Sunday, July 17, 2016
Gloves Across the Water: U.K. Top 40 June 21, 1986 Part Two
20 - "On My Own," Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald
A U.S. #1, and #2 here. Meh. But I will tell you that McDonald, while touring in Britain later this year, started a search for a singer he could sing this with in LaBelle's absence, and that if you keep reading, you will find out who he eventually chose.
19 - "Nasty," Janet Jackson
Wow, this is the highest this song got here. That's just...well, let's just say if I were Janet, I'd make the U.K call her "Miss Jackson."
18 - "Bad Boy," Miami Sound Machine
Top Twenty here, Top Ten at home. I think both results flatter this.
17 - "Invisible Touch," Genesis
All five singles from this album were Top Fives in America, but none charted higher than #14 here. Surprising. At least one should have cracked the Top Ten as far as I'm concerned, and I'd probably go with "Land of Confusion."
16 - "Set Me Free," Jaki Graham
The singer Mikey Mac picked for his British tour was this Birmingham-born child of Nigerian immigrants, who would pick up six Top 40s in '85 and '86. Her biggest non-duet hit was this dance-popper about feeling trapped by love. She's got a good voice. Not much more to say than that.
15 - "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)," The Pet Shop Boys
#11 here, #10 in America, #1 in my heart. Just brilliant. Machiavellian marvelousness.
14 - "My Favorite Waste of Time," Owen Paul
The only hit by this Scotsman was this slick cover of a song that first appeared as the B-side of the wonderful Marshall Crenshaw single "Someday, Someway." The goodness of the song shines through, but it's so much more obvious when you hear the original.
13 - "Amityville (The House on the Hill)," Lovebug Starski
Bronx rapper Kevin Smith's biggest success came here with this song about a haunted house, based very loosely on the one from the 1979 film The Amityville Horror. I'm pretty sure that movie doesn't feature appearances by Dracula, the Bride of Frankenstein, and Captain Kirk from Star Trek. A fun novelty party jam, and a must-add for your next Halloween mix.
12 - "Happy Hour," The Housemartins
From Hull, this band was fronted by singer Paul Heaton, whose lyrics often reflected his personal belief system, a mix of Christianity and Marxism. Their first major hit was this jangly, spirited pop-rock number that seems to be about the futility of trying to fit in with the false happinesses of the upper classes. I think I've got it. They would pick up five more Top 40 hits over the next two years (including the #1 "Caravan of Love"), before breaking up, after which Heaton and guitarist Dave Hemingway formed an even more successful band, The Beautiful South. Bassist Norman Cook would turn to dance music and achieve even bigger success as Fatboy Slim.
11 - "New Beginning," Bucks Fizz
The last Top Ten for these guys was this very-80s dance-popper about making the world better, with some lyrics in Swahili and Spanish for a worldly touch. It's all right, in a turn-off-your-brain, Bananarama sort of way.
10 - "Vienna Calling," Falco
The second biggest international hit by Mr. Hans Holzel. Not quite "Rock Me Amadeus," but I certainly answered the call.
9 - "Too Good to be Forgotten," Amazulu
The biggest of five Top 40s for this London ska-pop group was this sunny reminiscence of young love. Solid beach music, like the only thing I'd heard from them previously, their cover of Bobby Bloom's "Montego Bay."
8 - "Sledgehammer," Peter Gabriel
An American #1, but only #4 here. America wins. This is pure gold, with and without the video.
7 - "Can't Get By Without You (The Decade Remix II)," The Real Thing
An update of a song we encountered in 1976. Still pleasant disco-soul.
6 - "Addicted to Love," Robert Palmer
Another American #1 held to just Top Five status at home. I'm not as outraged by this one though.
5 - "Hunting High and Low," a-Ha
While in America, the hits by these Norwegians ran out after "The Sun Always Shines on TV," they continued on a roll here, earning the fourth of nine Top Tens with this ballad about not giving up on a reunion with a lover. Pretty good. Worthy of at least reaching the 30s in the States. But of course, nothing could ever come close to the majesty of "Take on Me."
4 - "Holding Back the Years," Simply Red
And yet another case of a British act topping the U.S. charts but falling short at home. This is the worst injustice of the three, even though it did hit #2. This is just a stone classic, one of the great pop ballads of the decade, and by a long shot the best thing Mick Hucknall and company ever did. For shame, U.K.
3 - "I Can't Wait," Nu Shooz
Somewhat annoying transatlantic Top Five. I can wait, quite a long time in fact, before needing to hear this again.
2 - "The Edge of Heaven," Wham!
The next-to last charttopper for George and Andrew before they parted ways. The usual boppy, poppy okayness. They got out before they were asked to leave, which is always a good result.
And thirty years ago, the nation's favourite was...
1 - "Spirit in the Sky," Doctor and the Medics
Formed in London by Clive "The Doctor" Jackson, this band rode outrageous attire (notably the Doctor himself's ensemble of jesteresque clothes, kabuki makeup, and a towering triangular hairdo topped with a curlicue) and familiar material (a fairly straight cover of the otherworldly-minded Norman Greenbaum rock song that had topped the British charts sixteen years earlier) to a very brief run of popularity. They had one more Top 40 and then returned to obscurity. This didn't chart very high in the States, but was a #1 in Canada, which is how it came to be the first version of the song that reached my ears. Thought it was great, but upon eventually hearing the superior original, it became clear that the greatness had nothing whatsoever to do with these guys in funny outfits.
Thank you for your patience. Hopefully our separation will be shorter this time. Bye for now.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Gloves Across the Water: U.K. Top 40 June 21, 1986 Part One
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Gloves Across The Water: U.K. Top 40 May 5, 1973 Part Two
The end of '73.
20 - "And I Love You So," Perry Como
The laid back one's last U.S. top 40 and final U.K. Top Five. I'd better move on from this while I'm still awake.
