Friday, January 31, 2014

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TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#523 DREAM WORLD Abba
"Dream World" was recorded for inclusion on ABBA's 'Voulez Vous' album. When  the LP was unleashed to eager fans of the Swedish group, the track had been omitted. It middle eight was added to "Does Your Mother Know" which was included on that LP. 
Recorded in September -October 1978, "Dream World" remained hidden in the vaults until 1994. It was 1 of the previously unreleased delights unearthed for ABBA's 'Thank You for the Music' CD box set. The deluxe edition of 'Voulez Vous' featured the full length track, with its intro - previously missing- now restored. It's this version that makes this Top 1200 listing. As usual, the track was written and produced by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson from the group.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#524 HEY NINETEEN Steely Dan
The hit single from Steely Dan's 1980 album release 'Gaucho' was written by both members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. The former plays electric piano and synthesizer on the track while the latter is on bass guitar. Gary Katz produced the recording. The song involves an older male trying to find something in common with a much younger female. He is horrified when she admits that she hasn't heard of Aretha Franklin. The guy tries his usual efforts that date back to 1967 to no avail. The single peaked at #10 in the US.
Following 'Gaucho', the duo decided to split in 1981. Fagen released a solo LP entitled 'The Nightfly' the following year. Becker's solo debut album '11 Tracks of Whack' was issued in 1994. It was produced by Fagen.
Steely Dan re-united in 1995 for a tour and then released a new album, 'Two Against Nature' in 2000. The disc won the Album of the Year Grammy. They have continued releasing solo and Steely Dan albums since as well as touring around the world.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

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#525 LET'S GET IT ON Marvin Gaye
"Let's Get It On" attracted controversy upon its release in 1973 for its carnal theme. According to its co-writer Ed Townsend, the song was in fact initially about dealing with drug addiction. At the time of his inspiration, the songwriter was battling with alcoholism. The idea was to encourage addicts to get on with life. 
Marvin Gaye infused the song with its wooing quality. He co-produced the track with Townsend. Gaye also plays piano on the cut. "Let's..." was the title track of his album where most songs shifted the focus from social issues to more intimate subject matter. The single reached #1 Pop & R&B in America.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#526 WOMAN IN LOVE Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand was a Broadway sensation that had collected a best Actress Oscar by the end of the 1960s. In the Seventies, she was 1 of the biggest box office draws. As the 1980s began, Streisand was showing no signs of waning popularity. 1980 saw the superstar release her best selling album to date- 'Guilty'. 
"Woman in Love" was the LP"s first and biggest hit. Brothers Barry and Robin Gibb (of The Bee Gees) wrote the song. The former co-produced the track with Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson. Steve Gadd played drums, Gibb was on acoustic guitar and Richard Tee performed piano. The single became her only #1 in Britain and Australia. It also reached the top in America, Europe and Canada.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

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Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 2 hours throughout today
#527 NEW YORK CITY BOY Pet Shop Boys
"New York City Boy" was written by both members of the duo with David Morales. The track was recorded in the city it is named after, with the same 3 persons handling production. It was included on The Pet Shop Boys' 'Nightlife' album. Released in late 1999, it became the 2nd single lifted off the album. Curiously, in the US, the song only reached #53, but fared better in Britain where it peaked at #14. 

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 2 hours throughout today
#528 VOGUE Madonna
"Vogue" was initially going to be a B-side. Club remixer Patrick Leonard had composed the music and Madonna wrote some lyrics to it. She chose to write about vogueing which was popular in underground clubs. The 2 co-produced the recording. Her label insisted the end result was too good to be a B-side. 
The track was tacked onto her 'I'm Breathless' album which was timed to promote Madonna's new movie, 'Dick Tracy'. N'Dea Davenport, lead singer for The Brand New Heavies, contributed background vocals on "Vogue". The song names various screen legends: Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Deitrich, Marlon Brando, James Dean, Grace Kelly, Jean Harlow, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Rita Hayworth, Lauren Bacall, Katherine Hepburn, Lana Turner, Bette Davis and sportsman Joe DiMaggio.
In 1990, the track was unleashed as a single. It reached #1 in the US, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Canada. It charted as a double A-sided release on the Australian Top 40 with "Keep It Together" (a B-side everywhere else). It's worth noting that Vogue had originally been intended to be that track's flip side in America!

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 2 hours throughout today
#529 MY SENTIMENTAL FRIEND Hermans Hermits
Just prior to the hits drying up for the group from Manchester, Herman's Hermits released 1 of their best songs: "My Sentimental Friend" in 1969. The following year lead singer Peter Noone had quit the band. The other Hermits disbanded soon after. 
"...Friend" peaked at #2 in the UK. It was written by Geoff Stephens and John Carter. The 2 songwriters had already created other hits for the group; Carter co-wrote "Can't You Hear My Heartbeat", "Sleepy Joe" and "Sunshine Girl" while Stephens contributed "There's A Kind Of Hush".

