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

16.
Love Song of The Buzzard- Iron and Win
from The Shepard's Dog ( 2007)


No one is the savior they would like to be

This one was the biggest surprise for me on my list. I originally had this one at #30, but with each new listening it continued to move up first to 25... then to 20 nd finally 16. Just really like this one...
That happened for me with "Don't Let a Thief Steal Into Your Heart" from the Pointer Sisters. The more I heard, the more I liked it.
 
confession here: I had a dup on my list and had to send in a replacement mid-way into the draft. I knew "Jealous Guy" was a popular "just missed" song so I just plugged that in.

Appreciate @Zegras11 and @KarmaPolice for being open to making the changes!
NOTCE TO ALL: Only Binky bungles are open to be replaced. Don't get any ideas here.

The Mgmt.
I caught my duplication while I was typing in my list. Phew.
 
So we reach the midpoint that is the #16s. So much great stuff behind us, and a lot of well-known songs (even from lesser known artists and those who didn’t do their list strictly 1-31) ahead of us. But let’s look at the new, and this playlist.

Selected (and shuffled) #16s
Tell Me Why - April Wine
Solve It All Dali - Slambovian Circus of Dreams
Great Big Lie - The Tea Party
Drugs and Alcohol - Brian Setzer
Miracle - Chvrches. I mostly know this song from work (along with a few countdowns, I’m sure), but obviously I dig it.
Salt Brothers - Strand of Oaks
Just Another Day - Oingo Boingo
Scabby the Rat - Shellac (/Steve Albini)
When Memories Snow - Mitski
Gypsy Moth - Andrew Bird. Technically, I could put this in the “Dig the Vibe” category, but eh.

Shuffle Adventures:
Fairly early in the shuffle, I hit the familiar (and haunting) “A Strange Day” from The Cure, which flowed into Blue October’s “A Better Man”, which in turn was a very good intro for “Derby Day” by Jerry Jeff Walker
 
This is 16, didn't do 17. :LieslVonTrapp:

- I like this stripped down version of Blue October on "A Better Man." I like the lyrics, violin, and his voice.
- I like the vocals on "Great Big Lie" by The Tea Party.
- "Dead Man's Party" sounds familiar to me by Oingo Boingo. I like it. I can tell it is from the 80s, which was my high school and college years. Long live the 80s!
- Stuart Murdoch reminds me of Ray Davies on "The State I'm In" by B&S. It's good, and I fancy the song from the 17's too.
- I like when the build up starts on Mitski's "When Memories Snow." When the music gets strong is really good.
- Uncle Bill is back singing in Sweet again on "Give The Lady Some Respect." My Aunt Brenda could have joined the band too, cause she got a perm just like Uncle Bill.
- "Think About the Children" by Fanny sounds sorta like groovy soft rock to me.
- "Solve It All Dali" by The Slambovian Circus of Dreams is another song that somewhat plays to their band name, mainly lyrically at the beginning of the song.
- "It's Up To You" by the Moodies is good. I love "Questions" from list 17. I haven't felt up to snuff lately, so I let that list slide.
- I like when STP does slowish songs like "Wonderful." I think they do them well.
- I like the geetars in "Drugs and Alcohol" by Brian Setzer.
- Curtis is trying to get the message through on "We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue." 👐 Love the percussion in the song. Love the message even more.
- "Jealous Guy" by Roxy Music is a great cover. I bet John would have liked it, or smiles within the stars when he hears it.
- "Salt Brothers" by Strands of Oaks sounds like a song to get lost within. That was my experience anyway.
- Very Cool cover of "All Along the Watchtower" by DMB.

To be continued...
 
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Strand of Oaks #16 - "Salt Brothers" (2017)

This is the first song I've picked from the Hard Love album although there have already been two from its outtakes companion. Hard Love is a portrait of an artist a bit out of control trying to live up to his breakout success after HEAL. It's kinda sorta like a mini, low stakes version of Oasis' Be Here Now album. While Oasis was the biggest band on the planet at the time, Tim was able to just headline bigger venues in the US and Europe. Like Oasis, Tim was overdoing it chemically and trying for a huge sounding rock record that would take his career to the next level but he ended up with a unfocused record with too many layers of instruments and effects.

I think "Salt Brothers" is a solid song that isn't helped by a production that builds barriers between the music and the listener. I've heard an acoustic version that I think flatters the song more but that's Hard Love for you.

You broke the silence, I laughed at the moon
You talked about James in a van full of fools
So sick of the boring, I held onto your clothes
No time for people who follow the rules

When you come down, I come up
We chased the morning
Those sad songs are breaking my heart
 
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16s continued

- "Bells Ring" by Mazzy Starr puts me in a hypnotic state. I think that makes me not responsible for things I may write.
- Chesney and Pink blend well together on "Setting The World on Fire." His voice doesn't bother me on this song, and there have been a couple others where it didn't either. I've liked the catchy lyrics in several songs, and his voice is just one that I have to get used to. My parents played George Jones a lot growing up, and I didn't think I'd ever get used to his voice, but I did. Anyway, I like this one.
- "Darlin'" by The Beach Boys is a nice easy breezy tune.
- "Going Down to Liverpool" by The Bangles is a bopping good 80s tune.
- I like the guitar solo Judas Priest rips in the "The Ripper."
- The Cure gets dark on "A Strange Day." I love the beat.
- "Lovesong of the Buzzard" by Iron and Wine is a nice chilly willy weekend song.
- "Peace Frog" by The Doors has a funktastic intro, and the song just grooves in general.
- "Miracle" is a good pop track by CHVRCHES.
- I like the dual lead vocals on "On Your Face." I'm excited to hear how the vocals sound on Monday night.
- "Painter in Your Pocket" by Destroyer has an interesting arrangement to it. Some of my favorite parts are the sudden layer of vocals, the background beat, the bass, and the jazzy sounding guitar.
- "Gypsy Moth" by Andrew Bird is a beautiful and relaxing instrumental. 🎻
- "Scabby the Rat" by Shellac is catchy and weird. My favorite from Albini so far.
- I like the guitar solo on "Born on the Sun" by Dio.
- "Tell Me Why" is a nice slowish rock song by April Wine. I do believe I've heard this one before. 🎬
 
Unfortunately, another year, another cat tribute to be paid. We lost one of our hairless cats this week after losing my guy last summer. He looks like a punk in the pic, but was our attempt to get him to look like his namesake - Beaker. Both cats were young - Ripper was 5 and Beaker would be 4 in a few months.

