number 9.

Best Bit-At 0.08. The Mamas & the Papas took their name from ‘The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club,’ whose female associates are known as ‘Mamas.’

The Mamas & the Papas were formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 1965, by the the husband and wife duo of John Phillips, (1935-2001) and Michelle Phillips, the pair would file for divorce in 1969. Prior to forming the Mamas & the Papas the pair had both been members of the American Folk Music group ‘The Journeymen.’ The other founding member was Denny Doherty, (1940-2007) who had previously been a member of the American Folk/Rock group the ‘Mugwumps.’ The groups fourth member, was Cass Elliot, (1941-1974) (see also best songs 247) who had also been a past member of the ‘Mugwumps,’ and was taken on soon after the groups formation, on the recommendation of Denny Doherty. These four are considered as the classic line up, with the American singer Jill Gibson, spending a brief period of time in 1966, replacing Michelle Phillips as a group member. The Mamas & the Papas would remain active until 1968, but due to contractual reasons with their record label, they ‘unofficially’ reformed in 1971 to release a final studio Album, ‘People Like Us.’

The discography of the Mamas & the Papas, who have sold in excess of 40 million records worldwide, includes five studio Albums released between 1966-1971, and 17 singles issued between 1965-1972, there are also 11 official compilation Albums available. In America on Billboard, their debut studio Album, ‘If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears,’ reached Number 1, with their next three all making the top 15, although their final Album stalled at Number 84. On Billboard, 10 of their singles reached the top 40, with ‘Monday, Monday,’ (1965) going all the way to Number 1, while ‘California Dreamin” peaked at Number 4. In the UK, the Mamas & the Papas have achieved six top 40 hit singles, with ‘Dedicated to the One I Love,’ charting the highest at Number 2 in 1967.

‘California Dreamin’ was the second of three singles released from ‘If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears,’ the debut studio Album from the Mamas & the Papas,’ from February 1966. ‘California Dreamin” was co-written by the then newlyweds John, and Michelle Phillips, with the production being by Lou Adler (see also best songs 527.) The song was written with the American singer Barry McGuire in mind, as the follow up to his 1965 Billboard Number 1 hit ‘Eve of Destruction,’ (see also best songs 527) McGuire recorded the song with the Mamas & the Papas providing backing vocals, but after hearing the ‘Mamas’ sing it, the music producer Lou Adler persuaded them to release it themselves instead.

‘California Dreamin” was written by John and Michelle Phillips when they were both living as newlyweds in New York City in 1963. Michelle Phillips was homesick, and finding the winter very cold, compared to what she was used to in California, and the song was inspired by her longing to be in another place. Michelle enjoyed visiting churches, and the songs second verse is inspired from a visit to ‘St. Patrick’s Cathedral,’ a few days previously. It is said that John hated the verse, as he disliked churches because of unpleasant memories of parochial school, but the verse was left in, as he couldn’t think of anything better to replace it with, and the other group members also overruled him.

‘California Dreamin” can boast some of the era’s top session musicians playing on it, including two members of the ‘Wrecking Crew,’ Hal Blaine, (1929-2019) (see also best songs 978-811-672-527-426-202-127-110 and 71)on drums, and Joe Osborn (1937-2018) on bass guitar. Playing guitar on the track was the American singer/songwriter P. F. Sloan, (1945-2015) (see also best songs 527) it was Sloan who also provided the songs guitar intro. ‘California Dreamin” has an unusual instrumental break in the middle of the song. John Phillips was looking for something a little different instead of a guitar break, so asked the American alto saxophonist and flautist Bud Shank, (1926-2009) who in one take improvised, and provided the middle section of the song, with an alto flute solo.

‘California Dreamin” was re-issued in the UK in 1997 after being used in a commercial for ‘Carling Premier Beer,’ and this time it charted at a new high of Number 9. The song was also a UK hit in 1990 for the English ‘Folk/Rock’ group ‘River City People,’ who took their version to Number 13. Other significant recordings of ‘California Dreamin”, include the American group ‘America,’ (1979-Billboard Number 56) the Beach Boys, (1986-Billboard Number 57) Jose Feliciano, (1968-Billboard Number 43) and Bobby Womack (1968-Billboard Number 43.) In 2016 a ‘Tropical House’ version by the German DJ/remixer, ‘Freischwimmer,’ reached Number 1 on the ‘Billboard Dance Club Songs’ chart, making it the first time that ”California Dreamin” had ever reached the Number 1 spot on any Billboard chart.

‘All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey, I’ve been for a walk on a winter’s day. I’d be safe and warm if I was in L.A. California dreamin,’ on such a winter’s day.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

661-Ian Hunter-Once Bitten, Twice Shy.

1975-Number 14 single.

Best Bit-At 0.07. The warmest of welcomes.

Ian Hunter Patterson was born on June 3rd, 1939, in Oswestry, Shropshire, England, due to the onset of World War 2, he moved with his family to Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, to live with the family of his Scottish father. Hunter lived in Scotland until the age of six, and has stated that he considers himself a Scot, but also identifies as English and British. Success for Ian Hunter came a little later in life than your average ‘Pop Star,’ as it wasn’t until 1972 at the age of 33, that as the lead singer of the English Rock group ‘Mott the Hoople,’ he achieved his first hit single, with the David Bowie (1948-2016) (see also best songs 807-440-334-302-209-186-118-47 and 31) written and produced ‘All the Young Dudes’ (see also best songs 334.) Mott the Hoople would achieve a further five UK top 40 singles, all written by Hunter., then in 1974 he left the group to pursue a solo career.

