Late spring 1980. Britain enters a recession, but the bands, as always, play on. And these were the hits.
40 - "Body Language," The Spinners
The Detroit soul luminaries just slipped in to the 40 here with this bit of disco-by-numbers that borrows from the Michael Zager band's "Let’s All Chant." They'd follow this up by borrowing even more from other songs on their next two, more successful singles. Oh well, they're still great.
39 - "Ne Ne Na Na Na Na Nu Nu," Bad Manners
The ska band's debut single was this perfect-for-skanking number over which Buster Bloodvessel growls out nonsense. Buster Bloodvessel, still a fantastic name.
38 - "This World of Water," New Musik
The second of this London synth outfit's three hits was this tune that compares life to swimming in rough waters. Some interesting electronic voice manipulation, but not much more to recommend it.
37 - "Chinatown," Thin Lizzy
The Lizz's tenth Top 40 was this grinding rocker about getting lost in a city's grimy underbelly. That's what a lot of their songs are about, and they cover that ground well. Jake Gittes would be proud.
36 - "Nobody’s Hero"/"Tin Soldiers," Stiff Little Fingers
This punk band formed in Belfast in 1977, and never shied away from The Troubles in their lyrics. The A side of their second and last hit is a song about not letting others define you. The B depicts a young man who joins the army at 17 and finds that he's been molded into something he never want to be. Both songs are emboldened by the snarling rasp of singer Jake Burns. This was my introduction to them, and I immediately have them as one of the unsung heroes of the scene.
35 - "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles," Cockney Rejects
The second hit for this East End purveyors of the "Oi!" punk subgenre was this version of a 1919 American song that was adopted by supporters of West Ham United football club in the late 20s. The Rejects recorded this to mark the Hammers appearance in the FA Cup final, which they would go on to win. An enthusiastic performance, though I'm not sure why they also included bits of the Liverpool theme "You'll Never Walk Alone." They met Arsenal in the final.
34 - "Silver Dream Machine," David Essex
Essex's first hit of the 80s was this theme from the movie Silver Dream Racer, in which he played a motorcycle racer whose main rival was an underhanded American played by Beau Bridges. Haven't seen the film, but the song I would describe as a overly sincere positive rock song. It's like Neil Diamond singing a number written by Ricky Gervais as David Brent.
33 - "No Self Control," Peter Gabriel
Petey G's third solo hit was this jagged rock song about compulsive, paranoid, and destructive behavior. Compellingly dark.
32 - "Teenage," UK Subs
One of the early London punk bands, these guys scored six Top 40s, the fifth being this loud fast tune about being young and rebellious. It sounds like the typical song that would be featured in an American news report of the day about this dangerous new music, with a deadpan voiceover talking about "the ear-splitting guitars, and the singer snarling about being chased by the police, while the young and impressionable adolescents engage in a violent ritual called 'slam dancing.'" You can almost hear the monocle dropping in horror. Fun fact: the band's current drummer is named Jamie Oliver, but it's not the chef.
31 - "Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime," Korgis
This was their second of two home hits, but the only one that impacted internationally was this fantastic ballad about the need for compassion and understanding. A certified classic, and also notable for its use of a Chinese string instrument called a guzheng. If I ran the world, they would be mandatory for all school music programs. The song, too.
30 - "Breathing," Kate Bush
The great Kate's fourth hit was this epic ballad sung from the point of view of a fetus in the womb of a survivor of a nuclear apocalypse. Unusual pop subject matter, to be sure, but she gets the point across while still being musically arresting. The description of nuclear explosions by a voice so serious it borders on Pythonesque parody was a genius touch. Another wonderful work by a unique artist, and also this chart's Uneasy Rider.
29 - "Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone," The Manhattan Transfer
The New York jazz vocal quartet is here with a reworking of the iconic theme to Rod Serling's classic science fiction anthology series, with lyrics that tell appropriately odd tales. Kinda catchy. I like it better than "Boy from New York City," for what it's worth.
28 - "Golden Years EP," Motorhead
Lemay and company's first Top Ten was a four-song live EP. The first track, "Leaving Here," is an energetic cover of a 1963 Eddie Holland song about women departing a town where men don't treat them right. "Stone Dead Forever" warns those who live evil lives that judgment will be upon them in the end. "Dead Men Tell No Tales" is about having to give up on someone unwilling to be rescued from heroine addiction. And "Too Late Too Late" is about seeing through a duplicitous person. All are performed with passion and urgency, and were certainly great advertisements for the band's concerts. I'd have been tempted had I heard this at the time.
27 - "Police and Thieves," Junior Murvin
Jamaican Murvin recorded this reggae protest of abuse of power by law enforcement in 1976, and the next year The Clash covered it for their debut album. The original finally charted when it appeared on the soundtrack of the movie Rockers. It's affecting, powered by a falsetto inspired by one of Murvin's major influences, Curtis Mayfield. Terrific.
26 - "Messages," Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
The band's first home hit was this okay synthpop tune about being houneed by an ex. Good introduction, but they had much better in them.
25 - "I'm Alive," Electric Light Orchestra
The first of their four Xanadu hits was this song that accompanied Greek muse Olivia Newton-John's emergence from a painting on the side of a building. Again, I'm amazed that this was greenlit by a major studio and expected to be a big hit. If they ever have a film festival made up of works clearly powered by cocaine, this will be a centrepiece.
24 - "Coming Up," Paul McCartney
Paul's first 80s hit was this optimistic new waver that featured sped up vocals and harmony contributions from Linda. Britain liked the new direction, and made it a #2. America preferred the live version on the flip side, featuring horns instead of synths and Paul's unaltered voice, and they made that a #1. I used to prefer the live one, but the original continues to grow on me.
23 - "Just Can't Give You Up," Mystic Merlin
This New York funk band was known for live performances that actually included magic tricks, but their only major success on record was with this disco tune with very few lyrics. So lifeless I can barely imagine anyone dancing to it. On this evidence, they needed the magic gimmick.
22 - "Back Together Again," Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway
This was one of two songs recorded for what was to be a full collaboration between these two, but sadly, Hathaway committed suicide in January of 1979. This eventual Top Five is joyous reunion funk that makes you lament for the further music that might have been.
21 - "Let's Get Serious," Jermaine Jackson
The #2 Jackson brother finally scored a U.K. hit with this strutter about wanting to take a relationship to the next level. Except for the track he did with Devo, this is probably his best work. And a cameo from Stevie Wonder doesn't hurt either.
In Part Two: running, hiding, and thinking about ending it all.
Monday, May 29, 2017
Thursday, May 18, 2017
GATW: UKT40 May 2, 1987 Part Two
Finishing off our trip to Spring of '87 in the U.K. A time when Everton won what was then known as the First Division of football, and these songs made up the First Division of pop.
20 - "Wanted Dead or Alive," Bon Jovi
Third hit here for Jon and the boys was the power ballad about how being a touring rock musician is like being a Western outlaw. I assume there's less gunfire involved, burn you never know.
19 - "April Skies," The Jesus and Mary Chain
Scottish brothers Jim and William Reid formed a band in the early 80s, and by the time they scored their first and biggest Top 40 hit, they had already gained a reputation for their incendiary live performances. This is a nice little bit of catchy doom-pop. Gloomy, but you can still sing along.
18 - "With or Without You," U2
Their American #1 only hit #4 here. Honestly, I have no problem with either position.
17 - "Let it Be," Ferry Aid
This all-star charity version of the Beatles classic was put together by the Sun newspaper in the wake of the capsizing of the Dover-based ferry MS Herald of Free Enterprise in Zeebrugge, Belgium, which killed 193 people. Paul McCartney participated, along with Boy George, Kate Bush, Mark Knopfler, and many more. Like most efforts of this kind, the performance was secondary to he spectacle and the cause.
