Don Quixote
Footballguy
Hey, both of these guesses were mine. May be on to something, yet I still feel more like Inspector Clouseau than Sherlock Holmes.
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Middle-aged Dummies are back and bursting at the "themes" to get going! Full theme ahead! (12 Viewers)
- Thread starter krista4
- Start date
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
14. Butchie's Tune - The Lovin' Spoonful
There's this kid, Anderson, he's a senior. He keeps picking fights with me and he's twice my size. All the senior lacrosse guys peed in my locker. They ruined my jersey. They're a bunch of sadists. - Glenn Bishop - season 5, episode 12, Commissions and Fees
Don't have much about the song, other than it's from the band's second album, released in the same year as their first, 1965, and that it's the second to last song on side two and was never released as a single. I recently stumbled across this version sung by The Smithereens' drummer Dennis Diken performing this song with the surviving? members of the band at a fundraiser. Because I wasn't familiar with the original version, other than its placement in this episode, I had no real opinion on the song, though I will admit that for right or wrong, the version with Diken singing made the room kind of dusty for me. Because I want to talk more about the episode this comes from, I'm going to use the spoiler tag:
There's this kid, Anderson, he's a senior. He keeps picking fights with me and he's twice my size. All the senior lacrosse guys peed in my locker. They ruined my jersey. They're a bunch of sadists. - Glenn Bishop - season 5, episode 12, Commissions and Fees
Don't have much about the song, other than it's from the band's second album, released in the same year as their first, 1965, and that it's the second to last song on side two and was never released as a single. I recently stumbled across this version sung by The Smithereens' drummer Dennis Diken performing this song with the surviving? members of the band at a fundraiser. Because I wasn't familiar with the original version, other than its placement in this episode, I had no real opinion on the song, though I will admit that for right or wrong, the version with Diken singing made the room kind of dusty for me. Because I want to talk more about the episode this comes from, I'm going to use the spoiler tag:
Ever since he walked in on Betty using the toilet, Glenn Bishop was viewed mostly negatively by the fandom at large, with many calling him 'creepy.' I see parts of Glenn's story as a shadowy mirror of Don's, and he may be the most tragic character of the whole series, deserving more compassion than scorn.
1. Even though Glenn knew his mother and Don only had a stepmother, their relationships with their mother figure left them feeling alone; Don grew up as a 'whore-child' and Glenn shared in his mother's ostracization.
2. Both had inappropriate contact with older women that shaped their views on sexuality; Glenn developed romantic feelings for Betty, who inadvertently encouraged him by not picking up on the hints he left with his actions, i.e. asking for a lock of her hair, holding hands with her on the couch when he ran away from home. Don's 'cherry' was taken by one of the prostitutes that lived in their house, and perhaps her being evicted from the house because of it attached a sense of shame to it for him. Both mindsets--Glenn's unhealthy obsession with Betty and Don's view of sex as both cheap and shameful--cast shadows over both lives.
3. At the end of the series, Glenn joins the army, primarily because he flunked out of school and wanted to redeem himself. Don told the real Don back in season 1 that he joined because he 'had to get away.' These reasons are close enough for me to believe it's not a coincidence.
To me, Glenn is Don with a slightly different upbringing yet possessing the same kind of loneliness and longing for connection to the world around him.
Glenn's arc in this episode practically disappears for us because this is when Lane Price is both fired and found hanged in his office; we barely get to process his abrupt exit from the company before we see just how despondent it made him, while Glenn is only dealing with Sally running out on him at the museum and trying to figure out how he's going to get back to school while processing his feelings about Sally disappearing on him. The closing scene with him and Don also makes me think that while Don probably doesn't know much about Glenn, he may sense a kindred spirit nonetheless. In that scene, as they talk, Don moves down to Glenn's level and talks to him as a wise father would to his son, opting for empathy over correction about how Glenn is feeling in the moment.
The lyrics of Butchie's Tune to me seem applicable to the three main characters of this episode, though for widely different reasons:
1. The softening of the expression on Glenn's face as he drives Don's Cadillac to me is him letting go of the pain of disappointment and the quiet satisfaction of feeling validated, which helps him let go of his frustration.
2. Sally had been portrayed as always being in a hurry to grow up. From Betty catching her smoking in season 2 through her low-key brag to Meagan and Julia about having a boyfriend in this episode, she has always tried to be older than she was. While she first responds in horror to her first period and irresponsibly runs home alone and unannounced from the city to the suburbs, she closes her part in the episode by telling Betty that she didn't want to talk about it and seems to be returning to her 'normal' self. I'll admit this is a bit of a stretch, but for Sally, the song could represent her moving on to the next step on her path to adulthood.
3. Because many previous episodes have used songs in ironic ways, choosing this song is on brand for the show as it relates to Lane. Until he was caught in the only wrong thing he had done to the company, he never conveyed anything on the surface other than British pragmatism, so like a Monty Python sketch, you can almost hear Lane himself singing this song from the other side.
1. Even though Glenn knew his mother and Don only had a stepmother, their relationships with their mother figure left them feeling alone; Don grew up as a 'whore-child' and Glenn shared in his mother's ostracization.
2. Both had inappropriate contact with older women that shaped their views on sexuality; Glenn developed romantic feelings for Betty, who inadvertently encouraged him by not picking up on the hints he left with his actions, i.e. asking for a lock of her hair, holding hands with her on the couch when he ran away from home. Don's 'cherry' was taken by one of the prostitutes that lived in their house, and perhaps her being evicted from the house because of it attached a sense of shame to it for him. Both mindsets--Glenn's unhealthy obsession with Betty and Don's view of sex as both cheap and shameful--cast shadows over both lives.
3. At the end of the series, Glenn joins the army, primarily because he flunked out of school and wanted to redeem himself. Don told the real Don back in season 1 that he joined because he 'had to get away.' These reasons are close enough for me to believe it's not a coincidence.
To me, Glenn is Don with a slightly different upbringing yet possessing the same kind of loneliness and longing for connection to the world around him.
Glenn's arc in this episode practically disappears for us because this is when Lane Price is both fired and found hanged in his office; we barely get to process his abrupt exit from the company before we see just how despondent it made him, while Glenn is only dealing with Sally running out on him at the museum and trying to figure out how he's going to get back to school while processing his feelings about Sally disappearing on him. The closing scene with him and Don also makes me think that while Don probably doesn't know much about Glenn, he may sense a kindred spirit nonetheless. In that scene, as they talk, Don moves down to Glenn's level and talks to him as a wise father would to his son, opting for empathy over correction about how Glenn is feeling in the moment.
The lyrics of Butchie's Tune to me seem applicable to the three main characters of this episode, though for widely different reasons:
1. The softening of the expression on Glenn's face as he drives Don's Cadillac to me is him letting go of the pain of disappointment and the quiet satisfaction of feeling validated, which helps him let go of his frustration.
2. Sally had been portrayed as always being in a hurry to grow up. From Betty catching her smoking in season 2 through her low-key brag to Meagan and Julia about having a boyfriend in this episode, she has always tried to be older than she was. While she first responds in horror to her first period and irresponsibly runs home alone and unannounced from the city to the suburbs, she closes her part in the episode by telling Betty that she didn't want to talk about it and seems to be returning to her 'normal' self. I'll admit this is a bit of a stretch, but for Sally, the song could represent her moving on to the next step on her path to adulthood.
3. Because many previous episodes have used songs in ironic ways, choosing this song is on brand for the show as it relates to Lane. Until he was caught in the only wrong thing he had done to the company, he never conveyed anything on the surface other than British pragmatism, so like a Monty Python sketch, you can almost hear Lane himself singing this song from the other side.
John Maddens Lunchbox
Socialism for Dummies
Lets see what AI Patrick Bateman has to say"Don't You (Forget About Me)" is a song by the Scottish rock band Simple Minds, released as a single in 1985. It was written and composed by the record producer Keith Forsey and the guitarist Steve Schiff for the film The Breakfast Club (1985). Simple Minds initially declined to record it, preferring to record their own material, but accepted after several other acts also declined.
Don't You (Forget About Me)
Simple Minds · Once Upon A Time (Super Deluxe) · Song · 1985open.spotify.com
"Don't You (Forget About Me)" became a breakout hit for Simple Minds, an iconic song and a 1980s anthem. The single reached No. 1 in the United States and Canada, becoming Simple Minds' biggest hit in the United States. It also reached No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart and reached the top ten in charts around the world.
Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)
Simple Minds · New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) · Song · 1982
All The Things She Said
Simple Minds · Once Upon A Time (Super Deluxe) · Song · 1985
One of the more iconic songs from the era IMO
“Simple Minds. *Where do I even begin?* They’re a band that embodies the slick, corporate polish of the 1980s—artificial, precise, and a bit too glamorous to be taken seriously, yet undeniably *successful*. Fronted by Jim Kerr, a man whose presence seems perfectly sculpted to match the band's clean, almost antiseptic sound, Simple Minds rose to fame on a foundation of driving, synthetic anthems.
