Wednesday 11th October 06, 3.25 pm

17.

Graham Coxon - Freakin’ Out

Chart position: #19

The speccy geek strikes back. A driving, banging, blowout of a rock n roll tune. Coxon’s vocals pulsate with such drive that it almost seems like real menace. Like he’d kick your Mum into a sweet-trolley given half a chance. Or you know, look at her with a right ‘ol grimace.

Explosively great.

http://download.yousendit.com/CA94A7D711046445

18.

Sigur Rós – Hoppipolla

Chart position: #24

When I think of utterly beautiful tunes that seemingly carry me off to another place, I think of the aforementioned Royksopp’s “Only This Moment”, then this masterpiece of lubblyness. Words can’t really do this track justice as it needs to be heard to be believed.

Glorious.

http://download.yousendit.com/74762EF6029A266A

______________________________________________________________
 

Thursday 5th October 06, 11.20 pm

14.

Supergrass - Alright

Chart position: #2

The summer of ‘95 contained in three orgasmic fun-filled minutes. You can almost smell the half-slurped cans of cider from here. Bouncy, brazen, catchy-as-fuckity-fuck, and one of the greatest choruses you’ll ever have the fortune to hear. The sound of youth, fun, and seemingly never-ending summers.

An irresistible pop gem, and no messing.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/gt1w8d

15.

The Jackson 5 - I Want You Back

Chart position: #2

Greatest pop single ever, no question. Still blows me away with every spin. Sounds as mesmerisingly fresh & exciting as the day it was released. Not that I was around then, I was still nestling in Jim Franklin’s astonishing nut-sack, but you get the idea.

A killer, killer, killer 45.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/jo2cr2

16.

Death Cab For Cutie - Soul Meets Body

Chart position: #25

I first heard this while laying on my bed, off my titties, at 2 am with the radio on quietly in the background, several months ago. Needless to say, after the first few bars I was utterly hooked. It’s just so beautiful. The melody is magic, the vocal lubbly, and the production as light as your C.V. Not too sure about Death Cab’s other stuff, but this is greatness indeedy.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/atcz04

______________________________________________________________
 

Sunday 1st October 06, 10.45 pm

Alreet, peeples. Eye’s a bit better now due to eye-drops, so on with ze list! Hoping to bang through these daily from now on. Cheers for all your interest in this, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the selections as much as I do compiling & writing about my love for them.

13.

Basement Jaxx - Red Alert

Chart position: #5

This was the main fruity, happy-chappy soundtrack to me & my mates first “Jolly Boys” lads holiday to Kos, back in ‘99. A meaty, bouncy technicolour joy that never lets up from shuddering start to glorious finish.

I think its pretty fair to say that I’m a total Jaxx fan-boi, and I could've easily named several other equally-deserving tunes from them, but this is another of the selections in this list of which I’ve genuinely never heard anyone say a bad word, and for that reason (and for the fact it's quite possibly the greatest dancey tune ever released), in it merrily goes!

Download - http://www.sendspace.com/file/0928t6

______________________________________________________________

Monday 11th September 06, 11.55 pm

Alreet lads n ladies!

Just a quick note to say that I haven’t stopped the Top 100 Singles, and they will be continuing (hopefully) within the next few days.

The reason I haven’t been able to update is cos my eye has taken a turn for the worse lately, so I haven’t been physically able to look at a screen for very long. Yeah, even porn is out of the picture at ze minute!

Even as I type this, I’m spending most of the time looking down at the keyboard as I have to strain a bit to see the screen. Basically my right-eye has been giving me jip for a while, and I’ve had all manner of eye drops n that, but nothing has shifted the problem, so understandably I’m a touch worried! Still, off back down the eye-hospital this week, so hopefully it’ll finally get sorted. Haven’t got great hopes though, as I’ve already been 4 or 5 cunting times!

Anyway, I better go. Cheers for the birthday wishes too, and up yours to those who didn’t bother. Slags.

Bonjourno!

PS Get the Cansei de Ser Sexy album, top whack it is.
 

______________________________________________________________

Tuesday 29th August 06, 8.42 am

11.

Oasis - Live Forever

Chart position: #10

The greatest geetar-solo in the history of geetar-solos? Very possibly. ... ah, go on then!

Most people who know me or have read my scribblings on this here site before, will know just how important Oasis were (and still are) to me. I’ve been in love with their music since they first exploded into view, back in ‘94, and I’ve bought every single record they’ve released since. Yeah, even "She Is Love", for fuck's sake. A fan-boy, if you will.

