This one may take you back a few years - and it has been covered by many people over the years.  Yet, who did the original version?  It was released on a 1971 album (back when they had them!) and reached number three in the US charts.  When the artist recorded it he was actually working in a factory.  Not so strange in itself until you learn that the factory made toilet seats for jumbo jets!  The song comes in at number two hundred and eighty in the Rolling Stone magazines "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".  Now got it yet?

Moving forward to 1981, this band took the world by storm with their electro-pop grooviness, a lead singer with an incredibly floppy fringe and two girl singers who couldn't really sing! In fact they made your average cat on a tin roof sound hot! This song is comfortably in the top thirty best selling singles of all time in the UK and was a global hit.  A "Star Is Born" theme runs through this tune, and despite its success the band initially did not want it released viewing it as very much a second rate filler track for their album "Dare".  They insisted that a large poster be released with the song which then gracefully adorned bedsit walls for years to come.  Has the "aaah" moment come?

From the album, Combat Rock, this single was recorded in the same year as second entry here but wasn't for ten years that the song made it to number one, after numerous re-releases.  What the song is about (specifically) remains a mystery, but the best bet is on that it concerns a relationship between a band member and a lady by the name of Ellen Folley, which was soon to go the way of so many relationships!  Come on, this one is easy!

This gentleman has had numerous hits but this one remains a firm favorite of people around the globe.  Reputedly, this track still gets played in clubs over a quarter of a million times a week, despite the fact that it was released in 1983.  The song is still regarded as the signature for this artist, for several reasons.  Firstly, the video was hugely successful, he performed a particularly famous dance routine of his while performing the song on live TV and there might also be something to do with a fedora and a single white, sequined glove as well.

This was released in the States in 1965 and is looked upon by many as the greatest rock and roll song ever put on to vinyl.  Its lyrics were considered extremely risqué for time and for quite a while it was only played on pirate radio stations.  The band is still going and the lead singer is known for his strutting stage performance and lips that were way out there before collagen implants had ever been heard of!  Another band member has recently hit the tabloids for his supposed philandering with a young Russian lady.  His song has been covered by artists as diverse as Otis Redding and Britney Spears.  Got it yet?

Recorded in 1985 and a huge global hit in 1986, this song featured on the soundtrack of a popular action adventure film of the period.  The video of the song was "helped out" by the presence of three Hollywood stars, De Vito, Douglas and Turner getting down with the kids.  If failed by a whisker to get to the number one spot in the US but was there twice in the UK, the second time for Irish heart-throb boy-band not-at-all-manufactured pop-sensation Boyzone.  Not got it, despite the overindulgent and wasteful use of hyphens?  Shame on you!

The lead singer of this band went on to be far better known for his charitable works and his wayward daughters than for his career as new wave front man.  Written after a particularly nasty incident at an American High School, this song pounded its way to the top of the charts in many countries in 1979.  Not so much in the US where it only reached number seventy three on the Billboard charts (due to the lead singer's antagonism towards the American media).  It penetrated deeply in to the American psyche despite this. No, take a look at the end of the article for the answers!

Soul music would never been the same again after this song.  It was released in 1959 and is still well known today due to its (some say over) use in numerous TV and film productions.  This song is an affirmation of affection that is loved the world over for its honest simplicity; it has been covered by the world, its wife and several schools of dolphins in to the bargain.   Most recently the song has become a parody of its former self, being used in a campaign for Barack Obama.  The lyrics were altered to make John McCain look foolish - "Don't know much about industry".  Shame on you Barack!

Taken from the eponymously title film this track was a breakthrough for reggae in the United States.  The film tells the story of a young Jamaican man in America, trying to make it big.  The film itself bombed until it became popularized by late night showings and then went mainstream.  Released in 1971 the song itself has titillated a number of generations of schoolboys who, for some strange reason, seem to find the title of the song the source of constant and upmost hilarity.

