Monday, June 30, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1466 PEOPLE GET READY The Impressions
Curtis Mayfield's 1965 spiritual R&B classic "People Get Ready" was a highpoint in the story of the group  he helmed: The Impressions.

#1467 LEVON Elton John
Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote "Levon" for the former's 1971 LP 'Madman Across The Water'.

#1468 WITH ONE LOOK Barbra Streisand
Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Christopher Hampton co-wrote "With One Look" for the musical "Sunset Boulevard", covered by Barbra Streisand on 1993's 'Back To Broadway' album.

#1469 IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR Wilson Pickett
"In The Midnight Hour" was a 1965 hit created by Wilson Pickett and Steve Cropper (from Booker T & The MGs). The Stax band infused the classic with a heavy dose of Memphis soul.

#1470 YOU'RE STILL MY MAN Whitney Houston
"You're Still My Man" showcases Whitney Houston's vocal power. The big ballad, penned by Michael Masser and Gerry Goffin, was from her 1987 'Whitney' album.

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.
5 new songs are added every day from #1201-1500
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#247 YOU'RE SUCH A GOOD LOOKING WOMAN Joe Dolan
Irish singer Joe Dolan was born into a musical family in 1939. After working with The Drifters Showband, he launched a solo career. His debut single "The Answer To Everything", issued in 1964, reached the Top 10 in his homeland. The hits continued. His success spread further afield with "Make Me An Island" in 1969. "You're Such A Good Looking Woman" became his 3rd British chart entry. The 1970 hit was written by Albert Hammond and Michael Hazlewood. The single peaked at #4 in Ireland and #17 in Britain. On the Australian chart, it reached #19.   
"Lady In Blue" was a major hit for the vocalist in 1975. His career continued to blossom. By the 1980s Dolan, whose style was reminiscent of Tom Jones and Tony Christie, was working in Las Vegas. In the 1990s, he founded his own label, Gable Records. 1997 saw Dolan reach #1 in Ireland, re-working "Good Looking Woman" with Dustin the Turkey. He continued recording into the new century. Dolan's last studio album came out in 2007. Sadly, he passed away on Boxing Day that 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 instalments are added each day (every 12 hours) with 1 of the remaining 300 songs as well as moving down from #1201 to 1500, with 5 of those songs added daily.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1461 ARE YOU GONNA GO MY WAY Lenny Kravitz
The title track from his 1993 album was penned by Lenny Kravitz with Craig Ross.

#1462 MY LOVIN' (YOU'RE NEVER GONNA GET IT) En Vogue
En Vogue dropped "My Lovin'" in 1992, lifted off their 'Funky Divas' album. The powerful song was created by producers Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster.

#1463 WHEN SHE WAS MY GIRL The Four Tops
After years in the wilderness, The Four Tops reached #1 on the R&B chart in 1981 with the nostalgic "When She Was My Girl", written by Marc Blatte and Larry Gottlieb.

#1464 TOO BLIND TO SEE IT Kym Sims
Dance artist Kym Sims' self-penned "Too Blind Too See It" was a UK chart #5 hit in 1991.

#1465 PUSH IT Salt 'n Pepa
Salt 'n Pepa changed rap forever with "Push It", lifted off their debut album in 1986. The following year, the watershed rap song written by Hurny "Luvbug" Azor was a global Top 10 hit.

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.
5 new songs are added every day from #1201-1500
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#248 L'AMOUR EST BLEU Vicky Leandros
In 1967, Vicky Leandros represented Luxembourg at the Eurovision Song Contest with 1 of its best known songs, "L'Amour Est Bleu". Born on the Greek island of Corfu in 1952, her family migrated to Germany a few years later. Leandros was still a teen when her debut single "Messer, Gable, Schere, Licht" became a hit in parts of Europe. In 1967, she was selected for Eurovision. Her song translates as "Love Is Blue" and was written by Andre Popp and Pierre Cour. She finished 4th but the song launched a successful international career for the young performer. Leandros enjoyed success singing in various languages. 
"Love Is Blue" became a hit instrumental for Paul Mauriat in the following year. The Frenchman's remake spent 5 weeks at #1 in America. In the meantime, Leandros' star was on the rise. She had her own TV show and, in 1972,  returned to the Eurovision Song Contest. Again representing Luxembourg, Leandros performed "Apres Toi"; this time emerging the victor. 
Leandros has continued recording. Her subsequent releases include duets with the likes of Demis Roussos, Johnny Hallyday and Tony Christie in the 1980s and 1990s. During the latter decade, she scored major sales for her German version of Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On". In 2006, she competed for the chance to represent Germany at Eurovision with "Don't Break My Heart", but did not win the selection. In 2011, she re-recorded "L'Amour Est Bleu" for an unlikely collaboration with electronic/ techno act Scooter, re-named "C'est Bleu".
 
