25 Years Since....December 1995

Time for our final trip back to 1995 to see what tunes I was enjoying at the time:

Saint Etienne - He's On The Phone

 

This may sound quite surprising, but I don't think I'd heard of Saint Etienne until this record. No idea why they'd passed me by, though this was their highest charting record to date narrowly missing out on the Top 10.

Aside from Sarah Cracknell's solo hit the following year I more or less forgot about them until the year 2000 when I saw their greatest hits album "Too Young To Die" in Our Price, remembered how much I liked this record and bought it.

Blur - The Universal

You may recall most, if not all of Blurs 1994 hits appeared in this feature before I got into rave. Then came the Blur vs Oasis battle in 1995 where I declared both songs were crap and I do genuinely think "Country House" is crap as are most of the Blur singles that followed.

However, although I wouldn't admit it at the time I've always liked this particular record. Maybe the fact I'd gone off guitars by this point and it isn't a guitar driven song.

Prince - Gold

When Prince made a good record, it would be a really great record and this is one of those. This was actually his last original hit to make the Top 10.

Despite this record being almost 6 minute long, I can't help but find it too short. It's one of those record I just want to go on and on. 

Molella ft The Outhere Brothers - If You Wanna Party

The last Top 10 hit for Outhere Brothers. They would have one further Top 40 hit a couple of years later when everyone had forgot about them.

I think the Outhere Brothers were very much of their time. They had a hugely successful year in 1995 but if they were around in any other year I'm not sure it would have worked. The fact their debut album actually came out in 1994 pretty much backs that up.

The Mike Flowers Pops - Wonderwall

I was listening to the Chris Evans breakfast show when this was given its Radio 1 debut. He said that "Wonderwall" was a cover of a 60s record and here's the original.

It became apparent soon afterwards that he was taking the piss, it was really a cover of "Wonderwall" made to sound like it's from the 60s. Much better than the original in my opinion, but I'm not sure if I would have liked it had it not been a piss take.

Noel Gallagher has since been asked whether he likes this version, to which he answered that he liked the money he made from it.

Top of the Pops: New Year 2020

Top of the Pops is back once again for New Year. You can watch it on the iPlayer if you missed it, here's what happened: 

Sigala ft James Arthur - Lasting Lover

We kick off the same way we kicked off Christmas with some EDM crap. James Arthur has a guitar with him, is he really playing it? Given how often he has his hands off it I guess not.

Sam Smith - Diamonds

A special performance from Abbey Road studios. I guess you could call this genre of music electro-dreary crap. Won't be long until I forget this song exists like pretty much every other Sam Smith song.

Becky Hill - Space

We get told she's collaborated with lots of super producers but now here she is in her own right. It's been produced by Camelphat, are they saying that Camelphat aren't super producers then? Sounds like all the other EDM crap she's done with these so called super producers. Oh and this didn't make the Top 40.

The biggest stories of 2020: Lewis Capaldi vs Stormzy battle for number one, Celeste releases songs that don't make the Top 40, Billie Eilish does a James Bond Song, Eminem scores a number one, as does Weeknd, J Hus has number one album, Dua Lipa releases an album, Blinding Lights by Weeknd.

Becky Hill interview.


Yungblud - Cotton Candy

A singer who apparently has his own talk show. Another non Top 40 hit. Looked like this would be a rock number to begin with, but it's turned out to be a but namby pamby. I was also expecting a rapper when the said his name, but how silly of me to think they'd have rap music after the Top 40 has been dominated by the genre this year. 

Clean Bandit ft Mabel & 24kGolden - Tick Tock

This was from Christmas day. Still the same now as it was then.

Now something about music in the lockdown.

Wes Nelson ft Hardy Caprio - See Nobody

Only one of them is there and I'm not sure which one it is. Ok spook too soon, the other one has arrived. At least we have some rap music that made the Top 40 on, yes it's a bit crap but at least it reflects the charts.

Arlo Parks - Hurt

Now we're back to a song that never made the Top 40 by a singer who's never made the Top 40. This is dreary, clearly there hasn't been enough Ed Sheeran and his clones in the Top 40 this year.

Nathan Dawe ft KSI & Ella Henderson - Lighter

Back to the EDM shite they play after a dreary ballad. We have 2 vocalists and they've been described as a super trio. Will people be talking about these 3 the same we people talk about Cream in 50 years time?

Now more big stories: Ariana Grande had a song, as did Taylor Swift, as did BTS. Shirley Bassey had an album. as did Rolling Stones, as did Michael Kiwanuka. Good year for Kylie Minogue and Annie Nightingale. Huge year for Little Mix, Jesy left the group. 2021 predictions.

Michael Kiwanuka - Light

Back to the dreary ballad, one that never made the Top 40. This really is getting tedious.

Yungblud interview.

Alfie Templeman - Forever Isn't Long Enough

Another one that never made the Top 40 by someone who's never made the Top 40. This one isn't bad actually.

Ladybaby - Don't Stop Me Eating

The Christmas number one, yet another sausage roll themed cover of an old record which is obviously crap but that's the point and it's for a good cause.

20th Century in the 20s - 2020

Back in the 90s there was no shortage of acts way past their heyday who were still having big hits. Cliff Richard had 2 number ones for example. Many of the chart heavyweights would continue to have hits into the 21st Century.

By the 2010s though few of the older acts were still having hits and as we entered the era of streaming it almost ensured that new singles from acts who dominated the charts in previous years would no longer make the Top 40.

Now we're in the 2020s I thought it would be interesting to see which old timers are still managing to have Top 40 hits. A logical cut off point for me is the end of the 20th Century i.e. acts who made their Top 40 debut before 31st December 1999.

The rules are that the single has to be in the Top 40 for the first time this decade so all the Christmas songs making their annual visit to the Top 40 don't count. They also need to be the same entity as their 20th Century counterpart, for example Dave Grohl has had a hit this year as part of the Live Lounge Allstars and in the 20th Century as part of Nirvana and Foo Fighters, but it would need to be either a Nirvana or Foo Fighters hit to count. Collaboration's do count as let's face it pretty much everyone collaborates these days.

The first 20th Century debutant to score a Top 40 hit this year was Eminem. He had 3 hits at the same time, one of which was a number one. Eminem has seemingly kept himself relevant with the kids and had more Top 40 hits in the 2010s than any other decade.

Next up was Michael Ball who scored his first number one in collaboration with Captain Tom Moore. The last time we'd seen Michael Ball in the Top 40 was back in 1996 and he reached number 40 with that particular record.

Then came Tina Turner on Kygo's remake of "What's Love Got To Do With It?". We'd last seen Tina Turner in the Top 40 in 2004 and she retired in 2009. I think it's fair to say she didn't have an awful lot to do with this particular record.

In August we had Vera Lynn return to the Top 40 after a 63 year absence with "Land Of Hope & Glory". It was just 2 months after her death but it came as part of a campaign against the proms banning certain songs and this was it's first time in the Top 40.

Finally we had Craig David collaborate with KSI and Digital Farm Animals on "Really Love". Craig David only just qualifies as a 20th Century artist having made his debut 3 weeks before the end of the century.

Here's the list in full:

UK Number 40s: War - Hey Senorita (1978)

War are a pretty well known band, but they're not exactly a household name. However many people will know the record "Lowrider", though I'd imagine a lot of people won't know what it's called. It was also their debut UK Top 40 hit in 1976 and highest charting. Despite this, it only reached number 12.

In America they were already well established and their American chart career began in 1970. They began as what Eric Burden did after the Animals, but he left the group pretty soon after they started.

Their 2nd Top 40 hit came in 1976 with "Me And Baby Brother" which was from their 1973 album "Deliver the Word ". Then at the end of 1977 came the album "Galaxy" which at the start of 1978 came the single of the same name. Then came this, their final hit.

