Welcome to late March 1978. In America, a rock festival called California Jam II had just drawn over 350,000 people to a speedway in the town of Ontario. The lineup featured Heart, Ted Nugent, Santana, Aerosmith, and more. None of these bands, however, were having an impact on the British charts at the time. What was? Well...
40 - "We've Got the Whole World," Nottingham Forest and Paper Lace
As you may be aware of, soccer is quite popular in Britain, and its impact has been felt over the years on the pop chart, with songs not only about the sport, but with vocal contributions by players and teams, appearing with some regularity over the years. The first example we come across is this collaboration between the band best known for "The Night Chicago Died" and their local club, who were in the midst of the most successful period in their history. The team sings as a chorus a modified versions of the spiritual "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," featuring lyrics about how great they are and how they're going to win. Simple, but effective. Football songs and chants are one of the things I like about British culture that I wish could somehow be adapted to sports here. But singing players...not so much. You get stuff like the near-Top 40 from 1985 "The Super Bowl Shuffle" by The Chicago Bears Shufflin' Crew. Not good. And I say that as a Bears fan.
39 - "Too Much Too Little Too Late," Johnny Mathis and Deneice Williams
The breakup duet between Mr. "Misty" and the future Ms. "Let's Hear it for the Boy," went to #1 in the States and Top Five here. Covered it a long time ago. Smooth and okay. I still prefer their Family Ties theme.
38 - "Too Hot ta Trot/Zoom," The Commodores
Double-sided hit from the pride of Tuskegee, Alabama. The A is good solid sex-funk. The B is a Lionel Richie-fronted ballad about longing for a place where "people can be what they wanna be." I think these guys are underrated.
37 - "Figaro," Brotherhood of Man
This two-man, two-woman British vocal group first gained world attention with the transatlantic 1970 hit "United We Stand." They didn't do much more until 1976, when they had a run that featured three U.K. #1s, the last of which was this disco pop song about a lothario who wows women when he "plays guitar at the disco bar." It's in the same genre as ABBA, but they are the monarchs, and this effort is below their standard, and that of Bucks Fizz, the group that would soon usurp them as the nation's leaders in this field.
36 - "Baby Come Back," Player
This very familiar U.S. #1 soft rocker was also their only U.K hit. But here it only made it to #32. I tend to side with the Brits.
35 - "5 Minutes," The Stranglers
The band's fourth hit was this blast of anger from bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel toward the men who raped a woman who lived in his neighborhood. You feel his conflicted feelings about his desire for revenge. A good example of the urgency punk brought to rock.
34 - "Singin' in the Rain," Sheila B. Devotion
French singer Annie Chancel, who took the stage name "Sheila," had been having hits at home for over a decade when she was paired with a disco group of singers and dancers called "B.Devotion." For much of the world, they were known together as Sheila B. Devotion. Anyway, they had two U.K. hits, the first and biggest of which was this dance cover of a 1929 song that was popularized in 1952 in a 1952 Gene Kelly musical. Interesting, but inconsequential.
33 - "Never Let Her Slip Away," Andrew Gold
The late Californian, best known in the States for "Lonely Boy," and writing the eventual Golden Girls theme "Thank You for Being a Friend," had a Top Five here with this jaunty pop love song inspired by the moment he met his then-girlfriend, Saturday Night Live "Not Ready for Prime Time Player" Laraine Newman. It also features background vocals from Gold's buddy Freddie Mercury. Yet another gem I've discovered.
32 - "Love is Like Oxygen," Sweet
The last major hit on both sides of the Atlantic for the British glam stars. I always like to breathe in its goodness.
31 - "The Ghost of Love," Tavares
The last non re-release U.K Top 40 for these funky Rhode Island brothers is vibrant disco about how a man's memories of a previous lover scare future prospects away. They sound a little too happy about what seems like a depressing predicament, but I guess disco helps the medicine go down.
30 - "Sometimes When We Touch," Dan Hill
The timeless sapfest. Again, his only U.K. hit, and it didn't hit as big. I definitely think British tastes match up more with my own.
29 - "Just the Way You Are," Billy Joel
Billy's American breakthrough was his first hit here, but it only got this high. If it were up to me, I'd probably split the difference between this and its U.S peak of #3.
28 - "I'll Go Where Your Music Takes Me," Tina Charles
The last Top 40 for the former Tina Hoskins was this bit o'disco about being really in love with a musician. There's xylophone on it, which is nice. Otherwise, irrelevant.
27 - "News of the World," The Jam
The legendary band's fourth hit (and the only one written solely by bassist Bruce Foxton) was this snarling punk roar at the British tabloid media. It doesn't have the impeccable pop hooks of the band at their best, but still a very good song.
26 - "I Don't Want to Go to Chelsea," Elvis Costello
The son of a London bandleader, Declan Patrick McManus took on a stage surname Dad had used and an iconic first name when he began his career as punk's bespectacled poet laureate. His second hit was this rubbery rock song about flirting girls, dirty old men, violent thugs, and other reasons he doesn't want to visit a certain section of London. I think that's it. Anyway, great stuff. It's hard to go wrong with EC from this period.
