If you've seen Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, you know this song comes as a jarring and unexpected but pleasant surprise in that movie. If you haven't, you might be surprised to learn that this song was written for a movie, by the famed songwriting team Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It would be the first of many Number 1 hits for B.J. Thomas as well.
It's justifiably considered one of the greatest movie songs of all time, even winning the Academy Award for Best Song in 1970.
12 June 2018
12 June 2018 - Dolly Parton - 9 To 5
This song (and movie) was the first that a lot of people outside of country music fans had heard of the well-established Dolly Parton. The movie itself was the brainchild of co-star Jane Fonda, but Dolly's song (and acting) propelled the working-class movie to another level. It was a huge crossover hit - one of the biggest of 1980 - and remains a pop-country classic to this day.
11 June 2018
11 June 2018 - Olivia Newton John - Twist Of Fate
This was ONJ's last US Top 10 hit, and it was a doozy.....
A synth-pop classic to accompany a movie she did with the-fading-star John Travolta, in kind of a Grease reunion. Two of a Kind was a terrible film - and everyone knows it - but this soundtrack, which was a bigger hit than the film, saved it.
A synth-pop classic to accompany a movie she did with the-fading-star John Travolta, in kind of a Grease reunion. Two of a Kind was a terrible film - and everyone knows it - but this soundtrack, which was a bigger hit than the film, saved it.
08 June 2018
8 June 2018 - Lea Thompson and Cherry Bomb ｰ Howard The Duck
Yes.
That is REALLY Lea Thompson singing this song. The "band" is mostly Thomas Dolby in a studio.
And it was nominated for a Razzie. Which is pretty much the exact opposite of the Oscars. The movie itself was a critical and commercial flop. The movie itself did win the Razzie for Worst Picture - its abysmal reception led Thompson to accept a role in the movie Some Kind of Wonderful, which she had initially rejected, just to get the stink of Howard the Duck off her career. (I like both movies. I liked Howard the Duck more). The movie has gained a greater cult following now, but not off the evenness of story or quality of Tim Robbins' acting.
Is it a great song? Hell, no. But it's fun, and you can just look at the title bar on this blog to see that we don't really care about greatness here.
That is REALLY Lea Thompson singing this song. The "band" is mostly Thomas Dolby in a studio.
And it was nominated for a Razzie. Which is pretty much the exact opposite of the Oscars. The movie itself was a critical and commercial flop. The movie itself did win the Razzie for Worst Picture - its abysmal reception led Thompson to accept a role in the movie Some Kind of Wonderful, which she had initially rejected, just to get the stink of Howard the Duck off her career. (I like both movies. I liked Howard the Duck more). The movie has gained a greater cult following now, but not off the evenness of story or quality of Tim Robbins' acting.
Is it a great song? Hell, no. But it's fun, and you can just look at the title bar on this blog to see that we don't really care about greatness here.
07 June 2018
7 June 2018 - Irene Cara - Fame & Flashdance (What A Feeling)
Fame was a 1980 movie about a high school for the performing arts in New York City. While this song - Irene Cara's first hit - won an Academy Award for Best Song, that's a songwriter's award, so Irene Cara didn't win this one.
She DID win one for this song, which she performed and wrote for the movie Flashdance. Cara, however, did not ACT in this movie, despite a rumor that she was the lead actress. Jennifer Beals (the actual lead actress in that movie) was not thrilled with that rumor. No matter - the movie, while critically panned, was a huge hit. And so was this song.
She DID win one for this song, which she performed and wrote for the movie Flashdance. Cara, however, did not ACT in this movie, despite a rumor that she was the lead actress. Jennifer Beals (the actual lead actress in that movie) was not thrilled with that rumor. No matter - the movie, while critically panned, was a huge hit. And so was this song.
06 June 2018
6 June 2018 - Joe Esposito - You're The Best
Most people think this song is called "You're The Best AROUND", but it isn't. It was originally written for Rocky III (which you learned yesterday) and was also rejected for the movie Flashdance, in favor of Michael Sembello's "Maniac".
That's OK. It suits Daniel-san better anyway. It makes for the perfect fight montage theme song (even if it doesn't completely work in this case lyrically. Just don't listen too closely).
Magically, it also works in this It's Always Sunny In Philadephia montage, where the gang takes a LOT of steroids.
