The next instalment – vaguely chronological …
(11) Nazareth – Freewheeler
From the album “Loud ’n’ Proud”, “Freewheeler” is a bouncy little rock track that gets me bouncing along with it. I love Nazareth, especially Dan McCafferty’s gravely voice. This song is typical of the band in the 1970’s and is highly infectious. Sadly, it is not widely available for you to enjoy but if you get the chance ever, listen to “Loud ‘n’ Proud” and I’m sure you will agree with me.
(12) Rainbow - Stargazer
When Ritchie Blackmore left Deep Purple he went on to form his own band called Rainbow. The band’s second album, “Rising”, is arguably the greatest rock album of the 1970’s – it is certainly my favourite album. The line up included Ronnie James Dio, one of the greatest rock vocalists ever and Cozy Powell, one of the greatest drummers. “Stargazer” is the band’s magnum opus, clocking in at an amazing eight and a half minutes. Epic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnyoy2w9atg
(13) Rainbow – A Light In The Black
Also from “Rising”, the song “A Light In The Black” is a kind of sequel to “Stargazer”. Also clocking in at eight minutes plus, the song is as good (if not better) than “Stargazer” and features great keyboard/guitar solos accompanied magnificently by the power of Cozy Powell pummelling the drums. Side two of “Rising” features “Stargazer” followed immediately by “A Light In The Black” giving the listener almost seventeen minutes of rock bliss. Titanic!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay8Wty8UWr4
(14) Blue Öyster Cult – (Don’t Fear) The Reaper
“(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” is simply brilliant. I bought the album “Agents Of Fortune” on the strength of this song, and while the remainder of the album is fairly average, this song stands out like a skyscraper in a field. I particularly like the guitar solo that splits the song, giving it the menace that the title implies. Classic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlUzY3TDhpg
(15) Pink Floyd – Sheep
“Animals” is a bizarre addition to the Pink Floyd catalogue but includes my favourite song by the band. “Sheep” has everything element I love about the band. The song is menacing and when I first heard it I thought to myself, how can a song about sheep be menacing? Listen to it – it is. I particularly like the final guitar piece with Dave Gilmour at his very best. Amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGurfyISnN8
(16) AC/DC – Whole Lotta Rosie
AC/DC are incredible, creating exciting rock songs that never cease to amaze. The band has faced major adversity; when their charismatic first vocalist Bon Scott died it seemed like the band wouldn’t survive. Yet it did. “Whole Lotta Rosie” is my favourite song of the Bon Scott years and shows just what a superb band they are. I rate Angus Young as one of the greatest guitarists. Brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPwxD94IBkE
(17) The Scorpions – We’ll Burn The Sky
The Scorpions have been around for years, despite the fact that the majority of people think that they were one hit wonders with the ballad “Wind Of Change” (which incidentally I can’t stand). In the 1970’s I bought “Tokyo Tapes”, a live recording in (you’ve guessed it) Japan. The album captures The Scorpions at their very best and the song “We’ll Burn The Sky” is the peak of that superb album. At over eight minutes it is part ballad and part rock blockbuster. Listen to the song and get your air guitar ready at the end. I promise you, you will love it. Mesmerizing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqsfup2faVg
(18) UFO – Lights Out
The first rock album I bought was “Strangers In The Night” by UFO, a live album recorded in Chicago. I played it to death, so much in fact that it is barely survived. The album shows UFO at their peak, in my view. “Lights Out” is a typical fist pounding song from the album. You’ll need that air guitar again …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2r1zIEairY
(19) UFO – Rock Bottom
… and don’t put it down. From the same album, the song “Rock Bottom” is the greatest song that UFO have ever penned. The version on “Stranger’s In The Night” is pure perfection. Clocking in at a jaw-breaking eleven and a half minutes it represents the band at their zenith.
Genius.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0SyKM6PDAM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfLPYKe1zOg
(20) Gillan - Roller
“Roller” from Ian Gillan’s “Mr Universe” album is a great little rock number. Sadly, again, it is not widely available but if you get the chance to listen to “Mr Universe”, crank up the volume and enjoy “Roller” in all its glory. Explosive.
21 to 30 to follow ...
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
Sunday, 15 June 2008
100 Rock Songs (1 To 10)
It was very difficult to whittle down my vast collection of rock music to a mere one hundred songs but I managed it. Here and for the next few posts, I will try to reveal those rock classics I have loved and still love over the decades. These songs are unbeatable in my eyes so here goes – again the order is chronological because as difficult as it was to trim the list to one hundred, it would be impossible to order them.
