Break out your acid washed jeans and your New Coke, it's time for the 80's!!! In England, the decade was littered with classics just as our hit parade was. Unfortunately, most of these never made much headway here in the colonies. Let's give them the second chance they deserve today, in a post that welcomes in the video age with ALL ORIGINAL MUSIC VIDEOS OF THE FEATURED SONGS!!!!!!! Thank you youtube for not treating the 80's hits like you do the recorded works of a certain Robert Zimmerman (Constantly up and down on its fair use denying pages).....but I digress with mumbling and moaning....ONTO THE HITS!!!!!
1.) Two Tribes - Frankie Goes To Hollywood (June 16, 1984)
This was the longest running chart topper of the decade in the UK, holding down the competition for nine weeks. In the US, it rose disappointingly to number 43, ending Frankie's invasion of the States and relegating them to one-hit-wonder status. Welcome To The Pleasuredome is one of the most underrated albums of all time stateside and this Cold War stomper is one of its best tracks.
2.) Belfast Child - Simple Minds (February 25, 1989)
You will not find a more haunting song in this project than Simple Minds "true" classic (Sorry, "Don't You..."). Based on the melody of the Irish traditional ballad "She Moved Through The Fair", it captures the pain and violence of Northern Ireland better than any work of art I've ever encountered. Fittingly of the blind eye we turned on the turmoil until President Clinton, this song never came close to entering the US charts.
PS the B-Side was a stunning cover of Peter Gabriel's Biko.....This band should have had longevity!
3.) Ashes To Ashes - David Bowie (August 23, 1980)
There are film sequels that can't hold a candle to The Thin White Duke's second part of the Major Tom saga. This started a chart run for Bowie that included three more number ones before decade's end, while also signalling the pop direction he would morph his sound to. Plus, come on, you gotta love that Pierrot costume he rocks in the iconic video!
4.) I Know Him So Well - Elaine Paige & Barbara Dixon ( February 9, 1985)
Chess is the musical theatre equivalent of a classic cult film like Rocky Horror Show or Howard The Duck. Written by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus of Abba and Sir Tim Rice of Webber/John collaborations, it tells the story of a cold war chess tournament and the lives that mirror the struggle of the game. "One Night In Bangkok" was the big hit from the concept album here in the states, but back across the pond this duet by the two grand dames of The West End skyrocketed to the top of the pops, becoming the best selling duet by a female duo in the UK of all time. Yes, it has 80's production written all over it, but this song is gorgeous, and shows just how rich the music of Abba was in melody and craft.
PS A hilarious cover went to number 11 this year in England as a Comic Relief benefit single
5.) Prince Charming - Adam & The Ants (September 19, 1981)
New wave was more than MTV fodder in the UK: it was a legitimate movement. No one summed up its re-thinking of rock and roll for the video age better than the early hits of Mssrs. Adam and his Ants. This track has a Kinks-like glow to it, bridging the gap perfectly between the past and the day-glo future. If more videos like this were made today, Viacom would devote a lot less of their money to Snooki and her crew of stereotypes.
Adam Ant - Prince Charming by jpdc11
6.) Perfect - Fairground Attraction (May 14, 1988)
Winner of the 1989 Brit Award for best song, this song goes to show the UK had a plethora of one hit wonders themselves that never translated to American sales. Quite a shame really, since America would catch on to this easy going folk-pop style in the wake of grunge's demise.
7.) A Different Corner - George Michael (April 19, 1986)
They don't make ballads like this anymore. Gone are the slick trappings of studio gloss and pomposity. The listener is left with, after "Careless Whisper"'s coming out party, the emergence of a singular talent that would rock pop's world. Rising to number seven in the US, this chart topper presaged the dominance Michael would have on the late 80's music world. It's also good to remember that he wrote, arranged, performed and produced it all on his own. BEST FORGOTTEN NUMBER ONE OF THE DECADE!!!!!
8.) The Land Of Make Believe - Bucks Fizz (January 16, 1982)
You give me a song with lyrics by the guy who wrote epic tales for King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer and I guarantee I will place him on a list. This subversive attack of Thatcherian politics is so sugar-coated you can miss the meaning entirely, but that just makes Bucks Fizz the UK 's answer to Randy Newman and the inspiration for Everclear......eh, I can't back that up. Just enjoy!!
Bucks Fizz Land of Make Believe 1981 by Discodandan
9.) You Win Again - The Bee Gees (October 17, 1987)
It seems it took the US a little longer to forgive brothers Gibb for their disco sins. Making it only to number 75 in the states, this track showed once again that the UK makes fans for life, not the fair weather variety we seem to breed here. Listen to that drum track and tell me this couldn't have been huge if DJ's stateside had given it a chance.