That's OK. It suits Daniel-san better anyway. It makes for the perfect fight montage theme song (even if it doesn't completely work in this case lyrically. Just don't listen too closely).
Magically, it also works in this It's Always Sunny In Philadephia montage, where the gang takes a LOT of steroids.
05 June 2018
5 June 2018 - Survivor - Eye Of The Tiger
The famed song for the theme from Rocky III, now in video format.
While not the first choice of song for this movie (Joe Esposito's "You're The Best"), it ended up being a huge hit for the fledgling band. And it was all because Sylvester Stallone liked their early stuff. That's quite the endorsement!
It's a reasonably standard straight-ahead rock-and-roll song, but it kick-started the band's career, as they went on to have a number of hits after this initial burst of great.
While not the first choice of song for this movie (Joe Esposito's "You're The Best"), it ended up being a huge hit for the fledgling band. And it was all because Sylvester Stallone liked their early stuff. That's quite the endorsement!
It's a reasonably standard straight-ahead rock-and-roll song, but it kick-started the band's career, as they went on to have a number of hits after this initial burst of great.
04 June 2018
4 June 2018 - Simple Minds - Don't You (Forget About Me)
It probably won't surprise you that Simple Minds wasn't the first choice to perform this song. The Fixx and Billy Idol both turned it down.... and so did Simple Minds! They didn't like performing songs they did not write, and they did NOT write this.
It ended up being their biggest hit by far, propelled by, of course, The Breakfast Club. So, at the end of the day, it ended up being a good thing they changed their minds.
It ended up being their biggest hit by far, propelled by, of course, The Breakfast Club. So, at the end of the day, it ended up being a good thing they changed their minds.
21 May 2018
21 May 2018 - Lindsey Buckingham - Holiday Road
You know all that Fleetwood Mac we just posted a couple of months back?
That all started because I was looking for this video. It was worth the search - it really has nothing to do with the National Lampoon's Vacation movie that made it famous.
That all started because I was looking for this video. It was worth the search - it really has nothing to do with the National Lampoon's Vacation movie that made it famous.
17 May 2018
17 May 2018 - BIGBANG - Fantastic Baby
Wow.
Honestly, after watching this video, I'm not sure there's much more to say.
But there is so much more to say. This is arguably the biggest K-Pop hit of all time. It was released in 2012, and was on the US World Digital Singles year-end charts - so, charts for the whole year - in 2012, 2013, and 2014. No song has charted on that chart (which is a weekly) longer than this one.
The song is a pretty standard dance-club banger, with a Sly and the Family Stone tribute mixed in for good measure. Or did you think the boom shakalaka was just there because it sounded good? The beats draw you in - it's a catchy song lyrically as well, especially if you know Korean.
But this video. My God. It's a bit much. And amazing. And a bit much.
Honestly, after watching this video, I'm not sure there's much more to say.
But there is so much more to say. This is arguably the biggest K-Pop hit of all time. It was released in 2012, and was on the US World Digital Singles year-end charts - so, charts for the whole year - in 2012, 2013, and 2014. No song has charted on that chart (which is a weekly) longer than this one.
The song is a pretty standard dance-club banger, with a Sly and the Family Stone tribute mixed in for good measure. Or did you think the boom shakalaka was just there because it sounded good? The beats draw you in - it's a catchy song lyrically as well, especially if you know Korean.
But this video. My God. It's a bit much. And amazing. And a bit much.
16 May 2018
16 May 2018 - BTS (방탄소년단) - MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)
I was going to try to ignore BTS. I mean, they're really good for a seven-piece boy band.
This song is popular because an American of Japanese descent remixed it. And let's be clear - this song was a big hit. It made mainstream pop radio Top 30, which is rare for a song with very few English words. However, BTS is pretty front-and-center in this very visually-interesting video. At the end of the day, Steve Aoki's remix gives the song some polish, but their singing and dancing skills carry the day.
Also, no, guys, I have not seen your bag.
Incidentally, this song does exist in a version without remix. This Japanese version of the video shows a side without Aoki.
This song is popular because an American of Japanese descent remixed it. And let's be clear - this song was a big hit. It made mainstream pop radio Top 30, which is rare for a song with very few English words. However, BTS is pretty front-and-center in this very visually-interesting video. At the end of the day, Steve Aoki's remix gives the song some polish, but their singing and dancing skills carry the day.
