MAD - Artist - Round 4 - #1's have been posted (6 Viewers)

[Pip's Invitation]

Random thoughts on the #4s (that I started before and messed up):

• I had to have Lay it on the Line before, right? I am not confident, but there was an air of familiarity. Anyway, great song.

Raging Weasel took it in the Worldwide Countdown.

It also gets played on "classic rock" radio but I don't think you listen to that.

If you watched MTV between 1981 and 1983 or listened to FM rock radio in the '80s, you would have heard it then.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Thoughts on the #4s of artists I know well:

Yes -- "Starship Trooper" is a favorite of most Yes fans, including myself. The final instrumental section ("Wurm") is mind-melting.

Tweedy/Wilco -- "Misunderstood" is one of the titans from Being There. It's the first track on the album and it was a real trip putting that disc on in 1996, expecting to hear alt-country and getting this woozy, brooding sonic experiment.

My Morning Jacket -- "Dancefloors" is one of many high-quality songs on It Still Moves. The "who-oa"s from Jim James encapsulate his appeal as a vocalist as much as anything.

P-Funk -- "Maggot Brain" is one of the greatest guitar tracks in any genre.

Bee Gees -- "I Can't See Nobody" is one of their best pre-disco songs and should be better known than it is. The expressiveness of the vocals is exquisite.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I'd like to hear that playlist or at least check them out now, especially because of the bolded.

I’m making a Pandora list, but so far my favorite album has been back yards and abandoned motels

Back Roads and Abandoned Motels

The Jayhawks · Album · 2018 · 11 songs

open.spotify.com

I like their first two the best, but that’s one of their best newer releases.

 

[-OZ-]

I'd like to hear that playlist or at least check them out now, especially because of the bolded.

I’m making a Pandora list, but so far my favorite album has been back yards and abandoned motels

Back Roads and Abandoned Motels

The Jayhawks · Album · 2018 · 11 songs

open.spotify.com

I like their first two the best, but that’s one of their best newer releases.

Those two seem to have their best songs, I just like the feel of back yard overall better. So far anyway.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I finished my first Neil Diamond album a few days ago. Only 41 left to go!

That should take about a week, right?

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

I finished my first Neil Diamond album a few days ago. Only 41 left to go!

That should take about a week, right?

Oh, hell no. I know you were joking, but this took a turn. It led to rock dots. My umlaut list has now been updated.

I really didn't see that coming. And I'm only two albums in.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I finished my first Neil Diamond album a few days ago. Only 41 left to go!

That should take about a week, right?

Oh, hell no. I know you were joking, but this took a turn. It led to rock dots. My umlaut list has now been updated.

I really didn't see that coming. And I'm only two albums in.

I was, but i am also a psycho who just listened to 10 Maiden albums today, so i was only 1/2 joking.

 

[-OZ-]

I finished my first Neil Diamond album a few days ago. Only 41 left to go!

That should take about a week, right?

Oh, hell no. I know you were joking, but this took a turn. It led to rock dots. My umlaut list has now been updated.

I really didn't see that coming. And I'm only two albums in.

I was, but i am also a psycho who just listened to 10 Maiden albums today, so i was only 1/2 joking.

Dude. I’d need a pill at that point.

 

[Mt. Man]

I never listened to Quiet Riot or early Crue much. The ones I would go to bat for were Ratt, Dokken, and Cinderella. I had also considered all 3 a MAD31 option at one point.

You'll have a Long Cold Winter to figure it out, in case you Don't Know What You Got.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I never listened to Quiet Riot or early Crue much. The ones I would go to bat for were Ratt, Dokken, and Cinderella. I had also considered all 3 a MAD31 option at one point.

You'll have a Long Cold Winter to figure it out, in case you Don't Know What You Got.

Very true. I'd probably have time to get a nap and catch a Second Wind before finishing the playlist.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I finished my first Neil Diamond album a few days ago. Only 41 left to go!

That should take about a week, right?

Oh, hell no. I know you were joking, but this took a turn. It led to rock dots. My umlaut list has now been updated.

I really didn't see that coming. And I'm only two albums in.

I was, but i am also a psycho who just listened to 10 Maiden albums today, so i was only 1/2 joking.

Dude. I’d need a pill at that point.

Lol. What type of pill and for what?

 

[-OZ-]

I finished my first Neil Diamond album a few days ago. Only 41 left to go!

That should take about a week, right?

Oh, hell no. I know you were joking, but this took a turn. It led to rock dots. My umlaut list has now been updated.

I really didn't see that coming. And I'm only two albums in.

I was, but i am also a psycho who just listened to 10 Maiden albums today, so i was only 1/2 joking.

Dude. I’d need a pill at that point.

Lol. What type of pill and for what?

You aren’t amped up?

 

[KarmaPolice]

I finished my first Neil Diamond album a few days ago. Only 41 left to go!

That should take about a week, right?

Oh, hell no. I know you were joking, but this took a turn. It led to rock dots. My umlaut list has now been updated.

I really didn't see that coming. And I'm only two albums in.

I was, but i am also a psycho who just listened to 10 Maiden albums today, so i was only 1/2 joking.

Dude. I’d need a pill at that point.

