Numbers 61 through to 70, so almost at the halfway stage now. The next 10 songs will be along sometime over the new few days. Links to this Spotify page and also to the Red And White Christmas Just Giving page are at the top of this article.
#NTWICD SPOTIFY PAGE HERE: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0JDQbq7nCjUh1ZxGrJxh9q?si=SO4-Do2pR9y8PHVMSt0UVA&nd=1
RED AND WHITE CHRISTMAS JUST GIVING PAGE HERE: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/redwhitechristmas
70
Happy Hour, by The Housemartins
Confession – I couldn’t stand The Housemartins. Too studenty-bedsit for me. And I was a student. Apologies to students, of course. But I can understand and fully support why so many people sent messages that this should be in the list, plus I love Paul Heaton’s moral compass. So, it’s in. And rightly so.
69
Torn, by Natalie Imbruglia
I probably had a crush on 75% of this list back in the day. Not hard when like me you have a face like an alcoholic cobbler’s thumb - and as you can imagine when the Neighbours star released this single, this spotty weirdo was probably more interested in the cover than the record inside it. How wrong. I was. This is lovely stuff.
68
Black Magic, by Little Mix
A manufactured all-girl group? Yup, and whilst they don’t have the depth of absolute pop bangers that some of their peers have, I bloody love this anthemic, ballsy, call-to-arms slice of pure-pop.
67
The Way It Is, by Bruce Hornsby & The Range
The end of the night come-down classic for those who remembered their nights at Shelleys. And if you remember Shelleys, were you really there? This is Springsteen for the masses. A beautiful piano-led slice of Americana.
66
Sign o’ The Times, by Prince
“In France, a skinny man died of a big disease with a little name”.
Yes, I know that the Minneapolis magician made a shedload of songs that were far more pop-orientated, but for me this was one of his true masterpieces. Social commentary merged with a stunning groove. Essential listening.
65
Sweat Dreams, by Eurythmics
The Eurythmics, in the top 100? Who am I to disagree? Soz.
64
I Feel For You, Chaka Khan
Originally on Prince’s debut album, this is an absolute floor filler - from the Melle Mel rapped intro to sweet Stevie Wonder’s harmonica bursts. I’m a massive fan of this lady, especially her work with Rufus. And as for Rufus, check out their Seal In Red album. Anyway, surely everyone knows this classic? If you don’t, now is the time to start.
63
Shake It Off, by Taylor Swift
The brilliant face and voice of modern-day pop music, this lady’s work appeals far beyond those who you think it would. Rightly so, she’s sharp as a tack and uber-talented.
62
Get Lucky, by Daft Punk
Written by the God-like Nile Rodgers. All you need to know, really. With a hook bigger than you’ll find on Deadliest Catch, anyone who doesn’t get on the dancefloor when this starts up deserves to watch Crewe.
61
Walk Out To Winter, by Aztec Camera
“Faces of Strummer that fell from your wall, and nothing was left where they hung.....”
Beautiful. SImply beautiful. Is Roddy Frame the best UK songwriter of my lifetime? I’d argue he’s right up there, but in any case, anyone who can pen High Land, Hard Rain is a genius. To do it as a teenager? Crikey! Winter in the title of this song is very apt as it absolutely reeks of a carefree country walk, on a crisp, sunny January morning.