EUROVISION MEMORIES: Gwendolyne

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!

GWENDOLYNE

Julio Iglesias

[1970 - Spain]

 

Julio Iglesias was still unknown outside of Spain when he represented his homeland at Eurovision in Amsterdam. The Spanish love song had been penned by the young singer. On the night, it was placed 4th out of a dozen nations. Iglesias went on to become one of the world's best selling recording acts. His son Enrique Iglesias is also a famous performer.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBK63c0Wzm8

EUROVISION MEMORIES: Rise Up.
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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!

RISE UP

Freaky Fortune + RiskyKidd

[2014 - Greece]

 

Greek duo Freaky Fortune collaborated with rapper RiskyKidd to perform the Greek entry in 2014. The very modern dance song certainly stood out from the field. After qualifying in Semi Final 2, it proved too contemporary for many voters. Sadly, the strong tune finished #20 out of 26 countries.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9y6A1uXLn8

200 RECOMMENDED ALBUMS. Today: #76.  Continues next week.

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.

#76

MIDDLE MAN: BOZ SCAGGS

 

 [1980] 

After the disappointing 'Down Two Then Left' album in 1977, Boz Scaggs returned 3 years later with 'Middle Man'. This LP saw the guitarist/ vocalist deliver a more solid selection of tracks. The sound reflected the dawn of a new decade too. True, this was still no 'Silk Degrees', but it is Scaggs' next best album. There is some lacklustre filler, but there are definite highlights including the hit singles "Jojo" and "Breakdown Dead Ahead". Along with nods to jazz, blues, rock and pop, Scaggs ventures deeper down the AC route with the ballad "You Can Have Me Anytime". 

Highlight tracks: Simone; Angel You; Isn't It Time & You Can Have Me Anytime

EUROVISION MEMORIES: Show Me Your Love.

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!

SHOW ME YOUR LOVE

Tina Karol

[2006-Ukraine]

 

Ukraine has been represented at Eurovision by some catchy songs. In 2006, Tina Karol marched into the Grand Final with "Show Me Your Love". Her song finished 7th in the Semi Final. It achieved the same result at the Grand Final in Athens out of 24 countries. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m4_FzOl7Es

EUROVISION REPORT: Who will win in 2016?

The Eurovision Report…

WHO WILL WIN IN 2016?

At present, Russia is emerging as  a strong favourite with the mighty entry,  “You’re The Only One”. 

 

This year's crop is not as strong as in recent Eurovision Song Contests, but there are some standouts. 

Some countries will be determined to steer votes away from the Russian entry. Norway seems poised for a strong finish in Stockholm with "Icebreaker".

 

Whenever Sweden has won at Eurovision, (with only 1 exception) another Scandinavian country has triumphed the following year. Perhaps Iceland will claim its first win in 2016?

 

Italy has a strong chance too, with the English/ Italian song "No Degree Of Separation". Watch out for a groundswell of momentum building up to the Grand Final for this entry. 

A dark horse could be Latvia with its dance-heavy track "Heartbeat". It should cut across sges and is a fresh approach for the ESC.

This blog will be previewing each entry over coming weeks leading to the Semi Finals starting tomorrow.

EUROVISION MEMORIES: Den Vilda

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!

DEN VILDA

One More Time

[1996- Sweden]

 

"Den Vilda" translates as "the wild one / savage". Swedish pop group One More Time represented Sweden with this new age sounding song, reminiscent of Enya. The lovely song was performed in Swedish and finished 3rd out of a field of 23 participating nations. Of interest is that one member, Peter Gronvall, who composed the song, is the son of ABBA's Benny Andersson. The latter of course, won with that group's unforgettable "Waterloo".

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW9ciJcEauw

 