Their music? It's a finely tuned machine—an orchestra of keyboards, sweeping synths, and that characteristic, grandiose production that makes you want to put on your best suit and engage in some ruthless, ego-driven corporate maneuvering. The album *Don’t You (Forget About Me)*? It's the perfect soundtrack for when you need to remind everyone that you're still relevant, still on top, still untouchable. I mean, the *Breakfast Club* connection alone places them in a category of cultural icons.
And the business of it? Oh, it’s all calculated, isn’t it? The band’s success is less a result of artistic integrity and more a product of pure, cold ambition. Think about their albums *New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)* or *Sparkle in the Rain*—they're practically financial portfolios of musical investment, blending art with marketable perfection.
And, *let’s not forget* the stage presence—clean, sharp suits, meticulously coiffed hair, and a performance that screams control. They are, after all, masters of their image. Simple Minds don’t just perform; they project power, and the sound they produce? It’s a symphony of ego, finely sculpted to ensure they remain at the top. The world is their office, and they are in charge.
In conclusion, Simple Minds aren’t just a band. They’re a brand—elevated, detached, and calculated in every sense. The music is a reflection of the corporate landscape: cold, efficient, and undeniably captivating. *But don’t get too close.*
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
I DEFINITELY did not have two Tedesschi Trucks Band songs in the same round on my bingo card.
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
I know it’s young by blues standards but Trucks is 45 now.
Yo Mama
Footballguy
World’s Worst Superheroes #14
Man in a Suitcase
Artist - The Police (1980)
Strengths - well-travelled - he really gets around; flexible - he fits neatly into most overhead compartments; versatile - he not only carries your belongings, he serves as a nice makeshift hurdle for famous murdering running backs sprinting through the airport
Weaknesses - sometimes hard to find unless you tie a brightly-colored piece of yarn on him; he’s restricted from carrying anything sharp or containers with liquids greater than 3.4 ounces for some unknown reason; can’t be left alone in an airport terminal or there will be a massive security incident
There Goes My Hero
Situation - you’ve recently travelled across the country in search of an evil mastermind. Unfortunately, you’ve been captured in his lair in an elaborate chamber where you are slowly being lowered into a pool of water containing sharks with lasers on their heads.
You: [the evil mastermind let you keep your phone to help keep the plot moving] “Hello, Delta customer service? I just flew from Los Angeles to Seattle and had to go through O’Hare for some reason. My luggage never made it and I need it right away!”
Delta representative: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience. Can we offer you a voucher for 30% off wi-fi for your next flight?”
You:
“There won’t be a next flight if I can’t get my luggage in the next 20-30 excruciatingly slow and tense minutes!” [hangs up and dials a new number]
Man in a Suitcase: [staticky and distant] “Hola, soy el hombre de la maleta. ¿Le puedo ayudar en algo?”
You: [up to your ankles now in water, checks air tag] “Where the heck are you Man in a Suitcase? Mexico City?” [hangs up and tries again]
MiaS: [festive tuba and accordion music playing in background] “Hallo, das ist ein Mann im Koffer. Wie kann ich dir helfen?”
You: [water now up to your knees, sharks circling near] “Argh! Berlin?” [hangs up and tries one last time]
MiaS: [call to prayer heard in the distance] “
مرحباً، هذا رجل في حقيبة. كيف يمكنني مساعدك؟”
You:
Man in a Suitcase
Artist - The Police (1980)
Strengths - well-travelled - he really gets around; flexible - he fits neatly into most overhead compartments; versatile - he not only carries your belongings, he serves as a nice makeshift hurdle for famous murdering running backs sprinting through the airport
Weaknesses - sometimes hard to find unless you tie a brightly-colored piece of yarn on him; he’s restricted from carrying anything sharp or containers with liquids greater than 3.4 ounces for some unknown reason; can’t be left alone in an airport terminal or there will be a massive security incident
There Goes My Hero
Situation - you’ve recently travelled across the country in search of an evil mastermind. Unfortunately, you’ve been captured in his lair in an elaborate chamber where you are slowly being lowered into a pool of water containing sharks with lasers on their heads.
You: [the evil mastermind let you keep your phone to help keep the plot moving] “Hello, Delta customer service? I just flew from Los Angeles to Seattle and had to go through O’Hare for some reason. My luggage never made it and I need it right away!”
Delta representative: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience. Can we offer you a voucher for 30% off wi-fi for your next flight?”
You:
“There won’t be a next flight if I can’t get my luggage in the next 20-30 excruciatingly slow and tense minutes!” [hangs up and dials a new number]Man in a Suitcase: [staticky and distant] “Hola, soy el hombre de la maleta. ¿Le puedo ayudar en algo?”
You: [up to your ankles now in water, checks air tag] “Where the heck are you Man in a Suitcase? Mexico City?” [hangs up and tries again]
MiaS: [festive tuba and accordion music playing in background] “Hallo, das ist ein Mann im Koffer. Wie kann ich dir helfen?”
You: [water now up to your knees, sharks circling near] “Argh! Berlin?” [hangs up and tries one last time]
MiaS: [call to prayer heard in the distance] “
مرحباً، هذا رجل في حقيبة. كيف يمكنني مساعدك؟”
You:
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
Jimmy Page was not at his best due to drug addiction, and JPJ stepped into the void. He was Plant’s main collaborator on this record, a role that had previously been Jimmy’s.
The record has one song I dislike and two I am meh on, but the other four are MONEY. And that includes Carouselambra, which the traditionalists hated.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
One of my favorites. If you look up the word 'ethereal', Suzanne Vega's part in this song plays.
Love the way this one winds down.
MrsKarmaPolice
Footballguy
There is no need to fear, Underdog is here!
...again.
https://youtu.be/D3kaZMLfkWU?si=fItIwOagCY9OW3Hs
Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
Round 14 - Uważaj na niego - Püdelsi
We have a YouTube video for this Polish group. Wikipedia says, "The band was influenced by psychedelic rock, hard rock, reggae, and elements of metal music." It also sounds like it could be in several other lists.
If only I spoke Polish.
We have a YouTube video for this Polish group. Wikipedia says, "The band was influenced by psychedelic rock, hard rock, reggae, and elements of metal music." It also sounds like it could be in several other lists.
If only I spoke Polish.
Yo Mama
Footballguy
Man in a Suitcase: [sounds of the hurry-gurdy play in the background] “Witam, tu człowiek w walizce. Czy mogę Panu pomóc?”
Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
For some reason, this speaks to me.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
I try to guess your slant on these and I am only half-right exactly once (Fred Sanford). I thought this was going to tie into The Americans TV show. Anyone who's ever watched it will know the episode I'm referring toWorld’s Worst Superheroes #14
Man in a Suitcase
Artist - The Police (1980)
Strengths - well-travelled - he really gets around; flexible - he fits neatly into most overhead compartments; versatile - he not only carries your belongings, he serves as a nice makeshift hurdle for famous murdering running backs sprinting through the airport
Weaknesses - sometimes hard to find unless you tie a brightly-colored piece of yarn on him; he’s restricted from carrying anything sharp or containers with liquids greater than 3.4 ounces for some unknown reason; can’t be left alone in an airport terminal or there will be a massive security incident
There Goes My Hero
Situation - you’ve recently travelled across the country in search of an evil mastermind. Unfortunately, you’ve been captured in his lair in an elaborate chamber where you are slowly being lowered into a pool of water containing sharks with lasers on their heads.
You: [the evil mastermind let you keep your phone to help keep the plot moving] “Hello, Delta customer service? I just flew from Los Angeles to Seattle and had to go through O’Hare for some reason. My luggage never made it and I need it right away!”
Delta representative: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience. Can we offer you a voucher for 30% off wi-fi for your next flight?”
You:
Man in a Suitcase: [staticky and distant] “Hola, soy el hombre de la maleta. ¿Le puedo ayudar en algo?”
You: [up to your ankles now in water, checks air tag] “Where the heck are you Man in a Suitcase? Mexico City?” [hangs up and tries again]
MiaS: [festive tuba and accordion music playing in background] “Hallo, das ist ein Mann im Koffer. Wie kann ich dir helfen?”
