Middle Aged Dummies - Artist - Round 3 - #1's have been posted! (1 Viewer)

[Pip's Invitation]

Dave Matthews first 5 out:

32. Crash Into Me

Official Video
Live at Luther College (acoustic, with Tim Reynolds)

"Crash Into Me" is one of DMB's most iconic songs. It was released in 1996 as the third single from their second studio album, Crash. It reached #7 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and #19 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the band's most commercially successful songs. DMB has played it live 842 times, and there are 59 live releases of the song.

Written by Dave, the song features poetic and somewhat ambiguous lyrics that describe a passionate, almost voyeuristic, love. He has described it as a song about worshiping women and the intensity of romantic longing.

The track is known for its melodic and rhythmic intricacies. It showcases Dave's unique guitar playing style, featuring a mix of strumming and fingerpicking that creates a rich, textured sound. The use of the Lydian mode gives the song its distinctive feel.

33. Halloween

Studio
Live at Luther College 1996 (acoustic, with Tim Reynolds)

"Halloween" is one of DMB's most intense and emotionally charged songs. It first appeared on the band's 1998 album, Before These Crowded Streets. The song stands out for its dark, brooding atmosphere and Dave's raw vocal performance.

The lyrics are passionate and anguished, reflecting themes of heartbreak and betrayal. Dave has explained that the song was inspired by a tumultuous relationship and the intense feelings associated with it.

Musically, "Halloween" features a driving, aggressive rhythm and complex time signatures. The song is known for its dynamic shifts, moving from quiet, eerie verses to explosive choruses. Boyd Tinsley's violin and LeRoi Moore's saxophone add to the haunting quality of the track, while Carter Beauford's drumming drives the intensity.

34. American Baby

Official Video

"American Baby" is the lead single from the DMB 2005 album, Stand Up. The song marked a significant return to the mainstream for the band and showcased a blend of their signature sound with contemporary production elements. It performed well on the charts, peaking at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached #5 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart and #19 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, making it one of the band's more successful singles in the 2000s.

Written by Dave, the song explores themes of love, hope, and unity against the backdrop of a divided and tumultuous America. The lyrics reflect a longing for connection and a better future, resonating with many listeners during a time of political and social upheaval.

The song combines the band's characteristic blend of rock, jazz, and folk influences. It features a catchy, anthemic chorus and a prominent string arrangement, with Boyd Tinsley's violin playing a key role. The production, led by Mark Batson, brought a polished and modern sound to the track, differing from the band's earlier, more acoustic-driven work.

35. Grey Street

Studio
Farm Aid 2020 (Dave solo acoustic)

"Grey Street" is one of DMB's most beloved songs, known for its poignant lyrics and dynamic musical composition. It first appeared on the band's 2002 album, Busted Stuff, although an earlier version of the song was included in the band's The Lillywhite Sessions, an unofficial release of recordings from 2000. DMB has played it live 790 times, and there are 45 live releases of the song.

Written by Dave, the song tells the story of a woman struggling with depression and feelings of emptiness. The lyrics explore themes of disillusionment, searching for meaning, and the difficulty of overcoming personal challenges. The imagery of a "grey street" symbolizes a place of stagnation and melancholy.

The song features a compelling blend of rock and folk influences, characterized by a driving rhythm and melodic interplay between the instruments. Carter Beauford's intricate drumming, Stefan Lessard's bass lines, Boyd Tinsley's violin, and LeRoi Moore's saxophone all contribute to the song's rich, layered sound. Dave's guitar work and emotive vocals further enhance the track.

"Grey Street" has resonated with many listeners due to its relatable themes of personal struggle and the search for hope. It's often interpreted as a song of resilience and finding one's way out of difficult times.

36. Satellite

Official Video
Live at Red Rocks 1995

"Satellite" is one of DMB's early hits, known for its intricate guitar work and melodic beauty. The song was released as the third single from their debut studio album, Under the Table and Dreaming, in 1994. It performed well on the charts, reaching #18 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and #20 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart. Its success helped solidify DMB's presence in the mainstream music scene. DMB has played it live 1064 times, and there are 76 live releases of the song.

Written by Dave, the song features poetic and somewhat abstract lyrics. The song uses the metaphor of a satellite to explore themes of distance, observation, and connection. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and contemplation, reflecting Dave's unique lyrical style.

The song is renowned for its complex guitar riff, played in a distinctive fingerpicking style that Dave developed. This riff, combined with Stefan Lessard's bass, Carter Beauford's rhythmic drumming, LeRoi Moore's saxophone, and Boyd Tinsley's violin, creates a rich, textured sound. The musical arrangement of "Satellite" showcases the band's ability to blend rock, jazz, and folk influences seamlessly.

The song evolved from an earlier song called "After Her," which had different lyrics but a similar guitar riff. Over time, Matthews reworked the song into what became "Satellite." The song's success and distinctive sound helped establish Dave Matthews Band's reputation for musical intricacy and lyrical depth. It remains a quintessential example of the band's early work and has influenced many aspiring guitarists and songwriters.


This is a really strong group. Any of these could have easily made my top 31 on a different day than the one I finalized my list.

32 -- never been a favorite
33 -- I like how the bass and the strings carry this. Is it just me or did Dave's voice change to something more gruff around this time?
34 -- I don't remember this -- I was starting to not pay attention to new music around this time. It's got a nice melody.
35 -- the music is hopeful and soaring, but the lyrics seem ... not.
36 -- always been a favorite

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Bryan Ferry First/Last 5 Out aka songs ranked #32 - #36

Happy 4th Everybody!!!


#32 Jealous Guy - Roxy Music

#33 Beauty Queen - Roxy Music

#34 For Your Pleasure - Roxy Music

#35 Can't Let Go - Bryan Ferry

#36 A Song For Europe - Roxy Music

32 -- As others have said, it's a bit shocking that this isn't in the top 31. One of the best Lennon covers I can think of.
33 -- The suaveness that would come to characterize Ferry's career is hinted at on this track from the second Roxy album. Musically this is carried by the bass, which is interesting because Roxy never had a permanent bass player after co-founder Graeme Simpson left after the first album.
34 -- So quirky, and yet so beautifully enunciated.
35 -- I am familiar with the version performed on Roxy's 1982 tour that was included on various audio and video releases over the years; that tour also included a cover which appeared on my list in the covers countdown. This version is more stripped-down and guitar-driven (and a little slower) than the Roxy 1982 arrangement.
36 -- The vocal melody is like a bizarro-world While My Guitar Gently Weeps.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

These aren’t necessarily the five that just missed, but a representative collection imo. One cover.

A banger showing off the bass and vibe I love for their live shows

- YouTube

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Live, absolutely love the emotion, violin and bass together

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Justin messing around and showing off his voice.

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- YouTube

Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen.

youtu.be

- YouTube

Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen.

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The first two are excellent live performances that are nimble but powerful. The last two have great momentum and melodies. I didn't listen to the cover.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Ok, here's my five last out... Susanna Hoffs.

As an FYI, she did a lot of covers with Matthew Sweet. Any songs where he was mostly the lead singer weren't counted,


36. Complicated Girl

Complicated Girl

The Bangles · Everything · Song · 1988

open.spotify.com

35. Some Dreams Come True

Some Dreams Come True

The Bangles · Everything · Song · 1988

open.spotify.com

34. Lost At Sea

Lost At Sea

The Bangles · Doll Revolution · Song · 2003

open.spotify.com

33. Bell Jar

Bell Jar

The Bangles · Everything · Song · 1988

open.spotify.com

32. Maggie May

Maggie May

Susanna Hoffs, Matthew Sweet · Under The Covers Vol. 2 · Song · 2009

open.spotify.com

32 -- She channels her inner Stevie Nicks to achieve the Rod Stewart-isms.
33 -- Peppy power-popper that isn't overwhelmed by its 80s-isms.
34 -- Pastoral and dreamy.
35 -- Very catchy.
36 -- An updated iteration of the Byrds' sound with women singing.

Some of the Bangles songs here have lead vocals by other members. Like Fanny (and the Beatles), the Bangles were a quartet whose four members all sang lead.

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

36 -- The vocal melody is like a bizarro-world While My Guitar Gently Weeps.

oooo - great call, I never thought about it that way, but now it's unmistakable!!

 

[Pip's Invitation]

OINGO CUTS

These aren't actually my last few cuts. Most of mine are from the albums I lean heavy on in the countdown and I want anybody a green to them as I was a better feel of me last December. These are a few outside their usual sound or on albums I don't lean on as much but I still think are worth a listen and blurb about.