Enjoy …
(1) Led Zeppelin – Dazed And Confused
Led Zeppelin were one of the pioneers of rock music and, as this song demonstrates, have their roots firmly in blues music. Lyrically this song is a triumph. Robert Plant’s voice is at its brilliant best; Jimmy Page is a master on the guitar; John Paul Jones is a maestro on the bass guitar; Jon Bonham is a legend. Magnificent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eIwfym0TbY
(2) Deep Purple – Child In Time
Talking of pioneers, Deep Purple are up there with Led Zeppelin. Deep Purple, whose career spans decades, were and are still one of my favourite bands of all time. Over the years, they have produced many classics songs. “Child In Time” is one of my favourites and epitomizes the band at their very best. Ian Gillan’s vocal range is immense and this song demonstrates this range to the full. Of all the line ups, the “Mark IV” is my favourite. Ritchie Blackmore shows why he is regarded as one of the top guitarists in the world, and is ably accompanied by Ian Paice, John Lord and Roger Glover. Legendary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJCTrolF3CY
(3) Pink Floyd – One Of These Days
I first heard “One Of These Days” on a compilation album containing so-called “dance songs” by Pink Floyd, a band I would hardly describe as a creator of dance music. That said, the song does appeal to a wider range of people than your average Pink Floyd track, simply because you could dance to it, if you were so inclined, I guess. Personally I wouldn’t do so but that’s just me. The opening bass, drums and keyboard set the scene beautifully before the guitar joins the party. For me, the appeal is not the fact that it is a foot-tapper; there is a menacing undertone that becomes evident later on when the distorted vocal appears, for a few seconds only. Brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQvG2SMVl84
(4) Deep Purple – Highway Star
“Highway Star” is my favourite song by Deep Purple. Putting it simply this song is the quintessential classic rock track. I have been lucky enough to see the “Mark IV” line up perform the song in their later years, before Ritchie Blackmore called it a day finally, and it was the highlight of the concert for me. It does not get any better than this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgZSnAkQc4c
(5) Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven
This song is arguably Led Zeppelin at their peak. I can’t listen to this song without tears of pure joy running down my cheeks. From the faultless acoustic beginning, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page lead us through perfection and eventually the bass and drums join to help us all reach a crescendo of pure ecstasy of classic rock heaven. Wonderful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayzhJKy8H_A
(6) Alice Cooper – Elected
How can this song have passed me by for so many years? Well in 1972 when the song was released I was too young to appreciate it – in fact I don’t actually recall ever hearing it in the seventies. All that changed when I saw Alice Cooper live about six years ago. “Elected” was the encore and the die hard Alice Cooper fans almost exploded in rapture. I was so enthralled that I went on a crusade to discover this masterpiece and haven’t looked back since. Unbelievably good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NawhWb8Uu5E
(7) Jethro Tull – Thick As A Brick
“Thick As A Brick” isn’t just a song – it is a dazzling concept album, performed with tongue firmly implanted in cheek. It is a fun album from an eccentric rock star, the unique Ian Anderson. Sadly the excerpt below doesn’t do the album justice. You really must listen to it in its entirety to fully appreciate just how good it is. Magnificent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toHlMD50eYY
(8) Black Sabbath – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
Black Sabbath are much maligned and extremely misunderstood. People who know nothing about the band and their origins just assume that the songs are played in satanic devil worship rituals. Those people should read about the band and listen to the music – especially the lyrics. “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” is the best song the band has written, for me typifying why this legendary band has so many fans and are the inspiration for many later bands. Dark and scary!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnsOAnojFVM
(9) Pink Floyd - Money
The album “Dark Side Of The Moon” propelled Pink Floyd into the stratosphere. I love the album and “Money” is the biggest diamond amongst the gems. Dave Gilmour’s guitar work on the track is tremendous and invites every rock fan to pick up their air guitars. Breath-taking.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXQg7Oir1Bg
(10) Lynyrd Skynyrd - Freebird
“Freebird” is one of those songs that most people know or at least have heard of. Why? Well, simply because “Freebird” is one of the best classic rock anthems of all time. The first half of the song is a classic piece of melodic rock before in the second half, the band cranks up several gears and ascends into an epic guitar solo that takes the listener into rock heaven.
Remarkable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PENBU3lrpE&feature=related
11 to 20 to follow ...
Enjoy …
(1) Led Zeppelin – Dazed And Confused
Led Zeppelin were one of the pioneers of rock music and, as this song demonstrates, have their roots firmly in blues music. Lyrically this song is a triumph. Robert Plant’s voice is at its brilliant best; Jimmy Page is a master on the guitar; John Paul Jones is a maestro on the bass guitar; Jon Bonham is a legend. Magnificent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eIwfym0TbY
(2) Deep Purple – Child In Time
Talking of pioneers, Deep Purple are up there with Led Zeppelin. Deep Purple, whose career spans decades, were and are still one of my favourite bands of all time. Over the years, they have produced many classics songs. “Child In Time” is one of my favourites and epitomizes the band at their very best. Ian Gillan’s vocal range is immense and this song demonstrates this range to the full. Of all the line ups, the “Mark IV” is my favourite. Ritchie Blackmore shows why he is regarded as one of the top guitarists in the world, and is ably accompanied by Ian Paice, John Lord and Roger Glover. Legendary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJCTrolF3CY
(3) Pink Floyd – One Of These Days
I first heard “One Of These Days” on a compilation album containing so-called “dance songs” by Pink Floyd, a band I would hardly describe as a creator of dance music. That said, the song does appeal to a wider range of people than your average Pink Floyd track, simply because you could dance to it, if you were so inclined, I guess. Personally I wouldn’t do so but that’s just me. The opening bass, drums and keyboard set the scene beautifully before the guitar joins the party. For me, the appeal is not the fact that it is a foot-tapper; there is a menacing undertone that becomes evident later on when the distorted vocal appears, for a few seconds only. Brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQvG2SMVl84