Really, if you can't get this one you have no right to call yourself a music fan.  And, OK, it's not strictly speaking a chart but this was irresistible.  This song has supposedly the greatest number of cover versions of any song ever recorded.  Ever.  Well, to paraphrase Many Rice-Davis, it would have, wouldn't it?  A sublime tune from 1965, it was recently voted the best song of the twentieth century in a recent poll of BBC radio listeners.

If you were stuck on any, here are the answers!

• Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers
• Don't You Want Me? by the Human League
• Should I Stay or Should I Go? by The Clash
• Billy Jean by Michael Jackson
• (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones
• When The Going Gets Tough The Tough Get Going by Bill Ocean
• I Don't Like Mondays by The Boomtown Rats
• Wonderful World by Sam Cooke
• The Harder They Come by Jimmy Cliff
• Yesterday by The Beatles

The Cure are the original iconic English Goth Rockers, formed in West Sussex in ’76. Known around the world for his wild hair, front man Robert Smith has been the band’s powerhouse and only constant member. Smith’s creativity has brought us the memorable numbers ‘Love Cats’, ‘Boys Don’t Cry’, ‘Close to Me’ and ‘Just Like Heaven’. But, Smith’s creativity almost got the label dropped when their first single “Killing An Arab” was gravely misinterpreted by several critics as racism. The song was actually based on a French existentialist’s tale “The Strangler” (Albert Camus).

Their greatest commercial success came in ’89, when their single Lovesong reached #2 in the US pop charts, although their die hard fans will tell you, it’s what didn’t make it that mattered. Their latest album, ‘4:13 Dream’ is scheduled to be released on 27^th of October, 2008. Smith recently turned 50, but says, “I don’t feel it (50). It’s worrying. When I’m in the studio singing or on the stage, I don’t feel any different from when I started… I’ll wake up one morning and my skin will have fallen off.”

David Bowie

If the changing face of pop has an icon, his name is David Bowie. Originally christened David Robert Jones in ’47, David Jones was producing singles and even an album before he was 20. Unfortunately, David was often confused with the Monkey’s sensation Davy Jones, and so Bowie renamed himself after the historical Jim Bowie and the military knife by the same name. Once David Bowie got started, you never really could be sure of what he was doing.

In the early years, he wrote showy tunes, ditching that to become famous in ’69 with the lunar landing’s global theme song “A Space Oddity”. He moved from space man to glam rock (playing with Queen in the unforgettable “Under Pressure”), to our cinemas with the release of Labyrinth in ’86.

Again, the face of Bowie would change in the public eye in ’89 with the release of the release of the contemporary Tin Machine and the less successful Tin Machine II. Finally, in the last decade, Bowie has indulged in the 90’s fascination of Electronica, performing songs like “Without You, I’m Nothing” with indie-rockers, Placebo. Bowie’s last album, ‘Reality’, was released in 2003.

Mick Jagger (The Rolling Stones)

The band known as The Rolling Stones appeared in the Marquee Club in July, ’62. The band’s success was almost instantaneous, as they were signed up to play alongside such greats as Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. The Band would go on to write their first original UK #1 hit, ‘The Last Time’ and their first international room shaker “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”.

The bands latest album release, in 2005, titled “A Bigger Bang” drew both controversy and applause as the lyrics of “Sweet Neo Con” were interpreted as an attack on the presidency of George Bush. But, the Jagger’s fame has extended beyond the music scene, ironically under a magazine by the same name. His success independent of the Stones includes a long list of films including Ned Kelly (1970) and Shine a Light (2008).

Regardless of his other affiliations, Jagger’s success can be seen as a product of his dedication and energy put into The Stones, which was recognised even by his arch nemesis (the establishment) when he was knighted Sir Michael Jagger, under Prince Charles in 2003. Jagger is estimated to be worth $425 million, but his contribution to the arts makes his value unmeasurable.

