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50 of the biggest one-hit-wonders…ever

Eighties pop smashes “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles and The Weather Girls’ “It’s Raining Men” have been voted the nation’s favourite one-hit wonders.

CREDIT: Weather Girls / YouTube

The two tunes tied for the top spot, beating Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky” and “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers.

Bruce Woolley, who co-wrote “Video Killed the Radio Star” with fellow music producer Trevor Horn, said,

“It was a one-hit wonder but it has had a wonderful life and I’m very proud of it.

“It only took a few hours to write but we worked on the recording for months and I think it’s stood the test of time.

“My kids were slightly embarrassed by it when they were younger, but it paid for their education!”

Lou Bega’s “Mambo No.5” came fifth, ahead of Sinead O’Connor’s 1990 smash “Nothing Compares 2U”, Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby”, “Don’t Leave me This Way” by Thelma Houston, “Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex and “Macarena” by Los del Rio.

Kevin Smith, a spokesman for online market researchers OnePoll, which conducted the poll of 2,000 music fans, said: “It’s interesting to see that the most popular one-hit wonders were originally released before the 21st Century.

“In fact, the highest ranking post-Millennium track was released in the year 2000 and landed at number 12 in the poll.

“It might be that musicians have learned the trick behind their biggest hits and know how to keep their momentum up.

“But whatever the reasoning behind the results of the top 50 list, we can see that all of them are unforgettable tracks”.

The Top 50 featured several well-known party tracks such as “Saturday Night” by Whigfield and “The Ketchup Song” by Las Ketchup.

“Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus in 1992 reached the 17th spot in the rankings while Billy Paul’s “Me and Mrs Jones” reached 19.

And many will remember the ear-worm by Witch Doctor, “Ooh Ee Ooh Ah Aah Ting Tang Walla Walla Bing Bang” from 1998.

The 90s claimed the most one-hit wonders, followed by the seventies, which included one-off hits like “Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas and “Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks.

ALSO READ: 10 forgotten 90’s gems

One track which may surprise many as a one-hit wonder was “MMMBop” by Hanson which placed at number 30.

And “Barbados” by Typically Tropical which later was rewritten to be about Ibiza and sang by the Vengaboys in the nineties reached 44.

“Video Killed the Radio Star” writer Bruce Woolley, 62, who has also penned hit songs for dozens of other artists including ‘Slave to the Rhythm’ for Grace Jones, added, “The song’s been covered by hundreds of artists, used in video games, TV ads and has appeared in several Hollywood movies.”

“The song’s been covered by hundreds of artists, used in video games, TV ads and has appeared in several Hollywood movies.”

TOP 50 ONE-HIT WONDERS
1. Video Killed the Radio Star – Buggles (1980)
2. It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls (1982)
3. Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaum (1969)
4. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers (1988)
5. Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit Of) – Lou Bega (1999)
6. Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinead O’Connor (1990)
7. Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice (1990)
8. Don’t Leave Me This Way – Thelma Houston (1976)
9. Cotton Eye Joe – Rednex (1995)
10. Macarena – Los del Rio (1993)
11. Sugar Sugar – The Archies (1969)
12. Who Let the Dogs Out – Baha Men (2000)
13. Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas (1974)
14. Seasons in the Sun – Terry Jacks (1973)
15. Saturday Night – Whigfield (1995)
16. There She Goes – The La’s (2006)
17. Achy Breaky Heart – Billy Ray Cyrus (1992)
18. Tell Laura I Love Her – Ricky Valance (1960)
19. Me and Mrs Jones – Billy Paul (1972)
20. Mickey – Toni Basil (1982)
21. Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin (1988)
22. Stay – Shakespeare’s Sister (1992)
23. Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry (1976)
24. What Is Love – Haddaway (1993)
25. 99 Red Balloons – Nena (1983)
26. Jump Around – House of Pain (1992)
27. My Sharona – The Knack (1979)
28. We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off – Jermaine Stewart (1986)
29. Turning Japanese – The Vapors (1980)
30. MMMBop – Hanson (1997)
31. In the Year 2525 – Zager & Evans (1969)
32. Funkytown – Lipps Inc. (1979)
33. A Girl Like You – Edwyn Collins (1994)
34. Pass the Dutchie – Musical Youth (1982)
35. Rock Me Amadeus – Falco (1985)
36. The Hustle – Van McCoy (1975)
37. Ooh Eeh Ooh Ah Aah Ting Tang Walla Walla Bing Bang – Witch Doctor (1998)
38. Tubthumping – Chumbawamba (1997)
39. The Ketchup Song – Las Ketchup (2002)
40. Grandad – Clive Dunn (1971)
41. Spaceman – Babylon Zoo (1996)
42. Groove Is in the Heart – Dee-Lite (1990)
43. Don’t Give Up On Us – David Soul (1976)
44. Barbados – Typically Tropical (1975)
45. Unbelievable – EMF (1990)
46. Too Shy – Kajagoogoo (1983)
47. Pop Muzik – M (1979)
48. You Get What You Give – New Radicals (1999)
49. The Safety Dance – Men Without Hats (1983)
50. Somebody’s Watching Me – Rockwell (1984)

