Wednesday, April 30, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 8 hours throughout today
#315 CONFIDE IN ME Kylie Minogue
Distancing herself even further from her early fluffy and cheesy sound, Kylie Minogue revealed she had matured musically with "Confide In Me". Abandoning the Stock/ Aitken/ Waterman hit factory, the diminutive Aussie explored new territory with this track. 
"Confide" was written and produced by Brothers In Rhythm (Steve Anderson and Dave Seaman). Their production mixed pop, house and elements of Eastern music. It was the opening track for her self-titled album in 1994 and its lead single. Minogue's new musical direction was well received and resulted in a #1 hit in Australia, Finland and South Africa. The single peaked at #2 in Britain. She took another stab at acting with 'Street Fighter' that year (and 'Bio-Dome' in 1996). 
Subsequent singles continued her exploration of new styles.  These included "Where the Wild Roses Grow" (with Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds) "Put Yourself in my Place", "Did It Again", "Spinning Around", "Please Stay" and "On A Night Like This". In 2000, the singer returned to the dance genre with her 'Light Years' album.

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


Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 8 hours throughout today
#316 NO ONE GETS THE PRIZE Diana Ross
Two close friends pursuing the same man is the theme of the Diana Ross funky track "No One Gets The Prize". The song was featured on her 1979 album 'The Boss', a project with Nicholas Ashford and Valerie Simpson at the helm. They served as songwriters and producers of the album's material.
"... Prize" reflects the disco sound that was still popular at the time. The fact that her next album would see Ross team up with songwriter/ producers Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards from Chic is a natural progression when one listens to this track. On the US Disco Chart, the tracks from 'The Boss' reached #1. "... Prize" also dented the UK 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.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 8 hours throughout today
#317 XANADU Olivia Newton - John & Electric Light Orchestra
"Xanadu" was the title song from the 1980 film musical which starred Olivia Newton-John. The star sang lead vocals on this collaboration with the Electric Light Orchestra. The group's Jeff Lynne wrote and produced the tracks on this side. The title track was recorded in Germany.
The movie saw Newton-John dance with the legendary screen star Gene Kelly. It was on the set of 'Xanadu' that she also met a certain dancer named Matt Latanzi, whom she married in 1984. While the film's lightweight plot was soundly criticized, the soundtrack had some redeeming moments. No less than 6 tracks became chart hits. 
The song "Xanadu" became the 1st #1 single in Britain for both E.L.O. and Newton-John. It also topped the charts in Europe. In the USA, the disc peaked at #8. On the Australian Top 40, the single reached #2. 
Newton-John and Lattanzi divorced in 1996. She has been dogged by health and relationship issues, but among the highlights are her charitable pursuits, culminating in the opening of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre at Melbourne's Austin Hospital. The singer continues to record and tour to this day.
Lynne issued a solo album in 1990 and was soon an in-demand record producer. After producing hit albums for George Harrison and Roy Orbison, the 3 joined Tom Petty and Bob Dylan in The Traveling Wilburys. He produced The Beatles' "Free as a Bird" in 1995. He was engaged in litigation with Bev Bevan's incarnation of E.L.O. around this time. Having secured rights to the group's name, Lynne released the album 'Zoom' in 2001 as the Electric Light Orchestra. Other E.L.O. -related material has since emerged.

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.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#318 SEND IN THE CLOWNS Barbra Streisand
The classic song "Send in the Clowns" was penned by the legendary Stephen Sondheim for the musical "A Little Night Music". It was based on the Ingmar Bergman film 'Smiles of a Summer Night'. The show opened on Broadway in 1973. Barbra Streisand recorded her version of the standard for her 1985 LP, 'The Broadway Album'. 
Recorded in Burbank, California, the singer herself produced the recording. For her interpretation, Streisand requested some alterations to the timeless song. Sondheim complied, writing new lyrics and re-structuring the end. 
Many other talented vocalists have covered "... Clowns", including Frank Sinatra and Judy Collins. The latter scored a chart hit with her interpretation in the mid-1970s. Dame Judi Dench recorded a breathtaking alternative version in 1995.