10.) Is There Something I Should Know? - Duran Duran (March 26, 1983)
My second favorite Duran Duran song after "The Reflex" gave The Beatles of new wave their first UK number one and a number four placing in the US. The video, directed by Russell Mulcahy of Highlander fame is one of my favorites of all time. I used to get so excited when Martha Quinn would say it was coming up next. The boys are still going strong thanks to a return to form new disc and an otherworldy concert film directed by David Lynch, only available on youtube. If you have the time, watch that brilliance as soon as you finish this post!
Next time, Britpop rears its head; and Oasis, Blur and Prodigy stop by to say hey. Believe me, the UK charts eclipses ours in this decade tenfold. See ya then!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Forgotten # 1's: Uk Edition (The 1970's)
The decade of Glam Rock and Disco is upon us! Let us see what the UK has in store at the top of their charts.
1.) Coz I Love You - Slade (November 13, 1971)
Slade may have needed a dictionary every once in awhile, but they had six number one hits in the decade, compared to Glam's King Bowie, who only managed one. I love this song's laid back feel of sleaze and sweetness all wrapped up in a eye-lined package!
2.) Angel Fingers (A Teen Ballad) - Wizzard (September 22, 1973)
Roy Wood got tired of Jeff Lynne almost as soon as the two formed ELO, so he went off to concoct his own little group in Wizzard. Wizzard captured the spark of the nascent glam scene, adding in elements of Phil Spector production and Wood's own eye for studio flair. "Angel Fingers" is perfect in those respects, but the US wasn't quite into the whole retro thing yet, so this UK chart topper missed the American charts entirely.
3.) Ms. Grace - The Tymes (January 25, 1975)
This is why I love this project. A Carolina Beach classic that only made it to 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 is a number one hit in the British Isles. Go figure, cause this soul classic should have been a number one everywhere, including Luxembourg! It makes you wanna dance, which is hard to make me want to do (And listen to that production!). BEST FORGOTTEN HIT OF THE DECADE!!!!!!
4.) I Don't Want To talk About It/ The First Cut Is the Deepest - Rod Stewart (May 21, 1977)
Maybe the stories are true and this double A-Side's performance was beefed up to keep The Sex Pistols' "God Save The Queen" off of the Top Of the Pops. Regardless, Stewart's one-two punch of Danny Whitten's somber ballad and Cat Stevens' early flash of brilliance show that long before he squandered his talents singing Gershwin, Stewart was one of Rock's finest interpreters of the genre's songbook.
5.) Mississippi - Pussycat (October 17, 1976)
Of course a Dutch band recorded a song about the history of Rock And Roll becoming more popular than country music, and of course it would top the British charts. This is the 70's after all.
6.) Matchstalk Men & Matchstalk Cats & Dogs (Lowry's Song) - Brian & Michael (April 8, 1978)
Well, it has to do with a beloved English painter, so that explains its absence from our charts....and its got a long picaresque title, which explains why it topped the UK charts!
It's also gorgeous, and is one of the last gasps of the seventies singer/songwriter movement as a commercial force.
7.) Angelo - Brotherhood Of Man (August 20, 1977)
The Eurovision Song Contest has given us many pop culture icons: Abba......and bands that sound like Abba! Brotherhood Of Man take the cake, scoring three number one hits that all sound like different Abba songs. "Fernando" is called to mine with "Angelo", but it is a delightful carbon copy just the same!
8.) Mull Of Kintyre/Girls' School - Wings (December 3, 1977)
Before "Do They Know It's Christmas?", this was the biggest selling single ever in the UK ( I can assure you it didn't have much to do with the "Girls' School" side either!). Amazingly, it never even entered the charts on this side of the pond. Regardless, it makes my Scotch/Irish blood stir every time I hear it. If not McCartney's masterpiece, it is definitely in his top ten, which is quite heady company indeed.
9.) Show You The Way To Go - The Jacksons ( June 25, 1977)
After The Jackson family left the fruitful shores of Motown, they took up brief residence at Philadelphia International with resident geniuses Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. While there, they recorded this "quiet storm" classic that shows how quickly Micheal's voice was turning into the one that would change pop music forever. A number 28 hit here in The States, it is the only number one single by the brothers to ever top the UK charts.
10.) Woodstock - Matthews' Southern Comfort (October 31, 1970)
We know this song through its writer Joni Mitchell, who played it as a keyboard ballad, and the spectacular cover by Crosby, Stills Nash & Young, who turned it into a rock anthem. What a pleasure it is to hear yet another interpretation of the song that differs so from its predecessors. Matthews (formerly of Fairport Convention) makes this sound more Southern California than either its writer or her band of lovers ever did..... AND THEY LIVED THERE!! While it can't compete with "Ms. Grace", this is definitely quite the undiscovered diamond and a fitting way to end the post.
