Monday, September 30, 2013

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#1014 PILOT OF THE AIRWAVES Charlie Dore
Singer/ songwriter Charlie Dore was born in England in 1956. Her major hit, "Pilot of the Airwaves" was recorded in Nashville for the debut LP 'Where To Now'. The single, which she penned herself, charted in Australia and the US in 1979. Dore recorded a follow-up album before deciding to focus on her acting aspirations. Listening to this song, it would have seemed improbable that she would, many years later, enjoy success on dance / electronic records.

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#1015 MAGIC NIGHTS Village People
The Village People formed in 1977 when producer Jacques Morali decided to put together a group based on various characters that he was convinced would attract a gay fan base. The group did score several hits in the late 70s. As that decade was nearing its end, the Village People starred in a film entitled 'Can't Stop the Music'. Morali and regular collaborator Henri Belolo co-wrote all 10 of the soundtrack's songs, including "Magic Nights". As had been the case on other Village People cuts, lead singer Victor Willis also contributed to the composition. The album fared significantly better than the film upon its release in 1980. 

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Sunday, September 29, 2013

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#1016 PROVE IT ALL NIGHT Bruce Springsteen
In 1978, Bruce Springsteen released his 'Darkness on the Edge of Town' LP. He wrote all of its 10 tracks, including "Prove it all Night". The protagonist here is passionately pleading with his woman. As Springsteen does in all of his compositions, the New Jersey singer/ songwriter pours his soul and sweat into very line, ensuring that the 'everyman' will relate to its emotion. 

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#1017 THINK ABOUT ME Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac's 'Tusk' album had the unenviable task of following up the group's mega-hit 'Rumours'. Lindsey Buckingham bravely contributed the bulk of songs on the 1979 double LP. While it failed to match its predecessor's high benchmark, the album did have its highlights. One of them is "Think About Me". It's typical Fleetwood Mac here: bright, bouncy and radio-friendly. Written by member Christine McVie, she also handles lead vocals. The song could have just as easily fit in on the group's 2 prior albums.

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Saturday, September 28, 2013

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week: 

1 My Love [album track] CHER                  1wk                                        4 2

2 Roar KATY PERRY                                                          1 4



3 Love is a Bourgeois Construct PET SHOP BOYS                                               8 2

4 Jackie Kennedy OLA                                                           7 3

5 Let's Get Ridiculous REDFOO                                                    10 2

6 Crucified 2013 [Maxim Andreev Mix] ARMY OF LOVERS                                          NEW

7 Addicted To You AVICII                                                          NEW


8 Love is the Answer ALOE BLACC                                                  NEW

9 Voyeur [album track] ELTON JOHN                                                          3 3



10 All of Me JOHN LEGEND                                                           5 3


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#1018 LOST IN SUMMER Anthony Callea
The various "Idol" TV franchises have frequently got it wrong when selecting winners. There are numerous cases that fit that scenario, including Jennifer Hudson & Adam Lambert. One of the most shocking was in the Grand Final for Season 2 of "Australian Idol", where Anthony Callea came second to Casey Donovan. 
Callea was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1982. He began pursuing his musical aspirations from an early age, eventually leading to his competing for the Australian version of the "Idol" talent show. After initially being voted out by audiences, Callea was called back as a "Wild Card". His talent set him apart from the others in the Final 12, culminating with his dramatic performance of "The Prayer". As he explained to me in an interview, he was aiming to create "a moment". He recorded the song for release and it flew out of record stores, fast becoming the best selling single by a domestic artist, with a debut at #1. 
In 2005, Callea released his first & self-titled album. "Lost in Summer", written by Peter Gordeno & Chris Porter, was one of its tracks. The song's fun, upbeat sound evokes images of sun rays and memorable hot days.

