Middle-aged Dummies are back and bursting at the "themes" to get going! Full theme ahead! (1 Viewer)

[Mrs. Rannous]

Eagles' music is fine with me (except for most of The Long Run, which is awful and joyless). My issue with them is their constant whining that rock critics didn't consider them on par with the Beatles. It got old really quickly. They never seemed to be having fun and the more they tried to be taken seriously, the harder they got to like. U2 leans this way for me, too, though I get that it's a "me" thing.

Nope.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

I think The Smashing Pumpkins are the only one listed so far that I feel I know well (besides my wife's selection), and even they still have material I haven't gotten to.

You are unfamiliar with Neil Diamond? Weird.

I have two picks ready for the one after this one.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

As I mentioned during this thread, still bummed I couldn't finish this theme, and I'm unsure how much I'll participate, but is there interest in me doing Sturgill Simpson?

Yes, please. I think he's brilliant.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I think The Smashing Pumpkins are the only one listed so far that I feel I know well (besides my wife's selection), and even they still have material I haven't gotten to.

You are unfamiliar with Neil Diamond? Weird.

I have two picks ready for the one after this one.

Sorry, forgot about you doing Neil. Similar to The Eagles or other artists from the past MAD31s - a handful of hits I know, but I haven't really listened to an album or dug deeper. Some artists have those one or two hits that I am good not hearing again even if I like them, and those seem to be artists that I don't seem to dig into on my own.

 

[rockaction]

I'd listen to that Bread song to have him around again.

Ooo. That's a steep hill. Bread just sucked.

Sacrifices were made.

Everything I Own

Bread · Baby I'm-a Want You · Song · 1972

open.spotify.com

Update: no wikkid

I call ******** on Bread.

 

[Mt. Man]

The #1s. A wider range of “selected”, to give more appreciation

Known Numbers:
So. Central Rain - REM
Spoonman - Soundgarden
(Don’t Fear) The Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult
I Was Made For Loving You - Kiss
Hello It’s Me - Todd Rundgren
Ball of Confusion - The Temptations
(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight - The Cutting Crew
I Melt With You - Modern English

Total Surprises:
Cranes In The Sky - Solange
The Devil’s Orchard- Opeth
Confidence Man - Jeff Healey
Atmosphere - Joy Division. Probably have heard this, but don’t remember it.
Dropping Some NYC - Blues Traveler
RIver Man - Brad Mehldau

 

[El Floppo]

I'm second guessing LCD. Not as big an output as I had in my mind...

 

[Don Quixote]

I'm second guessing LCD. Not as big an output as I had in my mind...

Would it help to expand to all of Murphy’s projects? Like his movie soundtracks?

 

[KarmaPolice]

I'm second guessing LCD. Not as big an output as I had in my mind...

I forget who suggested it upthread, but I also like the idea of a "mini-MAD" where we only go to 10-15 songs. Not saying you shouldn't do LCD, but I have crossed groups off my list that only have 3 or 4 albums. A short MAD like that would be great for these types of artists if others have had similar thoughts.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I'm second guessing LCD. Not as big an output as I had in my mind...

It looks like they have 10 albums which is 5 more albums than Golden Smog has.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I'm second guessing LCD. Not as big an output as I had in my mind...

It looks like they have 10 albums which is 5 more albums than Golden Smog has.

I think a few of those are live albums.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I've been surprised at how emotional my MAD journey has been this time. The music connected with me of course, but I was listening to a few interviews this morning at work and it started getting a bit dusty. Probably need to just listen to those at home.

 

[-OZ-]

I'm second guessing LCD. Not as big an output as I had in my mind...

I forget who suggested it upthread, but I also like the idea of a "mini-MAD" where we only go to 10-15 songs. Not saying you shouldn't do LCD, but I have crossed groups off my list that only have 3 or 4 albums. A short MAD like that would be great for these types of artists if others have had similar thoughts.

My artist has 5 albums. But they’re (real and they’re) spectacular.

A mini would get me to do brothers Osborne and/or whiskey Myers.

 

[Eephus]

I'm second guessing LCD. Not as big an output as I had in my mind...

