Moaning, reviews and countdowns from the man who calls it as it is.
Saturday, 23 February 2019
The Greatest Songs of All Time: 400-351
#400: The Crystals - He's a Rebel
The first hit to employ the legendary 'Wall of Sound' production technique that would go on to revolutionise 60s pop music. The Phil Spector production is terrific, with the layering really adding to the solid vocals. Special mention must be given to the pianos which manage to standout a mile despite the wide range of sounds that please the listener.
#399: The Velvet Underground - Sweet Jane
A song produced and recorded during a period of great turmoil for the band. The opening riff is one of the most unique I've ever heard, setting the scene for a fulfilling guitar track. Sweet Jane is really a pop-inspired toe tapper rather than an influential rock track, but that doesn't mean it sounds simplistic or generic.
#398: Metallica - The Unforgiven
An introspective track that demonstrates the sensitive side of Metallica that's often forgotten about. The track gives off the atmosphere of a spaghetti western, although that's often overpowered with a constant sense of bleakness and despair. The lyrics fit the dark tone, with the aggressive riffs pounding away at a laboured pace. There is a sequel to this track, but it's hardly of the same calibre as the original.
#397: Alice in Chains - Man in the Box
About as heavy and intense as grunge music ever gets. The guitar riffs start with incredible intensity and just never stop. The vocals are even more mesmerising than the riffs, with the twin harmonies screaming out the memorable hook. The vocals give off a sense of bleakness only matched by the thoughtful lyrics.
#396: Tom Jones - Delilah
Tom Jones is usually a voice you instantly associate with sexually charged songs, but here he uses his vocal prowess to tell a dark tale instead. The shrill of the instrumentation sets up the tense atmosphere, right up until that powerful brass band that must have been the pride of the Welsh Valleys. We all want to sing along to this classic, and I'm sure most of us give it a try after one too many beers.
#395: The Lovin' Spoonful - Do You Believe in Magic
While I might not believe in magic I do believe that questions asked should be followed up with the correct punctuation. I challenge you to find anyone that doesn't instantly cheer up upon hearing this charming little track. The optimism within the track is such a refreshing thing to find when you're inundated by the overwhelmingly downbeat world of modern pop. Short and sweet, but such a joy to play.
#394: Ray Charles - What'd I Say
Ray Charles is often cited as one of the greatest soul performers in history, yet here he is spitting out one of the finest rhythm and blues tracks ever, finally giving the man pop success. The drums lay down an energetic beat, and there's even an organ infectiously thrown in. The song is actually segregated on the original single, meaning you have to flip it over to hear the whole thing. That's annoying, but surely worth the effort to hear this absolute classic.
#393: The Foundations - Build Me Up Buttercup
Build Me Up Buttercup starts out with a torrent of noise from that opening wail and keeps that going for the full three minutes. The incredible hook is screamed out with intense passion, only matched in ferocity by me desperately trying to reach those epic notes. There's a very American soul feel to the track despite its British origin, and I just love the upbeat nature of the whole song. It's one of those songs I can play over and over again and still love it to death.
#392: The Smiths - This Charming Man
God, I love that intro. The jangly guitars effortlessly lead into the thoughtfully constructed lyrics. Morrisey's vocals are at their most depressing, introducing strong themes of sexuality and isolation. This Charming Man doesn't beat around the bush, letting the listener straight in on the action to the beautiful sounds of a guitar based track. A 60s styled number with the cutting edge of 80s new wave.
#391: Nirvana - Lithium
Lithium is a track that showcases Nirvana at their most aggressive and their most subdued. The quietened verses combining with the louder hooks is what brought Nirvana to the grunge game, and here they really showcase Cobain's unique vocal style. The lyrics are also standard for Nirvana, casually dropping in strong suicidal thoughts that eerily fit Cobain's vocals like a glove.
#390: Scorpions - Rock You Like a Hurricane
Yeah, this is glam metal at its most raucous. Huge guitar riffs, even bigger hooks, and a multitude of blatant sexual undertones. The German band put down a metal anthem more aggressive than an invasion of Poland, and there's not many better songs to have screamed in your face by a zany German. It's not going to please many metal purists, but don't take it too seriously and it will instantly lighten up your evening.
#389: R.E.M. - What's the Frequency, Kenneth?
This is one of those times when frontman Michael Stipe goes completely out there. The origins come from the documented attack on CBS news anchor Dan Rather from a crazed lunatic that believed the media were beaming signals into his head. This record isn't any more sensible than the inside of that man's head. I love the distorted guitars all over the place, I love those brisk riffs, and I just love the sheer volume of noise the record produces.
