7 Beers and still sober: 2014

Friday, 12 December 2014

VAN MORRISON - CONEY ISLAND

When a storyteller can put the pictures into your head without you ever seeing the place, means they are great at there job.

" I look at the side of your face as the sunlight comes

Streaming through the window in the autumn sunshine

And all the time going to Coney Island I'm thinking,

Wouldn't it be great if it was like this all the time"

Van Morrison - Days Like This

Sax, foot taps, duets and the best voice in Celtic blues, oh why can't all days be like this?

The Walls - Stop the Lights - Croke Park stadium

Really into this group at the moment

the walls - the great escape

Really love this song , makes a boring packed train journey worth while. Thanks guys

Armageddon - Buzzard

Great band with Keith Relf in. Great rif and it's timeless it could be a band today not a song recorded in 1975

Wednesday, 10 December 2014

Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd Tribute (Hannes, Kilian, Thomas & Konsti)

Love this song

Dirtbombs - Ode to a Black Man

Just found this- love it, nice one guys.

The Corrs Old Town Mtv Unplugged HQ

Phil would have loved it

Brian Kennedy - Captured

Love this song , love the voice and I'm off to watch him next week.

Hugh Laurie - Unchain My Heart (from Ocean Way Studios)

Love this version of this classiac

Friday, 1 August 2014

No 1 - Stiff Little Fingers - Alternative Ulster

Well here it is my all time favorite song. Sums up my time in Ulster during the troubles than coming back to England with people not really understanding the Shit on there doorstep and how lucky they were to live in England. This songs sum's it up. Still makes me want to jump and down.

If you haven't notice but my top 10 features all Irish artists and most of the songs are by Van Morrison.

I've had fun doing this and I hope you have fun doing yours.

"And the RUC dog of repression

Is barking at your feet"

No. 2 - Gary Moore & Phil Lynott - Still in Love With You

There are different version of this Lizzy classic, but whilst the live and dangerous version is one of the best this version by Gary and Phil deserves to be heard. Both missed.

"My head, it keeps on reeling

It's got me in a crazy spin"

No. 3 - Rory Gallagher - Cant Believe Its True

My favorite Rory song, and I love how he plays the Sax on this song. Has that lovely late night jazz feel to it.

"Don't need no fingerprints to know

You've got your hands on my very soul"

No. 4 - Energy Orchard - Madame George

When I first heard this I thought I heard heaven, a fantastic and better version than Van's.

Simply a song I never tire of hearing.

"The kids out in the street collecting bottle-tops
Gone for cigarettes and matches in the shops"

No. 5 - Van Morrison - Saint Dominic's Preview

Van the man sowing images into my imagination allow to see things that may be others don't.What a fantastic storyteller.

I still think St Dominic's is a far better album than Astral Weeks or as Van would say maybe the critics are flying to high to see my point of view.

"(You know that) No one's making no commitments

To anybody but themselves,"

No. 6 - U2 + Gospel Choir - I still haven't found what I'm looking for

I love the way U2 brougtht in the choir to sing this, makes the song 10 times better and it was a classic before the choir. It's my favorite U2 song

"I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of a devil"

No. 7 - Rory Gallagher - A million miles away

My second all time favorite Rory Gallagher song, the best song to sum up loneliness. My last song to be played at my funeral

"This hotel bar has lost all its
people,

The piano man has caught the
last bus home,

The old bartender just collapsed
in the corner,

Why I'm still here, I just don't
know,

I don't know."

No. 8 - Brian Kennedy - Brown Eyed Girl

The best version of the Van Morrison song. Should be played more often on the radio.

Remember seeing Brian playing with Van at the Corn exchange and thought what a voice, loved him since and he can write books as well.

"Making love in the green grass

Behind the stadium"

No. 9 - Clannad & Bono - In A Lifetime

Another song to played at my funeral. Love the duet and Clannad and Bono should do more.

"Believe the light in you
So the light shines in you"

No. 10 - Joby Fox - Belfast

Now this should be Energy Orchard but the videos are not that good and Joby Fox was a member of the band and it's a lovely version.

" How I know you so well, your like Heaven , your like Hell"

No.11 - This Mortal Coil - Song To The Siren

This is the song I want played at my funeral amongst others. Play it at full volume.

Elizabeth Fraser one of the greatest voices I have ever had the pleasure to listen to.

"Should I lie with Death my bride?"

No. 12 - Page & plant - Kashmir (

The best song Zeppelin ever ever did, forget stairway.

"My Shangri-La beneath the summer moon, I will return again

Sure as the dust that floats high in June, when movin' through Kashmir. "

No. 13 - U2 - One

My second favorite U2 song in this top 100, however I've just noticed I've missed Bad off. Doh!!

"Did I disappoint you

Or leave a bad taste in your mouth"

No. 14 - The Streets - Has It Come To This

I love Mike skinner and his lyrics. This really sums up the late 90's and early 2000, playstations, herbs, SR Nova etc. Still the best song I've heard in the last decade.

"Sex, Drugs 'n' On The Dole"

No. 15 - John Lennon - stand by me

Lennon looking and playing what he loves the early part of rock n roll. remember staying up to watch the interview with john and Bob Harris on the Old Grey whistle test. Great slide guitar in it.