I forget who suggested it upthread, but I also like the idea of a "mini-MAD" where we only go to 10-15 songs. Not saying you shouldn't do LCD, but I have crossed groups off my list that only have 3 or 4 albums. A short MAD like that would be great for these types of artists if others have had similar thoughts.

I thought about doing a 16 song set for MADs #4 and sitting out the first half of the countdown but I figured I'd miss too much

 

[Don Quixote]

I'm second guessing LCD. Not as big an output as I had in my mind...

I forget who suggested it upthread, but I also like the idea of a "mini-MAD" where we only go to 10-15 songs. Not saying you shouldn't do LCD, but I have crossed groups off my list that only have 3 or 4 albums. A short MAD like that would be great for these types of artists if others have had similar thoughts.

I think that could be interesting some time. Not this upcoming round because already working on the 31 for the next one, but I definitely have some artists with more limited collections that thought about, but petered out after a dozen or so songs.

 

[El Floppo]

I'm second guessing LCD. Not as big an output as I had in my mind...

It looks like they have 10 albums which is 5 more albums than Golden Smog has.

4 albums. 1 45min single-track jogging companion "album" for Nike that has bits and pieces of tunes from the next album in it.

Not saying I can't get 31 songs I like on there... I can (including a couple singles and stuff off other recording sessions). But I was thinking I'd be struggling to pare down 50+ tracks, not struggling just to get to 31 tracks. Also wasn't and won't be considering live tracks.

I'll keep listening and give it a think.

I have another band (obvious for those of you who know my musical tastes) in mind that has more stuff out.

 

[kupcho1]

I like the mini-MAD concept as well. Was there ever a reason you settled on 31?

 

[krista4]

I like the mini-MAD concept as well. Was there ever a reason you settled on 31?

The first countdown was by Dr. O and had nothing to do with this site - he was posting the results of something he did with a few friends. They chose 31 because they were doing one every day for a month that had 31 days. Then I stole that from him for the M-aD countdowns. Then Zegras stole it from me for his artist countdowns.

 

[rockaction]

I've been surprised at how emotional my MAD journey has been this time. The music connected with me of course, but I was listening to a few interviews this morning at work and it started getting a bit dusty. Probably need to just listen to those at home.

Probably exacerbated by Double K’s death at a relatively young age.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I've been surprised at how emotional my MAD journey has been this time. The music connected with me of course, but I was listening to a few interviews this morning at work and it started getting a bit dusty. Probably need to just listen to those at home.

Probably exacerbated by Double K’s death at a relatively young age.

Spoiler alert!!

PM incoming...

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Some artists have those one or two hits that I am good not hearing again even if I like them

Not doing "Sweet Caroline". Nope. You can't make me.

 

[zamboni]

Some artists have those one or two hits that I am good not hearing again even if I like them

Not doing "Sweet Caroline". Nope. You can't make me.

No issue with that as an anti-Red Sox guy. Any generic top 31 Neil countdown would obviously have it prominently listed, but it's your 31 and I respect that.

 

[-OZ-]

Some artists have those one or two hits that I am good not hearing again even if I like them

Not doing "Sweet Caroline". Nope. You can't make me.

My wife doesn’t like diamond, but really dislikes when I belt out the lyrics to my favorite ND song

Don't know that I will
But until I can find me
A girl who'll stay and
Won't play games behind me
And I'll be what I am
A solitary man
Solitary man!!!

 

[zamboni]

Some artists have those one or two hits that I am good not hearing again even if I like them

Not doing "Sweet Caroline". Nope. You can't make me.

My wife doesn’t like diamond, but really dislikes when I belt out the lyrics to my favorite ND song

Don't know that I will
But until I can find me
A girl who'll stay and
Won't play games behind me
And I'll be what I am
A solitary man
Solitary man!!!

Better than being compared by your wife with a chair:

I am, I said
To no one there
And no one heard at all
Not even the chair

 

[KarmaPolice]

Some artists have those one or two hits that I am good not hearing again even if I like them

Not doing "Sweet Caroline". Nope. You can't make me.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Some artists have those one or two hits that I am good not hearing again even if I like them

Not doing "Sweet Caroline". Nope. You can't make me.

