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

[Don Quixote]

Don Quixote – Afrobeat

Heaven (Spotify) - Ebo Taylor (Ghana)

For me anyway, this playlist has good lead on the others if they were racing for my favor.

Glad you are enjoying, and glad I made the switch from my initial thought of TV theme songs. I feel much happier bringing the songs of Ebo Taylor to light than, I don’t know, ranking Welcome Back, Kotter versus the Golden Girls theme or whatever.

 

[falguy]

Raging weasel – name-checking Beatles or their songs

When – Shania Twain

YOu've used almost as many Canadian artists as I have!

 

[falguy]

falguy – songs by 31 different Canadian artists

Make a Good Man (Wanna Be Bad) - Anthony Gomes

I know I said I would not write too many write-ups. Well here is one I have created since I suspect nobody has heard of this guy so wanted to provide a bit of detail.

Anthony Gomes is a Canadian Blues/Rock musician from Toronto. He is currently based out of St. Louis, I believe, and plays all around the midwest area - Missouri,Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, etc. He also travels around the states - hes been to Florida, for sure, and is currently playing gigs in the UK. I first saw him in 2018 in London, ON and was blown away by his voice, playing and presence. Saw him again just before the pandemic in London and then on 2022 went to see him at the Token Lounge in Michigan. He puts on a fantastic show.

He's very active on Facebook and seems to be playing all the time. His latest release, High Voltage Blues was on the Billboard Blues Chart for 55 weeks and 14th best selling Blues album for 2024

I kind of wish I selected a different song for the list as Make a Good Man (Wanna Be bad) doesn't highlight his guitar playing as well as some others. I can see why some may be put off by his voice but I love it.
If you enjoyed that at all, check out these for more examples:


https://youtu.be/4sCe_ii9BXM
The Whiskey Made me Do it

https://youtu.be/lZ52Rm3osfk
Come Down

https://youtu.be/L1HG0ewoNBQ
Hell and Half of Georgia


if you like these at all, and you see he comes to your area, it's a guaranteed to be a good time and won't break the bank.

 

[El Floppo]

Psychedelic Furs: No Easy Street

this is my favorite of theirs, so I love seeing it here. meant to mention that last round.

 

[Raging weasel]

Raging weasel – name-checking Beatles or their songs

When – Shania Twain

YOu've used almost as many Canadian artists as I have!

Have at least 3 more but they start in the the teens.

 

[zamboni]

Raging weasel – name-checking Beatles or their songs

When – Shania Twain

YOu've used almost as many Canadian artists as I have!

Have at least 3 more but they start in the the teens.

:reported:

 

[Chaos34]

Psychedelic Furs: No Easy Street

this is my favorite of theirs, so I love seeing it here. meant to mention that last round.

I've said it before, if you ask me, Richard Butler is the voice that most represents the 80s. Soon as he starts singing, doesn't matter which song, I'm transported.

 

[El Floppo]

El Floppo – Mallet Rock

Spices - The Hold Steady

movign out of the 80s and into the 20s. From their album "Open Door Policy".

tbh, I'm not sure which instrument they used- I think maybe Vibraphone or Glock (metal) rather than something wood (marimba)- but you can hear it as the song builds, used here in a more orchestral way as part of the larger instrumentation rather than as a stand alone playing a theme or adding tonal percussive highlights.

 

[kupcho1]

Artist connection to Chicago (1-5 scale): 1 - ZZ Top is as Chicago as a rodeo.
Song connection to Chicago (1-10 scale): 3 - It's not much about Chicago at all, since Jesus just left there, but the line about going from Chicago to NOLA, "turning muddy water into wine" earned it an extra point or two for its semi-veiled reference to the Chicago bluesman.
Total: 4

Tip o' the cap to the connection shtick. Quality stuff.

 

[El Floppo]

Psychedelic Furs: No Easy Street

this is my favorite of theirs, so I love seeing it here. meant to mention that last round.