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 instalments are added each day (every 12 hours) with 1 of the remaining 300 songs as well as moving down from #1201 to 1500, with 5 of those songs added daily.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:

1 We Are Done THE MADDEN BROTHERS  1wk                                                           2 4

2 I Want You MARY J. BLIGE                                                         5 2

3 Clown EMELI SANDE'                                                                             1 4

4 It's Your Thing {Studio Rio Version} THE ISLEY BROTHERS                                        6 2

5 Silent Tears MARCIA HINES                                                         8 2

6 Loving You MICHAEL JACKSON                                                                 4 5

7 Find the River {Unplugged Version} R.E.M.                                                         10 2

8 A Night to Remember MARY J. BLIGE                                                         NEW

9 A Sky Full of Stars COLDPLAY                                                         NEW

10 Lazaretto JACK WHITE                                                        NEW


NEW RELEASE OF THE MONTH
JUNE 2014
MARY J. BLIGETHINK LIKE A MAN TOO (Music From & Inspired By The Film)
While it is a soundtrack album of sorts, 'Think Like A Man Too' can be viewed as the latest in a series of strong album releases from Mary J. Blige. The film is set in Las Vegas and begins appropriately  with the Queen of Hip Hop's fun remake of the Shalamar hit "A Night To Remember". Her version doesn't beat the original, but sets up the mood so well.  You just know you are in for an enjoyable ride, and Blige doesn't disappoint.
The D-Ream joins her on "Vegas Nights", where Blige name-checks R&B artists that include Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Bobby Womack, James Brown, Lionel Richie, Barry White, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson and Gladys Knight. It makes for a cruisy track.  
The roll call continues on "Moment Of Love" where Blige references a "Diana Ross" 'tude. This is an easy groove to enjoy.
Pharrell Williams, the hottest property in music at present, joins Blige on "See That Boy Again", 1 of the album's strongest tracks. The horns make this song irresistible. 
"Wonderful" keeps the mood going, another of the hook-laden delights on this album. Blige slows things down with her gentler love song "Kiss And Make Up".  
Half of the album's songs were co-written by The-Dream and Christopher Stewart. The 2 provide Blige with some welcome additions to her catalogue. "Cargo" is definitely 1 of them.
"Suitcase" sees Blige channel Beyonce on a cut that could easily have come from 1 of Mrs Carter's albums. 
Next is "I Want You": classic Blige but with a blast of today. Her vocals wrap around its groove so tightly. It was co-written by Jazmine Sullivan who scored success with her amazing R&B revenge song "Bust Your Windows" in 2008. It's little wonder this is my fave track on the album.
Blige slows down again for "Self Love", pleading to her man that she wants him to love her "like I'm you". It's 1 of Blige's best ballads.
The singer helped write 5 of the 14 tracks. "Power Back" is the weakest, but still an okay track. It's as if the album has run out of steam by track 11. "All Fun and Games" lifts the album back up with its catchy beat and Blige's able vocals. It's the latter asset that holds the audience. "Better" rewards you for your persistence in droves. Blige is in fine voice here. "Propose" brings the new album to its conclusion. It's a sweet love song which Mary J. makes extra special, as is the production. 
'Think Like A Man Too' is largely the soundtrack to a sequel. I have not seen the 1st film and am unlikely to watch the 2nd. If I do, it will be because of this album. In any case, you don't need to know anything about either film to enjoy what is essentially the latest Blige album. It serves to remind us how much we have missed MJB and how underrated her vocal talent still is.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1456 MOON RIVER Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand recorded a cover of Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer's standard "Moon River", created for the film 'Breakfast At Tiffany's" for her 'The Movie Album' in 2003.

