Thursday, October 31, 2013

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#835 JUSTIFIED & ANCIENT The KLF featuring Tammy Wynette
Another unlikely collaboration that works a charm: UK dance act The KLF and American country music veteran Tammy Wynette. The KLF formed in Liverpool in 1987, originally calling themselves the JAMS (the "Justified Ancients of Mu Mu" referred to in the song). This project evolved into the house music duo which broke through with "3 A.M. Eternal" a UK #1 in 1991. 
Both members of The KLF, Jimi Cauty and Bill Drummond co-wrote "Justified & Ancient" with Ricky Lite (aka Ricardo de Force) who also can be heard on the track. This version of the song was released as a single in late 1991 and reached #1 in several countries, along with a #2 in Britain & #11 peak in the US. Despite their massive success, the KLF broke up in 1992. Sadly, Lite passed away in 2013. 

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#836 ROCK HARD Suzi Quatro
Suzi Quatro will always be remembered as one of the pioneering "rock chicks". She blazed a trail in the early 70s that made the likes of Courtney Love, Gwen Stefani and Pink possible. "Rock Hard" remains her final major hit single, despite still recording and touring to this day. Australia has always been a constant on her touring schedule, reflecting her popularity and success in her peak period where she scored 3 #1 singles between 1973-4. The rock song was another gem from the hit songwriting team of Mike Chapman & Nicky Chinn. As the female rocker herself described the song to me in an interview, the track is: "very Suzi". While it flopped elsewhere, the single peaked at #9 in 1980 on the Australian charts. It's no frills Quatro with an energy that is perfectly summed up by its title.

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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

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(MID-WEEK BONUS) #841-837
#841 THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL Michael Jackson
1987 finally saw Michael Jackson reveal his follow-up to the monster that was the 'Thriller' LP. No less than 5 of the tracks off 'Bad' reached #1 in the USA, "The Way You Make Me Feel" being 1 of them. The song was penned by Jackson who also co-produced the recording with Quincy Jones. It's his most upbeat and funkiest cuts on the album.

#840 SAIL ON The Commodores
One of the last hits Lionel Richie recorded with The Commodores before launching his lucrative solo career was "Sail On". Released in late 1979, the Richie composition peaked at #4. The song has a country feel, accentuated by Richie's vocal approach. It was included on the same LP as the #1 follow-up hit "Still"; 'Midnight Magic'.

#839 TIME OUT OF MIND Steely Dan
Soon after releasing 'Gaucho' in 1980, Steely Dan split.  The duo consisted of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. They assembled the cream of session musicians for their albums and this final release (until the re-union in 1993) was no exception. 
The track "Time Out Of Mind" was written by both members and deals with a young male using heroin for the first time. Gary Katz produced. Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits performs the guitar solo. Backup vocals featured Michael McDonald from The Doobie Brothers, Patti Austin and Valerie Simpson.

#838 MY LOVE, MY LIFE Abba
Abba's 'Arrival' album was released in 1976, when the group's popularity was about to scale new heights. It contains some of their biggest hit songs, including "Money, Money, Money" and- on some editions- "Fernando". 
Agnetha Faltskog is the vocalist in the spotlight on this lushly arranged track. Few others could evoke pathos the way she does on this song penned by then husband Bjorn Ulvaeus, fellow group member Benny Andersson and their manager Stig Anderson.The 2 male members handled production.

#837 CIAO BABY Lynn Randell
Lynne Randell was born in Liverpool, England in 1950 but was raised in Melbourne, Australia. As a teen, she was often asked to sing at work which led to a gig at a party where radio star Stan Rofe heard her and arranged a demo. By the end of the '60s Randell was a popular star in Australia, with a steady string of Top 40 chart hits. "Ciao Baby" was released in 1967, and became a local hit in Melbourne, peaking at #3. The song was composed by songwriters Scott English and Larry Weiss.
In later years Randell worked as Ian "Molly" Meldrum's personal assistant. She had an ongoing addiction to amphetamines which sadly caused her death in 2007 at the age of 57.

