#13. Clint Eastwood - Gorillaz feat. Del the Funky Homosapien
A dancehall inspired slice of trip-hop that launched Damon Albarn's side project a million miles away from the alt.rock sludge that Blur had descended into. Insanely catchy and still delightful. #40forForty
A dancehall inspired slice of trip-hop that launched Damon Albarn's side project a million miles away from the alt.rock sludge that Blur had descended into. Insanely catchy and still delightful. #40forForty
June 4, 2024 at 5:26 PM
#13. Clint Eastwood - Gorillaz feat. Del the Funky Homosapien
A dancehall inspired slice of trip-hop that launched Damon Albarn's side project a million miles away from the alt.rock sludge that Blur had descended into. Insanely catchy and still delightful. #40forForty
A dancehall inspired slice of trip-hop that launched Damon Albarn's side project a million miles away from the alt.rock sludge that Blur had descended into. Insanely catchy and still delightful. #40forForty
#04. Personal Jesus - Depeche Mode
A departure for the synth legends, this story of faith in a lover is downright funky and hints at the sleazy ditties that lay in the band's future. No wonder this gets covered by anyone with a pulse. #40forForty
A departure for the synth legends, this story of faith in a lover is downright funky and hints at the sleazy ditties that lay in the band's future. No wonder this gets covered by anyone with a pulse. #40forForty
March 11, 2024 at 6:39 PM
#04. Personal Jesus - Depeche Mode
A departure for the synth legends, this story of faith in a lover is downright funky and hints at the sleazy ditties that lay in the band's future. No wonder this gets covered by anyone with a pulse. #40forForty
A departure for the synth legends, this story of faith in a lover is downright funky and hints at the sleazy ditties that lay in the band's future. No wonder this gets covered by anyone with a pulse. #40forForty
20. Talkin' 'bout a Revolution - Tracy Chapman
How do you follow a crossover mega-hit like Fast Car? Seemingly not with a politically charged anthem for positive change, as it bombed almost everywhere. But time has been kind, and this song is now adored & respected.
#40forForty
How do you follow a crossover mega-hit like Fast Car? Seemingly not with a politically charged anthem for positive change, as it bombed almost everywhere. But time has been kind, and this song is now adored & respected.
#40forForty
March 5, 2024 at 5:50 PM
20. Talkin' 'bout a Revolution - Tracy Chapman
How do you follow a crossover mega-hit like Fast Car? Seemingly not with a politically charged anthem for positive change, as it bombed almost everywhere. But time has been kind, and this song is now adored & respected.
#40forForty
How do you follow a crossover mega-hit like Fast Car? Seemingly not with a politically charged anthem for positive change, as it bombed almost everywhere. But time has been kind, and this song is now adored & respected.
#40forForty
#08. Like a Prayer - Madonna
By 1989, Madonna had learnt that controversy was the key to free publicity and increased sales. The furore over the allegedly blasphemous music video (fuelled, sadly by racist ignorance), almost overshadowed this magnificent pop classic. #40forForty
By 1989, Madonna had learnt that controversy was the key to free publicity and increased sales. The furore over the allegedly blasphemous music video (fuelled, sadly by racist ignorance), almost overshadowed this magnificent pop classic. #40forForty
March 11, 2024 at 6:26 PM
#08. Like a Prayer - Madonna
By 1989, Madonna had learnt that controversy was the key to free publicity and increased sales. The furore over the allegedly blasphemous music video (fuelled, sadly by racist ignorance), almost overshadowed this magnificent pop classic. #40forForty
By 1989, Madonna had learnt that controversy was the key to free publicity and increased sales. The furore over the allegedly blasphemous music video (fuelled, sadly by racist ignorance), almost overshadowed this magnificent pop classic. #40forForty
12. Alphabet St. - Prince
Surprisingly short and sweet, this funktastic tune smacks you around the face with Prince's usual sexual charisma, then surprises you with the suggestion that tonight, he's just a voyeur. Definitely not one for Sesame Street.
#40forForty
Surprisingly short and sweet, this funktastic tune smacks you around the face with Prince's usual sexual charisma, then surprises you with the suggestion that tonight, he's just a voyeur. Definitely not one for Sesame Street.
#40forForty
March 5, 2024 at 5:57 PM
12. Alphabet St. - Prince
Surprisingly short and sweet, this funktastic tune smacks you around the face with Prince's usual sexual charisma, then surprises you with the suggestion that tonight, he's just a voyeur. Definitely not one for Sesame Street.
#40forForty
Surprisingly short and sweet, this funktastic tune smacks you around the face with Prince's usual sexual charisma, then surprises you with the suggestion that tonight, he's just a voyeur. Definitely not one for Sesame Street.