#1457 FIRST EPISODE AT HIENTON Elton John
Elton John's moody music and Bernie Taupin's lyrics are augmented by Diana Lewis' moog synthesizer on "First Episode At Hienton" from the 1970 'Elton John' album.

#1458 SO LONG Abba
ABBA's self-titled album was unleashed in 1975 and -among its hits- was "So Long"- written by Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus and group manager Stig Anderson.

#1459 IF I FELL The Beatles
 "If I Fell" was unleashed in 1964. By that time, when most of the world had already fallen for The Fab Four. The love song was credited to Paul McCartney & John Lennon.

#1460 LOVE FOOLOSOPHY Jamiroquai
"Love Foolosophy" was a hit single included on Jamiroquai's 2001 album 'A Funk Odyssey'. The funky track was written by group members Jason Kay and Toby Smith.

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.
5 new songs are added every day from #1201-1500
R.I.P. BOBBY WOMACK

Influential and underrated R&B musician Bobby Womack has died at the age of 70. Born in Cleveland in 1940, he started in a family gospel group named The Womack Brothers. They came to the attention of Sam Cooke and he gave the 5 brothers their 1st big break, signing them to his own SAR record label. Renamed The Valentinos, they scored an R&B hit with "Lookin' For A Love" in 1962. Bobby co-wrote the group a song entitled "It's All Over Now" which, in 1964, became the 1st UK #1 for The Rolling Stones.
Bobby married Sam Cooke's widow just 3 months after the renowned vocalist's tragic shooting. This made him unpopular and his group's fortunes plummeted. Bobby worked as a backing guitarist on recordings for other R&B acts including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and, in particular, Wilson Pickett. 
By the late 1960s, Womack was back in favour. Janis Joplin recorded his "Trust Me". He even returned to the R&B Chart with his solo releases. Womack played with Sly & The Family Stone and his beautiful "Breezin'" later became a hit for George Benson. In 1972, he reached #1 R&B with "Woman's Gotta Have It". A re-recording of "Lookin' For A Love" became his 2nd chart toppper. Around this time, he released the beautiful blaxploitation film title track for 'Across 110th Street' (used years later in 'Jackie Brown'). 
Sadly, drugs and other issues soon soured his success. He continued recording throughout the subsequent decades. Womack was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2012, Womack's 1st album in 13 years was issued. Damon Albarn from Blur and Gorillaz produced. Womack passed away Saturday June 28. His cause of death is yet to be determined.
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#249 WITHOUT YOU Harry Nilsson
New Yorker Harry Nilsson was born in 1941. He started writing songs at a young age and was eventually signed to Mercury Records. Nilsson's debut single "Donna" (using the monicker Johnny Niles) flopped in 1964, but his fortunes changed when Phil Spector used some of his songs for The Ronettes. The young songwriter was now in demand. His compositions were recorded by the likes of The Monkees, Lulu, The Turtles and Mary Hopkin. His song "One" became a #5 hit in the USA for Three Dog Night in 1969. That same year, Nilsson scored his own Top 10 hit in "Everybody's Talkin'", a song he recorded for the film 'Midnight Cowboy'. 
When it came to record his 'Nilsson Schmilsson' album, he gathered songs he liked. He had stumbled upon a Badfinger track named "Without You". The song had been written by that group's Pete Ham and Tom Evans. Richard Perry produced Nilsson's remake for the 1971 LP. 
The single reached #1 in America, Britain, Australia, Canada and Ireland in 1972. Sadly, both of its writers met a tragic end. Badfinger had endured litigation and financial problems. Ham was due to become a father but desperately in need of money. He hanged himself in 1975. The remaining members persevered. Legal issues and money problems resurfaced and, this time, Evans hanged himself in 1983 after an argument with band member Joey Molland. 
Nilsson suffered ill health caused by diabetes, culminating in a heart attack in early 1993. Despite his poor condition, he continued working. He completed his 1st album of new material for 18 years in mid-January 1994, but died in his sleep 2 days later. That same year, Mariah Carey scored a global hit with her cover of "Without You".

