Middle-aged Dummies are back and bursting at the "themes" to get going! Full theme ahead! (3 Viewers)

[Charlie Steiner]

Also note the dialog between Roger and his young wife at the end:

Roger: Why don't you sing like that?

Jane: Why don't you look like him?

 

[zamboni]

landrys hat - favorite Side 2 Track 1s from my record collection

Elevation - Television - Marquee Moon (1977)

This one is a banger.

Always thought Lovefool by The Cardigans may have borrowed the opening riff.

 

[Don Quixote]

Don Quixote – Afrobeat

Petit Sekou (Spotify) - Bembeya Jazz National (Guinea)

The first and only trip to Guinea on my list. Bembeya Jazz National is a longstanding band formed in Guinea in 1961. This particular song came out in 1977. They disbanded during the 1980s, but came back together in the 2000s.

If you like a good guitar solo, this is one for you. It is an instrumental, with the exception of some laughter and a shout of “Diamond Fingers” after a couple of the more intense guitar sections, as it flips back and forth. “Diamond Fingers” was the nickname of the guitarist, Sekou Diabate — he got that nickname after one of his performances, and he lives up to the nickname here.

Every now and again, I come across a song from Africa that I wonder why it has not appeared in more movies or gained more traction — I’ll put this one in that bucket, as it sounds like something that should have appeared in a Tarantino movie. After I submitted, I came across this video of them performing the song, if you like a YouTube video with a bit of action to it, with Diamond Fingers front and center.

 

[simey]

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

Mania

 

[Chaos34]

Chaos34 - Post Surf Rock Surf Rockish (80s fwd)

The Godfather - Satan’s Pilgrams

Oof. I meant to change this. I did the list last minute and too fast. I nixed covers but this one slipped through. That's ok.

Satan's Pilgrims are one of the most respected surf rock bands out there. Ted Pilgrim (drums), Dave Pilgrim (guitar/keys), Bobby Pilgrim (guitar), Scott Pilgrim (guitar), and John Pilgrim (bass). Yup. They were living together late 80s early 90s and had a different band. For fun they learned early 60s surf standards and played them at a college Halloween party dressed as vampires. Costumes are a bit of a theme within my theme. You may have noticed. Anyhoo the 60s thing was a hit and they went on to be a pretty big deal in this realm. Huge in Portland.

I like the musicianship and novelty on the Godfather cover. It cooks. When you recognize that theme getting the surf treatment hopefully it makes you smile like it does me.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

rockaction - Songs that state the genre they’re in

Good Rocking Tonight - Wynonie Harris

Elvis blasted through his cover of this record in his usual "noble savage" guise. In doing so, he wiped out almost all of the suggestiveness of Harris' version. The Presley recording is a great record.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

18.

Who? – Kirk Hammett

What? – Metallica

Where? – Madison Square Garden

When? – 1992

Why? – Speed metal guitar is not usually my thing, but Metallica put on such a great show and Hammett showed that he’s the best at what he does – and there’s a “progressive” sound buried in the metal.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Yambag – Metal songs from 1988-1992 that became the gateway into the world of music for a young Yambag

Holy Wars... The Punishment Due – Megadeth


Dr. Octopus – guitarists I’ve seen live

Master of Puppets - Metallica (Kirk Hammit)

Well, this is a fortunate back-to-back pairing.

Yo Mama – World’s Worst Superheroes

Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top

Can Sharp Dressed Man at least tell us what the f*ck this mystery theme is?

 

[simey]

simey – train songs

Train Song - Watchouse

Here is some railway relaxation for ya. Watchouse is a NC folk/Americana duo (husband and wife) that used to go by the name Mandolin Orange. I've always liked this short mellow train song. I'll be seeing them in late April.

take me back to the railroad track and the sounds inside my mind
where rusty wheels and steel rails still whine
where I can hop that 909 and go back in time some time ago
just let the whistle wail and take it in slow

 

[kupcho1]

kupcho1 – rain

Fire and Rain - James Taylor

Time for a depressing one. Fire and Rain has 3 verses

One is about a friend who committed suicide, another is about Taylor's addiction to heroin, the third refers to a mental hospital and a band Taylor started called The Flying Machine.

If you read the article, you'll see that Taylor dives for the dial if the song comes on the radio. That's understandable.

But it remains a song he likes to sing and one that audiences always wait for.

And that's a good thing, because it's a great song.

Oh, I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you again

 

[KarmaPolice]

Yambag – Metal songs from 1988-1992 that became the gateway into the world of music for a young Yambag

Holy Wars... The Punishment Due – Megadeth


Dr. Octopus – guitarists I’ve seen live

Master of Puppets - Metallica (Kirk Hammit)

Well, this is a fortunate back-to-back pairing.

