Here we are. From 256 bands that started out at the beginning of the qualifying campaign, we are left with just two. If you’re not happy with the final match-up, I hope you voted because if not, you’ve only got yourself to blame! But enough of the recriminations – these two bands have battled through qualifiers and then four more rounds to reach this final denouement. This is your last chance to have your say, so make sure you visit my Twitter feed or Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/394844465714175/. As this is the Final and I’ve run out of ideas, I’ve decided to post three songs for each band that might be considered ‘hidden gems’. And here they are…
The Beatles
I’m A Loser – a more introspective song than we were used to at the time. A development of songwriting themes from the usual simple ‘love’ ideas.
After much private experimentation, Revolution 9 was the first time the public experienced the Beatles’ avant garde leanings.
A George Harrison composition that sometimes gets forgotten amongst his other more well-known songs like Something or Taxman.
The Beautiful South
Taken from their 0898 album, it’s quite an emotional story.
Heaton channels his inner Tom Waits for this gravelly-voiced tune from Blue Is The Colour.
This upbeat number opened their 2003 album ‘Gaze’.
That concludes this post, and indeed the whole damned party. One of these bands will be crowned ‘The Ultimate British Band’. It really is up to you.
Welcome to the second Semi-Final of the ‘Ultimate’ British Band contest. These two bands are just one step from the final and having a real chance at winning the whole damned show! In order to ensure their place in the final, they will need your votes. And to do this, you can head over to my Twitter Feed or Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/394844465714175/
The Beautiful South vs Oasis
After the end of the Housemartins, Paul Heaton formed this new band with fellow ex-Housemartin Dave Hemingway and others including guitarist Dave Rotheray, who formed the songwriting partnership that provided all the original compositions for the band from inception in 1989 to the split in 2007 due to ‘musical similarities’. Paul Heaton has developed his craft over the years giving us some classic songs that are easy to sing along to, and put a spring in your step. Examples follow to illustrate my point…
The debut single – a number two hit
Their one and only number one single
Everyone knows the naughty version!
The final single and a tribute to Heaton’s adopted home.
Before Noel Gallagher came on board and changed the trajectory of Oasis, Liam and the others were not necessarily destined for greatness. But Noel joined, imposed a sense of professionalism and started feeding them with his own songs. He monopolised the songwriting duties for the first three albums (not including the songs where he had to share credits due to *ahem* “similarities” with other well-known compositions), before Liam started providing songs and then Andy Bell and Gem Archer (both of whom had joined the group at the start of touring for the Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants album) started contributing their own songs.
A truly iconic song – penned as an antidote to grunge.
It’s quite catchy, if I’m honest.
A Gem Archer original.
Penned by Andy Bell for the 2005 album Don’t Believe The Truth.
That concludes the business of this second Semi-Final. The next time you visit will, hopefully, be the Final! And only one of these bands will be in that Final, so get voting!!!
Welcome to the first of the Semi-Finals. We’re down to just four bands fighting for the title of the ‘Ultimate’ British Band and this opening match-up is surely the ideal Final. Instead, two iconic British bands meet here in the Semi-Finals. And what makes a ‘great’ band? Is it the intra-band chemistry? Or is it the music? I’ll give you a clue – it’s the music. For the Semi-Finals, I’m going to focus on the songwriters. Once you’ve read and listened to the evidence, head over to my Twitter feed or Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/394844465714175/
Queen vs The Beatles
To have one good songwriter in a band is lucky, to have a whole band full of them is, well, very lucky. Queen were, as it happens, very lucky. Brian May and Roger Taylor had been together in the band Smile before Mercury joined and they became Queen. Bassist Roger Deacon completed the iconic line-up and the debut album was released in 1973. Taylor, Mercury and May all had their songwriting efforts showcased on this offering with Deacon’s first written song ‘Misfire’ appearing on their third album Sheer Heart Attack. The band have won four Ivor Novello awards for Songwriting and Composing, with Bohemian Rhapsody in 1976 for the Best Selling British Record just one of them. Over the years, these songwriters gave us some ‘absolute bangers’, as they say, and here are just a few examples…
Written by Roger Deacon, this song was a Top Five UK single with an iconic music video.