"If the sky that we look upon

Should tumble and fall

All the mountains should crumble to the sea"

No. 16 - The Beatles- Nowhere Man

The first album I ever loved was Rubber Soul and this is my all time favorite Beatle trak.

"Nowhere Man, the world is at your command"

No. 17 - David Bowie - Moonage Daydream

Went to school in 73 with Ziggy stardust blasting out of my cassette player and a 6th former came up to me and said" Moonage Daydream by David Bowie, good choice"

Loved Ronno's guitar playing and asI listen to it today it's still fresh and exicting as it was 40 odd years later.

"Freak out in a moonage daydream oh yeah! "

No. 18 - Gary Moore - Separate ways

Gary Moore doing what he does best. Love the horns in this song and the passion Gary sings and plays. I great breakup song.

"Time after time we will try to understand.

I don't know where we went wrong,

but there's no use in holdin' on."

No. 19 - Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros - Yalla Yalla

Joe writes songs that make you go and investigate what's in the lyrics. I mean where is ragga F.M.

Really miss his musical abilities.

"Kool Moe Dee was in the treacherous three

There's old school, new school and Brownie McGee"

RIP Joe

No. 20 - The Rolling Stones - Wild Horses

My favorite stones song. I tip a glass to MT for getting me into the stones.

"I watched you suffer a dull aching pain

Now you decided to show me the same"

No. 21 - Bad Company - Bad Company

The first album I brought before hearing a track, brought it because of Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs. Wore out two copies of the album and I still love the title track.

"Rebel souls, deserters we are called"

No. 22 - Black Sabbath - Paranoid

One of the best bands to come out of Birmingham. Great vocals, great guitar playing and a great crowd stomper.

"I tell you to enjoy life I wish I could but it's too late"

Thursday, 31 July 2014

No. 23 - Led Zeppelin - Rock And Roll

A rock band doing what the do best, playing good old hard rock 'n' roll.

"Seems so long since we walked in the moonlight"

Publish Post

No. 25 - Deep Purple - Smoke on The Water

Go out and buy "Made in Japan by deep Purple", turn the volume up and play Smoke on the water if this don't make you want to be a rocker, then forget it. One of the best rifts in rock and a great duel between guitar and organ on the album.

"Funky Claude was running in and out

Pulling kids out the ground"

RIP Claude

No. 26 - Thin Lizzy - Are You Ready

Lizzy at there very best, doing the business on the stage. A great set opener.

"Are you ready to rock?

Are you ready to hit the floor?

Are you ready lover?

'Cause if you're ready, I'm ready!"

Well are you ?

No. 27 - Gnarls Barkley - Crazy

Most songs i pick are not from the 2000 years as most modern music doesn't have the same affect as the early stuff, and the experiences I can relate them to, but this song really did it for me and maybe it should be higher I don't know lets see how i feel about it in 10 years time.

""And it's no coincidence I've come

And I can die when I'm done"

No. 28 - The Clash - If Music Could Talk

This is a song hardly played on the radio and not known outside die hard Clash fans. Why do I love it so much is the two way conversation Joe has when singing and narrating the song. I always hear something different every time I hear it. It gives me a lot to think about, just a word, sentence etc. A fantastic song.

"I smash my glass and shout shanghi"

No. 29 - Eddi Reader - "Kiteflyer's Hill"

I love sitting on the tops of hills or tors, I just love watching the sun set or rise and wondering about the people who live below, this songs sums how happy and at one I am on a hill.

"My wild summer love

Where are you now ?

Do you think of me sometimes"

No. 30 - Thin Lizzy - Me and the boys

A great encore song, can't find the Glasgow clip where Lizzy are at there fucking best.

Pity Brian is not in this clip.

"me and the boys were wondering

how you and the girls are getting home from here tonight"

No. 31 - Sam the Sham the Pharaos - Wooly Bully

I remember hearing this on the radio and went looking for it in my local record shop.

"Matty told Hatty about a thing she saw.
Had two big horns and a wooly jaw."

No. 32 - Black Sabbath - Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

When your smoking waccy bacca, this is one of the songs you know you want to hear. Walking on disused railways line takes the pain away with you smoke a great bit of weed.

I would wait to scream out "You Bastards " as it played on the tape.

"The people who have crippled you

You want to see them burn"

No. 33 - John Lennon - God

A song that made me question what I was ever told or taught. I have since hearing this way back in the 70's never accepted what someone says I should do. My life journey is mine to go down be it right or wrong, it's my path.

"and so dear friends

you'll just have to carry on

The Dream is over
"

No. 34 - Japan - Ghosts

I was not a lover of the new romantic / electronic phase in the 80's but this song just sends goosebumps over me when I hear it.

"Just when I think I'm winning

When I've broken every door

The ghosts of my life blow wilder than before "

No. 35 - Rolling Stones - Dead Flowers

One of the best songs the stones have ever written.

"Send me dead flowers to my wedding
And I won't forget to put roses on your grave "

No. 36 - John lennon - Working Class Hero

Lennon is like Marmite you either like him or not. A song that sums up most peoples lives. Nice one John

"Keep you doped with religion, sex and T.V.

and you think you're so clever and classless and free

but you're still fucking peasants as far as I can see"

No. 37 - Butch Hancock - "Mario y Maria"

I love songs that give you a story and I spent ages trying to find the lyrics to this song as i tried to work what the story was about.

