Monday, March 31, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#381 GOLDEN SLUMBERS / CARRY THAT WEIGHT/ THE END The Beatles
"Golden Slumbers" forms part of a medley on The Beatles' 'Abbey Road' album with "Carry That Weight" and "The End". Paul McCartney had been working on the concept ever since he stumbled upon a lullaby from 1603 with the same title. Inspired by Thomas Dekker's original lyrics, McCartney composed new music and added some new words for what was to end up on 'Abbey Road'. 
The LP was issued in 1969. As the album draws to its conclusion, there is a medley of sorts featuring a series of songs. Most argue that "Golden Slumbers" is the start of a trio that segues into the next 2 short pieces. "Carry That Weight" could very well be McCartney pleading the case to his fellow bandmates to stick together as the Fab Four neared their imminent split. "The End" is the coda to this medley. Ringo Starr's drum solo shines as the other 3 Beatles contribute lead guitar on the track. McCartney's incisive lyrics are among the most quoted from the rock canon: "the love you take is equal to the love you make". 
"Golden Slumbers" has been covered by a variety of performers that includes Lou Rawls, Ben Folds, Alex Lloyd, John Denver, Phil Collins and Jackson Browne. In 2006, K. D. Lang recorded a medley of "Golden Slumbers" and "The End" for the 'Happy Feet' movie soundtrack. This breathtaking remake almost equals the original. 

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.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#382 LOVE ME Yvonne Elliman
Yvonne Elliman was born in 1951 in Honolulu. Her start in music began while she was still attending high school. Elliman relocated to London in 1969 and scored a regular gig in a folk club. It was here that she so impressed Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice that the songwriting duo offered her a role in their new venture: the stage show "Jesus Christ Superstar". Elliman was praised for her performance as Mary Magdalene in the rock opera. When a film version was made, she reprised her role and earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy / Musical. By this time Elliman had already charted with 2 songs from the musical: "I Don't Know How To Love Him" and "Everything's Alright" in 1971. 
While in the Broadway production of "Superstar", she met Bill Oakes who was president of Robert Stigwood's label RSO. They married. Elliman then sang backup vocals for Eric Clapton, most notably on his US #1 "I Shot The Sheriff".  
In 1975, Elliman signed with RSO. Barry and Robin Gibb from The Bee Gees, who were also on the label's roster of artists, penned her 1st US Top 20 hit single "Love Me". It was the title track from her 2nd album for her new label. In 1976, the single reached #6 in Britain, 14 in the USA, 3 in South Africa and New Zealand, 11 in Canada and 15 in Australia. 
Follow-up single "Hello Stranger", a cover of the Barbara Lewis song, peaked at #15 in America in 1977.  It also charted in Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the Netherlands. Next, Elliman began work on a song from a motion picture that, in 1978, would become her biggest hit.

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.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#383 YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE Nancy Sinatra
The 5th Bond film from the box office franchise was entitled "You Only Live Twice". The 1967 film sees Sean Connery as 007 travel to Japan. Its title song was performed by Nancy Sinatra who had scored a global hit with "These Boots are Made for Walkin'" in 1965. 
John Barry composed a lush theme with cleverly penned lyrics from Leslie Bricusse. The latter had previously written "Goldfinger" for a previous Bond film. Released as a single to coincide with the film, "You Only Live Twice" reached #10 in Australia and 11 on the British charts. In the USA, the disc peaked at #44.
Sinatra continued charting with singles in America until 1969. She branched out with her own TV specials and acting. Sinatra has written books about her father. In 1970, she married dancer Hugh Lambert and focused most of her time on raising her family. 1995 saw Sinatra return to recording which has continued since. In 2014, a remix of "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" returned her to the Australian chart.