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#1019 CLOSEST THING TO HEAVEN The Kane Gang
The Kane Gang was a blue-eyed soul trio from the UK that formed in 1982. "Closest Thing to Heaven", written by lead singer Martin Brammer, became the group's first Top 40 hit in Britain 2 years later. Peaking at #12, the single was included on the band's 1985 LP, 'Lowdown'. Following the group's split in the early 90s, Brammer has written songs for the likes of Tina Turner, the Lighthouse Family and James Morrison.

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Friday, September 27, 2013

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#1020 LUKA Suzanne Vega
The 1987 chart song "Luka" remains one of the saddest songs to ever make the Top 40. Dealing with child abuse, Suzanne Vega sings it from the title character's perspective. Her lyrics possess a pointed poignancy that deliver the Californian singer/ songwriter's message on target. "Luka" was included on Vega's 'Solitude Standing' album which also featured breakthrough single "Tom's Diner".

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#1021 HERE'S WHERE THE STORY ENDS Tin Tin Out featuring Shelley Nelson
Tin Tin Out is a British dance music duo consisting of Darren Stokes and Lyndsey Edwards. The act formed in 1993. In 1998, they enlisted Shelley Nelson, a London-based singer/ songwriter to contribute vocals on their remake of "Here's Where The Story Ends". The original version was released in 1989 by alternative indie group The Sundays. Lead singer Harriet Wheeler co-wrote the song with the band's guitarist David Gavurin. While the song enjoyed radio airplay, it failed to dent the UK charts. Fast forward 9 years and the Tin Tin Out cover version peaked at #7 there. 
Nelson and the duo teamed up again for another song that same year, one penned by the female singer, entitled "Sometimes".

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Thursday, September 26, 2013

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#1022 WHOOPS NOW Janet Jackson
"Whoops Now" started life as a hidden track on the 'Janet' album, released in 1993. Janet Jackson wrote the song herself, co-producing it with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. It was lifted as a single 2 years later. It's a bouncy song with the feel of a summer's day permeating from the verses. 

 
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#1023 PLAYING TO WIN Little River Band
The Little River Band remains one of the major Australian musical exports and, in many ways, the group paved the way for those that followed in their wake such as Air Supply, Savage Garden and Crowded House. LRB formed in 1975 in Melbourne, Australia. Most members had proven themselves in seminal rock groups during the 1960s. Their country/ rock and harmonies made them any easy fit for American radio and record buyers. By the time the band recorded their 'Playing to Win' album in 1983-4, the long-standing line-up had changed radically. Original lead singer Glenn Shorrock and fellow founding member Beeb Birtles, as well as drummer Derek Pellicci were gone. John Farnham had taken over lead vocals. 
"Playing to Win" was written by Farnham with group member Graham Goble. It was the title track from LRB's 1984 album produced by Spencer Proffer. Of interest is that the group's line-up at that time included former member of Cold Chisel, Steve Prestwich.
 
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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

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#1028-1024 (MID-WEEK BONUS) 
#1028 LET'S GET SERIOUS Jermaine Jackson
When his siblings decided to split with Motown, Jermaine Jackson made the difficult decision to remain with his father-in-law Berry Gordy's label. "Let's Get Serious" was written by Lee Garrett with Stevie Wonder. The 2 had collaborated previously, most notably penning "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" a decade prior. In 1979, Jermaine released an album for which this was the title-track. Wonder produced and arranged the cut, which was issued as a single in 1980. He can be heard distinctly on background vocals.

#1027 POP LIFE Prince
"Pop Life" was one of the tracks featured on Prince's 1985 album 'Around the World in a Day". The Revolution contributed to the overall sound of this song as was the case for the rest of the LP. The track was produced by Prince and features percussion by Shiela E. as well as a string interlude composed by Wendy & Lisa.
#1026 AIN'T THAT PECULIAR Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye's vocal skill added a unique "cool" quality into almost any song he recorded. One of the silkiest examples of his talent is his reading of "Ain't That Peculiar".  The song was penned by 4 performers associated with the Motown group The Miracles: guitarist Marvin Tarplin, bass vocalist Warren Moore, and vocalists Bobby Rogers & Smokey Robinson. The latter produced the recording of the single which was issued in 1965.