Though, let’s be honest, this tune is utterly sublime. No one can argue that, at least with a straight face. A true master class in songwriting, that never ages. A beautiful song of love, hope, and positivity (though not necessarily in that order) that could end wars given half a chance.

Noelly G’s finest moment. Possibly Liam’s too. Stunning.

Download - http://www.sendspace.com/file/4udpfq

12.

David Bowie - Ashes To Ashes

Chart position: #1

My favourite ever moment from The Thin White Duke.

Love the weirdy-beardy twangly production. Love the weirdy-beardy lyrics. Love the weirdy (though not that beardy, really) vocals. Love it all, basically.

What do you want, Egon Ronay analysis? It’s a great, great single, and in this case that’s all that needs saying, Jeff.

Up the Bowie. And all who sail in her.
 

Download - http://www.sendspace.com/file/m5t4q2

______________________________________________________________

Sunday 27th August 06, 12.00 am

9.

Dionne Warwick - Heartbreaker
Chart position: #2

Written by the Bee Gees, of course.

The first time I heard this record was during a four-hour car journey to visit my Grandparents in Devon, many a year ago. I was about nine or ten, I’d guess. Anyway, it was tradition for my family to stop halfway through the journey and have something to eat in the nearest roadside-café. This time we stopped at a Little Chef and after we’d eaten, my Dad decided to buy a tape from the mini gift-shop next to the til-point to kill a bit of time during the remainder of our journey. He bought Dionne Warwick’s Greatest Hits.

Even though I was young, I clearly remember thinking how instantly catchy & enjoyable every track was. By the time it reached “Heartbreaker”, my entire family was singing along, even though my two sisters & I had never heard the tune before. It’s never left my, ahem, heart since. Another track I have to hear several times a week, and never once tire of.

Download - http://www.sendspace.com/file/veu50f

10.

Outkast - Hey Ya!

Chart position: #3

It’s a sodding must, isn’t it!

Another tune that absolutely blew me away when I first heard it on the radio. I love the way it blasts out of the speakers from out of nowhere and never lets up til it climaxes in a hail of beats and fat shaking arses (well at least at Buffet Headquarters).

It sounds so simple, yet absolutely everything about it is utterly perfect. From the beats, to the lyrics, to the spirited vocals, to the Earth-shuddering production.

The ultimate banger for any party, anywhere.

"Shake it", indeedy.

Download - http://www.sendspace.com/file/lxlvpc
 

______________________________________________________________

Friday 25th August 06, 12.30 am

7.

Faithless - Insomnia
Chart position: #3

When I first started going clubbing, back in the day, this tune seemed to be a staple in every place we went. Normally to a huge cheer from seemingly everyone in the building. It still provokes as much love several years later, and to me that’s a sure-fire sign of a truly great single.

I love the way it quietly builds & builds, Maxi Jazz's softly-spoken verses preparing us for the storm ahead. Once that storm hits, the whole club goes absolutely mental. It’s a brilliant, life-affirming club-moment for me, right up there with Born Slippy’s “lager” chant, and the swirling opening of “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough”, and it’s almost guaranteed to get everyone in the immediate vicinity cutting some rug like it’s their very last dance. Personally, I tend to po-go myself to death, though at 26 it's getting a lot harder to keep going 'til the end!

I’ve upped the full eight-minute version, as the single-cut really doesn’t do it justice. It's a big filesize, but it really is worth it. The lengthy build is what makes the eventual hook so much more enjoyable. That’s the long-awaited release, and like the rest of this classic single, it’s beyond magic.

Download - http://www.sendspace.com/file/rvs4jh

8.

Mansun - I Can Only Disappoint U
Chart position: #8

It’ll probably surprise a few people to see the now defunct Mansun make this list, but this was one of the first tracks that sprang to mind when I first decided to write & compile this list.

A big favourite of mine in the summer of 2000, I must have played it at least three or four times a day in the first week after I bought it. Really loved it, and still do.

It’s just a really nice, catchy tune with straight-forward lyrics and (for Mansun, at least) pretty pared-down production, and it gets by purely cos of the strength of the song. I think Duran Duran would’ve been quite proud of this one.

Download - http://www.sendspace.com/file/sgdcvm

______________________________________________________________

Wednesday 23rd August 06, 11.15 am

6.