19 - "Good Grief Christina," Chicory Tip
Named for a coffee additive, this Kent band had a handful of hits in the early 70s, including this pop-rocker about a girl who just can't get into rock music. If the stuff she's exposed to is like this sub-Bay City Rollers blob, I can't say I blame her.
18 - "The Twelfth of Never," Donny Osmond
1972 and 1973 were the peak of Osmond-mania in Britain, as Donny was a constant presence on the charts both alone and with his brothers. His second of three #1s was this cover of a Johnny Mathis hit about undying love. I definitely prefer him at this stage, after the voice changed. I'll be reminded of what a prepubescent Osmond sounds like a little later.
17 - "Amanda," Stewart Gillies
Don't know much about this guy, accept that he was discovered on a talent show called Opportunity Knocks, he had a hit with this Andy Williams-ish orchestral ballad, and you can book him through a company called Champions Music and Entertainment. News you can use. Oh, and the beginning reminds me a lot of the theme from The Young and the Restless, aka "Nadia's Theme."
16 - "Big Eight," Judge Dread
Alex Hughes was born in Kent in 1945, and as a teenager moved to the Brixton section of London, where he was exposed to the burgeoning reggae scene. In the late 60s, he became a DJ, and worked as a debt collector for the British reggae label Trojan, and soon afterward he tried his hand at music himself (using a name inspired by a popular British comic book character), going on to become the first white artist to have a reggae hit in Jamaica. His third Top 40 hit (following "Big Six" and "Big Seven") follows the pattern of its predecessors in taking nursery rhymes and turning them into thinly veiled sexual innuendoes. So thinly veiled, in fact, that these songs reached their lofty chart positions entirely due to sales, as they were banned from airplay. And even by modern standards, they're pretty raunchy. You may never think of Mary, Mary quite so contrarily again. Anyway, this was my introduction to another piece of pop history I knew nothing about, and the good Judge (who died of a heart attack shortly after a performance in 1998) gets this charts Uneasy Rider. And I'm sure he's having a good chuckle somewhere about the name of that particular honor.
15 - "Crazy," Mud
These London glam-rockers had their biggest success in the mid-70s, beginning with this single, a fuzzy, catchy tune about being in love with a younger girl. Bigger hits were to come, and this one intrigues me enough to eventually want to look those up.
14 - "Pyjamarama," Roxy Music
Known for their stylishly-dressed singer Bryan Ferry and their penchant for putting attractive women on their album covers, this band had their second Top Ten with this catchy, pre-New Wave pop shuffle that features some odd yet somehow perfect saxophone work. No mention of pyjamas, but that doesn't really affect the song one way or another.
13 - "No More Mr. Nice Guy," Alice Cooper
Vincent Furnier and his tale of becoming a pariah. I'd like to think that the vast majority of pastors wouldn't punch a parishioner regardless of what they did, a la Reverend Smithee.
12 - "My Love," Paul McCartney and Wings
Paul and his flight aids, singing about someone who "does it good." Cheeky.
11 - "Giving it All Away," Roger Daltrey
The Who frontman's first solo single was this ballad co-written by the then-unknown Leo Sayer. It's about regretting youthful mistakes. I can certainly relate, which is probably why I like it so much.
10 - "I'm a Clown/Some Kind of a Summer," David Cassidy
TV's Keith Partridge was becoming a teen idol in his own right at this time, and his following was even more rabid in Britain than it was at home. This double-sided hit was the third of his four U.K. Top Fives. The A side is a ballad based on the Pagliacci archetype of the funny man masking his pain. Song's okay, but his breathy heartthrob delivery makes it come across less serious than it should. The B is a little more upbeat, reminiscing about a road trip across America he took with a former lover during the hottest season. Better, and it's the one of the two that I could have imagined being incorporated into the show. You can almost see Shirley Jones at a keyboard while you listen to it.
9 - "Brother Louie," Hot Chocolate
These guys again, this time with the Top Ten original version of the song Stories would take to #1 in the U.S. later this year. Sounds very similar, except for a soulful vocal opposed to a Rod Stewart-sounding one, and a couple of spoken word parts that portray racism from the families of both sides of the couple. Both versions are well worth listening to.
8 - "Get Down," Gilbert O'Sullivan
The second U.K. #1 for one of the most unlikely pop stars anyway. Still can't figure out if it's about a woman or a dog, still don't care.
7 - "All Because of You," Geordie
Named after the nickname for residents of their hometown of Newcastle, this band had the second and biggest of their four hits with this blues-rock stomper about a man changed for the better by love. At first the singer sounds kind of like a British John Fogerty, but then in the parts when he lets loose he becomes fully identifiable as Brian Johnson, the man who, seven years later, would take over from the late Bon Scott in AC/DC. And now Johnson himself has been replaced, at least temporarily, with none other than Axl Rose. The circle of rock.
6 - "See My Baby Jive," Wizzard
Founded in Birmingham by Roy Wood, who had co-founded The Move and later Electric Light Orchestra, these glam rockers went to #1 with their second hit, a heavily arranged, early-60s-ish pop song purposely crafted to sound like one of Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" production. The lyric and overall sound make it a very good homage. I think had I grown up in Britain, my two-year-old ears would have ben quite drawn to a lot of the glam rock of the day.
5 - "Tweedle Dee," Little Jimmy Osmond
Osmond-mania was so big in Britain that even the main brothers' ten-year-old sibling became a superstar, hitting #1 with the old-fashioned trifle "Long-Haired Lover from Liverpool." The follow-up was this too cute cover of a 1954 LaVern Baker R&B hit. I actually get pain in my teeth listening to this stuff.