#1025 WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN The Bangles
The Bangles' breakthrough album 'Different Light' introduced the world to the all- female group. "Walk Like an Egyptian" was the third track lifted as a single from this LP. It was written by Liam Sternberg. In the UK, the song peaked at #3 while reaching the top of the US & Australian pop charts.

#1024 TRICKLE TRICKLE Manhattan Transfer
Jazz / pop outfit Manhattan Transfer were in their prime in the period 1975-83, recording songs in a variety of styles. "Trickle Trickle" was an R&B song written by Clarence Bassett. The original version was cut by doo wop group The Videos in 1958. Manhattan Transfer's remake was included on their 1979 LP 'Extensions', and lifted as a single the following year.

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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

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#1029 THE BOY IN THE BUBBLE Paul Simon
In 1986, Paul Simon's landmark album 'Graceland' introduced mainstream record buyers to the exciting and traditional sounds of Africa. The LP opens with "The Boy in the Bubble", with lyrics by Simon and music composed with Forere Motloheloa. The latter is heard driving the beat of this song on accordion. The musicians infuse the cut with what they refer to as "Sotho traditional" sounds. Released as a single in 1987, the song was the third lifted off the Grammy Award- winning Album of the Year.
 
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Monday, September 23, 2013

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#1030 ELOISE Barry Ryan
When it was released in 1968, "Eloise" was one of the longest singles at a time when pop songs were normally short and snappy. Barry Ryan recorded the original hit version of the song. It was penned by his brother Paul Ryan. Running for just under 6 minutes, the smash features odd effects as well as a bombastic orchestral segment. Regularly changing mood, "Eloise" keeps the surprises coming throughout its running time. The song is a harbinger of the glam movement that was to explode in the 1970s.
 
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#1031 FOUR SEASONS IN ONE DAY Crowded House
Crowded House was formed by Neil Finn, a former member of Split Enz. His brother, Tim, had been in the latter's original line-up. In 1989, the brothers planned to release an album as a side project to Neil's involvement with Crowded House. The product of that collaboration would instead turn up as the bulk of the material included on the group's next album, 'Woodface'. Released in 1991, the LP showcased the brothers' song craft and the precision in their harmonies. "Four Seasons in One Day" was penned by the 2 brothers, but co-produced by Neil with Mitchell Froom. The title is said to refer to Melbourne's erratic weather. The group was often based in that Australian city. Tim became a member of Crowded House for a time, but left late 1991. 
 
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#1032 LONELY NIGHT (ANGEL FACE) Captain & Tennille
The husband and wife team of Captain & Tennille covered "Lonely Night (Angel Face)", a Neil Sedaka song he had included on his 1975 album 'The Hungry Years'. One year later, the duo's 'Song of Joy' LP was issued, containing this remake. The song commences with jungle sound effects before Toni Tennille's lead vocals break the serenity. Her sweet voice is augmented by backing vocals, Marimba and synthesizer. The couple produced the track which was a Top 10 hit in the US.
 
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Sunday, September 22, 2013

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#1033 HIGH FLYING, ADORED Antonio Banderas & Madonna
The musical 'Evita' was created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Initially, there was a concept album in 1976. The show premiered in London's West End 2 years later. In 1979, 'Evita' opened on Broadway. Fast forward to 1997 and a film adaptation was completed, starring Madonna & Antonio Banderas, playing the roles of Eva Peron and Che Guevara. On "High Flying, Adored" the 2 characters come together on vocals. Madonna had struggled to cross over to acting, despite a long string of hits by the time she portrayed the Argentine ruler. Banderas, on the other hand, had already acted in films such as 'The Mambo Kings', 'Philadelphia' and 'Desperado'.
 
