MAD - Artist - Round 4 - #1's have been posted (1 Viewer)

[Pip's Invitation]

Tim Maia

Don Quixote

Where Is My Other Half - YouTube Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. youtu.be Where Is My Other Half Tim Maia · Tim Maia 1972 · Song · 1972 open.spotify.com

My last out included the song, “Lamento.” (YouTube Spotify). I said there that I left it out for a reason that will indicate at the relevant spot in the countdown. This is the relevant spot.

The melodies of Lamento and Where is My Other Half are both the same. Both are on the same album; so, I’m not sure which he wrote first. The lyrics are different. Even putting aside the language difference, Lamento translates to “I’m sorry.” This is the only song that I’m aware of where he wrote both English and Portuguese lyrics for the same melody.

Putting that aside, it is a good melody. Follows the pattern of some of my favorite songs of his where it starts off a bit slow, but things really pick up and get going about a minute in.

Of all people, Neil did the same thing. The Sleeps with Angels album has two songs, Western Hero and Train of Love, which are the exact same music with different lyrics.

 

[Mister CIA]

I'm properly checking out the new Lucinda album tonight, and oh my. At times, she's straight up channeling Ronnie Spector.

NoSpoiler: her band is amazing.

- YouTube

Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen.

youtu.be

 

[Mt. Man]

—
Candlebox #10
Song: Become (To Tell)
Album: Lucy (1995)

(Youtube version) Become (To Tell)
(Live Version) Candlebox "Become - To Tell" Live At The Paramount

I'll let you down my friend, I'll turn my back to you
I never meant to leave you, never meant to leave your room
You began alone, and you've begun again, all I wanted for you
I become alive through you

–
I didn’t find many live versions available (without using full concerts), though more than the last song or the next one. It’s not completely surprising, as this wasn’t one of the “hits” of Lucy, though you’d still expect to see more given the band’s popularity around this time. What I’m saying is that, to me, this song is quite underrated. In case the Top 10 spot didn’t clue you into that.

Anyway, this song’s another one that has a couple of different feels to it. Slow(er) and soulful for most of it, and then kicking things up a notch for the chorus. There’s even a musical interlude a bit more than halfway through where Peter Klatt, Bardi Martin and Scott Mercado all get a chance to shine, even without a solo.

–
Next on the countdown, technically the longest song on the countdown. Will you even recognize this song as Candlebox? If that’s the question, my #9 has the solution.

 

[Mister CIA]

I did not use the laughing emoji in the Knoxville Seafood thread.

 

[Eephus]

New releases slowing to a trickle before the holidays. I could only find two MADs adjacent albums

Live version of the new Cure album

Songs Of A Live World: Troxy London MMXXIV - Album by The Cure | Spotify

The Cure · album · 2024 · 8 songs

open.spotify.com

Three albums worth of Jerry Garcia-David Grisman duo recordings

Bare Bones, Vol. 1: The Duo Recordings (Master Takes) - Album by Jerry Garcia | Spotify

Jerry Garcia · album · 2024 · 19 songs

open.spotify.com

also of potential interest to middle aged dummies: live albums from The National and The Flying Burrito Brothers (post-Gram) and new material from Saint Etienne and Snoop & Dre

 

[Eephus]

Snoop name checks Motley Crue in the song "Gunz N Smoke "w/ Eminem and Fiddy guesting.

Rendezvous with a Pac or two
Rock #### up like Motley Crue

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

New releases slowing to a trickle before the holidays. I could only find two MADs adjacent albums

Live version of the new Cure album

Songs Of A Live World: Troxy London MMXXIV - Album by The Cure | Spotify

The Cure · album · 2024 · 8 songs

open.spotify.com

Three albums worth of Jerry Garcia-David Grisman duo recordings

Bare Bones, Vol. 1: The Duo Recordings (Master Takes) - Album by Jerry Garcia | Spotify

Jerry Garcia · album · 2024 · 19 songs

open.spotify.com

also of potential interest to middle aged dummies: live albums from The National and The Flying Burrito Brothers (post-Gram) and new material from Saint Etienne and Snoop & Dre

Röyksopp quietly announce release of a new 30 track Ambient release “Nebulous Nights”in the last 24 hours.

- YouTube

Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen.

m.youtube.com

Nebulous Nights - An Ambient Excursion into Profound Mysteries

Röyksopp · Album · 2024 · 30 songs

open.spotify.com

“
Röyksopp quietly released the second album in their Profound Mysteriestrilogy, Nebulous Nights (An Ambient Excursion Into Profound Mysteries), today, Friday the 13th via Dog Triumph.

Following the highly acclaimed first installment of the trilogy, Nebulous Nights invites the listener to exercise their “critical thinking and curious pondering skills.” The album promotes expanding one’s perspective and mindset through personal growth.”

It has the same vocalists from their original Profound Mysteries trilogy, including the magnificent Susanne Sundfør, Alison Goldfrapp, Pixx, Astrid S, Karen Harding, Maurissa Rose, Jamie Irrepressible etc.
No Robyn as she did’t comtribute to that body of work

Looking forward to playing this repeatedly.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

I moved that Ringo Christmas song up a bit to get it into December, but I just couldn't put it high enough to make it hit at Christmas.

