Back to 30 years ago. The day after this chart was published, England exited the World Cup after losing 2-1 to Argentina on two memorable Diego Maradona goals. Little did we know that three decades and one day later, England, and the rest of Britain, would make another spectacular departure on the world stage. But enough of this talk of leaving. Let's instead enter the world of an early summer U.K. pop chart.
40 - "There'll Be Sad Songs," Billy Ocean
The Trinidadian-born Brit had a #1 in America with this, but it missed the Top Ten here. I side with Britain. It's a nice ballad, but nothing special. I'd just rather listen to "Love Really Hurts Without You" again.
39 - "Let's Go All the Way," Sly Fox
The one hit by this British-produced American funk-pop duo, a Top Ten in both countries. Still a lost classic. Zum zum zigga zigga indeed.
38 - "It's 'Orrible Being in Love (When You're 8 1/2)," Claire and Friends
This song was written by Brian and Michael (of "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs" fame), and was performed by Stockport youngster Claire Usher and some of her schoolmates as an entry for a kid's TV talent contest. It's about the perils of prepubescent infatuation. At least that's what I'm told. I haven't been able to find lyrics to it, and they are unintelligible to my ears. All I hear are fingernails on a chalkboard. The song's title is too long by six words. But it easily claims this chart's Uneasy Rider. Torture for all ages.
37 - "Why Can't This Be Love," Van Halen
The VH brothers had only scored one U.K. Top 40 with David Lee Roth, ("Jump"), but they immediately doubled that total with their first single with Sammy Hagar. Maybe it's because Brits love synthesizers? Your guess is as good as mine.
36 - "Medicine Show," Big Audio Dynamite
The second of three U.K. Top 40s for Mick Jones' post-Clash band is this pop-rocker that is basically like a sales-pitch from an old-time tonic salesman pushing a miracle product. The samples from old Westerns are a nice touch.
35 - "God Thank You Woman" Culture Club
Boy George and co.'s last hit before their first breakthrough was this decent-enough pop-soul love song. Although by this time, I don't think there were many left that still believed he was interested in romance with the opposite sex.
34 - "The Teacher," Big Country
These Scots only had one hit in America (the anthemic "In a Big Country") but in the U.K. this was the ninth of 15 Top 40s. This is basic alternative rock about seeking truth. I must admit nothing I've heard so far even comes close to the majesty of their most familiar hit.
33 - "Snooker Loopy," Matchroom Mob
This combination of Cockney rockers Chas & Dave and professional snooker (a billiard game involving multicolored, non-numbered balls that is extremely popular in Britain) players Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor, Willie Thorne, Terry Griffiths and Tony Leo, reached the Top Ten with this pub singalong about the characteristics and talents of the participating players. Very bizarre. This one's gotta get an Uneasy Rider too.
32 - "Jump Back (Set Me Free)," Dhar Braxton
The only hit for this New Yorker is this dance slap-down of a would-be no-good boyfriend. Pretty catchy as these things go, and her attitude is palpable. I like it.
31 - "21st Century Boy," Sigue Sigue Sputnik
Formed in London by Tony James, whose late-70s group Generation X had introduced the world to Billy Idol, this band burst on the scene with their outrageous clothes, punk/rockabilly/synthpop sound, and their overt commercialism (they actually sold 20-30 second advertising spots on their debut album, and the version of this song I heard ended with a plug for i-D magazine). Their debut single, the fun but disposable "Love Missile F1-11" went to #3, but the follow-up just scraped into the Top Twenty. It's pretty much a carbon copy of its predecessor, with lyrics about sex and outer space and the future over a very similar background. They'd manage one more Top 40 hit two years later, but then they'd find themselves added to the pile of failed Next Big Things.
30 - "When Tomorrow Comes," Eurythmics
This product of the Dave Stewart/Annie Lennox hit machine only got this high here and didn't chart at all in America, but for my money it's no worse than their third best single. A straightforward rock song on which Annie pledges that she'll be there for you. Simple, but so strong.
29 - "Call of the Wild," Midge Ure
Scotsman James Ure had been in several bands since the mid-70s, finding his greatest success in the first half of the 80s with Ultravox. On a break from the band (during which he helped Bob Geldof put together both "Do They Know it's Christmas" and Live Aid), Ure had a #1 solo hit with "If I Was," as well as two other Top 40s, including this synthpop number about wanting someone to, um, go wild with him. I think that's it/ It's okay, but not essential.
28 - "Mine All Mine," Cashflow
80s funk from a band I can't find out much about. And the song doesn't make me feel a need to dig really deep. I do know they later appeared on the soundtrack to the Fat Boys' movie Disorderlies, so good for them.
27 - "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," Tears for Fears
The Bath duo's second U.K. #1, and the song that broke them in America. I still don't count myself among the "everybody," though.