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Home Again

Oingo Boingo · Boi-Ngo · Song · 1987

open.spotify.com

Home Again was a painful cut, as this was the one Oingo song I saw on my daughter's playlist (still no Dino). We had fun listening in the car, but in the end I understood that's why it was sticking around. I like it, but like the rest of the Boi-Ngo album it's a bit repetitive and synthy. It was #31 when I posted my intro but was replaced by yet another from the Good for Your Soul album with the dark inappropriate humor that surprised me when I dug in.

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Insanity

Oingo Boingo · Boingo · Song · 1994

open.spotify.com

An interesting miss would be how I describe their last album from 1994. This was '94? Such an odd album, and I am trying to picture what it's reception was like around that time. Insanity is the album opener and one that was on my initial playlist. It got cut, but there is one more song respresenting this album that made it.

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Gratitude

Oingo Boingo · So-Lo · Song · 1984

open.spotify.com

I got a little confused on the Danny Elfman album So-Lo about which were Oingo tracks and which weren't. In the end the more I listened the more it didn't matter. I found it a bit lacking and even this track reminds me of an earlier Oingo track I like more. Gratitude is a fun tune and shows up on their live shows a bit, but it got booted from the first playlist.

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Little Girls

Oingo Boingo · Only A Lad · Song · 1981

open.spotify.com

In the end, Little Girls is a bit too much even for me. In hindsight, it is serendipity that I started with the album that I did. If I started with their last one, I'm not sure I would have been as driven to continue. This is the opener for their debut, and I wonder if I would have been as driven to listen more, combined with the Kinks cover that I couldn't skip fast enough. There are a few on here I really like and are on the playlist and one that I adore. But overall not my favorite album and despite my WTF reaction that put it on my playlist it got cut in the end.

Home Again is very catchy and it's easy to see why the youngins would like it.
Insanity is a weird-*** track. I was definitely not listening to anything like this in 1994. "A million years of evolution, we get Danny Quayle" is a hilarious lyric, though.
Gratitude seems like a workout tune. Could have been shorter as a song, but fine in length for a gym routine.
Little Girls is very much of its time, both musically and lyrically.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

So I'm thinking of posting Thursday night, Sunday AM, Tuesday night....

Oh, dear lord. I just realised the Olympics are going to cut into this. I may have to clone myself.

You just realized?! I plan my life around the Olympics beginning about two years in advance, when the last Olympics ends.

We even delayed our move to start on August 11.

Now that's dedication. Respect.

So I'm thinking of posting Thursday night, Sunday AM, Tuesday night....

Oh, dear lord. I just realised the Olympics are going to cut into this. I may have to clone myself.

The announcers mostly suck so you can listen to the playlists while you watch the broadcast on mute?

That totally depends on what sport you are watching. Some of them are really good.

It hadn't occurred to me the Olympics are thing year, either. I don't even know where it is.

Are you kidding? They are supposed to swim the Triathlon in the Seine. However, that may depend on whether or not the French drop plunkies in the river.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

The Sweet - #32-36 First five out​

The top 3 were at various stages inside the top #31, but I ultimately couldnt find a place for them

#32 - Alexander Graham Bell

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This is a fairly ordinary song written for them by Chinn/Chapman and by far the biggest failure from the 5 singles released that the Sweet didnt play the music on. The redeeming feature is the chorus, especially the music. It only reached #33 in the UK and more notably, was their only song released in Germany to not make the top 20 in the Brian Connolly era. Stalling at #24. The other 18 Brian Connolly led singles from Funny Funny onwards, made the top 20 in Germany. 8 number 1s in Germany and a further 6 other songs making their top 5

#33 - No You Don’t

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Although Brian Connolly does a fair bit of vocals here, the lead is Steve Priest. This song was recorded while Brian was recovering from getting his throat stomped on so Steve had to complete the bits Brian hadnt. It’s a gritty rocker showing the harder sound the band was looking for.

#34 - Two Into One

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This is a new wave song and I was trying to find a place for it. It comes from the Identity Crisis album, which i thought was quite good. Sounds like Devo to me.

#35 - Co-Co

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One of two heavily reggaefied songs written by Chinny/Chap. The Calypso influence even flows through to the promo clip. It reached #2 in the UK and #99 in the US, but it holds up poorly and I didnt try that hard to squeeze it into the top 31

#36 - Lost Angels

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The lead single to the Off The Record album. All 4 singles off this album flopped in the US and UK, although the 4th one did reach #88 in the US

32 -- Twee and of its time, but pretty well-crafted.
33 -- Killer. I suspect I would rank this really high, but I'm more into hard rock than you are.
34 -- Agree it sounds like Devo. Could have been embarrassing but isn't.
35 -- This is pants.
36 -- Could pass for one of Queen's harder-rocking numbers.

Wow. I admire your dedication.
I am patting myself on the back for getting through one ****ing playlist.

Agree on 35. I am reticent to exclude a big chart hit, but made an exception here.
As for 33, there will be plenty for you to like then. They arent the idols of 80s Glam Metal without good cause.

But there will be extreme varieties due to the various stages of their career, as you see from the differences between 34, 35 and 36.

Speaking on 36, the name Queen will come up often. There is a fair amount of jealousy from guitarist Andy Scott on the career Queen had. He reckons they outright stole a couple of songs and their multi layered vocal style was mimicked blatantly. He probably exaggerates, but there are noticeable similarities.

 

[Zegras11]

30's PLAYLIST

		#30 -
Blue October	-OZ-	Schizophrenia - YouTube Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen. www.youtube.com
Fanny	Pip's Invitation	Rock and Roll Survivors Rock And Roll Survivors Fanny · Song · 1974 open.spotify.com
The Tea Party	Scoresman	Temptation Temptation The Tea Party · Song · 1997 open.spotify.com
Sweet	John Maddens ****ing Lunchbox	Little Willy Sweet - Little Willy - Top Of The Pops/Disco 1972 (OFFICIAL) Sweet performing "Little Willy" on BBC's Top Of The Pops in 1972.The song was written by Mike Chapman & Nicky Chinn and produced by Phil Wainman The single w... m.youtube.com Little Willy Sweet · Song · 1971 open.spotify.com
Oingo Boingo	KarmaPolice	Spider Spider Oingo Boingo · Song · 1994 open.spotify.com
Belle and Sebastian	kupcho1	Your Cover's Blown Your Cover's Blown Belle and Sebastian · Books · Song · 2004 open.spotify.com
Mitski	Ilov80s	Townie Townie Mitski · Song · 2014 open.spotify.com
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams	Yambag	Tink (I Know It's You) - YouTube Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen. www.youtube.com
The Moody Blues	Charlie Steiner	Go Now Go Now The Moody Blues · Song · 2014 open.spotify.com
Stone Temple Pilots	Yo Mama	Big Bang Baby Big Bang Baby Stone Temple Pilots · Song · 1996 open.spotify.com
Brian Setzer	Mrs. Rannous	One More Night With You One More Night With You (An Adaptation of Grieg's "Hall of the Mountain King") Song · The Brian Setzer Orchestra · 2007 open.spotify.com
Curtis Mayfield	Don Quixote	For Your Precious Love, by Jerry Butler and the Impressions - YouTube Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen. youtu.be For Your Precious Love The Impressions · For Your Precious Love... · Song · 1963 open.spotify.com
Bryan Ferry/Roxy Music	BinkytheDoormat	Don't Stop The Dance Bryan Ferry - Don't Stop The Dance Music video by Bryan Ferry performing Don't Stop The Dance. www.youtube.com
Strand of Oaks	Eephus	Harder Love Harder Love Strand of Oaks · Song · 2018 open.spotify.com
Dave Matthews	Tau837	Gravedigger Gravedigger (Acoustic) Provided to YouTube by RCA Records LabelGravedigger (Acoustic) · Dave MatthewsSome Devilâ 2003 BMG MusicReleased on: 2003-09-22Composer, Lyricist: David J. M... www.youtube.com
Mazzy Star	landrys hat	Lay Myself Down Lay Myself Down Mazzy Star · Song · 2013 open.spotify.com
Kenny Chesney	MAC	Few Good Stories - YouTube Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen. www.youtube.com
The Beach Boys	zamboni	"Help Me, Rhonda" Help Me, Rhonda - Single Version/Remastered 2001 The Beach Boys · Summer Days (And Summer Nights) [Remastered] · Song · 1965 open.spotify.com
Susanna Hoffs	Zegras11	Raining Raining Susanna Hoffs · Someday · Song · 2012 open.spotify.com
Judas Priest	Raging Weasel	Turbo Lover Turbo Lover - Remastered Judas Priest · Song · 2017 open.spotify.com
The Cure	Juxtatarot	Purple Haze Purple Haze The Cure · Song · 2005 open.spotify.com
Iron and Wine	Tuffnutt	The Devil Never Sleeps Iron & Wine - The Devil Never Sleeps "The Devil Never Sleeps" from Iron & Wine's 09/25/2007 release, 'The Shepherd's Dog.'Sub Pop Mega Mart: https://megamart.subpop.com/releases/iron_and_wine/th... www.youtube.com
Jerry Jeff Walker	simey	Stoney Stoney Jerry Jeff Walker · Song · 2011 open.spotify.com
The Doors	jwb	Moonlight Drive Moonlight Drive The Doors · Strange Days · Song · 1967 open.spotify.com
Chvrches	JML’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Secret Identity	The Mother We Share CHVRCHES - The Mother We Share The Mother We Share Out Now (UK out Sept 16) Buy now: http://po.st/TWMSiT The debut album The Bones Of What You Believe is out now. Buy Standard: http://po.s... m.youtube.com The Mother We Share CHVRCHES · Song · 2013 open.spotify.com
Earth, Wind, & Fire	Uruk-Hai	In The Stone - YouTube Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen. www.youtube.com
Destroyer	The Dreaded Marco	It’s In Your Heart Now It's in Your Heart Now Destroyer · Song · 2022 open.spotify.com
Andrew Bird	Mister CIA	Lit From Underneath Lit from Underneath Andrew Bird · Song · 2013 open.spotify.com
Steve Albini	Oliver Humanzee	Shellac - Girl from Outside Girl From Outside Shellac · To All Trains · Song · 2024 open.spotify.com
Ronnie James Dio	Mt. Man	Gonna Make It Alone Gonna Make It Alone Ronnie Dio · Song · 1984 open.spotify.com
April Wine	Falguy	This Could Be the Right One This Could Be the Right One Song · April Wine · 1984 open.spotify.com - YouTube Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen. www.youtube.com

