25 Years Since....April 1998

A bit late but here we go:

Divine Comedy - I've Been To A Marvellous Party

The Divine Comedy weren't typical of the sort of music I'd listen to in the late 90s but I always quite liked them even if I felt I shouldn't. It was therefore a breath of fresh air when I heard this turning into a dance record.

It had already been established that their music was a bit weird but this record took it to another level and I loved it.

Busta Rhymes - Turn It Up/Fire It Up

Even though I never properly got into rap music until Eminem came about I always rated Busta Rhymes. I loved the aggressive tone of his rapping and with this record the sample really suited his voice. I also loved the way he was calm in the verses and then gets aggressive in the chorus.

Indo - R U Sleeping

Looking back I'm actually quite surprised how far into 1998 the speed garage hits were still coming out. In my mind it was a brief period in 1997.

I liked pretty much all the speed garage records that charted during that era and this was one of those.

187 Lockdown - Kung-Fu

187 Lockdown were pretty much the biggest speed garage act from a chart perspective. That's because they were one of just a small number of speed garage acts to have more than one Top 40 hit. This was their 2nd and also their biggest hit.

Tzant ft The Original ODC MC - Sounds Of Wickedness

One of the reasons why my memory tells me speed garage was finished in the charts by 1998 was because of the rise of big beat which more or less replaced speed garage as the dance genre of the moment.

This was one of those big beat records.

Top 30 in 1993 Reviewed: Week 18

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 1993 with my verdict on each record:

30. Gloria Estefan - Go Away

One of the many Gloria Estefan Top 40 hits of the 90s that I don't remember. This was actually the highest charting of the ones I don't remember. It's a dance record that sounds very much like one for the dancefloor. Well it's certainly not one for my listening pleasure anyway.

Verdict - Rubbish

29. Big Country - Ships (Where Were You) (New)

The final Top 40 hit to date for Big Country. They're one of those bands who's music has character, you can generally tell you're listening to a Big Country record. This one has glimpses of that character but overall it's too much of a ballad and lacking the usual charm.

Verdict - Rubbish

28. Blur - For Tomorrow (New)

This was the lead single from their "Modern Life Is Rubbish" album who's title is part of the lyrics to this song. I almost wonder whether they were thinking to the future with that title when modern life really would be rubbish but we can listen to music from a time when life was better. Nostalgia aside though it's pretty average.

Verdict - OK

27. PJ Harvey - 50ft Queenie (New)

This was the Top 40 debut for PJ Harvey and her 2nd highest charting hit despite only getting to 27. It sounds like it could be an American alternative rock band, the fact it was produced by Steve Albini may have something to do with that. Not a record I'd go out of my way to listen to, but not a bad one.

Verdict - OK

26. Sting - Seven Days

It seems like Sting was an unlikely influence on Craig David. They collaborated on "Rise & Fall" which sampled "Shape of my Heart" by Sting. On the same album as "Shape of my Heart" is a song called "Seven Days". It's not the same as the Craig David record but does mention every day of the week in the chorus. The similarities do end there though with Craig David having the far better record.

Verdict - Rubbish

25. Dance 2 Trance - P.ower Of A.merican N.atives

There have been numerous examples in dance music where an instrumental has been released to little success but then vocals get added and it becomes successful. This is one of those examples which is a shame because the vocals are the worst part of it. Fortunately the vocals are used sparingly enough to not completely ruin the record and for a large part we can enjoy it for what it is.

Verdict - Good

24. 2 Unlimited - No Limit

The tune which knocked Whitney Houston off number one which everybody sang "there's no lyrics" to. I'm terrible at making out lyrics in songs and I remember being criticised for not knowing the words to the other bit she sings and remember other people telling me what the words were. My thoughts were they would have been better of genuinely having no lyrics.

Verdict - Rubbish

23. Deacon Blue - Only Tender Love

We're in an era where Deacon Blue were going in more of a rock direction. Bizarrely though this was produced by Paul Oakenfold and Steve Osborne who you would associate more with dance music. It worked though.

Verdict - Good

22. Sonia - Better The Devil You Know (New)

I think the year this was in the Eurovision song contest was the first year I actually watched it and realised what a pile of crap it is. You would expect it to be a cover of the Kylie Minogue record but it isn't. Sounds like it should be a cover though. It's the final Top 40 hit to date for Sonia.

Verdict - Rubbish

21. SWV - I'm So Into You (New)

This was the Top 40 debut for SWV. I'm not sure I remember it at the time but its one of those early 90s R&B anthems that I'm very familiar with. I made the effort to truly get into it during my R&B phase but if I'm honest I find it pretty average.

Verdict - OK

20. Inner Circle - Sweat (A La La La La Long) (New)

This one reminds me of school discos. Everyone would sing along to this and I don't think too many of us really knew what it was about. Another thing I didn't know at the time was that Inner Circle formed in 1968 and had previous been in the Top 40 in 1979. Despite that, this tune has early 90s written all over it.

Verdict - Good

19. D:Ream - U R The Best Thing

This was the 2nd release of this record which failed to make the Top 40 when first released in 1992. It would take the 3rd release in 1994 to reach its peak. I'm not quite sure how well remembered this is now given their bigger hit, but it was certainly big back in the day. It is just another crappy dance pop record though.

Verdict - Rubbish

18. East 17 - Slow It Down

I would say this is possibly the least remembered East 17 Top 40 hit. It's quite odd in a way because it came at a time when East 17 established themselves as the boy band to rival Take That because their previous single "Deep" basically showed they were no flash in the pan with their debut "House Of Love". The advantage of this though is it hasn't been played to death for the last 30 years.

