4. Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks 1967

Not just my favourite song of all time but Paul Weller and a host of other artists have claimed this particular song. And what a song. from that descending bass line that begins the song, the acoustic guitars that jangle and the gorgeous harmonies ..they all set the foundation for ray davie's wonderful off kilter voice and his these precious lyrics. See ! I'm gushing here! it's just that good.
I once told a journalist if I ever wrote a song as good as Waterloo Sunset I could stop writing. (which incidently was why I called the 1986 Little Murders album "Stop" not because the band were finished ..although they were at the time) Anyway I haven't stopped yet so obviously I haven't reached my target yet.
Like the best of songs it immediately puts you in a place and time. This one puts me in the middle of London in the heat of the sixties. scooters, mini skirts and Julie Christie. It's all there. You can almost see the wet with rain pavements reflecting the neon lights of Picadilly Circus.

Dirty old river, must you keep rolling
Flowing into the night
People so busy, make me feel dizzy
Taxi light shines so bright

Later in about 1981 I actually got to meet Ray Davies. I can't remember saying much. What can you say to a hero. I gave him all the Little Murders singles up to that point. 3 in total. I said"I've got all your records and now Mr Davies you have all of mine!"
There's been some rubbish versions of this song. The best live version was a Melbourne band called Large Number 12's. God they made me jealous that night!