This didn't reach the Top 40 in America, nor did any future singles over there. Although releases beyond the 70s were few and far between, they carried on with the occasional album with the most recent one being in 2014.

Top 30 in 1990 Reviewed - Week 52

Here's my weekly look at the Top 30 from 30 years ago. The plan is for these posts to go out at 17:30 on a Sunday.

Here is the Top 40 in full.

Obviously some of the records will be the same as last week so therefore the review will be the same for these. I've indicated which ones are new so you can skip the others if you read last weeks post.

Once again my opinions are inevitably going to differ from other people, but I'm not trying to convince anyone something is good or rubbish, I'm simply giving my opinion.

So this is the top 30 from this week in 1990 with my verdict on each record:

30. Betty Boo - 24 Hours

It's amazing how you can go 30 years without hearing a song, then when it comes to listening to it again it sounds quite different to how you remember it. This is one of those. My memory was this didn't sound as silly as her earlier efforts, and I guess it doesn't. Still crap though.

Verdict - Rubbish

29. C&C Music Factory ft Freedom Williams - Gonna Make You Sweat (New)

When it comes to dance anthems you have those which are genuine classics and those which were just cheesy commercial crap. I place this one in the latter category, I've never been a fan of C&C Music Factory. This is probably their best tune and I don't like it.

Verdict - Rubbish

28. Dimples D - Sucker DJ

Once again we have a record in the charts thanks to a remix by Ben Liebrand. This originally came out in 1983 and failed to chart. I think I liked this record at the time but don't think I've heard it since 1990. Listening to it now though I'm not so keen.

Verdict - Rubbish

27. Kim Appleby - Don't Worry

Ever wondered what Craig Logan did after he left Bros? Well here's your answer, he was co-writer on this record. Kim Appleby was of course one half of Mel & Kim, something I didn't realise at the time. Mel had died earlier on in the year and this was Kim's solo debut. She no longer had involvement with Stock Aitken & Waterman, which explains why I quite like this.

Verdict - Good

26. Patsy Cline - Crazy (New)

I didn't realise this was an old song at the time but I did think it was sung by an old lady. It was actually 29 years old and was by someone who was 29 at the time and died when she was 30. I guess the reason I thought it was sung by an old lady was that I considered it to be old ladies sort of music and not my sort.

Verdict - Rubbish

25. The Carpenters - Merry Christmas Darling / (They Long To Be) Close To You

It had now been 7 years since Karen Carpenter passed away and 12 years since The Carpenters last had a Top 40 hit. This final Top 40 hit for them was a double a-side of a Christmas song that was originally recorded in 1970 and failed to make the Top 40 when released in Christmas 1971. the other song was their first UK Top 40 hit from 1970. Both songs are alright, I'd say I appreciate them more than I enjoy them.

Verdict - OK

24. Patrick MacNee And Honor Blackman - Kinky Boots

This song is from 1964 but was never a hit. Thanks to Simon Mayo though this finally became a hit in 1990. I wonder how many people who bought it actually liked it though.

Verdict - Rubbish

23. INXS - Disappear

One of the better INXS hits in my opinion. I remember walking through the school corridor singing this at the time, particularly the "do do do do" bit.

Verdict - Good

22. Whitney Houston - All The Man That I Need

This was the new jack swing era for Whitney Houston, but she still did pop songs as well such as this, which was originally by Linda Clifford. It's a very dreary and instantly forgettable song.

Verdict - Rubbish

21. Yazoo - Situation

What's this? Yazoo in 1990? Yes, although Yazoo had long split up, this record got the remix treatment and charted in 1990. It was originally the b-side to "Only You". I'd say this is an example of the b-side being better than the a-side, and I like "Only You".

Verdict - Good

20. New Kids On The Block - This One's For The Children

The 7th New Kids On The Block hit of 1990. Picture the scene, you're at a work Christmas party having a sit down meal, a pianist is playing as you eat, then I come up to the piano and start singing this. Fortunately that never happened, but a work colleague of mine once suggested I did that. She was the New Kids On The Block fan, I was just someone who knew enough New Kids On The Block songs to be able to converse with her about them.

Verdict - Rubbish

19. Shakin' Stevens - The Best Christmas Of Them All

The 3rd Christmas Top 40 hit for Shakin Stevens, and it wasn't his last. I wonder whether Christmas 1990 was the best Christmas for him. I'd say probably not, 1985 was probably the best Christmas for him given he got the Christmas number one that year. This long forgotten song got nowhere near, I would say I understand why but I do prefer this to the 1990 Christmas number one. That's the only positive thing I have to say about it.

Verdict - Rubbish

18. Black Box - Total Mix

I don't think the actual "Total Mix" is on YouTube but have put a Black Box megamix from 1990 which is pretty much the same thing i.e. their hits to date mixed together, some I like and some I don't.

Verdict - OK

17. Twenty4Seven ft Captain Hollywood - Are You Dreaming?

This was the second and final collaboration between Twenty4Seven and Captain Hollywood to make the UK Top 40. Like with the first hit, not as cheesy as your average Eurodance record but still pretty average at the same time.

Verdict - OK

16. Status Quo - The Anniversary Waltz - Part Two

The 40th Top 40 hit Status Quo and follow up to part one of The Anniversary Waltz. It wasn't as successful though, only reaching number 16. They've had a further 17 Top 40 hits since and none of them have made the Top 10. Like with the first part, it's ok.

Verdict - OK

15. Seal - Crazy

This is the song that taught many people that Seal isn't Adamski. It was the official beginning of Seals Top 40 career, whereas Adamski's had already ended. I have Seals self titled debut album on which this appears, it's a good album.

Verdict - Good

14. Malandra Burrows - Just This Side Of Love

The mid-80s saw the launch of EastEnders, and not long after a number of actors from the show were having hits. Then towards the end of the 80s we had Neighbours actors in the charts. Now was the turn of Emmerdale with this. Though I caught the odd episode of Emmerdale, it's not a programme I ever watched properly and have just discovered that Malandra Burrows character, Kathy, sang this on the show itself. It wouldn't be the last we'd hear of Emmerdale in the charts, but more of that if I'm still doing these posts in 6 years time.

Verdict - Rubbish

13. Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers - The Crazy Party Mixes

The penultimate Top 40 hit for Jive Bunny and probably the most bizarre. I don't remember it at the time but I did listen to all the Jive Bunny hits several years ago. This reminds me of a performance Screech on Saved By the Bell did at one of their many school parties which was very cringeworthy. That sums up this song, bloody awful.

Verdict - Rubbish

12. The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody

I remember seeing this video on Top of the Pops and what confused me was that they were called The Righteous Brothers but there was only one of them. I soon discovered there were two of them, but only Bobby Hatfield featured on this particular record. It was originally released in 1965 but was re-released thanks to it featuring in the movie "Ghost". There are lots of versions of this song, but this is the best one in my opinion.

Verdict - Good

11. Chris Isaak - Wicked Game

This has one of the most famous music videos of all time, the one with Helena Christensen in it with him. Maybe it's just as well for Chris Isaak that this video has made such an impact because it diverts the attention away from the fact it's a very dull song.

Verdict - Rubbish

10. EMF - Unbelievable

The normal way to wear a cap was with long bit to the front, but it was cool to wear a cap backwards. EMF singer James Atkin on the other hand wore his cap to the side. Everyone was singing this at the time, but I don't recall the cap wearing style catching on. I was one of those singing it, good record.

Verdict - Good

9. MC Hammer - Pray

Mix together Prince and Faith No More, add some gospel rapping over the top and you get this. I'd rather just listen to the Prince or Faith No More songs on their own though.

Verdict - Rubbish

8. Snap! - Mary Had A Little Boy

Was this the beginning of Toytown Techno? Maybe not, whilst it's based on a nursery rhyme it's perhaps not as blatant as actual Toytown Techno records, though it could have inspired it. Very cheesy though and the rapping is dreadful.