26th October 2016
THEATRE REVIEW | Hotel For Criminals, New Wimbledon Studio

★★★ | Hotel for Criminals
PR Supplied

Hotel for Criminals is a reworking of Louis Feuillade’s silent film Phantasmagoria – Director Patrick Kennedy’s adaptation of Richard Foreman’s musical went the other way and implements a form of Chinese torture, attempting to impair the audience’s eardrums sixteen times in the form of a deafening hand pump emergency horn buzzer. Nodding off isn’t an option.

You’ll be transported to a perverted French realm where sense has no bearing – a concoction of Mary Poppins’ Chim-Chim-Cheree with more of an Elvira approach, thrown together with a clown-style Night of the Living Dead meets Dracula – guided through by creepy narrator.

Betwixt the chess-piece mobile, camp whirling walks of terror, a journo’s nuptials, vampire blood-supping, dead-pan humour, a hit-and-jaunt and a foreboding big black bird are some ghoulishly good musical numbers and spanking face-painted blood suckers: masters of their craft. Warning: Kate Baxter’s (Irma Vep) chilling vocals and the live band could possess – don’t forget your crucifix.

Not everyone should check into Hotel For Criminals: you’ve got to have the right constitution for this sort of chaos, riddledom and buzzer torment – get clearance from your parole officer first.

Hotel For Criminals plays at New Wimbledon Studio from 18-29 October

26th October 2016
Which X Factor star has gone very spooky for Halloween?

So Halloween is just around the corner and one former X Factor star has decided to go the extra mile.

Hunk Ray Quinn is looking decidedly horrid for Halloween and frankly very scary. In fact, he does look a bit like an ex of ours… but we digress.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMAKkeThdvH/?taken-by=rayquinn_uk&hl=en

The singer looked almost unrecognisable in this snap uploaded to his Instagram. It looks as though he’s planning to go as the Joker from the Batman franchise. We don’t remember the Joker having such a ripped body, though.

Meanwhile in other X Factor news, one contestant just got very real (rude) by calling judge Nicole the C-bomb. Apparently, he wasn’t happy with the way he was dropped by her after judge’s houses.

26th October 2016
Popular and Secret UK Nude Beaches

Looking for the best nudist beach in the UK?

When searching for a nudist beach, minds often wander to a warmer, more ‘European’ environment. Where banana hammocks are frequently discarded in favour of sunning those few parts that were left to the imagination. But you don’t have to travel that far to get some sun on your privates at a not-so-private locale, there are plenty of nude beaches right here in the UK.

We have nude beaches in the UK? Really? All I can think about is the amount of unflattering shrinkage that will be occurring. But for those of you who enjoy shedding your clothes and parking your posterior on pebbles WHATEVER the weather, there are a surprising number of nudist beaches right here in the UK for you to explore.

Just remember that not all nudist beaches are gay beaches, and not all gay nudist beaches are ok with other “activities”. A nudist beach is not always an excuse to go dogging.

Studland Bay, Dorset

Let’s start with the most (in)famous nudist beach in the UK. Studland Beach has the image of naked men baked right into the title. The popular beach is packed come summertime, whether or not the weather is hot, so this is not the beach to come to if you’re looking for peace and solitude. The shy nudists out there might be better off trying a different beach if you’re still precarious about stripping off.

Studland Bay has a dedicated gay section which, whether you like it or not, has unsurprisingly become a popular cruising ground. Many voyeurists take to the dunes for a little slap and tickle of the bait and tackle before taking a cheeky skinny dip in the sea.

Brighton Beach, Sussex

Originally opened in 1979, Brighton’s nudist beach is one of the most popular and most accessible nudist beaches in the UK. And since it’s Brighton and involves public nudity, the beach is hugely popular within the gay community. Despite the fact that the beach itself is one of shingle and pebbles, it remains one of the UK’s busiest naturist spots. So be sure to bring flip-flops and particularly comfortable towel if you’re planning on sunning your bits in Brighton.

