February 1993. Not a lot of great news in Britain, but Elton John had just been forced to cut short a concert in Australia due to a swarm of grasshoppers invading the stage. Maybe they were protesting that they thought they rock harder than crocodiles and should have gotten the shoutout in that song. I think they have a case. Meanwhile, these were the creatures infesting the pop chart.
40 - “(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang,” Heaven 17
The last Top 40 for these electronic pioneers was a remix of their debut single by Italian brothers Charlie and Marco Rapino. It was originally a reaction to the spread of right-wing politicians like Thatcher and Reagan. Those two were gone by this time, and there was a lyrical change to reflect Bill Clinton’s recent defeat of George H.W. Bush. It’s okay, but the original is much better, and somehow sounds more modern.
39 - “Brother Louie,” Quireboys
From London via Newcastle, these retro blues-rockers were managed by Sharon Osbourne, and managed five late-90s hits, the last being this cover of the early-70s Hot Chocolate/Stories hit about an interracial couple. Singer Spike’s voice makes it moreover comparable to the Stories version, and there’s some nice harmonica on it. Irrelevant, but still a good effort.
38 - “For What It’s Worth,” Oui 3
The first of four hits for this Anglo/American/Swiss trio was this dance-rap interpretation of Buffalo Springfield’s 1967 rock classic. Singer Blair Booth’s delivery of the choruses is distinctive, but otherwise, if you want a better rap interpolation of this tune, go with Public Enemy’s “He Got Game.”
37 - “Constant Craving,” k.d. Lang
The Albertan’s biggest pop hit, and her breakaway from a country scene that was never going to accept her. Still the definition of the best kind of adult pop.
36 - “Harvest Moon,” Neil Young
This acoustic ballad was the title track to an album that was a sequel of sorts to 1971’s Harvest, and just happened to become his first Top 40 here since the latter LP’s “Heart of Gold.” It’s a gorgeous, tender love song that cannot be denied. Neil is much more than simply this sort of thing, but when he turns to this stuff, few can challenge him.
35 - “Walk,” Pantera
The Texas thrashers had their first Top 40 here with this pummelling bit of “groove metal” about not wanting to put up with others’ bad attitudes. Phil Amselmo growls, Dimebag Darrell shreds, and you end up feeling ground up and strewn all over the place, but you like it. 4.75 on the Headbangometer.
34 - “The Nameless One,” Wendy James
After the breakup of Transvision Vamp, James went solo with an album made up entirely of songs written for her by Elvis Costello. This track is kind of funk grungey, with stream-of-consciousness, name-dropping lyrics. Not one of the stronger moments for anyone involved.
33 - “NYC (Can You Believe This City),” Charles and Eddie
The follow-up to their retro-soul #1 “Would I Lie to You” was a grittier number about the dark side of urban life. Not bad, even though it’s yet another song to use borrow the guitar signature from “For What It’s Worth.”
32 - “Beautiful Girl,” INXS
The Aussies struck again with this pretty ballad about loving and feeling protective of someone. Simple, but effective. Michael Hutchence gives a low-key performance, which is a wise choice.
31 - “Reminisce,” Mary J. Blige
The first U.K. hit for the emerging Queen of Hip-Hop Soul was this slick R&B strut about rekindling passion. It conveys so much in such a short time. Her specialness was unfolding.
30 - “In the Still of the Nite (I’ll Remember),” Boyz II Men
The Philly quartet’s third hit was this cover of the 1956 Five Satins doo-wop classic. A showcase for their harmonies. They passed the audition, but I’d be more interested in what lease they’ve got than going back to this.
29 - “This Time,” Dina Carroll
The fourth solo hit for the Newmarket (England) soulstress was this passionate plea for another chance with a lover. A fine bit of balladry, and that’s all it needs to be.
28 - “Love Hurts,” Peter Polycarpou
Brighton actor-singer Polycarpou is best known for being in the original London cast of Miss Saigon and his role in the sitcom Birds of a Feather. He scored his one pop hit with the closing theme to a different sitcom that he wasn’t even in. It’s so dull I’m not going to find out anything more.
27 - “Killing in the Name,” Rage Against the Machine
The fiercely political Los Angeles rap-rockers made their first impression with this metallic firebomb about racially motivated police brutality. Five minutes of all-out attack, punctuated by a closing mantra perfect for disaffected teens looking to piss off their parents. It got to #25 on this run, but a campaign against the pop talent competition The X Factor pushed it to the #1 spot at Christmas 2009.
26 - “Open Your Mind,” U.S.U.R.A.
Despite appearances, this Italian dance group’s name isn’t an acronym, but rather was inspired by the mother of the owner of their record label, whose name was Ursula. Their lone Top Ten was this standard house track where the title is the only lyric and is repeated several times. I tried taking its advice, but I still wasn’t entranced.
25 - “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You,” Sting
The Stinger is here with his usual pop-rock thang about how he’s disillusioned with everyone and everything in the world except, presumably, wife Trudie Styler. Top 20 in the U countries, but somehow it got to #1 up here. My faith isn’t lost because of this, but it is a tad shaken.
24 - “You’re in a Bad Way,” Saint Etienne
This electronic trio from Croydon had their fourth hit with this jaunty pop offer of support to someone who’s not doing so well. A joyous New Wave throwback. In a good way.
23 - “Ground Level,” Stereo MCs
The third hit for the London hip-hop group led by Robert “Rob B.” Birch and Nick “The Head” Hallam was this track about the higher up you are in society, the more blind you are to the real ills of the world. A good groove with thoughtful lyrics. I was previously only familiar with their American hits, and among those, it’s at the same level as “Connected” and “Step it Up,” but welll below my favourite, “Elevate My Mind.”
22 - “Took My Love,” Bizarre Inc. featuring Angie Brown
The fourth hit by these Stafford DJs was this house number with vocals by Brixton singer Brown and some presumably sampled rap. I’m adding this to the ball of 90s dance tracks I can’t understand why anyone would go out of their way to listen to outside a club. I’m sure there are those who can. Good on them. I don’t get it myself, that’s all.
21 - “Sweet Harmony,” The Beloved
This group’s only Top Ten was this bubbly, uplifting unity plea. I think this reveals the reason so much dance music of the time leaves me cold. A lot of it was just content to be formulaic background music for clubs, parties, and “hip” clothing stores. It didn’t make me feel anything. This one does. It soothes and makes me feel hopeful.
In Part Two: there are a couple of people whose personal lives I’m going to have to deal with, and it will not be comfortable. But there’s also a Right Said Fred song that isn’t “I’m Too Sexy.”
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