100 Pop Songs (11 to 20)

Again in no particular order ...

(11) Manfred Mann’s Earth Band - Starbird

This song was the B-side for “Blinded By The Light” and in my opinion far superior to that song. Sadly not many people from that time shared my enthusiasm, which I guess is why it only made it to the flip side of the single. I still love it though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY-EwIsqjNk

(12) Donna Summer – I Feel Love

It is a bit of a shock for some that I love this quintessential, synthesizer-driven electro-pop classic from the seventies disco diva Donna Summer, when I claim to be an old rocker. In my defence I was around twelve at the time of its release (but I still love the song).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_AqSbgKKS8

(13) Electric Light Orchestra – Turn To Stone

ELO were my favourite band in the seventies (well until I discovered heavy metal anyway). Taken from the brilliant “Out of the Blue” double album, this is Jeff Lynne and the boys at their very best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itv6Kt8M-v4

(14) Supertramp – Fool’s Overture

Yet another spine-tingler from one of the most underrated bands of the seventies. “Fool’s Overture” has absolutely everything you could wish for, an impressive ten minute roller coaster ride of emotion. It is a truly glorious epic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzlT0AmQKMY

(15) 10CC – I’m Not In Love

10CC have never written a better song. It reminds me of failed attempts at trying to attract members of the opposite sex as an ugly spotty adolescent. I had neither the courage nor the charm to chat up girls and on the rare occasions I did so I failed spectacularly. So I pretended to be friends, struggling with inner turmoil to take it one step further. Despite the trauma of those years, I still love the song. The meaning is more touching to me now because it reminds me of that past despondency.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIiWBPdhPH8

(16) Electric Light Orchestra – Mr Blue Sky

Another gem from “Out Of The Blue” and the perfect remedy for a rainy day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98P-gu_vMRc

(17) Elvis Costello – Pump It Up

Elvis Costello is known for writing some classic songs but in my opinion this is by far his best, even being covered a few years ago by The Wildhearts, one of my favourite bands, thus proving that it has stood the test of time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fbhIzN9-p0

(18) The Moody Blues – I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)

Whenever I mention the Moody Blues, most people immediately think of their enormous hit “Nights In White Satin”. While that is a great song, this one is much better – a cracking number.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-ZcBFeF1a0

(19) Gerry Rafferty – Baker Street

I read an article once claiming that Bob Holness, the presenter of children’s quiz show “Blockbusters”, played the saxophone solo on “Baker Street”, and for a split second I actually believed it. That urban myth aside, the song itself is possibly my favourite single of the seventies. This is yet another classic that has been covered by one of my favourite current bands, The Foo Fighters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgbGaYTkkPU

(20) Jeff Wayne – The Eve Of The War

“The War Of The Worlds” is an epic musical masterpiece based on one of my favourite stories. The opening track, “Eve Of The War” is the best possible introduction to that album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFfZFvvuXWc

21 to 30 to follow ...