Monday, June 11, 2018

26 best one-hit wonders of all time


A one-hit wonder is a singer/group that has only experienced real mainstream success with one hit song.
•Often, people will only remember the name of the song, and not the singer/group behind it.
•We've rounded up the best one-hit wonders of the past 60 years, including classics like "Macarena" and "Mambo No. 5."

Even though an artist may be a one-hit wonder, they still might have contributed one of the most famous songs of all time. Take Tommy Tutone, for example. You might not know the band, but you can definitely recite the number "867-5309" - Jenny's phone number.

In the last six decades, many one-hit wonders have blessed our ears (or not so much) - we've rounded up the top 50 of the past 60 years.

Take a trip down memory lane to revisit these classic jams.


"Rockin Robin" by Bobby Day (1958)

You might know "Rockin' Robin" best as a kid's song that has an accompanying hand game, or as the 1972 version sung by the Jackson 5.
But the original version was recorded by Bobby Day in 1958, and was his biggest (and only) hit. Day stopped recording music as a solo artist after 1960, when he began concentrating on songwriting.


"Hey! Baby" by Bruce Channel (1961)

The DJ Ötzi remix of "Hey! Baby" is the version you've most likely heard at sporting events and such - but the original is much more relaxed, with a prominent harmonica. Sung by Bruce Channel, it  topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962.

Channel, while touring Europe, was accompanied by a little-known band (at the time) named the Beatles. There's a  popular urban legend that suggests that the harmonica part in "Love Me Do," the Beatles's first single, was inspired by Channel and this song, but Lennon had already been playing the instrument for a few years.

The song experienced a resurgence in popularity when it was used during a scene in 1987 classic film "Dirty Dancing."


"Wipe Out" by The Surfaris (1963)

You might not know the song by name, but chances are you've heard "Wipe Out" - either The Surfaris version or a cover. It's been used in over 20 movies and TV shows. In fact, it pops up at least once a decade.

The song  spent four months on the Billboard charts, but never reached the top spot.


"Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum (1969)

"Spirit in the Sky" is Norman Greenbaum's only hit as a solo artist, though he had moderate success with his bands Dr. West's Medicine Show and Junk Band, and Bruno Wolf with the Jim Kweskin Jug Band.

Spirit in the Sky" topped the charts in multiple countries and  reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was ranked 341 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.


"Sugar, Sugar" by The Archies (1969)

The only virtual band on this list, The Archies was made up of the fictional characters in the "Archie" universe: Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica, and Reggie. "Sugar, Sugar" was  a number one song in 1969, and became The Archies' signature song

Their only other top 10 song, "Jingle Jangle," has not stood the test of time as well as "Sugar, Sugar," and is best known for being a  recreational drug in "Riverdale," a dark modern reboot of "Archie."


"O-o-h Child" by Five Stairsteps (1970)

"O-o-h Child" was  ranked at 402 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, so it might come as a disappointment that Five Stairsteps never had another mainstream success.

They had multiple Top 40 hits on the R&B charts, but only  peaked at number eight with "O-o-h Child" on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has been used in many different TV shows and movies, including "How I Met Your Mother," "Scandal," and "Guardians of the Galaxy."


"Mr. Big Stuff" by Jean Knight (1971)

"Mr. Big Stuff" was a huge song during the '70s. It  spent five weeks at number one on the Soul Singles chart, and  hit number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

However, Knight's career plateaued after "Mr. Big Stuff," and was she was never able to replicate that level of success. But the song lives on: it was the top Soul Single of 1971, has been covered by many artists, and is frequently sampled in other songs.



"Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" by Looking Glass (1972)

Looking Glass  only released three singles during their time as a band: "Brandy," "Golden Rainbow," and "Jimmy Loves Mary-Anne." "Brandy" was their only hit, and it  topped the Billboard Hot 100.

The song recently played a big part in 2017's "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," where Ego (played by Kurt Russell) called it "one of Earth's greatest musical compositions, perhaps the greatest."