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


#319 FUNKYTOWN Lipps Inc.
Disco/ funk group Lipps Inc. was formed by mulit-instrumentalist Steven Greenberg in 1979. He assembled session musicians and vocalist Cynthia Robinson who at the time was working as a secretary. Greenberg wrote and produced "Funkytown". After many rejections, Casablanca Records signed up Lipps Inc. Their debut album 'Mouth to Mouth' was released in late 1979. "Funkytown" was selected for the 2nd single the following year. By late May, the disc was atop the US Pop Chart. It reached #2 R&B. Internationally, the single was a hit, reaching #1 in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Israel and Canada. In Britain, the song peaked at #2. 
Lipps Inc. would remain 1- hit wonders in most territories, despite releasing singles up to 1985. Among their best were "Rock It" and "Designer Music". Lack of success led to Lipps Inc. disbanding in 1985. Several musicians around Minneapolis moved on from this group to become part of Prince's group The Revolution. Greenberg now runs a web design company.
In 1986, Australian electronic dance act Pseudo Echo scored a hit with a remake of "Funkytown". Their version returned the song to the US Top 10 and reached #1 in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Alcazar also recorded a cover of the hit song on their 2009 album 'Disco Defenders'.  

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.

Monday, April 28, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#320 LET'S STAY TOGETHER Al Green
American R&B legend Al Green was born in 1946. He started performing in a gospel group at 9 years of age. He formed Al Green and The Creations with some school friends. This soul group evolved into The Soul Mates and they reached #5 on the R&B Chart in 1968 with "Back Up Train". Unfortunately, they failed to achieve another hit. The following year, Green was playing in a Texan club. His performance impressed Willie Mitchell, the Vice President of Hi Records, who was also on the bill that night. He invited Green to record with him in Memphis. Green declined the offer. A follow up call from Mitchell a fortnight later persuaded Green to check things out at Hi Records. 
Green started scoring chart hits with the new label. Mitchell and Booker T & The MGs drummer Al Jackson created the musical structure of "Let's Stay Together" before offering it Green for some lyrics. The singer penned the words in less than 30 minutes. 
"Let's Stay Together" was produced by Mitchell and spent 9 weeks at #1 on the US R&B Chart in 1971. It also topped the Hot 100 there. In Britain, the disc peaked at #7. The song was the title track from his next album, unleashed in 1972. 
Green enjoyed soul and crossover success throughout the 1970s. In 1979, the performer turned his back on secular music and became a preacher. The Reverend Al Green returned to R&B in 1988 and continues touring and recording to this day.  
"Let's Stay Together" has been covered by several acts, including Isaac Hayes, Boyz II Men, Seal, Craig David, The Shirelles, Shirley Bassey and Roberta Flack. In 1984, Tina Turner launched her solo career with a stunning remake that preceded her comeback album 'Private Dancer'.

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


#321 SOLITARY MAN Neil Diamond
The song "Solitary Man" was first released on the singer/ songwriter's debut album 'The Feel of Neil Diamond'. Issued in 1966, the album revealed a budding new talent from the Brill Building. Despite being so early in his career, Diamond demonstrated his craft at penning personal lyrics, and this track was the best example. The protagonist bemoans his vain search for a faithful woman.
Diamond's composition was recorded at A&R Studios in New York, owned by Phil Ramone who would become a well respected record producer in the next decade but took on the role of engineer on this cut. The recording was produced by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, who also contributed backup vocals. 
Upon release as a single, it peaked at #55. By 1970, there was a building buzz about the rising performer and the song was re-issued that year. Second time around, the single cracked the Top 40 in Australia and peaked at #21 in the USA.

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, April 27, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#322 SIGN O' THE TIMES Prince
Prince created "Sign 'O' The Times" at Sunset Sound in  Hollywood. Putting the Fairlight synthesizer to good use, he wrote and produced 1 of his best works and the title song for his album released in 1987. The song reached #1 on the US R&B chart and 3 Pop there. In Britain, the single peaked at #10.
Subsequent years has seen Prince release other great songs, including "Diamonds and Pearls", "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World" "Batdance", "Cream" and "Peach". He still performs to this day. His most recent album of new material was '20Ten', issued in 2010.

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


#323 DARE ME Pointer Sisters
On their 1985 album 'Contact', The Pointer Sisters returned to the dance well that had been so lucrative for the trio during the 1980s. "Dare Me" was its lead single. It was co-written by Dave Innis with Sam Lorber. The latter has also written songs recorded by Kenny Rogers, George Benson and Lobo. Richard Perry produced the Pointer Sisters' recording of "Dare Me".
The single reached #11 Pop in the US and became the girl group's sole #1 on the Dance Chart. On the British chart, the disc peaked at #17. The single made the Top 10 in Australia and Ireland. While "Dare Me" proved to be The Pointer Sisters' last major Pop hit, on  the US Dance Chart, the trio reached #15 with "Twist My Arm" and #7 with "Goldmine" b/w "Sexual Power". Their last entry was the #11 hit "Insanity" in 1990.  