16 - "(Something Inside) So Strong," Labi Siffre
Born in London with Barbadian and Nigerian roots, Siffre had a trio of early-70s hits before taking a musical hiatus, the returned with this ballad about overcoming obstacles and oppression. It was inspired in part by both the growing anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and Siffre's own experiences with homophobia. The words are strident, and the delivery is soulful lyrics defiant. Yet another pleasant discovery.
15 - "Let's Wait Awhile," Janet Jackson
This ballad of carnal forbearance matched "What Have You Done for Me Lately" as her highest-charting U.K. hit to that point. One of her deeper and more nuanced performances.
14 - "To Be With You Again," Level 42
These guys again with their fifth Top Ten, another but of romantic synthpop. The more I hear of them, the more homogeneous they sound.
13 - "Ever Fallen in Love," Fine Young Cannibals
In 1984, former Beat members Andy Cox and David Steele teamed up with singer Roland Gift and took a name from a 1960 Robert Wagner/Natalie Wood movie. Their third hit (and second that was a cover, following a version of Elvis' "Suspicious Minds,") was a funk-pop take on a 1978 Buzzcocks hit about romantic regret. The contrast between the urgent speed of the original andidn't the laid-back lamenting of this I find jarring, and therefore I think I like this less than it deserves.
12 - "Diamond Lights," Glenn and Chris
Similarly-named footballers Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle were teammates on both Tottenham Hotspur (COYS!) and the English national team when a producer decided,to take them to a studio to cut this new-wavish pop song about the boys' need for the attention high-level football granted them. Between the lyrics and music, it's the aural equivalent of Depeche Mode substituting for one of the teams in the FA Cup final. Thankfully, neither man darkened a recording studio door again.
11 - "Respectable," Mel and Kim
London sisters Melanie and Kim Appleby hit #1 with their second hit, a decent dance-pop number about living to dance and party. They would score two more Top Tens within a year, but sadly, Melanie Appleby would be diagnosed with cancer and would succumb in January 1990. Kim had a couple subsequent solo hits, but one wonders how much more the sisters would have accomplished together.
The Top Ten...why does it always have to be the Top Ten?
10 - "Sheila Take a Bow," The Smiths
Morrissey's gang found the Top Ten for the second and last time during their existence with this song in which Mozart seems to counsel a young lady to go out and find romance. That seems uncharacteristic. Maybe I'm missing something. Honestly, I think it's better if I'm not.
9 - "Another Step (Closer to You)," Kim Wilde and Junior
The second generation pop star teamed with soul man Junior Giscombe on a dance-rocker about treading lightly into love. Pretty much what you'd imagine a typical mid-80s pop song would sound like.
8 - "If You Let Me Stay," Terence Trent D'Arby
Born Terence Howard in New York in 1962, this guy was a champion amateur boxer before joining the army and being shipped out to Germany. He would soon be discharged for going AWOL, then relocated to London, where he got a record deal and immediately went Top Ten with his debut single, a terrific soul reconciliation plea. Most people remember him for "Wishing Well," but for me, this is the jam. This is in Marvin/Otis/Levi Stubbs territory.
7 - "A Boy from Nowhere," Tom Jones
The Welshman's biggest 80s hit was this dramatic ballad about a Spanish youth who dreams of being a bullfighter. Very much a song out of its time that somehow connected, which is why it gets an Uneasy Rider.
6 - "Living in a Box," Living in a Box
The Sheffielders' eponymous hit about isolation. Still a rung below Go West on the British electro-pop-funk ladder
5 - "Lean on Me," Club Nouveau
#3 here, #1 in the States, still OK but nowhere near Bill Withers.
4 - "The Slightest Touch," Five Star
Last of six Top Tens for these Essex siblings. Dance-pop about sexual desire. Basically, their a slightly better version of The Jets.
3 - "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now," Starship
I still really, really wish something would have. Like maybe 1967 Grace Slick finding a time machine and slapping some sense into her future self.
2 - "Can't Be With You Tonight," Judy Boucher
From the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, Boucher had been singing professionally for over a decade when this song caught the ear of Lizzie Webb, a fitness instructor who led exercise routines on a morning TV show. Webb began doing her routines to the song, and public interest in the tune made it a hit. It's a nice little reggae ballad about being torn between two lovers. And a cool story. Kind of like a Brit equivalent of what happened with Billy Vera and the Beaters.
And on top over there 30 years ago was...
1 - "La Isla Bonita," Madonna
Madge's fourth charttopper in her future adopted homeland was this Latin-flavored ode to the town of San Pedro, Belize. Just her making effortless radio pop at the peak of her powers.
Until the next spin of the time machine, farewell.
20 - "Wanted Dead or Alive," Bon Jovi
Third hit here for Jon and the boys was the power ballad about how being a touring rock musician is like being a Western outlaw. I assume there's less gunfire involved, burn you never know.
19 - "April Skies," The Jesus and Mary Chain
Scottish brothers Jim and William Reid formed a band in the early 80s, and by the time they scored their first and biggest Top 40 hit, they had already gained a reputation for their incendiary live performances. This is a nice little bit of catchy doom-pop. Gloomy, but you can still sing along.
18 - "With or Without You," U2
Their American #1 only hit #4 here. Honestly, I have no problem with either position.
17 - "Let it Be," Ferry Aid
This all-star charity version of the Beatles classic was put together by the Sun newspaper in the wake of the capsizing of the Dover-based ferry MS Herald of Free Enterprise in Zeebrugge, Belgium, which killed 193 people. Paul McCartney participated, along with Boy George, Kate Bush, Mark Knopfler, and many more. Like most efforts of this kind, the performance was secondary to he spectacle and the cause.
16 - "(Something Inside) So Strong," Labi Siffre
Born in London with Barbadian and Nigerian roots, Siffre had a trio of early-70s hits before taking a musical hiatus, the returned with this ballad about overcoming obstacles and oppression. It was inspired in part by both the growing anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and Siffre's own experiences with homophobia. The words are strident, and the delivery is soulful lyrics defiant. Yet another pleasant discovery.
15 - "Let's Wait Awhile," Janet Jackson
This ballad of carnal forbearance matched "What Have You Done for Me Lately" as her highest-charting U.K. hit to that point. One of her deeper and more nuanced performances.
14 - "To Be With You Again," Level 42
These guys again with their fifth Top Ten, another but of romantic synthpop. The more I hear of them, the more homogeneous they sound.
13 - "Ever Fallen in Love," Fine Young Cannibals
In 1984, former Beat members Andy Cox and David Steele teamed up with singer Roland Gift and took a name from a 1960 Robert Wagner/Natalie Wood movie. Their third hit (and second that was a cover, following a version of Elvis' "Suspicious Minds,") was a funk-pop take on a 1978 Buzzcocks hit about romantic regret. The contrast between the urgent speed of the original andidn't the laid-back lamenting of this I find jarring, and therefore I think I like this less than it deserves.
12 - "Diamond Lights," Glenn and Chris
Similarly-named footballers Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle were teammates on both Tottenham Hotspur (COYS!) and the English national team when a producer decided,to take them to a studio to cut this new-wavish pop song about the boys' need for the attention high-level football granted them. Between the lyrics and music, it's the aural equivalent of Depeche Mode substituting for one of the teams in the FA Cup final. Thankfully, neither man darkened a recording studio door again.
11 - "Respectable," Mel and Kim
London sisters Melanie and Kim Appleby hit #1 with their second hit, a decent dance-pop number about living to dance and party. They would score two more Top Tens within a year, but sadly, Melanie Appleby would be diagnosed with cancer and would succumb in January 1990. Kim had a couple subsequent solo hits, but one wonders how much more the sisters would have accomplished together.
The Top Ten...why does it always have to be the Top Ten?
10 - "Sheila Take a Bow," The Smiths
Morrissey's gang found the Top Ten for the second and last time during their existence with this song in which Mozart seems to counsel a young lady to go out and find romance. That seems uncharacteristic. Maybe I'm missing something. Honestly, I think it's better if I'm not.