The 80's await...Don't worry, I'll hold your hand.
1.) Coz I Love You - Slade (November 13, 1971)
Slade may have needed a dictionary every once in awhile, but they had six number one hits in the decade, compared to Glam's King Bowie, who only managed one. I love this song's laid back feel of sleaze and sweetness all wrapped up in a eye-lined package!
2.) Angel Fingers (A Teen Ballad) - Wizzard (September 22, 1973)
Roy Wood got tired of Jeff Lynne almost as soon as the two formed ELO, so he went off to concoct his own little group in Wizzard. Wizzard captured the spark of the nascent glam scene, adding in elements of Phil Spector production and Wood's own eye for studio flair. "Angel Fingers" is perfect in those respects, but the US wasn't quite into the whole retro thing yet, so this UK chart topper missed the American charts entirely.
3.) Ms. Grace - The Tymes (January 25, 1975)
This is why I love this project. A Carolina Beach classic that only made it to 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 is a number one hit in the British Isles. Go figure, cause this soul classic should have been a number one everywhere, including Luxembourg! It makes you wanna dance, which is hard to make me want to do (And listen to that production!). BEST FORGOTTEN HIT OF THE DECADE!!!!!!
4.) I Don't Want To talk About It/ The First Cut Is the Deepest - Rod Stewart (May 21, 1977)
Maybe the stories are true and this double A-Side's performance was beefed up to keep The Sex Pistols' "God Save The Queen" off of the Top Of the Pops. Regardless, Stewart's one-two punch of Danny Whitten's somber ballad and Cat Stevens' early flash of brilliance show that long before he squandered his talents singing Gershwin, Stewart was one of Rock's finest interpreters of the genre's songbook.
5.) Mississippi - Pussycat (October 17, 1976)
Of course a Dutch band recorded a song about the history of Rock And Roll becoming more popular than country music, and of course it would top the British charts. This is the 70's after all.
6.) Matchstalk Men & Matchstalk Cats & Dogs (Lowry's Song) - Brian & Michael (April 8, 1978)
Well, it has to do with a beloved English painter, so that explains its absence from our charts....and its got a long picaresque title, which explains why it topped the UK charts!
It's also gorgeous, and is one of the last gasps of the seventies singer/songwriter movement as a commercial force.
7.) Angelo - Brotherhood Of Man (August 20, 1977)
The Eurovision Song Contest has given us many pop culture icons: Abba......and bands that sound like Abba! Brotherhood Of Man take the cake, scoring three number one hits that all sound like different Abba songs. "Fernando" is called to mine with "Angelo", but it is a delightful carbon copy just the same!
8.) Mull Of Kintyre/Girls' School - Wings (December 3, 1977)
Before "Do They Know It's Christmas?", this was the biggest selling single ever in the UK ( I can assure you it didn't have much to do with the "Girls' School" side either!). Amazingly, it never even entered the charts on this side of the pond. Regardless, it makes my Scotch/Irish blood stir every time I hear it. If not McCartney's masterpiece, it is definitely in his top ten, which is quite heady company indeed.
9.) Show You The Way To Go - The Jacksons ( June 25, 1977)
After The Jackson family left the fruitful shores of Motown, they took up brief residence at Philadelphia International with resident geniuses Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. While there, they recorded this "quiet storm" classic that shows how quickly Micheal's voice was turning into the one that would change pop music forever. A number 28 hit here in The States, it is the only number one single by the brothers to ever top the UK charts.
10.) Woodstock - Matthews' Southern Comfort (October 31, 1970)
We know this song through its writer Joni Mitchell, who played it as a keyboard ballad, and the spectacular cover by Crosby, Stills Nash & Young, who turned it into a rock anthem. What a pleasure it is to hear yet another interpretation of the song that differs so from its predecessors. Matthews (formerly of Fairport Convention) makes this sound more Southern California than either its writer or her band of lovers ever did..... AND THEY LIVED THERE!! While it can't compete with "Ms. Grace", this is definitely quite the undiscovered diamond and a fitting way to end the post.
The 80's await...Don't worry, I'll hold your hand.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Forgotten # 1's: UK Edition (The 1960's)
How did pop's finest decade fair in the mother country? Strikingly similar to our own in most cases. It was the decade of The Beatles, and they dominated the British charts just as they did here in the states. Still, there are plenty of diamonds to be mined from our neighbor's hits, some familiar, some completely unknown. Today's post has been insanely fun to put together. The 70's are going to have to go quite a distance to top this!
