25 Years Since....April 1999

Wow 25 years since the last year of the 20th century, these were the tunes I was enjoying then:

Underworld - Push Upstairs

Underworld became a household name outside of the dance music world when they did "Born Slippy" which remains their biggest hit. They wouldn't be in the Top 40 again with a new release until this entered the charts in 1999.

Dance music was the biggest it had ever been in 1999 and it only seemed right that Underworld were a part of that. 

Mr Oizo - Flat Beat

This chart topper was the only Top 40 hit for Mr Oizo. It topped the charts after appearing on the Levi's advert and the face of this record was a puppet who appeared in the advert called Flat Eric.

Because of this some regard it as a bit of a novelty record but if you put all this to one side and simply listen to the tune it sounds like a credible dance record to me. Mr Oizo may have had no further chart success but was very much a name in the French house scene.

The New Radicals - You Get What You Give

One day in 1999 I was in HMV in Derby and asked to listen to a CD from a listening post in there. When I went to the post the person who had presumably just been listening on it told me it was The New Radicals on there, but of course it wasn't anymore it was the CD I wanted to listen to.

It wouldn't be long before I became familiar with who The New Radicals actually were, well one of their songs at least. It was their only Top 40 hit and then main man Gregg Alexander started writing hits for other artists. To this very day this record still reminds me of Derby city centre, the fact the video is in a shopping centre probably helps with that.

System F - Out Of The Blue

One thing that made me like dance music getting into the charts in 1999 more than I ever had done before was the fact it seemed to be speeding up. OK nowhere near as fast as happy hardcore, but this was possibly the fastest dance record to make the Top 40 that year.

System F was yet another alias of Ferry Corsten who incidentally produced happy hardcore prior to making trance records.

Phats And Small - Turn Around

The biggest dance record of 1998 was "Music Sounds Better With You" by Stardust. It was a disco inspired house record that was basically a repetition of the same thing in terms of both vocals and backing track.

That must have inspired this record which follows pretty much the same formula. Yet it works and takes on an identity of it's own. It's very commercial but that's not always a bad thing.

UK Number 40s: Incubus - Drive (2001)

 

For the first time in the 21st century we have a number 40 that made the Billboard 100. It was a Top 10 hit in America, the first number 40 to achieve that since 1979.

I remember first hand this record seeming pretty big at the time so I'm actually quite surprised that this only made number 40. It's also had 175 million views on YouTube at the time of writing so it clearly is a lot bigger than it's number 40 position would suggest.

It was the Top 40 debut for Incubus who were an American rock band with turntables, a growing trend at the time. It came from their "Make Yourself" album which came out in 1999. Therefore presumably those who liked this record would go and buy the album rather than the single.

Incubus have had 4 Top 40 hits to date and the highest they've reached is number 23. Clearly more of an albums band than a singles band then.

Top 30 in 1994 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 1994 with my verdict on each record:

30. Loveland ft Rachel McFarlane Vs Darlene Lewis - Let The Music (Lift You Up)

The Top 40 debut for Loveland, a British eurodance group who's members include Pete Waterman's son Paul Waterman amongst it's members. To be fair this record isn't as bad as it sounds, but it's not exactly good either.

Verdict - Rubbish

29. Madonna - I'll Remember

This one is from the film "With Honors" which doesn't actually have Madonna in it for a change. Madonna has a lot of well remembered records but despite it's title this isn't one of them. I'd say people bought this became it was both Madonna and from a film, but quickly forgot it.

Verdict - Rubbish

28. Counting Crows - Mr Jones (New)

The Top 40 debut for the Counting Crows which is also their best known record and only Top 40 hit of the 90s. This was a band many of the rock crowd were into at the time. At the same time I was seeking more extreme music and one band I came across was Cannibal Corpse. As these were both names that were 2 words beginning with C I associated the 2 together even though they were pulling in opposite directions. I have grown to like this one over the years.

Verdict - Good

27. PJ And Duncan - Why Me?

PJ & Duncan were the character names of Ant & Dec on Byker Grove. They started their music career on the show with the song "Tonight I'm Free" which was also released as a single but failed to reach the Top 40. This 2nd single from them did manage the Top 40. It's obviously a piss take and has a resemblance to "Jump" by Kris Kross. 

Verdict - Rubbish

26. Level 42 - All Over You (New)

The penultimate Top 40 hit to date for Level 42 and the last time they'll feature as their final hit never made the Top 30. It's surprising in itself that Level 42 were still have hits in 1994. They've not moved into the 90s at all but at the same time sound a shadow of their former selves.