Verdict - Good

17. Terence Trent D'Arby - Do You Love Me Like You Say

Terence Trent D'Arby had more Top 40 his in the 90s than the 80s, just. This was the first of those 90s hits and his first since 1988. He's made the transition from soul to rock music here. It just sounds a bit of a mess though.

Verdict - Rubbish

16. Dr Alban - Sing Hallelujah

The 2nd and final Top 40 hit to date for Dr Alban. The fact that Mozaic did a cover a couple of years later means I don't know whether I remember this record or just remember the cover. It's got a good hook to it so I guess it's good.

Verdict - Good

15. Duran Duran - Come Undone

Duran Duran made a solid start to 1993 with the excellent "Ordinary World" which I described as being the only Duran Duran song I like. This is the follow up and I stand by what I said. It's an improvement on their 80s records but still nothing I'd listen to by choice.

Verdict - Rubbish

14. Shabba Ranks - Mr Loverman

This is the record Shabba Ranks is best known for. It only made number 23 the first time round but then returned to the charts in 1993 when it made number 3. During the time between this he made his infamous appearance on "The Word" which I thought killed his career but it seemed to have the opposite effect. It's good in a 90s nostalgia sort of way.

Verdict - Good

13. Jade - Don't Walk Away

The Top 40 debut for Jade and their biggest hit. It certainly has the 90s nostalgia factor to it. The fact the reunion consisted of just 2 of the 3 members and they added a contestant from "The Voice" to the group tells me I'm nostalgic about something that never really existed. I'll try not to let that put me off the tune though.

Verdict - Good

12. Shaggy - Oh Carolina

I was yet to enter my phase as a rock purist because when this record came out it was my favourite song. I was such a fan that when I was getting sunglasses to go on holiday I said I wanted sunglasses like Shaggy. 

Verdict - Good

11. The Prodigy - Wind It Up (Rewound)

In 1993 rave music had all but disappeared from the Top 40 but The Prodigy had one last single from their "Experience" album which is what I'd call the first proper rave tune of the year. It's fair to say that The Prodigy had established themselves as the biggest rave act around by this point.

Verdict - Good

10. Robin S - Show Me Love

There are many records that have been played to death over the years and this is definitely one of them. It's been remixed to death too, though this best known version was a remix itself. The remix was by Stonebridge, the same Stonebridge who were putting out cheesy dance records in the 21st century. The issue I have with this being overplayed is that it was nothing special to begin with.

Verdict - OK

9. REM - Everybody Hurts

REM were I band I paid attention to in late 1992/early 1993. I remember "Drive", "Man on the Moon" and "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight" being released very well. Yet this record came next and made the Top 10 unlike those mentioned and it completely passed me by. I'd heard it by the summer and was somewhat baffled why I missed it the first time round. Looking at the history books (aka the internet) though I now know I would have been on holiday when this appeared on Top of the Pops. I don't mind it, but I've heard much better from them.

Verdict - OK

8. Sybil - When I'm Good And Ready

With this record entering the charts I know that "Sweat (A La La La La Long)" by Inner Circle is just round the corner. Both take me back to school discos in an era where I loved pretty much everything which was played. It's one of the last Stock and Waterman hits, but according to West End aka Eddie Gordon they just replicated what he'd done previously, which explains why this is good.

Verdict - Good

7. New Order - Regret

Indie music by definition is music on an independent record label but by the 90s it was more likely to be used to describe guitar music too soft to be considered rock regardless of what sort of label it was on. In the 80s New Order were basically and indie band but their music style was more synth pop. This was their first Top 40 hit since their "World In Motion" chart topper. The style of music had changed and they were now sounding more like an indie band. It's a borderline record really. It's not a patch on their 80s material but if I try to ignore the comparisons it isn't bad.

Verdict - OK

6. Cappella - U Got 2 Know

Cappella made their Top 40 debut in 1989, but this was just their 3rd Top 40 hit. This is the start of their full on cheesy eurodance era. It's not as bad as I remember it being, but it's still pretty bad.

Verdict - Rubbish

5. Snow - Informer

I don't think anyone knew the words to this when it came out, but in the chorus people would sing "I'll lick your bum bum now". I always assumed they weren't the real lyrics and with the benefit of the internet I can see it's "A licky boom boom down". It's regarded by many as a bit of a joke record but I always quite liked it and I challenge anyone to singalong word for word, I'm sure most would struggle.

Verdict - Good

4. Sub Sub ft Melanie Williams - Ain't No Love (Ain't No Use)

Sub Sub had just the one Top 40 hit but they would re-emerge in the year 2000 as Doves. Yes that's right, one of the most boring bands ever started off making dance music. This is far from boring though so don't let that put you off.

Verdict - Good

3. Whitney Houston - I Have Nothing

We had the film "The Bodyguard" in late 1992 which resulted in Whitney Houston being at number one for what seemed like an eternity. She followed that up with another record from the film with "I'm Every Woman". Now here we are at the end of April with yet another song from the film which like her chart topper is a dreary ballad.

Verdict - Rubbish

2. The Bluebells - Young At Heart

This originally made the Top 40 in 1984 but topped the charts when re-released in 1993 after it featured on the Volkswagen Golf advert. It wasn't until years later that I realised this was an old record. It's a great feel good record.

Verdict - Good

1. George Michael And Queen With Lisa Stansfield - Five Live (EP) (New)

When this topped the charts several people pointed this out to me thinking I was still a Queen fan. I'd reply I don't care, I'm a Guns n Roses fan now. I also recall a school assembly where the headmaster asked one of the younger teachers who was at number one in the charts and she said The Bluebells which prompted most of the kids to say no it isn't, it's Queen. It also appeared as a question on a quiz at youth club, if we answered George Michael and Queen or just George Michael we got the points, if we just answered Queen we didn't. Anyway I may have tried avoiding it at the time but it's a pretty decent cover. 