I'm solving that problem by doing a five song Christmaas list with a song from each MAD list (plus one).

Correction: six songs. Found one with umlauts.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Round 10 was odd for me. Really liked The Walkmen, REM, ATE, and Lord Huron.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

I did not use the laughing emoji in the Knoxville Seafood thread.

I suppose Knoxville could be somewhat farther from the ocean.

 

[-OZ-]

11s didn’t resonate as well with me as recent playlists. 4 known songs I like along with a couple I know but don’t particularly care for, one new like. Overall, earned a passing grade of C- but I might have just been in a foul mood after a job interview yesterday where it went really well at first but then I fumbled in the last couple questions and it hit me afterwards. Not a huge deal, although I’d like the job I’m happy where I’m at and I know at least one other applicant is a great fit.

Known likes
Separate ways
Girls girls girls
Flash light
Man on the Moon

New likes
Will the future blame

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Tim Maia

Don Quixote

Where Is My Other Half - YouTube Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. youtu.be Where Is My Other Half Tim Maia · Tim Maia 1972 · Song · 1972 open.spotify.com

My last out included the song, “Lamento.” (YouTube Spotify). I said there that I left it out for a reason that will indicate at the relevant spot in the countdown. This is the relevant spot.

The melodies of Lamento and Where is My Other Half are both the same. Both are on the same album; so, I’m not sure which he wrote first. The lyrics are different. Even putting aside the language difference, Lamento translates to “I’m sorry.” This is the only song that I’m aware of where he wrote both English and Portuguese lyrics for the same melody.

Putting that aside, it is a good melody. Follows the pattern of some of my favorite songs of his where it starts off a bit slow, but things really pick up and get going about a minute in.

Of all people, Neil did the same thing. The Sleeps with Angels album has two songs, Western Hero and Train of Love, which are the exact same music with different lyrics.

Not on the same album but John Lennon also did it with “Child in Time” and “Jealous Guy”.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

10. Allied Forces
Album: Allied Forces (1981)
Writers: Rik Emmett, Mike Levine and Gil Moore
Lead vocals: Gil Moore
Chart History: Did not chart
Video?: Yes
Lyrical categories: Rocking out / Vaguely political

Rik Emmett has said that Triumph's Progressions of Power album was "too heavy for AM radio." It was an interesting choice, then, to make the heaviest song from the follow-up album its first single.

Triumph introduced the world to Allied Forces, which would go on to become its most popular album and the one widely considered to be its best, via its title track, a stomper with militaristic precision and a lyrical theme to match. I presume the strategy was to retain the people who jumped on board with Progressions of Power, before trying to broaden the audience with subsequent releases. Despite the Allied Forces single being issued the same month that MTV launched, and a video being made for it, I don't remember ever seeing it (and didn't know it existed until doing research for this countdown; it oozes '80s-ness), but I remember the videos for three other songs from the album being played constantly. The song did not chart and I don't recall ever hearing it on the radio in Philly.

But "Allied Forces" quickly became an integral part of Triumph's live set, for good reason. It fades in with monstrous riffs and then somehow manages to build up even more momentum. Gil Moore's drums thrash, Mike Levine's bass punches and Rik Emmett's guitars shred -- the track has everything a fan of the era's hard rock could want. The first part of the guitar solo is notable for Moore singing over it, something that was rarely done on Triumph tracks, and the second part of it builds up speed and totally screams at its apex. After a final verse and chorus, we get a thrilling coda with Emmett popping crunchy riffs while Moore bellows "control ... control ... control," which builds into one final frenzied guitar-and-voice dual wail, and a final declaration of "taking control!"

The song imagines that, instead of countries with military might taking control of the world, the "allied forces" of rock and roll have. Had the Rolling Stone writer who accused Triumph of being fascists actually listened to the song (a stipulation that I do not grant), then they missed the line "strategic weapons are something we DON'T need." Indeed, the song addresses how society doesn't give young people what they need and makes them frustrated -- a theme hit upon by any number of Rolling Stone's critical darlings.

Youth culture in overdrive
And mass frustration
Too much, too little, too late
Class alienation
Denim armies working
Consolidate the might
War games, maneuvers
Rehearsals in the night

On the album, "Allied Forces" has a lead-in called "Air Raid," a sound-effects track notable for being the only Triumph composition solely credited to Levine. This YouTube file combines them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HAUCbMD95w

"Allied Forces" is one of the few non-early Triumph songs known to have debuted in concert before being released on an album (its first documented appearance is February 1981, 6 months before its release as a single and 7 months before its release on an album), and it never left the setlist once it first appeared (it continued to be played after Emmett left and during the 2008 reunion shows), usually appearing in the first half of the show. Oddly, while it appears on the original vinyl version of the Stages live album, it was cut from the CD version, and for whatever reason, Spotify uses the CD version, so the Stages version of "Allied Forces" is missing from there as well. It is so identified with Triumph's live shows that Emmett has played it at his solo shows, even though it was a Moore vocal.

