Hot 100 #37

Back after exam-related delays, we turn to Number 37 on our countdown, illustrated by an album cover that will throw the fear of god into many of our resident musos, but I couldn't find any decent bands with 37 in their names, so sorry about that. Here's the title track from the above album, along with a choice selection of the lyrics... which may well have me agreeing with the musos for once.

Train - California 37

It's all good 'cos I'm happy as a flea

On a mountain of dogs, you see

Sting would be jealous.

Onto your suggestions for #37, and Martin set the ball rolling this week...

How about We Do What We're Told (Milgram's 37) from So by Peter Gabriel?

Or, very different, 37 by DEVO, lamenting someone's enviably low IQ?

Perhaps 37 Push-Ups by Smog? I can only find this ropey live cover version, but you get the idea...

Lyrically, Femme Fatale by The Velvet Underground has the line You're put down in her book, you're number 37, have a look.

And, er, Volvo Cowgirl by Sheryl Crow has a line along the lines of 37 million's what Larry Parker got me...

Nearly forgot 37 Hours by Kristin Hersh.

That's enough, isn't it? More than I thought.

Can't complain about any of those, Martin. Peter Gabriel & Smog were both in consideration here.

(Rigid Digit seconded a couple of those.)

Lynchie was up next...

Ricky Nelson - Ain't Nothin' But Love

When you kiss her goodnight 37 times
That ain't nothin' but love

It might also be a bit annoying, Ricky... especially if she just wants to get in the house and watch Celebrity Love Island. Have some consideration, sir.

Jim in Dubai was next to arrive, with two very strong contenders from my own record collection...

The Beautiful South - Straight in at 37

Well, Simon le Bon stayed round my house before
And he was sick on the plants and he was sick on the floor
And he wouldn't go home until he'd sung his song
With a backing harmony from Paul Young

Grandaddy - Aisle Seat 37 D

Finally, in what proved to be rather a tough week, Alyson offered...

Tim McGraw - Number 37405

...to which I may as well respond with...

Squeeze - 853-5937

A couple more that were thrown up by my own hard-drive...

Car Seat Headrest - 1937 State Park

Jonny Cola & The A-Grades - Hideaway 37

However, I think we're all in agreement over what this week's winning song should be... even if there's some debate over which version is best. Lynchie recommended the Dr. Hook original while Charity Chic and Alyson preferred the Marianne Faithful cover. Alyson was correct in spotting that the track in question has already featured on this blog as one of my old Mid-Life Crisis Songs.

Here's both versions so you can decide amongst yourselves...



Three dozen next week. Suggestions, please!

My Top Ten We're All Going To Die Songs

A cheery thought to send you on your way this morning. But it's healthy to face up to your own mortality. Here are ten songs that do just that...


10. Slash & Iggy Pop - We're All Gonna Die

Slash.

Iggy.

A match made in heaven, surely. Who needs Axl?

Could have used some more right-on lyrics though, guys.

9. The Spielbergs - We're All Going To Die

I had to go outside my record collection to find one more track for this Top 10. This chunk of Swedish guitar noise will fit the bill nicely, thanks. It beats Iggy & Slash for lyrical reasons.

8. Everlast featuring Cee-Lo - We're All Going To Die

Everlast's mum was a tough-love kind of lady...

When I was a very young boy,

Mamma told me we're all gonna die
Mamma said son love can't be trusted,

It's just another weakness
We're all gonna die

7. The Bubbles - We're All Going To Die

Nihilistic Bubbles, from Austin, Texas...

All the things that you have ever said
All the people you've taken to bed
All the books that you have ever read
All the papers that you've ever shred

All the cigarettes you've ever smoked
All the times you've ever told a joke
All the people that you've ever met
All the times you've ever been upset

All the girls that ever broke your heart
All the things that you have torn apart
All the music that you've ever heard
All the times you've been at loss for words....

They don't really matter, because....

You can fill in the rest yourself.

6. Candle Thieves - We're All Going To Die (Have Fun)

Another band I thought would be bigger than they actually were. Saw them in support, or at a festival, and bought their CD right there. This was one of their best tracks. Pretty cool video too.

Don’t waste your time cause we’re all gonna die
Have fun, and everybody just clap your hands, yes
Get out of your bed and get your music on
Get out on the street and get some living done
I think you'll probably live beyond the end of the week
You've got enough time left so come spend it with me

Great chat up line that.

