Here we are, cool cats: the end of our chart topping odyssey (Unless of course I pick the French, New Zealand or Dijibouti charts as my next project...which I just might...beware!!!). The Aughts in the US of A were a time of...well, let's let this guy explain it:
Wow...Thank God that decade's over!
Hmm...
Here's some pop songs!
1.) 3 - Britney Spears (October 18, 2009)
Brit gives us the finest song about a menage a trois since David Crosby's "Triad", and we thank her and her Swedish overlord Max Martin by putting their electro-perfect confection at the top. It also references Peter, Paul & Mary, which means squat to you, but provides me with a great sense of joy hearing Britney reference her forebears in...number one smashes???!!!???
Eh, I got nothin'...great track though!
2) Hey There Delilah - Plain White T's ( July 28, 2007)
Have you ever heard another Plain White T's song?
Me neither...let's try this one from their newest release!
Aww, they've caught the ukelele bug too! However, on their chart topper, they were clearly indebted to the ballads of Peter Criss and Jim Croce, which makes me never get sick of it.
3.) Big Girls Don't Cry - Fergie (September 8, 2007)
If Fergie Ferg (who blew my mind performing "Gimme Shelter" with Sir Mick at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Anniversary Concert) wrote and performed more songs like this, I might forgive her for "My Humps"...
...maybe...
We'll always have KIDS Incorporated, Stacey!
4.) Do I Make You Proud - Taylor Hicks ( July 1, 2006)
As of this writing, Taylor Hicks was the last winner of American Idol to top the charts with his debut single. I think it's safe to say (with the state of the music industry) that will probably never happen again. Still, let's journey back to a simpler time, when Idol not only won in the ratings but sold millions of units as well.
Scotty McCreery, the ball's in your court...
...but I don't think you can "Cocker" a ballad like my man Hicksy.
5.) You're Beautiful - James Blunt ( March 11, 2006)
Have you forgotten it? No.
Do you wish you had? Maybe.
Is it better than you remember, back when it was played every two seconds on top 40 stations that were thrilled to show a slight bit of the format's former diversity? Undoubtedly.
Written about a time when Mr. Blunt made eye contact with an old love in a subway station, it's actually heartbreaking in its simplicity and its feeling.
What that has to do with snow, things in your pocket and jumping off of cliffs, I'll never know, but let's watch the video anyway!
6. Confessions Pt. 2 - Usher ( July 24, 2004)
Modern R&B rarely allows for such honest pleas of forgiveness while actually naming the list of infidelities that brought them about. Usher was brave to risk this, and he was rewarded with his 3rd number one hit in 12 weeks. He would add another before the year was up.
7. Family Affair - Mary J Blige (November 3, 2001)
In the wake of September 11, Mary made us dance through our fears, which is more than we can ever thank her for.
8.) Bent - Matchbox Twenty ( July 22, 2000)
If modern rock would sound like this again, it would not be a punchline and it's radio format would not be dying...
...I'm just sayin'...
9.) Stronger - Kanye West ( September 29, 2007)
Before he became one of the most hated men in my circle of friends, Kanye was THE FREAKIN' MAN!!! (and he still is, but that's another rant for another time...) Putting Daft Punk under some of the best rhymes he ever spit was a genius stroke that has aged like a fine Klondike or Blonde Dyke...BEST FORGOTTEN SONG OF THE DECADE!!!
10.) Money Maker - Ludacris featuring Pharrell ( October 19, 2006)
The Neptunes + a mature Cris = Hottest slow jam of the decade. I'm pretty sure Pharrell could produce Yanni and make a smash!
Thus concludes our series. I'll be back next week with...something...c'mon, ideas! Thanks for reading, and remember to check out the entire series' playlist on spotify!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Forgotten # 1's: US Edition (The 1990's)
It's becoming depressingly obvious that England's singles chart makes for better blogging fodder. I mean, I was expecting to remind you guys of "Plush" by Stone Temple Pilots or "Black Gold" by Soul Asylum, but it appears not a single act from the Alternative Nation topped the American singles charts during the Nineties (Nor the prog or folk city-states for that matter, which this blog promises to get back on point with soon. We've had enough "Such" for awhile!). Hell, the most obscure thing I've got here on the list today is Silk...
SILK!!!!
Oh well, bloggers can't be choosers, especially when they picked the subject matter to begin with. Today, I will comment on these tracks strictly by an amusing anecdote found on their Wikipedia page. Happy New Year all, and keep your fingers crossed that we forgot some badass chart toppers when we finish this series off next time in the American Aughts!
1.) Freak Me - Silk ( May 1. 1993)
Keith Sweat co-wrote this song...yep, it took more than one person!
2.) My All - Mariah Carey (May 23, 1998)
Entertainment Weekly called this "The best Babyface record that Babyface never produced." I call it the last great Mariah ballad.
3.) Black Cat - Janet Jackson ( Oct 27, 1990)
Vernon Reid and Nuno Bettencourt were featured guitarists on remix versions of the song...Get that hair metal, Miss Jackson!
4.) Wild Wild West - Will Smith featuring Dru Hill & Kool Moe Dee ( July 24, 1999)
Cartman once sang his own version of this ridiculous jam... and it's a million times better.
5.) This Used to Be My Playground - Madonna ( August 8, 1992)
Madonna has never performed this song live... It must be nice to have so many hits, to the point where you can say, "Naw, I'll skip that million seller. I'm not feelin' it tonight!".
6.) How Do You Want It/ California Love - 2Pac featuring K-Ci & Jo Jo, Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman (July 13, 1996)
While the latter was the more played of the two singles off this double A-side, the former has three official music videos, one of which is X-rated, starring real adult film stars.That version is not on the ol' youtube or this blog, but it's out there in the interwebs if you feel so inclined....ya degenerates!
7.) Cream - Prince (November 9, 1991)
This is the Purple One's last number one hit...AND THE BEST FORGOTTEN #1 OF THE DECADE!!!!!