#388: The Beatles - Can't Buy Me Love
An early Beatles classic. It's a simple blues guitar based track that's so irresistibly sweet, managing to charm its way into the mind of anyone. Its success was incredible. The song is one of the biggest selling of all time in Britain, but in America it ensured the Beatles held down the entire top 5 singles on the charts. You might not be able to buy The Beatles love, but give me this song, some cocaine, and a prostitute and I beg to differ.
#387: U2 - With or Without You
Sure, you can shrug this off as overproduced pop rock, but just wait until that chorus hits and I guarantee you there will be some passionate singing. The hook is just phenomenal, due in no small part to excellent pacing and the natural charisma of Bono, who ends up shouting achingly about failed romances. It's a real journey from the humble beginnings of this pop rock track to that thrilling climax, but I for one am eagerly joining in every step of the way.
#386: Prince - Little Red Corvette
Corvettes may be made of plastic, but the songwriting on display here is anything but artificial. I don't know how you manage to write a song about girls and cars that isn't sleazy or cliche filled, but Prince somehow manages here. There's a lot of great things about this track, notably its energy, charisma, and definitely the vocals. Perhaps nothing is better than the little clap after the hook, which I can happily copy for hours upon hours.
#385: Muddy Waters - Hoochie Coochie Man
Now this is proper blues music in its purest form. The traditional blues influence is kept at the fore, but what Muddy manages to pull off is seamlessly giving it that fresh sound that would influence artists from many genres. Muddy has such an awesome voice, almost caught between idle wailing and charismatic bravado. You need bravado when you're performing a song bigging up your sexual encounters, and Muddy does it in the classiest way possible here.
#384: Plastic Ono Band - Give Peace a Chance
John Lennon was very good at running his mouth about a lot of things other than peace, but here we have one of his songs that directly spells out his hippie powered message as clear as day. The instrumentation is as simple as it gets, in fact purposely so, but very few songs cut such a clear message of protest. John and Yoko were far from perfect people, but here they at least try and make their iconic activism into acts of positivity and enjoyment. In the process they made one of the most notorious anti-war songs in history.
#383: Ozzy Osbourne - Diary of a Madman
There are very few songs that can conjure up an atmosphere of darkness and mystery quite like this one. Randy Rhodes' guitar work is just astonishing. He builds the song's atmosphere with subtle folk segments that transform themselves into these anthemic metal segments. Also, that cover could only be released by Ozzy Osbourne. Just brilliant.
#382: Steve Miller Band - The Joker
Steve Miller releases one of the most laid back and pleasing rock tracks of the 70s. There are loads of kooky elements to this one, whether it's the wolf whistling guitar or the inclusion of the made-up word 'pompatos', which is actually a mistranslation of an erotic German doll. It wasn't until 1990 that this song became a number one hit in the UK, which was a good seventeen years after its original release.
#381: AC/DC - You Shook Me All Night Long
Glam metal acts were always so good about keeping the sexual nature of their songs a secret. Oh wait, that's a complete lie. This one in particular is a great metal track thanks mainly to the solid riff and cracking hook. Vocalist Brian Johnson makes his first appearance as lead singer and arguably comes out with his best ever performance. It's hardly going to win any awards for songwriting, but I'll be damned if it isn't effective.
#380: Big Brother and the Holding Company - Piece of My Heart
There's something about Janis Joplin's vocal style that makes you really believe she's had her heart ripped out on numerous occasions. This Erma Franklin soul track was given a taste of the blues, radically changing the structure and giving it a fresh melancholic flavour. Joplin's desperate sounding vocals are the real highlight and will be forever synonymous with her esteemed career.
#379: Otis Redding - Try a Little Tenderness
The only thing bigger than Redding's vocal range is his massive forehead. The opening may sound like a traditional English brass band, but when those sublime vocals come in it instantly changes the whole complexion. His voice is majestically tender, giving one of the all-time great soul performances.
#378: The Five Satins - In the Still of the Night
The defining song of the doo-wop genre that may have led to its creation in the first place. It's been included in just about every single retro romantic film ever, and you can see why. There's a sense of innocence and charm found within the styling of this one that really resonates with a youthful view of romance. The vocals are so effortlessly sweet, with some of the finest harmonies found within any 50s classic.
#377: Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth
There certainly was something happening here. The feelings of confused young adults in the 60s are perfectly described here. It's blunt, but not forceful, leading into an iconic hook that would echo across generations. The track is actually protesting curfews on the Sunset Strip in California and became instrumental in the cultural changes of the late 60s. Since then it's become a mature anthem for universal rebelliousness.
#376: The Beatles - Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
Yes, we all know this one refers to LSD. This drug trip fits brilliantly into the 'Sgt. Pepper' album, providing possibly the most psychedelic experience of a drug-fueled outing. I doubt there are many songs that can claim to be as unique and out there as this lucid experience. What an iconic production.