I've said it before, if you ask me, Richard Butler is the voice that most represents the 80s. Soon as he starts singing, doesn't matter which song, I'm transported.

I lived in Milan for a few months in 88... used to go to the park at the "castello" to hang with friends on the weekends. for May day, they had bands playing, including the Furs. there were about 10 of us there total, outdoors midday to watch them on a tiny riser in the courtyard of the castello. I felt horrible for all of them, but they still put on an all-out show. IIRC, he'd put masks on- reagan, gorilla, hitler... or I could've been really, really high. likely both.

 

[Zegras11]

Der Kommissar - 7" Version

After The Fire · Der Kommissar · Song · 1982

open.spotify.com

A huge KROQ staple back in the day.

"Der Kommissar" (German: [deːɐ̯ kɔmɪˈsaːɐ̯]; "The Commissioner") is a song recorded by Austrian artist Falco in 1981. The song was written by Robert Ponger and Falco. It reached the top of the charts in many European countries. An English translated cover version by the group After the Fire in 1982 had greater success in other countries.


Zwei, drei, vier, one, two, three, it's easy to see
But it's not that I don't care, so
'Cause I hear it all the time, but they never let you know
On the TV and the radio (cha!)
She was young, her heart was pure, but every night is bright she got
She said, "sugar is sweet", she come a-rappin' to the beat
Then I knew that she was hot
She was singin'
Don't turn around, oh oh oh
(Ja, ja) Der Kommissar's in town, whoa oh oh
You're in his eye and you'll know why
The more you live, the faster you will die
Alles klar, Herr Kommissar?
She said, "Babe, you know I miss Jill and Joe
And all my funky friends"
But my street understanding was just enough to know what she really meant
And I got to thinking while she was talking
That I know she told the story
Of those special places that she goes
When she rides with the others in the subway singin'
Don't turn around, oh oh oh
(Ja ja) Der Kommissar's in town, whoa oh oh
And if he talks to you and you don't know why
You say your life is gonna make you die
Alles klar, Herr Kommissar?
Well, we meet Jill and Joe and brother Herr with the whole cool gang and, oh
They're rappin' here, they're rappin' there, but she's climbin' on the wall
It's a clear case, Herr Kommissar
'Cause all the children know
They're all slidin' down into the valley
They're all slipping on the same snow
Hear the children
Don't turn around, oh oh oh
(Ja ja) Der Kommissar's in town, whoa oh oh
He's got the power and you're so weak
And your frustration will not let you speak
La, la, la, la, la, la
Don't turn around, oh oh oh
(Ja ja) Der Kommissar's in town, whoa oh oh
And if he talks to you, then you'll know why
The more you live, the faster you will die
Don't turn around, oh oh oh
(Ja ja) Der Kommissar's in town, whoa oh oh
Don't turn around, oh oh oh
(Ja ja) Der Kommissar's in town, whoa oh oh
(Alles klar, Herr Kommissar?)
Don't turn around, oh oh oh
(Ja ja) Der Kommissar's in town, whoa oh oh
Don't turn around, oh oh oh
(Ja ja) Der Kommissar's in town, whoa oh oh
Don't turn around, oh oh oh
(Ja ja) Der Kommissar's in town, whoa oh oh
Don't turn around, oh oh oh
(Ja ja) Der Kommissar's in town, whoa oh oh

 

[El Floppo]

So just a hi-fi ramble becaus

Psychedelic Furs: No Easy Street

this is my favorite of theirs, so I love seeing it here. meant to mention that last round.

I've said it before, if you ask me, Richard Butler is the voice that most represents the 80s. Soon as he starts singing, doesn't matter which song, I'm transported.

I lived in Milan for a few months in 88... used to go to the park at the "castello" to hang with friends on the weekends. for May day, they had bands playing, including the Furs. there were about 10 of us there total, outdoors midday to watch them on a tiny riser in the courtyard of the castello. I felt horrible for all of them, but they still put on an all-out show. IIRC, he'd put masks on- reagan, gorilla, hitler... or I could've been really, really high. likely both.