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 17/30, or 57%. How did that happen? just 2 new entries I truly liked and we're back above 50%.

Top 30 in 1996 Reviewed: Week 17

Here's my weekly look at the Top 30 from 27 years ago. The plan is for these posts to go out at 17:30 on a Friday.

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 1996 with my verdict on each record:

30. Gin Blossoms - Follow You Down (New)

The 4th and final Top 40 hit to date for Gin Blossoms. They had their first 2 hits in 1994 which were written by band member Doug Hopkins who had commit suicide by that point. In 1996 they returned with the other band members on songwriting duties, the first of which only reached 39. I have to say it's much better than I remembered it, to the point I actually quite like it.

Verdict - Good

29. The Wannadies - You And Me Song

The Top 40 debut for The Wannadies which is the only record many remember them for. Always thought this was a decent record if I'm honest, but what really confirmed how much I liked it was when I couldn't help but drum along when it appeared on "Romeo + Juliet".

Verdict - Good

28. Cast - Walkaway

This was the fourth hit single for Cast. Their first three hits were quite uplifting ones, although not really my cup of tea. Then this song came along which followed the same formula of several other dreary hits from the Brit Pop era. To be fair to them though, they did revert back to the more uplifting style for the rest of the decade.

Verdict - Rubbish

27. DJ Dado - X-Files

A "Dream House" version of the theme music to the TV series. In theory it should be rubbish, but once the beat kicks in you find there's more to it that simply putting a beat over the TV theme tune. the piano takes over and the samples of the theme music only really appear in the background.

Verdict - Good

26. Oasis - Don't Look Back In Anger

I find interviews with Noel Gallagher nowadays very entertaining and do find myself agreeing with a lot of what he says about music that I don't like. I can't say the same about his music though. I never understood why Oasis were so popular, their music was just so dull in my opinion. Not only is this tune dull though, it's rather annoying too.

Verdict - Rubbish

25. Kadoc - The Nighttrain

This had already been a hit in other European countries in 1995 but didn't chart in the UK until 1996. It's one of many tunes which sample James Brown. It only reached number 14 which is quite surprising given its popularity at the time. It's not a bad tune, but I did get a bit sick of hearing it at the time.

Verdict - OK

24. Coolio - 1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)

I always like the darkness of "Gangstas Paradise" and always found the more uplifting follow ups from Coolio a bit hard to take. They have grown on me over time though, I own his "Gangstas Paradise" album so that's allowed me to get to like this.

Verdict - Good

23. Matt Goss - If You Were Here Tonight (New)

This was the 2nd solo Top 40 hit for Matt Goss which is a cover of the Alexander O'Neal record. If it wasn't for his voice I'd be thinking how the fuck is that the same person that used to be in Bros from just looking at him. It is basically a karaoke version I'm not going to lie. Yet I can't help but like it for some reason, a guilty pleasure I suppose.

Verdict - Good

22. The Cranberries - Salvation

Believe it or not, this was the joint highest charting single for The Cranberries and charted higher than any of the obvious ones like "Zombie". What I'm quickly learning was the likes of "Zombie" increased the fan base for The Cranberries which meant that when they released the next album, of which this is the lead single, they stood a better chance of charting higher in the Top 40. I dare say many would then question why the fuck they bought this crap and listened to "Zombie" instead.

Verdict - Rubbish

21. Meat Loaf - Runnin' For The Red Light (I Gotta Life) (New)

What's this? A Meat Loaf song that's only 4 minutes long, surely not. Except it's not really a Meat Loaf song as such, it's "Good Times" by Easybeats done Jimmy Barnes and INXS style but with different lyrics. I guess there had to be some needlessly over the top aspect to it. My advice is just listen to Jimmy Barnes and INXS instead.

Verdict - Rubbish

20. Skunk Anansie - Charity (New)

This was the Top 40 debut for Skunk Anansie which originally made number 40 in 1995 but fared better in 1996 following the release of "Weak". I remember hearing this on The Big Breakfast and I've got a feeling that would have been around the time it was first released. It follows the mellow verse heavy chorus formula and sounds good when the chorus kicks in.

Verdict - Good

19. Mary Kiani - Let The Music Play (New)

This was the 3rd and penultimate solo Top 40 hit for former TTF singer Mary Kiani. It's a cover of the Shannon record done eurodance style. It's a no from me, the original is miles better and this is just pure cheese.

Verdict - Rubbish

18. Technohead - Happy Birthday (New)

The follow up to "I Wanna Be A Hippy" which I seem to be the only one who remember. I have suggested this as an alternative birthday song for peoples birthday a number of times but nobody seems to know what I'm on about. I've sent YouTube links to it on peoples birthdays before which is usually met with what the fuck is that. You may have gathered that I like this record.

Verdict - Good

17. Babylon Zoo - Animal Army (New)

Given the number of times I've seen Babylon Zoo referred to as a one hit wonder there's a good chance you didn't know they had another hit. I do remember them having this hit though. This time there's no pitched up vocals which makes this song as a whole comparable to the rest of "Spaceman" i.e. "Spaceman" with the good bits taken out.

Verdict - Rubbish

16. Alanis Morissette - Ironic

Musically I cannot fault this record, it has the sort of formula that should equate to a record I would like. It's also very 90s which again is a good thing. Yet I find myself getting really irritated when I hear it. I want to smash up the radio. No idea why, but I can't exactly like a record when it makes me feel like that.