9 - "Another Step (Closer to You)," Kim Wilde and Junior
The second generation pop star teamed with soul man Junior Giscombe on a dance-rocker about treading lightly into love. Pretty much what you'd imagine a typical mid-80s pop song would sound like.
8 - "If You Let Me Stay," Terence Trent D'Arby
Born Terence Howard in New York in 1962, this guy was a champion amateur boxer before joining the army and being shipped out to Germany. He would soon be discharged for going AWOL, then relocated to London, where he got a record deal and immediately went Top Ten with his debut single, a terrific soul reconciliation plea. Most people remember him for "Wishing Well," but for me, this is the jam. This is in Marvin/Otis/Levi Stubbs territory.
7 - "A Boy from Nowhere," Tom Jones
The Welshman's biggest 80s hit was this dramatic ballad about a Spanish youth who dreams of being a bullfighter. Very much a song out of its time that somehow connected, which is why it gets an Uneasy Rider.
6 - "Living in a Box," Living in a Box
The Sheffielders' eponymous hit about isolation. Still a rung below Go West on the British electro-pop-funk ladder
5 - "Lean on Me," Club Nouveau
#3 here, #1 in the States, still OK but nowhere near Bill Withers.
4 - "The Slightest Touch," Five Star
Last of six Top Tens for these Essex siblings. Dance-pop about sexual desire. Basically, their a slightly better version of The Jets.
3 - "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now," Starship
I still really, really wish something would have. Like maybe 1967 Grace Slick finding a time machine and slapping some sense into her future self.
2 - "Can't Be With You Tonight," Judy Boucher
From the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, Boucher had been singing professionally for over a decade when this song caught the ear of Lizzie Webb, a fitness instructor who led exercise routines on a morning TV show. Webb began doing her routines to the song, and public interest in the tune made it a hit. It's a nice little reggae ballad about being torn between two lovers. And a cool story. Kind of like a Brit equivalent of what happened with Billy Vera and the Beaters.
And on top over there 30 years ago was...
1 - "La Isla Bonita," Madonna
Madge's fourth charttopper in her future adopted homeland was this Latin-flavored ode to the town of San Pedro, Belize. Just her making effortless radio pop at the peak of her powers.
Until the next spin of the time machine, farewell.
Saturday, May 6, 2017
GATW: UKT40 May 2, 1987
40 - "Shattered Dreams," Johnny Hates Jazz
Transatlantic Top Five for these Londoners. Didn't hit #1, unlike singer Clark Datchler's father Fred, who did it twice in the 50s with the group The Stargazers. Maybe matching his father's achievement is one of the dreams that got shattered.
39 - "Wishing I was Lucky," Wet Wet Wet
39 - "Wishing I was Lucky," Wet Wet Wet
The breakthrough hit for these Scots was this bit of slick blue-eyed soul about having dreams but not doinguaranteed anything to realize them. I actually like this quite a bit. It's got a nice little groove.
38 - "Let Yourself Go," Sybil
New Jersey singer Sybil Lynch had just one Top 40 at home, a 1989 cover of the Dionne Warwick hit "Don't Make Me Over." Here, she quintupled that total, beginning with this okay soul/dance come-on. Of its time, not much now.
37 - "Real Fashion Reggae Style," Carey Johnson
The only major international hit from this Jamaican journeyman. Not earth-shattering, but a solid, sunny listen.
36 - "Twilight World," Swing Out Sister
Third home hit for the Manchester smoothies. Corinne Drewery is a voice that should be more well known than she is. And you really shouldn't be fooled by love songs and lonely hearts.
35 - "Respect Yourself," Bruce Willis
Ah, the days when this guy was just the star of Moonlighting who somehow thought he was the third Blues Brother. At least June Pointer did a good enough chunk of the singing to make this Staples Singers cover somewhat listenable. I wonder how much further he would have tried to carry on with this if Die Hard hadn't happened.
34 - "Still of the Night," Whitesnake
Though they hadn't cracked America yet, David Coverdale and company had their eighth hit here with lusty rocker that is very reminiscent of Led Zeppelin, right down to a straight rip from "Whole Lotta Love." There's a reason he acquired the nickname "David Coverversion."
33 - "The Irish Rover," The Pogues and The Dubliners
Formed in London by people of Irish extraction, and named for part of a Gaelic phrase meaning "kiss my ass," The Pogues combined punk attitude with traditional instrumentation to some success. The first of their two Top Tens was this collaboration with folk veterans The Dubliners on a version of a traditional song about a doomed cargo ship. Boisterous, rowdy fun that make you feel like you need a pint in your hand even if you don't drink.
32 - "Li'l Devil," The Cult
32 - "Li'l Devil," The Cult
This Bradford's band evolved from a gothy group called Southern Death Cult, and they had their biggest U.K. hit when they went in a harder rock direction for their Rick Rubin-produced Electric LP. This beat-heavy grinder on which Ian Astbury howls such Doorsy imagery as "scorpions child" and "lizard in a bottle" showcases arguably their best incarnation. It warrants a solid 4 on the Headbangometer.
31 - "Let My People Go-Go," The Rainmakers
31 - "Let My People Go-Go," The Rainmakers
This Kansas City band had their biggest success in the English-speaking world with this soul-rocker that entangles the Negro spiritual "Go Down Moses" with classic R&B lyrics. Catchy fun. Apparently they're still big in Norway. Good for them.
30 - "Back and Forth," Cameo
The Atlanta funk stars' second-biggest U.K. hit (behind, of course, "Word Up") was this cool groove about love's unpredictability. Bonus points for the guitar shredding near the end.
29 - "Boops (Here to Go)," Sly and Robbie
Drummer Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare emerged in the 70s as a powerhouse rhythm section and production team, to the point where Tina Weymouth mentioned them in the lyrics of Tom Tom Club's "Genius of Love." Their biggest success under their own name came with this slinky dance track that features rapper Shinehead performing, among other things, a Howard Cosell impression and a bit from the Rossinight opera The Barber of Seville. So good, and so ahead of its time that I bestow an Uneasy Rider upon it. It will awaken within you he desire to dance until you drop.
28 - "Alone Again Or," The Damned
The band's last Top 40 was this faithful cover of one of the best-known songs from Love's 1967 album Forever Changes, a gorgeous loneliness lament. Don't bother, just find the original.
27 - "Carrie," Europe
Big Swedish hair metal power balladry. Only hit #22 here, where it was Top Five in America. Also, "The Final Countdown" was #1 here, but only #8 there. Huuuuuge win for the Brits.
26 - "Why Can't I Be You," The Cure
Their ninth Top 40 with this peppy, horn-drenched tune about being so attracted to someone you actually want to become them. Fun song, and not surprisingly, their biggest hit in America to that point.
25 - "Keep Your Eye on Me," Herb Alpert
The trumpeting mogul had his biggest U.K. hit to that point with this all-but-instrumental combination of jazz and the funk-pop style of producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
24 - "Meet El Presidente," Duran Duran
Hit number 16 for the boys was this song about a woman who seems to be some combination of con artist, spy, and mercenary. Okay, but it's clear why it wasn't one of their bigger hits.
23 - "Never Take Me Alive," Spear of Destiny
The second of two hits for this London band was this acoustic ballad about a murderer on the run. Pretty good. I like the singer's voice in particular.
22 - "Ordinary Day," Curiosity Killed the Cat
The sophistipoppers' second hit was this mediocre bit of lite funk. What the word "meh" was invented for.
21 - "Big Love," Fleetwood Mac
A big-beated transatlantic Top Ten for the Mac. Just behind "Tusk" on my list of post-Rumours favorites.
I'm Part Two: cardboard housing, precious illumination, and a nice little island.