Despite its failure to chart, the band considers "Allied Forces" a "greatest hit" and it opens their most popular compilation album, Greatest Hits Remixed.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN1ghbBVNgo
Live version from Cleveland in 1981, aired on the King Biscuit Flower Hour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUyZSF9Gfx4
Live version from Baltimore in 1982, aired on MTV: https://youtu.be/gA-BAF_Zz6E?t=870 and with a reprise that closes the set: https://youtu.be/gA-BAF_Zz6E?t=3056
Live version from Ottawa in 1982: https://youtu.be/O2TLUhfbrm4?t=612
Live version from the US Festival in 1983: https://open.spotify.com/track/7tTV1pXTyEgoxCpvfZsfxN?si=c4c1afa5675e414a
Live version from Stages (recorded in San Diego per the intro): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvUzv9ruIY0
Live version from LA in 1985: https://youtu.be/2lHorImmLDw?t=1097
Live version from Montreal in 1985: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI-hsMQ6uu8
Live version from Detroit in 1986, aired on FM radio: https://youtu.be/JKuhMqVVXQE?t=609
Live version from Halifax in 1987, included on the A Night of Triumph DVD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtcJ4t5Us_I
Live version from Sweden Rock Festival in 2008: https://open.spotify.com/track/6JQ8GdpglOQRO2PIuUL1DW?si=c53ad325852244a5

At #9, another tribute to the power of rock and roll, and my highest-ranking song from Thunder Seven.

 

[zamboni]

The Bee Gees

zamboni

Fanny (Be Tender With My Love) Fanny (Be Tender With My Love) Bee Gees · Main Course · Song · 1975 open.spotify.com

A smooth R&B tune off Main Course and allegedly a big favorite of Quincy Jones. The boys started kicking in their trademark falsetto with this album and really shines through here. The title was inspired by a housecleaner named Fanny when the band stayed at 461 Ocean Blvd. in Miami. That house was previously used by Eric Clapton, with the address serving as the title of one of his big ‘70s albums. In fact, Clapton was the one who told the boys to use the house as a means of getting out of England and refocusing their sound in the U.S. Some inspirations that jump out on the song are Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and, by keyboardist Blue Weaver’s own admission, Hall & Oates’ “She’s Gone”

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Thoughts on the #12s from artists I know well:

Yes -- "Siberian Khatru" is one of their hardest rockers and has always been one of my favorites. It made for a good concert opener, as depicted on the Yessongs live album.

Tweedy/Wilco -- "Outtasite (Outta Mind)" is one of Wilco's hardest rockers and has always been one of my favorites. It was the first Wilco song I remember hearing on the radio.

My Morning Jacket -- "Golden" is the MMJ song that you can play for your mother (I did; I also had it on the playlist during the dinner portion of my wedding reception). Even though they are not an alt-country band, this song is as good as anything that has come out of that format.

P-Funk -- "Super Stupid" IS P-Funk's hardest rocker and is the song that inspired me to go further after picking up Maggot Brain. I have seen it performed live -- by Audioslave.

Bee Gees -- "Stayin' Alive" was my favorite song when I was a kid, until I discovered what we now call "classic rock."

So needless to say, this was a very good round for me.

Thoughts on the #11s from artists I know well:

Yes -- "Shoot High Aim Low" has all kinds of interesting atmospherics. I could see this on a Peter Gabriel album.

Tweedy/Wilco -- "Reservations" may be the most emotional song from Wilco's most emotional album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.

My Morning Jacket -- Speaking of "interesting atmospherics," that's the main calling card of "Circuital."

P-Funk -- When "Bop Gun" was revealed, I said the album it comes from has what may be the quintessential P-Funk track. "Flash Light" is it. It's funky and freaky and is a good a choice as any to play if someone asks you what P-Funk sounds like. There is a 30-minute version of this song from 1978 in Passaic, NJ floating around on YouTube.

Bee Gees -- "New York Mining Disaster 1941" is utterly tearjerking and compelling. It would be maudlin in the wrong hands, but these are the right hands.

Thoughts on the #10s from artists I know well:

Yes -- "I've Seen All Good People" is deservedly one of their most successful and legendary tracks. Pretty much everything good about prog is encapuslated here.

Tweedy/Wilco -- "When You Wake Up Feeling Old" has an incredible melody and evokes powerful emotions. The ProTools approach of Summerteeth leaves me cold at times, but not on this track.

My Morning Jacket -- "Victory Dance" may be their most suspenseful track.

P-Funk -- On Bootsy's "Hollywood Squares," his bass does just as much talking as he does.

Bee Gees -- "Fanny (Be Tender With My Love)" is funky and dramatic, and as much as anything else sets the groundwork for their takeover of the disco world. The chorus is <chef's kiss>.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

The Bee Gees

zamboni

Fanny (Be Tender With My Love) Fanny (Be Tender With My Love) Bee Gees · Main Course · Song · 1975 open.spotify.com

A smooth R&B tune off Main Course and allegedly a big favorite of Quincy Jones. The boys started kicking in their trademark falsetto with this album and really shines through here. The title was inspired by a housecleaner named Fanny when the band stayed at 461 Ocean Blvd. in Miami. That house was previously used by Eric Clapton, with the address serving as the title of one of his big ‘70s albums. In fact, Clapton was the one who told the boys to use the house as a means of getting out of England and refocusing their sound in the U.S. Some inspirations that jump out on the song are Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and, by keyboardist Blue Weaver’s own admission, Hall & Oates’ “She’s Gone”

Oh yeah, now that I am primed for that, the coda of this song is VERY similar to the coda of She's Gone.