Written by Brian May, this was released as a single in 1980.
A Roger Taylor composition that was the title track of the band’s 1986 album. Also a Top 3 single.
A Mercury-penned song released as a single in 1976, peaking at Number Two in the UK.
When the Beatles started out in the Liverpool music scene, they were just one of a number of cover bands, to the extent that when appearing at the clubs whoever came last, usually had a limited set list to play with as the preceding band had most likely played the same songs. Paul McCartney and John Lennon quickly realised that to stand out, they would need original songs. This was the genesis of the greatest songwriting duos in popular musical history. Now put yourself in George Harrison’s shoes! And yet he still managed to write some magnificent tunes of his own. Now try and imagine how Ringo felt. As well as all the chart success, the band also picked up 14 Ivor Novello awards. How about some examples of great music?
A Solid Gold Lennon & McCartney hit.
A true Lennon & McCartney collaboration written on the tour bus to Shrewsbury.
A true Harrison classic
Ringo did finally get in on the act!
And that concludes the first Semi-Final. Pick a winner. If you can.
Welcome to the latest instalment of the ‘Ultimate’ British Band. Tonight sees the remaining Quarter Final match-ups for your enjoyment. You will only see two of these bands in the Semi Finals, so make sure you vote for your favourites in each match. If you need direction for that – head to my Twitter feed and Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/394844465714175/. And now, down to business!
The Beautiful South vs The Who
Welcome To The Beautiful South - released October 89
Choke - released October 90
0898 - released March 92
Miaow - released March 94
Blue Is The Colour - released October 96
Quench - released October 98
Painting It Red - released October 2000
Gaze - released October 03
Golddiggas, Headnodders & Pholk Songs - released October 04
Superbi - released May 06
My Generation - released 03/12/65
A Quick One - released 09/12/66
The Who Sell Out - released 15/12/67
Tommy - released 23/05/69
Who's Next - released 25/08/71
Quadrophenia - released 26/10/73
The Who By Numbers - released 03/10/75
Who Are You - released 18/08/78
Face Dances - released 16/03/81
It's Hard - released 04/09/82
Endless Wire - released 30/10/06
Who - released 06/12/19
The Cure vs Oasis
Three Imaginary Boys - released 11/05/79
Seventeen Seconds - released 18/04/80
Faith - released 17/04/81
Pornography - released 03/05/82
The Top - released 04/05/84
The Head On The Door - released 30/08/85
Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me - released 26/05/87
Disintegration - released 02/05/89
Wish - released 21/04/92
Wild Mood Swings - released 07/05/96
Bloodflowers - released 02/02/2000
The Cure - released 25/06/04
4:13 Dream - released 27/10/08
Definitely Maybe - released 29/08/94
What's The Story (Morning Glory)? - released 02/10/95
Be Here Now - 21/08/97
Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants - released 28/02/2000
Heathen Chemistry - released 01/07/02
Don't Believe The Truth - released 30/05/05
Dig Out Your Soul - released 06/10/08
This concludes the Quarter Final round. Only four bands will remain by the time the polls close for these match-ups. I hope your favourite remains. Make sure to return for the Semi Finals and beyond. Oh, and don’t forget to vote!!
We’ve reached the Quarter-Finals! Only eight bands remain and the first four are presented here. Some big names have been brought together and it’ll be up to you to decide which ones make it through to the Semi-Finals. As always, voting can be done on my Twitter feed or in my Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/394844465714175/
Manic Street Preachers vs Queen
Generation Terrorists - released 10/02/92.
Gold Against The Soul - released 21/06/93.
The Holy Bible - released 30/08/94.
Everything Must Go - released 20/05/96.
This is My Truth, Tell Me Yours - released 14/09/98.
