25 Years Since....March 1996

In March 1996 I was disappointed with the new Prodigy record I was looking forward to hearing. Here were the tunes that didn't disappoint:

Joan Osborne - One Of Us

This wasn't typical of the sort of music I was listening to at the time, but for some reason it appealed. I quite liked the concept of god taking a bus to heaven and getting a phone call from the pope.

The first time I realised that I liked this song was in a pub, probably the first song I can say that for.

East 17 - Do U Still?

Tony Mortimer very much takes centre stage on this record with Brian Harvey joining John and Terry on background vocal duties. If you sing this at karaoke, like I've done numerous time, you only get to sing or should I say rap the Tony Mortimer parts.

Gusto - Disco's Revenge

The formula for this record is basically take a sample of an old disco record and repeat over and over again. Yet somehow the result is fuckin amazing. I could listen to this over and over again, I really could.

Sasha And Maria - Be As One

1996 was the year of progressive house, a genre that many couldn't really define, even the person who came up with the term as I recall. A general rule though was that anything by Sasha is progressive house so on that basis this must be. 

This was the biggest hit for Sasha, he was always one of those DJs who remained credible despite being one of the biggest names in dance music.

Carl Cox - Phoebus Apollo 

Carl Cox was a big DJ in the hardcore scene in the early 90s but then he decided to turn his back on it to do house and techno. This was his first Top 40 hit since he made that move.

I remember listening to the Top 40 countdown when this was a new entry and this was the stand out record from it.

The Top 40 Leaderboard: March 2021

What's this all about?

The leaderboard is now starting to look somewhat familiar with Justin Bieber joint top and Drake in joint 3rd. I get the feeling it will once again be a battle between those 2.  

50% of the new entries in March were rap, the sort of level we're used to but after a slow start to the year the total is 28 out of 64, or 44%.

UK Number 40s: Eagles - Heartache Tonight (1979)

 

We're now onto the final number 40 of the 70s and for just the 2nd time so far we have a record that was a number 40 in the UK and a number 1 in America, the first being "Back In My Arms Again" by The Supremes.

The Eagles are known for having the best selling greatest hits album of all time. In the UK though the only big hit they really had was "Hotel California" which came after said album. In America on the other hand they had 5 number ones.

This was their 7th and final Top 40 hit to date in the UK. The following year they broke up.

Top 30 in 1991 Reviewed - Week 13

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 1991 with my verdict on each record:

30. Queen - I'm Going Slightly Mad

When I first heard the song title to this, I was expecting something quite heavy that you could go mad to. On hearing the record it was a big disappointment, probably one of the lightest songs they've done. Maybe I should have paid more attention to the "slightly" in the title.

Verdict - Rubbish

29. The Rolling Stones - Highwire (New)

An anti-war record by the Rolling Stones which was released the day after the Gulf War ended. It's not a bad record but far from the best thing the Rolling Stones have ever done.

Verdict - OK

28. Jesus Loves You - Bow Down Mister 

The first Top 40 hit for the Boy George fronted band. Boy George became better known as a DJ in the 90s rather than a singer. This was a crossover of Indian music with dance music. The result is something I find a bit crap.

Verdict - Rubbish

27. Nomad ft MC Mikee Freedom - (I Wanna Give You) Devotion

Here we have the first Top 40 composition for arguably the most successful British songwriter of the modern era, Steve Mac. These days he's co-writer on Ed Sheeran records amongst others. I don't blame him, he's presumably made a lot more money writing rubbish than he would have done making decent music like this. Ironically, this record reached it's peak the day Ed Sheeran was born

Verdict - Good

26. Jesus Jones - Who? Where? Why?

This was the final Top 40 hit from their "Doubt" album. I would say this is much more leaning towards dance music than their previous singles, which is no bad thing. It's a bit more reflective of their future singles which I actually prefer to their earlier ones.

Verdict - Good

25. Gary Clail On-U Sound System - Human Nature (New)

I've not heard this one for a very long time. What strikes me hearing it again after all this time is how slow it is, I remember it being quicker than this. Fortunately I no longer have that mindset that a record must be fast in order to be good so therefore I like it. I still think it would be better if it was a bit quicker though.

Verdict - Good

24. Scritti Politti ft Shabba Ranks - She's A Woman (New)

This Beatles cover completely passed me by at the time. To me, 1991 seems too late for Scritti Politti and too early for Shabba Ranks. It just so happens this was the last Top 40 hit for Scritti Politti and the Top 40 debut for Shabba Ranks. Seems a bit of an odd collaboration but I actually quite like it.

Verdict - Good

23. Madonna - Crazy For You

Up against The Clash in the battle of re-released in old singles which it looked like it won when it made number two, but then The Clash topped the charts. This was re-released because it didn't appear on any album, just the soundtrack to "Vision Quest", so this gave fans the opportunity to own the song without having to buy a movie soundtrack. Not my cup of tea though.

Verdict - Rubbish

22. Definition Of Sound - Wear Your Love Like Heaven

The first of 3 Top 40 hits for Definition Of Sound. You can hear a lot of De La Soul influence in this one but they have enough of their own stamp on it to not sound like a De La Soul clone. 

Verdict - Good

21. Happy Mondays - Loose Fit

The final Top 40 hit from the "Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches" album. Quite an appropriate title for a song from the baggy genre. The legacy of this record is that it comes into my head whenever I encounter a pair of loose fit jeans.

Verdict - Good

20. Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy

The Top 40 debut for Massive Attack, though at this moment in time they were just known as Massive because of the gulf war. A lot of so called anthems in my opinion are overhyped to be something they're not, but not this one. It is an absolutely unbelievably good tune, one of my all time favourites.

Verdict - Good

19. REM - Losing My Religion

REM were more than a decade into their existence by this point, but their only UK Top 40 hit to date had been "Orange Crush" which was a minor hit 2 years earlier. They would have 6 Top 40 hits in 1991 though, some old and some new. This was the first of these which was a new one. I don't mind this record but its not one to get excited about. 

Verdict - OK

18. Simpsons - Do The Bartman

This was my first introduction to The Simpsons, but I had no idea what it was all about. In those day's you could only get The Simpsons on Sky One, and I never had Sky at the time, neither did a lot of people. It wasn't until I went on holiday later on that year where Sky One was the only English channel in the hotel room, that I discovered The Simpsons was a TV show. It's a novelty song, which basically means crap, but intended to be crap. Its still crap though.

