Let's talk about sax.
It is an instrument equally loved and loathed in pop music, thanks to its liberal use from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. Y ou couldn't turn the radio dial without hearing its quaking notes on countless hits, ranging from David Bowie and Billy Joel, to Sade and Quarterflash.
In the latest instalment of The National's #stayhome playlist, we return to a time when the sax was king. In the following 13 songs, you will hear how the instrument was used by artists to add a variety of moods and textures to hook listeners in. It's an ideal soundtrack for a day spent working from home, or a chilled evening in.
The collection includes songs that critics have to come to appreciate as some of the greatest saxophone performances in pop music.
One of which is Baker Street by Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty. Released in 1978, the expansive tune is best known for its majestic eight bar sax riff (provided by session musician Raphael Ravenscroft) played between the verses.
The instrument made such an impression that not only did it make the song an international hit, but it also resulted in a resurgence in the sales of saxophones in the UK.
Where Baker Street showcased its dramatic flair, George Michael and Sade used the sax for its sensuality. Both Careless Whisper and Smooth Operator employ a mournful riff to augment both songs' key theme of regret.
The sax was also used to give tracks a noir appeal. A good example is Glen Frey's cinematic You Belong to the Night, which featured in crime drama Miami Vice.
When it came to David Bowie, just one saxophone wasn't enough. His 1984 hit Modern Love was turbo charged by its use of three saxophonists playing the same arrangement. It sounded as loud and brash as any guitar.
While the instrument has continued to play a prominent role in pop music today, particularly in hip-hop, we have yet to see it return to the full glory of the past. Until then, enjoy this collection.
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Fourth-round clashes for British players
- Andy Murray (1) v Benoit Paire, Centre Court (not before 4pm)
- Johanna Konta (6) v Caroline Garcia (21), Court 1 (4pm)
Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
Shoplifters (Japan)
MATCH INFO
Mainz 0
RB Leipzig 5 (Werner 11', 48', 75', Poulsen 23', Sabitzer 36')
Man of the Match: Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)
SHAITTAN
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Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
MATCH INFO
South Africa 66 (Tries: De Allende, Nkosi, Reinach (3), Gelant, Steyn, Brits, Willemse; Cons: Jantjies 8)
Canada 7 (Tries: Heaton; Cons: Nelson)