Also, no, guys, I have not seen your bag.
Incidentally, this song does exist in a version without remix. This Japanese version of the video shows a side without Aoki.
15 May 2018
15 May 2018 - BLACKPINK - '붐바야'(Boombayah)
Today, let's talk about Korean girl groups. Specifically, let's start with the new kids on the block.
BLACKPINK are a somewhat manufactured band that debuted in 2016 with this video. From a Global chart standpoint, few Korean acts have done nearly as well, and they've done all this in a very short time. With names like Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, very easily translated to English, it's my suspicion that this was always the plan.They were always meant to take over the world.
Mission accomplished. Their songs historically perform stronger on the US Global Chart - with all five of their singles thus far making the top 5 on that chart, with 3 #1 hits - than even in Korea. But let's be fair - they're big stars back home. too.
This song is catchy, even in Korean. I mean, there's a fair amount of English in here. You'll be singing about BLACKPINK in your area before you know it!
BLACKPINK are a somewhat manufactured band that debuted in 2016 with this video. From a Global chart standpoint, few Korean acts have done nearly as well, and they've done all this in a very short time. With names like Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, very easily translated to English, it's my suspicion that this was always the plan.They were always meant to take over the world.
Mission accomplished. Their songs historically perform stronger on the US Global Chart - with all five of their singles thus far making the top 5 on that chart, with 3 #1 hits - than even in Korea. But let's be fair - they're big stars back home. too.
This song is catchy, even in Korean. I mean, there's a fair amount of English in here. You'll be singing about BLACKPINK in your area before you know it!
14 May 2018
14 May 2018 - HYUN-A (현아) - '빨개요 (RED)
Let's start our K-Pop week with Hyun-a, Korea's Madonna - the big diva of their music scene. We've featured her here in the past.
In pop star terms, she's been around forever. Really, it's only been about 10 years, but in the K-Pop world, that's a long time. As someone who appeared in the video for PSY's worldwide hit "Gangnam Style" (and, if you are a long time reader of this blog, you know she recorded her OWN version), she's also arguably the first female Korean artist to have worldwide recognition.
This song isn't "Gangnam Style" and not even "Bubble Pop". It's a more mature pop song from a serious artist. Who likes to shock people in her native country (this video is borderline risque and Korean broadcasters refused to air what Rolling Stone called one of the ten best videos of 2014).
All in all, it's a great tune with both electronic and Middle Eastern influence. Give it a listen.
In pop star terms, she's been around forever. Really, it's only been about 10 years, but in the K-Pop world, that's a long time. As someone who appeared in the video for PSY's worldwide hit "Gangnam Style" (and, if you are a long time reader of this blog, you know she recorded her OWN version), she's also arguably the first female Korean artist to have worldwide recognition.
This song isn't "Gangnam Style" and not even "Bubble Pop". It's a more mature pop song from a serious artist. Who likes to shock people in her native country (this video is borderline risque and Korean broadcasters refused to air what Rolling Stone called one of the ten best videos of 2014).
All in all, it's a great tune with both electronic and Middle Eastern influence. Give it a listen.
09 May 2018
9 May 2018 - Meat Puppets - Backwater
In 1980, the Meat Puppets formed. They were indie rock darlings for a decade, attracting the attention of a lot of other musicians, but not really growing their audience. In the 1990s, they decided to give major label music a try.
And then Nirvana invited them to participate in their Unplugged performance and covered three of their songs in 1993.
Which led to this 1994 hit, the biggest of their career. And while the video hits all the 90's grunge cliches, the song itself doesn't. It's rich and deep and has great harmonized vocals.
And then Nirvana invited them to participate in their Unplugged performance and covered three of their songs in 1993.
Which led to this 1994 hit, the biggest of their career. And while the video hits all the 90's grunge cliches, the song itself doesn't. It's rich and deep and has great harmonized vocals.
06 May 2018
6 May 2018 - The Darling Buds - Sure Thing
Admit it. You thought this was a one year joke. You thought I'd run out of material.
No. It's a real thing. And Darling Buds Day is actually noticed. We'd like to think we are responsible for their new material. I'm not sure that's true, but we're happy to take credit.