Verdict - Rubbish

17. Living Colour - Love Rears Its Ugly Head

The debut Top 40 hit for Living Colour and the only one that will appear in these reviews as the other 2 fell short of the Top 30. It's a shame because I really like the follow up to this, "Solace Of You". But this is a decent record too, a nice blend of funk and rock.

Verdict - Good

16. Banderas - This Is Your Life

This has nothing to do with the TV show of the same name. Banderas were backing singers in the Communards and this was their only Top 40 hit. It's one of those records I could take or leave at the time, but listening to it now for the first time in 30 years I can appreciate it a lot more. It's good advice that I should probably take myself at times.

Verdict - Good

15. Xpansions - Move Your Body (Elevation)

The short lived 1990 girl group Faith Hope & Charity is a name known to people as what TV presenter Dani Behr did before The Word. What perhaps isn't as well known was that fellow group member Sally Ann Marsh provided vocals for this record. It's one of those dance anthems I've probably heard too many times to get excited about, but it's still a decent record.

Verdict - Good

14. Feargal Sharkey - I've Got News For You (New)

I remember this appearing on Top of the Pops. Feargal Sharkey's hair was mostly covering his face during the intro so I found it hilarious that the first line of the song was "I can see clearly". Then when I heard there was a TV show called "Have I Got News For You" this song sprang to mind. It was shortly after this that Feargal Sharkey retired from singing completely. It's not the best if I'm completely honest, but the fond memories I have of said Top of the Pops appearance means I can just about declare this ok.

Verdict - OK

13. Snap! - Snap! Megamix  (New)

After what seemed like loads of Snap! hits in 1990 (for the record there were 4), in 1991 they give us a megamix. It would be over a year until we'd see them back in the Top 40 so I guess this was a farewell for now type record. Not for me though.

Verdict - Rubbish

12. The Source - You Got The Love

There's been lots of versions of this record over the years. This isn't the original, but was the first version to make the Top 40. My personal favourite is the 1997 version, but this ones good too.

Verdict - Good

11. Stevie B - Because I Love You (The Postman Song)

Freestyle music was massive in America in the late 80s/early 90s, but barely got a look in over here. One of the key figures in the freestyle scene, Stevie B, did manage a solitary Top 40 hit over here though with a ballad that isn't really freestyle at all. This is one of those records I loved at the time and still like it today for that very reason.

Verdict - Good

10. The Bee Gees - Secret Love

The first time I remember hearing the Bee Gees was in 1989 when I saw "One" on The Chart Show. That record only made number 71. I also remember seeing "When He's Gone" on The Chart Show in 1991, but that never made the charts at all. They did have a solitary Top 40 hit around this time though with this record. It sounds like "Chain Reaction" by Diana Ross, but there was no chance of them getting sued for copyright as the Gibb brothers wrote that. I'm not keen on "Chain Reaction" so therefore I'm not keen on this. 

Verdict - Rubbish

9. The Clash - Should I Stay Or Should I Go

The Clash had never had a Top 10 hit prior to this, but then thanks to the Levi's advert they managed to score a number one. It was also up against Madonna in the battle of re-released old singles which it would eventually win. It's definitely the better out of the two in my opinion.

Verdict - Good

8. Quartz ft Dina Carroll - It's Too Late 

A cover of the Carole King song and the first version that I heard. On that basis this one seems more like the original to me. I've not heard it many years and remember it being a lot more uplifting than it actually is, but I still like it.

Verdict - Good

7. James - Sit Down (New)

At the time I thought the band Hello James had shortened their name to just James. Turns out I was thinking of Halo James who were a completely different band. This is one of those records everybody seems to like except me. To me it manages to be both annoying and boring at the same time.

Verdict - Rubbish

6. Simple Minds - Let There Be Love

Not the best known Simple Minds song but it was their second biggest hit. The fact Simple Minds were a big name and this was the lead single from their yet to be released the album no doubt helped. I remember Simple Minds having hits around this time without really remember the songs themselves. I was therefore ready to write this one off as being boring, but listening to it now it's actually not bad.

Verdict - OK

5. Roxette - Joyride 

The lead single from their album of the same name. One thing that stood out to me from this video was Marie Frederiksson playing the guitar. I did wonder whether she was really playing the guitar so looked this up and it doesn't look like she did. It also looks like Per Gessle didn't play guitar on the song either, it was Jonas Isacsson playing it. I don't think I really liked this at the time, but like most Roxette songs I got to like it with age.

Verdict - Good

4. Pet Shop Boys - Where The Streets Have No Name/Can't Take My Eyes Off You / How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously? 

This is a double a-side, the first being a mash up of the 2 songs listed. Regular readers of this blog will know that Pet Shop Boys are one of my all time favourites. I also consider them one of the best in the business at doing covers. It may therefore surprise you to see that I consider the mash up to be rubbish. It just doesn't work for me and is probably my least favourite Pet Shop Boys single. It is however redeemed by "How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously?" which is much more like it.

Verdict - Rubbish / Good

3. Rod Stewart - Rhythm Of My Heart

I was aware that Rod Stewart had a song called "Sailing" and at the time I thought this was it given it was the last word of the chorus. Like "Sailing" though, this is also a cover and like every Rod Stewart cover I've heard, its shit.

Verdict - Rubbish

2. Hale And Pace And The Stonkers - The Stonk

A novelty record made for Comic Relief which is predictably crap. As it's for charity though it can be any old rubbish and people will buy it.

Verdict - Rubbish

1. Chesney Hawkes - The One And Only 

Believe it or not, I've actually seen Chesney Hawkes in concert. He played at the students union at university one Saturday night. The set consisted of a bunch of covers, then he announced he was going to play his last single, not this one though, one that never made the charts. After a few more covers he played this at the end of the set to a massive cheer. It is a bit crap though, but it found it's place at many cheese nights. 

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 18/30, or 60%. We're falling on the rise again.

UK Charts Best Year Search: 1970

What's this all about?

Top 40

Best Song: Free - All Right Now

In 1970 I was yet to be born and despite the fact this very much sounds like a 70s record, I think of this as being a 1990 record when it charted again thanks to the Wrigley's advert. Them personal memories of this record probably give it the advantage over the other good records in this chart.

Worst Song: Norman Greenbaum - Spirit In The Sky

I have no idea which version of this I heard first, but it's one of those records that's always irritated me. Some may see this as a surprise choice and may argue that this is proper music. But the reality is there are many records that are considered proper music that I just find annoying, we all have them and this is one of those for me.

