Barry Philips Discos (2024)

24/08/2024

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

579-CamelPhat and Elderbrook-Cola.

2017-Number 18 single.

Best Bit-At 3.25. The ‘Cola’ companies must have spent millions on purchasing ‘Pop’ songs to use in their advertisements down the years, but they haven’t used the best one yet.

CamelPhat is the stage name of the British ‘Dance Music’ producers Dave Whelan, and Mike Di Scala, who formed in Liverpool, England, in 2006. Prior to joining Whelan, Mike Di Scala had tasted chart success as a member of the English ‘Electronic’ group ‘Rezonance Q,’ with the UK Number 29 hit single ‘Someday,’ in 2003. He was also a member of the English ‘Electronic Dance Music’ group ‘Ultrabeat,’ who achieved five UK top 40 hits, including the 2003 Number 2 track ‘Pretty Green Eyes.’ Dave Whelan, and Mike Di Scala had released music, and remixed for others using several different names prior to ‘CamelPhat,’ those names included ‘Whelan & Di Scala,’ ‘Wheels & Disco,’ ‘Shake n’ Jack,’ ‘Mancini,’ ‘Pawn Shop,’ ‘Da Mode,’ ‘High Society,’ and the ‘Bassline Hustlers.’ Their dozens of remixes include Café del Mar,’ for Energy 52, (Whelan & Di Scala remix) (2007) (see also best songs 79) ‘Da Funk,’ for Daft Punk, (‘Funk’ by Wheels & Disco remix) (2007) (see also best songs 140) and ‘Ride on Time’ (‘Black Sensation,’ by Whelan & Di Scala) (2009) (see also best songs 501.) Dave Whelan, and Mike Di Scala also have many production and songwriting credits, including the UK 2017 Number 7 hit single ’17,’ for the American artist ‘MK.’

The discography of CamelPhat under all of their different working names, includes two studio Albums released in 2020, and 2023, and 68 singles released between 2006-2023, there are also 19 extended plays available. In the UK, three of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Cola,’ with Elderbrook, charting the highest at Number 18. In America on the ‘Billboard Dance/Electronic Songs’ chart, five of their tracks have made the top 40, with ‘Rabbit Hole,’ featuring Jem Cooke, peaking the highest at Number 23 in 2019.

‘Cola’ was the first of seven singles added to ‘Dark Matter,’ the debut studio Album by CamelPhat, from October 2020, the song was co-written by Dave Whelan, and Mike Di Scala, who wrote the music, and Alexander Kotz, who wrote the lyrics, and also provides the vocals. The songs production is credited to CamelPhat. Alexander Kotz, who works under the stage name of ‘Elderbrook,’ was born on December 20th, 1992, in London, England, he is a musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. The discography of Elderbrook includes two studio Albums released in 2020, and 2023, and 27 singles released between 2015-2023, there are also five extended plays available. In the UK, his only chart entry to date remains ‘Cola,’ while in America on the ‘Billboard Dance Club Songs’ chart, ‘Cola’ went all the way to Number 1. Elderbrook has also done remixes for other artists, most notably providing the official remix for ‘Rockabye,’ by Clean Bandit, featuring Sean Paul, which was the UK Christmas Number 1 single in 2016.

‘Cola’ which can be filed under the musical genre of ‘House Music,’ has always courted controversy surrounding it’s actual meaning, with some interpreting the song as being about a female who has had her drink spiked. Elderbrook has always denied that, saying that it is actually about a girl who has had too many drinks before going out for the night, and then being refused entry into a club. ‘Cola’ was recorded in February 2017, during a three day recording session in London. Elderbrook was one of several vocalists that CamelPhat invited to come into the studio during their sessions. Elderbrook has recalled,’They had a few different instrumentals that I tried out that day, Then they played what everyone now knows as the instrumental to ‘Cola.’ There was a lot of space on the record for vocals. But I wanted to keep it going, keep it pumping, so my vocal delivery is quicker than I would usually have done.’

‘Got ready for the night, and she’s heading for the lights, but she sees the vision going, copping line after line. See how she looks for trouble, see how she dances, and she sips the Coca-Cola, but she can’t tell the difference yet.’

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24/08/2024

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

THE TOP 10 ON THIS DAY IN 1972.

BUT WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE?

1-Alice Cooper-Schools Out.
2-Rod Stewart-You Wear It Well.
3-Hawkwind-Silver Machine.
4-Mott The Hoople-All The Young Dudes.
5-Terry Dactyl-Sea Side Shuffle.
6-Hot Butter-Popcorn.
7-Derek and The Dominoes-Layla.
8-The Partridge Family-Breaking Up is Hard to Do.
9-ELO-10538 Overture.
10-Donny Osmond-Puppy Love.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

577-Hawkwind-Silver Machine.