8.) All For Love - Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart & Sting (January 22, 1994)
A Swedish group called EMD took this to the top of the Swedish charts in 2007, which is around the time I had completely forgotten this song existed. I'm glad to have it back in my frontal lobe in all its power ballad/soundtrack/aging rockers glory!
9.) Mo Money, More Problems - The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Puff Daddy & Mase (August 30, 1997)
Biggie is the only artist to have two posthumous number ones...as it should be.
10.) Exhale (Shoop Shoop) - Whitney Houston (Nov. 25, 1995)
Whitney went to number one in Spain with this track too...Buenos Noches readers!!!
Aughts Schmautz, says I! Let's be honest folks, James Blunt's gonna be on next week's list regardless of the fact that nobody has forgotten his penultimate song...See ya then!
SILK!!!!
Oh well, bloggers can't be choosers, especially when they picked the subject matter to begin with. Today, I will comment on these tracks strictly by an amusing anecdote found on their Wikipedia page. Happy New Year all, and keep your fingers crossed that we forgot some badass chart toppers when we finish this series off next time in the American Aughts!
1.) Freak Me - Silk ( May 1. 1993)
Keith Sweat co-wrote this song...yep, it took more than one person!
2.) My All - Mariah Carey (May 23, 1998)
Entertainment Weekly called this "The best Babyface record that Babyface never produced." I call it the last great Mariah ballad.
3.) Black Cat - Janet Jackson ( Oct 27, 1990)
Vernon Reid and Nuno Bettencourt were featured guitarists on remix versions of the song...Get that hair metal, Miss Jackson!
4.) Wild Wild West - Will Smith featuring Dru Hill & Kool Moe Dee ( July 24, 1999)
Cartman once sang his own version of this ridiculous jam... and it's a million times better.
5.) This Used to Be My Playground - Madonna ( August 8, 1992)
Madonna has never performed this song live... It must be nice to have so many hits, to the point where you can say, "Naw, I'll skip that million seller. I'm not feelin' it tonight!".
6.) How Do You Want It/ California Love - 2Pac featuring K-Ci & Jo Jo, Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman (July 13, 1996)
While the latter was the more played of the two singles off this double A-side, the former has three official music videos, one of which is X-rated, starring real adult film stars.That version is not on the ol' youtube or this blog, but it's out there in the interwebs if you feel so inclined....ya degenerates!
7.) Cream - Prince (November 9, 1991)
This is the Purple One's last number one hit...AND THE BEST FORGOTTEN #1 OF THE DECADE!!!!!
8.) All For Love - Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart & Sting (January 22, 1994)
A Swedish group called EMD took this to the top of the Swedish charts in 2007, which is around the time I had completely forgotten this song existed. I'm glad to have it back in my frontal lobe in all its power ballad/soundtrack/aging rockers glory!
9.) Mo Money, More Problems - The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Puff Daddy & Mase (August 30, 1997)
Biggie is the only artist to have two posthumous number ones...as it should be.
10.) Exhale (Shoop Shoop) - Whitney Houston (Nov. 25, 1995)
Whitney went to number one in Spain with this track too...Buenos Noches readers!!!
Aughts Schmautz, says I! Let's be honest folks, James Blunt's gonna be on next week's list regardless of the fact that nobody has forgotten his penultimate song...See ya then!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Forgotten #1's: US Edition (The 1980's)
For this post, I need you to leave my site for a moment so you can watch the first 24 hours of MTV...
Go ahead...
I'll Watch it too!
Wasn't that nice?
With the birth of music television on August 1, 1981, the method that people consumed music changed almost overnight. By decade's end, so many videos existed that it's kind of understandable that many would slip through the cracks. The top hits were affected too, so I've assembled some videos for your viewing pleasure today that you probably haven't seen in awhile, or ever. I'm gonna let these images speak for the songs today. Nothing I can say about them will not instantly come into your mind while you watch them...I guarantee.
ENJOY!!!!!!!
1.) Jacob's Ladder - Huey Lewis And The News (March 14, 1987)
2.) Coming Up (Live In Glasgow) - Paul McCartney (June 28, 1980)
That was the version that made it to number one in the US, but the studio version's video is priceless, so I've included that too!
3.) Out Of Touch - Hall And Oates (Dec. 8, 1984)
4.) Stars On 45 Medley - Stars On 45 (June 20, 1981)
5.) Baby I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley - Will To Power (December 3, 1988)
6.) Miami Vice Theme - Jan Hammer (Nov. 9, 1985)
Embedding was disabled for this one, so view it here!
7.) Truly - Lionel Richie (November 27, 1982)
8.) Kyrie - Mr. Mister (March 1, 1986)
9.) Africa - Toto ( February 5, 1983)
Once again with the embedding!!! Stop being weird Youtube! Here it is!
10.) Batdance - Prince (August 5, 1989)
BEST FORGOTTEN NUMBER ONE OF THE DECADE, BY A LONG SHOT!!!!!!!!!!
The 90s are next friends, and there's a lot less grunge at the top then I remembered. Oh well, we'll find something worthwhile, won't we?
Go ahead...
I'll Watch it too!
Wasn't that nice?
With the birth of music television on August 1, 1981, the method that people consumed music changed almost overnight. By decade's end, so many videos existed that it's kind of understandable that many would slip through the cracks. The top hits were affected too, so I've assembled some videos for your viewing pleasure today that you probably haven't seen in awhile, or ever. I'm gonna let these images speak for the songs today. Nothing I can say about them will not instantly come into your mind while you watch them...I guarantee.
ENJOY!!!!!!!
1.) Jacob's Ladder - Huey Lewis And The News (March 14, 1987)
2.) Coming Up (Live In Glasgow) - Paul McCartney (June 28, 1980)
That was the version that made it to number one in the US, but the studio version's video is priceless, so I've included that too!