A big-beated transatlantic Top Ten for the Mac. Just behind "Tusk" on my list of post-Rumours favorites.
I'm Part Two: cardboard housing, precious illumination, and a nice little island.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
GATW: UKT40 April 7, 1979
Completion,
20 - "Just What I Needed," The Cars
20 - "Just What I Needed," The Cars
The Boston New Wavers' first single scored across the pond as well as at home. You might say that proved they were the real deal. Or you might not. But I just did, so there.
19 - "Into the Valley," Skids
From Dunfermline, Scotland, this band scored their firstand biggest of their four hits with this punkish tune about the futility of young men being inducted into the army. I think that's it. Guitarist Stuart Adamson would go on to even more success with his next band, Big Country.
18 - "He's the Greatest Dancer," Sister Sledge
This was a bigger hit here than "We Are Family." Not by much, but still, that feels wrong somehow.
17 - "Waiting for an Alibi," Thin Lizzy
Their third of four Top Tens was this gritty rocker about a doomed bookie/gambler named Valentino. I don't think these guys get their due as the British version of Springsteen. They hit that same sweet spot.
16 - "Strange Town," The Jam
More punky pop goodness from these guys on this tune about trying to find kindred spirits in a place you've never been before. This is the kind of song that makes me wish I'd grown up in Britain to have this stuff on the radio in the background.
15 - "Keep On Dancin'," Gary's Gang
The only major hit by this New York group was this bland track that makes KC and the Sunshine Band seem like poets and innovators. May be second only to "Makin' It" on my list of the worst of disco.
14 - "Money in My Pocket," Dennis Brown
This Jamaican became a star at home as a teenager, to the degree that Bob Marley himself declared him to be his favorite singer. His only major international hit was his signature song, this reminder that material wealth is no substitute for love. Solid head-nodding material.
13 - "Don't Stop Me Now," Queen
While this energetic confidence-rocker was a flop in America, at home it was a Top Ten hit and is one of their most enduring songs. It's fantastic pump-up music that will make a supersonic man or woman out of you.
12 - "Can You Feel the Force," The Real Thing
The Liverpool funksters' last non-remixed Top Five was this optimistic number that just might have been influenced by one of George Lucas' movies. I don't remember which one, and I'm sure it has no widespread cultural impact today at all.
11 - "Some Girls," Racey
11 - "Some Girls," Racey
The Somerset boys' biggest hit was this glammy pop song about the varying degrees of romantic behavior practiced by the female of the species. Catchy, but I wonder if these guys had ever been to the States and heard a jingle for Peter Paul candy bars. Don't know why that popped into my head. I feel like a nut.
The Top Ten shot first.
The Top Ten shot first.
10 - "Oliver's Army," Elvis Costello
EC's highest-charting single was this song that has a similar theme to the Skids song, but of course much sharper and barbed, And apparently, the n-word he uses in relation to the British military presence in Northern Ireland was never censored on U.K. radio. I feel that was a sebsible decision. It's used in a very impactful context, and any disguise attempt would blunt it and miss the point.
9 - "Turn the Music Up," Players Association
9 - "Turn the Music Up," Players Association
Another New York disco group with one real hit. Generic, but better than Gary's Gang.
8 - "Sultans of Swing," Dire Straits
The debut of Knopfler and Co. Still slickly catchy as ever.
7 - "Lucky Number," Lene Lovich
Detroit-born Lili-Marlene Premilovich moved with her family to England when she was 13, then floated around the London scene until she scored her first and biggest hit with this jittery ode to having love break up one's seemingly ideal single existence. Lovich's voice has an odd quality that sounds to me like a cross between Siouxsie Sioux and Cyndi Lauper. And this week, that's enough for an Uneasy Rider.
6 - "Cool for Cats," Squeeze
The London New Wavers picked up the first of two #2s with this jaunty tune with lyrics about cowboys and Indians, police capturing thieves, and picking up women in bars. And the title apparently comes from the early British equivalent of American Bandstand. It doesn't make sense, but it doesn't have to. It's just cool for cats.
5 - "Something Else," The Sex Pistols
5 - "Something Else," The Sex Pistols
Them again, this time with a Sid-sung cover of an Eddie Cochran rockabilly tune. A fun little bit to connect the dots between early rock and punk. It can be hard to believe that Elvis and his ilk were once this great menace to society.
4 - "I Want Your Love," Chic
Surprisingly, this charted higher here than either of their two American #1s, "Le Freak" and "Good Times." Can't say that's right, but this is good enough for it not to be any kind of outrage.
3 - "Bright Eyes," Art Garfunkel
It is perceived by most that Paul Simon had the bigger solo career, but Artie did beat him in one metric; i.e., he had two British Number Ones to Paul's zero. His second charttopper was this ballad from the film version of the novel Watership Down. I've never been exposed to any form of the story, but maybe one day I'll be in the mood for rabbit mythology. As for the song, it's basically Garfunkel in his natural MOR habitat, but with added dark talk about a "river of death." I don't get it, but Britain did to the degree that it was the year's best-selling single. Huh.
2 - "In the Navy," The Village People
The camp crew's classic disco recruiting effort. Hey, why were you chuckling when they said "They're signing up new seamen fast." That’s not funny. But I will admit that there's a humorous quality to the interjection "Oceanography what?!"
And on top over there 37 years ago was...
And on top over there 37 years ago was...
1 - "I Will Survive," Gloria Gaynor
We all know it. It's been referenced to death. But it's still powerful. That's right, I do have all my life to live and all my love to give, dammit!
There's another one. The cycle will repeat in time. Remain calm in the meantime.
We all know it. It's been referenced to death. But it's still powerful. That's right, I do have all my life to live and all my love to give, dammit!
There's another one. The cycle will repeat in time. Remain calm in the meantime.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
GATW: UKT40 April 7, 1979
April 1979. The Kingdom was in the midst of the election campaign that would bring Margaret Thatcher to power. Though I don't feel that many of the makers of the music on the following chart voted Conservative. Just a hunch.
40 - "Valley of the Dolls," Generation X
The punk band that launched Billy Idol had their third and final hit with this catchy rock tune about sex and violence. Simple and good. But not at all related to the 1966 novel by Jacqueline Susann, nor to the film version which starred Patty Duke and Manson-murders victim Sharon Tate.
39 - "Everybody’s Happy Nowadays," Buzzcocks
More punk, this time from a Bolton band who were a little more on the melodic side than most of their peers. The fifth of their six hits was this sharp blast of angst about being envious of others' joy. They may have been the best of their time at striking the balance between accessibility and credibility.
38 - "Let's Fly Away," Voyage
A French disco group with a British singer. Fluffy dance music about going on holiday. Okay, but far from enduring.
37 - "The Logical Song," Supertramp
Their biggest hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Roger Hodgson declared that he didn’t need no education before Roger Waters did. But he didn't have a children's choir backing him up.
36 - "Imperial Wizard," David Essex
Mr. "Rock On"'s last 70s hit was this martial-sounding call to arms against tyranny. An interesting, if not quite effective, to combine punk anger with glam gloss.
35 - "Remember Then," Showaddywaddy
Another retro number from these guys, this time a cover of a 1962 Earls hit about recalling a lost love. Not very mem-mem-rememem-meh-memorable.
34 - "BYOF," Fantastic Four
This Detroit group had a number of R&B hits in the 60s, but their only British hit was this groovefest whose title stands for "Bring Your Own Funk." Not sure why they thought that was necessary, since this seems to contain more than enough to go around.
33 - "Questions and Answers," Sham 69
From Horsham in Surrey, this punk band picked up five late 70s hits, the fourth being this poppy tune about being true to yourself and not just accepting what you are told. Basic, but effective.
