CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#544 SOMEWHERE IN MY HEART Aztec Camera
Another song that resulted from Aztec Camera's change in direction in the mid-80s was "Somewhere in my Heart". Roddy Frame led his music in the direction of the US and, in particular, R&B. He penned the song for his late 1987 album 'Love'. Released as that LP's 3rd single, it peaked at #3 in the UK. The disc also charted in Australia, reaching #34. Sadly, it failed to attract much attention from the American market it was aiming for. Frame still performs live but has not released much new material since 1995's 'Frestonia' album.
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 songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus
every Wednesday.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
NEW RELEASE OF THE MONTH
JANUARY 2014
SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTORWANDERLUST
Her releases are always worth a listen and this one- 'Wanderlust' is no exception. Album opener "Birth of an Empire" sets things up well with a new musical direction for Sophie Ellis-Bextor. It's the best track on the new album. "Until the Stars Collide" maintains the new approach to her sound, affording Ellis-Bextor an opportunity to show off her ability. Gone is the often deadpan vocal atop the dance beat. On this album, Ellis-Bextor is at the forefront. "Runaway Dreamer" could just as easily be a 60s song from Sandie Shaw or Lulu. "The Deer and the Wolf" evokes Lily Allen and the like. First single "Young Blood" shifts gears as the mood drops for a ballad. It's not great, but another new angle from which to appreciate her voice. It's a poor choice to introduce listeners to the new approach from the singer.
After the interlude track, "Little Dolls" gets our toes tapping along to its jangly hooks. The standard lifts further with the brilliant "Wrong Side of the Sun". It's the type of song Alison Moyet would have delivered. Ellis-Bextor keeps the interest up on another album highlight (and surprising vocal), "Love is a Camera". "Cry to the Beat of the Band" is uninteresting. Closing track "When the Storm has Blown Over" is another gentle moment and a fitting conclusion.
The strength of this new set of songs is how Ellis-Bextor abandons the seemingly robotic delivery for a variety of moods. Art last, we can appreciate the possibilities of her vocal skills. I get the feeling that we'll be hearing a more interesting Ellis-Bextor from here on. 'Wanderlust' finds her bravely taking centre stage as a fully fledged singer and not merely the guest vocalist on a series of dance tracks. Some will bemoan the absence of a "Murder on the Dance Floor" or "Heartbreak (Make Me a Dancer)" on this album, but this is a bold turning point that reveals a depth kept concealed until now.
JANUARY 2014
SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTORWANDERLUST
Her releases are always worth a listen and this one- 'Wanderlust' is no exception. Album opener "Birth of an Empire" sets things up well with a new musical direction for Sophie Ellis-Bextor. It's the best track on the new album. "Until the Stars Collide" maintains the new approach to her sound, affording Ellis-Bextor an opportunity to show off her ability. Gone is the often deadpan vocal atop the dance beat. On this album, Ellis-Bextor is at the forefront. "Runaway Dreamer" could just as easily be a 60s song from Sandie Shaw or Lulu. "The Deer and the Wolf" evokes Lily Allen and the like. First single "Young Blood" shifts gears as the mood drops for a ballad. It's not great, but another new angle from which to appreciate her voice. It's a poor choice to introduce listeners to the new approach from the singer.
After the interlude track, "Little Dolls" gets our toes tapping along to its jangly hooks. The standard lifts further with the brilliant "Wrong Side of the Sun". It's the type of song Alison Moyet would have delivered. Ellis-Bextor keeps the interest up on another album highlight (and surprising vocal), "Love is a Camera". "Cry to the Beat of the Band" is uninteresting. Closing track "When the Storm has Blown Over" is another gentle moment and a fitting conclusion.
The strength of this new set of songs is how Ellis-Bextor abandons the seemingly robotic delivery for a variety of moods. Art last, we can appreciate the possibilities of her vocal skills. I get the feeling that we'll be hearing a more interesting Ellis-Bextor from here on. 'Wanderlust' finds her bravely taking centre stage as a fully fledged singer and not merely the guest vocalist on a series of dance tracks. Some will bemoan the absence of a "Murder on the Dance Floor" or "Heartbreak (Make Me a Dancer)" on this album, but this is a bold turning point that reveals a depth kept concealed until now.
CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#545 AIN'T LOVE A BITCH Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart was 1 of the superstars of the 1970s, recording some of the best pop songs of the decade. These include: "Reason to Believe", "Sailing", "Hot Legs" and "Maggie May". He has, of course, continued recording to the present day.
"Ain't Love A Bitch" was a track on his 1978 hit LP 'Blondes Have More Fun'. It was 1 of the 4 songs on that album Stewart co-wrote with guitarist Gary Grainger. The song makes reference to Stewart's early 70s hit "Maggie May" in the lyrics. In 1979, it was issued as a single, peaking at #11 in the UK. In Europe, the disc fared even better, making the Top 10 in Germany, Ireland 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.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#545 AIN'T LOVE A BITCH Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart was 1 of the superstars of the 1970s, recording some of the best pop songs of the decade. These include: "Reason to Believe", "Sailing", "Hot Legs" and "Maggie May". He has, of course, continued recording to the present day.
"Ain't Love A Bitch" was a track on his 1978 hit LP 'Blondes Have More Fun'. It was 1 of the 4 songs on that album Stewart co-wrote with guitarist Gary Grainger. The song makes reference to Stewart's early 70s hit "Maggie May" in the lyrics. In 1979, it was issued as a single, peaking at #11 in the UK. In Europe, the disc fared even better, making the Top 10 in Germany, Ireland 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.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:
1 Happy PHARRELL 2wks 1 4
2 We Got Music DARIO G featuring SHIRLEY BASSEY {7th Heaven Mix} 4 3
3 Let it Go IDINA MENZEL 6 2
4 Timber PITBULL featuring KE$HA {Jump Smokers Radio Edit} 10 2
5 Something I Need ONE REPUBLIC 9 2
6 Addicted To You AVICII NEW
7 Stay Awake GUENA LGB ftg. BRYAN RICE 2 5
8 Just Another Night ICONA POP NEW
9 We Loved It JOHN LEGEND 7 3
10 Thank You MKTO NEW
CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#546 CLUB TROPICANA Wham!
"Club Tropicana" was the 4th single released by Wham! It was lifted off their debut album 'Fantastic' in 1983. The songwriting credits list both members of the popular British duo: George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. The former also co-produced the track with Steve Brown. The single peaked at #4 in Britain and also reached the Top 10 in Ireland and Norway.
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 songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#546 CLUB TROPICANA Wham!
"Club Tropicana" was the 4th single released by Wham! It was lifted off their debut album 'Fantastic' in 1983. The songwriting credits list both members of the popular British duo: George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. The former also co-produced the track with Steve Brown. The single peaked at #4 in Britain and also reached the Top 10 in Ireland and Norway.
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 songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
Friday, January 24, 2014
CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#547 LOVE IS A DRUG Renee Geyer
Renee Geyer's 'Tonight' album was a bold move: she bravely incorporated a contemporary and edgy sound (and technology) for the material. "Love is a Drug" is the gem on this album. Produced by Magoo, Geyer's lyrics were added to Vince Pizzinga's music. The latter exquisitely arranged the strings on this beautiful track. It is as good as any standard from the Bacharach/ David songbook. Despite its fresh production, the song manages to evoke a smoky piano bar with Geyer in full torch song mode. Geyer, Australia's veteran blue -eyed soul queen, hasn't sounded this breathtaking in years. Jex Saarelaht's work on the grand piano makes this recording unforgettable. The album was released in 2005.
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 songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#547 LOVE IS A DRUG Renee Geyer
Renee Geyer's 'Tonight' album was a bold move: she bravely incorporated a contemporary and edgy sound (and technology) for the material. "Love is a Drug" is the gem on this album. Produced by Magoo, Geyer's lyrics were added to Vince Pizzinga's music. The latter exquisitely arranged the strings on this beautiful track. It is as good as any standard from the Bacharach/ David songbook. Despite its fresh production, the song manages to evoke a smoky piano bar with Geyer in full torch song mode. Geyer, Australia's veteran blue -eyed soul queen, hasn't sounded this breathtaking in years. Jex Saarelaht's work on the grand piano makes this recording unforgettable. The album was released in 2005.