Verdict - Rubbish

15. Everything But The Girl - Walking Wounded

After a Todd Terry remix brought Everything But The Girls out of the music wilderness, they turned to Spring Heel Jack to come up with a drum & bass record. It became the first drum & bass record to reach the Top 10 which is something I find pretty tragic given the number of decent drum & bass records about at the time.

Verdict - Rubbish

14. 2Pac ft Dr Dre - California Love

The Top 40 debut for 2Pac and proof that he did have hits in the UK before he died. To give you an idea of how little I knew about rap at the time, following "Gangstas Paradise" by Coolio & LV where Coolio rapped the verse and LV sang the chorus I just assumed this was similar in that 2Pac rapped the verse and Dr Dre sang the chorus. That's laughable now. Anyway, a few years ago I did this at karaoke but no lyrics came up on the screen but I still managed to recite most of the lyrics which tells you how much I've listened to this record. 

Verdict - Good

13. Gabrielle - Give Me A Little More Time

Despite being a brand new record in 1996, this sounds like it could have easily come out in 1966. That's not a bad thing though. I do remember hearing this a lot at the time so I did get a bit sick of it, but still not a bad tune.

Verdict - OK

12. The Presidents Of The United States Of America - Peaches

When The Presidents Of The United States Of America made their Top 40 debut earlier in the year with "Lump" I thought it was a bit of a strange record even though I liked it. Then they followed up with this record which took strangeness to another level. Never thought I'd hear a record about peaches and how they come in a can and were put there by a man. What a tune though, I love it.

Verdict - Good

11. Orbital - The Box (New)

Orbital made their Top 40 debut back in 1990 with "Chime". This was their 6th Top 40 hit and was their biggest hit to date at this point. With The Prodigy and Chemical Brothers both pretty big around this time, Orbital had gone in a similar direction to them whilst retaining their own unique sound. 

Verdict - Good

10. Robert Miles - Children

A record you definitely couldn't avoid hearing in 1996, but what a tune. Like many dance records at the time, this was already over a year old by the time it was released. It's one of those tunes you can sit back and relax to but also get up and dance to, and I've done both.

Verdict - Good

9. Mark Snow - The X-Files

Mark Snow composed the actual them music to the X Files and here it is at number two in the charts. I can't say I'm a big fan of the theme music, or the programme itself for that matter. I can't say I particularly dislike it either though.

Verdict - OK

8. The Prodigy - Firestarter

This was the record which ensured the Prodigy would never have to go back to the day job. At the time I loved the Prodigy and owned the first two albums. I remember listening to the Evening Session on Radio One where they said they were going to play the new Prodigy tune for the first time and I was excited about hearing it. However, when they played it I was very disappointed. I think the main reason was because when I started listening to the Prodigy, I was moving away from rock music to listen to rave, but this tune seemed to be going back towards rock music. Since then I've grown to like the rockier tunes from the Prodigy more than I used to, but I just can't bring myself to like this tune.

Verdict - Rubbish

7. Lisa Marie Experience - Keep On Jumpin' (New)

You may think that Lisa Marie Experience is a group fronted by Lisa Marie, but it isn't. It is in fact 2 male producers, D. Ramirez and Neil Hynde and this was their Top 40 debut. It's a cover of a Musique record done 90s style. They've also done away with most of the words of the original which in dance music terms is a good thing.

Verdict - Good

6. Suggs And Louchie Lou/Michie One - Cecilia

This Simon & Garfunkel cover was the biggest solo Top 40 hit for Suggs. It was also the biggest Top 40 hit for Louchie Lou and Michie One. To be honest I was never sure whether a record was a Suggs solo or a Madness record in the 90s, but on reflection there's a clear distinction in that Suggs solo records sound a bit of a joke.

Verdict - Rubbish

5. Ash - Goldfinger (New)

This was the 3rd Top 40 hit for Ash which came just before their debut album "1977". I remember hearing the reason for the album title was it being the year they were born. Whilst older than me I still thought bloody hell that's young. I also thought if this is the future of rock then thank god for rave.

Verdict - Rubbish

4. Michael Jackson - They Don't Care About Us

I remember where I was when I first heard this record. I was in a restaurant with a group of people and a music channel was on. The general consensus around the table was how shit is this record? It just sounded a noise and an example of how Michael Jackson could make any old crap and people would buy it. My opinion hasn't really changed.

Verdict - Rubbish

3. Gina G - Ooh Aah... Just A Little Bit

I remember watching "A Song for Europe" where a number of songs went to the public vote to decide which one should represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest. Of all the songs on the show, this was my favourite and the voting public agreed. Admittedly it is a bit cheesy and did get played to death at the time. As far as Eurovision songs go though, I cannot think of a single one that I think is better than this. No doubt there will be Brit Pop fans reading this thinking I've now lost what little credibility I did have. But I listen to music for enjoyment, not credibility.

Verdict - Good

2. Manic Street Preachers - A Design For Life (New)

The comeback single from the Manic Street Preachers following the disappearance of Richey Edwards which gave them their biggest Top 40 hit to that point. As was the trend around this time, their music had softened up and I wasn't a fan.

Verdict - Rubbish

1. Mark Morrison - Return Of The Mack

I remember when this first entered the charts it was at number six for three weeks in a row. It would eventually climb to number one, the first time a record climbed to number one rather than go straight in at number one for a while. I always found Mark Morrison quite hard to take seriously with the way he sang. Still not a bad record though.

Verdict - OK

If we give the records which were good 1 point each and those which were OK half a point, the final score is 15/30, or 50%. We've been hovering above and below it, but for the first time in 1996 it's 50%.

Christmas Charts Rated: 1976

Top 40

Best Song: Electric Light Orchestra - Livin' Thing

When the Top of the Pops reruns began for 1976 I do remember thinking there was a lot of crap on them but then Electric Light Orchestra would come on and it would be a breath of fresh air. I knew this particular record way before the Top of the Pops reruns and always liked it even when I had no idea who or what it was in the early days.