 

[Uruk-Hai]

The 30s from Sweet and Mayfield would be Top 5 for me.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

#30 "In The Stone" - EWF

This record has one of their great fanfare openings. It's the best part of the song, IMO. The rest is good, consisting of a typical EWF "love yourself" lyric, knockout horns, caffeinated percussion, and a slinky guitar line.

 

[Don Quixote]

The 30s from Sweet and Mayfield would be Top 5 for me.

I posted up thread that I pushed some of the earlier stuff by The Impressions early in the thread, so could include a bit more of an introduction along the way, as finding tough to do without referencing this song. Will post that after I get some coffee in me.

 

[Don Quixote]

Curtis Mayfield

Don Quixote

For Your Precious Love, by Jerry Butler and the Impressions - YouTube Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen. youtu.be For Your Precious Love The Impressions · For Your Precious Love... · Song · 1963 open.spotify.com

I thought about writing an introduction to the start of Curtis Mayfield’s career (and the other members of The Impressions) before the countdown, but I was having trouble doing it without discussing “For Your Precious Love.” It is both a starting point and a pivot point. So, here we go back to before the funk and before the Chicago Sound — back to 1958.

The Impressions were founded as The Roosters in Chattanooga, TN by Sam Gooden, Fred Cash, and Richard and Arthur Brooks. Chattanooga did not have any recording studios; so, the group set out for Chicago. However, Fred Cash’s mother thought he was too young, and denied him permission to go.

When the others made it to Chicago, they got Jerry Butler on board to join the group to replace Fred Cash. But they were all vocalists, and in need of a guitarist. Jerry knew Curtis Mayfield (then 15 years old) from their time in a Chicago choir, and enlisted him to join the band. (Picture here of The Impressions then with Curtis Mayfield in the bottom right with the guitar, Jerry Butler in the top left, Sam Gooden in top middle, and the Brooks brothers.)

They changed their name because “The Roosters” sounded too country, and became The Impressions. They went in to Vee-Jay Records for a tryout and played some standards, but nothing leaving them too impressed (no pun intended), until they played “For Your Precious Love,” a song that Jerry Butler wrote when he was 16 years old. As Todd Mayfield described the scene:

“[Calvin] Carter said, “Gee, I really want to record you guys, but I don’t really hear that hit song.” Then, an idea struck him. “Sing something you’re ashamed to sing. Sing something you don’t usually feel like singing in public.”

They only knew one other song, so Dad picked up his guitar, plucked a few chords, and Jerry let out a velvety blast, “Your precious love means more to me …” The group fell in behind him in perfect harmony, and by the time the song ended, Carter’s eyes beamed with the electricity of a man who suddenly believed. He shouted, “That’s it! That’s it! That’s the one! Abner, get me some contracts.”

Union rules prohibited Curtis Mayfield from playing guitar on the record. They did six takes with the session guitarists supplied by the record company, but it was off, and they could not get that sound. The record company told the session guitarists to take a seat, broke the union rules, and had Mayfield play guitar. They immediately got the record down.

Mayfield did not know it at the time, but the reason they could not get that sound was because of how he tuned his guitar. He was a self-taught guitarist. He knew the piano though because his mom had a piano. So, he tuned his guitar according to the piano’s black keys. Mayfield would later recall being on stage at The Apollo when he turned 16 years old. Their house band was asking him about it; when he explained how he tuned it, they told him that this was called “open F sharp” tuning. It was not a standard tuning style, which gave it the unique sound; Mayfield would stick that tuning style throughout his career.

”For Your Precious Love” became a hit, and it is still a well-regarded love ballad. Rolling Stone magazine included it on their list of the 500 greatest songs of all-time. As Todd Mayfield describes it, “Structured around Curtis’s plucked guitar chords and set in a slow 6/8 meter, ‘For Your Precious Love’ played almost like a hymn. My father’s high falsetto rode atop the heavenly backing vocals, providing a lush bed for Butler’s chocolaterich voice.”

But the record company created some friction within the band because, while they went into the studio as The Impressions, when the record pressings came out, they listed the artist as “Jerry Butler and The Impressions.” This was a common tactic back then for some record companies to try to create two artists out of one. Jealousies got a hold of things, and Jerry Butler would leave the group to start a solo career shortly after the song’s success. (Interview with Jerry Butler where he talks about his departure from the group here, if interested.)

Curtis Mayfield initially followed him as a songwriter, guitarist, and backup vocalist (he has songwriting credits and you can hear his falsetto on Jerry Butler’s 1960 hit He Will Break Your Heart). But Mayfield would return to The Impressions not long thereafter, and they would also put their trust in him as lead songwriter.

They would also bring back Fred Cash. After a concert in Chattanooga, they visited him and his mom and pulled out a wad of cash, which convinced Fred Cash’s mom that she made a mistake in not letting him go to Chicago (apparently all singles, but still did the trick).

I’ll stop there and continue in a couple of songs to pick back up on the early days of The Impressions, some more changes in members, and the development of the Chicago Sound.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

The Sweet​

#30 - Little Willy

Sweet - Little Willy - Top Of The Pops/Disco 1972 (OFFICIAL)

Sweet performing "Little Willy" on BBC's Top Of The Pops in 1972.The song was written by Mike Chapman & Nicky Chinn and produced by Phil Wainman The single w...

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Producer - Phil Wainman
Writer - Chinn/Chapman
Chart Positions - UK#4, US#3, West Germany #1, Australia #65
Album - The Sweet (1973 US Edition)
Year - 1972/1973
Lead Vocal - Brian Connolly
Steve Priest Vocal - Backing only
Notes - A co-equal highest US Chart placing and its #30?
For a start it’s bubblegum pop written by Chinny/Chap.
Next, the band do not even play their instruments. Only vocals.
Third, it’s annoying AF.
Out of the 5 bubblegum tracks released as singles, that the band did not play on, they all lose several ranking points. Out of these 5 tracks only 2 make my list. 2 others were close. They were all UK Hits. This was by far their biggest US hit until Ballroom Blitz. The difference in sound is remarkable between the band playing and not playing, even on the Glam hits.

Next Up we go right back to the early days with a track that while I am not sure it would have been a hit in its own right, was a marked progression from their first four singles.

 

[zamboni]

The Beach Boys

zamboni

"Help Me, Rhonda" Help Me, Rhonda - Single Version/Remastered 2001 The Beach Boys · Summer Days (And Summer Nights) [Remastered] · Song · 1965 open.spotify.com

Despite the focus on many lesser known songs, there’s always room for a few of their early-ish poppy, peppy standards - and this is one of them.

Along with its infectious melody, it stands out as one of the few BB songs in which Al Jardine sings lead. Jardine was a critical (if not overlooked) part of their harmonies, although Brian just didn’t prefer him up front all that much - just didn’t fit right with him and who’s to argue with his ear.

