political exile

There are actually some whispers going on that this whole viral thing about "Harlem Shake" was a very cleverly orchestrated stunt by Mad Decent (the song's label).

Rod Stewart and Sting aren't exactly what I had in mind - it was more about acts which made their first impact/debut in that period of time.. And Sting's success in the US in the last 20 years has been quite variable. One day he has his best-selling album ever (Ten Summoner's Tales), the next he has a flop (Mercury Falling) and then he rebounds but only after a computer ad (Brand New Day). Since then, his presence in the US mainstream has been pretty much non-existent. Thanks for Radiohead, I was forgetting about them.

How can Little Mix even think of hitting it big in America when they barely get by in their own turf? But then, stranger things have happened.

Well, I'd agree with the Spices, if only because their career was: a) brief; b) the shelf-life of those kinds of acts isn't usually very long anyway. As for Adele, I consider her to be in the same category as 1D and The Wanted: one pretty successful (or, in her case, double massive) era, but the future's still uncertain. 19 only went multi-platinum once 21 took over the Universe, and there are no guarantees she will continue to be big there - there aren't even guarantees in the UK, really. As for Jake Bugg, as was someone's suggestion: if the Arctic Monkeys or The Libertines can't/couldn't get arrested once they pass/got past the Channel Tunnel (well, Pete Doherty could, but that's another tale! :lol:), it's pretty much a given he won't as well. Those acts are just too insular in their references and delivery to ever manage more than cult status outside Britain. One act I could see breaking outside Britain if they tried a bit harder would be Biffy Clyro. Another is Jessie Ware. Her music is fresh, yet accessible enough for it to make an impression. What both have is a sound and attitude that isn't identified as "too British", so that's a plus.

Someone here has spoken of Olly's success in the US probably being a flash in the pan. I'd say even 1D and The Wanted aren't yet secure from falling into that category. And really, bar Coldplay, what other UK acts have had consistent US success in the last 15-to-20 years?

In a year positively filled with future classics and/or seminal tunes, this one sticks out like a sore thumb. Wikipedia (yeah, I know...) tells me there have been more than 200-count-em-200 covers of this Marijohn Wilkin and Kris Kristofferson-written and composed song. But honestly, can anyone tell them apart? And do many people really have any idea what's this song and/or how it goes? XGd2kuMIJIo

^ Hmm, maybe. I believe that song is a usual feature in Worst #1 Singles Ever-type lists.

Speaking of forgotten chart toppers... I guess this one isn't also that remembered these days, however unjust that might be in some ways, since we're talking about the first all-Black British group to ever hit the top. 788BOtx_-Nw

Which ones, exactly?

Maybe Joe Bloggs has forgotten about it. But in terms of, well, hipster cred, you can bet your life it's quite fondly regarded. And contrary to what a lot of people might think, hipster cred does matter quite a bit.

"The Drugs Don't Work"? I guess they don't, since, as already stated, "Sex on Fire" is still as ubiquitous as they come. And while not undisputable part of the Big Canon, I reckon "Return of the Mack", "Your Woman", "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" and even "Fill Me In" aren't exactly forgettable; more like cult #1's, if you will.

Anyone remember the glorious musical careers of Lee Marvin and Telly Savalas? gJNqaWlsnXE J94-_w9ARX0

^^ Maybe, but it featured THE WOBBLE, so it might be one of those cases where a seemingly forgettable record actually holds many keys to what would become the future. AZ-27rdwJPs

I just looked at the list of 2006 #1's and, honestly speaking, out of twenty-four possibilities, I could only see at best four titles worth any sort of undeniable classic status. Certainly a much better ration than 2005, but nothing really Earth-shattering. To be fair I'll list those. The undeniables: Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy" Shakira, "Hips Don't Lie" (feat. Wyclef Jean) Justin Timberlake, "SexyBack" Take That, "Patience" And then there the up-for-debate ones: Ne-Yo, "So Sick" Sandi Thom, "I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Head)" Nelly Furtado, "Maneater" Lily Allen, "Smile" Razorlight, "America" My Chemical Romance, "Welcome to the Black Parade" There's also Fedde Le Grand, which isn't really remembered by Joe Bloggs, but is very much considered a classic within dance music circles.

To illustrate my point, let's just say that their rivalry even extended beyond death and into the Forgotten #1 field! :P Do5MMmEygsY ufKxCclo7-c