Thursday, July 31, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#216 SHE'S A WOMAN The Beatles
Paul McCartney has at times been unfairly derided for being too saccharine in his songwriting, but songs such as "She's A Woman" prove the case that this Beatle could construct a song with attitude and hip lyrics. Although credited also to John Lennon, this is essentially McCartney's creation.
The track was produced by George Martin and used as the B-side for the global smash "I Feel Fine" which reached #1 in 1964. It did peak at #4 in its own right in America. It remains 1 of the coolest songs by The Beatles. In the USA, it was included on the 'Beatles '65' 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.
A new song is added each day.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#217 I LET THE MUSIC SPEAK Abba
"I Let The Music Speak" is an oft-overlooked and obscure ABBA track from the group's final album 'The Visitors', issued in late 1981, Frida's lead vocal here is majestic, as it progresses through the variations in the song's structure. The track, composed by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, deals with the power of music.
 
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.
A new song is added each day.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

NEW RELEASE OF THE MONTH
JULY 2014
JERSEY BOYSMUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE & BROADWAY MUSICAL
"Jersey Boys" recounts the story of The Four Seasons. The musical has been a hit all over the world and is now a film directed by Clint Eastwood. Its soundtrack album creatively brings together the 3 sources of the show's major asset: the music. Some tracks are the original recordings by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, others feature selections from the Broadway cast and the screen versions. 
The album opens with the brief "Prelude", essentially a slice of the intro for "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" which leads us smoothly into "December '63 (Oh What A Night)". The makeover works a treat here, setting the mood for a fun look back on an amazing catalogue of hit songs. 
Valli delivers a solo on  the moving "My Mother's Eyes". John Lloyd Young portrayed Valli on both the stage and screen. We are introduced to him on the brief "I Can't Give You Anything But Love". He really shines on "A Sunday Kind Of Love" where the original is fused with the new version.
"Moody's Mood For Love" lets the latter display his smooth falsetto amid a lush jazzy treatment. His co-star Erich Bergen has the role of Bob Gaudio, a member of the group and co-writer of many of its hits. He sings "Cry For Me", recreating the sound of the era.   
A trio of #1s is led by "Sherry". Young is in fine voice here, confidently performing the group's first hit. "Big Girls Don't Cry" follows and is augmented by the fresh production that never strays far from the (still superior) original. Ditto for the better executed "Walk Like A Man".
Kimmy Gatewood, in her role as Angel #1, performs a faithful cover of the 1963 girl group smash hit "My Boyfriend's Back".  
"My Eyes Adored You" has a poignant moment in the show and film, but the song has not aged as well as the bulk of the material here. 
The magic returns however, with "Dawn (Go Away)". Young's strong vocal is complemented by the new production. The same can easily be said about "Big Man in Town" and its upbeat 21st century tweak. Sadly, "Beggin'" falls flat, despite featuring a blend of Valli & The 4 Seasons, Young and Ryan Molloy who is currently portraying the former in the Broadway cast.
Young leads us into a stellar medley of more Four Seasons classics: "Stay", "Let's Hang On!", "Opus 17 (Don't You Worry 'Bout Me)" and "Bye Bye Baby". Next, "C'mon Marianne" mixes Young with the original recording. The show served as a reminder of just how many great and timeless songs the group scored with. Yet, there are still more to come...
Show-stopper "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" has aged like a good wine over the decades. Young belts this out enthusiastically and the aural brilliance is enhanced by the instrumentation. This is the album highlight. 
The fun continues with Young's energetic rendition of "Working My Way Back To You", before Valli changes the mood for the touching "Fallen Angel". It's not a great song, but is apt for its context in the plot development. 
The enjoyment level is thrust back upward with "Who Loves You", another standout from the group. Here, the track bursts through with Valli's original and Young. "Sherry" and "December '63" are revisited over the end credits. This medley features the film version's Four Seasons, with Young and Bergen joined by Michael Lomenda (as Nick Massi) and Vincent Piazza (portraying Tommy De Vito). The album serves up 3 final reminders of the original group's magic harmonies: "Sherry", "Dawn (Go Away)" and "Rag Doll".   
The new soundtrack serves as an entertaining celebration and compilation of the 'Jersey Boys' phenomenon. The Four Seasons songbook had remained underrated until the stage show revealed its lingering power. So many of their songs will stand the test of time.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#218 ANGIE BABY Helen Reddy
"Angie Baby" was penned by singer / songwriter Alan O'Day. His publisher first offered the song to Cher. After she rejected it, it was presented to Helen Reddy who did record it. That decision resulted in a 3rd US #1 for the Australian singer in late 1974. Joe Wisert produced the track. O'Day's clever and intriguing lyrics have baffled listeners as to what happens to the song's protagonists.
Reddy continued charting in America until 1981. She also branched out into movies, including 'Airport 1975' and 'Pete's Dragon'. Although Reddy retired from the music industry in 2002, pursuing a career as a clinical hypnotherapist; she came out of retirement in 2012 and toured Australia in 2014.
 