25 - "I Wonder Why," Showaddywaddy
This eight-piece from Leicester racked up 23 Top 40s between 1974 and 1982, including a #1 and four Number Twos. The last of the latter was this pretty faithful cover of a 1958 hit by Dion and the Belmonts. Covering songs from that era without changing much was their style, and it worked for them. I prefer more adventurousness, but good for them for succeeding with their thing. But I must say they have a contender for my dream all-name band in drummer Romeo Challenger. And speaking of Leicester, it's amazing what their doing in the Premiership this year. They could actually win the league, which would be the stuff of legend. I'm kind of rooting for them, but I can't go all the way, because their closest pursuers are my club, Tottenham Hotspur, and I don't know when we'll ever get another chance this good to win the league.
24 - "Walk in Love," The Manhattan Transfer
The New York jazz-pop vocal group had twice as many hits here than they did at home. They had a #1 with "Chanson D'Amour," but their second-biggest, this ballad about falling in love and having sex on a beach, only hit #12. It's okay romantic mood-setting.
23 - "All Right Now," Free
Here it is again. It must have been re-released for some reason in '78. Oh well, it's always good for a rock-out.
22 - "Follow You Follow Me," Genesis
The first U.S. Top 40 and first U.K. Top Ten for the now Gabriel-less ones. Slick pop sung by Phil Collins. We had no idea how much more of that there would be to come.
21 - "Just One More Night," Yellow Dog,
The only hit by this British band, fronted by American Kenny Young, had their only hit with this pop-rocker about a woman who keeps extending her stand beyond a single evening with sweet talk and promises. Silly fun. The false ending that resumes with a ringing telephone and a continuation of the pledges of chore-doing was a nice touch.
In Part two: art, literature, and more football.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Gloves Across the Water: UK Top 40 March 25, 1978 Part Two
It's a chart of two halves, and this is the second one.
20 - "If You Can't Give Me Love," Suzi Quatro
Born in Detroit in 1950, Susan Kay Quatro saw Elvis for the first time at age 5 and decided that was what she wanted to be. And once she moved to England in the early 70s, she gave it a pretty good run with her style and attitude. She only hit once at home with the duet "Stumblin' In," but in Britain she was a major star, scoring eleven Top 40s and two Number Ones. This pop-rocker about turning down the advances of a smooth loverboy went Top Five. It's good, but I'm intrigued to hear more from the lady I once knew as Leather Tuscadero.
19 - "Rumour Has It," Donna Summer
As big as she was at home during the disco era, she was even bigger here, with even more hit singles. One that hit here but not in the States was this song about a hoping the one you once loved will find his way back to you again. Not as strong as her bigger hits, so I see how this would have fallen short in America. But it seems to improve with every listen.
18 - "Whenever You Want My Love," The Real Thing
The fifth hit for these Liverpool soulsters is romantic disco that reminds me a lot of the O'Jays. Sounds good, but not a must-hear.
17 - "Lilac Wine," Elkie Brooks
Elkie again, with her third hit, a cover of an oft-performed song that dates back to 1950. It's about drowning your sorrow over a lost love in alcohol made from flowers. Brooks gives a dramatic, powerhouse performance that conveys everything the song was meant to. For someone I'd never heard of a couple months ago, I like her a lot.
16 - "Ally's Tartan Army," Andy Cameron
More soccer music, this time a tune performed by comedian Cameron to celebrate his native Scotland`s qualification for the upcoming World Cup in Argentina. Set to a melody that dates back to the American Civil War, the song sings the praises of the team's manager, Alistair "Ally" MacLeod (referred to as "our Muhammad Ali,"), and reminds everyone that they are Britain's only representative in the tournament ("England cannae do it 'cause they didnae qualify.") A fun artifact. Unfortunately, the Scots didn't come close to winning the Cup, as Cameron had boasted they would; they went out in the first round.
15 - "Fantasy," Earth, Wind and Fire.
This midtempo funk ballad offering a trip to an eternal utopia was EWF's ninth U.S. Top 40, but only their second here. But it charted higher here. Advantage: Britain.
14 - "Every 1's a Winner," Hot Chocolate
And yet this classic slab of funk by Britain's own charted higher in the States. I don't get that. That riff! In this case, the Americans were the winners.
13 - "Is This Love," Bob Marley and the Wailers
Born on a farm is Saint Anne Parrish, Jamaica, Robert Nesta Marley moved to Kingston at age twelve, and began a music career with a band made up of his friends in the early sixties, combining the emerging ska sound with American R&B to help create what would become known as reggae. In the 70s, with his band, The Wailers, he became an international sensation, and his move to England in 1977 helped further his popularity. An underground phenomenon in the U.S. during his life, Marley was a genuine pop star in Britain, and this was his third Top Ten. It's a fairly straightforward love song inviting a woman to come live with him in his small room and "share the shelter of my single bed." One of his best known songs, and deservedly so.