I still love it and I wish Angeline carved my dreams.

"Angeline carved wooden dreams

An artist of the world it seems"

No. 38 - Oasis - Songbird

A song writtern byliam rather than Noel. I love it for it's simplicity.

"Gonna write a song so she can see

Give her all the love she gives to me"

No. 39 Emm Gryner - Running Back

A very haunting version of the Thin Lizzy classic by Canadian singer songwriter Emm Gryner. I bet if Phil had heard it he would have loved it as well as trying to pull Emm. I can see Phil raising a class in approval for this fantastic version.

"The show is over

and we must all go home

Just leave me by myself

I'll be alright here on my own"

No. 40 - The Undertones - Teenage Kicks

The undertones 2 minutes and 21 seconds of sheer brillance.

What every boy wanted when he saw a girl in the street.

"Another girl in the neighborhood

Wish she was mine, she looks so good"

No. 41 - The Clash - Stay Free

Mick Jones singing how two lives go separate ways. How he ended up with the world and his mate ended up in prison. My favorite line comes from this song and I still use it today.

"go easy...step lightly...stay free"

No. 42 - The clash - Police and Thieves

the clash did more to bring reggae to a wider, white audience than any other white band.

"Police and thieves in the streets, oh yeah
Scaring the nation with their guns and ammunition"

No. 43 - Guns and Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine

This song always reminds me of marking stock in as this was being played on the radio around 87. I also remember it because I was riding home from seeing KB one night in thick fog and going up Gilbert road and I could hear a car coming and you could hear him hitting wing mirrors on the cars parked on the road and I thought I'm going to die, doesn't matter where I go he is going to hit me on my bike. Turned this song up on my Walkman and he went passed me still hitting wing mirrors further up the road.

"I'd hate to look into those eyes

And see an ounce of pain"

No. 44 - Gary Moore - Don't Believe A Word

this might as well be Thin Lizzy rather than Gary Moore. This is how it was originally written not the fast tempo released by Lizzy. So Gary recorded it and stuck it on his first solo album. Love the Duet as well.

"Your heart is like a promise

Made to be broken"

No. 45 - David Bowie - Young Americans

Bowie used a cut up process to write songs. he was also hip to what was going on and re-invented himself so many times it makes you wonder who he was really.

"Black's got respect, and white's got his Soul Train"

No. 46 - The Clash - London Calling

Forget the media the clash did more to educate me about the wars, the terrors, the brutally of the world and more importantly England and how the lower class are dumped on by the upper class.

"Phoney Beatlemania has bitten the dust

London calling, see we ain't got no swing

'Cept for the ring of that truncheon thing"

No. 47 - U2 - Desire

Another short song from U2. A really good rock n Roll song. Nice one boys.

"Like a preacher stealing hearts

At a traveling show"

No. 48 - Johnny Cash - Hurt

Simply the most moving video I have ever seen. A legend singing a classic song, and no doubt Johnny was not afraid to die, but he had so much to offer in such a short time.

"Everyone I know goes away

In the end "

No. 49 - Hey Joe - Patti Smith

Patti Smith is a required taste and the intro to "Hey Joe" sums her up really, speaking out for what we all thought. Also I liked the fact this version has been slowed down. Nice one Patti.

"you know I caught my old lady messin' 'round town.

And I gave her the gun and I shot her!"

No. 50 - John Mellencamp - Wild Night ft. Me'Shell Ndegeocello

This is a song that should be played as an alarm through a stack of speakers as it will make you get out of bed and enjoy the day ahead.

great version of Van"the grumpy" man song.

"All the girls walk by, dressed up for each other
And the boys, do the boogie-woogie."

No. 51 - The Rolling Stones - Angie

Another song listened to on the Lambeg road and Belise park. For SL who didn't deserve me and I didn't deserve her love.

"With no loving in our souls and no money in our coats"

No. 52 - Mamas Boy`s - Belfast City Blues

A band hit with so many problems not self inflicted. a fantastic band who toured with Lizzy. First heard this song on Tommy Vance's Friday night rock show. The best city I've ever been to

"Why can't I stay in a town that I love - Belfast city"

No. 53 - Cream - Badge

My all time favorite cream song, short and sweet.

"She cried away her life since she fell off the cradle."

No. 54 Francis Rossi - Claudie

A great song about a break up seen from the fellas perspective. nice one Francis

"When I left did you think of me crying

Did you care that I felt I was dying"

No. 55 - U2 - Vertigo

Bono and the boys doing what they do best singing rock and playing roll.

"They twinkle as the boys play rock and roll

"They know that they can’t dance - at least they know"

No. 56 - Jess Roden - Desperado

I saw Jess Roden at the Winter Gardens Bournemouth, there was about 50 of us and he sand the band played as if the hall was full and I remember him blowing me away with this version of the Eagles classic.

Which he recorded more, miss your soulful voice jess

"You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet"

No. 57 - Slade - Coz I Luv You

Everybody wanted to hear Gudbuy to Jayne and Cum on feel the noise at the disco's I wanted this. I love Slade and I love Jimmy lea's Violin playing.

