CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}
#1765 WHAT'D I SAY (Parts 1 & 2) Ray Charles
Ray Charles was the principal architect of soul music thanks to his creation of songs such as 1959's "What'd I Say". The legendary musician wrote the song himself and Jerry Wexler used his magic powers to transform R&B forever. The single reached #1 R&B and 6 Pop in the USA.
#1766 JEALOUSY Queen
The overlooked touching ballad "Jealousy" was written by Freddie Mercury and it wound up on Queen's 1978 album 'Jazz'. The musicianship is sharp and skilful. Mercury's restrained vocal evokes great emotion, augmented by the group harmonies.
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.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
Friday, December 26, 2014
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS
THE TOP 100
#76 WHAT I DID FOR LOVE
MARCIA HINES
(1977)
Writers:Marvin Hamlisch & Edward Kieban
The Broadway musical 'A Chorus Line' opened on Broadway (where it was set) in 1975. Its West End premiere followed a year later. In 1977 the show started its Australian run in Sydney. It was in that year that Australia's most popular female vocalist at the time released her version of the musical's big ballad, "What I Did For Love".
Marvin Hamlisch, 1 of the song's co-writers, worked with Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, Woody Allen, Groucho Marx and Carly Simon. Along with winning Oscars for the score and the title song from ' The Way We Were', Hamlisch collected another Academy Award for his music for 'The Sting'. He earned nominations for other films, including 'Sophie's Choice' and 'The Spy Who Loved Me'. The well respected songwriter passed away in 2012.
Hines' version of "What I Did For Love" reached #6 on the Australian chart. It was included on her 'Ladies And Gentleman' album which also peaked at #6 in her adopted homeland. 1977 saw 3 of Hines' singles reach the Top 40, with 2 of them climbing into the Top 10. Such a successful year made her the obvious recipient of the prestigious Queen Of Pop award for the year. She had won the same accolade the previous year. Hines' domination continued in 1978 when she triumphed for a 3rd consecutive year.
Marvin Hamlisch, 1 of the song's co-writers, worked with Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, Woody Allen, Groucho Marx and Carly Simon. Along with winning Oscars for the score and the title song from ' The Way We Were', Hamlisch collected another Academy Award for his music for 'The Sting'. He earned nominations for other films, including 'Sophie's Choice' and 'The Spy Who Loved Me'. The well respected songwriter passed away in 2012.
Hines' version of "What I Did For Love" reached #6 on the Australian chart. It was included on her 'Ladies And Gentleman' album which also peaked at #6 in her adopted homeland. 1977 saw 3 of Hines' singles reach the Top 40, with 2 of them climbing into the Top 10. Such a successful year made her the obvious recipient of the prestigious Queen Of Pop award for the year. She had won the same accolade the previous year. Hines' domination continued in 1978 when she triumphed for a 3rd consecutive year.
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 from the remaining Top 100 is added each weekday, while another 2 are also
included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours
for
an update of the 2000.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
TOP 100 SONGS OF 2014 update: #40 - 36. Another 5 songs will be added daily.
The Caffe`
Latte`
TOP 100
SONGS OF
2014
#40 A NIGHT TO REMEMBER Mary J. Blige
The Queen of Hip Hop covered Shalamar's 1982 funky hit for the 'Think Like A Man Too' soundtrack album. Mary J. Blige gives the classic a fresh sound without changing too much of the original's appeal.
#39 PUSH IT Salt 'N' Pepa
Influential rap trio Salt 'N' Pepa returned to the ARIA charts with its 1988 smash "Push It" due to the song's use in a car commercial in 2014.
#38 TRAVESTY Jimmy Somerville
The unmistakeable voice of the former lead singer from Bronski Beat and The Communards burst forth on the glorious 2014 song "Travesty". With this track, Jimmy Somerville previewed his forthcoming disco album which will hopefully be unleashed in 2015. More people need to be aware of this retro release.
#37 STAY AWAKE Guena LG featuring Bryan Rice
French dance DJ and producer Guena LG released "Stay Awake". from his 'Momentum' EP. The lead vocals are delivered by Danish pop singer Bryan Rice. A sadly overlooked electronic/ dance highlight from 2013-4.