1972-Number 3 single. It has been re-issued on a further three occasions, failing to chart in 1976, reaching Number 34 in 1978, and Number 86 in 1983.

Best Bit-At 0-22. The last song Lemmy wrote before being fired from Hawkwind in 1975, was a track called ‘Motorhead,’ and the rest is history.

Hawkwind were formed in Ladbroke Grove, London England, in 1969, and at the time of writing they remain active, with founding member Dave Brock being the groups one constant. In total to date there have been 46 official different members come and go, including some famous and influential names. Ian Kilmister, (Lemmy) (1945-2015) (see also best songs 16) was a group member between 1971-1975, Ginger Baker, (1939-2019) (see also best songs 726) was a member between 1980-1981, and Simon House, (see also best songs 302) was on board between 1973-1978, and then again between 1989-1991. The six group members who performed on this recording of ‘Silver Machine’ were Dave Brock, (guitar, and vocals) Nik Turner, (saxophone, flute, and vocals) Lemmy Kilmister, (1945-2015) (lead vocals) Michael ‘Dik Mik’ Davies, (1943-2017) (synthesizer) Del Dellmar, (synthesizer) and Simon King (drums.)

The discography of ‘Hawkwind,’ who started out life as ‘Group X,’ before becoming ‘Hawkwind Zoo,’ and finally ‘Hawkwind,’ includes 35 studio Albums released between 1970-2024, and 22 singles released between 1970-2023, there are also eight extended plays, 10 official compilation Albums, and 13 live Albums available. In the UK, 13 of their Albums have reached the top 40, with ‘Warrior on the Edge of Time,’ peaking the highest at Number 13 in 1975. They have never charted on Billboard in America, but their second studio Album ‘In Search of Space,’ did reach Number 34 in Australia, in 1971. Hawkwind’s only charting single remains ‘Silver Machine,’ which peaked at Number 3 in the UK in 1972.

‘Silver Machine’ was co-written by Dave Brock, who wrote the music, and Robert Calvert, (1945-1988) who provided the lyrics, the song was produced by Brock using the pseudonym ”Dr Technical,’ he also used the pseudonym ‘Sylvia McManus,’ (who was his wife) for his writing credit. ‘Silver Machine’ was first recorded live at a ‘Greasy Truckers’ benefit gig, at ‘The Roundhouse,’ London on the 13th February 1972. The recording was the taken away for mixing, but it was decided that the lead vocals of Robert Calvert were not up to scratch, and Ian Kilmister, (Lemmy) who was the groups bass player recorded his stronger vocals over the track in the studio. At the time Calvert who suffered from ‘Bi-Polar disorder,’ had been sectioned, so he was unavailable to attempt another version. Doug Smith, who was Hawkwind’s manager at the time has said, ‘Lemmy had a high voice, but it was just very much more powerful, he had a gruffness with it, so we decided to use his vocal.’ It is said that when Calvert was in recovery, and found out that his vocals had been removed, he was not best pleased.

Hawkwind are a ‘Rock’ group, who have recorded in the genres of ‘Progressive Rock,’ ‘Psychedelic Rock,’ ‘Acid Rock,’ ‘Proto-Punk,’ and ‘Space Rock.’ ‘Space Rock’ is a genre of music that is characterised by lengthy song structures, that may feature distorted and reverberation laden guitars, with the lyrical themes often dealing with science fiction. The genre emerged in the late 1960’s, with ‘Psychedelia,’ and ‘Progressive Rock’ groups such as the English Rock band Pink Floyd,’ (see also best songs 992 and 280) and the French formed group ‘Gong,’ exploring different musical sounds. Pink Floyd’s early Albums including ‘The Piper at the Gates of Dawn,’ (1967) and ‘A Saucerful of Secrets,’ (1968) contain pioneering examples of ‘Space Rock,’ on tracks such as ”Lucifer Sam,’ and ‘Let There Be More Light.’

The lyrics for ‘Silver Machine’ were inspired by the French writer Alfred Jarry’s (1873-1907) essay, ‘How To Construct a Time Machine.’ The lyrics are a send up, whereas Jarry wrote about constructing a ‘Cosmic space travel machine,’ Calvert made it about a new silver racing bike. Robert Calvert has said,’I thought it was a great idea for a song. At that time there were a lot of songs about space travel, and it was the time when ‘NASA’ was actually, really doing it. They’d put a man on the moon and were planning to put parking lots and hamburger stalls and everything up there. I thought that it was about time to come up with a song that actually sent this all up, which was ‘Silver Machine.’ ‘Silver Machine’ was just to say, I’ve got a silver bicycle, and nobody got it. I didn’t think they would. I thought that what they would think we were singing about some sort of cosmic space travel machine. I did actually have a silver racing bike when I was a boy. I’ve got one now, in fact.’