However, along with the earlier chatter about people picking their artists this week solidified my pick as well. I had been hesitant to do them for the last couple, but just like Mastodon helped last year, I noticed what I turned to this week. So if we do a part 4 of our musical adventure, we will get a deep dive into a certain Swedish death metal? band. All things were pointing that way anyway, as that is the book I joked I got from Europe with @Don Quixote and I just found out this week that they have a new album coming out the day my wife and I are seeing them in Milwaukee. :headbang: I've played the new song about 20x now and I have thoughts....
 
I feel like I am repeating myself a bit on tracks. Nothing to Fear (But Fear Itself) has that weird mix of upbeat music and lyrics that make you a bit :oldunsure: . Just Another Day is a great 80s pop? song. The slight ding is compared to a few others on the album it feels a little less like them. I pick up sounds of Duran Duran in the bass, a bit of U2 in the guitars and vocals, etc..

Long story short, I love both these songs, and the fact that there are 4 more songs from each of these albums coming up tell you how much I think of those albums.
 
The 16's

Known and liked songs

Jealous Guy
Going Down to Liverpool
Peace Frog
Born on the Sun
Tell Me Why

New to me likes

Think About the Children
Solve It All Dali-
a guy I got my weed from in the 80's had Dali prints all over his house so I recognized most of the lyrical references
Drugs and Alcohol
We the People Who are Darker Than Blue
Salt Brothers
Bells Ring
Setting the World on Fire
Miracle
On Your Face
Gypsy Moth
Scabby the Rat
 
15's PLAYLIST

#15 -
Blue October-OZ-Should be Loved
FannyPip's InvitationThe First Time
The Tea PartyScoresmanSamsara
SweetJohn Maddens ****ing LunchboxPoppa Joe
Oingo BoingoKarmaPoliceWild Sex (In the Working Class)
Belle and Sebastiankupcho1Funny Little Frog
Mitski Ilov80sGeyser
The Slambovian Circus of DreamsYambagRocket
The Moody BluesCharlie SteinerStory in Your Eyes
Stone Temple PilotsYo MamaPretty Penny
Brian SetzerMrs. RannousBring It Back Again
Curtis MayfieldDon QuixoteWe Got to Have Peace, by Curtis Mayfield
Bryan Ferry/Roxy MusicBinkytheDoormatLove Is The Drug
Strand of OaksEephusForever Chords
Dave MatthewsTau837Stay (Wasting Time)
Mazzy Starlandrys hatGhost Highway

Kenny ChesneyMACPirate Flag
The Beach Boyszamboni"That's Not Me"
Susanna HoffsZegras11Walking Down Your Street
Judas Priest Raging Weasel Fight for Your Life
The CureJuxtatarot 2 Late
Iron and WineTuffnuttCall It Dreaming
Jerry Jeff WalkersimeyWhat I Like About Texas
The DoorsjwbStrange Days
ChvrchesJML’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Secret IdentityKilling Moon (Echo and the Bunnymen Cover) - Not on Spotify
Earth, Wind, & FireUruk-HaiBoogie Wonderland
DestroyerThe Dreaded MarcoTintoretto, It’s for You
Andrew BirdMister CIAPlasticites
Steve AlbiniOliver HumanzeeShellac - WSOD
Ronnie James DioMt. ManCaught in the Middle
April WineFalguyAnything You Want, You Got It
 
15's PLAYLIST

The Slambovian Circus of DreamsYambagRocket
Although they’ve released other clever records, their release, ‘A Box of Everything’ claims to be comprised of “the greatest hits you’ve never heard.” ‘Rocket’ makes the simplest yet most convincing initial statement: “Got the sound coming down,” and as this opening song builds to a bridge; storming with military drums, you soon find yourself in the midst of a George Harrison-like electric guitar solo – it’s as if the Byrds, Dylan and CSNY sauntered through the recording booth, grabbed some vocal mics, let the tape roll and nailed it after one try.
 
15. Procession/Story in Your Eyes (Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, 1971)

Every Good Boy Deserves Favour was the band's next album and continued the theme of having no theme, which proved to be a double-edged sword, as illustrated by these two very different takes: John Lodge recalled "We thought if you get things right should continue on that road.", while Justin Hayward called the album "a kind of a searching, seeking record. It was made at a time of tremendous success for us, and that brought on all of the feelings of guilt, inadequacy and self-doubt that accompany that kind of success. It's a bittersweet record."

The album was recorded from November 1970-March 1971 with a break early on to accommodate a tour of the US. It was also recorded at a different studio from where they had been recording, a move that Hayward claimed was a form of rebellion. "We were also trying to come to terms with the fact that our music was no longer 'underground' but had taken on a life of its own and we were having to perform in large arenas in America. Our new material was almost apologetic in its approach at that time."

This newfound fame and pressure may also have affected the band's usual collaborative approach to making music, as only one piece, Procession, was written by all five Moodies; as such, I recommend listening to it on the youtube link. Procession is their take on the evolution of music, from simple drums, then voices, then instruments through different periods and ending with their latest and greatest, Story in Your Eyes. This song was the last time the Mellotron would be used by the Moodies, and was replaced by a more modern Chamberlain keyboard that provided the same kind of effects. Reaching #23 on the U.S. charts, it's one of the band's more popular songs of that era.