12 - "Emotions," Samantha Sang
The Aussie singer's Gibb-written sole major hit reached #3 in the States, but only #11 here. Destiny's Child's 2001 cover, however, hit #3 here and #10 in the U.S. Interesting.
11 - "Mr. Blue Sky," Electric Light Orchestra
My ELO favorite Happy epic sunshine. Top Ten here, barely Top 40 in the U.S. I'm with U, K.
10 - "I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass," Nick Lowe
Surrey's Lowe is best known in the States for his 1979 hit "Cruel to be Kind," but his biggest hit at home was this pop-rock shuffle about how he finds "the noises of destruction" relaxing. Head-bobbingly wonderful.
9 - "Stayin' Alive," The Bee Gees
The disco monster that everyone knows because it is truly great. You may not want to believe that, but it's undeniable. How did it only get to #4 here?
8 - "Take a Chance on Me," ABBA
Almost as well known as "Stayin' Alive." Not quite the masterpiece, but still, I love it, and I will not change my mind.
7 - "Come Back My Love," Darts
Another of the major players in Britain's retro-rock scene, this Brighton group picked up eight hits between '77 and '80, and this cover of a 1955 hit by The Wrens was the first of three #2s. It's okay, but I imagine the original is better. Still, a good listen.
6 - "Wishing on a Star," Rose Royce
The L.A. funk band hit #1 in the U.S. with 1976's "Car Wash," but that only hit #9 here. This one didn't even reach the Billboard Hot 100, but it was the first of two British Top Fives. It's a fine, lush ballad about hoping to get back together with a lover. Britain wins the taste contest again.
5 - "I Can't Stand the Rain," Eruption
The biggest hit by this British-based Afro-Caribbean disco group, this cover of Memphis soul lady Ann Peebles' 1973 song hit #18 in America and got this high here. It's well sung, but the spare grit of the original blows it away.
4 - "Baker Street," Gerry Rafferty
The Scotsman's biggest worldwide hit was inspired by his struggles getting out of the contracts signed by his former band Stealers Wheel. #2 in the U.S, #3 here, so it was up to Canada to give it it's true charttopping due. And I'm not sure which is the most famous saxophone melody in pop history is, this one or the one from "Careless Whisper." Maybe the latter now, because of it's use in Deadpool.
3 - "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs," Brian and Michael
This Manchester duo were actually Kevin and Michael, because Brian had left them just before this song hit. It's a folk-pop song about the life and art of L.S. Lowry, a painter who became famous in the thirties for his depictions of working-class life in the Salford and Ancoats areas of Manchester, and would go on to be the official artist of Queen Elizabeth's coronation. It's a catchy singalong, aided by the backing of the St. Winifred's School Choir. I can't help but enjoy its sincerity and earnestness.
2 - "Denis," Blondie
Before they hit the American charts, Debbie Harry and her pop-punk cohorts had four hits in Britain, the first being this cover of a 1963 hit "Denise" by one-hit wonders Randy and the Rainbows. They flipped genders and made it about a Frenchman named "den-NEE," complete with Harry improvising French lyrics. A good tone setter for the band's pattern of combining existing pop styles with their own unique sound.
And topping the charts a whopping 38 years ago was...
1 - "Wuthering Heights," Kate Bush
From Kent, Bush was only 19 when she topped the U.K. charts with this ballad based on Emily Bronte's 1847 novel. It depicts the protagonist, Heathcliff, being haunted by visions of his unrequited childhood love, Catherine. The gothic atmosphere of the music and lyrics are only enhanced by Bush's distinctive voice, which sounds like that of a lovesick banshee. But in the most wonderful way. Music wouldn't be the same without that voice. Anyway, with all that taken into account, I give Kate this week's Uneasy Rider. Let her into your window.
That's a wrap for another chart. Still on 1 Twitter follower @MrBGlovehead, but I'm still doing stuff. Maybe I'll ramp it up soon, maybe I won't. Only one way to find out. See you all again real soon. Why? Because I like you.
20 - "If You Can't Give Me Love," Suzi Quatro
Born in Detroit in 1950, Susan Kay Quatro saw Elvis for the first time at age 5 and decided that was what she wanted to be. And once she moved to England in the early 70s, she gave it a pretty good run with her style and attitude. She only hit once at home with the duet "Stumblin' In," but in Britain she was a major star, scoring eleven Top 40s and two Number Ones. This pop-rocker about turning down the advances of a smooth loverboy went Top Five. It's good, but I'm intrigued to hear more from the lady I once knew as Leather Tuscadero.
19 - "Rumour Has It," Donna Summer
As big as she was at home during the disco era, she was even bigger here, with even more hit singles. One that hit here but not in the States was this song about a hoping the one you once loved will find his way back to you again. Not as strong as her bigger hits, so I see how this would have fallen short in America. But it seems to improve with every listen.