Released in 1965 (actually re-released and enriched from this version a handful of months earlier), this was their second of three #1 hits in the US. And the lush sound here, like much of their material, features the mighty Wrecking Crew (although they weren’t really termed that until years later). Not that the Boys weren’t capable musicians, but perfectionist Brian wanted the best, and he did just that regularly. Notable performers from the “Crew” here include Glenn Campbell on guitar, Hal Blaine on drums, Carol Kaye on bass, and Leon Russell on piano (with the bouncy interlude).

 

[Yambag]

30's PLAYLIST

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams

Yambag

Tink (I Know It's You) - YouTube Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen. www.youtube.com

My playlist contains quite a few YouTube links to live performances that are not on Spotify. If you dig this band (or are just curious), I encourage you to take the time to listen to the live versions in the posts as I feel they are superior the album version.

The Circus is known for their eclectic personality and powerful live shows. Both are on display in this performance of Tink (I Know It’s You) from the headlining spot at Fairport’s Cropredy Festival in 2022, where they won the fan vote for best band. The song is an ode to Joziah’s wife and bandmate and features a stellar slide mandolin solo from Sharkey McEwen. Here Tink explains how the band got their unique name (the original name of the band was The Ancestors):

"We created the name, “The Slambovian Circus of Dreams.” Consider even the term “Slambovian,” which means “wow, that's really slamming.” But for us, it's like transcendent channeling, that's where the term “Slambovian” came from. That's beyond slamming. That means you're in the zone. For us, it's descriptive, but it's also an experience."

"And then, just because of the name, we started getting gigs. And odd things happened when we played obscure places. People like Garth Hudson [of the Band] would show up. And we were like, “this is something, there's something magic going on here.” We were asked to do bigger and bigger festivals. Then somebody in the UK got wind of us and brought us over. And it just kept evolving into this thing that provided enough money for us to raise a family and do what we needed to do, even though we didn't have any structure or help or booking agent even at that point. We're not trying to kiss the industry's *** in any way. We never have."

 

[-OZ-]

Blue October

-OZ-

Schizophrenia - YouTube Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen. www.youtube.com

The meaning behind this one is straight forward, dealing with mental disease.
As C.B. Hudson told Jonathan Dean in Associated Content, Justin was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1997: "He was actually working as a supervisor in a mental health facility. He went through a dark period that year, where he went from an employee to a patient for a few weeks." Hudson added, "Yes, Justin is on Paxil, but he feels that the brutal honesty of his lyrics are his true therapy."

A silver plated numbing gum
And Jesus resting on my thumb
A hard to reach malaria
I've got the mood that seems to scare ya.
I'm paranoid, self destroyed.
Believe me lord I'm sorry
I've got the mood that seems to bury ya.
I've got the nightmare called
Schizophrenia
I cry. I cry and I don't know why.
The fever becomes my home.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

30's I liked:

Rock and Roll Survivors - Fanny
Temptation - The Tea Party
One More Night With You - The Brian Setzer Orchestra
Don't Stop The Dance - Bryan Ferry
Help Me Rhonda - The Beach Boys
Raining - Susanna Hoffs
Turbo Lover - Judas Priest
The Never Sleeps - Iron & Wine

 

[Charlie Steiner]

#30. Go Now (The Magnificent Moodies, 1965)

Part I: The Magnificent Moodies

To say that American R&B music was all the rage in 1950's England would be a VAST understatement. Thousands of teenagers began picking up musical instruments, joining up with their friends and taking to whatever venue they could find in the hopes of replicating the sounds they were hearing, and I'm not just talking Elvis, Chuck Berry and Carl Perkins. Given the scope of this phenomenon, not every band could make it, so a musical form of Darwinism developed; more talented musicians would find each other, less talented ones would fall away, even though sometimes even flat-out talent wasn't enough and nothing more than the fickle ears of the listening public would determine who would go on to be Rock and Roll stars.

It was in this environment that two founding members of a band called El Rey and the Rebels (childhood pals Ray Thomas and John Lodge, on harmonica and bass respectively) formed in the late 50's, were joined by pianist/singer Mike Pinder in 1963. Following the established course of playing in Germany, Rey and the Rebels ended up failing in Hamburg (which prompted Lodge to put music aside in favor of tech school) and returned to England to retool. Thomas and Pinder then added three new pieces from two other failed bands, guitarist and front man Denny Laine, bassist Clint Warwick and drummer Graeme Edge, renaming themselves in the process to the M&B5 in an attempt to gain sponsorship from a local brewery, Mitchells and Butlers, who also owned several venues that hosted local acts. When that failed, they switched names again, this time inspired by the Duke Ellington song Mood Indigo, to the Moody Blues.

The new lineup, fronted by Laine and performing mostly R&B covers, and after gaining notoriety and success in their hometown of Birmingham, moved to London in 1964 to further their career. They hired a management firm associated with Decca Records and soon found themselves in the studio. While their first single failed to chart, their follow-up, a cover of American R&B singer Bessie Banks' song Go Now (which had also charted in the UK earlier) reached #1 in England and #10 in the U.S.

And then the Universe stepped in.

A visa snafu discovered too late prevented them from performing on The Ed Sullivan Show in support of their hit, while at the same time, their management firm had been embezzling money from them all along, leaving them flat broke. This double-dose of misfortune put the Moodies in a hole and moving in the wrong direction, which was too much for both Laine and Warwick, prompting their departures.

Though Warwick left music altogether in favor of carpentry, he did return briefly in 2002 with a solo album before his passing two years later.

Denny Laine spent the rest of the 60's flirting with commercial success, at one point opening for Jimi Hendrix and Procol Harum, as well as a stint with Ginger Baker's Air Force, though ultimately none of those opportunities led anywhere. In 1971, he joined Paul McCartney and Wings, contributing vocals and collaborating/contributing songs for every album they released during their 10-year run. While Wings never recorded their own version of Go Now, it was featured in their live shows. After Wings stopped recording, he continued touring with various artists and recording solo material. In 2018, Denny was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Moody Blues.


Coming up next: despite losing 40% of the band just as they had reached the threshold of their dream, their days was coming.


*Editor's note: the original version of Go Now was recorded the week after JFK was assassinated. Singer Bessie Banks and the entire crew working with her (including the hit-making duo of Lieber-Stoller) were together in the studio when the news broke and were so devastated that they shut down until the following week. Her version was named Pick of the Week by New York radio station WINS, such that it was played for seven straight days. By day four, however, the Moodies' version was out and had overtaken the original. While Banks would continue recording and performing, this turn of events does leave open speculation for what could have been for her if her version hadn't been 'outdone'.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

Your Cover’s Blown by Belle and Sebastian would be in my top 3.

Great song.

 

[Mt. Man]

Ronnie James Dio #30
Artist: Ronnie and the Prophets
Song: Gonna Make It Alone

(Youtube Version) Gonna Make It Alone
Original Version from Dion Gonna Make It Alone

I'm gonna get out of this place right now
It's gonna change my luck somehow
I'm gonna leave with no goodbyes
On my own, I'm gonna make it alone, alone, alone

This should be Great Balls of Fire, but my brain struggles to comprehend that Dio had anything to do with that. Plus it’s not on Spotify.

Yes, this is Dio (and others) covering Dion. A sentence to be read most carefully. This, as far as I can tell, was released as a single, though through research I’ve seen it as part of a few compilation albums of Ronnie and the Prophets’ recordings. Quality-wise? It’s pretty faithful to the original. You don’t hear Dio’s voice as strongly as you’d think. So, no real danger of making a covers countdown, but a solid rendition at the least.

Past that, there isn’t that much to say. This era of Dio’s career tends to stay buried because it doesn’t sync with the image of the powerful heavy metal singer he’d become. Also because this is way before Dio had any fame (if after the name change).

–
Next up on the countdown, Elf’s greatest hit.

 

[simey]

Stoney

Jerry Jeff wrote this song about a friend he used to travel around with in his early folk years. He called his friend Stoney, and they were both gypsy folk singers singing in the streets and looking for gigs. Stoney's real name was H.R. Stoneback. H.R. (Harry) would later become an American academic and poet. He was a distinguished professor at State University of New York at New Paltz for over 50 years. He died a year after Jerry Jeff. This song first appeared on JJ's 1970 album Bein' Free.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

30. Rock and Roll Survivors
Album: Rock and Roll Survivors (1974)
Writer: Nickey Barclay
Lead vocals: Nickey Barclay

Rock and Roll Survivors is the first song on and title track of the final album of Fanny's '70s run, a record that was markedly different from their first four and about which some fans and band members have mixed feelings. It is the most "trendy" of their albums, and the title track sets the tone for that, but as I said in the introductory essay, this was a Casablanca Records release and it makes most sense -- and gives the most enjoyment -- if you think of it as a KISS record made by women.