26 - "Underground," David Bowie
Bowie's effort here is a song from the soundtrack of the Jim Henson film Labyrinth, in which he played the Goblin King. The song is the kind of taunt/invitation you'd expect from a villain in a children's adventure, and the gospel choir on the chorus provides a welcome boldness. The film bombed upon initial release, but became a cult hit on video, and yes, like almost every 80s movie that has any kind of following, there's talk of a remake/reboot. I haven't seen it, so I have no opinion.
25 - "The Chicken Song," Spitting Image
Spitting Image was an immensely popular British comedy series featuring satirical sketches performed with puppet doppelgangers of politicians, celebrities, and other public figures. One sketch featured a parody of popular dance-craze hits, introducing a song whose chorus told listeners to "hold a chicken in the air" and follow that up by performing a series of acts from the banal ("form a string quartet") to the random ("paint your left knee green"), and including acts of violence to oneself ("skin yourself alive," "disembowel yourself with spears") and others ("behead an Eskimo," "casserole your Gran"). The British sense of humour being what it is, the song was #1 for three weeks. It's absolutely one of the strangest, craziest things you'll ever hear. So yes, for the first time ever, I am bestowing a whopping three Uneasy Rider awards in one chart. They all deserve it. But if I had to pick one, this would be it.
24 - "Sinful," Pete Wylie
Liverpudlian Wylie has been in several bands since the late 70s (including more than one contatining the word "Wah!"), but his biggest hit under his own name was this Simple Mindsish number about trying to change the world for the better. It's not bad.
23 - "Lessons in Love," Level 42
Biggest hit for the Isle of Wight synth-poppers. I still say "Running in the Family" is so much better.
22 - "Venus," Bananarama
This Shocking Blue cover was a #1 in several countries, including the U.S., but only hit #8 here. In fact, these ladies never had a Number One at home. I'm quite surprised.
21 - "Friends Will Be Friends," Queen
Freddie and friends with a power ballad about the comfort of people who will stand by you through tough times. One of those circumstances mentioned in this song is "So the pound has dropped." Hmm. Interesting that I'm coming across this at this time of all times. Did Mr. Mercury call the Brexit 30 years before it happened? Well, this did come from an album called A Kind of Magic...
In Part Two: Be bad and feed your addiction, or turn to medicine and a higher power.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Gloves Across the Water - U.K. Top 40 June 8, 1996 Part Two
It's a chart of two halves.
20 - "Cecilia," Suggs with Louchie Lou/Michie One
The man born Graham McPherson had been a star as the frontman for Sussex ska stars Madness for over fifteen years when he finally began a solo career. His biggest hit without the Mad men was this dancehall cover of a 1970 Simon and Garfunkel hit. Lou and One contribute a ragga verse. Different enough not to be completely unnecessary, but hardly outstanding.
19 - "Ocean Drive," The Lighthouse Family
The Newcastle pop duo of Tunde Baiyewu and Paul Tucker had the second of eleven pop hits in seven years with this optimistic midtempo tune about better days ahead. Adult contemporary done with passion and soul.
18 - "Until it Sleeps," Metallica
It had been four-and-a-half years since the San Francisco thrash pioneers became one of the biggest bands in the world after the success of there slowed down, popped up "Black Album," and fans old and new wondered what direction the group would take next. The answer came in the form of the first single from their Load LP, this sludgy rock song featuring lyrics written by singer James Heftield about his mother's battle with cancer. More introspective than most of the band's previous material, and about a 3 on the Headbangometer, but still quite good. It performed well enough upon release to become the band's highest-charting single on both sides of the Atlantic, but the sound of the Load album, combined with the fact that band members had cut their long hair and had accepted the headline slot on that years Lollapalooza festival, created a perception that the band was hopping on the "alternative" bandwagon, and this did not sit well with longtime fans. This would not be the last move the band would make that would alienate members of their fanbase.
17 - "Summer Holiday," Darren Day
Colchester-born Day started out wanting to be a professional snooker player, but later turned to musical theatre, becoming a star on the West End. His biggest chart hit was this cover of the title song from a 1963 Cliff Richard movie, recorded for the cast album of the stage musical version of said movie. Sunny, boring pop.
16 - "The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me is You," Bryan Adams
Adams had collaborated with "Mutt" Lange on his 1991 album Waking Up the Neighbors, and he decided to go back to that well for the follow-up, 18 'Til I Die. The album's first single was this mildly suggestive pop tune about how his lady is the only thing he feels comfortable in. Crap, I just made that even more suggestive. Ew. Anyway, whereas many of the Neighbors tracks sounded like Def Leppard outtakes, this sounded like a Shania Twain outtake. Not an improvement.
15 - "Female of the Species," Space
Formed in 1993, this Liverpool band had their first significant hit with this bit of futuristic lounge music about the dangerousness of ladies. Just delightful and cool. Definitely one to look up if you've never heard it.