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The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week: 

1 Roar KATY PERRY              1wk                                         5 3

2 Royals LORDE                                                           3 3

3 Voyeur [album track] ELTON JOHN                                                          9 2

4 My Love [album track] CHER                                                          NEW

5 All of Me JOHN LEGEND                                                           7 2

6 Ain't No Hat 4 That ROBIN THICKE                                                         1 4

7 Jackie Kennedy OLA                                                           10 2

8 Love is a Bourgeois Construct PET SHOP BOYS                                               NEW 

9 Disco Love [Starlab Disco Edit] THE SATURDAYS                                                          4 4

10 Let's Get Ridiculous REDFOO                                                    NEW


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#1034 REMEMBER THE TIME Michael Jackson
When Michael Jackson had to follow-up his 'Bad' LP, he decided against Quincy Jones- the producer who had steered his previous 3 hit albums- and explored new territory with Teddy Riley. The latter had formerly been a member of Guy and helped pioneer new jack swing in the late 80s. Riley had worked with Bobby Brown. He and Jackson wrote "Remember the Time" with Bernard Belle, who had already worked with the group Guy. The track was lifted off Jackson's 'Dangerous' album, which hit shelves in 1991.
 
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Saturday, September 21, 2013

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#1035 THE DIARY OF HORACE WIMP Electric Light Orchestra
ELO released their 'Discovery' LP in 1979. One of its tracks was "The Diary of Horace Wimp". As was usual for the group, lead singer Jeff Lynne wrote the song, which was later issued as a single. It charted in Australia, and reached #8 in the UK. 
 
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#1036 SUNSET PEOPLE Donna Summer
One of the best examples of disco was the double album opus that was Donna Summer's 1979 'Bad Girls'. The LP not only contained major hits that included "Hot Stuff" and the title track, but many great tracks that gave that collection its depth and range. "Sunset People" was one such song. Written by Pete Bellotte, Harold Faltermeyer and Keith Forsey, it was the closing track on the hit album. They had collaborated with Summer and uber-producer Giorgio Moroder. Bellotte co-produced the LP with Moroder. Faltermeyer arranged the tracks and played bass. Forsey provided drums and percussion for the 'Bad Girls' sessions.
 
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Friday, September 20, 2013

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#1037 YESTERDAY WHEN I WAS MAD Pet Shop Boys
The Pet Shop Boys' 'Very' album is an enduring testament of their place in dance music history. Since the 80s, the duo has created some fine examples of dance/ pop. "Yesterday When I Was Mad" was contained within this LP, released in 1993. The song was penned by both members and was later released as a single.
 
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#1038 NO MILK TODAY Herman's Hermits
Graham Gouldman wrote some of the best British hit singles in the 1960s, before finding success as a member of the group 10cc in the decade that followed. Herman's Hermits recorded his "No Milk Today", a simplistic song that once peeled back, is brimming with imagery and melancholy. Peter Noone sings the poignant lyrics dealing with the demise of a relationship with the protagonist left alone. The single was released in 1966 and was the group's first to feature an orchestra. It was issued as the B-side to the band's #4 UK hit, "There's a Kind of Hush".
 
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Thursday, September 19, 2013

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#1039 WEDDING CAKE ISLAND Midnight Oil
"Wedding Cake Island" was a drastic change of pace for Australia's politically- charged rock group, Midnight Oil. It's virtually an instrumental, in the surf rock style that was dominant in the 1960s; named after an island off Coogee Beach in Sydney. Penned by the members of Midnight Oil, the track was 1 of 4 included on their 'Bird Noises' EP. This extended play disc was issued in 1980.
 