Verdict - Rubbish

25. 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

24. OT Quartet - Hold That Sucker Down (New)

This was the only Top 40 hit for OT Quarter who's members were Rollo from Faithless and Rob Dougan who have both enjoyed Top 40 success in other acts. It was the first time both had been in the Top 40 in any act. It was also the first hardbag record in the Top 40 that wasn't by Felix. I do like a lot of hardbag music including this.

Verdict - Good

23. Salt-N-Pepa With En Vogue - Whatta Man

I bought En Vogues greatest hits album many years ago mainly because I realised I like all the hits I'd heard from them. After purchasing though I was reminded of this hit which wasn't so good. The chorus isn't bad but the Salt-N-Pepa rapping is terrible as always.

Verdict - Rubbish

22. Des'ree - You Gotta Be

I had to look at the history books to check if this record had originally been released in 1992, but it hadn't. My memory is playing tricks on me again because I think of this as being a 1992 record. That said, I've always considered this to be a bit naff so maybe it is better suited to 1994.

Verdict - Rubbish

21. Doop - Doop

I've often been full of praise for the music coming out of Holland in the 90s, but it can't always be good. That was the case with this record which is far too cheesy for my liking. I remember pretty much everyone I knew hated this at the time, but then it topped the charts.

Verdict - Rubbish

20. Barbra Streisand - As If We Never Said Goodbye (New)

An Andrew Lloyd Webber penned song from a musical that's sung by Barbra Streisand. Sounds like my idea of hell. I really cannot stand this sort of music and sitting through a musical full of this rubbish sounds like torture.

Verdict - Rubbish

19. Toni Braxton - Another Sad Love Song

The 2nd Top 40 hit for Toni Braxton and the 2nd to be written by Babyface who is joined by Daryl Simmons on songwriting duties. Despite the title, it's a lot more uplifting than it's predecessor "Breathe Again". Despite it being more uplifting though it's not as catchy. Once again it gets half marks.

Verdict - OK

18. Skin - Money / Unbelievable (New)

This was the Top 40 debut for Skin who were the sort of band grunge was supposed to have killed off, but as Kurt Cobain had died by this point that clearly never happened. That all said, I do remember nobody seemed to like them at the time. The viewing figures on the YouTube videos imply not many people seem to like them now or remember them. I have to say neither of these records are great with the latter being a cover of the EMF record.

Verdict - Rubbish / Rubbish

17. Ace Of Base - The Sign

The 3rd Top 40 hit for Ace Of Base which many regard as their other hit. It didn't quite match the success of debut "All That She Wants" in the UK making number 2 but it did top the charts in America. Like "All That She Wants", "The Sign" was produced by Denniz Pop, the man who started the Swedish revolution in the songwriting world. A good bit of reggae pop.

Verdict - Good

16. Manchester United Football Squad - Come On You Reds (New)

Football songs are generally shit, especially ones by actual football teams. I don't think people really buy football songs for the actual music, but I'm surprised this got to number one because surely only Man Utd fans would have bought it. Maybe it shows just how many Man Utd fans there are. 

Verdict - Rubbish

15. Crystal Waters - 100% Pure Love

Crystal Waters had her big hit "Gypsy Woman (La Da Dee)" in 1991 which was then followed by "Makin' Happy" and a megamix. Then nothing until this comeback record. There does seem to be a trend for female house vocalists from 91/92 returning in 1994. It's the last time Crystal Waters will feature as her remaining hits either didn't reach the Top 30 or were in the 21st century. This ones alright but nothing special.

Verdict - OK

14. Haddaway - Rock My Heart

The 4th Top 40 hit for Haddaway and the 4th time he made the Top 10, though he hasn't made the Top 10 since. I thing it's fair to say we go past the point of Haddaways career few people remember after this. In fact I would say this records placing in the Top 10 is a bit misleading as I'm not convinced many people remember this one. Its more of the usual rubbish.

Verdict - Rubbish

13. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Under The Bridge

This is one of those records I've continuously liked since I first heard it. At the time I wasn't devoted to any particular scene, then when it got re-released the Red Hot Chili Peppers were a cool band to like and the "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" album was one I carried on listening to once I got into rave initially. Then in the late 90s when the All Saints covered it both versions were played one after the other on the radio and I remember thinking this sounds so much better.  

Verdict - Good

12. Eternal - Just A Step From Heaven (New)

I would call this a prime example of pop music disguising itself as R&B. It's written by the same people who wrote "Rewind" for Precious a few years later and one of the writers also wrote for S Club 7. The singings too over the top for me and I just find it irritating.