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.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#384 ATOMIC Blondie
After the international success of Blondie's "Heart of Glass" in 1979, the group's keyboardist Jimmy Destri was trying to create a similar song when he began writing the music for what became their next hit, "Atomic". It had punk and rock elements fused with disco, just as its predecessor had. Debbie Harry penned the lyrics. 
Mike Chapman produced the track, which featured Robert Fripp from King Crimson on guitar and celebrated songwriter Ellie Greenwich performing background vocals. The song was included on Blondie's late 1979 album 'Eat to the Beat'. "Atomic" became the band's 3rd UK chart topping single, reigning for 2 weeks in early 1980. In the USA, the disc reached #39 but fared better in territories such as Europe, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

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.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Caffe` Latte` presents...
THE ALL -TIME
TOP 125 EUROVISION SONGS
THIS WEEK: #50-41
Each week, new songs will be added until the countdown reaches #1 on the day of the Grand Final in Copenhagen in May. Highlighted songs are winners for that year.
125 HASTA LA VISTA (See You Soon) Ruslan Alekhno BELARUS 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WP2_vOLNps
124 ONLY LOVE SURVIVES Ryan Dolan IRELAND 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tgtyl_5x5Y
123 PARTY FOR EVERYBODY Buranovskiye Babushki RUSSIA 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgUstrmJzyc 
122 KEDVESEM (My Darling) ByeAlex HUNGARY 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOimfHq76xk
121 LE PAPA PINGOUIN (The Father Penguin) Sophie & Magaly LUXEMBOURG 1980
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu9RictLX3I
120 YOU Robin Stjernberg SWEDEN 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtjdTPnCcu0
119 FEUER (Fire) Irene Sheer GERMANY 1978
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o8UnDhVwso
118 BIRDS Anouk NETHERLANDS 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5iazXvMw5o
117 FANGAD AV EN STORMVIND (Captured by a Stormwind) Carola SWEDEN 1991
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wnS4nu-bOc
116 MARRY ME Krista Siegfrids FINLAND 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL9-8OlUGHM
115 NEVER FORGET Greta Salome & Jonsi ICELAND 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRqmHRbJvTo
114 KA' DU SE HVA' JEG SA' (Who Is Wrong, Who Is Right) Hot Eyes DENMARK 1988
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOAnJN8CMww
113 HOLD ME Farid Mammadov AZERBAIJAN 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN3d_V7KVLE
112 LOVE SHINE A LIGHT Katrina & the Waves UNITED KINGDOM 1997
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azw4Kh8Rqpw

111 L' ESSENZIALE (The Essential) Marco Mengoni ITALY 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8oaxDV1q6o
110 I WANNA Marie N LATVIA 2002
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4GOSw7v0N0
109 ONLY TEARDROPS Emmelie De Forest DENMARK 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3f9v8ebuD4
  108 I LOVE YOU MI VIDA (I Love You My Life) D'Nash SPAIN 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raWwuq8DQnU
 107 DIGGI-LOO DIGGI-LEY Herreys SWEDEN 1984
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZMV6qCkRnU
106 GLORIOUS Cascada GERMANY 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HYTd7WDCPg
105 WHAT'S ANOTHER YEAR? Johnny Logan IRELAND 1980
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vccwzuttIQY
104 DIS OUI (Say Yes) Melanie Cohl BELGIUM 1998
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRfWIBJvioM
103 ANGEL Chiara MALTA 2005
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDPOw7ARQBE  
102 EN UN MUNDO NUEVO (It's a New World) Karina SPAIN 1971 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq0phfi6LR8 
101 WHERE ARE YOU? Imaani UNITED KINGDOM 1998
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nusBQ7Lacg
100 THE VOICE Elmear Quinn IRELAND 1996 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpdRtIM45ts
99 OPEN YOUR HEART Birgitta ICELAND 2003
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI7l5WSJPIA
98 HI Ofra Haza ISRAEL 1983 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqPGYSWnSFg
97 GRAVITY  Zlata Ognevich UKRAINE 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMxpv8naRd8
96 GIVE ME YOUR LOVE Fame SWEDEN 2003
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qAkQRczjDI
95 ORO (Hora) Jelena Tomasevic featuring Bora Dugic SERBIA 2008 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpmNsZ0vlrQ
 94 KUULA (Listen) Ott Lepland ESTONIA 2012 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzXKjvpgj2o
93 SHAKE IT Sakis Rouvas GREECE 2004
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQUbIrCAiPM 
92 DRAMA QUEEN DQ DENMARK 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXGl2cbDBDA
91 FAIRYTALE Alexander Rybak NORWAY 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXwgZL4zx9o