Lol. What type of pill and for what?

You aren’t amped up?

Nah

 

[Zegras11]

3's PLAYLIST

The Walkmen	Scoresman	Heartbreaker Heartbreaker The Walkmen · Heaven · Song · 2012 open.spotify.com
The Clash	kupcho1	I'm So Bored with the U.S.A. I'm so Bored with the U.S.A. - Remastered The Clash · The Clash (Remastered) · Song · 1977 open.spotify.com
Ryan Star	Yambag	Don't Give Up Don't Give Up Ryan Star · Don't Give Up · Song · 2017 open.spotify.com
Yes	Yo Mama	And You And I And You and I Yes · Close to the Edge · Song · 1972 open.spotify.com
Built To Spill	The Dreaded Marco	Randy Described Eternity Randy Described Eternity Built To Spill · Perfect from Now On · Song · 1997 open.spotify.com
Johnny Marr	Eephus	The Smiths--The Headmaster Ritual The Headmaster Ritual - 2011 Remaster The Smiths · Meat Is Murder · Song · 1985 open.spotify.com
The Pretty Reckless	Raging Weasel	My Medicine My Medicine The Pretty Reckless · Light Me Up · Song · 2010 open.spotify.com
Jeff Tweedy	Dr. Octopus	California Stars California Stars Billy Bragg, Wilco · Mermaid Avenue · Song · 1998 open.spotify.com
Journey	KarmaPolice	To Play Some Music To Play Some Music Journey · Journey · Song · 1975 open.spotify.com
Lindsey Stirling	-oz-	Les Fees Les Fées Lindsey Stirling · Duality · Song · 2024 open.spotify.com
Triumph	Pip's Invitation	Hold On Hold On Triumph · Just A Game · Song · 1979 open.spotify.com
Our Lady Peace	MAC	Birdman - 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. www.youtube.com
Mötley Crüe	JWB	Public Enemy #1 Public Enemy #1 Mötley Crüe · Too Fast For Love (Deluxe Version) · Song · 1981 open.spotify.com
The Airborne Toxic Event	Zegras11	All I Ever Wanted All I Ever Wanted The Airborne Toxic Event, Calder Quartet · All At Once · Song · 2011 open.spotify.com
Annie Lennox	Mrs. Rannous	Here Comes the Rain Again Here Comes the Rain Again - Remastered Version Eurythmics, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart · Touch (Reissue - Deluxe Edition) · Song · 1983 open.spotify.com - 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. www.youtube.com
Whitney Houston	Charlie Steiner	I Look to You I Look to You Whitney Houston · I Look To You · Song · 2009 open.spotify.com
My Morning Jacket	landrys hat	One Big Holiday (Live Vol 3 Bonnaroo) One Big Holiday - Live My Morning Jacket · MMJ Live Vol. 3: Bonnaroo 2004 · Song · 2023 open.spotify.com
Robyn	John Maddens Lunchbox	U Should Know Better (featuring Snoop Dogg) - 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 U Should Know Better Robyn, Snoop Dogg · Body Talk Pt. 2 · Song · 2010 open.spotify.com
Tim Maia	Don Quixote	Réu Confesso - 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 Réu Confesso Tim Maia · Tim Maia 1973 · Song · 1973 open.spotify.com
Parliament Funkadelic	Uruk-Hai	Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker) Parliament - Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker) (youtube.com)
Lord Huron	KarmaPolice	When the Night Is Over When the Night is Over - Recorded at Spotify Studios NYC Lord Huron · Spotify Singles · Song · 2018 open.spotify.com
R.E.M.	Tuffnutt	Fall On Me - 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. www.youtube.com
Radiohead	Titusbramble	Paranoid Android Paranoid Android Radiohead · OK Computer · Song · 1997 open.spotify.com
Candlebox	Mt.Man	Cover Me Cover Me Candlebox · Candlebox · Song · 1993 open.spotify.com
Eddie Vedder	Tau837	Rearviewmirror - YouTube Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. www.youtube.com
The Bee Gees	zamboni	Nights On Broadway Nights On Broadway Bee Gees · Main Course · Song · 1975 open.spotify.com
Fred Eaglesmith	Mister CIA	Indiana Road - YouTube Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. www.youtube.com Indiana Road Fred Eaglesmith · Indiana Road · Song · 1987 open.spotify.com
Ringo Starr	krista4	It Don't Come Easy It Don't Come Easy Ringo Starr · Ringo · Song · 1973 open.spotify.com
Big Room/Deep Big Room	zazale	Kiss The Night Kiss The Night Futuristic Polar Bears, Justin Prime, K1LO · Kiss The Night · Song · 2021 open.spotify.com

 

[Charlie Steiner]

3. I Look to You (I Look to You, 2009)

The title track and first single from Whitney's last studio album was written by former "King of Pop-Soul"/current convicted felon R. Kelly and reached #70 on Billboard's Hot 100, #35 on the Dance Club Songs, #32 On the US Adult Contemporary, #21 on the Smooth Jazz Songs, #16 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, #14 on the Hot Gospel Songs and #2 on the Adult Hot R&B Songs charts, as well as winning the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Music Video.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Round 3 - Here Comes the Rain Again - The Eurythmics

