The Afterword is a broad church, running the full gamut of musical tastes from A to D.
Over by the fireplace, you have your “course, it were all green fields round here in my day” types, trading stories about the Incredible String Band and the Summer of Love.
By the pool table gather the sneering 90s kids, who don’t, like, believe in genre, and still sometimes listen to music that gets reviewed in Pitchfork. They’ll never get old and closed-minded, no sir.
Propping up the bar, drinking real ale and comparing vintage tour t-shirts, are the vinyl obsessives. They like music you’ve probably never heard of.
And, of course, there’s the car park. Where deramdaze is busy shouting at pigeons and trying to work out whether or not he should like The Doors just now.
Many tribes. Many ways of consuming music, many ways of seeing the world. But is there a single song that can bring them together and bond them? A piece of music that, when played on the jukebox, will see everyone in the pub stop what they’re doing, link arms and perform a stomping karaoke singalong that threatens to tear the roof off the sucka? One tune to rule them all?
The challenge of this thread is to identify a song that everyone* here likes. Or at least, to see how close we can get to a song that no one dislikes. Here, in this den of elitism, contrarianism and loathsome smarty-pantedness, we’re going to attempt the impossible – musical consensus.
I’ll start us off. “Yes” by McAlmont and Butler. Surely there’s nobody out there despicable enough to dislike “Yes” by McAlmont and Butler?
* Two rules for this thread:
1. If you have a personal life-rule about loudly and pointedly refusing to like any music from certain decades, I’m afraid you’re going to have to sit this one out, for the sake of the premise.
2. If you pipe up to say you don’t like one of the songs that’s been suggested then you, in turn, are obliged to make a suggestion. Where we destroy, we must also create.
IanP says
I had this thought just the other day when Green Onions came on. Is there really anyone who doesn’t start tapping their toe?
Bingo Little says
You’re absolutely correct. Only a true villain would dislike Green Onions.
seanioio says
Another in agreement.
The sound of Steve Croppers guitar on this track is the definition of perfect. Understated brilliance
Moose the Mooche says
That little grunt before he starts playing is great. I think it’s Booker himself.
They sound like some blokes dicking about and yet it is, as you say, precisely perfect.
Another Will Smith says
I dislike a lot of the music labelled as ‘AW friendly’ but Green Onions is a great choice.
retropath2 says
But isn’t it a bit, um, obvious/ubiquitous. (Sure, it’s fecking brilliant but, hey, can’t we be more arcane or something. This isn’t Mojo magazine.)
Friar says
Move to have this comment stricken on grounds of dangerous level of eye-roll inducement.
Gatz says
I’l leap in with Up the Junction from Squeeze. I could quibble about some of the deliberately duff syntax and rhymes (or the questionable medical advice to put a woman in an incubator in order to give birth) but everyone loves to sing along to this one, don’t they?
Moose the Mooche says
Your puny species may not put their women in incubators…
D’oh! What a giveaway!
Sewer Robot says
Junctions and roundabouts though, innit. Minus a point for “to the incubator” but plus one for “no more nights nappy smelly”.
Moose the Mooche says
Isn’t it smelling?
That’s a general question
Sewer Robot says
This site is like taking the red pill in The Matrix – the very foundations of my existence keep being whipped away until I’m wobbling like a Jenga tower.
How many times have I heard that song happy that “telly” must beget “smelly”?
Just listened to it again and it is indeed the more logical but less rhymy whimey “smelling”.
Moose the Mooche says
I hate D!!!
Bingo Little says
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ2BOfuCRU0
dai says
No
Bingo Little says
This?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weFxKPsYTf4
count jim moriarty says
No.
Bingo Little says
This?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkEXGgdqMz8
Black Type says
No no, no no no no no (…someone had to do it).
minibreakfast says
No no no no no no no no no no no no there’s no li
seanioio says
There are a lot of motown tracks that I believe are impossible to dislike. Tracks of My Tears
& Get Ready are two which immediately jump to mind.
Milkybarnick says
Good shout – I was going to suggest “For Once in My Life” or “This Old Heart of Mine”.
mikethep says
Actually, For Once in My Life is one of the few Motown tracks I don’t like, but there you go.
Paul Wad says
My wife doesn’t like Tracks of My Tears, but she’s not an AWorder. I still find it hard to fathom, nonetheless.
Junior Wells says
yes , grounds for divorce@Paul-Wad
the lyrics alone canonise it
Leedsboy says
There She Goes by The La’s I would add to the list containing Green Onions and Up The Junction. I would add some Beatles songs but my wifes utter dislike of them means that won’t work.
count jim moriarty says
Sorry, There She Goes is overrated and overplayed. Annoys the hell out of me.
Lunaman says
I like it but as it’s about heroin there may be a few that dislike it!
Dave Ross says
I like the McAlmont and Butler track but could understand his voice not being on everyones wavelength. My choice would have to be “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder and in particular this version from Sesame Street
Bingo Little says
Agh – sorry, Dave, this one always sets my teeth on edge. All a bit “grandma getting funky at a wedding”. I also don’t like the squelchiness of it all.
On the other hand, surely nobody would be foolhardy enough to dislike Sam Cooke’s immortal “Just For You”…
https://youtu.be/QL1zY9wA3q0
davebigpicture says
Needs more muppets.
Leicester Bangs says
I would like to propose Papa’s Got A Brand New Pigbag by Pigbag, Turning Japanese by The Vapors and Tom Hark by The Piranhas.
Rufus T Firefly says
Not seconded, I’m afraid. They whiff of novelty songs by novelty acts.
I propose: “Kids in America” by Kim Wilde, “Bigmouth Strikes Again” by the Smiths, “Public Image” by Public Image Ltd. and “Everlasting Love” by The Love Affair.
davebigpicture says
I’ll see your Public Image and raise you, er, Rise by PIL. I would also suggest Hey Ya by Outkast.
Bingo Little says
Ooh – Hey Ya. Now THERE’s a tune. Surely everyone likes to shake it-shake it-shake it like a polaroid picture? Also great for karaoke.
Dave Ross says
I accept your funky Grandma but must dismiss Hey Ya for the “Shake it” bits. Trying just too hard and grates my girdle
Bingo Little says
I accept your veto. But now I must compel you to make a further suggestion.
Moose the Mooche says
The Smiths! Public Image! Everbody loves them!
I propose Mass Media Believer by The Lurkers.
Bingo Little says
Sorry, old bean, but I rather loathe “Everlasting Love”.
On a similar theme, I’ll propose this instead: Crazy in Love – Beyonce…
minibreakfast says
BBC Radio 2 still don’t play Jay Z’s rather vanilla bit of rap on this, despite it being 2017 and everything.
Gary says
Ugh. Awful. Awful, awful, awful, awful. Awful, awful, awful. Awful.*
Ain’t nobody don’t love Otis Redding (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay. Ain’t nobody don’t love S&G’s Mrs. Robinson. Or A Town Called Malice. Or The Message.
*Awful
Friar says
Nah you can keep The Jam in their entirety.
Does Crazy In Love sound like Taylor Swift, Gary? 😉
Gary says
I’d definitely say it’s as good as Shake It Off.
moseleymoles says
Town called Malice is on the banned list in our house. Views on The Jam are divided.
count jim moriarty says
Horrible tuneless racket.
Bingo Little says
Uh oh, uh oh, uh oh, oh no no.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
A cliche of popularity because that’s what a cliche is – popular. Simply wonderful: bunch of spotty oiks making joyful, short and perfect noise. There’s not one Afterworder who doesn’t love this surely?
Dave Ross says
Yep, we have a winner in my book, god only knows what that will mean though……
Bingo Little says
Excellent suggestion!
chilli ray virus says
Never cared for this. I know it made John Peel cry but I always seemed lightweight compared to proper punk, and Fergal’s voice grates.
Friar says
“Proper punk” oh god oh god please no. No punk ever attained anything close to the perfection of TK.
Mike_H says
Ain’t no such thing as “Proper Punk”.
Why, the very idea of the word “Proper” being used for something as Improper as Punk!
