Wednesday, December 31, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1775 DA FUNK Daft Punk
Daft Punk created their breakthrough hit "Da Funk". Released in 1995, the French duo instantly stood out with a fusion of influences to spawn its unique filter-disco / dance sound. The #1 US Dance Chart hit also reached the top 10 in Britain, France and Belgium.

#1776 IF I COULD 1927
The Australian group 1927 delivered 1 of the best ballads of 1988. The band's guitarist Garry Frost penned "If I Could". The single peaked at #4 on the Australian chart. Frost had been a member of the group Moving Pictures before forming 1927.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS
THE TOP 100
#73 IF I LOVED YOU
Barbra Streisand
(1985)
Writers: Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II
Among the tracks Barbra Streisand covered for her 1985 musical theatre tribute 'The Broadway Album' was a gentle and emotion-packed interpretation of "If I Loved You". The song was from the Rodgers and Hammerstein show "Carousel".  
The musical premiered on Broadway in 1945. "If I Loved You" is performed in the show by the characters Billy and Julie. A Broadway revival opened in 1994. "Carousel" is regarded as 1 of the seminal productions in the history of American musical theatre. As well as "If I Loved You", the show featured the stirring "You'll Never Walk Alone", made famous by the British group Gerry and The Pacemakers in 1963.  
Streisand co-produced her version with Peter Matz. Her delivery is impeccable; slowly drawing in the listener with yearning oozing out of every syllable. The music was arranged and conducted by Matz. It helps establish the mood as the song gradually builds to a spine-tingling conclusion.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the remaining Top 100 is added each weekday, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

TOP SONGS OF 2014 updated: #15-11. Each day, 1 new song from the Top 10 will be added.
The Caffe` Latte`
TOP 100 SONGS OF
2014
#15 PEOPLE ARE LONELY Gravitonas featuring Army Of Lovers
Alexander Bard was a member of both Swedish groups Army Of Lovers and Gravitonas. On the dance track "People Are Lonely", the 2 acts combine to create a brilliant song which was unjustly overlooked.

#14 LOST INSIDE OF YOU Barbra Streisand with Babyface
Babyface co-produced Babra Streisand's 'Partners' album. For the 2014 release, the 2 revisited "Lost Inside Of You", a duet she originally recorded  in the 1970s with Kris Kristofferson for the 'A Star Is Born' soundtrack.

#13 TELL YOU (TODAY) Robyn
Innovative Swedish pop star Robyn revamped the 1983 Loose Joints track "Tell You (Today)" in 2014. The remake adds so much to the original, giving it more excitement and a dance-friendly sound.

#12 WE GOT MUSIC {7th Heaven Radio Edit} Shirley Bassey
The Dame was back in 2014 with the uber-hip dance track "We Got Music". During 2014, Shirley Bassey also issued a new album entitled 'Hello Like Before'. This is another song that deserved far more attention.

#11 LOVE NEVER FELT SO GOOD Michael Jackson
The solo version of "Love Never Felt So Good" served as a preview track from the posthumously released Michael Jackson 'Xscape' album. A 2nd version- featuring Justin Timberlake -also wound up on the new release.

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1773 GALVESTON Glen Campbell
Glen Campbell's country/ pop crossover 1969 hit "Galveston", about a Texan soldier fighting in the Vietnam War and thinking about his home, was penned by Jimmy Webb. Al de Lory produced the Country and AC charts #1 in both the USA (where it also reached #4 Pop) and Canada. 

#1774 SO ALIVE Love And Rockets
Love And Rockets' sole Top 40 hit was "So Alive". In 1989, the glam/ goth rock song reached the Top 10 in the USA. It was written by guitarist/ vocalist Daniel Ash with input from the other 2 members: David J and Kevin Haskins. All 3 had previously been in the band Bauhaus.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS
THE TOP 100
#74 NEITHER ONE OF US (WANTS TO BE THE FIRST TO SAY GOODBYE)
GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS
(1973)
Writers: Jim Weatherly

Gladys Knight and The Pips released "Neither One Of Us" just prior to their contractual release from Motown Records. The R&B vocal group had been dissatisfied with the lack of attention at the label. The 1972 session that spawned this appropriate swansong for the group at Berry Gordy's label, took place in L.A. Joe Porter produced. Michael O'Martian, who was to become an in demand producer in a few years, arranged the track with Artie Butler. 
The aptly titled song was the group's last major hit at Motown. "Neither One..." reached #1 on the US R&B chart and peaked at #2 and 15 on the Pop and AC equivalents. On the British chart, the single climbed to #31. In Canada, the disc reached #16.    
Knight and The Pips enjoyed greater respect and success on their new label home, Buddah Records. The group continued recording together until they parted company in 1989. Knight has continued recording, as a soloist, ever since. 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the remaining Top 100 is added each weekday, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.