"Dancing in the Moonlight" by King Harvest (1972)

King Harvest's one and only hit single  made it to number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Though the group has gone through various  ups and downs (like break-ups and a fluctuating roster), they released another single in 2016.

Toploader, a British alternative band, released a cover of "Dancing in the Moonlight" in 2000 which was certified Platinum in the UK.


"Magic" by Pilot (1974)

"Magic" was recorded by Scottish band Pilot in 1974, and was their first hit single. It  peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, and was number 31 on the end-of-year Billboard Hot 100.

The song remains their biggest (and only) hit in the US. Thirty five years after its release, former Disney Channel star Selena Gomez covered the song for the soundtrack of her show "Wizards of Waverly Place."


"Got to be Real" by Cheryl Lynn (1978)

"Got to Be Real" has been called a defining moment in disco history, though Cheryl Lynn isn't a huge name in mainstream music. "Got to Be Real" was her debut single and  topped the US R&B charts, though it didn't even crack the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 - neither did any of her other singles.

"Got to Be Real" was reintroduced to a younger crowd when Mary J. Blige and Will Smith covered the song for the 2004 animated film "Shark Tale."


"My Sharona" by the Knack (1979)

For The Knack, "My Sharona" was as good as it ever got. Their debut single  rocketed to the top of the charts, and became  Capitol Records' fastest-ever song to achieve Gold status since "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by the Beatles.

The band failed to have another single break the top 10.


"Rapper's Delight" by Sugarhill Gang (1979)

"Rapper's Delight" is widely acknowledged as  the first hit rap song. It was included in the  Library of Congress' National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

Even though they're credited for bringing rap into the mainstream, the Sugarhill Gang didn't enjoy much mainstream success. They failed to crack the Top 40 after "Rapper's Delight."



"867-5309/Jenny" by Tommy Tutone (1981)

867-5309 is one of the most famous phone numbers of all time. How did Tommy Tutone pick the exact catchiest combination of numbers? Unclear. But whatever he did, it worked.

However, "867-5309/Jenny" was Tommy Tutone's  only song to ever break the top 25. The titular Jenny is the subject of many urban legends: some believe she was a prostitute, while even members of the band disagree on whether she was real.


"Tainted Love" by Soft Cell (1982)

The synths in Soft Cell's cover of 1964 Gloria Jones song "Tainted Love" are unmistakable, as they don't sound like anything else out there.

"Tainted Love" was Soft Cell's first and only big hit in the US, where it reached eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and four on the US Dance Charts.



"Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners (1982)

"Come On Eileen" was  atop the Billboard Hot 100 for one week, and prevented Michael Jackson from having back-to-back number one hits. It remains Dexys Midnight Runners' only song to chart in the US.

Recently, it was used in teen comedy/drama "Perks of Being a Wallflower" and appears on the soundtrack.



"I Melt With You" by Modern English (1982)

Consequence of Sound ranked "I Melt With You"  the best one-hit wonder of all time.

"I Melt With You" wasn't a massive hit originally - it  only reached 76 on the Billboard Hot 100. But it's nearly impossible to find someone who can't at least hum along to the catchy song. This is because of its high usage in pop culture: It's been used in "Valley Girl," and covered by both Jason Mraz and Bowling For Soup for "50 First Dates" and "Sky High" respectively. It's also been featured in multiple commercials.


"Always Something There to Remind Me" by Naked Eyes (1983)

"Always Something There to Remind Me" was originally recorded in the '60s, and enjoyed mild success.

But the definitive version will always be Naked Eyes' synth-heavy cover, which eventually  rose to number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was the group's debut single, but also their peak. Their next big hit  failed to crack the top 10.

Their version remains culturally relevant 30 years after its release - it was recently featured in a trailer for the newest season of "Arrested Development."