No issue with that as an anti-Red Sox guy. Any generic top 31 Neil countdown would obviously have it prominently listed, but it's your 31 and I respect that.

Why would we want a generic countdown? He has 38 songs on the top ten charts. Kind of want to hear some other stuff, too. We occasionally get complaints about hearing a song too much. This has got to be one of the poster children for that.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Some artists have those one or two hits that I am good not hearing again even if I like them

Not doing "Sweet Caroline". Nope. You can't make me.

No issue with that as an anti-Red Sox guy. Any generic top 31 Neil countdown would obviously have it prominently listed, but it's your 31 and I respect that.

Why would we want a generic countdown? He has 38 songs on the top ten charts. Kind of want to hear some other stuff, too. We occasionally get complaints about hearing a song too much. This has got to be one of the poster children for that.

To be fair, most of that is probably from me.

Joking aside I just want people to do the songs they love and want to talk about. If that is Sweet Caroline, so be it. Seems like you have similar feelings about it as I do though.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Joking aside I just want people to do the songs they love and want to talk about. If that is Sweet Caroline, so be it. Seems like you have similar feelings about it as I do though.

I quite liked it until it became a sports anthem. I have no idea how that happened. It's such an unlikely one. But the "bom bom bom" kills it for me.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Joking aside I just want people to do the songs they love and want to talk about. If that is Sweet Caroline, so be it. Seems like you have similar feelings about it as I do though.

I quite liked it until it became a sports anthem. I have no idea how that happened. It's such an unlikely one. But the "bom bom bom" kills it for me.

It's a good song. It's certainly not his fault that a bunch of bandwagon fans (are there any other kind in Boston?) with pink baseball hats ruined it for everyone else.

 

[-OZ-]

But the "bom bom bom" kills it for me.

Not the “so good so good”?

 

[simey]

Joking aside I just want people to do the songs they love and want to talk about. If that is Sweet Caroline, so be it. Seems like you have similar feelings about it as I do though.

I quite liked it until it became a sports anthem. I have no idea how that happened. It's such an unlikely one. But the "bom bom bom" kills it for me.

It's a good song. It's certainly not his fault that a bunch of bandwagon fans (are there any other kind in Boston?) with pink baseball hats ruined it for everyone else.

I reckon I should be thankful I haven't been exposed to the fan version much, so it hasn't ruined the song for me. I think it's a great song. I saw Neil live back in the late 90s, and I don't recall the crowd chanting that stuff when he played it at the concert, but it could have happened and I tuned it out. He was a great entertainer. A few weeks ago, my sister got my parents tickets to see the Neil Diamond touring show A Beautiful Noise, and they said it was fantastic.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

But the "bom bom bom" kills it for me.

Not the “so good so good”?

Both of these are abominations. It was a good song before it got Boston frat-boyed.

 

[rockaction]

But the "bom bom bom" kills it for me.

Not the “so good so good”?

Both of these are abominations. It was a good song before it got Boston frat-boyed.

Wrong sex there, fella.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I think The Smashing Pumpkins are the only one listed so far that I feel I know well (besides my wife's selection), and even they still have material I haven't gotten to.

You are unfamiliar with Neil Diamond? Weird.

I have two picks ready for the one after this one.

Whoa, we doing this already? I have a clear front runner for myself as well. When we calling our shots, Mrs. R?

 

[MAC_32]

Joking aside I just want people to do the songs they love and want to talk about. If that is Sweet Caroline, so be it. Seems like you have similar feelings about it as I do though.

I quite liked it until it became a sports anthem. I have no idea how that happened. It's such an unlikely one. But the "bom bom bom" kills it for me.

It's a good song. It's certainly not his fault that a bunch of bandwagon fans (are there any other kind in Boston?) with pink baseball hats ruined it for everyone else.

I reckon I should be thankful I haven't been exposed to the fan version much, so it hasn't ruined the song for me. I think it's a great song. I saw Neil live back in the late 90s, and I don't recall the crowd chanting that stuff when he played it at the concert, but it could have happened and I tuned it out. He was a great entertainer. A few weeks ago, my sister got my parents tickets to see the Neil Diamond touring show A Beautiful Noise, and they said it was fantastic.