1.) Bad To Me - Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas (August 22, 1963)
While not my favorite Lennon/McCartney track that the two gave away (That distinction goes to "Woman", magnificently covered by Peter & Gordon), "Bad To Me" is still a fine example of how anything associated with The Fab Four turned to gold in '63/'64. Reaching number nine in the US, it holds the distinction of being the first cover song by The Beatles to hit the Billboard Charts. In the UK, it stayed at number one for three weeks before being toppled by "She Loves You".
2.) Nut Rocker - B. Bumble & the Stingers (May 17, 1962)
Ladies and gentlemen, the birth of Prog Rock! Recorded by an American instrumental group with a strange name, it went to #23 here but topped the pops in England, showing an entire generation how the classics could combine with contemporary music seamlessly.
ELP pays tribute to their forefathers!
3.) Blackberry Way - The Move (February 8, 1969)
Dark Psychedelia from future ELO'er Roy Wood. Jeff Lynne would join the group by year's end, setting the stage for those seventies titan's genesis. It is said to be an answer song to "Penny Lane", which would explain the similar cadence. Chris Martin has said that "Strawberry Swing" is Coldplay's answer song to it! The circle continues!
4.) Albatross - Fleetwood Mac (February 1, 1969)
February 1969 was a good month for chart toppers in England! Before the Buckingham/Nicks era of the group, Peter Green ruled the Mac roost with incredible guitar workouts like this, which made it all the way to #104 in the US, showing that our across-the-pond neighbors still had us topped in musical taste!
5.) Go Now - The Moody Blues (January 28, 1965)
Before Denny Laine became the only permanent member of Wings (Besides the McCartneys), he fronted a Justin Hayward-less version of The Moodies, giving them their first success with this heartwrenching Bessie Banks cover. Makes you wish Macca had let him sing lead a few more times doesn't it?
6.) Lily The Pink - The Scaffold (December 14, 1968 & January 11, 1969)
Silly little folk song that captured the British imagination at Christmas time in 1968, becoming the all important number one of that holiday. It also came back to the top position in the following January. Oddly enough, a version by The Irish Rovers charted in America, while this one went nowhere!
7.) Legend Of The Xanadu - Dave, Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich (March 23, 1968)
Falling in love with this beat group after their inclusion on the Deathproof soundtrack, I am beyond shocked that these guys put out a psych masterpiece that had completely missed my ears!!! Another "no charter" in the US, I believe this is one of the great lost gems from the era, deserving of a revival! Wes Anderson, put this in your next flick! BEST FORGOTTEN SONG OF THE DECADE!!!!!!!!!!
8.) Cinderella Rockefella - Esther & Abi Ofarim ( March 2, 1968)
And what, pray tell, proceeded "Xanadu"? This crazy track from Isreali pop stars! The sixties were awesome!! Fun Fact: This is reportedly the last song broadcast on Radio Caroline of Pirate Radio fame! Fun Fact # 2: it was co-written by Mason Williams, of "Classical Gas" fame!
9.) Out Of Time - Chris Farlowe (July 28, 1966)
The Stones recorded their composition first, but it took Mr. Farlowe's version (Produced by Mick Jagger himself) to make it a number one smash.
10.) Israelites - Desmond Dekker & The Aces ( April 19, 1969)
Herein lies the spark that made Reggae an international phenomenon. It inspired The Beatles, Gus Van Zant and Jimmy Cliff, just to name a few. If not for those darn Dave, Dee and "such"-ers, it would easily be my favorite of the week. However, this transcends lists because it's one of the most important tracks of all time, regardless of chart position. Rest in peace dear Desmond (He passed away in 2006)!
That was incredible! I can't wait to see what the 70's have in store for the UK charts. See ya next week!!
1.) Bad To Me - Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas (August 22, 1963)
While not my favorite Lennon/McCartney track that the two gave away (That distinction goes to "Woman", magnificently covered by Peter & Gordon), "Bad To Me" is still a fine example of how anything associated with The Fab Four turned to gold in '63/'64. Reaching number nine in the US, it holds the distinction of being the first cover song by The Beatles to hit the Billboard Charts. In the UK, it stayed at number one for three weeks before being toppled by "She Loves You".
2.) Nut Rocker - B. Bumble & the Stingers (May 17, 1962)
Ladies and gentlemen, the birth of Prog Rock! Recorded by an American instrumental group with a strange name, it went to #23 here but topped the pops in England, showing an entire generation how the classics could combine with contemporary music seamlessly.
ELP pays tribute to their forefathers!