"99 Luftballons" by Nena (1983)

A rare non-Spanish foreign language hit, the German "99 Luftballons" topped the charts in 1983, and was even popular enough to warrant an English version, though this one didn't do as well in the US (it didn't reach the Billboard Hot 100).

Nena never had another song hit the top 100 in the US.


"Take On Me" by A-ha (1984)

While A-ha is definitely not a one-hit wonder in its native country of Norway, the band only had one big hit in the US: "Take On Me" topped the charts in 1985.

Much of the song's success can be attributed to its innovative music video, which combined live action and animation, making it perfect for heavy rotation on MTV.


"Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds (1985)

The triumphant ending of the movie "The Breakfast Club," when rebel loner Bender raises his fist in the air, would not have been the same without this Simple Minds classic playing in the background.

The song peaked at number one on the Hot 100, and topped charts around the world. Simple Minds capitalized on its success and actually scored another top five single with "Alive and Kicking," but the band's enduring legacy will always be "Don't You (Forget About Me)."


"(I've Had) The Time of My Life" by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes (1987)

"(I've Had) The Time of My Life" and the movie "Dirty Dancing" are irrevocably linked - turn the song on at any event and prepare to see people attempt to recreate the movie's iconic dance move.

Billy Medley and Jennifer Warnes have both had mild success as solo artists, but nothing ever compared to their smash hit "(I've Had) The Time of My Life." The two never collaborated again.


"Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin (1988)

Commonly mistaken  for a Bob Marley song, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" is actually performed by Bobby McFerrin. When the song hit the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988, it became the  first a capella song to reach number one.

McFerrin is mainly a jazz conductor, and "Don't Worry, Be Happy" remains his only crossover hit.


"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers (1988)

"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100, and is the only song by The Proclaimers to chart in the US to date.

It's a popular choice at sporting events, especially in their home country of Scotland. Popular sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" also had a running gag throughout the show, in which the song was the official road trip music of two main characters, Marshall and Ted.



"Macarena" by Los del Río (1995)

According to VH1, "Macarena" is the best one-hit wonder of all time - and it's hard to disagree. Los Del Río's original version of the song didn't make any waves, but once the Bayside Boys remix was released, the world was never the same.

"Macarena" is inescapable at weddings, sporting events, parties, and essentially any public event. But who is Los Del Río? Many Americans would be hard-pressed to remember the duo behind this iconic song. Their only other song to reach the charts was "Macarena Christmas" in 1996, which reached number 57 on the charts.



Saturday, June 9, 2018

15 Signs You Are A Total Foodie

Technically, a foodie is someone who loves to eat. But most foodies agree that it is a very shallow way to define their kind. There are many signs you are a foodie. These signs are subtle yet very distinct in their own way. You cannot classify any person who loves to eat as a foodie. There are many signs that you love food, but that food might be of a particular kind. But you display signs that you are a foodie only when you have wider perspective to eating.
The characteristics of a foodie are that you live to eat. And it is not just that you love food, you are also very knowledgeable about food. Cooking for you is the highest form of art because it involves making food delicious. If you eat whatever is put in front of you, it does not mean that you show signs of being a foodie. It just means that you are not a fussy eater.
The signs you love to eat go much beyond the political and regional boundaries. You might be born in Chinchpokhli, India, but if you have the signs of being a foodie you will be able to name all the different types of French cheese. You do not have any preferences about food and you usually get along best with other foodies.

Here are some infallible signs that you are a total foodie

You are always planning your next meal
While you are enjoying a four coarse gourmet lunch at a restaurant, you are already planning to make 'something nice' for dinner. And 'nice' means nothing short of a full steak with gravy and hashed brows on the sides.

If you are having a bad day, you have already decided to make it up by eating some junk

The quick fix solution for a bad day at work is usually eating the most unhealthy kind of food that you can think of. If you fought with your boss, then you want fried chicken. If you got fired, you want the fried chicken with fried potatoes and a full bottle of cola.

You travel to eat

The concept of a holiday without food is unthinkable for you. You secretly plan your holidays based on the kind of food that is available at the travel destinations.