The solo discography of Ian Hunter includes 23 Albums released between 1975-2023, and 20 singles issued between 1975-2016. In the UK, only ‘Once Bitten, Twice Shy’ has charted within the top 40, when reaching Number 14 in 1975, Other career highlights away from Mott the Hoople include producing the second studio Album ‘Valley of the Dolls,’ by the English Punk Rock group Generation X, in 1979. Also in 1979 the American singer Barry Manilow covered Hunter’s song ‘Ships,’ taking it to Number 9 on Billboard, and then in 1997 the American Rock group ‘Presidents of the United States of America’ covered Hunter’s song ‘Cleveland Rocks,’ which was used as the theme song for the American television sitcom ‘The Drew Carey Show.’ ‘Cleveland Rocks’ became such an anthem in Cleveland, Ohio, by being played on the city’s radio station, and by being used as a victory song for the city’s sports teams, that in June 1979, Hunter was given the key to the city by Cleveland mayor.

‘Once Bitten, Twice Shy’ was Ian Hunter’s debut solo single, and the first of two singles released from his self titled debut studio Album, from March 1975. The song was written by Ian Hunter, with the production credited to Hunter, and Mick Ronson, (1946-1993) who also played guitar on the track. Mick Ronson (see also best songs 440-405-334-186-131-58-37 and 5) was born on May 26th, 1946, in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, England, he died of liver cancer on April 29th, 1993, at the age of 46. Mick Ronson had first met Ian Hunter in London in 1966 when both were trying to make the big time, Hunter with a group called ‘The Scenery,’ and Ronson with the ‘Voice,’ and also with ‘The Rats,’ whom with both groups, he was the guitarist at that time. Mick Ronson’s stellar career included working with David Bowie on five studio Albums between 1970-1973, and along with Bowie, working with Lou Reed (1942-2013) on his 1972 Album ‘Transformer.’ Ronson also had a long working relationship with Ian Hunter, working on six of his Albums, issued between 1979-1995. One of Ronson’s final assignments was producing ‘Your Arsenal,’ the third solo studio Album from Morrissey in 1992. Mick Ronson also released two solo Albums in 1974, and 1975, with a further four being issued after his death, between 1994-2001.

The definition of once bitten twice shy is, if you have failed, or been hurt when trying to do something, then you will be careful, or fearful about doing it again. The lyrics to ‘Once Bitten, Twice Shy’ maybe a true story, or just an observation. The song tells of a girl groupie, whom the narrator has taken a liking to. He first encounters her in the tour bus with the drummer, but before much action can take place between them, the narrator claims her, as he is a more senior member of the group. The groupie soon learns that ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ is a hard life, with lots of travel, and heaters on the bus that don’t always work, but as she gets the hang of it, she starts messing around with other guys, much to the narrators dismay.

In 1972 Ian Hunter wrote a book called ‘Diary of a Rock’n’Roll Star,’ which was published in 1974. The book chronicles the endless travelling, hotels, sound checks, performances. and notably, it strips away the ‘glittering facade’ of the ‘Rock Star’ that the music industry ‘PR’ machine would have music fans believe. A review of the book said,’Hunter delivers a distinctly British perspective, as he encounters the diverse American cultural landscape. Already in his 30’s and a show biz veteran, Hunter offers not only the usual cliché’s, but also mature, hard-won insights into the Rock game.’ In 1989 the American Rock group ‘Great White’ covered ‘Once Bitten, Twice Shy,’ with their version reaching Number 5 on Billboard in America, and stalling at Number 83 in the UK.

‘You didn’t know what rock and roll was, until you met a drummer on the Greyhound bus. I got there in the nick of time, before he got his hands across your state line.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

662-The Rolling Stones-Jumpin’ Jack Flash.

1968-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.16. The most famous song in the world ever, inspired by a gardener.

The Rolling Stones (see also best songs 933-452-160 and 77) were formed in London, England, in 1962. At the time of writing Mick Jagger, (lead vocals) and Keith Richards, (guitars) are the groups only two constants, the current trio is made up by Ronnie Wood, (guitars) who has been a group member since 1975. Charlie Watts, (1941-2021) (drums) was a group member from 1963 until his death, Bill Wyman, (bass and keyboards) was a group member between 1962-1993, Brian Jones, (1942-1969) (guitars) who was a member between 1962-1969, was dismissed from the group due to his alcohol and drug problems, and died from drowning in his swimming pool less than a month after his dismissal. Mick Taylor, (guitars) replaced Brian Jones, and was a group member until 1974. There have been a further seven official members who played with The Rolling Stones in their early years between 1962-1963, including Ian Stewart, (1938-1995) (keyboards) who was removed from the lineup in May 1963 at the request of The Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, who felt that he did not fit the band’s image. Ian Stewart remained as the groups road manager and pianist for over two decades until his death, and was posthumously inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ along with the rest of the band in 1989.

‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ was released as a stand alone single in May 1968, and the first Rolling Stones album on which the song appeared, was their 1969 compilation album, ‘Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2,’) one year after the single was released. It has since appeared on numerous other Rolling Stones compilations, including ‘Hot Rocks,’ 1964–1971, (1971) and ‘Forty Licks’ (2002.) ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ is The Rolling Stones most performed song, with it being played live over 1,100 times by the group since 1968. The song was co-written by Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards, with the production being by Jimmy Miller (1942-1994.)