Verdict - Rubbish

7. Madonna - Justify My Love

Many people had never heard of Lenny Kravitz until he did "It Ain't Over Til It's Over", but they would likely have heard one of his compositions in this song. I wonder how many Lenny Kravitz fans actually like this song though.

Verdict - Rubbish

6. The Farm - All Together Now

One could argue this is a Christmas song. It was to do with the Christmas truce during the First World War. This is one of those tunes that I like which also has a happy hardcore version that I like, "Together In Wonderland" by Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo, and I like playing them back to back.

Verdict - Good

5. John Travolta And Olivia Newton-John - The Grease Megamix

This megamix was released after the film was released on video. Whilst the film has "Summer Nights" at the beginning and "You're the One That I Want" at the end, this is the opposite. I was yet to see the film, but at the time I liked "Summer Nights" but wasn't too fussed about "You're the One That I Want" and "Greased Lightnin". It's all shit really though, the only song from the film that I vaguely like is the title track.

Verdict - Rubbish

4. Enigma - Sadeness Part 1

When it comes to 90s number ones I can tell you something that was going on in my life at the time for the vast majority of them. This one though completely passed my by and I've only recently figured out why. I spend pretty much the whole of January 1991 ill in bed so therefore wasn't able to follow what was going on in the charts. As for the tune, not really the sort of record you'd expect to get to number one, or even in the charts for that matter which is a compliment.

Verdict - Good

3. The Righteous Brothers - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'

After the successful re-issue of "Unchained Melody" the Righteous Brothers re-issued this record, if anything to show the kids hearing them for the first time (i.e. me) that there are 2 of them. I think I preferred this one to "Unchained Melody" at the time, but it's hard to pick between the 2, they're both good.

Verdict - Good

2. Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby

I liked this one at the time, but then the following year I became a Queen fan and this famously sampled "Under Pressure". After hearing Brian May say it was crap, I decided it was crap too. I was easily influenced back then. Amongst rap music fans, of which I was one a number of years later, this never had much credibility. Now I'm older and have my own opinions what do I think? Well it is a bit crap to be fair.

Verdict - Rubbish

1. Cliff Richard - Saviour's Day

I prefer this to "Mistletoe & Wine", probably because you don't hear it as much at Christmas. That's the only positive thing I can say about it though.

Verdict - Rubbish

If we give the records which were good 1 point each and those which were OK half a point, the final score is 11/30, or 37%. We end the year with the lowest score so far. Will we see improvement in 1991?

Top of the Pops: Christmas 2020

Top of the Pops is back once again for Christmas. You can watch it on the iPlayer if you missed it, here's what happened: 

Joel Corry ft MNEK - Head & Heart

No surprise to hear this one, crap EDM DJ with crap singer that got to number one pretty much guarantees you a place on Christmas Top of the Pops. 

Celeste - A Little Love

I remember her being on last year despite not having any Top 40 hits to her name. Fast forward a year and she still has no Top 40 hits to her name. This is fuckin dreary.

Harry Styles - Watermelon Sugar

At least this one made the Top 40 though I'm not sure whether this should really feature as it first charted last year. It's a performance from Jools Holland.

Time for the Top 10 records of the year from 10-6, 3 of which are from 2019:

10. Harry Styles - Watermelon Sugar
9. Stormzy ft Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy - Own It
8. Lewis Capaldi - Someone You Loved
7. Joel Corry ft MNEK - Head & Heart
6. Dababy ft Roddy Riich - Rockstar


Clean Bandit ft Mabel & 24kGolden - Tick Tock

When I heard of this collaboration I thought it was more or less guaranteed a place on Top of the Pops given both Clean Bandit and Mabel always seem to appear these days. I've said before that Clean Bandit are ok musically but could do without the crappy vocalists and this is no exception.

Miley Cyrus - Midnight Sky

The worst thing about "Achy Breaky Heart" isn't the song itself, its the fact its given this person the opportunity to irritate the world. She truly is an awful singer and this is an awful song. 

Becky Hill - Better Off Without You

Apparently this was her biggest solo hit. Except it isn't a solo hit as its actually Becky Hill ft Shift K3y. That usually formula of crappy EDM DJ with crappy singer that those who make the bookings seem to love. 

Jamie Cullum - Turn On The Lights

What is Jamie Cullum doing on here? He hasn't been in the Top 40 for 15 years. Maybe there haven't been enough depressing songs in the Top 40 this year and they have a quota to fill.

Dua Lipa - Don't Start Now

Another song from 2019 on the show. This was a performance from Graham Norton. The stupid thing is that Dua Lipa herself has had 5 Top 40 hits herself this year, surely they could have featured one of those if they had to feature her. 

Aitch ft AJ Tracey - Rain

After a year where rap music has dominated the charts we finally get a rap record on the show. 

Time for the Top 10 records of the year from 5-1, 4 of them are from last year:

5. Dua Lipa - Don't Start Now
4. Lewis Capaldi - Before You Go
3. Saint Jhn - Roses
2. Tones & I - Dance Monkey
1. Weeknd - Blinding Lights

Ella Henderson - Take Care Of You

Another song that never made the Top 40. Not sure if this is supposed to be EDM or not but if it is then its probably the weakest EDM record I've ever heard.

Live Lounge Allstars - Times Like These

I genuinely have no idea who most of these people are who are singing on this. This is fuckin dreadful.

KSI ft Craig David & Digital Farm Animals - Really Love

I can't listen to this without thinking "Do you really like it is it is it wicked".

Time for the Christmas number one contenders:

Ladybaby - Don't Stop Me Eating

Jess Glynne - This Christmas

Liam Gallagher - All You're Dreaming Of

Justin Bieber - Holy

Ed Sheeran - Afterglow

Lil Nas X - holiday

Wham! - Last Christmas

Pogues ft Kirsty MacColl - Fairytale Of New York

Shakin Stevens - Merry Christmas Everyone

Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You

Lewis Capaldi - Before You Go

Another song from last year and the performance itself was from last year too. They really don't like this years music. Not like last years was any better though.

The Top 40 Leaderboard: Week 51

What's this all about?

Taylor Swift has 3 new entries this week putting her on the leaderboard in joint 5th. Also joining the leaderboard is Skepta whilst his collaborator Pop Smoke climbs the leaderboard to join Taylor Swift and others in joint 5th. With just one week to go it's hard to see anyone other than Drake to finish top, but then even with 52 weeks to go I'd of probably said that.

Just one new entry this week which is a rap record bringing the total for the year to 117/233, or 50%. 

The Christmas Charts - 2010

After the X Factor winner had failed to get the previous years Christmas number one for the first time since 2004, the X Factor winner was back on top again. This year it was Matt Cardle with "When We Collide". There were once again campaigns to prevent the X Factor winner topping the charts with the original version by Biffy Clyro, "The Bird" by Trashmen and "4.33 (Cage Against The Machine Version)" by John Cage. It presumably didn't work because people picked their own campaign to get behind instead of all getting behind one song. For the record, I got behind the John Cage one.

In terms of actual Christmas songs, there was "Christmas Lights" by Coldplay. There was also "X-M@$" by Corey Taylor from Slipknot. Making a return to the charts were Mariah Carey and the Pogues with their respective Christmas hits.

UK Number 40s: Carpenters - Sweet Sweet Smile (1978)

The story of the Carpenters to many was that they were a successful 70s duo who's time was cut short by the death of singer Karen Carpenter. However, their career was in decline during the last few years of their existence.

Their chart career began in 1970 with "We've Only Just Begun" and by 1978 they'd had a Top 40 hit every year in the 70s to date. Many of their hits were covers, prior to this record they'd had 14 hits, 10 of which were covers. This did include 2 double a-sides which included an original composition one side.