Lodestone of Wrongness says
That bearded old guy outside your house nonchantly carrying an axe whilst muttering “ears of cloth” , that’s me that is
Moose the Mooche says
I move to have the perennial outlier that is LoW barred from this thread, as it will become unworkable otherwise.
Jackthebiscuit says
Hey ya by OutKast is seconded by me.
Can I offer this for consideration
The Waterboys – Whole of the moon
Friar says
Ay ay ayyyyy I full-on loathe all the works of Mike Scott’s hand and this song in special particular.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
I’m beginning to like you a lot, Friar. A record so bad I would rather listen to The Ray Conniff Singers whilst Jimmy Young interviews Maggie Thatcher in between songs just before I shoot myself
retropath2 says
The worst trumpetiness ever is Whole of my Arse, a song so bad it stopped me admiring the magnificence of much else in their repertoire for years.
Harry Tufnell says
Yep, me too, I’d rather listen to Simply Red or Zombie*
*Not really
Bingo Little says
Can anyone truly, hand on heart, say they dislike “All Night Long” by Lionel Richie? Surely, there are no such blasphemers in our midst?
Moose the Mooche says
I only recently admitted, after thirty years of denial, that I have always loved this record. Sweet surrender.
Dave Ross says
Oh I had some nights drunkenly singing along to the made up African words Lionel used in this “Jumbo lisey sestimo la, hey Jambo Jambo etc” which I’m afraid consigns this to the also rans
Bingo Little says
I think you’ll find the song is actually about Jambo from Hollyoaks. Close personal friend of the Richies, and godfather to one of their many daughters.
Moose the Mooche says
It’s a song about jambon, that’s your actual French.
@bingo-little does this mean you actually watch bloody Hollyoaks?
Bingo Little says
Watch it? I’m in it.
Moose the Mooche says
Bloody teenagers.
Jackthebiscuit says
Jambo is a common expression/ greeting in Mombasa.
So there.
Dave Ross says
I’m sure I heard him interviewed somewhere saying he made it up. Maybe on Piers Morgans life story thing?
Sitheref2409 says
Piers Morgan? Something made up? There’s a life history in 5 words
Friar says
All Night Long is a great shout.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
I’ve never liked you, Friar.
retropath2 says
All Night Long is abominable bogeybait. Likers need a swift evisceration to come to their senses.
count jim moriarty says
I can. It’s lightweight fluff.
Friar says
I’m sensing a pattern. Do you like any music made by black people which lots of people enjoy dancing to? 😉
Black Celebration says
All Night Long is currently going through the courts answering to charges of enforced jollity – it will probably escape with a fine but also up on the same charge is “Dancing on the Ceiling!”. He’s looking at life for that one, I’m afraid.
My suggestion is Blomdie’s Union City Blue.
Moose the Mooche says
Blomdie? You bumder!
Jeff says
I nominate ‘Blomdie’ for inclusion in the Afterword Lexicon; it can unquestionably hold its own against ‘vinly’, if you’ll pardon my French.
Bingo Little says
A few weeks ago I discovered that my wife thinks “vinyl” is pronounced “vi-Nile”.
Delighted, so I was.
Moose the Mooche says
My Dad occasionally says that to this day. And he worked in record shops and for a Significant Record Company in the 70s. When I rib him, he reminds me that he grew up in a world where the word vinyl wasn’t used. It was just “records”.
Bartleby says
Calling them ‘vinyls’ on the rare LP Facebook page is up there with asking if anyone else hates The Beatles.
NigelT says
My Dad always pronounced stereo as steer-rio
Hawkfall says
Vinyl is actually the proper pronunciation. It’s the name of a chemical group. You say Poly Vi-nile Chloride, for example.
MC Escher says
My mother always pronounced it “vinnel”. Mind you, she also pronounced the symbol or other small design adopted by an organization to identify its products as “loggoh.” I’m not sure what this proves, if anything, I merely leave it here, floating in the middle of the thread like a pungent fart.
Black Celebration says
My face is red – I stand corrected. Just like Primce.
count jim moriarty says
Lots of it – but none of the stuff that’s been suggested here so far.
count jim moriarty says
Bit rich @Friar – making ludicrous assumptions based on 2 examples. Embarrassed yourself there.
Friar says
Apologies Jim, it was supposed to be a joke. Hence the smiley.
Vincent says
Hate it, Last good thing he did was “Brick House”. Might I propose “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind and Fire, “What a Waste” by Ian Dury and the Blockheads, and “Pop Muzik” by M instead?
Moose the Mooche says
Isn’t this just going to be another “the best music came out when I was young” thread? Already seems to be going that way.
With that in mind, I propose Unfinished Sympathy.
Friar says
Either that or “the best music isn’t popular, and if it is, I’m going to say I don’t like it.” 😉
Lodestone of Wrongness says
I was already 365 when Teenage Kicks came out..
Paul Hewston says
Surely the correct answer is Wichita Lineman?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fwOTDaO4bg
John Walters says
Spot on Paul.
daff says
Very nearly spot on! See my nomination below😎
Friar says
Like it, admire it, it doesn’t land emotionally for me, though.
Black Celebration says
I have suggested Union City Blue up there so I’m entitled to block Wichita Lineman. I honestly think it’s nothing special.
Moose the Mooche says
I have to say now that I would kick you out of bed.
Black Celebration says
Well you routinely ignore all the safe words and phrases I use (like “no!” and “for the love of God, no!” ) so that is useful information.
Martin S says
Not only on the Afterword site, I’d venture to suggest that there can not be a single soul with an ounce of humanity in them who does not dig Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” when it shines out of an evening playlist.
Bingo Little says
This man speaks the truth.
Friar says
Yep. If you claim to dislike WAWW, you’re essentially surrendering any right to be treated as human.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Man, when it first came out how we hipsters hated it. “This was the man who invented Jazz?” ( I think Mr Armstrong invented jazz?) Now we know better but it still retains rather too much naffness to gain that elusive No 1 spot already grabbed by The Undertones.
retropath2 says
I’d sooner listen to someone being sick in a toilet, which is, after all, where he nicked his “vocal” style.
count jim moriarty says
Is the correct answer.
moseleymoles says
Yep I love Louis but the twenties trumpet guru with the hot five rather than the crooner. Sorry.
Rigid Digit says
(because I am obtuse and awkward), I vote for the Joey Ramone version instead
Bingo Little says
If you say you dislike this, then you are wrong.
count jim moriarty says
Seconded! Best song ever written about a racing pigeon.
Wayfarer says
Good, but June Tabor’s version is better.
salwarpe says
Seconded!
count jim moriarty says
I’m happy with both. Both June and the Unthanks are favourites of mine.
ip33 says
What about HMHB version, which is lovely.
KDH says
As someone who’s not a huge fan of folk music, I love the Unthanks, and this may be my favourite track by them.
Rufus T Firefly says
Interesting suggestion… but not for me.
I do like “All Night Long” though!
daff says
I think that an obvious choice is Do You Believe in Magic by the Lovin’ Spoonful- it ticks all the right boxes.
If you need to be swayed then try this clip (in colour!)
https://youtu.be/yStobdgL_2E
Bingo Little says
A great and underrated band.
retropath2 says
Actually close. Isn’t it this by the same band?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m648v4s5sFc
Bingo Little says
It is indeed. Denied their rightful respect because of all the narcing they done.
aging hippy says
A Best Of The Lovin’ Spoonful album is a wonderful thing.
mikethep says
Not by me.
Dave Ross says
That is brilliant, did the guitarist go on to have a career as a baddie in James Bond films?
atcf says
This:
A few years ago BBC4 ran that documentary on the biggest grossing songs of all time. Many of them had a reason for making so much money – eg Christmas songs generate repeat royalties – but when this one appeared, one of the talking heads simply said “Who doesn’t love ‘Stand By Me’?”
chilli ray virus says
Familiarity breeds contempt. I never want to hear this again.
MC Escher says
Ditto, and furthermore on the grounds of being the go-to song of karaoke bores the world over.
slotbadger says
When Bob Harris had his late night show on R1 in the early 1990s, he would often introduce this with lip-smacking, beard-stroking reverence, proudly announcing it to be his favourite song of all time. Put me right off, that did.
