With all the time spent indoors, we're deep diving into the archives of the internet more than ever. Recently, I found myself going through a 200+ song playlist on Spotify for some noughties nostalgia. Otherwise known as a wild Friday night in lockdown.
Irishcharts.ie have a very interesting archive of number one singles on particular days. You could search your birthday, the day you graduated or perhaps that summer you were down in Lahinch and the tunes were hitting different.
We've taken a look at what singles topped the Irish Charts on this weekend, and it makes for interesting viewing. From respectable chart stalwarts in Oasis and Celine Dion, to a cartoon character and a love song for a roll. Only in Ireland.
Number One in 1991 - 'Do The Bartman' by Bart Simpson
At first listen, it sounds like the intro to every generic 90s TV show ever. It takes 56 seconds for there to be any sort of vocal melody, and Bart opens with the slick "Yo, hey what's happening dude?". The more I listen to this song the more it's growing on me.
The smooth synth/jazz/hip-hop beat is a catchy one, we'll give it to Bart. Somehow, this song spent nine weeks at the top of the Irish Charts. It was remarkable at the time, as the Simpsons popularity was hampered by the fact it only aired on Sky One. We dug the Bartman it seems.
Number One in 2001 - 'Always Come Back to Your Love' by Samantha Mumba
Mumba was Ireland's answer to Britney in the early noughties, and "Always Come Back To Your Love" was her second and last chart topper here. The song was taken from her debut album. It charted at number three in the UK Charts too.
Number One in 2005 - 'Over and Over' by Nelly and Tim McGraw
My god, that's how to make a music video. Possibly one of the strangest inter-genre collaborations, the Nelly and Tim McGraw experiment paid off. 'Over and Over' topped the charts in Australia, Canada and United Kingdom as well.
Back to the music video. I'm surprised it wasn't nominated for an Oscar. McGraw and Nelly are seen in side-by-side shots waking up, putting in a lot of thought, taking a shower and then travelling to their private jets. If that doesn't grab your undivided attention, I don't know what does.
Number One in 2006 - 'Jumbo Breakfast Roll' by Pat Shortt
Ah, the classic love affair between an Irish man and his breakfast roll. Comedian Pat Shortt made a brief venture into the world of treble clefs and it was a huge success. 'Jumbo Breakfast Roll' was a number one hit in this country for six weeks.
Shortt portrays a showband moniker under the name of 'Dicksie Walsh' for the tune. The single ended up being the best selling song of 2006, outselling Shakira's 'Hips Don't Lie' by five hundred copies. "Haven't time for the fancy breakfast, to put muesli in the bowl." A lyrical genius.
Number One in 2010 - 'Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)' by Jedward
Ending on a strong note. The pop twins released their debut single in 2010 and it charted at number one in Ireland number two in the UK. It followed a successful X Factor appearance, and a debut album that also went to number one over here. They've released four studio albums in total.
See Also: Introducing The Vote For Ireland's Greatest Singalong Song