3.) Out Of Touch - Hall And Oates (Dec. 8, 1984)
4.) Stars On 45 Medley - Stars On 45 (June 20, 1981)
5.) Baby I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley - Will To Power (December 3, 1988)
6.) Miami Vice Theme - Jan Hammer (Nov. 9, 1985)
Embedding was disabled for this one, so view it here!
7.) Truly - Lionel Richie (November 27, 1982)
8.) Kyrie - Mr. Mister (March 1, 1986)
9.) Africa - Toto ( February 5, 1983)
Once again with the embedding!!! Stop being weird Youtube! Here it is!
10.) Batdance - Prince (August 5, 1989)
BEST FORGOTTEN NUMBER ONE OF THE DECADE, BY A LONG SHOT!!!!!!!!!!
The 90s are next friends, and there's a lot less grunge at the top then I remembered. Oh well, we'll find something worthwhile, won't we?
Monday, October 31, 2011
Forgotten # 1's: US Edition (The 1970's)
If we couldn't include the fab four in the previous post, then there is definitely room for their solo success in the decadent decade that followed the tumultuous 60's. While people who lived through the period might remember this top ten fondly, those of us born in the post-70's era have had to discover these songs through our parent's record collection or the formerly prevalent 70's nostalgia merchants like 8-Track Flashback and newer dealers like the 70's on 7. Regardless, these tracks explain that for my money, the pop music charts were never more diverse, strange or terrible (depending on your taste) than they were during the decade that gave us Disney World, Jimmy Carter and The Godfather.
1.) Song Sung Blue - Neil Diamond (July 1, 1972)
Diamond would soon leave Uni Records for the greener pastures of Columbia, where he would go on to make soundtrack albums for films about Seagulls and songs about ET. But before that, he released the brilliant Moods album, which showed an artist who knew how to craft a perfect pop slab. Although the first single from the disc, "Play Me", is one of my favorite slow jams of all time, it's follow-up made it to the top of the US charts. You can't really blame the record buying public for this ascension. This song's kinda perfect in its way, thanks to the wordplay, melody and the Jewish Elvis' own inimitable voice.
2.) You're Sixteen - Ringo Starr (January 26, 1974)
Even after the messy breakup the Beatles experienced in 1970, you could always count on Billy Shears himself to bring the boys back together! Ringo's self-titled solo album featured all of The Beatles on the same disc again (just not on the same tracks!). It featured two number-one hits as well, the beautiful "Photograph" and a cover of Johnny Burnette's Sherman Brothers-penned oldies classic.
And Paul McCartney plays a kazoo solo!!!
And Harry Nilsson sings backing vocals!!!
And Princess Leia is in the video!!!
That Ringo knows how to have a good time!!!
3.) Rise - Herb Albert (October 20, 1979)
How thug is the Tijuana Brass? Well, Biggie and Diddy bounced to this jam so much, they included it in The Notorious One's posthumous number one "Hypnotize". And it's easy to see why: This slinky jam was made to be sampled in a 90's hip hop classic!
4.) Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) - George Harrison (June 30, 1973)
How hot were the early Beatles' solo discs? This Harrison tune from his second album Living In the Material World (one of the most underrated in his oeuvre) replaced McCartney and Wing's "My Love" at the top of the charts. In turn, it was replaced by Billy Preston's "Will It Go 'Round In Circles?", who of course played Keyboard on the Let It Be album and was referred to for a time as the TRUE "Fifth Beatle.
Oh, and this song is the essence of eastern philosophy wrapped up into a beautiful pop single (and I think Paul had it in mind almost 40 years later, mimicking the rhythm guitar intro on mandolin for his single "Dance Tonight"). BEST FORGOTTEN NUMBER ONE OF THE DECADE!!!!!!!
The solo fabs released some fabulous B-sides with their monumental hits. Check out "Miss O' Dell"!
5.) Sundown - Gordon Lightfoot (June 29, 1974)
Mr. Lightfoot's ode to a treacherous love affair is made all the better by how sparse the instrumentation is is, with delicious multi-tracked harmony vocals provided by the man himself. It's a modern blues classic, often forgotten about like most of this songwriter's work. It's really time for a late-career reevaluation of Gordon. For starter's, pick up Gord's Gold, one of the finest greatest hits albums of all time (and get it on vinyl, it comes with an extra track!).
6.) Silly Love Songs - Wings (June 12, 1976)
As I've grown older, and the angry young man syndrome has subsided, my outlook on the Beatles has changed as well. When I was a teenager, no one spoke to me in popular music (besides Dylan) like John Lennon. His music still moves me, and my favorite solo album by Liverpool's finest is still Plastic Ono Band, but that catchy little Paul has taken over my top spot aboard the Flaming Pie. I don't think there has been anyone since Cole Porter who has written better pop songs than Mr. McCartney. His Wings years, much maligned until recently, are a gold mine of confection, with the album tracks reaching the heights of the singles. This number one, however, is pure fluffy goodness, a response to critics who said he'd gone soft. "You Want Soft?", Sir Paul said, "Here's the best soft you've ever heard!".
And he was right.
And it holds up like gangbusters (and it's even slightly proggy in composition and length!)!!!
Look how mad Paul Shaffer gets when Dave Pirner picks up a trumpet to play "Silly Love Songs" at the end of "Misery" on Letterman back in '95!
7.) McArthur Park - Donna Summer (November 11, 1978)
How do you bring a freak hit performed by Professor Dumbledore back to the charts, ascend it to the top and let it sit there comfortably during the height of disco?
Simple.
Let the queen have a go at it.
Originally part of an 18-minute "McArthur Park Suite", it really should be appreciated in its original form!
8.) Whatever Gets You Through The Night - John Lennon & Elton John (November 16, 1974)
Boy meets girl.
Boy loves girl.
Boy marries girl.
Boy leaves most successful band of all time.