"When we're miles apart you still reach my heart how I love you"

ENo. 58 - Ellvis Presley - Suspicious Minds

This is Elvis being Elvis and not giving a shit, check the video out at 56 seconds and I quote " shove it up your nose". Only one singer since his death has come close to have the same appeal as Elvis and that's Robbie Williams, check his version out on the Jools Holland show on you tube.

"And we can't build our dreams

On suspicious minds"

No. 59 - Phil Lynott - Ode To A Black Man)

I love this guy, his lyrics, his attitude and his coolness. here he is trying to look like Dennis the menace, whilst singing a song about great black guys and in some cases bad black guys in history.

"If you see the doctor tell him he's still king, you too Muhammad Ali
"

No. 60 - Everything But The Girl - Missing (Official)

This song sums up everyone I miss. MT, CR, AC and a cast of thousands, well maybe a few. I always think of those 3 people when I hear this song.

It is said if you love someone let them go for if they return they were always yours, Thank god I've got patience.

"And I miss you

Like the deserts miss the rain"

No. 61 - Primal Scream - Country Girl

This crowd should be BOUNCING, cracking song. Great band.

"I have stole I have sinned, oh my soul is unclean"

No. 62 - Fleetwood Mac - Rhiannon (live)

It took a long time for me to get into Fleetwood Mac, I suppose i always saw them as 15 minute guitar solos from the orginal band, before Lindsey and Stevie joined.

Great band for getting me 4 miles down the road on the bike when it's cold, wet, and windy.

"Would you stay if she promised you heaven?"

No. 63 - The Beatles - Help

A great version of this song is done by the punk rockers "The Damned"

"My independence seems to vanish in the haze"

No. 64 - Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Like A Hurricane

I was a Postman in the 70's and getting up early for 5:00 am starts was no joke and I would have a coffee and a fag listening to the radio and they would always play Neil Young s like a hurricane, guess the DJ needed a toilet break as it went on for ages. Love the missions version.

"Dancing on the light

from star to star."

No. 65 - The Rolling Stones - You Can't Always Get What You Want

Summer days and nights getting turned onto the stones by MT and he always played this.

I love the following lines as it always made me giggle knowing that mick was standing in line.

"I went down to the Chelsea drugstore

To get your prescription filled

I was standing in line with Mr. Jimmy"

No. 66 - Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel - Sebastian

In the 70's I was listening to glam rock and cockney rebel came out and in 73 Steve Harley comes out with this song. How I wanted to meet the girl with

"Your Persian eyes sparkle; your lips, ruby blue, never speak a sound"

Never did, will always wonder who she was.

No. 67 - Oasis - Champagne Supernova

Oasis, Manchester's answer to Liverpool's Beatles. Both great bands but like the footie times I suspect would have been great rivals.

The only band in the 90's who should be in every bodies record collection.

"Faster than a cannon ball

Where were you while we were getting high?"

No. 68 - Bruce Springsteen - The River

Another great story teller, not as good as ole' mr Zimmerman, but great never the less.

"And for my nineteenth birthday I got a union card and a wedding coat "

No. 69 Joe Strummer And Tippa Irie - The Harder They Come

Strummer had a fantastic attitude to all sorts of music, sadly he is missed and I'm sure music today could do with a Strummer kick up the arse. A fantastic versions of the Jimmy Cliff song.

"But I'd rather be a free man in my grave

Than living as a puppet or a slave"

No. 70 - Bryan Adams - When You're Gone ft. Melanie C

Mel C is the only spice girl I fancy something about her eyes just does it for me. Check her out at 2:47 on this video, she can melt me everytime.

"this is torture - this is pain - it feels like I'm gonna go

insane"

No. 71 - The Beatles - While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Fantastic song from George and with Eric Clapton on guitar what more could you want. this is the first song I ever taped, followed by deep purples smoke on the water. When of my all time favorite Beatles song.

"I don't know how you were diverted

You were perverted too"

No. 72 - Bob Dylan - Hurricane

This is why Dylan's is the greatest song writer of my generation. How
can anyone write a song about something that really happened and be able
to paint the story in your head.

Amazing!

"Now all the criminals in their coats and their ties

Are free to drink martinis and watch the sun rise

While Rubin sits like Buddha in a ten-foot cell"

No. 73 - Sade - Still In Love With You

My all time favorite love song, yes it will reappear later but this version by Sade is worthy of being in my top 100. If this doesn't make you want to dance with a partner then their is no hope. One of the many songs that can take me to different places, different memories and make me cry. Thanks Phil

"After all that we've been through

I try my best but it's no use

I guess I'll keep on loving you"

No. 74 - U2 - Spanish Eyes

I love U2 and this track should have been on the Joshua Tree. Love it because it takes me back to walking disused railway tracks, smoking stuff I couldn't at home grooving on Sabbath and U2.

"Our love shines like rain

In those Spanish eyes

Spanish eyes "

No. 75 - The Alarm - Rescue Me

One of the best bands to come out of Wales, sadly under rated by the media and always called a U2 or Big country clone.

The Alarm were unique and Mike Peters wrote great songs.

"I want love

And physical asylum"

No.76 - Red Hot Chili Peppers - Can't Stop (

Fantastic intro, if this don't make you head dance nothing will.

