11 - 20

011. Oasis - Live Forever
012. David Bowie - Ashes To Ashes
013. Basement Jaxx - Red Alert
014. Supergrass - Alright
015. The Jackson 5 - I Want You Back
016. Death Cab For Cutie - Soul Meets Body
017. Graham Coxon - Freakin’ Out
018. Sigur Rós – Hoppipolla
019. Girls Aloud - Biology
020. The Concretes - You Can’t Hurry Love

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

19.

Girls Aloud - Biology

Chart position: #4

Oh sod orf you snobby cunty, it’s great. Pop music as pop music should be. Uptempo, vibrant, fun. The complete opposite of the pissy-panted likes of KT Tunstall and Dido, then.

Everything about this is Johnny Ace. From the instant, banging opening, to the nonsensical lyrics, to even The Ginger One getting to join in.

Oh, and it's better than anything the Spice Girls ever did. Yeah, even Viva Forever, Jeff.

Immense3000.

20.

The Concretes - You Can’t Hurry Love

Oh yes, yes, yes. This is what I’m talking aboot. This is a prime example in my opinion of a great, short, catchy, fun single that gets in, gets out, and doesn’t outstay its welcome by a single second.

The Concretes never came close to topping this, but then, I don’t think many bands would stand a chance. Poppy perfection with beautiful, rousing crescendos that'd get even your Mum smiling. No, really.

A sexy wee belter, innit.

21-30

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© Copyright Dan Franklin 2006