 

[zamboni]

The Bee Gees

zamboni

Fanny (Be Tender With My Love) Fanny (Be Tender With My Love) Bee Gees · Main Course · Song · 1975 open.spotify.com

A smooth R&B tune off Main Course and allegedly a big favorite of Quincy Jones. The boys started kicking in their trademark falsetto with this album and really shines through here. The title was inspired by a housecleaner named Fanny when the band stayed at 461 Ocean Blvd. in Miami. That house was previously used by Eric Clapton, with the address serving as the title of one of his big ‘70s albums. In fact, Clapton was the one who told the boys to use the house as a means of getting out of England and refocusing their sound in the U.S. Some inspirations that jump out on the song are Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and, by keyboardist Blue Weaver’s own admission, Hall & Oates’ “She’s Gone”

Oh yeah, now that I am primed for that, the coda of this song is VERY similar to the coda of She's Gone.

Oh for sure - those unmistakeable chord changes. Also another illustration of Maurice’s killer bass work - he never seemed to get a lot of credit for his musicianship behind the voices.

 

[Yambag]

10's

Known: Crue, Whitney, REM, Radiohead (in my top 3)

Caught My Attention
Johnny Marr: Easy Money
Pretty Reckless: Standing at the Wall
Airborne Toxic Event: I Don't Want to be Here Anymore
Lennox/Eurythmics: Better to Have Lost in Love
My Morning Jacket: Victory Dance
Bee Gees: Fanny

 

[Yo Mama]

10. Allied Forces
Album: Allied Forces (1981)
Writers: Rik Emmett, Mike Levine and Gil Moore
Lead vocals: Gil Moore
Chart History: Did not chart
Video?: Yes
Lyrical categories: Rocking out / Vaguely political

Rik Emmett has said that Triumph's Progressions of Power album was "too heavy for AM radio." It was an interesting choice, then, to make the heaviest song from the follow-up album its first single.

Triumph introduced the world to Allied Forces, which would go on to become its most popular album and the one widely considered to be its best, via its title track, a stomper with militaristic precision and a lyrical theme to match. I presume the strategy was to retain the people who jumped on board with Progressions of Power, before trying to broaden the audience with subsequent releases. Despite the Allied Forces single being issued the same month that MTV launched, and a video being made for it, I don't remember ever seeing it (and didn't know it existed until doing research for this countdown; it oozes '80s-ness), but I remember the videos for three other songs from the album being played constantly. The song did not chart and I don't recall ever hearing it on the radio in Philly.

But "Allied Forces" quickly became an integral part of Triumph's live set, for good reason. It fades in with monstrous riffs and then somehow manages to build up even more momentum. Gil Moore's drums thrash, Mike Levine's bass punches and Rik Emmett's guitars shred -- the track has everything a fan of the era's hard rock could want. The first part of the guitar solo is notable for Moore singing over it, something that was rarely done on Triumph tracks, and the second part of it builds up speed and totally screams at its apex. After a final verse and chorus, we get a thrilling coda with Emmett popping crunchy riffs while Moore bellows "control ... control ... control," which builds into one final frenzied guitar-and-voice dual wail, and a final declaration of "taking control!"

The song imagines that, instead of countries with military might taking control of the world, the "allied forces" of rock and roll have. Had the Rolling Stone writer who accused Triumph of being fascists actually listened to the song (a stipulation that I do not grant), then they missed the line "strategic weapons are something we DON'T need." Indeed, the song addresses how society doesn't give young people what they need and makes them frustrated -- a theme hit upon by any number of Rolling Stone's critical darlings.

Youth culture in overdrive
And mass frustration
Too much, too little, too late
Class alienation
Denim armies working
Consolidate the might
War games, maneuvers
Rehearsals in the night

On the album, "Allied Forces" has a lead-in called "Air Raid," a sound-effects track notable for being the only Triumph composition solely credited to Levine. This YouTube file combines them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HAUCbMD95w

"Allied Forces" is one of the few non-early Triumph songs known to have debuted in concert before being released on an album (its first documented appearance is February 1981, 6 months before its release as a single and 7 months before its release on an album), and it never left the setlist once it first appeared (it continued to be played after Emmett left and during the 2008 reunion shows), usually appearing in the first half of the show. Oddly, while it appears on the original vinyl version of the Stages live album, it was cut from the CD version, and for whatever reason, Spotify uses the CD version, so the Stages version of "Allied Forces" is missing from there as well. It is so identified with Triumph's live shows that Emmett has played it at his solo shows, even though it was a Moore vocal.