14 - "Get Down (You're the One for Me)," Backstreet Boys
The B-Boys were still a year away from being stars at home, but in Britain they were on their third hit with this basic dance popper about wanting a girl. There's rap on it, including a verse from Boy A.J. It adds nothing. You are either in the right state to like this, or you're not. I don't think I've ever been.
13 - "On Silent Wings," Tina Turner
From Tina's first album since the success of the biopic What's Love Got to Do With It?, this is a nice little breakup ballad that's slightly overwhelmed by the slickness of the production. But the lady knocks the vocal out of the park, as usual. Sting shows up on the final chorus, but his appearance distracts more than enhances.
12 - "In a Room," Dodgy
The fifth of nine hits for these London power poppers was this rocker about fighting the urge to isolate oneself. I think that's it. Very good. Britpop had a deeper bench than some might think.
11 - "Return of the Mack," Mark Morrison
Born in Germany and raised in Leicester (once again, congratulations to the Foxes), Morrison had picked up a couple of Top 40 singles before releasing this swaggering funk/hip/hop track about rebounding from heartbreak. Catchy, danceable, brilliant. In addition to topping the charts here, it hit #2 in America and had Morrison poised for superstardom. He would follow up with four more U.K. Top Tens, but subsequent legal issues have curtailed his career significantly.
10 - "Fastlove," George Michael
The former Wham! man had come out of a long legal battle with his former label with an album entitled Older, and its second single would be his last U.K. #1 to date. It's funky dance-pop about looking for a one-night stand. Straightforward and solid. He really was one of the great pop stars of his time.
9 - "There's Nothing I Won't Do," JX
The third, and biggest, hit by Brighton DJ Jake Williams was this bit of house-dance-whatever. The stuff was everywhere back then, and it doesn't interest me unless there's something distinctive and interesting in the song. None of that here.
8 - "Because You Love Me," Celine Dion
La Diva Quebecoise racked up another international smash with this drippy Diane Warren ballad from a Robert Redford/Michelle Pfeiffer movie called Up Close and Personal. Never saw it, but I do remember seeing the commercials where Redford says "She practically eats the lens," and thinking, "How is that a compliment?" I'm still baffled.
7 - "Fable," Robert Miles
The follow-up to "Children" actually has vocals, courtesy of one Fiorella Quinn. More dreamy danciness. I like it better than it's predecessor. Having singing on it helps.
6 - "Nobody Knows," The Tony Rich Project
Detroiter Antonio Jeffries Jr. made his breakthrough with this heart-on-sleeve ballad about lingering post-breakup loneliness. One of the classics of the decade, and a must on any credible list of all-time great one-hit wonders. The pain comes through with every note.
5 - "Naked," Louise
Londoner Louise Nurding first found success in her teens with the girl group Eternal, then left after one album for a solo career which produced a dozen hits. Her first Top Five was this dance track about lusting and being lusted after. Fine for what it is. Two years after this, she would marry someone else who performed on a single on this chart...Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp.
4 - "Ooh, Aah...Just a Little Bit," Gina G
Our second encounter with Australia's Ms. G comes in the form of her biggest hit, this breathy Euro dance track. I can't say it deserved to finish better than eighth at Eurovision. I'm sure the competition was much bigger and/or weirder.
3 - "Mysterious Girl," Peter Andre
London-born, Australia-raised Peter Andrea made his British breakthrough with this limp bit of watered-down reggae that makes Ace of Base sound like The Wailers. The dancehall toasting of Bubbler Ranx is the only thing that makes this close to interesting. The song hit #2, then came back to hit #1 eight years later after Andre appeared on the reality show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! He also met future ex-wife Katie "Jordan" Price on the show. Good for him.
2 - "Three Lions," Baddiel and Skinner with The Lightning Seeds
The Lightning Seeds are mainly Liverpudlian Ian Broudie, who took his recording name from a misheard lyric from Prince's "Raspberry Beret." He had picked up eight Top 40 singles by the time he was approached by England's Football Association to collaborate with comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner on an official song for Euro '96. What they came up with was this peppy rock song, named after the image on the national Team's logo, that laments the recent struggles and failures of England in major tournaments but sounds a hopeful note by noting the triumphs of the past, most notably the fact that the last time a major championship was held in Blighty (the 1966 World Cup), the home side won. The track's exuberance was infectious enough to lift the song to #1, and to help create an optimistic atmosphere around the tournament and the England team. Unfortunately, it would all end in tears, as England would lose their semi-final to eventual champions and arch-rivals Germany on penalty kicks. But as a consolation, twenty years later, this song gets to lift the Uneasy Rider trophy.
And topping the Pops 20 years ago was...
1 - "Killing Me Softly," The Fugees
The song that introduced the world to Lauryn Hill. Whatever happened to her? And will these three ever reunite? My guess is, yes. I'm thinking 2021, the 25th anniversary of The Score, they will announce a tour and at least start it. Whether or not they finish is a matter I'm unwilling to speculate on.