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.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:

1 Geronimo SHEPPARD  1wk                                                                          5 2

2 Love Never Felt So Good MICHAEL JACKSON                                                     3 3

3 Mamma Mia DARIN                                                                              6 2

4 Do You Know Where Your Children Are MICHAEL JACKSON                                     1 3

5 G.U.Y. (Girl Under You) {Cosmic Dawn Radio Edit} LADY GAGA                                     7 2

6 I Wish We Were Leaving BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT & ELTON JOHN         2 3

7 Chandelier SIA                                                                                9 2

8 Cliche` Love Song BASIM                                                                              NEW

9 Car Radio TWENTY ONE PILOTS                                                                       NEW

10 Rise Like A Phoenix CONCHITA WURST                                                                 NEW

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#324 OUT HERE ON MY OWN Irene Cara
The big ballad from the film musical 'Fame' was "Out Here On My Own", performed by cast member Irene Cara. Its lyrics were written by Lesley Gore, who had enjoyed her own success with the singles "It's My Party" and "You Don't Own Me" during the 1960s. Her brother Michael Gore composed the bulk of the music from the motion picture, including "Out Here...". The track was recorded in New York City. Selected in 1980 as the follow-up to the film's title song, "Out Here..." peaked at #19 in America and 58 in Britain. It reached #41 in Australia. 

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


#325 FOLLOW YOU FOLLOW ME Genesis
Peter Gabriel left Genesis in 1975. Phil Collins stepped in as the band's new lead vocalist. Steve Hackett quit 2 years later. The remaining members continued as a trio. Genesis released a new album in 1978, aptly entitled 'And Then There Were Three'. Collins co-wrote its big hit "Follow You Follow Me" with bandmates Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks. The 3 co-produced the track with David Hentschel. 
Released as a single in 1978, "Follow..." reached #7 in Britain and 23 in the USA. Its success served to reassure the remaining members that the group's future could be lucrative. The single led Genesis down a more commercial musical direction. 
The group enjoyed immense chart success in the subsequent decade. In the early 1990s, Collins quit to pursue his solo career. He re-joined the other 2 members in 2007 for re-union shows and a live album. Genesis' most recent album of new material was issued in 1997.

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.

Friday, April 25, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#326 SHAKE YOUR TAILFEATHER Ray Charles & The Blues Brothers
The cult classic 'The Blues Brothers' is a 1980 timeless movie starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as Jake and Elwood Blues. Its soundtrack is a time capsule of R&B giants, including James Brown, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, various members of Booker T & The MGs and Ray Charles. The latter's contribution is 1 of the film's highlights, as an impromptu celebration erupts outside Ray's Music Exchange. 
"Shake Your Tailfeather" is made a credible key scene thanks to Charles' performance. It is better known by the title "Shake A Tailfeather". The song's origins date back to 1963 when the original version was recorded by The Five Du-Tones. The song had been written by Andre Williams, Otis Hayes and Verlie Rice. James and Bobby Purify scored a bigger hit with their tamer remake of the song 4 years later.
The Blues Brothers' version was produced by Bob Tischler and features Belushi and Aykroyd on vocals behind Charles. This cover features the legendary musician name-checking various dance moves, including the Mashed Potato, the Twist, the Watusi, the Bird, The Boogaloo, the Monkey and the Fly. 
Charles, born in 1930, remains 1 of the key figures in popular music, highly influential in the creation of the soul genre. Glaucoma caused his blindness at the age of 6, he adapted the call and response of the church into secular R&B and crafted landmark recordings that included "What'd I Say", "Hit the Road Jack", "Georgia on my Mind" and "I Got A Woman". In 2004, he died of liver disease, just months before the release of the film 'Ray' which earned Jamie Foxx a Best Actor Oscar in the title role. 
The Blues Brothers began as part of the long-running US institution "Saturday Night Live". The 2 characters were created by Belushi and Aykroyd. After the film's release in 1980, the former died of an accidental drug overdose. A sequel to the film hit cinemas in 1998 with Aykroyd alongside John's brother Jim Belushi. 