All your baby photos are with food

When you are foodie, you usually start early. In all your baby photos, you are either eating food or staring at food.

You are an inspired cook who thinks cooking is an art

Most foodies are excellent cooks themselves. However, even if you cannot cook yourself, you have great respect for people who can cook and you are knowledgeable about the culinary arts. In short, you can tell the difference between mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

Even if you cannot cook, you have an opinion about everything you eat

Even if you might not be able to cook very well, you can and do comment on everything that you eat. This might sometimes irritate the people around you.

You are the official Food Recommender of your friend circle

Whenever your friends want to try out a different place to eat, they usually call you. You have obviously tried out all the best eating places in your neighbourhood, your friend's neighbourhood and all the other neighbourhoods in town.

You see or smell something yummy, you can feel hungry immediately

Even if you have just had a large meal, the smell of a melting cheese on a pizza or the aroma of spices from some just grilled kebabs can make you hungry.

You have all your favourite eateries on your speed dial

You are always ready for 'food emergencies'. So, you keep the number of your favourite eateries on speed dial. What if you suddenly feel like having a biriyani or some chop suey.

You try almost anything as long as it is a food

You do not believe in keeping any regrets when it comes to food. You want to try everything so that you do have to look back and think that you could have had a bite of that.

You hate people who are fussy eaters

You hate to go out with people who are picky about food. They are just so 'limited'

Most of your friendships revolve around food

Most of your best friends are foodies just like you. And then you have a group outing where you people discuss food most ardently.

You judge people based on their food preferences

Some people judge people based on their zodiac signs. But you always ask them what is their favourite food? If someone likes Chinese, they are usually the saucy types. And if the like pizza, they are more likely to have a cheesy sense of humour

You get wet dreams about butter or cheese or both

You day dream and fantasise about food to such an extent that you even dream about food at night. You get delicious buttery dreams about biting in a large chunk of pudding or taking the first bite from a crispy pizza.

You have no time for a relationship

That is because you are already married to food. Besides, your significant other would have to be just as much as a foodie as you are and that is thick chance.

Friday, June 8, 2018

Help I have writer's block

7 Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block

If you’re struggling with writer’s block, don’t get discouraged. This happens to every great writer at some point, and it’s easy to overcome it. I lose my muse and don’t feel like writing. I stare at the computer screen and no words come to mind. My head feels stuck, stuck, stuck. It can be frustrating. After twenty years of writing historical thrillers and supernatural horror novels, I’ve learned how to get past writer’s block. Here are seven powerful ways you can get back into the flow of writing:

1.) Step away from whatever you’re writing and do anything that’s creative. Paint pictures, write poetry, design images in Photoshop, make a scrapbook or collage, or if you’re masculine, build something in the garage. Work on another creative project for a few hours or days and then go back to writing. When I’m stuck, I paint paintings or work on my website or blog. Jumping to other projects really activates my creativity. The key is to keep exercising the creative part of your brain and eventually you’ll tap back into the flow of writing.

2). Do freewriting. Spend 15 minutes or more a day writing whatever comes off the top of your head. Ignore punctuation. Just write freely. Allow it to be totally random. You might change subjects many times. You might mix fiction with journaling or vent frustrations. The process trains your brain to tap into the words inside your head and gives them a place to live on your computer screen or journal. Do this for a week and then return to your writing project. An alternative is to freewrite 15-20 minutes to get your thoughts out and then immediately return to writing your book or article.

3.) Move your body. Dance, practice yoga or Tai Chi. This may sound funny, but when you get your body into flow, your mind follows. Meditate and take long, deep breaths. A relaxed mind is more open. An open mind is more imaginative. You can focus longer when you are in a peaceful state. Sometimes I step away from writing, do deep breathing, then return to writing in a more creative state.