Verdict - Rubbish

11. Clubhouse ft Carl - Light My Fire (New)

This record is most famous for being the one that Boyzone danced to on "The Late Late Show" before they were famous. This was before they were famous in the UK at least. I don't know whether it's a consequence of that, but this record has always irritated me.

Verdict - Rubbish

10. The Pretenders - I'll Stand By You

I feel like I've known this song all my life but I clearly haven't as it didn't come out until 1994. I can't remember this actually being in the Top 40 but when I discovered it was a 1994 hit I was shocked it wasn't a lot earlier. It manages to be both boring and cringeworthy at the same time.

Verdict - Rubbish

9. Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Philadelphia

Bruce Springsteen is one of those legendary artists I've never really got what the hype was about. This record did little to convince me otherwise. It's his highest charting single to date and was taken from the film "Philadelphia". I just find it really dull.

Verdict - Rubbish

8. Reel 2 Real ft The Mad Stuntman - I Like To Move It

I always thought this record was shit at the time. Then I heard it again a couple of years later and it sounded even worse as it was slower than I remembered. Then I discovered the man behind Reel 2 Real was Erick Morillo, a credible DJ and thought maybe this is credible music. Who was I trying to kid, it was cheesy commercial rubbish that was made to sell by the bucket loads. 

Verdict - Rubbish

7. Take That - Everything Changes

I feel I knew this song long before it topped the charts. Probably because there was no avoiding Take That at the time and I probably heard someone playing it somewhere. Gary Barlow said their Ian Levine hit "I Found Heaven" was awful but I don't think this Gary Barlow penned record sounds too different and is equally as dreadful.

Verdict - Rubbish

6. Bitty McLean - Dedicated To The One I Love

I remember when this appeared on Top of the Pops I initially saw guitars on the stage before they introduced this record and was expecting a rock song. Despite that brief moment of disappointment I couldn't help but like this record. It was his 4th Top 40 hit and the final one to make the Top 10.

Verdict - Good

5. CJ Lewis - Sweets For My Sweet

This was originally by the Drifters and taken to the top of the charts by the Searchers in 1963. This CJ Lewis version is pretty cheesy, it is the sort of record you'd expect Andi Peters to like. At the same time though it's great fun to listen to and pure 90s nostalgia.

Verdict - Good

4. Erasure - Always

It had been around 2 years since Erasure topped the charts with the "Abba-Esque EP" which I was never a fan of. In the time since the only hit they'd had was a re-issue of "Who Needs Love Like That". Their first new single since was this and it was good to see them back on form. I love the way the chorus comes into this.

Verdict - Good

3. Tony Di Bart - The Real Thing

In the days before YouTube I would look at the list of number ones in my British Hit Singles book, mostly in the 90s. I knew pretty much all of them but I did think what the fuck is this record. I can't remember when I finally did put a song to the name, but it is one I've known all along. Pretty bland dance pop music that deserves to be long forgotten.

Verdict - Rubbish

2. Crash Test Dummies - Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm

I thought this was a really odd one when I first heard it. My first thought when this was introduced on Top of the Pops was that the singer looked like Neil from the Young Ones. Then he started singing in a loud deep voice, I thought what the fuck is this. However, I started to like it after a few listens. Of course a song sung by a Neil from the Young Ones lookalike with a funny voice and a chorus that is simply "mmm" repeated several times is hard to take seriously. If you listen to the rest of the lyrics though they're actually quite meaningful.

Verdict - Good

1. Prince - The Most Beautiful Girl In The World

This is the first Top 40 hit for Prince after he became a symbol. It's also his only chart topping single to date. Due to the high pitched singing I did think this was the Bee Gees when I first heard it but soon found out who it really was. I was a big critic of this record at the time but I always secretly liked it.

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 10/30, or 33%. A slight improvement again.

Top 30 in 1997 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 1997 with my verdict on each record:

30. Bruce Springsteen - Secret Garden

This was the penultimate Top 40 hit to date for Bruce Springsteen and the last time he'll feature as his final hit never made the Top 30 and came in the 21st century. This failed to reach the Top 40 when first released in 1995 but fared better in 1997 after it was featured on the soundtrack to the film "Jerry Maguire". Which shows you can put any old rubbish on a soundtrack to a popular film and you're pretty much guaranteed to chart.

