Monday, July 21, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#226 LEAVE ME ALONE (RUBY RED DRESS) Helen Reddy
Australian performer Helen Reddy was born in 1942 into a musical family. She began entertaining as a child, growing up in Melbourne. Reddy had her own TV show in the 1960s. Reddy migrated to America in 1966. After a long wait, she finally made her US chart debut in 1971 with her cover of "I Don't Know How To Love Him". Reddy's version of the big ballad from "Jesus Christ Superstar" reached #13. The following year, she dropped the anthem "I Am Woman", which reached the top on the American and Canadian charts. Reddy returned to the top in 1973 with "Delta Dawn", her 1st Australian chart topper. "Leave Me Alone" was selected as its follow-up.
The song was penned by Linda Laurie. Tom Catalano produced the recording. The single reached #1 on the US Adult Contemporary Chart and on the Australian Top 40. It also went Top 5 in America, Canada and New Zealand.
Next, Reddy issued "Keep On Singing", a #15 single in 1974. Her young daughter Tracy provided a guest vocal on "You and Me Against the World", which returned the singer to the US Top 10. On the AC Chart, it became her 4th consecutive #1.
 
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 20, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#227 I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin recorded her soulful interpretation of the Burt Bacharach & Hal David song "I Say A Little Prayer" at New York's Atlantic Studios in 1968. The label included the track on the Queen of Soul's 'Aretha Now' album. Jerry Wexler handled production. 
Released as a single later the same year, "... Prayer" peaked at #4 in Britain and 8 in Australia. The song also reached the Top 10 on the American Pop and R&B charts. In some territories, the disc was issued as a double A-side with "The House That Jack Built". 
Dionne Warwick had  charted the previous year with the original version of "... Prayer". This  rendition of the love song peaked at #4 in the USA. In subsequent years, the song's appeal has remained undiminished. Diana King recorded a remake of the song in 1997 for the 'My Best Friend's Wedding' soundtrack album. Her cover version reached the Top 10 in the US and Australia.
 
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.

Saturday, July 19, 2014

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:


1 Push It SALT 'N' PEPA    1wk                                                    NEW

2 I Want You MARY J. BLIGE                                                              1 5

3 See That Boy Again MARY J. BLIGE featuring Pharrell                                        5 2

4 Good Lovin' ALCAZAR                                                         6 3

5 Take A Ride (Put 'Em In The Air) ERIC SAADE                                                      7 3

6 A Night to Remember MARY J. BLIGE                                                         2 4

7 I Walk Alone {Dan Slater Edit} CHER                                                         9 2

8 Only Love Can Hurt Like This PALOMA FAITH                                                     NEW

9 Stay With Me SAM SMITH featuring MARY J. BLIGE                                                 NEW

10 Lovers On The Sun DAVID GUETTA featuring SAM MARTIN                                      NEW

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#228 SLIPPING THROUGH MY FINGERS Abba
Agnetha Faltskog's lead vocal on the ABBA track "Slipping Through My Fingers"  sounds as if she feels every line. The protagonist finds herself reflecting on how swiftly her daughter has grown up. Many were unaware of the song's lyrical strength until they discovered it during the musical "Mamma Mia". 
Benny Andersson created the music and Bjotn Ulvaeus penned the heartfelt words for 1 of ABBA's most powerful and mature songs. The latter's daughter Linda inspired its subject matter. The ballad was included on the group's 1981 album 'the Visitors'. 
 
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 18, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#229 IT'S OVER Boz Scaggs
"It's Over" is a track included on Boz Scaggs' 'Silk Degrees' album. The song was written by the singer. He contributed background vocals alongside Maxine Green. Joe Wissert produced the recording. In 1976, "It's Over" bacame the 1st single lifted off the LP and made inroads on the US and Australian charts.
 