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 2 hours throughout today
#530 GOOD TIMES Chic
The group Chic built up a worthy catalogue in its own right. Since their halcyon days, subsequent acts have drawn from their songbook and created new songs through sampling. The earliest rap hit sampled "Good Times" and, via The Sugarhill Gang's seminal release "Rappers Delight", a new genre emerged. 
"Good Times" was written and produced by Chic's 2 pivotal members: Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. It was recorded for their 3rd album 'Risque'. The former is on backup vocals and played lead guitar while the latter was on bass. Tony Thompson was on drums. 
Released as a single in 1979, the disc reached #1 on both the US Pop and R&B charts. It also made the Top 10 in Britain, Canada and New Zealand. Many have claimed that this song also inspired Queen's hit song "Another One Bites The Dust".

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 2 hours throughout today
#531 GET HERE Oleta Adams
British duo Tears For Fears discovered Oleta Adams singing in a hotel while they were in the USA. They asked her to sing on their 'The Seeds of Love' album in 1989. Listeners were wowed by her vocals on that LP. The following year, Adams began working on her debut album. The duo's Roland Orzabal and their producer David Bascombe handled production duties for what became 'Circle of One' 
That album's standout track is "Get Here", penned by singer/ songwriter Brenda Russell. The original version of the song was recorded as the title track of an album released by Russell in 1988. It was issued as a single and peaked at #37 on the US R&B chart that year.
Adams' cover is truly the definitive version. She injects drama, heartache and a genuine sense of craving in her treatment. Along with her mighty vocal performance, Adams plays piano / keyboards on the track. Orzabal contributes synthesizer. "Get Here" proved to be a perfect introduction to Adams' voice. The single made the R&B and Adult Contemporary charts as well as peaking at #5 Pop in America. In the UK, the disc reached #4.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
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Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 2 hours throughout today
#532 MARRIED MEN Bette Midler
Arif Mardin produced Bette Midler's 'Thighs and Whispers' album.  Released in 1979, it was recorded at Atlantic Studios in New York City. "Married Men" was 1 of its highlights. The track was written by Dominic Bugatti and Frank Musker. 
The song was written for use in the film 'The World is Full of Married Men', based on the Jackie Collins novel. Bonnie Tyler recorded the original version of the song and performs it in the movie. Midler's remake features Luther Vandross on background vocals and Michael Brecker on tenor solo. The disco-flavoured song deals with infidelity and the empty promises married men spin for their mistresses. The original reached #35 in the UK. Midler's camp cover peaked at #40 in the US. Both versions charted in 1979. In Australia, Midler 's remake was preferred and climbed to #37, with Tyler only reaching #87.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 2 hours throughout today
#533 YOU'RE THE BEST THING The Style Council
Paul Weller delivered his most soulful vocal on "You're the Best Thing", a hit single from the duo The Style Council. There are 2 versions of this song. The original lasts over 5 minutes and appeared on 'Cafe Bleu'. America was served a new, shorter (by about a minute) version. The LP was re-titled 'My Ever Changing Moods' for the US.
Released as a single in 1984, the lush ballad peaked at #5 in Britain, 7 in New Zealand and 17 in Australia. Weller wrote the song and co-produced the recording with Peter Wilson. He also sings the lead vocal and performs guitar and synthesizer on the track; while Mick Talbot contributes vocals, bass synth and keyboards.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 2 hours throughout today
#534 THE TIME WARP Rocky Horror Picture Show Movie Cast
The soundtrack for the film 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' was recorded in London in 1974. Richard Hartley handled production. Richard O'Brien, who was born in Britain but raised in New Zealand, created the show and its music. It began as a stage musical, opening in London's West End in 1973. Its Broadway debut was 2 years later. 
When the film first opened, it was a flop but it gradually attracted a cult following. O'Brien stars in the film as Riff Raff, the character that is heard at the start of "The Time Warp". Magenta (Patricia Quinn), The Narrator (Charles Gray) and Columbia (Little Nell) all have solo parts and the ensemble join in to explain the dance move to their guests Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon). 
The soundtrack took some time to attract sales, but has enjoyed an intermittent resurgence of popularity. In 1980, "The Time Warp" peaked at #3 in Australia, its best performance. The show is frequently revived.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 2 hours throughout today
#535 LOVE'S ABOUT TO CHANGE MY HEART Donna Summer
After years of trying to shake off the Queen of Disco tag, Donna Summer embraced her past and delivered a contemporary dance record. Summer had never been just a disco artist and she astutely moved in new musical directions as that craze was winding down in 1980. 
1989 saw Summer work with the very successful Mike Stock/ Matt Aitken/ Pete Waterman team. The trio wrote and produced the track "Love's About To Change My Heart". It was the 3rd single lifted off the parent album 'Another Place and Time'. Working with the British hit making team saw Summer fare better in the UK than in America. "Love's About..." peaked at #20 in Britain and 11 in Ireland.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 2 hours throughout today
#536 JUST THE TWO OF US Grover Washington Jr
Jazz crossover musician Grover Washington Jr scored a rare Pop chart appearance with the smooth "Just The Two Of Us" in 1981. It was to be his only Top 40 hit, peaking at #2 for 3 weeks in the USA. The song was written by Ralph MacDonald, William Salter and Bill Withers. The latter sings the lead vocal. The former co-produced the track with Washington. 
Withers had enjoyed success with his own songs which include R&B staples such as "Ain't No Sunshine", "Lovely Day" and "Lean On Me". The full version of "Just The Two..." is featured on Washington's 'Winelight' album, which was released in 1980. 
In 1998, Will Smith recorded a new take on this song. His version included a rap but samples Washington's original. Sadly, the saxophonist passed away suddenly a year later of a heart attack. Washington was aged 56.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
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Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added evety 2 hours today
#537 HELP ME MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT Gladys Knight & The Pips
Gladys Knight and The Pips are great interpreters. They infused pop standards with their unique soulful harmonies and Knight's awe-inspiring vocals in the foreground. Their 1972 album 'Standing Ovation' included some prime examples. On it, they re-interpret The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, The Hollies, James Taylor and Kris Kristofferson. 
The latter penned "Help Me Make It Through The Night". What started as a country song is transformed into a gorgeous R&B love song. Johnny Bristol produced this cut. The track was released as a single - 1 of the group's last on the Motown label. "Help Me..." reached #33 in America but peaked at #11 on the British chart.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 2 hours throughout today
#538 WE LIVE FOR LOVE Pat Benatar
While "Heartbreaker" was her breakthrough hit, its follow-up, "We Live For Love" raised more awareness of female rocker Pat Benatar. She was born Patricia Andrzejewski in 1953. The New Yorker's band included guitarist Neil Geraldo whom she would marry in 1982. He wrote "We Live..." It was featured on her 1979 album 'In the Heat of the Night'. The track was remixed prior to being issued as a single. Peter Coleman produced the recording. Charting in 1980, it cracked the Top 40 in the USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