3.) Blackberry Way - The Move (February 8, 1969)
Dark Psychedelia from future ELO'er Roy Wood. Jeff Lynne would join the group by year's end, setting the stage for those seventies titan's genesis. It is said to be an answer song to "Penny Lane", which would explain the similar cadence. Chris Martin has said that "Strawberry Swing" is Coldplay's answer song to it! The circle continues!
4.) Albatross - Fleetwood Mac (February 1, 1969)
February 1969 was a good month for chart toppers in England! Before the Buckingham/Nicks era of the group, Peter Green ruled the Mac roost with incredible guitar workouts like this, which made it all the way to #104 in the US, showing that our across-the-pond neighbors still had us topped in musical taste!
5.) Go Now - The Moody Blues (January 28, 1965)
Before Denny Laine became the only permanent member of Wings (Besides the McCartneys), he fronted a Justin Hayward-less version of The Moodies, giving them their first success with this heartwrenching Bessie Banks cover. Makes you wish Macca had let him sing lead a few more times doesn't it?
6.) Lily The Pink - The Scaffold (December 14, 1968 & January 11, 1969)
Silly little folk song that captured the British imagination at Christmas time in 1968, becoming the all important number one of that holiday. It also came back to the top position in the following January. Oddly enough, a version by The Irish Rovers charted in America, while this one went nowhere!
7.) Legend Of The Xanadu - Dave, Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich (March 23, 1968)
Falling in love with this beat group after their inclusion on the Deathproof soundtrack, I am beyond shocked that these guys put out a psych masterpiece that had completely missed my ears!!! Another "no charter" in the US, I believe this is one of the great lost gems from the era, deserving of a revival! Wes Anderson, put this in your next flick! BEST FORGOTTEN SONG OF THE DECADE!!!!!!!!!!
8.) Cinderella Rockefella - Esther & Abi Ofarim ( March 2, 1968)
And what, pray tell, proceeded "Xanadu"? This crazy track from Isreali pop stars! The sixties were awesome!! Fun Fact: This is reportedly the last song broadcast on Radio Caroline of Pirate Radio fame! Fun Fact # 2: it was co-written by Mason Williams, of "Classical Gas" fame!
9.) Out Of Time - Chris Farlowe (July 28, 1966)
The Stones recorded their composition first, but it took Mr. Farlowe's version (Produced by Mick Jagger himself) to make it a number one smash.
10.) Israelites - Desmond Dekker & The Aces ( April 19, 1969)
Herein lies the spark that made Reggae an international phenomenon. It inspired The Beatles, Gus Van Zant and Jimmy Cliff, just to name a few. If not for those darn Dave, Dee and "such"-ers, it would easily be my favorite of the week. However, this transcends lists because it's one of the most important tracks of all time, regardless of chart position. Rest in peace dear Desmond (He passed away in 2006)!
That was incredible! I can't wait to see what the 70's have in store for the UK charts. See ya next week!!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Forgotten # 1's: UK Edition
AND WE'RE BACK!!!!!!!
It took a minute, but I think I've finally come up with an interesting topic to follow for a couple of months! The fact of the matter is that in both the UK and the US countless songs have been number one singles since their respective chart's debuts in the early 50's. However, as modern listeners we've probably only heard about 35%, which leaves a gaping hole of discovery ripe for the picking!! I've decided to do each post by decade, starting with the British Charts, than switching back to the 1950s and America after the UK Aughts are sufficiently covered. This could be quite a journey: 10 songs a decade, some great, some terrible, some downright odd.......GOOD TIMES!!!!!
Let's get cracking!!!!!
Forgotten # 1's: UK Edition (The 1950's)
1.) The Day The Rains Came - Jane Morgan (January 23, 1959)
Apparently it was very important that the rain finally made its appearance! Originally recorded as a French ballad, it was translated to English and became Ms. Morgan's career milestone, besides taking over Angela Lansbury's title role in the Broadway musical Mame. Odd, but quite pretty this one.
2.) It Doesn't Matter Anymore - Buddy Holly (April 24, 1959)
Although it only made it to # 13 in America, this posthumous hit, written by Paul Anka, skyrocketed to the top of the British hit parade in the wake of Holly's death. In a canon of highly influential work, this shows the balladeer Holly might have become.
3.) When - The Kalin Twins (August 22, 1958)
Well, we can't all be The Everlys!
Classic 50's revival circuit footage from Wembley in the late 80's!!!!
4.) The Story Of My Life - Michael Holliday (February 14, 1958)
An early hit by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, this track had already topped the country charts in the US with an immaculate version by Marty Robbins before British Crooner Holliday got his hands on it. While not a definitive take, you gotta love that clipped, proper whistling!!!
5.) She Wears Red Feathers - Guy Mitchell ( March 13, 1953)
So wrong, yet so damn catchy!!!!