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(MID-WEEK BONUS) #846-842
#846 PUMP IT Black Eyed Peas
"Pump It" is a track which deftly uses a riff and marries it with a new rap/ hip hop song. This Black Eyed Peas hit samples Dick Dale's "Misirlou", an old folk song originally, that the surf rock guitar legend recorded in 1962. Nicholas Roubanis was the composer of that interpretation. The new song was the creation of group members Will. I. Am (William Adams), apl.de.ap (Allen Pineda) and Fergie (Stacy Ferguson) with Thomas Van Musser. The former produced the track which they recorded in Japan. "Pump It" is the opening track off their 2005 album 'Monkey Business'.   

#845 MESSAGE OF LOVE The Pretenders
On "Message of Love", The Pretenders rock out to great effect. Lead vocalist Chrissie Hynde wrote the song, which was released as a single in 1981 and made the Top 20 in the UK and Australia. It was included on their 'Pretenders II' LP.
#844 HOMEWARD BOUND Simon & Garfunkel
Paul Simon's lyrics for "Homeward Bound" convey the loneliness and emptiness of a musician on tour and feeling homesick. The melancholy is sharpened with Art Garfunkel's beautiful harmonies as the duo shuffles through the short track, featured on their 1966 'Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme' LP. The track served as the follow-up to the duo's first #1 single "The Sounds of Silence", following it into the US & UK Top 10.
#843 HOOCHIE GUCCI FIORUCCI MAMA Australian Crawl
Australian Crawl formed in 1979, a group of friends that grew up in the Mornington Peninsula area of Victoria. They were swiftly catapulted to the chart heights via irresistible hit songs including "Beautiful People", "The Boys Light Up", "Downhearted" and "Errol". Unfairly overshadowed by contemporary rock groups such as Cold Chisel and Hunters & Collectors, Australian Crawl delivered some of the sharpest and biting lyrics on the local music scene at the time. 
"Hoochie Gucci Fiorucci Mama" was an album track on the group's 1980 debut LP 'The Boys Light Up', written by lead singer James Reyne and Little River Band's David Briggs. The latter produced that first album. 
Despite an impressive string of hits, Australian Crawl broke up in 1984. Guy McDonough died that year of pneumonia. Brad Robinson passed away in 1996 of lymphoma. Reyne was the only member to successfully sustain a career as a performer.

#842 THIS HOUSE IS EMPTY NOW Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach
'Painted From Memory' is a lush and special treat, showcasing the talents of songwriters Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello. The latter challenges Dionne Warwick for the title of best vocalist for the former's beautifully crafted songs. Together, they composed and produced the tracks on this unique album, released in 1998. One of its highlights is "This House Is Empty Now". Costello nails the vocal with agility, nimbly enunciating each lyric. Bacharach's gentle power at the piano further establishes his hallowed place among pop's pantheon of songwriters.



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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

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#847 SLEEPWALK Ultravox
Ultravox broke through with "Sleepwalk" in 1980. By the time it made the UK charts, the band had released 6 flops. With Midge Ure joining the line-up, he co-wrote the group's first hit single with members Chris Cross, Billy Currie and Warren Cann. It was included on their hit LP 'Vienna'. 

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#848 HIGHER GROUND Stevie Wonder
"Higher Ground" is another irrefutable example of Stevie Wonder's unique talent as both songwriter and musician. The track was featured on his remarkable 'Innervisions' LP. Firstly, he wrote,  produced and arranged every track on the album. On "Higher Ground", Wonder plays every instrument. It was an R&B #1 &Pop #4 hit in the USA in 1973.

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Monday, October 28, 2013

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#849 COMING AROUND AGAIN Carly Simon
In 1986, Meryl Streep co-starred with Jack Nicholson in the film 'Heartburn'. Carly Simon wrote this song for the motion picture and found herself back in the charts around the world. In the US, the single peaked at #18 and reached Top 10 in Britain. It was the title track from an LP that saw the singer/ songwriter return to form. 

