CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS

(MID-WEEK BONUS) #714-710
#714 GROOVEJET (IF THIS AIN'T LOVE) Spiller
The dance song "Groovejet" started life as an instrumental. Spiller is Italian DJ Cristiano Spiller. He created the first version of "Groovejet", named after a club in Miami. The track samples the bass line from Carol Williams ' "Love is You". He was frequently asked to add lyrics to his original cut. Rob Davis provided a chorus. Spiller thought Sophie Ellis-Bextor's voice would suit the dance track. She was invited to write a verse. Her lyrics took the song in a new direction from its chorus; no longer dealing with love, but giving in to lust while away on holiday. Released as a single in 2000, it reached #1 in Britain, Australia and New Zealand. It peaked at #3 on Billboard's dance chart. Spiller co-produced the new version with German house producer Boris Dlugosch.
Ellis-Bextor had previously tasted success as lead vocalist for The Audience. Following the appeal of her collaboration with Spiller, she launched a solo career which continues to this day. She has returned to the charts with singles which include "Take Me Home", "Murder on the Dancefloor" and "Bittersweet". As for Spiller, he continued releasing singles until 2006, with only "Cry Baby" returning him to the charts.

#713 VIVA LAS VEGAS Elvis Presley
"Viva Las Vegas" encapsulates the lights, fun and excitement of the gambling haven tucked in the Nevada desert. Elvis Presley adds the fun with his energetic and camp delivery. It is a timeless tribute to a unique city and has arguably enticed tourists from all over the globe to experience all that the location has to offer. Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman wrote the song for the film of the same name. In it, Presley co-stars with Ann-Margret. 
While today the song is synonymous with Elvis, the single was a B-side that only climbed to #29 in the USA in 1964. In Britain, the record fared slightly better, peaking at #12. It was also included on an EP with the same name to coincide with the film.

#712 BROWN SKIN [E- London Radio Edit] India.Arie
"Brown Skin" was a ballad on India.Arie's 'Acoustic Soul'. Released in 2001, the song was the 2nd track lifted as a single from her debut album. That same year, E-London remixed the track for a 6-track CD single consisting of 'Mega Mixes'. "Brown Skin" is an empowering song that celebrates the beauty of a darker complexion. It was written by Arie with frequent collaborators Mark Batson and Shannon Saunders. The former contributed percussion as well as producing the original version. 

#711 ARE YOU STILL HAVING FUN? Eagle Eye Cherry
Jazz trumpeter Don Cherry fathered 2 talented performers: hip hop / dance artist Neneh Cherry and her half-brother Eagle Eye Cherry. Both were born in Stockholm, Sweden. The indie rock musician recorded "Long Way Round" with his sibling for 'Living in the Present Future'. That second album also featured the single "Are You Still Having Fun?".
Eagle Eye had enjoyed a worldwide hit with "Save Tonight" in 1997, from his debut album 'Desireless'. "Are You Still Having Fun?" was penned by him and produced by Rick Rubin. Released in 2000, the disc fared best in his native Sweden where it climbed to #18.

#710 MAKE MY HEAD GO POP! Roxette
Swedish duo Roxette released the album 'Room Service' in 2001. "Make My Head Go Pop!" was one of its stand-out tracks. It was written by lead singer Per Gessle. By this time, Roxette had enjoyed a lengthy string of pop hits which included "Fading like a Flower", "Joyride", "The Big L" and "Anyone". 'Room Service' was the final studio album from Gessle and Marie Fredriksson for 10 years.