(4) Deep Purple – Highway Star
“Highway Star” is my favourite song by Deep Purple. Putting it simply this song is the quintessential classic rock track. I have been lucky enough to see the “Mark IV” line up perform the song in their later years, before Ritchie Blackmore called it a day finally, and it was the highlight of the concert for me. It does not get any better than this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgZSnAkQc4c
(5) Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven
This song is arguably Led Zeppelin at their peak. I can’t listen to this song without tears of pure joy running down my cheeks. From the faultless acoustic beginning, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page lead us through perfection and eventually the bass and drums join to help us all reach a crescendo of pure ecstasy of classic rock heaven. Wonderful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayzhJKy8H_A
(6) Alice Cooper – Elected
How can this song have passed me by for so many years? Well in 1972 when the song was released I was too young to appreciate it – in fact I don’t actually recall ever hearing it in the seventies. All that changed when I saw Alice Cooper live about six years ago. “Elected” was the encore and the die hard Alice Cooper fans almost exploded in rapture. I was so enthralled that I went on a crusade to discover this masterpiece and haven’t looked back since. Unbelievably good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NawhWb8Uu5E
(7) Jethro Tull – Thick As A Brick
“Thick As A Brick” isn’t just a song – it is a dazzling concept album, performed with tongue firmly implanted in cheek. It is a fun album from an eccentric rock star, the unique Ian Anderson. Sadly the excerpt below doesn’t do the album justice. You really must listen to it in its entirety to fully appreciate just how good it is. Magnificent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toHlMD50eYY
(8) Black Sabbath – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
Black Sabbath are much maligned and extremely misunderstood. People who know nothing about the band and their origins just assume that the songs are played in satanic devil worship rituals. Those people should read about the band and listen to the music – especially the lyrics. “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” is the best song the band has written, for me typifying why this legendary band has so many fans and are the inspiration for many later bands. Dark and scary!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnsOAnojFVM
(9) Pink Floyd - Money
The album “Dark Side Of The Moon” propelled Pink Floyd into the stratosphere. I love the album and “Money” is the biggest diamond amongst the gems. Dave Gilmour’s guitar work on the track is tremendous and invites every rock fan to pick up their air guitars. Breath-taking.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXQg7Oir1Bg
(10) Lynyrd Skynyrd - Freebird
“Freebird” is one of those songs that most people know or at least have heard of. Why? Well, simply because “Freebird” is one of the best classic rock anthems of all time. The first half of the song is a classic piece of melodic rock before in the second half, the band cranks up several gears and ascends into an epic guitar solo that takes the listener into rock heaven.
Remarkable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PENBU3lrpE&feature=related
11 to 20 to follow ...
Sunday, 8 June 2008
100 Pop Songs (91 to 100)
The home straight - again roughly chronological ...
(91) Supergrass – Moving
This is another great song by Supergrass; at the time the band could so nothing wrong in my eyes. Great song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imIb7maKfn8
(92) A-ha – Minor Earth Major Sky
I was amazed when I heard that one of my favourite bands of the eighties had reformed in 2000. I discovered by accident really when I saw the video for “Minor Earth Major Sky” on MTV Russia whilst sitting in a boring hotel room on the outskirts of Moscow in the middle of winter. I had nothing to do but watch music all night – but if I hadn’t done that I would never have discovered this masterpiece. Beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98W0aHuKrZE
(93) Moby - Rushing
Moby is another artist I would never have admitted to liking. At a dinner party, our host put on the album “Play” by Moby as background music and I found myself drawn to it and away from the conversation. It is a superb chill out album of which “Rushing” is a cool and wonderful example of how brilliant it is. I bought the album the next day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHLweEgpcc8
(94) Moby - Porcelain
“Porcelain” is the best song on “Play” – it is a real spine tingler. Perfect for chilling out to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1Fcaro25Ek
(95) Gary Numan – RIP
How Gary Numan has changed over the years. This song is a magnificently dark song is more reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails than the early eighties stuff. He has certainly improved with age.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18lGIU5vjds
(96) Coldplay – God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
I always thought that Coldplay were a flash in the pan, loved by pseudo intellectuals and those who claimed to like “intelligent” music with pretentious lyrics and boring tunes. And I stood by that until I heard two songs by the band. The first, “God Put A Smile Upon Your Face” is a wonderful song with a great thought-provoking video …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O_Sg0oUJ-4
(97) Coldplay – Clocks
… and the second is the beautiful “Clocks”. Such was the appeal of the opening piano on the song that I immediately made it my mobile phone ring tone – at least for a while. It is a truly beautiful song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9j_RZDqYc4
(98) Kaiser Chiefs – I Predict A Riot
I loved this song the very second I heard it. It a great piece of pop music with a fantastic chorus that sticks like glue into the depths of your subconscious mind. I was so impressed that I bought the album.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWnUwoZFw28
(99) Kaiser Chiefs – Caroline, Yes
And from that album, full of great songs, comes “Caroline, Yes”. This was not a single but there is something I love about the song. Like the previous song, it stays in your head – but not in bad way. Brilliant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDURdpm2uPk
(100) Kasabian – Empire
Kasabian are a great band and their singles have been superb. “Empire” is the opening epic track from their second album and the accompanying video is as epic as the song. Impressive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSKxXu05aOE