You: [water now up to your knees, sharks circling near] “Argh! Berlin?” [hangs up and tries one last time]
MiaS: [call to prayer heard in the distance] “
مرحباً، هذا رجل في حقيبة. كيف يمكنني مساعدك؟”
You:
titusbramble
Footballguy
GTA #15 - April's In Paris - Feels Like I Just Can't Take No More (Lips 106, III)
The last "fake" song in the countdown, Lips 106 is a second pop station that plays on GTA III, and this track is another one written by Craig Conner, the entirety of the station being songs written for the game outside of the track by Da Shootaz, which was also written for a game in the series, albeit the first game and it just gets a reprise here. This for me is clearly the best work in terms of what they didn't license, with Youtube comments including the likes of "never been able to get my head around the fact that this isn’t a real song or band", "When bands created by Rockstar are better than the real life ones" and "I'm crazy impressed with how they created... fake bands just for the purpose of having original songs in the soundtrack that imitated the commercial radio sound of the early 2000s"
GTA #14 - War - Low Rider (Master Sounds 98.3, SA)
Master Sounds plays a mix of rare groove and classic funk/soul, and is hosted by a character played by Ricky Harris, an actor that's been in a bunch of shows that I've not really watched. This track should need no introduction for veteran countdown enthusiasts, having been selected by many in the round the world countdown and cracking the overall top 50. There's a few decent tracks on this station which you'll have seen on the long list, Green Onions being timeless, the original Tainted Love and Express Yourself appearing as well as a couple of James Brown tracks that are alright, but this is by far the best track on the station.
The last "fake" song in the countdown, Lips 106 is a second pop station that plays on GTA III, and this track is another one written by Craig Conner, the entirety of the station being songs written for the game outside of the track by Da Shootaz, which was also written for a game in the series, albeit the first game and it just gets a reprise here. This for me is clearly the best work in terms of what they didn't license, with Youtube comments including the likes of "never been able to get my head around the fact that this isn’t a real song or band", "When bands created by Rockstar are better than the real life ones" and "I'm crazy impressed with how they created... fake bands just for the purpose of having original songs in the soundtrack that imitated the commercial radio sound of the early 2000s"
GTA #14 - War - Low Rider (Master Sounds 98.3, SA)
Master Sounds plays a mix of rare groove and classic funk/soul, and is hosted by a character played by Ricky Harris, an actor that's been in a bunch of shows that I've not really watched. This track should need no introduction for veteran countdown enthusiasts, having been selected by many in the round the world countdown and cracking the overall top 50. There's a few decent tracks on this station which you'll have seen on the long list, Green Onions being timeless, the original Tainted Love and Express Yourself appearing as well as a couple of James Brown tracks that are alright, but this is by far the best track on the station.
Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
Did remastering kill the Immigrant Song? It sounded just terrible.
Yo Mama
Footballguy
Oh yeah, that was a brutal scene. Loved that show.I try to guess your slant on these and I am only half-right exactly once (Fred Sanford). I thought this was going to tie into The Americans TV show. Anyone who's ever watched it will know the episode I'm referring toWorld’s Worst Superheroes #14
Man in a Suitcase
Artist - The Police (1980)
Strengths - well-travelled - he really gets around; flexible - he fits neatly into most overhead compartments; versatile - he not only carries your belongings, he serves as a nice makeshift hurdle for famous murdering running backs sprinting through the airport
Weaknesses - sometimes hard to find unless you tie a brightly-colored piece of yarn on him; he’s restricted from carrying anything sharp or containers with liquids greater than 3.4 ounces for some unknown reason; can’t be left alone in an airport terminal or there will be a massive security incident
There Goes My Hero
Situation - you’ve recently travelled across the country in search of an evil mastermind. Unfortunately, you’ve been captured in his lair in an elaborate chamber where you are slowly being lowered into a pool of water containing sharks with lasers on their heads.
You: [the evil mastermind let you keep your phone to help keep the plot moving] “Hello, Delta customer service? I just flew from Los Angeles to Seattle and had to go through O’Hare for some reason. My luggage never made it and I need it right away!”
Delta representative: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience. Can we offer you a voucher for 30% off wi-fi for your next flight?”
You:
Man in a Suitcase: [staticky and distant] “Hola, soy el hombre de la maleta. ¿Le puedo ayudar en algo?”
You: [up to your ankles now in water, checks air tag] “Where the heck are you Man in a Suitcase? Mexico City?” [hangs up and tries again]
MiaS: [festive tuba and accordion music playing in background] “Hallo, das ist ein Mann im Koffer. Wie kann ich dir helfen?”
You: [water now up to your knees, sharks circling near] “Argh! Berlin?” [hangs up and tries one last time]
MiaS: [call to prayer heard in the distance] “
مرحباً، هذا رجل في حقيبة. كيف يمكنني مساعدك؟”
You:
krista4
Footballguy
@Charlie Steiner , I’ve finished two seasons of Mad Men. Are there any of your past write-ups that I could read?
Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
I don't hear any reeded insturments here. I think I need the manager.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
You could probably go through the 31-20, or through the George Jones song, whichever comes first. Cup of Loneliness comes from near the end of season 2.
How are you liking it so far? Anything noteworthy?
Eephus
Footballguy
Single (Named) Lady #14 - Ledisi - "My Sensitivity (Gets In the Way)" (2004)
Full name: Ledisi Anibade Young
Ledisi was born in New Orleans but moved to Oakland as a girl. She began her singing career in the Bay Area eventually landing a regular gig as part of the famous SF musical revue Beach Blanket Babylon. It was during this time where she began dating my friend Simon who's also the godfather of my son. We had two young ones so we weren't getting out much so I only met Ledisi a few times. She was very attentive and patient with our kids and said things like "jeez Louise" that struck me as sweet and distinctly un-divalike. She self-released a couple of albums in the early years of the century that gained local attention but she decided she needed to leave the Bay (and Simon) to further her career.
"My Sensitivity (Gets In the Way)" is a Luther Vandross song that Ledisi recorded for a tribute album made after Luther suffered a debilitating stroke. The song was a breakthrough for Ledisi; she was one of the lesser known artists on the compilation but the song was picked up by some Black radio stations which led to her getting signed to the historic Verve label. Her major label debut album made the top ten on the R&B charts and earned her a Grammy nomination for best new artist. She lost that year to Amy Winehouse but eventually took home a Grammy in 2020.
The cover is similar to Vandross' original in style and tempo but the arrangement is funkier and Ledisi does Luther proud delivering a vocal that's sexy, soulful and swinging. Smooth Jazz star Boney James contributes the sax part that intertwines with Ledisi's voice on the outro. No video for the song but here's Ledisi taking it to church at the NAACP Image Awards a few weeks ago.
Full name: Ledisi Anibade Young
Ledisi was born in New Orleans but moved to Oakland as a girl. She began her singing career in the Bay Area eventually landing a regular gig as part of the famous SF musical revue Beach Blanket Babylon. It was during this time where she began dating my friend Simon who's also the godfather of my son. We had two young ones so we weren't getting out much so I only met Ledisi a few times. She was very attentive and patient with our kids and said things like "jeez Louise" that struck me as sweet and distinctly un-divalike. She self-released a couple of albums in the early years of the century that gained local attention but she decided she needed to leave the Bay (and Simon) to further her career.
"My Sensitivity (Gets In the Way)" is a Luther Vandross song that Ledisi recorded for a tribute album made after Luther suffered a debilitating stroke. The song was a breakthrough for Ledisi; she was one of the lesser known artists on the compilation but the song was picked up by some Black radio stations which led to her getting signed to the historic Verve label. Her major label debut album made the top ten on the R&B charts and earned her a Grammy nomination for best new artist. She lost that year to Amy Winehouse but eventually took home a Grammy in 2020.
The cover is similar to Vandross' original in style and tempo but the arrangement is funkier and Ledisi does Luther proud delivering a vocal that's sexy, soulful and swinging. Smooth Jazz star Boney James contributes the sax part that intertwines with Ledisi's voice on the outro. No video for the song but here's Ledisi taking it to church at the NAACP Image Awards a few weeks ago.
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John Maddens Lunchbox
Socialism for Dummies
Now while I dont necessarily agree with Mr Batemans AI assessment, I do have a love hate relationship with Simple MindsLets see what AI Patrick Bateman has to say"Don't You (Forget About Me)" is a song by the Scottish rock band Simple Minds, released as a single in 1985. It was written and composed by the record producer Keith Forsey and the guitarist Steve Schiff for the film The Breakfast Club (1985). Simple Minds initially declined to record it, preferring to record their own material, but accepted after several other acts also declined.Don't You (Forget About Me)
Simple Minds · Once Upon A Time (Super Deluxe) · Song · 1985
"Don't You (Forget About Me)" became a breakout hit for Simple Minds, an iconic song and a 1980s anthem. The single reached No. 1 in the United States and Canada, becoming Simple Minds' biggest hit in the United States. It also reached No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart and reached the top ten in charts around the world.
Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)
Simple Minds · New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) · Song · 1982
All The Things She Said
Simple Minds · Once Upon A Time (Super Deluxe) · Song · 1985
One of the more iconic songs from the era IMO
“Simple Minds. *Where do I even begin?* They’re a band that embodies the slick, corporate polish of the 1980s—artificial, precise, and a bit too glamorous to be taken seriously, yet undeniably *successful*. Fronted by Jim Kerr, a man whose presence seems perfectly sculpted to match the band's clean, almost antiseptic sound, Simple Minds rose to fame on a foundation of driving, synthetic anthems.
Their music? It's a finely tuned machine—an orchestra of keyboards, sweeping synths, and that characteristic, grandiose production that makes you want to put on your best suit and engage in some ruthless, ego-driven corporate maneuvering. The album *Don’t You (Forget About Me)*? It's the perfect soundtrack for when you need to remind everyone that you're still relevant, still on top, still untouchable. I mean, the *Breakfast Club* connection alone places them in a category of cultural icons.
And the business of it? Oh, it’s all calculated, isn’t it? The band’s success is less a result of artistic integrity and more a product of pure, cold ambition. Think about their albums *New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)* or *Sparkle in the Rain*—they're practically financial portfolios of musical investment, blending art with marketable perfection.
And, *let’s not forget* the stage presence—clean, sharp suits, meticulously coiffed hair, and a performance that screams control. They are, after all, masters of their image. Simple Minds don’t just perform; they project power, and the sound they produce? It’s a symphony of ego, finely sculpted to ensure they remain at the top. The world is their office, and they are in charge.
In conclusion, Simple Minds aren’t just a band. They’re a brand—elevated, detached, and calculated in every sense. The music is a reflection of the corporate landscape: cold, efficient, and undeniably captivating. *But don’t get too close.*
Yes they are U3 pretentious, but the New Gold Dream and Sparkle in the Rain albums are glorious and stuff I still play today. The albums preceding New Gold Dream were full of great moments. Once Upon a Time which followed the massive success of Dont You Forget About Me is the highlight of their ambition.
The band absolutely hated Dont You Forget About Me. But were strong armed into it by their record company which promised them their much desired US success. Most of the time they half arse it in Live shows, letting the crowd sing it. It was supposed to be a hit for Billy Idol as his songwriting muse Keith Forsey wrote it. Idol took one listen and said no ****ing way. Simple Minds thought the same, but bent over as it was a guaranteed hit.
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
But Idol covered it later in his career after he realized his “mistake.”Now while I dont necessarily agree with Mr Batemans AI assessment, I do have a love hate relationship with Simple MindsLets see what AI Patrick Bateman has to say"Don't You (Forget About Me)" is a song by the Scottish rock band Simple Minds, released as a single in 1985. It was written and composed by the record producer Keith Forsey and the guitarist Steve Schiff for the film The Breakfast Club (1985). Simple Minds initially declined to record it, preferring to record their own material, but accepted after several other acts also declined.Don't You (Forget About Me)
Simple Minds · Once Upon A Time (Super Deluxe) · Song · 1985
"Don't You (Forget About Me)" became a breakout hit for Simple Minds, an iconic song and a 1980s anthem. The single reached No. 1 in the United States and Canada, becoming Simple Minds' biggest hit in the United States. It also reached No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart and reached the top ten in charts around the world.
Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)
Simple Minds · New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) · Song · 1982
All The Things She Said
Simple Minds · Once Upon A Time (Super Deluxe) · Song · 1985
One of the more iconic songs from the era IMO
“Simple Minds. *Where do I even begin?* They’re a band that embodies the slick, corporate polish of the 1980s—artificial, precise, and a bit too glamorous to be taken seriously, yet undeniably *successful*. Fronted by Jim Kerr, a man whose presence seems perfectly sculpted to match the band's clean, almost antiseptic sound, Simple Minds rose to fame on a foundation of driving, synthetic anthems.
Their music? It's a finely tuned machine—an orchestra of keyboards, sweeping synths, and that characteristic, grandiose production that makes you want to put on your best suit and engage in some ruthless, ego-driven corporate maneuvering. The album *Don’t You (Forget About Me)*? It's the perfect soundtrack for when you need to remind everyone that you're still relevant, still on top, still untouchable. I mean, the *Breakfast Club* connection alone places them in a category of cultural icons.
And the business of it? Oh, it’s all calculated, isn’t it? The band’s success is less a result of artistic integrity and more a product of pure, cold ambition. Think about their albums *New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)* or *Sparkle in the Rain*—they're practically financial portfolios of musical investment, blending art with marketable perfection.
And, *let’s not forget* the stage presence—clean, sharp suits, meticulously coiffed hair, and a performance that screams control. They are, after all, masters of their image. Simple Minds don’t just perform; they project power, and the sound they produce? It’s a symphony of ego, finely sculpted to ensure they remain at the top. The world is their office, and they are in charge.
In conclusion, Simple Minds aren’t just a band. They’re a brand—elevated, detached, and calculated in every sense. The music is a reflection of the corporate landscape: cold, efficient, and undeniably captivating. *But don’t get too close.*
Yes they are U3 pretentious, but the New Gold Dream and Sparkle in the Rain albums are glorious and stuff I still play today. The albums preceding New Gold Dream were full of great moments. Once Upon a Time which followed the massive success of Dont You Forget About Me is the highlight of their ambition.
The band absolutely hated Dont You Forget About Me. But were strong armed into it by their record company which promised them their much desired US success. Most of the time they half arse it in Live shows, letting the crowd sing it. It was supposed to be a hit for Billy Idol as his songwriting muse Keith Forsey wrote it. Idol took one listen and said no ****ing way. Simple Minds thought the same, but bent over as it was a guaranteed hit.
KarmaPolice
Footballguy
#14: FILM SCHOOL - ON & ON
This was a band I stumbled on very recently as a I dug for ideas for this and thought about genres. I've been listening to more and more post-punk with bands like Gang of Four, Wire, Television, etc.. That lead me to a Wikipedia deep dive as I looked for other bands, and stumbled on to their "post-punk revival" bands, and there was a ton that I loved already. How could I resist the name Film School - so they were one of the first I listened to and instantly fell for. I was hearing a mix of MAD31 favorites (including @MrsKarmaPolice here) The Cure, Jesus and Mary Chain, Interpol, and I picked this song for the mix because at the end I thought it had a bit of a Sunny Day Real Estate feel. I think the record in @Eephus' neck of the woods and are based out of SF/LA.
Recommended listening: All of the albums are worth a listen. As I listen more, I tend to lean to their more recent albums. I like the more electronic backing sounds and the music fills out the headphones so well. We Weren't Here and Bright to Death would be the ones I'd suggest the most from my limited listens. Again, if you like the sound all are worth a listen. If I had to pick 5 artists from my list that I thought the highest % of MADers would like if they haven't heard it before, this would be one.
Next: A more selective pool of MADers will like this one. Going with some 70s prog from Europe (the continent).
This was a band I stumbled on very recently as a I dug for ideas for this and thought about genres. I've been listening to more and more post-punk with bands like Gang of Four, Wire, Television, etc.. That lead me to a Wikipedia deep dive as I looked for other bands, and stumbled on to their "post-punk revival" bands, and there was a ton that I loved already. How could I resist the name Film School - so they were one of the first I listened to and instantly fell for. I was hearing a mix of MAD31 favorites (including @MrsKarmaPolice here) The Cure, Jesus and Mary Chain, Interpol, and I picked this song for the mix because at the end I thought it had a bit of a Sunny Day Real Estate feel. I think the record in @Eephus' neck of the woods and are based out of SF/LA.
Recommended listening: All of the albums are worth a listen. As I listen more, I tend to lean to their more recent albums. I like the more electronic backing sounds and the music fills out the headphones so well. We Weren't Here and Bright to Death would be the ones I'd suggest the most from my limited listens. Again, if you like the sound all are worth a listen. If I had to pick 5 artists from my list that I thought the highest % of MADers would like if they haven't heard it before, this would be one.
Next: A more selective pool of MADers will like this one. Going with some 70s prog from Europe (the continent).
John Maddens Lunchbox
Socialism for Dummies
He half hearted it for a greatest hits compilation on the behest of Forsey.But Idol covered it later in his career after he realized his “mistake.”Now while I dont necessarily agree with Mr Batemans AI assessment, I do have a love hate relationship with Simple MindsLets see what AI Patrick Bateman has to say"Don't You (Forget About Me)" is a song by the Scottish rock band Simple Minds, released as a single in 1985. It was written and composed by the record producer Keith Forsey and the guitarist Steve Schiff for the film The Breakfast Club (1985). Simple Minds initially declined to record it, preferring to record their own material, but accepted after several other acts also declined.Don't You (Forget About Me)
Simple Minds · Once Upon A Time (Super Deluxe) · Song · 1985
"Don't You (Forget About Me)" became a breakout hit for Simple Minds, an iconic song and a 1980s anthem. The single reached No. 1 in the United States and Canada, becoming Simple Minds' biggest hit in the United States. It also reached No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart and reached the top ten in charts around the world.
Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)
Simple Minds · New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) · Song · 1982
All The Things She Said
Simple Minds · Once Upon A Time (Super Deluxe) · Song · 1985
One of the more iconic songs from the era IMO
“Simple Minds. *Where do I even begin?* They’re a band that embodies the slick, corporate polish of the 1980s—artificial, precise, and a bit too glamorous to be taken seriously, yet undeniably *successful*. Fronted by Jim Kerr, a man whose presence seems perfectly sculpted to match the band's clean, almost antiseptic sound, Simple Minds rose to fame on a foundation of driving, synthetic anthems.
Their music? It's a finely tuned machine—an orchestra of keyboards, sweeping synths, and that characteristic, grandiose production that makes you want to put on your best suit and engage in some ruthless, ego-driven corporate maneuvering. The album *Don’t You (Forget About Me)*? It's the perfect soundtrack for when you need to remind everyone that you're still relevant, still on top, still untouchable. I mean, the *Breakfast Club* connection alone places them in a category of cultural icons.
And the business of it? Oh, it’s all calculated, isn’t it? The band’s success is less a result of artistic integrity and more a product of pure, cold ambition. Think about their albums *New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)* or *Sparkle in the Rain*—they're practically financial portfolios of musical investment, blending art with marketable perfection.
And, *let’s not forget* the stage presence—clean, sharp suits, meticulously coiffed hair, and a performance that screams control. They are, after all, masters of their image. Simple Minds don’t just perform; they project power, and the sound they produce? It’s a symphony of ego, finely sculpted to ensure they remain at the top. The world is their office, and they are in charge.
In conclusion, Simple Minds aren’t just a band. They’re a brand—elevated, detached, and calculated in every sense. The music is a reflection of the corporate landscape: cold, efficient, and undeniably captivating. *But don’t get too close.*
Yes they are U3 pretentious, but the New Gold Dream and Sparkle in the Rain albums are glorious and stuff I still play today. The albums preceding New Gold Dream were full of great moments. Once Upon a Time which followed the massive success of Dont You Forget About Me is the highlight of their ambition.
The band absolutely hated Dont You Forget About Me. But were strong armed into it by their record company which promised them their much desired US success. Most of the time they half arse it in Live shows, letting the crowd sing it. It was supposed to be a hit for Billy Idol as his songwriting muse Keith Forsey wrote it. Idol took one listen and said no ****ing way. Simple Minds thought the same, but bent over as it was a guaranteed hit.
Interestingly Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music also refused it. It took Simple Minds lead singers wife at the time, one miss Chrissie Hynde to insist he record it.
Kerr still hated it and threw in Hey Hey Heys at the beginning and la la la la etc at the end, which made it even better.
The record company threw the kitchen sink at trying to convince Kerr and Simple Minds to record it.
They arranged a private advance screening of the Breakfast Club. After which Kerr said “We couldn't give a toss about teenage American schoolkids.”
It wasnt until Hynde convinced Kerr that they recorded it.
Guitarist Charlie Burchill recently said “When I listen to it now, it’s obviously a brilliant, well-crafted pop song. I’m embarrassed we dissed it so much."
As a side note, Billy Idol was forced to record another of Forseys compositions “Cradle of Love”. Idol loathed it, which you can hear in the recorded version as he throws in sneers, whoops and squeals not hiding his contempt for the song. It was drummed into Idol constantly that “looked what happened with Dont You Forget About Me. Just sing it Billy”
John Maddens Lunchbox
Socialism for Dummies
Batman
14 - Alesso featuring Tove Lo - Heroes (We Could be)
- 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 - We go hide away in daylight
We go undercover, wait out the sun
Got a secret side in plain sight
Where the streets are empty, that's where we run
Batman Vibe Score - 2/10 - Batman is a hero and thats in the song title i guess
Where to Find - Lego Batman Movie Soundtrack
Quick Hit Comment - As mentioned “David Bowie and Brian Eno turn up in the list of songwriters, but the song doesnt even sound the same “I just didn't want to get sued. They aren't similar, but we needed protection in case we pissed off Bowie”
Next Up - I think we finally get towards the better stuff with a former punk having a renaissance in the late 80s and 90s
John Maddens Lunchbox
Socialism for Dummies
Songs in D Minor - The Saddest? Key of All
14 - Earth, Wind and Fire & The Emotions - Boogie Wonderland
- 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 - All the love in the world can't be gone
All the need to be loved can't be wrong
All the records are playing and my heart keeps saying
"Boogie Wonderland, Wonderland"
Source - https://musicstax.com/track/boogie-wonderland/2rcmr9KH9yEvdKJVhXmLwG
https://tunebat.com/Info/Boogie-Wonderland-Earth-Wind-Fire-The-Emotions/6ztstiyZL6FXzh4aG46ZPD
Sadness Quotient - 0/11 - Im beginning to think this saddest key of all thing is bullshiite
Comment - Hands up if the first song you thought of when saddest songs comes up is Boogie Wonderland? No one?
Next Up - A personal fave of mine that made an appearance on the MAD artist rundowns. What do you know? Its in D Minor.m
rockaction
Footballguy
Think I saw this group/duo at BAR in New Haven in 2009 or so. I'm pretty sure it was them and I'm pretty sure I dug it. I remember them having some sort of food after the show. BAR had great pizza. Miss that place. I think that was the show that the Yale frat that became famous for awfulness dumped a bucket of water (or something close) from the building upon which they resided and a bunch of us challenged the them to a fight, which they declined. I only got spray wet, but it was enough for a pissed off rock to respond to the indignity.
Good thing for us they declined.
Anyway, I'll have to give it another listen.
I just listened. Yeah, that was them most likely. I checked from around that era, and the 2010 album sounds a lot like what I heard.
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rockaction
Footballguy
14. Rock N' Roll Girl - The Beat
A power pop blast that Eephus already covered in a write-up, The Beat were an American band led by Paul Collins formed from the ashes of The Nerves and having a coincidentally same name with England's The Beat, causing name confusion until this day. The American Beat decided to go as Paul Collins's The Beat when they were in Europe while England's version of The Beat went as the English Beat when in the States. Nice compromise, although I think the English Beat went with that name full time.
Anyway, if you dig this you should check the Nerves, who I'll include today because Eeph covered this song already.
This sounds like it could be straight mid-60s and be included in the Nuggets Box Set
A power pop blast that Eephus already covered in a write-up, The Beat were an American band led by Paul Collins formed from the ashes of The Nerves and having a coincidentally same name with England's The Beat, causing name confusion until this day. The American Beat decided to go as Paul Collins's The Beat when they were in Europe while England's version of The Beat went as the English Beat when in the States. Nice compromise, although I think the English Beat went with that name full time.
Anyway, if you dig this you should check the Nerves, who I'll include today because Eeph covered this song already.
This sounds like it could be straight mid-60s and be included in the Nuggets Box Set
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shuke
Black Ice Skeptic
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
14. I Can't Take It
Artist: Cheap Trick
Album: Next Position Please (1983)
Todd's role(s): producer, engineer, guitar
Writer(s): Robin Zander
The song: "I Can't Take It" is a power pop powerhouse from Cheap Trick, bearing many of the signature touches of producer Todd Rundgren. It deserved to be as popular as the best-known songs from their Budokan-hysteria period in the late '70s and their power ballad-driven period in the late '80s, but wasn't. Frenetic guitars, jaunty rhythms and the patented Rundgren multilayered harmonies on the chorus offer appeal that should have extended beyond Cheap Trick's diehard fans.
While most of the band's originals were penned by guitarist Rick Nielsen, this song was written by singer Robin Zander, though Pete Comita, who served as the group's bassist in 1980 and 1981, has claimed he wrote most of it, which has been disputed by the band.
Rundgren wanted "I Can't Take It" to be the lead single from Next Position Please, but Epic was not enthusiastic about it and asked Cheap Trick to record a cover of The Motors' "Dancing the Night Away" to serve as lead single; Rundgren refused to produce it so the band did so themselves with the assistance of Ian Taylor. "I Can't Take It" was put out as the second single. Both songs failed to chart.
John M. Borack wrote in the 2007 book Shake Some Action: The Ultimate Power Pop Guide that the song "is pure, unfiltered power pop for the masses, with Todd Rundgren's bright 'n' shiny production, giving it a radio-friendly sheen. One of the great, semi-lost Cheap Trick numbers, and one they still perform live."
