On 08/11/2020 13:10, Chris Brown wrote:

I seem to have overlooked this one so here's a quick run through some of
the records.

Chart dated: 9th November 1996

1.   (NE) Robson & Jerome    What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted?

We were told that 'Unchained Melody' was a one-off...

2.    (1) Spice Girls    Say You'll Be There

This record seemed to split opinion. I quite liked it but after the
poptastic 'Wannabe' this was seen by some as a disappoiuntment.

3.    (2) East 17 ft Gabrielle    If You Ever

I quite liked this but radio just wouldn't let go of it.

5.    (4) Toni Braxton    Un-Break My Heart

I love the remix version of this that propelled the single back up the
charts.

7.    (7) Babybird    You're Gorgeous

This was one record that I found highly annoying.

8.    (5) Faithless    Insomnia

An excellent track. Their record label (Cheeky Records) was located next
my office in Harlesden at this time.

14.   (6) Reef    Place Your Hands

I think Radio X seem to have forgotten to take this off their playout
system. Not that I listen to the station that much these days (so
perhaps they have removed it).

20.  (15) Donna Lewis    I Love You Always Forever

I remember this record climbing the chart in what by 1996 seemed an old fashioned way, that is making good progress up the charts for a few
weeks. 34-20-11-9-{5}-5-7-9-15-20-32-44-56-66.

21.  (16) The Beautiful South    Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)

The record that made me start to go off the band. I just couldn't get
into this at all.

27.  (20) Suede    Beautiful Ones

Great lyrics!

37.  (27) B.B.E.    Seven Days And One Week

Great dance track.

47.  (NE) Status Quo with Maddy Prior    All Around My Hat

Status Quo seemed to be teaming up with anyone by this point in their
career. The original, by Maddy's band Steeleye Span, entered the charts
21 years previously, in November 1975.

    Chris

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

On 14/11/2020 21:17, Robbie wrote:

On 08/11/2020 13:10, Chris Brown wrote:

I seem to have overlooked this one so here's a quick run through some of
the records.

Chart dated: 9th November 1996

1.   (NE) Robson & Jerome    What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted?

We were told that 'Unchained Melody' was a one-off...

At least Jerome stopped after this, although I know Robson eventually
released a solo album.
I wonder if they're the most successful recording act in the UK that
never performed live?

2.    (1) Spice Girls    Say You'll Be There

This record seemed to split opinion. I quite liked it but after the
poptastic 'Wannabe' this was seen by some as a disappoiuntment.

This has always been a bit of a favourite of mine. Except for the bit
where they say "far too much emotions".

>> 3.    (2) East 17 ft Gabrielle    If You Ever

I quite liked this but radio just wouldn't let go of it.

A very canny choice of cover.

5.    (4) Toni Braxton    Un-Break My Heart

I love the remix version of this that propelled the single back up the charts.

Yeah, if I had to listen I'd pref that one although it doesn't quite fit
the subject matter of the song.

7.    (7) Babybird    You're Gorgeous

This was one record that I found highly annoying.

So did I, although to be fair I found almost every other Babybird record annoying as well (though I obviously didn't have to hear them as often).

8.    (5) Faithless    Insomnia

An excellent track. Their record label (Cheeky Records) was located next
my office in Harlesden at this time.

I always imagine that small record company offices are full of partying
and big ones are just like every other office.

14.   (6) Reef    Place Your Hands

I think Radio X seem to have forgotten to take this off their playout
system. Not that I listen to the station that much these days (so
perhaps they have removed it).

I suppose Reef have released new material so they might have played the
oldies a bit less while that was around. Well, I say "oldies", it's not
often anyone plays any other Reef hit.

20.  (15) Donna Lewis    I Love You Always Forever

I remember this record climbing the chart in what by 1996 seemed an old fashioned way, that is making good progress up the charts for a few
weeks. 34-20-11-9-{5}-5-7-9-15-20-32-44-56-66.