Top 40 Review

Once again I'm going to start with a look at the Motown records. We have "It's All In The Game" by The Four Tops, "Abraham, Martin And John" by Marvin Gaye, "Up The Ladder To The Roof" by The Supremes, "ABC" by The Jackson 5 and "Psychedelic Shack" by The Temptations. Just The Supremes and The Temptations get full marks and the rest get half. There was no other soul music outside of Motown in this Top 40.

The genre outside of pop that has a notable presence is country which includes records by Elvis Presley and The Beach Boys. I'm not anti-country like some people, but it generally isn't my cup of tea and the only one that gets any marks is "Honey Come Back" by Glen Campbell which gets half marks.

The closest contender to Free for best song is "American Woman" by The Guess Who. I think of this as being more of a 60s song, perhaps to do with its inclusion in Austin Powers but it was actually recorded in 1969.

A number of the good records do sound more 60s than 70s to me. I'm talking records like "Up Around The Bend" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, "The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Prong Crown)" by Fleetwood Mac and "Love Like A Man" by Ten Years After.

One record I was quite surprised to like was "Love Of The Common People" by Nicky Thomas. I think I've mostly heard the Paul Young cover when hearing that song which isn't so good. The Nicky Thomas version is also a cover done reggae style and it really works for me.

One of the more obscure records that's a hidden gem is "I Will Survive" by Arrival. It's a completely different song to the Gloria Gaynor one of the same name, just simply a great pop record.

The 60s have always seemed more appealing to me than the 70s so I do expect the scores to fall. However, 1970 doesn't strike me as a stereotypical 70s chart much like 1960 wasn't stereotypical 60s. There's no glam rock or disco for example.

It was always a tough ask to beat the 1969 score and not surprisingly it hasn't beat it. But still a pretty respectable score.

Score: 17

Table

1969 remains top with 1970 coming above 1965 and below 1968:

UK Number 40s: Merton Parkas - You Need Wheels (1979)

 

A lot is said about Paul Weller being in The Jam before he was in the Style Council, but what about fellow Style Council member Mick Talbot?

Well this was his first taste of the Top 40 as part of the Merton Parkas. This was their only Top 40 hit. Like The Jam they were part of the mod revival scene but perhaps took themselves less seriously.

By 1980 they were finished with Mick Talbot briefly joining Dexy's Midnight Runners, then a band called The Bureau before going on to form the Style Council.

Top 30 in 1991 Reviewed - Week 12

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 1991 with my verdict on each record:

30. The Charlatans - Over Rising

My memories of The Charlatans are they were around in 1990 as part of the baggy movement and then disappeared for several years before returning as a brit pop band. They did a lot of instantly forgettable songs in between though beginning with this.

Verdict - Rubbish

29. Definition Of Sound - Wear Your Love Like Heaven (New)

The first of 3 Top 40 hits for Definition Of Sound. You can hear a lot of De La Soul influence in this one but they have enough of their own stamp on it to not sound like a De La Soul clone. 

Verdict - Good

28. Joey B Ellis And Tynetta Hare - Go For It! (Heart And Fire) 

This is the Rocky song nobody remembers. The previous Rocky songs were all quite catchy, but this one isn't at all. That's probably a bad thing for a movie song, but in terms of music some really good tunes take a few listens before you can get into them. Unfortunately I've not been able to get into this after 30 years, so I probably never will.

Verdict - Rubbish

27. Jesus Loves You - Bow Down Mister (New)

The first Top 40 hit for the Boy George fronted band. Boy George became better known as a DJ in the 90s rather than a singer. This was a crossover of Indian music with dance music. The result is something I find a bit crap.

Verdict - Rubbish

26. Megadeth - Hangar 18

The 2nd single from their "Rust In Peace" album. It has a bit of variety to it, to me there's no obvious bit of the song that defines what it is. Because of that though, it makes it a bit of a nothing song. Maybe it's one of those records you need to listen to 100 times to get it, but I doubt I'm ever going to listen to it that many times.

Verdict - Rubbish

25. Ride - Today Forever (EP)

The track from this EP I'm reviewing is "Unfamiliar". Ride were one of those bands I just remember for being boring. This one perhaps isn't as boring as I expected, but it's definitely not one to get excited about.

Verdict - Rubbish

24. Free - All Right Now

For people of a certain age, this will bring back memories of the Isle of Wight festival amongst other things. For people of my age, it brings back memories of the Wrigley's advert which is why it ended up in the charts again in 1991. Prior to hearing this in full on the chart show though, I do remember watching the advert and thinking good song.

Verdict - Good

23. Feargal Sharkey - I've Got News For You (New)

I remember this appearing on Top of the Pops. Feargal Sharkey's hair was mostly covering his face during the intro so I found it hilarious that the first line of the song was "I can see clearly". Then when I heard there was a TV show called "Have I Got News For You" this song sprang to mind. It was shortly after this that Feargal Sharkey retired from singing completely. It's not the best if I'm completely honest, but the fond memories I have of said Top of the Pops appearance means I can just about declare this ok.

Verdict - OK

22. Queen - I'm Going Slightly Mad

When I first heard the song title to this, I was expecting something quite heavy that you could go mad to. On hearing the record it was a big disappointment, probably one of the lightest songs they've done. Maybe I should have paid more attention to the "slightly" in the title.

Verdict - Rubbish

21. Jesus Jones - Who? Where? Why?

This was the final Top 40 hit from their "Doubt" album. I would say this is much more leaning towards dance music than their previous singles, which is no bad thing. It's a bit more reflective of their future singles which I actually prefer to their earlier ones.

Verdict - Good

20. Banderas - This Is Your Life

This has nothing to do with the TV show of the same name. Banderas were backing singers in the Communards and this was their only Top 40 hit. It's one of those records I could take or leave at the time, but listening to it now for the first time in 30 years I can appreciate it a lot more. It's good advice that I should probably take myself at times.

Verdict - Good

19. REM - Losing My Religion

REM were more than a decade into their existence by this point, but their only UK Top 40 hit to date had been "Orange Crush" which was a minor hit 2 years earlier. They would have 6 Top 40 hits in 1991 though, some old and some new. This was the first of these which was a new one. I don't mind this record but its not one to get excited about. 

Verdict - OK

18. Nomad ft MC Mikee Freedom - (I Wanna Give You) Devotion

Here we have the first Top 40 composition for arguably the most successful British songwriter of the modern era, Steve Mac. These days he's co-writer on Ed Sheeran records amongst others. I don't blame him, he's presumably made a lot more money writing rubbish than he would have done making decent music like this. Ironically, this record reached it's peak the day Ed Sheeran was born

Verdict - Good

17. Happy Mondays - Loose Fit

The final Top 40 hit from the "Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches" album. Quite an appropriate title for a song from the baggy genre. The legacy of this record is that it comes into my head whenever I encounter a pair of loose fit jeans.