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#850 ONE Mary J. Blige featuring U2
U2 released their version of the powerful song "One" for inclusion on their 'Achtung Baby' album in 1991. All 4 members of the group are credited as its songwriters. Mary J. Blige recorded a remake for her 2005 album 'The Breakthrough'. Bono added backup vocals while The Edge played guitar, Adam Clayton contributed bass guitar and Larry Mullen Jr. drummed on her R&B - flavoured interpretation. It's worth noting that the original version reached the Top 10 in the US but the Blige collaboration failed to dent the Top 40; while in the UK, the remake made it to #2 - improving on its original #7 peak there.

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Sunday, October 27, 2013

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#851 FUNNY HOW LOVE IS Fine Young Cannibals
The 3 members of The Fine Young Cannibals penned "Funny How Love Is" for their debut album. Released in 1985, this song was overshadowed by the LP's hit singles: "Blue", "Johnny Come Home" and their remake of "Suspicious Minds". 
The British trio had formed just 1 year prior, comprising lead singer Roland Gift, guitarist Andy Cox and David Steele on keyboards, bass and piano. 
This ballad finds our protagonist trying to move on after a painful split. His determination to avoid any reminders of his ex and resolve to get through the grief of their separation are outlined throughout the sad song.

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Saturday, October 26, 2013

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#852 RAG DOLL The Four Seasons
"Rag Doll" was a #1 smash hit in the USA in 1964. Written by group member Bob Gaudio and the Four Seasons' producer Bob Crewe, it is the title track of an album consisting entirely of original songs.


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The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:

1 Hot Stuff {Tony's Remix edit} DONNA SUMMER   1wk                                          NEW

2 Sign On [album track] EARTH, WIND & FIRE                                          6 3

3 Love To Love You Baby {Chris Cox/ Giorgio Moroder Remix} DONNA SUMMER          NEW

4 Lost Generation RIZZLE KICKS                                                         1 4 

5 I Hope You Find It CHER                                                            3 4

6 Macarthur Park {Laidback Luke Remix} DONNA SUMMER                             NEW

7 Kick Up Your Heels [album track] JESSICA MAUBOY ftg. PITBULL                   2 3 

8 Roar KATY PERRY                                                          4 8 

9 I Should've Followed You Home AGNETHA FALTSKOG & GARY BARLOW      NEW 

10 My Love [album track] CHER                                                         7 6




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#853 BREEZIN' George Benson
George Benson's 1976 LP 'Breezin'' saw the performer/ vocalist widen his audience. The album opens with the cruisy instrumental title track. Bobby Womack composed the song and then recorded the original version with Hungarian guitarist Gabor Szabo for the latter's 'High Contrast' LP in 1970. The remake is a departure from the first interpretation. Of interest though, is the fact that Tommy LiPuna produced both versions. 

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#854 IT'S A SIN Pet Shop Boys
The Pet Shop Boys challenge religion on their 1987 hit song "It's A Sin". Both members of the duo wrote the song which was the lead single for their album 'Actually'. It was produced by Julian Mendelsohn with additional mixing and production from Stephen Hague. There is a softly spoken intro that is often missed but the references to the mass are overt, blended cleverly with the incessant beat of the song. 

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Friday, October 25, 2013

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#855 THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A YOU Donna Summer
Although renowned for her disco hits, Donna Summer never restricted herself to recording only dance songs. Even when the genre was at its zenith, Summer always included other styles on her albums. 'Bad Girls' contains some visionary disco highlights, including the title track, "Walk Away" and "Hot Stuff". Nestled amongst the dancefloor tracks are some ballads. "There Will Always Be A You" was a love song penned by Summer herself. The LP was recorded in January 1976 and unleashed to an eager public 4 months later. It was a massive seller for Summer.