Released as a single, The Story in Your Eyes reached #7 in Canada and #23 in the US. Of the song, Hayward revealed that the song had two inspirations: a romantic relationship as well as the interpersonal dynamics of the band itself, specifically the lyrics "We're part of the fire that is burning and from ashes we can build another day."
 
#15 WILD SEX (IN THE WORKING CLASS)


We will have one more each from Nothing to Fear and Dead Man's today and Tuesday, then switch to 4 that will have 2 from the 80s, one from the debut, and one from another movie soundtrack before coming back to the albums hard in the top 10. I posted when Weird Science that what this MAD adventure made me realize is how much Oingo Boingo was in the background of the 80s movies I was watching and loving, even if I didn't know it. Here is the next example, and a movie I've seen so much. I did verify that this indeed is the song that Farmer Ted was dancing to when he was trying to pick up Sam at the dance. That this weird song is what is chosen for an 80s teen romp probably says it all about the 80s.


That's the Sixteen Candles scene that I was talking about (song starts at about the 1:30 mark). I also posted that I never made the Elfman-Oingo connection before now, but earlier songs like this was where it was quite obvious, and you can hear some of those odd Elfman/Burton soundtrack songs and noises coming through. This was also one of the farthest risers as I kept listening and tweaking rankings.
 
STP #15 - Pretty Penny
Album - Purple (1994)

This was a lone acoustic song on this album filled with heavy hitters. It is about addiction, written by Weiland at a time he was still trying to hide his addiction.


Have you lost your sister, girl?
She's all but blown away
Blown away and lost the pearl
And the price she paid
 
Dave MatthewsTau837Stay (Wasting Time)

"Stay (Wasting Time)" is a song released as the second single from the 1998 DMB album "Before These Crowded Streets." The song is known for its upbeat, feel-good vibe and is one of the band's more popular tracks from that era.

The song blends elements of rock, jazz, and folk, with a strong influence of funk, characterized by the band's signature use of acoustic guitar, saxophone, and violin. The song features intricate instrumental arrangements, with a lively horn section and a prominent violin line played by Boyd Tinsley. The rhythm is driven by Carter Beauford's drumming, creating a groove that complements the song's laid-back theme.

The lyrics of "Stay (Wasting Time)" capture a carefree, summer vibe, reflecting on the joy of spending time with loved ones without worrying about the pressures of the outside world. The song has a relaxed, almost nostalgic feel, encouraging the listener to take a break from life's pressures and just enjoy the time at hand. The repeated plea to "stay a little longer" emphasizes the desire to hold on to the present moment. The phrase "making sweet time" suggests that time spent with loved ones is valuable and should be cherished.

The repetition of "wasting time" isn't meant to imply that the time spent is worthless; instead, it reflects the idea that sometimes the best moments are those where we're not doing anything in particular, just enjoying the company of others. Kind of like what we do here. :wink:
 
15.
Call it Dreaming- Iron and Wine
from Beast Epic (2017)

Where the time of our lives is all we have
And we get a chance to say
Before we ease away
For all the love you’ve left behind
You can have mine
…"

Call it dreaming is one of the newest songs on the list... but to me it sounds like it could fit in with his earlier works. The double-tracked vocals create a lovely atmosphere, adding an extra layer to an already beautiful song. Its about seeing all of the shades of life at once, beauty and pain, time and growing older...its about exploration of life's fleeting moments and the beauty found in its imperfections and returning our love and care to the people who have loved us. One of Sam Beams best.

Beam said this of the song... “I have been and always will be fascinated by the way time asserts itself on our bodies and our hearts. The Ferris wheel keeps spinning and we’re constantly approaching, leaving, or returning to something totally unexpected or startlingly familiar. The rite of passage is an image I’ve returned to often because I feel we’re all constantly in some stage of transition.”
 
Belle and Sebastiankupcho1Funny Little Frog
I really wish I'd have ranked this a little lower, cuz Funny Little Frog would have paired nicely with the Doors' Peace Frog.

Anyway, here's the best description of the song (that I agree with):
Belle and Sebastian's song 'Funny Little Frog' delves into the realm of unrequited love and the power of imagination. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is deeply in love with someone who is unaware of their feelings. This love is not grounded in physical reality but rather exists in the mind and heart of the narrator. The song's protagonist finds solace and joy in this imagined relationship, where they can be themselves and express their emotions freely.

🐸

My eye sight's fading, my hearing's dim
I can't get insured for the state I'm in
I'm a danger to myself I've been starting fights
At the party at the club on a Saturday night
 
Blue October-OZ-Should be Loved

More upbeat! But that doesn’t mean happy 😜 from approaching normal.
There’s a theme here, relationships can be hard.

Stop staring, you're the reason I feel so unhappy all the time, look
I've given you everything I know how
Your standing on the top of my shoe
Your keeping me from gaining ground
Look I'm sorry if you feel like I let you down

Can you tell me what have I done so wrong
To you
Tell me what am I supposed to do

I should be loved by you,
That I know is true
I can't breathe when you're around!
No, I should be held at night
That I know is right
I can't breathe when you're around!

You're too scared, scared of all of it
I get that feeling I'm talking to the wall
Can you hear me at all?
Look, my world was shaking my mind was quaking, my heart kept breaking
I threw it against the wall
Can anyone feel me at all?
 
Curtis MayfieldDon QuixoteWe Got to Have Peace, by Curtis Mayfield
We got to have peace
To keep the world alive
And war to cease

We got to have joy
True in our hearts
With strength we can’t destroy

People hear us
Through our voice the world knows
There’s no choice


This is another one from Mayfield’s Roots album from 1971. This was his first song about the Vietnam War, but not the last (such as on the Back to the World album with “Right on for the Darkness” that previously highlighted). Despite the topic, it’s got an infectious groove and an upbeat sound.