And that’s it for “pop” songs – I think I’ll struggle to cut down my favourite “rock” songs to a mere 100 but I think I’ll have a go …
(91) Supergrass – Moving
This is another great song by Supergrass; at the time the band could so nothing wrong in my eyes. Great song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imIb7maKfn8
(92) A-ha – Minor Earth Major Sky
I was amazed when I heard that one of my favourite bands of the eighties had reformed in 2000. I discovered by accident really when I saw the video for “Minor Earth Major Sky” on MTV Russia whilst sitting in a boring hotel room on the outskirts of Moscow in the middle of winter. I had nothing to do but watch music all night – but if I hadn’t done that I would never have discovered this masterpiece. Beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98W0aHuKrZE
(93) Moby - Rushing
Moby is another artist I would never have admitted to liking. At a dinner party, our host put on the album “Play” by Moby as background music and I found myself drawn to it and away from the conversation. It is a superb chill out album of which “Rushing” is a cool and wonderful example of how brilliant it is. I bought the album the next day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHLweEgpcc8
(94) Moby - Porcelain
“Porcelain” is the best song on “Play” – it is a real spine tingler. Perfect for chilling out to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1Fcaro25Ek
(95) Gary Numan – RIP
How Gary Numan has changed over the years. This song is a magnificently dark song is more reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails than the early eighties stuff. He has certainly improved with age.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18lGIU5vjds
(96) Coldplay – God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
I always thought that Coldplay were a flash in the pan, loved by pseudo intellectuals and those who claimed to like “intelligent” music with pretentious lyrics and boring tunes. And I stood by that until I heard two songs by the band. The first, “God Put A Smile Upon Your Face” is a wonderful song with a great thought-provoking video …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O_Sg0oUJ-4
(97) Coldplay – Clocks
… and the second is the beautiful “Clocks”. Such was the appeal of the opening piano on the song that I immediately made it my mobile phone ring tone – at least for a while. It is a truly beautiful song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9j_RZDqYc4
(98) Kaiser Chiefs – I Predict A Riot
I loved this song the very second I heard it. It a great piece of pop music with a fantastic chorus that sticks like glue into the depths of your subconscious mind. I was so impressed that I bought the album.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWnUwoZFw28
(99) Kaiser Chiefs – Caroline, Yes
And from that album, full of great songs, comes “Caroline, Yes”. This was not a single but there is something I love about the song. Like the previous song, it stays in your head – but not in bad way. Brilliant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDURdpm2uPk
(100) Kasabian – Empire
Kasabian are a great band and their singles have been superb. “Empire” is the opening epic track from their second album and the accompanying video is as epic as the song. Impressive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSKxXu05aOE
And that’s it for “pop” songs – I think I’ll struggle to cut down my favourite “rock” songs to a mere 100 but I think I’ll have a go …
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
100 Pop Songs (81 to 90)
Not long to go now ...
(81) Air – All I Need
“All I Need” is another beautiful song by Air from the album “Moon Safari”. Again, it’s a mellow masterpiece but with the added bonus of having a wonderful vocalist (Beth Hirsch) whose voice is truly gorgeous. A spine-tingler of a song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkgfmWfJ11s
(82) Apollo 440 – Lost In Space
As a kid, I loved the series “Lost In Space” and the theme tune was excellent. I was delighted when the series was made into a film but must admit to being quite disappointed when I finally saw it. However, the one good thing was the version of the original theme produced by Apollo 440, a true rocker of a song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pR_wzFCmnY
(83) Blur – Song 2
Blur never ceased to amaze me. I’ve never been a real fan of the band but in the numerous songs they have produced a couple of sparklers, none better than “Song 2” with Blur at their rocking best. Short and powerful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0Xl0ZEKJzo
(84) Depeche Mode - Home
“Home” is the most moving song that Depeche Mode have ever written. The album “Ultra” is my second favourite album by the band and this is the best song on that album. Still brings a tear to my eyes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIdu1mknITo
(85) Oasis – D’ya Know What I Mean
The album “Be Here Now” was the most hyped album I have come across in recent years and I was sucked in alongside every other person who lived “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory”. When this single was released I thought to myself “This band is just getting better and better”. Sadly, the rest of the album is a massive disappointment. However, the band hasn’t produced a track as superb as this. Epic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu-q8BUsAtE
(86) Radiohead – Karma Police
Radiohead are one of those bands you either love or hate; to be honest I don’t really like them. There are a couple of exceptional tracks though, “Karma Police” being the best by some distance. This is also a case where the video sold the song to me. The song is depressing and the video more so – but both are brilliant. The video in particular is one of my favourites of the nineties.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LeLAELIxKY
(87) Republica – Ready To Go
“Ready To Go” is an infectious pop song, given a rock feel for its release as a single. Great beat, great vocals, great chorus and used on loads of sports programmes. Awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3BmxjhmN20
(88) Supergrass – Richard III
I really like “Richard III”, a great little rocker from a superb band. I wasn’t too keen on them at first but over the years they have grown on me a lot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISHulhCmVb4
(89) Garbage – I Think I’m Paranoid
I really loved “Stupid Girl” but when I heard “I Think I’m Paranoid” I was totally blown away by it, so much so that I bought the album. I love everything about the song, the vocals, the guitars the drums. An awesome song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMmoXoJkojA
(90) Roxette – I Wish I Could Fly
There aren’t many songs as beautiful as “I Wish I Could Fly” by Roxette. Wonderful – what more can I say?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moaO7f6-tws
91 to 100 to follow ....