My wife has season tickets to the Broadway series in town, she said Beautiful Noise was the best show she's seen since Come From Away

 

[zamboni]

Joking aside I just want people to do the songs they love and want to talk about. If that is Sweet Caroline, so be it. Seems like you have similar feelings about it as I do though.

I quite liked it until it became a sports anthem. I have no idea how that happened. It's such an unlikely one. But the "bom bom bom" kills it for me.

It's a good song. It's certainly not his fault that a bunch of bandwagon fans (are there any other kind in Boston?) with pink baseball hats ruined it for everyone else.

I reckon I should be thankful I haven't been exposed to the fan version much, so it hasn't ruined the song for me. I think it's a great song. I saw Neil live back in the late 90s, and I don't recall the crowd chanting that stuff when he played it at the concert, but it could have happened and I tuned it out. He was a great entertainer. A few weeks ago, my sister got my parents tickets to see the Neil Diamond touring show A Beautiful Noise, and they said it was fantastic.

My wife has season tickets to the Broadway series in town, she said Beautiful Noise was the best show she's seen since Come From Away

Beautiful Noise was indeed a great show. Right up there with Carole King’s similarly titled Beautiful.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

We dont have to be too cool for school, Sweet Caroline seems like it should be in a Neil Diamond top 31 list.
Its a wonderfully crafted pop song that has survived in the mainstream for 50 plus years. A rare feat.

Just cause its overplayed doesnt mean the song itself isnt a good one.

Not my list and while i respect Mr Diamonds songwriting chops, i understand he is a divisive artist.

Be like me getting all out of whack and not ranking Sittin on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding cause everyone knows it. I mean it wont be my number one, but it will be high.

 

[Zegras11]

Hi Guys, been busy past few days. I should be able to create new form tomorrow.

 

[-OZ-]

We dont have to be too cool for school, Sweet Caroline seems like it should be in a Neil Diamond top 31 list.
Its a wonderfully crafted pop song that has survived in the mainstream for 50 plus years. A rare feat.

Just cause its overplayed doesnt mean the song itself isnt a good one.

Not my list and while i respect Mr Diamonds songwriting chops, i understand he is a divisive artist.

Be like me getting all out of whack and not ranking Sittin on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding cause everyone knows it. I mean it wont be my number one, but it will be high.

This is one advantage of going with an artist with extremely limited success in the US.

 

[kupcho1]

Hi Guys, been busy past few days. I should be able to create new form tomorrow.

No need to hurry. Didn't we just finish?

 

[Pip's Invitation]

We dont have to be too cool for school, Sweet Caroline seems like it should be in a Neil Diamond top 31 list.
Its a wonderfully crafted pop song that has survived in the mainstream for 50 plus years. A rare feat.

Just cause its overplayed doesnt mean the song itself isnt a good one.

Not my list and while i respect Mr Diamonds songwriting chops, i understand he is a divisive artist.

Be like me getting all out of whack and not ranking Sittin on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding cause everyone knows it. I mean it wont be my number one, but it will be high.

As a non-American you are lucky not to have been exposed to the obnoxious re-arrangement.

 

[Eephus]

Fela's son Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 are performing on the Coachella YouTube live stream Friday at 4:05 PM Coachella time.

Outdoor Theatre - Live from Coachella 2025

The official Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival livestream starts April 11 at 4pm PT. Set your reminders and tune in for both weekends: April 11-13 and...

www.youtube.com

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

We dont have to be too cool for school, Sweet Caroline seems like it should be in a Neil Diamond top 31 list.
Its a wonderfully crafted pop song that has survived in the mainstream for 50 plus years. A rare feat.

Just cause its overplayed doesnt mean the song itself isnt a good one.

Not my list and while i respect Mr Diamonds songwriting chops, i understand he is a divisive artist.

Be like me getting all out of whack and not ranking Sittin on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding cause everyone knows it. I mean it wont be my number one, but it will be high.

As a non-American you are lucky not to have been exposed to the obnoxious re-arrangement.

