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Favorite pop single of all time?


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Hey, wait a minute here. I thought that this was a thread for pop tunes, not rock. When I see bands like ZZ Top, U2 (at least their old stuff) and Pink Floyd I think of rock, not pop. I'd put artist like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Loverboy, etc into a pop catergory. Am I alone here with this thought?

 

-Dylan

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American Pie by Don McClean

 

I remember being blown away when this was first released. Besides, if you can pick only one, you might as well take the longest one you can find. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif

 

Runners up: She Loves You (The Beatles)

Won't Get Fooled Again (The Who)

 

This message has been edited by dansouth@yahoo.com on 07-06-2001 at 05:51 PM

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Just the other day, I was thinking to myself that I've never seen anyone tout the merits of one of my all-time favorite acts...

 

10cc!!!

 

It's been a long time since I listened to them, so I will have to correct THAT.

 

In that spirit, I nominate..."I'm Not In Love".

 

I know there ain't nothin' goin' on as far as guitar, but the bass line is awesome, and the vocals are frankly...haunting.

This song was getting heavy radio play when my Mom passed away, so I know that I'm biased in that regard.

 

I didn't know anything about love then, but I knew about being haunted...

 

Steve

(you've got a cold)

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Originally posted by mzeger:

Squeeze did have an Alt. Country moment, "Labeled With Love". So did Elvis Costello with the Almost Blue album and "It Was a Good Year for the Roses". "Alison" would make a great country cover song.

 

"Good Year for the Roses"...the old George Jones song?

 

And I'd like to hear a real redneck cover of The Beatles "I'm a Loser". It was, after all, a country song...

"Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine"
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Glad to see I'm not the only XTC fan. They have a lot of great songs. If Andy Partridge wasn't such an friggin' artist he'd probably be more famous. Some other favorites: "No Thugs In Our House" (featuring one of the greatest recorded growls of all time), "It's Nearly Africa," "Senses Working Overtime" from English Settlement, "Stupidly Happy" from Wasp Star: Apple Venus Vol. II...
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Originally posted by ricknbokker:

In that spirit, I nominate..."I'm Not In Love".

 

That's such a brilliantly eclectic song... Made it on the radio, but it's got that weird ambient-spacy section in it. Big sound, I used to love hearing that as a kid because of that section. The vocals are also wonderfully understated, conveying a strong sense of ennui. Great tune.

 

Favorite pop single would have to be Reznor's "Closer", if for no other reason than he just cut out the bs and made a pop song with the line "I want to fuck you like an animal" - AND it made it on the radio. Brilliant.

 

------------------

New and Improved Music Soon: http://www.mp3.com/chipmcdonald

Guitar Lessons in Augusta Georgia: www.chipmcdonald.com

Eccentric blog: https://chipmcdonaldblog.blogspot.com/

 

/ "big ass windbag" - Bruce Swedien

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I can't give you just one song, 'cuz my mood changes every 5 minutes.

So here a few from the various eras that always sound good to me.

 

1950's -"Sleepwalk" (typifies the "50's sound" in 2 minutes)

1960's - "Rain" by the Beatles (a fucking masterpiece, w/divine intervention!)

1970's - "Skating away on the thin ice of the new day" -Jethro Tull

1980's - "Drivers seat" by Sniff-n-the Tears - (an underground classic)

1990's - "On a Plane" by Nirvana (best results at 160db)

 

-Hippie

In two days, it won't matter.
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Originally posted by Hippie:

I can't give you just one song, 'cuz my mood changes every 5 minutes.

So here a few from the various eras that always sound good to me.

 

1950's -"Sleepwalk" (typifies the "50's sound" in 2 minutes)

1960's - "Rain" by the Beatles (a fucking masterpiece, w/divine intervention!)

1970's - "Skating away on the thin ice of the new day" -Jethro Tull

1980's - "Drivers seat" by Sniff-n-the Tears - (an underground classic)

1990's - "On a Plane" by Nirvana (best results at 160db)

 

-Hippie

 

Ahhh...yesss...Rain...perhaps one of Lennon's earliest forays into psychedelia...??? Or would "I'm Only Sleeping" qualify?

"Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine"
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The Captain & Tennile (sp?) "Muskrat Love"

I'm kidding! I'm kidding! I'm kidding!

 

Favorite pop song: The Beatles..."She loves You"

I still get the same buzz I felt the first time I heard that song. It was one of those experiences...you vividly remember where you were and how you felt at that moment.

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originally posted by take5:

Favorite pop song: The Beatles..."She loves You"

 

Mine, too - always has been. I was four years old the first time I heard it - it stood me on my ear. It's interesting to know that this particular tune speaks so strongly to others as well (Dan South mentioned it in this thread, too).

 

I wonder what elements of a song are responsible for it grabbing hold of you like that? I suppose that's the million dollar question, huh? http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/wink.gif

 

you vividly remember where you were and how you felt at that moment.

 

Absolutely.