90 LEJLA (Layla) Hari Mata Hari BOSNIA - HERZEGOVINA 2006
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXlIN3mcsH4
89 ALL OUT OF LUCK Selma ICELAND 1999
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62WUErbhUUs
88 LOVE SYMPHONY Quartissimo featuring Martina SLOVENIA 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouHzat5vsiw
87 EUPHORIA Loreen SWEDEN 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80
86 GWENDOLYNE Julio Iglesias SPAIN 1970
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlqiv5q2lgE
85 SHAME ON YOU Tomas Thordarson DENMARK 2004
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ8ow0_GYBQ
84 TOI, LA MUSIQUE ET MOI (You, The Music & Me) Mary Cristy MONACO 1976  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoo_2aO2XPM 
83 PARLEZ-VOUS FRANCAIS? (Do You Speak French?) Baccara LUXEMBOURG 1978
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=341PZOwS2tA 

82 NON HO L' ETA (I'm Not Old Enough) Gigliola Cinquetti ITALY 1964
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bTv1-fb61U
81 LAS VEGAS Martin Stenmarck SWEDEN 2005
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDoVyeLKl0Q  
80 NOCTURNE Secret Garden NORWAY 1995
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qqOI04uo_c 
79 STRONGER EVERY MINUTE Lisa Andreas CYPRUS 2004
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq4RNHax5ow
  78 SING ME A SONG Bernadette NETHERLANDS 1983
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCW7GprKIj0 
77 O MIE (A Thousand) Aliona Moon MOLDOVA 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xckgLUv73Jc 
 
76 FRAMLING Carola SWEDEN 1983
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xah_01-wfII&list=RDxah_01-wfII   
75 I BELONG Kathy Kirby UNITED KINGDOM 1965
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeDI52bdntQ  
74 HOLD ON, BE STRONG Maria Haukass Storeng NORWAY 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Vejnp1YXO4 
 73 CAROBAN ((Magical) Nina SERBIA 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CWvXKxjCs8 
72 SOLAYOH Alyona Lanskaya BELARUS 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKewBfUE2Mg
71 LISTEN TO YOUR HEARTBEAT Friends SWEDEN 2001
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-s6nk3Iwmo      
70 DON'T PLAY THAT SONG AGAIN Nicki French UNITED KINGDOM 2000
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOjXSo5wMrs     
69 DAG EFTER DAG (Day After Day) Chips SWEDEN 1982
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d2em_sRT6A    
68 SHOW ME YOUR LOVE Tina Karol UKRAINE 2006
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRqhkwTIuU8   
 67 LA DET SWINGE (Let It Swing) Bobbysocks NORWAY 1985
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuZY2G4lpsA
66 DZULI (Julie) Daniel YUGOSLAVIA 1983
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8ENftFochg
65 OOH AAH... JUST A LITTLE BIT Gina G UNITED KINGDOM 1996
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMOgwaaQofI 
64 CASANOVA Gisela ANDORRA 2008
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuzrxIml2FQ   
 63 SI TU AIMES MA MUSIQUE (If You Like My Music) Stella BELGIUM 1982
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LSVpty64TI
62 I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT MUSIC Corinna May GERMANY 2002
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmZapNC1FbI
61 MAKING YOUR MIND UP Bucks Fizz UNITED KINGDOM 1981
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVvz7NA28CM 
60. CRISALIDE (VOLA) (Chrysalis [Fly]) Valentina Monetta SAN MARINO 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YirZIBi2vnY
59 HERO Charlotte Nilsson Perrelli SWEDEN 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoMjCubWM9k 
58 THE STRINGS OF MY HEART Vanna CROATIA 2001
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS9iEBC0Pvs
57 DANCING LASHA TUMBAI Verka Serduchka UKRAINE 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfjHJneVonE
56 VIVO CANTANDO (I Live Singing) Salome SPAIN 1969
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uMRzZcSou8     
55 APRES TOI (After You) Vicky Leandros LUXEMBOURG 1972
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTPVYktRl-I 

