What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Middle-aged Dummies are back and bursting at the "themes" to get going! Full theme ahead! (2 Viewers)

kupcho1 said:
And that's a good thing, because it's a great song.
Click to expand...

I'm with James. I was surprised I picked up a habit once and I remember hearing this song and thinking the second verse was exactly what I was going through.

Won't you look down upon me Jesus
You've got to help me make a stand
You've just got to see me through another day

My body's aching and my time is at hand
And I won't make it any other way

I never knew that was about him until today. I always thought it was him writing it for me. :)
 
rockaction said:
18. Good Rocking Tonight - Wynonie Harris

@Uruk-Hai contributed a nice thought above and unrolled the history of the song in doing so. In so far as "rock n' roll" or "rocking" was a euphemism, this song attempted to embody that spirit in two minutes fifty seconds flat (sorry 'bout that). I picked Wynonie Harris because this is the first version I had heard growing up and because his brand of jump blues/rock n' roll was firmly rooted in the actual sounds that were going at the individual/creative person level rather than in the bigger, more calculated showbiz realm of things.
Click to expand...
I don't know about you, but it always felt to me like the band was like a team of stage coach horses that wanted to RUN! and Harris was holding them back on the reins by main strength.
 
DrIanMalcolm said:
I really really hope you don't have a personal anecdote for ALL of your songs. :(
Click to expand...
I didn't save my list because I wanted to prepare each of these write up's fresh, but if I remember right those with a personal tie-in were both heavily back-loaded and Lightning Crashes is probably the hardest hit. Now that This Too Shall Pass was unveiled I know I intentionally stacked it behind it, needed something to soften the blow.
 
Uruk-Hai said:
rockaction said:
18. Good Rocking Tonight - Wynonie Harris

@Uruk-Hai contributed a nice thought above and unrolled the history of the song in doing so. In so far as "rock n' roll" or "rocking" was a euphemism, this song attempted to embody that spirit in two minutes fifty seconds flat (sorry 'bout that). I picked Wynonie Harris because this is the first version I had heard growing up and because his brand of jump blues/rock n' roll was firmly rooted in the actual sounds that were going at the individual/creative person level rather than in the bigger, more calculated showbiz realm of things.
Click to expand...
I don't know about you, but it always felt to me like the band was like a team of stage coach horses that wanted to RUN! and Harris was holding them back on the reins by main strength.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's a pretty apt description now that I listen again with it in mind. Perhaps I should have gone with Roy Brown, but my jump blues collection on Rhino had Wynonie, so there she goes. If it makes your primal self feel better, I was going to go with "Rocket 88," but that wasn't enough of a euphemistic use to pass as a genre identified in the title. Upon further reflection, I botched not picking Joe Turner's "Shake, Rattle, and Roll." Perfect euphemism and has the "roll" part of rock n' roll. Oh man. Can we get a mulligan??!!

Bummer.
 
rockaction said:
Uruk-Hai said:
rockaction said:
18. Good Rocking Tonight - Wynonie Harris

@Uruk-Hai contributed a nice thought above and unrolled the history of the song in doing so. In so far as "rock n' roll" or "rocking" was a euphemism, this song attempted to embody that spirit in two minutes fifty seconds flat (sorry 'bout that). I picked Wynonie Harris because this is the first version I had heard growing up and because his brand of jump blues/rock n' roll was firmly rooted in the actual sounds that were going at the individual/creative person level rather than in the bigger, more calculated showbiz realm of things.
Click to expand...
I don't know about you, but it always felt to me like the band was like a team of stage coach horses that wanted to RUN! and Harris was holding them back on the reins by main strength.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's a pretty apt description now that I listen again with it in mind. Perhaps I should have gone with Roy Brown, but my jump blues collection on Rhino had Wynonie, so there she goes. If it makes your primal self feel better, I was going to go with "Rocket 88," but that wasn't enough of a euphemistic use to pass as a genre identified in the title. Upon further reflection, I botched not picking Joe Turner's "Shake, Rattle, and Roll." Perfect euphemism and has the "roll" part of rock n' roll. Oh man. Can we get a mulligan??!!

Bummer.
Click to expand...
Nah, you picked the correct version and the correct record.
 
Dr. Octopus said:
krista4 said:
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

28. Virtual Insanity – Jamiroquai

27. Another Chance - Roger Sanchez

26. Living On My Own - Freddie Mercury

25. Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top

24. Better Off Alone - Alice Deejay

23. Love Is The Drug - Roxy Music

22. By The Time I Get To Arizona - Public Enemy

21. I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry

20. Goddess On A Hiway - Mercury Rev

19. Dark Therapy – Echobelly

18. Run To You - Bryan Adams



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

Song titles that are commands

First two words of song titles in order of lyrics from The Youngbloods’ Get Together

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

31 songs that MADs submitted in prior MAD rounds, but judge disqualified because the submitting MAD failed to get the long-form birth certificate of all band members before submitting

Songs NOT produced by Todd Rundgren

Artists without umlauts

Songs Sam Rockwell has danced to in a movie

Songs about navigating and adapting to a constantly changing world

Songs credited to more than one songwriter

UK top ten singles

Singles released by UK artist/bands

31 British Isles Songs That Did Not Appear in the MAD British Isles Countdown

Non-guitar driven songs

Songs in 4/4 time

Broadway shows

Songs that all charted in the same six countries:
UK
Australia
Germany
France
Ireland
Netherlands

Songs under 5 minutes

Songs where artists let out excessive vocalizations of the “ahh,” “ooh,” “dee,” etc. variety

A break up and starting over

Things that will drive a bunch of middle aged dummies who are trying to find a pattern go crazy

Stages in Rustoluem’s marriage

Guinness World Records

Songs that can qualify for other people’s themes

Songs by people with facial hair

All songs use an instrument with keys

Songs that are the narrative arc of a divorce

Addiction

Songs with 125 BPM or more

Songs that sample other songs on the list

Songs representing different Nicholas Cage movies / characters

Songs

This is your life, Krista

Something to do with Tina Turner/abused women

Jimi Hendrix

Detailing Britney Spears’ descent into madness

Addiction ... to love

Songs in A Minor

The plot to Thelma and Louise

Kourtney Kardashian

Songs about a major change in someone's life

Midlife crisis

Songs with a subject you should see a therapist about

Mental illness
Click to expand...

