EUROVISION MEMORIES: Yassou Maria.

EUROVISION MEMORIES

Check back here for a regular look back from the Eurovision archives for some past songs from the last 60 years of the Eurovision Song Contest: the good, the bad & the ugly!

YASSOU MARIA

 Sarbel

[2007- Greece]

A year after Athens was host city for Eurovision, Greece was represented by the catchy "Yassou Maria" in Helsinki. The feel good song, sung in English, was performed by male soloist Sarbel at the Grand Final. It landed in 7th place out of a field of 24 songs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYklbvSi390    

FAVE ALBUMS: #87. Continues tomorrow.

THE CAFFE` LATTE`

200

MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS

Some are the best selling, while others may be obscure, but the albums listed here are all worthy of a listen. No compilation/ best of sets. Only exceptional live albums included. This is a personal listing of the albums I enjoy the most to this day.

#87

JANET: JANET JACKSON

 

 [1993] 

On 'Control' and 'Rhythm Nation 1814', Janet Jackson evolved. With Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis at the steering wheel, both albums established her as a star in her own right. By the time follow-up 'Janet' was unleashed, her career was rivalling her brother's. The trilogy reached a peak with this 1993 album. The music on offer here was more diverse. Jackson's increased confidence allowed the performer to shift her focus on delivering songs filled with hooks and studio wizardry. The Supremes' "Someday We'll Be Together" is cleverly sampled on "If"; horns blast on the rock-flavoured "What'll I Do"; the beat gets funky on "Throb". The versatility continues on the throwback "Funky Big Band". The ballad "Again" changes the mood. Jackson switches gear on the sexy "That's The Way Love Goes". Her performance on this soul gem  is as good a make-out song as anything by Marvin Gaye. Sadly, Jackson never managed to keep up the quality accomplished on the trio of albums at this point in her career. Her 2015 album 'Unbreakable' saw her collaborating again (after a 10-year gap) with Jam & Lewis and was a return to form.

Highlight tracks: That's The Way Love Goes; If & Throb.

EUROVISION: UK entry

The Eurovision Report…

The British public has selected its song for Eurovision this year. Joe and Jake head straight into the Grand Final (as one of The Big 5 countries) with “You’re Not Alone”. It’s a grower and should give the UK a better result than its poor finish in 2015. I doubt it has a chance of winning though.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX7e8DMT-hQ

THE 200 ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1970s. Today: #190- 181. Continues next weekend.

THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1970s It was the decade of glam, disco, funk, Philly Soul, heavy metal, the singer/songwriter, punk and new wave. Here are the 200 songs that mattered most during the Seventies, in terms of influence, impact and success. To be eligible, the song needed to be released- as a single or on an album- during the years 1970-1979.
190	CAN'T STAND LOSING YOU The Police [1978] Sting stretches out as lyricist on the early Police song "Can't Stand Losing You". Using clever wit, he takes on the persona of a man at his lowest after a break up. He is so down that suicide appears his only option. Somehow, Sting pulls off a humourous and upbeat song while dealing with a sad predicament. The trio deliver a sound that brings together the energy of punk, reggae, rock and new wave. Re-released in 1979, the single peaked at #2 in Britain, becoming the group's biggest hit to date.
189	AIN'T NO SUNSHINE Bill Withers [1971] Exploring the dark void left from losing someone you love, Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" takes the listener to the depths of pain and loss. His vocal is perfect for the subject matter and remains one of the most heartfelt performances in R&B. The song, penned by Withers himself, launched his solo career. It peaked at #3 on the US chart. Withers would continue employing his vocal skill to other 70s soul classics including "Lean On Me", "Who Is He (And What Is He To You)?" and "Lovely Day".
188	VENUS AND MARS / ROCK SHOW Paul McCartney & Wings [1975] The Wings album 'Venus And Mars' opens with the title track and "Rock Show". The 2 form a medley that stands up against any of Paul McCartney's songs from his days as one of The Beatles. It is the contrast between the pair that remains a strength: "Venus And Mars" draws in the listener before "Rock Show" takes off. The medley grew into a rock anthem that evokes the era.
187	I'M NOT IN LOVE 10cc [1975] 10cc delivered a true classic with the release of "I'm Not in Love". The majestic song set a new benchmark in production standards. Around 250 vocal dubs were used on the track. Tape loops created a new approach (using voices) to Phil Spector's Wall of Sound. The result was a unique sonic track, defying the limitations of technology at the time. Group members Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman wrote the song. Lyrically, it cleverly explores a man's denial of how much the object of his affection means to him. His inability to express his true feelings are contradicted later by lines like: "big boys don't cry". The group's painstaking attention to detail was rewarded by the public worldwide. Along with reaching #1 in the UK, the single peaked in the Top 3 in America, Canada and Australia.
186	I DON'T LIKE MONDAYS Boomtown Rats [1979] Bob Geldof drew inspiration from an actual school shooting perpetrated by a teenage girl for "I Don't Like Mondays". The song served as another example of a new wave act demonstrating songwriting and musical acumen. At a time when punk groups were often dismissed as untalented performers singing worthless songs, The Boomtown Rats dropped a thought-provoking and shocking image of reality. The shooter in the song displays no remorse and behaves in a manner not usually associated with 16 year old schoolgirls. Knowing the event was real added power to its chilling image. The single topped the British and Australian charts. In the mid-80s Geldof launched Band Aid and Live Aid to raise funds for victims of famine in Africa.
185	LEVON Elton John [1971] Elton John broke through in 1970. By 1971, his 4th studio album was unleashed to a waiting public. Along with "Tiny Dancer", the track "Levon" are the stand-outs on the  'Madman Across The Water' LP. The pianist was developing an impressive songbook by the time the former was first aired over radio airwaves and played on turntables. "Levon" is a skilfully written song from Bernie Taupin's pen, with cryptic lyrics that ensure the song will continue being analyzed in the future. Running for over 5 minutes, it has an epic feel as the story of Levon and his son Jesus unfolds. Released as the singer/songwriter period blossomed, it is little wonder that John become a household name. The ballad has maintained its timeless quality.
184	PUMP IT UP Elvis Costello [1978] 'This Year's Model' was Elvis Costello's 2nd album."Pump It Up" shot out of radios with greater force than the musician's preceding hit singles "Watching The Detectives" and "(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea". Succinct lyrics powered by an insistent rock beat, the song mesmerizes. Packed with sexual energy, Costello is the epitome of punk rock while hinting that he possesses a versatility that was gradually revealed over subsequent decades. Refusing to be restricted by the new wave label, his catalogue already boasted the beautiful "Alison" on his debut album. Costello was no angry aimless punk; he is a career musician.
183	ÇA PLANE POUR MOI Plastic Bertrand [1977] If "Ça Plane Pour Moi" jumped out at you during the 1970s, you will no doubt recall it. Plastic Bertrand's delivery stood out as a unique song that is often shrugged off as a novelty hit. While its lyrics made little, if any sense, it was a deft track that mixed an irresistible pop hook with traces of disco and a punk attitude. The Belgian recording's title translates as "This Life's For Me".  It meshed styles in an innovative way that was ahead of its time.
182	NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE Gloria Gaynor [1974] The release of Gloria Gaynor's "Never Can Say Goodbye" is widely regarded as the point at which disco was an official music trend. It topped Billboard Magazine's inaugural Disco Chart. There had been other disco songs prior, most notably the #1s "Rock The Boat" and "Kung Fu Fighting", but Gaynor became the genre's first star. Disco had a regrettably lengthy list of one-hit wonders. Gaynor was crowned its queen early on, until she was succeeded by Donna Summer. The Jackson 5 had topped the US Pop chart with the original version of "Never Can Say Goodbye" in 1971. Gaynor's remake returned the Clifton Davis-penned song back into the Top 10. In the UK, it reached #2. Motown was again the source for a hit when the Queen of Disco covered The Four Tops 60s #1 "Reach Out I'll Be There" as the follow-up.
181	ONLY WOMEN BLEED Alice Cooper [1975] Alice Cooper's "Only Women Bleed" has often been misunderstood, in part because of his on stage horror persona. Closer examination unwraps a song dealing with domestic abuse. The ballad was included on his 'Welcome To My Nightmare' album. At the time, Cooper was the master of "shock rock". His concerts had integral elements of theatre.  In this way, Cooper was a trendsetter. It may have distracted listeners from the tender empathy contained in "Only Women Bleed". Sadly, the song's theme remains a pertinent issue to this day.