The title track, one of just two written by the formerly prolific Nickey Barclay for this record (she also sang one of the covers), is an ear-catching uptempo number, with an insistent bass line and a percussion-heavy instrumental break that may be the most danceable passage in their catalog. As the title implies, the song is about continuing to play music despite personal problems and professional setbacks. The verses describe people from the scene whose demons killed them, and the chorus reflects the state of the band after almost 5 years in the industry grind:

Rock and roll survivors
The only ones who made it
We found a way to keep on
While the rest of you fell by
Rock and roll survivors
We found our song and played it
We've gone too long to trade it
I wonder if we're dated today?

The production, which the band complained about, buries the guitars in the mix, but some live performances have survived, and show that in concert, the band turned it into something more straightforward and powerful.

Interestingly, the song was also performed by the LA All-Stars, which toured in 1975 to promote Rock and Roll Survivors' hit single Butter Boy after Fanny dissolved. Four of its five members spent time in Fanny and/or precursor bands -- but Nickey Barclay was absent.

Live on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm6m-uCyCco. It is the first of three songs in the clip. I also want to call attention to the second, a medley which mostly consists of "No Man's Land," which is fascinating because "No Man's Land" is a rare example of a Fanny original that was performed live but not put on a studio album, and because it sounds like nothing else in their catalog, and is the closest they ever came to prog. (It is also the only example I have found of a bass solo by Jean Millington.) I would have considered it for my top 31 but it's not on Spotify. This clip is also one of the few surviving mementos of the glammed-up hairstyles, makeup and clothes the band wore during its Casablanca period.

LA All-Stars version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ1fVDYSjRc. Lead vocals by percussionist Padi Moscheta, the one member who had no previous connection to Fanny.

At #29, a song that has two versions, which I can't really tell apart.

 

[Ilov80s]

And I want a love that falls as fast
As a body from the balcony
And I wanna kiss like my heart is hitting the ground

 

[Charlie Steiner]

In the "I buried the lede" department, I forgot to include that during the Moody Blues' initial period of ascendancy in 63-64. they had made enough of a name for themselves that they reached the point where they were opening for the Beatles, and when their initial management firm skipped town with all their money, Brian Epstein himself took over managing the band. The visa snafu followed (something with pre-dated Epstein's involvement and he was unaware of until it happened), at which point Epstein dropped them from his portfolio. It was through touring with the Beatles that Laine and McCartney knew each other and would later collaborate in Wings.

Sorry for the glaring omission; I'm developing dyslexia as I age and initially glazed right over that passage in my research.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Just as thrilling to me as the reveal of the songs is the posting of the writeups. Y'all are doing a great job with them.

 

[Mister CIA]

So I'm thinking of posting Thursday night, Sunday AM, Tuesday night....

Oh, dear lord. I just realised the Olympics are going to cut into this. I may have to clone myself.

You just realized?! I plan my life around the Olympics beginning about two years in advance, when the last Olympics ends.

We even delayed our move to start on August 11.

I have good news! If you bump your move date up to July 23rd, it will put a little extra shine on my Andrew Bird pick for that day - AND you can be settled in before the Olympics begin. Gold/gold.

 

[MAC_32]

Dave Matthews first 5 out:

32. Crash Into Me

Official Video
Live at Luther College (acoustic, with Tim Reynolds)

"Crash Into Me" is one of DMB's most iconic songs. It was released in 1996 as the third single from their second studio album, Crash. It reached #7 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and #19 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the band's most commercially successful songs. DMB has played it live 842 times, and there are 59 live releases of the song.

Written by Dave, the song features poetic and somewhat ambiguous lyrics that describe a passionate, almost voyeuristic, love. He has described it as a song about worshiping women and the intensity of romantic longing.

The track is known for its melodic and rhythmic intricacies. It showcases Dave's unique guitar playing style, featuring a mix of strumming and fingerpicking that creates a rich, textured sound. The use of the Lydian mode gives the song its distinctive feel.

33. Halloween

Studio
Live at Luther College 1996 (acoustic, with Tim Reynolds)

"Halloween" is one of DMB's most intense and emotionally charged songs. It first appeared on the band's 1998 album, Before These Crowded Streets. The song stands out for its dark, brooding atmosphere and Dave's raw vocal performance.

The lyrics are passionate and anguished, reflecting themes of heartbreak and betrayal. Dave has explained that the song was inspired by a tumultuous relationship and the intense feelings associated with it.

Musically, "Halloween" features a driving, aggressive rhythm and complex time signatures. The song is known for its dynamic shifts, moving from quiet, eerie verses to explosive choruses. Boyd Tinsley's violin and LeRoi Moore's saxophone add to the haunting quality of the track, while Carter Beauford's drumming drives the intensity.

34. American Baby

Official Video

"American Baby" is the lead single from the DMB 2005 album, Stand Up. The song marked a significant return to the mainstream for the band and showcased a blend of their signature sound with contemporary production elements. It performed well on the charts, peaking at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached #5 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart and #19 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, making it one of the band's more successful singles in the 2000s.

Written by Dave, the song explores themes of love, hope, and unity against the backdrop of a divided and tumultuous America. The lyrics reflect a longing for connection and a better future, resonating with many listeners during a time of political and social upheaval.

The song combines the band's characteristic blend of rock, jazz, and folk influences. It features a catchy, anthemic chorus and a prominent string arrangement, with Boyd Tinsley's violin playing a key role. The production, led by Mark Batson, brought a polished and modern sound to the track, differing from the band's earlier, more acoustic-driven work.

35. Grey Street

Studio
Farm Aid 2020 (Dave solo acoustic)

"Grey Street" is one of DMB's most beloved songs, known for its poignant lyrics and dynamic musical composition. It first appeared on the band's 2002 album, Busted Stuff, although an earlier version of the song was included in the band's The Lillywhite Sessions, an unofficial release of recordings from 2000. DMB has played it live 790 times, and there are 45 live releases of the song.

Written by Dave, the song tells the story of a woman struggling with depression and feelings of emptiness. The lyrics explore themes of disillusionment, searching for meaning, and the difficulty of overcoming personal challenges. The imagery of a "grey street" symbolizes a place of stagnation and melancholy.

The song features a compelling blend of rock and folk influences, characterized by a driving rhythm and melodic interplay between the instruments. Carter Beauford's intricate drumming, Stefan Lessard's bass lines, Boyd Tinsley's violin, and LeRoi Moore's saxophone all contribute to the song's rich, layered sound. Dave's guitar work and emotive vocals further enhance the track.

"Grey Street" has resonated with many listeners due to its relatable themes of personal struggle and the search for hope. It's often interpreted as a song of resilience and finding one's way out of difficult times.

36. Satellite

Official Video
Live at Red Rocks 1995

"Satellite" is one of DMB's early hits, known for its intricate guitar work and melodic beauty. The song was released as the third single from their debut studio album, Under the Table and Dreaming, in 1994. It performed well on the charts, reaching #18 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and #20 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart. Its success helped solidify DMB's presence in the mainstream music scene. DMB has played it live 1064 times, and there are 76 live releases of the song.

Written by Dave, the song features poetic and somewhat abstract lyrics. The song uses the metaphor of a satellite to explore themes of distance, observation, and connection. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and contemplation, reflecting Dave's unique lyrical style.

The song is renowned for its complex guitar riff, played in a distinctive fingerpicking style that Dave developed. This riff, combined with Stefan Lessard's bass, Carter Beauford's rhythmic drumming, LeRoi Moore's saxophone, and Boyd Tinsley's violin, creates a rich, textured sound. The musical arrangement of "Satellite" showcases the band's ability to blend rock, jazz, and folk influences seamlessly.

The song evolved from an earlier song called "After Her," which had different lyrics but a similar guitar riff. Over time, Matthews reworked the song into what became "Satellite." The song's success and distinctive sound helped establish Dave Matthews Band's reputation for musical intricacy and lyrical depth. It remains a quintessential example of the band's early work and has influenced many aspiring guitarists and songwriters.


This is a really strong group. Any of these could have easily made my top 31 on a different day than the one I finalized my list.

32 -- never been a favorite
33 -- I like how the bass and the strings carry this. Is it just me or did Dave's voice change to something more gruff around this time?
34 -- I don't remember this -- I was starting to not pay attention to new music around this time. It's got a nice melody.
35 -- the music is hopeful and soaring, but the lyrics seem ... not.
36 -- always been a favorite

Lock step with you on Crash, Halloween, and Grey Street. Your assessment of the latter is the primary reason I like the darker uncut Lillywhite versions much more than Busted Stuff. It isn't to Crash levels, but I don't care for Satellite. American Baby would've made my 31- love that jam.