#40forForty
#19. Partyman - Prince
The standout track on Prince's songtrack which accompanied Danny Elfman's more traditional score to the big hit film of the summer. This features in the iconic scene of The Joker & his henchmen decimating an art gallery. Great stuff. #40forForty
The standout track on Prince's songtrack which accompanied Danny Elfman's more traditional score to the big hit film of the summer. This features in the iconic scene of The Joker & his henchmen decimating an art gallery. Great stuff. #40forForty
March 11, 2024 at 5:52 PM
#19. Partyman - Prince
The standout track on Prince's songtrack which accompanied Danny Elfman's more traditional score to the big hit film of the summer. This features in the iconic scene of The Joker & his henchmen decimating an art gallery. Great stuff. #40forForty
The standout track on Prince's songtrack which accompanied Danny Elfman's more traditional score to the big hit film of the summer. This features in the iconic scene of The Joker & his henchmen decimating an art gallery. Great stuff. #40forForty
#23. Don't Marry Her - The Beautiful South
With sales fuelled in part by the cheeky uncensored version tucked away behind the radio friendly mix, this firmly established Jacqui Abbot as a worthy successor to Briana Corrigan. Just some silly Sandra Bullocks fun. #40forForty
With sales fuelled in part by the cheeky uncensored version tucked away behind the radio friendly mix, this firmly established Jacqui Abbot as a worthy successor to Briana Corrigan. Just some silly Sandra Bullocks fun. #40forForty
May 1, 2024 at 4:54 PM
#23. Don't Marry Her - The Beautiful South
With sales fuelled in part by the cheeky uncensored version tucked away behind the radio friendly mix, this firmly established Jacqui Abbot as a worthy successor to Briana Corrigan. Just some silly Sandra Bullocks fun. #40forForty
With sales fuelled in part by the cheeky uncensored version tucked away behind the radio friendly mix, this firmly established Jacqui Abbot as a worthy successor to Briana Corrigan. Just some silly Sandra Bullocks fun. #40forForty
#38. Big Time Sensuality - Björk
With it's iconic music video superimposing the Icelandic singer's barren looking truck onto the streets of New York City, this single came with an obligatory ton of remixes, but it's the original which made her a star. #40forForty
With it's iconic music video superimposing the Icelandic singer's barren looking truck onto the streets of New York City, this single came with an obligatory ton of remixes, but it's the original which made her a star. #40forForty
April 9, 2024 at 8:07 PM
#38. Big Time Sensuality - Björk
With it's iconic music video superimposing the Icelandic singer's barren looking truck onto the streets of New York City, this single came with an obligatory ton of remixes, but it's the original which made her a star. #40forForty
With it's iconic music video superimposing the Icelandic singer's barren looking truck onto the streets of New York City, this single came with an obligatory ton of remixes, but it's the original which made her a star. #40forForty
I've prepared my Top 50 Singles of 2024 and posted them on Instagram.
I'm considering putting them here but I don't have the spoons ATM to do the mini reviews I did for #40forForty
Is anyone interested in me sharing them anyway? Perhaps with music video links so you can try them?
I'm considering putting them here but I don't have the spoons ATM to do the mini reviews I did for #40forForty
Is anyone interested in me sharing them anyway? Perhaps with music video links so you can try them?
December 22, 2024 at 12:37 PM
I've prepared my Top 50 Singles of 2024 and posted them on Instagram.
I'm considering putting them here but I don't have the spoons ATM to do the mini reviews I did for #40forForty
Is anyone interested in me sharing them anyway? Perhaps with music video links so you can try them?
I'm considering putting them here but I don't have the spoons ATM to do the mini reviews I did for #40forForty
Is anyone interested in me sharing them anyway? Perhaps with music video links so you can try them?