Yes, it wasn't totally unheard of yet but it was already remarkable.

21.  (16) The Beautiful South    Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)

The record that made me start to go off the band. I just couldn't get
into this at all.

I don't know if I ever exactly disliked it, but I certainly didn't think
it was a particularly good track by their standards, nor that it
deserved to be one of their biggest hits. Luckily I liked the next two
singles more.
The B-side was 'A Minute's Silence' from the War Child project, which is
much better.

27.  (20) Suede    Beautiful Ones

Great lyrics!

Especially for Suede!

37.  (27) B.B.E.    Seven Days And One Week

Great dance track.

Lyrics to this aren't as good, etc.

47.  (NE) Status Quo with Maddy Prior    All Around My Hat

Status Quo seemed to be teaming up with anyone by this point in their
career. The original, by Maddy's band Steeleye Span, entered the charts
21 years previously, in November 1975.

Yeah, this turn-of-the century era where they're trying to stay relevant
is probably the most cringeworthy part of their career. In retrospect I
think they blamed their manager for this.

Chris

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

On 15/11/2020 18:12, Chris Brown wrote:

On 14/11/2020 21:17, Robbie wrote:

5.    (4) Toni Braxton    Un-Break My Heart

I love the remix version of this that propelled the single back up the
charts.

Yeah, if I had to listen I'd pref that one although it doesn't quite fit
the subject matter of the song.

The remix sounds so joyous that I have to remind myself that the song is
about heartbreak. In the video she's lost her boyfriend in a motorcycle accident and the remix makes it soun like one great big party.

8.    (5) Faithless    Insomnia

An excellent track. Their record label (Cheeky Records) was located
next my office in Harlesden at this time.

I always imagine that small record company offices are full of partying
and big ones are just like every other office.

I can't even remember if I was aware back in 1996 that there was a
record company next to where I worked. I possibly was. I've just
checked, the address (181, High Street, NW10) is now the HQ of Champion
Records https://www.championrecords.co.uk/about/ . Champion Records has
been around since the 1980s and was where Cheeky Records grew out from.
Not much chance of partying going on at Champion Records though as the
adjacent property, number 183, is home to some sort of criminal lawyer.
I do remember the two properties well. They are one of the few houses
left on the High Street, most having been demolished many decades ago to
make way for much larger buildings which in turn became offices, shops,
pubs, etc. Looking on Google Street View both numbers 181 and 183 seem
as run down as they were when I worked close by. At least the wheely
bins next to the front doors look clean!

21.  (16) The Beautiful South    Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)

The record that made me start to go off the band. I just couldn't get
into this at all.

I don't know if I ever exactly disliked it, but I certainly didn't think
it was a particularly good track by their standards, nor that it
deserved to be one of their biggest hits. Luckily I liked the next two singles more.
The B-side was 'A Minute's Silence' from the War Child project, which is
much better.

Unfortunately I didn't like 'Rotterdam' either...

    Chris

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

"Chris Brown" <extreme_rice@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:rorr38$4f2$1@dont-email.me...

On 14/11/2020 21:17, Robbie wrote:

On 08/11/2020 13:10, Chris Brown wrote:

I seem to have overlooked this one so here's a quick run through some of
the records.

Chart dated: 9th November 1996

1. (NE) Robson & Jerome What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted?

We were told that 'Unchained Melody' was a one-off...

At least Jerome stopped after this, although I know Robson eventually released a solo album.
I wonder if they're the most successful recording act in the UK that never performed live?

2. (1) Spice Girls Say You'll Be There

This record seemed to split opinion. I quite liked it but after the
poptastic 'Wannabe' this was seen by some as a disappoiuntment.

This has always been a bit of a favourite of mine. Except for the bit
where they say "far too much emotions".

3. (2) East 17 ft Gabrielle If You Ever

I quite liked this but radio just wouldn't let go of it.