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#856 HAZY SHADE OF WINTER The Bangles
Paul Simon wrote "A Hazy Shade of Winter" for him to record with Art Garfunkel. The duo's version appeared on their 'Bookends' album in 1966. Released as a single in the US, it peaked at #13. Girl group The Bangles released a remake of the song 21 years later, dropping the "A" in its title. Their remake was recorded for the motion picture 'Less Than Zero' which starred Andrew McCarthy and Robert Downey Jr. Rick Rubin produced the songs on the soundtrack, including The Bangles' track which was issued as a single. This new version fared even better than the original, peaking at #2 in 1988 on the American Pop chart.

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Thursday, October 24, 2013

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#857 WHEN THE FUEL RUNS OUT Executive Suite
Philly group Executive Suite are not well known, but they did record some fine examples of that city's musical output in the early 70s. The Philly sound was R&B at its lushest and was a precursor to disco. "When The Fuel Runs Out" was cut in 1973. It was written by Norman Harris, Bunny Sigler and Allan Felder. Harris was a member of the group MFSB. He co-produced this track with fellow members of MFSB, drummer Earl Young and bass player Ron Baker.  The trio were also part of the line-up of The Trammps who are also on this listing with "Disco Inferno". Harris passed away in 1986.

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#858 FLY TOO HIGH Janis Ian
Few would have predicted that folk singer / songwriter Janis Ian would collaborate with disco / electronic producer Giorgio Moroder, but the result was a memorable hit song. "Fly too High" was written by Ian with Moroder, who had previously been closely associated with Donna Summer's 70s dance hits. Ian's song was recorded for the film 'Foxes'. Moroder also produced the track which was included on the singer's 'Night Rains' album, issued in 1979. While it failed to dent the UK or US charts, it was a Top 10 hit in Australia.

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Wednesday, October 23, 2013

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(MID-WEEK BONUS) #863-859
#863 CHANGES David Bowie
David Bowie wrote "Changes" for his 1971 LP 'Hunky Dory'. Along with singing the song, Bowie performs the sax solo. Rick Wakeman, from the group Yes, plays piano. The track was produced by Ken Scott. When released as a single, it failed to chart high, but remains one of the best examples of Bowie's lyrical and musical ability. 

#862 GLORIA U2
''Gloria" was one of U2's first hit songs, serving as an introduction to the Irish group for their widening audience. In Australia, the single became their first Top 40 hit in 1981. All 4 band members are credited with penning the song. Its lyrics declare U2's religious conviction. The track formed part of the group's 'October' LP. 
One year later, the group had honed its songwriting skill, releasing hits such as "New Year's Day",  "Two Hearts Beat As One" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday".

#861 GO YOUR OWN WAY Fleetwood Mac
Much has been said about the impact of the splintering relationships within Fleetwood Mac on the songs that would become their 1977 smash hit LP 'Rumours'. On "Go Your Own Way", its songwriter Lindsey Buckingham exposes the wound left behind from his split with fellow band member Stevie Nicks. The lyrics are explicit and blunt, matched brilliantly by the musical contributions from the other members.

#860 I WOULD DIE 4 U Prince & The Revolution
"I Would Die 4 U" is one of the explosive tracks off the 'Purple Rain' soundtrack. As was the case with all of the 1984 album's tracks, it was written and produced by Prince. Unfortunately, with tracks as significant as "Purple Rain", "Let's Go Crazy" and the #1 hit "When Doves Cry" also on the soundtrack, "I Would Die 4 U" tends to be overshadowed. It is Prince being funky and with lyrics that are about sheer altruism and devotion.

#859 THE NAME OF THE GAME Abba
"The Name of the Game" finds ABBA tackling more serious matters, namely a woman who finds herself in love, but uncertain and lacking confidence. The lyrics are a far cry from lighter fare such as earlier ABBA tracks "Why Did it Have to be Me?" or "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do". They are matched skillfully by the production. The song was written by group members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus with their manager Stig Anderson. Released as a single in 1977, it reached #6 in Australia, #2 in Sweden and #1 in Britain. The disc was the first track issued from 'ABBA The Album' which served as the soundtrack for their motion picture 'ABBA The Movie'. 