I, I just took a ride in a silver machine, and I’m still feeling mean. Do you want to ride, see yourself going by the other side of the sky. I’ve got a silver machine, it flies sideways through time, it’s an electric line to your zodiac sign. I’ve got a silver machine.’

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24/08/2024

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

TODAY WOULD HAVE BEEN THE 119TH BIRTHDAY OF ARTHUR CRUDUP.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

606-Arthur ”Big Boy” Crudup-That’s All Right.

1946-It has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 1.04. Elvis Presley acknowledged Arthur Crudup’s importance to ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ when he said, ‘If I had any ambition, it was to be as good as Arthur Crudup.

Arthur William Crudup, was born on August 24th, 1905, in Forest, Mississippi, United States, he died of complications of heart disease and diabetes, on March 28th, 1974, at the age of 68. He was fondly known as ‘The Father of Rock and Roll,’ after Elvis Presley (1935-1977) had recorded cover versions of three of his songs, ‘That’s All Right,’ (1946) ‘My Baby Left Me,’ (1950) and ‘So Glad You’re Mine,’ (1946.) Arthur Crudup was born into a family of migrant workers travelling through the South and Midwest, and spent his formative years singing ‘Gospel’ music. In 1926 he was taught to play the ‘Blues’ by a local called Papa Harvey, (1887-1989?) enabling him to later perform in dance halls and cafes. He began his career as a ‘Blues’ singer around Clarksdale, Mississippi, then joined the black Gospel quartet the ‘Harmonizing Four,’ eventually leaving to start a solo career in Chicago in 1940.

Arthur Crudup recorded for ‘RCA Records’ in the mid to late 1940’s, and with ‘Ace Records,’ ‘Checker Records,’ and ‘Trumpet Records,’ in the early 1950’s, recording as Arthur ”Big Boy” Crudup,’ ‘Elmer James,’ and ‘Percy Lee Crudup.’ He stopped recording in the 1950’s because of disputes over royalties, saying, ‘I realised I was making everybody rich, and here I was poor.’ He continued to sing, and supplemented his income by working as a labourer, he later returned to Mississippi and took up bootlegging. In 1968 the ‘Blues’ promoter Dick Waterman (1935-2024) began fighting for Crudup’s royalties, and reached an agreement in which Crudup would be paid $60,000, however, ‘Hill and Range Songs,’ from which he was supposed to get the royalties, refused to sign the legal papers at the last minute, because the company thought it could not lose more money in legal action. By 1971 Crudup had collected a little over $10,000 in overdue royalties, through the intervention of the ‘Songwriters Guild of America.’ Recognising his fortunes would not change, Crudup said in 1970, ‘I was born poor, I live poor, and I am going to die poor.’ Arthur Crudup issued four solo studio Albums, and two collaborative Albums between 1962-1994, and there are 30 official compilation Albums available. Three of his singles charted in the top 5 in 1945, on the Billboard ‘Race Records’ chart, which is now the ‘Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs’ chart.

‘That’s All Right’ was originally recorded by Arthur Crudup in Chicago, United States, on September 6th, 1946, it was re-released in early March 1949 by ‘RCA Victor,’ under the title ‘That’s All Right, Mama.’ ‘That’s All Right’ is one of the contenders for the never ending discussion about who actually recorded the first ever ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ song. The ‘Rock’ historian Joseph Burns, of Southeastern Louisiana University has said,’This song could contain the first ever guitar solo break.’ Some of the lyrics to ‘That’s All Right’ had been lifted by Crudup from previous ‘Blues’ songs, most notably the 1926 ‘Blues’ recording, ‘That Black Snake Moan,’ by Blind Lemon Jefferson (1893-1929.)