Once again, Michael Kamen is responsible for the string arrangement. There is, of course, a video.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#3 - U Should Know Better - Robyn feat Snoop Dogg​

- 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

Producer - Klas Åhlund and Niggaracci
Writer - Klas Åhlund and Snoop Dogg
Chart Positions - Not released as a single, although it did see a Promo release in 2013 for some reason
Album - Body Talk Pt 2
Year - 2010
Collaborator History - The last time we will see the name Klas Åhlund. He appears 14 times on the list but an incredible 9 times in the top 12. But not the top 2. Snoop Dogg appeared earlier under Sexual Eruption, one of his tracks. This time he returns the favor on one of Robyns. The producer “Niggaracci” is a pseudonym for Snoop Dogg


Key Lyric -
Yo, I was there at Watergate
You know I rigged my gear got the ****ers on tape
They put the mic in the hand of the wrong MC
Even the CIA knows not to **** with me

Notes - The video is fascinating. They got a female lookalike to play Snoop and a young boy to play Robyn. The similarities are astounding. Robyn makes a guest appearance as the boys mum.

This features another bunch of absurd lyrical takes, that we have seen numerous times, this time Robyn doesnt earn a writing credit.
“Choppin' heads off with madame guillotine
Even the French know better than to **** with me”

“There'll be no more celibacy
Even the Vatican knows not to **** with me”

“And you know my style's revolutionary
Even the Russians know better than to **** with me”

“Mister B he wrote a letter to me
The FBI know better than to **** with me”

“They put the mic in the hand of the wrong MC
Even the CIA knows not to **** with me”

“Shoot mother****ers just on GP
LAPD know better than to **** with me”

“Now I declare most solemnly
The prince of darkness know better than to **** with me”

“I throw down and say "Whatever's gonna be, gonna be
The whole industry knows not to **** with me"

Next up - The last Max Martin track and its a cracker. All the hooks, bells and whistles are on this one. A smash hit for Robyn

 

[Yo Mama]

Round 3 - Here Comes the Rain Again - The Eurythmics

Once again, Michael Kamen is responsible for the string arrangement. There is, of course, a video.

This is my favorite Eurythmics song

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Round 3 - Here Comes the Rain Again - The Eurythmics

Once again, Michael Kamen is responsible for the string arrangement. There is, of course, a video.

This is my favorite Eurythmics song

I dont think mine will make the list

 

[Uruk-Hai]

#3 Parliament - "Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)"

I reckon, if you asked a random music fan to name a Parliament song, this is the one most would choose. It's their most famous, and the record that put them on the map (it was their first million-seller).

The second you hear that drum intro and Stingray Davis' bass vocals exhorting everyone to "Tear the roof off the sucker; tear the roof off the sucker; tear the roof off the mother, sucker" in rapid-fire succession, the game is on. There are really no verses in this song in any conventional sense, but there are like four different choruses The band is jamming hard, but the vocals make it. It's like some demented church choir singing like their lives depended on it.

Yesterday I tried to break down the elements more concisely than I have above, but that's a fool's game. What matters here is the record as a whole. It's Spector's Wall Of Sound on acid.

At #2, Bootsy really winds it up.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

3.

Song: California Stars
Artist: Wilco and Billy Bragg
Album: Mermaid Avenue
Year: 1998


I find California Stars to be one of the most captivating and beautiful Americana/Folk/Alt-Country pieces I’ve ever heard.

 

[Yambag]

3's PLAYLIST

Ryan Star

Yambag

Don't Give Up Don't Give Up Ryan Star · Don't Give Up · Song · 2017 open.spotify.com

This 2017 song is the last one Ryan released. It was also featured on the TV show The Fosters. From a 2022 interview:

What are your 5 things I wish someone told me when I first started and why:

“These are all cliches found on a soccer mom’s t-shirt or a coffee mug. But don’t be fooled or too cool to realize these cliches are truths.

Dream Big — Set your sights on something bigger than yourself.
Don’t give up — The only people who fail are those who don’t try.
Lead by example — Be a leader that others will want to follow.
Do unto others as you would want them to do to you.
Stay positive — Be a plus in a plus-minus world.”

 

[Yambag]

4's

Known: Clash, Crue, REM, Radiohead, Pearl Jam (top 5 for me)

Caught My Attention
Built to Spill: Liar
Johnny Marr: New Town Velocity
Triumph: Lay It On The Line
Airborne Toxic Event: Wishing Well
Lord Huron: Not Dead Yet
Ringo Star: Weight of the World

 

[Mt. Man]

Candlebox #3
Song: Cover Me
Album: Candlebox (1993)

(Official Video) Candlebox - Cover Me (Official Music Video)
(Youtube Version) Candlebox - Cover Me (studio version)
(Live Version) candlebox cover me
(Live acoustic version) Candlebox - Cover Me [Live In The Lounge]

People take and people steal, I have it for you
What I have is... What I fear, I fear it for you
You've got to cover me
'Cause I've been branded
A broken man
–
I used “Cover Me” as the title for Krista4’s cover countdown, even though this song obviously isn’t a cover and (thus) doesn't appear in that playlist. I even linked the official video in the first post of the conversation with krista4 about that particular countdown, with the assurance that I wasn’t asking if it was eligible. Foreshadowing? Apparently so. I hadn’t fully decided on Candlebox for M-AD #4 at that point (or perhaps any point before I absolutely had to make a decision...), but between this, occasionally listening to The Long Goodbye, and knowing that the last (?) few new songs from Candlebox were coming out later in the year, it definitely helped.