Rundgren covered this song on the (re)Production album. https://open.spotify.com/track/1pc9Id7taRXSC3Xi15ocQx?si=2e581879972143bb
The album: By the time Todd Rundgren came aboard to produce Cheap Trick's seventh studio album Next Position Please, his history was intertwined with that of some of the band's members. Some accounts say that Nielsen replaced Rundgren in Nazz, but it's not as simple as that. Nielsen and bassist Tom Petersson played in a Midwestern band called Fuse from 1967 to 1970. They released one unsuccessful album. Rundgren left Nazz in 1969 along with bassist Carson Van Osten, leaving singer/keyboardist Robert "Stewkey" Antoni and drummer Thom Mooney looking for new people to play with. They hooked up with Neilsen and Peterssen, billing themselves as Fuse when playing in the Midwest and as Nazz when playing on the East Coast. In 1971, the band moved to Philadelphia and changed their name to Sick Man of Europe. In 1973, Sick Man of Europe dissolved and Neilsen and Petersson moved back to Chicago, forming Cheap Trick with drummer Bun E. Carlos and singer Randy Hogan, who was replaced a year later by Zander. Presumably Rundgren and the band kept tabs on each other in the '70s, and Neilsen contributed two songs to Rick Derringer's Rundgren-produced 1979 album Guitars and Women (#22 on my list).
By 1983, Cheap Trick's initial wave of popularity had receded and the band, now consisting of Zander, Nielsen, Carlos and bassist Jon Brant, was in a phase where they were merging their brand of hard-rocking power pop with the new wave trends of the time. So it was not surprising that they would hook up with Rundgren, one of the preeminent new wave producers of the time. The album was released to mixed reviews and lukewarm commercial reception (#61 on the Billboard albums chart), but its stature has grown over the years among fans and music writers. In 1987, Petersson would return and the band would embrace power ballads and outside songwriters, giving them some very '80s-sounding hits and reviving their career.
You Might Also Like: The Rundgren-penned "Heaven's Falling" sounds like a Utopia outtake and probably was. https://open.spotify.com/track/0QVZr4Y0ArtEFEkohUBHwg?si=f5325d4e86c841ad
At #13, early in their career, an artist that would go on to have major success with a distinctive sound put out a record that sounds like a bonus Todd album. I love it but others -- including one of the band's principals -- don't.
Artist: Cheap Trick
Album: Next Position Please (1983)
Todd's role(s): producer, engineer, guitar
Writer(s): Robin Zander
The song: "I Can't Take It" is a power pop powerhouse from Cheap Trick, bearing many of the signature touches of producer Todd Rundgren. It deserved to be as popular as the best-known songs from their Budokan-hysteria period in the late '70s and their power ballad-driven period in the late '80s, but wasn't. Frenetic guitars, jaunty rhythms and the patented Rundgren multilayered harmonies on the chorus offer appeal that should have extended beyond Cheap Trick's diehard fans.
While most of the band's originals were penned by guitarist Rick Nielsen, this song was written by singer Robin Zander, though Pete Comita, who served as the group's bassist in 1980 and 1981, has claimed he wrote most of it, which has been disputed by the band.
Rundgren wanted "I Can't Take It" to be the lead single from Next Position Please, but Epic was not enthusiastic about it and asked Cheap Trick to record a cover of The Motors' "Dancing the Night Away" to serve as lead single; Rundgren refused to produce it so the band did so themselves with the assistance of Ian Taylor. "I Can't Take It" was put out as the second single. Both songs failed to chart.
John M. Borack wrote in the 2007 book Shake Some Action: The Ultimate Power Pop Guide that the song "is pure, unfiltered power pop for the masses, with Todd Rundgren's bright 'n' shiny production, giving it a radio-friendly sheen. One of the great, semi-lost Cheap Trick numbers, and one they still perform live."
Rundgren covered this song on the (re)Production album. https://open.spotify.com/track/1pc9Id7taRXSC3Xi15ocQx?si=2e581879972143bb
The album: By the time Todd Rundgren came aboard to produce Cheap Trick's seventh studio album Next Position Please, his history was intertwined with that of some of the band's members. Some accounts say that Nielsen replaced Rundgren in Nazz, but it's not as simple as that. Nielsen and bassist Tom Petersson played in a Midwestern band called Fuse from 1967 to 1970. They released one unsuccessful album. Rundgren left Nazz in 1969 along with bassist Carson Van Osten, leaving singer/keyboardist Robert "Stewkey" Antoni and drummer Thom Mooney looking for new people to play with. They hooked up with Neilsen and Peterssen, billing themselves as Fuse when playing in the Midwest and as Nazz when playing on the East Coast. In 1971, the band moved to Philadelphia and changed their name to Sick Man of Europe. In 1973, Sick Man of Europe dissolved and Neilsen and Petersson moved back to Chicago, forming Cheap Trick with drummer Bun E. Carlos and singer Randy Hogan, who was replaced a year later by Zander. Presumably Rundgren and the band kept tabs on each other in the '70s, and Neilsen contributed two songs to Rick Derringer's Rundgren-produced 1979 album Guitars and Women (#22 on my list).
By 1983, Cheap Trick's initial wave of popularity had receded and the band, now consisting of Zander, Nielsen, Carlos and bassist Jon Brant, was in a phase where they were merging their brand of hard-rocking power pop with the new wave trends of the time. So it was not surprising that they would hook up with Rundgren, one of the preeminent new wave producers of the time. The album was released to mixed reviews and lukewarm commercial reception (#61 on the Billboard albums chart), but its stature has grown over the years among fans and music writers. In 1987, Petersson would return and the band would embrace power ballads and outside songwriters, giving them some very '80s-sounding hits and reviving their career.
You Might Also Like: The Rundgren-penned "Heaven's Falling" sounds like a Utopia outtake and probably was. https://open.spotify.com/track/0QVZr4Y0ArtEFEkohUBHwg?si=f5325d4e86c841ad
At #13, early in their career, an artist that would go on to have major success with a distinctive sound put out a record that sounds like a bonus Todd album. I love it but others -- including one of the band's principals -- don't.
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rockaction
Footballguy
I've noticed that Rundgren was really involved with the power pop bands of the era and produced a bunch of them. This is a fine song, but I'm not sure it would ever be a monster hit because it's designed to be just that and therein lies the paradox of pop—one almost has to be reaching for something else other than success to be a success, you know?
But it's a good track for them and I'm beginning to be able to hear (a bit) the Rundgren production. I'm almost looking forward to checking out his re(Production) if only to see the titles and bands. Oh my. I just did. "Personality Crisis" is awesome and feels timely since David Johansen just passed.
shuke
Black Ice Skeptic
14s
So much saxiness
Dr. Octopus – Alabama - Tedeschi Trucks Band (Derek Trucks)
Don Quixote – Musicawi Silt (Spotify) - Hailu Mercia & The Walias (Ethiopia) - Maybe? I think there is some sax with that trumpet?
JMLs secret identity – Boogie Wonderland (Spotify) - Earth, Wind and Fire & The Emotions
landrys hat - "T" Stands For Trouble - Marvin Gaye - Trouble Man (1972)
MrsKarmaPolice – The Underdog - Spoon
higgins – Going Home - Dire Straits
Shukelist appearance
scorchy – Catch The Sun – Doves
Favorite new to me
KarmaPolice – On & On - Film School
So much saxiness
Dr. Octopus – Alabama - Tedeschi Trucks Band (Derek Trucks)
Don Quixote – Musicawi Silt (Spotify) - Hailu Mercia & The Walias (Ethiopia) - Maybe? I think there is some sax with that trumpet?
JMLs secret identity – Boogie Wonderland (Spotify) - Earth, Wind and Fire & The Emotions
landrys hat - "T" Stands For Trouble - Marvin Gaye - Trouble Man (1972)
MrsKarmaPolice – The Underdog - Spoon
higgins – Going Home - Dire Straits
Shukelist appearance
scorchy – Catch The Sun – Doves
Favorite new to me
KarmaPolice – On & On - Film School
Eephus
Footballguy
Fashions changed in the 80s but Cheap Trick pretty much stayed the same. Epic brought in a series of big name producers including Todd, George Martin, Roy Thomas Baker, Jack Douglas and Richie Zito to try to make some hits. Some of the producers left a bigger mark than others but all the band's 80s albums that I've heard are solid but unspectacular. The boys have continued on into this century making records that follow the same pattern but they're definitely giving the producer a smaller cut.
