Monday, February 9, 2015

CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS
THE TOP 100
#45 EMPTY CHAIRS AT EMPTY TABLES
MICHAEL BALL
(1988)
Writers: Alain Boublil; Claude-Michel Schönberg & Herbert Kretzmer
The sweeping epic musical "Les Miserables" boasts several dramatic and stirring songs, including "Do You Hear The People Sing?", "I Dreamed A Dream", "On My Own", "Red and Black", ":Bring Him Home" and "One Day More". The underrated "Empty Chairs At Empty Tables" is arguably the show's most moving moment. It is sung by the young character Marius, who has survived the slaughter at the barricade. He remembers the fallen friends that still haunt his thoughts. 
Michael Ball recorded a version of "Empty Chairs..." as part of the 1988 World Cast ensemble recording. This project gathered some of the best performers from various productions around the globe, including (along with Ball) Debra Byrne as Fantine; Philip Quast as Javert; Gary Morris as Valjean and Anthony Warlow as Enjolras. 
Ball revisited the role of Marius for the recording. His West End debut in 1985 was playing the same character. Subsequent roles include Raoul in "Phantom of the Opera" 2 years later; "Aspects of Love" in 1989 and an award winning stint in "Hairspray" in 2007 playing Edna Turnblad. 
Along with an illustrious career on stage, Ball has enjoyed success as a recording artist. He peaked at #2 in 1989 with his British hit "Love Changes Everything" (from "Aspects Of Love"). His self-titled 1992 album reached #1 in Britain. The following year, he represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest. His song, "One Step Out Of Time", finished in the runner-up position. His most recent release was the album 'If Everyone Was Listening' in 2014.  
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.

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