Duran Duran

Ok, maybe not one of the ‘stick it to the man’, or heartbreaker inspirational bands. But, the ’78 born Birmingham romanticists defined a new era in pop culture that let the punk spirit fall through for something more. They were lovers and proud of their iconic hair and neo-mod fashion. Duran Duran (named after the evil villain Dr Durand Durand, in the sci-fi Barbarella) made a dash to fame when their first, self-titled album reached #3 in the UK #9 is Aus and #10 in the US, featuring the club hits “Planet Earth” and “Girls on Film”.

Their other hits include “Hungry Like The Wolf”, “Union of The Snake” and “Notorious”. Their latest album, ‘Red Carped Massacre’ was released in 2007 with less success than their previous work, but none the less, retaining the band’s crash-pop perspective on life, teaming up with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland.

KISS

The glam rock sensation known as KISS have had fire in their blood and beats on the record player since 1974, with the release of Kiss, that hit what would be a surprisingly dismal #87 in the US charts and the single “Kissing Time” which only made #83. However, as glam rock implies, KISS’s mainstream success was partially due to their style as well as their sounds. KISS were always running through smoke or spitting blood or fire on stage and in their films, such as “KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park” (1978).

The band’s erratic, startling and sometimes frowned upon makeup got them further than most of their competition. The most famous assembly were Gene “The Daemon”, Paul “The Star Child”, Ace “The Spaceman” and Peter “The Cat Man”. With the far out styles of his members, Peter Chris leaves one asking, “why a cat man?” Family Guy’s Peter Griffin speaks for a confused following, “No one wants to be Peter Chris, Louis. Not even Peter Chris.” Strangely enough Eric Singer, KISS’s latest drummer adopted the fallen member’s style. Two other less popular styles have been Eric Carr’s “The Fox” and Vinnie Vincent’s “The Ankh Warrior”.

Depeche Mode

Starting as the new kids on the block in 1980, Depeche Mode sought to capture romanticism and the new wave movement that was becoming increasingly popular amongst pop culture. The band’s name was taken from a French fashion magazine named ‘Dépêche Mode’; meaning “hurried fashion or fashion dispatch”.  Tributes to the underground dark romantics include a cover of “I Feel You” by Placebo and “Personal Jesus” (Rolling Stones Top 500) by goth rocker Marylin Manson.

Depeche Mode’s latest album, Playing the Angel (2005) reflects their original work moreso than their previous album, Exciter, which suggested the band was striding for an ultra-electronic ambiance. The fresh natural sounds are a step in reviving the unique edge that Depeche Mode pushed for in the ‘80s.

U2

There’s only two ways to look at U2: you either love them or you loathe them, but either way, you know they’re one of the most powerful rock influences on the modern world. Aside from the band’s commercial musical success (which began in 1980, with the release of the album, “Boy”), U2 front man, Bono has managed to make his impact on the world at large, vowing to fight global poverty and starvation with his popularity and influence. The bands most famous works correlate with Bono’s peaceful philosophy, emanating from tracks such as “Sunday, Bloody Sunday”, “Pride (In the Name of Love)” and “With or Without You”.

The band’s sentiments could be felt in the track “One”, a tribute recorded to commemorate the re-unification of East and West Berlin and, indeed, the greater Germany. Focusing on the greater powers of human love and global peace, U2 follow in the path of visionary John Lennon and tribute the peacemakers of the past and present. The band’s latest album, “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb” (2004) had amazing commercial success.

Elton John

Sir Elton Hercules John (originally named Reginald Kenneth Dwight) started working his way around the keys from the age of 3. Now, at the age of 61, he’s a multi-platinum recording artist with one of Hollywood’s most famous backgrounds. Musically, Sir Elton has sold more than 131 million records (and CDs) in original albums alone and produced such memorable numbers as “Crocodile Rock”, “Bennie and the Jets”, “Love Lies Bleeding” and his acclaimed tribute to Marilyn Monroe, “Candle in the Wind”.

Perhaps, just as deservingly as the attention given to his work, so should recognition be paid to Sir Elton’s charity efforts. Elton is a dedicated sponsor to anti-AIDS and human rights movements across the States. Elton John is a man who lived his own life on stage for all to judge. Few others could have come out on top.