Traveling Soul includes this quote from Curtis Mayfield about it:

“I don’t think we should stop demanding it until we actually get it,” he said about pushing the peace banner even after reality had become so dire. “Though it might be a little repetitious because so many people have been singing about it, peace is something we really need, and I feel, like love, it should be expressed over and over until everyone gets the message.”

Next up, going back to The Impressions and 1964 and another first of its kind for him.
 
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15's Thoughts From Slambovia:

Known
: STP, DMB, Priest, Cure, Doors, EWF

Previously established favorites: Blue October, Fanny, Tea Party, Oingo Boingo, Chvrches and Brian Setzer

5 Standouts
Belle and Sebastian: Funny Little Frog
Mitski: Geyser
Brian Ferry/Roxy Music: Love is a Drug
Mazzy Star: Ghost Highway
April Wine: Anything You Want, You Got It
 
What I Like About Texas

This song was written by Gary P. Nunn of the Lost Gonzo Band, and Jerry Jeff covered it on his live 1994 album Viva Luckenbach. Jerry Jeff and Nunn trade lead vocals back and forth, and the song just has a fun energy to it. Nunn recorded his own version in 1983.

It's another burrito 🌯
It's a cold Lone Star in my hand 🍺
It's a quarter for the Jukebox boys
Play some songs by your favorite Austin Texas band


yeeehooo! 🤠
 

Chvrches​

#15 - The Killing Moon (Cover of the Echo & the Bunnymen song)​



Producer - Chvrches
Writer - Will Sergeant Ian McCulloch Les Pattinson Pete de Freitas
Album - Exclusive for Amazon’s DV8 playlist
Year - 2021
Notes - This moody atmospheric song is considered the best among the Bunnymens collection. As we have seen, Chvrches chose some interesting and varied covers. This one is excellent and the last time we see them perform a non original song. The original was used to great effect in the Donnie Darko movie bringing it to the Chvrches attention and their cover is inspired by both the original and that movie.

Next Up - We go back to the debut album and one of the 7 singles from that release.
 

The Sweet​

#15 - Poppa Joe​


Producer - Phil Wainman
Writer - Chinn/Chapman
Chart Positions - UK #11, Germany #3, Australia #79, US - Did Not Chart
Album - Standalone single
Year - 1972
Lead Vocal - Brian Connolly
Steve Priest Vocal - Backing Only
Notes - Call this track an amalgam of their first 4 singles. All written by Chinny/Chap. All performed by session musicians. Interesting that one of the session musicians was Pip Williams who would produce the #16 song, Give the Lady Some Respect. Sweet only do vocals. We have seen the fifth and last one already in Little Willy which was their international breakthrough. Funny Funny was the first single. It is bubblegum nonsense. Co-Co was second and a big hit with its reggae nonsense. The third was Alexander Graham Bell, which i tried to squeeze in, but its good bits dont overcome the rest of it. This track, Poppa Joe, was fourth. It returns to the reggae nonsense of Co-Co. It’s a good starting point for the second half of this list getting serious.

Next Up - Another rocker that is one of the rare tracks to appear on both the UK and the US versions of Desolation Boulevard.
 

The Sweet​

#15 - Poppa Joe​


Producer - Phil Wainman
Writer - Chinn/Chapman
Chart Positions - UK #11, Germany #3, Australia #79, US - Did Not Chart
Album - Standalone single
Year - 1972
Lead Vocal - Brian Connolly
Steve Priest Vocal - Backing Only
Notes - Call this track an amalgam of their first 4 singles. All written by Chinny/Chap. All performed by session musicians. Interesting that one of the session musicians was Pip Williams who would produce the #16 song, Give the Lady Some Respect. Sweet only do vocals. We have seen the fifth and last one already in Little Willy which was their international breakthrough. Funny Funny was the first single. It is bubblegum nonsense. Co-Co was second and a big hit with its reggae nonsense. The third was Alexander Graham Bell, which i tried to squeeze in, but its good bits dont overcome the rest of it. This track, Poppa Joe, was fourth. It returns to the reggae nonsense of Co-Co. It’s a good starting point for the second half of this list getting serious.

Next Up - Another rocker that is one of the rare tracks to appear on both the UK and the US versions of Desolation Boulevard.
What the hell? I remember this song from when it was released. I had no idea it is by Sweet. Surprise!

I like it.
 
15. The First Time
Album: Fanny Hill (1972)
Writer: Nickey Barclay
Lead vocals: Nickey Barclay

Fanny's The First Time is the epic closer to an epic album, Fanny Hill. It's another Nickey Barclay tune that makes use of her gospel and roots-rock influences, and was probably also influenced by her time working with Leon Russell. (This is the song that relegated Charity Ball's closer A Little While Later to my Last 5 Out, because I think they are similar, but I like this one better.)

Everything about this song soars. It opens with a Russell-like piano trill before Barclay launches into one of her most soulful vocals. The chorus is righteous and joyous, and the blast of horns (from Rolling Stones sideman Jim Price, who had worked with Barclay on the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour) in the middle of the song is invigorating. Much of the arrangement recalls the kind of work Russell did with Joe Cocker, without the histrionic vocals. And the guitar solo from June Millington during the coda is one of her most triumphant moments.

The lyrics are a rare blast of confidence and reassurance from someone who was rife with insecurity.

In all the time I've taken
For everybody else
Thought I gave it all away
Kept nothin' for myself

But I have been mistaken
You were with me all the while
For the first time in a long time
I can raise my face and smile


The box set First Time in a Long Time gets its name from a line in this song.