32 - "I Don't Want to Lose You," Kandidate
This British soul group's biggest hit was this meh ballad from the soundtrack of a movie called Sunburn, which not only starred Farrah Fawcett, but also three British actors who would go on in the 80s to star in three separate dramas on three separate U.S. networks: Joan Collins of ABC's Dynasty, John Hillerman of CBS's Magnum, P.I., and William Daniels of NBC's St. Elsewhere. That's way more interesting than this song.
31 - "Tragedy," The Bee Gees
Their fourth U.K. #1. Just sublime disco drama.
30 - "English Civil War," The Clash
The sixth hit for The Only Band That Matters was this adaptation of the American Civil War song "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" describing a potential conflict spawned by a rising tide of far-right racism. It's true, everything old is new again.
29 - "You Bet Your Love," Herbie Hancock
This Chicago jazz keyboardist played with Miles Davis in the 60s, then embarked on a solo career that touched on pop, funk, and here, disco. Pretty standard stuff, remarkable mainly for Hancock's vocoder-assisted vocals and some nice keyboard work. But not as attention-grabbing as, say, "Rockit."
28 - "The Staircase (Mystery)," Siouxsie and the Banshees
The second hit for Ms. Sioux and crew was this gothy rocker that uses architectural features as a metaphor for confusion. I think that's it. Great stuff.
27 - "Wow," Kate Bush
Her third Top 40 was this drama ballad about aspiring artists being given the runaround by the people who make up the business half of "show business." And yes, I would say the song lives up to the title.
26 - "Forever in Blue Jeans," Neil Diamond
The D-Man with his simple pop tune about being happy with modest means. I don't know about forever, but I'm in blue jeans right now, and I feel pretty good.
25 - "Clog Dance," Violinski
Led by ELO violinist Mik Kaminsky, this band had their only hit with this rock instrumental. Sounds like stock production music to accompany sports highlights. Meh.
24 - "Silly Thing," The Sex Pistols
This creation of impresario Malcolm McLaren became the snotty face of punk when they debuted in 1976. By this time, singer Johnny Rotten had left, and bassist Sid Vicious had just committed suicide while awaiting trial for the murder of girlfriend Nancy Spungen. The group was still attempting to carry on, releasing an album, The Great Rock n’roll Swindle, which featured some tracks with Rotten and Vicious, as well as other contributors such as infamouse train robber Ronnie Biggs. This song, however, is mainly a showcase for guitarist Steve Jones and drummer Paul Cook, the latter of whom sings lead. It's loud, fast, and angry, but without the bilious vocal sneers of Rotten, it just blends in with the rest of the punk pack. But we'll hear more from this LP later.
23 - "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)," The Jacksons
Michael and bros., dancing, shouting, and funking stuff up. Just joy.
22 - "Hold the Line," Toto
Top 5 at home, #14 here. The Brits had it right.
21 - "The Runner," The Three Degrees
These Philly ladies hit #2 at home and #1 here with the classic "When Will I See You Again," but while they struck out on the American charts afterwards, they'd make the British Top 40 seven more times with songs like this disco workout about a commitmentphobic lover. On this, they sound like ABBA, but with soul. And I mean that as the highest of compliments.
In Part Two: fortune, felines, and armed forces.
40 - "Valley of the Dolls," Generation X
The punk band that launched Billy Idol had their third and final hit with this catchy rock tune about sex and violence. Simple and good. But not at all related to the 1966 novel by Jacqueline Susann, nor to the film version which starred Patty Duke and Manson-murders victim Sharon Tate.
39 - "Everybody’s Happy Nowadays," Buzzcocks
More punk, this time from a Bolton band who were a little more on the melodic side than most of their peers. The fifth of their six hits was this sharp blast of angst about being envious of others' joy. They may have been the best of their time at striking the balance between accessibility and credibility.
38 - "Let's Fly Away," Voyage
A French disco group with a British singer. Fluffy dance music about going on holiday. Okay, but far from enduring.
37 - "The Logical Song," Supertramp
Their biggest hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Roger Hodgson declared that he didn’t need no education before Roger Waters did. But he didn't have a children's choir backing him up.
36 - "Imperial Wizard," David Essex
Mr. "Rock On"'s last 70s hit was this martial-sounding call to arms against tyranny. An interesting, if not quite effective, to combine punk anger with glam gloss.
35 - "Remember Then," Showaddywaddy
Another retro number from these guys, this time a cover of a 1962 Earls hit about recalling a lost love. Not very mem-mem-rememem-meh-memorable.
34 - "BYOF," Fantastic Four
This Detroit group had a number of R&B hits in the 60s, but their only British hit was this groovefest whose title stands for "Bring Your Own Funk." Not sure why they thought that was necessary, since this seems to contain more than enough to go around.
33 - "Questions and Answers," Sham 69
From Horsham in Surrey, this punk band picked up five late 70s hits, the fourth being this poppy tune about being true to yourself and not just accepting what you are told. Basic, but effective.
32 - "I Don't Want to Lose You," Kandidate
This British soul group's biggest hit was this meh ballad from the soundtrack of a movie called Sunburn, which not only starred Farrah Fawcett, but also three British actors who would go on in the 80s to star in three separate dramas on three separate U.S. networks: Joan Collins of ABC's Dynasty, John Hillerman of CBS's Magnum, P.I., and William Daniels of NBC's St. Elsewhere. That's way more interesting than this song.
31 - "Tragedy," The Bee Gees
Their fourth U.K. #1. Just sublime disco drama.
30 - "English Civil War," The Clash
The sixth hit for The Only Band That Matters was this adaptation of the American Civil War song "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" describing a potential conflict spawned by a rising tide of far-right racism. It's true, everything old is new again.
29 - "You Bet Your Love," Herbie Hancock
This Chicago jazz keyboardist played with Miles Davis in the 60s, then embarked on a solo career that touched on pop, funk, and here, disco. Pretty standard stuff, remarkable mainly for Hancock's vocoder-assisted vocals and some nice keyboard work. But not as attention-grabbing as, say, "Rockit."
28 - "The Staircase (Mystery)," Siouxsie and the Banshees
The second hit for Ms. Sioux and crew was this gothy rocker that uses architectural features as a metaphor for confusion. I think that's it. Great stuff.
27 - "Wow," Kate Bush
Her third Top 40 was this drama ballad about aspiring artists being given the runaround by the people who make up the business half of "show business." And yes, I would say the song lives up to the title.
26 - "Forever in Blue Jeans," Neil Diamond
The D-Man with his simple pop tune about being happy with modest means. I don't know about forever, but I'm in blue jeans right now, and I feel pretty good.
25 - "Clog Dance," Violinski
Led by ELO violinist Mik Kaminsky, this band had their only hit with this rock instrumental. Sounds like stock production music to accompany sports highlights. Meh.
24 - "Silly Thing," The Sex Pistols
This creation of impresario Malcolm McLaren became the snotty face of punk when they debuted in 1976. By this time, singer Johnny Rotten had left, and bassist Sid Vicious had just committed suicide while awaiting trial for the murder of girlfriend Nancy Spungen. The group was still attempting to carry on, releasing an album, The Great Rock n’roll Swindle, which featured some tracks with Rotten and Vicious, as well as other contributors such as infamouse train robber Ronnie Biggs. This song, however, is mainly a showcase for guitarist Steve Jones and drummer Paul Cook, the latter of whom sings lead. It's loud, fast, and angry, but without the bilious vocal sneers of Rotten, it just blends in with the rest of the punk pack. But we'll hear more from this LP later.
23 - "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)," The Jacksons
Michael and bros., dancing, shouting, and funking stuff up. Just joy.
22 - "Hold the Line," Toto
Top 5 at home, #14 here. The Brits had it right.
21 - "The Runner," The Three Degrees
These Philly ladies hit #2 at home and #1 here with the classic "When Will I See You Again," but while they struck out on the American charts afterwards, they'd make the British Top 40 seven more times with songs like this disco workout about a commitmentphobic lover. On this, they sound like ABBA, but with soul. And I mean that as the highest of compliments.