54 JACK IN THE BOX Clodagh Rogers UNITED KINGDOM 1971
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IadDY3-sOM
53 HALLELUJAH Milk & Honey with Gali Atari ISRAEL 1979
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlDQfq-9QV4
 52 THE WAGES OF LOVE Muriel Day & the Lindsays IRELAND 1969
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-lxKz2heAM
51 DEN VILDA (The Wild One) One More Time SWEDEN 1996
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaV6cIZfrdA
50 CONGRATULATIONS Cliff Richard UNITED KINGDOM 1968
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN4cSu45HXI
49 T'EN VAS PAS Ester Ofarim SWITZERLAND 1963
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VztUEuuB164
48 IF I HAD YOUR LOVE Selma ICELAND 2005
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdQdPDb1rMs 
47 A-BA-NI-BI (I Love You) Izhar Cohen & Alpha Beta ISRAEL 1978
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8IDx4Hmzho
46 POPULAR Eric Saade SWEDEN 2011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-04pUETT7oI

45 KNOCK KNOCK (WHO'S THERE?) Mary Hopkin UNITED KINGDOM 1970
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kvo8pzEyxF4
44 ERES TU (You Are) Mocedades SPAIN 1973
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EtPSn3qdEI
 43 THEATER (Theatre) Katja Ebstein GERMANY 1980
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGEo2fpiu0Q     
42 ELOISE Arvingarna SWEDEN 1993
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6-su7rYvGc   
41 WE WILL BE FREE (LONELY SYMPHONY) Frances Ruffelle UNITED KINGDOM 1994
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YMqYVvj4Hw     

To be continued next week!
The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:

1 A Different Corner [Live Symphonica Version] GEORGE MICHAEL   1wk              NEW

2 What's in it for Me KARMIN                                                        3 2

3 Blame it on the Disco ALCAZAR                                                             1 4

4 I'm A Freak ENRIQUE IGLESIAS featuring PITBULL                             2 3

5 Undo SANNA NIELSEN                                                        NEW

6 Hurt You BABYFACE & TONI BRAXTON                                                        NEW

7 Maybe (Forse) VALENTINA MONETTA                                                      NEW 

8 People Are Lonely GRAVITONAS featuring ARMY OF LOVERS                                   4 8

9 Controvento ARISA                                                        NEW 

10 Reset  {7th Heaven Radio Edit} TINA ARENA                                                 NEW

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#385 ALL I KNOW Art Garfunkel
Following the end of Simon & Garfunkel, the latter half of that famous duo issued his solo debut album in 1973. 'Angel Clare' featured a big ballad in the vein of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" entitled "All I Know". Art Garfunkel was taking no chances here in song choice. Vocally, however, the performance is majestic throughout. Garfunkel is allowed to shine here, just as he had on the duo's signature song. Jimmy Webb penned "All I Know". The recording of the lush ballad found Garfunkel co-producing with Roy Halee. The single peaked at #9 Pop in America and reached #1 on the Adult Contemporary Chart.

