Saturday, July 12, 2014

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:

1 I Want You MARY J. BLIGE  2wks                                                       1 4

2 A Night to Remember MARY J. BLIGE                                                         4 3

3 Silent Tears MARCIA HINES                                                         2 4

4 Fall On Me {Unplugged Version} R.E.M.                                                    NEW

5 See That Boy Again MARY J. BLIGE featuring Pharrell                                        NEW

6 Good Lovin' ALCAZAR                                                         9 2

7 Take A Ride (Put 'Em In The Air) ERIC SAADE                                                      10 2

8 The Man ALOE BLACC                                                        NEW

9 I Walk Alone {Dan Slater Edit} CHER                                                         NEW

10 Loving You MICHAEL JACKSON                                                                 8 7

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#235 DECEMBER, 1963 (OH, WHAT A NIGHT) The Four Seasons
By the time Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons unleashed their new single in 1976, the group's line-up had changed. Only the lead singer was still in the band. Bob Gaudio, had opted out but was still involved in songwriting and production for the 4 Seasons. It was he who co-wrote "December, 1963". His collaborator was Judy Parker. The 2 would later marry. The song originally dealt with the end of the prohibition era and was entitled "December, '33". Gaudio changed the lyrics. He made it about losing one's virginity.
On "December, 1963" vocals are shared by Valli and other group members - drummer Gary Polci and bassist Don Ciccone. Gaudio guested on keyboards. The song became a hit. reaching #1 in the USA and the UK. It is still much loved and is played at many parties the world over.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song is added each day.

Friday, July 11, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#236 JUST MY IMAGINATION (RUNNING AWAY WITH ME) The Temptations
Motown's Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong wrote "Just My Imagination", which became another R&B classic for the label's Temptations in 1971. Its lyrics find a man content with all he has, until the twist reveals it is all a fantasy.
Whitfield produced the recording. By now, David Ruffin had left the group. Eddie Kendricks sang lead on "... Imagination". Although the song reached #1 in the US  and Top 10 in Britain, cracks were emerging within the vocal group. Kendricks quit the band to pursue a solo career. He scored some success on his own, including the US #1 "Keep On Truckin'" and "Boogie Down". Paul Williams' health issues and alcoholism led to his departure. Sadly, his problems spiralled further. Williams took his own life in 1973.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song is added each day.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#237 EAGLE Abba
The 1977 film soundtrack album for 'ABBA-The Movie' opens with the breathtaking "Eagle", penned by the 2 male members of the Swedish pop group: Bjorn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson. When the song appears in 'ABBA- The Movie', it is a visually stunning aesthetic delight; years ahead of its time.
Bjorn's lyrics for "Eagle" were inspired by Richard Bach's novel "Jonathan Livingston Seagull". The track was issued as a double A-sided single with "Thank You For The Music" in 1978 and reached the Top 10 in Germany and the Netherlands.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song is added each day.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#238 PLEASE DON'T ASK ME John Farnham
John Farnham had been absent from Australia's Top 40 since 1973. He had continued releasing albums, but it took 'Uncovered' in 1980 to change his fortunes. On that LP, Farnham transformed The Beatles' "Help" into a ballad (Tina Turner virtually replicated his interpretation on her 'Private Dancer' album years later). Farnham's remake returned him to the Top 10, peaking at #8. His next single was "She's Everywhere", another strong track from the album. Its follow-up was the big ballad "Please Don't Ask Me".
Graham Goble of The Little River Band wrote "Please...". He also took care of production. The song finds the protagonist struggling with the temptation of another woman. Its lyrics are vivid. Farnham's vocal is articulate as well as gentle, reflecting the character's predicament. The single peaked at #67.
Working on Farnham's album inspired Goble's decision to persuade the other members of LRB to switch lead singers. Glenn Shorrock was out. Farnham was in. He remained a member for 4 years, singing lead on 3 albums. The revamped group achieved some hits, but it created cracks among the line-up. In 1985, Farnham quit the band to concentrate once again on his solo career. He began working on 'Whispering Jack'. Meanwhile, LRB reunited with Shorrock.
Farnham's album sparked a renaissance for the Australian vocalist. He experienced his greatest success, including the #1 singles: "You're The Voice" in 1986 and "Age Of Reason" 2 years later. In 1991, a live re-recording of "Please Don't Ask Me" was issued and reached #21. The following year, Farnham joined the revival of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' in the title role. The cast album reached #1. The hits continued, including a collaboration with Human Nature {"Everytime You Cry") which made #3 in 1997. Other duets followed: with Queen, Tom Jones and Olivia Newton -John. 
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song is added each day.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#239 FREE NELSON MANDELA Special AKA
The Specials formed in England in 1977. Pivotal founding member Jerry Dammers launched his own record label, 2-Tone. The group reached #9 in the UK in 1979 with its 1st single "Gangsters". "Too Much Too Young" topped the British chart the following year. "Ghost Town" did the same in 1981. Following its success, 3 members of the band departed to form Fun Boy Three. 
Dammers collaborated with Rhoda Dakar, issuing "The Boiler" in 1982, before assembling a new line-up using the monicker Special AKA. He co-wrote "Free Nelson Mandela" with her. The song was featured on the 'In The Studio' album, released in 1984 with new addition Stan Campbell on lead vocals. Backing vocalists on the hit song included Caron Wheeler (later with Soul II Soul), Dave Wakeling and Rankin Roger (from The English Beat), as well as Elvis Costello. The latter produced the track.
The single reached #1 in New Zealand and peaked at #9 in the UK. "Nelson Mandela" remained a topical anthem for the efforts to free the famous South African victim of apartheid. Special AKA however, failed to sustain its success and broke up. Dammers immersed himself further in the Artists Against Apartheid cause. A later revival of the group did not include him. 
Mandela was finally freed on 11 February 1990. In May 1994, he became the 1st democratically elected State President of his homeland, holding office until 1999. The much-loved South African hero passed away on 5 December 2013 in his home. Mandela was aged 95.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song is added each day.