 

dB

 

This message has been edited by Dave Bryce on 07-07-2001 at 01:02 PM

:snax:

 

:keys:==> David Bryce Music • Funky Young Monks <==:rawk:

 

Professional Affiliations: Royer LabsMusic Player Network

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"She Loves You"...I was 9 years old...that was the song that turned me on to a life long passion for playing guitar and now recording music. When I heard that song I just knew that I HAD to get a guitar and learn to play.

I now own 10 guitars, 5 amps, and I have a very understanding wife who supports my gear addiction. A few years ago I found & bought a 1966 mint Vox Cambridge reverb, the tube model, chrome stand, original cover and foot pedal. The original owner had it stored covered in the basement for 25+ years and never touched it...some contact spray on the pots and it worked like new! He only wanted $50.00 (Cdn by the way) Having a conscience I forced him to take $200.00...he thought I was nuts! Whenever I play that amp I think "Beatles...She Loves You"

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Originally posted by AlChuck:

Glad to see I'm not the only XTC fan. They have a lot of great songs.

 

I really dig "King for a Day" and "The Loving" (I know someone who claims the lyrics are talking about "The Love Van" or "The Love Thang")...

 

A little bit off topic, but if there are guitarists on this thread who like Andy Partridge (and who have a relatively fast internet connection), he did a pretty cool video guitar lesson here:

 

http://www.guitar.com/learning/celeblessons.asp

 

(It's listed near the bottom under "XTC video".)

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I can't believe how much I dig the most of the songs already mentioned. You folks know who XTC, Nick Lowe (don't forget Dave Edmunds and Rockpile in general), Squeeze and Elvis C. are. That's great!

 

It's impossible to say one song, but I dig all the White Album Lennon stuff; Glass Onion through Happiness is a warm gun, Paperback Writer, Taxman. How about Layla and Judy Blue Eyes; Suite? Take your pick of Joni Mitchell, Janis Ian, and Mary Hopkin (Goodbye esp). Good Vibrations for heaven's sake...

 

There's one that's mix sounds so dated today, but man it jammed on the radio back in 1970 when I was about 12 years old; 'I Hear You Knocking' by Dave Edmunds.

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I Hear You Knocking...great tune...updates well, never sounds dated.

 

We used to cover it in a band, and somebody was always singing "I See Your Knockers" and then we'd split a gut laughing...

 

Kids...

"Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine"
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My few offerings, though there are WAY too many to choose just one :

 

from my pre-teen years, kinda..

Why Do Fools Fall In Love (Frankie Lynon & The Teenagers)

This Magic Moment (The Drifters - If all you ever heard was the Jay & The Americans version, man have YOU been missing it!)

There's A Moon Out Tonight (The Duprees?)

Silhouettes (The Rays)

Strangers in The Night (Old Frankie Blue Eyes)

That's Amore (Perry Como)

 

from my teen years..

My Girl (The Temptations)

The Way You Do The Things You Do (Temptations)

Oh Happy Day (Edwin Hawkins Singers)

Sealed With A Kiss - Brian Highland

As Long As She Needs Me (Sammy Davis, Jr.)

Dancing In The Street (Martha and The Vandellas)

Stop In The Name of Love (Supremes)

Surfer Girl (Beach Boys)

Wouldn't It Be Nice (Beach Boys)

And I Love Her (Beatles)

Satisfaction (I Can't Get No) - Otis Redding (Pure energy that beats the socks off the Stone version)

Be My Baby - Ronnettes

Do I Love You - Ronnettes

Walking In The Rain - Ronnettes

 

since then..

When Will I See You Again (Three Degrees)

Love Train (O'Jays)

The Greatest Love of All (Whitney Houston)

Fantastic Voyage (Lakeside)

Stuck With You (Huey Lewis and The News - One of the most underrated great groups in music history, imo)

 

In keeping with Rowan's original post

It doesn't have to be deep and meaningful or even musically brilliant. It's just one of those songs that makes you go.... "YEAH!!"
THA WINNA IS.. "MY GIRL" by The Temptations !
-- Music has miracle potential --
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<<"there she goes" by the la's>>

 

that's a great song, great band. here's a few i was listening to today while making a pop tune comp for a friend...

 

"what a wonderful world" -louis armstrong

"laser show" -fountains of wayne

"shake some action" -flaming groovies

"hard day's night" -beatles (is there one that isn't good?)

"girl i almost married" -beat farmers

"what's so funny bout peace,love & understanding" -nick lowe/elvis costello

"the kids are alright" -the who

"when you were mine" -prince

"here comes the summer" the undertones

"i feel good" -james brown

"hang on sloopy" -the mccoys

"i want candy" -strangeloves

"wendy under the stars" -the odds

"switchblade sister" -redd kross

"life begins at the hop" -xtc

"million miles away" -the plimsouls

"all kindsa girls' -real kids

"rosemary" -the dickies

"mary provost" -nick lowe

"19th nervous breakdown" -stones

"surrender" -cheap trick

"boy or a girl" -imperial drag

 

-d. gauss

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Bohemian Rhapsody.