No. It's a real thing. And Darling Buds Day is actually noticed. We'd like to think we are responsible for their new material. I'm not sure that's true, but we're happy to take credit.
19 April 2018
18 April 2018 - Eddie Rabbitt - Drivin' My Life Away
It's no secret that I grew up listening to a lot of country/rock fusion in the 1970's. My mother was a big fan.
Eddie Rabbitt was one of the leaders in that genre. This was one of his biggest crossover hits, hitting #1 on the Country charts and #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. But this ode to long-haul truckers wasn't just a hit in the moment, though - it remains one of the most recognizable songs of the era.
Eddie Rabbitt was one of the leaders in that genre. This was one of his biggest crossover hits, hitting #1 on the Country charts and #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. But this ode to long-haul truckers wasn't just a hit in the moment, though - it remains one of the most recognizable songs of the era.
11 April 2018
11 April 2018 - The Knife - Heartbeats
This song has been called a "great opening to a creepy movie".
Accurate. But this song from the Swedish duo in 2003 also throws back with a synth-heavy 80's sound.
Accurate. But this song from the Swedish duo in 2003 also throws back with a synth-heavy 80's sound.
03 April 2018
3 April 2018 - Olivia Newton-John - Physical
This was by far Olivia Newton-John's biggest US hit. Heck, Billboard ranked it the 6th biggest hit of ALL TIME. All for a trendy song and video made possible by the early 80's aerobics craze. A great song, to be sure. A song full of double entendre and, well, suggestive lyrics and an accompanying video (let's just say ONJ wasn't talking about the latest Jane Fonda video when she was talking about a "suggestive movie"). A cultural phenomenon, which is still fondly remembered today.
It was such a cultural phenomenon, it was featured thirty years later on an episode of Glee, where Olivia did a duet of the song with Jane Lynch, somewhat parodying the video, and EVERYONE GOT THE REFERENCE.
Of course Juliana Hatfield covered this song, too. Go over to Totally Covered and check that out!
It was such a cultural phenomenon, it was featured thirty years later on an episode of Glee, where Olivia did a duet of the song with Jane Lynch, somewhat parodying the video, and EVERYONE GOT THE REFERENCE.
Of course Juliana Hatfield covered this song, too. Go over to Totally Covered and check that out!
26 March 2018
26 March 2018 - Tove Lo - Disco Tits
I've got to be honest. I've been hesitant to write a post about this song.
13 March 2018
13 March 2018 - Lilly Wood & The Prick - Prayer In C (Robin Schulz Remix)
Fun story: I always thought that "Sugar", the song I posted about on Friday and which sampled "Suga Suga", sampled a song of similar tempo that I could not identify. In fact, I started my post on Friday trying to identify THAT song, because that was a song I absolutely loved.
Mission accomplished. And, since both songs are Robin Schulz mixes, hence the similarity. This remix ended up being a huge hit worldwide, because, you know, apparently Robin Schulz can steal anything and turn it into gold.
Lest you think I'm kidding about the stealing part - Schulz remixed the song without authorization, just because he had a Lilly Wood & The Prick CD. The original, by a French-Israeli duo who are relatively well-known in France, is a much more somber, much folkier song with a lot more flute.
Mission accomplished. And, since both songs are Robin Schulz mixes, hence the similarity. This remix ended up being a huge hit worldwide, because, you know, apparently Robin Schulz can steal anything and turn it into gold.
Lest you think I'm kidding about the stealing part - Schulz remixed the song without authorization, just because he had a Lilly Wood & The Prick CD. The original, by a French-Israeli duo who are relatively well-known in France, is a much more somber, much folkier song with a lot more flute.
12 March 2018
12 March 2018 - Britney Spears - Womanizer
When Scott Colvin used to co-edit this blog, he used to make it a point to post Britney every March 12th....
I felt like he should get this gift today. I guarantee you're getting "If U Seek Amy" next year.
I felt like he should get this gift today. I guarantee you're getting "If U Seek Amy" next year.
09 March 2018
9 March 2018 - Baby Bash ft. Frankie J - Suga Suga & Robin Schulz ft. Francesco Yates - Sugar
It's rare that we feature two different songs by two different artists in one post. In this case, we've got two songs so inextricably connected that we had no choice.