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.
A new song is added each day.

Monday, July 28, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
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#219 BROWN EYED GIRL Van Morrison
After quitting his group Them, Van Morrison's musical career was on hold. Producer Bert Berns managed to persuade the Irish performer to launch a solo career. This new phase was kickstarted with his 'Blowin' Your Mind' album in 1967. "Brown Eyed Girl" was the LP's hit single. The song was penned by Morrison and produced by Berns. Its original working title was "Brown- Skinned Girl". The single reached #10 in America, It remains a standout in Morrison's songbook.
 
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.
A new song is added each day.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#220 I JUST WANT TO MAKE LOVE TO YOU Etta James
Muddy Waters recorded the earliest version of the Willie Dixon composition "I Just Want To Make Love To You" in 1954. His rendition was pure blues and issued as a single on Chess Records. Etta James recorded her remake in 1961 for her Chess debut album 'At Last'. 
Being sung from a female perspective drastically shifted the context of Dixon's lyrics. Her approach was not as gritty as the original, but James belts it out with gusto. Strings make it more romantic without diminishing its sexual energy. The Rolling Stones covered the song in 1964 and many others have done so since.
James continued performing and touring into the new century. Ill health affected her ability in later years. In 2008, Beyonce portrayed her in the film 'Cadillac Records', a movie dealing with the Chess label. James released her final album of new material in 2011 on Verve Forecast, entitled 'The Dreamer'. The following year, she died of leukemia aged 73. James was a remarkable and unique vocalist with a career spanning several decades.
 
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.
A new song is added each day.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:


1 Can't Take My Eyes Off You JOHN LLOYD YOUNG    1wk                                   NEW

2 Push It SALT 'N' PEPA                                                                            1 2

3 Only Love Can Hurt Like This PALOMA FAITH                                                     8 2

4 Stay With Me SAM SMITH featuring MARY J. BLIGE                                                 9 2

5 Lovers On The Sun DAVID GUETTA featuring SAM MARTIN                                      10 2

6 See That Boy Again MARY J. BLIGE featuring Pharrell                                                        3 3

7 Way We Are KOVE featuring MELISSA STEEL                                                               NEW

8 Me And My Broken Heart RIXTON                                                                                  NEW

9 I Want You MARY J. BLIGE                                                                                  2 6

10 Sherry JOHN LLOYD YOUNG                                                                            NEW

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#221 I BELIEVE (WHEN I FALL IN LOVE IT WILL BE FOREVER) Stevie Wonder
The release of the 'Talking Book' album in 1972  marked a further development in Stevie Wonder's musical growth. As the follow-up to the previous year's 'Music of my Mind', this new album finds a musician further evolving his song craft. The material was more mature than the generally upbeat singles he had dropped during the 1960s. Among the highlight tracks featured on 'Talking Book' is the ballad "I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)". 
The love song was penned by Wonder. He performed all of the instruments and produced the cut. The track runs for just under 5 minutes. Although not issued as a single, the song is known as a standout from Wonder's catalogue. It has been covered over the decades, with notable interpretations from the likes of Art Garfunkel, George Michael, Kate Ceberano and Michael McDonald.
 