However, Barclay in her interview on the band's website says she no longer listens to the song because "I never forgave [producer] Richard [Perry] for that ghastly Jim Price Tijuana Brass solo." It may be a personal beef, because I'm pretty sure Price is who she is talking about in this passage about Mad Dogs and Englishmen from the same interview: "a certain trumpet player whose name we shall not mention for fear of lawsuits, resented the hell out of the fact that I, a ‘mere girl’, was one of the players as well as being in the choir (which in rock music was the equivalent of the kitchen, complete with bare feet and chains), and tried at every opportunity to belittle me."

We know that The First Time appeared in the Cleveland set that was released as Fanny: Live in 1972 (and is currently out of print and not streaming anywhere). There is no evidence of other live performances, but I presume it appeared in some other sets around the time of Fanny Hill's release.

At #14, the first of 6 covers we will see. Yes, there were no covers between 15 and 31, but 6 in the top 14. KP is pooping himself!
 
#1'5 - "Boogie Wonderland"

EWF teamed up with the Emotions on this one and it was a huge hit.

Like a lot of EWF's songs, this one has a weird structure. There are two short verses at the beginning (sung by White) with strange lyrics (shown on the video I posted above) for a record like this. It then becomes almost an instrumental for its last 3 or 4 minutes, interrupted by two things: the almost-chorus and a couple of bridges. The chorus is repeated about 40,000 times, but I want to talk about the bridge.

The Emotions start it singing in unison. Then, half-way through, Bailey comes in over the ladies with this stunning wordless falsetto. The musical part (and that damned chorus) drop back in for a minute or two before that bridge hits for a second time. Same lyrics sung by the Emotions, except that this time Bailey repeats their lines in a kind of call-and-response. It blew me away the first time I heard it and it still does.

Next up, EWF's mission statement.
 
Known and liked songs from #16 include Mayfield, Roxy, DMB, Bangles (one of their first great power-poppers), The Doors and EWF.

Thoughts on some of the others:

The drums and vocals on Great Big Lie remind me a bit of Bullet the Blue Sky by U2.

Give the Lady Some Respect sounds like a cross between The Knack and Shaun Cassidy -- that is, it's not sure if it's New Wave or guitar-based pop. Sounds about right for 1980.

At its start, Boingo's Just Another Day could pass for a Ferry/late Roxy song. It's more distinctively Boingo once Elfman starts singing. The bass and guitar work on this track are stellar.

Solve It All Dali is one of the best from Slambovia so far. It's like if the Beatles (with a singer who sounds like Bowie) played Ren Faire music.

It's Up to You is a reliable rocker from the Moodies. It shares some musical elements with Lovely to See You Again.

Wonderful is another Beatlesque song from STP. I know they had gone more in that direction as their career progressed, but this is a pretty stark example.

Drugs and Alcohol is a foot-stomping rocker that sounds more derived from ZZ Top, Skynyrd and such than the rockabilly and blues-derived stuff we usually hear from Setzer. But he brings his Elvis-isms to the "what am I gonna do" part of the vocal.

I like the guitars on Salt Brothers, as well as the intense vocal.

Bells Ring is another arresting song from Mazzy Star.

The Ripper, uh, rips.

Iron and Wine with organ, intricate percussion, harmonies and a bouncy melody sounds a little like ... Belle and Sebastian.

Derby Day is thoroughly enjoyable.

Painter in Your Pocket is moody but intense. The silences tell just as much as the notes.

Scabby the Rat has a great bass line.

Musically, Born on the Sun sounds like an update to The Last in Line.

April Wine's cover of Tell Me Why is stripped of its skiffle influence and British Invasion arrangement and restructured as a hard rock power ballad. I couldn't identify it as a Beatles song until the chorus appeared. A very inventive reimagining.

I kept playing to see if the Spotify algorithm would again give me Peace Frog as the next song, as it had on some of the other playlist. But for the playlist Peace Frog was actually on, it instead gave me an April Wine song that appeared previously, Lady Run, Lady Hide.
 
#1'5 - "Boogie Wonderland"

EWF teamed up with the Emotions on this one and it was a huge hit.

Like a lot of EWF's songs, this one has a weird structure. There are two short verses at the beginning (sung by White) with strange lyrics (shown on the video I posted above) for a record like this. It then becomes almost an instrumental for its last 3 or 4 minutes, interrupted by two things: the almost-chorus and a couple of bridges. The chorus is repeated about 40,000 times, but I want to talk about the bridge.

The Emotions start it singing in unison. Then, half-way through, Bailey comes in over the ladies with this stunning wordless falsetto. The musical part (and that damned chorus) drop back in for a minute or two before that bridge hits for a second time. Same lyrics sung by the Emotions, except that this time Bailey repeats their lines in a kind of call-and-response. It blew me away the first time I heard it and it still does.

Next up, EWF's mission statement.
Obviously another favorite of mine from I Am. For a mega-collaboration like this, the artists could have snoozed their way through disco fluff and still had a hit, but that's not what happened here at all. This song has all kinds of structural abnormalities, as you pointed out, and yet STILL brings the boogie.
 
The gettin's started gettin' good for Kenny Chesney with the 16's and 17's. While I sprinkled a few of my other favorites in early as intro pieces, there was a very clear line at 17. There were a lot of different versions of my 31, but there were very few changes among the top 17 after version 2 or 3.

Someone eluded to it, but I think Better As A Memory is his best pure ballad. Oz said it without saying it, but I think Setting The World On Fire is his best pop song. Despite collaborating with a female, maybe even Krista will enjoy it! So what 'best' does Pirate Flag qualify for? Trop rock, of course. Not sure it gets more island life than this jam.

Unrelated, probably going to jump around a bit with the medal stand at least through labor day. Haven't been keeping pace over weekends and now I have 4 long ones in a row, probably with a healthy dosage of Pirate Flag as theme music. One way or another I'll try to make sure I'm caught up by the end of the month, but if anyone notices I skipped any (in this case the 16's and 17's- listening to the 15's right now) it's intentional.
 