The Ballad of @krista4 and OH?
Click to expand...
Christ, you know it ain’t easy…
 
krista4 said:
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

28. Virtual Insanity – Jamiroquai

27. Another Chance - Roger Sanchez

26. Living On My Own - Freddie Mercury

25. Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top

24. Better Off Alone - Alice Deejay

23. Love Is The Drug - Roxy Music

22. By The Time I Get To Arizona - Public Enemy

21. I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry

20. Goddess On A Hiway - Mercury Rev

19. Dark Therapy – Echobelly

18. Run To You - Bryan Adams



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

Song titles that are commands

First two words of song titles in order of lyrics from The Youngbloods’ Get Together

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

31 songs that MADs submitted in prior MAD rounds, but judge disqualified because the submitting MAD failed to get the long-form birth certificate of all band members before submitting

Songs NOT produced by Todd Rundgren

Artists without umlauts

Songs Sam Rockwell has danced to in a movie

Songs about navigating and adapting to a constantly changing world

Songs credited to more than one songwriter

UK top ten singles

Singles released by UK artist/bands

31 British Isles Songs That Did Not Appear in the MAD British Isles Countdown

Non-guitar driven songs

Songs in 4/4 time

Broadway shows

Songs that all charted in the same six countries:
UK
Australia
Germany
France
Ireland
Netherlands

Songs under 5 minutes

Songs where artists let out excessive vocalizations of the “ahh,” “ooh,” “dee,” etc. variety

A break up and starting over

Things that will drive a bunch of middle aged dummies who are trying to find a pattern go crazy

Stages in Rustoluem’s marriage

Guinness World Records

Songs that can qualify for other people’s themes

Songs by people with facial hair

All songs use an instrument with keys

Songs that are the narrative arc of a divorce

Addiction

Songs with 125 BPM or more

Songs that sample other songs on the list

Songs representing different Nicholas Cage movies / characters

Songs

This is your life, Krista

Something to do with Tina Turner/abused women

Jimi Hendrix

Detailing Britney Spears’ descent into madness

Addiction ... to love

Songs in A Minor

The plot to Thelma and Louise

Kourtney Kardashian

Songs about a major change in someone's life

Midlife crisis

Songs with a subject you should see a therapist about

Mental illness
Click to expand...

Songs about exploration of identity
 
krista4 said:
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

28. Virtual Insanity – Jamiroquai

27. Another Chance - Roger Sanchez

26. Living On My Own - Freddie Mercury

25. Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top

24. Better Off Alone - Alice Deejay

23. Love Is The Drug - Roxy Music

22. By The Time I Get To Arizona - Public Enemy

21. I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry

20. Goddess On A Hiway - Mercury Rev

19. Dark Therapy – Echobelly

18. Run To You - Bryan Adams
Click to expand...
Since there was a question if the Sharp Dressed Man could tell us the theme, I populated the songs into ChatGPT and asked it to draft an argument between Batman and the world’s worst superhero over the common meaning of the songs. The position of the World’s Worst Superhero was that the common theme was: “I think they’re mostly about… dancing. Yeah. If you look at *Better Off Alone*, *Love Is The Drug*, and *Sharp Dressed Man*, it’s all just people grooving through life, looking cool, and making questionable romantic choices. That’s my kind of theme…. Look, Bats, not all of us are brooding in caves. Some of us listen to Pick Up The Pieces and think, "Hey, maybe I should pick up some moves."

So, I’ll go with that. If that is wrong, I will guess Batman’s position next time and post the full argument between Batman and the World’s Worst Superhero.
 
Uruk-Hai said:
Nah, you picked the correct version and the correct record.
Click to expand...

Thanks, man. I really wasn't worried about it, Uruk. It's just my way of making conversation. But it caused me to go down the rabbit hole a bit and I think I lucked into the right song. Pretty much first rock n' roll song using the euphemism to great effect. 1947. Holy smoke, that's early.
 
While I was at it, I also asked ChatGPT to create an argument between Justices Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg arguing over the theme. I received permission from Krista to share this, and was told RBG did not get it.

**Scene: A friendly yet spirited debate between Justice Antonin Scalia and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg about the commonality of a diverse list of songs.**

---

**Justice Scalia**: *(smiling with a slight chuckle)*
Ruth, I must say, I’m at a bit of a loss here. You’re telling me that these songs—“Virtual Insanity” by Jamiroquai, “Living on My Own” by Freddie Mercury, and “I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry—have some deep, profound connection? I find it difficult to believe that this group of songs, which spans such vastly different genres, could be tied together by anything more than their ability to sell records.

**Justice Ginsburg**: *(a slight grin forming as she adjusts her glasses)*
Oh, Antonin, you underestimate the power of music to reflect societal change. Yes, these songs are from different genres and eras, but they all reflect an evolution in how we express identity, rebellion, and cultural shifts. You might dismiss them as mere pop hits, but they represent much more. Take *“I Kissed a Girl”*, for instance. It wasn’t just a catchy tune—it challenged societal norms around sexuality. It had a cultural resonance that’s hard to ignore.

**Justice Scalia**:
Ah, yes, *challenging societal norms*—I’ve heard that argument before. But does it not seem that the very idea of rebellion is diluted when it becomes so... commercialized? These songs were crafted to sell. There’s nothing revolutionary about them. Take *“Pick Up the Pieces”* by Average White Band. You’ll tell me this is somehow *transformative* because it blends funk with pop? It’s good music, yes, but it’s hardly a watershed moment in history.