Worst Song: Julie Covington - Don't Cry For Me Argentina

The worst film I've ever watched was the 90s version of Evita. What I hated about it was that it was nothing but rubbish music with "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" being a part of that. Therefore any version of that record brings back those memories of how painful it was to watch that film.

Top 40 Review

1976 was a year that goes down as one of the worst in history for music. It was jointly the lowest 70s year in the best year search. It's therefore interesting to see whether things had started to turn around at Christmas.

We'll start with the Christmas songs which were the well known "When A Child Is Born" by Johnny Mathis which was also the Christmas number one. There was also "Ring Out Solstice Bells" by Jethro Tull which is still one you hear at Christmas. Finally there's "Bionic Santa" by Chris Hill, a novelty record that's clips of other records with some commentary and is long forgotten. As usual they all get zero.

One of the problems with 1976 was the quantity of novelty hits but despite it being the time of year for that, aside from Chris Hill the only novelty record really is "Grandma's Party" by Paul Nicholas.

In addition to ELO, another group that was often reliable for a good record on 70s Top of the Pops was 10cc and they are in this Top 40 with "Things We Do For Love" which gets full marks.

Queen never fitted into any scene as such in the 70s and there music was a mixed bag, but in this Top 40 they had one of their better hits with "Somebody To Love".

Many of the records in this Top 40 would fit into the soft rock genre which on paper is a sign of blandness, but isn't all bad. We have "If Not You" by Dr Hook which I've always found quite amusing and "Living Next Door To Alice" by Smokie which is impossible to listen to without adding "Alice who the fuck is Alice" to. 

Glam rock was more or less finished with just Mud doing a cover of "Lean on Me" which gets no marks. Disco had credible acts like Barry White and KC & the Sunshine band but also had the sort of rubbish that gave it a bad name from Boney M and Tina Charles.

Most significantly though we have the beginning of punk in the Top 40 with the Sex Pistols in there with their debut hit "Anarchy in the UK" which naturally gets full marks.

Signs the charts were starting to go in the right direction and for a year that has such a bad reputation this is a very respectable score.

Score: 13.5

Table

1976 is the best Christmas charts so far then and is better than it's best year charts, but a bit like 1962 was helped by The Beatles happening 1976 is helped by punk happening:

Top 30 in 1995 Reviewed: Week 17

Here's my weekly look at the Top 30 from 28 years ago. The plan is for these posts to go out at 17:30 on a Wednesday.

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 1995 with my verdict on each record:

30. Shane McGowan And Sinead O'Connor - Haunted (New)

Shane McGowan is best known as the lead singer of The Pogues who in turn are best known for their Christmas duet with Kirsty MacColl. It therefore seemed logical to duet with a female singer to give his solo career a boost. Never really worked though.

Verdict - Rubbish

29. TLC - Red Light Special

The 3rd Top 40 hit for TLC which was the first one not to be written by Dallas Austin. Instead it's Babyface on songwriting duties. I think you can tell it's a Babyface composition too and as I like Babyface records as a general rule I guess I like this one.

Verdict - Good

28. Mark Morrison - Crazy

This was the Top 40 debut for Mark Morrison in 1995, but following the success of "Return of the Mack" this was remixed and charted higher than it did the first time around. I'd say this is an illustration of how British R&B is often inferior to it's American counterpart. 

Verdict - Rubbish

27. Joshua Kadison - Jessie (New)

It's rumoured that this record was written about Sarah Jessica Parker who Joshua Kadison was said to be dating at the time. It's not unusual for a musician to be dating a film actress, but doing so before the musicians had his first hit seems pretty unusual. Anyway this was played at lot at the time and I quite liked it, still do.

Verdict - Good

26. Terence Trent D'Arby - Holding On To You

When Terence Trent D'Arby went in the rock direction in 1993 I wasn't convinced. He continued to go in the same direction for this 1995 comeback which would be his final Top 40 hit to date. This record is much more like it though, don't know why but it works for me.

Verdict - Good

25. The Stone Roses - Fools Gold '95 (New)

The record that The Stone Roses are best known for which was originally a Top 40 hit in 1989 and was rereleased with a bunch of remixes in 1995. This came at a time when they were on their 2nd album which came some time after the 1st. Presumably this was to remind people who they were in an attempt to boost album sales. It's not a bad record, but I've never really got the fuss about The Stone Roses to be honest.

Verdict - OK

24. Wet Wet Wet - Julia Says

It had been getting on for a year since Wet Wet Wet first topped the charts with "Love Is All Around" until they released this, the follow up. It didn't feel like it though given how long "Love Is All Around" was in the charts for. I do feel like I shouldn't like this record, but I do.

Verdict - Good

23. Naughty By Nature - Feel Me Flow (New)

Naughty By Nature are best known for "OPP" and to a lesser extent "Hip Hop Hooray". This one isn't so well known to the masses but in my opinion this record is much better than their best known ones. It would be their final Top 40 hit to date.

Verdict - Good

22. Shabba Ranks - Let's Get It On (New)

When I was reviewing the 1991 charts I mentioned that Shabba Ranks was having hits earlier than you'd think. Now I'm saying he also had hits later than you'd think. This was his final Top 40 hit to date and I have no memory of it. I was expecting a Marvin Gaye cover but it isn't. As long as you don't try and take it too seriously it's quite enjoyable.

Verdict - Good

21. Scarlet - I Wanna Be Free (To Be With Him) (New)

That's right, Scarlet had another Top 40 hit. I have no memory of this and as I'm listening I'm trying to draw comparisons with other artists before settling on that I could imagine this being a Voice of the Beehive record. Nothing wrong with that, I quite liked them.

