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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