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(MID-WEEK BONUS) #868-864
#868 IT'S TOO LATE Carole King
This Top 1200 listing includes some unforgettable examples of Carole King's songcraft. Her songbook is long and timeless with staples that include "The Loco-Motion" (Little Eva), "One Fine Day" (The Chiffons), "Will You Love Me Tomorrow"  (The Shirelles), "Pleasant Valley Sunday" (The Monkees) and "Take Good Care Of My Baby" (Bobby Vee). Her compositions have been interpreted by a range of acts as vast as The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, Marcia Hines, The Drifters, Grand Funk and Kylie Minogue. 
Despite penning chart hits and international #1 songs for other acts, King's solo career floundered. That is, until 1971, and the best seller 'Tapestry' LP. "It's Too Late", co-written by King with Toni Stern, was one of the new songs included on her album. Lou Adler produced the track. Both the LP and single proved popular and reached #1. 

#867 BEDROOM EYES Kate Ceberano
Kate Ceberano was born in Australia in 1966, growing up in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Over the years, the voluptuous entertainer has wowed audiences in both concerts and musicals. Following a stint as lead singer of dance/ funk group I'm Talking in 1985, the singer has recorded prolifically, covering a wide array of musical styles, including jazz, pop, R&B and adult contemporary. "Bedroom Eyes" was penned by Raymond Jones and Sam McKinney. The former contributed backing vocals on Ceberano's version. In 1989, the track became her first solo hit, peaking at #2 in Australia (it is still her biggest hit to date). It was included on her very successful debut solo LP 'Brave'; which also reached #2 nationally.

#866 HERE COMES THE SUN The Beatles
The uplifting "Here Comes The Sun" is an example of how much George Harrison's songwriting ability had developed. His offerings for the Beatles' albums were now on par with compositions from principal songsmiths John Lennon & Paul McCartney. 
Harrison created the song in Eric Clapton's garden, enjoying the first signs of warmer weather. It was a welcome contrast to the tensions bubbling under that were to eventually lead to the group's denouement. Despite not being released a a physical single, it is one of the best known songs by Harrison, if not The Beatles. George Martin produced the track, augmenting it with strings. The song was one of the tracks on The Beatles' last recorded LP, 'Abbey Road'. 

#865 ROCKARIA! Electric Light Orchestra
ELO's front man and songwriter and producer Jeff Lynne was at his most creative when engineering this hit single from 1977. First heard on the group's 'A New World Record' album (issued the year before), the lyrics throw together 2 protagonists from conflicting worlds. She is from the world of opera and you can hear arias weave in and out during the song. He is a rocker evoking the roots of rock 'n roll and - as was usual for the Electric Light Orchestra- the Beatles. By the song's end, the 2 worlds have come together. It's a stomping and upbeat cut from a group that used technology to tell a story in ways that were not matched at the time. It was unusual to hear opera in a rock song; the operatic segments were performed by actual opera singer Mary Thomas.

#864 SPENDING MY TIME Roxette
Roxette is a Swedish duo formed in 1984,comprised of Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson. Their first chart successes were limited to their homeland. They burst through with "The Look" in 1989. More hits followed. 
"Spending My Time" was penned by Gessle with Mats Persson. It first emerged as a track on the duo's 1991 album 'Joyride'. The ballad features Fredriksson on lead vocals and made the charts around the world.

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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

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#869 SADENESS (Part 1) Enigma
New age/ electronic act Enigma emerged from Germany in 1990 with the worldwide hit "Sadeness". The single immediately attracted attention, standing out from the rest of the new releases at the time with its unique fusion of ambient music with Gregorian chants. Often also entitled "Sadness", the track is credited to Curly M.C., F. Gregorian and David Fairstein. Production was handled by the group, under the leadership of Michael Cretu. The sensual French lyrics emphasize the song's reference to the Marquis de Sade. 