Another done. More will follow. Thanks for reading.
20 - "Cecilia," Suggs with Louchie Lou/Michie One
The man born Graham McPherson had been a star as the frontman for Sussex ska stars Madness for over fifteen years when he finally began a solo career. His biggest hit without the Mad men was this dancehall cover of a 1970 Simon and Garfunkel hit. Lou and One contribute a ragga verse. Different enough not to be completely unnecessary, but hardly outstanding.
19 - "Ocean Drive," The Lighthouse Family
The Newcastle pop duo of Tunde Baiyewu and Paul Tucker had the second of eleven pop hits in seven years with this optimistic midtempo tune about better days ahead. Adult contemporary done with passion and soul.
18 - "Until it Sleeps," Metallica
It had been four-and-a-half years since the San Francisco thrash pioneers became one of the biggest bands in the world after the success of there slowed down, popped up "Black Album," and fans old and new wondered what direction the group would take next. The answer came in the form of the first single from their Load LP, this sludgy rock song featuring lyrics written by singer James Heftield about his mother's battle with cancer. More introspective than most of the band's previous material, and about a 3 on the Headbangometer, but still quite good. It performed well enough upon release to become the band's highest-charting single on both sides of the Atlantic, but the sound of the Load album, combined with the fact that band members had cut their long hair and had accepted the headline slot on that years Lollapalooza festival, created a perception that the band was hopping on the "alternative" bandwagon, and this did not sit well with longtime fans. This would not be the last move the band would make that would alienate members of their fanbase.
17 - "Summer Holiday," Darren Day
Colchester-born Day started out wanting to be a professional snooker player, but later turned to musical theatre, becoming a star on the West End. His biggest chart hit was this cover of the title song from a 1963 Cliff Richard movie, recorded for the cast album of the stage musical version of said movie. Sunny, boring pop.
16 - "The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me is You," Bryan Adams
Adams had collaborated with "Mutt" Lange on his 1991 album Waking Up the Neighbors, and he decided to go back to that well for the follow-up, 18 'Til I Die. The album's first single was this mildly suggestive pop tune about how his lady is the only thing he feels comfortable in. Crap, I just made that even more suggestive. Ew. Anyway, whereas many of the Neighbors tracks sounded like Def Leppard outtakes, this sounded like a Shania Twain outtake. Not an improvement.
15 - "Female of the Species," Space
Formed in 1993, this Liverpool band had their first significant hit with this bit of futuristic lounge music about the dangerousness of ladies. Just delightful and cool. Definitely one to look up if you've never heard it.
14 - "Get Down (You're the One for Me)," Backstreet Boys
The B-Boys were still a year away from being stars at home, but in Britain they were on their third hit with this basic dance popper about wanting a girl. There's rap on it, including a verse from Boy A.J. It adds nothing. You are either in the right state to like this, or you're not. I don't think I've ever been.
13 - "On Silent Wings," Tina Turner
From Tina's first album since the success of the biopic What's Love Got to Do With It?, this is a nice little breakup ballad that's slightly overwhelmed by the slickness of the production. But the lady knocks the vocal out of the park, as usual. Sting shows up on the final chorus, but his appearance distracts more than enhances.
12 - "In a Room," Dodgy
The fifth of nine hits for these London power poppers was this rocker about fighting the urge to isolate oneself. I think that's it. Very good. Britpop had a deeper bench than some might think.
11 - "Return of the Mack," Mark Morrison
Born in Germany and raised in Leicester (once again, congratulations to the Foxes), Morrison had picked up a couple of Top 40 singles before releasing this swaggering funk/hip/hop track about rebounding from heartbreak. Catchy, danceable, brilliant. In addition to topping the charts here, it hit #2 in America and had Morrison poised for superstardom. He would follow up with four more U.K. Top Tens, but subsequent legal issues have curtailed his career significantly.
10 - "Fastlove," George Michael
The former Wham! man had come out of a long legal battle with his former label with an album entitled Older, and its second single would be his last U.K. #1 to date. It's funky dance-pop about looking for a one-night stand. Straightforward and solid. He really was one of the great pop stars of his time.
9 - "There's Nothing I Won't Do," JX
The third, and biggest, hit by Brighton DJ Jake Williams was this bit of house-dance-whatever. The stuff was everywhere back then, and it doesn't interest me unless there's something distinctive and interesting in the song. None of that here.
8 - "Because You Love Me," Celine Dion
La Diva Quebecoise racked up another international smash with this drippy Diane Warren ballad from a Robert Redford/Michelle Pfeiffer movie called Up Close and Personal. Never saw it, but I do remember seeing the commercials where Redford says "She practically eats the lens," and thinking, "How is that a compliment?" I'm still baffled.