Verdict - Good

20. Snap! ft Summer - The First, The Last Eternity

This was the last original Top 40 hit to date for Snap!. They were very much on the commercial side of dance music but purely from an enjoyment perspective I would say their latter hits are the best ones. The way dance music in general had evolved by this point suits this kind of record.

Verdict - Good

19. Bucketheads - The Bomb! (These Sounds Fall Into My Mind)

This was the first and biggest Top 40 hit for Bucketheads which was a project of Kenny Dope from Masters At Work. It was the first time I'd come across Kenny Dope and initially I thought he was the bloke in the video. Despite the fact I know what he looks like now, it's still the bloke in the video I picture when I come across Kenny Dope. It's a great record too.

Verdict - Good

18. Del Amitri - Driving With The Brakes On (New)

Del Amitri are a band that I'm starting to appreciate a lot more from doing these reviews. I could take or leave them at the time and vaguely remember this record. I was expecting it to sound average at best but there's a lot more to it than I remember. I feel I should give it another listen just to let it sink in.

Verdict - Good

17. Portishead - Sour Times

The 2nd and final Top 40 hit from the "Dummy" album which came out in 1994. Like its predecessor this also reached number 13. That album is one of my all time favourites so there is absolutely no doubting my verdict on this record.

Verdict - Good

16. Pato Banton With Ranking Roger - Bubbling Hot

Even relative reggae pop newcomer Pato Banton was struggling somewhat from a chart perspective in 1995. He was never able to reach similar heights to his chart topping debut with this being his 3rd Top 40 which like his 2nd got no higher than 15. His debut had the Campbell brothers from UB40, his 2nd had Sting and now his 3rd had Ranking Roger from The Beat. It's a great catchy record and its relative lack of success means it hasn't suffered from overplay.

Verdict - Good

15. Deuce - I Need You

The 2nd Top 40 hit for Deuce which was also their highest charting. They were basically Steps before Steps existed. In fact a number of years later I heard this for the first time in years and initially thought I was hearing Steps but then realised later on that I'd misremembered and it was actually Deuce. It's therefore crap.

Verdict - Rubbish

14. Strike - U Sure Do

The Top 40 debut for Strike which originally charted in 1994 but fared better when it returned to the charts in 1995. Its the record Strike were best known for. It's definitely one of those records that makes me nostalgic about the 90s.

Verdict - Good

13. Grace - Not Over Yet

As a raver in 1995 I liked to point out that this was music for young people that old people couldn't understand. This was one such record I liked at the time, little did I know that Paul Oakenfold wrote it with Rob Davis from 70s band Mud. It's a classic for sure.

Verdict - Good

12. Love City Groove - Love City Groove

The issue I used to have with the Eurovision Song Contest when I was younger was that it sounded like most of the music was stuck in the dark ages. Then in 1995 this record was selected to represent the UK and I thought wow a song that actually sounds modern at Eurovision. I also watched the Eurovision Song Contest that year and it really should have won as it was the best record by far.

Verdict - Good

11. (MC Sar And) The Real McCoy - Love And Devotion

German eurodance act The Real McCoy were successful in both the UK and America with their first 2 Top 40 hits. This was their 3rd Top 40 hit which failed to reach the Top 10 in the UK and didn't chart in America. I do prefer the first two, but this one is still decent enough.

Verdict - Good

10. Corona - Baby Baby

Whilst the Corona Top 40 debut "The Rhythm of the Night" charted higher, I would say this follow up hit is the one they're best known for. It's a cheesy eurodance number but it's one of the more enjoyable variety and as such I quite like it.

Verdict - Good

9. Brownstone - If You Love Me

The Top 40 debut for Brownstone and the record they are best known for. It reached number 8 in both the UK and America. I would also say this is their best Top 40 hit and was very much of it's time, that's a better time.

Verdict - Good

8. Let Loose - Best In Me (New)

In 1995 if I was asked to name the worst band in the world at the moment then Let Loose would have certainly been a strong candidate. It was a combination of being a boy band with guitars and the resulting music sounding so lame. This was their 4th Top 40 hit and we've also reached album filler territory with this one.

Verdict - Rubbish

7. Tina Arena - Chains

Here's a turn up for the books, an Australian pop singer who wasn't on an Aussie soap. This was the Top 40 debut for Tina Arena and the record she's best known for. This is how you make a pop ballad, once it gets going it's quite something.

Verdict - Good

6. MN8 - If You Only Let Me In (New)

The follow up to their Top 40 debut "I've Got A Little Something For You". Amongst the songwriters on this record is Conner Reeves who was yet to start his Top 40 career. Incidentally he never wrote any of his own Top 40 hits. It's a poor follow up record that's long forgotten now,

Verdict - Rubbish

5. Bryan Adams - Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?

One of the reasons I have 1995 down as being a good year for music is because I'd videotaped the Christmas edition of Top of the Pops and found myself liking many of the records they used to round up the year. There were however exceptions to that and this record stands out as one of those that wasn't so good.

Verdict - Rubbish

4. Boyzone - Key To My Life (New)

This record confirmed that Boyzone weren't going to be one hit wonders. It was the first Top 40 hit to be written by Ray Hedges who penned several of their hits. It gave us a good idea about what to expect from Boyzone for the rest of the decade i.e. a dreary ballad.

Verdict - Rubbish

3. Bobby Brown - Two Can Play That Game

This originally made number 38 in 1994 but did better when it returned to the charts in 1995 and gave Bobby Brown his highest charting Top 40 hit to date. It was also the last of his big hits. The single version was a K-Klass remix and is a dance record. A great uplifting record.