Boy goes off the deep end with pal Harry Nilsson.
Boy loses girl.
Boy makes song with huge pop star.
Boy promises to perform live with pop star if song hits number one.
Boy fulfills his promise when song does just that.
Girl is in the audience.
Boy spends the rest of his short life in harmony with his muse.
The power of pop music.
9.) Star Wars Theme/ Cantina Band - Meco (October 1, 1977)
Let's just say for tie-in pop hits, it's way better than "Pac Man Fever"!
10.) Black Water - The Doobie Brothers (March 15, 1975)
My favorite track by these AOR giants, it's been bringing rock fans to Bluegrass and A Cappella singing since 1975.
And Michael McDonald doesn't sing it, which is both sad and awesome at the same time! It covers the emotions spectrum!!!
All classic music videos next week, as the US exposes it's 80's pop hits that might have slipped into a slight bit of a nostalgia based nation's idea of obscurity! See ya then!
1.) Song Sung Blue - Neil Diamond (July 1, 1972)
Diamond would soon leave Uni Records for the greener pastures of Columbia, where he would go on to make soundtrack albums for films about Seagulls and songs about ET. But before that, he released the brilliant Moods album, which showed an artist who knew how to craft a perfect pop slab. Although the first single from the disc, "Play Me", is one of my favorite slow jams of all time, it's follow-up made it to the top of the US charts. You can't really blame the record buying public for this ascension. This song's kinda perfect in its way, thanks to the wordplay, melody and the Jewish Elvis' own inimitable voice.
2.) You're Sixteen - Ringo Starr (January 26, 1974)
Even after the messy breakup the Beatles experienced in 1970, you could always count on Billy Shears himself to bring the boys back together! Ringo's self-titled solo album featured all of The Beatles on the same disc again (just not on the same tracks!). It featured two number-one hits as well, the beautiful "Photograph" and a cover of Johnny Burnette's Sherman Brothers-penned oldies classic.
And Paul McCartney plays a kazoo solo!!!
And Harry Nilsson sings backing vocals!!!
And Princess Leia is in the video!!!
That Ringo knows how to have a good time!!!
3.) Rise - Herb Albert (October 20, 1979)
How thug is the Tijuana Brass? Well, Biggie and Diddy bounced to this jam so much, they included it in The Notorious One's posthumous number one "Hypnotize". And it's easy to see why: This slinky jam was made to be sampled in a 90's hip hop classic!
4.) Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) - George Harrison (June 30, 1973)
How hot were the early Beatles' solo discs? This Harrison tune from his second album Living In the Material World (one of the most underrated in his oeuvre) replaced McCartney and Wing's "My Love" at the top of the charts. In turn, it was replaced by Billy Preston's "Will It Go 'Round In Circles?", who of course played Keyboard on the Let It Be album and was referred to for a time as the TRUE "Fifth Beatle.
Oh, and this song is the essence of eastern philosophy wrapped up into a beautiful pop single (and I think Paul had it in mind almost 40 years later, mimicking the rhythm guitar intro on mandolin for his single "Dance Tonight"). BEST FORGOTTEN NUMBER ONE OF THE DECADE!!!!!!!
The solo fabs released some fabulous B-sides with their monumental hits. Check out "Miss O' Dell"!
5.) Sundown - Gordon Lightfoot (June 29, 1974)
Mr. Lightfoot's ode to a treacherous love affair is made all the better by how sparse the instrumentation is is, with delicious multi-tracked harmony vocals provided by the man himself. It's a modern blues classic, often forgotten about like most of this songwriter's work. It's really time for a late-career reevaluation of Gordon. For starter's, pick up Gord's Gold, one of the finest greatest hits albums of all time (and get it on vinyl, it comes with an extra track!).
6.) Silly Love Songs - Wings (June 12, 1976)
As I've grown older, and the angry young man syndrome has subsided, my outlook on the Beatles has changed as well. When I was a teenager, no one spoke to me in popular music (besides Dylan) like John Lennon. His music still moves me, and my favorite solo album by Liverpool's finest is still Plastic Ono Band, but that catchy little Paul has taken over my top spot aboard the Flaming Pie. I don't think there has been anyone since Cole Porter who has written better pop songs than Mr. McCartney. His Wings years, much maligned until recently, are a gold mine of confection, with the album tracks reaching the heights of the singles. This number one, however, is pure fluffy goodness, a response to critics who said he'd gone soft. "You Want Soft?", Sir Paul said, "Here's the best soft you've ever heard!".
And he was right.
And it holds up like gangbusters (and it's even slightly proggy in composition and length!)!!!
Look how mad Paul Shaffer gets when Dave Pirner picks up a trumpet to play "Silly Love Songs" at the end of "Misery" on Letterman back in '95!
7.) McArthur Park - Donna Summer (November 11, 1978)
How do you bring a freak hit performed by Professor Dumbledore back to the charts, ascend it to the top and let it sit there comfortably during the height of disco?
Simple.
Let the queen have a go at it.
Originally part of an 18-minute "McArthur Park Suite", it really should be appreciated in its original form!
8.) Whatever Gets You Through The Night - John Lennon & Elton John (November 16, 1974)
Boy meets girl.
Boy loves girl.
Boy marries girl.
Boy leaves most successful band of all time.
Boy goes off the deep end with pal Harry Nilsson.
Boy loses girl.
Boy makes song with huge pop star.
Boy promises to perform live with pop star if song hits number one.
Boy fulfills his promise when song does just that.
Girl is in the audience.
Boy spends the rest of his short life in harmony with his muse.
The power of pop music.
9.) Star Wars Theme/ Cantina Band - Meco (October 1, 1977)
Let's just say for tie-in pop hits, it's way better than "Pac Man Fever"!
10.) Black Water - The Doobie Brothers (March 15, 1975)
My favorite track by these AOR giants, it's been bringing rock fans to Bluegrass and A Cappella singing since 1975.