A very canny choice of cover.

5. (4) Toni Braxton Un-Break My Heart

I love the remix version of this that propelled the single back up the
charts.

Yeah, if I had to listen I'd pref that one although it doesn't quite fit
the subject matter of the song.

7. (7) Babybird You're Gorgeous

This was one record that I found highly annoying.

So did I, although to be fair I found almost every other Babybird record annoying as well (though I obviously didn't have to hear them as often).

8. (5) Faithless Insomnia

An excellent track. Their record label (Cheeky Records) was located next
my office in Harlesden at this time.

I always imagine that small record company offices are full of partying
and big ones are just like every other office.

14. (6) Reef Place Your Hands

I think Radio X seem to have forgotten to take this off their playout
system. Not that I listen to the station that much these days (so perhaps
they have removed it).

I suppose Reef have released new material so they might have played the oldies a bit less while that was around. Well, I say "oldies", it's not
often anyone plays any other Reef hit.

20. (15) Donna Lewis I Love You Always Forever

I remember this record climbing the chart in what by 1996 seemed an old
fashioned way, that is making good progress up the charts for a few
weeks. 34-20-11-9-{5}-5-7-9-15-20-32-44-56-66.

What's the reason for one of the placings being in brackets?

James

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

On 15/11/2020 21:10, James Heaton wrote:

"Chris Brown" <extreme_rice@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:rorr38$4f2$1@dont-email.me...

On 14/11/2020 21:17, Robbie wrote:

20.  (15) Donna Lewis    I Love You Always Forever

I remember this record climbing the chart in what by 1996 seemed an
old fashioned way, that is making good progress up the charts for a
few weeks. 34-20-11-9-{5}-5-7-9-15-20-32-44-56-66.

What's the reason for one of the placings being in brackets?

For the chart run of 'I Love You Always Forever'? If so, it's the peak
position reached by the record. The chart run is taken from the
excellent Polyhex website which lists the chart run of every single to
make the charts.

https://www.polyhex.me.uk/uksingles/chartruns-uksingles.cfm

You can search by either artist (by default) or by title.

James

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

On 15/11/2020 18:57, Robbie wrote:

On 15/11/2020 18:12, Chris Brown wrote:

On 14/11/2020 21:17, Robbie wrote:

5.    (4) Toni Braxton    Un-Break My Heart

I love the remix version of this that propelled the single back up
the charts.

Yeah, if I had to listen I'd pref that one although it doesn't quite
fit the subject matter of the song.

The remix sounds so joyous that I have to remind myself that the song is about heartbreak. In the video she's lost her boyfriend in a motorcycle accident and the remix makes it soun like one great big party.

I know it's not that uncommon but somehow it seems more distracting when
you know there's another version. Also, she didn't redo the vocal.

8.    (5) Faithless    Insomnia

An excellent track. Their record label (Cheeky Records) was located
next my office in Harlesden at this time.

I always imagine that small record company offices are full of
partying and big ones are just like every other office.

I can't even remember if I was aware back in 1996 that there was a
record company next to where I worked. I possibly was. I've just
checked, the address (181, High Street, NW10) is now the HQ of Champion Records https://www.championrecords.co.uk/about/ . Champion Records has
been around since the 1980s and was where Cheeky Records grew out from.

Aren't they the ones who keep releasing 'Show Me Love' by Robin S?

Not much chance of partying going on at Champion Records though as the adjacent property, number 183, is home to some sort of criminal lawyer.

As in a lawyer who deals with crime, rather than one who commits crimes,
I presume?

I do remember the two properties well. They are one of the few houses
left on the High Street, most having been demolished many decades ago to
make way for much larger buildings which in turn became offices, shops,
pubs, etc. Looking on Google Street View both numbers 181 and 183 seem
as run down as they were when I worked close by. At least the wheely
bins next to the front doors look clean!

Somehow Harlesden seems to have evaded gentrification.