Verdict - Good

2. The Outhere Brothers - Don't Stop (Wiggle Wiggle)

1995 was the year of The Outhere Brothers and this is where it all began. They were massive in 1995 and then afterwards they were nowhere to be seen really. I was a fan of their music, it was great fun to listen to.

Verdict - Good

1. Take That - Back For Good

At the time me and a couple of others were given lunchtime detention at school for a few days by the science teacher in the science lab. He would listen to his tape which began with this song. We would therefore laugh at this possibly 50 something bloke listening to Take That. I always hated Take That and still think most of their music is crap, but I have to concede that this one is actually quite good.

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 22.5/30, or 75%. A great score especially given some of the new entries this week.

UK Number 40s: Q-Tee - Gimme That Body (1996)

 

I have a very clear memory of tuning in to the Top 40 countdown on a Sunday afternoon in 1996 and this being number 40. I don't specifically remember it getting no further than that. For many though the question is probably who is Q-Tee and what is this record?

Q-Tee is a female rapper from London and this was her only official Top 40 hit. She did however unofficially have a number 39 in 1991. The St Etienne debut single "Only Love Will Break Your Heart" was a double a-side with "Filthy" where she was the uncredited vocalist.

In the time that has passed in-between, she had been a writer on the 1995 Eurovision entry "Love City Groove" by Love City Groove.

Following this record she wasn't quite finished yet as she provided vocals on the Mark Morrison hit "Horny" later on in the year.

Top 30 in 1993 Reviewed: Week 17

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 1993 with my verdict on each record:

30. Madonna - Fever

This was the 31st Top 40 hit for Madonna but was her first Top 40 hit that was a cover. I don't think I've heard it for 30 years, but I remember people talking about how shit it was at the time. It sounds even worse than I remember it being.

Verdict - Rubbish

29. Midnight Oil - Truganini (New)

In 1993 I had an encyclopedia of rock which had an entry on Midnight Oil. I had no idea who they were but it stood out because there was a picture of the singer who I thought looked like Richard O'Brien. Years later I saw them on the music channels with "Beds Are Burning" and realised I'd known that song all along. I was then under the impression that was their only hit, but it turned out they had another in the same year I acquired the encyclopedia of rock. This doesn't do anything for me though.  

Verdict - Rubbish

28. WWF Superstars - Wrestlemania

We've finally reached the end of the Stock and Waterman era with this being their final Top 40 hit, though both would be back individually. I heard people singing this before I actually heard it, initially I thought they were singing "Animal Nitrate" by Suede and adding in the Wrestlemania bit themselves. I did finally hear it though, unfortunately.

Verdict - Rubbish

27. World Party - Is It Like Today

If I had to name a World Party record then this would probably be it. They had 4 Top 40 records overall but this was the only one to reach the Top 30. It's pleasant enough but it lacks anything to make me think good record.

Verdict - OK

26. Dance 2 Trance - P.ower Of A.merican N.atives (New) 

There have been numerous examples in dance music where an instrumental has been released to little success but then vocals get added and it becomes successful. This is one of those examples which is a shame because the vocals are the worst part of it. Fortunately the vocals are used sparingly enough to not completely ruin the record and for a large part we can enjoy it for what it is.

Verdict - Good

25. Sting - Seven Days (New)

It seems like Sting was an unlikely influence on Craig David. They collaborated on "Rise & Fall" which sampled "Shape of my Heart" by Sting. On the same album as "Shape of my Heart" is a song called "Seven Days". It's not the same as the Craig David record but does mention every day of the week in the chorus. The similarities do end there though with Craig David having the far better record.

Verdict - Rubbish

24. D:Ream - U R The Best Thing (New)

This was the 2nd release of this record which failed to make the Top 40 when first released in 1992. It would take the 3rd release in 1994 to reach its peak. I'm not quite sure how well remembered this is now given their bigger hit, but it was certainly big back in the day. It is just another crappy dance pop record though.

Verdict - Rubbish

23. Various Artists - Gimme Shelter (EP) (New)

Every track on this EP was a cover of the Rolling Stones record and was a charity record. I've gone for the Voice of the Beehive & Jimmy Somerville version as this is what appeared on Going Live. It's a dance version and sounds a bit crap.

Verdict - Rubbish

22. Deacon Blue - Only Tender Love (New)

We're in an era where Deacon Blue were going in more of a rock direction. Bizarrely though this was produced by Paul Oakenfold and Steve Osborne who you would associate more with dance music. It worked though.

Verdict - Good

21. Rod Stewart - Shotgun Wedding

This was Rod Stewarts 38th Top 40 hit overall and 19th Top 40 hit which was a cover. I'm not completely anti-covers, but that sort of quantity is just ridiculous. 

Verdict - Rubbish

20. Dr Alban - Sing Hallelujah

The 2nd and final Top 40 hit to date for Dr Alban. The fact that Mozaic did a cover a couple of years later means I don't know whether I remember this record or just remember the cover. It's got a good hook to it so I guess it's good.

Verdict - Good

19. Ugly Kid Joe - Cats In The Cradle

I'd actually heard the original Harry Chapin version which never made the UK Top 40 prior to this cover. As a youngster at the time though I was in favour of the more modern version so was never put off.

Verdict - Good

18. 2 Unlimited - No Limit

The tune which knocked Whitney Houston off number one which everybody sang "there's no lyrics" to. I'm terrible at making out lyrics in songs and I remember being criticised for not knowing the words to the other bit she sings and remember other people telling me what the words were. My thoughts were they would have been better of genuinely having no lyrics.