Which of course is the pairing I was referring to. 2 of the best metal songs ever.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

18. Whispering Your Name
Artist: Jules Shear
Album: Watch Dog (1983)
Todd's role(s): producer, engineer, guitar
Writer(s): Jules Shear

The song: The opening track and only single of Shear's first solo album, the Todd Rundgren-produced Watch Dog, "Whispering Your Name" packs a lot of tension and melodrama into just under 4 minutes. The production is very 1983, with synthesized strings and vocoders taking center stage at times, but the guitar figures in the background are very much Rundgren. Given that Rundgren sequenced it first and EMI America put it out as a single, this was the song believed to be the most likely to hit ... which it did 11 years later when covered by Alison Moyet. https://open.spotify.com/track/1SDkepLEMkkdw7UvEjwGaR?si=eded60da8f134dfb. Perhaps hindered by his limited voice, Shear's version failed to chart, and cemented his status as someone known more for others' versions of his songs than his own versions.

The album: Shear had developed a cult following as leader of The Funky Kings and Jules and the Polar Bears, and had already had his songs covered by stars such as Olivia Newton-John, Art Garfunkel and Ian Matthews, by the time he launched his solo career in 1983 with more straightforward pop than what he had previously produced. The session players Rundgren recruited for the record included Utopia's keys/synth player Roger Powell, drummer Rick Marotta, bassist Tony Levin and Cars lead guitarist Elliot Easton, who would go on to further collaborate with Shear, and who would become a bandmate of Rundgren's many years later. Despite including "Whispering Your Name" and the original version of "All Through the Night," which Cyndi Lauper would turn into a top-5 hit a year later, the album failed to chart despite positive reviews.

Shear, who came up with the Unplugged concept for MTV and hosted its first few episodes, has continued to release music to the present day, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Reckless Sleepers, Raisins in the Sun and Shear Shazar, a duo with his wife Pal Shazar.

You Might Also Like: Shear's version of "All Through the Night" is inferior to Lauper's but its synthesized reggae arrangement is a touchstone of the time, and the heavily multitracked vocal arrangement on the chorus is a Rundgren hallmark. https://open.spotify.com/track/0TZtIioq97HacBu00R8LRo?si=5cd34f3152e14b8b

At #17, a power pop tune that was an unlikely hit for a band that was disintegrating.

 

[Chaos34]

Chi-Fi speaker update. The reviews ain't kidding. $120 audiophile speakers. I'm more than happy. They've only been rested to switch amps. I've had a set of Anthony Gallo CL2s for about 12 years. He's a very respected high end speaker maker dude. They were $800 new for a couple bookshelf speakers. They still catch $500 on Ebay and Reverb. They're too heavy to ship, but I save boxes for things like this. I boxed them up and will consign them at the local mom and pop music shop when they open at 9. The $120 Samtronics are quite a bit more detailed and the first reviewer on Amazon who praised the cheap woofer is also right. They kickarse on kick drums and techno. The Gallos need a sub for that. Very impressed. Not even broken in and 10xs better than expected.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

kupcho1 – rain

Fire and Rain - James Taylor

falguy – songs by 31 different Canadian artists

I Will Remember You - Sarah McLachlan

Raging weasel – name-checking Beatles or their songs

Battle Cry - Triumph

jwb – songs that sound great on a decent 2-channel system

You're the Only Woman - Ambrosia

shuke – Saxytime

Got to Get You Into My Heart Life (Spotify) – Beatles

landrys hat - favorite Side 2 Track 1s from my record collection

Elevation - Television - Marquee Moon (1977)

Zegras11 – New wave

Dead Man's Party - Oingo Boingo

 

[Pip's Invitation]

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

Things you do impulsively

 

[Pip's Invitation]

The mystery theme contest is like a game of $100,000 Pyramid from hell.

 

[Chaos34]

Chaos34 - Post Surf Rock Surf Rockish (80s fwd)

The Godfather - Satan’s Pilgrams

Oof.

Double oof. Another typo. Sigh. Pilgrims not Pilgrams. I know it's no big deal, but I do worry about my brain these days.

 

[KarmaPolice]

#18: ALL THEM WITCHES - THE URN

I gravitate heavily towards 70s rock/metal and newer bands that sound like they are stuck in that era a bit. There are a few more of these bands coming up in the playlist. A lot of sludgy, stoner, neo-psychedelic, etc.. when these bands are being played. First we start with a Nashville band that got their name from a book of witchcraft in Rosemary's Baby. I was looking at wiki this morning, and there were quotes that did them more justice than my usual ramblings:

Nick Pipitone of Monster Riff described how the band are "influenced just as much by Dr. John and Mississippi bluesman Junior Kimbrough as they are by Black Sabbath and progressive metal" and that their music can "venture from bluesy riffs and folk tales to spacey neo-psychedelic to punishing doom rock.

Rob Hughes of Classic Rock Magazine noted how "All Them Witches are as likely to create boiling riptides of bluesy psychedelia as they are pools of mystic folk and doomy ambience."

If any of that sounds interesting, there is probably a song or album that you will like from them. I chose The Urn because it was great and one of my first intros to them, but also it's short and I thought it might grab more ears than some others that might veer off into the psych more. They remind me a bit of King Gizzard. Sorry, they only have 6 albums. They remind me of one year of King Gizzard's career.