James Miller who was born on March 23rd, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, would go on to produce five studio Albums for The Rolling Stones, from ‘Beggars Banquet,’ (1968) through to ‘Goats Head Soup,’ (1973) he also had a close working relationship with Steve Winwood, and Winwood’s various bands, including ‘Spencer Davis Group,’ ‘Traffic,’ and ‘Blind Faith.’ Jimmy Miller was also the producer of ‘Blackberry Way,’ (see also best songs 575) which was a Number 1 single for ‘The Move’ in the UK in 1968. In the 1970’s Miller produced the ‘Overkill,’ (1979) and ‘Bomber’ (1979) Albums for the Heavy Metal group ‘Motorhead,’ and in 1991 he worked with ‘Primal Scream’ on their third studio Album ‘Screamadelica’ (see also best songs 724.) Jimmy Miller died from liver failure on October 22nd, 1994, at the age of 52.

‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ gave The Rolling Stones their seventh UK Number 1 single, in total they achieved eight, all of which were in the 1960’s. Keith Richards has stated that he and Mick Jagger wrote the songs lyrics while staying at Richards’ country house, where they were awoken one morning by the sound of the gardener Jack Dyer, who was walking past the window. When Mick Jagger asked what the noise was, Richards responded, ‘Oh that’s Jack, that’s jumpin’ Jack.’ Keith Richards has said,’I started to work around the phrase on the guitar, which was in open tuning, singing the phrase ‘Jumping Jack.’ Mick said, ‘Flash,’ and suddenly we had this phrase with a great rhythm and ring to it.’ As for the songs meaning, Mick Jagger has said that the song arose,’Out of all the acid of Satanic Majesties. (Their Satanic Majesties Request-1967 Album) It’s about having a hard time and getting out. Just a metaphor for getting out of all the acid things.’ Keith Richards has said that the songs opening line ‘I was born in a crossfire hurricane,’ refers to his being born amid the bombing and air raid sirens of Dartford, England, in 1943, during World War II.

In his autobiography, Bill Wyman has claimed that it was he who came up with the songs distinctive main guitar riff on a piano, without receiving any credit, Wyman has also claimed that he wrote the bass line for ‘Miss You,’ (see also best songs 160) also receiving no recognition. Keith Richards has said, that of all the guitar riffs he has written, ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ is his favourite.

‘I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag. I was schooled with a strap right across my back, but it’s all right now, in fact it’s a gas, but it’s all right, I’m Jumpin’ Jack Flash, it’s a gas, gas, gas.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

663-10cc-I’m Mandy Fly Me.

1976-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 2.43. Please forgive me for ‘two much information,’ but there is no other way to let you know. ’10cc’ is a scientific term that represents a volume of semen, that is more than the average amount ejaculated, therefore emphasising the bands potency, and prowess.

’10cc’ (see also best songs 154) were officially formed in Stockport, England, in 1972, by their classic lineup of Graham Gouldman, (keyboardist/guitarist) Eric Stuart, (keyboardist/guitarist) Kevin Godley, (drums) and Lol Creme, (keyboardist/guitarist) although all four original members are multi instrumentalists. The quartet had already been working together since 1968, and previous to that, they had all worked in the music business, achieving success to different degrees, from the early to mid 1960’s. Due to musical differences, Kevin Godley, and Lol Creme both left ’10cc’ in 1976, after the release of their fourth studio Album ‘How Dare You!,’ to work as a duo as ‘Godley and Creme, leaving Graham Gouldman, and Eric Stuart to continue as 10cc, through until 1983. In 1992 all four original band members re-united to record the 10th ’10cc’ studio Album, called ‘Meanwhile,’ while their final release, ‘Mirror Mirror,’ in 1995, was just the work of Gouldman and Stewart, from the original line up. In total there have been 20 different members come and go, and at the time of writing Graham Gouldman still uses the name ’10cc’ when going on tour with other current members.

The discography of ’10cc’ includes 11 studio Albums released between 1973-1995, and 34 singles released between 1972-1995, there are also four box sets, and 15 official compilation Albums, and four live Albums available. In the UK, seven of their Albums have reached the top 40, with three of those all peaking at Number 3, while in America on Billboard, two of their Albums have made the top 40. In the UK, ’10cc’ have had 13 of their singles reach the top 40, with three of those all making the Number 1 position, while on Billboard, they have charted within the top 40 on three occasions, with ‘I’m Not in Love,’ peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1975, while ‘I’m Mandy, Fly Me,’ stalled at Number 60.

‘I’m Mandy, Fly Me’ was the second of two singles released from ‘How Dare You!’ the fourth studio Album by ’10cc’ from January 1976, the first single release was ‘Art for Art’s Sake,’ which reached Number 5 in the UK, and Number 83 on Billboard in America. ‘I’m Mandy, Fly Me’ was co-written by Eric Stuart, Graham Gouldman, and Kevin Godley, with the production credited to ’10cc.’

The idea for ‘I’m Mandy, Fly Me’ came about after Eric Stuart had seen an eye catching billboard poster,’ he has said,’I remember seeing in Manchester this beautiful poster, and just below it was this tramp, I mean a serious tramp, quite a raggedy guy, looking up at this girl, and I thought God, do you know, there’s a song there. Look at that guy looking up at Cindy-fly-me, and I know he’s never gonna get on an aeroplane, I don’t think, except in his dreams.’ ‘I’m Mandy, Fly Me’ tells of the tramps fantasy dream of flying on an aeroplane, which crashes. The tramp is saved by the beautiful stewardess, (now named Mandy) but then she is nowhere to be found, was it all a dream?