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#1040 STONED LOVE The Supremes
As the 1960s came to an end, it was announced that America's most successful group from that decade - The Supremes- was losing its lead singer. Diana Ross embarked on a solo career that eventually took off, but her old group was - in 1970- looking like the most likely to succeed. The trio, now with Jean Terrell, released 3 albums in that year and scored hits from all 3. Ross, on the other hand, was yet to dent the charts with a major smash. 
"Stoned Love" was written by Frank Wilson (who also produced the track) with Kenny Thomas (but credited on the record as Yennek Samoht- his name spelt backwards). It was included on The Supremes' 2nd album without Ross: 'New Ways But Love Stays'. The single struggled for airplay as many radio stations assumed the song was about drug use.
 
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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

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#1045-1041(MID-WEEK BONUS) 
#1045 THE LOVE GAME John Paul Young
Australian solo artist John Paul Young enjoyed a steady string of hits during the 1970s, most from the pen of hit songwriting/ production team Harry Vanda & George Young. The composers were former members of one Australia's premier groups in the 1960s, The Easybeats. As Young explained in an interview with me, he was so in awe of their talent, that he trusted their song suggestions without reservation. Vanda & Young produced and wrote "The Love Game", which was released as a single in 1975. It peaked at #4, becoming his best performing single to date. 

#1044 IRON LION ZION Bob Marley
Reggae's greatest exponent is undoubtedly Bob Marley. "Iron Lion Zion" was one of his compositions unearthed from the vaults and transformed into a club hit in 1992. The remix reached #5 on the UK singles chart.

#1043 GOLDEN LADY Jose Feliciano
Latin artist Jose Feliciano re-interpreted Stevie Wonder's "Golden Lady" for his 1974 LP, 'And the Feeling's Good'. In 2003, DJ Spinna & Bobbito put together a collection of remixes of diverse acts covering Wonder songs. Dubbed the 'Wonderful Remix', Feliciano's alluring serenade is arguably even better than the original.
#1042 HE'S ON THE PHONE Saint Etienne
A dance trio formed by former music journalists in London, Saint Etienne was named after a French football team. "He's on the Phone" was written in English by the 3 members, based on a song entitled "Weekend in Rome" by  Algerian-born French artist Etienne Daho. The trio's version was released as a single in 1995 from their 'Too Young to Die' compilation album.

#1041 THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE 10CC
Until 1976, the UK art group 10cc consisted of lead singer Eric Stewart, successful songwriter Graham Gouldman and quirky composer/ musicians Kevin Godley and Lol Creme. When the latter 2 left to work as a duo and to direct some landmark video clips, the former 2 rose to the forefront and led the group to greater success. "The Things We Do For Love" was recorded in 1977 and included on 10cc's 'Deceptive Bends' LP. Written by Stewart and Gouldman, it proved that the band was still viable following the departure of Goldley & Creme. The single showcases beautiful harmonies and was yet another example of seasoned songwriter Gouldman's talent. He had previously penned songs for Cher, The Hollies, Herman's Hermits, The Yardbirds and The Shadows.  

 
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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

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#1046 DOMINO DANCING Pet Shop Boys
"Domino Dancing", is a song the Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant & Chris Lowe wrote dealing with  obsessive jealousy.  They enlisted Lewis A. Martinee to co-produce with them. They worked on this project in Miami, drawing from the musical surrounds, the cut was embellished with salsa, flamenco and Cuban ingredients. Released as a single in 1988, it was also featured on the duo's 'Introspective' LP.
 
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#1047 UP THE JUNCTION (UK) Squeeze
"Cool for Cats" was the breakthrough hit for UK band Squeeze in 1979, the title track from their debut LP. Its follow-up was "Up the Junction", also featured on that album. Written by group members Chris Difford and Glen Tilbrook, it recounts the story of a relationship, from its start to its sad denouement. Tilbrook's vocals add to the realism of the tale. 
 