Porthzennor Cove, Cornwall

If you’re looking for something more secluded, and perhaps a little more comfortable and beach-like, then it’s time to head to Cornwall. Britain’s best beaches are tucked away at its southernmost point, many of which are treacherously difficult to access. The rugged beauty of the West Cornwall coastline makes it ideal for naturists, populated with plenty of little coves and rocks that are perfect for sunbathing in your birthday suit. Though naturism is not officially recognised down there, you’ll be sure to come across many isolated coves whose seclusion makes them well-suited for nudists.

Porthzennor is one of the coastline’s secluded sandy coves that is difficult to get to but ensures that there won’t be any passers-by that will be shocked to see your white bits. The crashing cliffs cleave open to reveal several corners of private sand that make an ideal private beach for two (or more). Just be careful when swimming as there are often strong undertows, and the closest land from there is the USA.

St Osyth, Essex

Nude beaches in Essex just seems to be asking for trouble to me. I mean how many people try to tan in the land of fake tan? But low and behold St Osyth exists, not far from Clacton-on-sea, in the heart of good ole Essex beach country. The beach itself is a bugger to get to, taking about 20 minutes to walk to from the nearest car park. So while this makes access difficult for the more “mature naturist”, it also discourages snoopers.

The beach itself is about 2 miles long and isn’t overlooked, with about 1 or 2 miles of ground between it and the nearest road or track. St Osyth is unofficially divided into three different sections: one for straight naturists, one for men only, and then one populated by sand dunes. The latter part has been known to be something of a “swinging” area, but again that’s all just luck of the draw and who’s around on that day.

Morfa Ganol, Wales

Wales?! I know, first Essex now Wales, but hear me out. What the Welsh coast lacks in warmth, it makes up for with incredible landscapes to go with your manscapes (I’m running out of naked men jokes here). While you’ll need to pack a pair of walking boots to actually get to Morfa Ganol, you won’t need to wear anything else once you get there. The blissful beach is backed by the Snowdonia National Park, which means it’s pristine clear (albeit slightly chilly) waters are so clean they have earned the highest quality rating by European standards. Waters which are frequented by dolphins and the occasional German nudist. High praise from both.

Cleat’s Shore, Isle of Arran

So at this point in the list, we’ve all but abandoned the idea of a hot sandy beach in favour of whatever else UK beaches have to offer. So in for a penny, in for a pound, and let’s get naked on the brisk beaches of Scotland.

Cleat’s Shore is Scotland’s only official nude beach, and despite that impressive title, it is almost always empty. This makes it a great spot for our first time naturists. You’re far more likely to spend your time conversing with nature rather than other couples. But you won’t be the only nudists on the beach; seals are common in the area, so at least you’ll be skinnier than someone.

Throw in some rock pools, basking sharks and the occasional golden eagle, and Cleat’s Shore is a nude beach with a difference, which, let’s face it, is probably a good thing.

So don’t write off the UK as a great place to strip off. Yes the water may be colder, but the experience may be all the richer because of it. Have you been to any secret or beautiful nude beaches in the UK? Let us know all about them in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading!

26th October 2016
THEATRE REVIEW | Sunny Afternoon – Sheffield Lyceum Theatre & National Tour

★★★ | Sunny Afternoon

In this musical biopic, the swinging sixties are brought back to life as Sunny Afternoon tells the story of the early days of the classic British band, The Kinks, as they fight with their management and with each other on the road to fame. Featuring a slew of classic songs, including “Waterloo Sunset“, “You Really Got Me”, “Lola”, “Dedicated Follower of Fashion” and “Sunny Afternoon”, the show charts the on-stage antics, backroom bickering and personal lives of one of Britain’s seminal rock and roll bands.

Picture Credit : Kevin Cummins

Whilst the production gives a flavour of the band’s history, the narrative is stripped back to allow for the soundtrack to take pride of place. The show never really provides any detailed or thorough insight into the band, their relationships or into the music industry of the 60s, but instead offers a show brimming with musical numbers which sit fairly comfortably within the story and remind you just how many great songs the band have done. The musical numbers veer from the tender ballads to some raw and energetic performances, with one of the musical highlights of the show being an acapella version of “Days“.

Using a wall of speakers, the recording studio style set was visually striking; and a runway from the stage leading out into the audience added gravitas to the concert style feel of the piece and drew the audience in. The costumes accurately reflected the stunning sixties style and period detail littered the set; whilst the lighting design fitted the bill without ever being intrusive.