4.) Eliminate distractions. Turn off the phone and unplug from the internet. Clean up your work space. A cluttered desk puts the mind in a state of confusion. Carve out some time in your schedule just for writing — at least 3 to 4 hours. Ask loved ones to honor your space so you can write without interruptions, or write when everyone in the house is sleeping. Giving yourself time and space to be in solitude is important to staying focused.

5.) Write early in the morning. When you first wake up, your brain is still in Theta mode, the brainwave pattern that your mind is in when you dream. My best writing happens when I get up at 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. I’m amazed at what my mind comes up with while I’m still half asleep.

6.) Write while you sleep. Your subconscious mind is always problem solving, even when you’re sleeping. Sometimes when I’m stuck on a chapter I’ll write for 15-30 minutes prior to bedtime. I’ll think about the problem chapter as I fall asleep. The next morning I usually wake up with a solution to the problem and get back into the flow of writing. I’ll see the scene from a fresh perspective or my characters will say or do things that take my story in an exciting new direction.

7.) If nothing else works, I resort to my number one, lethal weapon to cure writer’s block: the Glass-of-Water Technique. Before bed, fill up a glass of water. Hold it up and speak an intention into the water. (Example: My intent is to tap into my creative source and write brilliantly tomorrow. I choose to be in the flow of my best writing. I am resolving my story’s issues as I sleep and dream). Drink half the water and then set the half-full glass on your nightstand. Go to sleep. When you wake up the next morning, drink the rest of the water immediately. Then go straight to your computer and write at least an hour without distraction. This may seem a bit out there, but give it a try. It works! Do this technique for three nights straight. It gets me out of my writer’s block every time, often the next morning and definitely within 72 hours.

When you apply one or all of these methods, you’ll find that writer’s block is simply a minor speed bump that you can overcome easily and stay in the creative flow. Happy writing!

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Why You Shouldn’t Keep Bread on the Counter (and Where to Store it Instead)

Whether you store bread in a basket or on a fruit stand, studies show that keeping it on the counter is the last place you should be leaving your loaf. The microorganisms that cause food to spoil grow best at room temperature. Bread will get moldy and fuzzy after about a week if you store it on your counter. And if you leave it exposed to light and air, it can speed up its deterioration. Mold spores in the air end up on your bread, but they have long roots, so it could take a few days before a blueish fuzz starts to sprout. That means you could be innocently almond buttering infected toast without realizing it.

Where You Should Store Bread Instead

So you’re probably wondering how to store your bread, right? You can save room-temperature storage for canned foods and other non-perishable items. The best place for your bread is in your freezer! It doesn’t matter if you buy it fresh from the bakery or packaged from the grocery—don’t leave it out longer than a day. A study from the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that keeping bread in the freezer reduces the chances of mold developing, which in turn decreases food waste. Your loaf can last up to three months in the freezer and still be ready to eat in minutes. For example, Ezekiel Bread is sold in the frozen food aisle because sprouted grain bread has fewer preservatives than their enriched white cousins, so the grocers keep it cold to avoid early onset spoilage.

Is Mold Dangerous?

It’s frustrating to discover that the bread you were about to eat has more fuzz and spots than a Dalmatian. If you thought about removing the moldy parts and eating the rest, you’re not alone. The good news is that eating moldy bread won’t kill you, but consuming too much of it can cause tummy troubles, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends tossing moldy food immediately, but if you wanted to eat it anyway, just make sure you remove the moldy spots and the areas around them to get the spore’s roots out, too. But if it’s on the list of the unhealthiest bread on the planet, it’s probably not worth saving anyway.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Honey-Butter Chip Shortbread Cookies