In 2003, "Suga Suga" was a rather big hit by hip hop group Baby Bash. The song itself is kind of sweet, in a early-2000s sexist sort of way. At any rate, the woman referenced in this song, which is kind of a slow jam, is featured in a positive light.
This song was a big hit, making top 10 charts worldwide.
Fast forward to 2014". German DJ Robin Schulz hears "Suga Suga" and loves both the chorus and the hook (itself somewhat lifted from Barry White). So he hires Canadian vocalist to perform new verses and introduce the chorus, completely lifted from "Suga Suga". Heck, the "Sugar" video even lampoons the "Suga Suga" video somewhat - the cop has a Baby Bash costume in his suitcase.
But it's a very different song. The woman referenced here is very much not a positive influence. The song is less slow jam and more dance floor smash. It was, however, an equally big hit.
Yes, mashups exist. No, we're not sharing them.
In 2003, "Suga Suga" was a rather big hit by hip hop group Baby Bash. The song itself is kind of sweet, in a early-2000s sexist sort of way. At any rate, the woman referenced in this song, which is kind of a slow jam, is featured in a positive light.
This song was a big hit, making top 10 charts worldwide.
Fast forward to 2014". German DJ Robin Schulz hears "Suga Suga" and loves both the chorus and the hook (itself somewhat lifted from Barry White). So he hires Canadian vocalist to perform new verses and introduce the chorus, completely lifted from "Suga Suga". Heck, the "Sugar" video even lampoons the "Suga Suga" video somewhat - the cop has a Baby Bash costume in his suitcase.
But it's a very different song. The woman referenced here is very much not a positive influence. The song is less slow jam and more dance floor smash. It was, however, an equally big hit.
Yes, mashups exist. No, we're not sharing them.
01 March 2018
1 March 2018 - Lissie - Wild West
Like most of America, I first discovered Lissie during the Twin Peaks revival. Most episodes of that show ended with a musical guest. This one stood out from most of the rest. Whereas most of them fit the Julee Cruise airy, ethereal motif, or were just audibly interesting. Lissie brought straight-ahead rock to the Bang Bang Bar.
The performance was worthy of the show, and a star-making performance. (Update: The video is gone, but the audio still exists)
Yes, I put her Twin Peaks performance on top of this post, but let's be clear - there's a real music video for this song. Even that's interesting - she handed cameras to children and let them make it themselves. Her appearance at the end, to take them for ice cream, is raw emotion in itself.
The performance was worthy of the show, and a star-making performance. (Update: The video is gone, but the audio still exists)
Yes, I put her Twin Peaks performance on top of this post, but let's be clear - there's a real music video for this song. Even that's interesting - she handed cameras to children and let them make it themselves. Her appearance at the end, to take them for ice cream, is raw emotion in itself.
22 January 2018
22 January 2018 - Fleetwood Mac - The Chain
I really intended to keep it to just a week. But there was too much good material.
Like this song. This song was a bit of a happy accident, made by splicing together a bunch of stuff from the cutting room floor. Little of the original song's instruments were recorded together, nor the vocals. It was a spliced-up mess, right down to the seemingly nonsequetor closing baseline. I've talked pretty extensively about how fractured the band was during the recording of the Rumours album. What a better allegory for that than a song that the players couldn't even get together to record!
And it STILL worked!
Like this song. This song was a bit of a happy accident, made by splicing together a bunch of stuff from the cutting room floor. Little of the original song's instruments were recorded together, nor the vocals. It was a spliced-up mess, right down to the seemingly nonsequetor closing baseline. I've talked pretty extensively about how fractured the band was during the recording of the Rumours album. What a better allegory for that than a song that the players couldn't even get together to record!
And it STILL worked!
19 January 2018
19 January 2018 - Fleetwood Mac - Hold Me
So many good Fleetwood Mac songs, right? We're not done yet!
Released as the first single from the Mirage album in 1982, this is one of Fleetwood Mac's biggest hits, and yet it is often forgotten when discussing their best songs. And, indeed, the band was a mirage at the time. Notice how very little they are on screen together during this video. That's because none of them were getting along. At all. Stevie Nicks was broken up with TWO of her bandmates, neither of whom were really fond of her. Neither was the video producer, who complained about her diva behavior. John McVie was largely drunk throughout the shoot, and Christine McVie was just sick of all the drama.... which didn't endear her to her bandmates, either.