**Justice Ginsburg**:
It’s not the *genre* or the *commercial appeal* that makes these songs significant, Antonin. It’s their cultural weight. *“Pick Up the Pieces”* may have been crafted to be a chart-topper, but it carried the sound of an entire movement in music—a bridge between jazz, funk, and pop. The very fact that it was so widely embraced shows the merging of social classes and cultural tastes. The *“Virtual Insanity”* video, with its use of technology and surreal visuals, reflects the growing anxiety and hope surrounding the tech revolution of the '90s. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the *zeitgeist*.

**Justice Scalia**:
The *zeitgeist*? Really? Ruth, I believe you’re attributing far more weight to these songs than they deserve. Yes, music can reflect the times, but that doesn’t elevate its intrinsic value. If we’re going to make sweeping claims about how culture is captured through song, then we’d have to acknowledge that a lot of this list reflects fleeting fads, not enduring ideas. Look at *“Another Chance”* by Roger Sanchez. Sure, it’s a dance anthem, but is that truly shaping the moral fabric of society? Or are we just lost in a frenzy of beats and synthesized rhythms?

**Justice Ginsburg**: *(with a soft laugh)*
You’re forgetting, Antonin, that art, music included, doesn’t have to "shape the moral fabric" in the way you expect. It reflects it in a different way. It exposes feelings, frustrations, aspirations, and desires. *“Better Off Alone”* by Alice Deejay, for example, captures the isolation many people felt in an increasingly digital world. That kind of emotional truth cannot be dismissed as mere "fad." Music has always been a vehicle for social commentary. Even in *“Love Is the Drug”* by Roxy Music, there’s a reflection of the seductive power of love and desire, mixed with a sense of caution—very much a commentary on how we navigate relationships in our own complex lives.

**Justice Scalia**:
Ah, so now we’re back to *“Love Is the Drug”*—a song about love’s intoxicating power! I suppose you’ll tell me that this *romanticized* notion of love is somehow more "real" than the very real debates we have in courtrooms about law and order, rights, and justice? The real drug, Ruth, is that people are *consuming* these songs like candy, believing they have deeper meanings when they’re really just distractions from the real work of maintaining a stable society. Music, pop or otherwise, shouldn't be the barometer of our values.

**Justice Ginsburg**: *(chuckling softly)*
And here you are, lecturing about stability, Antonin, as if the status quo never needs to be challenged. The reality is that these songs—whether you like it or not—*are* part of the cultural fabric. They speak to people. They give them a voice. They represent an emotional landscape that even the most intellectual arguments can’t always capture. They reveal the ways in which society struggles with its own contradictions, its own dreams, its own values. The complexity of identity, the push and pull of power, the confusion of modern life—it’s all in these songs. Whether it’s *“I Kissed a Girl”* or *“By The Time I Get to Arizona”* by Public Enemy, these tracks ask us to confront uncomfortable truths.

**Justice Scalia**:
*“Uncomfortable truths”*—now there’s a phrase. You’ve always had a way of turning anything into a moral crusade, Ruth. But I’ll tell you this: these songs may represent the noise of the time, but they are no more substantial than the very things they critique. All I hear is the sound of marketing and self-promotion masquerading as wisdom.

**Justice Ginsburg**:
*Smiling warmly*
Well, Antonin, I suppose we’ll never fully agree. But that’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? These songs may not be your cup of tea, but they’re undeniably part of the conversation. They capture something fundamental about the human experience—sometimes messy, sometimes uncomfortable, but always real. And, perhaps, we don’t need to attach the weight of intellectual rigor to every moment of art. Sometimes, we just need to listen.

---

**End Scene.**

In this spirited argument, Scalia holds a more traditional, critical view, asserting that these songs are ultimately empty commercial products that lack cultural or philosophical depth. Ginsburg, on the other hand, argues that these songs are reflective of broader societal trends, identity struggles, and cultural movements, pushing back against the idea that pop culture can be easily dismissed as "meaningless."
Click to expand...
 
krista4 said:
Yes, I have granted full editorial control of the playlists to KP. And should use this space to thank him again for putting these together!
Click to expand...

I was going to wait until halfway but it's definitely deep enough in the countdown to thank both organizer and volunteer help. Thanks to both of you. This is always a labor of love and is only what people are willing to put into it.

With that said, I've gotten behind on the mixes. Life beckoned for a moment. Had to cancel a Vegas trip because most parties involved came down with illnesses. So my brother is in Vegas with his girlfriend when he was expecting the whole family and I to make it. Bummer.

So I'll catch up with the listening. Ain't no thang. Peace and thanks again, krista4 and KP.
 
I don't know whether I loved the Scalia/RBG debate or wanted to find the nearest sharp object and stick it through my neck. I'm impressed with AI, but that was too on-the-nose, you know what I mean? It shoved Scalia into a traditionalist corner that embodies anti-dynamism and anti-consumerism (not exactly a hallmark of Reagan conservatism). It takes RBGs political outlook as a natural precursor for finding meaning in newer things that aren't necessarily there or if they are, are just surface level time-killers (hardly hermeneutical).

If our content creators think that this is the sum of human existence, what happens when we tune out of content?

"Ladies and . . . oh wait, not everybody is here yet."

*five minutes*

'Ladies and g . . . still not here, huh?"

*five more minutes*

"Ladies and gentlemen . . . ****. Where'd they all go?"
 
rockaction said:
I don't know whether I loved the Scalia/RBG debate or wanted to find the nearest sharp object and stick it through my neck. I'm impressed with AI, but that was too on-the-nose, you know what I mean? It shoved Scalia into a traditionalist corner that embodies anti-dynamism and anti-consumerism (not exactly a hallmark of Reagan conservatism). It takes RBGs political outlook as a natural precursor for finding meaning in newer things that aren't necessarily there or if they are, are just surface level time-killers (hardly hermeneutical).