Banger of a list today! Started with 4 hearts, finished with 13. Tough cutting down to 3, but we press on...

The 15's

Medal Stand
Gold STP- Pretty Penny, it was going to take a monumental effort for anyone else to unseat this. More than a few tried, but this is probably a top 5 STP cut for me - hurdle was too high.
Silver Blue October- Should Be Loved, I gave this a 3rd listen just to be sure Pretty Penny still had it. Razor thin and this may be my Blue October favorite once this thing's done.
Bronze Oingo Boingo- Wild Sex, okay, KP may be proving my bias wrong on these guys. Still not wild about the vocals, but when the rhythm section is this strong it just needs to be passable. This cut fit.
Honorable Mention1- always get a giant grin when that opening riff of Boogie Wonderland hits. Daryl's goodbye scene in The Office may not be in the show's top 10, but that's only because there are just that many all timer's. This jam will always cause that scene to return to my head though.
Honorable Mention2- another heart for April Wine + Sweet, and another medal stand snub. One of these times...

Medal Count
Tea Party - 2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
Blue October - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
STP - 2 gold, 3 bronze
The Doors - 2 gold, 1 silver
Fanny - 2 gold, 1 bronze
DMB- 2 silver, 2 bronze
The Beach Boys - 1 gold, 1 silver
Susanna Hoffs - 1 gold, 1 bronze
Oingo Boingo - 1 silver, 1 bronze
Mazzy Star - 1 gold
Ronnie Dio - 1 silver
Iron & Wine- 1 silver
Belle & Sebastian - 1 silver
Judas Priest - 1 silver
Roxy Music - 1 silver
Mitski - 1 silver
Steve Albini - 1 silver
Stray Cats - 1 bronze
Sweet - 1 bronze
EWF- 1 bronze
 
Banger of a list today! Started with 4 hearts, finished with 13. Tough cutting down to 3, but we press on...

The 15's

Medal Stand
Gold STP- Pretty Penny, it was going to take a monumental effort for anyone else to unseat this. More than a few tried, but this is probably a top 5 STP cut for me - hurdle was too high.
Silver Blue October- Should Be Loved, I gave this a 3rd listen just to be sure Pretty Penny still had it. Razor thin and this may be my Blue October favorite once this thing's done.
Bronze Oingo Boingo- Wild Sex, okay, KP may be proving my bias wrong on these guys. Still not wild about the vocals, but when the rhythm section is this strong it just needs to be passable. This cut fit.
Honorable Mention1- always get a giant grin when that opening riff of Boogie Wonderland hits. Daryl's goodbye scene in The Office may not be in the show's top 10, but that's only because there are just that many all timer's. This jam will always cause that scene to return to my head though.
Honorable Mention2- another heart for April Wine + Sweet, and another medal stand snub. One of these times...

Medal Count
Tea Party - 2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
Blue October - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
STP - 2 gold, 3 bronze
The Doors - 2 gold, 1 silver
Fanny - 2 gold, 1 bronze
DMB- 2 silver, 2 bronze
The Beach Boys - 1 gold, 1 silver
Susanna Hoffs - 1 gold, 1 bronze
Oingo Boingo - 1 silver, 1 bronze
Mazzy Star - 1 gold
Ronnie Dio - 1 silver
Iron & Wine- 1 silver
Belle & Sebastian - 1 silver
Judas Priest - 1 silver
Roxy Music - 1 silver
Mitski - 1 silver
Steve Albini - 1 silver
Stray Cats - 1 bronze
Sweet - 1 bronze
EWF- 1 bronze

Strand of Oaks is equaling Nigeria's Olympic medal count

Soar Super Eagles 🇳🇬
 
Banger of a list today! Started with 4 hearts, finished with 13. Tough cutting down to 3, but we press on...

The 15's

Medal Stand
Gold STP- Pretty Penny, it was going to take a monumental effort for anyone else to unseat this. More than a few tried, but this is probably a top 5 STP cut for me - hurdle was too high.
Silver Blue October- Should Be Loved, I gave this a 3rd listen just to be sure Pretty Penny still had it. Razor thin and this may be my Blue October favorite once this thing's done.
Bronze Oingo Boingo- Wild Sex, okay, KP may be proving my bias wrong on these guys. Still not wild about the vocals, but when the rhythm section is this strong it just needs to be passable. This cut fit.
Honorable Mention1- always get a giant grin when that opening riff of Boogie Wonderland hits. Daryl's goodbye scene in The Office may not be in the show's top 10, but that's only because there are just that many all timer's. This jam will always cause that scene to return to my head though.
Honorable Mention2- another heart for April Wine + Sweet, and another medal stand snub. One of these times...

Medal Count
Tea Party - 2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
Blue October - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
STP - 2 gold, 3 bronze
The Doors - 2 gold, 1 silver
Fanny - 2 gold, 1 bronze
DMB- 2 silver, 2 bronze
The Beach Boys - 1 gold, 1 silver
Susanna Hoffs - 1 gold, 1 bronze
Oingo Boingo - 1 silver, 1 bronze
Mazzy Star - 1 gold
Ronnie Dio - 1 silver
Iron & Wine- 1 silver
Belle & Sebastian - 1 silver
Judas Priest - 1 silver
Roxy Music - 1 silver
Mitski - 1 silver
Steve Albini - 1 silver
Stray Cats - 1 bronze
Sweet - 1 bronze
EWF- 1 bronze

Strand of Oaks is equaling Nigeria's Olympic medal count

Soar Super Eagles🇳🇬

The Tea Party has to have broken some Canadian medal records with this showing so far.
 