Despite its failure to chart, the band considers "Allied Forces" a "greatest hit" and it opens their most popular compilation album, Greatest Hits Remixed.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN1ghbBVNgo
Live version from Cleveland in 1981, aired on the King Biscuit Flower Hour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUyZSF9Gfx4
Live version from Baltimore in 1982, aired on MTV: https://youtu.be/gA-BAF_Zz6E?t=870 and with a reprise that closes the set: https://youtu.be/gA-BAF_Zz6E?t=3056
Live version from Ottawa in 1982: https://youtu.be/O2TLUhfbrm4?t=612
Live version from the US Festival in 1983: https://open.spotify.com/track/7tTV1pXTyEgoxCpvfZsfxN?si=c4c1afa5675e414a
Live version from Stages (recorded in San Diego per the intro): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvUzv9ruIY0
Live version from LA in 1985: https://youtu.be/2lHorImmLDw?t=1097
Live version from Montreal in 1985: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI-hsMQ6uu8
Live version from Detroit in 1986, aired on FM radio: https://youtu.be/JKuhMqVVXQE?t=609
Live version from Halifax in 1987, included on the A Night of Triumph DVD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtcJ4t5Us_I
Live version from Sweden Rock Festival in 2008: https://open.spotify.com/track/6JQ8GdpglOQRO2PIuUL1DW?si=c53ad325852244a5

At #9, another tribute to the power of rock and roll, and my highest-ranking song from Thunder Seven.

I know most of Triumph’s bigger US hits, but this was new for me. This was an awesome rocker!

 

[Yo Mama]

Overall, earned a passing grade of C- but I might have just been in a foul mood after a job interview yesterday where it went really well at first but then I fumbled in the last couple questions and it hit me afterwards. Not a huge deal, although I’d like the job I’m happy where I’m at and I know at least one other applicant is a great fit.

Keep your head up. I’m going through the same thing right now. My position was eliminated a couple months ago and my official term date is for next week.

I had an interview with a recruiter for an internal position last week where he spent the first half of the call trying to talk me out of applying for the position since it was a step down for me (explaining all the financial impacts that I was fully aware of), and then spent the second half telling me how I wasn’t qualified for the position (despite all my years of experience with the company doing similar work just with a different title).

Fortunately, something else came up this week to temporarily add a few months to my term date as a contractor until a full time position can be created for me.

It’s rough out there right now.

 

[Yo Mama]

Yes -- "Siberian Khatru" is one of their hardest rockers and has always been one of my favorites. It made for a good concert opener, as depicted on the Yessongs live album.

Yes -- "Shoot High Aim Low" has all kinds of interesting atmospherics. I could see this on a Peter Gabriel album.

Yes -- "I've Seen All Good People" is deservedly one of their most successful and legendary tracks. Pretty much everything good about prog is encapuslated here.

Always appreciate your comments and insights on the songs, Pip. Your commentary is always better than what I come up with.

 

[Eephus]

We went out last night to see Wishy, a three-guitar shoegazey band from Indianapolis whose debut album is one of my favorites of 2024. They did one cover in their set, a version of "Shiny Happy People" delivered unironically without any silly dances or hand claps--just a song they loved from (probably) before they were born that fit with their female/male singer lineup.

 

[titusbramble]

As I stated earlier in the thread, I do not recall what order I put everything in, so it is a bit surprising to see me only having put Fake Plastic Trees at 10*, but I guess that's just how deep Radiohead's selection of elite tracks is

 

[KarmaPolice]

I am a little behind in the artist playlist catchup, and way behind in the write-ups. My goal was to catch up before the top 10s and listen and comment to those 10 playlists. To put it briefly - this is yet another MAD31, so that means there is not an artist I don't find interesting and have found great songs and albums from all of them so far. Apologies for being shorter than usual, but here are the mostly new-to-me artists [new or just surface hits] that I did get to (going in playlist order) and the album I liked:

Ryan Star - great voice and some big, powerful songs. I listened to Angels + Animals last week, as a couple of those songs stuck out on the countdown.
Johnny Marr - I didn't know the name, but I have listened to some Smiths. The solo songs were great as well, so I listened to Call the Comet because I thought he looked like Colin Greenwood on the cover.
The Pretty Reckless - speaking of great voices. I mentioned to RW that Light Me Up gave me strong Alanis vibes (that is a positive), and was very surprised by Loud Love. Death By Rock and Roll was my listen here.
I think I forgot to mention Jeff Tweedy on my last round of artists. I had heard a couple Wilco albums before. The two from A.M. stood out on the playlist, so that was my listen.
Lindsey Stirling - I was a bit nervous, but I have really liked her stuff. In the surprise of the round, my daughter and I did research with Warmer in the Winter as we put up our tree. She added a couple to her playlist as well.
Annie Lennox - Echo the above thoughts, not something I thought I would like as much as I did. I was in an 80s mood and Love is a Stranger was a stand out for me, so I listened to Sweet Dreams.
Whitney Houston - with The Clash as one of the bigger surprises, mostly because of the one main hit. I like the chronological order here for something different too. I forgot how good So Emotional was, and was still in an 80s mood so I listened to Whitney.
Robyn - this has been a blast. Probalby the only song I new of hers was the Lego Movie one. I felt that Body Talk was one that was a big blind spot for me, so that is what I spun.
Fred Eaglesmith - 100% new as well. Y'all are wearing me down with some of the country twang. 6Volts was one of my favorite listens.
Ringo - similar to Whitney, my biases made me cautious here. I even watched a couple videos about his drumming to help me appreciate him a bit more. Never Without You and Write One For Me were fantastic, so I listened to Ringorama.
Big Room - I still am a bit confused what is going on here, but I love our playlist closers. I stopped listening on shuffle because I liked the endcap. I will take a suggestion from @zazale (or was it your kid?) as to an album to listen to.