Monday, December 29, 2014

TOP SONGS OF 2014 update: 20 > 16. Each day, 5 more songs will be added.
The Caffe` Latte`
TOP 100 SONGS OF
2014
#20 NO ONE Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin makes the Alicia Keys hit "No One" her own with a fresh interpretation, as featured on her 'Aretha Sings The Great Diva Classics' 2014 album.

#19 UPTOWN FUNK Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
British DJ/ producer Mark Ronson will drop a new album in early 2015. "Uptown Funk", its lead single, has already topped the charts in Britain, Australia, France, Ireland and New Zealand.  

#18 LOVING YOU Michael Jackson
"Loving You" was a no-brainer for the 2014 album 'Xscape'. That this quality track had been sitting in the vaults for years is inexplicable. 

#17 ONE MOMENT IN TIME {Live} Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston is captured singing at the Grammy Awards for this stirring rendition of her anthemic hit "One Moment In Time" from the performer's 2014 live album.

#16 DON'T SAY GOODBYE Sergio Mendes featuring John Legend
Sergio Mendes released the 'Magic' album in 2014. It was patchy overall, but did feature a soulful collaboration with John Legend entitled "Don't Say Goodbye".

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1771 KISS THE BRIDE Elton John
 The rock track "Kiss The Bride" was the 3rd single lifted off Elton John's 1983 album 'Too Low For Zero'. The song, co-written by him and Bernie Taupin, made the Top 30 in the USA and Britain. John kissed his bride in 1984 and, finally, a groom (David Furnish) in December 2014

#1772 TONIGHT New Kids On The Block
The US boy band New Kids On The Block released "Tonight" in 1990. It was featured on the 'Step By Step' album. The Beatlesque track was written by Maurice Starr and Al Lancellotti and was different from NKOTB's usual material. It reached the Top 10 in the UK and US.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS
THE TOP 100
#75 LIDO SHUFFLE
BOZ SCAGGS
(1976)
Writers: Boz Scaggs & David Paich
 
Boz Scaggs co-wrote "Lido Shuffle" with David Paich. The latter was 1 of 3 session members who formed the group Toto 2 years after the release of Scaggs' 'Silk Degrees' album, on which he and the others had played. "Lido Shuffle" was 1 of the major hits from the LP. Paich also played moog synthesizer on this track. The album's slick sound would become a trademark of Toto's albums.
Released as a single in 1977, the disc reached #11 in the USA and 13 in Britain. On the Australian chart, "Lido Shuffle" peaked at #2. It was issued in that territory as a double A-sided single backed with "What Can I Say". It remains Scaggs' biggest Australian hit.
The singer/ songwriter/ guitarist has continued recording since his classic 1976 album. Subsequent recordings have seen him explore the blues and soul. In 2013, he issued the album 'Memphis' which featured covers of R&B songs from the likes of Tony Joe White, Al Green and  Willy DeVille.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the remaining Top 100 is added each weekday, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1769 YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR HAT ON Joe Cocker
Randy Newman's composition "You Can Leave Your Hat On" is a sexy song that, after Joe Cocker recorded it, gained notoriety through its use in the film '9 1/2 Weeks'.  The gravel - voiced singer from Sheffield recorded his version for the 1986 album 'Cocker'. Richie Zito produced the track.

#1770 CRYING Roy Orbison & K.D. Lang
Roy Orbison revisited his 1961 solo hit "Crying" as a duet in 1987 with K.D. Lang. He co-wrote the song with Joe Melson. The new version wound up on The Big O's 'King of Hearts' album in 1992. The 2 vocalists flesh out the 1960s classic.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
TOP SONGS OF 2014 update: 25 > 21. Tomorrow, the next 5 songs in this countdown will be added.
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The Caffe` Latte`
TOP 100 SONGS OF
2014
#25 YOU KEEP ME HANGIN' ON Aretha Franklin
Aretha adds more R&B into The Supremes' 1960s #1 hit "You Keep Me Hangin' On" from her 2014 covers album release.

#24 BLAME IT ON THE DISCO Alcazar
Alcazar came 3rd at Melodifestivalen in its attempt to represent Sweden at Eurovision in 2014. Its entry was the very retro/schlager "Blame It on The Disco" which became a #10 hit in the group's homeland.

#23 CLOWN Emeli Sandé
Scottish vocalist Emeli Sandé is 1 of the most promising rising stars in music today. "Clown" re-entered the Australian chart in 2014 due to a contestant's performance on the local TV talent show "The Voice". The majestic quality of the original reminded us of its lyrics' raw beauty.

#22 I WANT YOU Mary J. Blige
The highlight track on Mary J. Blige's 'Think Like A Man Too' album is 1 of the hip hop vocalist's best love songs. It is fresh, current and proves there's no stopping this essential voice of R&B.