Know Your Enemy - released 19/03/01.
Lifeblood - released 01/11/04.
Send Away The Tigers - released 07/05/07.
Journal For Plague Lovers - released 18/05/09.
Postcards From A Young Man - released 20/09/10.
Rewind The Film - released 19/09/13.
Futurology - released 07/07/14.
Resistance Is Futile - released 13/04/18.
The Ultra Vivid Lament - released 10/09/21.
Queen - released 13/07/73.
Queen II - released 08/03/74.
Sheer Heart Attack - released 08/11/74.
A Night At The Opera - released 21/11/75.
A Day At The Races - released 10/12/76.
News Of The World - released 28/10/77.
Jazz - released 10/11/78.
The Game - released 30/06/80.
Flash Gordon - released 08/12/80.
Hot Space - released 21/05/82.
The Works - released 27/02/84.
A Kind Of Magic - released 02/06/86.
The Miracle - released 22/05/89.
Innuendo - released 04/02/91.
Made In Heaven - released 06/11/95.
Madness vs The Beatles
One Step Beyond - released 19/10/79.
Absolutely - released 26/09/80.
7 - released 02/10/81.
The Rise And Fall - released 05/11/82.
Keep Moving - released 20/02/84.
Mad Not Mad - released 30/09/85.
The Madness - released 03/05/88.
Wonderful - released 01/11/99.
The Dangermen Sessions, Vol 1 - released 01/08/05.
The Liberty of Norton Folgate - released 18/05/09.
Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da - released 29/10/12.
Can't Touch Us Now - released 28/10/16.
Please Please Me - released 22/03/63.
With The Beatles - released 22/11/63.
A Hard Day's Night - released 10/07/64.
Beatles For Sale - released 04/12/64.
Help! - released 06/08/65.
Rubber Soul - released 03/12/65.
Revolver - released 05/08/66.
Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - released 26/05/67.
The Beatles - released 22/11/68.
Yellow Submarine - released 13/01/69.
Abbey Road - released 26/09/69.
Let It Be - released 08/05/70.
Magical Mystery Tour released as a full album in the UK on 19/11/76 - until then it was only available as a double EP.
That concludes this post. Remember to vote and return here for the second set of Quarter-Finals in exactly four days time!
Good Evening. It’s Friday night. It’s also time for the last pair of ties from the Last 16 of the ‘Ultimate’ British Band. Make sure to vote either on my Twitter Feed or Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/394844465714175/. Now, it’s time to get on with the show.
The Specials vs The Cure
UK Number One Albums: 1
UK Top Five Albums: 4
UK Top Twenty Albums: 4
UK Number One Singles: 1
UK Top Five Singles: 3
UK Top Twenty Singles: 7
UK Number One Albums: 1
UK Top Five Albums: 2
UK Top Twenty Albums: 11
UK Number One Singles: 0
UK Top Five Singles: 1
UK Top Twenty Singles: 11
Oasis vs Pulp
UK Number One Albums: 7
UK Top Five Albums: 7
UK Top Twenty Albums: 7
UK Number One Singles: 8
UK Top Five Singles: 19
UK Top Twenty Singles: 25
UK Number One Albums: 2
UK Top Five Albums: 2
UK Top Twenty Albums: 4
UK Number One Singles: 0
UK Top Five Singles: 2
UK Top Twenty Singles: 6
Thus the Last 16 round is complete. Your next visit will coincide with the start of the Quarter Finals. Hopefully!!!