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 songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#548 ARC OF A DIVER Steve Winwood
Steve Winwood is a veteran of music, having been involved in successful groups as well as releasing a critically acclaimed body of work as a soloist. He has been a member of The Spencer Davis Group (with the classic songs: "Gimme Some Lovin'", "Keep on Running", "Somebody Help Me" and "I'm a Man"); Blind Faith (which also boasted Eric Clapton in its line-up) and Traffic ("Paper Sun", "Feelin' Alright?" and "Hole in my Shoe").
Winwood's solo career took off with 'Arc of a Diver' in 1980. He wrote its title track with Vivian Stanshall. The 2 had collaborated in 1974 on the latter's 1st solo LP, 'Men Opening Umbrellas'.
Winwood produced 'Arc of a Diver' and played all of the instruments. The album peaked at #13 in his native UK, but reached #3 in the United States. The title track was released as the follow-up to leadoff single "While You See A Chance".
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 songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#548 ARC OF A DIVER Steve Winwood
Steve Winwood is a veteran of music, having been involved in successful groups as well as releasing a critically acclaimed body of work as a soloist. He has been a member of The Spencer Davis Group (with the classic songs: "Gimme Some Lovin'", "Keep on Running", "Somebody Help Me" and "I'm a Man"); Blind Faith (which also boasted Eric Clapton in its line-up) and Traffic ("Paper Sun", "Feelin' Alright?" and "Hole in my Shoe").
Winwood's solo career took off with 'Arc of a Diver' in 1980. He wrote its title track with Vivian Stanshall. The 2 had collaborated in 1974 on the latter's 1st solo LP, 'Men Opening Umbrellas'.
Winwood produced 'Arc of a Diver' and played all of the instruments. The album peaked at #13 in his native UK, but reached #3 in the United States. The title track was released as the follow-up to leadoff single "While You See A Chance".
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 songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#549 ROMEO'S TUNE Steve Forbert
Steve Forbert was born in the US state of Mississippi in 1954. His debut LP, released in 1978, saw him critically lauded for his songwriting. Arguably, being dubbed the "new Dylan" proved a jinx. He is a 1-hit wonder, with "Romeo's Tune" being his sole Top 40 hit. The single was issued in late 1979, lifted off his follow-up album 'Jackrabbit Slim'. His inspiration for this only hit was Florence Ballard of The Supremes.
The single peaked at #11 in the US in 1980. In Australia, it reached #13. Follow-up release "Say Goodbye To Little Jo" only climbed to #85 that same year. It was to be Forbert's final Hot 100 appearance. Despite his lack of success, the performer continues to record. His most recent album was 'Over With You' in 2012.
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 songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#549 ROMEO'S TUNE Steve Forbert
Steve Forbert was born in the US state of Mississippi in 1954. His debut LP, released in 1978, saw him critically lauded for his songwriting. Arguably, being dubbed the "new Dylan" proved a jinx. He is a 1-hit wonder, with "Romeo's Tune" being his sole Top 40 hit. The single was issued in late 1979, lifted off his follow-up album 'Jackrabbit Slim'. His inspiration for this only hit was Florence Ballard of The Supremes.
The single peaked at #11 in the US in 1980. In Australia, it reached #13. Follow-up release "Say Goodbye To Little Jo" only climbed to #85 that same year. It was to be Forbert's final Hot 100 appearance. Despite his lack of success, the performer continues to record. His most recent album was 'Over With You' in 2012.
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 songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#550 HAMMER HORROR Kate Bush
Kate Bush's 2nd album 'Lionheart' was issued in November 1978, only 9 months after her debut LP. Following the immense success of 1st album, 'The Kick Inside', she has been held in high esteem. Rightly so. Her extraordinary talent is undeniable.
"Hammer Horror" was penned by Bush. It is set in the theatre where the protagonist is now the substitute for the leading role. Andrew Powell produced and played harmonium on the track. The single reached the Top 20 in Australia and Ireland.
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 songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#550 HAMMER HORROR Kate Bush
Kate Bush's 2nd album 'Lionheart' was issued in November 1978, only 9 months after her debut LP. Following the immense success of 1st album, 'The Kick Inside', she has been held in high esteem. Rightly so. Her extraordinary talent is undeniable.