In Part Two: fortune, felines, and armed forces.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
GATW - UKT40 March 19, 1994 Part One
And now, 1994. On the date of this chart, Europe's first invert roller coaster, Nemesis, opened at the Alton Towers theme park in Staffordshire. Let's see if the charts at the time provided similar thrills.
40 - "Stay Together," Suede
These Londoners are credited with helping launch Britpop with their 1993 debut album. Before releasing their follow-up, they put out this standalone single, which became their first Top Five hit. It's a Bowiesque ballad about love among the ruins of a crumbling civilization. I like what it's trying to do, but I find Brett Anderson's voice grating on this. And the title proved ironic, because guitarist Bernard Butler would leave the group shortly after this was recorded.
39 - "Switch," Sender
The biggest hit for these London rap-rockers was this example of the politically minded hip-hop that was falling out of fashion at the time. Pretty convincing, and well worth a listen.
38 - "I Never Want an Easy Life if Me and He Were to Get There," The Charlatans
Their seventh hit was this loping rock tune about preferring a life of drug-addledness. I think that's it. It's all right, but not quite as memorable as the title promises.
37 - "Murder She Wrote," Chaka Demus and Pliers
The fourth hit for the Jamaican duo is this dancehall track about a manipulative woman named Maxine. She seems shady, but funnily enough, nowhere is it suggested that she has killed anyone. And there's no mention of the TV show the song takes its title from. Which is disappointing, because I feel like "Angela Lansbury" is a name that would sound cool with a Jamaican accent.
36 - "Love Come Down," Alison Limerick
After some notable backup singing work in the 80s, Londoner Limerick had a handful of 90s dance hits, including this cover of Evelyn King's 1982. Nice singing, but otherwise inessential.
35 - "Come in Out of the Rain," Wendy Moten
The biggest of two U.K. hits for this Memphis lady was this passionately performed reconciliation ballad. Meh material uplifted by Moten's church-nurtured voice.
34 - "Groove Thang," Zhane
The second of three Brit hits for this Philly duo was this slinky dance tune about slinky dancing. One of the better examples of R&B of the period.
33 - "Again," Juliet Roberts
One of the several hits by this Grenada-born singer was this sophisticated soul-dance track about a brief love affair. Roberts has a smooth, jazzy voice that makes this more than just a playlist filler.
32 - "The Power of Love," Celine Dion
The first U.K. Top Five for the Quebecoise cha teaser was this cover of a 1985 #1 by American Jennifer Rush. Big singer, big ballad. If that's what you're looking for, this is your jam,
31 - "The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get," Morrissey
One of Stephen Patrick's whopping 33 Top 40s here, and the closest he came tout having one in America. Definitely one of his most accessible pop tunes, but the premise of him being threateningly inescapable is definitely in keeping with his overall theme. Very good.
30 - "Let's Face the Music and Dance," Nat King Cole
Haven't been able to find out why his 1961 recording of a song originally written for the 1936 Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers film Follow the Fleet was on the charts at this time. I'm guessing it was in a commercial. Doesn’t matter though, it's the King swinging a standard, and there's never a bad reason to give that some love.
29 - "Because of Love," Janet Jackson
Miss Jackson with an uptempo Jam/Lewis love song. Nothing more or less than what you'd expect from that description. And that's not a bad thing.
28 - "All for Love," Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart and Sting
Three rock stars sap out for this dreckfest from a Three Musketeers movie featuring future TV stars Kiefer Sutherland, Chris O'Donnell, and Charlie Sheen. Awful. Adams had already planted himself in this world, but the other two still had enough respectability that they didn’t need to piss away. Best I can say is that it only hit #2 here.
27 - "Whispering Your Name," Alison Moyet
The Essex singer's most recent hit was this acoustic ballad about suspected infidelity. I love that voice. She should have been a bigger worldwide star.
26 - "I Can See Clearly Now," Jimmy Cliff
The reggae pioneer covered Johnny Nash's 1972 optimism ode for the soundtrack of Cool Runnings, the fictionalized account of the Jamaican bobsled team's appearance at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Okay movie, okay cover.
25 - "Move On Baby," Cappella
The first of three Top Tens for this Italian dance outfit. Okay beats, good soul singing, unspectacular rap. The usual.
24 - "Glam Rock Cops," Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine
The ninth of twelve hits by the London duo of Jim "Jim Bob" Morrison and Les "Fruitbat" Carter was this rocker about being young and bored and disenchanted. It's much better faux-Bowie than the Suede track.
23 - "Good as Gold (Stupid as Mud)," The Beautiful South
After the breakup of The Housemartins, Paul Heaton and Dave Hemingway formed a new group that was even more successful, scoring 22 Top 40s between 1989 and 2005. The eighth of these was this bouncy pop song about longing for something better even though one knows one's limitations. I think that's it. This might not be one of their best, but it's still damn good. These guys hit the same sweet spot for me that Crowded House does.
22 - "Loser," Beck
L.A.-born Beck Hansen grew up wanting to be a folk/blues singer, but after moving to New York he absorbed hip-hop and surrealist influences which created a unique sound typified by his breakthrough hit, a combination of slide guitar samples and Beck's nonsensical Rap about "butane in my veins" and "beefcake pantyhose." It all combines into something wonderful. Two fun facts: 1) The first line of the chorus is "Soy una perdador;" Spanish for "I'm a loser." Many people heard many different things. I myself first thought he said "sodium pentathol" aka truth serum. Like he was reluctantly admitting his loserdom, you know? 2) The voice that says "I'm a driver, I'm a winner" is not, contrary to popular belief, that of George H.W. Bush.
21 - "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart," Elton John and RuPaul
Sir Elton's 1993 Duets album produced this new version of his smash 1976 Kiki Dee collaboration, this time performed with drag performer RuPaul Charles, who had recently broken through as a recording artist with the dance hit "Supermodel (You Better Work)." The house beats and Ru's attitude make it something different than the original, so it works.
In Part Two: violence, innocence, and...the Charleston?
40 - "Stay Together," Suede
These Londoners are credited with helping launch Britpop with their 1993 debut album. Before releasing their follow-up, they put out this standalone single, which became their first Top Five hit. It's a Bowiesque ballad about love among the ruins of a crumbling civilization. I like what it's trying to do, but I find Brett Anderson's voice grating on this. And the title proved ironic, because guitarist Bernard Butler would leave the group shortly after this was recorded.
39 - "Switch," Sender
The biggest hit for these London rap-rockers was this example of the politically minded hip-hop that was falling out of fashion at the time. Pretty convincing, and well worth a listen.
38 - "I Never Want an Easy Life if Me and He Were to Get There," The Charlatans
Their seventh hit was this loping rock tune about preferring a life of drug-addledness. I think that's it. It's all right, but not quite as memorable as the title promises.
37 - "Murder She Wrote," Chaka Demus and Pliers
The fourth hit for the Jamaican duo is this dancehall track about a manipulative woman named Maxine. She seems shady, but funnily enough, nowhere is it suggested that she has killed anyone. And there's no mention of the TV show the song takes its title from. Which is disappointing, because I feel like "Angela Lansbury" is a name that would sound cool with a Jamaican accent.
36 - "Love Come Down," Alison Limerick
After some notable backup singing work in the 80s, Londoner Limerick had a handful of 90s dance hits, including this cover of Evelyn King's 1982. Nice singing, but otherwise inessential.
35 - "Come in Out of the Rain," Wendy Moten
The biggest of two U.K. hits for this Memphis lady was this passionately performed reconciliation ballad. Meh material uplifted by Moten's church-nurtured voice.
34 - "Groove Thang," Zhane
The second of three Brit hits for this Philly duo was this slinky dance tune about slinky dancing. One of the better examples of R&B of the period.