#375: Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way
If you thought Fleetwood Mac were all one happy family then give this iconic breakup song a listen. Two couples were on the decline when this was recorded, which happens to be nearly all of the band. You can just hear the anger and frustrations being violently let out with each insult and retort. Every band member gets a chance to vent their frustrations, and the result is one epic argument where nobody really comes out looking like an idiot. Imagine the tension when they played this one live.
#374: Elvis Presley - Can't Help Falling in Love
Elvis at his most seductive. UB40 did a pretty decent reggae cover if you ask me, but that has nothing on the original. It's not one of the most sophisticated love songs lyrically, but Elvis has such a smooth voice that it really doesn't matter. The lyrics are beautiful, but not as beautiful as the vocals. If you don't resonate with this one you might be dead inside.
#373: The Platters - The Great Pretender
Beautiful vocals and harmonies from one of the smoothest groups around. The lyrics are surprisingly introspective for a pop song, which contrasts the upbeat style. Freddie Mercury also had a crack at this one, but got nowhere near the style and class of the original.
#372: The Jam - Town Called Malice
There's no doubting this is an angst-filled new wave track, but there's something so retro sounding about the whole composition. We still get the strong political messages that are found in almost every Jam single, but there's an inherent sense of uplifting fun. The bittersweet messages arise from tales of frontman Paul Weller's childhood, forming possibly the ultimate Jam song in the process.
#371: The Sweet - Ballroom Blitz
It's camp, it's energetic, and it's ever so enjoyable. Right from the off we're treated to some incredible drum work that carries on throughout the whole track. The drums provide the foundations for one hell of a chorus that you can't help but shout along to. American audiences were never really sold on glam rock, but even they couldn't resist the energy of this one.
#370: George McCrae - Rock Your Baby
Smooth, sensual, and groovy. This monster hit provided evidence that disco was not a genre to joke about, and could actually produce fantastic pieces of commercially successful music. The pop-infused elements are what really make this one such a pleasure to hear, with McCrae's repetitive hook really worming its way into your head. It now sounds like a throwback to a bygone era, but what a pleasant age this song would make you believe it was.
#369: Marvin Gaye - Let's Get It On
Has there ever been a song with more sexual energy than this brilliant single? It works better than Viagra in the bedroom and has the added effect of turning every single man into a sex god. Nobody can claim they don't get sexually excited when those first few notes hit, and when Marvin's smooth voice kicks in there isn't a dry pair of underwear in the house. Back in the 70s this provocative anthem of sexuality instantly turned Marvin Gaye into the sex icon of the age.
#368: Buddy Holly - Peggy Sue
Simplicity is often underappreciated in rock music, and here that's no exception. The simple structure and lyrics paint a lovely picture of romance that's easy to get involved in. The rumbling drums are remarkably well produced, knowing just when to be amped up in volume, but it's the relaxed vocal style that would take the spotlight and influence pop-rock bands for decades to come.
#367: The Smashing Pumpkins - Today
Bittersweet, yet so easy to get lost in. Today was written during frontman Billy Corgan's fight with depression, and you can see the turbulent nature of this period in the profound lyrics of the track. Billy Corgan's strained vocals fit the riffs fantastically well, and you can hear the pain and emotion found within the lyrics. The pacing however is just astonishing. The contrast between soft and atmospheric verses works so well when compared to the powerful and pounding choruses that uncover mental health in a way very few have managed before.
#366: Led Zeppelin - In My Time of Dying
This traditional gospel song has been covered by a whole range of blues-based artists, yet none have overtaken this blues-rock epic in quality. Clocking in at over eleven minutes this song is in fact Led Zeppelin's longest studio release. The Led Zeppelin version has an almost ethereal quality to it, sounding nothing like any of the other cover versions. Really this is one of those tracks made to be stretched out when performed live, and there were none better at improvised performances than Led Zeppelin.
#365: Pixies - Where Is My Mind?
Probably more famous for its appearance in the film Fight Club than anything else, but more importantly an important milestone in the world of indie rock. This track was perfect for a film describing a distorted mind as it's both chaotic and disturbing in tone. The lyrics are as confusing as the atmosphere, but the real credit lies in whoever managed to turn a simple formula into such a sophisticated indie hit.
#364: Talking Heads - Once in a Lifetime
Who the fuck wrote this piece of disturbing brilliance? The lyrics are like something you would hear in desperation from a man at the end of sanity. Are you supposed to sympathise with the narrator? Are you supposed to dance along with the beat? It's like nothing else released in chart history, but it sort of just makes sense. I don't have a fucking clue what's going on, but I absolutely love its unique style.