7 - "Fable," Robert Miles
The follow-up to "Children" actually has vocals, courtesy of one Fiorella Quinn. More dreamy danciness. I like it better than it's predecessor. Having singing on it helps.
6 - "Nobody Knows," The Tony Rich Project
Detroiter Antonio Jeffries Jr. made his breakthrough with this heart-on-sleeve ballad about lingering post-breakup loneliness. One of the classics of the decade, and a must on any credible list of all-time great one-hit wonders. The pain comes through with every note.
5 - "Naked," Louise
Londoner Louise Nurding first found success in her teens with the girl group Eternal, then left after one album for a solo career which produced a dozen hits. Her first Top Five was this dance track about lusting and being lusted after. Fine for what it is. Two years after this, she would marry someone else who performed on a single on this chart...Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp.
4 - "Ooh, Aah...Just a Little Bit," Gina G
Our second encounter with Australia's Ms. G comes in the form of her biggest hit, this breathy Euro dance track. I can't say it deserved to finish better than eighth at Eurovision. I'm sure the competition was much bigger and/or weirder.
3 - "Mysterious Girl," Peter Andre
London-born, Australia-raised Peter Andrea made his British breakthrough with this limp bit of watered-down reggae that makes Ace of Base sound like The Wailers. The dancehall toasting of Bubbler Ranx is the only thing that makes this close to interesting. The song hit #2, then came back to hit #1 eight years later after Andre appeared on the reality show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! He also met future ex-wife Katie "Jordan" Price on the show. Good for him.
2 - "Three Lions," Baddiel and Skinner with The Lightning Seeds
The Lightning Seeds are mainly Liverpudlian Ian Broudie, who took his recording name from a misheard lyric from Prince's "Raspberry Beret." He had picked up eight Top 40 singles by the time he was approached by England's Football Association to collaborate with comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner on an official song for Euro '96. What they came up with was this peppy rock song, named after the image on the national Team's logo, that laments the recent struggles and failures of England in major tournaments but sounds a hopeful note by noting the triumphs of the past, most notably the fact that the last time a major championship was held in Blighty (the 1966 World Cup), the home side won. The track's exuberance was infectious enough to lift the song to #1, and to help create an optimistic atmosphere around the tournament and the England team. Unfortunately, it would all end in tears, as England would lose their semi-final to eventual champions and arch-rivals Germany on penalty kicks. But as a consolation, twenty years later, this song gets to lift the Uneasy Rider trophy.
And topping the Pops 20 years ago was...
1 - "Killing Me Softly," The Fugees
The song that introduced the world to Lauryn Hill. Whatever happened to her? And will these three ever reunite? My guess is, yes. I'm thinking 2021, the 25th anniversary of The Score, they will announce a tour and at least start it. Whether or not they finish is a matter I'm unwilling to speculate on.
Another done. More will follow. Thanks for reading.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Gloves Across the Water - U.K. Top 40 June 8, 1996 Part One
This time we're going back 20 years. On the date of this chart, the Euro '96 soccer tournament kicked off at Wembley with host England drawing 1-1 with Switzerland. Footy was everywhere, even on the pop chart, as we shall see.
40 - "Klubbhopping" Klubbheads
The first and biggest hit by these Dutch producers/DJs was this dance tune about half steps and pumping junk into minds. Again, the problem I have with dance tracks like this is I can never imagine voluntarily listening to them outside a room full of spinning lights and sweaty people. And I never go to those places, so I find it hard to fully appreciate the songs.
39 - "Light My Fire/Release Me," The Mike Flowers Pops
Londoner Mike Flowers had a brief run of fame in the mid-90s portraying a lounge singer who covered rock songs. In 1995, he hit #2 with his version of Oasis' "Wonderwall." His second hit, a single containing takes on 60s hits by The Doors and Engelbert Humperdinck, was less successful, charting only as high as it is this week. It's a gimmick that worked once but then became boring. He'd hit the Top 40 one more time later this year, then he'd fade back into obscurity.
38 - "The X-Files," Mark Snow
New Yorker Martin Fulterman's first foray into music came when he helped found the classical/rock hybrid New York Rock & Roll Ensemble in the late 60s. In the 70s he began composing for film and television, and in 1993 he created his most famous work, the theme tune for the Fox series about two FBI agents specializing in paranormal investigations. It's a haunting electronic piece that perfectly sets the mood for voyages into the unknown, and Britain loved it so much it reached #2. Why didn't it go all the way to #1.? Only the Cigarette-Smoking Man knows for sure.
37 - "Pass and Move (It's the Liverpool Groove)," Liverpool FC and Boot Room Boyz
More football music, this one by the team from the home of the Beatles. This one is a rap, and much better than you'd expect from a sports team. It was recorded by the club ahead of their FA Cup final match with Manchester United. I will tell you what happened later in this post.