Makes: 24 cookies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 17 min


For the shortbread cookie dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2/3 cup crushed potato chips
  • 1 cup cold salted butter
For the honey-butter glaze
  • 6 tablespoons melted salted butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Add flour, sugar, salt, honey, and potato chips into the food processor. Pulse a few times to mix everything well. Then, add chopped cold butter into the food processor and pulse the food processor several times until the dough comes together.
  3. When the dough comes together, divide it in half. Place each half on a long piece of plastic wrap. Fold plastic over to cover the dough and protect your hands from getting sticky. Using your hands, shape the dough into a log shape by rolling it on a flat surface back and forth. Gently massage the dough so that the log doesn't have any holes or gap in the middle. The dough should form 2 logs that are around 2'' in diameter. Chill the dough in the fridge until it's firm for an hour or more.
  4. When the log is chilled and firm enough to handle, slice each log into 1/2''-thick rounds. Each log should make about 12 cookies. Put sliced rounds on a prepared parchment-lined baking sheet about 1'' apart. Bake them until edges are just beginning to brown for 15-17 minutes. Let them cool.
  5. Make the glaze by whisking melted butter, honey, powdered sugar, salt, and soy sauce.
  6. Dip each cookie into the glaze, not too deep but just on the surface, and set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a baking rack. Sprinkle more crushed potato chips on top of glazed cookies to add extra crunch and flavors.
  7. If you want to have extra-flaky textures, you can make this cookie a square shape. Place the dough on a big piece of plastic wrap. Even out the dough, and form the rectangular shape. To shape it more precisely, using a small square casserole dish will help. Wrap the rectangular-shaped dough and chill the dough in the fridge. Bake the rectangular-shaped dough for 30-40 minutes until the edges are golden brown. The baked dough will be soft and fragile. While the dough is still hot, cut a rectangular-shaped dough into individual portion-sized cookies. It should be enough to have 20 pieces by cutting horizontally four times and vertically five times. Let them cool. Dip squared cookies into the glaze and finish them by sprinkling crushed potato chips on top. 

Friday, June 1, 2018

Is It Depression or Sadness?

Sadness is a human emotion that all people feel at certain times during their lives. Feeling sad is a natural reaction to situations that cause emotional upset or pain. There are varying degrees of sadness. But like other emotions, sadness is temporary and fades with time. In this way, sadness differs from depression.
Depression is a longer-term mental illness. It impairs social, occupational, and other important areas of functioning. Left untreated, symptoms of depression may last for a long time.

Symptoms

When you’re sad, it may feel all-encompassing at times. But you should also have moments when you are able to laugh or be comforted. Depression differs from sadness. The feelings you have will affect all aspects of your life. It may be hard or even impossible to find enjoyment in anything, including activities and people you used to enjoy. Depression is a mental illness, not an emotion.
Symptoms of depression may include:
  • Constant feelings of sadness
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of interest and enthusiasm for things which used to provide pleasure
  • Feelings of deep, unwarranted guilt
  • Physical symptoms, such as headaches or body aches that do not have a specific cause
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Constant thoughts about death
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions
You may have some of these symptoms if you are sad, but they shouldn’t last more than two weeks. Suicidal thoughts are a sign of depression, not sadness.

Risk factors

Depression can occur in both men and woman of any age. Depression affects people across all ethnic groups and socioeconomic backgrounds.
There are several risk factors for depression. But having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll become depressed. Risk factors include:
  • Early childhood or teenage trauma
  • Inability to cope with a devastating life event, such as the death of a child or spouse, or any situation that causes extreme levels of pain
  • Low self-esteem
  • Fmily history of mental illness, including bipolar disorder or depression
  • History of substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol
  • Lack of family or community acceptance for identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT).
  • Trouble adjusting to a medical condition, such as cancer, stroke, chronic pain, or heart disease
  • Trouble adjusting to body changes due to catastrophic injury, such as loss of limbs, or paralysis
  • History of prior mental health disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety disorder
  • Lack of a support system, such as friends, family, or coworkers
Depression is also a possible side effect of some medications. If you’re concerned that a drug you’re taking is affecting your mood, discuss it with your doctor. Some medications that might cause depression include:
  • Beta-blockers
  • Corticosteroids
  • Hormonal medications
  • Statins, which are drugs used to treat high cholesterol