33 - "Again," Juliet Roberts
One of the several hits by this Grenada-born singer was this sophisticated soul-dance track about a brief love affair. Roberts has a smooth, jazzy voice that makes this more than just a playlist filler.
32 - "The Power of Love," Celine Dion
The first U.K. Top Five for the Quebecoise cha teaser was this cover of a 1985 #1 by American Jennifer Rush. Big singer, big ballad. If that's what you're looking for, this is your jam,
31 - "The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get," Morrissey
One of Stephen Patrick's whopping 33 Top 40s here, and the closest he came tout having one in America. Definitely one of his most accessible pop tunes, but the premise of him being threateningly inescapable is definitely in keeping with his overall theme. Very good.
30 - "Let's Face the Music and Dance," Nat King Cole
Haven't been able to find out why his 1961 recording of a song originally written for the 1936 Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers film Follow the Fleet was on the charts at this time. I'm guessing it was in a commercial. Doesn’t matter though, it's the King swinging a standard, and there's never a bad reason to give that some love.
29 - "Because of Love," Janet Jackson
Miss Jackson with an uptempo Jam/Lewis love song. Nothing more or less than what you'd expect from that description. And that's not a bad thing.
28 - "All for Love," Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart and Sting
Three rock stars sap out for this dreckfest from a Three Musketeers movie featuring future TV stars Kiefer Sutherland, Chris O'Donnell, and Charlie Sheen. Awful. Adams had already planted himself in this world, but the other two still had enough respectability that they didn’t need to piss away. Best I can say is that it only hit #2 here.
27 - "Whispering Your Name," Alison Moyet
The Essex singer's most recent hit was this acoustic ballad about suspected infidelity. I love that voice. She should have been a bigger worldwide star.
26 - "I Can See Clearly Now," Jimmy Cliff
The reggae pioneer covered Johnny Nash's 1972 optimism ode for the soundtrack of Cool Runnings, the fictionalized account of the Jamaican bobsled team's appearance at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Okay movie, okay cover.
25 - "Move On Baby," Cappella
The first of three Top Tens for this Italian dance outfit. Okay beats, good soul singing, unspectacular rap. The usual.
24 - "Glam Rock Cops," Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine
The ninth of twelve hits by the London duo of Jim "Jim Bob" Morrison and Les "Fruitbat" Carter was this rocker about being young and bored and disenchanted. It's much better faux-Bowie than the Suede track.
23 - "Good as Gold (Stupid as Mud)," The Beautiful South
After the breakup of The Housemartins, Paul Heaton and Dave Hemingway formed a new group that was even more successful, scoring 22 Top 40s between 1989 and 2005. The eighth of these was this bouncy pop song about longing for something better even though one knows one's limitations. I think that's it. This might not be one of their best, but it's still damn good. These guys hit the same sweet spot for me that Crowded House does.
22 - "Loser," Beck
L.A.-born Beck Hansen grew up wanting to be a folk/blues singer, but after moving to New York he absorbed hip-hop and surrealist influences which created a unique sound typified by his breakthrough hit, a combination of slide guitar samples and Beck's nonsensical Rap about "butane in my veins" and "beefcake pantyhose." It all combines into something wonderful. Two fun facts: 1) The first line of the chorus is "Soy una perdador;" Spanish for "I'm a loser." Many people heard many different things. I myself first thought he said "sodium pentathol" aka truth serum. Like he was reluctantly admitting his loserdom, you know? 2) The voice that says "I'm a driver, I'm a winner" is not, contrary to popular belief, that of George H.W. Bush.
21 - "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart," Elton John and RuPaul
Sir Elton's 1993 Duets album produced this new version of his smash 1976 Kiki Dee collaboration, this time performed with drag performer RuPaul Charles, who had recently broken through as a recording artist with the dance hit "Supermodel (You Better Work)." The house beats and Ru's attitude make it something different than the original, so it works.
In Part Two: violence, innocence, and...the Charleston?
GATW: UKT40 March 19, 1994 Part Two
Here's the other part.
20 - "Things Can Only Get Better," D:Ream
The second and most successful of three chart runs for this single by a Northern Irish pop band. Decent dance track about learning optimism. Three years later, the Labour Party's would use it as a theme song that brought them back to power after 18 years. Did things get better? Well, I have never lived in Britain, so I can't really say.
19 - "I'm Broken," Pantera
Metal once again shows up, this time from this Texas thrash band. Phil Anselmo artfully shouts lyrics inspired by his struggles with crippling back pain, while the late great Dimebag Darrell shreds away. An impressive 4.5 on the Headbangometer.
18 - "Linger," The Cranberries
The Irish band's first U.K. hit was this jangly ballad inspired by Dolores O'Riordan's betrayal at the hands of her first boyfriend. Pretty and affecting. I don't think they did any better than this and "Dreams."
17 - "Rocks," Primal Scream
These Scots broke through in 1991 with their house-influenced Sceamadelica album, so it was a shock to fans when their follow-up LP was a collection of Stones-esque blues rocker like this track, a catchy stomper about getting one's kicks. I like it a lot, but it's so much of a detour that the backlash was more than understandable.
16 - "The Way You Work It," E.Y.C.
This American boy band (whose initials stand for Express Yourself Clearly) had most of their success in Britain with songs like this innocuous dance jam. It may be clear, but it's also bland.
15 - "Whatta Man," Salt-N-Pepa featuring En Vogue
The rap trio teams up with the vocal quartet for an ode to a man who is attractive, respectful, and proficient at both fatherhood and sex. Salt-N-Pepa doing their Salt-N-Pepa thing, which was quite welcome at the time.
14 - "Let the Beat Control Your Body," 2 Unlimited
More techno-rap from the Belgians. There was indeed bass in my face, but my body remained under my jurisdiction throughout.
13 - "Violently Happy," Bjork
The otherworldly Icelander had her fifth hit with this dance track about feeling so ecstatic you don't know what to do with yourself. The sound matches the sentiment. The world needed Bjork before we even knew we did.
12 - "I Believe," Marcella Detroit
After splitting with her Shakespear's Sister partner Siobahn Fahey, theformer Marcy Levy put out a solo album that produced three hits, thefirst and biggest being this idealistic peace and harmony ballad. Sweet, but underwhelming.
11 - "Shine On," Degrees of Motion
More boilerplate house-dance. Nothing more to add.
Breaking news: Disney has just announced that they are making a live-action remake of this week's Top Ten.
10 - "Breathe Again," Toni Braxton
The Maryland soul lady had her first U.K. Top Ten with this ballad on which she essentially admits that she will die if her lover leaves her. Romantic..?
9 - "I Like to Move It," Reel 2 Real featuring The Mad Stuntman
The most enduring cultural contribution by Colombian-American producer Erick Morillo was this combination of house and dancehall that features Mr. Stuntman toasting about attractive women. Naturally, it would eventually become most closely associated with a series of animated movies about escaped zoo animals.
8 - "Return to Innocence," Enigma
German producer Michael Cretu created Enigma as a way to combine electronic dance music with sounds not common to pop. On his 1991 breakthrough "Sadeness Part 1," it was Gregorian chants, while on this one it was a recording of a traditional song of the Amis, an indigenous people of Taiwan. He uses it to great effect, but unfortunately, he didn't credit the original performers. Thankfully, that was eventually corrected. That was a return to innocence in and of itself.
7 - "Pretty Good Year," Tori Amos
Myra Ellen Amos grew up in North Carolina, then moved to Los Angeles in the 80s, where she got her first record deal with a synthpopband called Y Kant Tori Read. They were dropped after one flop album, but Tori found success in the next decade as a purveyor of ethereal yet raw piano pop. The second of her three Top Tens was this ballad with inscrutable lyrics about a relationship between two people named Greg and Lucy. I have always been a big Tori fan, to the point where I went to one of her shows on the tour supporting the album this track came from, Under the Pink. Undoubtedly my favorite of my relatively few concert experiences. And this song in particular probably ranks somewhere between 6--10 on my all time Torilist.