36 - "Trippin' on Sunshine," Pizzaman
This London house duo was composed of John Reid and one Norman Cook, the former bassist of indie band The Housemartins who would go on to international fame as DJ/producer Fatboy Slim. The first of their four British Top 40s suffers from many of the problems I mentioned when I talked about the Klubbheads track, but there's also musicality and the semblance of a hook, which would be a trademark of the best Fatboy Slim material. Better than average for the genre.
35 - "I Will Survive," Chantay Savage
The biggest American and British hit for this Chicago singer was this cover of the Gloria Gaynor perseverance classic, She performed it as a ballad. Very interesting choice. Reminds me of Anita Baker. I like it.
34 - "A Design for Life," Manic Street Preachers
Since forming in Wales in 1986, this band had frequently courted controversy and sensationalism, most notably a 1991 incident when guitarist Richey Edwards carved "4 REAL" into his arm with a razor blade during an interview. The band had developed a loyal following and had gained some mainstream success, but in February of 1995, Edwards disappeared, and his fate and whereabouts have been a mystery ever since. With the blessing of Edwards' family, the band carried on, and this, the first song they wrote after the disappearance, became their biggest hit to date, reaching #2. It's an anthemic, orchestrated rock song about feeling trampled down by the class system. Powerful and wonderful.
33 - "St. Teresa," Joan Osborne
Kentucky native Osborne moved to New York in the 80s, and earlier this year she had scored an international smash with her meditation on God, "One of Us." Her second-most successful single was this gritty blues number that I think is about looking for beauty and hope amid urban desolation. It's fantastic, one of my favorite songs ever. She's been pretty much an afterthought ever since, but to me, her Relish album still holds up. I'll never forget it because I bought it because of "One of Us" and found upon first listen that it was easily the weakest song on the album, to the point where I find that song hard to listen to to this day. I don't remember that ever happening before or since.
32 - "They Don't Care About Us," Michael Jackson
The most infamous single from the HIStory album. It's his angriest song, railing at injustices against the world in general and to himself in particular. At the time he saw himself as the victim of persecution by the media and the legal system after the 1993 child sexual abuse allegations that dragged his career down in America throughout the remainder of his life. This victimization caused him to use some anti-Semitic slurs in the lyrics that, whatever his intentions, were seen as hateful by Jewish groups and caused him to re-record the track. Judging it strictly as a song, it's an effective blast of outrage that contains echoes of both "Beat It" and the Temptations classic "Ball of Confusion." But there is also something about it that reveals either a naïve or willful lack of self-awareness. You feel like he sees world poverty and racial inequality as problems equal in magnitude to the press and the police having the temerity to report investigate serious claims of criminal behaviour on his part. He seems unable to grasp that in so many very real ways, he was not "us" and could never be. But that's just my opinion. I am not the first person to play pop psychologist on Michael Jackson, and I certainly won't be the last.
31 - "Good Day," Sean Maguire
This Londoner began acting as a child, appearing in, among other things, the "Every Sperm is Sacred" section of Monty Python's The Meaning of Life. He became a star in the 90s playing a footballer on the popular soap EastEnders, and a singing career followed that produced eight Top 40 singles in the decade, the biggest being this okay dance-pop trifle about having a nice time. The music has long stopped, but his acting career has stayed strong, with multiple TV and film appearances on both sides of the Atlantic, including his current role as Robin Hood on the ABC fantasy series Once Upon a Time.
30 - "Tonight, Tonight," Smashing Pumpkins
Formed in 1988, this Chicago rock band rode the grunge/alternative wave of the 90s to international stardom. Their biggest British single was this lushly produced rock epic about belief in the possibilities of life. Inspiring and beautiful. Their best song by far.
29 - "Children," Robert Miles
The biggest hit by the Italian DJ born Roberto Concina. Hooky, dreamy dance music. This is how you make something that works beyond the walls of the club.
28 - "Doin' It," LL Cool J
LL and female rapper LeShaun rhyme explicitly about sex on this track that makes you almost feel like a voyeur. And I'm not sure I want to know what "candy rain" is.
27 - "Reach," Gloria Estefan
The Cuban-American superstar supplied this aspirational ballad for use at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Made a good soundtrack for track and field and gymnastics highlights, but doesn't quite work as well outside that context.
26 - "Let This Be a Prayer," Rollo Goes Spritual
Londoner Rollo Armstrong has had much British success, most notably with his dance group Faithless. He is also the brother of Dido Armstrong, of "Thank You" and "White Flag" fame. Here, he combines house beats with gospel. Another one that you don't need to dance to to get something out of.
25 - "Sensual Sophisti-Cat," Carl Cox
This DJ from Oldham has been one of the stalwarts of the worldwide dance music scene for the last quarter-century, and he has managed five U.K. Top 40 singles along the way, including this one. It's somewhat sensual, and reasonably sophisticated, so I guess as the Brits say, it does what it says on the tin.