At the age of 19, Elvis Presley (see also best songs 954-664-442 and 194) recorded his version of ‘That’s All Right, Mama,’ for his very first single, on the ‘Sun Records’ label. The song failed to chart on either side of the Atlantic, but when it was re-issued for it’s 50 anniversary in 2004, it reached Number 3 in the UK. In 1956 Presley recorded ‘My Baby Left Me,’ another Arthur Crudup song, for the ‘B’ side of his single ‘”I Want You, I Need You, I Love You,’ which reached Number 1 on Billboard, and Number 14 in the UK. Elvis Presley said of Arthur Crudup,’Down in Tupelo, Mississippi, I used to hear old Arthur Crudup bang his box the way I do now, and I said, if I ever got to the place I could feel all old Arthur felt, I’d be a music man like nobody ever saw.’ In 2004 the American music magazine the ‘Rolling Stone,’ argued that Elvis Presley’s recording of ‘That’s All Right’ was the first ever ‘Rock and Roll’ record, also in 2004 an article in the British daily newspaper ‘The Guardian,’ argues that rather than Elvis Presley’s version being one of the first records of ‘Rock and Roll,’ it was simply one of ‘the first white artists’ interpretations of a sound already well established by black musicians almost a decade before, a raucous, driving, unnamed variant of ‘Rhythm and Blues.’

‘Mama she done told me, Papa done told me too, son, that gal your foolin’ with, she ain’t no good for you. But, that’s all right, that’s all right, that’s all right now mama, anyway you do.’

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23/08/2024

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

580-Happy Mondays-Step On.

1990-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. Don’t panic, this is not fruit abuse. The term ‘Twistin’ my melon man,’ actually means being confused by something to the point that it’s really annoying.

The Happy Mondays were formed in Salford, England, United Kingdom, in 1980, by Shaun Ryder, (vocals) his brother Paul Ryder, (1964-2022) (bass) Gary Whelan, (drums) Paul Davis, (keyboards) and Mark Day, (guitar) they were soon joined by Mark ‘Bez’ Berry, (dancer and percussionist.) In 1990 they were joined by Rowetta, (vocals) in 2004, by Kav Sandhu, (guitar and keyboards) and in 2006 by Dan Broard, (keyboards.) It was Paul Ryder who named the group, as after the day their unemployment benefit cheques arrived, as Paul put it, ‘It was the day for getting off your face.’ The Happy Mondays remained active between 1980-1993, but have since reformed on a further three occasions. They played an important role in the development of the Manchester music scene, which became known as ‘Madchester,’ by incorporating ‘Rock’ music, with ‘Psychedelica,’ ‘Funk,’ and ‘House Music,’ helping to pave the way to ‘Dance Music.’ The Happy Mondays were also an influence on other groups, including The Stone Roses, (see also best songs 979 and 253) and Oasis (see also best songs 1006-758 and 15.) In 1990 Paul McCartney told the British music magazine ‘New Musical Express,’ ‘I saw the Happy Mondays on TV, and they reminded me of the Beatles in their Strawberry Fields phase.’

The discography of the Happy Mondays includes five studio Albums released between 1987-2007, and 20 singles released between 1986-2015, there are also four extended plays, six official compilation Albums, and two live Albums available. In the UK, six of their singles have reached the top 40, with both ‘Step On,’ (1990) and ‘Kinky Afro,’ (1990) both peaking the highest at Number 5. The Happy Mondays failed to breakthrough commercially in America, with only ‘Step On’ making the Billboard Hot 100, when reaching Number 57, although ‘Kinky Afro’ made Number 1 on the ‘Billboard Alternative Airplay’ chart, and ‘Stinkin’ Thinkin” (1992) reached Number 1 on the ‘Billboard Dance Club’ chart.

‘Step On’ was the first of four singles released from the Happy Mondays third studio Album ‘Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches,’ from November 1990, the song was co-written by John Kongos, and Christos Demetriou, with the production being by Paul Oakenfold, and Steve Osborne, who also produced the Album. ‘Step On’ is a cover version of the 1971 UK Number 4 hit single ‘He’s Gonna Step on You Again,’ by John Kongos, the Happy Mondays incorporate a short sample of three guitar notes from the original, as well as the groups lead singer Shawn Ryder ad-libbing phrases such as ‘You’re twistin’ my melon man,’ and ‘Call the cops.’ The former was a catchphrase of a ‘Haçienda’ nightclub patron, while the latter was taken from a line of dialogue in ‘Man on the Edge,’ a documentary about the actor Steve McQueen.

John Theodore Kongos was born on August 6th, 1945, in Johannesburg, South Africa. After having had success in South Africa in the early 1960’s with his band ‘Johnny and the G-Men,’ as well as also having had success as a solo artist, he left to pursue a musical career in the UK in 1966. His first UK based group was ‘Floribunda Rose,’ which were formed in April 1967, and comprised of five members, including this songs co-writer Chris Demetriou, who had been born in Cyprus. After 18 months of gigging in Britain and Europe, Kongos released his first solo Album, ‘Confusions About a Goldfish,’ in 1969, on the ‘Dawn’ record label. In 1971, and now signed to ‘Fly Records,’ he achieved two hit singles in the UK, with ‘He’s Gonna Step on You Again,’ reaching Number 4, and ‘Tokoloshe Man,’ also making Number 4. ‘He’s Gonna Step on You Again’ is cited in the ‘Guinness Book of Records’ as being the first song to ever use a sample. However, according to the sleeve note of the CD reissue of the ‘Kongos’ Album, it is actually a tape loop of African drumming.