The Sex Pistols

On again. Off again. The Sex Pistols embodied punk rock so passionately that they too would become victims of youth’s discontent. From their debut in ’75 to their break up in ’79, the Sex Pistols were the icon of all that was change. “God Save The Queen” can be seen as the band’s testament to riling the establishment, regardless of who might be offended.

After their break-up, the remaining members pursued other paths in the true bohemian style, producing only mediocre works in comparison to the trouble they stirred as The Pistols. They surprised fans when they re-emerged in 1996 for a six-month tour and again in 2002 for a few more tours. The band reformed for the last time in 2007 for a performance that director Eric van Eerdenburg describes as “saddening”.

The Sex Pistols are an inspiration to writers and musicains exploring the depths of our limits and the result of a lifetime of rebellion and malcontent. They appropriately refused to be entered into the Rock and Roll hall of fame. Guitarist, Steve Jones commented: “Once you want to be put into a museum, Rock & Roll's over; it's not voted by fans, it's voted by people who induct you, or others; people who are already in it.” Anarchy in the UK!

Fleetwood Mac

Perhaps not last, but certainly the longest, the British/American pop rock combination, Fleetwood Mac have been in studios since 1967. At the time, the historical members of Fleetwood Mac played together the Bluesbreakers. Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Peter Green recorded a few songs, one being an instrumental named after the rhythm section (Mick Fleetwood the drummer and John McVie on bass): Fleetwood Mac.

When the band formed anew, naming itself after that song, they recorded a self-titled album that went to #4 in the British charts. Ironicallt, the next single they produced would become more famous for Santana than themselves: “Black Magic Woman”. The band experienced varying success until 1975, when the restructuring of the band made way for a second self-titled album; Fleetwood Mac was reborn in the mainstream, reaching #1 in the US.

Move Your Body – Marshall Jefferson

A catchy beat throughout which will get your feet moving wherever you are. This 1986 single is probably what Mr Jefferson is best known for and the song also appears in British movie “24 Hour Party People” which is definitely worth watching! This legendary artist will have you “rockin’ your body” and have you pleading for “house music all night long”. Because with house music, you can’t go wrong!

Don’t Turn Around – Aswad

This sublime reggae band hit number 1 in 1988 with this chilled out and beautifully poetic song. Favourite lines have to be: “Don’t turn around ‘cause you’re gonna see my heart breaking”. A good song to chill out to or even (in the case of this countdown) dance like Aswad themselves intended… Bogle!

Twist and Shout – The Beatles

If you like the Beatles, you LOVE this song! And it does exactly what it says on the tin; gets you twisting and shouting! This is a good song to dance to if you feel like going back a few years to the twisting move. And as a bonus, fun to sing along to!

Roboshuffle – Kid Koala

As promised, this is for those of you who liked Kid Koala’s song “Scratch Happyland” and although that is a brilliant song, this beats it in terms of ‘danceability’. Good for the robot (if you can) and will get your feet moving in no time!

Let Me Show You – Camisra (Tall Paul Remix)

Fans of British sitcom ‘Spaced’ will probably know this as the best dance song ever and the song to lead into any ‘A Team Remix’ dance! (Nick Frost=Legend!) Good for generally raving and having a good time by dancing like no one’s watching!

I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Huston

You knew it was coming! This is probably the song that inspires the most moves from the crowds (at least all of the women). The song reached number 1 in 1987 and was Whitney Huston’s first single from her second album, and I believe she started as she meant to go on.

Grip Like A Vice – The Go! Team

As a friend of mine once said: “This song WILL make you dance!” and that it does! This brilliantly underrated group released this song in 2007 from their album “Proof of Youth” (well worth buying!) and again, this is a chance to dance like no one’s watching! Go! Go! Go!

Roll Over Beethoven – Electric Light Orchestra

I love Chuck Berry, but this band made this song for me. A fantastic take on both the original by Mr Berry and of course, Mr Beethoven’s fine work. This sweet little taste of the 1970’s is instantly defining of its era and brings back lovely memories of John Travolta in THAT suit!