(81) Air – All I Need
“All I Need” is another beautiful song by Air from the album “Moon Safari”. Again, it’s a mellow masterpiece but with the added bonus of having a wonderful vocalist (Beth Hirsch) whose voice is truly gorgeous. A spine-tingler of a song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkgfmWfJ11s
(82) Apollo 440 – Lost In Space
As a kid, I loved the series “Lost In Space” and the theme tune was excellent. I was delighted when the series was made into a film but must admit to being quite disappointed when I finally saw it. However, the one good thing was the version of the original theme produced by Apollo 440, a true rocker of a song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pR_wzFCmnY
(83) Blur – Song 2
Blur never ceased to amaze me. I’ve never been a real fan of the band but in the numerous songs they have produced a couple of sparklers, none better than “Song 2” with Blur at their rocking best. Short and powerful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0Xl0ZEKJzo
(84) Depeche Mode - Home
“Home” is the most moving song that Depeche Mode have ever written. The album “Ultra” is my second favourite album by the band and this is the best song on that album. Still brings a tear to my eyes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIdu1mknITo
(85) Oasis – D’ya Know What I Mean
The album “Be Here Now” was the most hyped album I have come across in recent years and I was sucked in alongside every other person who lived “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory”. When this single was released I thought to myself “This band is just getting better and better”. Sadly, the rest of the album is a massive disappointment. However, the band hasn’t produced a track as superb as this. Epic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu-q8BUsAtE
(86) Radiohead – Karma Police
Radiohead are one of those bands you either love or hate; to be honest I don’t really like them. There are a couple of exceptional tracks though, “Karma Police” being the best by some distance. This is also a case where the video sold the song to me. The song is depressing and the video more so – but both are brilliant. The video in particular is one of my favourites of the nineties.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LeLAELIxKY
(87) Republica – Ready To Go
“Ready To Go” is an infectious pop song, given a rock feel for its release as a single. Great beat, great vocals, great chorus and used on loads of sports programmes. Awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3BmxjhmN20
(88) Supergrass – Richard III
I really like “Richard III”, a great little rocker from a superb band. I wasn’t too keen on them at first but over the years they have grown on me a lot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISHulhCmVb4
(89) Garbage – I Think I’m Paranoid
I really loved “Stupid Girl” but when I heard “I Think I’m Paranoid” I was totally blown away by it, so much so that I bought the album. I love everything about the song, the vocals, the guitars the drums. An awesome song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMmoXoJkojA
(90) Roxette – I Wish I Could Fly
There aren’t many songs as beautiful as “I Wish I Could Fly” by Roxette. Wonderful – what more can I say?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moaO7f6-tws
91 to 100 to follow ....
Monday, 2 June 2008
100 Pop Songs (71 to 80)
Very roughly chronological again ...
(71) R.E.M. – Man On The Moon
I loved “Man On The Moon”, the biopic of Andy Kaufman, played superbly by Jim Carrey. To be honest I’d only seen Andy Kaufman in Taxi playing Latka Gravas and had no idea he was such a tragic cult figure. R.E.M.’s song of the same name also refers to Andy Kaufman and stands out in its own right.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs4pTCqhTfY
(72) The Rolling Stones – Sympathy For The Devil
“Sympathy For The Devil” is an absolute classic from the legendary Rolling Stones. Released initially in 1968, I didn’t really listen to it in anger until 1994 when Guns ’n’ Roses released a superb cover of the song. I was so impressed that I dug out the original – only to find it was much better. Top tune!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM-VvLvmV6o
(73) Pulp – I Spy
“Common People” was a classic from the album “Different Class” and it almost made it into this list. The only thing that stopped it was an even better track from the same album called “I Spy” which I think defines Pulp at their very best. Epic!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxdgvpC3v0g
(74) Iggy Pop – Lust For Life
Everybody loved the film “Trainspotting” but for me the highlight was the fantastic “Lust For Life” from the incomparable Iggy Pop. This song has everything I love in a song; mad lyrics, pounding stomping beat and sung by an eccentric. Perfect!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tERKErLwii4
(75) The Lightning Seeds With Frank Skinner and David Baddiel – Three Lions
Now I know that David Baddiel can’t sing and that Frank Skinner’s voice is bizarre, but this song is by far the best football song ever written. I was totally caught up in Euro 96, especially as it was in England and the highlight was the 4-1 destruction of Holland with the England crowd singing “It’s Coming Home, It’s Coming Home, It’s Coming. Football’s Coming Home”. Brings tears to my eyes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96-zW2c8H2o
(76) Massive Attack - Teardrop
In the mid-nineties I was introduced to the concept of “chill out” music; although in my opinion such music had existed for many years it gained a name and therefore became cool. Cool or not, “Teardrop” is a supreme example of this style of music and I swear there is nothing better than listening to it in a darkened room with candles, cuddling the woman you love. Massive!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG8eQBSp9Ao
(77) Morcheeba - Bulletproof
Moving on with the chill out theme, “Big Calm” by Morcheeba is another outstanding album full of wonderful relaxing songs. One of my favourites is the excellent “Bulletproof” …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2l6824IQZY
(78) Morcheeba – The Sea
… but the best and coolest song on the album is “The Sea”, which conjures up an image of lying on a beach watching the world go by while sipping an ice cold glass of white wine with the one you love. Absolutely amazing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnCS25z18pI
(79) Robbie Williams – Let Me Entertain You
It seemed incredible that I could ever like anything from the pop machine that brought the world “Take That!” I despise boy bands with every cell in my ageing body and would love to ban bands like “Boyzone”, “Westlife” etc. to a desert island with no recording equipment of any kind. But there is an exception and that is Robbie Williams, who has produced a couple of gems – none better than this magnificent song with its accompanying Kiss-tribute video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RxuPiHGj0o
(80) Air – Le Femme D’Argent
“Moon Safari” is in my top five pop albums of all time and the French duo are the masters of producing atmospheric and ambient chill out music. Of all the beautiful tracks on that album, none is better than the epic opener, “La femme d’argent”, an instrumental masterpiece. Turn up the volume, turn down the lights, light those candles and lie down with you loved one in acoustic bliss.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NINOxRxze9k
81 to 90 to follow ...