Always me of the old audio stock room in No.25 at John Lewis as it was always being played when I went in to do security checks.

"Can't stop, addicted to the shindig"

No. 77 - The Beatles - A Hard Day's Night

The first Beatles song I loved. Simple as that and the movie is stil funny today. Reminds me of hanging out in a squash court listening to cassettes on a mono cassette recorder

"So why on earth should I moan, cos when I get you alone

You know I feel OK"

No. 78 - Golden Earring - Radar Love

This has the best rifts ever in a song, great for driving, cycling and running especially on a tread mill.

One of the best band's to come out of Holland

"And the radio played that forgotten song

Brenda Lee's "Coming On Strong""

No. 79 - Billy Bragg - Jerusalem

Coming in at No.79 is Billy Bragg singing the first song I ever learned as a pupil in a welsh school many many years ago. This is the song that should be played at every England game, be it footie, rugby, cricket.

Makes you proud to be English.

"Till we have built Jerusalem,

In England's green & pleasant Land"

Saturday, 28 June 2014

No. 80 - Dave Swift on Bass Backing Ronnie Wood, Jesse & Leah Wood. "Ooh La La"

My favorite version as Ronnie looks out of it but pills it off.

"I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger.
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger."

No. 80 Ohh La La - Rod Stewart feat the Corrs (30 May 1998)

Great version

"The can can's such a pretty show
They'll steal your heart away
But backstage, back on earth again
The dressing rooms are gray"

No. 80 - Ronnie Lane - Ooh la la (live @ BBC 1974)

I love this song and I'm posting 3 different versions of it, it's that good.

"When you want her lips, you get a cheek
Makes you wonder where you are
If you want some more and she's fast asleep
Then she's twinkling with the stars."

No. 81 - Damon Johnson - ~Borderline"

A fantastic cover of a Thin Lizzy song. Great lyrics and Damon transports me to that bar with my glass of Bushmills whiskey on the counter.

"Jeanie can I tell you?

The shame of my disgrace

It's just love or rejection

For this borderline case"

No. 82 - U2 - Bad

Whilst Live Aid was a great event and people still talk of Queen stealing the show, this Song, this performance was simply the best thing I had ever seen. It looked like Bono had blown it and then simply stole it back by doing something daft but simple, he brought the barrier down. Also they didn't need to play all there hits in 15 minutes like Queens karaoke set.

"This desperation

Dislocation

Separation

Condemnation

Revelation

In temptation

Isolation

Desolation

Let it go "

No. 83 - Steve Earle - Copperhead Road

Love the way Steve Earle brings the south, country a bit of Cajun and Celtic sounds to his music. When I heard this it made me listen to Americana music and I still do to this day. Through Steve I got to listen to Waylon , Gram and a host of others. Thanks Steve

"I learned a thing or two from ol' Charlie don't you know

You better stay away from Copperhead Road"

No. 84 - Wreckless Eric / Amy Rigby - AllGood Cafe 9/12/08

Another song that should be played everyday to young teenage boys who are not good looking.

"I should be lying on that sun-soaked beach with her

Caressing her warm brown skin"

No. 85 - Dire Straits - Sultans Of Swing

Had the straits first album before they came popular with the Sloane square brigade.

"They don't give a damn about any trumpet playing band

It ain't what they call rock and roll"

No. 86 - The Killing of Georgie Rod Stewart Part 1 & 2

Rod singing about friendship, should be played everyday, to remind us how short life is

"George once said to me and I quote

He said "Never wait or hesitate

Get in kid, before it's too late

You may never get another chance

'Cos youth a mask but it don't last

live it long and live it fast"

Georgie was a friend of mine"

No. 87 - Go Your Own Way - LIVE 2004 - Fleetwood Mac

Lindsey voice is a bit worn but still a fantastic song.

"If I could
Maybe I'd give you my world"

No. 88 - Ultravox - Dancing With Tears In My Eyes (full version)

Not a great fan of the electronic / new romantic sound of the eighties, but I liked Midge Ure's early bands Slik, Rich Kids and he did a stint with Thin Lizzy.

We always cry to songs, when we remember those great times

"Dancing with tears in my eyes

Living out a memory of a love that died"

No. 89 - Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison Blues (Live at Tennessee State Prison)

There are songs you remember for the lyrics and this song has the best line in my opinion ever.

"But I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die"

Wednesday, 18 June 2014

No. 90 - Bad Company - Shooting Star

Bad Company was my band , the first I heard and not chosen because someone lent me a record or recommended. Brought every album on the day it was released.

This is one of my favorite songs of theres.

"Johnny died one night, died in his bed, Bottle of whiskey,

sleeping tablets by his head. Johnny's life passed him by like a

warm summer day, If you listen to the wind you can still hear him play"

No. 91 - Elvis Presley - An American Trilogy

Elvis doing what he is best at.

"In Dixieland I take my stand to live and die in Dixie

Cause Dixieland, that's where I was born"

Curl that lip and do your karate moves. Pity about the drugs

No. 92 Motorhead - Ace of spades

Great band and great show, both in one clip.

"You know I'm born to lose, and gambling's for fools,

But that's the way I like it baby,

I don't wanna live for ever,"

No. 93 - Prince - Sign o the time

The song that sums up the 80's when the rich got richer and the poor got guns and the men got aids.