Bingo Little says
It’s a terrible karaoke choice. Virtually a Capella and harder to sing than you think it’s going to be. Absolutely no hiding place once it all goes tits up. I speak from gruesome experience here.
Leicester Bangs says
Er, hello?
Bingo Little says
Yes. Just….yes.
chilli ray virus says
“Easter Theatre” by XTC. Loved by AW’s – unknown by pretty much everybody else.
Friar says
Never heard it but am generally baffled by the XTC fanboy contingent.
count jim moriarty says
Open your ears and be entertained.
Friar says
Surely everyone flat out adores A Change Is Gonna Come. Surely?
Bingo Little says
IT IS MY FAVOURITE SONG OF ALL TIME. NONE MAY DISLIKE IT.
Rufus T Firefly says
Seconded Mr. L!
Bingo Little says
We may need a special section for Sam Cooke. Surely, surely, surely no one dislikes this?!?
seanioio says
Sam Cooke wins the ‘Artist’ version of this thread
Dave Ross says
Now that needs a thread of it’s own, imagine all those votes for Bono….
Bingo Little says
It’s a toss up between him and Papa Roach.
aging hippy says
There’s no such thing as a bad version of BIOHTM. Same can be said of Walk On By by Dionne Warwick/Isaac Hayes/Stranglers.
Blue Boy says
Sam Cooke was my first thought too. A dozen songs that would surely fit the bill
KDH says
First time i ever heard this song was the Billy Preston version – i can’t claim it’s better than Sam Cooke’s, but I do think it’s pretty good:
Moose the Mooche says
Aaron Neville’s version is brilliant too… even while not being a patch on the original. Very little is.
Bingo Little says
I would consider suspect anyone who dislikes Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
Arthur Cowslip says
Ooh good choice!
davidks says
I propose “Be My Baby” by The Ronettes.
Pop perfection.
Friar says
It’s bloody hard to find a Phil Spector girl-fronted single which *isn’t* perfect.
Bingo Little says
Excellent call!
Friar says
I’d also submit Da Doo Ron Ron, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Then He Kissed Me, Today I Met The Boy I’m Gonna Marry and many more.
seanioio says
You speak the truth. Another resounding yes from me for Be My Baby
retropath2 says
Having dissed near all presented, I think it is this remix that I would have most belief in, lyrically, musically and all.
Bingo Little says
If you don’t like this song you need never darken the door of Casa Little:
mikethep says
Or this.
Jeff says
Agreed – both impossible not to love.
You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman might actually be the best song ever written / sung.
Bingo Little says
That would be A Change Is Gonna Come.
But YMMFLANW could easily make the top 5. What a glorious sound it is.
Jeff says
It is a glorious, wonderful, beautiful sound, yes, but for me it’s also the best song ever about how it feels to be totally loved.
Jeff says
Er…*harrumph*… I should just point that I am totally a full-on bloke and am in no way soppy and gurly and absolutely have not been drinking my body-weight in reasonable Chianti and neat gin this evening.
*checks watch* … Er, make that ‘yesterday evening’.
Dave Ross says
I’ve been giving this some thought and all the above have some credit (except “Whole Of the Moon” sorry Jack..) The answer is this…
Gary says
Musically, a horrid racket. I’d suggest Eric Idol’s Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life would be a more universally loved novelty ditty.
Moose the Mooche says
Eric Idol…. Billy’s brother?
Outside of the context of the film, that song is insufferable rugby club tosh.
“Henry Kissinger” though…. THERE’S a song.
Gary says
Good job you mentioned that. I was planning on having ALOTBSOL played at your funeral.
Bingo Little says
There’s no need for threats, Gary. A simple veto will do…
Gary says
I’ll have you know my planning of Moose’s funeral is an act of great kindness. Were it not for me he’d likely be facing a pauper’s grave in some nondescript suburban cemetery. Whereas I am planning a lavish event, a boat-and-pyre job with paid mourners dressed in flowing robes of oatmeal buff, and turkey and cress sandwiches to follow.
davebigpicture says
Based on some of his previous posts, I’d imagined Moose would want Fat Bottomed Girls playing as the coffin disappears into the flames.
Gary says
Hmmm. I feel perhaps a separate thread is warrented.
Arthur Cowslip says
No one’s said much about McCalmont and Butler’s Yes from the OP yet.
I veto it. I HATE it with a vengeance and it bemuses me when people hold it up as a paragon of tunesmithery. Cheap 60s soul knock-off, but with the soul (and any decent semblance of a tune) removed and incoherent, flat vocal warblings over the top.
Have I got my point across? I HATE it. Veto, veto, veto.
Other than that we have a nice little list growing. To replace Yes I suggest Live And Let Die by Wings.
Friar says
I might go to my grave chortling at the idea that Live and Let bloody Die is a better song than Yes. Priceless!
Bingo Little says
Aha – here was I thinking I might have cracked this first time out the gate. Fair play.
I’m afraid I’m going to have to veto Live and Let Die, because there’s something deeply Alan Partridge about it.
On the basis that people are too scared to look racist by vetoing old Motown records, I’ll go for the sublime “Baby I Need Your Loving” by the Four Tops. If I could sing like this, I’d never leave the house.
Arthur Cowslip says
Oh, fair enough. (“Alan Partridge”??)
Yeah, I’ll give you your replacement. Good tune.
I must have overestimated the power of ’73 era Macca and George Martin.
Moose the Mooche says
There are several records by the Four Tops that logically fit the bill. Reach Out, Same Old Song Can’t Help Myself are others. But… oh dear, black people and a record that girls might dance to…
count jim moriarty says
All great. Personally, I’ll go for Walk Away Renee. Levi Stubbs was never better.
Leicester Bangs says
A transformative power ballad, you say? An inspiring, punch-the-air anthem? I give you the musical heroin that is Let It Go.
Bingo Little says
Fuck. Yes.
This is going to last about 5 minutes, but I’m fully with you. There are bands worshiped on here who’ve never written a song half as good as this.
Friar says
Fantastic. Perfect. Bound to be vetoed by some Jeremy Corbyn-looking geezer on the grounds that small gurls like it and there’s no audible fingerpicking on it. 😉
mikethep says
And here he is. Never heard that before. Awful. Has straight-to-karaoke written all over it.
Stephen G says
Seriously? Not criticizing – just amazed you could have avoided hearing this – it’s been everywhere for the last 4 years or so.
mikethep says
Not anywhere I’ve been, is all I can say. It’s possible it’s been playing on Radio Service Station every time I’ve bought petrol, but I tend to tune that stuff out. And my kids are old enough to take themselves to the movies. Now, of course, my perfect state of innocence has been shattered.
minibreakfast says
I only heard it for the first time in full when the film was on Christmas day last year. Bit of a let down tbh.
seanioio says
But but but…..that voice is akin to nails down a blackboard to my ears I’m afraid. With another voice I think I would like it, but I can’t warm* to Ms. Menzels voice
*If I was quicker witted I would turn this into a Frozen joke.
Gary says
Ugh. Truly horrible. Sounds like the sort of rubbish small gurls like. And there’s no fingerpicking on it, as far as I can hear.
Dave Ross says
The cold never bothered her anyway????? Smug bitch, can she not spare a thought for the millions who choose between heating and eating at this time of year?
NigelT says
Vetoed on the grounds that small gurls like it and there’s no audible fingerpicking on it…..oh….crap…..
Gatz says
Oh do fuck off. Vetoed on the grounds that ve only ever heard the three word chorus, and even that made my ears want to vomit.
Leicester Bangs says
Here I stand, in the light of day, let the thread rage on…
Being told to fuck off never bothered me anyway.
Milkybarnick says
It’s good, but “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman” knocks it into a cocked hat. It’s brilliant; covers every emotion and sets the film up in about 2 1/2 minutes. And it makes me cry (almost) every time I hear it.
Bingo Little says
The sequences during “….Snowman” and “Let It Go” are two of the most brilliantly crafted pieces of cinema of the last 10 years. I still remember seeing that movie for the first time and suddenly realising “hang on – this is actually quite magnificent”.