Verdict - Rubbish

29. Erykah Badu - On And On

We've already had D'Angelo and Maxwell more or less come and go in the Top 40, now's the turn of Erykah Badu to bring neo soul to the Top 40 with this being her debut. My view hasn't really changed, decent background music but nothing to get excited about.

Verdict - OK

28. The Brand New Heavies - Sometimes

The main singer on all of The Brand New Heavies Top 40 hits prior to this was N'Dea Davenport. This was their first Top 40 hit without her with Siedah Garrett taking vocal duties here. It gave them their biggest Top 40 hit to this point. I would say Siedah Garrett is the better singer.

Verdict - Good

27. Kavana - MFEO

This was the 2nd and final Top 40 hit from Kavana to make the Top 10. It was also one he didn't write himself so I'm guessing he's not happy his 2 biggest hits are ones he didn't write. It peaked at the same position as his best known hit "I Can Make You Feel Good". It's becoming apparent that so many records entered the charts in the Top 10 and plummeted down the charts the following week in 1997 that many records that weren't that big are getting into the Top 10. I'm sure most people have forgotten this, I wish I had.

Verdict - Rubbish

26. Supergrass - Richard III

It had been a year since Supergrass had previously been in the Top 40. This comeback single was notably heavier than their previous efforts but I can't help but think if they intended to make a record like this they should have made it harder and faster. Not bad though.

Verdict - OK

25. Robert Owens - I'll Be Your Friend (New)

This tune was already 6 years old by the time it charted. It was because of a Paul Oakenfold remix that this happened. Robert Owens is a singer and the main man behind this track is David Morales. A great record.

Verdict - Good

24. KRS-One - Step Into A World (Rapture's Delight) (New)

KRS-One is one of the big name rappers who has been around for years and has lots of albums, but aside from being featured artist later on in the year this was his only UK Top 40 hit. It samples "Rapture" by Blondie as the title may suggest. I'd call it a proper rap record.

Verdict - Good

23. The Supernaturals - Smile (New)

This was the highest charting Top 40 hit for The Supernaturals making number 23. I have to say that's pretty poor considering how big this record appeared to be at the time. I was more likely to smile if I wasn't hearing this record.

Verdict - Rubbish

22. Zhane - Request Line (New)

The 4th and final Top 40 hit to date for Zhane which was also their highest charting. They called it a day in 1999 and don't appear to have reunited since which means unlike many other acts they're not ruining their legacy by releasing a load of crap in the 21st century.

Verdict - Good

21. GUN - Crazy You (New)

The final Top 40 to date for Gun which was hit number 8 and came 8 years after they made their Top 40 debut. As was the trend around 1997, they've gone softer with their music. The result is a record that sounds a bit weak and pathetic.

Verdict - Rubbish

20. The Wannadies - Hit (New)

That's right, The Wannadies had another hit that wasn't "You And Me Song". In fact they had 2 other Top 40 hits but the one that came in between only made number 38. Although not as good as their big one it's still a decent effort.

Verdict - Good

19. Spice Girls - Mama / Who Do You Think You Are

The 4th Top 40 hit for the Spice Girls and their 4th number one and last single from their debut album. "Mama" is marketing in a way for ones mother to approve of their child listening to the Spice Girls and "Who Do You Think You Are" was the comic relief single. It was a win win situation for them, but musically it was still shit.

Verdict - Rubbish / Rubbish

18. Smoke City - Underwater Love

After the previous years disappointment of hearing the full version of "Spaceman" having initially liked it from the Levi's advert I was more cautious with this years effort. Fortunately I wasn't disappointed with this one. I'm sure I'd acknowledged by this point there was room in my life for chill out music amongst the hard and fast dance music I was listening to at the time. This one definitely fitted that.

Verdict - Good

17. Texas - Halo

When this follow up to "Say What You Want" hit the Top 10 it was a sign the comeback for Texas wasn't a one off and they were here to stay. In fact they'd only fail to reach the Top 10 once for the remainder of the decade. It's an improvement over it's predecessor, but still not to my liking.

Verdict - Rubbish

16. 2Pac And Snoop Doggy Dogg - Wanted Dead or Alive (New)

This was just the 5th Top 40 hit for 2Pac but despite that it doesn't appear on his 2CD long greatest hits album that came out in 1998. Not sure why it wasn't included. A track that was on there was "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted" also featuring Snoop Dogg and this is sort of a part 2 of this. 

Verdict - Good

15. Sash! - Encore Une Fois

The Top 40 debut for Sash! and the record he's best known for. I have mixed feelings about this record. At first I wrote it off as being cheesy commercial crap, but it did start to grow on me after a while. When you consider some of the dreadful music this no doubt inspired though it's hard to truly like it.

