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"

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
"

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")"

 

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.

No. 151 - Ozzy Osbourne - Mama, I'm Coming Home

Goes to show Ozzy can sing slow as well heavy songs. Nice one Oz

"You made me cry, you told me lies

But I can't stand to say goodbye
"

No. 152 - Chuck Berry - Around And Around

Great song by Chuck berry but heard the Stones version first.

"And they never stopped rocking ,'Til the moon went down"

 

No.153 - Slade - Get Down With It

Noddy at his best

No. 154 - It's O.K John Joe

there are bands and there are bands and dexys are one of them, taking music and fashion and fusing them together. Kevin Rowland is a fantastic poet.

"It's not the end of the world, it doesn't matter if I'm alone."

No. 155 - Don Henley - The Boys of Summer

A fantastic song reminds me of a dear friend I worked with on the post office.

"Out on the road today, I saw a DEADHEAD sticker on a Cadillac"

 

No. 156 - Dizzee Rascal - That's Not My Name

This is Dizzee doing a cover of the Tin Ting's hit, and he has changed the lyrics as well, which I think are better than the original.

"That's not my name

That's not my name

That's not my name

That's not my name"

.

No.157 - Mick Jagger - Memo from Turner

My best friend got me into the Stones and this always reminds me of him. I also thing of him when I play Big Audio Dynamite.

"I remember you in Hemlock Road


In nineteen fifty-six


You're a faggy little leather boy


With a smaller piece of stic"

 

No.158 - Spandau Ballet - True

It's a toss up between "True" and  "Gold " which is my favorite Spandau song, depends on my mood really.

"Why do I find it hard to write the next line?"

 

No.159 - The Cult - She Sells Sanctuary

Just love this song.

"And the sparkle in your eyes

Keeps me alive, keeps me alive "

No. 160 - The Smiths - Girlfriend In A Coma (Official Music Video)

Got into the Smiths after they split up, thought Morrisey was a bit of a twat really.

"There were times

When I could

Have 'murdered' her

(but, you know, I would hate

Anything to happen to her)"

 

No. 161 - Spandau Ballet - Gold

I wasn't a fan of the new romantics but I liked Spandau Ballet and I love songs with a bit of sax in them.

"You've got the power to know

You're indestructible"

 

No. 162 - Billy Porter - Mick Ronson

Another great artist not giving the credit he rightly deserves. If there was no Mick there would be no Lou Reed, David Bowie to name two who owe so much to Mick. This song always reminds me of New York, thanks Mick.

No. 163 - John Mellencamp - Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)

Forget the Boss, John Mellencamp is far better, one of the most underrated artist on the planet. I love the guy's work.

"At the Hotel Flamingo, wearin black market shoes

This loud Cuban band is crucifying John Lennon"

 

No. 164 - The Band - The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

Being in Ireland during the troubles you understand the hatred from both sides, I guess this song goes to explaining the North and south divide in the America.

"He was just 18, proud and brave

But a Yankee laid him in his grave"

 

No. 165 - Be Bop Deluxe - Ships In The Night

Remember going out and buying the Album "Sunburst finish" I think more to do with the cover than the music and falling in love with this song.

"Without love I have no pleasures

Without love my light is dim"

No. 166 - Poison - Every Rose Has Its Thorn

A love song for men, experiencing the hurt we feel after a break up.

"Just like every cowboy sings his same sad old song

Every rose has its thorn"

 

No. 167 - Slade - When I'm Dancin' (Live 1982)

Back in 1980 Slade were on the scrapheap, they then went to the Reading festival to cover for Ozzy Osbourne and stole the festival. These lads knew how to rock and Noddy taught Phil Lynott how to work an audience.

"It doesn't matter if you're actually, well gay."

No. 168 - Rich Kids - Marching Men

The Rich Kids had Midge Ure in the band and had the great Mick Ronson produce them but I hear that Midge didn't get on with Mick, pity really, who knows what they could have gone on to produce.