TOP albums - Feb. 2016

THE CAFFE` LATTE`

TOP 10 ALBUMS – FEB. 2016

1 WONDERFUL CRAZY NIGHT Elton John   NEW

2 THIS UNRULY MESS I'VE CREATED Macklemore & Ryan Lewis NEW

3 25 Adele   3 4

4 MADE IN THE A.M. One Direction 2 4
5 NINE TRACK MIND Charlie Puth  NEW

6 RUMOURS Fleetwood Mac  NEW 

7 COMING HOME Leon Bridges  NEW

8 UNBREAKABLE Janet Jackson  10 5

9 ELEVEN Tina Arena  8 4

10 ONE OF THE LONELY ONES Roy Orbison 1 3

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:

1 Kevin MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS ftg. LEON BRIDGES 2wks                                  1 3

2 Don't Wanna Fight ALABAMA SHAKES                                                                              6 2

3 Girl Crush LITTLE BIG TOWN                                                                                         7 2

4 1955 HILLTOP HOODS featuring MONTAIGNE & TOM THUM                                     9 2

5 7 Years LUKAS GRAHAM                                                                                         10 2

6 White Privilege II  MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS ftg. JAMILA WOODS                          NEW

7 Losing My Mind CHARLIE PUTH                                                                                         NEW

8 Hoops THE RUBENS                                                                                            2 4

9 Blue Wonderful ELTON JOHN                                                                                               5 3

10 Never Be Like You FLUME featuring KIA                                                                           NEW

New countdown commencing today: 
THE 200 ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1970s. Today: #200- 191. Continues tomorrow.

THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1970s It was the decade of glam, disco, funk, Philly Soul, heavy metal, the singer/songwriter, punk and new wave. Here are the 200 songs that mattered most during the Seventies, in terms of influence, impact and success. To be eligible, the song needed to be released- as a single or on an album- during the years 1970-1979.
200	STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU Stealers Wheel [1972] Stealers Wheel included in its line-up Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty. The group seemed to possess enough potential for great success, but is largely remembered now for the hit single "Stuck In The Middle With You". It has been re-discovered by younger audiences thanks to its use in the Quentin Tarantino 1992 film 'Reservoir Dogs'. Rafferty went on to score a global smash in his own right with "Baker Street" in 1978.
199	UP THE JUNCTION Squeeze [1979] Squeeze (known in some territories as UK Squeeze) defined English songwriting, featuring a diverse range of themes and characters. "Tempted" dealt with infidelity, "Cool For Cats" is set in a local pub and "Up The Junction" is a sad tale of a man who loses everything. Chris Difford's lyrics will move any listener. The song is relatable storytelling within an obviously British context.
198	SEX & DRUGS & ROCK & ROLL Ian Dury [1977] Stiff Records had a unique roster of punk and new wave acts. Ian Dury was one of its successes. The British singer incorporated not only elements of punk and new wave in his music, but also disco, jazz, rock and funk. "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" became an anthem of the hedonistic 1970s. Rock 'n Roll was intertwined with sex and drugs and many performers became casualties of the lifestyle. Dury's song is delivered with wit.
197	THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN Thin Lizzy [1976] Thin Lizzy dropped one of the defining rock songs when "The Boys Are Back In Town" was included on its album 'Jailbreak'. Phil Lynott wrote the song. His vocal style is confident and masculine. The guitar work draws the listener in. It is no wonder it has grown into a staple track on rock radio stations since.
196	MAKE ME SMILE (COME UP AND SEE ME) Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel [1975] Steve Harley penned this defining 70s song which packs so much into its 4 minutes. The music maintains interest with the changes. Throughout, the backing vocals add flavour and a sense of fun to the track. In Britain, the single reached #1. It was also a major hit in parts of Europe.
195	AT SEVENTEEN Janis Ian [1975] Few compositions are as raw and frank as "At Seventeen". Janis Ian's lyrics ring true as she conveys every word. Tapping into the loneliness of "the ugly duckling", Ian's song is one of the best examples of the singer/ songwriter material that was so popular during the first half of the 1970s.
194	THICK AS A BRICK Jethro Tull [1972] Bringing together British folk music and rock, Jethro Tull's "Thick As A Brick" is the group's most accessible track. It was a key influence to the evolution of prog rock. Pivotal member Ian Anderson stars on the track.
193	VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR The Buggles [1979] Much has been said about "Video Killed The Radio Star" and its prophetic title. The Buggles' hit is included here because it kick started Trevor Horn's impact on the music scene. The duo failed to repeat the success of this worldwide debut smash. By the following year, The Buggles had ceased to exist. Horn went on to produce key tracks that include: "Slave To The Rhythm" (Grace Jones), "Relax" (Frankie Goes To Hollywood) and "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" (Yes).
192	TIME IN A BOTTLE Jim Croce [1972] The simple beauty of Jim Croce's "Time In A Bottle" gains more poignancy when remembered that this was sadly a posthumous #1 single for the singer/ songwriter. The full potential of Croce's talent was never to be realized. In September 1973, the rising star's life came to an end in a plane crash. "Time In A Bottle" was included on the singer's 1972 album 'You Don't Mess Around With Jim'. The single was issued in November. Along with "I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song", the ballads are fine examples of songcraft.
191	IS SHE REALLY GOING OUT WITH HIM? Joe Jackson [1978] Joe Jackson may have initially been categorized as a punk / new wave performer, but he soon demonstrated his versatility. His catalogue boasts jazz, pop, jump blues and rock. Debut hit "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" was a worthy introduction to his lyrical skill. Like Elvis Costello, Jackson's music soon defied labelling.