THE 200 ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1970s. This update: #110- 101. 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.
110	HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE Bee Gees [1977] Duromg disco's halcyon days, The Bee Gees dropped a massive love song. Toning down the dance beat, "How Deep Is Your Love" became a rare ballad that proved popular on dancefloors. The slow song gave couples an opportunity to move in closer. Its subtle disco beat and rhythm was fused with lush strings and harmonies with some hints of R&B. The track was added to the 'Saturday Night Fever' movie soundtrack.
109	ROCK AND ROLL (Part 1 & 2) Gary Glitter [1972] When glam ruled the airwaves, Gary Glitter was one of its key acts. The singer punched out 3 British chart toppers. Another 4 - including "Rock And Roll"- peaked at #2 there. This iconic glam anthem was built around a pounding beat and basic lyrics. Most of the song features a refrain where the title is repeated numerous times. The track served as a bridge between glitter and pop/ rock.
108	ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL (Part 2) Pink Floyd [1979] Pink Floyd created a body of work during the 1970s that was both diverse and unparalleled. As the decade was coming to its end, the group unleashed its classic 'The Wall' LP. "Another Brick In The Wall" finds the band at its most accessible. The track soon became a rare hit single, topping charts in America, Britain, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and South Africa.
107	TANGLED UP IN BLUE Bob Dylan [1975] Bob Dylan attracted fans during the 1960s. The songsmith continued crafting stories and much-studied compositions into the Seventies. Standouts from the decade include "Hurricane", "Gotta Serve Somebody" and "George Jackson". "Tangled Up In Blue" has been analysed over and over again but still refuses to be locked into a single interpretation. The track was lifted off Dylan's 'Blood On The Tracks' album.
106	GOT TO GIVE IT UP Marvin Gaye [1977] Marvin Gaye's reluctance to dance led to the creation of a disco/ funk classic for the Motown label. The studio cut "Got To Give It Up" was tacked onto his 'Live At The London Palladium' album as a bonus track. Released as a single, it topped the Pop, R&B and Disco charts in America.
105	PIANO MAN Billy Joel [1973] Billy Joel's debut album 'Cold Spring Harbor' flopped in 1971. Drawing on his time as a lounge singer on the West Coast, the singer / songwriter penned a tune filled with a menagerie of fictional characters. "Piano Man", the title track on Joel's second album, became his breakthrough single. It is still a crowd favourite in his live shows.
104	AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH Diana Ross [1970] After a dozen US #1 singles as lead singer of the Supremes, Motown wanted to ensure its key act would succeed as a solo star. Diana Ross' solo debut single "Reach Out And Touch" only managed a disappointing peak position of #20 on the American chart. The Ashford & Simpson-penned "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" had already been a hit duet for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Ross' remake featured spoken segments and a climactic burst of harmonies from background vocalists. The result was a radical transformation of the song. While Motown was launching her as a film star, the single became the first American #1 for Ross in her own right.
103	LOVE TRAIN The O'Jays [1972] Songwriting / production duo Gamble & Huff created a new sound for soul music with the launch of Philadelphia International Records. The O'Jays had formed in 1958 and achieved its greatest success on that label. The lush Philly sound bridged the thrill of 60's Motown to disco in the 1970s. "Love Train" was one of the label -and the group's- gems. Possessing a positive message of unity, the single chugged to #1 in the US. The group went on to record other Philly classics including "Back Stabbers", "I Love Music" and "Use Ta Be My Girl".
102	(I'M) STRANDED The Saints [1976] Australian band The Saints helped shape the burgeoning sound of punk/ new wave with their seminal recording "(I'm) Stranded". Lead singer Chris Bailey had the punk attitude in his vocal. The group drew from simple rock music and the punk groundswell.
101	WHO'LL STOP THE RAIN Creedence Clearwater Revival [1970] CCR adapted folk rock, pop and rock music into a  radio-friendly string of hit singles. Guided by John Fogerty's songwriting and production, the band soon developed its distinctive sound. "Who'll Stop The Rain" can be enjoyed purely as an enticing track. Dig deeper, and its lyrics reveal a depth.

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week

1 We Are Your Tomorrow DAVID LINDGREN 1wk                                                                     2 2

2 Save Me WIKTORIA                                                                                                         4 2

3 Brand New Day HAYLEY EVETTS                                                                             6 2

4 Up All Night CHARLIE PUTH                                                                                              8 2

5 Til It Happens To You LADY GAGA                                                                                    1 4

6 I Will Wait ISA                                                                                                              3 3

7 Dance Off MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS ftg. Idris Elba & Anderson Paak                         NEW

8 Formation BEYONCE                                                                                                NEW

9 When We Were Young ADELE                                                                                           NEW

10 Calling You JEFF BUCKLEY                                                                                           NEW