Definitely gone global

Is it like any of these?
Australian Race Track 2024 - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eoFMAX-ljfU&pp=ygUTc3dlZXQgY2Fyb2xpbmUgMjAyNA==
England fans during 2024 Euros - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-c-SWuoehUY&pp=ygUTc3dlZXQgY2Fyb2xpbmUgMjAyNA==
England fans before Euro finals 2021 - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d5s_SGIMoqY&pp=ygUWc3dlZXQgY2Fyb2xpbmUgZW5nbGFuZA==
Emma Radacanu after winning US Open 2021 - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b-FTb_0SC-U&pp=ygUVc3dlZXQgY2Fyb2xpbmUgdGVubmlz
German fans in Frankfurt - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OIwposbPZsw&pp=ygUVc3dlZXQgY2Fyb2xpbmUgZ2VybWFu
Umpire at Australian Open Tennis - https://m.youtube.com/shorts/9y0wZWgHR1Q
Aussie Rules - https://m.youtube.com/shorts/M0L8CSvVbKs
Queensland Players winning State of Origin dressing room celebration - https://m.youtube.com/shorts/t2VPaiVYgNE
Rugby World Cup in Japan 2021 - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WmdjdeFilDw&pp=ygUUc3dlZXQgY2Fyb2xpbmUgamFwYW4=

Its a moment of joy as fans young and old sing along

 

[KarmaPolice]

That last part is the key. My double irritation is i am naturally a non-participatory introvert. Overly played songs that are also met with social expectations of having to sing or dance along to said song are a rare thing. Your example of the Otis song is not in the same category of song, imo.

 

[Eephus]

Q

That last part is the key. My double irritation is i am naturally a non-participatory introvert. Overly played songs that are also met with social expectations of having to sing or dance along to said song are a rare thing. Your example of the Otis song is not in the same category of song, imo.

Please rise, remove your caps and whistle along to Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay

 

[Yo Mama]

Q

That last part is the key. My double irritation is i am naturally a non-participatory introvert. Overly played songs that are also met with social expectations of having to sing or dance along to said song are a rare thing. Your example of the Otis song is not in the same category of song, imo.

Please rise, remove your caps and whistle along to Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay

Everybody at the bar raises their drinks and sings at the top of their lungs: “WASTIN’ TIME!!!!”

 

[Eephus]

MADs adjacent album time
New album of the year from Bootsy Baby!!!111!!!

Album of the Year #1 Funkateer

Bootsy Collins · Album · 2025 · 18 songs

open.spotify.com

Some kind of Röyksopp mixtape

True Electric

Röyksopp · Album · 2025 · 38 songs

open.spotify.com

Single named lady of the week

WITH A VENGEANCE

SHERELLE · Album · 2025 · 10 songs

open.spotify.com

Irma Thomas w/ Galactic

Audience With the Queen

Galactic · Album · 2025 · 9 songs

open.spotify.com

Someone could find an interesting 31 from The Mars Volta, At the Drive In and Sparta

Lucro sucio; Los ojos del vacio

The Mars Volta · Album · 2025 · 18 songs

open.spotify.com

Someone else could find an interesting 31 from Bon Iver

SABLE, fABLE

Bon Iver · Album · 2025 · 13 songs

open.spotify.com

New albums from era defining one-hit wonders OK Go and Spin Doctors.

 

[Eephus]

Not an album but one is coming

Nothing I Need

Lord Huron · Single · 2025 · 1 songs

open.spotify.com

 

[Eephus]

Not gonna lie, my first spin was Bootsy but the rappers they got to collab with Bootsy weren't special. Then I saw there had been a new Masters of Reality record a couple of weeks back,

The Archer

Masters Of Reality · Album · 2025 · 9 songs

open.spotify.com

I don't think they're a 31 deep band but people would dig them if we ever do a top 15. IYKYK

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

I think The Smashing Pumpkins are the only one listed so far that I feel I know well (besides my wife's selection), and even they still have material I haven't gotten to.

You are unfamiliar with Neil Diamond? Weird.

I have two picks ready for the one after this one.

Whoa, we doing this already? I have a clear front runner for myself as well. When we calling our shots, Mrs. R?

No, we aren't. That's why I didn't say them out loud.