Bobby Gillespie (Primal Scream) and Jehnny Beth (Savages) are about to release an album of duets examining the disintegration of a relationship. The tracks I have heard so far are beautiful and sad. But it made me think about the many marvellous duets I love so here is a little list!
1. I Knew You Were Waiting For Me – Aretha Franklin and George Michael
When it came out in the 80s, it was a little too pop for my tastes, but it is undeniably brilliant.
2. (I've Had) The Time Of My Life - Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
Nobody puts this duet in the corner!
3. Islands In The Stream - Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers
Big hair, big duet! Though Ruth Jones and Rob Bryden's version may just top this...
4. Under Pressure – Queen and David Bowie
Magnificent - the two dames of rock trying to out do each other, it's fabulous!
5. Somethin' Stupid - Nancy Sinatra & Frank Sinatra
Slightly creepy father and daughter duet, but the song is wonderful.
6. Say Say Say - Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson
Surprisingly fab coupling!
7. This Mess We're In - PJ Harvey & Thom Yorke
Bleak duet about doomed love - their voices crackle along together brilliantly.
8. Where the Wild Roses Grow - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Kylie Minogue
Completely unexpected pairing, it shows what a great talent Kylie is. Nick Cave clearly adores her.
9. Young Love – Mystery Jets with Laura Marling
Poptastic fun from indie darlings and amazing folkstress.
10. Fairytale Of New York – The Pogues with Kirsty MacColl
Even repeated plays every Christmas can't ruin this.
11. A Little Time – The Beautiful South
Paul Heaton is generous enough a writer to give this perfect duet to his bandmates, Dave Hemingway and Briana Corrigan.
12. Don't Give Up - Peter Gabriel with Kate Bush
His first choice for this was Dolly Parton, which would have been curious, but I just can't imagine this without Kate Bush.
13. Snake Song – Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan
This unlikely pairing between the ex-Belle & Sebastian and the ex-Screaming Tree produced three great albums but this acoustic blues stomper is my fave!
14. When You’re Gone - Bryan Adams and Mel C
Pop heaven - surely responsible for the increase in double denim and tracksuit sales that year...I have the CD single and will accept absolutely no criticism for this purchase....
15. Dancing In The Streets – David Bowie and Mick Jagger
Song for a great cause, but it's the video that makes this - brilliant to see rock legends sending each other up with some truly terrible dancing!
16. Rich Woman - Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
Rock goes bluegrass - this is a wonderfully menacing groove (the song is written by the same woman who co-wrote Tutti Frutti!).
17. Dylan & Caitlin – Manic Street Preachers with The Anchoress
The Manics do love a duet, but this is my fav. It's the modern-day Don't Go Breaking My Heart.
18. To The End – Blur with Lætitia Sadier
French sophistication shows there is more to Blur than Britpop.
19. Kids – Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue
Perfect pop, even Robbie's rap at the end.
20. As – George Michael and Mary J Blige
Brilliant cover by Mary J Blige and the much missed Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou.
21. It’s Only Love – Bryan Adams and Tina Turner
This is definitely one of my guilty pleasures, but whilst it may not be indie cool, it f***ing rocks!
22. Some Velvet Morning - Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood
Setting aside Lee's instruction for Nancy to “sing like a 14-year-old girl who fucks truck drivers” (which is awful), the song is magnificent.