Recommended listening: I am most familiar with Our Mother Electricity and have been listening to that one for a few years. The other tune that I was thinking about from the album was Elk.Blood.Heart. The other short rocking one that I was strongly considering was Enemy of My Enemy from their newest album. If you are interested in some of the more meandering, proggy, psychedelic part of the sound, I will also recommend below The Death of Coyote Woman and Harvest Feast. I think there are several MAD31ers that would like this group if they haven't come across them yet.

Elk.Blood.Heart

All Them Witches · Our Mother Electricity · Song · 2012

open.spotify.com

Enemy of My Enemy

All Them Witches · Nothing as the Ideal · Song · 2020

open.spotify.com

The Death Of Coyote Woman

All Them Witches · Lightning At The Door · Song · 2016

open.spotify.com

Harvest Feast

All Them Witches · ATW · Song · 2018

open.spotify.com

NEXT: The band name is a bit of a lie - there is only one in the band. It looks like we are heading to New Jersey next.

 

[MAC_32]

As I wrote with Born at #29...

Each year in recent memory there has been one particular album that has really grabbed me by the horns. In 2024, it was Kenny Chesney's new release that most people haven't listened to. Not because I enjoy the songs cover-to-cover, although I do, but because it caused my outlook on life to evolve.

...This Too Shall Pass entered my orbit at just the right time. All things, good and bad, are temporary. Celebrate the good, but don't get too high (unless that's your thing), but don't dwell on the bad, it might pass like a kidney stone...but it will pass. And the tone of this cut matches its theme. I can feel that day's stress melt away and my heart rate drop a beat whenever those first notes hit. By the time he gets to those first few lines...

Hopped a plane to the beach
Found myself on a boat
Then the boat hit a rock
Now the boat don't float

...I'm floating in the water. It may be in a boat, it may be in a tube, it may be on my back, but no matter the details I'm floating in the water without a care in the world. There's the part of me that wants to die trying to leave a good stamp down here, as covered in Born, but I also want to be remembered...

How am I doing?
Hell, I thought you'd never ask
*Cheers*
I believe this too shall pass me a beer

...like that.

 

[Raging weasel]

18) Battle Cry- Triumph
Key Lyrics
Hoo,the thrill of the fight
Killing's such a noble deed
And John said,"Love is all we need"

 

[Ilov80s]

Theme: 31 Best Albums of 1984

18. Church Not Made with Hands by The Waterboys

Album: A Pagan Place
Released: May 28

1984 was a banner year for Scottish bands. Perhaps this was the year Scotland ruled the world? The Blue Nile, Simple Minds and now The Waterboys and we're not even to June yet. The Waterboys might be one of the least known groups on my list. Their musical style is known as "The Big Music" after a song on A Pagan Place. That phrase would come to describe a whole slew of 80s bands putting out anthemic music. Lead singer Mike Scott said this was "a metaphor for seeing God's signature in the world."I was late to the party on The Waterboys but it reminds me of Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen (we've got plenty of sax here). I absolutely love this album and their late 80s work that turned more Celtic folk. Mike Scott is one of the truly unheralded figures of 80s music. He is The Waterboys. The band members were always changing but it's always his vision- especially during this early period he wrote the songs, wrote the music, did all the arrangments and all the production aiming for a Wall of Sound approach.

There are 4 or 5 songs I considered for this but ended up landing on Church Not Made with Hands because it's the first track so it just seems like the proper introduction to the album as Scott intended.

Church Not Made with Hands - 2002 Remaster

The Waterboys · A Pagan Place · Song · 1984

open.spotify.com

 

[Yo Mama]

Yo Mama – World’s Worst Superheroes

Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top

Can Sharp Dressed Man at least tell us what the f*ck this mystery theme is?

You’re in luck

 

[Yo Mama]

World’s Worst Superheroes #18

Sharp Dressed Man
Artist – ZZ Top (1983)

Strengths – He simply looks mahhvelous; never gets kicked out of the club due to his flawless attire; every girl’s crazy about him

Weaknesses – Afraid to get dirty; limited range of motion due to overly-fitted clothes; dry cleaning bill is out of control


There Goes My Hero

Situation – You’ve been evicted from your apartment complex due to extensive complaints from your neighbors related to the noise and smell coming out of your apartment (Dirty White Boy and Dr. Greenthumb have been hanging out there a lot lately). All your other friends have rightfully given fake excuses to get out of helping you with the move. You need help and you need it now.

You: [groaning as you try in vain to drag the kegerator across the room by yourself] “Gross, what’s underneath here? Oh yeah, The Exploding Boy was here last week. Man, there’s no way I can get all this moved by myself.”

Sharp Dressed Man: [dressed to the nines in a Tom Ford dinner jacket and slacks, turning heads as he approaches down the sidewalk] “Ahoy polloi! What can I do for you, mon frere?”

You: “Hey, Sharp Dressed Man, haven’t I seen you around here before?”

SDM: [adjusts cufflinks] “Yeah, there was some weird-themed party down the street. Nobody could figure out the premise of the theme, so I just wore my best Emporio Armani wool suit with my trusty Hermes Giovanni loafers. Everybody kept asking if the party had something to do with mental illness or therapy, but the hostess kept saying no. It was kind of annoying, so I just stopped reading her messages.”