Verdict - OK

14. Michelle Gayle - Sensational (New)

The final Top 40 hit to date for Michelle Gayle and this record meant her pop career went on for longer than fellow Eastender Sean Maguire, just. At least she wasn't trying to make an Oasis record like Sean Maguire or many others for that matter. Still don't like the tune though.

Verdict - Rubbish

13. Blur - Song 2

This was the 2nd single to be take from their self titled album which was 2 minutes long and reached number 2 in the charts. It would have no doubt topped the charts if it was the first single to be released from the album as Blur achieved that anyway with a record that's not as well remembered. Like Supergrass were doing, they are going for a harder sound here but like Supergrass it really isn't hard enough to be effective in my opinion. 

Verdict - Rubbish

12. Orbital - The Saint

After hitting the Top 10 for the first time earlier on in the year with a live version of "Satan" making number 3, Orbital followed up with another number 3 record called "The Saint". It was taken from the film of the same name which would have helped. However Orbital were possibly the best at making big beat versions of older tunes.

Verdict - Good

11. No Doubt - Don't Speak

No Doubt seemed to just come out of nowhere with this record. I remember thinking who the fuck are No Doubt and suddenly they were number one. Turns out they'd had a number 38 prior to this. I think they did their best stuff later on in their career, but this ones not bad.

Verdict - OK

10. Faithless - Reverence (New)

I remember Faithless in their own words said they were an experimental group. The first records I heard of theirs, "Insomnia" and "Salva Mea" were pretty similar to each other but different to anything else. This record though was a complete change in comparison and do recall being somewhat disappointed when I first heard it. It's not a bad record, but the problem with being experimental is that you can't get it right all the time.

Verdict - OK

9. The Course - Ready Or Not

It hadn't even been a year since the Fugees took this record to the top of the charts but here we are with a dance cover in the charts. To be fair there were already hardcore and drum & bass versions being played at raves before this. Which leads to the problem, this one isn't as good. Plus what was the point in getting someone else to sing it.

Verdict - Rubbish

8. The Lightning Seeds - You Showed Me (New)

The Lightning Seeds have a bit of a strange Top 40 record. They have a few well known hits but their only Top 10 hit that wasn't "3 Lions" was this which I would call one of their best known ones. It's also their only Top 40 that was a cover, originally being by The Byrds. It's not great if I'm honest.

Verdict - Rubbish

7. Shola Ama - You Might Need Somebody

As the story goes, Shola Ama was singing on the tube one day and was heard by someone in the business which eventually led to this her Top 40 debut. It's a cover of a Turley Richards record made famous by Randy Crawford. I do quite like this record.

Verdict - Good

6. Blackstreet - Don't Leave Me (New)

Blackstreet may be best known for "No Diggity" but this was their highest charting Top 40 hit. It uses the same samples as "I Ain't Mad At Cha" by 2Pac. Both records are good in their own way and I own both albums each record appears on.

Verdict - Good

5. Daft Punk - Around The World (New)

This was always the big Daft Punk record before they did "One More Time" which left this in the shadows. As a result though at hasn't suffered from being overplayed as much. It's such a simple tune but very effective.

Verdict - Good

4. DJ Quicksilver - Bellissima

I had a friend who was also a raver who I used to think just made up things about the rave scene safe in the knowledge nobody had anyway of proving otherwise. One day he had written quite a sizeable list of DJ names, some were ones I was very familiar with and others I thought he'd just made up. One such DJ was DJ Quicksilver. I questioned whether a DJ would really name himself after a brand of clothing. Then it turned out there was such a DJ. When I first heard this record it wasn't what I was expecting. I expected something of the hardcore or drum & bass variety, but this was club music. I still liked it though.

Verdict - Good

3. U2 - Staring At The Sun (New)

U2 topped the charts earlier on in the year with "Discotheque" and then their "Pop" album came out. Many consider this the dodgy period for U2, but this never stopped people buying their records with this making number 3 despite the album already being out. This record does sound a bit more like U2 of old though so maybe those who bought it were those who wanted that and not their new experimental album. Still not to my liking though.

Verdict - Rubbish

2. Robbie Williams - Old Before I Die (New)

It had been a year since Oasis were last in the charts with the chart topper "Don't Look Back In Anger" but now they were back....oh hang on this isn't Oasis, it's Robbie Williams. I do remember the first time I heard it was mid song on the radio and I genuinely thought it was an Oasis song. I guess its the most convincing Oasis impersonation then, but that's not a good thing.