Verdict - Good

16. Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy

The Top 40 debut for Massive Attack, though at this moment in time they were just known as Massive because of the gulf war. A lot of so called anthems in my opinion are overhyped to be something they're not, but not this one. It is an absolutely unbelievably good tune, one of my all time favourites.

Verdict - Good

15. Living Colour - Love Rears Its Ugly Head

The debut Top 40 hit for Living Colour and the only one that will appear in these reviews as the other 2 fell short of the Top 30. It's a shame because I really like the follow up to this, "Solace Of You". But this is a decent record too, a nice blend of funk and rock.

Verdict - Good

14. Madonna - Crazy For You

Up against The Clash in the battle of re-released in old singles which it looked like it won when it made number two, but then The Clash topped the charts. This was re-released because it didn't appear on any album, just the soundtrack to "Vision Quest", so this gave fans the opportunity to own the song without having to buy a movie soundtrack. Not my cup of tea though.

Verdict - Rubbish

13. Simple Minds - Let There Be Love  (New)

Not the best known Simple Minds song but it was their second biggest hit. The fact Simple Minds were a big name and this was the lead single from their yet to be released the album no doubt helped. I remember Simple Minds having hits around this time without really remember the songs themselves. I was therefore ready to write this one off as being boring, but listening to it now it's actually not bad.

Verdict - OK

12. The Bee Gees - Secret Loved

The first time I remember hearing the Bee Gees was in 1989 when I saw "One" on The Chart Show. That record only made number 71. I also remember seeing "When He's Gone" on The Chart Show in 1991, but that never made the charts at all. They did have a solitary Top 40 hit around this time though with this record. It sounds like "Chain Reaction" by Diana Ross, but there was no chance of them getting sued for copyright as the Gibb brothers wrote that. I'm not keen on "Chain Reaction" so therefore I'm not keen on this. 

Verdict - Rubbish

11. Simpsons - Do The Bartman

This was my first introduction to The Simpsons, but I had no idea what it was all about. In those day's you could only get The Simpsons on Sky One, and I never had Sky at the time, neither did a lot of people. It wasn't until I went on holiday later on that year where Sky One was the only English channel in the hotel room, that I discovered The Simpsons was a TV show. It's a novelty song, which basically means crap, but intended to be crap. Its still crap though.

Verdict - Rubbish

10. Xpansions - Move Your Body (Elevation)

The short lived 1990 girl group Faith Hope & Charity is a name known to people as what TV presenter Dani Behr did before The Word. What perhaps isn't as well known was that fellow group member Sally Ann Marsh provided vocals for this record. It's one of those dance anthems I've probably heard too many times to get excited about, but it's still a decent record.

Verdict - Good

9. The Source - You Got The Love

There's been lots of versions of this record over the years. This isn't the original, but was the first version to make the Top 40. My personal favourite is the 1997 version, but this ones good too.

Verdict - Good

8. Quartz ft Dina Carroll - It's Too Late 

A cover of the Carole King song and the first version that I heard. On that basis this one seems more like the original to me. I've not heard it many years and remember it being a lot more uplifting than it actually is, but I still like it.

Verdict - Good

7. Pet Shop Boys - Where The Streets Have No Name/Can't Take My Eyes Off You / How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously?  (New)

This is a double a-side, the first being a mash up of the 2 songs listed. Regular readers of this blog will know that Pet Shop Boys are one of my all time favourites. I also consider them one of the best in the business at doing covers. It may therefore surprise you to see that I consider the mash up to be rubbish. It just doesn't work for me and is probably my least favourite Pet Shop Boys single. It is however redeemed by "How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously?" which is much more like it.

Verdict - Rubbish / Good

6. Stevie B - Because I Love You (The Postman Song)

Freestyle music was massive in America in the late 80s/early 90s, but barely got a look in over here. One of the key figures in the freestyle scene, Stevie B, did manage a solitary Top 40 hit over here though with a ballad that isn't really freestyle at all. This is one of those records I loved at the time and still like it today for that very reason.

Verdict - Good

5. Chesney Hawkes - The One And Only

Believe it or not, I've actually seen Chesney Hawkes in concert. He played at the students union at university one Saturday night. The set consisted of a bunch of covers, then he announced he was going to play his last single, not this one though, one that never made the charts. After a few more covers he played this at the end of the set to a massive cheer. It is a bit crap though, but it found it's place at many cheese nights. 

Verdict - Rubbish

4. Roxette - Joyride 

The lead single from their album of the same name. One thing that stood out to me from this video was Marie Frederiksson playing the guitar. I did wonder whether she was really playing the guitar so looked this up and it doesn't look like she did. It also looks like Per Gessle didn't play guitar on the song either, it was Jonas Isacsson playing it. I don't think I really liked this at the time, but like most Roxette songs I got to like it with age.

Verdict - Good

3. Rod Stewart - Rhythm Of My Heart

I was aware that Rod Stewart had a song called "Sailing" and at the time I thought this was it given it was the last word of the chorus. Like "Sailing" though, this is also a cover and like every Rod Stewart cover I've heard, its shit.

Verdict - Rubbish

2. The Clash - Should I Stay Or Should I Go

The Clash had never had a Top 10 hit prior to this, but then thanks to the Levi's advert they managed to score a number one. It was also up against Madonna in the battle of re-released old singles which it would eventually win. It's definitely the better out of the two in my opinion.

Verdict - Good

1. Hale And Pace And The Stonkers - The Stonk  

A novelty record made for Comic Relief which is predictably crap. As it's for charity though it can be any old rubbish and people will buy it.

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 16.5/30, or 55%. We're falling again, but still a respectable score.

UK Charts Best Year Search: 1969

What's this all about?

Top 40

Best Song: Family Dogg - Way Of Life

You may have heard of the songwriting duo Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood, well this is them amongst others in a group with their only UK Top 40 hit. It had a lot of competition but this just about beats the rest, just has that something about it.

Worst Song: Frank Sinatra - My Way

This is the 3rd time I've picked Frank Sinatra for worst song. The first two times were almost no brainers, but this time he's been quite unlucky because there are very few rubbish records in this particular Top 40. We are talking about someone who was around long before the UK Singles Chart, it's a bit like when Cliff Richard was having hits in the 90s and after his song was played in the Top 40 countdown the DJ would have to reassure people they were listening to Radio 1.