This record was their first non-cover to chart that didn't have Richard Carpenter as the songwriter. That duty went to Juice Newton and Otha Young. It was originally intended to be for Juice Newton herself, but her record label didn't want it.

It would prove to be the final Top 40 hit for the Carpenters bar a re-issue of "Merry Christmas Darling / (They Long To Be) Close To You" in 1990.

They went on hiatus in 1978, but they did have success at the end of the year with their 2nd greatest hits album reaching number 2 in the album charts. They would eventually reunite but wouldn't return to the charts. Karen Carpenter died in 1983.

Top 30 in 1990 Reviewed - Week 51

Here's my weekly look at the Top 30 from 30 years ago. The plan is for these posts to go out at 17:30 on a Sunday.

Here is the Top 40 in full.

Obviously some of the records will be the same as last week so therefore the review will be the same for these. I've indicated which ones are new so you can skip the others if you read last weeks post.

Once again my opinions are inevitably going to differ from other people, but I'm not trying to convince anyone something is good or rubbish, I'm simply giving my opinion.

So this is the top 30 from this week in 1990 with my verdict on each record:

30. Julee Cruise - Falling

When a song is most famous for being a theme tune to a TV show it's often crap. Not always though. This was the theme tune to "Twin Peaks", a fact I did not know at the time. To this very day I still haven't watched an episode so to me this is still simply a song, and one I like.

Verdict - Good

29. Betty Boo - 24 Hours

It's amazing how you can go 30 years without hearing a song, then when it comes to listening to it again it sounds quite different to how you remember it. This is one of those. My memory was this didn't sound as silly as her earlier efforts, and I guess it doesn't. Still crap though.

Verdict - Rubbish

28. George Michael - Freedom 90

George Michael had a pretty good chart record in the 80s and 90s. He had 25 Top 40 hits in this period, 14 of which made the Top 3 which included 7 number ones. Only Madonna and Boyzone can claim to have had more Top 3 hits in the same period. Despite that, this song which is one of his best known songs only got to number 28. Not a bad record but not one I'd go out and buy.

Verdict - OK

27. Whitney Houston - All The Man That I Need (New)

This was the new jack swing era for Whitney Houston, but she still did pop songs as well such as this, which was originally by Linda Clifford. It's a very dreary and instantly forgettable song.

Verdict - Rubbish

26. The Carpenters - Merry Christmas Darling / (They Long To Be) Close To You (New)

It had now been 7 years since Karen Carpenter passed away and 12 years since The Carpenters last had a Top 40 hit. This final Top 40 hit for them was a double a-side of a Christmas song that was originally recorded in 1970 and failed to make the Top 40 when released in Christmas 1971. the other song was their first UK Top 40 hit from 1970. Both songs are alright, I'd say I appreciate them more than I enjoy them.

Verdict - OK

25. Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers - The Crazy Party Mixes (New)

The penultimate Top 40 hit for Jive Bunny and probably the most bizarre. I don't remember it at the time but I did listen to all the Jive Bunny hits several years ago. This reminds me of a performance Screech on Saved By the Bell did at one of their many school parties which was very cringeworthy. That sums up this song, bloody awful.

Verdict - Rubbish

24. Shakin' Stevens - The Best Christmas Of Them All (New)

The 3rd Christmas Top 40 hit for Shakin Stevens, and it wasn't his last. I wonder whether Christmas 1990 was the best Christmas for him. I'd say probably not, 1985 was probably the best Christmas for him given he got the Christmas number one that year. This long forgotten song got nowhere near, I would say I understand why but I do prefer this to the 1990 Christmas number one. That's the only positive thing I have to say about it.

Verdict - Rubbish

23. Seal - Crazy (New)

This is the song that taught many people that Seal isn't Adamski. It was the official beginning of Seals Top 40 career, whereas Adamski's had already ended. I have Seals self titled debut album on which this appears, it's a good album.

Verdict - Good

22. Dimples D - Sucker DJ

Once again we have a record in the charts thanks to a remix by Ben Liebrand. This originally came out in 1983 and failed to chart. I think I liked this record at the time but don't think I've heard it since 1990. Listening to it now though I'm not so keen.

Verdict - Rubbish

21. INXS - Disappear

One of the better INXS hits in my opinion. I remember walking through the school corridor singing this at the time, particularly the "do do do do" bit.

Verdict - Good

20. Status Quo - The Anniversary Waltz - Part Two (New)

The 40th Top 40 hit Status Quo and follow up to part one of The Anniversary Waltz. It wasn't as successful though, only reaching number 16. They've had a further 17 Top 40 hits since and none of them have made the Top 10. Like with the first part, it's ok.

Verdict - OK

19. Twenty4Seven ft Captain Hollywood - Are You Dreaming?

This was the second and final collaboration between Twenty4Seven and Captain Hollywood to make the UK Top 40. Like with the first hit, not as cheesy as your average Eurodance record but still pretty average at the same time.

Verdict - OK

18. Yazoo - Situation

What's this? Yazoo in 1990? Yes, although Yazoo had long split up, this record got the remix treatment and charted in 1990. It was originally the b-side to "Only You". I'd say this is an example of the b-side being better than the a-side, and I like "Only You".

Verdict - Good

17. Kim Appleby - Don't Worry

Ever wondered what Craig Logan did after he left Bros? Well here's your answer, he was co-writer on this record. Kim Appleby was of course one half of Mel & Kim, something I didn't realise at the time. Mel had died earlier on in the year and this was Kim's solo debut. She no longer had involvement with Stock Aitken & Waterman, which explains why I quite like this.

Verdict - Good

16. Patrick MacNee And Honor Blackman - Kinky Boots

This song is from 1964 but was never a hit. Thanks to Simon Mayo though this finally became a hit in 1990. I wonder how many people who bought it actually liked it though.

Verdict - Rubbish

15. Black Box - Total Mix

I don't think the actual "Total Mix" is on YouTube but have put a Black Box megamix from 1990 which is pretty much the same thing i.e. their hits to date mixed together, some I like and some I don't.

Verdict - OK

14. John Travolta And Olivia Newton-John - The Grease Megamix (New)

This megamix was released after the film was released on video. Whilst the film has "Summer Nights" at the beginning and "You're the One That I Want" at the end, this is the opposite. I was yet to see the film, but at the time I liked "Summer Nights" but wasn't too fussed about "You're the One That I Want" and "Greased Lightnin". It's all shit really though, the only song from the film that I vaguely like is the title track.

Verdict - Rubbish

13. New Kids On The Block - This One's For The Children

The 7th New Kids On The Block hit of 1990. Picture the scene, you're at a work Christmas party having a sit down meal, a pianist is playing as you eat, then I come up to the piano and start singing this. Fortunately that never happened, but a work colleague of mine once suggested I did that. She was the New Kids On The Block fan, I was just someone who knew enough New Kids On The Block songs to be able to converse with her about them.

Verdict - Rubbish

12. Chris Isaak - Wicked Game

This has one of the most famous music videos of all time, the one with Helena Christensen in it with him. Maybe it's just as well for Chris Isaak that this video has made such an impact because it diverts the attention away from the fact it's a very dull song.

Verdict - Rubbish

11. Malandra Burrows - Just This Side Of Love

The mid-80s saw the launch of EastEnders, and not long after a number of actors from the show were having hits. Then towards the end of the 80s we had Neighbours actors in the charts. Now was the turn of Emmerdale with this. Though I caught the odd episode of Emmerdale, it's not a programme I ever watched properly and have just discovered that Malandra Burrows character, Kathy, sang this on the show itself. It wouldn't be the last we'd hear of Emmerdale in the charts, but more of that if I'm still doing these posts in 6 years time.

Verdict - Rubbish

10. MC Hammer - Pray

Mix together Prince and Faith No More, add some gospel rapping over the top and you get this. I'd rather just listen to the Prince or Faith No More songs on their own though.