Strand of Oaks #15 - "Forever Chords" (2019)

In spite of its name, Strand of Oaks has always been a solo project. A variety of musicians have played with Tim on tour and in the studio but he never had a true band support him until the Eraserland album that this song is from. The band was somebody else's band though, My Morning Jacket sans Jim James to be exact. MMJ is a terrific band with the musical unity of a group who've been playing together for a long time.

"Forever Chords" is Eraserland's closing song and the one that sounds the most like MMJ to me. Tim gives the boys more time to stretch out, perhaps a little too much because at just over nine minutes, it's the longest "real" Strand song (Harder Love has a couple of psychedelic guitar freakouts that go on and on for over fifteen minutes but you won't be hearing those from me). Tim loves Pink Floyd and early in his career described his music as "Neil Young doing Pink Floyd songs". This song sounds a little like "Us and Them" in the beginning but there's no saxophone solo. The lyrics are about growing up and growing old but they end on a hopeful note.

And forever chords
You learned as a kid
That endless hope
Of all that's ahead
And never get old
Stop living in your head
Chase the moments of bliss
They’ll outshine the bad
If you believe you can be loved
You’ll outlive your past
And you hope it never ends
 
Banger of a list today! Started with 4 hearts, finished with 13. Tough cutting down to 3, but we press on...

The 15's

Medal Stand
Gold STP- Pretty Penny, it was going to take a monumental effort for anyone else to unseat this. More than a few tried, but this is probably a top 5 STP cut for me - hurdle was too high.
Silver Blue October- Should Be Loved, I gave this a 3rd listen just to be sure Pretty Penny still had it. Razor thin and this may be my Blue October favorite once this thing's done.
Bronze Oingo Boingo- Wild Sex, okay, KP may be proving my bias wrong on these guys. Still not wild about the vocals, but when the rhythm section is this strong it just needs to be passable. This cut fit.
Honorable Mention1- always get a giant grin when that opening riff of Boogie Wonderland hits. Daryl's goodbye scene in The Office may not be in the show's top 10, but that's only because there are just that many all timer's. This jam will always cause that scene to return to my head though.
Honorable Mention2- another heart for April Wine + Sweet, and another medal stand snub. One of these times...

Medal Count
Tea Party - 2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
Blue October - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
STP - 2 gold, 3 bronze
The Doors - 2 gold, 1 silver
Fanny - 2 gold, 1 bronze
DMB- 2 silver, 2 bronze
The Beach Boys - 1 gold, 1 silver
Susanna Hoffs - 1 gold, 1 bronze
Oingo Boingo - 1 silver, 1 bronze
Mazzy Star - 1 gold
Ronnie Dio - 1 silver
Iron & Wine- 1 silver
Belle & Sebastian - 1 silver
Judas Priest - 1 silver
Roxy Music - 1 silver
Mitski - 1 silver
Steve Albini - 1 silver
Stray Cats - 1 bronze
Sweet - 1 bronze
EWF- 1 bronze

Strand of Oaks is equaling Nigeria's Olympic medal count

Soar Super Eagles🇳🇬
They got a couple hearts before I started shoutouts, but this comment makes me wonder if there are any true shutouts so far.
 
Silver Blue October- Should Be Loved, I gave this a 3rd listen just to be sure Pretty Penny still had it. Razor thin and this may be my Blue October favorite once this thing's done.

Challenge accep… wait for it.

(I’ve been rewatching HIMYM to fall asleep at night)
 
Banger of a list today! Started with 4 hearts, finished with 13. Tough cutting down to 3, but we press on...

The 15's

Medal Stand
Gold STP- Pretty Penny, it was going to take a monumental effort for anyone else to unseat this. More than a few tried, but this is probably a top 5 STP cut for me - hurdle was too high.
Silver Blue October- Should Be Loved, I gave this a 3rd listen just to be sure Pretty Penny still had it. Razor thin and this may be my Blue October favorite once this thing's done.
Bronze Oingo Boingo- Wild Sex, okay, KP may be proving my bias wrong on these guys. Still not wild about the vocals, but when the rhythm section is this strong it just needs to be passable. This cut fit.
Honorable Mention1- always get a giant grin when that opening riff of Boogie Wonderland hits. Daryl's goodbye scene in The Office may not be in the show's top 10, but that's only because there are just that many all timer's. This jam will always cause that scene to return to my head though.
Honorable Mention2- another heart for April Wine + Sweet, and another medal stand snub. One of these times...

Medal Count
Tea Party - 2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
Blue October - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
STP - 2 gold, 3 bronze
The Doors - 2 gold, 1 silver
Fanny - 2 gold, 1 bronze
DMB- 2 silver, 2 bronze
The Beach Boys - 1 gold, 1 silver
Susanna Hoffs - 1 gold, 1 bronze
Oingo Boingo - 1 silver, 1 bronze
Mazzy Star - 1 gold
Ronnie Dio - 1 silver
Iron & Wine- 1 silver
Belle & Sebastian - 1 silver
Judas Priest - 1 silver
Roxy Music - 1 silver
Mitski - 1 silver
Steve Albini - 1 silver
Stray Cats - 1 bronze
Sweet - 1 bronze
EWF- 1 bronze
Oh yeah!!!

Did you do a 16s ranking?
 
Banger of a list today! Started with 4 hearts, finished with 13. Tough cutting down to 3, but we press on...

The 15's

Medal Stand
Gold STP- Pretty Penny, it was going to take a monumental effort for anyone else to unseat this. More than a few tried, but this is probably a top 5 STP cut for me - hurdle was too high.
Silver Blue October- Should Be Loved, I gave this a 3rd listen just to be sure Pretty Penny still had it. Razor thin and this may be my Blue October favorite once this thing's done.
Bronze Oingo Boingo- Wild Sex, okay, KP may be proving my bias wrong on these guys. Still not wild about the vocals, but when the rhythm section is this strong it just needs to be passable. This cut fit.
Honorable Mention1- always get a giant grin when that opening riff of Boogie Wonderland hits. Daryl's goodbye scene in The Office may not be in the show's top 10, but that's only because there are just that many all timer's. This jam will always cause that scene to return to my head though.
Honorable Mention2- another heart for April Wine + Sweet, and another medal stand snub. One of these times...