You: “Oh, that’s right. I totally thought it had something to do with the Kardashians, but everyone just laughed at me when I said that. I even had a conspiracy theory whiteboard on the wall over there with red yarn all connected to Travis Scott and the University of Arizona and a bunch of other stuff that I had to take down afterwards. Anyway, can you help me move some of this stuff?”

SDM: “Of course, coming right up.” [slowly starts rigidly trying to jog up the stairs, looking more like C3PO than a superhero]

You: “Hey, do you mind hurrying up? I’ve got to get cleared out in a couple hours.”

SDM: “It’s not like James Bond or John Wick – have you ever tried to run or fight in one of these suits? I’m coming running just as fast as I can!”

You: “Here, help me lift this couch. It’s heavy so make sure to lift with your legs.”

SDM: [rolls up sleeves so they don’t touch your sofa stained from mysterious origins, bends over] RRRRIIIIPPPPP! “Oops, oh man not again! That’s my third pair of ripped pants this week! Can I help with something else?”

You: “Sure, grab some of those Pink Floyd and Bruce Lee posters off the wall over there. They’re kind of high up there.”

SDM: [attempts to raise arms to remove posters but can only get to shoulder height] RRRIIIIIPPPPP! “Dammit, not the jacket too!”

You: [rolls eyes] “Never mind, I’ll move everything myself.”

 

[titusbramble]

Just on the way home from the football, listening to a show called songs that don't get played on the radio anymore. Which made me think - is the theme songs that don't get played on the radio anymore?

 

[MAC_32]

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

Songs involving potential conflict and the lead character finds themselves in a position in which they must make an uncomfortable decision

 

[-OZ-]

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

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Malia J

I was close to using the ubiquitous American pie but opted for a fantastic cover instead. The Opening hits, hard if you think too much about the real aspects. It sets the emotions for a movie we waited entirely too long to get.

ChatGPT’s write up, not bad imo:

The use of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” in Black Widow (2021) serves as a significant emotional and thematic moment in the film. The song, originally by Nirvana, plays during a pivotal scene that highlights Natasha Romanoff’s troubled past and the complexities of her character. As an anthem of rebellion and youthful angst, the song is a fitting backdrop to Natasha’s reflection on her childhood and her time spent as a part of the Red Room, a covert Russian program that manipulated young girls to become deadly assassins. In this context, the song not only underscores the rawness of Natasha’s past but also her internal conflict and her desire to break free from the oppressive forces that shaped her.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is also a nod to the time period in which Natasha was raised, and its inclusion serves as a subtle yet effective way to ground the film in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the audience. For viewers who grew up during that time, the song immediately brings back memories of a cultural moment defined by grunge music and the rebellious spirit of the youth. This connection between the song’s release era and Natasha’s youth adds another layer of depth to the character, highlighting the stark contrast between her youthful rebellion and the darker path she ultimately walks as an adult.

Moreover, the song’s presence in Black Widow serves to further humanize Natasha. While she is often seen as a stoic and hardened character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this moment, enhanced by the song, allows audiences to see a vulnerable side of her. The chaotic,

Malia J’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a contemporary reinterpretation of the iconic Nirvana song from 1991, a defining anthem of the grunge era. Malia J, known for her innovative approach to music, brings a fresh, yet nostalgic spin to the song, blending her soulful vocals with modern pop sensibilities. Her version highlights her ability to infuse contemporary elements while still respecting the raw energy of the original track. The result is a powerful fusion of past and present, drawing in both long-time Nirvana fans and a new generation of listeners.

The track retains much of the rebellious spirit that made the original so influential, while Malia J’s interpretation adds a layer of emotional depth. The gritty, angst-filled lyrics are delivered with an intensity that resonates in today’s world, where disillusionment and rebellion still echo among younger generations. Malia J’s vocal style shifts the tone from the raw, raspy delivery of Kurt Cobain to a smoother, more controlled expression, allowing her to showcase her vocal range and emotional connection to the material.

Instrumentally, the arrangement of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” in Malia J’s rendition is both familiar and new. The heavy guitar riffs that defined the original are present, but they are complemented by a more polished production, blending electronic elements with the iconic grunge sound. This creates a unique soundscape that keeps the essence of the original track intact while making it feel relevant for modern audiences. The balance between electronic beats and live instrumentation further elevates the song, giving it a new energy and appeal.

The song’s success lies in Malia J’s ability to bridge generational gaps. While Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was a rallying cry for the disillusioned youth of the 1990s, Malia J’s cover becomes an anthem for the current age, capturing the angst, frustration, and desire for change still prevalent in today’s society. Her version not only honors the legacy of the original but also serves as a reminder that the themes of rebellion and youthful defiance remain timeless. Through her interpretation, Malia J brings a fresh perspective to a song that continues to shape the cultural landscape.

In conclusion, Malia J’s version of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a testament to the enduring power of music. By reimagining a classic track with her own signature style, Malia J creates a bridge between generations, connecting the grunge era with modern pop and soul influences. This fresh take on a legendary song proves that even decades after its release, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” still speaks to the frustrations and aspirations of youth, and Malia J’s cover is a powerful tribute to that legacy.