"At home there are seventeen-year-old boys and their idea of fun
Is being in a gang called 'The Disciples'
High on crack and totin' a machine gun "

No. 94 - Eagles - Doolin Dalton

The eagles always mange to take me deep into there songs, I'm in the scene they describe in the song, I can smell the gun smoke, taste the dirt in my mouth, smell the horses and want a glass of whiskey.

"Well, the towns lay out across the dusty plains

Like graveyards filled with tombstones, waitin' for the names

And a man could use his back, or use his brains "

No. 95 - The Beatles Get Back

The Beatles doing what they do best. Yes I know it's a Paul song as I'm more a John man, but hey the Beatles were four not one.

"Sweet Loretta Fart thought she was a cleaner

but she was a frying pan, yeah"

Yes this is missed off the film clip.

No. 96 - The Specials - Ghost Town

Not another ghost song ha ha. Simply fantastic, you had to be in the 70's to really understand this song.

"Government leaving the youth on the shelf

This place, is coming like a ghost town

No job to be found in this country
"

No. 97 - Ted Leo - Ghosts

I soooooooooo love this cover of the Jam song. Can't remember where I heard it first but it made the hairs on my neck stand up. By playing it with just a guitar for 3/4 of the song just makes it more powerful.

Love it, love it, love it.

"One day you'll walk right out of this life

And then you'll wonder why you didn't try"

So true

No. 98 - Jimi Hendrix - Angel

The late great Jimi Hendrix playing a beautiful song, as a spiritulist I can associate holy with what Jimi is talking about.

I believe I have a blue one which is usually known as Michael but I know mine is female.

"Angel came down from heaven yesterday

She stayed with me just long enough to rescue me"

No. 99 - Fleetwood Mac - The Green Manalishi

Coming in at number 99 is the great Fleetwood Mac with the legendary Peter Green, great guitarist and songwriter.

"Now, when the day goes to sleep and the full moon looks
The night is so black that the darkness cooks
Don't you come creepin' around - makin' me do things I don't want to"

Monday, 2 June 2014

No. 100 - Robbie Williams - Angels

This song will always remind me of a dear friend, whom I once said "your living proof that love is blind, but I will stand by you, and will offer you a roof over your head when it's all over"

She's still with him as far as I'm aware as we have lost touch

She stood by me when I had to carry out a task that ruined a fantastic friendship with a mutual friend of ours.

"And through it all she offers me protection

A lot of love and affection

Whether I'm right or wrong

And down the waterfall"

Where ever you are AC I hope your happy and well and I don't half miss you. xxx

No. 101 - U2 - Christmas, Baby Please Come Home

U2 at there best, putting a smile on my face, making me sing (badly I might add) , strutting my stuff, shaking my body, and dancing (once again badly)

Now I hate Christmas but I love this song, how Christmas should be.

"They're singing "Deck The Halls"

Not like Christmas at all

I remember when you were here

And all the fun we had last year"

Over all to quickly, like the song!!!

No. 102 - Bob Marley & The Wailers - Exodus

Another great song from Bob.

" Open your eyes and look within:

Are you satisfied (with the life you're living)? Uh!

We know where we're going, uh!

We know where we're from.

We're leaving Babylon,

We're going to our Father land."

Well do you?

No. 103 - FLEETWOOD MAC - Dont Stop

A bad that sums the late 70's up with the drugs, the disco's , the fashion. I appreciate them more now that I'm older and wiser.

Great song for those who thing life is giving you a hard time.

"Yesterday's gone, yesterday's gone.

Why not think about times to come,

And not about the things that you've done,"

No. 104 - Nirvana - The Man Who Sold The World

Some people who are depressed sometimes produce the most brilliant pieces of work and this is one of them. A fantastic cover version of the David Bowie's classic song.

"He said I was his friend

Which came as a surprise

I spoke into his eyes

I thought you died alone

A long long time ago"

No 105 - souped up ford " Rory Gallagher

Couldn't wait for "Against the grain " Rory's 7th Solo album to come out and to date I have worn out 3 vinyl copies, thank god for CD's. Love this song, can picture zooming country lines in an open top car, wind in my hair, CD player blazing away and the highway cop miles away.

Nice one Rory

"No highway cop`s gonna make me stop,

What I`ve started.

'Cos I won`t be free till I get up,

And go where my heart is."

No 106 - stir it up bob marley

Bob Marley's lyrics are like the blues they have a double meaning.

"I'll push the wood (stir it, stir it, stir it together),

then I blaze ya fire;

Then I'll satisfy your heart's desire. (ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)

Said, I stir it every (stir it, stir it, stir it together),

every minute:

All you got to do, baby, (ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)

Is keep it in, eh!"

|Get your hips swaying

No 107 - David Bowie - Five Years

When I brought Ziggy Stardust this track opens the album and it sent shivers and goosebumps down my spine, still does. The first song where I could see in my mind what Bowie was singing about.

"I think I saw you in an ice-cream parlour

drinking milk shakes cold and long

Smiling and waving and looking so fine

don't think you knew you were in this song"

Love it

No 108 - The Beatles The Ballad of John and Yoko

Don't care what anyone says Yoko didn't split the Beatles up, the Beatles did. Anyway John had a great time with Yoko and expanded his artistic skills.