 

When I was a kid I remember this was on the radio continuously - *and it was lonnnnnng*. An amazing concept and an amazing song.

 

------------------

New and Improved Music Soon: http://www.mp3.com/chipmcdonald

Guitar Lessons in Augusta Georgia: www.chipmcdonald.com

Eccentric blog: https://chipmcdonaldblog.blogspot.com/

 

/ "big ass windbag" - Bruce Swedien

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Originally posted by Chip McDonald:

Bohemian Rhapsody.

 

When I was a kid I remember this was on the radio continuously - *and it was lonnnnnng*. An amazing concept and an amazing song.

 

...as long as you like lyrics that make no sense at all... Sorry, Chip, but if it makes you feel any better, I think Crazy Little Thing Called Love is an awesome song. Excellent guitar in that tune!

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popmusic,

 

Thanks for the link to the Andy Partridge video. That guy is far and away one of the most colorful and clever pop songwriters around. His interviews are hilarious too.

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popmusic,

 

Thanks for the link to the Andy Partridge video. That guy is far and away one of the most colorful and clever pop songwriters around. His interviews are hilarious too.

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Dire Straits: Money for Nothing (overplayed, but I never got sick of it)

Level 42: Something about you

Chicago: Just You 'n Me

Todd Rundgren: Hello Its Me

Turtles (?): Happy Together (the best "sing-in-the-shower" song ever)

 

damn, I could do this all afternoon...

Botch

"Eccentric language often is symptomatic of peculiar thinking" - George Will

www.puddlestone.net

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Originally posted by AlChuck:

Glad to see I'm not the only XTC fan. They have a lot of great songs. If Andy Partridge wasn't such an friggin' artist he'd probably be more famous. Some other favorites: "No Thugs In Our House" (featuring one of the greatest recorded growls of all time), "It's Nearly Africa," "Senses Working Overtime" from English Settlement, "Stupidly Happy" from Wasp Star: Apple Venus Vol. II...

 

not mention "Dear God"

 

Originally posted by botch@netutah.net:

Level 42: Something about you

Todd Rundgren: Hello Its Me

 

When did that Level 42 song come out, '85? It was perhaps the best thing on the radio that summer. Mark King is one funky Brit.

 

I'm a fan of Rundren as a craftman of great pop songs especially "Hello, It's Me", along with "Saw the Light", "Can We Still Be Friends", "Compassion". Sure, Utopia had some pompous moments ("Singring and the Glass Guitar" was like something out of Spinal Tap), and I can do without that Friday 5pm staple of every AOR station in the country, "Bang the Drum All Day". His "With a Twist" album made up for a lot of transgressions - Todd's Bossa Nova rework of many of his chestnuts (no kidding).

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Okay, I'm changing my vote since I now see that this thread is open to popular music, and not the pop-music style like I thought it was when I had cast my vote for the Men at Work Tune. I can't think of a single favorite popular tune, but one that I'm surprised has had no mention yet is Chuck Mangione's (spelling?) "Feels so good". Yes, I know it's a bit cheesy, but as a whole, the song it is huge! The musicianship on the tune is first rate and it is probably the most played, dare I say "jazz-pop" tune ever. But if I did have to pick a favorite tune, it would probably be something that U2 did from the 1985-1988 era. All of their music up until and including Rattle and Hum was incredible.

 

-Dylan

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My (2!) favorite pop singles are "Itchycoo Park" by the Small Faces

(gotta love that phase-shifting!), and "California Dreamin'" by the

Mamas and the Papas-I'm a native Californian. Funny how many of our

favorite harmonies on these and the other great songs mentioned are

"pre-autotune"! Maybe it's "Just My Imagination", the new songs using

autotune don't sound as real to me.

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My favorite pop single is "Just My Imagination" by the Temptations. The arrangement is so perfect for this song, IMHO.

 

Rob

 

 

 

 

------------------

R. Guilford Butts

www.mp3.com/robsmusic

 

"Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God"......Leo Buscaglia

R. Guilford Butts

www.mp3.com/robsmusic

 

"Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God"......Leo Buscaglia

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While we're talking Motown..."Tears of a Clown" by Smokey Robinson. Despite a sort of strangely comical intro, the song actually kicks ass...

 

Other seventies pop tunes...

 

"What Does It Take To Win Your Love"...Jr. Walker and the All Stars...the sax intro has always torn me up.

 

"Love Goes Where My Rosemary Goes"...Edison Lighthouse...pure pop...killer hook.

 

"Ride, Captain, Ride"...Blues Image. Everyone knows the words

 

"Signs" Five Man...etc...see the previous.

 

The horn bands...

 

Chicago...25 or 6 to 4. Two Words...TERRY KATH.

 

Lighthouse...Fly

 

Ides of March...Vehicle.

 

Blood, Sweat, and Tears...Go Naturally

 

The balladeers...

 

Bread..."It Don't Matter to Me"

 

Croce..."Time in a Bottle"

 

Cat Stevens..."Peace Train"..."Wild World"

"Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine"
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