Next up - a super hero and 2 Super Bowl “hero”s?

 

[krista4]

It was kind of annoying, so I just stopped reading her messages.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Batman​

18 - Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force - Planet Rock​

- 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 -
[Intro: Afrika Bambaataa]
Party people
Party people
Can y'all get funky?
Soulsonic Force - can y'all get funky?
The Zulu Nation - can y'all get funky?
Yaaah!
Just hit me
Just taste the funk and hit me
Just get on down and hit me
Bambaataa's gettin' so funky, now, hit me

Batman Vibe Score - 1/10

Where to Find - Not on the Lego Batman Movie Soundtrack, but it appears in the movie when “Batman realizes Superman's throwing a Justice League anniversary party.”

Quick Hit Comment - The Lego Batman movie throws up a ton of variety. Heres another one

Next Up - A cover of a Punk Anthem by a 90s band

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Songs in D Minor​

18 - Muse - Butterflies and Hurricanes​

- 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 - Change everything you are
And everything you were
Your number has been called
Fights and battles have begun
Revenge will surely come
Your hard times are ahead

Source - https://www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/muse/butterflies-and-hurricanes
https://singingcarrots.com/song?song=muse-butterflies-hurricanes

Sadness Quotient - 4/11

Comment - Muse can be crazy, energetic, exciting and nuts. Sad, not so much

Next Up - A trip down under

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

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

Mania

Songs that use the word “The” at some stage in the lyrics?

At this stage how is anyone gonna guess this? Is it magically going to fall into place with one song and we will all go “aha”?

 

[Ilov80s]

That's the first time I've used ChatGPT. I'm not impressed.

It does some amazing things at times but it also proves it's dumb as **** other times. I was playing around with it the other day and posted this in another thread:

I was just curiously asking it with hindsight which movies should have won the best picture Oscar in various years. Seems like a pretty simple task for it to list the actual winner and a replacement winner with a little explanation. There were some big errors:

- For the 1920s, it listed movies that it said actually won the best picutre award for every year of the decade even though the first Oscar was given in 1929. It said The Third Man should have won Best Picture in 1945 and 1949. It said The Bells of St Mary won, it didn’t. It did not have Casablanca on the list of actual winners. It did win Best Picture. Said The Graduate won Best Picture, it didn’t. It said La La Land was the actual winner but then noted it was mistakenly announced as the winner so the AI can't even understand what it's telling us. It didn’t know Oppenheimer won in 2024. There were plenty of other errors but I was genuinely shocked at how bad it was at even just listing every best picture winner since that’s just simple easily searchable non subjective fact.

Asked it for 20 books high school students should read. AI must be a big JD Salinger fan because it listed Catcher in the Rye three times lol.

Or just obsessed with him. I asked for a list of the 10 most overrated novels and it listed Catcher in the Rye twice.

 

[rockaction]

Next Up - A cover of a Punk Anthem by a 90s band

Yes, please. The song might be the greatest mid-tempo song in punk history.

eta* Whoops. I mean the original is. The cover is very good, too. I actually think the cover has more speed to it. I went from hearing it to immediately buying the original that day, only to be a bit surprised that it was bit slower. Not to fret, the four cassette compilation I purchased had all the good old punk songs from their somewhat eponymous (repeat it three times!) debut and two punk follow-ups, so I was happy as a clam.

 

[Don Quixote]

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

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Malia J

I was close to using the ubiquitous American pie but opted for a fantastic cover instead. The Opening hits, hard if you think too much about the real aspects. It sets the emotions for a movie we waited entirely too long to get.

ChatGPT’s write up, not bad imo:

The use of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” in Black Widow (2021) serves as a significant emotional and thematic moment in the film. The song, originally by Nirvana, plays during a pivotal scene that highlights Natasha Romanoff’s troubled past and the complexities of her character. As an anthem of rebellion and youthful angst, the song is a fitting backdrop to Natasha’s reflection on her childhood and her time spent as a part of the Red Room, a covert Russian program that manipulated young girls to become deadly assassins. In this context, the song not only underscores the rawness of Natasha’s past but also her internal conflict and her desire to break free from the oppressive forces that shaped her.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is also a nod to the time period in which Natasha was raised, and its inclusion serves as a subtle yet effective way to ground the film in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the audience. For viewers who grew up during that time, the song immediately brings back memories of a cultural moment defined by grunge music and the rebellious spirit of the youth. This connection between the song’s release era and Natasha’s youth adds another layer of depth to the character, highlighting the stark contrast between her youthful rebellion and the darker path she ultimately walks as an adult.

Moreover, the song’s presence in Black Widow serves to further humanize Natasha. While she is often seen as a stoic and hardened character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this moment, enhanced by the song, allows audiences to see a vulnerable side of her. The chaotic,

Malia J’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a contemporary reinterpretation of the iconic Nirvana song from 1991, a defining anthem of the grunge era. Malia J, known for her innovative approach to music, brings a fresh, yet nostalgic spin to the song, blending her soulful vocals with modern pop sensibilities. Her version highlights her ability to infuse contemporary elements while still respecting the raw energy of the original track. The result is a powerful fusion of past and present, drawing in both long-time Nirvana fans and a new generation of listeners.