Hello again, dearest readers. Thank you for your votes up to now. I’m assuming you’ve been voting after reading these posts – if not, what the flaming hell are you playing at?!! Come on, get voting! So, after you’ve enjoyed the post, get voting – either on my Twitter feed or in my Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/394844465714175/
The Stereophonics vs The Beautiful South
UK Number One Albums: 8
UK Top Five Albums: 10
UK Top Twenty Albums: 12
UK Number One Singles: 1
UK Top Five Singles: 10
UK Top Twenty Singles: 20
UK Number One Albums: 2
UK Top Five Albums: 6
UK Top Twenty Albums: 10
UK Number One Singles: 1
UK Top Five Singles: 4
UK Top Twenty Singles: 12
Blur vs The Who
UK Number One Albums: 6
UK Top Five Albums: 6
UK Top Twenty Albums: 8
UK Number One Singles: 2
UK Top Five Singles: 9
UK Top Twenty Singles: 19
UK Number One Albums: 1
UK Top Five Albums: 7
UK Top Twenty Albums: 12
UK Number One Singles: 0
UK Top Five Singles: 6
UK Top Twenty Singles: 18
Hello again, dear Readers. It’s time for more British bands to do duel with the aim to be crowned the ‘Ultimate’ British Band as voted for by you! Tonight I bring you some more bands to listen to and wonder at their chart success. Once you’ve done that, remember to go voting on my Twitter feed or Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/394844465714175/
Madness vs The Lightning Seeds
UK Number One Albums: 0
UK Top Five Albums: 5
UK Top Twenty Albums: 11
UK Number One Singles: 1
UK Top Five Singles: 10
UK Top Twenty Singles: 23
UK Number One Albums: 0
UK Top Five Albums: 0
UK Top Twenty Albums: 3
UK Number One Singles: 2
UK Top Five Singles: 2
UK Top Twenty Singles: 8
The Beatles vs The Stone Roses
UK Number One Albums: 11
UK Top Five Albums: 12
UK Top Twenty Albums: 12
UK Number One Singles: 18
UK Top Five Singles: 24
UK Top Twenty Singles: 24
UK Number One Albums: 0
UK Top Five Albums: 2
UK Top Twenty Albums: 2
UK Number One Singles: 0
UK Top Five Singles: 2
UK Top Twenty Singles: 9
That concludes the latest set of match-ups. Will there be any surprises in these matches? It’s down to you!
Good Evening! It’s Sunday night and time for the first two match-ups of the knockout round Last 16. The draw was made completely transparent and the ties are set. In proper tournament-style conditions, we move to a bracket format, with no need for any more draws. Now, sit back and enjoy the fun, and then get voting either on Twitter or my Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/394844465714175/
Duran Duran vs Manic Street Preachers
UK Number One Albums: 1
UK Top Five Albums: 7
UK Top Twenty Albums: 12
UK Number One Singles: 2
UK Top Five Singles: 9
UK Top Twenty Singles: 20
UK Number One Albums: 2
UK Top Five Albums: 10
UK Top Twenty Albums: 14
UK Number One Singles: 2
UK Top Five Singles: 8
UK Top Twenty Singles: 24
Queen vs Fleetwood Mac
UK Number One Albums: 7
UK Top Five Albums: 13
UK Top Twenty Albums: 14
UK Number One Singles: 3
UK Top Five Singles: 11
UK Top Twenty Singles: 36
UK Number One Albums: 4
UK Top Five Albums: 6
UK Top Twenty Albums: 9
UK Number One Singles: 1
UK Top Five Singles: 5
UK Top Twenty Singles: 9
That concludes the opening ties. Remember to vote for your favourite in each match-up and return here for the next set of band duels!!
Nice to see you back here for the final group of the ‘Ultimate’ British Band opening round. The final four bands lined up for your delectation in the form of haikus. Two of the following bands will take their place in the draw for the knockout stages, for the other two it’s the end of the road. Their fate is, as ever, in your hands. So, read the haikus, and get voting on my Twitter feed or Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/394844465714175/
They start out as
rhythm and blues cover band
then they met Angie.
A band with brothers
that rocked throughout the eighties
on The Walk of Life.
This Crawley rock group
led by a man called Robert
who said Boys Don't Cry.
One of Paul Heaton's
great pop music vehicles
sang One Last Love Song.
And that’s your lot. Your next visit here will see the start of the knockout rounds as we reach the business end of the whole damned show!
Specs, Rugs & Sausage Rolls 