#10. National Express - The Divine Comedy
A portrait of ordinary British life wrapped up in baroque chamber pop. The press at the time suggested posho Neil Hannon was sneering at the working class: by contrast, I'd argue he captured the essence perfectly. #40forForty
A portrait of ordinary British life wrapped up in baroque chamber pop. The press at the time suggested posho Neil Hannon was sneering at the working class: by contrast, I'd argue he captured the essence perfectly. #40forForty
May 22, 2024 at 7:00 PM
#10. National Express - The Divine Comedy
A portrait of ordinary British life wrapped up in baroque chamber pop. The press at the time suggested posho Neil Hannon was sneering at the working class: by contrast, I'd argue he captured the essence perfectly. #40forForty
A portrait of ordinary British life wrapped up in baroque chamber pop. The press at the time suggested posho Neil Hannon was sneering at the working class: by contrast, I'd argue he captured the essence perfectly. #40forForty
#08. Beautiful - Hifi Sean & David McAlmont
Few things on earth are more joyous than David McAlmont singing a simple love song. Fuse that with Hifi Sean's mastery of electronic beats, some sultry strings and a gospel backing chorus, and you have one of the best love songs of our age. #40forForty
Few things on earth are more joyous than David McAlmont singing a simple love song. Fuse that with Hifi Sean's mastery of electronic beats, some sultry strings and a gospel backing chorus, and you have one of the best love songs of our age. #40forForty
November 7, 2024 at 6:33 PM
#08. Beautiful - Hifi Sean & David McAlmont
Few things on earth are more joyous than David McAlmont singing a simple love song. Fuse that with Hifi Sean's mastery of electronic beats, some sultry strings and a gospel backing chorus, and you have one of the best love songs of our age. #40forForty
Few things on earth are more joyous than David McAlmont singing a simple love song. Fuse that with Hifi Sean's mastery of electronic beats, some sultry strings and a gospel backing chorus, and you have one of the best love songs of our age. #40forForty
Nice! I didn't take part in #Let5D0It for a couple of reasons. Mostly that I'm doing my own hefty countdown weekly atm via #40forForty, but also because I'm still digging into the time period in question to try and broaden my horizons past the big (white male) guns so my choices are ever evolving.
May 20, 2024 at 9:39 AM
Nice! I didn't take part in #Let5D0It for a couple of reasons. Mostly that I'm doing my own hefty countdown weekly atm via #40forForty, but also because I'm still digging into the time period in question to try and broaden my horizons past the big (white male) guns so my choices are ever evolving.
#12. Can You Forgive Her - Pet Shop Boys
Following their melancholic Behaviour album, and their '91 singles collection, Neil & Chris decided to go full on whimsy. But behind the silly hats were some of their best compositions yet, like this ode to teen romance. #40forForty
Following their melancholic Behaviour album, and their '91 singles collection, Neil & Chris decided to go full on whimsy. But behind the silly hats were some of their best compositions yet, like this ode to teen romance. #40forForty
April 9, 2024 at 8:18 PM
#12. Can You Forgive Her - Pet Shop Boys
Following their melancholic Behaviour album, and their '91 singles collection, Neil & Chris decided to go full on whimsy. But behind the silly hats were some of their best compositions yet, like this ode to teen romance. #40forForty
Following their melancholic Behaviour album, and their '91 singles collection, Neil & Chris decided to go full on whimsy. But behind the silly hats were some of their best compositions yet, like this ode to teen romance. #40forForty
#03. All the Lovers - Kylie Minogue
The two Nerina Pallot tracks aside, Kylie's 11th studio album Aphrodite was a somewhat underwhelming affair, buried under over-produced filler. Except that is, for this Moroder inspired electropop masterpiece of pure euphoria. #40forForty
The two Nerina Pallot tracks aside, Kylie's 11th studio album Aphrodite was a somewhat underwhelming affair, buried under over-produced filler. Except that is, for this Moroder inspired electropop masterpiece of pure euphoria. #40forForty
August 6, 2024 at 10:45 PM
#03. All the Lovers - Kylie Minogue
The two Nerina Pallot tracks aside, Kylie's 11th studio album Aphrodite was a somewhat underwhelming affair, buried under over-produced filler. Except that is, for this Moroder inspired electropop masterpiece of pure euphoria. #40forForty
The two Nerina Pallot tracks aside, Kylie's 11th studio album Aphrodite was a somewhat underwhelming affair, buried under over-produced filler. Except that is, for this Moroder inspired electropop masterpiece of pure euphoria. #40forForty
01. When We Was Fab - George Harrison
Every muso's favourite Beatle was responsible for this gloriously tongue-in-cheek homage to the world-changing band of his youth. Producer Jeff Lynne, Gary "Dream Weaver" Wright & a certain Ringo Starr help Harrison's retrospective vibes.
#40forForty
Every muso's favourite Beatle was responsible for this gloriously tongue-in-cheek homage to the world-changing band of his youth. Producer Jeff Lynne, Gary "Dream Weaver" Wright & a certain Ringo Starr help Harrison's retrospective vibes.
#40forForty
March 5, 2024 at 6:06 PM
01. When We Was Fab - George Harrison
Every muso's favourite Beatle was responsible for this gloriously tongue-in-cheek homage to the world-changing band of his youth. Producer Jeff Lynne, Gary "Dream Weaver" Wright & a certain Ringo Starr help Harrison's retrospective vibes.
