Issue: August 1997
Title: 100 Greatest Singles
Author: Chris Ingham
"Do you know when you've put together a hit? Not really. You just listen to people's reactions, that's all you've got. And then you've got sales. That's why I always think it's funny when people say "Oh, it doesn't matter if it sells, I don't look at that aspect". I think it does matter, really. The people out there with their little pennies, going to the shop and spending them when they don't really want to spend them. I think that's a big move, to spend your money on someone. So that's what I look at. Some people think that's crass commercialism, but I think it's the public's vote.
My favourite singles? Did you read High Fidelity? (Note from Lynn: High Fidelity is a book by author Nick Hornby) If you're into this kinda s**t, you really must, it's a funny read. My daughter happened to have it, I picked it up and got hooked - I didn't actually buy it, I'm a cheapskate, one copy went round the family. All the way through the book he's asked, OK, name your top first track, first side, they're always playing this. Then he gets an interview with a journalist and he can't think of one f***ing record. He keeps ringing back and changing his selection. I must say that's exactly how I feel, "Oh, f**k, I've told him the wrong one, oh s**t, what about that one, I left that one off .... " I can do what he did, which is blurt out a few .... "
Paul McCartney's Favourite Singles:
All Shook Up - Elvis Presley
"It always made me happy when I wasn't"
God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys
"This song and Pet Sounds were just phenomenal compositionally,
in my mind. It really was a big turn on for me. I can still
listen to it and go, Sheeit, how did he ever think of that?"
Papa's Got A Brand New Bag - James Brown
"Awfully exciting, isn't it?"
Long Tall Sally - Little Richard
"Storming. That record just thrilled me to my
boots."
Searchin' - The Coasters
That'll Be The Day - Buddy Holly
"A magic, magic record. We couldn't figure out
how they could ever make a record like it."
Proud Mary - Credence Clearwater Revival
"Another one where I thought, Gosh what a wonderful
black group. When I found out they were white chappies, I was most
amazed."
Give Peace A Chance - John Lennon & The Plastic Ono
Band
"For its vibe, for its sentiment. And for its
vocalist. He had a copy, played it to me and I was just blown away
by the rhythm section of just everyone stompin'. It's just so John,
you know?"
Ain't That A Shame - Fats Domino