When I started my research, it was with the mental picture that “Cover Me” would be my #1. Depending on the day, it still is, but overall, I’m fine with it here. I can’t be surprised that things shuffle, after all. I’ll cover (ha?) that a bit more in my discussion of the #1. You get links above to both the video and the studio version for this, the latter of which doesn’t censor the song and keeps it at its original length. Plus a few live versions because I can.

Anyway, what can I say? We’re at #3, so I love every bit of this song. The general high energy, the groove, the lyrics that I sing along with partially (if not completely) every time. It’s a decently large part of what makes that debut album so spectacular, but also very much stands on its own.

—
Next on the countdown, since it’s #2, how often do I put it #1? Occasionally. Now and then. Intermittently.

 

[kupcho1]

The Clash

kupcho1

I'm So Bored with the U.S.A. I'm so Bored with the U.S.A. - Remastered The Clash · The Clash (Remastered) · Song · 1977 open.spotify.com

The last entry from the debut album, I'm So Bored with the U.S.A. is rife with dated references (e.g., Watergate tapes, Starsky, Kojak) but I find a lot of it still rings true

Yankee detectives
Are always on the TV
Because killers in America
Work seven days a week

I've seen it argued that this isn't an anti-American song, but rather an expression of being sick of American culture. I don't know, seems pretty anti-American to me, and yet I can't really find anything in the lyrics that isn't based in reality. But let's take them at their word, per songfacts:

The lyrics are a stinging diatribe about the exporting of American culture around the world either by force ("Yankee dollar talk to the dictators of the world, in fact it's giving orders an' they can't afford to miss a word"), or through media or subterfuge ("Yankee detectives are always on the TV, 'cause killers in America work seven days a week"), and advocate an attempt to reclaim culture from US dominance ("Never mind the stars and stripes, let's print the Watergate Tapes, I'll salute the New Wave, and I hope nobody escapes").

Move up Starsky
For the C.I.A.
Suck on Kojak
For the U.S.A.
Yankee soldier
He want to shoot some skag
He met it in Cambodia
But now he can't afford a bag

 

[Don Quixote]

Tim Maia

Don Quixote

Réu Confesso - 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 Réu Confesso Tim Maia · Tim Maia 1973 · Song · 1973 open.spotify.com

Réu Confesso is about lost love and regret, and asking for a second chance. Another one from his 1973 album, which I mentioned that I think has more songs on my list than any other album. Just a smooth combination of the soul and samba with the guitar, horns, and percussion.

Venho lhe dizer se algo andou errado Eu fui o culpado, rogo o seu perdão Venho lhe seguir, lhe pedir desculpas Foi por minha culpa a separação Devo admitir que sou réu confesso E por isso eu peço, peço pra voltar Longe de você já não sou mais nada Veja, é uma parada viver sem te ver

I've come to tell you that if something's gone wrong I was to blame, I apologize I come after you, to apologize to you The breakup was my fault I must admit I'm a convicted defendant And this is why I ask for a comeback Way away from you I'm really lost See, it's a struggle to live without seeing you

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I've fallen way behind but the last few rounds have had some of my favorites:

The Magnificent Seven - The Clash
Ice Storm - Lindsey Sterling
Long Distance Runaround - Yes
Live Wire - Motley Crue
Wind Of Change - Bee Gees
Lay It On The Line - Triumph
Shout At The Devil - Motley Crue
And You and I - Yes
The Headmaster Ritual - The Smiths
Hold On - Triumph
Give Up The Funk - Parliament
Nights On Broadway - Bee Gees
It Don't Come Easy - Ringo

 

[KarmaPolice]

#3: JOURNEY - TO PLAY SOME MUSIC

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

This is where the Journey love and adventure really took off. I was specifically looking for some 70s awesomeness for a MAD31, and to my surprise I found it here. There is another couple of bands I had been circling around at the same time (we will encounter one in the theme 31), but Journey was more of a surprise, and I loved that they had had the different eras and sounds to listen to and explore. The moment I knew I had something here is at the 2:18 mark or so when that synth drops + the solo rips off. Such a fun, awesome song that has been my favorite Pre-Perry track since that first listen. As much as I loved the 3 pre-Perry albums, it wasn't enough material to do a MAD31, so at #2 we get the song that solidified this being my group for round4.

Next: My real #1, and the song that showed up in my top 5 Spotify listens on the year.

 

[tuffnutt]

3.
Fall On Me- R.E.M
From Life’s Rich Pageant(1986)

The song was released as the first single from the band’s fourth album, Lifes Rich Pageant, in 1986. Over the years this song has been regarded as a high point in the band’s career. Strikingly beautiful, with so many intertwining melodies wrapping together to create something truly breathtaking.