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Monday, September 16, 2013

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#1048 SEALED WITH A KISS Agnetha Faltskog
Agnetha Faltskog was arguably the ABBA member that delivered that group's most dramatic songs. Her solo career started off with promise, but the gaps between albums grew over the decades since the group had dissolved. Faltskog returned - in fine voice- with a strong selection of songs (all remakes) for 'My Colouring Book' in 2004. One of the standards she interpreted for the CD was "Sealed with a Kiss". The song had previously been a worldwide hit in 1962 for Brian Hyland and a UK #1 for Jason Donovan in 1989. While these earlier versions were easily categorized as straight forward pop ballads by teen idols, Faltskog's reading was slower, infused with melancholy and aching. The lyrics - by Gary Geld and Peter Udell- were brought to the forefront and this treatment exposed their true beauty and poignancy which had arguably been unnoticed till then.

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#1049 DEEP AND WIDE AND TALL Aztec Camera
Aztec Camera was a UK group revolving around pivotal member Roddy Frame. The singer/ songwriter created some biting pop before leaning towards R&B in 1987. In that year, he released his LP entitled 'Love'. One of its tracks was the single "Deep and Wide and Tall". The song was penned by Frame and is a typical example of 80s UK blue-eyed soul, as was the trend at the time.

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Sunday, September 15, 2013

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#1050  YOU ARE MY WORLD The Communards
When Jimmy Somerville quit Bronski Beat, he formed a duo with Richard Coles. Forming in 1985, The Communards released their self-titled debut album the following year. Both members wrote "You are my World" which showcases the might of lead singer Somerville's falsetto.
 
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#1051  TAKE A CHANCE ON ME Abba
Another example of a song that sounds simple and cheesy, but on closer inspection, reveals the talents of songwriters Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus to deftly match lyrics to the music. Their proficiency in the studio created the magical harmonies of key vocalists Agnetha Faltskog and Frida Lyngstad. "Take a Chance on Me" was recorded in 1977 for 'ABBA- The Album' . The title came to Bjorn while he was jogging. After methodically working on the track's production for weeks, the track was issued as a single and became their 2nd biggest hit in the USA and a #1 in the UK (along with other countries).
 
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Saturday, September 14, 2013

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week: 

1 Ain't No Hat 4 That ROBIN THICKE           2wks                                              1 3

2 Hold On Longer [album track] JOHN LEGEND                                                      3 3

3 Royals LORDE                                                           5 2

4 Disco Love [Starlab Disco Edit] THE SATURDAYS                                                          2 3

5 Roar KATY PERRY                                                       9 2

6 Lifted [Kat Krazy Edit] NAUGHTY BOY ftg. EMELI SANDE                              6 3

7 All of Me JOHN LEGEND                                                           NEW

8 Lose Yourself To Dance [Nacho Penade House Edit] DAFT PUNK ftg. PHARRELL                 NEW

9 Voyeur [album track] ELTON JOHN                                                          NEW

10 Jackie Kennedy OLA                                                           NEW

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#1052  HIT THAT PERFECT BEAT Bronski Beat
Bronski Beat had challenged audiences with their gay protest songs including "Smalltown Boy" and "Why?" from their 1984 debut album 'The Age of Consent'. By the time the follow-up, 'Truthdare Doubledare' had been issued 2 years later, lead singer Jimmy Somerville had quit the trio to form The Communards. Bronski Beat recruited John Jon as the new lead vocalist. We were introduced to him via the single "Hit That Perfect Beat". It was written by the members, Larry Steinbachek contributing the most. 
 
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#1053  SHE'S ALWAYS A WOMAN Billy Joel
"She's Always a Woman" has long been one of Billy Joel's best known ballads. It was featured on the piano man's landmark LP, 'The Stranger'. Joel penned the song himself and it soon became one of the standout tracks from that 1977 album.
 
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Friday, September 13, 2013

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#1054 LOVE WILL FIND A WAY The Reels
Another hit single from Australian group The Reels. They formed in the town of Dubbo, in New South Wales in 1976. "Love Will Find a Way" was their debut single. Written by lead singer Dave Mason, the song cracked the Australian Top 40 in 1979. 
 