And Michael McDonald doesn't sing it, which is both sad and awesome at the same time! It covers the emotions spectrum!!!
All classic music videos next week, as the US exposes it's 80's pop hits that might have slipped into a slight bit of a nostalgia based nation's idea of obscurity! See ya then!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Forgotten # 1's: US Edition (The 1960's)
In a decade where the music of its time still resonates so strongly in our collective consciousness, it is extremely difficult to find songs that may be deemed "forgotten", especially when they spent time nestled at the top of the pop charts. Therefore, with this edition of our series, I will simply try to find tunes that might have faded into the recesses of nostalgia. With that being said, I regret to inform you that this edition features no Beatles songs. Then again, the fact that none of their hits have slipped back into the evanescent ether they ascended from speaks more for their power than being placed on a blog list of past popular tastes.
BUT I DIGRESS!!!!
Regardless of all that psychobabble, today's list has been one of my favorite to compile. This is the music from which springs everything I love about the medium. 60's US pop set the standard by which all US pop has followed. There's R&B, Adult Contemporary, Country and good old Rock & Roll all sitting on the same list, much like the hot 100 of today. Let's listen, shall we?
And might I add, The Spotify playlist for the Forgotten series is up and running on that wonderful, fluffy cloud jukebox, so hit it up whenever you want!
1.) The Happening - The Supremes (May 13, 1967)
Less than a month away from the Summer Of Love , The Supremes released their last single before placing Diana Ross' name in front of their moniker. It's a Swinging London blast of horns, strings and harpsichord, which showed that Motown was just about ready to go "Psychedelic" with the rest of the music world, and we as listeners were in for some heady ear candy.
Apparently this was the theme song for a film of the same name that TANKED worse than Freddie Got Fingered. I can see why, even if it does feature a young Faye Dunaway. Here's the trailer:
2.) He's A Rebel - The Crystals (November 3, 1962)
Ladies and gentleman, may I present to you Phil Spector. Ignore the whole convicted murderer bit for a moment, and just listen to this sound he produced. Written by Gene Pitney of Liberty Valance fame, "He's A Rebel" is a perfect example of "The Wall Of Sound", Spector's groundbreaking recording technique. It also features the recently inducted vocals of Darlene Love, who wasn't even a member of The Crystals (The group found out their names had been used when they heard the song on the radio while out on tour). Newly nationalized citizens of our country should here this as an example of what America is all about.
He may be crazier than a frog hangin' out in a french restaurant, but Phil's Spector's story is definitely worth seeing. Here's the first part:
3.) Get Off Of My Cloud - The Rolling Stones ( November 6, 1965)
Jagger may be getting his moves on today with the likes of Damian Marley and Joss Stone, but in the fall of 1965, he was following Dylan's lead, writing a wordy protest song about being asked to make a followup to the monster hit "Satisfaction". In doing so, the Stones had their second number one in the states, and we have this fantastic song, which is not often remembered in the pantheon of their canon.
Dean Martin and Desi Arnez's kids took this song to their four car garage and made a nice little blast of "Nuggets"-style rock.
4.) Running Bear - Johnny Preston (January 8, 1960)
This ballad of lost love in the Native American world was written by none other than The Big Bopper himself, JP Richardson, and features backing vocals by a young George Jones. Well color me surprised!!!
George could make any song his own, much like Johnny Cash. What is about country artists of the 50's and 60's and their impeccable cover choices?
5.) In the Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus) - Zager & Evans (July 12, 1969)
Science fiction hits the US charts with this anti-technology ballad, which probably didn't feel like fiction when man landed on the moon on July 20 during its six week reign at the top of the charts. It's hard to wonder why a song this good didn't spell out a long career for Msrrs. Zager & Evans. It might be because their follow up was about a rapist who nails his fist to his jail cell....creepy! Regardless, BEST FORGOTTEN NUMBER ONE OF THE DECADE!!!!!!
This one came back to me in a big way from the oldies stations of my youth while watching the delightful cult classic Gentleman Broncos, which may be the funniest oddity of a film I've ever seen.
6.) Running Scared - Roy Orbison (June 5, 1961)
This is what building to an emotional climax is all about. Writers of stories could learn a lifetime of lessons from this song's 2 minutes and 10 seconds. Often overlooked because of other song's prevalence, this number one by Orbison deserves to be spoken of in the same breath as "In Dreams" and "Crying". Listen to his vocal range exhibited here... God... chills.
Brilliant cover by a brilliant man.
7.) Judy In Disguise (With Glasses) - John Fred & His Playboy Band (January 20, 1968)
This parody of "Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds" actually knocked "Hello Goodbye" by The Beatles out of the top spot on the charts. I don't if that's considered another success by the Fabs, but it should be. Weird Al never topped the pops with his Michael reworkings.
I gotta check more of John Fred. This is some perfect psych pop off of the same album as "Judy"!
8.) Rag Doll - The Four Seasons (July 18, 1964)
Sandwiched in-between "I Get Around" by The Beach Boys and "A Hard Day's Night" by The Beatles in their respective runs at the top of Billboard's Hot 100 is this song by the group who ruled America's airwaves before either of them. they wouldn't have another number one single until 1976, but the fact that they were able to during the stranglehold of Beatlemania helps to understand why WCBS in New York's listeners recently voted this the number one song of all time on their 1001 song Labor Day Countdown.
Their B-Side is nothing to shake a stick at either!
9. Poor Side Of Town - Johnny Rivers (November 12, 1966)
Class consciousness must have been on songwriter's minds during the mid-sixties. Here is the male equivalent to "Rag Doll", with lush strings and Johnny River's unforgettable voice. I don't think any vocalist is more underrated than this guy. Check out "Mountain Of Love" too if you don't believe me.
Eels and a string section with this song equals magic!