Top 40 Review

Let's begin once again with a look at the Motown records. We have "The Tracks Of My Tears" by Smokey Robinson And The Miracles, "What Is A Man" by The Four Tops and "Good Lovin' Ain't Easy To Come By" by Marvin Gaye And Tammi Terrell. Other soul records are "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher" by Jackie Wilson and "Time Is Tight" by Booker T & the MG's. All of them get the thumbs up from me.

We also have an anti-Motown song from former Motown artists The Isley Brothers who had left the label the previous year. That one just gets half marks.

We have the final number one hits for The Beatles both in this Top 40 which are both different styles. There's a blues record in "Get Back" and a folk record in "The Ballad Of John And Yoko".

I would say variety is the best way to sum up this Top 40. They is no particular genre that dominates, it's like the whole of the 60s is being summed up in 40 records. 

It's all too easy to look back on a particular era and say the music was so much better when a certain genre was big. But if you look at the charts you often see there was a lot of crap around too that you've either forgot about or paid no attention to in the first place.

However, with this particular Top 40 there is very little crap in it. In fact the only records aside from the Frank Sinatra ones I absolutely don't like are "In The Ghetto" by Elvis Presley, "Frozen Orange Juice" by Peter Sarstedt, "Big Ship" by Cliff Richard and "When Two Worlds Collide" by Jim Reeves. It's perhaps no coincidence that 4 of the 5 records I don't like are by acts who were around before The Beatles.

It's probably no surprise to hear the score for 1969 is very good. It's so good in-fact that I may as well just declare 1969 the best year in music now. But who knows what surprises other years can bring.

Score: 26

Table

1969 is top then by some distance and I don't see it being knocked off anytime soon:

UK Number 40s: Diana Ross - The Boss (1979)

 

Once again we have an act who managed both a number 1 and a number 40. Diana Ross had already achieved this as part of The Supremes and here she is achieving it again as a solo artist. 

Her solo Top 40 debut came in 1970 with "Reach Out And Touch (Somebody's Hand)" and she topped the charts in 1971 with her 4th hit "I'm Still Waiting". This was composed by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, the composers of her first 3 Top 40 hits.

It's not an obscure record by any means and was covered by The Braxton's in the 90s. What may not have helped was the fact it was a disco record and was released the week after Disco Demolition Night. That said, Diana Ross didn't make the Top 40 with both her singles of 1978 and her first of 1979 so this actually making the Top 40 would probably have been an achievement.

A year later and sticking to the disco sound, Diana Ross scored a number 2 and topped the American charts with "Upside Down". She would score a further UK number one in 1986 with "Chain Reaction" but this was sandwiched between singles that never made the Top 40. In fact she had more singles in the 80s that didn't make the Top 40 than ones she did.

Her last Top 40 hit to date was a collaboration with Westlife on "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" which reached number 2, as did the original in 1991. 

Top 30 in 1991 Reviewed - Week 11

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 1991 with my verdict on each record:

30. Megadeth - Hangar 18 (New)

The 2nd single from their "Rust In Peace" album. It has a bit of variety to it, to me there's no obvious bit of the song that defines what it is. Because of that though, it makes it a bit of a nothing song. Maybe it's one of those records you need to listen to 100 times to get it, but I doubt I'm ever going to listen to it that many times.

Verdict - Rubbish

29. N-Joi - Adrenalin (EP)

The first Top 40 hit for N-Joi which contained a track of the same name which is the one being reviewed. This perhaps isn't as radio friendly as the well known "Anthem", but if you like a bit of no nonsense early 90s techno music then I recommend this.

Verdict - Good

28. Mantronix - Don't Go Messin' With My Heart 

The final Top 40 hit to date for Mantronix. Oddly this wasn't written by Kurtis Mantronik, it was written by David Bright and Angie Stone which raises the question of how is this exactly a Mantronix tune. The lack of success of this record and the album brought Mantronix to an end. I do quite like it though.

Verdict - Good

27. KLF ft The Children Of The Revolution - 3AM Eternal

In 2003 I was in a pub on a visit to my home town and a bloke came up to me and said "you're the one who used to sing KLF and Queen at school aren't you?. Indeed I was, and this would have been the time I'd be singing it, some 12 years prior to that visit to the pub, it obviously had a lasting effect on some people. I think you know what my verdict on this tune will be.

Verdict - Good

26. Banderas - This Is Your Life (New)

This has nothing to do with the TV show of the same name. Banderas were backing singers in the Communards and this was their only Top 40 hit. It's one of those records I could take or leave at the time, but listening to it now for the first time in 30 years I can appreciate it a lot more. It's good advice that I should probably take myself at times.

Verdict - Good

25. Happy Mondays - Loose Fit (New) 

The final Top 40 hit from the "Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches" album. Quite an appropriate title for a song from the baggy genre. The legacy of this record is that it comes into my head whenever I encounter a pair of loose fit jeans.

Verdict - Good

24. Queen - I'm Going Slightly Mad (New)

When I first heard the song title to this, I was expecting something quite heavy that you could go mad to. On hearing the record it was a big disappointment, probably one of the lightest songs they've done. Maybe I should have paid more attention to the "slightly" in the title.

Verdict - Rubbish

23. Jesus Jones - Who? Where? Why?

This was the final Top 40 hit from their "Doubt" album. I would say this is much more leaning towards dance music than their previous singles, which is no bad thing. It's a bit more reflective of their future singles which I actually prefer to their earlier ones.

Verdict - Good

22. The Bee Gees - Secret Love (New)

The first time I remember hearing the Bee Gees was in 1989 when I saw "One" on The Chart Show. That record only made number 71. I also remember seeing "When He's Gone" on The Chart Show in 1991, but that never made the charts at all. They did have a solitary Top 40 hit around this time though with this record. It sounds like "Chain Reaction" by Diana Ross, but there was no chance of them getting sued for copyright as the Gibb brothers wrote that. I'm not keen on "Chain Reaction" so therefore I'm not keen on this. 

Verdict - Rubbish

21. Joey B Ellis And Tynetta Hare - Go For It! (Heart And Fire)

This is the Rocky song nobody remembers. The previous Rocky songs were all quite catchy, but this one isn't at all. That's probably a bad thing for a movie song, but in terms of music some really good tunes take a few listens before you can get into them. Unfortunately I've not been able to get into this after 30 years, so I probably never will.