#40forForty
Every muso's favourite Beatle was responsible for this gloriously tongue-in-cheek homage to the world-changing band of his youth. Producer Jeff Lynne, Gary "Dream Weaver" Wright & a certain Ringo Starr help Harrison's retrospective vibes.
#40forForty
04. Left to My Own Devices - Pet Shop Boys
At times, this orchestral sample driven slice of electronic artpop feels like a mission statement for everything Neil Tennant & Chris Lowe were managing deliciously to achieve. Che Guevara & Debussy to a disco beat, indeed.
#40forForty
At times, this orchestral sample driven slice of electronic artpop feels like a mission statement for everything Neil Tennant & Chris Lowe were managing deliciously to achieve. Che Guevara & Debussy to a disco beat, indeed.
#40forForty
March 5, 2024 at 6:03 PM
04. Left to My Own Devices - Pet Shop Boys
At times, this orchestral sample driven slice of electronic artpop feels like a mission statement for everything Neil Tennant & Chris Lowe were managing deliciously to achieve. Che Guevara & Debussy to a disco beat, indeed.
#40forForty
At times, this orchestral sample driven slice of electronic artpop feels like a mission statement for everything Neil Tennant & Chris Lowe were managing deliciously to achieve. Che Guevara & Debussy to a disco beat, indeed.
#40forForty
#05. Stupid Girl - Garbage
Written about a woman squandering her potential as she struggles to find her voice in a male dominated world, Stupid Girl made damn sure that definition couldn't be applied to Shirley Manson. Quite rightly, it helped make her a megastar. #40forForty
Written about a woman squandering her potential as she struggles to find her voice in a male dominated world, Stupid Girl made damn sure that definition couldn't be applied to Shirley Manson. Quite rightly, it helped make her a megastar. #40forForty
May 1, 2024 at 5:44 PM
#05. Stupid Girl - Garbage
Written about a woman squandering her potential as she struggles to find her voice in a male dominated world, Stupid Girl made damn sure that definition couldn't be applied to Shirley Manson. Quite rightly, it helped make her a megastar. #40forForty
Written about a woman squandering her potential as she struggles to find her voice in a male dominated world, Stupid Girl made damn sure that definition couldn't be applied to Shirley Manson. Quite rightly, it helped make her a megastar. #40forForty
#04. Suburbia - Pet Shop Boys
Fusing a bleak tale of impending class riots with a thundering drum loop and lilting piano hooks, it's near impossible to not fall in love with those choruses. The Imperial Phase has truly begun, here.
#40forForty
Fusing a bleak tale of impending class riots with a thundering drum loop and lilting piano hooks, it's near impossible to not fall in love with those choruses. The Imperial Phase has truly begun, here.
#40forForty
February 19, 2024 at 7:13 PM
#04. Suburbia - Pet Shop Boys
Fusing a bleak tale of impending class riots with a thundering drum loop and lilting piano hooks, it's near impossible to not fall in love with those choruses. The Imperial Phase has truly begun, here.
#40forForty
Fusing a bleak tale of impending class riots with a thundering drum loop and lilting piano hooks, it's near impossible to not fall in love with those choruses. The Imperial Phase has truly begun, here.
#40forForty
#21. Head Like a Hole - Nine Inch Nails
Trent Reznor had launched his industrial dance metal project NIN the previous year, and in 1990, the most famous track from that debut album first became a single. The production has dated but the venom remains incendiary. #40forForty
Trent Reznor had launched his industrial dance metal project NIN the previous year, and in 1990, the most famous track from that debut album first became a single. The production has dated but the venom remains incendiary. #40forForty
March 18, 2024 at 1:30 AM
#21. Head Like a Hole - Nine Inch Nails
Trent Reznor had launched his industrial dance metal project NIN the previous year, and in 1990, the most famous track from that debut album first became a single. The production has dated but the venom remains incendiary. #40forForty
Trent Reznor had launched his industrial dance metal project NIN the previous year, and in 1990, the most famous track from that debut album first became a single. The production has dated but the venom remains incendiary. #40forForty
#02. Lullaby - The Cure
Thrust up the charts thanks to some extent by its mesmerisingly creepy music video, this is Uncle Robert at his most spooky and kooky, and it remains a chilling delight. The "don't struggle like that" line still freaks me out a little. #40forForty
Thrust up the charts thanks to some extent by its mesmerisingly creepy music video, this is Uncle Robert at his most spooky and kooky, and it remains a chilling delight. The "don't struggle like that" line still freaks me out a little. #40forForty