Verdict - Rubbish

17. Duran Duran - Come Undone

Duran Duran made a solid start to 1993 with the excellent "Ordinary World" which I described as being the only Duran Duran song I like. This is the follow up and I stand by what I said. It's an improvement on their 80s records but still nothing I'd listen to by choice.

Verdict - Rubbish

16. Gloria Estefan - Go Away

One of the many Gloria Estefan Top 40 hits of the 90s that I don't remember. This was actually the highest charting of the ones I don't remember. It's a dance record that sounds very much like one for the dancefloor. Well it's certainly not one for my listening pleasure anyway.

Verdict - Rubbish

15. REM - Everybody Hurts

REM were I band I paid attention to in late 1992/early 1993. I remember "Drive", "Man on the Moon" and "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight" being released very well. Yet this record came next and made the Top 10 unlike those mentioned and it completely passed me by. I'd heard it by the summer and was somewhat baffled why I missed it the first time round. Looking at the history books (aka the internet) though I now know I would have been on holiday when this appeared on Top of the Pops. I don't mind it, but I've heard much better from them.

Verdict - OK

14. Terence Trent D'Arby - Do You Love Me Like You Say

Terence Trent D'Arby had more Top 40 his in the 90s than the 80s, just. This was the first of those 90s hits and his first since 1988. He's made the transition from soul to rock music here. It just sounds a bit of a mess though.

Verdict - Rubbish

13. East 17 - Slow It Down

I would say this is possibly the least remembered East 17 Top 40 hit. It's quite odd in a way because it came at a time when East 17 established themselves as the boy band to rival Take That because their previous single "Deep" basically showed they were no flash in the pan with their debut "House Of Love". The advantage of this though is it hasn't been played to death for the last 30 years.

Verdict - Good

12. Shabba Ranks - Mr Loverman

This is the record Shabba Ranks is best known for. It only made number 23 the first time round but then returned to the charts in 1993 when it made number 3. During the time between this he made his infamous appearance on "The Word" which I thought killed his career but it seemed to have the opposite effect. It's good in a 90s nostalgia sort of way.

Verdict - Good

11. The Prodigy - Wind It Up (Rewound)

In 1993 rave music had all but disappeared from the Top 40 but The Prodigy had one last single from their "Experience" album which is what I'd call the first proper rave tune of the year. It's fair to say that The Prodigy had established themselves as the biggest rave act around by this point.

Verdict - Good

10. Robin S - Show Me Love

There are many records that have been played to death over the years and this is definitely one of them. It's been remixed to death too, though this best known version was a remix itself. The remix was by Stonebridge, the same Stonebridge who were putting out cheesy dance records in the 21st century. The issue I have with this being overplayed is that it was nothing special to begin with.

Verdict - OK

9. Whitney Houston - I Have Nothing (New)

We had the film "The Bodyguard" in late 1992 which resulted in Whitney Houston being at number one for what seemed like an eternity. She followed that up with another record from the film with "I'm Every Woman". Now here we are at the end of April with yet another song from the film which like her chart topper is a dreary ballad.

Verdict - Rubbish

8. Shaggy - Oh Carolina

I was yet to enter my phase as a rock purist because when this record came out it was my favourite song. I was such a fan that when I was getting sunglasses to go on holiday I said I wanted sunglasses like Shaggy. 

Verdict - Good

7. Jade - Don't Walk Away

The Top 40 debut for Jade and their biggest hit. It certainly has the 90s nostalgia factor to it. The fact the reunion consisted of just 2 of the 3 members and they added a contestant from "The Voice" to the group tells me I'm nostalgic about something that never really existed. I'll try not to let that put me off the tune though.

Verdict - Good

6. Cappella - U Got 2 Know

Cappella made their Top 40 debut in 1989, but this was just their 3rd Top 40 hit. This is the start of their full on cheesy eurodance era. It's not as bad as I remember it being, but it's still pretty bad.

Verdict - Rubbish

5. Sybil - When I'm Good And Ready

With this record entering the charts I know that "Sweat (A La La La La Long)" by Inner Circle is just round the corner. Both take me back to school discos in an era where I loved pretty much everything which was played. It's one of the last Stock and Waterman hits, but according to West End aka Eddie Gordon they just replicated what he'd done previously, which explains why this is good.

Verdict - Good

4. New Order - Regret

Indie music by definition is music on an independent record label but by the 90s it was more likely to be used to describe guitar music too soft to be considered rock regardless of what sort of label it was on. In the 80s New Order were basically and indie band but their music style was more synth pop. This was their first Top 40 hit since their "World In Motion" chart topper. The style of music had changed and they were now sounding more like an indie band. It's a borderline record really. It's not a patch on their 80s material but if I try to ignore the comparisons it isn't bad.

Verdict - OK

3. Sub Sub ft Melanie Williams - Ain't No Love (Ain't No Use)

Sub Sub had just the one Top 40 hit but they would re-emerge in the year 2000 as Doves. Yes that's right, one of the most boring bands ever started off making dance music. This is far from boring though so don't let that put you off.

Verdict - Good

2. Snow - Informer

I don't think anyone knew the words to this when it came out, but in the chorus people would sing "I'll lick your bum bum now". I always assumed they weren't the real lyrics and with the benefit of the internet I can see it's "A licky boom boom down". It's regarded by many as a bit of a joke record but I always quite liked it and I challenge anyone to singalong word for word, I'm sure most would struggle.

Verdict - Good

1. The Bluebells - Young At Heart

This originally made the Top 40 in 1984 but topped the charts when re-released in 1993 after it featured on the Volkswagen Golf advert. It wasn't until years later that I realised this was an old record. It's a great feel good record.

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 15/30, or 50%. Lots of rubbish entering the charts but we still have the same score as last week.