Eric Stewart has said that his first attempt at the song came out two bland, so both he and Graham Gouldman, changed the rhythm completely, and ‘Put two whacking great guitar solos in there, in the middle of this quiet, soft, floaty song. The end result was this lovely interesting song, with the whacking guitar solos in it.’ Graham Gouldman has also confirmed the similarity of the guitar solo at 2.43, to that by Paul McCartney, on his 1973 song ‘Band on The Run’ (see also best songs 107.) The initial idea for ‘I’m Mandy, Fly Me’ came from Eric Stewart, but there was also major input from Kevin Godley, who re-wrote many of Stewart’s initial lyrics.

The intro to ‘I’m Mandy, Fly Me’ starts with words and music that sound as if they are being played through a small tinny speaker. The lyrics are actually taken from the 1974 ’10cc’ track ‘Clockwork Creep,’ which is written from the perspective of a plane with a bomb on board. The lyrics sung are,’Oh, no, you’ll never get me up in one of these again, ’cause what goes up must come down, down, down.’

‘I’ve often heard her jingle, it’s never struck a chord. With a smile as bright as sunshine, she called me through the poster, and welcomed me aboard.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

664-Elvis Presley-Blue Suede Shoes.

1956-Number 9 single.

Best Bit-At 1.12.Carl Perkins was the first to admit there was no way he could compete with Elvis, ’He had everything, he had the looks, the moves, the manager, and the talent, and he didn’t look like Mr Ed, like a lot of us did.’

Carl Lee Perkins was born on April 9th, 1932, in Tiptonville, Tennessee, United States, he died of throat cancer on January 19th, 1998, at the age of 65. Carl Perkins who was nicknamed the ‘King of Rockabilly,’ was a leading player in the development of the genre of music that would become known as ‘Rockabilly,’ he is also recognised as a pioneer in the early days of ‘Rock ‘N Roll.’ It was Paul McCartney (see also best songs 646-599-238-218-157-141-107-80-51-10 and 5) who probably paid him the his highest compliment, saying, ‘If there was no Carl Perkins, there would be no Beatles.

Carl Perkins was born the son of poor sharecroppers, and from the age of six he worked long hours in the cotton fields with his family. His first introduction to music was listening to the ‘Grand Ole Opry,’ broadcast from Nashville, on his father’s radio. At the age of 14, Perkins and his brother Jay (?-1958) began performing together at the ‘Cotton Boll’ tavern on Highway 45, near Jackson, Tennessee, with payment being from tips, and free drinks. By the late 1940’s Carl Perkins was performing regularly on the radio station ‘WTJS.’ in Jackson, and was playing regularly six nights a week in the Jackson area. It was in July 1954, after hearing Elvis Presley’s version of the 1945 ‘Bluegrass’ standard ‘Blue Moon of Kentucky’ on the radio, that Perkins decided to audition for Sam Phillips, (1923-2003) at the legendary ‘Sun Records,’ (see also best songs 678) allegedly saying after hearing the song,’There’s a man in Memphis who understands what we’re doing. I need to go see him.’

The discography of Carl Perkins includes 44 original Albums released between 1957-2000, unfortunately I cannot find a comprehensive list of his singles discography, but his only charting single on the Billboard Hot 100 in America, is his original version of ‘Blue Suede Shoes,’ which peaked at Number 2, being held off the top spot by Elvis Presley’s ‘Heartbreak Hotel.’ Carl Perkins has had nine of his singles reach the top 40 on the Billboard ‘Hot Country Songs’ chart, with ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ going all the way to Number 1. ‘Blue Suede Shoes,’ which was the 15th best selling single of 1956 in America, was also Carl Perkins only UK top 40 entry, peaking at Number 10.

‘Rockabilly’ is considered to be an early style of ‘Rock ‘N Roll,’ that dates back to the early 1950’s in the United States, but especially in the South. As a genre it blends the sound of ‘Country’ music, with that of ‘Rhythm and Blues.’ The term ‘Rockabilly’ is a mixture of ‘Rock,’ from ‘Rock ‘N Roll,’ and ‘Billy,’ from ‘Hillbilly.’ ‘Hillbilly’ is a reference to ‘Country Music’ that was often called ‘Hillbilly Music’ in the 1940’s and 1950’s that contributed strongly to the style. Most of the songs that the teenage Carl Perkins played were Country standards in a faster rhythm, which led to him composing his own songs in that style, and heavily influencing the development of ‘Rockabilly.’

The version of ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ I have chosen is the Elvis Presley (1935-1977) (see also best songs 954-442 and 194) recording from January 30th, 1956, which was released on September 8th, 1956. The song which was produced by Presley’s long term collaborator Steve Sholes, (1911-1968) who in total produced 15 of Elvis Presley’s UK Number 1 singles. ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ first appeared for Presley on his self titled debut Album, which was issued in the UK as ‘Elvis Presley Rock n’ Roll,’ in March 1956. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ gave Elvis Presley his fourth top 40 hit, when peaking at Number 20, while in the UK, it was his seventh top 40 entry, peaking at Number 9.

Legend has it, that it was fellow ‘Sun Records’ artist Johnny Cash (1932-2003) (see also best songs 857-428 and 199) who gave Carl Perkins the idea for ‘Blue Suede Shoes. Johnny Cash told Carl Perkins about an airman he had met while serving in the military in Germany, who had referred to his regulation shoes as ‘Blue suede shoes.’ Perkins thought no more of it until one night while on stage he noticed a couple dancing. Between songs he heard a stern voice say ‘Uh-uh, don’t step on my suede’s.’ Perkins noted that the boy was more interested in keeping his shoes in pristine condition, than the ‘pretty little thing’ he was dancing with.