6.) Answer Me - Frankie Laine (November 13, 1953)
One of the only instances in pop music history where the track that proceeded and followed a number one hit was the same song by a different artist (David Whitfield did both!). England simply couldn't get enough of this, I suppose!
7.) Oh Mein Papa - Eddie Calvert (January 8, 1954)
Everybody and their mother covered this standard, but only English trumpeter Calvert took it to the top of the pops, as an instrumental no less!!
8.)Rock and Roll Waltz - Kay Starr (March 30, 1956)
Catching your parents enjoying your music wouldn't be described this brilliantly until "Surrender" by Cheap Trick 22 years later! Also topped the charts in the US, which happens less often then you would think.
9.) Cumberland Gap - Lonnie Donegan (April 12, 1957)
The father of Skiffle and the reason John Lennon picked up the guitar was number one for seven weeks with this classic. BEST FORGOTTEN SONG OF THE DECADE!!!!!
10.) A Fool Such As I - Elvis Presley (May 15, 1959)
Elvis had so many hits in both the UK and the US that it is easy to overlook a few, and this country classic originally recorded by Hank Snow was a double A-Side with "I Need You Love Tonight" that made it to the top in England but not in the King's homeland. Great vocal delivery on this one!
The 60's rears its head next week, and the UK doesn't disappoint with some forgotten gems. See ya then!
It took a minute, but I think I've finally come up with an interesting topic to follow for a couple of months! The fact of the matter is that in both the UK and the US countless songs have been number one singles since their respective chart's debuts in the early 50's. However, as modern listeners we've probably only heard about 35%, which leaves a gaping hole of discovery ripe for the picking!! I've decided to do each post by decade, starting with the British Charts, than switching back to the 1950s and America after the UK Aughts are sufficiently covered. This could be quite a journey: 10 songs a decade, some great, some terrible, some downright odd.......GOOD TIMES!!!!!
Let's get cracking!!!!!
Forgotten # 1's: UK Edition (The 1950's)
1.) The Day The Rains Came - Jane Morgan (January 23, 1959)
Apparently it was very important that the rain finally made its appearance! Originally recorded as a French ballad, it was translated to English and became Ms. Morgan's career milestone, besides taking over Angela Lansbury's title role in the Broadway musical Mame. Odd, but quite pretty this one.
2.) It Doesn't Matter Anymore - Buddy Holly (April 24, 1959)
Although it only made it to # 13 in America, this posthumous hit, written by Paul Anka, skyrocketed to the top of the British hit parade in the wake of Holly's death. In a canon of highly influential work, this shows the balladeer Holly might have become.
3.) When - The Kalin Twins (August 22, 1958)
Well, we can't all be The Everlys!
Classic 50's revival circuit footage from Wembley in the late 80's!!!!
4.) The Story Of My Life - Michael Holliday (February 14, 1958)
An early hit by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, this track had already topped the country charts in the US with an immaculate version by Marty Robbins before British Crooner Holliday got his hands on it. While not a definitive take, you gotta love that clipped, proper whistling!!!
5.) She Wears Red Feathers - Guy Mitchell ( March 13, 1953)
So wrong, yet so damn catchy!!!!
6.) Answer Me - Frankie Laine (November 13, 1953)
One of the only instances in pop music history where the track that proceeded and followed a number one hit was the same song by a different artist (David Whitfield did both!). England simply couldn't get enough of this, I suppose!
7.) Oh Mein Papa - Eddie Calvert (January 8, 1954)
Everybody and their mother covered this standard, but only English trumpeter Calvert took it to the top of the pops, as an instrumental no less!!
8.)Rock and Roll Waltz - Kay Starr (March 30, 1956)
Catching your parents enjoying your music wouldn't be described this brilliantly until "Surrender" by Cheap Trick 22 years later! Also topped the charts in the US, which happens less often then you would think.
9.) Cumberland Gap - Lonnie Donegan (April 12, 1957)
The father of Skiffle and the reason John Lennon picked up the guitar was number one for seven weeks with this classic. BEST FORGOTTEN SONG OF THE DECADE!!!!!
10.) A Fool Such As I - Elvis Presley (May 15, 1959)
Elvis had so many hits in both the UK and the US that it is easy to overlook a few, and this country classic originally recorded by Hank Snow was a double A-Side with "I Need You Love Tonight" that made it to the top in England but not in the King's homeland. Great vocal delivery on this one!
The 60's rears its head next week, and the UK doesn't disappoint with some forgotten gems. See ya then!
Monday, May 9, 2011
JDIZZY's 365 # 365: The Luckiest
The Luckiest - Ben Folds (2001)
Here we are.