"Last night the wife said,

"Oh boy, when you're dead

You don't take nothing with you

But your soul - think!"

No. 109 - Jimi Hendrix - Little Wing

This is the song that got me into Jimi, love the slowed down blues and the lyrics.

"When I'm sad she comes to me
With a thousand smiles
She gives to me free"

Monday, 5 May 2014

No. 110 - Eagles - Hotel California

Love the Eagles and this will always be the song everyone associates them with.

"I heard the mission bell

And I was thinking to myself,

"This could be Heaven or this could be Hell""

No. 111 - Aswad - African Children

The best British reggae act in Britain, then now and forever. Related to the black youth and tried to reach the white youth through the lyrics the hardship of growing up in Maggie's Britain.

"Structural repairs are assessed yet not done

Lift out of action on the twenty-seventh floor

And when they work they smell"

No. 112 - Danzig - mother

My wife Karen got me into Danzig, I think she fancied him, rather than liking his music. great song for the old tread mill or long bike ride.

"Father

Do you wanna bang heads with me

Do you wanna feel everything

Oh father"

No. 113 - Elvis Costello - Alison

My favorite Elvis Costello song, simple and beautiful at the same time. I know a Alison now and this is for her.

"Well I see you've got a husband now.

Did he leave your pretty fingers lying

in the wedding cake?"

No. 114 - David Bowie - Starman - Live 1972

Remember seeing this on top of the pops and was the talk of the playground the next day. Became a Bowie fan there and then and wanted to be Ronno.

"I had to phone someone so I picked on you

Hey, that's far out so you heard him too!"

No. 115 - Jimi Hendrix - Hear My Train A Comin

We sometimes forget Jimi could play acoustic as well as electric guitar.

"Gonna leave this town

Gonna make a whole lotta money"

No. 116 - Bob Marley & The Wailers - No Woman No Cry (Live)

"My feet is my only carriage

And so I've got to push on through."

Bob was a fantastic poet, humanitarian and fantastic musician and pretty good with a football.

Saturday, 3 May 2014

No. 117 - Ian Hunter - 3,000 Miles From Here

A fantastic love song by Ian Hunter.

"If you hear a young dove crying

You'll know it's me to blame"

No 118 - Fleetwood Mac - Man of the world

What can I say but this line sums it up for me

"And there's no one I'd rather be

But I just wish that I'd never been born"

For someone to have every thing but discovers that really he hasn't anything and wishes he wasn't born?

No 119 - Plan B - She Said

Quite simply a fantastic song, fantastic lyrics,, great video.

"Got bigger than I ever could have planned

Like that song by the Zutons Valerie"

Sunday, 20 April 2014

No. 120 - Eagles - Take it easy

I remember a guy in Lisburn, Northern Island introduced me to the Eagles with"On the border " album and he also introduced me to John Prine, both remind me of him when I listen to them. He asked me what i wanted to be when I left school. wanted to by a sign writer and he said to pop over and have a look at a bit of work he was working on. He should be a manuscript he was working on, blew me away and made me feel so inadequate I never did calligraphy for years, the guys work was outstanding.

"Well, I'm running down the road
tryin' to loosen my load "

No. 121 - Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson - I wish I was your Mother live Rockpalast 80

Rono and 'Unter at there best.

"I hate the clothes you're wearing, they're so pretty"

No. 122 - Sniff 'n the tears - Driver's seat

This band would have been great had it not been for a strike in the record press factory where the single was being produced. Heard they have reformed, go see them , fantastic band.

"Jenny was sweet

She always smiled for the people she meet"

No. 123 - Yes - Round About

Just love the intro riff on the acoustic guitar, fantastic.

"Ten true summers we'll be there and
Laughing too ooo"

No. 124 - Bob Marley - "I Shot The Sheriff"

Sing Bob Sing.

"Sheriff John Brown always hated me,

For what, I don't know:"

No. 125 - Walk & Don t Look Back - Peter Tosh & Mick Jagger

Jagger trying to sing regaee which he nearly pulls off apart from the camp dancing. Great song to put a smile on someone face.

"Now if your first lover let you down

There's something that can be done"

No. 126 - Big Audio Dynamite - E=MC2

Can you name the movies they are talking about in the song? Find the lyrics and you should get it. Great song, especially as I use to live in the arts cinema during the late 70's and 80's.

"Met a dwarf that was no good

Dressed like little Red Riding Hood"

No. 127 - Crazy Love - Brian Kennedy

This guy sings, spends times with his fans and writes great books.Great cover and in my opinion a better version than Van the man's. the song I wanted for the first dance at mine and Karen's wedding, she choose van's "have I told you lately"

2Take away my heartache, in the night like a thief"

No. 128 - Babyshambles - Pentonville

Simply loved this song when I first heard it and still love it, always brings a smile to my face.

"Lying on my lumpy mattress

Lying on my back

Staring up at the ceiling

Counting all the cracks"

No. 129 - Dexys Midnight Runners - Seven Days Too Long

A classic Northern soul song covered by Dexys and in my opinion a better version, love the horn section. A good sing along group song.