You can the boy out of Chico but you can't take Chico out of the boy

I was canned alright.

 

[Chaos34]

Chesney was a nice farewell to the 29s. Autoplay defaults to The International Submarine Band. Made me chuckle then I shut her down.

 

[zamboni]

An English translated cover version by the group After the Fire in 1982 had greater success in other countries.

I'm probably one of the relatively few people that actually saw After the Fire in concert. Opened for Van Halen on their 1982 Diver Down tour.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Songs in D Minor​

29 - Queen - I’m Going Slightly Mad​

- YouTube

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

m.youtube.com

Lyric - I'm knitting with only one needle
Unravelling fast, it's true
I'm driving only three wheels these days
But my dear, how about you?

Source - https://singingcarrots.com/song?song=queen-i-m-going-slightly-mad
https://acousticbrainz.org/27fd84a2-daf6-4ecf-81ad-fdfb52a668ae?n=68

Sadness Quotient - 9/11
Comment - Recorded with humor, but Mercury admitted it was about his mental decline as he struggled with the AIDS that killed him. The video shows his rapid decline as well. Musically its not that sad, but in the grand scheme of things so very sad.

Next Up - A powerful female vocalist lets rip.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Batman​

29 - The Boxer Rebellion - Losing You​

- YouTube

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

m.youtube.com

Relevant Lyric - I'm done, I'm done with losing everyone
And I'm done with losing you
I'm done, I'm done with losing everyone
And I'm done with losing you
This is it for me

Batman Vibe Score - 3/10

Where to Find - Batman: Arkham City – The Album - Video Game 2011

Quick Hit Comment - Theres nothing special about this Boxer Rebellion song. It was one of their B Sides. But it was better than a lot of the other songs that qualified

Next Up - We go rap. British style

 

[-OZ-]

-OZ- - song / music moments from the Marvel cinematic universe

Robot Rock - Daft Punk

From a scene that would later have other implications, Goldstein drops a fat beat - I would have used the mix, but you can’t beat the lyrical genius here.

Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock
Rock, robot rock

“many critics found the song overly repetitive when compared to songs from their other studio albums at the time.”

There were many other options from the IM franchise but I just wanted a daft punk song in the countdown.

Next up - we’ll go back to back with another iron man, a bit more thrilling.

 

[Tau837]

Not many guesses after the last one, which isn't really surprising. I told you this would be difficult! Someone will get it eventually.

Selections:

31. If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next - Manic Street Preachers

30. Hear The Drummer Get Wicked - Chad Jackson

29. Pick Up The Pieces - Average White Band



Incorrect guesses:

Songs that give advice

Bands That Have Never Been in My Kitchen

Songs by artists who have headlined Glastonbury

Songs featuring the Mellotron

Fear mongering

Song titles that could be part of geometry proofs

Bands who have a member whose first or last name is a James Bond reference

Bands with family members

Songs that reference a location in another country

Songs that have nine or more words in the title

Songs that mention famous streets

Bands who had a member mysteriously disappear, get declared dead, but no body has ever been found

Songs that reference footballguys user names

Songs without a guitar

Guesses:

• Songs about resilience in the face of adversity
• Songs about the importance of progress

 

[El Floppo]

Queen was my first ever big-boy concert... So a was a big fan growing.

I've never heard that tune.

 

[Chaos34]

Guesses:

• Songs about resilience in the face of adversity
• Songs about the importance of progress

Songs to make people overthink and speculate about an imaginary theme that doesn't really exist

 

[El Floppo]

So strange... Even though I know the tune really well, when it started in the context of this playlist I couldn't place that amazing Daft Punk tune for the first 30 seconds at least. Like hearing it for the first time.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

jack johnson should always be followed by danzig to remind me to make coffee

Just hit this. This draft sure doesn't lack for color contrast. It's oddly awesome.