4 - "Hell Raiser," Sweet
One of the biggest glam rock bands of the era, these Londoners had the fourth of a run of six straight Top Fives with this fast catchy rocker about a very hot lady. It inspires me to break out the Headbangometer again, on which it registers three and a half stars.
3 - "Drive-In Saturday," David Bowie
Bowie's third U.K. Top Five was this midtempo rocker that's apparently about a future where people have forgotten how to reproduce, and thus have to watch porn from the past to learn how it's done. Strange subject matter for most, but par for the course for Bowie. Of course it's great.
2 - "Hello Hello I'm Back Again," Gary Glitter
Paul Gadd was a glam superstar during this period. Now he's a convicted and incarcerated pedophile. Hopefully he never gets a chance to say this again. We don't miss you now you're gone.
And on top over there 43 years ago was...
1 - "Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ole Oak Tree," Tony Orlando and Dawn
Tony and his lady friends with their song about a returning prisoner who finds that his lover has indeed waited for him. How I'm sure the guy from the Tom Jones song hopes things will turn out.
Another done. But I'm not. I'm a pop cockroach, and I'll crawl back with more soon.
20 - "And I Love You So," Perry Como
The laid back one's last U.S. top 40 and final U.K. Top Five. I'd better move on from this while I'm still awake.
19 - "Good Grief Christina," Chicory Tip
Named for a coffee additive, this Kent band had a handful of hits in the early 70s, including this pop-rocker about a girl who just can't get into rock music. If the stuff she's exposed to is like this sub-Bay City Rollers blob, I can't say I blame her.
18 - "The Twelfth of Never," Donny Osmond
1972 and 1973 were the peak of Osmond-mania in Britain, as Donny was a constant presence on the charts both alone and with his brothers. His second of three #1s was this cover of a Johnny Mathis hit about undying love. I definitely prefer him at this stage, after the voice changed. I'll be reminded of what a prepubescent Osmond sounds like a little later.
17 - "Amanda," Stewart Gillies
Don't know much about this guy, accept that he was discovered on a talent show called Opportunity Knocks, he had a hit with this Andy Williams-ish orchestral ballad, and you can book him through a company called Champions Music and Entertainment. News you can use. Oh, and the beginning reminds me a lot of the theme from The Young and the Restless, aka "Nadia's Theme."
16 - "Big Eight," Judge Dread
Alex Hughes was born in Kent in 1945, and as a teenager moved to the Brixton section of London, where he was exposed to the burgeoning reggae scene. In the late 60s, he became a DJ, and worked as a debt collector for the British reggae label Trojan, and soon afterward he tried his hand at music himself (using a name inspired by a popular British comic book character), going on to become the first white artist to have a reggae hit in Jamaica. His third Top 40 hit (following "Big Six" and "Big Seven") follows the pattern of its predecessors in taking nursery rhymes and turning them into thinly veiled sexual innuendoes. So thinly veiled, in fact, that these songs reached their lofty chart positions entirely due to sales, as they were banned from airplay. And even by modern standards, they're pretty raunchy. You may never think of Mary, Mary quite so contrarily again. Anyway, this was my introduction to another piece of pop history I knew nothing about, and the good Judge (who died of a heart attack shortly after a performance in 1998) gets this charts Uneasy Rider. And I'm sure he's having a good chuckle somewhere about the name of that particular honor.
15 - "Crazy," Mud
These London glam-rockers had their biggest success in the mid-70s, beginning with this single, a fuzzy, catchy tune about being in love with a younger girl. Bigger hits were to come, and this one intrigues me enough to eventually want to look those up.
14 - "Pyjamarama," Roxy Music
Known for their stylishly-dressed singer Bryan Ferry and their penchant for putting attractive women on their album covers, this band had their second Top Ten with this catchy, pre-New Wave pop shuffle that features some odd yet somehow perfect saxophone work. No mention of pyjamas, but that doesn't really affect the song one way or another.
13 - "No More Mr. Nice Guy," Alice Cooper
Vincent Furnier and his tale of becoming a pariah. I'd like to think that the vast majority of pastors wouldn't punch a parishioner regardless of what they did, a la Reverend Smithee.
12 - "My Love," Paul McCartney and Wings
Paul and his flight aids, singing about someone who "does it good." Cheeky.
11 - "Giving it All Away," Roger Daltrey
The Who frontman's first solo single was this ballad co-written by the then-unknown Leo Sayer. It's about regretting youthful mistakes. I can certainly relate, which is probably why I like it so much.
10 - "I'm a Clown/Some Kind of a Summer," David Cassidy
TV's Keith Partridge was becoming a teen idol in his own right at this time, and his following was even more rabid in Britain than it was at home. This double-sided hit was the third of his four U.K. Top Fives. The A side is a ballad based on the Pagliacci archetype of the funny man masking his pain. Song's okay, but his breathy heartthrob delivery makes it come across less serious than it should. The B is a little more upbeat, reminiscing about a road trip across America he took with a former lover during the hottest season. Better, and it's the one of the two that I could have imagined being incorporated into the show. You can almost see Shirley Jones at a keyboard while you listen to it.
9 - "Brother Louie," Hot Chocolate
These guys again, this time with the Top Ten original version of the song Stories would take to #1 in the U.S. later this year. Sounds very similar, except for a soulful vocal opposed to a Rod Stewart-sounding one, and a couple of spoken word parts that portray racism from the families of both sides of the couple. Both versions are well worth listening to.
8 - "Get Down," Gilbert O'Sullivan
The second U.K. #1 for one of the most unlikely pop stars anyway. Still can't figure out if it's about a woman or a dog, still don't care.
7 - "All Because of You," Geordie
Named after the nickname for residents of their hometown of Newcastle, this band had the second and biggest of their four hits with this blues-rock stomper about a man changed for the better by love. At first the singer sounds kind of like a British John Fogerty, but then in the parts when he lets loose he becomes fully identifiable as Brian Johnson, the man who, seven years later, would take over from the late Bon Scott in AC/DC. And now Johnson himself has been replaced, at least temporarily, with none other than Axl Rose. The circle of rock.