By my count, that leaves me with Triumph, Tim Maia, and The Bee Gees. Quite the mix of artists there, but as I was going through, I think these 3 have a 100% hit rate with me, so I couldn't narrow down where to start. Looking forward to the top 10s for all the artists and digging into more albums, but especially from these 3 in this tier.

 

[KarmaPolice]

As I stated earlier in the thread, I do not recall what order I put everything in, so it is a bit surprising to see me only having put Fake Plastic Trees at 10*, but I guess that's just how deep Radiohead's selection of elite tracks is

Such a great tune. HERE is my favorite version of the song I've come across. One of my favorite's to see live as Jonny wails away....

ETA: now with an actual link.

 

[Mister CIA]

Fred Eaglesmith - 100% new as well. Y'all are wearing me down with some of the country twang. 6Volts was one of my favorite listens.

Sorry about the country but it's impossible to not include some when compiling a list of my favorite 31. There 1 left that's probably straight up country, and a couple country adjacent, and the rest roll up under the Americana/Canadiacana label.

6-Volts is probably my favorite, with two more to come. It plays like he finally struck the the chord he been searching for, and I'm at a point where I find inspiration in those who peak later in life.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Fred Eaglesmith - 100% new as well. Y'all are wearing me down with some of the country twang. 6Volts was one of my favorite listens.

Sorry about the country but it's impossible to not include some when compiling a list of my favorite 31. There 1 left that's probably straight up country, and a couple country adjacent, and the rest roll up under the Americana/Canadiacana label.

6-Volts is probably my favorite, with two more to come. It plays like he finally struck the the chord he been searching for, and I'm at a point where I find inspiration in those who peak later in life.

@Mister CIA - Sorry, I should have been more clear. I meant that in the sense that I am starting to find myself liking more and more. Chesney was pleasant surprise, Tweedy has some twang and I liked A.M. a lot. I am digging the songs. I should have said y'all are wearing down my biases against country twang. Good stuff.

 

[Mister CIA]

Fred Eaglesmith - 100% new as well. Y'all are wearing me down with some of the country twang. 6Volts was one of my favorite listens.

Sorry about the country but it's impossible to not include some when compiling a list of my favorite 31. There 1 left that's probably straight up country, and a couple country adjacent, and the rest roll up under the Americana/Canadiacana label.

6-Volts is probably my favorite, with two more to come. It plays like he finally struck the the chord he been searching for, and I'm at a point where I find inspiration in those who peak later in life.

@Mister CIA - Sorry, I should have been more clear. I meant that in the sense that I am starting to find myself liking more and more. Chesney was pleasant surprise, Tweedy has some twang and I liked A.M. a lot. I am digging the songs. I should have said y'all are wearing down my biases against country twang. Good stuff.

Ah, even better. I should queue Dwight Yoakum to complete the deal. I used to hate it, but once I moved away from home, I slowly started to hear my dad's music in a new light. We're talking the good stuff, Willie, Merle, Johnny, and of course the King, Bob Wills.

Because your a film buff and a music nerd, I meant to point out the Fred Eaglesmith album cover for Tamborine previously.

https://albumartexchange.com/covers/422397-tambourine

I want that hat.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I am 95% sure I have my wife talked into doing a 31. I know it will be a bit off before we do another artist MAD31, but I would like to stake claim for her on Dallas Green. I am guessing it will be all City and Colour, but I will word it like that just in case. They have gotten to Lord Huron status in our household. It's always been one of her favorites, and the music has gotten her through some bad times. I was on the periphery, but after seeing them live and listening to albums I have become a big fan as well.

 

[kupcho1]

Whitney Houston - with The Clash as one of the bigger surprises, mostly because of the one main hit

I've read this 6 times and still can't make heads or tails of it.

 

[Eephus]

I am 95% sure I have my wife talked into doing a 31. I know it will be a bit off before we do another artist MAD31, but I would like to stake claim for her on Dallas Green. I am guessing it will be all City and Colour, but I will word it like that just in case. They have gotten to Lord Huron status in our household. It's always been one of her favorites, and the music has gotten her through some bad times. I was on the periphery, but after seeing them live and listening to albums I have become a big fan as well.

The trade for Ryne Sandberg should definitely be in Dallas Green's top three.

 

[Eephus]

MADs adjacent longform article from Poker News about Steve Albini's long-running home game. @Zegras11 @krista4

Music Icon Steve Albini's Death Puts Fabled 20-Year Poker Home Game on Pause

The legendary music figure played in a weekly Chicago home game for two decades.

www.pokernews.com

 

[KarmaPolice]

Whitney Houston - with The Clash as one of the bigger surprises, mostly because of the one main hit

I've read this 6 times and still can't make heads or tails of it.