No. 169 - The Bible - "Honey Be Good"

In the late 80's there was only band in Cambridge and it was "The Bible". Took Karen (my wife) to see them at the Corn Exchange as I wanted to see the Soft Boys, she loved the Bible and Boo and dare I say it she hated the Soft boys.

"Now that I sit at home
listening to The Temptations
Singing I wish it would rain"

No.170 - The Unforgettable Fire

One of the greatest un-played U2 songs. I love the haunting guitar sound.

"And if the mountain should crumble
Or disappear into the sea"

 

N0. 171 - Stiff Little Fingers - Gotta Get Away

Growing up, and blasting Stiff Little Fingers through my stereo, knowing and being able to associate with the lyrics. 

"Plenty of folk to tell you what to do
But they don't speak the same language as you"

 

No. 172 - Horslips - Dearg Doom

Someone brought the album the "Tain" by Horselips in and played it, I was along with my mates blown away with the album as well as this track.

"My love is colder than black marble by the sea

 My heart is older than the cold oak tree"

No. 173 - The Undertones ~ Jimmy Jimmy

The greatest band ever to come out of Derry. Just love 'em.

No. 174 - UB40 - King

Back in 1980 on a Sunday sitting in a chair listening to a radio show and up pops this, another hit you in the face song. Still love it today.

"King, where are your people now?"

No. 175 - Sex Pistols - Anarchy In The UK (Official Video)

Great song, enough said.

"I thought it was the UK

Or just another country

Another council tenancy"

No. 176 - Billy Idol - Live at Rock am Ring-Rebel Yell.avi

I've just noticed how much Billy Idol looks like Marti Pellow from Wet Wet Wet. Great sing along song.

"In the midnight hour she cried- "more, more, more""

No. 177 - Take That feat. Lulu - Relight My Fire

I love Take That, they leave you with a uplifted feeling when you listen to there music, I don't care if you thing they are just a boy band, I love them . Anyway great song and to get Lulu to sing as well on it well that's a bonus.

"Cos I got hope in my soul I keep on walkin'"

No. 178 - The Style Council featuring Tracey Thorn "The Paris Match"

I love the Sstyle Council version but love Tracey Thorn's version even more. Tracey has a voice that sends shivers down my back. The song that makes me want to smoke french cigarettes in a darkly lit jazz club with a class of whiskey in my hand  listening to a female singer sing all my favorite songs.

No. 179 - The Whole Of The Moon - The Waterboys 1985

"I pictured a rainbow

You held in your hands"

Reminds me of a mediation I once had where I saw a rainbow in space, one of the coolest things I have ever experienced. Lyrics are suppose to inspire and set your imagination free, that's why I love the Waterboys and Mike Scott's lyrics

No. 180 - Black Crowes - Remedy (Freak N Roll: Into The Fog)

The great 90's "Faces" band singing a great R 'n' B classic remedy. Sit back and play loud.

No. 181 - Black Sabbath - Snowblind

My brother got me into the Sabs, with the Sabbath album Vol 4, which is one of my all time favorite records.How innocent we were not knowing what "Feeling happy in my vein
Icicles within my brain" really meant, and  on the album 's liner notes also thank "the great COKE-cola", another blatant ode to the band's cocaine use.

No. 182 - Ronnie Lane and Slim Chance ~ How Come

A fantastic song about a relationship with a witch. Yes I've checked for the "Hemlock in the spice rack". A fantastic artist sadly passed away in 1997  to multiple sclerosis.

 

No. 183 - RORY GALLAGHER, Blister On The Moon 1969

Rory Gallagher and Taste a fantastic band loved by Lennon, Hendrix and Clapton. Maybe rory was the first punk if you listen to the lyrics, sounds similar to Stiff little fingers "At the edge" in content. " 

"Don't try and think too different now what we say is best,
Listen little man you're no better than the rest."

And from SLF

"Get your feet back on the ground son
It's exams that count not football teams"

 

No. 184 - The Clash - Junco Partner

The greatest diverse musically band ever to grace the world, playing a song Joe Strummer brought with him from the 101's. It's a pity they split. 