If our content creators think that this is the sum of human existence, what happens when we tune out of content?

"Ladies and . . . oh wait, not everybody is here yet."

*five minutes*

'Ladies and g . . . still not here, huh?"

*five more minutes*

"Ladies and gentlemen . . . ****. Where'd they all go?"
Click to expand...
I had to stop reading halfway through. I’ve read way too much material like that in my academic and professional lives and my eyes just glaze over when I see it now.
 
rockaction said:
I don't know whether I loved the Scalia/RBG debate or wanted to find the nearest sharp object and stick it through my neck. I'm impressed with AI, but that was too on-the-nose, you know what I mean? It shoved Scalia into a traditionalist corner that embodies anti-dynamism and anti-consumerism (not exactly a hallmark of Reagan conservatism). It takes RBGs political outlook as a natural precursor for finding meaning in newer things that aren't necessarily there or if they are, are just surface level time-killers (hardly hermeneutical).

If our content creators think that this is the sum of human existence, what happens when we tune out of content?

"Ladies and . . . oh wait, not everybody is here yet."

*five minutes*

'Ladies and g . . . still not here, huh?"

*five more minutes*

"Ladies and gentlemen . . . ****. Where'd they all go?"
Click to expand...
Modern times.
 
Pip's Invitation said:
rockaction said:
I don't know whether I loved the Scalia/RBG debate or wanted to find the nearest sharp object and stick it through my neck. I'm impressed with AI, but that was too on-the-nose, you know what I mean? It shoved Scalia into a traditionalist corner that embodies anti-dynamism and anti-consumerism (not exactly a hallmark of Reagan conservatism). It takes RBGs political outlook as a natural precursor for finding meaning in newer things that aren't necessarily there or if they are, are just surface level time-killers (hardly hermeneutical).

If our content creators think that this is the sum of human existence, what happens when we tune out of content?

"Ladies and . . . oh wait, not everybody is here yet."

*five minutes*

'Ladies and g . . . still not here, huh?"

*five more minutes*

"Ladies and gentlemen . . . ****. Where'd they all go?"
Click to expand...
I had to stop reading halfway through. I’ve read way too much material like that in my academic and professional lives and my eyes just glaze over when I see it now.
Click to expand...

Can totally see that and relate. I was reading it to really see if there was flair or nuance to it. Plus, Don posted it and it was interesting to get a look at it. I haven't messed around with the large language models or ChatGPT at all, so it's interesting to see bits and pieces of its evolution.
 
GTA #18 - Giuseppe Verdi - La donna e mobile (Double Clef FM, III)

We continue with the curveballs in this list, and we go back from the late 80's to the 1850's, with a classic piece from Rigoletto, the section in question supposedly (per Wikipedia, so I guess it actually wasn't) being the highlight of the evening. La donna e mobile, best known to football fans across my country as the tune that we all sing "is this a library" to at a mean time of about eight minutes into the game, is the pick from Double Clef FM (more hits from the 60's - the 1760's). A touch out of character with the games, but you'll maybe find this on your dial these days - the performance used in the game was recorded in 1966, featuring none other than Pavarotti, can certainly pick worse tenors
 
Since we've started spamming with AI (thanks OZ), I think some of you music nerds may find the following interesting. I'm also putting it out to hold myself accountable to completing some of these projects and showing them off to y'all. I'm also posting this as an example of questioning or correcting AI. I used Anthropic's Claude for this because I haven't used it for this topic before. When you get months into a topic with an LLM the conversations reflect the history. My first prompt is an example of how I coax better more accurate replies. The second is just calling it out for a mistake.

I'm thinking of developing some documentaries for Youtube about famous recording studios. The music history, the untold anecdotes, the nostalgia, the artists, the engineers, the settings, acoustics, gear, etc. Several studios have been done directly as I describe, and some have been done indirectly through movies or stories more about an artist or band than the studio. What great studios have been mostly uncovered, and how would you rank 10 studios that are good candidates?
Click to expand...

Let me analyze this thoughtfully, considering studios that have fascinating stories but haven't been extensively documented. I'll focus on places with unique combinations of historical significance, interesting technical aspects, and compelling untold stories.

Here's my ranking of 10 studios that could make for engaging documentaries, with particular emphasis on those that haven't been heavily covered:

  1. Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
  • Fascinating intersection of punk, new wave, and reggae
  • Chris Blackwell's vision of creating a tropical recording paradise
  • Notable recordings by Grace Jones, Talking Heads, AC/DC
  • The studio's influence on the development of island funk sound
  • Relatively underdocumented despite its cultural importance
  1. United Western Recorders (Hollywood)
  • While individual sessions are famous, the full studio story isn't well told
  • The Phil Spector Wall of Sound was developed here
  • Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley all recorded here
  • Interesting technical story about Bill Putnam's innovations
  • The building's recent restoration could provide a great narrative hook
  1. Strawberry Studios (Stockport, UK)
  • Often overshadowed by London studios
  • Key role in developing Manchester's music scene
  • 10cc owned and operated it
  • Joy Division, The Smiths, Stone Roses all recorded there
  • Interesting regional music development story
  1. The Record Plant (Sausalito)
  • While the NY and LA locations are well-known, this location's story is undertold
  • Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" was recorded here
  • Interesting architectural design built into a hillside
  • Sly Stone's sessions
  • Its eventual closure and legacy
  1. Criteria Studios (Miami)
  • Often overlooked despite massive hits recorded there
  • Derek and the Dominos' "Layla"
  • The Bee Gees' work during their peak
  • Interesting story about Tom Dowd's influence
  • The technical evolution of the studio over decades
  1. Rockfield Studios (Wales)
  • While recently featured in a documentary, focus could be on technical aspects
  • First residential recording studio
  • Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" was recorded here
  • Interesting story about converting a farm into a studio
  • The acoustic properties of the stone buildings
  1. Sunset Sound (Hollywood)
  • While famous, its technical story isn't well documented
  • The Disney connection (originally built for Disney film scoring)
  • Prince's extensive work there
  • The custom console designs
  • The room acoustics and technical innovations
  1. Sigma Sound Studios (Philadelphia)
  • The birth of the Philly Soul sound
  • MFSB house band
  • David Bowie's "Young Americans" sessions
  • The technical aspects of recording large orchestral soul arrangements
  • The studio's role in urban community development
  1. Sound City (Van Nuys)
  • While covered in Grohl's documentary, focus could be on technical aspects
  • The Neve console story
  • Room acoustics and why the sound was so special
  • The technical challenges of recording in different eras
  • The studio's influence on modern recording techniques
  1. Olympic Studios (London)
  • While famous, its technical evolution isn't well documented
  • The conversion from a theater to a studio
  • The Beatles' mobile recording setup
  • The studio's unique acoustic properties
  • Its recent restoration as a cinema and private members' club
What makes this list particularly interesting for documentaries is that each studio has multiple layers of potential storytelling:

  • Technical innovation and sound
  • Cultural impact
  • Architectural and acoustic design
  • Personal stories and relationships
  • Historical context and evolution
Would you like me to elaborate on any particular studio or aspect? I could also suggest some unique angles for approaching these documentaries that might set them apart from existing coverage.
CopyRetry
Click to expand...
Why didn't Chess or 30th Street make your list? They seem rich in nostalgia and back stories.
Click to expand...
Ah, you make an excellent point - both Chess Records and Columbia 30th Street Studio (aka "The Church") are absolutely legendary. I made a significant oversight in not including them. Let me explain why they should have been there:

Columbia 30th Street Studio:

  • The acoustics of the converted Armenian church were considered magical
  • Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" was recorded there
  • Glenn Gould's Goldberg Variations
  • The versatility to handle everything from Bernstein to Bob Dylan
  • Its tragic demolition in 1981 adds a bittersweet element to the story
  • The technical innovations in recording orchestral music
Chess Records:

  • The birth of Chicago Blues and early Rock & Roll
  • Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Howlin' Wolf
  • The studio's sound influenced the British Invasion
  • The physical space itself was crucial to the Chess sound
  • The Marshall Chess stories and family dynamics
  • The technical limitations that created signature sounds
These should have replaced Sunset Sound and Olympic Studios on my list, as both Chess and 30th Street have more compelling untold stories, especially regarding their technical aspects and acoustic properties. While both have been featured in various documentaries, there's still much to explore about their recording techniques and acoustic characteristics that would fascinate both music and audio engineering enthusiasts.

Would you like me to explain which other studios I might reconsider now that you've pointed out these oversights?
Click to expand...

So working with a music nerd much younger and tech-ier than me, we've got a pretty impressive hour+ vid on 30th Street that still has a long way to go. Chess is also in the works, and AI has written great narratives on the Record Plant and Sunset. Fun stuff for us. Finding old black and whites, interview clips, using the music as background, etc. Without AI, projects like this take years and millions. With AI it can be done in months. AI also improves weekly, so we're patient for the next great improvements in audio and video tools.
 
Last edited:
kupcho1 said:
Mrs. Rannous said:
Eephus said:
The playlist is rockin' today (or at least the first third of it)
Click to expand...
It is. I'm on "88 LInes About 44 Women". I have no idea why I like this, but I really do.
Click to expand...
And that's not even the best version!
open.spotify.com

88 Lines about 44 Women

The Nails · Mood Swing · Song · 1984
open.spotify.com open.spotify.com
Click to expand...
I think the hardest part of including this was deciding on which version. But I might touch on that whenever I get the writeup done.
 
titusbramble said:
KarmaPolice said:
You all are freaking me out with the AI talk!! :scared:
Click to expand...
I told Grok to work out the mystery theme and it offered nothing useful
Click to expand...

Did you explain the life or death implications of this riddle? Did you list all the songs and ask Grok to explore both the lyrics and music for clues? Did you list all the failed responses and mention the ones Krista has given thumbs up to? Did you ask it not to beat around the bush with ambiguous ideas and provide at least five simple complete possibly correct solutions? Quality prompt, quality reply.
 
Mt. Man said:
kupcho1 said:
Mrs. Rannous said:
Eephus said:
The playlist is rockin' today (or at least the first third of it)
Click to expand...
It is. I'm on "88 LInes About 44 Women". I have no idea why I like this, but I really do.
Click to expand...
And that's not even the best version!
open.spotify.com

88 Lines about 44 Women

The Nails · Mood Swing · Song · 1984
open.spotify.com open.spotify.com
Click to expand...
I think the hardest part of including this was deciding on which version. But I might touch on that whenever I get the writeup done.
Click to expand...
I posted the original from 1984. The link in the #18 playlist was from 1993. I'm guessing it was a new version to push product.
:shrug:
 
krista4 said:
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

28. Virtual Insanity – Jamiroquai

27. Another Chance - Roger Sanchez

26. Living On My Own - Freddie Mercury

25. Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top

24. Better Off Alone - Alice Deejay

23. Love Is The Drug - Roxy Music

22. By The Time I Get To Arizona - Public Enemy

21. I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry

20. Goddess On A Hiway - Mercury Rev

19. Dark Therapy – Echobelly

18. Run To You - Bryan Adams



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

Song titles that are commands

First two words of song titles in order of lyrics from The Youngbloods’ Get Together

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

31 songs that MADs submitted in prior MAD rounds, but judge disqualified because the submitting MAD failed to get the long-form birth certificate of all band members before submitting