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.
A new song is added each day.

Friday, July 25, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#222 DREAM-A-LOT'S THEME (I WILL LIVE FOR LOVE) Donna Summer
Included on her 2004 compilation 'The Journey- The Very Best Of Donna Summer' was a new track entitled "Dream-a-Lot's Theme (I Will Live For Love)". The dance track marked a return to the big numbers Summer belted out in disco's heyday. 
The new song was co-written by Summer with Nathan DiGesare. The 2 had previously collaborated on 1999's "Love is the Healer". Giorgio Moroder produced the new track. It was released as a promo single to club DJs and made #20 on the Billboard Club Play Chart. 
Summer continued recording and releasing new music. Various 1-off projects followed, including "I Got Your Love" in 2005 and "Power of Love" the following year. 'Crayons'- her 1st album of all-new music since 1991- was unleashed in 2008. "To Paris With Love" was issued in 2010. Sadly, Summer lost her battle with lung cancer 2 years later.
 
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.
A new song is added each day.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#223 ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST Queen
Bass player John Deacon penned the hit "Another One Bites the Dust" for Queen. It was surprisingly the 4th single lifted off the group's 'The Game' album, dropped in 1980. Queen co-produced the cut with Mack. "... Dust" marked a radical new musical direction for the hard rock band. This new song saw Queen adopt a more electronic, funk and disco sound. 
"... Dust" became 1 of Queen's best selling singles globally. The disc reached #1 in the USA, Canada, Spain and Israel. It reached the Top 10 in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Britain and South Africa. Overall sales exceeded 7 million.
 
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.
A new song is added each day.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#224 IF I CAN'T HAVE YOU Yvonne Elliman
"Love Me" became the breakthrough hit for Yvonne Elliman in 1976. She had just signed to Robert Stigwood's RSO label. That song had been written by Barry and Robin Gibb of The Bee Gees. The trio wrote another song for the Hawaiian singer, entitled "How Deep Is Your Love". Stigwood had asked the Gibb brothers to write material for his upcoming film project 'Saturday Night Fever'. He persuaded the Bee Gees to record "How Deep..." themselves. It became the 1st US #1 from the soundtrack album in December 1977. February 1978 saw the brothers enjoy a month-long reign with "Stayin' Alive". Their brother Andy Gibb replaced them at the top with "(Love Is) Thicker Than Water" before being knocked off the perch by The Bee Gees' "Night Fever" in mid-March. 
Elliman didn't miss out. The Gibbs penned "If I Can't Have You". They recorded it for use as the B-side of "Stayin' Alive".  Freddie Perren produced Elliman's remake which was also included on the '... Fever' soundtrack. Elliman replaced "Night Fever" at #1 in May; the 4th chart topping track lifted off the album and the 4th consecutive American #1 co-written by Barry Gibb. 
"If I Can't Have You" was a global success, reaching #1 in Canada, #4 in Britain, 5 in France, 6 in New Zealand and 9 in Australia. The follow-up single was from another film starring John Travolta-'Moment By Moment'- later that year. "Love Pains" fared better in 1979, but Elliman soon faded into obscurity. The song, on the other hand, became a worldwide hit again when covered by Kim Wilde in 1993. Elliman still works to this day and released new music in 2004.     
 
