the greatest pop song ever?


apropos of absolutely nothing, i just listened to the song "five o clock world" by the vogues for the first time in perhaps 20 years. i heard it on a really good lexus (levinson) sound system and have concluded that it's arguably the greatest pop production ever--the damn thing's incredible. in the space of a quick two minutes you get 12 string guitar, marimba, horns, incredible drumming and a really wild honky-tonk piano, all on top of those weird doowop harmonies. add to the mix a really tight melody and sorta meaningful lyrics and you have something that makes phil spector look unambitious and timid.

also from left field, i've been touting a song called "i can see you" by someone or something called june and the exit wounds as the single most beautiful tune ever written. as far as i know, it's only been released on a sampler by parasol records (an indy label out of urban il). this song sounds like some lost brian wilson masterpiece and is well worth finding for those in search of audio nirvana.
loomisjohnson

Showing 10 responses by slaw

I recently heard on a radio station that Hall & Oates are the best selling pop duo of all time.

Having said this, I think we forget about the disco era. The Gibbs? Need I say more?
Jaybo: Interesting. Your post reminded me of a 7" 45rpm record I have from back in the day titled: "It's The Real Thing. Coke."

Side one: "Buy The World A Coke"

Side two: "Little Bit Of Sunshine"
"It's The Real Thing"
"Wichita Lineman" has got to be on the list of one the greatest songs ever. Pop, I don't know.

As far as lyrics, absolutely, Glen's rendition, not too shabby either!
"Wichita Lineman"... with less than 150 words.. (I haven't counted them). told THE STORY!

Wow! I only wish that could happen in this day and time.

Forward to approximately ten years later.. Hall & Oates.

Their MOFI "Abandoned Luncheonette" was/is one of MOFI's greatest sounding lps.

This has to be one of the greatest "pop" lps to date!

"She's Gone" & "Lady Rain"... common'! I think, sometimes we forget.

Still Wichita Lineman stands superior!
I'm on a roll.

Don't forget about the late, great John Denver.

What a voice. What a simple solution to pop culture!

Too many to mention. Even Frank Sinatra called him the best voice he had heard.
Anyone remember 10 CC?

Now that I have your attention.....

"I'm Not In Love"
"Here Come The Judge"
"Things We Do For Love"

Wow!

Wichita Lineman still hangs TALL!
In the most strict sense of Pop, I'd relent to "I'm Not In Love" 10cc!!!