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.
NEW RELEASE OF THE MONTH
APRIL 2014
EUROVISION SONG CONTEST 2014 COPENHAGENVARIOUS ARTISTS
The annual CD compilation souvenirs that year's entries from all of the competing countries. This year's contains all 37 contenders and a bonus track (from last year's winning act). The semi finals begin May 6 with the Grand Final to be held May 10.
This review judges the songs purely on the merits of the music as they are on the double album. The presentations on the Danish stage will play a part in the appeal and worthiness of the various numbers next month.
This year, the songs are, overall, a strong mix.  Here is a review of each one in ascending order (in terms of quality):

37- Attention (Lithuania) 
      Boring and far below the standard of this year's crop. Unlikely to go beyond the Semi-Final.
36- Round and Round (Slovenia)
      Inoffensive, but unremarkable song.
35-Tick Tock (Ukraine)
      Dated sound from a country that has produced better music. Will be interesting to see if the  
      political climate there will affect its result.
34- Hunter of Stars (Switzerland)
      Its catchy whistled intro isn't enough to make this song stand out.
33- Children of the Universe (United Kingdom)
      The UK has provided the ESC with some classics, but sadly, this is not one of them; 
      although it is an improvement. This country's Eurovision woes are destined to continue.  
32- My Slowianie (Poland)
      Musically a stand out but weakened by a messy delivery which may objectify women.
31- To the Sky (F.Y.R. Macedonia)
      In part catchy, but inconsistent.
30- One Night's Anger (Albania)
      A better entry from Albania, with a good vocal from the female singer (Hersi). 
29- Cake to Bake (Latvia)
      Simple and ridiculous, but might work its way into our memories. You have been warned!
28- Wild Soul (Moldova)
      This entry is satisfactory, but it will have a hard time qualifying at the Semi -Final.
27- Calm After the Storm (Netherlands)
      Part Fleetwood Mac mixed with Lady Antebellum: it's not great, but it works.
26- Is it Right (Germany)
      Modern with a throwback to past ESC entries such as "The Party's Over". It's alright.
25- Same Heart (Israel)
      Beyonce-wannabe with a positive message dealing with unity. Should do well. 
24- Miracle (Romania)
      Paula Selling & Ovi return to Eurovision with a formulaic entry: it's catchy but nothing new.
23- Cheesecake (Belarus)
      1 of 2 cake songs this year!? Might work, but it will divide many voters. No chance to win.
22- Moustache (France)
      Like the Belarussian entry, will either be welcomed as different and fun, or laughed out of
      the competition. France keeps it interesting every year. Already in Grand Final, but will 
      not win.
21- Coming Home (Malta)
      Easy on the ears, this is okay, but unlikely to attract much attention.
20- Quero Ser Tua (Portugal) 
      The most unsuccessful country of the ESC returns with a better entry and a pleasing beat.
19- Mother (Belgium) 
      This could do well, with its sad lyrics and powerful delivery from Axel Hirsoux. Might be 
      considered too Paul Potts, though.
18- La Mia Citta` (Italy)
      Cool contemporary song rocks out. Already in Grand Final, could do well.
17- Something Better (Finland) 
      Different for Finland. Radio-friendly pop/rock that could attract votes.
16- Dancing in the Rain (Spain) 
      Less than extraordinary, but it has a hook that permeates your brain. 
15- Three Minutes to Earth (Georgia)
       Musically intriguing and delightful, but will have a fight to qualify in Semi-Final 2.
14- Shine (Russia)
      Modern appealing song with sweet lyrics that may qualify, but is unlikely to win at the Final. 
13- Heartbeat (Ireland)  
      Memorable song that, if performed well, could finish strong. Might be too similar to last year's 
      winner "Only Teardrops". 
12- Not Alone (Armenia)
      Gorgeous piano, powerful lyrics and a competent vocal. Should easily make the Grand Final.
11- Amazing (Estonia)
      Upbeat, but there is a song that sounds like this every year at Eurovision, which could work
      against it.
10- No Prejudice (Iceland)
      Another catchy song but may be too reminiscent of "Centrefold" by J. Geils Band in the 
     1980s. Good positive message in its lyrics dealing with equality.
09- Running (Hungary)     
      The chorus gives Hungary its best chance for a Eurovision victory. Sounds like a radio hit.
08- Cliche` Love Song (Denmark)
      The home team with the year's most unashamed pop song. You will be tapping along, if not
      singing, within seconds! Unlikely to gain the Danes a 2nd consecutive win, but will finish well.
07- Silent Storm (Norway)
      Moody song that could prove to be a showstopper. Carl Espen's delivery impresses.
06- Start a Fire (Azerbaijan)
      A strong entry; Top 40 worthy, well structured and impressively sung. Deserves to end high.
05- Rise Like a Phoenix (Austria)
      Bravest entry of the year. Conchita Wurst will definitely be one of the most talked about 
      entries this year, performing as a bearded lady. Hopefully that will not detract from the might 
      of the vocal and the song's quality. 
04- Rise Up (Greece)
      Another entry worth watching: will it attract votes or be dismissed for its hardcore dance/ rap  
      sound? The Greek boys look good and the song stands out, whichever way you look at it.
03-  Moj Svijet (Montenegro)
       Hopefully, the unassuming beauty of this song will be appreciated. Musically and vocally, this 
       is one is majestic. Would be great to see this one win. 
02- Maybe {Forse} (San Marino)
      Valentina Monetta's 3rd consecutive entry for San Marino showcases her vocal skill and is a 
      sweeping and lovely ballad.   
01- Undo (Sweden) 
      Sanna Nielsen shows her vocal range and ability with this unforgettable ballad. Its mighty  
      climactic chorus and relatable lyrics will make this entry a strong favourite.