Both were artists I cringed a bit when I saw them posted because past bias. I have tried with The Clash before, and Whitney because of the famous song from The Bodyguard. That was a clunky way of saying both have been big surprises for me this round.

I should pay @Pip's Invitation to write my posts.

 

[Mister CIA]

Finally settled on my theme, if it's not too out of spec. Gonna do the most essential song by the 31 most essential Texas artists, or maybe the 31 most essential songs by Texas artists. Wait, I'll create the playlist first, and then come up with a theme. I'll make it a point to limit artists to one song.

Unless we're still selecting artists in the same style as we've been doing. In that case, I have dozens to chose from.

 

[Yambag]

I am a little behind in the artist playlist catchup, and way behind in the write-ups. My goal was to catch up before the top 10s and listen and comment to those 10 playlists. To put it briefly - this is yet another MAD31, so that means there is not an artist I don't find interesting and have found great songs and albums from all of them so far. Apologies for being shorter than usual, but here are the mostly new-to-me artists [new or just surface hits] that I did get to (going in playlist order) and the album I liked:

Ryan Star - great voice and some big, powerful songs. I listened to Angels + Animals last week, as a couple of those songs stuck out on the countdown.

Angels + Animals is probably the most "Ryan" sounding in that it blends styles from his first two albums (piano and rock), without big record label interference. If you are looking for a more straightforward rock album, 11:59 would be it as it has more commercial, catchy hooks and structure.

 

[Zegras11]

MADs adjacent longform article from Poker News about Steve Albini's long-running home game. @Zegras11 @krista4

Music Icon Steve Albini's Death Puts Fabled 20-Year Poker Home Game on Pause

The legendary music figure played in a weekly Chicago home game for two decades.

www.pokernews.com

"They soon graduated to mixed games, drawing slips of paper from a hat to choose what to play"


I so love this, being a mixed games player.

Article mentions a final table with Frankie O'Dell. Good friend and played with him Mon, Tue and Wed this week at the Wynn and Orleans.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I am 95% sure I have my wife talked into doing a 31. I know it will be a bit off before we do another artist MAD31, but I would like to stake claim for her on Dallas Green. I am guessing it will be all City and Colour, but I will word it like that just in case. They have gotten to Lord Huron status in our household. It's always been one of her favorites, and the music has gotten her through some bad times. I was on the periphery, but after seeing them live and listening to albums I have become a big fan as well.

The trade for Ryne Sandberg should definitely be in Dallas Green's top three.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Whitney Houston - with The Clash as one of the bigger surprises, mostly because of the one main hit

I've read this 6 times and still can't make heads or tails of it.

Both were artists I cringed a bit when I saw them posted because past bias. I have tried with The Clash before, and Whitney because of the famous song from The Bodyguard. That was a clunky way of saying both have been big surprises for me this round.

I should pay @Pip's Invitation to write my posts.

I’ll send you a bid if you want

As far as Triumph album, almost every diehard fan would rank Just a Game and Allied Forces 1-2 in some order. Just a Game is more diverse.

 

[zamboni]

I am 95% sure I have my wife talked into doing a 31. I know it will be a bit off before we do another artist MAD31, but I would like to stake claim for her on Dallas Green. I am guessing it will be all City and Colour, but I will word it like that just in case. They have gotten to Lord Huron status in our household. It's always been one of her favorites, and the music has gotten her through some bad times. I was on the periphery, but after seeing them live and listening to albums I have become a big fan as well.

The trade for Ryne Sandberg should definitely be in Dallas Green's top three.

Ryno is pretty sick battling cancer. Prayers up.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Whitney Houston - with The Clash as one of the bigger surprises, mostly because of the one main hit

I've read this 6 times and still can't make heads or tails of it.

Both were artists I cringed a bit when I saw them posted because past bias. I have tried with The Clash before, and Whitney because of the famous song from The Bodyguard. That was a clunky way of saying both have been big surprises for me this round.

I should pay @Pip's Invitation to write my posts.

I’ll send you a bid if you want

As far as Triumph album, almost every diehard fan would rank Just a Game and Allied Forces 1-2 in some order. Just a Game is more diverse.

I might need you for the next artist MAD31. I am going to want to get wordy, and that is not a good thing usually.

I will listen to one of those albums tonight or tomorrow.

 

[Mister CIA]

Gonna have to workshop my theme a little, else it could turn into "Here are 31 songs you've heard a thousand times." So, something, something Texas Music deep tracks.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Finally settled on my theme, if it's not too out of spec. Gonna do the most essential song by the 31 most essential Texas artists, or maybe the 31 most essential songs by Texas artists. Wait, I'll create the playlist first, and then come up with a theme. I'll make it a point to limit artists to one song.

Unless we're still selecting artists in the same style as we've been doing. In that case, I have dozens to chose from.

We will be grading your paper.

I have no idea how you pick one most essential ZZ song.