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#539 SHOW SOME EMOTION Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading was 1 of the early female soloists in rock music. She is a gifted songwriter, having penned several hits that kept her music on the radio during the 70s and 80s. "Show Some Emotion" was an early hit for the artist. It was the title track from her 1977 album, produced by Glyn Johns. Armatrading wrote all of its tracks. While her profile has diminished since the Eighties, she still records and performs today.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
 2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday- when a new song will be added every 2 hours throughout the day.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#540 LIVING IN AMERICA James Brown
"Living in America" was written by Dan Hartman (who also produced the track) and Charlie Midnight. It was included on the 'Rocky IV' soundtrack and also Brown's 'Gravity' which came out in 1986. It proved to be a comeback hit, returning Brown to the Top 10 in the US, Britain, Europe, New Zealand and Canada for the first time in many years.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
 2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday- when a new song will be added every 2 hours throughout the day.

Monday, January 27, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#541 LOVE ISN'T EASY (BUT IT SURE IS HARD ENOUGH) Abba
When ABBA recorded their 1st album, 'Ring Ring', the 2 male members were still in the spotlight. The female half was still mostly there as background singers, with the occasional opportunity to shine on some songs. For this reason, the 1973 LP is patchy. The ABBA sound was still evolving. 
On "Love Isn't Easy" it's getting closer to the irresistible pop that the Swedish group became famous for. Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad clearly outshine the men on this song. Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus penned and produced the album track. The women lift the song so well that it is no wonder they were given a larger role on ABBA's subsequent albums.  

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#542 I'LL NEVER LOVE THIS WAY AGAIN Dionne Warwick
"I'll Never Fall In Love Again" was Dionne Warwick's last Top 10 hit in the 1960s. With the sole exception of her #1 collaboration with the Spinners "Then Came You" in 1974, Warwick had to wait until 1979 to return to the US Top 10. She did so with the big ballad :I'll Never Love This Way Again". The single peaked at #5 in America and 6 in Canada.
The song was written by pianist Richard Kerr and successful songwriter Will Jennings. Barry Manilow produced the track which was included on Warwick's 'Dionne' album. Kerr had recorded the original version of the song for his 'Welcome to the Club' LP which was also issued in 1979. Kerr and Manilow co-wrote "Mandy" and "Looks Like We Made It". The former has had his compositions recorded by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Helen Reddy and Johnny Mathis.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
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#543 COMMENT TE DIRE ADIEU Jimmy Somerville
After stints in Bronski Beat and The Communards, Jimmy Somerville launched a solo career in 1988. His 1st release was a cover of a French song that was a hit in 1968 for Francoise Hardy, entitled "Comment Te Dire Adieu". Its title translates as "How To Say Goodbye To You?".
The song's origins date back earlier. It began as an English song entitled "It Hurts To Say Goodbye", penned by Jack Gold and Arnold Goland. Margaret Whiting and Vera Lynn recorded early versions in the mid-1960s. Serge Gainsbourg was asked to provide French lyrics and the new song has since evolved into a French pop classic. 
Somerville's remake is faithful to the Francophile version and he sings the French lyrics. June Miles Kingston guests on female vocals. The track was included on Somerville's debut solo album 'Read My Lips'. That LP was unleashed in 1989. On the remake, Luke Tunney plays trumpet. Pascal Gabriel produced the recording. The single peaked at #14 on the British chart. It fared better in Ireland and France, where it reached #3.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.