“Georgie boy was gay I guess / nothin' more or nothin' less / the kindest guy I ever knew ...” Rod Stewart. The Killing of Georgie.

Yes, this is the ultimate list. Why? Because most of the lists already published were either:

1. Voted by everybody: gays, straights, Mums, Dads, no-nothings and the criminally insane.

Or 2. consist of all the obvious gay anthems that we all know, but don’t “own” because they are just too public (“Go West”, “YMCA”, “In the Navy”, “It’s Raining Men”, “Dancing Queen.”)

Or 3. are too often tales of woe sung by girls and adopted by gays on a bad day (“I Will Survive”, “Somewhere over the Rainbow”, “I am What I am”, “Goldfinger” , oops, maybe that qualifies for different reasons altogether...!)

Anyway, here’s a list of 10 songs, lyrically inspired, melodically inspirational, all truly exploring aspects of gay life, lustral and otherwise. The fact that many of the artists are themselves proudly gay may have swayed my judgement positively. The fact that some aren’t, but still felt inspired to comment on gay life, will have helped them to the list too. So go listen, be surprised, argue or agree. But do check the three youtube links.

Uniquely, potently, thoughtfully gay, ranked simply for their lustral qualities.

1. Pet Shop Boys: ONE IN A MILLION MEN

2. Elton John: ELTON’S SONG 

3. Frankie goes to Hollywood: RELAX

4. Mark Almond: TAINTED LOVE

5. David Bowie: Ziggy played guitar.

6. Scissor Sisters: I DON’T FEEL LIKE DANCING

7. Mika: WE ARE GOLDEN

8. Pet Shop Boys: YOU PAY MY RENT

9. Rod Stewart: THE KILLING OF GEORGIE

10. Bronski Beat: SMALL TOWN BOY

Lustralboy says: Just tune, in turn on and drift gaily away!