“Fall On Me” was cited by Michael Stipe on the band’s MTV Unplugged performance in 1991 as “my favorite song in the R.E.M. catalog.” Who can argue with him? For me… this is peak early R.E.M.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

My #1s from Ringo and two other artists are in this round, as are songs that are in my top 5 for several other artists.

I’m traveling today so the Triumph write up won’t appear until tonight or tomorrow.

 

[krista4]

3. It Don't Come Easy (single from 1971)

Previously ranked #3 - prior write-up below

As we've learned in this countdown, I love me a good intra-Beatles post-Beatles collaboration! George was the producer for this song, and though only Ringo was credited with writing it, he later admitted that he and George wrote it together. Funny bit, to me at least, is that George suggested that the last verse be about God. Ringo: "No, mate." George: "OK, how about Hare Krishna." Ringo: "George...just no." George: "Peace?" Ringo: "Bingo!" The collaboration worked in the end, as this song hit #4 on both the US and UK charts.

George's production style on the song recalls that he had been working with Spector at this time (the released version was recorded in early 1970), as there's a lot going on here, including the heavy use of horns. At least 30 earlier and simpler, more acoustic versions had been recorded before George took over, with George Martin at the production helm instead, but Ringo decided to re-visit the song and go in another direction. I don't find George's Spectorization here unduly overwhelming and think altogether it has a nice sound. Love the drums fills and the backing vocals the most in this one, along with the overall positive feel to it. Unfortunately, despite being one of Ringo's most popular and beloved songs, I don't think it's one where his vocals sound good...at all. Still love the song, but that detracts significantly. If you'd like to get an idea of what it would sound like with a different vocal, check out this guide vocal version George put together sometimes during the recording sessions.

 

[MAC_32]

Eddie Vedder

Tau837

Rearviewmirror

Not just my #1 Pearl Jam cut, but my #1 from the grunge era. Pushed Abbruzzese so hard on the outro the clanging heard as the song ends was from him launching his drum sticks at the studio wall.

Saw things
So much clearer
Once you, once you
REEEAAAR VIEW MIIIRROOOOOOOR

 

[Uruk-Hai]

3. It Don't Come Easy (single from 1971)

Previously ranked #3 - prior write-up below

As we've learned in this countdown, I love me a good intra-Beatles post-Beatles collaboration! George was the producer for this song, and though only Ringo was credited with writing it, he later admitted that he and George wrote it together. Funny bit, to me at least, is that George suggested that the last verse be about God. Ringo: "No, mate." George: "OK, how about Hare Krishna." Ringo: "George...just no." George: "Peace?" Ringo: "Bingo!" The collaboration worked in the end, as this song hit #4 on both the US and UK charts.

George's production style on the song recalls that he had been working with Spector at this time (the released version was recorded in early 1970), as there's a lot going on here, including the heavy use of horns. At least 30 earlier and simpler, more acoustic versions had been recorded before George took over, with George Martin at the production helm instead, but Ringo decided to re-visit the song and go in another direction. I don't find George's Spectorization here unduly overwhelming and think altogether it has a nice sound. Love the drums fills and the backing vocals the most in this one, along with the overall positive feel to it. Unfortunately, despite being one of Ringo's most popular and beloved songs, I don't think it's one where his vocals sound good...at all. Still love the song, but that detracts significantly. If you'd like to get an idea of what it would sound like with a different vocal, check out this guide vocal version George put together sometimes during the recording sessions.

My favorite Ringo song and one of my favorite songs - period - from the early '70s. I just love the dynamic of the whole thing. That guitar line is :chef'skiss:

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Eddie Vedder

Tau837

Rearviewmirror

Not just my #1 Pearl Jam cut, but my #1 from the grunge era. Pushed Abbruzzese so hard on the outro the clanging heard as the song ends was from him launching his drum sticks at the studio wall.

Saw things
So much clearer
Once you, once you
REEEAAAR VIEW MIIIRROOOOOOOR

Agree.

 

[Yo Mama]

Yes #3 - And You And I
Album - Close to the Edge (1972)

This song has such a different feel than most of their other Prog powerhouses. It’s an almost folksy love song with their typical precision and complexity, but with an added restraint that gives more pop to the stronger moments and adds to the overall atmosphere of the song.

It’s just a beautiful from start to finish.

 

[Mister CIA]

Indiana Road

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

Thought about saving this for #1, because who doesn't love 8+ minutes of shoegazing alt-country. Now there's a 31-song theme that needs to happen.

Lots of great live performances of this song on youtube that kick a little more. Here's one I like (wish the quality was a little better, but maybe that's part of the attraction).

- 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

 

[Yambag]

3's

Known: Eurythmics, REM, Radiohead, Candlebox, Pearl Jam

Caught My Attention
Walkmen: Heartbreaker
Wilco: California Stars
Our Lady Peace: The Birdman
Airborne Toxic Event: All I Every Wanted
My Morning Jacket: One Big Holiday
Robyn: U Should Know Better
Bee Gees: Night on Broadway
Ringo Starr: It Don't Come Easy

 

[krista4]

3.

Song: California Stars
Artist: Wilco and Billy Bragg
Album: Mermaid Avenue
Year: 1998


I find California Stars to be one of the most captivating and beautiful Americana/Folk/Alt-Country pieces I’ve ever heard.