21.  (16) The Beautiful South    Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)

The record that made me start to go off the band. I just couldn't get
into this at all.

I don't know if I ever exactly disliked it, but I certainly didn't
think it was a particularly good track by their standards, nor that it
deserved to be one of their biggest hits. Luckily I liked the next two
singles more.
The B-side was 'A Minute's Silence' from the War Child project, which
is much better.

Unfortunately I didn't like 'Rotterdam' either...

I thought this was 'Rotterdam'.

Actually I think 'Rotterdam' by the Wedding Present is a better song.

Chris

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

On 15/11/2020 23:56, Chris Brown wrote:

On 15/11/2020 18:57, Robbie wrote:

8.    (5) Faithless    Insomnia

An excellent track. Their record label (Cheeky Records) was located
next my office in Harlesden at this time.

I always imagine that small record company offices are full of
partying and big ones are just like every other office.

I can't even remember if I was aware back in 1996 that there was a
record company next to where I worked. I possibly was. I've just
checked, the address (181, High Street, NW10) is now the HQ of
Champion Records https://www.championrecords.co.uk/about/ . Champion
Records has been around since the 1980s and was where Cheeky Records
grew out from.

Aren't they the ones who keep releasing 'Show Me Love' by Robin S?

The very same.

Not much chance of partying going on at Champion Records though as the
adjacent property, number 183, is home to some sort of criminal lawyer.

As in a lawyer who deals with crime, rather than one who commits crimes,
I presume?

I do remember the two properties well. They are one of the few houses
left on the High Street, most having been demolished many decades ago
to make way for much larger buildings which in turn became offices,
shops, pubs, etc. Looking on Google Street View both numbers 181 and
183 seem as run down as they were when I worked close by. At least the
wheely bins next to the front doors look clean!

Somehow Harlesden seems to have evaded gentrification.

Yes, neighbouring areas such as Kensal Green and Kensal Rise have gone
somewhat upmarket but Harlesden still seems down at heel. At least all
the tower blocks in Stonebridge were knocked down and replaced by
something that resembles proper housing. But Harlesden itself doesn't
seem to be able to drag itself from the run down image it had when I
worked there.

21.  (16) The Beautiful South    Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)

The record that made me start to go off the band. I just couldn't
get into this at all.

I don't know if I ever exactly disliked it, but I certainly didn't
think it was a particularly good track by their standards, nor that
it deserved to be one of their biggest hits. Luckily I liked the next
two singles more.
The B-side was 'A Minute's Silence' from the War Child project, which
is much better.

Unfortunately I didn't like 'Rotterdam' either...

I thought this was 'Rotterdam'.

Oops, I meant 'Don't Marry Her'. 'Blackbird On The Wire' is classic
Beautiful South though and is a great track.

Actually I think 'Rotterdam' by the Wedding Present is a better song.

    Chris

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

"Robbie" <ngrobbieuk@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:ros709$s6f$1@dont-email.me...

On 15/11/2020 21:10, James Heaton wrote:

"Chris Brown" <extreme_rice@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:rorr38$4f2$1@dont-email.me...

On 14/11/2020 21:17, Robbie wrote:

20. (15) Donna Lewis I Love You Always Forever

I remember this record climbing the chart in what by 1996 seemed an old >>>> fashioned way, that is making good progress up the charts for a few
weeks. 34-20-11-9-{5}-5-7-9-15-20-32-44-56-66.

What's the reason for one of the placings being in brackets?

For the chart run of 'I Love You Always Forever'? If so, it's the peak position reached by the record. The chart run is taken from the excellent Polyhex website which lists the chart run of every single to make the
charts.

https://www.polyhex.me.uk/uksingles/chartruns-uksingles.cfm

You can search by either artist (by default) or by title.

Cheers Robbie, yes I did mean the Donna Lewis but trimmed poorly.

Can see me disappearing down that site for some hours...

James

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)