Leicester Bangs says
Do You Wanna Build A Snowman is awesome but it doesn’t have that supreme uplift of Let It Go. One dose of Let It Go and you feel like you can take on the world.
Moose the Mooche says
Even I like it.
Wow.
Jeff says
Moose = small gurl.
Hey I just report the facts as I see them! Don’t shoot the massager, ‘kay?
Moose the Mooche says
I will not shoot the massager, though I may well….
(no, I’ve thought better of it)
Jeff says
I know that, with your incomparable legerdemain, you were trying to steer the delicate reader’s thoughts away from “…massage the shooter”, and for that you should be commended, but I have to confess that my own mind went more in the direction of “…Moose the sausager”.
Which, on reflection, amounts to much the same thing.
salwarpe says
They’re both good, but I’d go for “For the First time In Forever” – a duet with such immortal lines – “Who knew we owned 8,000 salad plates”, “Why have a ballroom with no balls?” “Don’t know if I’m elated or gassy, but I’m somewhere in that zone”
Bingo Little says
I’m also a fan of Fixer Upper. Great tune, especially the Aphex Twin remix.
salwarpe says
Good for you!
er, what?
Milkybarnick says
Oh, that’s a good one too. As is “Love Is An Open Door”. The harmonies in that are really unusual and brilliant.
Gary says
If we’re going down the kids’ cartoon films route, I’d suggest I Wanna Be Like You or Bare Necessities.
Bingo Little says
Ooh-de-lally, ooh-de-lally, golly what a day.
It’s actually quite scary to think about the impact this movie had on my view of the world.
Dodger Lane says
Yes, nobody can dislike either.
Captain Haddock says
I have a feeling that in 100 years time Let it Go is the song by which this decade will be remembered, and that will still be played by the 2117 version of Desmond Carrington (pre-his sad demise, obviously).
PS I still love it, despite having heard it at least 200 times.
Mike_H says
Seems to me, looking at the OP and the replies above, that the chances of finding a song we all love are somewhere between zero and very nearly zero.
I block-veto every single song mentioned so far apart from “Do You Believe In Magic”, which seems an obvious winner to me.
In my opinion, which is all that counts as I type this, one or two of the selections are absolute stinkers, some are barely-tolerable rubbish, some are merely a bit crap and some are OK-to-good but not quite there. Others are very good but still not quite there. Excellence trumps mere (or very) Good every time.
Bingo Little says
As the OP-meister and landlord, I’m hereby designating you a category 1 felon, and discounting your opinions. You’re barred, sonny!
moseleymoles says
I think it’s actually the best track from the late seventies. Intro, guitar picking, lyrics. 3.02. But of course it will also be someone’s least favourite…
Rigid Digit says
That’ll do for me – oh, yes.
Stephen G says
Thirded – never heard anyone saying they dislike AGAP.
Also from another band mostly remembered (if at all) for one song:
Shake Some Action by the Flaming Groovies – everyone likes this?
retropath2 says
Yup, original version, please.
Captain Haddock says
Can I suggest Girl From Mars?
Gatz says
Suggest away, but it’s instantly vetoed on the grounds of being not very good.
Bingo Little says
Right. I have to leave the office now, but I believe the current last tunes standing as of the time of typing are as follows:
Green Onions
Up The Junction
Tracks of My Tears
Get Ready
Just For You
Do You Believe In Magic?
Butterfly
Easter Theatre
A Change Is Gonna Come
Bring It On Home To Me
Voodoo Child
Be My Baby
Baby I Need Your Loving
Da Doo Ron Ron
Will You Love Me Tomorrow
Then He Kissed Me
Today I Met The Boy I’m Gonna Marry
Power Of Love
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
I Wanna Be Like You
Robin Hood and Little John, Running Through The Forrest
Another Girl, Another Planet
Union City Blue
Haters – have at them.
Arthur Cowslip says
I don’t like Do You Believe In Magic and I’m mystified at its popularity. Worst thing about it is the grating, childish lyrics. Something about the magic in a young child’s heart or something? Ugh. Too major key, too sunshine.
There are others on that list I’m against, but I’ll go easy for now.
In place of Do You Believe In Magic I suggest… oooh…. My Baby Just Cares For Me by Nina Simone.
Bingo Little says
Well played, sir!
daff says
But….but….but…..but……..it is down to the simplistic (childish😂)lyrics that help makes it such a great, timeless song!
There get out of that!
Arthur Cowslip says
Too late, it’s already veto-ed! Have a go at My Baby Just Cares For Me if you dare, or be off with you!
Gatz says
Dum de dum de dum de dum, dum de dum de dum de dum. I would allow any number of Nina Simone recordings, but certainly not this one. Dum de dum de dum de dum, dum de dum de dum de dum (ad infinitum).
Dave Ross says
Aren’t all those Motown / songs all a bit samey? And The way Debbie Harry sings “Uuuuuniooon” in Union City Blues” excludes it I’m afraid
Arthur Cowslip says
I agree re Union City Blues. Didn’t want to pick on it and seem like a grump as I’ve already poo-pooed a couple of songs already.
Kid Dynamite says
The Power Of Love is appalling saccharine tosh. I am compelled to veto it.
retropath2 says
Did you listen to the remix? Transforms it.
salwarpe says
But, but, Jennifer Rush! *sigh*
minibreakfast says
Whither Huey Lewis?
Friar says
Huey’s POL is, as you so rightly, the one. Can’t hear it without thrilling to the idea of hanging onto somebody’s towbar while zooming along at 30 on a skateboard.
minibreakfast says
Pop Fact: All three POLs came out within a year of each other, FGTH’s hitting the top spot in Dec ’84 and the others charting in ’85. Must have been some sort of mid-80s title shortage.
Friar says
Well, in those days of course pop groups were heavily unionised and had to use nationally agreed song frameworks.
deramdaze says
Point of reference to the original comment:
If that’s the same car park where Arsenal always finish third and get knocked out of Europe in March, the guys by the fireplace should come and join me, it’s far more relaxing there.
I set my clocks by it – which reminds me, the time is nigh….
Bingo Little says
Xxx
deramdaze says
Enough already.
I’m too busy setting the clocks, the heating, the barometer, and the cat, for the next 12 months.
Greenwich Mean Time (other ways of measuring are available) has nothing on the collective might of Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil.
Will you please leave me to my time-keeping, BL!
Rigid Digit says
From a time when Rod was “good” – expected to lead to a conversation about the Imperial Phase/The Mercury Years, how he managed to maintain two parallel careers with damn near equal success, and where it all went wrong (Atlantic Crossing ? A Night on the Town ?? Foot Loose & Fancy Free ??? Blondes Have More Fun ????)
Faces – Stay With Me
Friar says
Nope. Hate it. Beloved of all those lads who look like Tim from The Office and liked Ocean Colour Scene.
Dodger Lane says
I’d go for this one.
Rigid Digit says
But, is this not the greatest song ever written?
(or certainly within the Top 3)
Slade – How Does It Feel
deramdaze says
“Flame” is the true sequel to “That’ll Be The Day.”
“Stardust” wants us to believe that the world is as fixated by the lead character’s music as people were with “Sgt Pepper’s.” It fails dismally.
Slade, with “How Does It Feel,” and amazingly for 1975, actually deliver a song that makes you believe it.
The opening credits….drummer leaving factory, handing in his cards, walking away from factory; early morning, dark, cold, urban, bleak…..all to this song, are astonishing.
And yet, incredibly, it was their first 45 for years that wasn’t a Top 10 hit!
ip33 says
How Does It Feel is their Wichita Lineman. It’s that good.
count jim moriarty says
Seconded.
Jackthebiscuit says
My favourite band from my teenage years & I think How does it feel is their finest song.
Great film & a great soundtrack.
Wonderful stuff.
Thanks for posting it RD.
hubert rawlinson says
There is one up there I can’t listen to because I saw them once in concert and hated their vocals. Shan’t say which.
I give you this
A great philosophy for life.
Kid Dynamite says
I just looked at my party playlist, confident there must be something there that hasn’t been covered already. Well. You wouldn’t want to come to one of my parties.
