My 5 songs about joy ended up being these, with write ups, but it was as much about being pissed off that I couldn't decide what joy was as it was about joy, eventually. I'll link to the podcast when I get it.
1)
4Hero
Les Fleur
Joy is impossible, and thus this task. For me, theres only one song that epitomises joy in its entirety and essence, and its this. The original of this is by Minnie Riperton. This version is a good example of how a cover can better than an original. Essentially this is exactly the same as the original, just replayed and tweaked, but its everything you wanted the original to be, its everything you hear in the original that isnt there, but its remade so exactly - its a post modern exercise, like Gus Van Sant remaking Psycho shot by shot, but in this instant, keeps, accentuates and heightens the joy of the original. Its unimpeachable, and I defy you not to raise your hands to the sky and punch the air when it kicks in.
God can be joy.
2)
Husker Du
Eight Miles High
Another example of something which probably betters the original, though I love that too. Theres a conspiracy theory that says that all of the sixties bands were government agents, and in which case, this is the annihilation of them. No-one has ever screamed so good, before or since (sorry Tina) and this utterance, when it happens - and youll know when it does - is a sound of joy. I love the way you think its run out of steam at 2:22 - the song feels like its been going on for ages by that point - and then Bob just comes back in exactly how you feel, exactly how you feel at the moment he sings it. Its perfect. Its like the frustration of the moment that youre in, while youre cognisant of the moment youre in, and being able to screan it at exactly the moment it becomes apparent to everyone.
Frustration can be joy.
3)
Ireland Fans
The Fields of Athenry
Communal singing does it for me. This, singing as Ireland are being beaten 4-0 to Spain, remains one of the greatest things Ive ever heard, and reduces me to a useless puddle. It says everything about defiance in the face of defeat, and solidarity, and oneness, and is just joy, and proves football as experienced by the British Isles and Ireland as being one of the greatest things ever.
Defeat is joy.
4)
Msawawa
Bowungakanani
Childrens voices definitely bring joy, dont they (no pedo). I could equally have put any early Michael Jackson in here, The Osmonds, France Gall, or Leon Sylvers III. Theres something about kids having fun in a recording studio that just (italics) translates. I chose this one just cos the production is soooooo boss.
Joy can be joy.
5)
The Wombles
Remember Youre A Womble
Its hard to explain to people who werent there just how huge a cultural force The Wombles were. That they were picked up by an anarchist group later on is no coincidence. Lots of this faux-glam stuff I find hugely joyous - see also the Bay City Rollers - but chosen this one just cos its one of the rare times that the Top of The Pops audience actually look like theyre having a really good time. I dont know if the Wombles ever toured - how could they in those costumes - but god can you imagine what great gigs they would have been.
Dressing up as animals can be joy.