The year of Watergate, Rumble in the jungle, the three day week, two general elections and the IRA bombing the crap out of London.
The 9
Jonathan Richman – Roadrunner
Another one I was reminded of due to its inclusion on the Q compilation CD I found in the glovebox over Christmas. Apparently a conscious effort to do a song in the style of Velvet Underground’s 17 minute epic Sister Ray, which I probably wouldn’t have realised without reading on Wikipedia. Probably the best song to directly steal a velvet underground riff. Although admittedly the only other one I can think of is Mucky Fingers by Oasis. The release history of this is bloody confusing, with at least two different versions floating around and multiple releases over several years. But I think this is the eligible version in the correct year.
Lou Reed – NY Stars
And speaking of the Velvet Underground here’s Lou Reed. Hadn’t heard this until I picked it up on vinyl, but it’s apparently his highest charting album in the US. Given it’s not a patch on transformer or Berlin this is a surprise to me. Under pressure from the record label to follow it up with another hit, Lou Reed would release Metal Machine Music, which was pretty much just an hour of guitar feedback. Literally. Top trolling. Anyhow this is the pick of the album that preceded it.
David Bowie – Rebel Rebel
In 1973 David Bowie retired his Ziggy Stardust persona and split from his backing band. On stage. Without telling them beforehand. Bit of a dick move really. His follow up album contained more funk and soul, an unfinished opera about 1984 and this farewell to Ziggy. I can’t believe I left this off my Bowie retrospective earlier.
Bob Dylan – Forever Young
Aka the least successful X Factor winners song in history. I haven’t actually heard that version though. I used to care about the x factors domination of the charts and debasement of music, but I’ve stopped. Partly because I’m writing this on a device that has access to almost every song ever recorded (subject to internet connection) and also because in my extensive research for this blog I’ve discovered that for the past 40+ years the charts have been full of utter shite. It’s just not worth caring about. Anyway there’s two versions of this on the same album. I prefer the slow version.
Minnie Riperton – Lovin’ you
In an early episode of South Park in 1997 there’s a subplot about a plan to blow up a cow at an American football game. The trigger would be John Stamos’ (fictional) brother Richard hitting the high note in Loving You. Despite not knowing who John Stamos is or the song I found the concept and the failed attempts to sing the high note pretty funny. The episode itself Big Gay Al’s Big Gay Boatride was controversial thanks to its shocking message that there’s nothing wrong with being gay. The title was censored in TV guides to avoid offending people. Surprising how backward 19 years ago was in many respects.
The Rolling Stones – It’s only Rock ‘n’ Roll (but I like it)
At some point I’ll write a non snarky entry about the Rolling Stones. However this isn’t it. In 1999 this song was covered by an ensemble of artists for a children’s charity. A probably worthy cause, but one which saw Jagger and Richards line up along such musical luminaries as The Spice Girls, Ronan Keating and S Club 7. Rock n Roll indeed.
John Lennon – #9 Dream
From the album recorded during John’s lost weekend when he separated from yoko ono. A weekend that lasted 18 months whilst he was shacked up with her PA. Anyway the melody and nonsensical lyrics in the chorus apparently came to John during a dream, pretty impressive that he could causally knock out a song like this without even consciously thinking. Pity he couldn’t dream a better title though.
The Hollies – The Air that I breathe
When I was younger I assumed that The Hollies were Buddy Holly’s backing band and that he was being a bit egotistical a la Jon Bon Jovi. The hollies didn’t write this or their other massive hit he ain’t heavy he’s my brother. I wonder if the fact they’re best known for other people’s songs rankles when they were prolific songwriters in their own right. Suspect the money they’ve made means they don’t really give a shit.
Abba – Waterloo
So was going to avoid this, but 74 was less good than I’d hoped. Famously this was Sweden’s winning entry in the 1974 Eurovision song contest. And was voted the best song in the history of the competition. The UK’s attitude to the contest recently appears to be chuck out any old shit from some has been and then blame it on Jonny Foreigner when we come last. I’m sure if the UK really wanted to win they could send out One Direction. But then it’s not really meant to be taken seriously. Anyway, good luck to this year’s entry thingy and what’s his face. But if they one day get a musical and film based on their songs I’ll eat one of my many hats.
The Best Sellers
1,2,4,5,8 and 9 from memory. Recognise She, although not that specific version
6/9
Seasons in the sun is somewhat of a guilty pleasure of mine.
nine songs per year 