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 17, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#230 PLEASE HELP ME I'M FALLING (IN LOVE WITH YOU) Puff Johnson
R&B singer Puff Johnson was born in 1972. Her family moved from Detroit and raised her in Los Angeles. Her breakthrough as a singer took place in 1996, when "Forever More" charted around the world. That same year, she released her album 'Miracle'. Featured among its tracks is a remake of "Please Help Me I'm Falling". 
The song is an emotionally-charged R&B interpretation of a song that began its life as a country ballad. The protagonist is struggling to avoid the temptation of a new love while already in a relationship. The love song was written by Don Robertson and Hal Blair. Hank Locklin released the 1st version of the ballad in 1960, spending 14 weeks at #1 on the US Country Chart and crossing over to the Pop Chart, where the disc peaked at #8. 
Johnson's remake completely modifies the song, giving it a soulful and modern context.  The interpretation is reminiscent of Whitney Houston. Her vocal begins gently, gradually building up the excitement as she sings the verses. Johnson's execution reaches its climactic moment towards the end, before a tender coda. Keith Thomas, who produced the cover version, also contributed guitar, piano and synthesizer on the cut.
Her next success came the following year via the inclusion of the song "Over and Over" on the soundtrack for the box office hit comedy motion picture 'The First Wives Club'. Johnson never returned to the charts after 1997. In 2013, the singer died of cervical cancer.
 
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 16, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#231 SUCKER DJ Dimples D
Initially released in 1983, "Sucker DJ" was destined for obscurity until Ben Liebrand remixed the hip hop flop. Marley Marl's track was re-tweaked. Liebrand had the ingenious idea of sampling the theme from the 1960s TV comedy series "I Dream Of Jeannie". Hence, Hugo Montenegro (the theme's composer) and (lyricist) Buddy Kaye are listed alongside the song's writers Crystal Smith (rapper Dimples D) and Marlon Williams (Marley Marl). 
Liebrand produced the new version. This time, the song caught on, reaching #1 in Australia in 1990. The disc peaked at #2 in New Zealand. "Sucker DJ" was a Top 20 hit in Europe and the UK. Sadly, this was to be Dimples D's sole chart appearance. Marl, on the other hand, has continued as a well respected hip hop producer; having worked with LL Cool J and TLC among others.
 
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 15, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#232 GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH Michael Jackson
It may not be 1 of Michael Jackson's best known songs, but "Greatest Show On Earth" is a perfect example of Motown showcasing its young star's vocal skill. The track was written and produced by Jerry Marcellino and Mel Larson. James Anthony Carmichael, who would achieve major success working with The Commodores and Lionel Richie in later years, arranged "Greatest...". The track was featured on Jackson's 1972 album 'Ben'.
 
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 14, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#233 HAPPINESS Pointer Sisters
The Pointer Sisters' string of dance hits in the 1980s was a double edged sword. It gave the trio a higher profile, but also pigeon-holed the siblings in that genre. The Pointer Sisters had already proven their adaptability throughout the preceding decade, recording songs in an array of genres. "Happiness" serves as a testament to their vocal ability on a song that fuses gospel with funk and soul. 
Allen Toussaint wrote the song which the sisters recorded for their 1978 'Energy' album. He recorded a version of it on his 'Motion' album, issued in the same year. The trio's interpretation was produced by Richard Perry. Toto's David Hungate, Jeffrey Porcaro and David Paich contribute bass, drums and acoustic piano respectively. Waddy Wachtel performed guitar and James Newton Howard played synthesizer on the track.
"Happiness" was released as a single in 1979. The disc peaked at #30 in the USA. Along with its pop achievement, the track appeared on the R&B and Dance charts there. It peaked at #8 in Belgium and 11 in 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.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#234 THE MAIN EVENT / FIGHT Barbra Streisand
In 1979, Barbra Streisand starred in the comedy film 'The Main Event' opposite Ryan O'Neal.
The movie became a box office hit, re-uniting the 2 actors from 1972's 'What's Up, Doc?'. Its title song, performed by the actress, was written by Paul Jabara, Bob Esty and Bruce Roberts. Recording took place in Los Angeles. Esty produced, arranged and conducted the track. He also contributed background vocals, along with identical twins brothers Billy and Bobby Alessi. The siblings recorded in their own right and charted with "Oh Lori" and "Put Away Your Love" around the time of this hit song.
"The Main Event" was another effort to reflect current music trends for Streisand. It became her biggest disco-flavoured hit to date, reaching #3 in America and #5 in Canada. In Australia, the single peaked at #21. Next, she collaborated with Donna Summer for "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)", an even bigger disco smash.   

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.