 

[Tau837]

Dave Matthews first 5 out:

32. Crash Into Me

Official Video
Live at Luther College (acoustic, with Tim Reynolds)

"Crash Into Me" is one of DMB's most iconic songs. It was released in 1996 as the third single from their second studio album, Crash. It reached #7 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and #19 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the band's most commercially successful songs. DMB has played it live 842 times, and there are 59 live releases of the song.

Written by Dave, the song features poetic and somewhat ambiguous lyrics that describe a passionate, almost voyeuristic, love. He has described it as a song about worshiping women and the intensity of romantic longing.

The track is known for its melodic and rhythmic intricacies. It showcases Dave's unique guitar playing style, featuring a mix of strumming and fingerpicking that creates a rich, textured sound. The use of the Lydian mode gives the song its distinctive feel.

33. Halloween

Studio
Live at Luther College 1996 (acoustic, with Tim Reynolds)

"Halloween" is one of DMB's most intense and emotionally charged songs. It first appeared on the band's 1998 album, Before These Crowded Streets. The song stands out for its dark, brooding atmosphere and Dave's raw vocal performance.

The lyrics are passionate and anguished, reflecting themes of heartbreak and betrayal. Dave has explained that the song was inspired by a tumultuous relationship and the intense feelings associated with it.

Musically, "Halloween" features a driving, aggressive rhythm and complex time signatures. The song is known for its dynamic shifts, moving from quiet, eerie verses to explosive choruses. Boyd Tinsley's violin and LeRoi Moore's saxophone add to the haunting quality of the track, while Carter Beauford's drumming drives the intensity.

34. American Baby

Official Video

"American Baby" is the lead single from the DMB 2005 album, Stand Up. The song marked a significant return to the mainstream for the band and showcased a blend of their signature sound with contemporary production elements. It performed well on the charts, peaking at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached #5 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart and #19 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, making it one of the band's more successful singles in the 2000s.

Written by Dave, the song explores themes of love, hope, and unity against the backdrop of a divided and tumultuous America. The lyrics reflect a longing for connection and a better future, resonating with many listeners during a time of political and social upheaval.

The song combines the band's characteristic blend of rock, jazz, and folk influences. It features a catchy, anthemic chorus and a prominent string arrangement, with Boyd Tinsley's violin playing a key role. The production, led by Mark Batson, brought a polished and modern sound to the track, differing from the band's earlier, more acoustic-driven work.

35. Grey Street

Studio
Farm Aid 2020 (Dave solo acoustic)

"Grey Street" is one of DMB's most beloved songs, known for its poignant lyrics and dynamic musical composition. It first appeared on the band's 2002 album, Busted Stuff, although an earlier version of the song was included in the band's The Lillywhite Sessions, an unofficial release of recordings from 2000. DMB has played it live 790 times, and there are 45 live releases of the song.

Written by Dave, the song tells the story of a woman struggling with depression and feelings of emptiness. The lyrics explore themes of disillusionment, searching for meaning, and the difficulty of overcoming personal challenges. The imagery of a "grey street" symbolizes a place of stagnation and melancholy.

The song features a compelling blend of rock and folk influences, characterized by a driving rhythm and melodic interplay between the instruments. Carter Beauford's intricate drumming, Stefan Lessard's bass lines, Boyd Tinsley's violin, and LeRoi Moore's saxophone all contribute to the song's rich, layered sound. Dave's guitar work and emotive vocals further enhance the track.

"Grey Street" has resonated with many listeners due to its relatable themes of personal struggle and the search for hope. It's often interpreted as a song of resilience and finding one's way out of difficult times.

36. Satellite

Official Video
Live at Red Rocks 1995

"Satellite" is one of DMB's early hits, known for its intricate guitar work and melodic beauty. The song was released as the third single from their debut studio album, Under the Table and Dreaming, in 1994. It performed well on the charts, reaching #18 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and #20 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart. Its success helped solidify DMB's presence in the mainstream music scene. DMB has played it live 1064 times, and there are 76 live releases of the song.

Written by Dave, the song features poetic and somewhat abstract lyrics. The song uses the metaphor of a satellite to explore themes of distance, observation, and connection. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and contemplation, reflecting Dave's unique lyrical style.

The song is renowned for its complex guitar riff, played in a distinctive fingerpicking style that Dave developed. This riff, combined with Stefan Lessard's bass, Carter Beauford's rhythmic drumming, LeRoi Moore's saxophone, and Boyd Tinsley's violin, creates a rich, textured sound. The musical arrangement of "Satellite" showcases the band's ability to blend rock, jazz, and folk influences seamlessly.

The song evolved from an earlier song called "After Her," which had different lyrics but a similar guitar riff. Over time, Matthews reworked the song into what became "Satellite." The song's success and distinctive sound helped establish Dave Matthews Band's reputation for musical intricacy and lyrical depth. It remains a quintessential example of the band's early work and has influenced many aspiring guitarists and songwriters.


This is a really strong group. Any of these could have easily made my top 31 on a different day than the one I finalized my list.

32 -- never been a favorite
33 -- I like how the bass and the strings carry this. Is it just me or did Dave's voice change to something more gruff around this time?
34 -- I don't remember this -- I was starting to not pay attention to new music around this time. It's got a nice melody.
35 -- the music is hopeful and soaring, but the lyrics seem ... not.
36 -- always been a favorite

Lock step with you on Crash, Halloween, and Grey Street. Your assessment of the latter is the primary reason I like the darker uncut Lillywhite versions much more than Busted Stuff. It isn't to Crash levels, but I don't care for Satellite. American Baby would've made my 31- love that jam.

I don't have the Lillywhite sessions songs. Is there somewhere I can get them?

As I posted previously, Satellite was important in Dave's evolution, which is why I included it.

I was back and forth on having American Baby just in my top 31 or just out and landed here. Might have been different if I finalized my list on a different day. Any of my top 38 songs could have ended up in my top 31.

 

[MAC_32]

Dave Matthews first 5 out:

32. Crash Into Me

Official Video
Live at Luther College (acoustic, with Tim Reynolds)

"Crash Into Me" is one of DMB's most iconic songs. It was released in 1996 as the third single from their second studio album, Crash. It reached #7 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and #19 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the band's most commercially successful songs. DMB has played it live 842 times, and there are 59 live releases of the song.

Written by Dave, the song features poetic and somewhat ambiguous lyrics that describe a passionate, almost voyeuristic, love. He has described it as a song about worshiping women and the intensity of romantic longing.

The track is known for its melodic and rhythmic intricacies. It showcases Dave's unique guitar playing style, featuring a mix of strumming and fingerpicking that creates a rich, textured sound. The use of the Lydian mode gives the song its distinctive feel.

33. Halloween

Studio
Live at Luther College 1996 (acoustic, with Tim Reynolds)

"Halloween" is one of DMB's most intense and emotionally charged songs. It first appeared on the band's 1998 album, Before These Crowded Streets. The song stands out for its dark, brooding atmosphere and Dave's raw vocal performance.

The lyrics are passionate and anguished, reflecting themes of heartbreak and betrayal. Dave has explained that the song was inspired by a tumultuous relationship and the intense feelings associated with it.

Musically, "Halloween" features a driving, aggressive rhythm and complex time signatures. The song is known for its dynamic shifts, moving from quiet, eerie verses to explosive choruses. Boyd Tinsley's violin and LeRoi Moore's saxophone add to the haunting quality of the track, while Carter Beauford's drumming drives the intensity.

34. American Baby

Official Video

"American Baby" is the lead single from the DMB 2005 album, Stand Up. The song marked a significant return to the mainstream for the band and showcased a blend of their signature sound with contemporary production elements. It performed well on the charts, peaking at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached #5 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart and #19 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, making it one of the band's more successful singles in the 2000s.

Written by Dave, the song explores themes of love, hope, and unity against the backdrop of a divided and tumultuous America. The lyrics reflect a longing for connection and a better future, resonating with many listeners during a time of political and social upheaval.

The song combines the band's characteristic blend of rock, jazz, and folk influences. It features a catchy, anthemic chorus and a prominent string arrangement, with Boyd Tinsley's violin playing a key role. The production, led by Mark Batson, brought a polished and modern sound to the track, differing from the band's earlier, more acoustic-driven work.