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.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#386 ALL MY LOVE Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin recorded some of the most monumental rock tracks, including "Whole Lotta Love", "Stairway to Heaven" and "Kashmir". "All My Love" reveals their softer side. The group formed in England in 1968, mostly out of the ashes of The Yardbirds. The most famous line-up featured Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham. By October 1968, the Yardbirds had switched name to Led Zeppelin. In 1969, the 1st Led Zep album was unleashed. Success followed and the group's legendary status, particularly among heavy rock outfits, has persisted since then. 
The group has been mostly an album-oriented act, releasing some of the best selling and acclaimed LPs. These have included 'In Through The Out Door' in 1979. "All My Love" appears on this album. The track was penned by Plant and Jones. Page produced the love song. Plant's vocals exude a masculine sincerity that few could convey as convincingly. His lyrics fuse perfectly with Jones' keyboard work throughout the track. 

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.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.

Friday, March 28, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#387 HOLD ME NOW Thompson Twins
Despite the name, The Thompson Twins featured no member with that surname and no siblings. The act's name derives from a Tin Tin cartoon. The UK trio formed in 1977. The original line-up soon evolved into the trio that would enjoy chart success around the world in the 1980s. This successful grouping featured founding member Tom Bailey, his girlfriend Alannah Currie and Joe Leeway.
"Lies" and "Love On Your Side" helped the trio break through in 1982-3. It was with "Hold Me Now" that the group enjoyed their greatest success. The song, written by the 3 members, was released in 1983. It was included on their 'Into the Gap' album the following year. The single reached #3 in the US and Australia and 4 in Britain.
More hits followed: "Doctor! Doctor!", "You Take Me Up", "Don't Mess With Doctor Dream" and "King for a Day" among them. Leeway departed in 1986 and the remaining members continued as a duo. 1991's 'Queer' album remains their last release of new material. By 1993, the duo had ceased to exist but the 2 members formed a new group: Babble the following year.

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.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
NEW RELEASE OF THE MONTH
MARCH 2014
GEORGE MICHAELSYMPHONICA [Deluxe Edition]
Live albums are tricky; they can be a cherished souvenir of a memorable concert (eg. Elton John's 'Live In Australia' and Simon & Garfunkel's 'Concert in Central Park'); but, if you didn't witness the event, a listener can miss the magic of the show. 
This album finds George Michael amid a symphonic context that opens with "Through", a beautiful song, but it fails to set up a special event. He wisely switches gear with a cheerful version of "My Baby Just Cares For Me". It is followed by a reading of early solo hit "A Different Corner"- the music is gorgeous and the vocals are perfect, revealing the beauty of this song. Another highlight is hearing "Praying For Time" in this setting.  
Terence Trent D'Arby's "Let Her Down Easy" fits in well among the singer's own catalogue; you would swear Michael had written it. Tackling popular tracks such as "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" keeps the audience engaged. "Feeling Good" helps change the mood with a jazzy delivery featuring Michael's blue -eyed soul chops.
"John and Elvis Are Dead" slows proceedings down too soon. It's a faultless execution, but reveals this album needed more exciting moments. Fresh reinterpretations from his solo and Wham! songbook would have provided some surprises. Kylie Minogue does this astutely, reinventing her past hits during her concerts. "Roxanne" strips down the song but again, adds nothing to the show. The same applies to Michael's version of Elton John's "Idol".
"One More Try", with its gospel treatment, earns its place here, reminding us of the song's depth and majesty. "Going to a Town" sees Michael, in fine voice, tackle a song by fellow gay performer Rufus Wainwright that is worth discovering. "Cowboys and Angels" is infused with a smooth shuffle and Michael's supper club vocal creates another highlight. "Brother Can You Spare A Dime" allows the Symphonica Orchestra to shine. "You Have Been Loved" is another Michael classic that is resplendently presented in this lush context. 
As the show draws to its end, this is where Michael needed to leave his audience on a high and hungry for more. Instead, he performs "Wild is the Wind". It's too slow for this part of the show. "You've Changed" proves to be another poor choice. Once again, it is beautiful with a splendid arrangement, but not the big show-closer needed here. In the end, the album lacks anything that is truly special but it does demonstrate that Michael is still an accomplished vocalist. 