"Hammer Horror" was penned by Bush. It is set in the theatre where the protagonist is now the substitute for the leading role. Andrew Powell produced and played harmonium on the track. The single reached the Top 20 in Australia and Ireland.
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 songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
Mid-week bonus: #553-551
#553 LOVESONG Adele
The best cover versions take a song and totally transform it into something seemingly fresh and new. Adele did just that with her remake of a song from, of all sources, goth group The Cure. "Lovesong" was penned by the group. The original version was a #2 US hit in 1989. Rock funk group 311 covered it in 2004 for the '50 First Dates' film soundtrack.
Adele's rendition approaches the song as if it were a blue-eyed soul standard. It gradually builds up to its heartfelt climax. She co-produced the track with Jim Abbiss for her '21' album, which was unleashed in 2011. It's now the definitive version of "Lovesong", which is what the best covers are meant to achieve.
#552 PAINTED DESERT Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar's husband Neil Geraldo is also the guitarist in her band. He wrote the moody "Painted Desert" with her drummer, Myron Grombacher. The track was included on Benatar's 1984 album 'Tropico'. Geraldo co-produced the LP with Peter Coleman.
"... Desert" finds the female rocker missing her man. The desolation of the environment is used to reflect the void she feels without him on this sensitive ballad. It was 1 of 5 tracks lifted as a single from the platinum album.
#551 DOWNTOWN Petula Clark
Petula Clark had enjoyed a string of hits in Britain, Europe, Canada and Australia. Along with songs sung in English, she had charted with French recordings. The USA proved impregnable, until "Downtown" changed everything.
In 1964, Tony Hatch played a new tune for the singer to consider. Clark loved it. The song evolved into "Downtown". The single peaked at #1 in the UK and soon reached the top of the charts in Australia, Canada, Germany and Italy. In the US, the single was her first to make the Hot 100 in late December. Just 5 weeks later, the disc had reached the chart summit. Clark recorded the song in Italian using the title "Ciao Ciao" and in French as "Dans Le Temps". Along with composing "Downtown", Hatch produced the track.
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 songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday. Today, 3 songs will be added every 6 hours.
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
Mid-week bonus: #553-551
#553 LOVESONG Adele
The best cover versions take a song and totally transform it into something seemingly fresh and new. Adele did just that with her remake of a song from, of all sources, goth group The Cure. "Lovesong" was penned by the group. The original version was a #2 US hit in 1989. Rock funk group 311 covered it in 2004 for the '50 First Dates' film soundtrack.
Adele's rendition approaches the song as if it were a blue-eyed soul standard. It gradually builds up to its heartfelt climax. She co-produced the track with Jim Abbiss for her '21' album, which was unleashed in 2011. It's now the definitive version of "Lovesong", which is what the best covers are meant to achieve.
#552 PAINTED DESERT Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar's husband Neil Geraldo is also the guitarist in her band. He wrote the moody "Painted Desert" with her drummer, Myron Grombacher. The track was included on Benatar's 1984 album 'Tropico'. Geraldo co-produced the LP with Peter Coleman.
"... Desert" finds the female rocker missing her man. The desolation of the environment is used to reflect the void she feels without him on this sensitive ballad. It was 1 of 5 tracks lifted as a single from the platinum album.
#551 DOWNTOWN Petula Clark
Petula Clark had enjoyed a string of hits in Britain, Europe, Canada and Australia. Along with songs sung in English, she had charted with French recordings. The USA proved impregnable, until "Downtown" changed everything.
In 1964, Tony Hatch played a new tune for the singer to consider. Clark loved it. The song evolved into "Downtown". The single peaked at #1 in the UK and soon reached the top of the charts in Australia, Canada, Germany and Italy. In the US, the single was her first to make the Hot 100 in late December. Just 5 weeks later, the disc had reached the chart summit. Clark recorded the song in Italian using the title "Ciao Ciao" and in French as "Dans Le Temps". Along with composing "Downtown", Hatch produced the track.
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 songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday. Today, 3 songs will be added every 6 hours.
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