(71) R.E.M. – Man On The Moon
I loved “Man On The Moon”, the biopic of Andy Kaufman, played superbly by Jim Carrey. To be honest I’d only seen Andy Kaufman in Taxi playing Latka Gravas and had no idea he was such a tragic cult figure. R.E.M.’s song of the same name also refers to Andy Kaufman and stands out in its own right.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs4pTCqhTfY
(72) The Rolling Stones – Sympathy For The Devil
“Sympathy For The Devil” is an absolute classic from the legendary Rolling Stones. Released initially in 1968, I didn’t really listen to it in anger until 1994 when Guns ’n’ Roses released a superb cover of the song. I was so impressed that I dug out the original – only to find it was much better. Top tune!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM-VvLvmV6o
(73) Pulp – I Spy
“Common People” was a classic from the album “Different Class” and it almost made it into this list. The only thing that stopped it was an even better track from the same album called “I Spy” which I think defines Pulp at their very best. Epic!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxdgvpC3v0g
(74) Iggy Pop – Lust For Life
Everybody loved the film “Trainspotting” but for me the highlight was the fantastic “Lust For Life” from the incomparable Iggy Pop. This song has everything I love in a song; mad lyrics, pounding stomping beat and sung by an eccentric. Perfect!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tERKErLwii4
(75) The Lightning Seeds With Frank Skinner and David Baddiel – Three Lions
Now I know that David Baddiel can’t sing and that Frank Skinner’s voice is bizarre, but this song is by far the best football song ever written. I was totally caught up in Euro 96, especially as it was in England and the highlight was the 4-1 destruction of Holland with the England crowd singing “It’s Coming Home, It’s Coming Home, It’s Coming. Football’s Coming Home”. Brings tears to my eyes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96-zW2c8H2o
(76) Massive Attack - Teardrop
In the mid-nineties I was introduced to the concept of “chill out” music; although in my opinion such music had existed for many years it gained a name and therefore became cool. Cool or not, “Teardrop” is a supreme example of this style of music and I swear there is nothing better than listening to it in a darkened room with candles, cuddling the woman you love. Massive!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG8eQBSp9Ao
(77) Morcheeba - Bulletproof
Moving on with the chill out theme, “Big Calm” by Morcheeba is another outstanding album full of wonderful relaxing songs. One of my favourites is the excellent “Bulletproof” …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2l6824IQZY
(78) Morcheeba – The Sea
… but the best and coolest song on the album is “The Sea”, which conjures up an image of lying on a beach watching the world go by while sipping an ice cold glass of white wine with the one you love. Absolutely amazing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnCS25z18pI
(79) Robbie Williams – Let Me Entertain You
It seemed incredible that I could ever like anything from the pop machine that brought the world “Take That!” I despise boy bands with every cell in my ageing body and would love to ban bands like “Boyzone”, “Westlife” etc. to a desert island with no recording equipment of any kind. But there is an exception and that is Robbie Williams, who has produced a couple of gems – none better than this magnificent song with its accompanying Kiss-tribute video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RxuPiHGj0o
(80) Air – Le Femme D’Argent
“Moon Safari” is in my top five pop albums of all time and the French duo are the masters of producing atmospheric and ambient chill out music. Of all the beautiful tracks on that album, none is better than the epic opener, “La femme d’argent”, an instrumental masterpiece. Turn up the volume, turn down the lights, light those candles and lie down with you loved one in acoustic bliss.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NINOxRxze9k
81 to 90 to follow ...
Sunday, 1 June 2008
100 Pop Songs (61 to 70)
Vaguely chronological again ...
