Wednesday, November 20, 2013

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


(MID-WEEK BONUS) #780-776
#780 NOBODY'S DIARY Yazoo
The duo Yazoo was known simply as Yaz in the USA. Consisting of Alison Moyet and Vince Clarke, the synth pop act soon broke through with the singles "Only You", "Situation" and "Don't Go". These were all featured on their well received debut LP 'Upstairs at Eric's', issued in 1982. Their follow-up album 'You and Me Both' came out in 1983 and included the electronic ballad "Nobody's Diary". The song was penned by lead singer Moyet. 
While the duo ceased collaborating soon after, both members have continued creating music. Moyet launched an enduring solo career. Clarke, who had already been a founding member of Depeche Mode, later formed Erasure with Andy Bell. This male duo scored hits which include "Oh L' Amour", "Sometimes", "A Little Respect" and "Chains of Love". 

#779 SWEET, SWEET LOVE Russell Morris
Russell Morris started his musical career in 1966 as a member of Somebody's Image. He is still performing and recording music to this day. By the end of the 1960s, he had established himself as one of Australia's leading singer/ songwriters. His peak was reached in 1969 with the Johnny Young penned "The Real Thing". This milestone in Australian music was produced by Ian "Molly" Meldrum. With this song, Morris made inroads into the USA. 
"Sweet Sweet Love" is a tender love song written by Morris and released in 1971. The track was included on his critically acclaimed 'Bloodstone' LP. This album featured some of the best musicians in Australia, including Phil Manning, Rick Springfield and Mark Kennedy. The ballad peaked at #7 on the Australian chart. 

#778 FOR YOUR EYES ONLY Sheena Easton
The James Bond franchise has spawned some stellar moments as far as movie title songs go. When 007's new adventure emerged in 1981, singer Sheena Easton had just scored hit singles which included "Modern Girl" and "9 to 5 (Morning Train)". The latter was a global chart topper. The new Bond movie capitalized on her popularity and thus Easton came to join an impressive list of 'Bond' song performers like Tom Jones, Lulu, Nancy Sinatra, Paul McCartney and of course, Shirley Bassey. 
"For Your Eyes Only" was written by Michael Leeson and Bill Conti. The latter produced the track and had enjoyed success in his own right, having reached #1 in the USA with his theme from the box office hit film 'Rocky', "Gonna Fly Now" and he created the theme music for the new prime time TV soap "Dynasty". 

#777 DIM ALL THE LIGHTS Donna Summer
"Dim all the Lights" was released in 1979, on the back of 2 consecutive number one singles by Donna Summer: "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls". The track was lifted off Summer's hit album 'Bad Girls' and was penned by her. The production -handled by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte- gives the song its buoyancy. It peaked at #2. Summer revealed later that the song was intended for Rod Stewart before she recorded it herself!

#776 I WAS MADE TO LOVE HER Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder recorded "I Was Made To Love Her" when he was aged 16. His vocals reveal his gift and maturity. The song was co-written by Wonder with input from 3 other songwriters: Henry Cosby, Sylvia Moy and Lula Mae Hardaway. The former 2 were regular Motown staffers who contributed some staples to the Motown catalogue. The latter was Wonder's mother. She also helped write "Signed, Sealed Delivered (I'm Yours)", another hit for her son. Hardaway died aged 76 in 2006. 
"I Was Made To Love Her" was issued as a single in 1967 and peaked at #2 for a fortnight on the US Top 100. On the R&B chart, the disc ruled the top for a month. Cosby produced the cut. It was the title track from his next album release.


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