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#870 GLORIA Umberto Tozzi
Following Italian pop star Umberto Tozzi's success with breakthrough song "Ti Amo", his next worldwide significant release was "Gloria".  The song was co-written by him with Giancarlo Bigazzi. Issued in 1979 in the USA, Latin America and Australia, it piqued interest. In the latter territory, the follow-up peaked at #46 in 1980. This was eclipsed 2 years later when American singer Laura Branigan scored a massive international smash with her English version of the upbeat song.

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Monday, October 21, 2013

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#871 EDGE OF REALITY Elvis Presley
"Edge of Reality" was featured in the singer/ actor's movie 'Live a Little, Love a Little', which hit cinemas in 1968. In the film, he portrays newspaper photographer Greg Nolan. The song was written by Bernie Baum, Florence Kaye and Bill Giant. The same trio penned "Devil in Disguise" for Presley, while the former worked on many other projects for Elvis.

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#872 GOLDEN YEARS David Bowie
David Bowie has taken on various persona during his career. His funky phase is best represented by the US Top 10 hit "Golden Years". The song was initially intended for Elvis Presley by the British chameleonic performer. Bowie co-produced the recording with Harry Maslin for his 1976 LP 'Station to Station'.

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Sunday, October 20, 2013

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#873 TWO CABS TO THE TOUCAN The Models
The Models formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1978 and ushered in a local brand of punk/ new wave. Sean Kelly was the lead singer and, a year later, keyboardist Andrew Duffield joined the line-up. These 2 members penned "Two Cabs to the Toucan", a track featured on the group's 'Cut Lunch' EP issued in 1981. By now, the band had signed with Mushroom Records. The disc was their first to chart in Australia, reaching #38. After the band dissolved in 1987, Kelly and Duffield formed 2 other groups: Absent Friends and The Dukes. 

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#874 THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD The Beatles
When Paul McCartney wrote "The Long and Winding Road" he was pondering where The Beatles found themselves at the start of 1969. The group had dominated the music scene and, in many ways , western pop culture, since 1964. Now, as the decade was nearing an end, the group was severely fractured. His lyrics urged the other 3 members to put aside their differences and persevere as a band. In the uncertain months that followed, renowned producer Phil Spector was asked to produce the tracks that were to become the group's final album, 'Let It Be', released in 1970. 
The ballad was meant to be understated and simple. When McCartney heard how Spector had transformed the song, with its lush orchestration and choir, he was furious. It has been claimed that it was this lack of consultation that finally led McCartney to decide it was time for The Beatles to come to an end.

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Saturday, October 19, 2013

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#875 MORE LOVE Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Smokey Robinson's wife Claudette was also a member of his group The Miracles. The couple endured several miscarriages. Smokey penned this declaration of his love for her following one of the unsuccessful births. The song was released as a single by Motown in 1967. It was also included on The Miracles' 'Make It Happen' album.

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The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week: 1

1 Lost Generation RIZZLE KICKS        1wk                                                  2 3

2 Kick Up Your Heels [album track] JESSICA MAUBOY ftg. PITBULL                   6 2

3 I Hope You Find It CHER                                                            5 3

4 Roar KATY PERRY                                                          3 7

5 Pop A Bottle (Fill Me Up) JESSICA MAUBOY                                                  8 2

6 Sign On [album track] EARTH, WIND & FIRE                                          10 2

7 My Love [album track] CHER                                                         1 5

8 Heart Attack ENRIQUE IGLESIAS                                                      NEW

9 Tonight I'm Yours OLA                                                             NEW

10 Unconditionally KATY PERRY                                                        NEW

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#876 EVERY NIGHT Phoebe Snow
"Every Night" was a track included on Paul McCartney's debut solo LP. Released in 1970,  'McCartney' consisted entirely of songs penned by the former Beatle. Phoebe Snow was born Phoebe Laub in 1952. Although born in New York, she was raised in neighbouring New Jersey. She covered the McCartney song for her 'Against the Grain' album in 1978. The vocalist recorded in a number of genres, including jazz, folk and pop. Her most famous song remains "Poetry Man" from 1975. In 2011, Snow died following a brain hemorrhage.