Songs NOT produced by Todd Rundgren

Artists without umlauts

Songs Sam Rockwell has danced to in a movie

Songs about navigating and adapting to a constantly changing world

Songs credited to more than one songwriter

UK top ten singles

Singles released by UK artist/bands

31 British Isles Songs That Did Not Appear in the MAD British Isles Countdown

Non-guitar driven songs

Songs in 4/4 time

Broadway shows

Songs that all charted in the same six countries:
UK
Australia
Germany
France
Ireland
Netherlands

Songs under 5 minutes

Songs where artists let out excessive vocalizations of the “ahh,” “ooh,” “dee,” etc. variety

A break up and starting over

Things that will drive a bunch of middle aged dummies who are trying to find a pattern go crazy

Stages in Rustoluem’s marriage

Guinness World Records

Songs that can qualify for other people’s themes

Songs by people with facial hair

All songs use an instrument with keys

Songs that are the narrative arc of a divorce

Addiction

Songs with 125 BPM or more

Songs that sample other songs on the list

Songs representing different Nicholas Cage movies / characters

Songs

This is your life, Krista

Something to do with Tina Turner/abused women

Jimi Hendrix

Detailing Britney Spears’ descent into madness

Addiction ... to love

Songs in A Minor

The plot to Thelma and Louise

Kourtney Kardashian

Songs about a major change in someone's life

Midlife crisis

Songs with a subject you should see a therapist about

Mental illness
Click to expand...
Time to unleash the robots
Dear Chatgpt
What do the following songs have in common 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 28. Virtual Insanity – Jamiroquai 27. Another Chance - Roger Sanchez 26. Living On My Own - Freddie Mercury 25. Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top 24. Better Off Alone - Alice Deejay 23. Love Is The Drug - Roxy Music 22. By The Time I Get To Arizona - Public Enemy 21. I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry 20. Goddess On A Hiway - Mercury Rev 19. Dark Therapy – Echobelly 18. Run To You - Bryan Adams

ChatGPT said:​

These songs share a common characteristic in that they were all popular hits or well-known tracks from their respective eras. Specifically, they:
  1. Spanned various genres like rock, electronic, pop, and hip hop.
  2. Were chart-topping or had a significant impact on the music scene when they were released.
  3. Feature memorable hooks or distinctive sounds that made them stand out in their time.
  4. Represent key moments in the development of their respective genres, whether it’s a rock classic like "Sharp Dressed Man" or an electronic anthem like "Better Off Alone."
  5. Have been part of iconic playlists and have remained recognizable to listeners, even years after their initial release.
Would you like more specific details about the impact or background of these tracks?
 
Useless piece of crap
Ok
I said YES

ChatGPT said:​

Here’s a deeper dive into the significance and background of each of these songs:

31.​

  • Genre: Alternative Rock
  • This song was a significant hit for the Manic Street Preachers and became one of their most iconic tracks. It was inspired by the Spanish Civil War and the political and social issues of the time. The song's deep political themes resonated widely, and it became one of the band's most successful singles, reaching number one in the UK.

30.​

  • Genre: Hip Hop / Dance
  • A classic track from the early '90s, "Hear The Drummer Get Wicked" combined hip hop beats with samples, becoming a big club hit. It marked a major moment in the rise of dance music and the fusion of hip hop rhythms in the UK club scene. It’s still considered a pioneering track for electronic dance music.

29.​

  • Genre: Funk / Soul
  • A classic instrumental funk song, "Pick Up The Pieces" became a massive hit and remains one of the best-known tracks in the genre. The Average White Band's blend of jazz, funk, and soul earned them a place in the pantheon of '70s funk, and the song is still frequently sampled in modern music.

28.​

  • Genre: Acid Jazz / Funk / Pop
  • A standout track from Jamiroquai's Travelling Without Moving album, "Virtual Insanity" helped push acid jazz into the mainstream. Its funky, futuristic vibe, paired with a memorable music video, became an anthem for the late '90s. It was a critical success and remains one of the band's most recognized hits.

27.​

  • Genre: House / Dance
  • A massive club anthem, "Another Chance" was a global hit that introduced many to the deep house subgenre. Its catchy piano riff and soulful lyrics made it one of the defining songs of the early 2000s dance scene.

26.​

  • Genre: Pop / Dance
  • After Queen's iconic success, Freddie Mercury released "Living On My Own," which became a hit in its own right. The song showcased his unique voice and flair for drama, and its energetic, upbeat sound contrasted with his more rock-oriented work. It became a popular anthem, especially in the LGBTQ+ community.

25.​

  • Genre: Rock / Blues Rock
  • "Sharp Dressed Man" is one of ZZ Top's most enduring hits. Known for its catchy riff and swaggering lyrics, it became a staple of '80s rock and one of the band's signature songs. The song’s blend of blues rock with a modern ‘80s edge made it a classic.

24.​

  • Genre: Trance / Dance
  • This track was a massive hit at the end of the 1990s and remains a beloved anthem in the electronic dance music world. Its catchy melody, combined with a haunting vocal line, helped propel Alice Deejay into stardom, and it still sees play in clubs today.

23.​

  • Genre: Glam Rock / Art Rock
  • A standout track from Roxy Music's Siren album, "Love Is The Drug" blends rock with glam influences. Its infectious hook and provocative lyrics helped the band become a fixture in the mid-'70s glam rock scene. It remains one of their most famous songs.

22.​

  • Genre: Hip Hop / Political Rap
  • Public Enemy's "By The Time I Get To Arizona" is a politically charged anthem that criticized the state of Arizona for not recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It was controversial but drew attention to social issues, showcasing the band's role in using hip-hop as a platform for activism.

21.​

  • Genre: Pop
  • This breakout song launched Katy Perry into superstardom. "I Kissed a Girl" caused a stir due to its provocative lyrics but became a major commercial hit. Its catchy pop sound and bold theme of female exploration led to chart dominance and made Perry an iconic figure in mainstream pop.