‘You can knock me down, step in my face, slander my name all over the place, and do anything that you want to do, but uh uh honey lay off of my shoes.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

665-The Game featuring 50 Cent-Hate It or Love It.

2005-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 0.19. ’Right, I had to get up in the morning at 10 o’clock at night, half an hour before I went to bed, drink a cup of sulphuric acid, work 29 hours a day down mill, and pay mill owner for permission to come to work, and when we got home, our dad and our mother would kill us and dance about on our graves singing hallelujah, and you try and tell young people of today that…they won’t believe you.’

‘The Game’ is the stage name of Jayceon Terrell Taylor, who was born on November 29th, 1979, in Compton, California, United States, he was coined ‘The Game’ by his grandmother, who was a huge fan of the 1997 mystery thriller film, ‘The Game.’ Both of his parents were members of the ‘Crips’ street gang, and he grew up in a primarily ‘Crip’ controlled neighbourhood known as ‘Santana Blocc.’ By the early 2000’s ‘The Game’ had become heavily involved in selling drugs, and participating in gang activities, saying in a 2006 interview, that he described his family as ‘dysfunctional.’

‘The Game’ began taking ‘Hip-Hop’ seriously in 2001, while recovering in hospital from gunshot wounds. Together with his older brother George, who would go on to release three Albums and eight mixtapes as ‘Big Fase 100,’ they formed their own record label, and made a mixtape, which came to the attention of Dr. Dre, (see also best songs 564-544-482-189-128 and 48) who signed ‘The Game’ to his ‘Aftermath Entertainment’ label in 2003, to work alongside 50 Cent, and ‘G-Unit,’ in order to build up ‘The Game’s’ reputation.

The discography of ‘The Game’ includes 10 studio Albums released between 2005-2022, and 30 singles that have been issued between 2004-2022, he has also appeared on a further 16 singles as a featured artist, and there are also seven official compilation Albums, and 14 mixtapes available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, four of his singles have made the top 40, with ‘Hate It or Love It’ peaking the highest at Number 2, while in the UK, he has charted within the top 40 on seven occasions, with ‘Hate It or Love It,’ peaking the highest at Number 4.

‘Hate It or Love It’ was the third of six singles released from ‘The Game’s’ debut studio Album ‘The Documentary,’ from January 2005, the Album has gone on to sell in excess of two million copies in the United States. ‘Hate It or Love It’ which features 50 Cent, (see also best songs 189) was co-written by ‘The Game,’ and 50 Cent, along with Marcello ‘Cool’ Antonio Valenzano, and Andre “Dre” Christopher Lyon, who are the record production, and songwriting duo, who work together under the name of ‘Cool & Dre.’ Their partnership was formed in 2001, in Miami, Florida, United States, and at the time of writing they remain active. ‘Cool & Dre’ have written and produced for many of the top ‘Hip-Hop’ acts of the 21st Century, including Rick Ross, and Kendrick Lamar. ‘Hate It or Love It,’ which also has additional production work from Dr Dre, samples the track ‘Rubber Band,’ by the American ‘Disco,’ and ‘Soul’ band ‘The Trammps,’ (see also best songs 184) from their 1975 second studio Album, ‘The Legendary Zing Album.’ Although ‘Rubber Band’ is heavily sampled, it’s song writers are not acknowledged on ‘Hate It or Love It’s’ song writing credits.

‘Hate It or Love It’ spent five consecutive weeks at Number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, being held off the top spot by 50 Cent himself, with his track ‘Candy Shop,’ featuring the American R&B singer Olivia Longott. On ‘Hate It or Love It’ ‘The Game,’ and 50 Cent reminisce about their childhoods, and the problems they had to overcome in order to be where they are today. This is evidenced in the songs music video, which shows the two Rappers being represented as kids, growing up in a tough neighbourhood. Just prior to the release of his debut studio Album ‘The Documentary,’ ‘The Game’ stated that the Albums songs are based on his life experiences, from his childhood to his success as a Rapper, saying,’I grew up in a boys home, and I was taken away from my parents when I was like eight years old… Here I am, 24. When my album drops I will be 25, so that’s 17 years I have been going through my struggle by myself. There are 17 tracks on my album, and every track sheds light on a different situation I went through the last 17 years,’

‘Coming up I was confused, my momma kissing a girl. Confusion occurs coming up in the cold world. Daddy ain’t around, probably out committing felonies. My favourite rapper used to sing ch-check out my melody.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

666-Iron Maiden-Can I Play with Madness.

1988-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 2.42. As the old saying goes,’It’s heads down and I’ll see you at the other end.’ At least I think it’s an old saying, although it is just possible I made it up myself.

Iron Maiden are a ‘Heavy Metal’ group, who were formed by Steve Harris, in Leyton, East London, in 1975. In total there have been 19 different members come and go, with the classic line up probably considered as Steve Harris, (bass and keyboards) Dave Murray, (guitars) Adrian Smith, (guitars and keyboards) Bruce Dickinson, (vocals) Nicko McBrain, (drums) and Janick Gers (guitars.) Steve Harris chose the name Iron Maiden from a film adaptation of ‘The Man in the Iron Mask,’ (1939) from the novel by Alexandre Dumas, as the title reminded him of the ‘Iron Maiden torture device.’ Iron Maiden have used a mascot called ‘Eddie’ for over 40 years. ‘Eddie,’ who is also known as ‘Eddie the Head,’ has appeared on all of the groups Album covers, and nearly all of their singles, and in their merchandise, which includes T-shirts, posters and action figures. ‘Eddie’ also appears at all Iron Maiden live performances, and cannot be missed, as he muscle-bound, and stands around 10 feet tall.