Ryan O’Donnell provided a charismatic performance as Ray Davies, bringing with it an air of a thoughtful, reflective and somewhat fame-resistant individual to whom music was the most important thing, which was juxtaposed nicely with Mark Newnham’s confident performance as pill popping, hard drinking and cross-dressing Dave Davies. But what impressed most was the musical talent on display with the cast playing a variety of musical instruments; and in a play which holds the musical numbers out as its key feature, live performances like these really bring the show to life.

Sunny Afternoon presents as a nostalgic slice of the sixties which benefits from a soundtrack comprising of more hits from the band than you thought you knew; and an interesting, if light, insight into the band which helped define the era.

Sunny Afternoon is currently on tour around the UK until May 2017 (visit www.sunnyafternoonthemusical.com for details) and is currently playing at Sheffield Lyceum Theatre (www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk) until 29^th October 2016.

26th October 2016
Someone just called Nicole Scherzinger the c word

This is all kinds of kray. An X Factor contestant just called Nicole Scherzinger the c-bomb.

CREDIT: ITV/YouTube

Remember cutie James Hughes who bounded his way into viewers’ heart with his 6 chair challenge and then his smiley nature at Judges’ Houses – well apparently he’s just dropped the c bomb on the judge.

CREDIT: ITV/YouTube

Speaking to Now Magazine, he said at a charity event,

“She’s a c*nt!, She’s so nice on camera, but I felt she had no time for me once they were off.”

CREDIT: ITV/YouTube

He then questioned whether the judge actually chose the final 3 in her category, saying,”I don’t even think she picked her final three boys!”

That’s you off the Christmas card list then poppet.

25th October 2016
Russell Tovey in his undies is everything you need for a dull Tuesday

Russell Tovey… in all his underwear wearing glory is here as he strips off for his stint in the second season of Quantico.

The brand new season of Quantico introduces a brand new character, Harry Doyle, played by the rather scrummy Russell Tovey. The series plays on Alibi in the UK and is available to stream on Netflix US.

Wanna see more, plus pictures with Russell in just a towel click here

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25th October 2016
Gay Guys: 11 things you should definitely say during sex

Are you a sexy-time talker? Chances are you’re staying stone-cold silence during the deed. Here’s why talking during sex is a good thing to do.

CREDIT: ©-dnf-style-Depositphotos

They say communication is the key to successful relationships and there’s no reason why this shouldn’t happen in the bedroom to bring you a successful sex life. So here’s 11 things you should definitely say or do in bed if you’re looking for better sex.

Are you close?

It’s okay to ask, but as always it’s in the tone of your voice. Ask in a bored tone or a voice that is dripping with sarcasm might just ruin the flow… Asking whether your guy is getting close to coming could mean that you can climax together. Bonus

I like it when you…

“Blow me”, “lick my balls”, “rim” or “just stick it in”. Guys, we’re not mind readers and unless you voice what it is you want to happen next the likelihood is that it won’t happen and life is too short for crappy unfulfilling sex.

I’ll give it ago

Has your partner just suggested doing something a bit left-field? Instead of saying, “no” why not, unless it literally makes you sick to your core, try it out. You never know, it could be the best thing you’ve ever done. As I like to say, “don’t say no, till you give it ago”.

I need a moment…

If, for whatever reason you need to take some time out, just say so. Don’t worry about disappearing erections and the mood flying out the window, those things will always come back…

I love your body

Is your partner a little body conscious? Telling him that you love his body could really help the barriers come down and the sex to become wild. By communicating that you’re really enjoying his body will ramp up the moment.

No!

If something is not your cup-of-tea then you have the right to say, “no”. If you’re getting involved with some kinky play then you and your partner should agree on a safe word which is absolute. If things get a little hairy the safe word must mean an absolute end to the activity at hand.

You taste so good.

Some men are worried about the taste of their goodies. Especially if the sex you’re having is a bit unplanned. So feed his penis or ass some encouragement.

Moan and then moan some more.

If you’re a little weirded out by using actual words use moans and groans to communicate your pleasure! The louder and more insistent the moan the more obvious it should be to how much you’re enjoying the play.

You look amazing in that position…

The problem with sex, sometimes, is that some positions can feel a little compromising and a little exposed. Some encouragement could do your partner wonders in the confidence arena, plus if the view is spectacular you should mention it. You wouldn’t climb Everest without commenting on the vista!