24 - "Blue Moon/Only You," John Alford
Another child actor-turned-heartthrob Scottish-born Alford began acting as a child in the 80s, and at this time was popular for his role as a firefighter in a TV drama called London's Burning. His foray into music produced three hits, the biggest being these covers of two popular standards. The music is lite dance-pop, and Alford's singing is pretty much at the level of the last guy picked for a boy band. And like many others on that level, he has had legal issues with drugs and impaired driving since the peak of his fame.
23 - "Move Move Move (The Red Tribe)," 1996 Manchester United FA Cup Squad
Liverpool's FA Cup opponents recorded a song of their own. This is more of a house track, and it's boasts of on-field prowess are sung rather than rapped. A little more musically interesting than their rival's offering. In the chart battle, Liverpool outpeaked them 4 to 6, but in the game, Man U got the win and the Cup. I think they were happy with that trade.
22 - "Before You Walk Out of My Life," Monica
The R&B diva's third U.K. hit was this midtempo ballad about trying to avoid a breakup. Effective. But I'm not sure if referring to herself in the third person late in the song was crass or genius.
21 - "Do You Know Where You're Coming From," M-Beat featuring Jamiroquai
Not sure who M-Beat are, but Jamiroquai are Brit-funk superstars led by the sports car-driving, horned-hat wearing Jason "Jay Kay" Cheetham. This is a stuttery, rubbery groove about finding meaning and purpose. Very much inspired by Stevie Wonder's golden 70s period, and there are much worse sources of inspiration.
In Part Two: nudity, murder, and big cats.
40 - "Klubbhopping" Klubbheads
The first and biggest hit by these Dutch producers/DJs was this dance tune about half steps and pumping junk into minds. Again, the problem I have with dance tracks like this is I can never imagine voluntarily listening to them outside a room full of spinning lights and sweaty people. And I never go to those places, so I find it hard to fully appreciate the songs.
39 - "Light My Fire/Release Me," The Mike Flowers Pops
Londoner Mike Flowers had a brief run of fame in the mid-90s portraying a lounge singer who covered rock songs. In 1995, he hit #2 with his version of Oasis' "Wonderwall." His second hit, a single containing takes on 60s hits by The Doors and Engelbert Humperdinck, was less successful, charting only as high as it is this week. It's a gimmick that worked once but then became boring. He'd hit the Top 40 one more time later this year, then he'd fade back into obscurity.
38 - "The X-Files," Mark Snow
New Yorker Martin Fulterman's first foray into music came when he helped found the classical/rock hybrid New York Rock & Roll Ensemble in the late 60s. In the 70s he began composing for film and television, and in 1993 he created his most famous work, the theme tune for the Fox series about two FBI agents specializing in paranormal investigations. It's a haunting electronic piece that perfectly sets the mood for voyages into the unknown, and Britain loved it so much it reached #2. Why didn't it go all the way to #1.? Only the Cigarette-Smoking Man knows for sure.
37 - "Pass and Move (It's the Liverpool Groove)," Liverpool FC and Boot Room Boyz
More football music, this one by the team from the home of the Beatles. This one is a rap, and much better than you'd expect from a sports team. It was recorded by the club ahead of their FA Cup final match with Manchester United. I will tell you what happened later in this post.
36 - "Trippin' on Sunshine," Pizzaman
This London house duo was composed of John Reid and one Norman Cook, the former bassist of indie band The Housemartins who would go on to international fame as DJ/producer Fatboy Slim. The first of their four British Top 40s suffers from many of the problems I mentioned when I talked about the Klubbheads track, but there's also musicality and the semblance of a hook, which would be a trademark of the best Fatboy Slim material. Better than average for the genre.
35 - "I Will Survive," Chantay Savage
The biggest American and British hit for this Chicago singer was this cover of the Gloria Gaynor perseverance classic, She performed it as a ballad. Very interesting choice. Reminds me of Anita Baker. I like it.
34 - "A Design for Life," Manic Street Preachers
Since forming in Wales in 1986, this band had frequently courted controversy and sensationalism, most notably a 1991 incident when guitarist Richey Edwards carved "4 REAL" into his arm with a razor blade during an interview. The band had developed a loyal following and had gained some mainstream success, but in February of 1995, Edwards disappeared, and his fate and whereabouts have been a mystery ever since. With the blessing of Edwards' family, the band carried on, and this, the first song they wrote after the disappearance, became their biggest hit to date, reaching #2. It's an anthemic, orchestrated rock song about feeling trampled down by the class system. Powerful and wonderful.
33 - "St. Teresa," Joan Osborne
Kentucky native Osborne moved to New York in the 80s, and earlier this year she had scored an international smash with her meditation on God, "One of Us." Her second-most successful single was this gritty blues number that I think is about looking for beauty and hope amid urban desolation. It's fantastic, one of my favorite songs ever. She's been pretty much an afterthought ever since, but to me, her Relish album still holds up. I'll never forget it because I bought it because of "One of Us" and found upon first listen that it was easily the weakest song on the album, to the point where I find that song hard to listen to to this day. I don't remember that ever happening before or since.
