When I was a teenager, I hated the song Someday I'll Fly Away by Randy Crawford.
'BORING!', I used to think. I was far more interested in the ska revival or anything electronic. But that, pah! I've never been a big soul fan.
Now I'm 42, I find I've got room for a lot more music in my life. I still don't have that much soul, but I got to thinking about Randy Crawford and realised she's actually quite soothing and has a lovely voice. So today on the way in to work, the F-C ipod popped up with a bit of Randy, and it was the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of urban living.
There are lots of songs I've got time for now that I rubbished in my youth - some would call these guilty pleasure, but as you know I don't believe in that, they're just to be enjoyed - so a taster of those once derided numbers now so firmly clutched to the F-C bosom is as follows:
On My Own/Patti Labelle and Michael McDonald - 'we were already talkin' divorce/and we weren't even married'. Nice number which reminds me of being a student only because it was never off the bleedin' radio.
Anything by Dr Hook, especially Better Love Next Time. Those maracas make it.
Never Knew Love Like This Before/Stephanie Mills - sweet!
One Day At A Time/Lena Martell. I thought this was an absolute crime when it topped th charts back in 1979, what with knocking the Buggles off the number one slot. But making a 1979 playlist the other day (like I do), meant I had to be as completist as possible and this had to be included. And you know what; it's alright. Dare I say, inspirational? Sorry Lena, I had no idea. I also remember by grandma saying, 'One day at a time/ Well, that's what I have to do'. So I've a ready-made soft spot.
Shattered Dreams/Johnny Hates Jazz. For a start I thought it was the most terrible name (still do), and I found the lead singer very annoying. The Danny Dyer of pop singers. But a couple of years ago I heard it and thought it was a actually a really good song.
I draw the line however, at Living In A Box, anything by George Michale and Holding Back The Years by Simply Red. I have never and will never like these.