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
#14s have a lot songs that I know and love:
kupcho1 – rain
Fool in the Rain - Led Zeppelin
simey – train songs
Railroad Man - Bill Withers
Yambag – Metal songs from 1988-1992 that became the gateway into the world of music for a young Yambag
Kickstart My Heart - Motley Crue
Yo Mama – World’s Worst Superheroes
Man In A Suitcase - The Police
JMLs secret identity – songs in D#Minor, the saddest key of all
Boogie Wonderland (Spotify) - Earth, Wind and Fire & The Emotions
-OZ- - song / music moments from the Marvel cinematic universe
Immigrant Song - Led Zeppelin
Mt. Man – Number, Please
50 Ways To Leave Your Lover - Paul Simon
jwb – songs that sound great on a decent 2-channel system
New Frontier – Donald Fagen
scorchy – songs by Manchester(-ish) artists
Catch The Sun – Doves
titusbramble – Grand Theft Auto, specifically the 3D era
Low Rider - War (SA - Master Sounds 98.3)
Ilov80s - One song from each of the 31 best albums of 1984
Pink Turns Blue - Husker Du
MrsKarmaPolice – Animal Kingdom
The Underdog - Spoon
Tau837 – Hair metal
Still Loving You - Scorpions
Zegras11 – New wave
Don't You (Forget About Me) - Simple Minds
Anonymous Mystery Theme Dictator - ???
Don't Stop Me Now - Queen
I was hoping simey would have "Railroad Man" on her list. It's one of Withers' best tracks and deserves more attention than it gets.
kupcho1 – rain
Fool in the Rain - Led Zeppelin
simey – train songs
Railroad Man - Bill Withers
Yambag – Metal songs from 1988-1992 that became the gateway into the world of music for a young Yambag
Kickstart My Heart - Motley Crue
Yo Mama – World’s Worst Superheroes
Man In A Suitcase - The Police
JMLs secret identity – songs in D#Minor, the saddest key of all
Boogie Wonderland (Spotify) - Earth, Wind and Fire & The Emotions
-OZ- - song / music moments from the Marvel cinematic universe
Immigrant Song - Led Zeppelin
Mt. Man – Number, Please
50 Ways To Leave Your Lover - Paul Simon
jwb – songs that sound great on a decent 2-channel system
New Frontier – Donald Fagen
scorchy – songs by Manchester(-ish) artists
Catch The Sun – Doves
titusbramble – Grand Theft Auto, specifically the 3D era
Low Rider - War (SA - Master Sounds 98.3)
Ilov80s - One song from each of the 31 best albums of 1984
Pink Turns Blue - Husker Du
MrsKarmaPolice – Animal Kingdom
The Underdog - Spoon
Tau837 – Hair metal
Still Loving You - Scorpions
Zegras11 – New wave
Don't You (Forget About Me) - Simple Minds
Anonymous Mystery Theme Dictator - ???
Don't Stop Me Now - Queen
I was hoping simey would have "Railroad Man" on her list. It's one of Withers' best tracks and deserves more attention than it gets.
Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
It's a nice song. But I just hear a trumpet, not a sax. Not that I can check. They are so obscure that it's difficult to get info.
-OZ-
Footballguy
15s that got my attention:
One of the best by one of the best
Ray will always hit.
New to me, overlooked the first time through but got my attention the second time.
One of his lesser known songs but depending on the mood his lesser known songs sound better.
Another artist who always gets my attention
One of the best by one of the bestThey’re such a hit or miss band for me (Probably others) This is one of my favorites
I never liked Jay but Alicia makes up for it
Classic
New to me, I had to check the lyrics but a definite hit.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
I ranked this way too low in my MAD EWF countdown (I think I put it at #15 or thereabouts). It's a perfect late '70s record. I did not know it was in D Minor. Is that the whole song? There are so many melody changes in it and I'm not smart enough to know what key any of them are in.Songs in D Minor - The Saddest? Key of All
14 - Earth, Wind and Fire & The Emotions - Boogie Wonderland
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Lyric - All the love in the world can't be gone
All the need to be loved can't be wrong
All the records are playing and my heart keeps saying
"Boogie Wonderland, Wonderland"
Source - https://musicstax.com/track/boogie-wonderland/2rcmr9KH9yEvdKJVhXmLwG
https://tunebat.com/Info/Boogie-Wonderland-Earth-Wind-Fire-The-Emotions/6ztstiyZL6FXzh4aG46ZPD
Sadness Quotient - 0/11 - Im beginning to think this saddest key of all thing is bullshiite
Comment - Hands up if the first song you thought of when saddest songs comes up is Boogie Wonderland? No one?
Next Up - A personal fave of mine that made an appearance on the MAD artist rundowns. What do you know? Its in D Minor.m
John Maddens Lunchbox
Socialism for Dummies
Theres a whole complex reasoning that differs occasionally between sites that put the effort into determining this.I ranked this way too low in my MAD EWF countdown (I think I put it at #15 or thereabouts). It's a perfect late '70s record. I did not know it was in D Minor. Is that the whole song? There are so many melody changes in it and I'm not smart enough to know what key any of them are in.Songs in D Minor - The Saddest? Key of All
14 - Earth, Wind and Fire & The Emotions - Boogie Wonderland
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
Lyric - All the love in the world can't be gone
All the need to be loved can't be wrong
All the records are playing and my heart keeps saying
"Boogie Wonderland, Wonderland"
Source - https://musicstax.com/track/boogie-wonderland/2rcmr9KH9yEvdKJVhXmLwG
https://tunebat.com/Info/Boogie-Wonderland-Earth-Wind-Fire-The-Emotions/6ztstiyZL6FXzh4aG46ZPD
Sadness Quotient - 0/11 - Im beginning to think this saddest key of all thing is bullshiite
Comment - Hands up if the first song you thought of when saddest songs comes up is Boogie Wonderland? No one?
Next Up - A personal fave of mine that made an appearance on the MAD artist rundowns. What do you know? Its in D Minor.m
Songs have key changes and significant sections that move around the scales.
Im not smart enough to understand all this. Maybe one of the two links in the source section has a better explanation
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
One of my favorite CT songs, oddly not played as much as their earlier and later singles. But maybe that's part of the reason I still like it.
Yambag
Footballguy
14s
Known
Led Zeppelin: Fool in the Rain
EWF: Boogie Wonderland
Led Zeppelin: Immigrant Song
Paul Simon: 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
War: Low Rider
Alesso: We Could be Heroes
Spoon: The Underdog (repeat!)
Simple Minds: Don't You Forget About Me (one of my favorite 80's tunes)
Queen: Don't Stop Me Now
Caught My Attention
Film School: On & On
Great Big Sea: Ordinary Day
Doves: Catch the Sun
Husker Do: Pink Turns to Blue
Paul Collins: Rock N Roll Girl
Scorpions: Still Loving You
Stufft Crust: Italian Jeans
Lawrence Arms: The Slowest Drink...
Known
Led Zeppelin: Fool in the Rain
EWF: Boogie Wonderland
Led Zeppelin: Immigrant Song
Paul Simon: 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
War: Low Rider
Alesso: We Could be Heroes
Spoon: The Underdog (repeat!)
Simple Minds: Don't You Forget About Me (one of my favorite 80's tunes)
Queen: Don't Stop Me Now
Caught My Attention
Film School: On & On
Great Big Sea: Ordinary Day
Doves: Catch the Sun
Husker Do: Pink Turns to Blue
Paul Collins: Rock N Roll Girl
Scorpions: Still Loving You
Stufft Crust: Italian Jeans
Lawrence Arms: The Slowest Drink...
zamboni
Footballguy
As Pip eloquently stated above, this seemed to be a 'tweener part of Cheap Trick's career. They had some MTV (not so much Billboard Hot 100) hits with the previous One on One album ("She's Tight" and "If You Want My Love") and then "Tonight It's You" a few years later, but were otherwise languishing until "The Flame" temporarily re-ignited them big time in 1988.
krista4
Footballguy
Happy Casimir Pulaski Day to those who celebrate!!! 
Sufjan Stevens didn't really know how to celebrate.
But Kidd Russell and Cisco Adler did.
Sufjan Stevens didn't really know how to celebrate.
But Kidd Russell and Cisco Adler did.
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
Yep. A video was made for “I Can’t Take It” but I don’t remember ever seeing it.
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Don Quixote
Footballguy
I’ll go for the arc of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
(ChatGPT tells me that is a good guess — let’s find out.)
### **Mapping the Playlist to *Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas***
Let’s break this down **step by step**, aligning the **songs with key moments in the book/movie** to see if they match.
---
## **
*Raoul Duke (Hunter S. Thompson) and Dr. Gonzo hit the road with a trunk full of drugs, heading to Las Vegas to cover a motorcycle race.*
**If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next** – *Manic Street Preachers*
- **Theme:** Anti-fascism, political decay.
- **Match:** Duke’s **cynical, anti-establishment mindset** as he embarks on the trip.