Kid Dynamite says
that said…
Moose the Mooche says
En Vogue… my generation’s Nolan Sisters. (I am not talking about music)
Friar says
I’d humbly suggest Free Your Mind as well. Tune.
Bingo Little says
Awesome flute action!
Moose the Mooche says
I heard that rumour too.
hurrrr
Dodger Lane says
Plenty of good choices but no word in favour of this, shame on you.
Dancing in the street.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdvITn5cAVc…
ganglesprocket says
I have two suggestions
1) The Theme From Shaft by Isaac Hayes
2) Once In A Lifetime by Talking Heads
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98AJUj-qxHI
Kid Dynamite says
Shaft, yes, but something about David Byrne brings me out in hives. I think it is his insufferable smartarsery.
Kid Dynamite says
Seeing as I just vetoed somone on the grounds that they’re too much of a smartarse, I will counter-propose, er, Brian Eno…
Bingo Little says
Love that song.
chilli ray virus says
I love Talking Heads but can’t stand OIAL.
Bingo Little says
I don’t like the theme from Shaft. No idea what all the fuss is about.
Kid Dynamite says
I think you need to be a black private dick who’s a sex machine to all the chicks to really, you know, get it.
Gatz says
Let’s settle this once and for all – Waterloo Sunset
Friar says
It’s ok. I really don’t see anything special there though, and have never really understood its reputation as a masterpiece. The lyrics clunk a bit to me, and it feels twee. I feel like there are tons of Kinks songs that kick its arse, so I’m using my veto.
So I’m going to suggest You Really Got Me. Everyone loves You Really Got Me.
Gatz says
That’s OK, so long as you don’t actively dislike it then WS is still in the running.
Friar says
No, I do actively dislike it for its (IMO) undeserved status. Veto.
Gatz says
Fair enough, but is ruling out a song on the basis of what you see as an undeserved reputation the same as disliking the song? There would be. Few other Kinks songs I would have ahead of this one as my personal choice, but were looking for ones which no one dislikes.
Bartleby says
To be fair to Friar, the lyrics are a bit, you know, clunky, compared to, say, the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. Go Blow Monkeys!
Friar says
Fair point about the Blow Monkeys. Forgot about that song. But it’s largely solid gold Spector / doowop / r&b with three really good bits of 80s power balladry thrown in.
Bartleby says
Just teasing F. We like what we like and it’s hard to justify either way sometimes. Time of My (or is it Your?) Life? My idea of the music playing in the lift to Hell personally. It takes all sorts.
Kid Dynamite says
To remove any uncertainty, I most certainly do actively dislike this song. Sappy twee lyrics and a melody that wouldn’t be out of place in a nursery rhyme. Plus it is always held up as an exemplar of the Swinging Sixties, which sound frankly terrible to me, like Britpop but worse. At least Echobelly aren’t still clogging up the radio.
Gatz says
Okey dokey – out it goes!
Harry Tufnell says
Surely no one can dislike this?
Al Green – L.O.V.E. Love
Jackthebiscuit says
Posted this on a different thread a couple of weeks ago.
I think this is magnificent.
For your consideration
Donna Summer – I feel love
Bingo Little says
This would have been a great record in any era. Superb.
count jim moriarty says
Agreed. Stonking track.
davidks says
Magnificent.
Friar says
I don’t really believe it’s possible to dislike a single song on the Dirty Dancing soundtrack.
Gatz says
Time of My Life? Is ‘She’s Like the Wind’ on it? I confess I’ve never seen the film, but did go to a Dirty Dancing based stage show for The Light’s birthday last year.
Friar says
I like both of those.
Gatz says
Ah, but I don’t. By the rules of this thread I win. Sorry about that.
Tiggerlion says
The answer is, of course, David Bowie. But which one to choose? I posit this one and ask you to resist punching the air in delight.
davebigpicture says
Not vetoing this but I would have gone for Starman.
Moose the Mooche says
Who is this croonsome cyclops? He’ll go far!
Bartleby says
Veto from me I’m afraid. Never liked that song. Or Starman. Would propose Ashes to Ashes or Be My Wife instead.
Moose the Mooche says
“Propose Be My Wife” – nyo-ho-ho-ho!
….
…ahem.
Bartleby says
Go and listen to some Zappa M!
Moose the Mooche says
“…..and the band plays some of the most terribleist shit you’ve ever heard”
Bartleby says
Yay! That wasn’t difficult, was it?
Moose the Mooche says
Did I tell you my anecdote about nearly being involved in a traffic accident during that song?
No? I wouldn’t worry, it’s not very good.
Tiggerlion says
Right
There is always Life On Mars?
Bingo Little says
I am bringing the hammer down on Ashes to Ashes, but in Be My Wife you have hit upon my most favouritest of Bowie tunes.
Fifer says
Wot no HJH?
A Day In The life?
Bartleby says
That one about Octopuses is quite catchy.
Bingo Little says
No. no. no. Dreadful load of bobbins, . Veto.
Bartleby says
Tough crowd.
What about that one they invented reggae with – Oh Bloody or something?
Bingo Little says
Are you thinking of Roots Bloody Roots by Sepultura? Because that’s a song I can get behind.
Bartleby says
Not quite. Something about Desmond and Dolly in de market place?
Bingo Little says
Here’s a little thought experiment; just imagine what the reaction would be if Scouting For Girls released that song…
Bingo Little says
Although it would probably be called “Ob La Di, Ob La Festival Fitties In Hunter Wellies”, or similar. Might skew things a little.
Bartleby says
What’s not to like?
Milkybarnick says
Just got Prince’s Raspberry Beret on. Surely that’s a candidate?
Moose the Mooche says
He spoke to me and he wants it back.
Bloody titfer pilferers.
Milkybarnick says
Ha ha, as you can see below I was so concerned about pinching it, I double posted.
Moose the Mooche says
You can’t fool me, you millinery villain.
I haven’t seen Elton in that straw hat for years. That’s all i’m saying.
Milkybarnick says
*artfully shoves Richard Thompson’s beret under a pile of jumpers.
Moose the Mooche says
Freedom for Unhalfbricking!
Kid Dynamite says
Emphatically not vetoed here. What a great record.
Milkybarnick says
How about Raspberry Beret by Prince?
Harold Holt says
I will just leave you with a text-based ear worm…. “Hey hey we’re the Monkees…”
Moose the Mooche says
What a shame Jonny C isn’t here to remind us that they didn’t play their own instruments or write their own songs, thereby invalidating any claim that Monkees records even exist.
ganglesprocket says
Nilsson doing Everybody’s Talkin’?
Madness doing Our House?
Althea and Donna doing Uptown Top Rankin’ ?
Gatz says
I’m vetoing Our House. I liked the earliest Madness singles, and the later (pre-reformation) gloomy stuff, but utterly loathed the cheery celebration of everyday life songs – Our House, House of Fun, Baggy Trousers; all of them make me yearn for a Gatling gun and a sympathetic jury. Horrible. Just horrible.
Bartleby says
Have loathed Our House ever since first hearing it. With that and the one about carsz you could suddenly see that they were cynically writing lowest common denominator singles. Soz! Baggy Trousers anyone? Embarrassment?
ganglesprocket says
But Our House was in The Young Ones? BRUTES! BRUTES!
And I have met both Suggs and Chas Smash. They were really nice pleasant chaps!
Moose the Mooche says
On that basis, I have met both Roger Chapman and Rob Townsend and therefore vote for Burlesque by Family.
retropath2 says
Geacher, remember him, @geacher won’t.
Moose the Mooche says
Baggy Trousers is genius. Joyous.
Cue curmudgeonry……
Bartleby says
Family! Surely there’s a band we can all agree on.
Sorry gangle. I’ll give your that was an excellent Young Ones moment. The song should be accompanied by mindless looting!
Moose the Mooche says
Actually I think My Friend the Sun would be less divisive. Wonderful, wonderful song.
fitterstoke says
Seconded…
Locust says
I’ll just leave this here…
Moose the Mooche says
Great, great record. I saw this on Top of the Pops when I was six (six!) and recognised that it was a record that was taking the piss and i liked it for that reason.