6 - "See My Baby Jive," Wizzard
Founded in Birmingham by Roy Wood, who had co-founded The Move and later Electric Light Orchestra, these glam rockers went to #1 with their second hit, a heavily arranged, early-60s-ish pop song purposely crafted to sound like one of Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" production. The lyric and overall sound make it a very good homage. I think had I grown up in Britain, my two-year-old ears would have ben quite drawn to a lot of the glam rock of the day.
5 - "Tweedle Dee," Little Jimmy Osmond
Osmond-mania was so big in Britain that even the main brothers' ten-year-old sibling became a superstar, hitting #1 with the old-fashioned trifle "Long-Haired Lover from Liverpool." The follow-up was this too cute cover of a 1954 LaVern Baker R&B hit. I actually get pain in my teeth listening to this stuff.
4 - "Hell Raiser," Sweet
One of the biggest glam rock bands of the era, these Londoners had the fourth of a run of six straight Top Fives with this fast catchy rocker about a very hot lady. It inspires me to break out the Headbangometer again, on which it registers three and a half stars.
3 - "Drive-In Saturday," David Bowie
Bowie's third U.K. Top Five was this midtempo rocker that's apparently about a future where people have forgotten how to reproduce, and thus have to watch porn from the past to learn how it's done. Strange subject matter for most, but par for the course for Bowie. Of course it's great.
2 - "Hello Hello I'm Back Again," Gary Glitter
Paul Gadd was a glam superstar during this period. Now he's a convicted and incarcerated pedophile. Hopefully he never gets a chance to say this again. We don't miss you now you're gone.
And on top over there 43 years ago was...
1 - "Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ole Oak Tree," Tony Orlando and Dawn
Tony and his lady friends with their song about a returning prisoner who finds that his lover has indeed waited for him. How I'm sure the guy from the Tom Jones song hopes things will turn out.
Another done. But I'm not. I'm a pop cockroach, and I'll crawl back with more soon.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Gloves Across the Water: UK Top 40 May 3, 1973 Part One
Great Britain, early May, 1973. On the 5th, Sunderland, a team not even in the top flight of English football, won the FA Cup final, an upset not matched or exceeded in the British game until what happened a couple of days ago. Congratulations to Leicester City. Meanwhile, on the charts...
40 - "Whatever Happened to You," Highly Likely
This was the theme song to Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?, a BBC sitcom about two working class friends that was a sequel to a 60s show called simply The Likely Lads. It's a piano-driven uptempo tune about wanting to live in the past, written by Mike Hugg of Manfred Mann and performed by a studio group. I'm sure it worked better as an abbreviated TV theme than it does as a full song.
39 - "20th Century Boy," T. Rex
The last of Marc Bolan's glam stars nine consecutive Top Threes was this grinding rock party. It grooves, Bolan swaggers, you rock out. Absolute genius.
38 - "Feel the Need in Me," The Detroit Emeralds
Formed in Little Rock, Arkansas, this vocal group moved to the Motor City and found success, picking up two U.S. Top 40 hits as well as three in Britain. Their highest charting record in either country was this one, which went to #4 here despite not even cracking the U.S. Hot 100. It's a funky strut about desire. Pretty cool, and reminiscent of the best of the Spinners.
37 - "Bad Weather," The Supremes
The group's final single with lead singer Jean Terrell would also be their last U.K. Top 40. Funky, uptempo pop-soul about a dissolving relationship. An overlooked gem of the post-Diana era.
36 - "Killing Me Softly With His Song," Roberta Flack
Covered it before, still a classic. Only #6, Britain? Pity.
35 - "Wam Bam," The Handley Family
These three sisters and two brothers from the London district of Bermondsey were briefly promoted as a British answer to American acts like the Jacksons and the Osmonds, but they only managed one minor hit in this cheesy bit of faux-ragtime. The fact that all the information I could find on this group was from a blog called "The World's Worst Records" should tell you something.
34 - "One and One is One," Medicine Head
The Staffordshire duo of John Fiddler and Peter Hope-Evans were discovered by influential BBC DJ John Peel, and the biggest of their four hits was this springy blues rocker about finding someone who is the other half of you. A nice little shuffle, with a little tinge of reggae.
33 - "Hey Mama," Joe Brown
A Lincolnshire native, Brown first found success as a teen-idol rocker in the early 60s, but was well past his commercial peak when he managed one more hit with this mournful ballad of appreciation for a dying mother. It walks a line between sincerity and melodrama, but mostly ends up on the right side of that line.
32 - "Cum On Feel the Noize," Slade
This Wolverhampton band were formed in the mid-60s. first as the N'Betweeners, then as Ambrose Slade, and finally Slade. Their first charted single in 1971 reached #16, then their next twelve all reached the Top Five, with six of them hitting #1. Their fourth charttopper was this raucous celebration of partying, with a misspelled title that was their trademark. One listen to this and you realize how pale an imitation the Quiet Riot version was.
31 - "Letter to Lucille," Tom Jones
The Welsh superstar was at the beginning of fifteen year dry spell during which none of his singles cracked the British Top 30. The closest he came was with this dramatic bit of protodisco on which Jones portrays a prisoner asking any of his fellow inmates who might be about to be released to deliver a letter to his lady asking her to wait for him. The arrangement is peppier than you'd think it should be, but it still works.
30 - "Could it Be I'm Falling in Love," The Spinners
#4 in the U.S., #12 here, #1 in your hearts. Listen and there will be no doubt you're falling in love with it.
29 - "The Right Thing to Do," Carly Simon
The ballad that followed up "You're So Vain" hit #17 on both sides of the Atlantic. A good example of her reliable early 70s output.