18 - "Whenever You Want My Love," The Real Thing
The fifth hit for these Liverpool soulsters is romantic disco that reminds me a lot of the O'Jays. Sounds good, but not a must-hear.
17 - "Lilac Wine," Elkie Brooks
Elkie again, with her third hit, a cover of an oft-performed song that dates back to 1950. It's about drowning your sorrow over a lost love in alcohol made from flowers. Brooks gives a dramatic, powerhouse performance that conveys everything the song was meant to. For someone I'd never heard of a couple months ago, I like her a lot.
16 - "Ally's Tartan Army," Andy Cameron
More soccer music, this time a tune performed by comedian Cameron to celebrate his native Scotland`s qualification for the upcoming World Cup in Argentina. Set to a melody that dates back to the American Civil War, the song sings the praises of the team's manager, Alistair "Ally" MacLeod (referred to as "our Muhammad Ali,"), and reminds everyone that they are Britain's only representative in the tournament ("England cannae do it 'cause they didnae qualify.") A fun artifact. Unfortunately, the Scots didn't come close to winning the Cup, as Cameron had boasted they would; they went out in the first round.
15 - "Fantasy," Earth, Wind and Fire.
This midtempo funk ballad offering a trip to an eternal utopia was EWF's ninth U.S. Top 40, but only their second here. But it charted higher here. Advantage: Britain.
14 - "Every 1's a Winner," Hot Chocolate
And yet this classic slab of funk by Britain's own charted higher in the States. I don't get that. That riff! In this case, the Americans were the winners.
13 - "Is This Love," Bob Marley and the Wailers
Born on a farm is Saint Anne Parrish, Jamaica, Robert Nesta Marley moved to Kingston at age twelve, and began a music career with a band made up of his friends in the early sixties, combining the emerging ska sound with American R&B to help create what would become known as reggae. In the 70s, with his band, The Wailers, he became an international sensation, and his move to England in 1977 helped further his popularity. An underground phenomenon in the U.S. during his life, Marley was a genuine pop star in Britain, and this was his third Top Ten. It's a fairly straightforward love song inviting a woman to come live with him in his small room and "share the shelter of my single bed." One of his best known songs, and deservedly so.
12 - "Emotions," Samantha Sang
The Aussie singer's Gibb-written sole major hit reached #3 in the States, but only #11 here. Destiny's Child's 2001 cover, however, hit #3 here and #10 in the U.S. Interesting.
11 - "Mr. Blue Sky," Electric Light Orchestra
My ELO favorite Happy epic sunshine. Top Ten here, barely Top 40 in the U.S. I'm with U, K.
10 - "I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass," Nick Lowe
Surrey's Lowe is best known in the States for his 1979 hit "Cruel to be Kind," but his biggest hit at home was this pop-rock shuffle about how he finds "the noises of destruction" relaxing. Head-bobbingly wonderful.
9 - "Stayin' Alive," The Bee Gees
The disco monster that everyone knows because it is truly great. You may not want to believe that, but it's undeniable. How did it only get to #4 here?
8 - "Take a Chance on Me," ABBA
Almost as well known as "Stayin' Alive." Not quite the masterpiece, but still, I love it, and I will not change my mind.
7 - "Come Back My Love," Darts
Another of the major players in Britain's retro-rock scene, this Brighton group picked up eight hits between '77 and '80, and this cover of a 1955 hit by The Wrens was the first of three #2s. It's okay, but I imagine the original is better. Still, a good listen.
6 - "Wishing on a Star," Rose Royce
The L.A. funk band hit #1 in the U.S. with 1976's "Car Wash," but that only hit #9 here. This one didn't even reach the Billboard Hot 100, but it was the first of two British Top Fives. It's a fine, lush ballad about hoping to get back together with a lover. Britain wins the taste contest again.
5 - "I Can't Stand the Rain," Eruption
The biggest hit by this British-based Afro-Caribbean disco group, this cover of Memphis soul lady Ann Peebles' 1973 song hit #18 in America and got this high here. It's well sung, but the spare grit of the original blows it away.
4 - "Baker Street," Gerry Rafferty
The Scotsman's biggest worldwide hit was inspired by his struggles getting out of the contracts signed by his former band Stealers Wheel. #2 in the U.S, #3 here, so it was up to Canada to give it it's true charttopping due. And I'm not sure which is the most famous saxophone melody in pop history is, this one or the one from "Careless Whisper." Maybe the latter now, because of it's use in Deadpool.
3 - "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs," Brian and Michael
This Manchester duo were actually Kevin and Michael, because Brian had left them just before this song hit. It's a folk-pop song about the life and art of L.S. Lowry, a painter who became famous in the thirties for his depictions of working-class life in the Salford and Ancoats areas of Manchester, and would go on to be the official artist of Queen Elizabeth's coronation. It's a catchy singalong, aided by the backing of the St. Winifred's School Choir. I can't help but enjoy its sincerity and earnestness.
