CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
Mid-week bonus: #643- 641
#643 WORLD LEADER PRETEND R.E.M.
1988 saw REM release their album 'Green'. This LP further established the band as 1 of the leading rock groups in popular music at the time. REM was honing its song craft and musicianship for an audience that was constantly widening. Pop fans were now well aware of the group. 
"World Leader Pretend" is credited to all 4 members. They co-produced the track with Scott Litt. It was recorded in Memphis, Tennessee and the influence of the town's country heritage -although subtle- can be heard. It features renowned Jane Scarpantoni on cello and Bucky Baxter on pedal steel. Both add to this sombre track, which sounds like an update of  Simon & Garfunkel's "I Am A Rock". Curiously, this is the only track with its lyrics included on 'Green'. Despite this, it was not released as a single.

#642 DON'T STOP Fleetwood Mac
That Christine McVie could write such a positive song amid all the turmoil in her relationship with ex-husband (and fellow band member) John McVie and during the recording of its parent album, 'Rumours', is a testament to her writing prowess. Much emphasis has been placed on the bitterness and sadness in many of its tracks, but "Don't Stop" finds a woman who is moving on. The past is over and the future is in focus. 
Released as the 2nd single from the LP, the song reached #1 in Canada (their 2nd in a row there) and made the American and Dutch Top 10. In 1992, its potency was undiminished and used to good effect for Bill Clinton's inauguration as US President.

#641 WALLS COME TUMBLING DOWN The Style Council
The widening gap between the haves and have nots was the theme for "Walls Come Tumbling Down". That the dire situation could not continue and change was imminent informs this Style Council hit song from 1985. Written by lead singer Paul Weller, it features D.C. Lee on background vocals. Weller co-produced the track with Peter Wilson for the 'Our Favourite Shop' album. The single peaked at #6 on the UK chart. It also reached the Top 20 in Australia and New Zealand.