28 - "Heart of Stone," Kenny
Named for Irish singer Tony Kenny, these London-based glam rockers picked up the first of six U.K. hits with this tale of being betayed by an unfaithful lady named Ramona. One might assume that along with petrifying Kenny's heart, she also removed his testicles, judging by the highness of his voice. Still, pretty fun glam pop.
27 - "Mean Girl," Status Quo
The Quo's sixth Top 40 was this boogie-rocker about an unkind lady that the singer regrets becoming involved with. Decent enough example of its kind
26 - "Power to All Our Friends," Cliff Richard
Sir Cliff again, this time with Britain's entry in the 1973 Eurovision Song Contest. It's a ballad about appreciating people and the things they employ and enjoy. It's catchy and anthemic. I like it. But it only came third in the contest. Who won? Well, since you asked...
25 - "Wonderful Dream," Ann-Marie David
This French pop singer first got attention when she played Mary Magdalene in a production of Jesus Christ Superstar, then rose to greater fame when she sang Luxembourg's winning entry in the 1973 Eurovision Song Contest. The English version was this ballad about a couple trying to hold on to their dreams. Dramatic but typical MOR. Cliff totally should have won.
24 - "Love Train," The O'Jays
The Philly soul stars' only U.S. #1 was also their sole U.K. Top Ten. Nothing to say but "Get on board."
23 - "Duelling Banjos," Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell
The cover of a 1955 bluegrass instrumental used in the movie Deliverance hit #2 in the U.S., but only #17 here. I'm surprised, given the British capacity for exotica and novelty.
22 - "God Gave Rock and Roll to You," Argent
The band formed by ex-Zombie Rod Argent are best known in America for "Hold Your Head Up," but in their homeland they had two hits after that, the second being this power ballad anthem about how rock was granted to humanity by the Creator to make us feel young and alive. I don't know if that's true, but it makes sense to me.
21 - "Never Never Never," Shirley Bassey
Born in Wales to a Nigerian father and a British mother, Bassey grew up in an area of Cardiff that would inspire her later nickname "The Tigress from Tiger Bay." Her career began in earnest in the late 50s, and between 1957 and 1967 she had 21 Top 40 singles, including her lone American hit, the theme from the James Bond film Goldfinger. She had another run of five Top 40s between '70 and '73, the last of which being this dramatic ballad cover of an Italian song called "Grande Grande Grande." It's about being in love with someone in spite of yourself, and Bassey sings it beautifully. She is a voice I should go out of my way to hear more of.
In Part Two: Join me at sunrise for some cocoa in your PJs. (Trust me, it makes sense.)
40 - "Whatever Happened to You," Highly Likely
This was the theme song to Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?, a BBC sitcom about two working class friends that was a sequel to a 60s show called simply The Likely Lads. It's a piano-driven uptempo tune about wanting to live in the past, written by Mike Hugg of Manfred Mann and performed by a studio group. I'm sure it worked better as an abbreviated TV theme than it does as a full song.
39 - "20th Century Boy," T. Rex
The last of Marc Bolan's glam stars nine consecutive Top Threes was this grinding rock party. It grooves, Bolan swaggers, you rock out. Absolute genius.
38 - "Feel the Need in Me," The Detroit Emeralds
Formed in Little Rock, Arkansas, this vocal group moved to the Motor City and found success, picking up two U.S. Top 40 hits as well as three in Britain. Their highest charting record in either country was this one, which went to #4 here despite not even cracking the U.S. Hot 100. It's a funky strut about desire. Pretty cool, and reminiscent of the best of the Spinners.
37 - "Bad Weather," The Supremes
The group's final single with lead singer Jean Terrell would also be their last U.K. Top 40. Funky, uptempo pop-soul about a dissolving relationship. An overlooked gem of the post-Diana era.
36 - "Killing Me Softly With His Song," Roberta Flack
Covered it before, still a classic. Only #6, Britain? Pity.
35 - "Wam Bam," The Handley Family
These three sisters and two brothers from the London district of Bermondsey were briefly promoted as a British answer to American acts like the Jacksons and the Osmonds, but they only managed one minor hit in this cheesy bit of faux-ragtime. The fact that all the information I could find on this group was from a blog called "The World's Worst Records" should tell you something.
34 - "One and One is One," Medicine Head
The Staffordshire duo of John Fiddler and Peter Hope-Evans were discovered by influential BBC DJ John Peel, and the biggest of their four hits was this springy blues rocker about finding someone who is the other half of you. A nice little shuffle, with a little tinge of reggae.
33 - "Hey Mama," Joe Brown
A Lincolnshire native, Brown first found success as a teen-idol rocker in the early 60s, but was well past his commercial peak when he managed one more hit with this mournful ballad of appreciation for a dying mother. It walks a line between sincerity and melodrama, but mostly ends up on the right side of that line.
32 - "Cum On Feel the Noize," Slade
This Wolverhampton band were formed in the mid-60s. first as the N'Betweeners, then as Ambrose Slade, and finally Slade. Their first charted single in 1971 reached #16, then their next twelve all reached the Top Five, with six of them hitting #1. Their fourth charttopper was this raucous celebration of partying, with a misspelled title that was their trademark. One listen to this and you realize how pale an imitation the Quiet Riot version was.
31 - "Letter to Lucille," Tom Jones
The Welsh superstar was at the beginning of fifteen year dry spell during which none of his singles cracked the British Top 30. The closest he came was with this dramatic bit of protodisco on which Jones portrays a prisoner asking any of his fellow inmates who might be about to be released to deliver a letter to his lady asking her to wait for him. The arrangement is peppier than you'd think it should be, but it still works.
30 - "Could it Be I'm Falling in Love," The Spinners
#4 in the U.S., #12 here, #1 in your hearts. Listen and there will be no doubt you're falling in love with it.