Verdict - Rubbish

1. R Kelly - I Believe I Can Fly

This was the main song from Space Jam and I asked the question why do they always have ballads for cartoon films. That said, I did think this ballad was much better than your average ballad so not a bad choice really. 

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 15.5/30, or 52%. Above 50% for the first time this year.

2006: The End? - May

I mentioned in April that my chart music knowledge was very much in decline by that point given the amount of records I don't remember. In May I actually remember around 2 thirds of them and if you take indie and other guitar genres out of the equation I remember them all. I would say my choice of music channels provided that filter.

That said one guitar record I very much remember and am giving full marks to is "Dani California" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was a comeback record and a return to form in my opinion having not been a fan of the "By The Way" era.

Beating the Red Hot Chili Peppers to best record though is Chicane and Tom Jones with "Stoned In Love". I wasn't convinced by Chicane's collaboration with Bryan Adams a few years prior, but he gets it right here. 

Just one more record gets full marks this month which is "Fly Me Away" by Goldfrapp. I'd actually forgotten it was a single but have listened to it many times on the album.

I've found half marks for Groovefinder's big beat remix of "Ain't Got No I Got Life" by Nina Simone, it seemed a bit all been done before but it's not a bad listen. Elsewhere in the dance music world it's pretty much cheesy remakes of older records plus Hot Chip who like I've said previously is something I could never get into.

Busta Rhymes had been quite prolific with his releases since breaking through in 1996 with 6 albums between then and 2002. Then he signed with Aftermath and it took until 2006 until he released his next album. The lead single was "Touch It" which was a bit of an anti-climax, but not a bad record.

We also have half marks for Damien Marley with "Beautiful" and T-Pain with "I'm Sprung", both decent enough for me not to change the music channel but not good enough for me to make a point of listening to.

There's a lot of people who think the Pet Shop Boys lost their way in the 90s but I'm not one of them. I thought they were still producing the goods throughout the 90s and into the 21st century. However I can't say I'm a fan of "I'm With Stupid" which came out in this month.

Onto the worst record then and it's really too close to call so I'm going to award it to 2 records. There's "Say I" by Christina Milian, her attempt at having more street cred in her so called R&B music and failing miserably. Then there's "I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair)" by Sandi Thom, a record that was played all the time and I couldn't stand it.

Here's a list of the records with the best on top, worst at the bottom and the good ones in green, OK ones in amber and rubbish ones in red (and in no particular order):

Score: 13%

Here's a look at the chart:

We've improved which isn't exactly difficult. However December is the only month in 2005 which was worse and you have to factor in the Christmas slump so 2006 is still feeling like the end.

Digitalism - Mirage (2016)

In the mid-00s guitar music was very much in. Such was the extent that we were seeing guitar bands playing at big events in Ibiza, a place that had been all about dance music in previous years.

Some parts of the dance music world reacted to this by incorporating rock elements into the music with varying results. One act who got this formula pretty much bang on was Digitalism with their debut album "Idealism".

I went to see them in concert and one thing I wondered was whether it would be just the 2 of them pressing buttons or would there be a full band. It was a mixture really, they were both pressing buttons with one of them occasionally moving behind the microphone to sing but they also had a live drummer there. It was a great gig. 

I bought their second album "I Love You Dude" when it came out in 2011. Then things quietened down a bit for while. In 2016 I did hear they were playing in London but opted not to go, more to do with other things going on in my life but at the same time they've been off my radar until now.

They released their 3rd album "Mirage" in 2016. We were now in a different world to that when they released their debut albums. Guitar music had long fall out of fashion and EDM was very much in.

This had no effect whatsoever on Digitalism, they stuck to their guns and stuck to the same formula they'd always been doing. This of course is a good thing.

That's not to say this is just "Idealism" part 2. It very much has it's own identity and goes a little experimental at times but within the bounds of electro. They even have a crack at hip hop with "The Ism" which is perhaps not the best part of the album but isn't bad.

Overall I found it an enjoyable listen and will probably listen again.

 

Top 30 in 1998 Reviewed: Week 17

Here's my weekly look at the Top 30 from 26 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 1998 with my verdict on each record:

30. All Seeing I - Beat Goes On

This is the record All Seeing I were best known for but it wasn't their highest charting. It's a cover of the Sonny & Cher record done big beat style. Very catchy and a record that I always liked at the time. 