"You've got me so wired up, ah, I can't even concentrate"

Friday, 18 April 2014

No. 130 - David Bowie - Rebel Rebel

How innocent we were back in the early 70's

"You've got your mother in a whirl
Shes not sure if you're a boy or a girl"

No. 131 - Knockin' On Heaven's Door - The Alarm '86 LA

Love Dylan's, Guns and roses and mostly everyone else's version of this song but I always play the Alarms version, just makes me tingle more.

"Mama, put my guns in the ground

I can't shoot them anymore."

No. 132 - The Band - The Weight

Devil song, ha ha ha

"Crazy Chester followed me and he caught me in the fog

He said, "I will fix your rack if you'll take Jack, my dog""

No. 133 - Johnny Cash -T he Man Comes Around

If they have my coffin laid to rest in a church or a crematory let them play this as the man has come around and taken my name.

"There's a man going around taking names
And he decides who to free and who to blame"

No. 134 - Dexys Midnight Runners - Plan B

Watch a film once back in the early eightes and the I think it was Lee mavin who said you need aPlan B, without it you couldn't escape. Love this song .

"You've always been searching for something"

No. 135 - Ben Folds & Rufus Wainwright - Careless Whisper

Sometimes covers beat the original and this does, sung with passion, love how Rufus just hits you in the chest with his voice.

And yes I have guilty feet.

"Guilty feet have got no rhythm"

No. 136 - The Band - Up On Cripple Creek

Another song from the Band, just reminds me of the deep south and the Waltons. It also reminds me of a friend in America. The line below is something she said about me.

" But I love to hear him talk"

No. 137 - Stereophonics - First Time I Ever Saw Your Face

This should have been Brian Kennedy's version of this classic but You Tube hasn't got a video, will have to one and post it I suppose., so we will have to make do with the 'phonics.

"The first time ever I saw your face

I thought the sun rose in your eyes

And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave"

No. 138 - Tom Robinson - Martin

Simply a great tale and a great song, enjoy it.

"You can get a bit hard when you've been inside

But I hugged the old bastard and I almost cried"

No. 139 - The Clash - Bankrobber

I love the Clash and I this is a song about being tied to the same machine for 25 years and really it's worse than prison. Sometimes robbing might be the answer, who knows?

"There's no point to wanna comb your hair

When it's grey and thinning
"

Thursday, 17 April 2014

No. 140 - Bonnie Raitt, Aaron Neville & Gregg Allman -Tell It Like It Is.

In my utopia I would have Aaron sing songs to me all day long, what a Voice. I mean just look who is playing with him Greg Allman and Bonnie Raittt, doesn't get better than this.

"But I know deep down inside me

I believe you love me, forget your foolish pride"

No. 141 - Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah

Heard this on the radio many years ago whilst soaking in a bath and having to write Jeff's name in the soap to remember who just sung, what was a song that sent goose pimples all over me. Sadly like his father he is no longer with us, both artists sadly missed.

"She broke your throne and she cut your hair

And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah"

No. 142 - Booker T & the MGs - "Green Onions"

Are you playing an imaginary organ, drums, Bass, one of the best instrumentals ever.

No. 143 - The Cars - Drive

People talk of the greatest thing at Live Aid was Queen, I disagree it was the video of Ethiopia with this played over it and the child squatting, crying with flies buzzing round there head., if that didn't move you nothing would.

"Who's gonna pay attention,
To your dreams?"

No.144 - The Imagined Village - Cum on feel the noize

Heard this on some late night radio show may have been the folk program on Radio 2, a fantastic cover of the Slade hit.What better way to sum up your singing by putting it in a song.

"So you think my singing's out of time, well it makes me money"

No. 145 - Jimmy Cliff - You Can Get It If You Really Want

I love reggae and Jimmy Cliff was one of the first artist I use to listen to

"Rome was not built in a day

Opposition will come your way"

No. 146 - Brinsley Schwarz 'Surrender To The Rhythm ' Old Grey Whistle Test

If this don't get you to shake your booty nothing will. A great band.

No. 147 - Guns N' Roses - Paradise City

A band who had the world at there feet, then simply blew it all away with the stuff that goes in the vein amongst many other things.

"The surgeon general says

it's hazardous to breathe

I'd have another cigarette

but I can't see"

No.148 - Bruce Springsteen -- Outlaw Pete

The modern version of "Whisky in the Jar" Love the lyrics especially:-

"At six months old he'd done three months in jail

He robbed a bank in his diapers and his little bare baby feet"

No. 149 - Blue Oyster Cult - "(Don't Fear) The Reaper"

Remember seeing this band at the Hammersmith Odeon ( now the Apollo) with Saxon as support I think.This song is also in the film "Halloween" as Jamie Lee Curtis is driving or being a passenger in a car smoking a joint, bloody good film.

"The candles blew and then disappeared
The curtains flew and then he appeared
(Saying, "Don't be afraid")"

Wednesday, 16 April 2014

No. 150 - Janis Joplin - Me & Bobby McGee

Simply one of the top female singers in the world. Remember going to the Arts picture on a Friday night for a midnight showing of " Get it while you can"a film about Janis and I couldn't get a ticket and as I'm leaving disappointed a kid says to his parent "Who the hell is Janis Joplin" Could have killed that kid.