10.) Fingertips (Pt. 2) - Little Stevie Wonder (August 10, 1963)
Here is "Fingertips"
Now, here is a two part live version of the song released as a single a year later.
The B-side became the hit, and the rest is history. The evolution of Stevie Wonder and the maturity of Motown starts right here. It's even got Marvin Gaye on drums, giving you both of the greatest album artists the label ever produced in one place.
Let's finish off the list with a moody synthesized cover by the genre jumping band Sparks.
See you next week when we head to the 70's! I'll polish my Pet Rock if you bring the Billy Beer!
BUT I DIGRESS!!!!
Regardless of all that psychobabble, today's list has been one of my favorite to compile. This is the music from which springs everything I love about the medium. 60's US pop set the standard by which all US pop has followed. There's R&B, Adult Contemporary, Country and good old Rock & Roll all sitting on the same list, much like the hot 100 of today. Let's listen, shall we?
And might I add, The Spotify playlist for the Forgotten series is up and running on that wonderful, fluffy cloud jukebox, so hit it up whenever you want!
1.) The Happening - The Supremes (May 13, 1967)
Less than a month away from the Summer Of Love , The Supremes released their last single before placing Diana Ross' name in front of their moniker. It's a Swinging London blast of horns, strings and harpsichord, which showed that Motown was just about ready to go "Psychedelic" with the rest of the music world, and we as listeners were in for some heady ear candy.
Apparently this was the theme song for a film of the same name that TANKED worse than Freddie Got Fingered. I can see why, even if it does feature a young Faye Dunaway. Here's the trailer:
2.) He's A Rebel - The Crystals (November 3, 1962)
Ladies and gentleman, may I present to you Phil Spector. Ignore the whole convicted murderer bit for a moment, and just listen to this sound he produced. Written by Gene Pitney of Liberty Valance fame, "He's A Rebel" is a perfect example of "The Wall Of Sound", Spector's groundbreaking recording technique. It also features the recently inducted vocals of Darlene Love, who wasn't even a member of The Crystals (The group found out their names had been used when they heard the song on the radio while out on tour). Newly nationalized citizens of our country should here this as an example of what America is all about.
He may be crazier than a frog hangin' out in a french restaurant, but Phil's Spector's story is definitely worth seeing. Here's the first part:
3.) Get Off Of My Cloud - The Rolling Stones ( November 6, 1965)
Jagger may be getting his moves on today with the likes of Damian Marley and Joss Stone, but in the fall of 1965, he was following Dylan's lead, writing a wordy protest song about being asked to make a followup to the monster hit "Satisfaction". In doing so, the Stones had their second number one in the states, and we have this fantastic song, which is not often remembered in the pantheon of their canon.
Dean Martin and Desi Arnez's kids took this song to their four car garage and made a nice little blast of "Nuggets"-style rock.
4.) Running Bear - Johnny Preston (January 8, 1960)
This ballad of lost love in the Native American world was written by none other than The Big Bopper himself, JP Richardson, and features backing vocals by a young George Jones. Well color me surprised!!!
George could make any song his own, much like Johnny Cash. What is about country artists of the 50's and 60's and their impeccable cover choices?
5.) In the Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus) - Zager & Evans (July 12, 1969)
Science fiction hits the US charts with this anti-technology ballad, which probably didn't feel like fiction when man landed on the moon on July 20 during its six week reign at the top of the charts. It's hard to wonder why a song this good didn't spell out a long career for Msrrs. Zager & Evans. It might be because their follow up was about a rapist who nails his fist to his jail cell....creepy! Regardless, BEST FORGOTTEN NUMBER ONE OF THE DECADE!!!!!!
This one came back to me in a big way from the oldies stations of my youth while watching the delightful cult classic Gentleman Broncos, which may be the funniest oddity of a film I've ever seen.
6.) Running Scared - Roy Orbison (June 5, 1961)
This is what building to an emotional climax is all about. Writers of stories could learn a lifetime of lessons from this song's 2 minutes and 10 seconds. Often overlooked because of other song's prevalence, this number one by Orbison deserves to be spoken of in the same breath as "In Dreams" and "Crying". Listen to his vocal range exhibited here... God... chills.
Brilliant cover by a brilliant man.
7.) Judy In Disguise (With Glasses) - John Fred & His Playboy Band (January 20, 1968)
This parody of "Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds" actually knocked "Hello Goodbye" by The Beatles out of the top spot on the charts. I don't if that's considered another success by the Fabs, but it should be. Weird Al never topped the pops with his Michael reworkings.
I gotta check more of John Fred. This is some perfect psych pop off of the same album as "Judy"!
8.) Rag Doll - The Four Seasons (July 18, 1964)
Sandwiched in-between "I Get Around" by The Beach Boys and "A Hard Day's Night" by The Beatles in their respective runs at the top of Billboard's Hot 100 is this song by the group who ruled America's airwaves before either of them. they wouldn't have another number one single until 1976, but the fact that they were able to during the stranglehold of Beatlemania helps to understand why WCBS in New York's listeners recently voted this the number one song of all time on their 1001 song Labor Day Countdown.
Their B-Side is nothing to shake a stick at either!
9. Poor Side Of Town - Johnny Rivers (November 12, 1966)
Class consciousness must have been on songwriter's minds during the mid-sixties. Here is the male equivalent to "Rag Doll", with lush strings and Johnny River's unforgettable voice. I don't think any vocalist is more underrated than this guy. Check out "Mountain Of Love" too if you don't believe me.
Eels and a string section with this song equals magic!
10.) Fingertips (Pt. 2) - Little Stevie Wonder (August 10, 1963)
Here is "Fingertips"
Now, here is a two part live version of the song released as a single a year later.
The B-side became the hit, and the rest is history. The evolution of Stevie Wonder and the maturity of Motown starts right here. It's even got Marvin Gaye on drums, giving you both of the greatest album artists the label ever produced in one place.