I especially love the dig at Lerner and Loewe in the Rodgers and Hart song. Nothing like hundred-year-old burn to warm up the morning cup of joe.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Not many guesses after the last one, which isn't really surprising. I told you this would be difficult! Someone will get it eventually.

Selections:

31. If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next - Manic Street Preachers

30. Hear The Drummer Get Wicked - Chad Jackson

29. Pick Up The Pieces - Average White Band



Incorrect guesses:

Songs that give advice

Bands That Have Never Been in My Kitchen

Songs by artists who have headlined Glastonbury

Songs featuring the Mellotron

Fear mongering

Song titles that could be part of geometry proofs

Bands who have a member whose first or last name is a James Bond reference

Bands with family members

Songs that reference a location in another country

Songs that have nine or more words in the title

Songs that mention famous streets

Bands who had a member mysteriously disappear, get declared dead, but no body has ever been found

Songs that reference footballguys user names

Songs without a guitar

You don't have my guess from last time on this list. Please confirm it is wrong before I guess again.

Songs and guesses for contest. Yes, I included even the "joke" guesses, for completeness.

Selections:

31. If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next - Manic Street Preachers

30. Hear The Drummer Get Wicked - Chad Jackson



Incorrect guesses:

Songs that give advice

Bands That Have Never Been in My Kitchen

Songs by artists who have headlined Glastonbury

Songs featuring the Mellotron

Fear mongering

Song titles that could be part of geometry proofs

Bands who have a member whose first or last name is a James Bond reference

Bands with family members

Songs that reference a location in another country

Songs that have nine or more words in the title

Songs that mention famous streets

Bands who had a member mysteriously disappear, get declared dead, but no body has ever been found

Song titles that are commands.

 

[Don Quixote]

@krista4 I had an incorrect guess last time too of first two words of song titles in order of lyrics from The Youngbloods’ Get Together.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Peter Buck gets some added exposure today.

 

[El Floppo]

29 has been fantastic... Nice work everybody!

 

[Pip's Invitation]

rockaction - Songs that state the genre they’re in

Doctor Rock - Motörhead

Ladies and gentlemen, in the interest of the embodiment of all things dirty, edgy, and sped-up about rock music, I give you Motörhead.

Pay me
Pay me
I ain't no Doctor of Philosophy

One of my favorite bands also has a song by this name.

 

[rockaction]

rockaction - Songs that state the genre they’re in

Doctor Rock - Motörhead

Ladies and gentlemen, in the interest of the embodiment of all things dirty, edgy, and sped-up about rock music, I give you Motörhead.

Pay me
Pay me
I ain't no Doctor of Philosophy

One of my favorite bands also has a song by this name.

It was considered, actually. It’s a cool song.

eta* I've sat and listened to Ween in the time since we've conversed on this board. They're definitely an interesting band. Some of it I get, some of it I don't. They're unique. I think I read their Spotify bio, which IIRC, is pretty long and involved. I had God Ween Satan as a teenager. It was a little too far afield for me then, I think. I also remember "Push Th' Little Daisies," which would get stuck in my head every so often.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

rockaction - Songs that state the genre they’re in

Doctor Rock - Motörhead

Ladies and gentlemen, in the interest of the embodiment of all things dirty, edgy, and sped-up about rock music, I give you Motörhead.

Pay me
Pay me
I ain't no Doctor of Philosophy

OMG Umlauts!

 

[Pip's Invitation]

29. Smiling Wine
Artist: Great Speckled Bird
Album: Great Speckled Bird (1969)
Todd's role(s): producer
Writer(s): Sylvia Tyson

The song: "Smiling Wine" is a lively song on a folk record that is otherwise kind of a snooze. The song fuses blues, country and folk and boasts a memorable melody and an insistent rhythm. We get a strong vocal from Sylvia Tyson and guitarist Amos Garrett and steel guitarist Buddy Cage shine in their spotlighted sections. This was not a challenging production, but the results are crisp and clear.