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 instalments are added each day (every 12 hours) with 1 of the remaining 300 songs as well as moving down from #1201 to 1500, with 5 of those songs added daily.

Friday, June 27, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1451 AIN'T NO SUNSHINE Bill Withers
Bill Withers' self-penned breakthrough hit "Ain't No Sunshine" peaked at #3 in the USA in 1971.

#1452 YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY En Vogue
In 1990 En Vogue scored a hit with "You Don't Have To Worry"; written, produced and arranged by Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster from the all-female group's 'Born To Sing' album.

#1453 I STILL HAVE THAT OTHER GIRL Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach
The inspired pairing of Elvis Costello with Burt Bacharach produced magic. "I Still Have That Other Girl" is but 1 of the gems they co-wrote for 1998's 'Painted From Memory' album.

#1454 MAMBO ITALIANO Bette Midler
Bette Midler released a Rosemary Clooney tribute album in 2003, which contained a fun version of Bob Merrill's standard "Mambo Italiano".

#1455 FREE Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder wrote, produced and arranged "Free", a soulful, gospel-flavoured track on his 1987 album 'Characters'.

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.
5 new songs are added every day from #1201-1500
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#250 TO SIR WITH LOVE Lulu
Lulu was so unimpressed with the contenders being considered for the title song of her 1st film 'To Sir With Love', that she persuaded her friend Mark London to create his own tune. It took him just 5 minutes to compose the music. The very next day, Don Black wrote lyrics for what was to be an international smash or Lulu in 1967. Like the song, the film, starring Sidney Poitier, became a hit.
The single reigned for 5 weeks atop the US chart. It had initially been the B- side for "The Boat That I Row", but US disc jockeys opted for the flip side.  
Oddly, the single was never issued in Britain. The Scot had to wait until 1993 to finally make the chart pinnacle in Britain. She achieved this milestone collaborating with Take That on a remake of "Relight My Fire". As well as proving herself as an accomplished performer, Lulu co-wrote Tina Turner's 1993 Top 10 hit "I Don't Wanna Fight". She still records to this day.

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 instalments are added each day (every 12 hours) with 1 of the remaining 300 songs as well as moving down from #1201 to 1500, with 5 of those songs added daily.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1446 NO ONE Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys continues to demonstrate her immense talents. She added "No One", co-written by her with Kerry Brothers Jr and George M. Harry, to her string of hits in 2007.

#1447 THIS SONG HAS NO TITLE Elton John
Who needs a title when you have a song this good anyway? Elton John's music wraps itself around Bernie Taupin's lyrics on this track off 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' in 1973.

#1448 HASTA MANANA Abba
ABBA considered "Hasta Manana", written bu Bjorn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson with Stig Anderson, for the Eurovision Song Contest they won instead with "Waterloo" in 1974.

#1449 OOH WAKKA DOO WAKKA DAY Gilbert O'Sullivan
Silly title aside, Gilbert O'Sullivan's self-penned "Ooh Wakka Doo, Wakka Day" was a fun Top 1o hit in 1972.

#1450 SOMETHING'S COMING Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand took on "Something's Coming" (written by legends Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim) from the musical "West Side Story" for her 'The Broadway Album' in 1985.

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.
5 new songs are added every day from #1201-1500
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#251 ANGEL OF HARLEM U2
U2 released 1 of their best songs in 1988: "Angel of Harlem". The song was featured on the group's 'Rattle And Hum' album that same year. U2 are credited as its writers. The song namechecks jazz and blues musicians John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Billie Holiday (the "Lady Day" the song is dedicated to). Jimmy Iovine produced the recording. The track features The Memphis Horns. 
Lifted off the LP and its documentary film for release as a single, "Angel..." reached #1 in New Zealand. The disc peaked in the Top 10 on the British, Dutch and Irish charts. In America, the song peaked at #14.

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 instalments are added each day (every 12 hours) with 1 of the remaining 300 songs as well as moving down from #1201 to 1500, with 5 of those songs added daily.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1441 CAN'T HOLD US Macklemare & Ryan Lewis
The dup Macklemore and Ryan Lewis broke through with their album 'The Heist' in 2012. "Can't Hold Us", written by the duo with Ben Haggerty and Ray Dalton, became their 3rd #1 song.

