15. The Chesterf!ields - "Ask Johnny Dee"
Other Contenders: There were other hits, six in all, but this single was the only one I considered. If you asked me for a second, and it would be a distant one at that, I did like "Completely and Utterly."
Chart Entry: March 28, 1987
Peak Position: No. 4
Comment: The fourth Subway Organization band to make this list (Flatmates, Razorcuts and Shop Assistants preceded them) is the best single to ever come from the legendary label. Most of the band's work is breezy and lightweight jangle, to be sure, but "Ask Johnny Dee" has aged better than the rest, and the lyrics always make me smile. Here are a few of my favorite moments: "Well, if you'd like to know what pop stars have for tea, ask Johnny Dee, and in which motor car it's safe to be seen, ask Johnny Dee, and would you like to know what pop kids wear in the sea, ask Johnny Dee, and tell me, who is the girl who plays the tambourine, she just came to be close to Johnny Dee, to say ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba..." I never tire of this one.
Buy "Ask Johnny Dee" on 'Electric Guitars in Their Hearts.'
4 comments:
Hmmmh ... I dunno ... I mean, it's a nice song and everything, but would I have included it in my list? Don't think so ....
Dirk, If you aren't impressed with this one, methinks you will have steam coming out of your ears next week when my favorite of the literal C86 bands pops up just inside the top 10. Gulp. Not looking forward to your wrath. Ha!
One more thing. I wanted to let you know I'm in complete agreement with you on your Primal Scream vs. Elastica argument from TVV's site today.
I'm willing to have a small bet that you're talking about The Close Lobsters ... nothing wrong with them though ...
On the advice of counsel, Dirk, I decline to answer, but I do feel a little better.
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