Feel free to share your comments here.


CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#388 SPIRITS (HAVING FLOWN)
The title track from The Bee Gees' 1979 album 'Spirits Having Flown' is 1 of the impressive productions featured on the LP. The Gibb harmonies mesh beautifully on this ballad penned by the 3 brothers. Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb co-produced the track with regular collaborators Karl Richardson and Albhy Galuten. The single peaked at #16 in the UK.
As the Eighties dawned, the trio's fortunes changed. The disco backlash was in full swing with The Bee Gees, by now so closely associated with the genre, bearing the brunt of the change in public mood. After so heavily dominating the pop charts since 1978, the group's sound was no longer in demand. Shrewdly, the brothers did not let their considerable songwriting talents lie fallow. They, Barry in particular, provided hit songs for the likes of Dionne Warwick, Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross among others. 
While The Bee Gees never regained their chart domination, their own recordings did see them chart again, albeit sporadically.  "You Win Again" reached #1 in the UK in 1987. "One" became the trio's first US Top 10 hit in 10 years in 1989. "Alone" was a global Top 10 hit in 1997. The following year saw the trio duet with Celine Dion on "Immortality". In 2001, the group scored a hit single with "This Is Where I Came In".
Sadly, Maurice passed away 2 years later from a cardiac arrest sustained during surgery. Cancer and surgery claimed Robin in 2012. This leaves Barry as the sole member of the legendary group still living. 

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.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#389 ISN'T SHE LOVELY Stevie Wonder
The second disc from Stevie Wonder's 1976 double album 'Songs in the Key of Life' opens with the irresistible "Isn't She Lovely". Inspired by his daughter Aisha, the track features the little girl crying and interacting with her father. The groove is 1 of music's best hooks and Wonder kicks in with his skill on the harmonica. Wonder performs all of the instruments on here, with the exception of keyboards which are handled by Greg Phillinganes. Although this is 1 of Wonder's best known songs, it was not released as a single in the USA.

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.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


#390 DANGEROUS GAME Kylie Minogue
1994 saw Kylie Minogue unleash her eponymous album. It found the Australian singer exploring new musical directions. "Dangerous Game", written by the remix team known as Brothers in Rhythm, was a track included on this new release. The duo is comprised of producer Steve Anderson and DJ Dave Seaman. They also produced this ballad. The track cleverly uses strings and piano. The music adds drama to the song.  This recording is a highlight in her catalogue and serves to counter those who deride Minogue's cheesy pop hits.

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.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS


Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 6 hours throughout today
#391 POUPEE DE CIRE, POUPEE DE SON France Gall
France Gall's Eurovision Song Contest winner "Poupee de Cire, Poupee de Son" translates as "wax doll, rag doll". Renowned French songwriter Serge Gainsbourg composed the song for the French vocalist born Isabelle Gall in 1947. Gall started recording at the age of 15, achieving impressive sales with her debut release in 1962. Other hits followed. 
In 1965, Gall was selected to represent Luxembourg at Eurovision. The Gainsbourg song proved triumphant in Naples, Italy. This victory raised her profile, especially beyond the Francophone territories. It was a hit in Europe and in countries as varied as Japan and Singapore. 
Since her win, the popular French singer has tried to distance herself from the song. She collected more hits, still with Gainsbourg in control until the 1970s. The new decade saw her appeal diminish. Gainsbourg was by now pre-occupied with his wife Jane Birkin's musical career. Gall married writer/ producer Michael Berger who was soon at the helm of her career. Pursuing a new musical direction, Gall continued achieving hits. In 1980, she recorded "Les Aveux", a duet with Elton John. As the 1990s began, tragedy struck. Berger died in 1992 and their daughter passed away 5 years later. Gall retired following her husband's death but did later relaunch her career.

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.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.