#1442 TINY DANCER Elton John
The much-loved "Tiny Dancer" was first heard on Elton John's 'Madman Across The Water' LP in 1971. The John/ Taupin composition found new fans via the film 'Almost Famous' in 2000.

#1443 YOU GOT IT Roy Orbison
Released shortly after Roy Orbison's death, 1989 album 'Mystery Girl' featured "You Got It"- his comeback hit written with Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty.   

#1444 A SLOW SONG Joe Jackson
Self-penned track "A Slow Song", featured on Joe Jackson's hit album 'Night and Day' in 1982, finds him desiring some soft music for some quality time with his partner after a hard day.

#1445 LEAN ON ME Bill Withers
In 1972, Bill Withers reached the top in the US with his own gospel-flavoured R&B composition "Lean On Me".

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.
5 new songs are added every day from #1201-1500
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#252 WICKED GAME Chris Isaak
With a musical approach that evokes memories of Sun Records and Roy Orbison before him, Chris Isaak has developed an enduring repertoire; of which "Wicked Game" remains a highlight. He was born in California in 1956. 
Initially, Isaak was part of the group Silvertone. Its members evolved into his backing band, as he launched his solo career. His 1st album release 'Silvertone' flopped almost everywhere except Australia (thanks to the single "Dancin'") in 1985. His 2nd LP, 'Chris Isaak' followed a year later, containing the hit "Blue Hotel". 
Isaak finally achieved success on a global scale with "Wicked Game". While the self-penned hit was included on his 1989 'Heart Shaped World' album, it was noticed when David Lynch used it in his film 'Wild At Heart'. That movie became a box office hit in 1990. Its popularity led to a renewed interest in Isaak's album. The track was catapulted into the Top 10 in Britain, America, Belgium, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany. One by one, these countries fell under his spell, overcome by his smokey vocals.
The performer has regularly continued to record and seems to be endlessly on tour. Subsequent hits have included "Baby Did A Bad, Bad Thing" and "Somebody's Crying". As well as his musical career, Isaak has appeared in the films 'Silence of the Lambs', 'Married to the Mob' and 'Wild At Heart'. He also starred in his own cable TV series.

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 instalments are added each day (every 12 hours) with 1 of the remaining 300 songs as well as moving down from #1201 to 1500, with 5 of those songs added daily.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1436 CROCODILE ROCK Elton John
"Crocodile Rock" became the 1st of Elton John's #1 singles in 1972. He co-wrote this with Bernie Taupin for the 'Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player' album.

#1437 FORGET ME NOTS Patrice Rushen
Patrice Rushen dropped 1 of the funkiest grooves ever with "Forget Me Nots" in 1982, a song she co-wrote with Terri McFadden and Freddie Washington.

#1438 LOST IN MUSIC Sister Sledge
Chic's Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers were at the helm when Sister Sledge became 1 of their projects, with "Lost In Music" from their 'We Are Family' album in 1979.

#1439 STRONG ENOUGH Cher
Cher's 'Believe' album returned the superstar to the charts again. "Strong Enough" was its 2nd single, unleashed in 1999, and written by Mark Taylor and Paul Barry.

#1440 COOL FOR CATS (UK) Squeeze
The title track from (UK) Squeeze's 1979 album was penned by group members Chris Difford and Glen Tilbrook.

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.
5 new songs are added every day from #1201-1500
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#253 CA PLANE POUR MOI Plastic Bertrand
Plastic Bertrand was an alias created by Belgian Roger Jouret. "Ca Plane Pour Moi" became an unofficial new wave classic. Written by Yves M. Lacomblez and Lou Deprijck, it was later reported that the vocals were actually performed by the latter. The song's title means "this life's for me". The single was a #1 success in France and Switzerland; and peaked at #2 in Australia. The disc made inroads in the USA and cracked the British Top 10. It was featured on his "An 1" album.
In 1978, "Tout Petit La Planete" charted in some territories, but none of Bertrand's subsequent releases could match his initial success. In 1987, the Belgian performer represented Luxembourg at the Eurovision Song Contest with "Amour Amour" (sung in French). He finished 2nd last. Johnny Logan's "Hold Me Now" collected the top prize that year. 
While considered a one-hit wonder in most countries, Bertrand has continued touring all over the world on the strength of that song and its impressive music video, including Australia in 2007. "Ca Plane..." was featured in the 2013 hit film 'The Wolf Of Wall Street", starring Leonardo DiCaprio, thus further exposing new audiences to the fun song.