EUROVISION MEMORIES- Hi.

EUROVISION MEMORIES

Check back here for a regular look back from the Eurovision archives for some past songs from the last 60 years of the Eurovision Song Contest: the good, the bad & the ugly!

HI

 Ofra Haza

[1983- Israel]

Ofra Haza had already enjoyed success in Israel prior to her appearance at Eurovision. Coming second out of 20 nations, her profile increased significantly. The song was sung in Hebrew with “Hi” translating as “Alive”. In 1988, she gained an international hit song with “Im Nin’alu”. The song was later sampled on “Pump Up The Volume” by M/A/R/R/S. Sadly, in 2000, Haza died of AIDS-related pneumonia. By then, she was a cherished Israeli star. Israel's runner-up position in 1983 repeated the country's 2nd place the previous year.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqPGYSWnSFg

200 ESSENTIAL BEATLES SONGS. Today: #1. This countdown concludes today.

The 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS of

The Beatles

Together & Apart

Two simultaneous countdowns related to the Fab Four. The group’s 100 most essential songs as well as the 100 best recordings from the members’ solo careers. Priority was given to original compositions, but some cover versions demanded inclusion. Songs are ranked in terms of sales, musical impact, influence and sustained quality.

# 1 0	LUCY IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS
	MY SWEET LORD George Harrison
# 9	STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER
	HAPPY X’MAS (WAR IS OVER)   John Lennon & Yoko Ono
# 8	ELEANOR RIGBY
	PHOTOGRAPH   Ringo Starr
# 7	SOMETHING
	WOMAN   John Lennon
# 6	SHE LOVES YOU
	WHAT IS LIFE   George Harrison
# 5	HEY JUDE
	WORKING CLASS HERO John Lennon
# 4	LET IT BE
	BAND ON THE RUN Paul McCartney & Wings
# 3	I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND
	GIVE PEACE A CHANCE John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band
# 2	YESTERDAY
	LIVE AND LET DIE Paul McCartney & Wings
# 1	A DAY IN THE LIFE   Although John and Paul gave each other credit for all of their Beatles compositions, the true collaborations drew from each other's songwriting skill. "A Day In The Life" is a perfect example of the 2 composers bringing together 2 separate pieces to form a cohesive and contrasting whole. John got the idea for his part of the song from 2 newspaper articles. Paul created the section dealing with waking up and boarding a bus. The track was recorded in 1967. George Martin added his golden touch in the studio to create a masterpiece. The experimental and radically different track was included on 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'. Paul conducted the 41-piece orchestra on the Beatles' magnum opus. The piano note, lasting over 40 seconds, brings the song to a dramatic conclusion.
	IMAGINE   John Lennon Even if Lennon had never written a song for The Beatles, "Imagine" would have earned him an inclusion among the best songs of all time. His vision of a better world offers hope to this day. Its lyrics still resonate decades after its release. Any list of the most important songs ever written would be incomplete without "Imagine". The song served as the title track of Lennon's 1971 album. Even his detractors acknowledge its beauty. The song has been re-interpreted by the likes of Diana Ross, Randy Crawford, Dolly Parton, Seal and Joan Baez. Lennon's original reached #1 in Canada and Australia. In the USA, it peaked at #3. The single became a posthumous #1 in Britain in 1981.