I knew you loved this one and it would make your list, and I'm excited to see how high on the list it ranked.

At my "wedding reception," 3-4 auction items were to let the winners sit on stage on a couch with Jeff as he sang a song of their choice. These went for $6500-10,000 IIRC (a bargain compared to having Jeff come to your house to perform, which went for around $40,000). In one case, the winning bidder requested him to do California Stars. The musical highlight of the night for me!

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I went to a holiday festival at the Wonder Bar last Saturday night - all local bands - and the first act was a young woman named “Robin” when she left the stage the emcee remarked “international recording star ‘Robyn’ everyone…”.

I got that reference.

 

[Tau837]

Eddie Vedder

Tau837

Rearviewmirror - YouTube Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. www.youtube.com

"Rearviewmirror" is a seminal track by Pearl Jam, featured on their second studio album, "Vs." (1993). Written primarily by Eddie, the song is a powerful and emotionally charged anthem that delves into themes of escape, self-liberation, and reflection. It is often celebrated for its cathartic intensity, dynamic structure, and deeply personal lyrics.

This is one of the first songs Eddie wrote on guitar, making it a personal and pivotal moment in his songwriting evolution. It was also the first time he played guitar on a Pearl Jam recording. The lyrics stem from Eddie's own experiences and struggles, particularly his desire to break free from toxic and oppressive situations, both in personal relationships and life in general. The song is often interpreted as a metaphor for gaining perspective and leaving behind something negative or harmful. It symbolizes the moment when you’ve overcome a difficult situation and can finally look back at it with clarity.

Eddie said this about the song:

We start off with the music and it kinds of propels the lyrics. It made me feel like I was in a car, leaving something, a bad situation. There's an emotion there. I remembered all the times I wanted to leave...

The intensity of the song mirrors the emotional release that comes with escaping difficult situations. The song builds gradually, starting with a repetitive and hypnotic riff before exploding into a climactic outro. This structure mirrors the emotional journey of frustration, realization, and release. Stone Gossard and Mike McCready deliver intricate and layered guitar parts, with Gossard's driving rhythm and McCready’s soaring leads creating a sense of urgency. Jeff Ament’s bass line is tight and propulsive, while Dave Abbruzzese’s drumming intensifies the track, especially during the chaotic crescendo. Eddie's vocal performance is raw and passionate, conveying a wide range of emotions—from simmering anger to triumphant release.

"Rearviewmirror" is considered one of Pearl Jam’s most iconic songs, both for its studio version and as a live staple. It encapsulates the spirit of Vs., which is widely regarded as one of the band’s most impactful albums. It has become a live powerhouse, with the band often extending the outro into an explosive jam session. Its energy and emotional weight make it a highlight of their concerts.

Pearl Jam has played this song live in concert 472 times. Here are a couple performances 30 years apart:

Saturday Night Live (1994)
The Forum (2024)

 

[tuffnutt]

Eddie Vedder

Tau837

Rearviewmirror

Not just my #1 Pearl Jam cut, but my #1 from the grunge era. Pushed Abbruzzese so hard on the outro the clanging heard as the song ends was from him launching his drum sticks at the studio wall.

Saw things
So much clearer
Once you, once you
REEEAAAR VIEW MIIIRROOOOOOOR

My number 1 PJ as well

 

[Pip's Invitation]

3. Hold On
Album: Just a Game (1979)
Writer: Rik Emmett
Lead vocals: Rik Emmett
Chart History: US Hot 100 #38, Canada #33
Video?: Yes
Lyrical category: Inspirational/hockey coach

"Hold On," the first single from Just a Game, holds several distinctions in Triumph's history. It was their first song to gain significant airplay in the U.S., it was their first of two songs to hit the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (the other is "Somebody's Out There," which I ranked #14), it was their first song to have its length cut in hopes of gaining radio play, and it was the first song in the "inspirational/hockey coach" lyrical category, which played a large role in the personal connection many fans felt with the band's songs.

Rik Emmett began writing the song by singing open vowels over a set of chord changes, which morphed into singing "hold on" over them.

"So now I was going to say, "Okay, so the song's going to be called 'Hold On.' What am I going to hold on for? Well, I'm going to hold on to my dreams." Then the lyrics grew backwards out of the hook," he told Songfacts in 2021.

“I would look at people going apeshit at our concerts and think: ‘What are we offering them?’ If we’re going to be called Triumph, we need to give them some inspiration, something positive. When I wrote 'Hold On' it was like: ‘Okay, maybe this is why I’m doing this. Maybe I can write songs that make people feel better about themselves'," he told Louder in July 2024.

"Hold On," which I first discovered when its video was in rotation in the early days of MTV, may be the most majestic and beautiful song in the band's catalog. A lovely 15-second acoustic-guitar-and-synths passage (which Emmett says was inspired by Elton John's "Your Song") begins the song, and then Emmett starts to deliver one of his most expressive vocals. At the end of the first verse, an electric guitar line is overlaid and some gorgeous harmonies kick in.