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Friday, October 18, 2013

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#877 GIRLFRIEND *NSYNC featuring Nelly [Neptunes Remix]
Boy band *NSYNC were one of the hottest music acts at the dawn of the current century. Its place in pop music history is assured, if only for launching the career of Justin Timberlake. The group's peak of popularity was with the global success of "Bye Bye Bye" in 2000. The single was from their 'No Strings Attached' album which sold about 10 million copies. 
The following year saw the act release a new album: 'Celebrity'. One track, "Girlfriend" was co-written by Timberlake with Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo from The Neptunes. The single was remixed by the hip hop duo and featured vocals from Nelly. 
In 2002, *NSYNC went on hiatus. Timberlake pursued a solo career which swiftly eclipsed his former group. The group has never reformed since then, with the exception of joining JT on stage for a brief performance at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2013.

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#878 YOU'RE THE FIRST, THE LAST, MY EVERYTHING Barry White
It's hard to imagine now, but "You're the First, the Last, my Everything" started out as a country song penned by Sterling Radcliffe and remained unrecorded for over 2 decades. The country songwriter met Barry White and heard that the musician was enduring financial hardship. He bought White's children Christmas presents. Years later, when White had achieved major success, Radcliffe contacted him. In 1974, the song was cut and released as a single. White and his songwriting collaborator Tony Sepe transformed the song into a disco-flavoured and funky track. White came up with some new lyrics while recording the song. He also produced it. The single peaked at #2 on the American Pop chart and #1 R&B. In the UK, it reached the top.

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Thursday, October 17, 2013

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#879 LOVE ME TONIGHT Tom Jones
Tom Jones was at his most popular in the mid-to-late 60s, enjoying an enviable string of hits. "Love Me Tonight" was his first Top 10 smash for 1969. The song was written by Barry Mason, Daniele Pace, Lorenzo Pilat and Marissa Panzeri. Peter Sullivan produced the recording. In the UK, the Welsh entertainer peaked at #9 with this single.

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#880 DOES ANYBODY REALLY KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS? Chicago
When issued as a single in late 1970, "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" charged up the US pop charts to peak at #7; it was the follow-up to "25 or 6 to 4" and Chicago's 3rd consecutive Top 10 hit. Composed by group member Robert Lamm, the song first appeared on the band's 1969 debut LP, 'Chicago Transit Authority' (which had previously been the group's name at its inception). The band's sound was influenced by The Beatles' "Got To Get You Into My Life" off their 'Revolver' LP. Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears were among the biggest groups to emerge with the then in vogue jazz-pop genre.

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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

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(MID-WEEK BONUS) #885-881
#885 APRIL SUN IN CUBA Dragon
Despite reaching #1 in Australia with "Are You Old Enough?", Dragon are arguably best remembered for their 1977 hit "April Sun In Cuba". The group broke through the year before with "This Time" and first reached the Top 20 with "Get That Jive". "April Sun In Cuba" was written by bandmates Paul Hewson and Marc Hunter. It became their first Top 10 hit in both Australia and New Zealand (reaching #2 & #9 respectively). It was featured on the group's 'Running Free' LP. 

#884 PLAY THE GAME Queen
'The Game' was Queen's first album of the 1980s and became their best seller. It featured new approaches and the first time a synthesizer was used on one of the group's LPs. The album opened with "Play the Game", a track written by lead singer Freddie Mercury and co-produced by Mack with the group members.

#883 ALISON Elvis Costello
Anyone who dismissed Elvis Costello as just another punk rocker was proven wrong when this beautiful love song was  featured on his 1977 album 'My Aim Is True'. Nick Lowe produced this recording. Costello created the song which deals with a man still in love with a woman that has chosen another in his place. The protagonist knows the other man will never measure up. 