2 - "Denis," Blondie
Before they hit the American charts, Debbie Harry and her pop-punk cohorts had four hits in Britain, the first being this cover of a 1963 hit "Denise" by one-hit wonders Randy and the Rainbows. They flipped genders and made it about a Frenchman named "den-NEE," complete with Harry improvising French lyrics. A good tone setter for the band's pattern of combining existing pop styles with their own unique sound.
And topping the charts a whopping 38 years ago was...
1 - "Wuthering Heights," Kate Bush
From Kent, Bush was only 19 when she topped the U.K. charts with this ballad based on Emily Bronte's 1847 novel. It depicts the protagonist, Heathcliff, being haunted by visions of his unrequited childhood love, Catherine. The gothic atmosphere of the music and lyrics are only enhanced by Bush's distinctive voice, which sounds like that of a lovesick banshee. But in the most wonderful way. Music wouldn't be the same without that voice. Anyway, with all that taken into account, I give Kate this week's Uneasy Rider. Let her into your window.
That's a wrap for another chart. Still on 1 Twitter follower @MrBGlovehead, but I'm still doing stuff. Maybe I'll ramp it up soon, maybe I won't. Only one way to find out. See you all again real soon. Why? Because I like you.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Gloves Across the Water: UK Top 40 March 16, 1991 Part Two
More more more.
20 - "Rhythm of My Heart," Rod Stewart
Rod's first hit of the decade went Top Five on both sides of the Atlantic. This midtempo rock ballad was written five years ago for a Dutch singer named Rene Shuman, but Rod added his own touch by putting bagpipes on it. It's about wanting to go home and return to love after running from it for so long. I think that's it. Helicopters and kerosene and bridges and slot machines. It's not as profound as it thinks it is, but it's all right.
19 - "Losing My Religion," R.E.M.
The Athens, Georgia band that had built from cult act to genuine rock stars in the 80s gained superstar status with the Out of Time album, which hit #1 both at home and abroad largely on the strength of this iconic first single. Based on a southern expression for giving up hope, it's not about denying faith but rather being hopelessly in love and not having the courage to do anything about it. Both it and its striking video are now deserved 90s touchstones.
18 - "The One and Only," Chesney Hawkes
From Berkshire, Hawkes was 19 when he went #1 with this catchy, self-affirming pop rocker. We encountered it in the States, where it hit #10. His career went downhill from here, although apparently he had become a staple of British celebrity reality shows. It's a living, I suppose.
17 - "Happy," Ned's Atomic Dustbin
This West Midlands punk-pop band produced five Top 40s, the first and biggest of which was this song about frustration. It plays, I kind of like it, but then it's gone.
16 - "Get Here," Oleta Adams
Born in Seattle in 1953, Adams moved to L.A. in the 70s to pursue her music career, but finding little success, she found herself singing in a Kansas City hotel bar in 1985 when she was spotted by Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal of Tears for Fears, who would later call her to sing backup on their album The Seeds of Love. Her performances on that album led to her getting her own record deal, and she was vaulted to stardom when this cover of a Brenda Russell song about wanting someone to come home whatever way they can became an anthem for U.S. troops fighting the Gulf War in Iraq and their families awaiting their return. (The line about "cross(ing) the desert like an Arab man" may have provided extra resonance). On it's own, it's a very good ballad powerfully performed.
15 - "Over Rising," The Charlatans
Like Ned's Atomic Dustbin, these guys were from the West Midlands. But because of their trippy, dance-floor friendly sound, they were able to ride the "Madchester" wave. But they were one of the few bands from that scene to carve out a long career (surviving member deaths and prison stints along the way), as this was the third of what would be 21 Top 40 singles. This is a swirly rock tune that might be about having sex. Or being suspicious that a lover might steal from you. Or both. Either way, I like it. And if you're looking these guys up, you might have to look under "The Charlatans UK," because of an American band by that name from the sixties.
14 - "Today Forever EP," Ride
This Oxford band was one of the early pioneers of a feedback-and-effect-pedal heavy style of rock known as "shoegaze" (so dubbed by British journalists because the bands often performed with their heads down rather than looking at the audience). I've decided not to listen to this whole four-song, 20-minute EP, but instead to focus on its semi-title track "Today." It's sleepy. ethereal droning about being indecisive about a girl. This just isn't for me. It seems like music to be lazy and depressed to. And I for one don't need music for that.
13 - "Unfinished Sympathy," Massive
This band would be better known by their full name, Massive Attack, but because of the ongoing Gulf War, their label opted to shorten it for this single's release. Although it only reached this high on the charts, it has become a classic in Britain, often appearing high on "Best Songs of All Time" lists, and it helped create a new genre known as "trip-hop." Do I get it? Absolutely. It's spacey and ethereal, but in a much more exciting way than, say, Ride. The beats provided by 3D, Daddy G, and Mushroom move body and soul, and Shara Nelson singing about being devastated by an emotionally distant lover complements that perfectly. This is more than just a mere dance track, although it is excellent in that context. It's a truly timeless piece of music.