32 - "They Don't Care About Us," Michael Jackson
The most infamous single from the HIStory album. It's his angriest song, railing at injustices against the world in general and to himself in particular. At the time he saw himself as the victim of persecution by the media and the legal system after the 1993 child sexual abuse allegations that dragged his career down in America throughout the remainder of his life. This victimization caused him to use some anti-Semitic slurs in the lyrics that, whatever his intentions, were seen as hateful by Jewish groups and caused him to re-record the track. Judging it strictly as a song, it's an effective blast of outrage that contains echoes of both "Beat It" and the Temptations classic "Ball of Confusion." But there is also something about it that reveals either a naïve or willful lack of self-awareness. You feel like he sees world poverty and racial inequality as problems equal in magnitude to the press and the police having the temerity to report investigate serious claims of criminal behaviour on his part. He seems unable to grasp that in so many very real ways, he was not "us" and could never be. But that's just my opinion. I am not the first person to play pop psychologist on Michael Jackson, and I certainly won't be the last.
31 - "Good Day," Sean Maguire
This Londoner began acting as a child, appearing in, among other things, the "Every Sperm is Sacred" section of Monty Python's The Meaning of Life. He became a star in the 90s playing a footballer on the popular soap EastEnders, and a singing career followed that produced eight Top 40 singles in the decade, the biggest being this okay dance-pop trifle about having a nice time. The music has long stopped, but his acting career has stayed strong, with multiple TV and film appearances on both sides of the Atlantic, including his current role as Robin Hood on the ABC fantasy series Once Upon a Time.
30 - "Tonight, Tonight," Smashing Pumpkins
Formed in 1988, this Chicago rock band rode the grunge/alternative wave of the 90s to international stardom. Their biggest British single was this lushly produced rock epic about belief in the possibilities of life. Inspiring and beautiful. Their best song by far.
29 - "Children," Robert Miles
The biggest hit by the Italian DJ born Roberto Concina. Hooky, dreamy dance music. This is how you make something that works beyond the walls of the club.
28 - "Doin' It," LL Cool J
LL and female rapper LeShaun rhyme explicitly about sex on this track that makes you almost feel like a voyeur. And I'm not sure I want to know what "candy rain" is.
27 - "Reach," Gloria Estefan
The Cuban-American superstar supplied this aspirational ballad for use at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Made a good soundtrack for track and field and gymnastics highlights, but doesn't quite work as well outside that context.
26 - "Let This Be a Prayer," Rollo Goes Spritual
Londoner Rollo Armstrong has had much British success, most notably with his dance group Faithless. He is also the brother of Dido Armstrong, of "Thank You" and "White Flag" fame. Here, he combines house beats with gospel. Another one that you don't need to dance to to get something out of.
25 - "Sensual Sophisti-Cat," Carl Cox
This DJ from Oldham has been one of the stalwarts of the worldwide dance music scene for the last quarter-century, and he has managed five U.K. Top 40 singles along the way, including this one. It's somewhat sensual, and reasonably sophisticated, so I guess as the Brits say, it does what it says on the tin.
24 - "Blue Moon/Only You," John Alford
Another child actor-turned-heartthrob Scottish-born Alford began acting as a child in the 80s, and at this time was popular for his role as a firefighter in a TV drama called London's Burning. His foray into music produced three hits, the biggest being these covers of two popular standards. The music is lite dance-pop, and Alford's singing is pretty much at the level of the last guy picked for a boy band. And like many others on that level, he has had legal issues with drugs and impaired driving since the peak of his fame.
23 - "Move Move Move (The Red Tribe)," 1996 Manchester United FA Cup Squad
Liverpool's FA Cup opponents recorded a song of their own. This is more of a house track, and it's boasts of on-field prowess are sung rather than rapped. A little more musically interesting than their rival's offering. In the chart battle, Liverpool outpeaked them 4 to 6, but in the game, Man U got the win and the Cup. I think they were happy with that trade.
22 - "Before You Walk Out of My Life," Monica
The R&B diva's third U.K. hit was this midtempo ballad about trying to avoid a breakup. Effective. But I'm not sure if referring to herself in the third person late in the song was crass or genius.
21 - "Do You Know Where You're Coming From," M-Beat featuring Jamiroquai
Not sure who M-Beat are, but Jamiroquai are Brit-funk superstars led by the sports car-driving, horned-hat wearing Jason "Jay Kay" Cheetham. This is a stuttery, rubbery groove about finding meaning and purpose. Very much inspired by Stevie Wonder's golden 70s period, and there are much worse sources of inspiration.
In Part Two: nudity, murder, and big cats.
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