#882 SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones were always the "bad boys" of rock, especially when compared to The Beatles during the Sixties. On "Sympathy for the Devil", the group pushed boundaries way further than the Fab Four would ever dare. This is arguably The Stones at their most controversial and daring. Lyrically, the Mick Jagger & Keith Richards song references Christ's crucifixion, the killing of the Tsar and his family as well as President Kennedy's assassination. The track was from 'Beggars Banquet', which was issued in 1968.

#881 OUT OF MIND, OUT OF SIGHT The Models
The Models were an alternative group led by Sean Kelly when formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1978. James Freud joined the line-up in 1982, and took the band's sound to new musical directions. He and Kelly had been school friends. Freud wrote "Out of Mind, Out of Sight", providing the group with its sole #1 hit. It was the title track from their 1985 LP. The song features Kate Ceberano and Zan (both from dance group I'm Talking) on backup vocals. Mark Opitz produced the hit single. The Models broke up in 1988. Various other projects followed for both Kelly and Freud, including stints in new bands Absent Friends and Beatfish respectively. In 2010, Freud died, aged 51; a victim of alcoholism that sadly led to his suicide.

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CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS

(MID-WEEK BONUS) #890-886
#890 GOODBYE TO LOVE The Carpenters
The Carpenters were enjoying their golden period of chart success by the time "Goodbye to Love" was released as a single in 1972. The ballad, penned by Richard Carpenter with frequent writing collaborator John  Bettis, peaked in the US Top 10. Jack Daugherty produced the track, lifted off the duo's 'A Song For You' LP.

#889 WHY CAN'T WE LIVE TOGETHER? [Carl Cox Mix] Timmy Thomas
Timmy Thomas was an R&B vocalist born in 1944 in Indiana. He is best remembered for his 1973 recording of the social comment song "Why Can't We Live Together". The performer also authored this, his only Top 40 hit song. The song reached #3 in his homeland and was the title track of his 1974 LP. Thomas went on to work on recording sessions for Betty Wright, Gwen McCrae and K.C. & The Sunshine Band. The version that I prefer is from Carl Cox's compilation 'Back to Mine' from 2004. It's a remix of the soul anthem with famous quotes interspersed throughout the track.

#888 JACKIE WILSON SAID (I'M IN HEAVEN WHEN YOU SMILE) Van Morrison 

Van Morrison's brand of blue-eyed soul has been delivering since the 1960s when the Irish vocalist broke through as a member of the band Them. His first solo success was in 1967. "Jackie Wilson Said" is named after the soul legend who recorded some seminal R&B hits including "Lonely Teardrops" and "To Be Loved" as well as some you will find among this Top 1200. The lyrics find Morrison chirpy and in love. The song was featured on his 'Saint Dominic's Preview' album, issued in 1972. Morrison wrote the song and co-produced the track with Ted Templeman. The latter went on to produce hits for the Doobie Brothers (including "Takin' it to the Streets) and Van Halen (such as "Jump").


#887 MIDDLE OF THE ROAD The Pretenders  
Although The Pretenders formed in England, lead vocalist Chrissie Hynde was born in Akron. Ohio (USA). She steered the group through various line-up changes and several hit singles at a time when few women sustained a career in rock, especially out front of a group. "Middle of the Road" was penned by her and produced by Chris Thomas. Released in 1983, the song was included on their 'Learning to Crawl' LP. 

#886 THE RIVER OF DREAMS Billy Joel 

By 1993, it was time for a shift in musical direction for Billy Joel. He incorporated some new elements into his 'River of Dreams' album. Enlisting Dan Kortchmar as producer, Joel composed all of its tracks. The title song is arguably its strongest cut. We find Joel singing about dreams, a search for something unknown that was lost, faith and spirituality. The gospel themes and sounds provide the track with a completeness and set it apart from Joel's usual style.
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