 

[Mister CIA]

Finally settled on my theme, if it's not too out of spec. Gonna do the most essential song by the 31 most essential Texas artists, or maybe the 31 most essential songs by Texas artists. Wait, I'll create the playlist first, and then come up with a theme. I'll make it a point to limit artists to one song.

Unless we're still selecting artists in the same style as we've been doing. In that case, I have dozens to chose from.

We will be grading your paper.

I have no idea how you pick one most essential ZZ song.

Spoiler

 

[KarmaPolice]

Finally settled on my theme, if it's not too out of spec. Gonna do the most essential song by the 31 most essential Texas artists, or maybe the 31 most essential songs by Texas artists. Wait, I'll create the playlist first, and then come up with a theme. I'll make it a point to limit artists to one song.

Unless we're still selecting artists in the same style as we've been doing. In that case, I have dozens to chose from.

We will be grading your paper.

I have no idea how you pick one most essential ZZ song.

I have 2 in mind.

 

[Yo Mama]

Finally settled on my theme, if it's not too out of spec. Gonna do the most essential song by the 31 most essential Texas artists, or maybe the 31 most essential songs by Texas artists. Wait, I'll create the playlist first, and then come up with a theme. I'll make it a point to limit artists to one song.

Unless we're still selecting artists in the same style as we've been doing. In that case, I have dozens to chose from.

We will be grading your paper.

I have no idea how you pick one most essential ZZ song.

I have 2 in mind.

I have one in mind for my theme too.

 

[krista4]

MADs adjacent longform article from Poker News about Steve Albini's long-running home game. @Zegras11 @krista4

Music Icon Steve Albini's Death Puts Fabled 20-Year Poker Home Game on Pause

The legendary music figure played in a weekly Chicago home game for two decades.

www.pokernews.com

So...we had a lot of discussion on this one, because OH was not named here despite being much more a part of the Tuesday poker game than some others, and despite being IN THE MIDDLE of several of the pictures. In fact, our good buddy EZ (aka "the bot") was rarely at the games, and Brandon, one of the people whom they interviewed for this, came to the game years after OH was there. The other interviewee, Andy, is someone I despise...but there you have it.

OH is part of a small group chat that includes Andy and Brandon (and used to include Steve), and yet he refuses to confront them about this. I would.

The Tuesday game is scheduled to start again next year, btw. We might be hosting it sometimes on our roofdeck.

 

[krista4]

EZ - The Bot - is the person who tried to hook OH and me up, before we met accidentally instead. BUT HE IS BARELY PART OF THE TUESDAY GAME.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Finally settled on my theme, if it's not too out of spec. Gonna do the most essential song by the 31 most essential Texas artists, or maybe the 31 most essential songs by Texas artists. Wait, I'll create the playlist first, and then come up with a theme. I'll make it a point to limit artists to one song.

Unless we're still selecting artists in the same style as we've been doing. In that case, I have dozens to chose from.

We will be grading your paper.

I have no idea how you pick one most essential ZZ song.

Spoiler

Smart ***.

But I like this one. Very nice.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

MADs adjacent longform article from Poker News about Steve Albini's long-running home game. @Zegras11 @krista4

Music Icon Steve Albini's Death Puts Fabled 20-Year Poker Home Game on Pause

The legendary music figure played in a weekly Chicago home game for two decades.

www.pokernews.com

So...we had a lot of discussion on this one, because OH was not named here despite being much more a part of the Tuesday poker game than some others, and despite being IN THE MIDDLE of several of the pictures. In fact, our good buddy EZ (aka "the bot") was rarely at the games, and Brandon, one of the people whom they interviewed for this, came to the game years after OH was there. The other interviewee, Andy, is someone I despise...but there you have it.

OH is part of a small group chat that includes Andy and Brandon (and used to include Steve), and yet he refuses to confront them about this. I would.

The Tuesday game is scheduled to start again next year, btw. We might be hosting it sometimes on our roofdeck.

I seem to recall a story of yours that mentioned dicksuckers or somesuch. Seems to apply here.

Oh, yeah. It was The World Series of the Aforementioned. Wankers.

 

[Mt. Man]

It’s not too surprising that that #10s were jam-packed with songs I enjoyed, given the heights we’re at and all. Still, this was a great playlist, one I might see about revisiting… if and when life allows such things.

Selected (and shuffled) Favorites:
Fanny (Be Tender With My Love) - Bee Gees
Betty - Fred Eaglesmith
The Christmas Dance - Ringo Starr
Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead
Kickstart My Heart - Motley Crue
Easy Money - Johnny Marr
4AM - Our Lady Peace
I’ve Seen All Good People: a. Your Move b. Good People - Yes. Full title for full appreciation!
Victory Dance - My Morning Jacket. One listen (that I remember) and I think I love this song.
One Moment in Time - Whitney Houston

Shuffle Adventures:
Some tough choices. I almost took the Bee Gees & Fred Eaglesmith, but kept that above. Instead let’s go with “Ends of the Earth” from Lord Huron, which feels like a song I’ve heard before, though I don’t know where. Built to Spill’s “Distopian Dream Girl” kept its vibe going, leading to a powerful combo