Verdict - Good

29. Five - When The Lights Go Out

The 2nd Top 40 hit for Five and they reached the Top 5 for the first time. No Swedish songwriters this time, instead it's Eliot Kennedy along with Tim Lever and Mike Percy from Dead or Alive. I recall this being heavily promoted on The Big Breakfast at the time with the band appearing all week. 

Verdict - Rubbish

28. 911 - All I Want Is You

911 were well established by now to the point they could release any old crap that few people notice and it charts high. That roughly translates as we're now into the territory of 911 records that I don't remember. I preferred it that way.

Verdict - Rubbish

27. Destiny's Child - No No No

The Top 40 debut for Destiny's Child which was an early sign of what crap was around the corner in the 21st century. To be fair to Destiny's Child they were only 16 at the time so can be excused. It doesn't excuse the shite Beyonce continues to release into her 40s.

Verdict - Rubbish

26. Mase ft Total - What You Want

The rap and R&B crossover sound is one that divides opinion. I think it's produced some great records personally. At the same time though there are records where the R&B act bring nothing to the table and it seems nothing but a PR stunt. This is one of those records.

Verdict - Rubbish

25. Cornershop - Brimful Of Asha

When I first heard this I was amazed that a rock band could make such a record. Then I recall them playing the original version of TFI Friday which was miserable. It then became clear when I discovered than the version we all know and love was the Norman Cook remix. 

Verdict - Good

24. Daniel O'Donnell - Give A Little Love

This record charting meant that Daniel O'Donnell had a hit every year from 1992 to 1998. Only Elton John, Madonna, Bryan Adams and Janet Jackson had achieved the same at this point. It was also his only Top 10 hit. Again, who was buying these records?

Verdict - Rubbish

23. Alexia - Uh La La La

I was a bit confused when I started playing this record. I remember this being a cheesy dance record but that wasn't what I was hearing. Turns out I needed the Almighty Single Edit. That meant double the torture for me, it's like Italy's answer to Aqua.

Verdict - Rubbish

22. Madonna - Frozen

It had been a year since Madonna had been in the Top 40. The last time she'd been in the Top 40 was with those god awful Evita songs. In a way this record was quite refreshing in comparison. She was being more experimental again, but I have to say this records not for me.

Verdict - Rubbish

21. Audioweb - Policeman Skank... (The Story Of My Life) (New)

After Audioweb made their Top 40 debut with a cover of "Bank Robber" by The Clash which I did think much of, they followed up over a year later with this which was an original composition and their final Top 40 hit to date. This is much more like it, there's something different about it.

Verdict - Good

20. Tina Moore - Nobody Better (New)

The other Top 40 hit for Tina Moore. Like her big hit "Never Gonna Let You Go" it was given a speed garage makeover for release. It never had the same impact as her big hit, but it's definitely worth a listen and doesn't suffer from being overplayed.

Verdict - Good

19. Janet Jackson - I Get Lonely

I've read the description of this record as a departure from her signature brand of crossover dance pop and R&B to a pure R&B and soul vibe. What complete and utter bollocks. They're trying to give the impressions she's releasing something real rather than commercial, but she isn't really.

Verdict - Rubbish

18. Tin Tin Out ft Shelley Nelson - Here's Where The Story Ends

"Here's Where The Story Ends" is perhaps the best known record by The Sundays, but this cover by Tin Tin Out was the only version which made the Top 40. It was the 6th Top 40 hit for Tin Tin Out but just the 2nd to make the Top 30 and their first Top 10. They were making dance music prior to this, but this is a change in direction and the reason why I'd start getting Tin Tin Out and Sixpence None The Richer mixed up. 

Verdict - Rubbish

17. Spice Girls - Stop

This was the first Spice Girls hit not to top the charts. Geri Halliwell was so pissed off she decided to leave the group. OK not strictly true, but this was the last Spice Girls hit before she did leave. It's their attempt at making a Motown record, something Emma Bunton also did badly in her solo career.

Verdict - Rubbish

16. Robbie Williams - Let Me Entertain You

Robbie Williams solo career had been given a boost following the release of "Angels" and this was the follow up single. One thing I never really appreciated until I saw a live band play this record was just how good the bass line is to this. He was now finding his own identity as a pop singer.

Verdict - Good

15. Ultra - Say You Do

The Top 40 career of North and South had just ended which left a gap for another 3rd rate boy band to fill. Welcome to the Top 40 Ultra. This was no ordinary boy band though, they were a boy band who played instruments. All been done before though. Remember Let Loose?