#363: Pulp - Disco 2000
Probably the most enjoyable Britpop single out there. What an incredible hook. I find it physically impossible to keep quiet when that chorus kicks in. It's a testament to the exemplary songwriting that this pop-rock hook still sounds as fresh all these years later. The year 2000 is seen as a far away vision of the future in this song, yet here we are nineteen years later with the song still sounding absolutely fantastic.
#362: The Supremes - Where Did Our Love Go
A simple pop track elevated to stardom by a soulful girl group. The song benefits greatly from Diana Ross' diverse vocals, and she's accompanied by the soft backing singers to give the song a bit of extra depth. It's not surprising that this was the breakthrough single of the group, and would become the first of thirteen American chart-topping hits for the legendary trio.
#361: Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond
An epic composition from the masters of prog rock. In total the track is formed of nine parts totalling a 23-minute runtime, but here we will be focusing on the superior first five sections of the track. That's still thirteen minutes of slow building guitars to sit back and enjoy, only briefly pausing for some meaningful lyrics to be delivered. There's an incredible ambience created, possibly the greatest of any song ever. It's a minor miracle that the track pulls this off for such a long period of time.
#360: The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Foxy Lady
Foxy Lady is a demonstration of what can be achieved with the electric guitar. The track may have a heritage in blues music, but Hendrix adds his own spin not even remotely similar to anything else in history. I can never decide whether the iconic riff or the iconic hook are better, but these elements come together to produce one stylish piece. Just look at that live performance. Absolutely mesmerising.
#359: The Chi-Lites - Have You Seen Her
Classic Chicago soul. The opening sounds like something you would hear at a spoken word poetry event and in no way prepares you for the sheer beauty of the chorus. Where the hell did those soulful harmonies come from? Where the hell did that high pitched voice come from? These vocals are just tailor-made to tell such a heartbreaking story. The Chi-Lites would never hit these heights again, but for a brief moment they were at the pinnacle of soul music.
#358: The Doobie Brothers - Long Train Runnin'
This bunch of hippies got the impression they could master funk, which sounds stupid until you hear what appears to be one of the funkiest tracks in existence. I've no idea what its about, something about love probably, but I really don't care. Listening to this makes me grin from ear to ear, whilst also making me want to get up and dance like the creepy uncle at a disco. Heed my advice and run if anyone tries to convince you the cover versions are better.
#357: Black Sabbath - War Pigs
War Pigs is certainly one effective way of protesting a war. The intense riffing is only paused for Ozzy Osbourne to deliver a rallying cry that graphically depicts war as hell. Every member of the band is on fine form, with the drums and guitar solo in particular being some of the most mental and technically brilliant the band had ever produced. One of the most iconic metal songs ever released.
#356: Sam Cooke - Wonderful World
For many people this was their first introduction to the amazing voice of Sam Cooke. All you need is a simple and sweet message for Sam Cooke to perform an all-time soul classic. The minimalistic production actually aids the vocals whilst also creating a pleasant atmosphere for a positive message to be conveyed.
#355: The Beatles - Penny Lane
How the hell does the random musings of a singer describing his local area get turned into such a brilliant track? The production should also get a mention as it pulls off the impressive feat of making Penny Lane sound like a bustling and lively area that would be perfect to write a song about. In reality the area is noted merely for its bus depot, so I have no fucking clue how these four managed to turn it into an international tourist destination.
#354: Styx - Come Sail Away
I still wished we lived in a time where releases like this weren't endlessly mocked. It's cheesy, there's questionable lyrics about aliens, but the pacing is just exceptional. The beginning segments are introspective and atmospheric, but it slowly builds up into this karaoke singalong with just a quick riff. It could only have been successful when stadium rock was still a thing, but I for one am a happy man it was.
#353: Funkadelic - Maggot Brain
Funkadelic were known for being an unusual band, but this is off the fucking charts. Seriously, I've listened to this numerous times and I'm still baffled by the end. I enjoy it a lot, but what strong drugs were they smoking to produce this? The guitar is fucking incredible. It's ten minutes of the most intense and anthemic guitar work possible to produce, still sounding as otherworldy today as it did back in the early 70s. Just mindblowing.
#352: Bill Haley & His Comets - Rock Around the Clock
One of the most famous songs in rock and roll history. Not only was this the first rock record to top the charts, but it also signalled the arrival of the genre that still plays a key role in the musical landscape to this very day. At the time of release it was the symbol of rebellious youth, and whilst that ship has long sailed it's still a great track that could get the toes of anyone instantly tapping.
#351: Bee Gees - Stayin' Alive
Whilst I admit the screeching vocals of this British band are not for everyone, there's no denying what a huge influence this song had on popular music at the time. I still want to have a dance when this one ends up being played ironically. Its reputation as one of the defining disco tracks is justified, and I cant think of another track released at the time with as much groove and excitement as this one. Nowadays it's still seen as a disco classic, but now also associated with successful acts of CPR.
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