THE CAFFE` LATTE`

TOP 10 ALBUMS – MARCH 2016

1 THIS UNRULY MESS I'VE MADE

   Macklemore & Ryan Lewis  2 2

2 WONDERFUL CRAZY NIGHT Elton John 1 2

3 25 Adele   3 5

4 NINE TRACK MIND Charlie Puth  5 2
5 COMING HOME Leon Bridges  5 2

6 RUMOURS Fleetwood Mac  6 2

7 RETURN OF THE TENDER LOVER Babyface  NEW

8 YOU AND I Jeff Buckley NEW

9 MADE IN THE A.M. One Direction 4 5

10 ONE OF THE LONELY ONES Roy Orbison 10 4

THE 200 ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1970s. This update: #120- 111. 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.
120	GOLDEN YEARS David Bowie [1975] Few artists re-invent themselves as successfully as David Bowie did throughout his brilliant musical career. "Golden Years" saw the chameleon mix the worlds of art rock with funk and R&B. Around the time, this fusion produced similar noteworthy classics such as "Fame" and "Young Americans".
119	MIDNIGHT TRAIN TO GEORGIA Gladys Knight & The Pips [1973] Years of frustration at Motown led to Gladys Knight & The Pips' departure from the label. Anyone doubting the wisdom of that decision was proven wrong when the vocal group began a string of soul staples with Buddah Records. "Midnight Train To Georgia" had already been recorded by Cissy Houston (Whitney's mother). When Knight cut her version, it soon became a #1 hit single. Their version is the definitive interpretation of the Jim Weatherly song. It is one of the finest R&B recordings of all time.
118	WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES Doobie Brothers [1979] The Doobie Brothers had already charted with songs that helped define the American rock sound before 1979. "What A Fool Believes" captures the band at its pinnacle. At the time, Michael McDonald was at the helm, guiding the group into a more successful phase. He injected soul and a new approach to harmonies into the band's sound.
117	LAYLA Derek & The Dominos [1971] Falling in love with your best friend's wife is fraught with danger. Eric Clapton found himself in this triangle when he could no longer supress his feelings for George Harrison's spouse Patti Boyd. His vocal on "Layla" conveys his torment. Musically, Derek and The Dominos execute one of rock's best epics. Clapton on guitar seems to scream out his torturous state. Jim Gordon's piano coda brings the masterwork to a shimmering conclusion.
116	CUM ON FEEL THE NOIZE Slade [1973] Glam was a prominent force on the British music scene in the early 70s. Slade were one of its leading acts, scoring 6 UK #1s in just 3 years. "Cum On Feel The Noize" remains an anthem of the glam and glitter period, while also possessing elements of hard rock.
115	MAGGIE MAY Rod Stewart [1971] "Maggie May" launched Rod Stewart's solo career, becoming a worldwide #1 single. At the time, the singer was also fronting The Faces. Stewart reveals a vulnerability and tenderness as he reflects on losing his virginity to an older woman. Simultaneously, there's an assured maturity in his vocal approach. The single set him up for a career that continues many decades later.
114	BIG YELLOW TAXI Joni Mitchell [1970] Few songs have as memorable a chorus as "Big Yellow Taxi". Joni Mitchell sings: "don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got till it's gone". With the tune, Mitchell married folk music with pop in a novel way.
113	LET'S STAY TOGETHER Al Green [1972] Hard to believe it now, but Al Green disliked his vocal on "Let's Stay Together". He was persuaded to utilize his falsetto by producer Willie Mitchell. The latter was correct. This recording remains one of soul's most enduring and uber-cool love songs. Green's vocal matches the percolating rhythm section. Both gradually build to a satisfying chorus.
112	CANDLE IN THE WIND Elton John [1973] In an era where there was an abundance of singer / songwriters, few matched the beauty of "Candle In The Wind". Before it was re-adapted as a tribute to Princess Diana, it was about screen legend Marilyn Monroe. Taupin's raw lyrics reveal the dark and hollow nature of celebrity. Elton John performs the song from the perspective of a fan. His vocal reflects wonder and regret over the tragic end of Norma Jean Baker. The track's truth resonates to this day and explains its hallowed place in the piano player's songbook.
111	I WANNA BE YOUR LOVER Prince [1979] Prince's initial attempts to break through had failed. He hit back with a funky pop track that kick-started his career. "I Wanna Be Your Lover" emerged in the final months of the 1970s. It peaked at #11 Pop and reached the top of the R&B chart in the USA. Prince would of course be one of the biggest recording successes of the 1980s.

EUROVISION MEMORIES: Rhythm Inside. Belgium: we are thinking of you after this tragic week.

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!

RHYTHM INSIDE

Loic Notett

[2015- Belgium]

 

Belgium progressed from last year's Semi Final 1, qualifying for the Grand Final. The indie pop song was well performed by the enthusiastic and youthful singer / co-writer. In a field of 27 nations, "Rhythm Inside" claimed 4th position.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV2b3L1K6_c

THE 1970s: (The Genres) Power Ballads.
The countdown of the decade's 200 Most Essential Songs continues this 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.
	THE SINGER/ SONGWRITER ERA
	PROG ROCK
	PUNK ROCK / NEW WAVE
	POWER BALLADS Power ballads would dominate the charts during the 1980s, but the seeds of the sub-genre were planted in the Seventies. There were some great seminal recordings that started building the groundswell. Canadian family group Promises stormed with an unfairly underrated sole hit single. Styx helped develop the sound with "Lady". Meat Loaf's epics on the monster hit LP 'Bat Out Of Hell' also provided a blueprint, as did Aerosmith's "Dream On". EXPLORE FURTHER: Baby It's You PROMISES Stay With Me Till Dawn JUDY TZUKE Every Time I Think Of You THE BABYS Music JOHN MILES All By Myself ERIC CARMEN Heaven Can Wait MEAT LOAF Kiss You All Over EXILE It's A Heartache BONNIE TYLER Only Women Bleed ALICE COOPER Isn't It Time THE BABYS Babe STYX Cool Love PABLO CRUISE I Just Wanna Stop GINO VANNELLI Crazy Love POCO Shut Down Turn Off LRB Beth KISS Baby Come Back PLAYER Telephone Line E.L.O. Dust In The Wind KANSAS Rockmaker TOTO  I Want You To Want Me CHEAP TRICK Amoureuse KIKI DEE You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth MEAT LOAF