The track retains much of the rebellious spirit that made the original so influential, while Malia J’s interpretation adds a layer of emotional depth. The gritty, angst-filled lyrics are delivered with an intensity that resonates in today’s world, where disillusionment and rebellion still echo among younger generations. Malia J’s vocal style shifts the tone from the raw, raspy delivery of Kurt Cobain to a smoother, more controlled expression, allowing her to showcase her vocal range and emotional connection to the material.

Instrumentally, the arrangement of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” in Malia J’s rendition is both familiar and new. The heavy guitar riffs that defined the original are present, but they are complemented by a more polished production, blending electronic elements with the iconic grunge sound. This creates a unique soundscape that keeps the essence of the original track intact while making it feel relevant for modern audiences. The balance between electronic beats and live instrumentation further elevates the song, giving it a new energy and appeal.

The song’s success lies in Malia J’s ability to bridge generational gaps. While Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was a rallying cry for the disillusioned youth of the 1990s, Malia J’s cover becomes an anthem for the current age, capturing the angst, frustration, and desire for change still prevalent in today’s society. Her version not only honors the legacy of the original but also serves as a reminder that the themes of rebellion and youthful defiance remain timeless. Through her interpretation, Malia J brings a fresh perspective to a song that continues to shape the cultural landscape.

In conclusion, Malia J’s version of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a testament to the enduring power of music. By reimagining a classic track with her own signature style, Malia J creates a bridge between generations, connecting the grunge era with modern pop and soul influences. This fresh take on a legendary song proves that even decades after its release, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” still speaks to the frustrations and aspirations of youth, and Malia J’s cover is a powerful tribute to that legacy.

Next up - a super hero and 2 Super Bowl “hero”s?

The theme of oppression prompted me to ask ChatGPT to describe it in the voice of Franz Kafka, because why not? (My other favorite one to ask is for a summary to be done in the voice of Albert Camus, or Thomas Hobbes.)

*Smells Like Teen Spirit* by Malia J resonates like a feverish scream in the suffocating confines of *Black Widow*, a film whose protagonist, Natasha Romanoff, is trapped in an endless cycle of guilt, identity, and the cruel machinations of forces beyond her control. The song’s chaotic energy mirrors the disarray within Natasha, as she wrestles with the inescapable feeling that her every move is determined by forces she cannot see, nor fully understand.

The teenage revolt expressed in the song—an anthem of confusion, anger, and alienation—is the very essence of Natasha’s existence. Like Gregor Samsa, who awakes to find himself imprisoned in a body he did not choose, Natasha finds herself imprisoned in a past she cannot escape. *Smells Like Teen Spirit* sounds the drumbeat of youth's futile desire to break free, but Natasha, in her world of spies and shadows, understands that no such escape exists. There is no simple rebellion; there is only the constant tension between the desire for freedom and the crushing inevitability of fate. The power of the song lies not in its resolution, but in its perpetual restlessness—much like Natasha’s own struggle against the forces that have molded her.

The nihilistic energy of the song seems to encapsulate Natasha’s deepest fear: that her life, her choices, are not her own but are dictated by an external, overwhelming force—the Red Room, the betrayals, the systems of control that surround her. The dissonant chords feel like the inexorable tightening of a noose around her identity. She fights, she rebels, but each effort only further entangles her in a system of absurdity, where her actions seem both necessary and utterly pointless at once. The moment of defiance, as expressed in the rebellious outburst of the song, is as fleeting as her hope for escape.

The conflict in *Black Widow* becomes a tragic reflection of the song’s ethos: youth, rebellion, and alienation are not answers, but symptoms of an eternal struggle against the unknowable forces that shape us. Just as *Smells Like Teen Spirit* is a fragmented cry against meaninglessness, Natasha’s journey in the film is one long confrontation with her own shattered self—caught in the labyrinth of her past, unable to break free, yet still, somehow, always seeking a way out. And like Kafka’s protagonists, she finds no simple resolution, only the ceaseless continuation of her absurd plight, where the effort itself becomes the measure of her existence.

 

[Chaos34]

That's the first time I've used ChatGPT. I'm not impressed.

It does some amazing things at times but it also proves it's dumb as **** other times. I was playing around with it the other day and posted this in another thread:

I was just curiously asking it with hindsight which movies should have won the best picture Oscar in various years. Seems like a pretty simple task for it to list the actual winner and a replacement winner with a little explanation. There were some big errors:

- For the 1920s, it listed movies that is said actually won the best picutre award for every year of the decade even though the first Oscar was given in 1929. It said The Third Man should have won Best Picture in 1945 and 1949. It said The Bells of St Mary won, it didn’t. It did not have Casablanca on the list of actual winners. It did win Best Picture. Said The Graduate won Best Picture, it didn’t. It said La La Land was the actual winner but then noted it was mistakenly announced as the winner so the AI can't even understand what it's telling us. It didn’t know Oppenheimer won in 2024. There were plenty of other errors but I was genuinely shocked at how bad it was at even just listing every best picture winner since that’s just simple easily searchable non subjective fact.