The Coral - Dreaming Of You
Chart position: #13

I feel this track deserves a place in this list as I’m yet to meet a single person who actively dislikes it.

When it first came out I remember playing it several times in a row, never tiring of it once. It’s like a great lost 60’s record you swear you’ve heard before cos it’s so instantly memorable & addictive.

I reckon even Lee Mavers allowed himself a wry smile when he heard it, cos without him I can’t imagine this tune would have ever existed. It’s pure La’s, pure Mersey beat, and for me, The Coral’s finest moment thus far.

Download - http://www.sendspace.com/file/79il08

5.

Blur - To The End
Chart Position: #16

Britpop is always remembered for the cheeky-chappy uptempo tunes such as Oasis’ “Roll With It” or Supergrass’ “Alright”, yet people forget the “scene” also produced some gorgeous ballads, this being one of my absolute favourites. As a 14 year old just getting into "credible, grown-up" music, my first hearing of it on the "Parklife" album totally blew me away.

Melodically it’s possibly Damon Albarn’s finest moment, lyric-wise I have no doubts whatsoever. It’s terribly moving. A beautiful break-up song that doesn’t feel sorry for itself at any point, just remembers the good times, and the heartfelt lyrics would put a tear in the eye of anyone that’s ever come to the end of a great romance. Neither side is blamed, the love that’s now fading is celebrated for how great it was, but ultimately “it looks like we’ve made it to the end”.

Lyrically, it’s laid completely open, and you've got to remember that such a song from Damon Albarn was almost unthinkable back in 94. I have no doubt it’s critical and commercial success led him to write the likes of “Out Of Time”, “No Distance Left To Run”, and “Tender”, equally bare-boned tracks, free of restraint of telling it exactly how it was for him at that moment.

Without doubt my favourite Blur ballad. Incredibly moving, beautifully realised and produced, and Damon’s vocals will crack your heart in two every time.

Download - http://www.sendspace.com/file/n7dwi5

______________________________________________________________

Tuesday 22nd August 06, 1.00 am

4.

Röyksopp – Only This Moment
Chart Position: #33

According to my LastFm profile, this is my most-played track since I signed-up to the site in November of last year. Fifty-five plays in that time, apparently. I actually thought it’d be more. I absolutely adore this tune, to the point where it actually makes me a bit teary at times, I enjoy it so much. It’s just so beautiful. So utterly, utterly beautiful.

I enjoyed Royksopp’s previous album, “Melody AM”, but for me, this surpasses anything on that record and “The Understanding”, the album this single came from. I honestly think it’s near-on perfect in every way. Just a wonderfully-realised slice of electronic beauty, with gorgeous vocals and heartbreaking lyrics. It’s almost dreamlike for me as it’s so feather-light in sound and it tends to carries me off to other places.

For some reason, it reminds me of being on holiday with my best mates and listening to music and having a drink on the apartment-balcony before we’re about to go out. Some of the happiest times of my life so far. Maybe that’s why it gets me emotionally at times. Well that, and the fact it couldn't sound more beautiful!

Anyway, if you haven’t heard this, please give it a spin, it’s lovely.

Only this (moment)
Holds us (together)
Close to (perfection)
Nothing else (out there)
No one to (guide us)
Lost in the (senses)
Deep down inside I know our love will die

Stay or forever go
Play or you’ll never know
We haven’t decided
You can’t deny it’s all you’ve been waiting for
Okay..
Stay or forever go
Play or you’ll never know
Your spirit’s divided
You will decide if I’m all you'll be waiting for

Guilt in my head
Have Been part of my twist
By the force of an angel
Revealing our fates
And our words don’t make sense and I do understand,
Falling in love isn’t part of our plan
Forces within me, makes reason with lust
But I try to accept it and not think it works
'Cause I know I might lose you by taking a chance
But love without pain isn’t really romance

Only this (moment)
Holds us (together)
Close to (perfection)
Nothing else (out there)
Always (beside her)
Trusting (my senses)
Deep down inside I know I will survive

Download - http://www.sendspace.com/file/foa97k

______________________________________________________________

Monday 21st August 06, 2.20 pm

In the first of a new ongoing series, I’ve decided to list my top 100 singles and write a brief review/summary of why I chose each selection. I'll mainly be going for tracks that bring back memories for me, and ultimately writing about why I enjoy them and/or why they mean so much to me.