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#1055  I WOULDN'T NORMALLY DO THIS KIND OF THING Pet Shop Boys
One of the most upbeat and cheerful songs by the duo, "I Wouldn't Normally do This Kind of Thing" was from the Pet Shop Boys' 1993 album, 'Very'. Both members - Neil Tennant & Chris Lowe- created this track. Its positive energy is accentuated by Tennant's fluffy vocals over Lowe's production. Maybe it's the piano and the horns too, but its lighthearted effervesence is contagious.
 
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Thursday, September 12, 2013

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#1056 SPEAK LIKE A CHILD The Style Council
After The Jam, Paul Weller formed The Style Council to explore a new (for him) musical direction:soul and jazz. Borrowing heavily from the Motown sound of the 60s, this new group created some exciting 80s pop songs. "Speak Like a Child" was released in 1983, the band's debut release. Weller penned the song and, when it reached #4 in the UK, success for his new venture was assured. They went on to wrap the seemingly innocent upbeat sound around some biting lyrics on later songs, some of which you will find further up this listing.
 
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#1057 TAKE ME TO HEART The Neville Brothers
The Neville Brothers is a group from New Orleans that formed in 1977, consisting of siblings: Aaron, Art, Ivan, Charles and Cyril. The latter co-wrote "Take me to Heart" with Dave Foreman. The track was released as a single from the group's 'Family Groove' 1992 LP. 
 
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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

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#1058 IN YOUR CAR The Dugites
The Dugites took their name from a type of snake found mostly in Western Australia, the band's place of origin. With lead singer Linda Nutter up front, they released some fun singles but barely dented the upper ranks of the pop chart. "In Your Car" was their best known song. Released in 1980, it was written by keyboardist/ vocalist Peter Crosbie.
 
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#1059 THAT'S THE WAY I'VE ALWAYS HEARD IT SHOULD BE Carly Simon
Carly Simon sings this lyrically rich ballad that she co-wrote with a songwriter she was to collaborate frequently with in the future- Jacob Brackman. It was included on Simon's debut eponymous LP. The song deals with the protagonist's hesitation towards impending marriage.
 
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TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS

#1060 LOVE WILL NEVER DO (WITHOUT YOU) Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson's career finally got off the ground when she teamed up with super-hot songwriter/ producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. They crafted her breakthrough album, 'Control' in 1986. The trio followed that LP with 'Rhythm Nation: 1814' 3 years later. One of the many singles lifted off the album was "Love Will Never Do (Without You)". The track was written by Jam & Lewis and was a worldwide hit. Their production amps up the power on this R&B - flavoured song.
 
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CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS

#1061 MIND GAMES John Lennon
"Mind Games" was the title track from John Lennon's 1973 album. He wrote and produced all of the tracks on this LP himself. The sweeping music meshes perfectly with Lennon's distinctive vocals.
 
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CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS

#1062 CORNER OF THE SKY Jackson 5
"Pippin" was a Stephen Schwartz - penned musical that opened on Broadway in 1972. As Motown had invested in the show, it released the cast album. Various acts from the label were encouraged to cover tunes from the show. The Jackson 5 scored a chart hit that same year with their remake of "Corner of the Sky" - the best known song from the musical. The siblings' version was included on their 'Skywriter' album.
 
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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS

#1063 (I DON'T KNOW WHY) BUT I DO Clarence "Frogman" Henry
Louisiana- born Clarence Henry had a croak that reminded listeners of a frog- hence the nickname "Frogman". Born in 1937, this R&B legend gained success as a vocalist, pianist and songwriter. That froggy sound was put to good effect on his Top 20 single "Ain't Got No Home" in late 1956.  His next hit arrived 5 years later. Written by Paul Geyton and Robert Guidry, "But I Do" peaked at #4 on the US chart. 
 
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