Verdict - Rubbish

9. The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody

I remember seeing this video on Top of the Pops and what confused me was that they were called The Righteous Brothers but there was only one of them. I soon discovered there were two of them, but only Bobby Hatfield featured on this particular record. It was originally released in 1965 but was re-released thanks to it featuring in the movie "Ghost". There are lots of versions of this song, but this is the best one in my opinion.

Verdict - Good

8. Snap! - Mary Had A Little Boy

Was this the beginning of Toytown Techno? Maybe not, whilst it's based on a nursery rhyme it's perhaps not as blatant as actual Toytown Techno records, though it could have inspired it. Very cheesy though and the rapping is dreadful.

Verdict - Rubbish

7. EMF - Unbelievable

The normal way to wear a cap was with long bit to the front, but it was cool to wear a cap backwards. EMF singer James Atkin on the other hand wore his cap to the side. Everyone was singing this at the time, but I don't recall the cap wearing style catching on. I was one of those singing it, good record.

Verdict - Good

6. Enigma - Sadeness Part 1

When it comes to 90s number ones I can tell you something that was going on in my life at the time for the vast majority of them. This one though completely passed my by and I've only recently figured out why. I spend pretty much the whole of January 1991 ill in bed so therefore wasn't able to follow what was going on in the charts. As for the tune, not really the sort of record you'd expect to get to number one, or even in the charts for that matter which is a compliment.

Verdict - Good

5. The Farm - All Together Now

One could argue this is a Christmas song. It was to do with the Christmas truce during the First World War. This is one of those tunes that I like which also has a happy hardcore version that I like, "Together In Wonderland" by Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo, and I like playing them back to back.

Verdict - Good

4. The Righteous Brothers - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'

After the successful re-issue of "Unchained Melody" the Righteous Brothers re-issued this record, if anything to show the kids hearing them for the first time (i.e. me) that there are 2 of them. I think I preferred this one to "Unchained Melody" at the time, but it's hard to pick between the 2, they're both good.

Verdict - Good

3. Madonna - Justify My Love

Many people had never heard of Lenny Kravitz until he did "It Ain't Over Til It's Over", but they would likely have heard one of his compositions in this song. I wonder how many Lenny Kravitz fans actually like this song though.

Verdict - Rubbish

2. Cliff Richard - Saviour's Day

I prefer this to "Mistletoe & Wine", probably because you don't hear it as much at Christmas. That's the only positive thing I can say about it though.

Verdict - Rubbish

1. Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby

I liked this one at the time, but then the following year I became a Queen fan and this famously sampled "Under Pressure". After hearing Brian May say it was crap, I decided it was crap too. I was easily influenced back then. Amongst rap music fans, of which I was one a number of years later, this never had much credibility. Now I'm older and have my own opinions what do I think? Well it is a bit crap to be fair.

Verdict - Rubbish

If we give the records which were good 1 point each and those which were OK half a point, the final score is 12.5/30, or 42%. The lowest score so far, standards really are slipping as we approach the end of the year.

The Christmas Charts - 2000

Having scored the previous Christmas number one, Westlife failed to top the charts for the first time in their quest for Christmas number one with "What Makes A Man" stalling at number 2. They were beaten by cartoon character Bob the Builder with "Can We Fix It". 

In terms of actual Christmas songs, there was just one. This was from the Wombles featuring Roy Wood with a mash up of "Wombling Merry Christmas" with "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" which was called "I Wish It Could Be A Wombling Merry Christmas Everyday".

The Top 40 Leaderboard: Week 50

What's this all about?

This weeks leaderboard is exactly the same as last weeks.

Just one new entry this week which is a rap record bringing the total for the year to 116/229, or 51%. 

The Christmas Charts - 1990

This was the 3rd year in a row that the Christmas number one involved Cliff Richard. There was "Mistletoe & Wine" in 1988, "Do They Know Its Christmas?" by Band Aid II in 1989 on which he appeared and in 1990 came "Saviours Day"

Speaking of artists with multiple Christmas hits, 1990 also saw Shakin Stevens score his 3rd Christmas Top 40 hit. Having previous charted with "Blue Christmas" as part of "The Shakin Stevens EP" and scoring the Christmas number one in 1985 with "Merry Christmas Everyone" he reached number 19 in 1990 with "The Best Christmas Of Them All". He wasn't finished with Christmas hits either, but more on that next year.

Finally we have "Merry Christmas Darling" by The Carpenters hit the Top 40 for the first time having failed to make the Top 40 back in 1971. It was released as a double a-side with "(They Long To Be) Close To You".

UK Number 40s: Peoples Choice - Jam Jam Jam (1978)

Peoples Choice were one of the acts on Philadelphia records. This was their 2nd and final UK Top 40 hit. Their first was "Do It Any Way You Wanna" which is the better known of the 2, but that only made number 36 in 1976.

This record was already 2 years old before it became a hit in the UK. It was on their "We Got the Rhythm" album from 1976. However, the UK was the only country where this record charted as a single.

It was written by label owner and songwriter Leon Huff alongside band member Frank Brunson. This would be the 2nd number 40 for Leon Huff having had one a few years earlier with "Long Lost Lover" by the Three Degrees.

The band continued until 1985 with Frank Brunson and drummer David Thompson the only constant members. Frank Brunson died in 2007.

The Christmas Charts - 1980

December 1980 was when John Lennon died and 3 number ones for him quickly followed. However, he was knocked of the top of the charts for 2 weeks at Christmas by St. Winifred's School Choir with "There's No One Quite Like Grandma". It's said the only reason it made number one is that everyone bought it for their grandmother for Christmas and that in all probability most copies of the single remain un-played. 

In addition to his 3 number ones, John Lennon also re-entered the Top 40 with "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" which hit a new peak of number 2 at the start of 1981. It originally made number 4 in 1972.

It was also the year that brought us "Stop The Cavalry" by Jona Lewie. It was his second and final Top 40 hit having charted earlier in the year with "You'll Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties". Finally we had perhaps a not so well remembered Christmas song from Kate Bush with "December Will Be Magic Again". It peaked at number 29 but had been recorded in 1979 and appeared on a Christmas TV special that year.

Top 30 in 1990 Reviewed - Week 50

Here's my weekly look at the Top 30 from 30 years ago. The plan is for these posts to go out at 17:30 on a Sunday.

Here is the Top 40 in full.

Obviously some of the records will be the same as last week so therefore the review will be the same for these. I've indicated which ones are new so you can skip the others if you read last weeks post.

Once again my opinions are inevitably going to differ from other people, but I'm not trying to convince anyone something is good or rubbish, I'm simply giving my opinion.

So this is the top 30 from this week in 1990 with my verdict on each record:

30. George Michael - Freedom 90 (New)

George Michael had a pretty good chart record in the 80s and 90s. He had 25 Top 40 hits in this period, 14 of which made the Top 3 which included 7 number ones. Only Madonna and Boyzone can claim to have had more Top 3 hits in the same period. Despite that, this song which is one of his best known songs only got to number 28. Not a bad record but not one I'd go out and buy.

Verdict - OK

29. Robert Palmer And UB40 - I'll Be Your Baby Tonight

Before I first heard "Saturday Night" by Whigfield, a girl at school kept singing the words "be my baby". I thought she was trying to sing this, but wondered why as it was 4 years old by then. This was originally a Bob Dylan song covered in typical UB40 style. Which probably explains why I like it.

Verdict - Good

28. Bombalurina - Seven Little Girls Sitting In The Back Seat

After a couple of hits with MC Tunes, 808 State released this double a-side by themselves. Despite the heavy guitar presence on "Cubik" it's still very much a dance record, though maybe it could get the rock crowd interested, but great tune nonetheless. "Olympic" is perhaps best known as the theme tune to The Word, that's how I first came across it and always liked it.