When I started this project a year ago, I knew that this song would end the list. I think that's what made me keep going, more so than stubborn determination or wanting to follow through with something of this scope for the first time in my life. I knew that "The Luckiest" was waiting for me.
And it deserved to be praised.
On September 11, 2001, Ben Folds released his first proper solo album, Rockin' The Suburbs. After a few weeks, when our nation had a chance to breathe again, people began to take notice of this brilliant little set of tunes. It's now become regarded by fans as his greatest work. The wiley prankster of "Song for The Dumped" and "Army" seems to grow up here into a songwriter of extraordinary depth, only hinted at before on his biggest hit single, "Brick".
We are shown a elderly man being forced into retirement against his wishes.
We are given the Savior-like delusions of an acid casualty.
We meet a bored suburban girl who spelled her name without an H.
And we were given the most beautiful love song of the 21st Century.
"The Luckiest" captures everything holy about two people's love for each other better than any Sonnet of Shakespeare, any Song of Solomon or any Soliloquy of Sondheim. Questions are asked, alternate realities are proposed and comparisons are made, yet the one constant truth that this song shows us is that soulmates exist. There's no sense in trying to explain it away with science, psychology or cynicism. The love of your life is out there, and they will feel the same way about you.
The idea of one person being made for you can sometimes feel like the most naive , antiquated myth to ever grace the hopeful minds of human existence.
Then you meet them.
In just a few months, the woman that has made every word of this song true for me, Candice Marie Brechbiel, will change her name to Candice Marie Jewell. After she does, we will follow in the time-honored tradition of our forefathers and dance our first dance as man and wife.
And it will be to this song.
And I'll cry.
And she will too.
And that's ok, because both of our lives have been leading up to this moment.
Thank you fate, from the bottom of my heart.
Thanks to everyone who's stuck with the 365. It's been an honor.
Here we are.
When I started this project a year ago, I knew that this song would end the list. I think that's what made me keep going, more so than stubborn determination or wanting to follow through with something of this scope for the first time in my life. I knew that "The Luckiest" was waiting for me.
And it deserved to be praised.
On September 11, 2001, Ben Folds released his first proper solo album, Rockin' The Suburbs. After a few weeks, when our nation had a chance to breathe again, people began to take notice of this brilliant little set of tunes. It's now become regarded by fans as his greatest work. The wiley prankster of "Song for The Dumped" and "Army" seems to grow up here into a songwriter of extraordinary depth, only hinted at before on his biggest hit single, "Brick".
We are shown a elderly man being forced into retirement against his wishes.
We are given the Savior-like delusions of an acid casualty.
We meet a bored suburban girl who spelled her name without an H.
And we were given the most beautiful love song of the 21st Century.
"The Luckiest" captures everything holy about two people's love for each other better than any Sonnet of Shakespeare, any Song of Solomon or any Soliloquy of Sondheim. Questions are asked, alternate realities are proposed and comparisons are made, yet the one constant truth that this song shows us is that soulmates exist. There's no sense in trying to explain it away with science, psychology or cynicism. The love of your life is out there, and they will feel the same way about you.
The idea of one person being made for you can sometimes feel like the most naive , antiquated myth to ever grace the hopeful minds of human existence.
Then you meet them.
In just a few months, the woman that has made every word of this song true for me, Candice Marie Brechbiel, will change her name to Candice Marie Jewell. After she does, we will follow in the time-honored tradition of our forefathers and dance our first dance as man and wife.
And it will be to this song.
And I'll cry.
And she will too.
And that's ok, because both of our lives have been leading up to this moment.
Thank you fate, from the bottom of my heart.
Thanks to everyone who's stuck with the 365. It's been an honor.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
JDIZZY's 365 # 364: From The Darkness
From the Darkness - Spock's Beard (2010)
One of the main reasons I started this blog was to express my love for a much maligned genre of music. Besides New Age or Disco, no group of musicians were more loathed at one time the 20th century than the proggers. Amazingly, times have changed. New Age has an outstanding nationally syndicated radio prgram called Echoes to sing its praises. Disco is considered the epitome of 70's pop culture, and is roundly celebrated for its brilliant producers and artists. However, prog rock's rebirth has to be the most surprising. Not only has it been reconsidered by most music critics, but the wealth of new material is staggering ( So much so that you can walk into Barnes & Noble and puchase a magazine entitled Classic Rock Presents Prog.) Much of this has to do with three bands, and their offshoots: Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree and Spock's Beard. The band that makes the cut for the 365 is the latter. Spock's Beard truly embraces Prog's history while hurling it further into the present. Once lead by Neal Morse (who now rules Transatlantic with former Dream Theater drummer/mastermind Mike Portnoy), Spock's Beard has continued to release masterful works that challenge, entertain and stupefy all at the same time. Their current disc, X, is a doozy: track after mindnumbing track of dexterity, passion and craftmanship. If I had to pick a favorite in their 19 year career, it would be this. And the penultimate track from the disc is 17 minutes long, with not an ounce of filler. Set aside some time for "From the Darkness", pull up the lyrics on the web and listen. You will see why this album was almost completely financed by fans of the group. Who wouldn't want this music to be recorded for the ages?