Did you get all that? I had to draw it all out. But the Magrite-inspired video that ensured from the chaotic drama sure turned out pretty, and the song itself is a sweet Christine McVie-Lindsey Buckingham duet, written by McVie.
Released as the first single from the Mirage album in 1982, this is one of Fleetwood Mac's biggest hits, and yet it is often forgotten when discussing their best songs. And, indeed, the band was a mirage at the time. Notice how very little they are on screen together during this video. That's because none of them were getting along. At all. Stevie Nicks was broken up with TWO of her bandmates, neither of whom were really fond of her. Neither was the video producer, who complained about her diva behavior. John McVie was largely drunk throughout the shoot, and Christine McVie was just sick of all the drama.... which didn't endear her to her bandmates, either.
Did you get all that? I had to draw it all out. But the Magrite-inspired video that ensured from the chaotic drama sure turned out pretty, and the song itself is a sweet Christine McVie-Lindsey Buckingham duet, written by McVie.
18 January 2018
18 January 2018 - Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way
If you think Stevie Nicks looks pissed when Lindsey Buckingham sings "Loving you isn't the right thing to do", it's with good reason. She is the "you" being referenced here.
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| That look could melt ice. |
17 January 2018
17 January 2018 - Fleetwood Mac - Landslide
This is perhaps one of Fleetwood Mac's most recognized songs. Written by Stevie Nicks before she and Lindsey Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac, it's really a collaboration between both of them and an extension of the Buckingham Nicks project they did prior to joining the band. The story goes that the two of them were recording their second album together in the same studio that Fleetwood Mac was recording in during the winter of 1974-1975. The band heard them and asked them to join, an offer that the commercially unsuccessful duo could not refuse.
This song ended up on the band's 1975 self-titled album, an album getting a reissue this Friday, January 19th, 2017. "Landslide" was a song about the uncertainty of Nicks's life after the failure of the first Buckingham Nicks album - she was at a crossroads as to whether or not she was going to continue a career in music, her world figuratively crashing around her. It wasn't a hit song at the time, but did get some radio play as a popular tune, and did eventually chart in a live version in 1998.
The song itself is sparse yet hauntingly beautiful, with little accompaniment besides a guitar.
This song ended up on the band's 1975 self-titled album, an album getting a reissue this Friday, January 19th, 2017. "Landslide" was a song about the uncertainty of Nicks's life after the failure of the first Buckingham Nicks album - she was at a crossroads as to whether or not she was going to continue a career in music, her world figuratively crashing around her. It wasn't a hit song at the time, but did get some radio play as a popular tune, and did eventually chart in a live version in 1998.
The song itself is sparse yet hauntingly beautiful, with little accompaniment besides a guitar.
16 January 2018
16 January 2018 - Fleetwood Mac - Don't Stop
Yesterday, we featured a Christine McVie-penned song about a woman struggling in her marriage Here, we have another Christine McVie-penned song, written after the marriage crumbled and her search for hope for the future which struggling with the depression of the lost relationship. From the classic 1997 album Rumors, this song was sung by Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie, and is genuinely filled with such hope that it has become an anthem for sunny outlooks.
This particular song was a big enough deal to get the band together on stage after a decade of acrimony - they recorded some together, but never toured or performed completely - at President Clinton's inaugural celebration. And it's a great performance!
I promise I'll post a Stevie Nicks song at some point!!!
This particular song was a big enough deal to get the band together on stage after a decade of acrimony - they recorded some together, but never toured or performed completely - at President Clinton's inaugural celebration. And it's a great performance!
I promise I'll post a Stevie Nicks song at some point!!!
15 January 2018
15 January 2018 - Fleetwood Mac - Say You Love Me
This is one of Fleetwood Mac's best known songs, and as one with a Christine McVie lead vocal (she wrote the song as well), you know there's a story.
Christine was married to John McVie, the bassist (and frankly the Mac) in the band. In 1975, their marriage was on the rocks, and she was feeling troubled. So she wrote a very happy-sounding, sweet-sounding song that was basically begging her husband to tell her that he loved her.
Which might be why she absolutely doesn't look like she's having fun performing the song.