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.
A new song is added each day.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#225 GOLDEN BROWN The Stranglers
English band The Stranglers formed in 1974. The group's original name was The Guildford Stranglers, shortening it the following year, Emerging at around the same time as punk rock was breaking through, The Stranglers became 1 of the genre's pioneering acts. By 1977, the band was charting in Britain and slowly expanding its audience internationally. They placed 3 songs in the British Top 10 that year. The hits continued. In 1980, lead singer Hugh Cornwell was jailed for 3 months for drug possession. Once his incarceration ended, the band released 2 new albums in 1981. The 2nd, 'La Folie', contained the beautiful track "Golden Brown". 
The song began as a musical piece composed by keyboardist Dave Geenfield. When Cornwell heard it, he wrote up some lyrics. The other members helped construct the rest of the track. Released as a single in 1982, "Golden Brown" peaked at #2 in the UK. It fared well in Europe and reached the Top 10 in Australia. 
Other chart entries followed, including the hits "Skin Deep" in 1984 and "Always the Sun" 2 years later. By the late 80s, The Stranglers were scoring hits with remakes such as "All Day and All of the Night" which peaked at #7. Cornwell quit the group to pursue a solo career around 1990. The band continues recording, their most recent album being 'Giants' in 2012.
 
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.
A new song is added each day.

Monday, July 21, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#226 LEAVE ME ALONE (RUBY RED DRESS) Helen Reddy
Australian performer Helen Reddy was born in 1942 into a musical family. She began entertaining as a child, growing up in Melbourne. Reddy had her own TV show in the 1960s. Reddy migrated to America in 1966. After a long wait, she finally made her US chart debut in 1971 with her cover of "I Don't Know How To Love Him". Reddy's version of the big ballad from "Jesus Christ Superstar" reached #13. The following year, she dropped the anthem "I Am Woman", which reached the top on the American and Canadian charts. Reddy returned to the top in 1973 with "Delta Dawn", her 1st Australian chart topper. "Leave Me Alone" was selected as its follow-up.
The song was penned by Linda Laurie. Tom Catalano produced the recording. The single reached #1 on the US Adult Contemporary Chart and on the Australian Top 40. It also went Top 5 in America, Canada and New Zealand.
Next, Reddy issued "Keep On Singing", a #15 single in 1974. Her young daughter Tracy provided a guest vocal on "You and Me Against the World", which returned the singer to the US Top 10. On the AC Chart, it became her 4th consecutive #1.
 
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.
A new song is added each day.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#227 I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin recorded her soulful interpretation of the Burt Bacharach & Hal David song "I Say A Little Prayer" at New York's Atlantic Studios in 1968. The label included the track on the Queen of Soul's 'Aretha Now' album. Jerry Wexler handled production. 
Released as a single later the same year, "... Prayer" peaked at #4 in Britain and 8 in Australia. The song also reached the Top 10 on the American Pop and R&B charts. In some territories, the disc was issued as a double A-side with "The House That Jack Built". 
Dionne Warwick had  charted the previous year with the original version of "... Prayer". This  rendition of the love song peaked at #4 in the USA. In subsequent years, the song's appeal has remained undiminished. Diana King recorded a remake of the song in 1997 for the 'My Best Friend's Wedding' soundtrack album. Her cover version reached the Top 10 in the US and 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.
A new song is added each day.

Saturday, July 19, 2014

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:


1 Push It SALT 'N' PEPA    1wk                                                    NEW

2 I Want You MARY J. BLIGE                                                              1 5

3 See That Boy Again MARY J. BLIGE featuring Pharrell                                        5 2

4 Good Lovin' ALCAZAR                                                         6 3

5 Take A Ride (Put 'Em In The Air) ERIC SAADE                                                      7 3

6 A Night to Remember MARY J. BLIGE                                                         2 4

7 I Walk Alone {Dan Slater Edit} CHER                                                         9 2

8 Only Love Can Hurt Like This PALOMA FAITH                                                     NEW

9 Stay With Me SAM SMITH featuring MARY J. BLIGE                                                 NEW

10 Lovers On The Sun DAVID GUETTA featuring SAM MARTIN                                      NEW

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#228 SLIPPING THROUGH MY FINGERS Abba
Agnetha Faltskog's lead vocal on the ABBA track "Slipping Through My Fingers"  sounds as if she feels every line. The protagonist finds herself reflecting on how swiftly her daughter has grown up. Many were unaware of the song's lyrical strength until they discovered it during the musical "Mamma Mia". 
Benny Andersson created the music and Bjotn Ulvaeus penned the heartfelt words for 1 of ABBA's most powerful and mature songs. The latter's daughter Linda inspired its subject matter. The ballad was included on the group's 1981 album 'the Visitors'. 
 
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.
A new song is added each day.

Friday, July 18, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#229 IT'S OVER Boz Scaggs
"It's Over" is a track included on Boz Scaggs' 'Silk Degrees' album. The song was written by the singer. He contributed background vocals alongside Maxine Green. Joe Wissert produced the recording. In 1976, "It's Over" bacame the 1st single lifted off the LP and made inroads on the US and Australian charts.
 
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.
A new song is added each day.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#230 PLEASE HELP ME I'M FALLING (IN LOVE WITH YOU) Puff Johnson
R&B singer Puff Johnson was born in 1972. Her family moved from Detroit and raised her in Los Angeles. Her breakthrough as a singer took place in 1996, when "Forever More" charted around the world. That same year, she released her album 'Miracle'. Featured among its tracks is a remake of "Please Help Me I'm Falling". 
The song is an emotionally-charged R&B interpretation of a song that began its life as a country ballad. The protagonist is struggling to avoid the temptation of a new love while already in a relationship. The love song was written by Don Robertson and Hal Blair. Hank Locklin released the 1st version of the ballad in 1960, spending 14 weeks at #1 on the US Country Chart and crossing over to the Pop Chart, where the disc peaked at #8. 
Johnson's remake completely modifies the song, giving it a soulful and modern context.  The interpretation is reminiscent of Whitney Houston. Her vocal begins gently, gradually building up the excitement as she sings the verses. Johnson's execution reaches its climactic moment towards the end, before a tender coda. Keith Thomas, who produced the cover version, also contributed guitar, piano and synthesizer on the cut.
Her next success came the following year via the inclusion of the song "Over and Over" on the soundtrack for the box office hit comedy motion picture 'The First Wives Club'. Johnson never returned to the charts after 1997. In 2013, the singer died of cervical cancer.
 
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.
A new song is added each day.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#231 SUCKER DJ Dimples D
Initially released in 1983, "Sucker DJ" was destined for obscurity until Ben Liebrand remixed the hip hop flop. Marley Marl's track was re-tweaked. Liebrand had the ingenious idea of sampling the theme from the 1960s TV comedy series "I Dream Of Jeannie". Hence, Hugo Montenegro (the theme's composer) and (lyricist) Buddy Kaye are listed alongside the song's writers Crystal Smith (rapper Dimples D) and Marlon Williams (Marley Marl). 
Liebrand produced the new version. This time, the song caught on, reaching #1 in Australia in 1990. The disc peaked at #2 in New Zealand. "Sucker DJ" was a Top 20 hit in Europe and the UK. Sadly, this was to be Dimples D's sole chart appearance. Marl, on the other hand, has continued as a well respected hip hop producer; having worked with LL Cool J and TLC among others.
 
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.
A new song is added each day.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#232 GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH Michael Jackson
It may not be 1 of Michael Jackson's best known songs, but "Greatest Show On Earth" is a perfect example of Motown showcasing its young star's vocal skill. The track was written and produced by Jerry Marcellino and Mel Larson. James Anthony Carmichael, who would achieve major success working with The Commodores and Lionel Richie in later years, arranged "Greatest...". The track was featured on Jackson's 1972 album 'Ben'.
 
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.
A new song is added each day.