Prog will continue to mutate, grow, digress and change just like any other art that we love. What's reassuring about this journey is that thanks to bands like Spock's Beard, rock's intelligent, redheaded stepchild has quite a future ahead of him!
From the Darkness by manticorelover98
One of the main reasons I started this blog was to express my love for a much maligned genre of music. Besides New Age or Disco, no group of musicians were more loathed at one time the 20th century than the proggers. Amazingly, times have changed. New Age has an outstanding nationally syndicated radio prgram called Echoes to sing its praises. Disco is considered the epitome of 70's pop culture, and is roundly celebrated for its brilliant producers and artists. However, prog rock's rebirth has to be the most surprising. Not only has it been reconsidered by most music critics, but the wealth of new material is staggering ( So much so that you can walk into Barnes & Noble and puchase a magazine entitled Classic Rock Presents Prog.) Much of this has to do with three bands, and their offshoots: Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree and Spock's Beard. The band that makes the cut for the 365 is the latter. Spock's Beard truly embraces Prog's history while hurling it further into the present. Once lead by Neal Morse (who now rules Transatlantic with former Dream Theater drummer/mastermind Mike Portnoy), Spock's Beard has continued to release masterful works that challenge, entertain and stupefy all at the same time. Their current disc, X, is a doozy: track after mindnumbing track of dexterity, passion and craftmanship. If I had to pick a favorite in their 19 year career, it would be this. And the penultimate track from the disc is 17 minutes long, with not an ounce of filler. Set aside some time for "From the Darkness", pull up the lyrics on the web and listen. You will see why this album was almost completely financed by fans of the group. Who wouldn't want this music to be recorded for the ages?
Prog will continue to mutate, grow, digress and change just like any other art that we love. What's reassuring about this journey is that thanks to bands like Spock's Beard, rock's intelligent, redheaded stepchild has quite a future ahead of him!
From the Darkness by manticorelover98
Saturday, May 7, 2011
JDIZZY's 365 # 363: The Ballad Of Booth
The Ballad Of Booth - The cast of Assassins (1990)
Broadway musicals don't get any more powerful, disturbing or brilliant then Stephen Sondheim's Assassins. This long black journey into the minds of people who have successfully or unsuccessfully tried to kill a United States President is certainly not "Oklahoma"-esque in its story or scope.First of all, the assassins themselves are set up like they are playing a shooting game at a carnival. You will feel revolted, amused, sympathetic, and moved to tears at different points of the production, which can be jarring given the historical monsters presented on stage. An original cast album by design is often just a souvenir of a show, but the Off-Broadway (and Broadway revival of 2004) Assassins albums are some of the best of their kind. Sondheim's style of jamming every word possible into the singer's libretto while still maintaining resonant melody and structure is on superb display here. Both casts handle the material in breathtaking style. If I had to pick one track to best describe the experience, it would have to be the story of the man who started it all, John Wilkes Booth. Sung by the Balladeer character and Booth himself, the audience is given the questions of a nation and the answers of a murderer. For my non-musical theatre nerd readers, I truly believe this will blow your mind. Having never seen the show myself, I know that this song did for me as well.
Broadway musicals don't get any more powerful, disturbing or brilliant then Stephen Sondheim's Assassins. This long black journey into the minds of people who have successfully or unsuccessfully tried to kill a United States President is certainly not "Oklahoma"-esque in its story or scope.First of all, the assassins themselves are set up like they are playing a shooting game at a carnival. You will feel revolted, amused, sympathetic, and moved to tears at different points of the production, which can be jarring given the historical monsters presented on stage. An original cast album by design is often just a souvenir of a show, but the Off-Broadway (and Broadway revival of 2004) Assassins albums are some of the best of their kind. Sondheim's style of jamming every word possible into the singer's libretto while still maintaining resonant melody and structure is on superb display here. Both casts handle the material in breathtaking style. If I had to pick one track to best describe the experience, it would have to be the story of the man who started it all, John Wilkes Booth. Sung by the Balladeer character and Booth himself, the audience is given the questions of a nation and the answers of a murderer. For my non-musical theatre nerd readers, I truly believe this will blow your mind. Having never seen the show myself, I know that this song did for me as well.
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