Verdict - Good / Good

27. Enigma - Sadeness Part 1 (New)

When it comes to 90s number ones I can tell you something that was going on in my life at the time for the vast majority of them. This one though completely passed my by and I've only recently figured out why. I spend pretty much the whole of January 1991 ill in bed so therefore wasn't able to follow what was going on in the charts. As for the tune, not really the sort of record you'd expect to get to number one, or even in the charts for that matter which is a compliment.

Verdict - Good

26. The Proclaimers - King Of The Road (EP)

It's quite a strange dynamic really, a band who are so blatantly Scottish singing a song that's very American. This was the first version of "King Of The Road" I heard, which was originally a number one for Roger Miller in 1965. Can't say this is really my cup of tea.

Verdict - Rubbish

25. Betty Boo - 24 Hours

It's amazing how you can go 30 years without hearing a song, then when it comes to listening to it again it sounds quite different to how you remember it. This is one of those. My memory was this didn't sound as silly as her earlier efforts, and I guess it doesn't. Still crap though.

Verdict - Rubbish

24. INXS - Disappear (New)

One of the better INXS hits in my opinion. I remember walking through the school corridor singing this at the time, particularly the "do do do do" bit.

Verdict - Good

23. Jimmy Somerville - To Love Somebody

Another Jimmy Somerville record that's a cover, this time of a Bee Gees record. This is done in a reggae style and I think this was the first version I heard. It's not bad.

Verdict - OK

22. Black Box - Total Mix (New)

I don't think the actual "Total Mix" is on YouTube but have put a Black Box megamix from 1990 which is pretty much the same thing i.e. their hits to date mixed together, some I like and some I don't.

Verdict - OK

21. Dream Warriors - My Definition Of A Boombastic Jazz Style

These day's it's hard to listen to this record with it's sample of "Soul Bossa Nova" by Quincy Jones without thinking of Austin Powers. It was a different story back in 1990, a few years before Austin Powers. My main memory of it was mishearing the lyrics, I didn't know what this was called at the time and heard "I've got permission". Still, a good record.

Verdict - Good

20. Black Box - Fantasy

A cover of the Earth Wind & Fire record. I used to like it, but over time it's started to make me cringe. Had I not bought a Black Box CD several years ago I may have still liked it, but I just can't listen to it anymore.

Verdict - Rubbish

19. Rod Stewart And Tina Turner - It Takes Two

It's the king of crap covers doing a crap cover in collaboration with Tina Turner. It must have been the big names that sold this because why anyone would listen to this over the original Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston version is beyond me.

Verdict - Rubbish

18. Twenty4Seven ft Captain Hollywood - Are You Dreaming?

This was the second and final collaboration between Twenty4Seven and Captain Hollywood to make the UK Top 40. Like with the first hit, not as cheesy as your average Eurodance record but still pretty average at the same time.

Verdict - OK

17. Dimples D - Sucker DJ

Once again we have a record in the charts thanks to a remix by Ben Liebrand. This originally came out in 1983 and failed to chart. I think I liked this record at the time but don't think I've heard it since 1990. Listening to it now though I'm not so keen.

Verdict - Rubbish

16. Julee Cruise - Falling

When a song is most famous for being a theme tune to a TV show it's often crap. Not always though. This was the theme tune to "Twin Peaks", a fact I did not know at the time. To this very day I still haven't watched an episode so to me this is still simply a song, and one I like.

Verdict - Good

15. Malandra Burrows - Just This Side Of Love

The mid-80s saw the launch of EastEnders, and not long after a number of actors from the show were having hits. Then towards the end of the 80s we had Neighbours actors in the charts. Now was the turn of Emmerdale with this. Though I caught the odd episode of Emmerdale, it's not a programme I ever watched properly and have just discovered that Malandra Burrows character, Kathy, sang this on the show itself. It wouldn't be the last we'd hear of Emmerdale in the charts, but more of that if I'm still doing these posts in 6 years time.

Verdict - Rubbish

14. Yazoo - Situation

What's this? Yazoo in 1990? Yes, although Yazoo had long split up, this record got the remix treatment and charted in 1990. It was originally the b-side to "Only You". I'd say this is an example of the b-side being better than the a-side, and I like "Only You".

Verdict - Good

13. The Righteous Brothers - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' (New)

After the successful re-issue of "Unchained Melody" the Righteous Brothers re-issued this record, if anything to show the kids hearing them for the first time (i.e. me) that there are 2 of them. I think I preferred this one to "Unchained Melody" at the time, but it's hard to pick between the 2, they're both good.

Verdict - Good

12. Snap! - Mary Had A Little Boy

Was this the beginning of Toytown Techno? Maybe not, whilst it's based on a nursery rhyme it's perhaps not as blatant as actual Toytown Techno records, though it could have inspired it. Very cheesy though and the rapping is dreadful.

Verdict - Rubbish

11. MC Hammer - Pray

Mix together Prince and Faith No More, add some gospel rapping over the top and you get this. I'd rather just listen to the Prince or Faith No More songs on their own though.

Verdict - Rubbish

10. Chris Isaak - Wicked Game

This has one of the most famous music videos of all time, the one with Helena Christensen in it with him. Maybe it's just as well for Chris Isaak that this video has made such an impact because it diverts the attention away from the fact it's a very dull song.

Verdict - Rubbish

9. New Kids On The Block - This One's For The Children

The 7th New Kids On The Block hit of 1990. Picture the scene, you're at a work Christmas party having a sit down meal, a pianist is playing as you eat, then I come up to the piano and start singing this. Fortunately that never happened, but a work colleague of mine once suggested I did that. She was the New Kids On The Block fan, I was just someone who knew enough New Kids On The Block songs to be able to converse with her about them.

Verdict - Rubbish

8. Patrick MacNee And Honor Blackman - Kinky Boots

This song is from 1964 but was never a hit. Thanks to Simon Mayo though this finally became a hit in 1990. I wonder how many people who bought it actually liked it though.

Verdict - Rubbish

7. Kim Appleby - Don't Worry

Ever wondered what Craig Logan did after he left Bros? Well here's your answer, he was co-writer on this record. Kim Appleby was of course one half of Mel & Kim, something I didn't realise at the time. Mel had died earlier on in the year and this was Kim's solo debut. She no longer had involvement with Stock Aitken & Waterman, which explains why I quite like this.

Verdict - Good

6. EMF - Unbelievable

The normal way to wear a cap was with long bit to the front, but it was cool to wear a cap backwards. EMF singer James Atkin on the other hand wore his cap to the side. Everyone was singing this at the time, but I don't recall the cap wearing style catching on. I was one of those singing it, good record.

Verdict - Good

5. The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody

I remember seeing this video on Top of the Pops and what confused me was that they were called The Righteous Brothers but there was only one of them. I soon discovered there were two of them, but only Bobby Hatfield featured on this particular record. It was originally released in 1965 but was re-released thanks to it featuring in the movie "Ghost". There are lots of versions of this song, but this is the best one in my opinion.

Verdict - Good

4. The Farm - All Together Now

One could argue this is a Christmas song. It was to do with the Christmas truce during the First World War. This is one of those tunes that I like which also has a happy hardcore version that I like, "Together In Wonderland" by Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo, and I like playing them back to back.

Verdict - Good

3. Cliff Richard - Saviour's Day

I prefer this to "Mistletoe & Wine", probably because you don't hear it as much at Christmas. That's the only positive thing I can say about it though.

Verdict - Rubbish

2. Madonna - Justify My Love

Many people had never heard of Lenny Kravitz until he did "It Ain't Over Til It's Over", but they would likely have heard one of his compositions in this song. I wonder how many Lenny Kravitz fans actually like this song though.