12 - "Love Rears Its Ugly Head," Living Colour
This New York band were distinctive when they broke through in 1989, as they were African-Americans playing hard rock. Their biggest UK hit, however, didn't really reflect this. The album version of this track about the risks of falling in love was kind of a midtempo funk rocker. But what hit in Britain was the "Soulpower" mix, which strips out pretty much everything but the vocals and the guitar solo sets them to essentially a trip-hop arrangement. I prefer the original, but Corey Glover's vocals work just as well in this context. Anyway, I'm glad Britain eventually rewarded them for spelling the second word in their name the "right" way.
11 - "All Right Now," Free
The 1970 smash by Paul Rodgers' first band was remixed and re-released to promote a greatest-hits compilation. It's not a radical reworking, but you can tell it's different, especially the drums and the choruses. Wasn't really necessary. The song was all right as it was.
10 - "(I Wanna Give You) Devotion," Nomad
This trio's biggest hit was this okay dance rapper. The MC on this however, one Mikee Freedom, doesn't really distinguish himself though. I prefer the slightly differently named Freedom Williams, of C+C Music Factory fame.
9 - "It's Too Late," Quartz featuring Dina Carroll
Another U.K. with their biggest hit, a cover of the Carole King classic. The beat is unintrusive, and guest Carroll gives a performance that illustrates why her career would be much more fruitful than Quartz' Not exactly an essential cover, but a decent listen.
8 - "Joyride," Roxette
Coming off their massive Pretty Woman hit "It Must Have Been Love," the Swedish duo continued their roll in the English-speaking world with this, the fourth of their five U.K. Top Tens and their fourth and final U.S #1. It's somewhat Beatlesque pop, with somewhat hippieish lyrics that wouldn't make more sense even if English was their first language. Me, I think it's a mini-masterpiece, and by far my favorite of their hits. If it was a person, I would introduce myself to it by saying "Hello, you fool, I love you."
7 - "Move Your Body," Xpansions
The dance duo consisting of Phil Drummond and Sally Ann Marsh had their biggest hit with this okay but unmemorable dance track. My body did move a bit, but not very enthusiastically.
6 - "Because I Love You (The Postman Song)," Stevie B.
Miami's Steven Bernard Hill had a lot of uptempo Latin freestyle hits, but his only U.S. #1 (and sole British hit) was this goopy ballad about getting a letter and writing a song. Blecch. But he's still big in Brazil, so good for him.
5 - "You Got the Love," The Source featuring Candi Staton
Alabama soul singer Staton had a couple hits in the 70s, but then had her biggest with a remix of a song she first recorded in 1986. Staton's voice has gospel power as she sings about how faith keeps her going, and the beats are danceable yet unintrusive. Good stuff.
4 - "Crazy for You," Madonna
Madge's first ballad hit made it to #2 here in 1984, then did it again on this re-release to promote her Immaculate Collection hits package. She did the slow stuff better and better as time went on, but this was a decent start.
3 - "Do the Bartman," Bart Simpson
Yes, at last, a song related to that show I reference so much here. In 1990, The Simpsons was a white-hot cultural phenomenon. Merchandise was everywhere, pundits debated its influence on children, and Fox moved it to Thursday to take on the juggernaut that was The Cosby Show. In the wake of all this came The Simpsons Sing The Blues, an album featuring songs performed by the show's characters. The featured track on the album was this track featuring a rap by the show's most popular character at the time, son Bart. He (or rather voice actor Nancy Cartwright) rhymes about cheating on tests, leaving banana peels for people to trip on, and "put(ting) mothballs in the beef stew." He also talks about his new would-be dance craze, which, if successfully performed, means you are "bad like Michael Jackson." That line came at the insistence of Jackson himself, a big fan of the show, who actually sang backup on the track and, depending on who you believe, may or may not have written it. Anyway, to me, it's not much more of a curio, and its blatant commercial nature seems disconnected with the subversive spirit the show had in its golden years (which to me are the first ten seasons, after which it started to dip and then descend into being derivative of its self to the point where I haven't watched a new episode in years). But it was a huge smash, hitting #1 here and in several other countries (but not the U.S., where it wasn't released as a single despite getting major radio and video airplay). Anyway, if I want to listen to Simpsons music, I'll play one of the many great original songs that have actually been used in the show. My favorite is probably the medley from Troy McClure's musical, Stop the Planet of the Apes, I Want to Get Off! But this does get the Uneasy Rider.
2 - "The Stonk," Hale and Pace and The Stonkers
The comedy duo of Gareth Hale and Norman Pace were frequent presences on British radio and television in the 80s and 90s, but their lasting legacy is this rockabilly novelty that they performed with the help of other comedians and musicians (including Queen's Brian May) for the anti-poverty charity Comic Relief. It's about a dance that involves "put(ting) a red nose on your conk," a reference to the charity's signature event, Red Nose Day. The song is inconsequential frivolity, but the worthiness of the cause cannot be denied.