Music holds the secret,
To know it can make you whole
It's not just a game of notes,
It's the sounds inside your soul
The magic of the melody
Runs through you like a stream
The notes that play flow through your head
Like a dream
(Like a dream)
Like a dream

The second verse is similar but the guitar playing becomes more insistent and its ends with Emmett hitting one of the highest notes he'd ever hit, signaling that things were really about to kick into gear.

I sing this song for the common man
For the people in despair
I bring my song into the world
And I sing it everywhere
The simple truth lies waiting here
For everyone to share
So hold on, and I will take you there
Hold on and I will take you there

Emmett says that the first two verses are derived from a poem he wrote in high school. "I would bring these songs to rehearsal and the guys would say, 'Rik, they're like folk songs, they're like Neil Young,' Emmett said on Behind the Vinyl. "I would say, 'no, no, no, that's just the start, then it's going to pick up.'"

As the notes of "therrrrrre" fade out, the acoustic guitar plays a driving rhythm and we get cymbal fills from Gil Moore and bass fills from Mike Levine. For people listening on AM radio, this is where the song began, as RCA cut the 6-minute album track into a 3-minute single. The electric guitar comes in with a jangly passage that wouldn't sound out of place on a Boston record (speaking of which, there exists a Youtube video with an Emmett interview in which he says he turned down offers to join Boston and Damn Yankees). The vocal on the third verse is more emphatic and Moore's drums dance in between the guitar lines with wonderful fills. (Emmett said he loved the drums on this track but Moore hated them "because he liked drums to be big and ambient but I liked them more tighter and controlled.")

The daily routine takes your soul,
Lost without a trace
It hold you down and turns you 'round
And puts you in your place
Another day, another dollar
Another pretty face
Another chance to lose yourself
In the endless race

And then we get to the Big Chorus, which was not the band's first (see #11, "Bringing It on Home") but was its most impactful one up to that point.

Hold on, hold on to your dreams
Hold on, even though it seems
Everyone around you has their little schemes
Listen to your heart and hold on (hold on)
To your dreams

Out of this comes Emmett's first guitar solo, which, to continue with the Boston comparisons, sounds a bit like some of the passages from "Peace of Mind" to my ears.

The fourth verse builds on this momentum with a boatload of exuberance and enthusiasm, and is the first of what would become many instances of the band extolling the magical effect that music can have on listeners.

Can't you feel the magic
Feel it everywhere
Can't you hear the music
There's something in the air
There's a celebration
Deep within a song
Celebrate this feeling,
You know it can't be wrong

The chorus is then repeated several times while Emmett throws in some gorgeous guitar runs in between lyrics, after which the song takes a staccato turn for the bridge. Moore's fills are particularly excellent here and Emmett plays what he calls "Steve Cropper licks".

Caught up in routine,
You got to break it
Time won't wait for us,
We got to make it
Fate gives you the chance
You've got to take it
Take it

The second "take it" leads into what you think is going to be a Grand Finish with power chords and tom-tom whacks, but then the band takes another left turn as everything settles down and then builds back up with cymbal flourishes, bass fills and some guitar lines that are much funkier than what you would normally hear in a song marketed to AOR stations (Emmett called it "the disco breakdown"), which in turn leads into multiple different guitar tracks ringing out majestically (Emmett says this was achieved using a technique called "wire choirs" or "guitarmonies".) This was the first sign that the band was capable of making music that was, well, triumphant. As this portion reaches its climax, the band moves into a thrilling coda with Emmett soloing his heart out in between the "hold ons."

The 3-minute single version pushed to AM radio cuts out the first two verses and the fourth one, as well as part of the instrumental passage after the bridge and before the coda. In other words, we get a LOT of chorus over 3 minutes, which makes sense when it's as strong as this one is. But the song is best appreciated in its long form, and appears that way on compilation albums.

You would think the band's first top 40 hit, a song beloved by most of its fans, would be a staple of live sets, but it was not, probably because the multiple guitar tracks featured throughout the song made it difficult to replicate with three people. It has about one-fifth the amount of documented live performances as "Lay It on the Line," the other big song from Just a Game. It appeared at most shows on the Just a Game tour and then surfaced periodically between 1981 and 1985, sometimes being played as a solo acoustic performance by Emmett (one of these versions appears on the Stages live album). After 1985 it appeared just twice, at one of those crazy-setlist Toronto shows in 1988 and at the Rocklahoma festival in 2008, at which the band employed a second guitarist, Dave Dunlop, who has worked with Emmett on various of his post-Triumph projects. It has also appeared at some of Emmett's solo shows, with the fourth verse coming after the bridge instead of before: "If I could go back, I would rearrange the structure of this."

In the Worldwide Countdown, "Hold On" was taken by Simsarge at #6 and was in Mrs. Rannous' Last 5 Out.

Video (leotard alert; uses the single edit): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhmtefhPkAc
The single edit on vinyl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3qhYAz9iPE
Live version from Chicago in 1979, aired on the Studio Jam program on FM radio (this is the only full-band live version available online, and it follows the single version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKjci8ZAU7E
Live version from Stages (Rik Emmett solo acoustic): https://open.spotify.com/track/7pFa0zVhiG2VUm2b1CmNy6?si=83c241e28caf4c55

Rik Emmett discusses "Hold On" -- and his leotards! -- for Behind the Vinyl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csmN0YvN2ME

"Hold On" is my highest-ranking song from Just a Game, which means my top two are both from Allied Forces. At #2, a song that is probably the spiritual successor to "Hold On" and which features the band capturing the very intense feelings that the more vulnerable members of their fanbase experienced.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Round 3 - Here Comes the Rain Again - The Eurythmics

Once again, Michael Kamen is responsible for the string arrangement. There is, of course, a video.