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 instalments are added each day (every 12 hours) with 1 of the remaining 300 songs as well as moving down from #1201 to 1500, with 5 of those songs added daily.

Monday, June 23, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1431 EVIL WAYS Santana
The big hit single from Santana's self titled debut album in 1969 was "Evil Ways", the Latin-flavoured remake of a song written by Sonny Henry.

#1432 SO FAR AWAY Carole King
Carole King dropped her sensational album 'Tapestry' in 1971. Over 13 million copies later, "So Far Away", her own composition, is 1 of the main reasons for its continued appeal.

#1433 I SEE RED Split Enz
Lead singer Tim Finn provided "I See Red" for his group Split Enz in 1978. It widened their fan base and remains 1 of the band's best singles.

#1434 LAST NIGHT Traveling Wilburys
While Tom Petty is the main architect on "Last Night", all of the other members of The Traveling Wilburys had some input in its creation. It was included on their 'Vol. 1' album in 1988.

#1435 FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE Elvin Bishop
Elvin Bishop left the Paul Butterfield Blues Band in 1968, launching a solo career which spawned the self-penned 1976 hit "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" (with Mickey Thomas on vocals).

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.
5 new songs are added every day from #1201-1500
CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS


#254 SAILING Christopher Cross
Texan Christopher Cross was born Christopher Geppert in 1951. His breakthrough in 1980 was 1 of the most successful debuts of the 1980s. "Ride Like The Wind" peaked at #2 for a month on the US chart. "Sailing" followed in its wake, lifted off his self-titled debut album. 
Cross' self- penned song featured him on lead and background vocals and performing acoustic and electric guitars. Producer Michael Omartian also contributed acoustic piano. The track was recorded in North Hollywood. Few recordings can encapsulate a mood as precisely as "Sailing" does. Cross' vocal and the music transport one to blue waters.
"Sailing" cruised to #1 in America and Canada. In 1981, Cross scooped the pool at the Grammy Awards, collecting 5 trophies, (a record at that point). This included Song of the Year for his #1 song. That year, "Arthur's Theme" became his 2nd chart topper. 
Cross could not sustain his early 80s success, with "Think Of Laura" - popularized on TV soap "General Hospital"- his sole Top 10 hit in 1983. He has, however, continued recording new material. 'A Night In Paris' was his most recent, a live album issued in 2013 and featuring a concert performance of his gentle ballad "Sailing".

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 instalments are added each day (every 12 hours) with 1 of the remaining 300 songs as well as moving down from #1201 to 1500, with 5 of those songs added daily.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1500 CHOICE TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1426 I WAS BORN TO LOVE YOU Freddie Mercury
Queen's frontman dropped solo album 'Mr Bad Guy' in 1985. "I Was Born To Love You" was penned by Mercury. He co-produced with Queen's regular producer Mack.

#1427 STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF LOVE The Four Tops
The Four Tops released "Standing in the Shadows of Love" in 1967; another powerful hit created by Eddle & Brian Holland with Lamont Dozier.

#1428 WHO LISTENS TO THE RADIO The Sports
"Who Listens to the Radio" was written by lead singer Stephen Cummings and guitarist Andrew Pendlebury, an Australian chart hit for their Melbourne group the Sports in 1978.

#1429 DON'T CRY FOR ME, ARGENTINA {Miami Mix Edit} Madonna
Madonna starred in the film version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice musical 'Evita'. The Miami Miix Edit was issued as a single in 1996, a remix of the show-stopping ballad.

#1430 INSTINCTION Spandau Ballet
UK group Spandau Ballet scored a British Top 10 hit in 1982 with "Instinction", a song written by its guitarist Gary Kemp.

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.
5 new songs are added every day from #1201-1500