29 - "The Right Thing to Do," Carly Simon
The ballad that followed up "You're So Vain" hit #17 on both sides of the Atlantic. A good example of her reliable early 70s output.
28 - "Heart of Stone," Kenny
Named for Irish singer Tony Kenny, these London-based glam rockers picked up the first of six U.K. hits with this tale of being betayed by an unfaithful lady named Ramona. One might assume that along with petrifying Kenny's heart, she also removed his testicles, judging by the highness of his voice. Still, pretty fun glam pop.
27 - "Mean Girl," Status Quo
The Quo's sixth Top 40 was this boogie-rocker about an unkind lady that the singer regrets becoming involved with. Decent enough example of its kind
26 - "Power to All Our Friends," Cliff Richard
Sir Cliff again, this time with Britain's entry in the 1973 Eurovision Song Contest. It's a ballad about appreciating people and the things they employ and enjoy. It's catchy and anthemic. I like it. But it only came third in the contest. Who won? Well, since you asked...
25 - "Wonderful Dream," Ann-Marie David
This French pop singer first got attention when she played Mary Magdalene in a production of Jesus Christ Superstar, then rose to greater fame when she sang Luxembourg's winning entry in the 1973 Eurovision Song Contest. The English version was this ballad about a couple trying to hold on to their dreams. Dramatic but typical MOR. Cliff totally should have won.
24 - "Love Train," The O'Jays
The Philly soul stars' only U.S. #1 was also their sole U.K. Top Ten. Nothing to say but "Get on board."
23 - "Duelling Banjos," Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell
The cover of a 1955 bluegrass instrumental used in the movie Deliverance hit #2 in the U.S., but only #17 here. I'm surprised, given the British capacity for exotica and novelty.
22 - "God Gave Rock and Roll to You," Argent
The band formed by ex-Zombie Rod Argent are best known in America for "Hold Your Head Up," but in their homeland they had two hits after that, the second being this power ballad anthem about how rock was granted to humanity by the Creator to make us feel young and alive. I don't know if that's true, but it makes sense to me.
21 - "Never Never Never," Shirley Bassey
Born in Wales to a Nigerian father and a British mother, Bassey grew up in an area of Cardiff that would inspire her later nickname "The Tigress from Tiger Bay." Her career began in earnest in the late 50s, and between 1957 and 1967 she had 21 Top 40 singles, including her lone American hit, the theme from the James Bond film Goldfinger. She had another run of five Top 40s between '70 and '73, the last of which being this dramatic ballad cover of an Italian song called "Grande Grande Grande." It's about being in love with someone in spite of yourself, and Bassey sings it beautifully. She is a voice I should go out of my way to hear more of.
In Part Two: Join me at sunrise for some cocoa in your PJs. (Trust me, it makes sense.)
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Gloves Across the Water: UK Top 40 April 21, 1984 Part Two
Before we continue, I of course have to acknowledge the death of Prince Rogers Nelson. I am just stunned. He was a musical force of nature that could just sweep you up at the height of his powers, and fortunately that lined up with the time that I was just really understanding the power of music. RIP to one of the absolute greatest.
So now we complete our journey through a week in what happens to be the year Prince truly became a cultural phenomenon, 1984.
20 - "Lucky Star," Madonna
Madge's second hit in the land she would later adopt as home. Bubbly perfection.
19 - "Locomotion," Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
OMD's fifth Top Ten is a somewhat Caribbean-flavored pop tune that seems to be about travelling the world trying to find oneself. Their poppiest tune to date, and still catchy as all get out.
18 - "It's Raining Men," The Weather Girls
Plus-sized singers Martha Wash and Izora Rhodes were brought together by disco singer Sylvester in 1977, who dubbed them Two Tons o' Fun. In 1982, the ladies recorded this song about an occasion when Mother Nature decides to help out her fellow single women and arranges for a deluge of attractive males to flood the Earth. The song inspired a meteorological name change, and while at the time it was only a minor sub-Top 40 hit in the U.S., it went to #2 here, and it has since become a popular song in gay culture and at bachelorette parties worldwide. It's also, apparently, Homer Simpson's favorite song. Separated from its current familiarity, it's just a joyous dance tune, regardless of how much you would enjoy the weather event it describes. And I'm sure no one will be surprised that I am bestowing upon it an Uneasy Rider. Hallelujah!
17 - "Someday," The Gap Band
Another U.K. hit from the American soul-funk outfit, a semi-cover of a Donny Hathaway song about a brighter future for African-Americans. Stevie Wonder's contributions on backing vocal and harmonica lift it above being just very good. A solid earwormy jam.
16 - "It's a Miracle," Culture Club
The sixth home Top Five for the Boy and his band. This one is uptempo pop-soul about dreams and people and places that lack authenticity. It was originally written about the group's first U.S. tour and originally titled "It's America" Make of that what you will.
15 - "Don't Tell Me," Blancmange
Formed in 1979 and named after a milky gelatin dessert, this Middlesex synthpop trio picked up three Top Tens in the early 80s, the last of which being this jaunty breakup song that sounds a lot like early Depeche Mode. Catchy nostalgia, but inessential.
14 - "The Caterpillar," The Cure
The previous year, Robert Smith and his gothy new wavers had scored their first U.K, Top Ten with the deceptively cute "The Lovecats." Their immediate follow-up single was also inspired by the animal kingdom, comparing a lover to the insect that eventually becomes a butterfly and flies away.
Again, kind of silly on the surface, but there's depth below.
13 - "Just Be Good to Me," The SOS Band
This Atlanta funk band had their only U.S. Top 40 in 1980 with "Take Your Time (Do It Right)," but their biggest British success would come here with this synth-heavy blast about not caring if a lover has others as long as he's treating you right. I think both of their personal bests are very worthy hits.