Dancing in the Street – David Bowie & Mick Jagger

A fantastic feel good song that gets you moving. Originally sung by “Martha and the Vandellas” this cover version was done as part of Live Aid 1985 and still stands up (and dances) today. There’s nothing more to say about it really, just that, again, it does what it says on the tin!

Soulja Boy Tell’em – Crank That (Soulja Boy)

This song is fairly recent and had the whole world crankin’ it Soulja style! This song will live on to be one of the all time greatest songs to dance to and I think it deserves the number 1 spot on this chart! I hope you enjoy it and don’t worry if you don’t know the dance because here’s an instructional video from the man himself! … 

The Purpose of this List is to expose you as the reader to amazing music that you may not have ever heard of. The music that huge record companies haven't exposed. It doesn't mean that these musicians are less talented or that they're any better. It's just different. If you like my short reviews of these next 10 songs, I encourage you to sample these songs and others by these musicians, because you never know, your next favorite song may be one of these 10, right here.

1. La La Lie by Jack's Mannequin

   Jack's Mannequin really aced this song, creating a sound with a mix between piano and regular alt rock-ness. The piano adds a nice spin to the song. The lyrics are captivating and confusing all at the same time. It really makes me think about what's going on.

2. David Duchovny by Bree Sharp

   For all you X-files fans out there, or if you just like David Duchovny in general, this is the song for you. The song is really catchy, quite humorous, and will have you singing along by the end.

3. There Tonight by Rebecca Loebe

   This is a really laid back, relaxing song that has a nice stripped down feeling. Just the acoustic guitar and Loebe's amazing voice makes this song a great one.

4. Hours In Between by Lansdowne

   This was possibly my favorite song of last year. I think it was the chorus that reeled me in on this one, there's not too much to say on this one, but it's by far one of the better songs I've heard in a while

5. We Are Always Searching by I Am Ghost

   I found this song on the 2006 Vans Warped Tour, and I am so happy I did. This is a song I listen to while peddling home at 25 mph. This song is categorized as “Alternative” and I totally agree. This song has pretty much everything you would expect from a good new age rock song. Clever usage of the violin mixed with partial bits of hard-core guitar, with awesome vocals makes this song what it is. A masterpiece.

6. Adrienne by The Calling

   Using a perfect mix of acoustic and electric guitar with great lyrics, The Calling struck gold with this song in my opinion.

7. Words Meet Heartbeats by Sparky's Flaw

   Sparky's Flaw is a not-so-well known band from Charlottesville, Virginia that can pack a killer punch. This band came to my school one night to play in a concert, and as soon as I got home, I purchased this song. The clever combination of piano, guitar, and synth with a steady drum in the back makes this song one you will love to turn up to full volume.

8. Take My Hand by Shawn McDonald

   When you think of Christian songs, you may think of gospel music or scores that really touch your heart with the ever-changing chords. I'm happy to say that this song is neither. This is a Christian song that is actually really cool. The tempo is so upbeat, it always makes me want to dance, and the style is so innovative while the message is clear and concise. This is really a song I love to crank up.

9. Wasted by Cartel

   This song was made during the band's 20 days in a bubble program sponsored by Dr. Pepper, KFC, and MTV. This song is a mixture of emotions. If you listen to the instruments, you think of upbeat, happy sounds, reminds me of high school marching band. But when you strip it down to the lyrics, you find that you want to feel the exact opposite. The lyrics are haunting in the sense that this song is about a childhood that sucked. It makes you stop and think about your own life experiences. Personally, this is one of my favorite songs ever.

10. All the Same by Sick Puppies

    You may know this song from the “Free Hugs” campaign, but this song is so much more. The lyrics are fantastic, speaking truthfully and clearly about life, as we know it. The instruments are amazing going from acoustic to electric pumping up the tone and volume as you move through the song. If you just listen to the song and take in everything, you will understand why I believe this song is the number one song on this list.