MC Escher says
Wait. It’s taking the piss!!? I have based most of my major life decisions on the philosophy espoused in this song!
Moose the Mooche says
You mean you moved to Munich for nothing???
MC Escher says
Genau! Ich fühle mich beraubt
Malc says
Seconded.
Lando Cakes says
Well, I’m astonished to have scrolled down and found that no-one has yet suggested Pick Up the Pieces by the Average White Band. I commend it to the House.
Moose the Mooche says
*waves order papers in the air*
Hearrrrrrr Heaaaarrrrrrrrr!
Bingo Little says
Oh, good shout.
Bartleby says
Spiffing
Moose the Mooche says
A funk record, led by a man called Hamish Stuart. How can it not be brilliant?
Locust says
Yes, but isn’t “Cut the Cake” so much better?
Sitheref2409 says
There is nothing wrong with either this song, or this performance
Bingo Little says
That video is skirting dangerously close to veto territory…
Blue Boy says
Great great song, even better in the Searchers version…
salwarpe says
Let me try this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gkibxWr0DY
and one for our friends in the south coming online as Europe goes to sleep:
Moose the Mooche says
No, he says “Carribbean” wrong.
Bartleby says
Does he spell it wrong too?
Moose the Mooche says
No, why?
(tee-hee!)
Bartleby says
Phew!
Good call sal. Nice to see some world music on this thread at last! Love that line about Vegemite sandwiches.
Bingo Little says
Just going to leave this here late at night, while there’s no one about…
Moose the Mooche says
A very brilliant mind, because back in the days when he was only in his thirties he realised he was going to go bald early in life, he decided he was always going to rock the cap.
Smart, as the POTUS would say.
Chrisf says
The suggestion of “My Baby Just Cares For Me” up there may have been vetoed, but surely no one can argue with this….
Nina Simone / Sinnerman….
Its Gospel, its Jazz, its 10 minutes long so covers the Prog element. Overall, its ace….
salwarpe says
Can’t disagree with this choice:
https://salwarpe.wordpress.com/2017/01/03/write-here-write-now-3-sinner-man/
davidks says
Yes, yes….Sinnerman is one of my favourite songs ever.
Junior Wells says
And another suggestion- Etta James I’d Rather Go Blind
Hawkfall says
This is a great post and thread, but am I the only person wondering what kind of churches Bingo attends if they have bars in them?
Kaisfatdad says
The clergy have had to move with the times. Hawkfalll. I’ll have a martini, padre, and let’s listen to this.
A classic Cole Porter song by the magnificent Ella Fitzgerald. Surely everyone will like that?
I fear the jazzers will say there is not enough honking and the rockers will find it far too smooth and silky and will long for a drum solo.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Just sublime..
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Anyone who doesn’t like this, the most perfect pop song backed by the most perfect pop video, won’t be invited round to Wrongness Manor for tiffin anytime soon
Kaisfatdad says
You love Ella. I love Nancy. Looks like I might be getting an invitation to tiffin at Wrongness Manor.
Is there a dress code?
Emboldened by not having Ella vetoed (yet) I’ll try this one. Two of the late greats of Brazilian music, Tom Jobim and Elis Regina: Aguas de Marco. A beautiful tune performed with great gusto.
Bingo Little says
Makes me feel like I’m trapped in an elevator. Veto!
Kaisfatdad says
My hopes were not high. Strange how one’s man elevator music gives another chap a big lift.
Bingo Little says
Too much information!
MC Escher says
You are British, Bingo. It’s a lift. Standards, dear boy, standards.
Bingo Little says
Yankees pay my wages and set the parameters of my vernacular. My cultural identity is up for sale to the highest (or should I say, “bigliest”) bidder.
Moose the Mooche says
Love in a Lift…. not inspiring. I’ve found.
Rec Room says
How about the Grassroots?
Well, I like it myself.
Friar says
It’s easy to make uncontroversial choices when nobody’s heard of them. 😉
Without wishing to hijack @bingo-little‘s rules, I think the real challenge here is to find a song that everyone *loves* rather than “can tolerate”. Cos there’s tons of stuff on this thread which is total inoffensive wallpaper but nobody is ever going to defend to the death as a work of unarguable amazing genius.
It’s also interesting to find out that a lot of “yeah whatever” rock standards genuinely arouse passion in anyone. I’m amazed anyone proper LOVES Rebel Rebel. It just kind of… is. But then I feel that way about a surprising amount of the “classic” era and I think lots of us in our early forties and probably younger do. It’s a bit like when people say I Claudius is the greatest TV drama ever but then you go back and watch it and it’s stagey, hammy crap that would be panned if it got released today. They just didn’t know how to make TV drama back then cos the art form hadn’t settled down. Netflix is how it’s done.
(I know I’m being a bit naughty but I think to people who were born in the mid 70s rather than living through them a lot of the mythmaking is a bit puzzling. Like, I told a brilliant joke to my kids the other day. Fucking genius it was. Tried telling it to someone else and it fell flat cos it was only funny in that particular moment)
Rec Room says
If it’s a song that everyone “loves” then I say it can’t be done.
If it’s “likes”, then as others have said, just pick a track between 1 and 15 on a Mowtown’s Greatest Hits and we’re done.
Friar says
I think people have to actively like it though, at least, don’t they? A meh is as good as a veto in these circumstances.
Bingo Little says
I hereby propose the following: that this thread shall, henceforth, forthwith, forthright, and other forths, be used to determine a list of songs which no one dislikes. Where obscurities are suggested, they should be accompanied by video, and the attended are warmly invited to sample the goods and express their pleasure, or otherwise.
Once in possession of a good, solid list of songs that no one dislikes, we will simply decant said list to an adjacent thread and lend our shoulders to the busy work of determining whether any of the constituents of said list can accurately be said to be universally loved.
Only at the glorious and molten climax of such process will we be able to declare with certainty and conviction that we have arrived at our stated goal: the one true tune to rule them all.
As to the issue of whether the songs posted on this thread should be liked at all, I can only state that the posters of mediocre suggestions will be subject to all manner of rough treatment on the secondary thread, wherein their offerings will rub alongside the great and good and become overly apparent by their paucity.
Huzzahs.
Bingo Little says
I’ve now listened to this. And I don’t like it.
Rec Room says
Might as well lob three more hail marys.
Loser – Beatles
Fairytale of New York – Pogues
Rock and Roll – Velvet Underground.
Sorry but I can’t abide Al Green, Do you believe in magic, or Rebel, rebel
Bingo Little says
Veto for Loser. It’s so annoyingly jaunty. Beck’s cover version is also vastly superior.
Rock and Roll is a great shout. Surely everyone likes Rock and Roll?
MC Escher says
Nope to VU. I love the Gary Glitter tune of the same name though, like all right-thinking folk.
Tiggerlion says
Sweet Jane
Dave Ross says
Right let’s stop messing about. No-one dislikes this
Friar says
This is true. The Blockheads were as tight as any James Brown or Wrecking Crew band weren’t they? Gnat’s. Chuff.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Stop right there – a winner!
Vincent says
Close but no cigar. I raise you the more concise and knowing “What a Waste” by the Hendrix of the lyric.
Bartleby says
I see your What a Waste and raise you what surely unites us all:
Charlie Gordon says
These may not be everyone’s favourite due to over familiarity…but could anyone actively dislike these two?
moseleymoles says
elton. Very definition of meh. sorry.
Bingo Little says
Northern Sky is a good one.
salwarpe says
I do like the Gillianesque juxtapositioning of those two videos – it looks like the northern lights in Nick’s video are all bursting out of the top of Elton’s head.
salwarpe says
doh! Gilliam – not Gillian.
SouthernExile says
Um How about this:
London Calling – Clash. Probably my age, but I don’t think I know anyone who doesn’t, at the very least, like this
Bingo Little says
That’s because only a bona fide, copper-bottomed, first class wrong’un would dislike that song.
Dave Ross says
*Waves…..
Bingo Little says
Damn yoooooou.