Monday, July 7, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#240 KISS ON MY LIST Daryl Hall & John Oates
"Kiss on my List" marked a turning point in the careers of Daryl Hall & John Oates. The duo had been visiting the US Top 10 since 1976 with hits such as "She's Gone", "Sara Smile" and the #1 "Rich Girl". Hall & Oates then struggled to return to the upper rungs of the Top 40 until 1981. They returned with a more radio friendly musical approach on 1980's 'Voices' album. "How Does It Feel To Be Back", the 1st single lifted off the LP, heralded their new pop sound. The disc only managed a #30 peak. The follow-up was a cover of The Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" which reached #12.
Next was "Kiss on my List". The song had been co-written by Hall with his girlfriend's sister Janna Allen. By now, Hall & Oates had taken over as producers. The new sound attracted a wider pop audience. "Kiss..." reached US #1 in April 1981 and enjoyed a 3-week reign. Its success began a string of #1s. 
The duo continued charting high until 1990, when "So Close" peaked at #11. Hall has also released albums as a soloist. Oates has worked on musical side projects. In 2006, the duo released a Christmas album. Hall & Oates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song is added each day.

Sunday, July 6, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1496 I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE Carole King
"I Feel The Earth Move" was 1 of the many strong tracks featured on the mega-successful 'Tapestry' album from its composer Carole King in 1971.

#1497 WE DON'T TALK ANYMORE Cliff Richard
Cliff Richard dropped 1 of his best singles ever in 1979: "We Don't Talk Anymore", written by Alan Tarney and produced by Bruce Welch. It enjoyed a month atop the UK charts.

#1498 AND I AM TELLING YOU I'M NOT GOING Jennifer Hudson
Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson wowed with her mighty rendition of the Jennifer Holliday classic written by Tom Eyen and Henry Krieger, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from the 2006 film version of 'Dreamgirls'.

#1499 I DO, I DO, I DO, I DO, I DO Abba
From the pens of Born Ulvaeus, Stig Andersson and Benny Anderson came the 1st of ABBA's 6 #1 singles in Australia. Lifted off 1975's fabulous 'ABBA' album.

#1500 YOU DON'T BRING ME FLOWERS Barbra Streisand & Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond co-wrote "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" with Alan & Marilyn Bergman. He recorded a solo version, as did Barbra Streisand. A clever DJ created a "duet" with the 2 tracks. The 4 Seasons' Bob Gaudio produced the genuine duet between the 2 vocalists, a US #1 in 1978.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
This marks the end of the downward rankings for the 1500 Choice Tracks. The upward ranking continues daily. Beginning tomorrow... a new daily countdown...
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#241 WITH OR WITHOUT YOU U2
By the mid-80s, U2 had established themselves as 1 of the biggest groups in the world. In 1987, "With Or Without You" placed them far ahead of the pack. The song, credited (as is their custom) to the whole band, was included on their smash hit LP 'The Joshua Tree'. Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno handled production.
"With Or Without You" became the 1st chart topping single for the Irish group in the USA. The disc also reached #1 in Canada and Ireland. In the UK, the single peaked at #4. It also made the Top 10 in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. 
U2 formed in 1976 in Dublin and still tours. Its most recent album was issued in 2009, entitled 'No Line on the Horizon'. This decade's 360 concert tour  by U2 was the highest grossing of all time. Group members Bono and the Edge created music for the Broadway musical 'Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark', which opened mid-2011. U2 collected a Golden Globe Award for "Ordinary Love", from the movie "Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom' in 2014.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new instalments are added each day (every 12 hours) with 1 of the remaining 300 songs as well as moving down from #1201 to 1500, with 5 of those songs added daily.

Saturday, July 5, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1491 VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR The Buggles
Trevor Horn & Geoff Downes  co-produced Bruce Woolley's "Video Killed The Radio Star", which became a prophetic global #1 in 1979 for their act The Buggles.

#1492 LIPSTICK TRACES (ON A CIGARETTE) The O'Jays
The O'Jays' "Lipstick Traces" was an R&B hit in 1965. Penned by Naomi Neville, this release features Walter Williams on lead vocals.

#1493 ITA Cold Chisel
The Australian Womens' Weekly's then editor Ita Buttrose was immortalized in song by Cold Chisel with "Ita", written by member Don Walker and included on 1980's 'East' album.

#1494 TEACHER I NEED YOU Elton John
Elton John & Bernie Taupin's "Teacher I Need You" was a popular high point on the 1973 'Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player' album, dealing with a schoolboy crush.

#1495 EMOTIONAL RESCUE The Rolling Stones
The title track from The Rolling Stones' 1980 album was penned by Mick Jagger & Keith Richards and is saved by the former's falsetto as well as the band's funky groove.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
The final 5 new songs will be added tomorrow for the downward rankings from #1201-1500. A new daily countdown will begin the day after.