Iron Maiden are one of the best selling groups of all time, with record sales in excess of 130 million worldwide. Their discography includes 17 studio Albums released between 1980-2021, and 47 singles released between 1980-2022, there are also five box sets, plus 13 official live Albums, and seven compilation Albums available. In the UK, Iron Maiden have achieved 35 top 40 singles, with ‘Bring Your Daughter… to the Slaughter,’ reaching the Number 1 spot in January 1990, they have also had five of their Albums reach the Number 1 spot in the UK. In America on Billboard, Iron Maiden have never had any of their singles chart within the ‘Hot 100’ top 40, but 13 of their Albums have made the ‘Billboard 200’ top 40 Album chart.

‘Can I Play with Madness’ was the first of three singles released from Iron Maiden’s seventh studio Album ‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son,’ from April 1988, the song was co-written by the band members Adrian Smith, Bruce Dickinson, and Steve Harris, with the production being by Martin Birch, who was born on December 27, 1948, in Woking, Surrey, England, he died on August 9th, 2020, at the age of 71, the cause of death was undisclosed. Martin Birch produced 10 Iron Maiden studio Albums, and officially announced his retirement in 1992, after producing the Iron Maiden Album ‘Fear of the Dark.’ Birch was one of the most important names in ‘Heavy Metal,’ producing for several of the genres top acts, including Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath.

‘Heavy Metal’ is a genre of ‘Rock Music’ that developed in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, largely in the United Kingdom, and the United States. Most music historians would agree that the genre became popular through the British groups Led Zeppelin, (see also best songs 135 and 66) Black Sabbath, (see also best songs 814) and Deep Purple (see also best songs 550 and 89.) ‘Heavy Metal’ which has it’s roots in ‘Blues Rock,’ ‘Psychedelic Rock,’ and ‘Acid Rock,’ was developed with the adding of distorted guitars, and extended guitar solos. By the end of the 1970’s the next generation of musicians, including Iron Maiden, who had been heavily influenced by those that came before them, were keeping the genre alive, in what the music press dubbed, ‘the new wave of British heavy metal.’ There are music critics who point to the May 1968 song, ‘Born to Be Wild,’ (Billboard Number 2 & UK Number 30) by the Canadian-American Rock band ‘Steppenwolf,’ as ‘the first’ ‘Heavy Metal’ song, with the genre taking it’s name from that songs lyrics in the second verse,’heavy metal thunder.’

‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son,’ is a concept Album, with ‘Can I Play with Madness’ being part of it’s theme of mysticism surrounding the folklore concept of being the ‘seventh son of a seventh son,’ it is also the first Iron Maiden Album to include the use of keyboards. The songs music video is significant for it being the final appearance of the ‘Monty Python’ actor, and comedian Graham Chapman, (1941-1989) before his death. ‘Can I Play with Madness’ tells the story of a young man wanting to learn his future from an old prophet with a crystal ball. The young man is suffering from visions and nightmares, and thinks he is going mad, but when the young man thinks that the prophets advise is lies, they become angry with each other.

‘Give me the sense to wonder, to wonder if I’m free. Give me a sense of wonder to know I can be me. Give me the strength to hold my head up, spit back in their face.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

667-Gladys Knight & the Pips-Midnight Train to Georgia.

1973-It was not a hit in the UK, until being re-issued in 1976, when reaching Number 10.

Best Bit-At 1.28. Back in 1952 when they first formed, Gladys Knight, was also just a ‘Pip.’

Gladys Maria Knight (see also best songs 214) who is known by the honorific title of ‘The Empress of Soul,’ was born on May 24th, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It was in 1952 that the first incarnation of the ‘Pips’ were formed, by Gladys Knight, her brother Merald ‘Bubba’ Knight, her sister Brenda, and her cousins William Guest, (1941-2015) and Eleanor Guest, (1940-1997) their stage name being inspired by another cousin’s nickname, James ‘Pip’ Woods. After a couple of years performing in talent shows, the group were signed by ‘Brunswick Records’ in 1957, and recorded two singles that failed to chart. Brenda Knight, and Eleanor Guest eventually left the group, and were replaced by another cousin, Edward Patten, (1939-2005) and a non-relative, Langston George (?-2007) in 1959, he remained a group member until 1962. It was also in 1959 that they officially became ‘Gladys Knight & the Pips,’ and they remained active until 1989, when Gladys Knight parted ways, in order to pursue a solo career.

‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ was written by Jim Weatherly, who was born James Dexter Weatherly, on March 17th, 1943, in Pontotoc, Mississippi, United States, he died of natural causes on February 3rd, 2021, at the age of 77. Jim Weatherly was a singer/songwriter, in the genres of ‘Country Music,’ and ‘Pop Music,’ before turning his hand to music in 1964, he had been a successful American footballer, playing quarterback at the University of Mississippi. During his near 50 year music career, Weatherly released 11 Albums between 1972-2008, and eight singles between 1973-1980, with his 1974 song ‘The Need to Be,’ providing him with his only Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hit, when reaching Number 11. Jim Weatherly also wrote two other hit singles for Gladys Knight & the Pips, ‘Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye,’) (1973-Billboard Number 2 & UK Number 31) and “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” (1974-Billboard Number 3 & UK Number 7.) Other artists to record Weatherly’s songs include Brenda Lee, Lynn Anderson, (1947-2015) and Ray Price (1926-2013.)