I Love You

If it’s appropriate and you are in love, saying, “I love you” during sex could be a real bonding moment. However, it’s probably best not to say it for the first time during your session. Feel the moment, if it feels right to, do it.

Thank you

Manners cost nothing and mean everything.

25th October 2016
What’s it like getting a Back, Sack and Crack wax by a perfect stranger

We sent brave Aaron Holloway to get waxed. Firstly we wanted to know how much it hurt and secondly we wanted to know what it was like to have a perfect stranger fiddle about with your junk.

CREDIT: Dmytro-Sidelnikov-bigstock (FILE PHOTO)

Looking for that “perfect” no hair look – then a professional wax might just be the ticket.

It was a surprisingly sunny morning in London when I arrived at the Chelsea office of Wax in the City.

The front desk assistant was especially friendly, helping me with a place to store my many bags since I had just arrived from the airport. Wax in the City has a drop-in style service, so you don’t need to bother with an appointment, and the wait time was short when I arrived.

I had just enough time to catch my breath and have a nice cold, albeit super wanky lemonade at a local café (where I was later informed the real housewives of Chelsea – apparently that’s a thing – meet for brunch or whatever) before I was called in to see my expert ‘Depiladora’ (Wax in the City’s own word for their hair removal experts).

My Depiladora was a very friendly young lady, who made me feel very comfortable before leaving the room so I could undress and lie on the table. I was there to have my back waxed, so I wasn’t expecting it to be too painful. The process used by Wax in the City was different to my previous experience with waxing strips. Here they use a larger patch of hardening wax, which is removed after a few minutes of cooling. This process allows for larger areas to be waxed than cloth strips, and this means less time, and less pain overall. I was informed that they use different waxes for different areas, so if you have a more sensitive region done, you may have another type of wax applied.

During the process we chatted about what she was doing to me, and how long she’s be working there. I got the feeling that I was the only chatty-Cathy because there seemed to be a lot of silence coming from the other booths in the salon. Perhaps we were alone, or maybe women just don’t like to chat while they’re having hair ripped out of their naughty-bits. Who knows.

After only about 30 minutes my back was ready to go and I was brushed off and given a few care tips to look after my newly bare back.

Waxing offers a few benefits over shaving in that the regrowth is much longer coming in, and is also softer than shaving stubble. I did notice a slight amount of itching about 3-4 weeks later as the hair began reappearing on my back, but this soon passed and was not as irritable as shaving stubble. The other obvious benefits are that the waxed area is hairless for much longer than shaving, and never has the feeling of dry sand when running your hand over the regrowth when it does come in. The pain is minimal, and worth the results.

Wax in the City in London can be found at 370 King’s Road in Chelsea, SW3 5UZ, and is close to transport stops. They are open every day from 10am to 8pm, except Sundays when they are open from 12 – 5pm.

Not so brave but want to try waxing at home – we’ve got some advice for waxing your bum and your sack.

25th October 2016
Can you guess which 3 things Disney has banned from all its films?

So imagine this – your film has been optioned or greenlit by Disney – the contract comes through. There’re 3 things you absolutely must not include in your film – can you guess what they are?

©2013 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

So there you are, pen poised, to sign on the dotted line ready to make the next Disney hit… and then you spot in the fine print there are three things you cannot put into your film.

Film director David Lowery, director of the new Disney film Pete’s Dragon, revealed what he was banned from including in the movie…

ALSO READ: Did Disney sneak gay family into Frozen?

ALSO READ: 10 Disney hunks you wish were gay

Speaking with Ain’t It Cool News Lowery said,

“When you sign a contract with Disney, the things it says your film cannot have are beheadings, impalement or smoking.

“Those are literally the three things you are not allowed to put into a Disney film.”

Luckily there can be no smoking under the sea in Finding Dory!

Who knew. So no beheadings, impalement or smoking.

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25th October 2016
Mariah Carey’s Halloween costume just brought it

Mariah Carey has upped her Halloween game.

© s_bukley Depositphotos

So the point of dressing up for Halloween is to scare people and to look hideous, but MC has decided to take a different route.

View this post on Instagram

Heading out with her fam, Mariah donned a very very tight red corset dress and popped on a couple of wings and devil horns for good measure.

View this post on Instagram

The rest of her family were dressed as characters from Mario land. We don’t remember a woman in red in that franchise of game, but hey. It’s Mariah so just deal okay.

Hot.

Praise be oh great gay icon.

25th October 2016