5. Club 8 - We're All Going To Die

French indie band tells it like it is...

You can work with aid if you want to be nice
You can move away and even save a life
They can go to school
You can give them food
It's really cool

You can write a poem, you can be a poet
You can dress in black and think of death
You can work with art
You can have a fan
You can start a band

 

We're all going to die...

All seems a bit pointless when you put it like that, doesn't it?

4. Kasey Chambers - We're All Going To Die Someday

Great slice of Aussie gospel country from the delightful Ms. Chambers...

Well all of my friends are stoned, Lord
All of my friends are stoned
Janie got stoned 'cause she couldn't get boned
But we're all gonna die someday

3. Jonny Cola & The A Grades - We're All Going To Die

A great little indie band from a few years back who only the blogosphere appeared to love. Shame. They have some strong tunes. And I like some of the suggestions they have for crazy ways to go: particularly "hit by a plane... while you're cycling". The Proclaimers would appreciate that.

2. Dawes - We're All Gonna Die

From the album of the same name. Cheery bunch. Although this is a much sweeter song than the title suggests... it's the perfect antidote to all those songs about "oh, life on the road is so tough now we're a famous band".

So try not to get upset
Everything is fine
Hey, it's not that big a deal
We're all gonna die

1. Malcolm Middleton - We're All Going To Die

Released as a Christmas single (and therefore one of the greatest Christmas singles ever released) though apart from having MM dressed as a very bad Santa in the video, it has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas...

And what if I don't become
Famous posthumously?
Maybe my story's no good

If I can take one posession
It'll have to be my duvet
When oblivion comes calling it'll be
So cold

Is there anyone still alive out there?

My Top Ten Bonfire Night Songs

Remember, remember, the 5th of November... with 10 songs about bonfire night.

10. My Life Story - November 5th

Jake Shillingford: should have been bigger than the Gallaghers. Was always far more interesting.

9. Ryan Adams - Firecracker

Well, everybody wants to go on forever
I just wanna burn up hard and bright

8. Jonny Cola & The A Grades - Fireworks / Gunshots

Every now and then, I find myself rejoicing in the fact that myspace still exists. Couldn't find this one on youtube... but good old myspace - it's not just there for people trapped perpetually in 2005. 

I think they’re fireworks, but they might be gunshots
They look like fireworks, but ring out like gunshots
I hope they’re fireworks, but they burn like gunshots
So bring on the fireworks
And let loose the gunshots

Download this excellent song for just fifty of your English pennies from Bandcamp. You know it makes sense.

7. Tom Robinson - Looking For A Bonfire

Nowadays he's a 6Music DJ playing great records. Back then, he just mad them.

6. Picture Centre - Fireworks October 1990

OK, so strictly speaking Bonfire Night isn't in October. But if it was, this would be the perfect theme.

I always remember as a teenager finding November 5th a tremendously lonely night. One of those nights where all the cool lads with girlfriends hugged them in the light of the bonfire... and I just stepped closer and closer to the flames to keep warm. In 1990, I would be have been 18, so this record is pretty much bang on.

5. John Mellencamp - Cherry Bomb 

 In which JCM models his haircut on JBJ. It must be 1987.

See also same title / different song by Ash or The Runaways (with Joan Jett). Both fine records, but JCM just about edges it for me.

4. Skint & Demoralised - Fireworks

How can you not love a band called Skint & Demoralised? Especially when they make records as wonderful as this. Go press play now.

3. Nick Lowe - Indoor Fireworks

Look, I would post the Elvis Costello original, but I can't find a decent (non-live) version of it on youtube. Still, Nick Lowe also does a good job of Costello songs... and vice-versa.

You were the spice of life
The gin in my vermouth
And though the sparks would fly
I thought our love was fireproof
Sometimes we'd fight in public darling
With very little cause
But different kinds of sparks would fly
When we got on our own behind closed doors

2. Embrace - Fireworks

Look, if you don't think Embrace are the very definition of the last three letters in their name, this song will prove you wrong. Why argue?

1.Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine - Born On The 5th of November

Carter write a love song - shock! And it's really quite beautiful... but that's what fireworks are for.

There was November in your eyes
There'd be no pennies for the guys
There were fireworks over London
But you weren't among them anymore...




Those are the songs I'll be hearing as the fireworks erupt over Top Ten Towers tonight... but which one is your sparkler?