Verdict - Rubbish

14. Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliott ft 702 And Magoo - Beep Me 911 (New)

A lot of numbers in this one with 911 in the title and featuring a group called 702. It was the 3rd Top 40 hit for Missy Elliott as an artist and once again Timbaland was involved. I think it's true that both Missy Elliott and Timbaland are better behind the scenes than they are as artists.

Verdict - Rubbish

13. K-Ci And JoJo - All My Life

The biggest hit for K-Ci and JoJo. I was still purely listening to rave at the time but did find myself drawn towards this for some reason. I did eventually get into K-Ci And JoJo via the garage scene which then lead to me buying all their albums. The "Love Always" album is one of my all time favourites.

Verdict - Good

12. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - The Impression That I Get (New)

Ska punk had a big following but I don't think there were any ska punk Top 40 hits prior to this record. It was the only Top 40 hit for The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and it is a record that I can really appreciate and quite enjoy too. It just falls short of being worthy of full marks though.

Verdict - OK

11. Tzant ft The Original ODC MC - Sounds Of Wickedness (New)

This record tells me that summer is just around the corner. My mate had just bought his first car and was driving around a lot and it seemed more often that not he'd have this record blasting out. It also brings back memories of what a terrible driver he was. 

Verdict - Good

10. Billie Myers - Kiss The Rain

I remember hearing this song and that it was by someone called Billie Myers, but then seeing it and discovering it was actually a woman singing it. I recall Chris Moyles acknowledging that fact by playing it on the radio and singing along by saying "I'm a bloke, I'm a bloke, I'm a bloke, I'm a bloke, no I'm not". I can't say I ever thought much to this.

Verdict - Rubbish

9. 187 Lockdown - Kung-Fu (New)

The 2nd Top 40 hit for 187 Lockdown which was also their highest charting. It was the first speed garage record to make the Top 10 that wasn't a remix of a non-garage record. Once again it brings back memories of that summer.

Verdict - Good

8. Sash! - La Primavera

The 4th Top 40 hit for Sash! and the first not to reach number 2. It sounds like they're trying to do "Chariots of Fire" eurodance style. Very cheesy and predictable, but they were onto a winning formula so why not.

Verdict - Rubbish

7. Leann Rimes - How Do I Live

The Top 40 debut for Leann Rimes. I once took part in a quiz where a question was who charted in 1997 with "How Do I Live" to which I confidently answered Leann Rimes. The answer was Trisha Yearwood who reached number 66 with it. Leann Rimes was in 1998 and is the better known version. Although not the first person younger than me to chart, I do recall a younger Leann Rimes charting making me start to think have I missed the boat already in my music career. 

Verdict - Rubbish

6. Ultra Nate - Found A Cure

It had been almost a year since Ultra Nate charted with "Free". That record was around for such a long time though that it didn't feel like it had been that long. It's not a record you really hear anymore and I have to say it hasn't aged well. Not bad though.

Verdict - OK

5. Savage Garden - Truly Madly Deeply

At the time I remember this being this opening song of Top of the Pops for a few weeks in a row. At least that's what it felt. There also seemed to be a lot of people on the stage so I assumed they were a band with many members, but it turned out there were only 2 of them in Savage Garden. Never before have I seen a song contradict a band name so much. I do like some of their music, but not the soppy ballads.

Verdict - Rubbish

4. Celine Dion - My Heart Will Go On

The 2nd and final chart topper to date for Celine Dion which was take from "The Titanic" movie. I remember how big that film was so it was almost inevitable that this would get to number one. It's also a depressing film given that people die at the end so I guess it's appropriate to have a depressing song for it. Musically though its just another Celine Dion record.

Verdict - Rubbish

3. The Tamperer ft Maya - Feel It (New)

When I first heard this record with it's sample of "Can You Feel It" by The Jacksons it caught my attention because I like what it is sampling. Then I listened to the record the whole way through and realised that was the only redeeming feature, the rest was cheesy nonsense.

Verdict - Rubbish

2. Busta Rhymes - Turn It Up/Fire It Up

The 7th Top 40 hit for Busta Rhymes which became his highest charting single to this point. It samples the Knight Rider theme which works really well. The verses are rapped quite calmly but then it gets more aggressive in the chorus. Absolutely love this record.

Verdict - Good

1. Run DMC vs Jason Nevins - It's Like That

It had been 10 years since Run DMC had last been in the Top 40. This Jason Nevins remix of their 1983 record took them to the top of the charts and ended the Spice Girls run of number ones. It also made its way onto several dance compilations which validated me liking this 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 11/30, or 37%. A much bigger improvement.