Prior to the Happy Mondays covering ‘He’s Gonna Step on You Again,’ the song had been a hit twice for two Australian bands. The Australian ‘supergroup’ ‘The Party Boys’ took their version to Number 1 in Australia in 1987 for two weeks, and the Australian Pop group the ‘Chantoozies,’ took their recording to Number 36, also in 1987. The original version by John Kongos was written as a protest song against the white man’s appropriation of native territory in Africa.

‘Gonna stamp out your fire, he can change your desire, don’t you know he can make you forget you’re a man. Gonna stamp out your fire, he can change your desire, don’t you know he can make you forget you’re the man, you’re a man. You’re twistin’ my melon man, you speak so hip.’

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23/08/2024

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

TODAY IS THE 46TH BIRTHDAY OF JULIAN CASABLANCAS.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

450-The Strokes-Last Nite.

2001-Number 14 single.

Best Bit-At 1.58. As I have said many times before, and surely will again, nothing in Pop Music is totally original, but when you can cherry pick from the past and add your own new ideas, and come up with something so good, how can anyone complain.

The Strokes were formed in New York City, New York, United States, in 1998, and remain active at this present time. The three original members Julian Casablancas (singer/songwriter) Nick Valensi (guitar) and Fabrizio Moretti (drums) started playing together as teenagers while attending Dwight School in Manhattan. They were soon joined by Nikolai Fraiture (bass) who had been a childhood friend of Casablancas, and the quintet was completed in late 1998 when Casablancas invited Albert Hammond Jr. (guitar) (see also best songs 369 and 33) another old school acquaintance. The Strokes have released six studio Albums to date between 2001-2020, and a total of 17 singles. Their debut Album ‘Is This It’ which has sold in excess of two million copies worldwide has received several accolades including best Album of the decade by the British magazine the New Musical Express.

‘Last Nite’ was written by Julian Casablancas, and borrows heavily from the song ‘American Girl’ by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers from 1976. Casablancas when interviewed freely admitted to basing the songs opening guitar riff, and the songs overall structure on that track. On hearing Casablancas’ admission, Tom Petty (1950-2017) (see also best songs 769) said,’ That made me laugh out loud. I was like, OK good for you, it doesn’t bother me.’ In 2006 The Strokes were invited to be the opening act for Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers on some that years tour dates.

‘Last Nite’ is a song about a romantic relationship that has broken down. The narrator thinks that he is entering in to a long term commitment, and decides that it is time to bail out. In no time at all he becomes confused not really knowing what he wants, he doesn’t want commitment, and he also might not want to leave his girl. He is also concerned about what she, and others may think of him.

‘Oh people, they don’t understand. No girlfriends, they don’t understand. In spaceships, they won’t understand, and me , I ain’t ever gonna understand.’

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23/08/2024

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

TODAY IS THE 75TH BIRTHDAY OF RICK SPRINGFIELD.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

929-Rick Springfield-Jessie’s Girl.

1981-It was not released in the UK until 1984, when it reached Number 43.

Best Bit-At 2.19. As far as I am aware this is the only song in the world ever to have the word ‘moot’ in the lyrics, if that’s not a moot point to make.

Rick Springfield was born Richard Lewis Springthorpe on August 23rd, 1949, in Guildford, New South Wales, Australia. He has found great success as both a musician and an actor, with both professions running concurrently throughout his career. Due to his fathers work as an army officer he lived in England between 1958-1963, which was were he learned to play the guitar. Springfield joined his first group ‘Rockhouse’ in 1968, and over the course of the next year he toured as a member of that group, and with other musicians as well, which included entertaining the Australian troops in South Vietnam. He first found chart success when becoming the lead singer of the Australian Pop/Rock band ‘Zoot,’ reaching Number 4 on the Australian ‘Go-Set’ Pop chart with a cover version of the Beatles ‘Eleanor Rigby’ in 1970 (see also best songs 599.)