(61) Sisters Of Mercy – This Corrosion
Again, this song probably qualifies as a rock song but what the hell, it’s a little too gothic for that in my opinion so I’m including it as a pop song. The video introduced me to the band (I had never heard of them before) and I was so impressed that I bough the album “Floodland” as a result, only to find that the album version of this song was twice the length, a fantastic surprise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boinZ5BIlkw
(62) Sisters Of Mercy – Lucretia, My Reflection
“Floodland” is an outstanding album and this song is another diamond. I love how dark the song is and the constant bass line and drum beat add to the menacing overtones of the vocals. Gothic rock at its zenith.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuezNswtRfo&feature=related
(63) Julian Cope – World, Shut Your Mouth
Another foot stomper from the unique talent that is Julian Cope, with a pounding drum beat and a highly infectious sing-a-long chorus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa8gYL_SC9o
(64) Billy Idol – Hot In The City
I missed the original version of this song in 1982 but caught the remixed and re-released version in 1987. I don’t know what purists think but the latter remixed version is much more of a stomper than its predecessor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXEJvckWZ7I&feature=related
(65) Julian Cope – Charlotte Anne
This is a stunning song that is unlike the previous other tracks I’ve listed from Julian Cope. Unlike those songs, “Charlotte Anne” is a bit of a spine-tingler for me. A timeless classic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbhA8kf0Ym4
(66) Depeche Mode - Clean
Depeche Mode were very prominent in the early eighties, coming across as a squeaky clean pure pop band. Those early songs were okay but didn’t set my world alight. All that changed with the album “Violator” where the band suddenly took a different direction with a harder and darker edge to their music. It is still one of my favourite albums and the best track is the brilliant “Clean”, that reminds me in places of Pink Floyd.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7uaX2S9cwE
(67) Enya – Caribbean Blue
Sometimes there is nothing better than to relax listening to a little bit of atmospheric music and there are few artists who produce more calming and beautiful music than Enya. From the album “Shepherd Moons”, this song is so exquisite that it makes me want to cry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae68NB-mOe4
(68) R.E.M. – Losing My Religion
I loved this song the moment I heard it. REM had been around for a while and were about to become huge. Thankfully, before they released “Shiny Happy People”, this song just crawled into the top twenty and was proof for me that the band was much more than a producer of pop pap (which “Shiny Happy People” had in abundance).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NQeSIkw3X0
(69) Richard Marx – Hazard
I hate the likes of Michael Bolton and other purveyors of sentimental AOR bilge and when I heard Richard Marx’s first big single “Right Here Waiting For You” I despised it with venom. A couple of years later, he released “Hazard” and I was flabbergasted. It is a beautiful sad AOR ballad that I never thought I would like. Lyrically it is wonderful and is yet another song that sadly makes me blub like a baby. Wonderful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgJffiGHz7M
(70) Depeche Mode – I Feel You
My favourite song by Depeche Mode is “I Feel You” from the follow up to “Violator” called “Songs Of Faith And Devotion”. It is even darker than their previous singles and is a real heavy stomper of a song that is totally different from ay of their earlier poppy efforts. Pounding drums and guitar – something I would never have expected. Delightful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi5PvVS6ZPg&feature=related
71 to 80 to follow ...
(61) Sisters Of Mercy – This Corrosion
Again, this song probably qualifies as a rock song but what the hell, it’s a little too gothic for that in my opinion so I’m including it as a pop song. The video introduced me to the band (I had never heard of them before) and I was so impressed that I bough the album “Floodland” as a result, only to find that the album version of this song was twice the length, a fantastic surprise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boinZ5BIlkw
(62) Sisters Of Mercy – Lucretia, My Reflection
“Floodland” is an outstanding album and this song is another diamond. I love how dark the song is and the constant bass line and drum beat add to the menacing overtones of the vocals. Gothic rock at its zenith.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuezNswtRfo&feature=related
(63) Julian Cope – World, Shut Your Mouth
Another foot stomper from the unique talent that is Julian Cope, with a pounding drum beat and a highly infectious sing-a-long chorus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa8gYL_SC9o
(64) Billy Idol – Hot In The City
I missed the original version of this song in 1982 but caught the remixed and re-released version in 1987. I don’t know what purists think but the latter remixed version is much more of a stomper than its predecessor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXEJvckWZ7I&feature=related
(65) Julian Cope – Charlotte Anne
This is a stunning song that is unlike the previous other tracks I’ve listed from Julian Cope. Unlike those songs, “Charlotte Anne” is a bit of a spine-tingler for me. A timeless classic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbhA8kf0Ym4
(66) Depeche Mode - Clean
Depeche Mode were very prominent in the early eighties, coming across as a squeaky clean pure pop band. Those early songs were okay but didn’t set my world alight. All that changed with the album “Violator” where the band suddenly took a different direction with a harder and darker edge to their music. It is still one of my favourite albums and the best track is the brilliant “Clean”, that reminds me in places of Pink Floyd.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7uaX2S9cwE
(67) Enya – Caribbean Blue
Sometimes there is nothing better than to relax listening to a little bit of atmospheric music and there are few artists who produce more calming and beautiful music than Enya. From the album “Shepherd Moons”, this song is so exquisite that it makes me want to cry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae68NB-mOe4
(68) R.E.M. – Losing My Religion
I loved this song the moment I heard it. REM had been around for a while and were about to become huge. Thankfully, before they released “Shiny Happy People”, this song just crawled into the top twenty and was proof for me that the band was much more than a producer of pop pap (which “Shiny Happy People” had in abundance).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NQeSIkw3X0
(69) Richard Marx – Hazard
I hate the likes of Michael Bolton and other purveyors of sentimental AOR bilge and when I heard Richard Marx’s first big single “Right Here Waiting For You” I despised it with venom. A couple of years later, he released “Hazard” and I was flabbergasted. It is a beautiful sad AOR ballad that I never thought I would like. Lyrically it is wonderful and is yet another song that sadly makes me blub like a baby. Wonderful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgJffiGHz7M
(70) Depeche Mode – I Feel You
My favourite song by Depeche Mode is “I Feel You” from the follow up to “Violator” called “Songs Of Faith And Devotion”. It is even darker than their previous singles and is a real heavy stomper of a song that is totally different from ay of their earlier poppy efforts. Pounding drums and guitar – something I would never have expected. Delightful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi5PvVS6ZPg&feature=related
71 to 80 to follow ...
100 Pop Songs (51 to 60)
Broadly chronological ...