Verdict - Rubbish

20. Rod Stewart - Rhythm Of My Heart (New)

I was aware that Rod Stewart had a song called "Sailing" and at the time I thought this was it given it was the last word of the chorus. Like "Sailing" though, this is also a cover and like every Rod Stewart cover I've heard, its shit.

Verdict - Rubbish

19. REM - Losing My Religion

REM were more than a decade into their existence by this point, but their only UK Top 40 hit to date had been "Orange Crush" which was a minor hit 2 years earlier. They would have 6 Top 40 hits in 1991 though, some old and some new. This was the first of these which was a new one. I don't mind this record but its not one to get excited about. 

Verdict - OK

18. Chesney Hawkes - The One And Only (New)

Believe it or not, I've actually seen Chesney Hawkes in concert. He played at the students union at university one Saturday night. The set consisted of a bunch of covers, then he announced he was going to play his last single, not this one though, one that never made the charts. After a few more covers he played this at the end of the set to a massive cheer. It is a bit crap though, but it found it's place at many cheese nights. 

Verdict - Rubbish

17. Ned's Atomic Dustbin - Happy 

The Top 40 debut for Ned's Atomic Dustbin. What had the biggest impact on me at the time was simply the name of the band along with Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine who debuted a bit later on in the year. It sounds like Blink 182 got some of their ideas from this song, with the varying speeds from slow to fast in particular. I like that concept.

Verdict - Good

16. Oleta Adams - Get Here

To me it's more of a pop record than anything innovative. After featuring on "Woman In Chains" by Tears for Fears, this was the first solo Top 40 hit for Oleta Adams, a cover of a Brenda Russell song. It's surprisingly catchy for a slow number, but it's lacking in that something that's needed for it to be a good song.

Verdict - OK

15. The Charlatans - Over Rising

My memories of The Charlatans are they were around in 1990 as part of the baggy movement and then disappeared for several years before returning as a brit pop band. They did a lot of instantly forgettable songs in between though beginning with this.

Verdict - Rubbish

14. Ride - Today Forever (EP) (New)

The track from this EP I'm reviewing is "Unfamiliar". Ride were one of those bands I just remember for being boring. This one perhaps isn't as boring as I expected, but it's definitely not one to get excited about.

Verdict - Rubbish

13. Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy

The Top 40 debut for Massive Attack, though at this moment in time they were just known as Massive because of the gulf war. A lot of so called anthems in my opinion are overhyped to be something they're not, but not this one. It is an absolutely unbelievably good tune, one of my all time favourites.

Verdict - Good

12. Living Colour - Love Rears Its Ugly Head

The debut Top 40 hit for Living Colour and the only one that will appear in these reviews as the other 2 fell short of the Top 30. It's a shame because I really like the follow up to this, "Solace Of You". But this is a decent record too, a nice blend of funk and rock.

Verdict - Good

11. Free - All Right Now

For people of a certain age, this will bring back memories of the Isle of Wight festival amongst other things. For people of my age, it brings back memories of the Wrigley's advert which is why it ended up in the charts again in 1991. Prior to hearing this in full on the chart show though, I do remember watching the advert and thinking good song.

Verdict - Good

10. Nomad ft MC Mikee Freedom - (I Wanna Give You) Devotion

Here we have the first Top 40 composition for arguably the most successful British songwriter of the modern era, Steve Mac. These days he's co-writer on Ed Sheeran records amongst others. I don't blame him, he's presumably made a lot more money writing rubbish than he would have done making decent music like this. Ironically, this record reached it's peak the day Ed Sheeran was born

Verdict - Good

9. Quartz ft Dina Carroll - It's Too Late

A cover of the Carole King song and the first version that I heard. On that basis this one seems more like the original to me. I've not heard it many years and remember it being a lot more uplifting than it actually is, but I still like it.

Verdict - Good

8. Roxette - Joyride 

The lead single from their album of the same name. One thing that stood out to me from this video was Marie Frederiksson playing the guitar. I did wonder whether she was really playing the guitar so looked this up and it doesn't look like she did. It also looks like Per Gessle didn't play guitar on the song either, it was Jonas Isacsson playing it. I don't think I really liked this at the time, but like most Roxette songs I got to like it with age.

Verdict - Good

7. Xpansions - Move Your Body (Elevation)

The short lived 1990 girl group Faith Hope & Charity is a name known to people as what TV presenter Dani Behr did before The Word. What perhaps isn't as well known was that fellow group member Sally Ann Marsh provided vocals for this record. It's one of those dance anthems I've probably heard too many times to get excited about, but it's still a decent record.

Verdict - Good

6. Stevie B - Because I Love You (The Postman Song)

Freestyle music was massive in America in the late 80s/early 90s, but barely got a look in over here. One of the key figures in the freestyle scene, Stevie B, did manage a solitary Top 40 hit over here though with a ballad that isn't really freestyle at all. This is one of those records I loved at the time and still like it today for that very reason.

Verdict - Good

5. The Source - You Got The Love

There's been lots of versions of this record over the years. This isn't the original, but was the first version to make the Top 40. My personal favourite is the 1997 version, but this ones good too.

Verdict - Good

4. Madonna - Crazy For You

Up against The Clash in the battle of re-released in old singles which it looked like it won when it made number two, but then The Clash topped the charts. This was re-released because it didn't appear on any album, just the soundtrack to "Vision Quest", so this gave fans the opportunity to own the song without having to buy a movie soundtrack. Not my cup of tea though.

Verdict - Rubbish

3. Simpsons - Do The Bartman

This was my first introduction to The Simpsons, but I had no idea what it was all about. In those day's you could only get The Simpsons on Sky One, and I never had Sky at the time, neither did a lot of people. It wasn't until I went on holiday later on that year where Sky One was the only English channel in the hotel room, that I discovered The Simpsons was a TV show. It's a novelty song, which basically means crap, but intended to be crap. Its still crap though.

Verdict - Rubbish

2. Hale And Pace And The Stonkers - The Stonk  

A novelty record made for Comic Relief which is predictably crap. As it's for charity though it can be any old rubbish and people will buy it.

Verdict - Rubbish

1. The Clash - Should I Stay Or Should I Go

The Clash had never had a Top 10 hit prior to this, but then thanks to the Levi's advert they managed to score a number one. It was also up against Madonna in the battle of re-released old singles which it would eventually win. It's definitely the better out of the two in my opinion.

Verdict - Good

If we give the records which were good 1 point each and those which were OK half a point, the final score is 18/30, or 60%. That's quite a drop from last week, but last week was quite spectacular.