Jim Weatherly wrote and recorded the original version of ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ in the ‘Country Music’ genre, calling it ‘Midnight Plane to Houston.’ Some months later the management of the American ‘Soul’ singer Cissy Houston, (Whitney Houston’s mother) got in touch, asking if they could record the song, and change the songs title, as they didn’t want the word ‘Houston’ appearing in both the artists, and songs title name. The Cissy Houston recording appeared on her 1970 Album ‘Presenting Cissy Houston.’ Gladys Knight & the Pips had already had success with the Jim Weatherly song ‘Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye,’) which had been issued as their final single for ‘Motown’ records, before they joined the ‘Buddah’ label. ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ which was recorded in the same style as the Cissy Houston version, gave Gladys Knight & the Pips their first Billboard Number 1 single, and the track has become Gladys Knight signature song.

Jim Weatherly has explained how he got the idea for ‘Midnight Train to Georgia,’ ‘The song actually came about after a phone call I had with Farrah Fawcett (1947-2009.) Lee Majors was a friend of mine. We’d played in the Flag Football League together in L.A. He had just started dating Farrah. One day I called Lee and Farrah answered the phone. We were just talking, and she said she was packing. She was gonna take the midnight plane to Houston to visit her folks. So, it just stayed with me. After I got off the phone, I sat down and wrote the song probably in about 30 to 45 minutes.’

‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ was the second of four singles released from ‘Imagination,’ the 11th studio Album from Gladys Knight & the Pips, from October 1973, the song was written by Jim Weatherly, with the production credited to Tony Camillo, (1928-2018) and Gladys Knight & the Pips. Fans of 1970’s ‘Disco’ music will remember Tony Camillo best for his 1975 hit ‘Dynomite,’ (Billboard Number 10 & UK Number 28) which was issued by ‘Bazuka,’ an instrumental group put together by Tony Camillo.

In her autobiography, ‘Between Each Line of Pain and Glory,’ Gladys Knight wrote that ‘She hoped that ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ was a comfort to the many thousands who come each year from elsewhere to Los Angeles, to realise the dream of being in motion pictures, television or music, but then fail to realise that dream, and plunge into despair.’

L.A. proved too much for the man, so he’s leavin’ the life he’s come to know, ooh. He said he’s goin’ back to find, ooh ooh ooh, what’s left of his world. The world he left behind, not so long ago.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

668-Siouxsie and the Banshees-Peek-a-Boo.

1988-Number 16 single.

Best Bit-At 2.32. On the Beavis and Butt-Head episode ‘Sperm Bank,’ Beavis noted while watching the video, that, ‘this is music for people who don’t have any friends.’

Siouxsie Sioux (see also best songs 238) was born Susan Janet Ballion, on May 27th, 1957, in Southwark, London, England, she is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and music producer, who has recorded in the genres of ‘Post-Punk,’ ‘New Wave,’ ‘Gothic Rock,’ ‘Alternative Rock,’ and ‘Exotica.’ Siouxsie Sioux is universally considered to be one of the most influential artists in ‘Pop Music’ history, with fellow musicians including Bono, Robert Smith, Peter Hook, and many more praising her influence. In turn Siouxsie herself has credited watching David Bowie (1948-2016) (see also best songs 807-440-334-302-209-186-118-47-31 and 5) on television, and attending a Sex Pistols (see also best songs 576-92 and 27) concert, for her own inspiration.

Siouxsie Sioux formed Siouxsie and the Banshees in 1976 with Steven Severin, after the pair first met at a Roxy Music (see also best songs 721-316 and 57) concert in 1975, a dozen other members came and went, with only Siouxsie, and Severin, being the groups two constants, until they split in 1996. In 2002, Siouxsie, along with her then husband ‘Budgie,’ Steve Severin, and Knox Chandler, reformed Siouxsie and the Banshees to promote the band’s remastered back catalogue, by releasing ‘The Best of Siouxsie and the Banshees,’ and also to perform live, the ‘Seven Year Itch tour.’

The discography of Siouxsie and the Banshees includes 11 studio Albums released between 1978-1995, and 30 singles issued within the same time period, there are also four official compilation Albums, and three live Albums available. In the UK, 18 of their singles have reached tho top 40, with their 1983 cover version of the Beatles ‘Dear Prudence,’ peaking the highest at Number 3. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, only their 1991 track ‘Kiss Them for Me,’ has made the top 40, when reaching Number 23, although seven of their singles have made the Billboard ‘Alternative Airplay’ chart, including ‘Peek-a-Boo,’ which in September 1988, became the first ever song to top that newly established chart. To run concurrently alongside Siouxsie and the Banshees, in 1981 Siouxsie Sioux, and the groups drummer Budgie, joined forces to form the duo ‘The Creatures,’ releasing four studio Albums, and eight singles, between 1983-2003, Siouxsie has also released one solo studio Album called ‘Mantaray,’ in 2007.