Blue Boy says
The Fabs aren’t featuring nearly enough here. What about that final half hour of the recording session for their first album when Lennon just about holds his voice together to deliver this song…
Bingo Little says
The thing about the Fabs, right, is that I find their music incredibly irritating. Not all of it, but the vast majority of it, and probably moreso for having spent several years on this blog. The experience has become a little like having a group of people tell you, at great length and in excruciating detail, why Hattie Jacques is the most beautiful woman who has ever lived – AND INDEED WILL EVER LIVE AND I’LL KILL ANYONE WHO SAYS OTHERWISE.
I don’t want to be a tiresome Beatles denier and ruin everyone’s fun, but on the other hand nor do I want to sit here pretending I don’t dislike music that actually rather grinds my gears.
Fortunately for everyone, you’d identified one of the Beatles songs to which I’m at least mildly partial, so everyone’s a winner! Let’s just hope no one else dislikes this.
Bingo Little says
End of day update. The following remain songs which no one dislikes…
Up The Junction
Get Ready
Just For You
Butterfly
A Change Is Gonna Come
Bring It On Home To Me
Voodoo Child
Be My Baby
Baby I Need Your Loving
Da Doo Ron Ron
Will You Love Me Tomorrow
Then He Kissed Me
Today I Met The Boy I’m Gonna Marry
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
I Wanna Be Like You
Robin Hood and Little John, Running Through The Forrest
Another Girl, Another Planet
(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay
Mrs. Robinson
Twist & Shout
Unfinished Sympathy
King of Rome
London Calling
Northern Sky
Reasons to Be Cheerful
Every Time We Say Goodbye
These Boots Were Made For Walkin
Sinnerman
Break Stuff
Down Under
A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court
What A Wonderful World
Free Your Mind
My Lovin (You’re Never Gonna Get It)
Be My Wife
An Ending (Ascent)
Pop Muzik
Uptown Top Ranking
When You Walk In The Room
Pick Up The Pieces
I Feel Love
Quite a few tracks we can all agree on, in the end.
moseleymoles says
I did veto What a Wonderful World, sorry. To me schmaltzy – love the twenties Louis cooking up a storm with the Hot Five, but strings n soup ballads no.
Bingo Little says
Somewhat confusingly, the “What A Wonderful World” listed above is the Sam Cooke song, not the Louis. Veto duly noted!
chilli ray virus says
Perhaps as this thread begins to peter out, we should construct a final shortlist of songs without a veto and then ask the massive to vote on that shortlist – thereby identifying the song of songs which rules them all, so to speak. Just a suggestion.
Bingo Little says
I concur heartily with this suggestion.
I propose to close the voting at approx 5pm tomorrow, at which point the final list of survivors will be posted to a separate thread and voting may begin, and continue across the weekend, for the high accolade of the One Tune To Rule Them All (OTTRTA).
Rigid Digit says
yes, I’m being pedantic and self-preserving, but …
there was no veto, or disparaging comments against Slade – How Does It Feel
I now declare that track the winner (with the possible exception of Another Girl, Another Planet)
Bingo Little says
I hereby veto How Does It Feel.
Rigid Digit says
Tiggerlion says
How about Be My Wife? Who vetoed that?
Bingo Little says
It’s on the list above, Tigs.
Tiggerlion says
So it is. For some reason I assumed the list was in alphabetical order. As you were.
Sewer Robot says
Ooh devious, snuggling it right in the middle there in the hope it won’t get chucked – these are the best of tunes, these are the Durst of tunes – I use my veto to eliminate “Break Stuff”. Down Under is godawful too.
If that means I have to put something forward, I would ask who doesn’t like Ghost Town by The Specials? It is the national anthem, after all..
Other selection: Higher And Higher by Jackie Wilson.
Bingo Little says
Foiled!
Those are great suggestions.
Mike_H says
Down Under is vetoed? Good.
Horrible, horrible shite.
I veto “London Calling” because I don’t like it.
I nominate “Wooly Bully” by Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs in it’s place.
Unless I’m still barred for my attempt at an admittedly mean-spirited block veto far up above…
Bingo Little says
Of course not, Mike – consider yourself unbarred, and feel free to have at the remaining candidates!
salwarpe says
As Down Under has been knocked out, I’m going to knock out another comedy record – “A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court” – dreadful old pap.
Locust says
And I’m going to veto Another girl, Another Planet (wake me when it’s finished) and Reasons to be Cheerful (Ian Dury songs make me break out in hives).
If I need to nominate something else I’ll say Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone by The Temptations.
salwarpe says
Oohh yes! That is a great choice. I’d vote for that one. Not least for the superb intro.
If I have to try another one (having had both my suggestions vetoed, then I’m going for this –
Incidentally, did Terry Hall never think of suing Robert Smith, Morrissey and Tracey Thorn for stealing his image?
Moose the Mooche says
Some people find it charming that Banarama, who never sounded any better than three random schoolgirls singing on the bus, could somehow have massive success.
I don’t. Next!
IanP says
I can’t see why Green Onions has been given the boot, but if it has I’d suggest replacing it with What’d I Say by Brother Ray.
Bingo Little says
Had to look this one up, but…. VETO!
Declan says
This one is quite good, although in danger of being shot down for not being the original version, or maybe you don’t like Taylor’s voice. Whatever, Tin Pan Alley proper songwriting, gorgeous chords, and that middle eight!
https://youtu.be/Ymll3z9LLDQ
And indeed this, not really pop, not even sung in English, and no chorus.
https://youtu.be/UQJmg5y9kQ4
Bingo Little says
Sorry, I’ve always disliked YGAF for some reason. Bit sappy.
Maybe this one instead?
Declan says
Absolutely not. This however can’t possibly be rejection material: a highpoint in the Pink Floyd catalogue, even if is sung by Mr Grumpy. Oh, the middle-class voice…? And the Species at the end don’t count.
Friar says
All Pink Floyd is summarily vetoed because they’re bloody awful.
Vincent says
Earnest strummers (including Joe) are banned.
Jackthebiscuit says
A couple more from me for your consideration.
https://youtu.be/Tgcc5V9Hu3g
ipesky says
I have to confess to not having read the whole trail but I would be disappointed if, for different reasons, no one had proposed Ooh Ah Just a Little Bit – Gina G’s masterpiece. And if you can find anyone not bowled over by that monster, then ‘Trenchtown Rock’: ‘One good thing about music – when it hits you feel no pain’.
Bingo Little says
One of these suggestions is a masterstroke.
Bingo Little says
I’m vetoing the other. Sorry, Gina.
Rigid Digit says
Bingo Little says
Horrible. Veto!
minibreakfast says
“Is it just me, or is ‘Veto’ starting to sound REALLY good?”
Phoebe Buffet, the Noughties.
Bartleby says
Speaking of masterstrokes, isn’t it about time Uncle Ray made his presence felt:
Izzy says
Maybe this…
Bingo Little says
This song reminds me of a very happy time in my life. Great choice.
Moose the Mooche says
Bingo likes Van? Wow.
Bingo Little says
Love me some Van the Man.
Moose the Mooche says
Cripes.
Next we’ll find out that Burt hasn’t been available because he’s been mainlining Skrillex.
Bingo Little says
Sir may also enjoy my fondness for The Loving Spoonful, documented above.
Moose the Mooche says
I very much enjoy your fondness for the loving.
Bingo Little says
Your, uh…. your hand’s on my knee.
Tiggerlion says
Prince – Kiss?
This version is amusing while we wait for his songs to become more readily available on YouTube.
Moose the Mooche says
I’ve long assumed that that video is inspired by The Girl Can’t Help It. I may be wrong.
Mike_H says
Nearly 400 comments already and no consensus yet.
I predict no outright winner will be found.
We’re a far too picky and cantankerous bunch for that.
Sewer Robot says
Dude, we choose to do these things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard
The greater our knowledge increases, the greater our ignorance unfolds, innit..
Black Celebration says
I think a thinning down exercise needs to be done because it’s not that I actively dislike most of them – it’s just that I can’t summon up enough energy to have a strong opinion. So – from that list – the 5 I would support for the crown are:
Heroes
Kiss
Mrs Robinson
I Feel Love
Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay
I think a portcullis should be slammed down on vetoes now that we have had a couple of days. It’s make your mind up time!