And on top in Britain a quarter century ago was...
1 - "Should I Stay or Should I Go," The Clash
The punk legends only U.K. charttopper came when this nine-year-old song was re-released to promote a best-of album. One of their most famous songs, it's an urgent rocker about indecision, enhanced by those shouted Spanish phrases in the background. Nothing to say but good good good.
And another one's gone. I have a Twitter follower now. Yes, as in one. Wanna join him? Look me up @MrBGlovehead.
I shall return.
20 - "Rhythm of My Heart," Rod Stewart
Rod's first hit of the decade went Top Five on both sides of the Atlantic. This midtempo rock ballad was written five years ago for a Dutch singer named Rene Shuman, but Rod added his own touch by putting bagpipes on it. It's about wanting to go home and return to love after running from it for so long. I think that's it. Helicopters and kerosene and bridges and slot machines. It's not as profound as it thinks it is, but it's all right.
19 - "Losing My Religion," R.E.M.
The Athens, Georgia band that had built from cult act to genuine rock stars in the 80s gained superstar status with the Out of Time album, which hit #1 both at home and abroad largely on the strength of this iconic first single. Based on a southern expression for giving up hope, it's not about denying faith but rather being hopelessly in love and not having the courage to do anything about it. Both it and its striking video are now deserved 90s touchstones.
18 - "The One and Only," Chesney Hawkes
From Berkshire, Hawkes was 19 when he went #1 with this catchy, self-affirming pop rocker. We encountered it in the States, where it hit #10. His career went downhill from here, although apparently he had become a staple of British celebrity reality shows. It's a living, I suppose.
17 - "Happy," Ned's Atomic Dustbin
This West Midlands punk-pop band produced five Top 40s, the first and biggest of which was this song about frustration. It plays, I kind of like it, but then it's gone.
16 - "Get Here," Oleta Adams
Born in Seattle in 1953, Adams moved to L.A. in the 70s to pursue her music career, but finding little success, she found herself singing in a Kansas City hotel bar in 1985 when she was spotted by Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal of Tears for Fears, who would later call her to sing backup on their album The Seeds of Love. Her performances on that album led to her getting her own record deal, and she was vaulted to stardom when this cover of a Brenda Russell song about wanting someone to come home whatever way they can became an anthem for U.S. troops fighting the Gulf War in Iraq and their families awaiting their return. (The line about "cross(ing) the desert like an Arab man" may have provided extra resonance). On it's own, it's a very good ballad powerfully performed.
15 - "Over Rising," The Charlatans
Like Ned's Atomic Dustbin, these guys were from the West Midlands. But because of their trippy, dance-floor friendly sound, they were able to ride the "Madchester" wave. But they were one of the few bands from that scene to carve out a long career (surviving member deaths and prison stints along the way), as this was the third of what would be 21 Top 40 singles. This is a swirly rock tune that might be about having sex. Or being suspicious that a lover might steal from you. Or both. Either way, I like it. And if you're looking these guys up, you might have to look under "The Charlatans UK," because of an American band by that name from the sixties.
14 - "Today Forever EP," Ride
This Oxford band was one of the early pioneers of a feedback-and-effect-pedal heavy style of rock known as "shoegaze" (so dubbed by British journalists because the bands often performed with their heads down rather than looking at the audience). I've decided not to listen to this whole four-song, 20-minute EP, but instead to focus on its semi-title track "Today." It's sleepy. ethereal droning about being indecisive about a girl. This just isn't for me. It seems like music to be lazy and depressed to. And I for one don't need music for that.
13 - "Unfinished Sympathy," Massive
This band would be better known by their full name, Massive Attack, but because of the ongoing Gulf War, their label opted to shorten it for this single's release. Although it only reached this high on the charts, it has become a classic in Britain, often appearing high on "Best Songs of All Time" lists, and it helped create a new genre known as "trip-hop." Do I get it? Absolutely. It's spacey and ethereal, but in a much more exciting way than, say, Ride. The beats provided by 3D, Daddy G, and Mushroom move body and soul, and Shara Nelson singing about being devastated by an emotionally distant lover complements that perfectly. This is more than just a mere dance track, although it is excellent in that context. It's a truly timeless piece of music.
12 - "Love Rears Its Ugly Head," Living Colour
This New York band were distinctive when they broke through in 1989, as they were African-Americans playing hard rock. Their biggest UK hit, however, didn't really reflect this. The album version of this track about the risks of falling in love was kind of a midtempo funk rocker. But what hit in Britain was the "Soulpower" mix, which strips out pretty much everything but the vocals and the guitar solo sets them to essentially a trip-hop arrangement. I prefer the original, but Corey Glover's vocals work just as well in this context. Anyway, I'm glad Britain eventually rewarded them for spelling the second word in their name the "right" way.