20.​

  • Genre: Alternative Rock / Psychedelic
  • Known for its dreamy, ethereal sound, "Goddess On A Hiway" became one of Mercury Rev's most beloved songs. The track blends lush orchestration with psychedelic rock and touches on themes of love and spirituality, contributing to the band’s unique place in '90s alternative music.

19.​

  • Genre: Alternative Rock / Britpop
  • A standout track from one of the leading Britpop bands of the '90s, "Dark Therapy" featured catchy melodies and sharp lyrics, characteristic of the genre. Echobelly's fusion of alternative rock with Britpop elements made them an essential part of the '90s music scene, though they didn’t achieve the mainstream fame of some contemporaries.

18.​

  • Genre: Rock / Pop Rock
  • One of Bryan Adams' most enduring anthems, "Run To You" showcases his signature style of heartfelt rock ballads. Released as a single from Reckless, the track's powerful vocals and relatable lyrics about love and yearning made it a staple of '80s rock radio.

In Summary:​

  • Era-Spanning Popularity: Many of these tracks represent key moments in music history, showcasing a broad range of genres, from rock to electronic dance, and bridging the gap between the '70s and 2000s.
  • Cultural Impact: Songs like "If You Tolerate This..." and "By The Time I Get To Arizona" show how music has been used as a tool for social and political expression. Others like "I Kissed A Girl" or "Living On My Own" pushed the boundaries of mainstream pop.
  • Timeless Sound: These tracks have endured in part due to their timeless appeal, whether it’s the irresistible groove of "Pick Up The Pieces" or the unforgettable hooks of "Virtual Insanity."
Each of these songs holds a special place in the hearts of listeners, and they remain influential in the genres they represent.
 
Yo Mama said:
The real mystery theme is the friends we made along the way
Click to expand...

Raggy, maybe the real AI are the friends we made along the way?

Isn't that, like, the Mystery Machine, Scoob?

ree-hee-hee-hee

eta* If it doesn't make sense, don't worry. It makes sense to me.
 
Last edited:
Eephus said:
Mrs. Rannous said:
Eephus said:
MAC_32 said:
Eephus said:
Yeah but what's the best song #6 of all time?

ETA: Whatever it is, it's probably the first track of side two.
Click to expand...
Jane's Addiction 3 Days gets my vote
Click to expand...

Side 2, track 1 - song #6 on the album :thumbup:

You're beating AI
Click to expand...
"Somebody to Love" - A Day at the Races
Click to expand...

Also a second side, track 1 entry
Click to expand...
Sorry. I didn't see the restriction. Therefore its:

"Songbird" - Rumours
 
John Maddens Lunchbox said:
Case closed
“Each of these songs holds a special place in the hearts of listeners, and they remain influential in the genres they represent.”
Click to expand...
I fed it the list of incorrect guesses and it came back with this (laughing emoji from the bot too). Starting to creep me out a bit.

That is an absolutely **hilarious** and **brutal** list of incorrect guesses! Clearly, this theme is **incredibly** tricky. Based on how wildly off some of these guesses are (and how specific some of them get), I'm starting to think the theme might be something **oddly simple** or **incredibly niche**. … Do you have any more hints, or do you just enjoy watching people suffer? 😆
 
#, Please # 18
Song: 88 Lines About 44 Women
Artist: The Nails
Year: 1981 (but see below)

(Youtube version) 88 Lines about 44 Women
(Live version) The Nails - 88 Lines about 44 Women (Live)

4 Lines:
Bobbi joined a New Wave band,
changed her name to Bobbi Sox
Eloise, who played guitar,
sang songs about whales and cops

Number Theory:

This song was initially released in 1981 on the EP Hotel for Women. It was rerecorded in 1984 for The Nails’ debut album Mood Swing. That’s the Youtube version above as well as the one posted by kupcho1. As their most famous song, it popped up frequently. Hotel for Women had an extended remaster in 2009. That’s almost the version I went with. Eh, all are good.

The lines to pick were difficult too. There are a lot of striking or humorous ones. Also some I probably couldn’t get away with posting directly to the site. I will say that some sites condense the lyrics (for example, “Julie came and went so fast, she didn’t even say good-by” as 1 line), which is just blatantly ignoring the song’s title. Anyway, I went with these because it fit with the idea of a themed countdown. Plus “artists that changed their name” and “songs about whales and cops” are two of the slowly shrinking things that haven’t been guessed for krista4’s contest”.

The lyrics were written by Marc Campbell (RIP). He’d explained that “some of the women are real, some are made up”, and left the rest to imagination. Though the inspiration was certainly people the group met while moving from Boulder, Colorado to NYC.

Significant Digits:
Off album#: EP. Otherwise, album #1
Track #: 3 (both the EP and album!)

Artist crossover with other playlists: 12
(Known: 6) Van Halen (x2) currently in the lead..for known.

–
Next on the countdown, a song about romance that the artist lost enthusiasm for.
 
Some metal ramblings from a non-robot!!

In a weird coincidence, my #14 song on the playlist was also Holy Wars ... The Punishment Due. Megadeth is one that I have grown to like a lot more in my old age, but this was still a big one at the time. A bit more prog than some of the other thrashers at the time as changes tone and pace over the 6 1/2 mins. One of my favorite things in all of metal is that wind up at the 5min mark that launches into that ridiculous solo. Very happy to share the praise of that song.