#36 i'M EVERY WOMAN / RESPECT Aretha Franklin
The legendary R&B vocalist Aretha Franklin transforms "I'm Every Woman", made famous by Chaka Khan and Whitney Houston, in her inimitable way and meshes it with her own anthem "Respect". This medley is featured on her 2014 diva classics tribute album.
CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}
#1763 EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD Diana Ross & Michael Jackson
In 1978, Motown released a film version of the musical 'The Wiz'. It starred Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow. The 2 superstars charted that year with a fun version of Charlie Smalls' composition "Ease On Down The Road" from the film soundtrack.
#1764 FREDERICK Patti Smith
Patti Smith is referred to as the "Godmother of Punk". The influential performer wrote "Frederick" for her partner Fred "Sonic" Smith. They later married. The track, produced by Todd Rundgren, was included on her 1979 LP 'Wave'. Smith died of heart failure in 1994.
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.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
#1763 EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD Diana Ross & Michael Jackson
In 1978, Motown released a film version of the musical 'The Wiz'. It starred Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow. The 2 superstars charted that year with a fun version of Charlie Smalls' composition "Ease On Down The Road" from the film soundtrack.
#1764 FREDERICK Patti Smith
Patti Smith is referred to as the "Godmother of Punk". The influential performer wrote "Frederick" for her partner Fred "Sonic" Smith. They later married. The track, produced by Todd Rundgren, was included on her 1979 LP 'Wave'. Smith died of heart failure in 1994.
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.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS
THE TOP 100
#77 WICHITA LINEMAN
GLEN CAMPBELL
(1968)
Writers: Jimmy Webb
Country artist Glen Campbell had been releasing singles since 1958. Most of his income derived from session work which saw him perform for the likes of Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin, The Mamas and The Papas, Ricky Nelson, The Beach Boys and Dean Martin. Among the notable #1 recordings Campbell played on are The Monkees' "I'm A Believer" and Frank Sinatra's "Strangers in the Night". In 1961, "Turn Around Look At Me" was his 1st solo release to dent any US charts, but his 1st crossover hit was "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" 6 years later. That song was penned by Jimmy Webb. The following year, "Wichita Lineman", another Webb composition, fared even better.
The idea for the song came to the songwriter while driving. He noticed a solitary lineman working while perched on a telephone pole. Webb offered the song to Campbell. Al De Lory produced the recording. Campbell loved the way Webb's demo had sounded so much, that to recapture the same feel, Webb's organ was transported from his residence to the recording studio.
"Wichita Lineman" was a massive success for Campbell. The single reached #1 on the American Country and Adult Contemporary charts. It also made the top of both the Pop and Country charts in Canada. The disc peaked at #7 in Britain.
The 1970s proved to be a lucrative decade for the country crossover musician. Campbell had his own TV show. Behind the scenes, however, the performer was battling with his addiction to drugs and alcohol. He overcame his addiction in the 1980s. Campbell continued recording and touring into the new century.
In 2011, the 75 year-old announced he had Alzheimer's disease. Despite the diagnosis, Campbell recorded a new album entitled 'Ghost on the Canvas'. 'See You there' followed 2 years later and featured revisits to his back catalogue. A re-recording of "Wichita Lineman" was included among its tracks. Around the same time, the music veteran embarked on a farewell world tour.
The idea for the song came to the songwriter while driving. He noticed a solitary lineman working while perched on a telephone pole. Webb offered the song to Campbell. Al De Lory produced the recording. Campbell loved the way Webb's demo had sounded so much, that to recapture the same feel, Webb's organ was transported from his residence to the recording studio.
"Wichita Lineman" was a massive success for Campbell. The single reached #1 on the American Country and Adult Contemporary charts. It also made the top of both the Pop and Country charts in Canada. The disc peaked at #7 in Britain.
The 1970s proved to be a lucrative decade for the country crossover musician. Campbell had his own TV show. Behind the scenes, however, the performer was battling with his addiction to drugs and alcohol. He overcame his addiction in the 1980s. Campbell continued recording and touring into the new century.