This is my favorite Eurythmics song

I dont think mine will make the list

Unless it's really famous, I guess not. So what is it? Maybe I missed one.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Round 3 was lots of fun. My standouts are Lindsey, Triumph, ATE, MMJ, Robyn, Parliament, and Lord Huron. Especially Robyn.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Round 3 - Here Comes the Rain Again - The Eurythmics

Once again, Michael Kamen is responsible for the string arrangement. There is, of course, a video.

This is my favorite Eurythmics song

I dont think mine will make the list

Unless it's really famous, I guess not. So what is it? Maybe I missed one.

If its one of the top 2 I am going to sound like an idiot.
So will wait for them to be revealed.
But Ive looked across the internet at best Annie Lennox/Eurythmics lists. Some running as deep as 47 and it didn't appear anywhere.
It did make the Billboard top 40, one of 14 tracks from Annie/Eurythmics to do so.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Round 3 - Here Comes the Rain Again - The Eurythmics

Once again, Michael Kamen is responsible for the string arrangement. There is, of course, a video.

This is my favorite Eurythmics song

I dont think mine will make the list

Unless it's really famous, I guess not. So what is it? Maybe I missed one.

If its one of the top 2 I am going to sound like an idiot.
So will wait for them to be revealed.
But Ive looked across the internet at best Annie Lennox/Eurythmics lists. Some running as deep as 47 and it didn't appear anywhere.
It did make the Billboard top 40, one of 14 tracks from Annie/Eurythmics to do so.

I don't really pay any attention to chart positions when I do this stuff. But both of the remaining songs did chart. Let me know.

 

[Mister CIA]

Chart? No idea what y'all are talking about.

 

[zamboni]

The Bee Gees

zamboni

Nights On Broadway Nights On Broadway Bee Gees · Main Course · Song · 1975 open.spotify.com

The leadoff to the great Main Course album, and the second released single (after "Jive Talkin'), ultimately reaching #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Starts with a jazzy, piano opening (Blue Weaver again shining throughout), with Barry and trading Robin solo portions on the verses, then blending into the terrific harmonies on the chorus. Most memorable is the slowed-down bridge and, by most accounts, the first time Barry used his trademark falsetto. As Wiki explains: "Producer Arif Mardin asked if one of the Bee Gees members could do some screaming during the main chorus to make the song more exciting. In response, Barry Gibb began singing higher and higher, eventually singing it in a falsetto that was unexpectedly powerful. He had never known he had such an ability and Barry's falsetto became a trademark of the Bee Gees."

 

[Uruk-Hai]

The Bee Gees

zamboni

Nights On Broadway Nights On Broadway Bee Gees · Main Course · Song · 1975 open.spotify.com

The leadoff to the great Main Course album, and the second released single (after "Jive Talkin'), ultimately reaching #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Starts with a jazzy, piano opening (Blue Weaver again shining throughout), with Barry and trading Robin solo portions on the verses, then blending into the terrific harmonies on the chorus. Most memorable is the slowed-down bridge and, by most accounts, the first time Barry used his trademark falsetto. As Wiki explains: "Producer Arif Mardin asked if one of the Bee Gees members could do some screaming during the main chorus to make the song more exciting. In response, Barry Gibb began singing higher and higher, eventually singing it in a falsetto that was unexpectedly powerful. He had never known he had such an ability and Barry's falsetto became a trademark of the Bee Gees."

This is a terrific record. It's big and dramatic, which I'm a sucker for if done well. It reminds me of the best Who songs in its dynamics.

 

[zamboni]

The Bee Gees

zamboni

Nights On Broadway Nights On Broadway Bee Gees · Main Course · Song · 1975 open.spotify.com

The leadoff to the great Main Course album, and the second released single (after "Jive Talkin'), ultimately reaching #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Starts with a jazzy, piano opening (Blue Weaver again shining throughout), with Barry and trading Robin solo portions on the verses, then blending into the terrific harmonies on the chorus. Most memorable is the slowed-down bridge and, by most accounts, the first time Barry used his trademark falsetto. As Wiki explains: "Producer Arif Mardin asked if one of the Bee Gees members could do some screaming during the main chorus to make the song more exciting. In response, Barry Gibb began singing higher and higher, eventually singing it in a falsetto that was unexpectedly powerful. He had never known he had such an ability and Barry's falsetto became a trademark of the Bee Gees."

This is a terrific record. It's big and dramatic, which I'm a sucker for if done well. It reminds me of the best Who songs in its dynamics.

Agreed. I've droned on about keyboardist Blue Weaver, who will remain prominent again in the last two on the list, but I never truly appreciated his work behind the scenes until I did my research for this list and watched their recent documentary.

Bonus clip of 1975 live performance on The Midnight Special (ETA: Maurice doing the falsetto at the end here).