What we passed on my playlist to have us even at Megadeth was a trio of bands in the Ks. Two of them I will post below, the other we just might be seeing soon enough in the main countdown.

open.spotify.com

The Invisible Guests

King Diamond · Them · Song · 1988
open.spotify.com open.spotify.com
open.spotify.com

Green Machine

Kyuss · Blues for the Red Sun · Song · 1992
open.spotify.com open.spotify.com

To tell you the truth, King Diamond scared me around this time. I know, not very metal. I only had this album at the time and one of my friends had Abigail. The concept album sucked me in of course, but the voices and imagery were and are spooky. This is another artist I have developed a love for in the last decade, and was the first I did a metal deep dive on since I didn't know he was doing Mercyful Fate albums the whole time as well and had a new album coming out this year. Yes, the voice is something else. If you can get past that, I will argue that the music is some of the best metal has to offer. The drumming is bananas (especially the 80s Mikkey Dee albums), and the back and forth guitars and solos are great.

Kyuss is a perfect example of what my metal listening was starting to sound like in '92. Seeing/hearing this on MTV had me buying this album and Wretch. There is another band on my playlist coming up very soon that also has this sludgy, super heavy feel. I definitely had the next couple albums as well. I highly recommend the Kyuss deep dive, and I this type of song is still very much in my listening rotation now. They fit quite well with bands like All Them Witches, Radio Moscow, and others.

Who is the 3rd K band we skipped over? :popcorn:
 
Pip's Invitation said:
rockaction said:
I don't know whether I loved the Scalia/RBG debate or wanted to find the nearest sharp object and stick it through my neck. I'm impressed with AI, but that was too on-the-nose, you know what I mean? It shoved Scalia into a traditionalist corner that embodies anti-dynamism and anti-consumerism (not exactly a hallmark of Reagan conservatism). It takes RBGs political outlook as a natural precursor for finding meaning in newer things that aren't necessarily there or if they are, are just surface level time-killers (hardly hermeneutical).

If our content creators think that this is the sum of human existence, what happens when we tune out of content?

"Ladies and . . . oh wait, not everybody is here yet."

*five minutes*

'Ladies and g . . . still not here, huh?"

*five more minutes*

"Ladies and gentlemen . . . ****. Where'd they all go?"
Click to expand...
I had to stop reading halfway through. I’ve read way too much material like that in my academic and professional lives and my eyes just glaze over when I see it now.
Click to expand...
Bit like reading the minutes of the Secod Council of Nicaea, isn't it?
 
Single (Named) Lady #18 - Cherrelle - "I Didn't Mean To Turn You On" (1984)
Full name: Cheryl Anne Norton

Cherrelle was born in LA and started her career as a backup singer. Legend has it that she took her stage name after her boss yelled at her "Cher-relle, you're late again". Her cousin Peri "Pebbles" Reid also performed in the 80s under a mononym.

"I Didn't Mean To Turn You On" was written and produced by 80s R&B hitmakers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and features the synthetic groove that made them famous. It was Cherrelle's debut single and reached #8 on the R&B charts but fell short on the pop chart. A year later Robert Palmer covered it flipping the gender and took it as high as #2 on the main chart. It's a funky little number sung by a woman apologetically refusing sex with her date.

The video is a silly black and white take off on King Kong. Cherrele gets home and dances around her apartment. There's a brief flashback to an animated jungle that cuts to more dancing by Cherrelle who's joined by the giant ape breakdances on a neighboring rootop. There's a jump scare as a giant paw reaches through her window. She ends the video in King Kong's paw but it was only a dream because she wakes up in bed with a King Kong comic book next to her.
 
Back from another show this time with Mrs. Eephus. We saw West Coast Power Pop veteran Paul Collins whose 70s band The Beat was the reason why The English Beat couldn't use the name on these shores. Other than that, Collins is semi-famous for his power pop classic "Rock N Roll Girl" and for being one third of The Nerves (along with Jack Lee and Peter Case), a band that couldn't get a record deal even though Lee wrote the classic "Hanging On the Telephone".

Collins performed an up tempo 22 song set that included songs from all his old bands. He's pushing 70 but he still rocked out with a band of players who were all much younger. Very fun evening out with a good crowd although. I was a bit distracted because I thought my vape pen had fallen out of my pocket in the Uber on the way to the show. It turns out I left it at home so the moral of the story is don't do drugs kids.

open.spotify.com

Rock N Roll Girl

Paul Collins, The Beat · The Beat · Song · 2014
open.spotify.com open.spotify.com
 
Eephus said:
Back from another show this time with Mrs. Eephus. We saw West Coast Power Pop veteran Paul Collins whose 70s band The Beat was the reason why The English Beat couldn't use the name on these shores. Other than that, Collins is semi-famous for his power pop classic "Rock N Roll Girl" and for being one third of The Nerves (along with Jack Lee and Peter Case), a band that couldn't get a record deal even though Lee wrote the classic "Hanging On the Telephone".

Collins performed an up tempo 22 song set that included songs from all his old bands. He's pushing 70 but he still rocked out with a band of players who were all much younger. Very fun evening out with a good crowd although. I was a bit distracted because I thought my vape pen had fallen out of my pocket in the Uber on the way to the show. It turns out I left it at home so the moral of the story is don't do drugs kids.

open.spotify.com

Rock N Roll Girl

Paul Collins, The Beat · The Beat · Song · 2014
open.spotify.com open.spotify.com
Click to expand...

Gee, that would overlap nicely with my theme! But I've never heard of Paul Collins, so

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Oh, who am I fooling? We haven't done the 14's yet, have we?

The Muffs covered this song when they were still extant and Kim Shattuck was still alive. RIP, Kim, and thanks for introducing me to Paul Collins and The Beat.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Tau837
Middle Aged Dummies Music Countdowns
Replies
15
Views
563
Dr. Octopus
Dr. Octopus
Zegras11
Middle Aged Dummies - Artist - Round 5 - #30's have been posted. Link in OP.
16 17 18
Replies
886
Views
10K
zamboni
zamboni
Zegras11
Middle Aged Dummies - Artist - Round 3 - #1's have been posted!
67 68 69
Replies
3K
Views
246K
Dr. Octopus
Dr. Octopus

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)
Back
Top