After ‘Zoot’ parted ways in 1971, Springfield set about a solo career, which included being marketed as a ‘Teen Idol,’ in the same mould as Donny Osmond, (see also best songs 642) and David Cassidy (1950-2017) The solo discography of Rick Springfield includes 22 studio Albums released between 1972-2019, and 34 singles issued between 1971-2019. In Australia he has charted on the top 40 on seven occasions, with ‘Jessie’s Girl,’ making Number 1. While in America on the Billboard Hot 100, he has had 17 top 40 hits, with ‘Jessie’s Girl’ also topping that chart. In the UK, where Springfield has never tasted the same success, only ‘Human Touch’ from 1983 has made the top 40, when reaching Number 23.

Rick Springfield has also had a very successful career as an actor, having made his debut in 1977 in an episode of the American science fiction television series ‘The Six Million Dollar Man.’ His big acting breakthrough occurred in 1981 when he joined the cast of the American daytime soap opera ‘General Hospital,’ playing the role of ‘Dr. Noah Drake,’ a role he would play until 1983, but would return to in later years. Springfield has also appeared in four movies, including ‘Battlestar Galactica’ in 1978, as well as making numerous other television acting appearances.

Jessie’s Girl’ was written by Rick Springfield, with the production credited to Keith Olsen, (1945-2020) and was the second single issued from Springfield’s fifth studio Album ‘Working Class Dog,’ from February 1981. ‘Jessie’s Girl’ is based on a true life experience that Springfield had had in his youth. In the mid 1970’s Springfield attended a course on ‘Stained Glass’ with a friend of his called Gary. Springfield has a major crush on Gary’s girlfriend, but she showed no interest in him. A few weeks later Springfield left the course, and never saw either of them again. The thoughts of his unrequited love stayed with him, and when writing for his 1981 Album ‘Working Class Dog,’ he finally got around to writing the song. He changed the name of ‘Gary’ to ‘Jessie,’ which he named after the American footballer Ron Jessie, (1948-2006) but admits that he doesn’t remember the girls name.

Rick Springfield has said that as far as he knows, the woman who inspired the song has no idea that she is ‘Jessie’s Girl.’ He told the American talk show host ‘Oprah Winfrey,’I was never really introduced to her. It was always just, like, panting from afar.’ The Oprah Winfrey show tried to find her, and they got as far back as finding out that the teacher of the class had died, and that his class records had been thrown out one year after his death.

‘Jessie’s Girl’ went to Number 1 in America on Billboard on the same week that ‘MTV’ was launched on August 1st, 1981, and became one the stations early successes. The popularity of the song was also a key factor in Springfield’s acting career, as people would tune in to ‘General Hospital,’ after hearing his music, and vice versa, those who fell in love with Dr. Noah Drake, would go and seek out his music.

‘I play along with the charade, there doesn’t seem to be a reason to change. You know, I feel so dirty when they start talking cute, I wanna tell her that I love her, but the point is probably moot.’

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23/08/2024

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

TODAY WOULD HAVE BEEN THE 78TH BIRTHDAY OF KEITH MOON.

THE TOP 20 THE WHO RECOMMENDATIONS.

1-5.15.
2-Pinball Wizard.
3-My Generation.
4-Pictures of Lily.
5-You Better You Bet.
6-I Can't Explain.
7-I'm a Boy.
8-The Kids Are Alright.
9-I Can See For Miles.
10-Won't Get Fooled Again.
11-Who Are You.
12-I'm Free.
13-Substitute.
14-Anyway Anyhow Anywhere.
15-Squeeze Box.
16-Join Together
17-Behind Blue Eyes
18-Baba O'Riley
19-Happy Jack.
20-Magic Bus.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

265-The Who-5.15.

1973-Number 20 single.

Best Bit-At 0.41. Quadrophenia is a word made up by Pete Townsend, it is similar to schizophrenia, but twice as bad.

The Who were formed in London, England, in 1964, the classic lineup consisted of Pete Townsend, (guitar and vocals) Roger Daltrey, (lead singer) Keith Moon, (1946-1978) (drums) and John Entwistle (1944-2002) (bass) with sales in excess of 100 million records they are one of the best selling acts of all time. One of the most famous questions asked in a Pop Quiz is how many UK Number 1 singles did the Who have? The answer surprisingly is none. The Who have released 12 studio Albums between 1965-2019, 16 live Albums, and 27 compilations. They have also issued 58 singles between 1964-2019, 16 live Albums, and 27 compilations. They have also issued 58 singles between 1964-2019, of which 24 have reached the UK top 40, with both 'My Generation,' (1965) and 'I'm a Boy' (1966) making Number 2.