Dunno how often I’m gonna add these. Could be a daily thing, could be a gap of several days, but I’m hoping to make the entries pretty regular. Several a week, at least.

Some entries (actually, probably all) will come complete with a download link so you can actually hear what I’m talking aboot. Which is nice. Once these links are dead though they won’t be re-upped, so if you do fancy hearing or saving a certain track, make sure you do so pretty much on the spot!

The list is in no actual order of quality, by the way. It’s just my top 100 singles in random order, it's not a countdown or owt. I've also limited myself to one single from any one act, in the name of diversity an that. And the track must have been released as a single in the UK. Each selection will be posted on the front-page of the site, then added to it's own page as the list grows.

Hope you enjoy reading/hearing, and feel free to e-mong me telling me why a certain choice is right or rubbish, in your humble opinion of course!

Anyway, up first is...

1.

Beyonce - Crazy In Love
Chart position: #1

I remember my first hearing of Beyonce's debut-single clearly and I recall thinking "What the fuck is THIS?". It completely blew me away and kept me pinned to the seat for it's full duration.

From the opening looped brass sample, to the "Oh o oh o oh o oh o, na na na" hook, to the sheer spirit & energy Beyonce invests into it, it's a mesmerising piece of work. And one of the, if not the, most catchy and instantly-enjoyable singles of modern times. When I think of "pop music" I think of this, not the dead-eyed, sulky likes of Dido & James Blunt. It makes you wanna get up and do something.

Some people don't like the Jay-Z cameo towards the end of the track, I do, and feel it compliments the track beautifully. Beyonce added lyrics and melody therefore the track is credited to her, yet it was the production of Rich Harrison that lifted it to another level. The brass-sample was his idea, as was the live-drums heard throughout. Another great track he recently worked on was "1 Thing" by Amerie, which is basically "Crazy In Love"'s slightly less-attractive sister, but you still would anyway.

I highly doubt Beyonce will ever top it or even come close. It's truly inspired from chaotic start to shuddering finish, and that's why I believe it deserves a place in this list.

Download - http://www.sendspace.com/file/pxt5zj

2.
Talking Heads - Once In A Lifetime
Chart Position: #6

I first heard this years ago, though I recently rediscovered it after the fantastic video was given an airing on VH1, and it brought back great memories of when I was younger and hearing music for the first time.

It's one of those great singles in that it's instantly recognisable. You know exactly what it is from the twinkling-opening, you're there every time when David Byrne's spoken-vocals come in, and by the time it reaches the chorus everyone within earshot is signing along.

According to Wikipedia, it's "usually interpreted to be a song dealing with the middle age crisis and the inevitable sacrifice of youthful ideals and dreams for conventional success".

And you may ask yourself
How do I work this?
And you may ask yourself
Where is that large automobile?
And you may tell yourself
This is not my beautiful house!
And you may tell yourself
This is not my beautiful wife!

Some so-called critics have labelled this track as being "wacky" or "novelty", yet in my opinion it's a wonderfully inventive piece of songwriting and still stands out as being totally unique and strangely moving, twenty-six years later. It ranks as one of my favourite Brian Eno productions too, as it sounds amazing.

It went on to be covered by the Smashing Pumpkins, though it's a version I'm yet to hear. Also, again according to Wikipedia, "the lyrics were parodied to summarize the plot of the first season of the ABC drama "Lost". Which is slightly bizarre!

Anyway, great great songwriting, wonderful production, inspired lyrics, and a chorus I'll never tire of. A brilliant single.

Download: http://www.sendspace.com/file/k07nwy

3.
The Archies - Sugar Sugar
Chart Position: #1



OK, The Archies wasn’t a real band per say, but there’s no escaping the sheer brilliance of this tune and the way it still sounds as fresh as the day it was released. A short, catchy, irresistible pop gem, if ever there was one. It's right up there with The Jackson 5's "ABC" and The Beatles' "She Loves You" for stunning pop simplicity that anyone & everyone can enjoy.

It’s the sound of 60’s kids dancing on a Friday night with grins wider than an ocean of their faces, as that girl they fancy from school dances inches away with the school-bully. It’s about longing for that girl that constantly invades your thoughts and the narrator imagining how sweet she really is and if he’ll ever get to find out for himself.

Or maybe I’m talking shite and it’s simply a great throwaway pop single. I’ll let you decide.

Download - http://www.sendspace.com/file/2qnph1

Back

______________________________________________________________