35. Grey Street

Studio
Farm Aid 2020 (Dave solo acoustic)

"Grey Street" is one of DMB's most beloved songs, known for its poignant lyrics and dynamic musical composition. It first appeared on the band's 2002 album, Busted Stuff, although an earlier version of the song was included in the band's The Lillywhite Sessions, an unofficial release of recordings from 2000. DMB has played it live 790 times, and there are 45 live releases of the song.

Written by Dave, the song tells the story of a woman struggling with depression and feelings of emptiness. The lyrics explore themes of disillusionment, searching for meaning, and the difficulty of overcoming personal challenges. The imagery of a "grey street" symbolizes a place of stagnation and melancholy.

The song features a compelling blend of rock and folk influences, characterized by a driving rhythm and melodic interplay between the instruments. Carter Beauford's intricate drumming, Stefan Lessard's bass lines, Boyd Tinsley's violin, and LeRoi Moore's saxophone all contribute to the song's rich, layered sound. Dave's guitar work and emotive vocals further enhance the track.

"Grey Street" has resonated with many listeners due to its relatable themes of personal struggle and the search for hope. It's often interpreted as a song of resilience and finding one's way out of difficult times.

36. Satellite

Official Video
Live at Red Rocks 1995

"Satellite" is one of DMB's early hits, known for its intricate guitar work and melodic beauty. The song was released as the third single from their debut studio album, Under the Table and Dreaming, in 1994. It performed well on the charts, reaching #18 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and #20 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart. Its success helped solidify DMB's presence in the mainstream music scene. DMB has played it live 1064 times, and there are 76 live releases of the song.

Written by Dave, the song features poetic and somewhat abstract lyrics. The song uses the metaphor of a satellite to explore themes of distance, observation, and connection. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and contemplation, reflecting Dave's unique lyrical style.

The song is renowned for its complex guitar riff, played in a distinctive fingerpicking style that Dave developed. This riff, combined with Stefan Lessard's bass, Carter Beauford's rhythmic drumming, LeRoi Moore's saxophone, and Boyd Tinsley's violin, creates a rich, textured sound. The musical arrangement of "Satellite" showcases the band's ability to blend rock, jazz, and folk influences seamlessly.

The song evolved from an earlier song called "After Her," which had different lyrics but a similar guitar riff. Over time, Matthews reworked the song into what became "Satellite." The song's success and distinctive sound helped establish Dave Matthews Band's reputation for musical intricacy and lyrical depth. It remains a quintessential example of the band's early work and has influenced many aspiring guitarists and songwriters.


This is a really strong group. Any of these could have easily made my top 31 on a different day than the one I finalized my list.

32 -- never been a favorite
33 -- I like how the bass and the strings carry this. Is it just me or did Dave's voice change to something more gruff around this time?
34 -- I don't remember this -- I was starting to not pay attention to new music around this time. It's got a nice melody.
35 -- the music is hopeful and soaring, but the lyrics seem ... not.
36 -- always been a favorite

Lock step with you on Crash, Halloween, and Grey Street. Your assessment of the latter is the primary reason I like the darker uncut Lillywhite versions much more than Busted Stuff. It isn't to Crash levels, but I don't care for Satellite. American Baby would've made my 31- love that jam.

I don't have the Lillywhite sessions songs. Is there somewhere I can get them?

As I posted previously, Satellite was important in Dave's evolution, which is why I included it.

I was back and forth on having American Baby just in my top 31 or just out and landed here. Might have been different if I finalized my list on a different day. Any of my top 38 songs could have ended up in my top 31.

If you do, I'd love a copy! I had them on a burned cd, which I uploaded to iTunes. The cd was in a booklet that was stolen mid aughts then my entire iTunes account was corrupted a few years later. A fellow board member zipped me a version when I mentioned them ~covid, but they became greyed out a few weeks / months later. It was nice listening to it even just a few times after not for 10 years even though it may never happen again.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Ronnie James Dio #30
Artist: Ronnie and the Prophets
Song: Gonna Make It Alone

(Youtube Version) Gonna Make It Alone
Original Version from Dion Gonna Make It Alone

I'm gonna get out of this place right now
It's gonna change my luck somehow
I'm gonna leave with no goodbyes
On my own, I'm gonna make it alone, alone, alone

This should be Great Balls of Fire, but my brain struggles to comprehend that Dio had anything to do with that. Plus it’s not on Spotify.

Yes, this is Dio (and others) covering Dion. A sentence to be read most carefully. This, as far as I can tell, was released as a single, though through research I’ve seen it as part of a few compilation albums of Ronnie and the Prophets’ recordings. Quality-wise? It’s pretty faithful to the original. You don’t hear Dio’s voice as strongly as you’d think. So, no real danger of making a covers countdown, but a solid rendition at the least.

Past that, there isn’t that much to say. This era of Dio’s career tends to stay buried because it doesn’t sync with the image of the powerful heavy metal singer he’d become. Also because this is way before Dio had any fame (if after the name change).

–
Next up on the countdown, Elf’s greatest hit.

I thought I accidently clicked the shuffle with recommends or Zamboni snuck in an extra Beach Boys song.

 

[Yo Mama]

Really got an STP vibe from this Tea Party song in the #30s.

 

[Tau837]

Dave Matthews

Tau837

Gravedigger Gravedigger (Acoustic) Provided to YouTube by RCA Records LabelGravedigger (Acoustic) · Dave MatthewsSome Devilâ 2003 BMG MusicReleased on: 2003-09-22Composer, Lyricist: David J. M... www.youtube.com

"Gravedigger" is a song by Dave Matthews, initially released on his 2003 solo album Some Devil. It won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 2004. This is one of just 6 songs that have been played live by Dave solo, Dave and Tim Reynolds, DMB, and "Dave and Friends" (other artists like Willie Nelson).

The song explores themes of mortality, legacy, and the stories that outlive us. Dave paints vivid portraits of various individuals, their lives, and their eventual encounters with death. The song's narrative approach and poignant lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own lives and the legacies they will leave behind.

Musically, "Gravedigger" combines elements of folk, rock, and acoustic music. The song features a somber tone, driven by acoustic guitar and Matthews' evocative vocal delivery. The instrumentation is relatively stripped down compared to some of Matthews' work with DMB, which adds to the song's intimate and reflective atmosphere.

Two versions were included on the album, and I linked the acoustic version in the countdown list. Here are a few others:

• Studio version (non-acoustic)
• LIve at Radio City 2007 (Dave and Tim) - as an aside, the music Dave and Tim produce with two acoustic guitars is really impressive; I probably could have used one of their versions for just about every song in my list
• Willie Nelson cover (released in 2008 on Willie's Moment of Forever album)

 

[KarmaPolice]

Spider

Provided to YouTube by GiantSpider · OINGO BOINGOBoingoâ 2000 v2 Conversion P CreditAuto-generated by YouTube.

www.youtube.com

Spider was the only tune to survive the cuts from the '94 album that Insanity was on. It was on the outside looking in for most of the listening, but in the end it grew on me enough. While the tracks on this this album and couple before it stray from the core Oingo sound I fell for, there are a few of these songs that made me fall for Elfman's voice more. More on this when we get to tracks from the other 90s album coming up, but I do really like how his voice shines on this one and plays with the guitars. This track also sounds a little like something I might have listened to at that time. I get a slight hint of something like Toad the Wet Sprocket in here.

 

[Yo Mama]

STP #30 - Big Bang Baby
Album - Tiny Music. . . (1996)

This album came together around one of Scott Weiland’s heroin episodes (this one including an arrest). During this time, Scott and the band broke off into separate side projects but ultimately came back together with lots of new material to record this album. Due to this, Tiny Music was a pretty eclectic blend of lots of different styles.

Big Bang Baby is a raw, stripped-down song at their glam rock best that did pretty well on the charts.

 

[MAC_32]

STP #30 - Big Bang Baby
Album - Tiny Music. . . (1996)

This album came together around one of Scott Weiland’s heroin episodes (this one including an arrest). During this time, Scott and the band broke off into separate side projects but ultimately came back together with lots of new material to record this album. Due to this, Tiny Music was a pretty eclectic blend of lots of different styles.

Big Bang Baby is a raw, stripped-down song at their glam rock best that did pretty well on the charts.

LOVE this banger.

So turn it up and burn it
There's a hole in your head
A hole in your head
Where the birds can't sing along
Does anybody know how the story really goes?
The story really goes?
Or we all just hum along?

 

[Ilov80s]

Got to the first playlist and of course there’s songs I’m very familiar with from bands I love like The Beach Boys, Mayfield and The Doors but the new to me songs I especially enjoyed were

Oingo Boingo- my god it’s so 80s, it’s just perfect

Mazzy Star and The Cure- ok sort of a cheat, I really like both these artists but maybe never dug deep enough into their catalog. Both these were great.