In 2011, the 75 year-old announced he had Alzheimer's disease. Despite the diagnosis, Campbell recorded a new album entitled 'Ghost on the Canvas'. 'See You there' followed 2 years later and featured revisits to his back catalogue. A re-recording of "Wichita Lineman" was included among its tracks. Around the same time, the music veteran embarked on a farewell world tour.
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 from the remaining Top 100 is added each weekday, while another 2 are also
included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours
for
an update of the 2000.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
TOP SONGS OF 2014 update: #45 > 41. Each day, another 5 songs will be added.
The Caffe`
Latte`
TOP 100
SONGS OF
2014
#45 NEW YORK STATE OF MIND Barbra Streisand & Billy Joel
When Barbra Streisand first covered "New York State Of Mind" in 1977, its composer Billy Joel gained more prominence. Joel had recorded his original the previous year. The 2 New York natives collaborated on a new interpretation of the standard for Streisand's 'Partners' album in 2014.
#44 SILENT TEARS Marcia Hines
Marcia Hines proved she could still deliver a sad song with "Silent Tears" from her 2014 album 'Amazing'. She helped co-write this track, with its pertinent and topical lyrics.
#43 FIND THE RIVER R.E.M.
The original version of "Find The River" was on R.E.M.'s excellent 1992 album 'Automatic for the People'. The version here is from the 2014 compilation set from the group's 2 MTV Unplugged sessions, which reminds us of the song's beauty.
#42 REQUIEM Gary Barlow
Take That's Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams co-wrote "Requiem", a Beatlesque tongue in cheek track from the former's solo album 'Since I Saw You Last'. It's the best moment on the album but was surprisingly not released as a single.
#41 CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU John Lloyd Young
The Frankie Valli 1967 solo hit "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" was recorded by John Lloyd Young who portrayed the Four Seasons' lead singer in the 2014 film adaptation of the musical "The Jersey Boys".
CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}
#1761 THIS TIME INXS
INXS were 1 of the best groups in the world by the time 'Listen Like Thieves' was unleashed in 1985. The Australian Top 20 hit was penned by the group's guitarist and keyboardist Andrew Farris.
#1762 STILLETO Billy Joel
Billy Joel's 1978 album '52nd Street' featured an array of musical styles and moods from the era of classic albums. As he had done on his previous LP 'The Stranger', Joel's musicianship and songwriting is inspired and reveals his artistic growth. "Stiletto" is a thrilling self-penned track.
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.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
#1761 THIS TIME INXS
INXS were 1 of the best groups in the world by the time 'Listen Like Thieves' was unleashed in 1985. The Australian Top 20 hit was penned by the group's guitarist and keyboardist Andrew Farris.
#1762 STILLETO Billy Joel
Billy Joel's 1978 album '52nd Street' featured an array of musical styles and moods from the era of classic albums. As he had done on his previous LP 'The Stranger', Joel's musicianship and songwriting is inspired and reveals his artistic growth. "Stiletto" is a thrilling self-penned track.
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.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS
THE TOP 100
#78 FALLING
ROY ORBISON
(1963)
Writer: Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison infused the 1963 single "Falling" with his trademark dramatic and Latin-influenced vocal delivery. The disc reached #22 in the USA and made #9 in Britain. On the Australian chart, where "Falling" was issued as a double A-side with "Distant Drums", the disc climbed all the way to #3.
Orbison was a consistent chart force for the remainder of the 1960s. The hits dried up for most of the 1970s but a resurgence in his popularity began in 1980 with "That Lovin' You Feelin' Again", a duet recorded with Emmylou Harris. A new generation discovered 'The Big O' in 1987 via "Crying", another duet, this time with K.D. Lang.
Various musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and Elvis Costello, joined him on stage to pay tribute to his legacy for 'A Black And White Night Live'. The following year, Orbison joined The Traveling Wilburys with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne.
1989 saw a new solo album emerge. Entitled 'Mystery Girl', this LP contained the hit single "You Got It". Its success was posthumous, as Orbison had died of a heart attack on 6 December 1988. Unreleased tracks in different stages of completion prior to Orbison's passing were compiled for 'King of Hearts' in 1992.