(51) Electric Light Orchestra – Here Is The News
ELO surprised me with “Here Is The News” from the album “Time”. The violins etc. seemed to have been replaced by synthesizers, though the feel of the song is typical of the band. A great song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSEVhQoka8E
(52) Electric Light Orchestra – Ticket To The Moon
From the same album as the previous song, “Ticket To The Moon” and is probably the most beautiful song they have ever performed. It is a supremely nostalgic song for me, bringing back both sweet and melancholy memories. This is ELO at their very best.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4XNq7_OzPE
(53) Iggy Pop – The Passenger
I have made such a drunken fool of myself in the past dancing around on the dance floor with no respect for the safety of other dancers as I jump about waving my arms and singing to this magnificent tune. When I look back, it is embarrassing in the extreme but I must admit that even now I can’t resist occasionally coming out of retirement at weddings etc. whenever the DJ puts this on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSFV6RhdsNs
(54) Tears For Fears – Head Over Heels
From “Songs From The Big Chair”, this is a superb and stunning pop song that almost brings tears to my eyes even today some twenty years later. It summarizes why Tears For Fears were one of the best pop bands of the eighties.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2s4wbFAhFw
(55) U2 – The Unforgettable Fire
There are so many classic songs by U2. However, you have to go back to the mid eighties, even before “The Joshua Tree” to find my favourite song by the band. From the album of the same name, “The Unforgettable Fire” is an epic pop song that exceeds anything they have done since.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yiNqwEAtpk
(56) A-ha – I’ve Been Losing You
A-ha have produced some of my favourite pop songs of all time. I was slightly embarrassed to admit to liking them initially but their output was the very best quality. Their best album in the eighties was “Scoundrel Days” and this is the best song on that album. I was lucky enough to see the band in 1986 and this was the opening song in a superb set.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbg4JFdcbY4
(57) Talk Talk – Life’s What You Make It
This song is my favourite song by Talk Talk and I played it to death upon its release. The best song from a great band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvMoRVrqx_I
(58) Black – Wonderful Life
The video accompanying this splendid song adds to its appeal. It is certainly one of my favourite videos of the eighties, moody and magnificent and perfect for the song. “Wonderful Life” is a truly wonderful song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyfu_mU-dmo
(59) Julian Cope - Trampoline
There aren’t many songs as catchy as “Trampoline” by the eccentric Julian Cope. This was the first solo effort I heard after “The Teardrop Explodes” and in a way it is as infectious as the brilliant “Reward” that I listed earlier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRD9PTj5r6k
(60) New Order – True Faith
Talking of eccentricity, New Order must have had a mad moment when the concept for the video accompanying “True Faith” was conceived. That said, it is a work of pure genius and as odd as it is, for me it complements the song flawlessly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og1HAkjOuL0
61 to 70 to follows
(51) Electric Light Orchestra – Here Is The News
ELO surprised me with “Here Is The News” from the album “Time”. The violins etc. seemed to have been replaced by synthesizers, though the feel of the song is typical of the band. A great song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSEVhQoka8E
(52) Electric Light Orchestra – Ticket To The Moon
From the same album as the previous song, “Ticket To The Moon” and is probably the most beautiful song they have ever performed. It is a supremely nostalgic song for me, bringing back both sweet and melancholy memories. This is ELO at their very best.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4XNq7_OzPE
(53) Iggy Pop – The Passenger
I have made such a drunken fool of myself in the past dancing around on the dance floor with no respect for the safety of other dancers as I jump about waving my arms and singing to this magnificent tune. When I look back, it is embarrassing in the extreme but I must admit that even now I can’t resist occasionally coming out of retirement at weddings etc. whenever the DJ puts this on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSFV6RhdsNs
(54) Tears For Fears – Head Over Heels
From “Songs From The Big Chair”, this is a superb and stunning pop song that almost brings tears to my eyes even today some twenty years later. It summarizes why Tears For Fears were one of the best pop bands of the eighties.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2s4wbFAhFw
(55) U2 – The Unforgettable Fire
There are so many classic songs by U2. However, you have to go back to the mid eighties, even before “The Joshua Tree” to find my favourite song by the band. From the album of the same name, “The Unforgettable Fire” is an epic pop song that exceeds anything they have done since.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yiNqwEAtpk
(56) A-ha – I’ve Been Losing You
A-ha have produced some of my favourite pop songs of all time. I was slightly embarrassed to admit to liking them initially but their output was the very best quality. Their best album in the eighties was “Scoundrel Days” and this is the best song on that album. I was lucky enough to see the band in 1986 and this was the opening song in a superb set.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbg4JFdcbY4
(57) Talk Talk – Life’s What You Make It
This song is my favourite song by Talk Talk and I played it to death upon its release. The best song from a great band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvMoRVrqx_I
(58) Black – Wonderful Life
The video accompanying this splendid song adds to its appeal. It is certainly one of my favourite videos of the eighties, moody and magnificent and perfect for the song. “Wonderful Life” is a truly wonderful song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyfu_mU-dmo
(59) Julian Cope - Trampoline
There aren’t many songs as catchy as “Trampoline” by the eccentric Julian Cope. This was the first solo effort I heard after “The Teardrop Explodes” and in a way it is as infectious as the brilliant “Reward” that I listed earlier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRD9PTj5r6k
(60) New Order – True Faith
Talking of eccentricity, New Order must have had a mad moment when the concept for the video accompanying “True Faith” was conceived. That said, it is a work of pure genius and as odd as it is, for me it complements the song flawlessly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og1HAkjOuL0
61 to 70 to follows
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