 

No 185 - The Civil Wars - Billie Jean (Later with Jools Holland)

I love cover versions and the Civil War cover of Michael Jackson's hit stopped me in my tracks. A fantastic duo but sadly have gone there separate ways, Joy Williams voice is more than beautiful as I can not find a word to describe it.

No. 186 - Teardrop Explodes-Reward (Live-The Old Grey Whistle Test )

What a great first line "Bless my cotton socks I'm in the news" Love the brass section in the song. Started to read Julian Cope's book The modern Antiquarian, a bloody good read for any interested in standing and ancient burial sites in Ancient Britain. Go to http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/home/ to get a feel for what Julian is writing about.

No 187 - Boomtown Rats - Looking After No. 1 (1977)

Motor mouth Bob shouting and writing what it was like to be standing in a dole queue back in the 70's, with no future, money, prospects etc. Funny how it seems like today, where are the new Geldofs, Strummers etc of the 21st Century?

No 188 - The Faces Cindy Incidentally 6-4-73

If the Faces were going today they would be headlining every festival, winning every award going and selling out venues everywhere, appealed to both male and female fans. A good old rock 'n' roll band.

No. 189 - Frankie goes to hollywood - Two Tribes (HD)

FGTH two tribes a fantastic political  song but what a fantastic beat, great bass  and guitar riff  and the video could be used today, have we still not learnt anything in 30 years!!!!

No. 190 - Wet Wet Wet - Temptation LIVE 1989

Marti Pellow has one of those voices only Angels have. This band had soul till those substances got in the way. Fantastic band " You're going from second hand to almost new " how appropriate that line is today or should it be "You're going from almost new to Second hand"

No. 191 - Jam - In the City

The Jam were treated a bit like Will Young, Punk snobbery really. I was more a Clash person than Jam, but they certainly got you moving. Still "In the city there's a thousand men in uniforms
And I've heard they now have the right to kill a man" appropriate today.

No.192 - Will Young - Leave Right Now

I listen to all genres of music and I love Will Young's voice and he sing's some great songs and deserves to be in my 200, just for the simple fact he can sing. great song for a long train or bus journey and as a long distance commuter it's a great song in the Ipod collection. 

No. 193 - Be Bop Deluxe - Maid In Heaven

Be Bop Deluxe, a fantastic band from Wakefield in Yorkshire. Rarely heard on the radio unless you listen to 70's music stations. Lyrics gave food for thought, I mean what does "Where breakfast in bed per head

It's just the price of a smile" really mean?  Still it's a great song.

No. 194 - Status Quo Caroline live Glastonbury 2009

Status Quo at there best. "Take my hand, together we can rock'n'roll" What better way to express Sex!

Great performance every lads dream in the 70's to rock 'n' roll with the Quo.

No. 195 - Whitesnake - Here I Go Again

"Like a hobo I was born to walk alone" sums it all up really, a great song for dancing with the love of your life.

Nice to see Cozy Powell and Mick Moody( very under rated guitarist)in the video.

No. 196 - David Gray - Babylon (Live)

Oh how I love this song "Turning back for home

You know I'm feeling so alone" a song for long distance homeward journeys. Look out the window, with this blazing, knowing you will soon be in the arms of the one you love. Classic

 

No. 197 - Ellie Goulding - Your Song

Whilst I love Elton's version I also like Ellie covers. A song for bedrooms and bedsits in your adolescents.

What better present than a song. "My gift is my song and this one's for you"

 

No. 198 - Queen - Now I'm Here (Live At Wembley Stadium, Friday 11 July 1986)

One of the best songs Queen ever put down, especially when heard through headphones, with Freddie switching between speakers. 

No. 199 - Generation X - King Rocker

Coming in at 199 is Generation X, Britain's poor answer to Elvis. great song beats all the Disco stuff being played at the time

No. 200 - The Specials - Too Much Too Young (Glastonbury 2009)

The specials delivering a song that young people where going through the late 70's and begining of the 80's in Maggie's Britain. As someone said to me once " I shouldn't be married and a dad as I hadn't done all the things I needed to do"

My Top 200 songs

Been such a long time since I was last here so thought i would be post my all top favorite 200 songs.