Stray Cats and Judas Priest- they share the award for songs I was prepared not to like but actually really enjoyed

CHVRCHES- I guess this wins best podcast award lol, great cover

Iron and Wine- I wonder how I would do with a whole playlist of theirs but them popping up in the mix here is probably always going to work for me, so serene

 

[Oliver Humanzee]

#30 Girl From Outside
Shellac
To All Trains

This song was inspired by a sign that for years hung at the Chicago venue Lounge Ax. It said “NO HIGH FIVES” to which was added the disclaimer “EXCEPT DURING KARAOKE”

If “Didn’t We Deserve a Look At You . . “ is about someone’s carefully hidden hideousness, then “Girl From Outside” is about the delightful, unique, freakish, or undeniably awesome parts of ourselves that we keep hidden for various reasons. It’s about the sheer joy of learning that the normie you work with is like the world’s biggest Neil Diamond fan when he destroys “Forever In Blue Jeans” at karaoke. Or that the girl from outside--previously mummified against Chicago cold, has, upon further inspection, incredible hair. Not every personal revelation has to be horrible.

If the entirety of the human condition is available to all of us, then society necessarily flattens and distorts both the highs and the lows. Superheroes are as rare as serial killers, but within that range both shoplifters and anonymous givers wear the same uniform at the office. How would you know, unless you know? “Girl From Outside” is a very loving, very human song.

Fun Steve fact:
Denizens of the Electrical Audio forum used to throw a huge party/music fest thing every year. It was a very good time, usually held in some unlikely, awful venue. In 2013 it was held at a nearly-abandoned church on the southside in the worst neighborhood I’ve ever seen that wasn’t in Memphis, Nicaragua, or Zambia. We called it “Drug Church”, in honor of the street commerce of the surrounding neighborhood. Steve promised to go once he got bounced out of the seniors’ NLHE. He wasn’t (he thought) a great no-limit player, and was only playing because his backer wanted him to. Said he’d be there by day 2 of the 3-day event.

Unfortunately for him, he made it to day 3 of the 3-day poker tournament, and didn’t bust until 12th place--good for his then-largest win of $40,000. Upon busting he grabbed his money: $9999 in cash, and Bellagio chips for his backer. Then he got on the next plane to Chicago.

He arrived at Drug Church directly from the airport and was rushed immediately on stage to sing Boz Scaggs’ “Lido Shuffle” for the live-band karaoke. Somewhere on the internet there exists video of Steve, at Drug Church with $10,000 cash in his pocket, belting out the world’s worst version of “Lido Shuffle”, a million miles from the right key, and absolutely crushing life. High five.

 

[krista4]

Just as thrilling to me as the reveal of the songs is the posting of the writeups. Y'all are doing a great job with them.

Agreed! I'm taking a short break from packing and very much enjoying these.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I know Steve was an unusual guy who had many layers beyond his public persona, but “doing karaoke to Lido Shuffle” was NOT on my bingo card.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Got to the first playlist and of course there’s songs I’m very familiar with from bands I love like The Beach Boys, Mayfield and The Doors but the new to me songs I especially enjoyed were

Oingo Boingo- my god it’s so 80s, it’s just perfect

Mazzy Star and The Cure- ok sort of a cheat, I really like both these artists but maybe never dug deep enough into their catalog. Both these were great.

Stray Cats and Judas Priest- they share the award for songs I was prepared not to like but actually really enjoyed

CHVRCHES- I guess this wins best podcast award lol, great cover

Iron and Wine- I wonder how I would do with a whole playlist of theirs but them popping up in the mix here is probably always going to work for me, so serene

Username FINALLY checks out.

 

[Charlie Steiner]

Got to the first playlist and of course there’s songs I’m very familiar with from bands I love like The Beach Boys, Mayfield and The Doors but the new to me songs I especially enjoyed were

Oingo Boingo- my god it’s so 80s, it’s just perfect

Mazzy Star and The Cure- ok sort of a cheat, I really like both these artists but maybe never dug deep enough into their catalog. Both these were great.

Stray Cats and Judas Priest- they share the award for songs I was prepared not to like but actually really enjoyed

CHVRCHES- I guess this wins best podcast award lol, great cover

Iron and Wine- I wonder how I would do with a whole playlist of theirs but them popping up in the mix here is probably always going to work for me, so serene

Username FINALLY checks out.

How do we know he's not referring to octogenarians?

 

[Hawks64]

Dave Matthews Band
I was expecting weird vocals from my limited exposure, but this is quite a mellow tune and a good flow on from the Strand of Oaks. Very pleasant.

So with alll the MAD lists I have been in, and ALLLLL the DMB I posted, now you take the time to listen.

 

[Hawks64]

@Tau837 Nice pick with Gravedigger, I'd probably have it higher on my list, but a great tune that the band has really done a great job expanding on the intros and outros on live.

 

[simey]

I don't have the Lillywhite sessions songs. Is there somewhere I can get them?

f you do, I'd love a copy! I had them on a burned cd, which I uploaded to iTunes. The cd was in a booklet that was stolen mid aughts then my entire iTunes account was corrupted a few years later. A fellow board member zipped me a version when I mentioned them ~covid, but they became greyed out a few weeks / months later. It was nice listening to it even just a few times after not for 10 years even though it may never happen again.

I have a zip file that I've had for a long time called Lillywhite Sessions. I opened it up, and it has 12 songs in Flac. It is The Dave Matthews Band, and The Lillywhite Sessions also say Karmageddon remaster. Anyway, I converted the Flac to MP3, and then zipped it back up. I looked up how to upload a zip file to Google Drive and make a shareable link. Back in the day we used to use Megaupload, and things like that. I don't know if I did this right, and this zip file is what y'all are looking for, but I'll PM it to you and JWB (and whoever else may want it). Tell me if it works and if it is the one.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Got to the first playlist and of course there’s songs I’m very familiar with from bands I love like The Beach Boys, Mayfield and The Doors but the new to me songs I especially enjoyed were

Oingo Boingo- my god it’s so 80s, it’s just perfect

Mazzy Star and The Cure- ok sort of a cheat, I really like both these artists but maybe never dug deep enough into their catalog. Both these were great.

Stray Cats and Judas Priest- they share the award for songs I was prepared not to like but actually really enjoyed

CHVRCHES- I guess this wins best podcast award lol, great cover

Iron and Wine- I wonder how I would do with a whole playlist of theirs but them popping up in the mix here is probably always going to work for me, so serene

Username FINALLY checks out.

How do we know he's not referring to octogenarians?

Touche

 

[kupcho1]

Belle and Sebastian

kupcho1

Your Cover's Blown Your Cover's Blown Belle and Sebastian · Books · Song · 2004 open.spotify.com

From 2004's Books, Your Cover's Blown was

[d]escribed by NME as the "indie 'Bohemian Rhapsody'", it's a slinky, sultry mini-suite-- spy vs. spy in the discotheque."

Uh, ok. I guess it changes up (see for example 2:50, 3:50), but no scaramouche.

Listen lady, leave the boy home
Cancel all operations, tell your friends there's more to you than this

 

[Oliver Humanzee]

I know Steve was an unusual guy who had many layers beyond his public persona, but “doing karaoke to Lido Shuffle” was NOT on my bingo card.

Dude loved that song.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

Belle and Sebastian

kupcho1

Your Cover's Blown Your Cover's Blown Belle and Sebastian · Books · Song · 2004 open.spotify.com

From 2004's Books, Your Cover's Blown was

[d]escribed by NME as the "indie 'Bohemian Rhapsody'", it's a slinky, sultry mini-suite-- spy vs. spy in the discotheque."

Uh, ok. I guess it changes up (see for example 2:50, 3:50), but no scaramouche.

Listen lady, leave the boy home
Cancel all operations, tell your friends there's more to you than this

My favorite song listed so far, including my own, followed closely by Roadhouse Blues-----both listed surprisingly low, IMAMSO..............

 

[tuffnutt]

30.
The Devil Never Sleeps- Iron and Wine
From The Shepard's Dog Album (2007)

"No one lives forever and the devil never sleeps alone
Everybody bitchin' there's nothing on the radio"

In this 3rd studio album we hear Sam Beam's sound move away from the low fi sound of his first 2 albums and into more of a full band setup. The sound is more diverse and progressive. Not all of this album (and certainly the albums that follow) are in my taste pallet...but "The Devil Never Sleeps" is a great tune. Just two minutes of upbeat jaunty piano, great guitar and Beam's amazing lyrics.

I really like the demo version of this one as well ( maybe better than the studio recording) I'll link it below for those who might be interested,

The Devil Never Sleeps- Demo