Let's finish off the list with a moody synthesized cover by the genre jumping band Sparks.
See you next week when we head to the 70's! I'll polish my Pet Rock if you bring the Billy Beer!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Forgotten # 1's: US Edition (The 1950's)
And we are back in the USA!!!
This week we are going to pay tribute to the decade that gave us The Rosenbergs, The Cleavers and The Nixons... well, at least the music was cool! I'm going to try to get a playlist for all of the Forgotten series up on Spotify soon, so you'll have these musical treasures in one place, if record company deals allow.
Now, off to the charts!
1.) Sh-Boom - The Crew Cuts (August 7, 1954)
This whiter than Wonder Bread cover can't hold a candle to the definitive version by legendary vocal group The Chords. Still, if it helped introduce Whitey McWhiterson to Doo Wop, then it can't be all bad.
Fun Fact : The Crew Cuts were the first pop band to tie-in their hairstyle with their image, paving the way for The Mop Tops and Flock Of Seagulls!
2.) Party Doll - Buddy Knox (March 30, 1957)
It sounds just like Ricky Nelson, but it is actually Mr. Knox, whose only other top ten hit was a number 9 smash entitled "Hula Love".
Fun Fact: The people of the 1950's loved their hits so much that they often sent multiple versions of the same song up the charts in the same year. Here's Steve Lawrence tackling rockabilly, which made it to number 5.
3. Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy - Red Foley (February 18, 1950)
Isn't this a fun little ditty with a tap dancing rag solo? Red Foley had other crossover country hits, but none rocked the charts like this one.
Fun Fact: Bing Crosby took a turn at this one, and made it all the way to number 9..
4.) Tom Dooley - The Kingston Trio ( November 17, 1958)
Although it is hard for me to listen to The Kingston Trio without thinking of A Mighty Wind, this song is one of my father's favorites, and it instilled in me at an early age a love for folk music. So thank you, murder ballad, for your cultural awakening!
Fun fact: This tale is based on a true story about a murder that happened in North Carolina in 1928. You can learn more about it here!
5.) Come On-A My House - Rosemary Clooney (July 28, 1951)
George Clooney's aunt sure loved singing in fabricated accents. So did America, I guess! This chart topper is about an Armenian family inviting people over for dinner.
Fun Fact: This song was co-written by Ross Bagdasarian, who would go on to create Alvin And The Chipmunks.
6.) My Prayer/ Heaven On Earth - The Platters (August 4, 1956)
Double A-Sides were huge in England, but I had no idea they were as successful in the US. I guess when presented with two classics from the finest vocal group of the decade, you're gonna play both over the airwaves.
Fun Fact: Before his death, Glenn Miller took "My Prayer" all the way to number 2.
7.) Auf Wiedersheh'n. Sweetheart - Vera Lynn ( July 12, 1952)
Does anybody here remember Vera Lynn? She was the queen of World War II ballads, which carried on into the early years of the 50's and this chart topper.
Fun Fact: Vera first heard the song while hanging out in a beer hall in Germany...saucy ol' Vera!
8.) Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing - The Four Aces (October 8, 1955)
The song playing over the opening scene of Grease is this huge hit for the Four Aces, who rode its popularity from being the theme of a popular film all the way to the bank.
Fun Fact: RINGO COVERED IT!!!!!!!!!
9.) Don't/ I Beg Of You - Elvis Presley (February 10, 1958)
The finest ballad Leiber and Stoller ever wrote, the first part of this double A-Side captures one of the King's most subtle and beautiful moments. BEST FORGOTTEN NUMBER ONE OF THE DECADE!!!!!!
Fun Fact: Elvis now had 11 number one hits at this point...no matter who tops his records over the years, no one amassed such a string in so short a time.
10.) The Ballad Of Davey Crockett - Bill Hayes (March 26, 1955)
Come on, how could this not be on here? Put your coonskin cap on and sing along, cause you know you know the words!!!
Fun Fact: Years before The Monkees, this was the first number one single generated by a television show.
Good times, now let's head to the 60's! Gems abound in just a week (for realsies)!!!
This week we are going to pay tribute to the decade that gave us The Rosenbergs, The Cleavers and The Nixons... well, at least the music was cool! I'm going to try to get a playlist for all of the Forgotten series up on Spotify soon, so you'll have these musical treasures in one place, if record company deals allow.
Now, off to the charts!
1.) Sh-Boom - The Crew Cuts (August 7, 1954)
This whiter than Wonder Bread cover can't hold a candle to the definitive version by legendary vocal group The Chords. Still, if it helped introduce Whitey McWhiterson to Doo Wop, then it can't be all bad.
Fun Fact : The Crew Cuts were the first pop band to tie-in their hairstyle with their image, paving the way for The Mop Tops and Flock Of Seagulls!
2.) Party Doll - Buddy Knox (March 30, 1957)
It sounds just like Ricky Nelson, but it is actually Mr. Knox, whose only other top ten hit was a number 9 smash entitled "Hula Love".
Fun Fact: The people of the 1950's loved their hits so much that they often sent multiple versions of the same song up the charts in the same year. Here's Steve Lawrence tackling rockabilly, which made it to number 5.
3. Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy - Red Foley (February 18, 1950)
Isn't this a fun little ditty with a tap dancing rag solo? Red Foley had other crossover country hits, but none rocked the charts like this one.
Fun Fact: Bing Crosby took a turn at this one, and made it all the way to number 9..
4.) Tom Dooley - The Kingston Trio ( November 17, 1958)
Although it is hard for me to listen to The Kingston Trio without thinking of A Mighty Wind, this song is one of my father's favorites, and it instilled in me at an early age a love for folk music. So thank you, murder ballad, for your cultural awakening!
Fun fact: This tale is based on a true story about a murder that happened in North Carolina in 1928. You can learn more about it here!
