Tuesday 19 March 2013

My Top Ten Birthday Songs


Because it's March 19th, and I am 41 years old. I know, I don't look a day over 40. (Well, strictly speaking, I'm not. Until tomorrow.)


10. My Life Story - Birthday Suit

It's always a treat to find a Jake Shillingford b-side on youtube.

9. Spearmint - Happy Birthday, Girl

From Spearmint's wonderful Christmas album, Oklahoma, but allowed here because the girl in question's birthday is on Christmas Eve. Other than that, too good to miss out.

8. Trembling Blue Stars - Birthday Girl

Lovely.

7. Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach - Tears At The Birthday Party

From the best album Costello released in the past 20 years. But then, Burt Bacharach will do that for you.

6. The Cookies - I Want A Boy For My Birthday

Sorry, girls, I'm taken.

5. Eels - Let's Ruin Julie's Birthday

This is what happens when E doesn't get an invite to your party.

E, you're welcome at mine any time.

4. The Beatles - Birthday

Yeah, like they really needed the money that would be generated by writing a birthday song.

Still, great riff.

3. The All-Seeing I featuring Tony Christie - Happy Birthday, Nicola

Lyrics by Jarvis Cocker. Hence: brilliant.

2. The Smiths - Unhappy Birthday

If I wasn't superstitious, this could have been Number One. But do I honestly want to wish myself that?
I've come to wish you an unhappy birthday
'Cause you're evil
And you lie
And if you should die
I may feel slightly sad
(But I won't cry)
Thanks, Moz. I can always count on your for a card.

See also It's Not Your Birthday Anymore.

1. Stevie Wonder - Happy Birthday

Just before the tipping point where Stevie went from genius to goon. I Just Called To Say I Love You was still a few years off. Plus, it's a tribute to Martin Luther King, so extra point for that. Still, the 80s electric keyboard sounds very Casio. He should have stuck with a proper piano.


Those were my birthday songs. Which do you wish me?

11 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. It was in consideration... until I decided that I really didn't want Bjork shrieking at me on my birthday.

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  2. But, but, but, but Altered Images...just the song to bounce around to when you're old...and a special nod to Marilyn Monroe although it wasn't actually a record...

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    Replies
    1. aha that's it! all I could think was "some dreadful women called Clare, played football, screeched Happy birthday"

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    2. Let it never be said I won't acknowledge when I'm beaten: Altered Images really should have been Top 3. Can't understand how it fell out of my memory.

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  3. Japan - All Tomorrow's Parties... wishing you loads of them. Happy birthday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. I almost typed "same to you", which I have developed a curious habit of replying with today, even though it isn't actually anyone else's birthday.

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  4. Cracker have something to say on this, which would be my pick.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fz9jKjiFq0

    ReplyDelete
  5. there is an Aussie band called Things of Stone and Wood - their one hit was the awesome song "Happy Birthday Helen".

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    Replies
    1. I'll save that for my Top Ten Helen Songs, thanks.

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