The song didn't work. They divorced in 1976. Nevertheless, she stayed with the band until 1998.... their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. She still didn't look like she enjoyed performing the song (although Lindsey Buckingham sure was enjoying the banjo). One other noteworthy aspect of this performance: John McVie is singing backup vocals.
Christine rejoined the band in 2014. She finally looks like she enjoys her cheerful little ditty.
Christine was married to John McVie, the bassist (and frankly the Mac) in the band. In 1975, their marriage was on the rocks, and she was feeling troubled. So she wrote a very happy-sounding, sweet-sounding song that was basically begging her husband to tell her that he loved her.
Which might be why she absolutely doesn't look like she's having fun performing the song.
The song didn't work. They divorced in 1976. Nevertheless, she stayed with the band until 1998.... their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. She still didn't look like she enjoyed performing the song (although Lindsey Buckingham sure was enjoying the banjo). One other noteworthy aspect of this performance: John McVie is singing backup vocals.
Christine rejoined the band in 2014. She finally looks like she enjoys her cheerful little ditty.
29 December 2017
29 December 2017 - Transvision Vamp - Baby I Don't Care
Yesterday, readers of Totally Covered were witness to a cover by an artist most of them had never heard of, of a song most of them had never heard of. I can't fix that first part. But I can fix the 2nd.
Transvision Vamp are a band that was a relative reliable hitmaker for a few years in the UK. Their only US hit was not this song, but a cover of a Holly and the Italians song. This song, their biggest UK hit, was the lead single and opening track off their 2nd album, Velveteen, one of my favorites of all time - strongly recommended.
The song itself is pretty standard pop. However, the combination of a band that has serious chops and a deep pedigree, with ties to bands as diverse as X-Ray Spex and Bush, and a dynamic lead singer that was not only not fearful of the spotlight, but embraced it, makes the song memorable.
Wendy James went on to a semi-successful solo career after the band broke up in 1992. This is one of their last performances. Incidentally, I would love to start a campaign to get them to reform, like The Darling Buds (for which we take far too much credit) and The Primitives (I discuss the unfair comparisons between TV and these two bands in that post) did.
Transvision Vamp are a band that was a relative reliable hitmaker for a few years in the UK. Their only US hit was not this song, but a cover of a Holly and the Italians song. This song, their biggest UK hit, was the lead single and opening track off their 2nd album, Velveteen, one of my favorites of all time - strongly recommended.
The song itself is pretty standard pop. However, the combination of a band that has serious chops and a deep pedigree, with ties to bands as diverse as X-Ray Spex and Bush, and a dynamic lead singer that was not only not fearful of the spotlight, but embraced it, makes the song memorable.
Wendy James went on to a semi-successful solo career after the band broke up in 1992. This is one of their last performances. Incidentally, I would love to start a campaign to get them to reform, like The Darling Buds (for which we take far too much credit) and The Primitives (I discuss the unfair comparisons between TV and these two bands in that post) did.
28 December 2017
28 December 2017 - Sia - Cheap Thrills (with and without Sean Paul)
Do you remember that time that Sia was on American Bandstand?
....but the official video - which actually has Sia in it!!!!!!! - features a Maddie Ziegler-centered dance performance - and Sia!!!!!! Facing forward!!!!!! - and deserves attention. Since, you know, the song is about dancing. Without Sean Paul, it is, in my opinion, a better song, but either way, it's catchy.
27 December 2017
27 December 2017 - Kesha ft. The Dap-Kings - Woman
I know that we've been kind of slow posting things on here. But this lateness is inexcusable - after hers was the best motherf***ing show I saw in 2016! - and I am going to fix that motherf***ing s**t right now.
Kesha's comeback this year was perhaps the best motherf***ing story in music in 2017. Her 2nd single post-comeback - this empowerment anthem made more poignant by her motherf***ing legal troubles with Sony Music concerning the alleged sexual assault of her by Dr. Luke - is a hell of a "I'm back, you motherf***ing bitches" song. At any rate, it's clear that she's not going to be f***ing pushed down.
What is missing from this song that was present in her earlier songs is Auto-Tune. Because the woman the pipes and doesn't need motherf***ing Auto-Tune. (Which, if you read Totally Covered, you already know). Any doubt about that fact should be squashed by the fact that she's keeping up with The Motherf***ing Dap-Kings, who are better known for being the backing band for the late big-piped singers Sharon Motherf***ing Jones and Amy Motherf***ing Winehouse.