UK Charts Best Year Search: 1968

What's this all about?

Top 40

Best Song: Love Affair - Rainbow Valley

Many people only know Love Affair for their chart topper "Everlasting Love" which was a cover of a Robert Knight record. I would highly recommend people listen to their other songs though, most notably this follow up which is also a Robert Knight cover. It's all about where Sue Glover comes in with the backing vocals, that really does it for me.

Worst Song: Sue Nicholls - Where Will You Be

Yes that's right, Audrey from Coronation St once had a Top 40 hit. This was before she was on Coronation St though, at the time she was on Crossroads, another soap. She also sang this on the show and it translated into the charts. 

Top 40 Review

There are 3 Motown records in this Top 40, "Ain't Nothin' Like The Real Thing" by Marvin Gaye And Tammi Terrell, "Some Things You Never Get Used To" by Diana Ross And The Supremes, and "Gotta See Jane" by R Dean Taylor. You probably won't be surprised to hear they all get the thumbs up from me.

The other soul records are a mixed bag. I like "Son Of Hickory Holler's Tramp" by OC Smith but don't like "Do You Know The Way To San Jose" by Dionne Warwick. There's also an Otis Redding tribute song by William Bell called "Tribute To A King", a nice idea but musically it's not for me.

It's the week we have the 7+ minute long "MacArthur Park" by Richard Harris otherwise known as the one about the cake in the rain. I personally prefer the Four Tops cover, but like this version too. We also have some psychedelic records in "Fire" by Crazy World Of Arthur Brown and "I Don't Want Our Loving To Die" by Herd, both good records.

At the same time we have some easy listening creeping into the charts. The first act from New Zealand to have a UK Top 40 hit John Rowles had both his hits in this particular chart. We also have a record from TV presenter Des O'Connor. There's also the Italian song "Quando M'Innamoro" by American band The Sandpipers along with and English version by Engelbert Humperdinck  called "A Man Without Love".

Much of the charts is simply pop music, no bad thing. I like "Yesterday Has Gone" by Cupid's Inspiration which I don't think sounds too different to American soul records. There's also the debut hit from Marmalade with "Lovin' Things", they're another band I'd recommend people listen to beyond their chart topping Beatles cover. Lulu has another surprisingly good record with "Boy", maybe I should look beyond the big hits with her.

The standard has been set with 1966 and 1967 getting decent scores and I'm afraid to say 1968 hasn't quite lived up to that. Less Motown, more easy listening has probably done that. Still it's not a bad score and not far behind.

Score: 17.5

Table

No change at the top then with 1968 coming in 3rd. Just one more year of the 60s to go:

UK Number 40s: After The Fire - One Rule For You (1979)

 

This was the only UK Top 40 hit for After the Fire and it's lack of success has been blamed on Gary Numan. 

A recording had been made for Top of the Pops, but the song had been deemed as being too similar to "Are Friends Electric?" by Tubeway Army and therefore only one of these records should appear on the show. As Tubeway Army were higher in the charts it was their appearance that got shown and this never appeared on the show. 

It reached number 40 the same week Tubeway Army reached number one.

The band enjoyed success in America with "Der Kommissar" 3 years later which made number 5. However the band had just split up by this point.

Top 30 in 1991 Reviewed - Week 10

 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 1991 with my verdict on each record:

30. Thunder - Love Walked In 

The 5th Top 40 hit for Thunder and 5th to come from their "Backstreet Symphony" album. Despite this, it was their highest charting single to date at the time. The fact it's more of a ballad probably helped, but I'd actually say this is my favourite of the 5. It's just the 2nd Thunder record I've reviewed though as the other 3 failed to make the Top 30.

Verdict - Good

29. DJ H ft Stefy - Think About... 

DJ H ft Stefy is confusingly 3 people rather than 2, Enrico Acerbi, Marco Bongiovanni and Stefania Bacchelli. Enrico Acerbi is also known as DJ Herbie which would explain the DJ H and Stefania Bacchelli is Stefy, but this was composed by Marco Bongiovanni and the vocals were Aretha Franklin samples. Great record though, got a very catchy intro.

Verdict - Good

28. 2 In A Room - Wiggle It

This was my favourite song for about a week, quite possibly the week you're reading about now. 2 in a Room were on of the acts to play at the first ever Helter Skelter rave in 1989, with their big underground record at the time being "Somebody In the House Say Yeah!".

Verdict - Good

27. Kylie Minogue - What Do I Have To Do

We are nearing the end of the Stock Aitken & Waterman era, but we're not quite done yet. Most Stock Aitken & Waterman compositions get rated as rubbish by me, and rightfully so. This one isn't bad though.

Verdict - OK

26. REM - Losing My Religion (New)

REM were more than a decade into their existence by this point, but their only UK Top 40 hit to date had been "Orange Crush" which was a minor hit 2 years earlier. They would have 6 Top 40 hits in 1991 though, some old and some new. This was the first of these which was a new one. I don't mind this record but its not one to get excited about. 

Verdict - OK

25. Chris Rea - Auberge 

I'm quite surprised that over a year had passed between "Road To Hell" and this record coming out, particularly as we were only 4 years into my living memory when it came to chart music. I did like this record at the time and having listened to it for the first time in many years I'd still say it's pretty good.

Verdict - Good

24. Jesus Jones - Who? Where? Why? (New)

This was the final Top 40 hit from their "Doubt" album. I would say this is much more leaning towards dance music than their previous singles, which is no bad thing. It's a bit more reflective of their future singles which I actually prefer to their earlier ones.

Verdict - Good

23. N-Joi - Adrenalin (EP) (New)

The first Top 40 hit for N-Joi which contained a track of the same name which is the one being reviewed. This perhaps isn't as radio friendly as the well known "Anthem", but if you like a bit of no nonsense early 90s techno music then I recommend this.

Verdict - Good

22. Mantronix - Don't Go Messin' With My Heart (New)

The final Top 40 hit to date for Mantronix. Oddly this wasn't written by Kurtis Mantronik, it was written by David Bright and Angie Stone which raises the question of how is this exactly a Mantronix tune. The lack of success of this record and the album brought Mantronix to an end. I do quite like it though.

Verdict - Good

21. Quartz ft Dina Carroll - It's Too Late (New)

A cover of the Carole King song and the first version that I heard. On that basis this one seems more like the original to me. I've not heard it many years and remember it being a lot more uplifting than it actually is, but I still like it.