March 11, 2024 at 6:45 PM
#02. Lullaby - The Cure
Thrust up the charts thanks to some extent by its mesmerisingly creepy music video, this is Uncle Robert at his most spooky and kooky, and it remains a chilling delight. The "don't struggle like that" line still freaks me out a little. #40forForty
Thrust up the charts thanks to some extent by its mesmerisingly creepy music video, this is Uncle Robert at his most spooky and kooky, and it remains a chilling delight. The "don't struggle like that" line still freaks me out a little. #40forForty
#21. Blue Song - Mint Royale
Perhaps now more famous for its Edgar Wright directed music video featuring Nick Frost, Michael Smiley & The Mighty Boosh, Mint Royale's cult hit works not because of the great vid, but because it's an utterly infectious club banger. #40forForty
Perhaps now more famous for its Edgar Wright directed music video featuring Nick Frost, Michael Smiley & The Mighty Boosh, Mint Royale's cult hit works not because of the great vid, but because it's an utterly infectious club banger. #40forForty
June 11, 2024 at 12:09 AM
#21. Blue Song - Mint Royale
Perhaps now more famous for its Edgar Wright directed music video featuring Nick Frost, Michael Smiley & The Mighty Boosh, Mint Royale's cult hit works not because of the great vid, but because it's an utterly infectious club banger. #40forForty
Perhaps now more famous for its Edgar Wright directed music video featuring Nick Frost, Michael Smiley & The Mighty Boosh, Mint Royale's cult hit works not because of the great vid, but because it's an utterly infectious club banger. #40forForty
#01. Being Boring - Pet Shop Boys
Possibly the finest lyric Neil Tennant has ever written, Being Boring is a haunting, heart-breaking ode to those who he had lost to the AIDS epidemic, at a time when it still ran rampant through the gay community. Vital listening. #40forForty
Possibly the finest lyric Neil Tennant has ever written, Being Boring is a haunting, heart-breaking ode to those who he had lost to the AIDS epidemic, at a time when it still ran rampant through the gay community. Vital listening. #40forForty
March 18, 2024 at 1:40 AM
#01. Being Boring - Pet Shop Boys
Possibly the finest lyric Neil Tennant has ever written, Being Boring is a haunting, heart-breaking ode to those who he had lost to the AIDS epidemic, at a time when it still ran rampant through the gay community. Vital listening. #40forForty
Possibly the finest lyric Neil Tennant has ever written, Being Boring is a haunting, heart-breaking ode to those who he had lost to the AIDS epidemic, at a time when it still ran rampant through the gay community. Vital listening. #40forForty
#23. Tongue Tied - The Cat
Written by Howard Goodall with Rob Grant & Doug Naylor, this was first performed by Danny John Jules in the second series of the sci-fi comedy in 1989, but became a surprise top 20 hit reworked in 1993. Still cool. #40forForty
Written by Howard Goodall with Rob Grant & Doug Naylor, this was first performed by Danny John Jules in the second series of the sci-fi comedy in 1989, but became a surprise top 20 hit reworked in 1993. Still cool. #40forForty
April 9, 2024 at 8:13 PM
#23. Tongue Tied - The Cat
Written by Howard Goodall with Rob Grant & Doug Naylor, this was first performed by Danny John Jules in the second series of the sci-fi comedy in 1989, but became a surprise top 20 hit reworked in 1993. Still cool. #40forForty
Written by Howard Goodall with Rob Grant & Doug Naylor, this was first performed by Danny John Jules in the second series of the sci-fi comedy in 1989, but became a surprise top 20 hit reworked in 1993. Still cool. #40forForty
#24. It's Oh So Quiet - Björk
Did anybody have "Cover 1951 Jazz Song Based On A 1948 German Song" on their 1995 Björk Bingo Card? No, you didn't, you absolute liar. But could anyone other than Björk get away with it? A mad moment in a mad career. #40forForty
Did anybody have "Cover 1951 Jazz Song Based On A 1948 German Song" on their 1995 Björk Bingo Card? No, you didn't, you absolute liar. But could anyone other than Björk get away with it? A mad moment in a mad career. #40forForty
April 23, 2024 at 8:12 PM
#24. It's Oh So Quiet - Björk
Did anybody have "Cover 1951 Jazz Song Based On A 1948 German Song" on their 1995 Björk Bingo Card? No, you didn't, you absolute liar. But could anyone other than Björk get away with it? A mad moment in a mad career. #40forForty
Did anybody have "Cover 1951 Jazz Song Based On A 1948 German Song" on their 1995 Björk Bingo Card? No, you didn't, you absolute liar. But could anyone other than Björk get away with it? A mad moment in a mad career. #40forForty