**Hear The Drummer Get Wicked** – *Chad Jackson*
- **Theme:** High-energy, chaotic beats.
- **Match:** The **drug-fueled rush into the desert**—speed, adrenaline, freedom.
**Pick Up The Pieces** – *Average White Band*
- **Theme:** Funky, instrumental, carefree.
- **Match:** The **freewheeling, almost playful** start of the trip before things spiral.
**Virtual Insanity** – *Jamiroquai*
- **Theme:** The world becoming increasingly surreal.
- **Match:** **Lizard hallucinations, the hotel check-in**—Duke’s world begins twisting.
## **
**Another Chance** – *Roger Sanchez*
- **Theme:** Regret, longing for redemption.
- **Match:** Duke occasionally wonders if he should leave—but he **doubles down instead**.
**Living On My Own** – *Freddie Mercury*
- **Theme:** Hedonism, self-destruction masked as freedom.
- **Match:** Duke’s **drugged-out solo wandering through Vegas**, untethered from reality.
**Sharp Dressed Man** – *ZZ Top*
- **Theme:** Over-the-top confidence.
- **Match:** **Duke’s swagger at the casino**, looking slick while totally wrecked inside.
**Better Off Alone** – *Alice Deejay*
- **Theme:** Partying vs. isolation.
- **Match:** **Psychedelic loneliness**—even in Vegas, Duke is **mentally unraveling**.
**Love Is The Drug** – *Roxy Music*
- **Theme:** Addiction, thrill-seeking.
- **Match:** Duke and Gonzo are fully immersed in **their drug-fueled descent**.
## **
**By The Time I Get To Arizona** – *Public Enemy*
- **Theme:** Protest, social unrest.
- **Match:** Duke starts **reflecting on America’s failures**—his journalism background creeping back.
- **Theme:** Experimentation, recklessness.
- **Match:** Possible tie-in to the **strange, half-remembered Vegas encounters**.
- **Theme:** A surreal road trip, otherworldly imagery.
- **Match:** **Driving through the Nevada desert**, still tripping but crashing emotionally.
- **Theme:** Isolation, mental chaos.
- **Match:** Duke realizes **he’s spiraling, trapped in his own head**.
- **Theme:** Escape, unhealthy devotion.
- **Match:** Gonzo **abandons Duke**, leaving him alone in Vegas.
## **
- **Theme:** Inner demons, loss of control.
- **Match:** Duke **battles his paranoia** as the trip unravels.
- **Theme:** Desperation, no limits.
- **Match:** Duke **pushes further**, refusing to back down from the madness.
- **Theme:** Blaming others, anger.
- **Match:** **Disillusionment—Duke sees everyone as an enemy**, from cops to hotel staff.
- **Theme:** Partying at full speed, but with consequences.
- **Match:** A **final, manic high** before Duke **crashes hard**.
## **
### **This is a strong match for *Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas*!
- **The order follows the book’s structure:**
**Excitement → Hedonism → Paranoia → Escape**
- **Themes of excess, destruction, and the American Dream collapsing align perfectly.**
- **The songs shift from high-energy to chaos, then to paranoia and regret—just like the book.**
simey
Footballguy
trapped in a continuous cycle and finding a release that feels like freedom
simey
Footballguy
I've always liked Klaus Meine's voice on this song, and it's one of my favorite hair metal/power ballads. This album reminds me of my freshman year in college.
jwb
Footballguy
I put Aja on my last 5 out, and here's how we get Steely Dan into the actual list. This album - The Nightfly - is well-known to audiophiles. Many think it's the top of the production/engineering mountain. I'm not sure about that but it really does sound great (it's one of the first all-digitally recorded albums). The Donald Fagan/ Walter Becker partnership that made Steely Dan was fading, and Donald had something to say - the result was this fairly autobiographical solo album. But of course, it sounds almost exactly like Steely Dan, right down to the amazingly clear production - I'd forgive anyone who thinks these songs are Steely Dan and not Fagan solo.
shuke
Black Ice Skeptic
It's a nice song. But I just hear a trumpet, not a sax. Not that I can check. They are so obscure that it's difficult to get info.
Hmm. Is that not sax at 3:38 mark?
I couldn't find anything to confirm on this track either. Only live video I can find is this, showing two saxophonists in the band. Granted, it's a different song.
Mt. Man
Footballguy
The #14s!
Known Numbers:
Kickstart My Heart - Motley Crue
Boogie Wonderland - Earth, Wind & Fire
Catch the Sun - Doves
Still Loving You - Scorpions
Don’t Stop Me Now - Queen
Total Surprises:
My Sensitivity (Gets in the Way) - Ledisi
Uważaj Na Niego - Pudelsi
On & On - Film School
Summer Rain - Johnny Rivers
Do You Think I’m Pretty - Racing Mount Pleasant
Go Figure:
Tonight, in “only one will survive” (or at least, be featured)! I’ll take “Fool In the Rain” from Led Zeppelin and Tedeschi Trucks Band’s “Alabama” (slightly) over the other song featured from those bands.
Known Numbers:
Kickstart My Heart - Motley Crue
Boogie Wonderland - Earth, Wind & Fire
Catch the Sun - Doves
Still Loving You - Scorpions
Don’t Stop Me Now - Queen
Total Surprises:
My Sensitivity (Gets in the Way) - Ledisi
Uważaj Na Niego - Pudelsi
On & On - Film School
Summer Rain - Johnny Rivers
Do You Think I’m Pretty - Racing Mount Pleasant
Go Figure:
Tonight, in “only one will survive” (or at least, be featured)! I’ll take “Fool In the Rain” from Led Zeppelin and Tedeschi Trucks Band’s “Alabama” (slightly) over the other song featured from those bands.
krista4
Footballguy
I’ll go for the arc of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
(ChatGPT tells me that is a good guess — let’s find out.)
### **
Let’s break this down **step by step**, aligning the **songs with key moments in the book/movie** to see if they match.
---
## **
- **Theme:** Anti-fascism, political decay.
- **Match:** Duke’s **cynical, anti-establishment mindset** as he embarks on the trip.
- **Theme:** High-energy, chaotic beats.
- **Match:** The **drug-fueled rush into the desert**—speed, adrenaline, freedom.
- **Theme:** Funky, instrumental, carefree.
- **Match:** The **freewheeling, almost playful** start of the trip before things spiral.
- **Theme:** The world becoming increasingly surreal.
- **Match:** **Lizard hallucinations, the hotel check-in**—Duke’s world begins twisting.
## **
- **Theme:** Regret, longing for redemption.
- **Match:** Duke occasionally wonders if he should leave—but he **doubles down instead**.
- **Theme:** Hedonism, self-destruction masked as freedom.
- **Match:** Duke’s **drugged-out solo wandering through Vegas**, untethered from reality.
- **Theme:** Over-the-top confidence.
- **Match:** **Duke’s swagger at the casino**, looking slick while totally wrecked inside.
- **Theme:** Partying vs. isolation.
- **Match:** **Psychedelic loneliness**—even in Vegas, Duke is **mentally unraveling**.
- **Theme:** Addiction, thrill-seeking.
- **Match:** Duke and Gonzo are fully immersed in **their drug-fueled descent**.
## **
- **Theme:** Protest, social unrest.
- **Match:** Duke starts **reflecting on America’s failures**—his journalism background creeping back.
- **Theme:** Experimentation, recklessness.
- **Match:** Possible tie-in to the **strange, half-remembered Vegas encounters**.
- **Theme:** A surreal road trip, otherworldly imagery.
- **Match:** **Driving through the Nevada desert**, still tripping but crashing emotionally.
- **Theme:** Isolation, mental chaos.
- **Match:** Duke realizes **he’s spiraling, trapped in his own head**.
- **Theme:** Escape, unhealthy devotion.
- **Match:** Gonzo **abandons Duke**, leaving him alone in Vegas.
## **
- **Theme:** Inner demons, loss of control.
- **Match:** Duke **battles his paranoia** as the trip unravels.
- **Theme:** Desperation, no limits.
- **Match:** Duke **pushes further**, refusing to back down from the madness.
- **Theme:** Blaming others, anger.
- **Match:** **Disillusionment—Duke sees everyone as an enemy**, from cops to hotel staff.
- **Theme:** Partying at full speed, but with consequences.
- **Match:** A **final, manic high** before Duke **crashes hard**.
## **
### **
- **The order follows the book’s structure:**
**Excitement → Hedonism → Paranoia → Escape**
- **Themes of excess, destruction, and the American Dream collapsing align perfectly.**
- **The songs shift from high-energy to chaos, then to paranoia and regret—just like the book.**
Just another reason not to trust AI.
Brilliant guess, though.
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