Verdict - Good

20. Joey B Ellis And Tynetta Hare - Go For It! (Heart And Fire)

This is the Rocky song nobody remembers. The previous Rocky songs were all quite catchy, but this one isn't at all. That's probably a bad thing for a movie song, but in terms of music some really good tunes take a few listens before you can get into them. Unfortunately I've not been able to get into this after 30 years, so I probably never will.

Verdict - Rubbish

19. MC Hammer - Here Comes The Hammer

The 4th Top 40 hit for MC Hammer and it sounds like he's running out of ideas by this point. OK it appears on the same album as the other 3, but it's almost like he knew how big he'd become and planned to have this as his 4th single to big himself up. 

Verdict - Rubbish

18. Roxette - Joyride (New)

The lead single from their album of the same name. One thing that stood out to me from this video was Marie Frederiksson playing the guitar. I did wonder whether she was really playing the guitar so looked this up and it doesn't look like she did. It also looks like Per Gessle didn't play guitar on the song either, it was Jonas Isacsson playing it. I don't think I really liked this at the time, but like most Roxette songs I got to like it with age.

Verdict - Good

17. Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy (New)

The Top 40 debut for Massive Attack, though at this moment in time they were just known as Massive because of the gulf war. A lot of so called anthems in my opinion are overhyped to be something they're not, but not this one. It is an absolutely unbelievably good tune, one of my all time favourites.

Verdict - Good

16. Ned's Atomic Dustbin - Happy (New)

The Top 40 debut for Ned's Atomic Dustbin. What had the biggest impact on me at the time was simply the name of the band along with Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine who debuted a bit later on in the year. It sounds like Blink 182 got some of their ideas from this song, with the varying speeds from slow to fast in particular. I like that concept.

Verdict - Good

15. The Charlatans - Over Rising (New)

My memories of The Charlatans are they were around in 1990 as part of the baggy movement and then disappeared for several years before returning as a brit pop band. They did a lot of instantly forgettable songs in between though beginning with this.

Verdict - Rubbish

14. Living Colour - Love Rears Its Ugly Head

The debut Top 40 hit for Living Colour and the only one that will appear in these reviews as the other 2 fell short of the Top 30. It's a shame because I really like the follow up to this, "Solace Of You". But this is a decent record too, a nice blend of funk and rock.

Verdict - Good

13. Kenny Thomas - Outstanding

The debut from Kenny Thomas, who's had more Top 40 hits than you'd think and had a chart career beyond 1991. It's a cover of the Gap Band record and sounds inferior to the original in every way, like most British covers of American Soul & Funk records. That said, I don't mind it.

Verdict - OK

12. 808 State - In Yer Face 

Inevitably this record will be rated as good, I'm just trying to think of a complement I can pay it. All I can really say is give it a listen, it really is a great tune.

Verdict - Good

11. KLF ft The Children Of The Revolution - 3AM Eternal

In 2003 I was in a pub on a visit to my home town and a bloke came up to me and said "you're the one who used to sing KLF and Queen at school aren't you?. Indeed I was, and this would have been the time I'd be singing it, some 12 years prior to that visit to the pub, it obviously had a lasting effect on some people. I think you know what my verdict on this tune will be.

Verdict - Good

10. Hale And Pace And The Stonkers - The Stonk (New) 

A novelty record made for Comic Relief which is predictably crap. As it's for charity though it can be any old rubbish and people will buy it.

Verdict - Rubbish

9. Oleta Adams - Get Here

To me it's more of a pop record than anything innovative. After featuring on "Woman In Chains" by Tears for Fears, this was the first solo Top 40 hit for Oleta Adams, a cover of a Brenda Russell song. It's surprisingly catchy for a slow number, but it's lacking in that something that's needed for it to be a good song.

Verdict - OK

8. Free - All Right Now

For people of a certain age, this will bring back memories of the Isle of Wight festival amongst other things. For people of my age, it brings back memories of the Wrigley's advert which is why it ended up in the charts again in 1991. Prior to hearing this in full on the chart show though, I do remember watching the advert and thinking good song.

Verdict - Good

7. Xpansions - Move Your Body (Elevation)

The short lived 1990 girl group Faith Hope & Charity is a name known to people as what TV presenter Dani Behr did before The Word. What perhaps isn't as well known was that fellow group member Sally Ann Marsh provided vocals for this record. It's one of those dance anthems I've probably heard too many times to get excited about, but it's still a decent record.

Verdict - Good

6. Stevie B - Because I Love You (The Postman Song)

Freestyle music was massive in America in the late 80s/early 90s, but barely got a look in over here. One of the key figures in the freestyle scene, Stevie B, did manage a solitary Top 40 hit over here though with a ballad that isn't really freestyle at all. This is one of those records I loved at the time and still like it today for that very reason.

Verdict - Good

5. Nomad ft MC Mikee Freedom - (I Wanna Give You) Devotion

Here we have the first Top 40 composition for arguably the most successful British songwriter of the modern era, Steve Mac. These days he's co-writer on Ed Sheeran records amongst others. I don't blame him, he's presumably made a lot more money writing rubbish than he would have done making decent music like this. Ironically, this record reached it's peak the day Ed Sheeran was born

Verdict - Good

4. The Source - You Got The Love

There's been lots of versions of this record over the years. This isn't the original, but was the first version to make the Top 40. My personal favourite is the 1997 version, but this ones good too.

Verdict - Good

3. Simpsons - Do The Bartman

This was my first introduction to The Simpsons, but I had no idea what it was all about. In those day's you could only get The Simpsons on Sky One, and I never had Sky at the time, neither did a lot of people. It wasn't until I went on holiday later on that year where Sky One was the only English channel in the hotel room, that I discovered The Simpsons was a TV show. It's a novelty song, which basically means crap, but intended to be crap. Its still crap though.

Verdict - Rubbish

2. Madonna - Crazy For You

Up against The Clash in the battle of re-released in old singles which it looked like it won when it made number two, but then The Clash topped the charts. This was re-released because it didn't appear on any album, just the soundtrack to "Vision Quest", so this gave fans the opportunity to own the song without having to buy a movie soundtrack. Not my cup of tea though.

Verdict - Rubbish

1. The Clash - Should I Stay Or Should I Go

The Clash had never had a Top 10 hit prior to this, but then thanks to the Levi's advert they managed to score a number one. It was also up against Madonna in the battle of re-released old singles which it would eventually win. It's definitely the better out of the two in my opinion.

Verdict - Good

If we give the records which were good 1 point each and those which were OK half a point, the final score is 22/30, or 73%. That's quite some improvement on last week.