1) True - Spandau Ballet
I like this not for any romantic reason but because it's a song I've had in my life for so very long. And it's good to sing for karaoke; truuuuue. I love Spandau Ballet and have heard this live, Tony Hadley warbling away with the ace sax of Steve Norman, and my late Mum was with me. Plus they're from Islington and support Arsenal. Just like me.
2) Give Me The Reason - Luther Vandross
After Spandau (Wham) the late Mr Vandross was the first artist I really got into. I had all his albums and his was the first concert I went to along with three school friends. It was at Wembley Arena, thrilling then but my least favourite venue now (I last saw Hard-Fi there and it was like being in a school gym). I remember Luther changed costume a lot - bless him he was greatly perspiring under the Vegas-style lights - but the voice was incredible. Sadly missed.
3) Le Freak - Chic
Wide as my musical tastes are, at heart and soul I'm a Disco Diva. It's joyful and just the best music to throw shapes to. For the first time this year I really wanted to be at Glastonbury - on stage with Chic and the genius Nile Rodgers. This song is just one cracking example of the genre that always makes me want to sing and dance along. Freak Out!
4) Ain't Nobody - Rufus and Chaka Khan
There are many songs that I dearly love, but this is my chosen favourite. Brace yourselves for soppy/deluded - but I've always thought that I'll know I've met my soulmate when this song applies to him....
Anyway, I'm still auditioning (single men queue HERE).
5) Flo Fashion - Sway
I adore the lyrics; very clever and funny. Sway should be better known than he is, he's collaborated with the likes of Plan B and many other more famous artists, but maybe he just prefers the quieter life.
6) When Doves Cry - Prince
I believe that Prince is one of the greatest artists of all time and the best artist I've ever seen live - twice so far - he's simply a genius. Sadly he didn't perform this song either time I saw him, as it's possibly my favourite. It's very hard to choose, others include: When Doves Cry, Anotherloverholenyohead and many songs from the amazing first album 'For You' (1978!).
7) Dance Wiv Me - Dizzee Rascal
This song is chosen simply because it represents the great times I have with my beloved friends @mrscottdavies and @dazzletag It's my karaoke party piece - I do the rap part too. Yes, you've missed an absolute treat. I know that Darren and Scott think of me when they hear it, and when I heard it live at Finsbury Park (Mr Rascal supported the Stone Roses) I left them a voicemail of it. I wasn't 'all over there on your Jack Jones' as I was with my friend Melissa, who's been very supportive and kind to me, so another good reason to choose it.
8) Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand) - Irma Thomas
Such a beautiful song. I discovered it when it was powerfully used at the close of the '15 Million Merits' episode of Charlie Brooker's 'Black Mirror' TV series (thanks to @FionaF77 who named the song and artist). My Mum died in May 2012 and I chose this song for the end of her funeral service. Her love is with me always and I'm very lucky.
9) F.E.A.R. - Ian Brown
Ah Mr Brown. If I win the lottery I'm buying a season ticket in the Stretford End at Old Trafford (yes I have an Arsenal season ticket but read on for my cunning plan). I'll befriend him and he'll fall in love with me and write incredible songs about me. I'd like that very much indeed and rest assured I'd always be booing Man U in my head at matches. He's a superb and underrated songwriter and his word choices are quirky and sumptuous and just show a joy of language. I also am rather partial to him in the guise of front man of the Stone Roses. King Monkey has the swagger and presence that transcends singing in tune all the time - but who cares when the crowd does the singing for him! He's my favourite artist at this time and for some time now, I frequently listen to him (and the Stone Roses) and I'm genuinely very excited at the thought of his next solo album and tour.
10) Get Lucky - Daft Punk ft Pharrell Williams
This is already a modern classic for me, an infectious happy tune. I do feel fortunate and this song fits my mood right now. It also reminds me of Twitter, as I've seen so many tweets about this. So I dedicate this to all my Twitter friends - lots of love, Be Lucky! x
My sister owned all the Luther albums on vinyl during the 80s. I bloody loved him...
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