Verdict - Rubbish

1. Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby

I liked this one at the time, but then the following year I became a Queen fan and this famously sampled "Under Pressure". After hearing Brian May say it was crap, I decided it was crap too. I was easily influenced back then. Amongst rap music fans, of which I was one a number of years later, this never had much credibility. Now I'm older and have my own opinions what do I think? Well it is a bit crap to be fair.

Verdict - Rubbish

If we give the records which were good 1 point each and those which were OK half a point, the final score is 14/30, or 47%. Slight improvement on last weeks low.

Helter Skelter

 

After turning the clock back 25 years at the end of each month I realised it's 25 years since I first discovered Helter Skelter. Then it got me thinking it was also 20 years since I was at the Millennium Jam which was the last Helter Skelter so maybe I should do a post about it. Then I realised the Millennium Jam was in-fact 21 years ago, not 20 as it was new years eve 1999.

In 1995 I had only just made the transformation from grunger to raver and therefore my music collection was a bit thin on the ground. It consisted of the 2 Prodigy albums, the "Set You Free" single and a 4CD Best of Jungle compilation. The big rave at the time, or more specifically the first big rave I'd heard of was Dreamscape.

I heard there was a clothes shop in a nearby town you could buy Dreamscape tapes from. When I went there they told me they didn't have any Dreamscape tapes in but they did have Helter Skelter. Being new to the scene I had no idea whether Helter Skelter was any good or not, so I left it.

It turned out the Helter Skelter was in a lot of ways like Dreamscape and they were both held at The Sanctuary in Milton Keynes. Unfortunately that clothes shop closed down shortly afterwards. I can't remember what my first Helter Skelter tape was, but it was a copy. I then purchased a Helter Skelter tape pack from someone who had moved on to house music. On the tape pack there was an address where you could sign up to their mailing list, so that's what I did.

After a rave had taken place, I'd receive a newsletter, a flyer for the next rave and a list of tape packs available to order. It would take 28 days for a tape pack to be delivered, so by the time I'd get to hear music from an event it was almost time for the next one. That was just normal back then.

When I'd receive the tape pack I would always listen to the Vibes tape first. By the turn of the millennium I owned a tape pack from pretty much every Helter Skelter event from 1995 onwards. One I didn't own though was the Millennium Jam, not sure why. 

Although a Helter Skelter rave would be better known by its actual name rather than number, the events were numbered HS1, HS2, HS3 etc. What struck me was that HS1 was in 1993, but Helter Skelter first started in 1989. It was therefore always a bit of a mystery what happened between 1989 and 1993.

At the Millennium Jam we all were given a video exclusively for attendees that night which had the story of Helter Skelter on there. It's on YouTube now, but from watching it I learned that the first Helter Skelter was an illegal rave in 1989 with a lot of big names on the lineup which they ended up losing a lot of money from because people thought it may have been fake.

Then they went legal and started off in Banbury, then moved to Milwaukee's in the countryside north of Bedford, then to Oxford, then to Telford and then HS1 was their first event at The Sanctuary.

Lots of Helter Skelter flyers can be easily found on the internet these days, but I've found absolutely nothing about their time in Banbury. The only reference I've ever had to that is owner Dave Pratley saying they had events in Banbury after their first event, so what happened between their first event in September 1989 and their first Milwaukee's event in May 1991 is still a bit of a mystery.

Helter Skelter did come back in 2001, but it wasn't really Helter Skelter in my book. It was more Sidewinder and Compulsion using the Helter Skelter name and it gradually fizzled out after the closure of The Sanctuary in 2004.

The set I've posted is the Vibes set from Helter Skelter Odyssey in 1996. 

The Top 40 Leaderboard: Week 49

What's this all about?

Justin Bieber is now second outright. With only 3 weeks left of the year it's looking increasingly likely that Drake will be the winner and Justin Bieber the runner up, as I would have predicted.

None of the new entries this week are rap bringing the total for the year to 115/228, or 50%. 

The Christmas Charts - 1970

No Christmas songs in the Top 40 this year. In fact there were only 6 new entries in the Top 40 in the whole of December. The Christmas number one went to Dave Edmunds with "I Hear You Knocking" which topped the charts at the end of November and remained there till January.

UK Number 40s: Emotions - I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love (1977)

The Emotions had a total of 3 Top 40 hits which reached numbers 4, 40 and 4.

Their debut earlier on in the year was the record they're best known for, "Best Of My Love", which had also been number one in America. That record was written by Maurice White and Al McKay from Earth Wind & Fire.

This follow up was penned by Emotions members Wanda Hutchinson and Jeanette Hawes. It appeared on their "Flowers" album from 1976 which came before "Rejoice", the album from 1977 which contains "Best Of My Love". The fact this song was older perhaps went against it chart wise.

The line where they sing the title was used as a sample on "Loaded" by Primal Scream.

Their final Top 40 hit came in 1979 as collaborators on "Boogie Wonderland" with Earth Wind & Fire.

The Christmas Charts - 1960

Time once again to look at the Christmas charts every 10 years, this time beginning with 1960.

The biggest Christmas hit this year was "Little Donkey" by Nina & Frederick which made number 3. This did better than the 2 versions of the same song that had charted the previous year. It was the 2nd Top 40 hit for Nina & Frederick having charted with another Christmas record the previous year with "Mary's Boy Child".

Adam Faith had narrowly missed out on being Christmas number one in 1959 having been joint top the week before Christmas. This year he had a Christmas hit with "Lonely Pup (In A Christmas Shop)" which got to number 4.

The other 2 Christmas hits were both number 40s that I have written about in my number 40s posts earlier this year. They were "Little White Berry" by Roy Castle and "Must Be Santa" by Tommy Steele.

Christmas number one went to Cliff Richard with "I Love You". It was his first Christmas number one but it wasn't a Christmas song.

Top 30 in 1990 Reviewed - Week 49

Here's my weekly look at the Top 30 from 30 years ago. The plan is for these posts to go out at 17:30 on a Sunday.

Here is the Top 40 in full.

Obviously some of the records will be the same as last week so therefore the review will be the same for these. I've indicated which ones are new so you can skip the others if you read last weeks post.

Once again my opinions are inevitably going to differ from other people, but I'm not trying to convince anyone something is good or rubbish, I'm simply giving my opinion.

So this is the top 30 from this week in 1990 with my verdict on each record:

30. Soul II Soul ft Kym Mazelle - Missing

The first Top 40 hit for Soul II Soul not to reach the Top 10, but the album had been released a few months prior and got to number one. Kym Mazelle was already an established artist in her own right when this came out. It basically sounds like a Soul II Soul record, which is never a bad thing.

Verdict - Good

29. Malandra Burrows - Just This Side Of Love (New)

The mid-80s saw the launch of EastEnders, and not long after a number of actors from the show were having hits. Then towards the end of the 80s we had Neighbours actors in the charts. Now was the turn of Emmerdale with this. Though I caught the odd episode of Emmerdale, it's not a programme I ever watched properly and have just discovered that Malandra Burrows character, Kathy, sang this on the show itself. It wouldn't be the last we'd hear of Emmerdale in the charts, but more of that if I'm still doing these posts in 6 years time.

Verdict - Rubbish

28. 808 State - Cubik / Olympic

After a couple of hits with MC Tunes, 808 State released this double a-side by themselves. Despite the heavy guitar presence on "Cubik" it's still very much a dance record, though maybe it could get the rock crowd interested, but great tune nonetheless. "Olympic" is perhaps best known as the theme tune to The Word, that's how I first came across it and always liked it.

Verdict - Good / Good

27. Betty Boo - 24 Hours (New)

It's amazing how you can go 30 years without hearing a song, then when it comes to listening to it again it sounds quite different to how you remember it. This is one of those. My memory was this didn't sound as silly as her earlier efforts, and I guess it doesn't. Still crap though.