Asked it for 20 books high school students should read. AI must be a big JD Salinger fan because it listed Catcher in the Rye three times lol.

Or just obsessed with him. I asked for a list of the 10 most overrated novels and it listed Catcher in the Rye twice.

Again, your prompt is helpful for both you and AI. Tell it when it's wrong. Provide it with a little more than just a question. It's reliant on what it finds on the internet. Think about that. A topic like yours is littered with garbage and it doesn't just use one source to make it simple as you suggest. It perused maybe a million sources and replies based on a all it can perceive as accurate. I could go on but I've broken Gemini and ChatGPT. It happens. I can assure you, if you work with it, it can be incredible. Not for trivia. That's an online mess.

 

[krista4]

At this stage how is anyone gonna guess this? Is it magically going to fall into place with one song and we will all go “aha”?

I believe someone will get it. It might still be a while, though. I'm going to give a few not-very-helpful hints at some point.

 

[Ilov80s]

That's the first time I've used ChatGPT. I'm not impressed.

It does some amazing things at times but it also proves it's dumb as **** other times. I was playing around with it the other day and posted this in another thread:

I was just curiously asking it with hindsight which movies should have won the best picture Oscar in various years. Seems like a pretty simple task for it to list the actual winner and a replacement winner with a little explanation. There were some big errors:

- For the 1920s, it listed movies that is said actually won the best picutre award for every year of the decade even though the first Oscar was given in 1929. It said The Third Man should have won Best Picture in 1945 and 1949. It said The Bells of St Mary won, it didn’t. It did not have Casablanca on the list of actual winners. It did win Best Picture. Said The Graduate won Best Picture, it didn’t. It said La La Land was the actual winner but then noted it was mistakenly announced as the winner so the AI can't even understand what it's telling us. It didn’t know Oppenheimer won in 2024. There were plenty of other errors but I was genuinely shocked at how bad it was at even just listing every best picture winner since that’s just simple easily searchable non subjective fact.

Asked it for 20 books high school students should read. AI must be a big JD Salinger fan because it listed Catcher in the Rye three times lol.

Or just obsessed with him. I asked for a list of the 10 most overrated novels and it listed Catcher in the Rye twice.

Again, your prompt is helpful for both you and AI. Tell it when it's wrong. Provide it with a little more than just a question. It's reliant on what it finds on the internet. Think about that. A topic like yours is littered with garbage and it doesn't just use one source to make it simple as you suggest. It perused maybe a million sources and replies based on a all it can perceive as accurate. I could go on but I've broken Gemini and ChatGPT. It happens. I can assure you, if you work with it, it can be incredible. Not for trivia. That's an online mess.

I was just doing it for fun to kill time during a boring work presentation. I have no interest in training it. I just wouldn't have thought finding which movie won a very specific and notable award each year would be difficult or recognizing that it was putting the same item on a list over and over. I use MagicSchool AI a lot as a teacher. It's really awesome for special ed becaue it's so easy to whip up indvidualized content. Kid A reads at a 4th grade level and likes animals, I can get a 3 paragraph story about a zoo written at 4th grade level with various types of comprehension questions made for Kid A and KId B plays baseball so he gets a 3 paragraph story about baseball written at his 6th grade level. All super duper easy. It saves me the time of having to write dumb mindless stories or find them and it's easier to find something the kids might sort of be interested in.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

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

The Ballad of @krista4 and OH?

 

[MrsKarmaPolice]

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

Songs the were on the UK official singles chart for the week ending on Aug 16, 2008

Or

Songs from multiple decades

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Yeah but what's the best song #6 of all time?

ETA: Whatever it is, it's probably the first track of side two.

Jane's Addiction 3 Days gets my vote

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

You're beating AI

"Somebody to Love" - A Day at the Races

 

[simey]

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

The Ballad of @krista4 and OH?

I figured the above "This is your life, Krista" covered her and OH, but maybe it wasn't specific enough.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

#18 songs

kupcho1 – rain

Fire and Rain - James Taylor


Dr. Octopus – guitarists I’ve seen live

Master of Puppets - Metallica (Kirk Hammit)


Yo Mama – World’s Worst Superheroes

Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top



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

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Malia J



Pip’s Invitation – songs from albums produced and/or engineered by Todd Rundgren

Whispering Your Name - Jules Shear



scorchy – songs by Manchester(-ish) artists

Commercial Reign - Inspiral Carpets


John Maddens Lunchbox – Batman

Planet Rock (Spotify) - Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force


rockaction - Songs that state the genre they’re in

Good Rocking Tonight - Wynonie Harris


MrsKarmaPolice – Animal Kingdom

Zebra - Beach House


Zegras11 – New wave

Dead Man's Party - Oingo Boingo


Chaos34 - Post Surf Rock Surf Rockish (80s fwd)

The Godfather - Satan’s Pilgrams

My favorite list so far, with some versions of songs I've only heard covered by others.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Round 18 - Tyhmä Aikuinen - Moottörin Jyrinä
Believe it or not, Moottörin Jyrinä is a children's heavy metal band from FInland. They take classic heavy metal songs and do covers with child-friendly lyrics. Corrupt them when they are young- that's the ticket! The first umlaut is not useful. The second is real. Their name is a tribute to Motörhead.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Really, Krista? The Butcher Album cover?