Sewer Robot says
I would refer the right honourable gentleman to OP Bingo’s post at 19:24 on 16/02 above..
Black Celebration says
OK sorry I missed that. As you were.
Bingo Little says
I make Dock of the Bay a red hot favourite to win this thing.
chiz says
Oh now look. Obviously I’m not going to actually read the 400 posts before this, but if any of you miserable shut-ins have vetoed this glorious piece of continuously-ascending joy then you are as dead to me as your cold grey hearts are in your own breathless chests.
Bingo Little says
Chiz – I think I might love you. To veto this song would be to deny the very essence of music itself.
Wilson Wilson says
Somehow Butterfly by Crazy Town has so far managed to survive the cull, probably because it was released this century and most Afterworders are unaware of its horrors. VETO. I suggest I Want You Back by The Jackson 5 instead.
Bingo Little says
I did wonder how on earth that little gem was hanging on in there.
IWYB is a tremendous suggestion.
chilli ray virus says
IWYB – Jackson 5. Great suggestion
Leicester Bangs says
Ugh. Veto I Want You Back. HATE The Jacksons.
chilli ray virus says
Doh! How could you not like the Jacksons with that cute, little lead singer?
MC Escher says
How many vetoes are one allowed? I mean, Is one allowed? Sorry, just to clarify: Is one allowed more than one? Sorry, I mean, More than me?
If so, I withdraw all previous vetoes and would like, in the same move, to crush Jackthebuscuit because I really don’t like Otis Redding. Kindly remove Dock of the Bay forthwith.
Bingo Little says
Unlimited vetoes, but I reserve the right to disqualify anyone suspected of attempting to game the system or undermine the premise.
Dock of the bay is gone. You monster.
ivan says
Any of you cloth eared eejits gonna veto this? Doesn’t matter. I won’t hear you. I’ll be off yonder, cutting a rug with the cool kids.
dkhbrit says
I would like to nominate ‘Happy Together’ by the Turtles
Go on then, have at it
Friar says
Bleeeeuuuuurgh. The worst kind of hippy dippy sunshiney sixties bollocks. Veto!
MC Escher says
Miss! Miss! I mean Bingo! Bingo! Friar’s using up all the blog’s vetoes! *stamps foot*
Friar says
It’s a really horrible song though. I’m doing you all a favour.
Bingo Little says
Not to worry – we’ve a brand new shipment of vetoes arriving round the back as I type. Pop into the kitchen and just load on up.
Bingo Little says
LAST CALL: a little more than three hours left for nominations and vetoes.
Please do give the thread a last scan to root out any undesirable suggestions, because the shortlist will be locking at 5pm.
While I’m here: surely everyone likes This Woman’s Work.
FAOD: there will be no further vetoes after 5pm. Smoke ’em while you got ’em, folks.
GCU Grey Area says
September – Earth, Wind and Fire.
Boogie Wonderland’s a good ‘un, too.
Bingo Little says
September is a shout, but I cannot abide Boogie bleedin Wonderland.
Mike_H says
Just in case nobody’s had the good sense to veto “I Wanna Be Like You”, I hereby consign it to the bin.
That song is so irritating!
I nominate “Man Of The World” by Fleetwood Mac in it’s place.
Bingo Little says
I HATE the guitar sound on Man of The World. Sorry, Mike.
Bingo Little says
Just over an hour to go, and I thought I’d collate the last men and women standing, so as to ease the process of smiting them down.
Gaze upon the below, and ask yourself: are you really going to allow THAT aural monstrosity to grace the list of candidates for The One True Tune To Rule Them All?
Up The Junction – Squeeze
Get Ready – The Temptations
Just For You – Sam Cooke
A Change Is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke
Bring It On Home To Me – Sam Cooke
Voodoo Child – Jimi Hendrix
Be My Baby – The Ronettes
Baby I Need Your Loving – The Four Tops
Da Doo Ron Ron – The Crystals
Will You Love Me Tomorrow – The Shirelles
Then He Kissed Me – The Crystals
Today I Met The Boy I’m Gonna Marry – Darlene Love
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man – Aretha
You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman – Aretha
Robin Hood and Little John, Running Through The Forrest – Robin Hood
Mrs. Robinson – Simon and Garfunkel
Twist & Shout – The Beatles
Unfinished Sympathy – Massive Attack
King of Rome – The Unthanks
Northern Sky – Nick Drake
Every Time We Say Goodbye – Ella Fitzgerald
These Boots Were Made For Walkin – Nancy Sinatra
Sinnerman – Nina Simone
What A Wonderful World – Sam Cooke
Free Your Mind – En Vogue
My Lovin (You’re Never Gonna Get It) – En Vogue
Be My Wife – David Bowie
An Ending (Ascent) – Brian Eno
Pop Muzik – M
Uptown Top Ranking – Althea and Donna
When You Walk In The Room – Jackie DeShannon
Pick Up The Pieces – The Average White Band
I Feel Love – Donna Summer
Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone – The Temptations
Heroes – David Bowie
Trenchtown Rock – Bob Marley
That Lucky Old Sun – Ray Charles
Wonderful Remark – Van Morrison
Kiss – Prince
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
I Want Your Love – Chic
This Woman’s Work – Kate Bush
September – Earth, Wind and Fire
Higher and Higher – Jackie Wilson
Woolly Bully – Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs
Bingo Little says
I’m also going to propose this little gem. The sound of a good time being had.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V1p1dM3snQ
Friar says
And this. The original black clad leather threat of rock n roll.
Bingo Little says
Now THAT’s what I’m talking about. Still sounds dangerous today.
Gatz says
I don’t think Green Onions was ever vetoed, unless it’s disqualified because not having lyrics means it isn’t a song.
Bingo Little says
It was this comment that provoked me to strike down Green Onions.
“But isn’t it a bit, um, obvious/ubiquitous. (Sure, it’s fecking brilliant but, hey, can’t we be more arcane or something. This isn’t Mojo magazine.)”
If @Retropath2 can confirm this wasn’t intended as a veto, I’d have happy to reinstate – because it’s ace.
chilli ray virus says
I get the feeling that in the final wash-up a winner will emerge and someone will say – “I hate that f**king song”
Bingo Little says
It’s a racing certainty. But, you know what: you snooze, you lose.
All vetoes in by 5pm, please chaps and chapettes. After that time, you risk having to grin and bear it while a song that you detest is perennially referred to as The One True Tune To Rule Them All on this blog….
Bingo Little says
Everyone likes this. Fact.
Sewer Robot says
Not that I’d be surprised, but was Ghost Town vetoed?
I considered picking The Jackson 5 and Loaded but I was sure they’d get the boot, so good luck with that!
Bingo Little says
Gah – it wasn’t, I missed it. Will add it back on to the final list.
Friar says
Oh oh oh. I nearly forgot, speaking of black clad leather rock n roll.
JAMC – Head On.
Declan says
Awful. 3-chord wannabies. We’ll have Elvis’s Heartbreak Hotel in its place.
Declan says
Given it hasn’t been vetoed, Sissel (upthread) is still there . To remind y’all
https://youtu.be/UQJmg5y9kQ4
Bingo Little says
Sorry, I know it’s agonizingly close to the wire, but I just listened to this and it creeped me out. Veto!
Bingo Little says
VETOING NOW CLOSED
MC Escher says
Veto!
Bingo Little says
Twang says
Surely “Like a rolling stone ” is untouchably popular.
Bingo Little says
Thank you for your interest in the One True Tune To Rule Them All nominations procedure.
We regret to inform you that you have now missed the deadline for submission of One True Tune To Rule Them All nominations. As a result, your nomination will be discounted.
We hope that you are still able to enjoy the One True Tune To Rule Them All voting procedure, and that you will, in time, come to accept, and perhaps even love, your new sonic overlord.
Yours, officiously
The Friends Of The One True Tune To Rule Them All, Afterword Chapter
Kaisfatdad says
That brigand, Bingo, vetoed the Waters of March. This evening I heard this English version by Stacey Kent and Suzamme Vega. What a song!