#21 RISE LIKE A PHOENIX Conchita Wurst
 Conchita Wurst emerged triumphant at Eurovision in 2014. "Rise Like A Phoenix" tells her story of adversity and rejection before defiant victory. Its deserved win means the ESC will be held in Vienna in May 2015.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1767 WHAT YOU NEED Inxs
INXS blasted out of stereos in 1985 with the  funky rocker "What You Need". The Michael Hutchence and Andrew Farris composition from the LP 'Listen Like Thieves' became the Aussie group's 1st Top 10 hit in the USA. It also peaked at #2 in Australia.

#1768 GOODBYE STRANGER Supertramp
"Goodbye Stranger" was a Top 20 US and Canadian hit single lifted off the English prog-rock group's 1979 album 'Breakfast In America'. Group members Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies composed the track.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:

1 God Only Knows [BBC 2 Single] BRIAN WILSON & VARIOUS ARTISTS   2wks               1 3

2 I'm An Albatraoz ARONCHUPA                                                                          7 2

3 The Greatest Love Of All {Live} WHITNEY HOUSTON                                                  NEW

4 Walk Like An Egyptian CARO EMERALD                                                                          8 2

5 Steal My Girl ONE DIRECTION                                                                            [re-entry2

6 Did You Miss Me OLLY MURS                                                                     3 3

7 One Moment In Time WHITNEY HOUSTON [Live]                                                          2 5

8Uptown Funk MARK RONSON featuring BRUNO MARS                                                    5 6

9 I Bet My Life IMAGINE DRAGONS                                                                        NEW

10 Take Me To Church HOZIER                                                                                      9 7


TOP SONGS OF 2014 update: 30 > 26. Each day, 5 new songs will be added.
` Latte`
TOP 100 SONGS OF
2014
#30 STARDUST Mika
Beirut - born performer Mika grew up in France before relocating to Britain. He has enjoyed chart activity since 2006 and released the upbeat dance/ pop track "Stardust" in 2014. The single, which features Chiara, reached #1 in Italy.

#29 DO WHAT YOU WANNA DO {MYNC Radio Edit} Nile Rodgers
Nile Rodgers, the former member of disco/ funk group Chic, released "Do What You Wanna Do" in 2014. The retro workout should have attracted more attention for 1 of the most prolific songwriters in pop and R&B.

#28 THE CHAMBER Lenny Kravitz
Singer/ songwriter/ musician Lenny Kravitz unleashed his 'Strut' album in 2014. "The Chamber" was 1 of the tracks lifted off the new disc. This is 1 of his best tracks in years, mixing genres such as rock, glam and disco.

#27 I DIDN'T KNOW MY OWN STRENGTH {Live} Whitney Houston
The legendary Whitney Houston is captured live at "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 2009 singing her "comeback" empowering song "I Didn't Know My Own Strength". Houston is defiant and triumphant here, Who anticipated we would lose such a gifted artist less than 3 years later?

#26 UNDO Sanna Nielsen
Swedish pop music veteran Sanna Nielsen finally won the selections in her homeland to compete at Eurovision. "Undo" finished in 3rd place. The ballad's original concept is executed with the skill a seasoned singer like Nielsen obviously possesses.

Friday, December 26, 2014

TOP SONGS OF 2014 update: #35 > 31. Another 5 songs added daily.
The Caffe` Latte`
TOP 100 SONGS OF
2014
#35 WE ARE HERE Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys is a talented singer/ songwriter. "We Are Here" tackles topical issues as well as showcasing her vocal talent. 

#34 I STILL CAN SEE YOUR FACE Barbra Streisand & Andrea Bocelli
2 of the planet's finest voices come together on the stellar duet "I Still Can See Your Face". Barbra Streisand and Andrea Bocelli had been waiting for the right opportunity to record together. That moment arose when the former started work on her 2014 album 'Partners'. It's an aural delight.

#33 WE ARE DONE The Madden Brothers
American twin brothers Joel and Benji Madden are members of pop/ punk band Good Charlotte. The siblings branched out with their side project and issued an album entitled 'Greetings From California' in 2014. The retro- leaning lead single "We Are Done" reached #1 in Australia and New Zealand.

#32 LIVE LOUDER Nathaniel
South African born Nathaniel Willemse was raised in his new home Australia and after competing in "Australian Idol", he fared better in "The X Factor Australia" in 2012. Nathaniel has been hitting the charts since then, with "Live Louder" peaking at #4 on the Australian ARIA Chart in 2014.

#31 ONE MORE SLEEP Leona Lewis
Leona Lewis unleashed a seasonal album for Christmas 2013. "One More Sleep" was the Phil Spector- influenced X'mas original that reached #3 in the UK that year. Its musical arrangement is reminiscent of "Islands in the Stream" by Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers. It all works; with a fresh new holiday song to rival Mariah Carey's perennial favourite "All I Want For Christmas Is You".