| Product: |
Top 10 Singles |
| Date: |
02.12.06 (184 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: It'd be the perfect soundtrack for my morning commute
Disadvantages: Know I've missed some great ones....
You know in an hour’s time, I’ll be going how did I miss that one? It’s all very subjective, I know but here goes…no particular order.
Going Underground - The Jam
My favourite song by my favourite band, the clipped, stuttering, metallic intro still makes me clench my fist and mutter ‘Yes!’ under my breath if it comes on a pub jukebox. Meaningful lyrics which are just as relevant today backed by driving music and the feeling that this was a band that really meant it. This was the first of three Jam songs to enter the charts at number 1, back when that actually meant something.
‘You choose your leaders and place your trust, as their lies wash you down and their promises rust, you'll see kidney machines replaced by rockets and guns.’
Watching the Wheels - John Lennon
Obvious contenders from the Beatles and his solo output in A day in the life, Let it be and Imagine, all of which I love. But this is probably my favourite, a slow piano driven number with a very personal slant, containing obvious references to his career sabbatical to be a full time dad.
A change is gonna come – Otis Redding
This is a great song written by Sam Cooke and covered by many soul artists. My favourite version is by Otis Redding. Blues soul is at its best here with the theme that sometimes you know that things can’t stay this bad forever, and a classic vocal from the voice that can take your heart out and hand it to you.
Feels like Heaven – Fiction Factory
My slick eighties pop selection, funky basslines, synths and cynical, occasionally melancholic lyrics. Loved this band, they only produced 2 albums, and this was their most famous song. It actually belied their overall approach, which was generally a bit more driving and powerful than this. A great vocal though, by Kevin Patterson, and the boys from Perth deserved a much bigger career.
The man with the child in his eyes – Kate Bush
Beautiful and haunting, her pure voice over a simple arrangement makes this unforgettable. Unbelievably, Kate Bush was first female singer/songwriter to top the UK chart, and she is still one of my favourites.
Changes – David Bowie
An undoubted genius and this track from Hunky Dory is definitely my favourite. Rock and Roll feel, mid tempo with piano and brass, it’s easy on the ear and lyrics that still make me think today.
Wonderland – Big Country
Great band, saw them live many times, and they stayed true to their Scottish roots with this song, which has all the attributes of what was seen as their trademark chiming guitar sound and accented vocal. Not adopting a US-oriented sound and pursuing that market meant they were never going to be a U2, but at least they would always remain vital and relevant to their fanatically devoted British following.
‘But when the thunder rolls, It comes and covers up my soul
And you will take my hand, And be with me in wonderland’
Suspicious Minds – Elvis
Probably the greatest pop song ever – no need to describe it, everyone knows it.
Redemption Song – Bob Marley & the Wailers
A quiet acoustic intro and a folksy feel from the man who brought reggae into the mainstream consciousness of the music buying public. Apparently written whilst he was pain-racked with terminal cancer, this song mixes traditional Caribbean folk themes of African abduction and slavery with reflective thoughts on spirituality.
‘How long shall they kill our prophets, while we stand aside and look? Some say its just a part of it, We’ve got to fulfil the book’.
This old heart of mine – The Isley Brothers
Finish off with pure fun. Classic Motown, you can listen to it, you can dance to it, and it’ll get your Dad on the floor at a family wedding. Sweet vocals, thumping bassline, brass and strings. Great stuff. Altogether now – ‘I love you-ou-ou, yes I do, This old heart (ooh) darlin' is weak for you, I love you-ou-ou, yes I do.’ I’m smiling already.
So there it is, oh hang on, no Who /Cure /Smiths /Clash /Blondie /Kinks /Small Faces/ Stones /Rod /Smokey etc? Maybe I’ll wait for the top 50 category.
Summary: Ten tunes I really rate
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