These are the top 10 G-Funk albums:

• Battlecat - Gumbo Roots
• B.G Knocc Out & Dresta - Real Brothas
• DJ Quik - Safe&Sound
•  Above the Law - Uncle Sam's Curse
• Twinz - Conversation
• Eazy-E - It's On (Dr.Dre)
• Above the Law - Black Mafia Life
• Warren G - Regulate... G-Funk Era
• Snoop Doggy Dogg - Doggystyle
• Dr. Dre - The Chronic

Reba was born in Chockie, Oklahoma on March 28 th , 1955. Singing came naturally to her and she would sing with her brother Dale and sister Susie, as the Singing McEntires.

She made her appearance in country music in 1976 with her single, “I Don't Want to be a One Night Stand.” She recorded at a steady pace, but did not reach her first top 10 album until 1980 with “(You Life Me) Up to Heaven.”

In 1984 she got her first No.1 when “How Blue,” was released.

Reba continued putting out songs and albums, one after the other. She soon became highly interested in doing music videos. In 1986, “Whoever's In New England,” was her first music video to be made.

In 1987 she sold out Carnegie Hall, she won female vocalist of the year in 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987. She has also hosted the Country Music award more times than anyone else.

She continued to receive No.1 hits and Top 5's. In 1986 and in 1993 she was awarded with a Grammy. Reba has also performed on T.V. as a guest appearance, in her own show, in movies and has done voices for animated movies. Music however, will always be her solid ground.

More than 40million copies of Reba's albums have been bought so far, and the numbers continue to rise.

1. Fancy- Rumor Has It album, released on January 1 st 1990.
   
   This is one of my all time favorite country songs.
2. The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia
   
   For My Broken Heart album, released on January 1 st 1991.
3. I'll Be- So Good Together album, released on November 23 rd 1999.
   
   A great song to let someone know they can always count on you.
4. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter- Read My Mind album, released on April 26 th 1994.
5. Is There Life Out There- For My Broken Heart album, released on January 1 st 1991.
6. I'm a Survivor- Greatest Hits, Vol. 3: I'm a Survivor album, released on October 10 th 2001.
7. And Still- Greatest Hits, Vol. 3: I'm a Survivor album, released October 10 th 2001.
8. Does He Love You- duet with Linda Davis- Greatest hits, Vol. 2 album, released on October 1 st , 1993.
   
   This song is beautifully done.
9. How Was I to Know- What If It's You album, released on November 5 th , 1996.
   
10. Because of You-
    
    Duet with Kelly Clarkson- Reba Duets album, released September 18 th 2007.

I loved this song the first time I heard it. When it comes on, the radio goes up.

 

On a more positive note , many people stepped outside their preferred genre's this year and paid more attention to the artistic input rather than the commercial , radio , club appeal of the songs. It was odd at first to walk into a Hip-Hop club and hear former N'snyc member Justin Timberlake sing over Timberland beats , or turn to a rock station and hear Kanye West rap on a fallout boy song , and most of all hear Nelly Furtado release a marketable album. I really liked the fact that the folky VH1 community was starting to become a prominent source of entertainment , and finally get a much due credit for the art they portray in their music.

Lastly , no one can forget the sales hype between kanye and 50. Weather you listen to rap, rock , pop, or country everyone knows about this. The beef that may have ended 50 cent's carrer , and most importantly boosted the sells of actual cd's rather than music downloads , or bootlegs . These things were all truly monumental , and these are just the things that I can think of of the top of my head. There were many music landmarks made in 2007. I hope 2008 will even come close to what this year meant to music. But without further adue here are my top ten albums of 2008 .

1. Arcade Fire- Neon Bible
2. T.I. - T.I. vs T.I.P
3. Fiest- The Reminder
4. Timberland - Shock Value
5. Radiohead - In Rainbows
6. Amy Winehouse - Back To Black
7. Nine Inch Nails - Year Zero
8. Jay-Z - American Gangster
9. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
10. Kanye West- Graduation