 

[Leroy Hoard]

18. Whispering Your Name
Artist: Jules Shear
Album: Watch Dog (1983)
Todd's role(s): producer, engineer, guitar
Writer(s): Jules Shear

The song: The opening track and only single of Shear's first solo album, the Todd Rundgren-produced Watch Dog, "Whispering Your Name" packs a lot of tension and melodrama into just under 4 minutes. The production is very 1983, with synthesized strings and vocoders taking center stage at times, but the guitar figures in the background are very much Rundgren. Given that Rundgren sequenced it first and EMI America put it out as a single, this was the song believed to be the most likely to hit ... which it did 11 years later when covered by Alison Moyet. https://open.spotify.com/track/1SDkepLEMkkdw7UvEjwGaR?si=eded60da8f134dfb. Perhaps hindered by his limited voice, Shear's version failed to chart, and cemented his status as someone known more for others' versions of his songs than his own versions.

I got introduced to this song by that Alison Monet cover, on a CD compilation of her songs both with Yaz and solo. Excellent songwriting and I like Alison's version also.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Really, Krista? The Butcher Album cover?

I am to blame for the playlist pics

 

[rockaction]

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.

 

[DrIanMalcolm]

I'm back! (In a New York Groove, no less.). I'm gonna have to skip the 22-19 playlists but will dive into 18 soon and then go through the latest of the NY v Chicago songs as well.

For now, though, a lot to respond to:

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

Lightning Crashes - Live

Unfortunately, normal was short lived. Summer went progressively better, but that all came crashing down early fall. There was one brief period of time they thought he may course correct, but once on the other side of christmas his demise was inevitable. He was put in hospice January 2023 and succumbed to this awful condition about a month later. But while Hunter & Laura were in the hospital in his final days, Laura didn't...feel right. So she took a test...

The angel closes her eyes
The confusion that was hers
Belongs now, to the baby down the hall

...and she was positive. Lightning crashes, a new mother cries.

This is really really sad, and I'm so sorry, @MAC_32. I really really hope you don't have a personal anecdote for ALL of your songs. :(

Oh Magic 8 Ball, what is the best sixth track on a rock album from the 70s

The 1970s were a defining decade for rock music, with many legendary albums featuring standout sixth tracks. Here are a few of the best sixth tracks from rock albums of the '70s that have stood the test of time:

"Black Dog" – Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin
The sixth track on Led Zeppelin IV is "Black Dog," and it’s a masterpiece of rock with its shifting time signatures and iconic riff. With Robert Plant’s wailing vocals and Jimmy Page’s explosive guitar work, it’s a cornerstone of the album and a staple in the band’s live shows.
The 1970s were a decade of musical experimentation, and the sixth track on these albums often delivered some of the most memorable moments in rock history. Do you have a favorite from this list, or is there a specific album from the '70s that stands out to you?

"Baba O'Riley", "Black Dog" and "A Day In the Life" are not even good guesses.

0 for 25 now

"BLACK DOG"?? Literally the first ****ing song off the album!!! The feedback from the guitar opens the ********* album!!! **** AI all the way to the moon, man.

I had to look it up myself but I'm going to go with "Superstition", track #6 of Talking Book.

This is the correct answer.

18. Zou Bisou Bisou - Jessica Pare

Everyone's going to go home from this and they're gonna have sex. - Meagan Draper, season 5, episode 1, A Little Kiss

For the folks of Mad Men, the song's somewhat recency and relationship with 'counterculture' would make it familiar to them, and its connection to a film starring a young Sopia Loren would doubtless call images of her to their minds while watching Meagan.

On that note, while this scene is one of the more memorable of the series, I think what gets overlooked is Jessica Pare's performance; Meagan is certainly beautiful, but she's also still very young, so her slightly awkward/less than smooth execution is perfect. In other words, Pare is just 'clumsy' enough to give a performance that a young but unpolished Meagan would deliver. It's the same kind of subtlety that Wikkid himself would ascribe to January Jones' performance as Betty Draper when everyone else was criticizing her.

My wife couldn't get enough of this song, and quoted it endlessly for years.

Oh, I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you again

The Simpsons episode where he guests is memorable as this is the one where Barney and Homer go into outer space, and he tells them they're gonna float there and shut up while he plays, and he changes the lyrics to "Sweet dreams and fine machines...flying safely through the air..."

 

[Eephus]

Yeah but what's the best song #6 of all time?

ETA: Whatever it is, it's probably the first track of side two.

Jane's Addiction 3 Days gets my vote

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

You're beating AI

"Somebody to Love" - A Day at the Races

Also a second side, track 1 entry

 

[Eephus]

The playlist is rockin' today (or at least the first third of it)

 

[Chaos34]

My wife couldn't get enough of this song, and quoted it endlessly for years.

This lucky dog outkicked his coverage