12 - "Robert De Niro's Waiting...," Bananarama
The London trio had already scored two Top Tens alongside Fun Boy Three and three on their own when they released their biggest hit to date, in which the ladies state that their preferred alternative to dating is watching the films of the star of Raging Bull and Mean Streets. Though I'm guessing their favorite would be The Godfather Part II, because it's the one that features him "talking Italian." One of their better offerings.
11 - "In the Heart," Kool and the Gang
From their poppy 80s period, this lite-funker about expressing love wasn't released as a single at home, but went Top Ten here. Snooze-inducing. "Cherish" at least inspires annoyance. This inspires nothing.
10 - "Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)," Scritti Politti
The breakthrough hit by former Leeds art student Green Gartside was this catchy synthpop tune about longing. The title was inspired by the Burt Bacharach classic "I Say a Little Prayer," which was Aretha's biggest U.K. solo hit. This song would scrape into the Hot 100 Stateside, but his follow-up, "Perfect Way" would be the one that would give him the most success there. I'd say the latter is better, but not by much. Both are terrific.
9 - "Nelson Mandela," Special AKA
After three members of Coventry ska stars The Specials left to form Fun Boy Three, the rest of the group carried on with new additions and a slightly modified name. Their biggest hit in that incarnation was this horn-laden anthem that was the first time many people around the world (including me when I was exposed to it on an episode of Friday Night Videos) were made aware of South Africa's most famous anti-apartheid leader and political prisoner. The song mentions his then-"Twenty-one years in captivity" and his leadership of the African National Congress, and helped make the anti-apartheid movement a cause celebre in pop, which would lead to the all-star song "Sun City" and a 1988 concert celebrating Mandela's 70th birthday that was broadcast worldwide. So this song did a lot of good, and it's a good song too.
8 - "Ain't Nobody," Rufus and Chaka Khan
Chaka and company had scored several hits over a decade in America, but their only hit in Britain came at the end of their run with this slick funk about finding true love. It's pretty obvious here why Melle Mel wanted to rock ya, Chaka.
7 - "Glad it's All Over," Captain Sensible
London-born Raymond Burns adopted a new moniker when he joined the punk band The Damned in 1976. In 1982, he picked up a solo #1 with a cover of "Happy Talk" from the musical South Pacific. His only other Top Ten was this poppy anti-war song inspired by the end of the Falklands war. This is what I find interesting about the British charts. There can be some incredibly silly stuff that makes you mock their taste, and yet at the same time they contain some truly bold political statements that would not get very far on American radio.
6 - "People are People," Depeche Mode
The first U.K. Top Five, and eventual American breakthrough, for the synthpop legends. Still an effective anti-prejudice message. Somehow I don't think this will ever be on the playlist at a Donald Trump rally.
5 - "I Want to Break Free," Queen
Freddie and company had their lucky thirteenth U.K. Top Ten with this pop-rock tune about trying to carry on after a breakup. It's one of their best, but it fell short of the Top 40 in the States, because its video, which featured the band in women's clothing, was deemed too controversial by MTV, and many radio stations followed that lead by banning the song. A damn shame. Your loss, America.
4 - "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)," Phil Collins
The song everyone remembers from a movie no one does. It went #1 in the States, but only #2 here. But two subsequent covers would make it to the top 16 and 21 years later. I think Phil got the shaft here.
3 - "A Love Worth Waiting For," Shakin' Stevens
The last of the Welsh retro-rockers three #2s (to go with his four #1s) was this Latin-tinged midtempo ballad about being willing to let a lover go until she figures out that you're the best thing she could ask for. Not sure that works out very often, but I like the song. Reminds me of Marty Robbins.
2 - "You Take Me Up," Thompson Twins
Although this didn't make the Top 40 in the U.S., it was the band's highest-charting U.K hit, just missing the top spot. It's a slightly Caribbean-flavored love song with some intetesting instrumentation, featuring as it does solos on both harmonica and the keyboard/wind instrument known as a melodica. I hadn't heard it before, and I found it really cool. It might be my new favorite of theirs.
And topping the charts in the Home Countries 32 years ago was...
1 - "Hello," Lionel Richie
Apparently the world was looking for Lionel, as this song topped charts around the world, even if the blind girl's bust of him wasn't the best likeness. Unfortunately, I think his claim to having the biggest hit of all time with that title was just usurped. But Adele has broken so many records and will probably break many more, so he shouldn't feel too bad.
Another one down. The time machine will spin again soon.
So now we complete our journey through a week in what happens to be the year Prince truly became a cultural phenomenon, 1984.
20 - "Lucky Star," Madonna
Madge's second hit in the land she would later adopt as home. Bubbly perfection.
19 - "Locomotion," Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
OMD's fifth Top Ten is a somewhat Caribbean-flavored pop tune that seems to be about travelling the world trying to find oneself. Their poppiest tune to date, and still catchy as all get out.
18 - "It's Raining Men," The Weather Girls
Plus-sized singers Martha Wash and Izora Rhodes were brought together by disco singer Sylvester in 1977, who dubbed them Two Tons o' Fun. In 1982, the ladies recorded this song about an occasion when Mother Nature decides to help out her fellow single women and arranges for a deluge of attractive males to flood the Earth. The song inspired a meteorological name change, and while at the time it was only a minor sub-Top 40 hit in the U.S., it went to #2 here, and it has since become a popular song in gay culture and at bachelorette parties worldwide. It's also, apparently, Homer Simpson's favorite song. Separated from its current familiarity, it's just a joyous dance tune, regardless of how much you would enjoy the weather event it describes. And I'm sure no one will be surprised that I am bestowing upon it an Uneasy Rider. Hallelujah!