Verdict - Rubbish

26. Pet Shop Boys - Being Boring

After ten Top 10 hits in a row, this only just scraped into the Top 20. Apparently this is Axl Rose's favourite Pet Shop Boys song and he was disappointed they didn't play it at a gig of theirs he went to. It's not my favourite Pet Shop Boys song, but like most of their songs I do like it.

Verdict - Good

25. Twenty4Seven ft Captain Hollywood - Are You Dreaming?

This was the second and final collaboration between Twenty4Seven and Captain Hollywood to make the UK Top 40. Like with the first hit, not as cheesy as your average Eurodance record but still pretty average at the same time.

Verdict - OK

24. Snap! - Mary Had A Little Boy (New)

Was this the beginning of Toytown Techno? Maybe not, whilst it's based on a nursery rhyme it's perhaps not as blatant as actual Toytown Techno records, though it could have inspired it. Very cheesy though and the rapping is dreadful.

Verdict - Rubbish

23. Gazza And Lindisfarne - Fog On The Tyne (Revisited)

I've said this before and I'll continue to say this, football and music just don't mix. Here is Gazza attempting to rap on a remake of a 70s record with the 70s band who made it. Absolutely terrible.

Verdict - Rubbish

22. Yazoo - Situation (New)

What's this? Yazoo in 1990? Yes, although Yazoo had long split up, this record got the remix treatment and charted in 1990. It was originally the b-side to "Only You". I'd say this is an example of the b-side being better than the a-side, and I like "Only You".

Verdict - Good

21. Megabass - Time To Make The Floor Burn

This ones a megamix of dance records of the time. Like I've said previously, the only way a megamix can be truly good is if every tune in it is good. However the chopping and changing this record has means you don't really need every tune to be good, so I like it.

Verdict - Good

20. MC Hammer - Pray (New)

Mix together Prince and Faith No More, add some gospel rapping over the top and you get this. I'd rather just listen to the Prince or Faith No More songs on their own though.

Verdict - Rubbish

19. Bombalurina - Seven Little Girls Sitting In The Back Seat

Timmy Mallet is back with another hit that's just as awful as the first, but not as well remembered. It would be the final Bombalurina Top 40 hit, though I do recall their version of "Lollipop" being played on the radio at the time, but it was never a hit.

Verdict - Rubbish

18. Dimples D - Sucker DJ

Once again we have a record in the charts thanks to a remix by Ben Liebrand. This originally came out in 1983 and failed to chart. I think I liked this record at the time but don't think I've heard it since 1990. Listening to it now though I'm not so keen.

Verdict - Rubbish

17. Robert Palmer And UB40 - I'll Be Your Baby Tonight

Before I first heard "Saturday Night" by Whigfield, a girl at school kept singing the words "be my baby". I thought she was trying to sing this, but wondered why as it was 4 years old by then. This was originally a Bob Dylan song covered in typical UB40 style. Which probably explains why I like it.

Verdict - Good

16. Dream Warriors - My Definition Of A Boombastic Jazz Style

These day's it's hard to listen to this record with it's sample of "Soul Bossa Nova" by Quincy Jones without thinking of Austin Powers. It was a different story back in 1990, a few years before Austin Powers. My main memory of it was mishearing the lyrics, I didn't know what this was called at the time and heard "I've got permission". Still, a good record.

Verdict - Good

15. Jimmy Somerville - To Love Somebody

Another Jimmy Somerville record that's a cover, this time of a Bee Gees record. This is done in a reggae style and I think this was the first version I heard. It's not bad.

Verdict - OK

14. The Proclaimers - King Of The Road (EP)

It's quite a strange dynamic really, a band who are so blatantly Scottish singing a song that's very American. This was the first version of "King Of The Road" I heard, which was originally a number one for Roger Miller in 1965. Can't say this is really my cup of tea.

Verdict - Rubbish

13. New Kids On The Block - This One's For The Children (New)

The 7th New Kids On The Block hit of 1990. Picture the scene, you're at a work Christmas party having a sit down meal, a pianist is playing as you eat, then I come up to the piano and start singing this. Fortunately that never happened, but a work colleague of mine once suggested I did that. She was the New Kids On The Block fan, I was just someone who knew enough New Kids On The Block songs to be able to converse with her about them.

Verdict - Rubbish

12. The Farm - All Together Now (New)

One could argue this is a Christmas song. It was to do with the Christmas truce during the First World War. This is one of those tunes that I like which also has a happy hardcore version that I like, "Together In Wonderland" by Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo, and I like playing them back to back.

Verdict - Good

11. Chris Isaak - Wicked Game

This has one of the most famous music videos of all time, the one with Helena Christensen in it with him. Maybe it's just as well for Chris Isaak that this video has made such an impact because it diverts the attention away from the fact it's a very dull song.

Verdict - Rubbish

10. Black Box - Fantasy

A cover of the Earth Wind & Fire record. I used to like it, but over time it's started to make me cringe. Had I not bought a Black Box CD several years ago I may have still liked it, but I just can't listen to it anymore.

Verdict - Rubbish

9. Madonna - Justify My Love (New)

Many people had never heard of Lenny Kravitz until he did "It Ain't Over Til It's Over", but they would likely have heard one of his compositions in this song. I wonder how many Lenny Kravitz fans actually like this song though.

Verdict - Rubbish

8. Julee Cruise - Falling

When a song is most famous for being a theme tune to a TV show it's often crap. Not always though. This was the theme tune to "Twin Peaks", a fact I did not know at the time. To this very day I still haven't watched an episode so to me this is still simply a song, and one I like.

Verdict - Good

7. Rod Stewart And Tina Turner - It Takes Two

It's the king of crap covers doing a crap cover in collaboration with Tina Turner. It must have been the big names that sold this because why anyone would listen to this over the original Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston version is beyond me.

Verdict - Rubbish

6. Cliff Richard - Saviour's Day (New)

I prefer this to "Mistletoe & Wine", probably because you don't hear it as much at Christmas. That's the only positive thing I can say about it though.

Verdict - Rubbish

5. Patrick MacNee And Honor Blackman - Kinky Boots

This song is from 1964 but was never a hit. Thanks to Simon Mayo though this finally became a hit in 1990. I wonder how many people who bought it actually liked it though.

Verdict - Rubbish

4. Kim Appleby - Don't Worry

Ever wondered what Craig Logan did after he left Bros? Well here's your answer, he was co-writer on this record. Kim Appleby was of course one half of Mel & Kim, something I didn't realise at the time. Mel had died earlier on in the year and this was Kim's solo debut. She no longer had involvement with Stock Aitken & Waterman, which explains why I quite like this.

Verdict - Good

3. EMF - Unbelievable

The normal way to wear a cap was with long bit to the front, but it was cool to wear a cap backwards. EMF singer James Atkin on the other hand wore his cap to the side. Everyone was singing this at the time, but I don't recall the cap wearing style catching on. I was one of those singing it, good record.

Verdict - Good

2. The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody

I remember seeing this video on Top of the Pops and what confused me was that they were called The Righteous Brothers but there was only one of them. I soon discovered there were two of them, but only Bobby Hatfield featured on this particular record. It was originally released in 1965 but was re-released thanks to it featuring in the movie "Ghost". There are lots of versions of this song, but this is the best one in my opinion.

Verdict - Good

1. Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby

I liked this one at the time, but then the following year I became a Queen fan and this famously sampled "Under Pressure". After hearing Brian May say it was crap, I decided it was crap too. I was easily influenced back then. Amongst rap music fans, of which I was one a number of years later, this never had much credibility. Now I'm older and have my own opinions what do I think? Well it is a bit crap to be fair.

Verdict - Rubbish

If we give the records which were good 1 point each and those which were OK half a point, the final score is 13/30, or 43%. The lowest score of the year, could it be Christmas bringing out the crap music?