11 - "All Right Now," Free
The 1970 smash by Paul Rodgers' first band was remixed and re-released to promote a greatest-hits compilation. It's not a radical reworking, but you can tell it's different, especially the drums and the choruses. Wasn't really necessary. The song was all right as it was.
10 - "(I Wanna Give You) Devotion," Nomad
This trio's biggest hit was this okay dance rapper. The MC on this however, one Mikee Freedom, doesn't really distinguish himself though. I prefer the slightly differently named Freedom Williams, of C+C Music Factory fame.
9 - "It's Too Late," Quartz featuring Dina Carroll
Another U.K. with their biggest hit, a cover of the Carole King classic. The beat is unintrusive, and guest Carroll gives a performance that illustrates why her career would be much more fruitful than Quartz' Not exactly an essential cover, but a decent listen.
8 - "Joyride," Roxette
Coming off their massive Pretty Woman hit "It Must Have Been Love," the Swedish duo continued their roll in the English-speaking world with this, the fourth of their five U.K. Top Tens and their fourth and final U.S #1. It's somewhat Beatlesque pop, with somewhat hippieish lyrics that wouldn't make more sense even if English was their first language. Me, I think it's a mini-masterpiece, and by far my favorite of their hits. If it was a person, I would introduce myself to it by saying "Hello, you fool, I love you."
7 - "Move Your Body," Xpansions
The dance duo consisting of Phil Drummond and Sally Ann Marsh had their biggest hit with this okay but unmemorable dance track. My body did move a bit, but not very enthusiastically.
6 - "Because I Love You (The Postman Song)," Stevie B.
Miami's Steven Bernard Hill had a lot of uptempo Latin freestyle hits, but his only U.S. #1 (and sole British hit) was this goopy ballad about getting a letter and writing a song. Blecch. But he's still big in Brazil, so good for him.
5 - "You Got the Love," The Source featuring Candi Staton
Alabama soul singer Staton had a couple hits in the 70s, but then had her biggest with a remix of a song she first recorded in 1986. Staton's voice has gospel power as she sings about how faith keeps her going, and the beats are danceable yet unintrusive. Good stuff.
4 - "Crazy for You," Madonna
Madge's first ballad hit made it to #2 here in 1984, then did it again on this re-release to promote her Immaculate Collection hits package. She did the slow stuff better and better as time went on, but this was a decent start.
3 - "Do the Bartman," Bart Simpson
Yes, at last, a song related to that show I reference so much here. In 1990, The Simpsons was a white-hot cultural phenomenon. Merchandise was everywhere, pundits debated its influence on children, and Fox moved it to Thursday to take on the juggernaut that was The Cosby Show. In the wake of all this came The Simpsons Sing The Blues, an album featuring songs performed by the show's characters. The featured track on the album was this track featuring a rap by the show's most popular character at the time, son Bart. He (or rather voice actor Nancy Cartwright) rhymes about cheating on tests, leaving banana peels for people to trip on, and "put(ting) mothballs in the beef stew." He also talks about his new would-be dance craze, which, if successfully performed, means you are "bad like Michael Jackson." That line came at the insistence of Jackson himself, a big fan of the show, who actually sang backup on the track and, depending on who you believe, may or may not have written it. Anyway, to me, it's not much more of a curio, and its blatant commercial nature seems disconnected with the subversive spirit the show had in its golden years (which to me are the first ten seasons, after which it started to dip and then descend into being derivative of its self to the point where I haven't watched a new episode in years). But it was a huge smash, hitting #1 here and in several other countries (but not the U.S., where it wasn't released as a single despite getting major radio and video airplay). Anyway, if I want to listen to Simpsons music, I'll play one of the many great original songs that have actually been used in the show. My favorite is probably the medley from Troy McClure's musical, Stop the Planet of the Apes, I Want to Get Off! But this does get the Uneasy Rider.
2 - "The Stonk," Hale and Pace and The Stonkers
The comedy duo of Gareth Hale and Norman Pace were frequent presences on British radio and television in the 80s and 90s, but their lasting legacy is this rockabilly novelty that they performed with the help of other comedians and musicians (including Queen's Brian May) for the anti-poverty charity Comic Relief. It's about a dance that involves "put(ting) a red nose on your conk," a reference to the charity's signature event, Red Nose Day. The song is inconsequential frivolity, but the worthiness of the cause cannot be denied.
And on top in Britain a quarter century ago was...
1 - "Should I Stay or Should I Go," The Clash
The punk legends only U.K. charttopper came when this nine-year-old song was re-released to promote a best-of album. One of their most famous songs, it's an urgent rocker about indecision, enhanced by those shouted Spanish phrases in the background. Nothing to say but good good good.
And another one's gone. I have a Twitter follower now. Yes, as in one. Wanna join him? Look me up @MrBGlovehead.
I shall return.
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