In 1968 the Who had released their first 'Rock Opera' Album called 'Tommy,' (see also best songs 306) which was later made into a film in 1975. In 1973 Pete Townsend (see also best songs 891) wrote the bands second 'Rock Opera,' which was released as a double vinyl Album called 'Quadrophenia,' in 1973. Whereas 'Tommy' had been based on fantasy, this time the story was loosely based on the experiences of some of the Who's real life fans from the 1960's.
'Quadrophenia' is about two groups of rival gangs, 'The Mods,' and 'The Rockers.' The story follows a young Mod called Jimmy, and his realisation that being a Mod is not living up to the expectations he thought that the lifestyle would. The lyrics of '5.15' describe Jimmy, who is high on drugs travelling by train to Brighton. Of the songs meaning Pete Townsend has said,'His train journey down to Brighton, sandwiched between two city gents is notable for the rather absurd number of purple hearts he consumes in order to wile away the time. He goes through a not entirely pleasant series of ups and downs as he thinks about the gaudier side of life as a teenager that we see in newspapers like the News of the World. '5:15' was written in Oxford Street and Carnaby Street while I was killing time between appointments. I must try it again sometime, it seems to work!'

In 1979 'Quadrophenia' was made into a film loosely based on the Who's 1973 Album, but unlike 'Tommy,' 'Quadrophenia' is not a musical, and the Who (see also best songs 926 and 306) didn't appear live in the film. The film starred the English actor Phil Daniels (see also best songs 256) as 'Jimmy,' and 'Sting' (see also best songs 1020 and 727) as 'Ace Face.' Although the Who do not perform live in the film, the writers teased us with a clip of the band performing 'Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere,' on the television programme 'Ready Steady Go.' Pictures of the Who, and a 'Maximum R&B' poster can be seen in Jimmy's bedroom, while in the party gatecrashing scene the song playing in the background is 'My Generation.' The film is set in 1964, but a repackaged Who Album that was not available at that time is clearly seen.

'Girls of fifteen sexually knowing. The ushers are sniffing, Eau-de-coloning. The seats are seductive, celibate sitting, pretty girls digging, prettier women.'

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

306-The Who-Pinball Wizard.

1969-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 0.24. It's highly unlikely that a deaf dumb and blind kid could play pinball, because he wouldn't be able to find the slot to put the 50 pence into.

'Pinball Wizard' was written by Pete Townshend (see also best songs 926-891 and 265) who was born Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend on May 19th, 1945, in Chiswick, England. Townshend was the co-founder of 'The Who' along with Roger Daltrey, and John Entwistle, (1944-2002) the recognised classic lineup was completed by Keith Moon (1946-1978) who joined the band in 1964.

By 1968 Pete Townshend felt that The Who's shelf life was coming to an end, and if he didn't take the band in a different direction then they may split. For The Who's fourth studio Album 'Tommy,' Townshend wrote a concept 'Rock Opera' that tells the story about a deaf, dumb and blind boy, his life's experiences, and his relationship with his family. Townshend came up with the concept of 'Tommy' after being introduced to the work of Meher Baba (1894-1969) who was an Indian who claimed to be God in human form, and gained a following of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The story of 'Tommy' was an attempt by Townshend to translate Baba's teachings into music.

'Pinball Wizard' and it's parent Album 'Tommy' have become one of Pete Townshend, and The Who's most enduring works. In 1975 'Tommy' was made into a film, with a not entirely, but similar story line, starring Jack Nicholson, and Ann-Margret, as well as vocal contributions from Tina Turner (Acid Queen) (see also best songs 752-485 and 192) and Elton John (Pinball Wizard) (see also best songs 946-481-237 and 62.) A year later in 1976 Elton John's version of Pinball Wizard was released as a single and reached Number 7 in the UK, the only time that a cover version of a 'Who' song has made the top 10. There is a famous story that Rod Stewart had been offered the role to sing in 'Tommy,' and had asked Elton John if he should accept, to which Elton replied,'Don't touch it with a barge pole.' A year later The Who asked Elton John to sing the same song, Elton grabbed his barge pole and took up the offer. Years later Elton said,'I don't think Rod's quite forgiven me for that.'
'Tommy' was also made into a 'Rock Musical' first opening in San Diego, California, in 1992. Other productions have been performed on Broadway, and in the West End.

'Pinball Wizard's lyrics are written from the perspective of a pinball champion called 'Local Lad,' who is astounded by the skills of the deaf, dumb and blind kid called 'Tommy Walker.' The 'Local Lad' always thought of himself as being the very best, but after watching Tommy he has to concede that Tommy is better.

'I thought I was the Baly table king, but I just handed my pinball crown to him. Even on my favourite table he can beat my best, his disciples lead him in and he just does the rest.'

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

926-The Who-My Generation.