17 - "Someday," The Gap Band
Another U.K. hit from the American soul-funk outfit, a semi-cover of a Donny Hathaway song about a brighter future for African-Americans. Stevie Wonder's contributions on backing vocal and harmonica lift it above being just very good. A solid earwormy jam.
16 - "It's a Miracle," Culture Club
The sixth home Top Five for the Boy and his band. This one is uptempo pop-soul about dreams and people and places that lack authenticity. It was originally written about the group's first U.S. tour and originally titled "It's America" Make of that what you will.
15 - "Don't Tell Me," Blancmange
Formed in 1979 and named after a milky gelatin dessert, this Middlesex synthpop trio picked up three Top Tens in the early 80s, the last of which being this jaunty breakup song that sounds a lot like early Depeche Mode. Catchy nostalgia, but inessential.
14 - "The Caterpillar," The Cure
The previous year, Robert Smith and his gothy new wavers had scored their first U.K, Top Ten with the deceptively cute "The Lovecats." Their immediate follow-up single was also inspired by the animal kingdom, comparing a lover to the insect that eventually becomes a butterfly and flies away.
Again, kind of silly on the surface, but there's depth below.
13 - "Just Be Good to Me," The SOS Band
This Atlanta funk band had their only U.S. Top 40 in 1980 with "Take Your Time (Do It Right)," but their biggest British success would come here with this synth-heavy blast about not caring if a lover has others as long as he's treating you right. I think both of their personal bests are very worthy hits.
12 - "Robert De Niro's Waiting...," Bananarama
The London trio had already scored two Top Tens alongside Fun Boy Three and three on their own when they released their biggest hit to date, in which the ladies state that their preferred alternative to dating is watching the films of the star of Raging Bull and Mean Streets. Though I'm guessing their favorite would be The Godfather Part II, because it's the one that features him "talking Italian." One of their better offerings.
11 - "In the Heart," Kool and the Gang
From their poppy 80s period, this lite-funker about expressing love wasn't released as a single at home, but went Top Ten here. Snooze-inducing. "Cherish" at least inspires annoyance. This inspires nothing.
10 - "Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)," Scritti Politti
The breakthrough hit by former Leeds art student Green Gartside was this catchy synthpop tune about longing. The title was inspired by the Burt Bacharach classic "I Say a Little Prayer," which was Aretha's biggest U.K. solo hit. This song would scrape into the Hot 100 Stateside, but his follow-up, "Perfect Way" would be the one that would give him the most success there. I'd say the latter is better, but not by much. Both are terrific.
9 - "Nelson Mandela," Special AKA
After three members of Coventry ska stars The Specials left to form Fun Boy Three, the rest of the group carried on with new additions and a slightly modified name. Their biggest hit in that incarnation was this horn-laden anthem that was the first time many people around the world (including me when I was exposed to it on an episode of Friday Night Videos) were made aware of South Africa's most famous anti-apartheid leader and political prisoner. The song mentions his then-"Twenty-one years in captivity" and his leadership of the African National Congress, and helped make the anti-apartheid movement a cause celebre in pop, which would lead to the all-star song "Sun City" and a 1988 concert celebrating Mandela's 70th birthday that was broadcast worldwide. So this song did a lot of good, and it's a good song too.
8 - "Ain't Nobody," Rufus and Chaka Khan
Chaka and company had scored several hits over a decade in America, but their only hit in Britain came at the end of their run with this slick funk about finding true love. It's pretty obvious here why Melle Mel wanted to rock ya, Chaka.
7 - "Glad it's All Over," Captain Sensible
London-born Raymond Burns adopted a new moniker when he joined the punk band The Damned in 1976. In 1982, he picked up a solo #1 with a cover of "Happy Talk" from the musical South Pacific. His only other Top Ten was this poppy anti-war song inspired by the end of the Falklands war. This is what I find interesting about the British charts. There can be some incredibly silly stuff that makes you mock their taste, and yet at the same time they contain some truly bold political statements that would not get very far on American radio.
6 - "People are People," Depeche Mode
The first U.K. Top Five, and eventual American breakthrough, for the synthpop legends. Still an effective anti-prejudice message. Somehow I don't think this will ever be on the playlist at a Donald Trump rally.
5 - "I Want to Break Free," Queen
Freddie and company had their lucky thirteenth U.K. Top Ten with this pop-rock tune about trying to carry on after a breakup. It's one of their best, but it fell short of the Top 40 in the States, because its video, which featured the band in women's clothing, was deemed too controversial by MTV, and many radio stations followed that lead by banning the song. A damn shame. Your loss, America.
4 - "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)," Phil Collins
The song everyone remembers from a movie no one does. It went #1 in the States, but only #2 here. But two subsequent covers would make it to the top 16 and 21 years later. I think Phil got the shaft here.
3 - "A Love Worth Waiting For," Shakin' Stevens
The last of the Welsh retro-rockers three #2s (to go with his four #1s) was this Latin-tinged midtempo ballad about being willing to let a lover go until she figures out that you're the best thing she could ask for. Not sure that works out very often, but I like the song. Reminds me of Marty Robbins.
2 - "You Take Me Up," Thompson Twins
Although this didn't make the Top 40 in the U.S., it was the band's highest-charting U.K hit, just missing the top spot. It's a slightly Caribbean-flavored love song with some intetesting instrumentation, featuring as it does solos on both harmonica and the keyboard/wind instrument known as a melodica. I hadn't heard it before, and I found it really cool. It might be my new favorite of theirs.
And topping the charts in the Home Countries 32 years ago was...
1 - "Hello," Lionel Richie
Apparently the world was looking for Lionel, as this song topped charts around the world, even if the blind girl's bust of him wasn't the best likeness. Unfortunately, I think his claim to having the biggest hit of all time with that title was just usurped. But Adele has broken so many records and will probably break many more, so he shouldn't feel too bad.
Another one down. The time machine will spin again soon.
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