(The year 2020 marks my 50th birthday. Leading up to the day (22nd November), I’m planning on writing a blog entry for each year, picking a song or an album from then that I love, talking a bit about why, and giving it some context in my life)

I’m sure I’m not the only one, but in my head is a long list of songs where I’m amazed they weren’t massive hits. Songs that I thought so perfect, so commercial, so certain to cross over into the public affections and be whistled by milkman up and down the land. Yet for some reason, they languish in the bottom reaches of the charts, remembered by a few, ignored by many.

One that confuses me the most is Waiting for This by the band Ruth. Heard of it? Thought not. But its amazing, a truly brilliant slice of indie guitar pop with a searing solo. The record company obviously had faith in them, handing production duties over to Langer and Winstanley, but they failed to make a impression on the record buying public. Lead singer Matt Hayes did get his moment in the sun, scoring a top 10 hit a few years later as Aqualung, but barely a whimper for Ruth. Its telling that the YouTube video below has managed to number barely 300 views in the past five years. And half of those are probably me.

Silver Sun are another example. Sure, they had more exposure than Ruth, but failed to set the charts on fire despite the fact their songs were brilliant. They were the masters of the three minute pop gem, songs that if recorded by an artist like Robbie Williams would be considered classics. Tracks like I’ll See You Around and Lava are just incredible. But they never really made much of an impression, despite being available for every TV show, interview, and gimmick going. In a way, perhaps they came across as too needy, which slightly alienated a record buying public.

And then this from The Wannadies, my choice for 1995, and quite simply a masterful pop song. I have adored this track from the moment I heard it. I love the lyrics, with that reflective quality of you not being what the world wants you to be. They share a trait with the songs of The Boo Radleys and The Delgados, this slight edge of knowing that something is not quite right, that despite your best efforts you will never be quite what you want to be. But the music is pure pop, the very best kind, full of delicious hooks with a chorus that lifts your heart set against melancholic lyrics that bring you down in equal measure.

At the time, I did know how it felt. 1995 was a tough year for me, both emotionally and mentally. I felt lost, out of sorts with the world, not knowing what I wanted to be. I knew I wasn’t special, but wished I could be, knew I had no talent for anything but wished I could be good at something. And I also wished for that special someone, who unknown to me I already knew. Someone everlasting, kind, the perfect girl to kiss, and still be friends. Who has been my wife for over twenty years now. And I know how that feels. Pretty wonderful.

The album its taken from is also superb, The Wannadies are one of those bands who wrote great songs, one after another, but for whatever reason were never really clutched to the nations bosom. They still resonate – currently in the UK, a slowed down version of You and Me Song is used in an advert. In the last month, they also announced they were reforming to play some gigs. I wish them well, and also wish more people got the chance to listen to this wonderful song.