The album: This is one of two records whose Wikipedia page credits as the first to be produced by Rundgren. Judging by release dates and recording locations, I suspect this one was released first but the other one, The American Dream's self-titled album (#30 on my list), was recorded first.

Great Speckled Bird was a Canadian folk group with members who would go on to prominence after the band's split, including singers Ian and Sylvia Tyson, guitarist Garrett, drummer N.D. Smart and steel guitarist Cage. These days they are best known to American audiences for their appearance in the documentary Festival Express.

The band was one of several folk acts that made up the original rosters of the Ampex and Bearsville labels, and their self-titled debut album was the first one Todd Rundgren was put in charge of after he was hired by Albert Grossman to work on Ampex/Bearsville records.

To my ears, the album is pretty run-of-the-mill contemporary folk; the subsequent projects of the above-named musicians are more interesting to me.

You Might Also Like: Ian Tyson's vocal on "Rio Grande" answers the question of what Elvis would have sounded like if he'd been a folksinger: https://open.spotify.com/track/48vlgQ7bs4MhekxFWczjEO?si=442eda9c40364766

At #28, a Rundgren composition sung by someone you would not expect.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

JMLs secret identity – songs in D#Minor, the saddest key of all

I'm Going Slightly Mad (Spotify) - Queen

The only problem with this is that I expect it to go immediately into "Headlong".

 

[rockaction]

OMG Umlauts!

I thought about that. I wondered if you'd be using Motörhead. I guess not. Anyway, the umlauts just make them even more metal than they already were, as if making Lemmy more metal was even possible.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Round 29 - Where Are Ü Now - Jack Ü

I reckon we can all see those umlauts. Jack Ü is an EDM outift featuring Skrillex and Diplo with the assistance of Justin Beiber in this song. (He wrote the original tune and lyrics. It's been altered a touch.)

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

OMG Umlauts!

I thought about that. I wondered if you'd be using Motörhead. I guess not. Anyway, the umlauts just make them even more metal than they already were, as if making Lemmy more metal was even possible.

Why? There are three REM songs in this round. Also a boatload of Canadians.

And I doubt you will see my selection coming.

 

[falguy]

Also a boatload of Canadians

in before the tariffs

 

[rockaction]

Why?

The "OMG umlauts!" seemed like you were surprised to see Motörhead in there with umlauts. But I was seriously having to read into it to deduce that.

And I doubt you wll see my selection coming.

Your selection from Motörhead? I very much look forward to it, if that's what you mean. If by "my selection" you mean selection in general, I'm also looking forward to it, Mrs. R.

Heh. I'm having trouble on the interpreting side today. English and logic is down on my end, apparently.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

#29: JEREMY ENIGK - MIND IDEA

I didn't know this connection to Carrie Brownstein until reading her memoir. They lived close by, so it was Jeremy who ended up teaching her a few cords on the guitar. Very distinct voice on Jeremy that anybody who had heard Sunny Day Real Estate probably recognizes here. I got introduced to Sunny Day from the FFA in one of our musical adventures or drafts a while ago and have been listening to their stuff since then. After reading that book, I dove into Jeremy's other projects and ended up liking a bit his solo stuff as well. Shuke has Sunny Day on the list, so like Sleater-Kinney I decided to go a little deeper here as well.

Recommended listening: anybody who hasn't, I would suggest to listen to Diary first (from Sunny Day Real Estate). That is a great 90s album, and then Ok Bear and World Waits were two that stuck out of his solo efforts.

Next: dipping back to the 70s with an artist I had never heard of who had a one-off album in 1970 but now has 2 more since 2014.

Liked this one.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Why?

The "OMG umlauts!" seemed like you were surprised to see Motörhead in there with umlauts. But I was seriously having to read into it to deduce that.

And I doubt you wll see my selection coming.

Your selection from Motörhead? I very much look forward to it, if that's what you mean. If by "my selection" you mean selection in general, I'm also looking forward to it, Mrs. R.

Heh. I'm having trouble on the interpreting side today. English and logic is down on my end, apparently.

This.