And this song has spirit. Ignoring for the motherf***ing overuse of "motherf***er" in the song. Kesha starts laughing at about 1:13 in this video. The song is free and fun, intentionally. In the artist's words:
Kesha's comeback this year was perhaps the best motherf***ing story in music in 2017. Her 2nd single post-comeback - this empowerment anthem made more poignant by her motherf***ing legal troubles with Sony Music concerning the alleged sexual assault of her by Dr. Luke - is a hell of a "I'm back, you motherf***ing bitches" song. At any rate, it's clear that she's not going to be f***ing pushed down.
What is missing from this song that was present in her earlier songs is Auto-Tune. Because the woman the pipes and doesn't need motherf***ing Auto-Tune. (Which, if you read Totally Covered, you already know). Any doubt about that fact should be squashed by the fact that she's keeping up with The Motherf***ing Dap-Kings, who are better known for being the backing band for the late big-piped singers Sharon Motherf***ing Jones and Amy Motherf***ing Winehouse.
And this song has spirit. Ignoring for the motherf***ing overuse of "motherf***er" in the song. Kesha starts laughing at about 1:13 in this video. The song is free and fun, intentionally. In the artist's words:
"I wanted this song to capture that organic, raw, soulful sound and keep the imperfect moments in the recordings." (Source: Rolling Stone)I can say more about this great, fun, exciting song, but I'd rather you just listen to it yourself. Enjoy.
15 December 2017
15 December 2017 - The Smithereens - Blood and Roses
On Tuesday of this week, the lead vocalist of the band the Smithereens, Pat DiNizio, died. It was tragic, and he was gone far too soon.
In tribute, I wanted to share one of my favorite songs by the Smithereens. If you've seen the movie Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion, you've heard this song, which was their first single from their first full-length album (Especially for You, from 1986, which I cannot recommend enough!).
I was hooked on the band from the opening bassline in this song. Lyrically, it's subtle but still heart-felt and poignant. Overall, it's just a well-written and compelling song.
Perhaps one of the most striking things about this song is, although it was clearly written by DiNizio to be heavily bassline-focused, it translates well to an acoustic performance, such as this solo performance by him from 2009.
It's songwriting like this that will be missed. Farewell to a great songwriter, who left behind some great material.
In tribute, I wanted to share one of my favorite songs by the Smithereens. If you've seen the movie Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion, you've heard this song, which was their first single from their first full-length album (Especially for You, from 1986, which I cannot recommend enough!).
I was hooked on the band from the opening bassline in this song. Lyrically, it's subtle but still heart-felt and poignant. Overall, it's just a well-written and compelling song.
Perhaps one of the most striking things about this song is, although it was clearly written by DiNizio to be heavily bassline-focused, it translates well to an acoustic performance, such as this solo performance by him from 2009.
It's songwriting like this that will be missed. Farewell to a great songwriter, who left behind some great material.
09 August 2017
9 August 2017 - Glen Campbell - Galveston
As many of you know, I am a very big fan of Glen Campbell. So I am sad about his passing. He was a fine musician, a fine songwriter.
I know the man had his demons, especially his well-publicized drug-fueled romance with Tanya Tucker. Since the mid-80s, when he married his wife, Kim, these (as well as the substance abuse) seem to have been behind him, thankfully. By all accounts, he was a wonderful husband and father to his three children with Kim.
So why did I choose "Galveston", a song he didn't write, or even originally perform (Don Ho!) as the song to pay tribute? It speaks to his strong, emotive voice, and his creative storytelling. Glen Campbell did make a lyrical change in the 2nd verse to make it his own. It's a truly beautiful song, and a fitting tribute.
I know the man had his demons, especially his well-publicized drug-fueled romance with Tanya Tucker. Since the mid-80s, when he married his wife, Kim, these (as well as the substance abuse) seem to have been behind him, thankfully. By all accounts, he was a wonderful husband and father to his three children with Kim.
So why did I choose "Galveston", a song he didn't write, or even originally perform (Don Ho!) as the song to pay tribute? It speaks to his strong, emotive voice, and his creative storytelling. Glen Campbell did make a lyrical change in the 2nd verse to make it his own. It's a truly beautiful song, and a fitting tribute.
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