Despite several tragic events during his life, Orbison's songbook was packed with beautiful and melodic songs that epitomized the raw beauty of rock in the 1960s. The magic of his talent was the way he made everyday scenarios we all can relate to sound glorious. In the case of "Falling", the protagonist realizes he is in love with the woman he had been using. Suddenly, his voice emulates the feeling of being enamored.
Orbison was a consistent chart force for the remainder of the 1960s. The hits dried up for most of the 1970s but a resurgence in his popularity began in 1980 with "That Lovin' You Feelin' Again", a duet recorded with Emmylou Harris. A new generation discovered 'The Big O' in 1987 via "Crying", another duet, this time with K.D. Lang.
Various musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and Elvis Costello, joined him on stage to pay tribute to his legacy for 'A Black And White Night Live'. The following year, Orbison joined The Traveling Wilburys with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne.
1989 saw a new solo album emerge. Entitled 'Mystery Girl', this LP contained the hit single "You Got It". Its success was posthumous, as Orbison had died of a heart attack on 6 December 1988. Unreleased tracks in different stages of completion prior to Orbison's passing were compiled for 'King of Hearts' in 1992.
Despite several tragic events during his life, Orbison's songbook was packed with beautiful and melodic songs that epitomized the raw beauty of rock in the 1960s. The magic of his talent was the way he made everyday scenarios we all can relate to sound glorious. In the case of "Falling", the protagonist realizes he is in love with the woman he had been using. Suddenly, his voice emulates the feeling of being enamored.
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 from the remaining Top 100 is added each weekday, while another 2 are also
included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours
for
an update of the 2000.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
TOP SONGS OF 2014 update: #50 > 46. Each day, another 5 songs will be added.
The Caffe`
Latte`
TOP 100
SONGS OF
2014
#50 FALL ON ME R.E.M.
R.E.M. played MTV Unplugged twice: in 1991 and 2001. A compilation from both sessions was issued in 2014. The acoustic version of the group's 1986 single "Fall On Me" was a highlight.
#49 QUIET STORM Smokey Robinson & John Legend
Motown's legendary songwriter released a duets album entitled 'Smokey and Friends' in 2014. He revisited his 1976 R&B hit "Quiet Storm" with the much respected John Legend. The 2 vocalists bring a new dimension to the track.
#48 ORIGINAL SIN Inxs
INXS' only Australian #1 single was "Original Sin". The 1984 track gained airplay again during 2014 due to the TV miniseries "Never Tear Us Apart", which dealt with the story of the band.
#47 RISE UP Freaky Fortune featuring RiskyKidd
At the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, Greece was represented by a dance song entitled "Rise Up" by Greek duo Freaky Fortune which featured rapper RiskyKidd.
#46 LOVE COME DOWN Liam Keegan featuring Julia Schlippert
The 1982 R&B song "Love Come Down"by Evelyn King was transformed into a mighty dance track by Liam Keegan. The lead vocals were contributed by Julia Schlippert.
CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}
#1759 EATEN ALIVE Diana Ross
The title track of Diana Ross' 1985 album 'Eaten Alive' was written by brothers Barry and Maurice Gibb (of The Bee Gees) and Michael Jackson. The latter contributed background vocals on the funk / dance song. In Europe, the disc reached the Top 20.
#1760 NO MYTH Michael Penn
Actor Sean Penn's younger brother Michael broke through as a soloist in 1989 with the self-penned "No Myth" from his debut album 'March'. The alternative rock artist peaked at #13 in America. Sadly, this impressive 1st hit was to be his only Top 40 entry.
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.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
#1759 EATEN ALIVE Diana Ross
The title track of Diana Ross' 1985 album 'Eaten Alive' was written by brothers Barry and Maurice Gibb (of The Bee Gees) and Michael Jackson. The latter contributed background vocals on the funk / dance song. In Europe, the disc reached the Top 20.
#1760 NO MYTH Michael Penn
Actor Sean Penn's younger brother Michael broke through as a soloist in 1989 with the self-penned "No Myth" from his debut album 'March'. The alternative rock artist peaked at #13 in America. Sadly, this impressive 1st hit was to be his only Top 40 entry.
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.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
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