Try some of that caffeine that was mentioned above. Or some chocolate. Or chocolate-covered coffee beans.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Don Quixote – Afrobeat

Heaven (Spotify) - Ebo Taylor (Ghana)

I loved this song.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Don Quixote – Afrobeat

Heaven (Spotify) - Ebo Taylor (Ghana)

I loved this song.

There are just too many to call out.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Don Quixote – Afrobeat

Heaven (Spotify) - Ebo Taylor (Ghana)

I loved this song.

There are just too many to call out.

I’m not much past that song yet.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

higgins – Instrumentals with places in the title

Louisiana Swamp Swank - Steve Vai

I have no idea what this is, but I like it. Bet it sounds great on a good sound system.

 

[falguy]

Finished the 30's and had a number of songs to add to my favorites. Lots of female artists in this one

New to me
The Rain
Band of Gold
Boxcars - this reminded me of the True Blood theme. Similar sound, no?
The Way I Talk
Chicago Wind
ZZyzx

Who Knew - I like many P!nk tunes. This is one of my favorites. Love the sound of the snare. Just a simple thud.
Dirty White Boy - Haven't heard it for a long time but it still sounds good
Hearts - Haven't heard in FOREVER and didn't know the song by title
Holding Back the Years
Never Tear Us Apart
Middle of the Road - Drum intro is fantastic
Kiss from a Rose
Who Can it Be Now - Wore this album out back in the day

Plus a few others I didn't' mention that didn't quite make my "list"

Superb playlist

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

MAC_32 – Songs to play during (and after) a funeral

Born - Kenny Chesney

He is a good song writer. Very thoughtful.

 

[Ilov80s]

Theme: 31 Best Albums of 1984

29. Speed Your Love to Me by Simple Minds

Album: Sparkle in the Rain
Released: Feb 6

A transitional album as they adopted a stadium sized sound. Dubbed by some as U3, the listener can decide for themselves if that's a cutting insult at their lack of originality or simply an acknowledgement of a new broadly popular sound. For me, the bombastic Speed Your Love to Me is the standout track. I know this band will never be able to separate themslves from The Breakfast Club (at least not in the States) but to me, the song I've chosen here is my favorite of theirs. It didn't do much here but this was a top 20 hit in the UK where the band always seemed to have far greater success.

Speed Your Love To Me - Remastered 2002

Simple Minds · Sparkle In The Rain · Song · 1983

open.spotify.com

 

[titusbramble]

GTA #29 - Herbie Hancock - Rockit (Wildstyle, Vice City)

Flicking back between games now, and we go to the first of two selections off Wildstyle, appearing in a pirate radio style, so being one of the few stations in the series that doesn't have commercials for legendary products such as Thor's Personal Norse Power Program or Pet Stuffers. Hosted by IRL DJ Mr Magic, appearing as basically himself, Wildstyle plays a mix of old school hip hop and electro, and Rockit is the second selection in the 31 - a fairly well known scratch/electro instrumental that hit the top 10 widely across Europe and the top of the US dance charts. Possibly one that you might have heard but can't put the name to the track

 

[titusbramble]

accept the crystal cup. at the feast, beware the dwarf

 

[kupcho1]

Theme: 31 Best Albums of 1984

29 .Speed Your Love to Me by Simple Minds

I always preferred Waterfront (particularly the beginning), but the whole damn album is good.

 

[El Floppo]

Theme: 31 Best Albums of 1984

29 .Speed Your Love to Me by Simple Minds

I always preferred Waterfront (particularly the beginning), but the whole damn album is good.

Agreed. Waterfront is one of their best tunes... across any album of theirs.

But this one is solid top to bottom. Isn't there a VU cover in there too?

 

[Ilov80s]

Theme: 31 Best Albums of 1984

29 .Speed Your Love to Me by Simple Minds

I always preferred Waterfront (particularly the beginning), but the whole damn album is good.

Yeah it’s got a great start that sounds like The Doors to me. That would have been my second choice from the album.