6 - "Renaissance," M People
The fifth of ten Top Tens for the Manchester dance outfit is this house banger about coming home to a lover. Not a da Vinci reference in sight, but still lifted to very-goodness by the powerhouse vocals of Heather Small.
5 - "Girls and Boys," Blur
The future Oasis archenemies had their first Top Five with this Eurodance- inspired tune about indiscriminate and uninhibited sex among youth in European vacation hotspots. It captures that vibe perfectly, with Damon Albarn ironically stating that one's partner or partners in such behavior "always should be someone you really love." I think I have it just ahead of "Country House" as their best.
4 - "Streets of Philadelphia," Bruce Springsteen
Bruce's biggest U.K. hit was this Oscar-winning contribution to the film Philadelphia, which starred Tom Hanks as a gay lawyer who sues his firm for wrongful dismissal after they fire him shortly after he is diagnosed with AIDS. Though it resonated the the time, the movie hasn't aged well; however, the song's stark spareness remains a powerful portrait of the loneliness and hopelessness of someone facing the end of their life. One of the Boss's crowning achievements.
3 - "The Sign," Ace of Base
The biggest hit by Ulf Ekberg and the three Berggren siblings of Gothenburg, Sweden was this sunny bit of techno-reggae about changing one's life for the better. I still prefer "All That She Wants," but I like this better now than I did then.
2 - "Without You," Mariah Carey
Surprisingly, her only British charttopper to date is this cover of Harry Nilsson 1971 smash ballad. She makes it bigger, but definitely not better.
And on top 23 years ago was...
1 - "Doop," Doop
This Dutch duo's only major impact on international pop culture was this mostly instrumental dance track that incorporates Roaring 20s jazz of the kind that would accompany the step known as "the Charleston." Anachronistic fun, and this chart's clear Uneasy Rider. Doop doop doop indeed.
Another one down. Thanks as always, and see you next time.
20 - "Things Can Only Get Better," D:Ream
The second and most successful of three chart runs for this single by a Northern Irish pop band. Decent dance track about learning optimism. Three years later, the Labour Party's would use it as a theme song that brought them back to power after 18 years. Did things get better? Well, I have never lived in Britain, so I can't really say.
19 - "I'm Broken," Pantera
Metal once again shows up, this time from this Texas thrash band. Phil Anselmo artfully shouts lyrics inspired by his struggles with crippling back pain, while the late great Dimebag Darrell shreds away. An impressive 4.5 on the Headbangometer.
18 - "Linger," The Cranberries
The Irish band's first U.K. hit was this jangly ballad inspired by Dolores O'Riordan's betrayal at the hands of her first boyfriend. Pretty and affecting. I don't think they did any better than this and "Dreams."
17 - "Rocks," Primal Scream
These Scots broke through in 1991 with their house-influenced Sceamadelica album, so it was a shock to fans when their follow-up LP was a collection of Stones-esque blues rocker like this track, a catchy stomper about getting one's kicks. I like it a lot, but it's so much of a detour that the backlash was more than understandable.
16 - "The Way You Work It," E.Y.C.
This American boy band (whose initials stand for Express Yourself Clearly) had most of their success in Britain with songs like this innocuous dance jam. It may be clear, but it's also bland.
15 - "Whatta Man," Salt-N-Pepa featuring En Vogue
The rap trio teams up with the vocal quartet for an ode to a man who is attractive, respectful, and proficient at both fatherhood and sex. Salt-N-Pepa doing their Salt-N-Pepa thing, which was quite welcome at the time.
14 - "Let the Beat Control Your Body," 2 Unlimited
More techno-rap from the Belgians. There was indeed bass in my face, but my body remained under my jurisdiction throughout.
13 - "Violently Happy," Bjork
The otherworldly Icelander had her fifth hit with this dance track about feeling so ecstatic you don't know what to do with yourself. The sound matches the sentiment. The world needed Bjork before we even knew we did.
12 - "I Believe," Marcella Detroit
After splitting with her Shakespear's Sister partner Siobahn Fahey, theformer Marcy Levy put out a solo album that produced three hits, thefirst and biggest being this idealistic peace and harmony ballad. Sweet, but underwhelming.
11 - "Shine On," Degrees of Motion
More boilerplate house-dance. Nothing more to add.
Breaking news: Disney has just announced that they are making a live-action remake of this week's Top Ten.
10 - "Breathe Again," Toni Braxton
The Maryland soul lady had her first U.K. Top Ten with this ballad on which she essentially admits that she will die if her lover leaves her. Romantic..?
9 - "I Like to Move It," Reel 2 Real featuring The Mad Stuntman
The most enduring cultural contribution by Colombian-American producer Erick Morillo was this combination of house and dancehall that features Mr. Stuntman toasting about attractive women. Naturally, it would eventually become most closely associated with a series of animated movies about escaped zoo animals.
8 - "Return to Innocence," Enigma
German producer Michael Cretu created Enigma as a way to combine electronic dance music with sounds not common to pop. On his 1991 breakthrough "Sadeness Part 1," it was Gregorian chants, while on this one it was a recording of a traditional song of the Amis, an indigenous people of Taiwan. He uses it to great effect, but unfortunately, he didn't credit the original performers. Thankfully, that was eventually corrected. That was a return to innocence in and of itself.
7 - "Pretty Good Year," Tori Amos
Myra Ellen Amos grew up in North Carolina, then moved to Los Angeles in the 80s, where she got her first record deal with a synthpopband called Y Kant Tori Read. They were dropped after one flop album, but Tori found success in the next decade as a purveyor of ethereal yet raw piano pop. The second of her three Top Tens was this ballad with inscrutable lyrics about a relationship between two people named Greg and Lucy. I have always been a big Tori fan, to the point where I went to one of her shows on the tour supporting the album this track came from, Under the Pink. Undoubtedly my favorite of my relatively few concert experiences. And this song in particular probably ranks somewhere between 6--10 on my all time Torilist.
6 - "Renaissance," M People
The fifth of ten Top Tens for the Manchester dance outfit is this house banger about coming home to a lover. Not a da Vinci reference in sight, but still lifted to very-goodness by the powerhouse vocals of Heather Small.
5 - "Girls and Boys," Blur
The future Oasis archenemies had their first Top Five with this Eurodance- inspired tune about indiscriminate and uninhibited sex among youth in European vacation hotspots. It captures that vibe perfectly, with Damon Albarn ironically stating that one's partner or partners in such behavior "always should be someone you really love." I think I have it just ahead of "Country House" as their best.
4 - "Streets of Philadelphia," Bruce Springsteen
Bruce's biggest U.K. hit was this Oscar-winning contribution to the film Philadelphia, which starred Tom Hanks as a gay lawyer who sues his firm for wrongful dismissal after they fire him shortly after he is diagnosed with AIDS. Though it resonated the the time, the movie hasn't aged well; however, the song's stark spareness remains a powerful portrait of the loneliness and hopelessness of someone facing the end of their life. One of the Boss's crowning achievements.
3 - "The Sign," Ace of Base
The biggest hit by Ulf Ekberg and the three Berggren siblings of Gothenburg, Sweden was this sunny bit of techno-reggae about changing one's life for the better. I still prefer "All That She Wants," but I like this better now than I did then.
2 - "Without You," Mariah Carey
Surprisingly, her only British charttopper to date is this cover of Harry Nilsson 1971 smash ballad. She makes it bigger, but definitely not better.
And on top 23 years ago was...
1 - "Doop," Doop
This Dutch duo's only major impact on international pop culture was this mostly instrumental dance track that incorporates Roaring 20s jazz of the kind that would accompany the step known as "the Charleston." Anachronistic fun, and this chart's clear Uneasy Rider. Doop doop doop indeed.
Another one down. Thanks as always, and see you next time.
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