1965-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 2.23. I always publish the position in the chart that the song peaked at, but unfortunately it is no guide to an artists actual talent, as ‘The Who’ never had a UK Number 1 single, whereas ‘Westlife’ had 16, ‘Boyzone’ had 6, and ‘One Direction’ had 4. It’s a funny old world that we live in.

‘My Generation’ was the first of four singles released from the debut studio Album by The Who, (see also best songs 306 and 265) also called ‘My Generation,’ from December 1965, the single was issued a month prior to the Album.’My Generation’ was written by Pete Townsend, (see also best songs 891) and produced at the request of Townsend by Shel Talmy, (see also best songs 1014-939-770 and 592) after Townsend had been impressed with the production work Talmy had recently done with fellow British ‘Rock/Pop’ group the ‘Kinks’ (see also best songs 1014 and 770.)

‘My Generation was written by Pete Townsend on his 20th birthday, for the rebellious British youths known as ‘Mods,’ in order to express their feelings that the older generation just don’t understand today’s youth. Speaking in 1987 Townsend who had written the song while on a train ride from London to Southampton said,’My Generation was very much about trying to find a place in society. I was very, very lost. The band was young then. It was believed that its career would be incredibly brief. Townsend also commented on the song back in 1967 when calling it,’The only really successful social comment I’ve ever made.’ He then went on to explain the meaning of the song as, ‘Some pilled-up ‘Mod’ dancing around, trying to explain to you why he’s such a groovy guy, but he can’t because he’s so stoned he can hardly talk.’

‘My Generation’ contains one of the most famous lyrics in ‘Rock N’ Roll’ history,’I hope I die before I get old.’ Townsend has said that the lyrics are not meant to be taken literally, and that ‘Old’ actually means ‘Very Rich,’ as Townsend could see what he perceived to be the injustices of the class system. He has said,’The line actually came from a time when I was living in a really wealthy district of London, just by accident. I didn’t really understand quite where I was living at the time. And I was treated very strangely on the street, in an imperious way by a lot of people, and it was that that I didn’t like. I didn’t like being confronted with money, and the class system, and power. I didn’t like being in a corner shop in Belgravia, and some woman in a fur coat pushing me out of the way because she was richer, and I didn’t know how to deal with that. I could’ve, I suppose, insisted on my rights and not written the song. But I was a tucked-up little kid and so I wrote the song.’ Townsend has also credited the ‘Blues’ singer ‘Mose Allison’ (1927-2016) for the lyrics to his 1957 song ‘Young Man’s Blues’ as inspiration, saying,’Without Mose I wouldn’t have written ‘My Generation.’ The Who would later go on to record ‘Young Man’s Blues’ on their 1970 Album ‘Live at Leeds.’

Roger Daltrey who sang lead vocals on ‘My Generation’ has always had a stutter, and it was The Who’s manager Kit Lambert (1935-1981) who suggested that Daltrey should sing the song like a ‘Mod on speed.’ Daltrey has said,’I have got a stutter. I control it much better now, but not in those days. When we were in the studio doing ‘My Generation’, Kit Lambert came up to me and said ‘STUTTER!’ I said ‘What?’ He said ‘Stutter the words, it makes it sound like you’re pilled’ And I said, ‘Oh… like I am!’ And that’s how it happened. It was always in there, it was always suggested with the ‘f-f-fade,’ but the rest of it was improvised.’ When the song was first released the ‘BBC’ refused to play it, because they didn’t want to offend people with a stutter, but once the song became a hit, they changed their mind and played it.

Roger Harry Daltrey was born on March 1st, 1944, in London, England, he was one of the three founding members of ‘The Who,’ along with Pete Townsend, and John Entwistle (1944-2002.) As well as being recognised as one of the most charismatic ‘frontmen’ in ‘Pop Music’ history he has also had a very successful career in acting, including in the films ‘Tommy,’ (1975) and ‘McVicar’ (1980.) Daltry also pursued a solo music career while still a member of ‘The Who,’ which has seen him release 10 studio Albums between 1973-2018, and 42 singles between 1973-2014, he has also worked on 11 soundtrack Albums, issued between 1975-2002. In the UK, two of those singles have reached the top 40, with his debut solo single ‘Giving It All Away’ charting the highest when reaching Number 5 in 1973, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, his only top 40 entry to date is ‘Without Your Love,’ which made Number 20 in 1980.

‘People try to put us d-down, (talkin’ ’bout my generation,) just because we get around, (talkin’ ’bout my generation.) Things they do look awful c-c-cold, (talkin’ ’bout my generation.) I hope I die before I get old, (talkin’ ’bout my generation’)

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For a list of all the best 1000 songs Google Barry Philips Discos Blog.

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