5.) Come On-A My House - Rosemary Clooney (July 28, 1951)
George Clooney's aunt sure loved singing in fabricated accents. So did America, I guess! This chart topper is about an Armenian family inviting people over for dinner.
Fun Fact: This song was co-written by Ross Bagdasarian, who would go on to create Alvin And The Chipmunks.
6.) My Prayer/ Heaven On Earth - The Platters (August 4, 1956)
Double A-Sides were huge in England, but I had no idea they were as successful in the US. I guess when presented with two classics from the finest vocal group of the decade, you're gonna play both over the airwaves.
Fun Fact: Before his death, Glenn Miller took "My Prayer" all the way to number 2.
7.) Auf Wiedersheh'n. Sweetheart - Vera Lynn ( July 12, 1952)
Does anybody here remember Vera Lynn? She was the queen of World War II ballads, which carried on into the early years of the 50's and this chart topper.
Fun Fact: Vera first heard the song while hanging out in a beer hall in Germany...saucy ol' Vera!
8.) Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing - The Four Aces (October 8, 1955)
The song playing over the opening scene of Grease is this huge hit for the Four Aces, who rode its popularity from being the theme of a popular film all the way to the bank.
Fun Fact: RINGO COVERED IT!!!!!!!!!
9.) Don't/ I Beg Of You - Elvis Presley (February 10, 1958)
The finest ballad Leiber and Stoller ever wrote, the first part of this double A-Side captures one of the King's most subtle and beautiful moments. BEST FORGOTTEN NUMBER ONE OF THE DECADE!!!!!!
Fun Fact: Elvis now had 11 number one hits at this point...no matter who tops his records over the years, no one amassed such a string in so short a time.
10.) The Ballad Of Davey Crockett - Bill Hayes (March 26, 1955)
Come on, how could this not be on here? Put your coonskin cap on and sing along, cause you know you know the words!!!
Fun Fact: Years before The Monkees, this was the first number one single generated by a television show.
Good times, now let's head to the 60's! Gems abound in just a week (for realsies)!!!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Forgotten # 1's: UK Edition (The 2000's)
THE AUGHTS ARE HERE.....finally....
It's definitely taken longer to get to this post than I would have liked, but weddings, work and The Dharma Initiative have kind of taken over my life recently. Therefore, this week's list of criminally forgotten UK hits will be described through the ancient Japanese art of the Haiku: short, sweet and slightly artistic! Enjoy!!
1.) Ghetto Gospel - 2Pac featuring Elton John (July 2, 2005)
Pac and Reginald
Make gold from Madman album track
Sample gives me chills
2.) Somethin' Stupid - Robbie Williams & Nicole Kidman (December 16, 2001)
Getting rid of Tom
Getting rid of Take That too
Frank and Nancy proud
3.) I Don't Feel Like Dancin' - The Scissor Sisters (September 6, 2006)
New York gay scene raves
Brits smart enough to listen
US likes Fergie
4.) Rise - Gabrielle (January 30, 2000)
Dylan likes this song
Lets Gabrielle use for free
Now death track means life
5.) Changes - Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne (December 14, 2003)
TV loves Ozzy
Makes him have big song with Kells
Sabbath IV kicks ass
6.) The Importance of Being Idle - Oasis (August 28, 2005)
Noel channels The Kinks
Let's The Beatles have a break
Most British track here
7.) A Little Less Conversation - Elvis Presley and JXL (June 16, 2002)
I must have a thing
For old songs reimagined
The King back on top
8.) Dry Your Eyes - The Streets (July 25, 2004)
British rap no joke
Best hip hop ballad ever
Sorry bout that L. L.
9.) When the Sun Goes Down - Arctic Monkeys (January 22, 2006)
Rock song tops the pops
And it's about a hooker
Roxanne take a bow
10.) Killing In The Name Of - Rage Against The Machine (Dec. 20, 2009)
Decade's last big hit
Came out in year '92
UK hates Simon
Let's return home for the next installment of the series. The 1950's in the US OF A go under the microscope...well, let's just say soon. See ya then!!
It's definitely taken longer to get to this post than I would have liked, but weddings, work and The Dharma Initiative have kind of taken over my life recently. Therefore, this week's list of criminally forgotten UK hits will be described through the ancient Japanese art of the Haiku: short, sweet and slightly artistic! Enjoy!!
1.) Ghetto Gospel - 2Pac featuring Elton John (July 2, 2005)
Pac and Reginald
Make gold from Madman album track
Sample gives me chills
2.) Somethin' Stupid - Robbie Williams & Nicole Kidman (December 16, 2001)
Getting rid of Tom
Getting rid of Take That too
Frank and Nancy proud
3.) I Don't Feel Like Dancin' - The Scissor Sisters (September 6, 2006)
New York gay scene raves
Brits smart enough to listen
US likes Fergie
4.) Rise - Gabrielle (January 30, 2000)
Dylan likes this song
Lets Gabrielle use for free
Now death track means life
5.) Changes - Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne (December 14, 2003)
TV loves Ozzy
Makes him have big song with Kells
Sabbath IV kicks ass
6.) The Importance of Being Idle - Oasis (August 28, 2005)
Noel channels The Kinks
Let's The Beatles have a break
Most British track here
7.) A Little Less Conversation - Elvis Presley and JXL (June 16, 2002)
I must have a thing
For old songs reimagined
The King back on top
8.) Dry Your Eyes - The Streets (July 25, 2004)
British rap no joke
Best hip hop ballad ever
Sorry bout that L. L.
9.) When the Sun Goes Down - Arctic Monkeys (January 22, 2006)
Rock song tops the pops
And it's about a hooker
Roxanne take a bow
10.) Killing In The Name Of - Rage Against The Machine (Dec. 20, 2009)
Decade's last big hit
Came out in year '92
UK hates Simon
Let's return home for the next installment of the series. The 1950's in the US OF A go under the microscope...well, let's just say soon. See ya then!!
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