February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
In the new edition of the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles, Elvis Presley hangs on to his No. 1 spot, thanks to last year’s dance remix of “A Little Less Conversation.” Ageless British fave Cliff Richards pops up at No. 2, followed by The Shadows (who?), Elton John and Madonna.
There are no acts with any kind of Irish connection until you get to No. 21, where the brawling Oasis louts squeeze in between the Everly Brothers and UB40. Aussie pop star Kylie Minogue bounces in at No. 25, The Beach Boys harmonize at No. 38, Slade (“Run Runaway”) makes it to No. 40, and, at No. 41, even pop oddity Shakin’ Stevens beats out the Dublin superstars.
Fortunately, the U2 lads don’t have to carry the flag on their own. Lurking down at No. 76 are — surprise! — Boyzone, right there beneath Tina Turner (No. 67) and The Kinks (No. 74), and above The Eurythmics (No. 83) and Bananarama (No. 89).