‘Peek-a-Boo’ was co-written by Siouxsie Sioux, Steven Severin, and Budgie, with the production credited to Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Mike Hedges. ‘Peek-a-Boo’ was written as an experimental song, and Mike Hedges has explained how it’s unusual sound came about. ‘It all started a year or so before, when the Banshees made an Album of cover versions called ‘Through The Looking Glass.’ On that Album they’d recorded a version of a John Cale song called ‘Gun,’ and when we were recording it I turned it over – which you can do on analogue tape – and it sounded amazing. We recorded forward drums over the backwards track – crunchy and loopy, kind of hip-hoppy. Then we added accordion and bass, although there’s only one piece of bass on the entire track. It was all very quick. From turning the tape over, it probably took the best part of a day and a half to finish the song.’

In order to avoid any potential legal action,’Peek-a-Boo’ is also credited as being written by the legendary American songwriters Harry Warren, (1893-1981) (see also best songs 877-775-396 and 321) and Johnny Mercer, (1909-1976) (see also best songs 934-281 and 45) as they were the co-writers of the 1938 song ‘Jeepers Creepers,’ The lyrics ‘Golly Jeepers, where’d you get those weepers? Peepshow, creepshow, where did you get those eyes? were considered too similar.

Siouxsie Sioux has explained what the lyrics to ‘Peek-a-Boo’ are about, saying,’It’s about the way that women are portrayed in our Fascist media. ‘Peekaboo’ is a reaction against the conformist images that the media puts on women. Siouxsie went on to equate the meaning behind ‘Peekaboo’ to the 1972 horror movie ‘The Stepford Wives.’

‘Creeping up the backstairs, slinking into dark stalls, shapeless and slumped in bathchairs, furtive eyes peep out of holes.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

669-Kay Starr with Orchestra Conducted by Harold Mooney-Comes A-Long A-Love.

1953-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.32. It’s the song that people could Jive to, while they were patiently waiting for Rock ‘N Roll to be invented.

Kay Starr was born Catherine Laverne Starks, on July 21st, 1922, in Dougherty, Oklahoma, United States, she died on November 3rd, 2016, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease, at the age of 94. From the age of seven Catherine began taking part in local talent contests, which eventually led to her performing twice a week on the Dallas’s ‘WRR’ radio station. At the age of 15 she moved with her family to Memphis, Tennessee, where she was given her own ‘Starr Segment,’ on the Memphis’s ‘WREC’ radio station. Due to many people incorrectly saying her surname, she adapted the stage name of ‘Kay Starr.’ In 1939 she was recommended as a singer to the American bandleader Bob Cosby, (1913-1993) (the younger brother of Bing Crosby) with whom she performed with briefly, before performing another brief assignment with the American bandleader Glenn Miller (1904-1944) (see also best songs 808-321 and 146.) In 1940 Kay Starr completed her high school education, then moved to Los Angeles to work alongside the American Jazz musician Joe Venuti, (1903-1978) before performing with the American Jazz trumpeter, and bandleader Wingy Manone (1900-1982.) From 1943-1945 she sang with the American Jazz saxophonist Charlie Barnet, (1913-1991) and his ensemble, before going solo, and signing a contract with ‘Capital Records’ in 1946.

The discography of Kay Starr includes 18 studio Albums released between 1955-1981, and 87 singles released between 1945-1981, there are also 18 official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In America on Billboard, Kay Starr has had 32 top 40 hit singles, with both ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ (1952) and ‘The Rock and Roll Waltz,’ (1955) both getting to Number 1, while ‘Comes A-Long A-Love,’ peaked at Number 9. In the UK, where there was no official chart until November 1952, she has had five top 40 hits, with ‘Comes A-Long A-Love,’ and ‘The Rock and Roll Waltz,’ both making the Number 1 position. In January 1953, on the then fledgling UK singles chart, ‘Comes A-Long A-Love’ became only the third different song to top the chart.

‘Comes A-Long A-Love’ was the 40th single released by Kay Starr, from September 1952, and would later appear on her 1956 compilation Album ‘The Hits of Kay Starr.’ The song which can be filed under the genre of ‘Traditional Pop,’ was written by Al Sherman, (1897-1973) with the arrangement being by Harold Mooney (1911-1995.) The songs melody was adapted from the final part of the overture to the Italian composer Gioachino Rossini’s (1792-1868) opera Semiramide (1823.)

‘Comes A-Long A-Love’ was the last hit song written by Al Sherman, who was born Avrum Sherman, on September 7th, 1897, in Kiev, Russian Empire, which is now the Ukraine, he died on September 16th, 1973, at the age of 76. Al Sherman was the middle link in a very talented musical family tree, as his father, the violinist Samuel Sherman, (1871-1948) was the court composer, and conductor for Emperor Franz Josef I, (1830-1916) of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, between 1903 and 1909. Al Sherman was a songwriter and composer, who was active during the ‘Tin Pan Alley’ era in American music history, with some of his most recognisable song titles including, ‘You Gotta Be a Football Hero,’ (1933) ‘Now’s the Time to Fall in Love,’ (1931) and ‘Lindbergh (The Eagle of the U.S.A.’) (1927.) It is often said that Al Sherman’s greatest achievement was the mentoring of his sons the ‘Sherman Brothers,’ Robert Sherman, (1925-2012) and Richard Sherman, who was born in 1928. Together the Sherman brothers wrote major film scores for many enduring film classics, including ‘Mary Poppins,’ (1964) ‘The Jungle Book,’ (1967) and ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ (1968.)

‘Comes along a love, suddenly brother are you happy and excited. Comes along a love, suddenly everywhere you go you feel invited. Comes along a love, suddenly every dream you have becomes ignited. You just begin to live, comes along love.’