CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS

(MID-WEEK BONUS) #775-771
#775 GONE AWAY The Offspring
Although The Offspring can be dismissed easily due to their later goofy songs like "Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)" and "Why Don't You Get A Job?", they did deliver some underrated songs that deserve respect. "Gone Away" is a prime example. Inspired by a tragic event, it is one of the best examples of 1990s songwriting. The track was written by lead vocalist Dexter Holland after his girlfriend died in a car accident. His intense sense of loss is encapsulated powerfully in his lyrics and vocal treatment. Released in 1997, the single peaked at #16 in Australia.

#774 AT THE DARK END OF THE STREET Percy Sledge
Percy Sledge will be forever remembered for one of soul music's best love songs: When A Man Loves a Woman". It is because of its timeless quality that other songs from the R&B vocalist's songbook get overlooked. As great as that track is, Sledge recorded a touching and raw version of "At the Dark End of the Street". This song, written by Dan Penn and Chips Moman, has been cut by the likes of Aretha Franklin, Andrew Strong (for 'The Commitments' soundtrack) and Billy Bragg. Sledge strips it right back, letting the lyrics take the spotlight, as he sings about the need for discretion and secrecy in his love affair. As the song progresses, he continues that it is a matter of time before they are caught, but he longs to meet his secret lover again, away from the crowds and light. Sledge's version was included on his 'The Percy Sledge Way' album which came out in 1967. 

#773 PRESSURE Billy Joel
Released in 1982, 'The Nylon Curtain' album found Billy Joel pursuing new musical directions in light of the new decade. "Pressure", from the LP, sees the musician switch from his trademark piano to synthesizer. Joel penned the song. Phil Ramone handled production duties. 

#772 IN A MINOR KEY Tim Finn
Taking a break from Split Enz, Tim Finn worked on a solo album. The result was 'Escapade', unleashed in 1983. The lead single was "Fraction Too Much Friction", followed by "Made My Day" and "Staring at the Embers"- all of which made the Top 40. Recorded in Sydney, Australia, the LP also proved a success. Its 4th single was the melancholy track "In A Minor Key". This song was penned by Finn. Production was by Mark Moffatt and Ricky Fataar.

#771 LAUGHTER IN THE RAIN Neil Sedaka
Neil Sedaka was attempting to revive his solo career when he wrote "Laughter in the Rain". He had decided to end his songwriting collaboration with Howard Greenfield and was soon penning songs with Phil Cody. Having just signed to Elton John's Rocket Records, the timing was right for an American comeback. His debut album for the new label was 'Sedaka's Back'. Its first single was "Laughter in the Rain", a song the 2 wrote in London. Sedaka co-produced it with Robert Appere. In 1974, the song returned the singer/ songwriter to the top in the US for the first time since 1962.

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