Feel free to share your comments here.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#327 YOU CAN'T HURRY LOVE The Supremes
The legendary songwriting trio comprised of Brian and Eddie Holland with Lamont Dozier created this Motown gem: the catchy "You Can't Hurry Love". It became another popular hit song for Motown's The Supremes. Eddie came up with the title. Aiming at a gospel attitude, the 3 tunesmiths struck gold. Brian co-produced the track with Dozier. 
The song was included on the girl group's 'The Supremes A Go-Go' album, unleashed in 1966. Released as a single that same year, "You Can't Hurry Love" reached #1 in the US on both the R&B and Pop charts. In Britain and Canada, the hit peaked at #3. The disc reached #6 in Australia.

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, April 24, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#328 WHEN DOVES CRY Prince & The Revolution
The world was already aware of Prince by 1984. He had enjoyed both chart success and critical acclaim for songs such as "Controversy", "Little Red Corvette" and "1999". The multi-talented performer raised the bar with his next project: the film 'Purple Rain' and its immensely successful soundtrack album. 
"When Doves Cry" was 1 of the watershed moments of the '80s. It marked the moment the "Purple One" became a superstar, challenging pop giants such as Michael Jackson. Prince wrote the words and music for this worldwide smash hit following the completion of the movie. He produced the recording at Sunset Sound Studios in L.A. 
The single reached #1 in the US, Australia and Canada. In Britain, it peaked at #4. It was declared the top single of 1984 in America by Billboard Magazine. In 1990, MC Hammer sampled the hit song for his single "Pray" which peaked at #2 in the US. In 1996, Ginuwine scored a Top 20 hit in the UK and USA with his cover of "When Doves Cry". Quindon Tarver cut an inspired interpretation of Prince's song for inclusion in the film 'Romeo + Juliet' that same year.

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


#329 THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE Leona Lewis
Pop audiences might never have come across the stirring ballad "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" if actor and director Clint Eastwood had not decided to include it during a key scene in his hit film 'Play Misty For Me'. It gave Roberta Flack a #1 hit in 1972. 
Fast forward to 2006, and Leona Lewis won the 3rd season of the UK TV reality show "The X Factor". By year's end, she was a star in their homeland. 2007 saw the young singer release her debut album 'Spirit'. By 2008, she had scored a global #1 with the single "Bleeding Love". 
Lewis' remake of "The First Time..." was among the tracks contained on her 1st album. The ballad had been composed by Ewan McColl (written for his wife Peggy). Lewis' interpretation was produced by Wayne Wilkins, Louis Biancaniello, Sam Watters and The Runaways. 
While subsequent releases from Lewis have failed to match the stellar success she enjoyed with 'Spirit', she is still recording to this day. Her most recent release was a Christmas album issued in 2013, with familiar seasonal songs as well as 2 which she co-wrote.

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, April 23, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 8 hours throughout today
#330 YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO Carly Simon
The 1980s saw Carly Simon rediscover her pop sensibilities. "Jesse" was a chart smash in Australia. Her collaboration with Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards of Chic fame resulted in a Top 10 hit in Britain and "You Know What To Do" found Simon revisit the adult and intimate themes that had attracted audiences to her songcraft in the preceding decade. 
"You Know..." was from her 1983 album 'Hello Big Man'. The song was composed by Simon with music from Peter Wood (who played Memory Moog on the cut) and producer Mike Mainieri with lyrics she co-wrote with Jacob Brackman. Hugh McCracken played acoustic guitar and Rick Marotta contributed drums. 

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.