Medal Count
Tea Party - 2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
Blue October - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
STP - 2 gold, 3 bronze
The Doors - 2 gold, 1 silver
Fanny - 2 gold, 1 bronze
DMB- 2 silver, 2 bronze
The Beach Boys - 1 gold, 1 silver
Susanna Hoffs - 1 gold, 1 bronze
Oingo Boingo - 1 silver, 1 bronze
Mazzy Star - 1 gold
Ronnie Dio - 1 silver
Iron & Wine- 1 silver
Belle & Sebastian - 1 silver
Judas Priest - 1 silver
Roxy Music - 1 silver
Mitski - 1 silver
Steve Albini - 1 silver
Stray Cats - 1 bronze
Sweet - 1 bronze
EWF- 1 bronze
Oh yeah!!!

Did you do a 16s ranking?

Unrelated, probably going to jump around a bit with the medal stand at least through labor day. Haven't been keeping pace over weekends and now I have 4 long ones in a row, probably with a healthy dosage of Pirate Flag as theme music. One way or another I'll try to make sure I'm caught up by the end of the month, but if anyone notices I skipped any (in this case the 16's and 17's- listening to the 15's right now) it's intentional.
DOES NO ONE READ HIS POSTS? :laugh:
 
Banger of a list today! Started with 4 hearts, finished with 13. Tough cutting down to 3, but we press on...

The 15's

Medal Stand
Gold STP- Pretty Penny, it was going to take a monumental effort for anyone else to unseat this. More than a few tried, but this is probably a top 5 STP cut for me - hurdle was too high.
Silver Blue October- Should Be Loved, I gave this a 3rd listen just to be sure Pretty Penny still had it. Razor thin and this may be my Blue October favorite once this thing's done.
Bronze Oingo Boingo- Wild Sex, okay, KP may be proving my bias wrong on these guys. Still not wild about the vocals, but when the rhythm section is this strong it just needs to be passable. This cut fit.
Honorable Mention1- always get a giant grin when that opening riff of Boogie Wonderland hits. Daryl's goodbye scene in The Office may not be in the show's top 10, but that's only because there are just that many all timer's. This jam will always cause that scene to return to my head though.
Honorable Mention2- another heart for April Wine + Sweet, and another medal stand snub. One of these times...

Medal Count
Tea Party - 2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
Blue October - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
STP - 2 gold, 3 bronze
The Doors - 2 gold, 1 silver
Fanny - 2 gold, 1 bronze
DMB- 2 silver, 2 bronze
The Beach Boys - 1 gold, 1 silver
Susanna Hoffs - 1 gold, 1 bronze
Oingo Boingo - 1 silver, 1 bronze
Mazzy Star - 1 gold
Ronnie Dio - 1 silver
Iron & Wine- 1 silver
Belle & Sebastian - 1 silver
Judas Priest - 1 silver
Roxy Music - 1 silver
Mitski - 1 silver
Steve Albini - 1 silver
Stray Cats - 1 bronze
Sweet - 1 bronze
EWF- 1 bronze
Oh yeah!!!

Did you do a 16s ranking?

Unrelated, probably going to jump around a bit with the medal stand at least through labor day. Haven't been keeping pace over weekends and now I have 4 long ones in a row, probably with a healthy dosage of Pirate Flag as theme music. One way or another I'll try to make sure I'm caught up by the end of the month, but if anyone notices I skipped any (in this case the 16's and 17's- listening to the 15's right now) it's intentional.
DOES NO ONE READ HIS POSTS? :laugh:
Even I caught that one. A little bit of that is because I was joking a bit with the kid today that my attitude on the MADs has shifted. Me at the start: Whatever man, it's all cool. Just groove on some tunes and whatever floats your boat. Me now that Mac is giving out medals and I got to the medal stand

LINK

I pay attention to all the mac posts now. :lol:
 
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Banger of a list today! Started with 4 hearts, finished with 13. Tough cutting down to 3, but we press on...

The 15's

Medal Stand
Gold STP- Pretty Penny, it was going to take a monumental effort for anyone else to unseat this. More than a few tried, but this is probably a top 5 STP cut for me - hurdle was too high.
Silver Blue October- Should Be Loved, I gave this a 3rd listen just to be sure Pretty Penny still had it. Razor thin and this may be my Blue October favorite once this thing's done.
Bronze Oingo Boingo- Wild Sex, okay, KP may be proving my bias wrong on these guys. Still not wild about the vocals, but when the rhythm section is this strong it just needs to be passable. This cut fit.
Honorable Mention1- always get a giant grin when that opening riff of Boogie Wonderland hits. Daryl's goodbye scene in The Office may not be in the show's top 10, but that's only because there are just that many all timer's. This jam will always cause that scene to return to my head though.
Honorable Mention2- another heart for April Wine + Sweet, and another medal stand snub. One of these times...

Medal Count
Tea Party - 2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
Blue October - 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
STP - 2 gold, 3 bronze
The Doors - 2 gold, 1 silver
Fanny - 2 gold, 1 bronze
DMB- 2 silver, 2 bronze
The Beach Boys - 1 gold, 1 silver
Susanna Hoffs - 1 gold, 1 bronze
Oingo Boingo - 1 silver, 1 bronze
Mazzy Star - 1 gold
Ronnie Dio - 1 silver
Iron & Wine- 1 silver
Belle & Sebastian - 1 silver
Judas Priest - 1 silver
Roxy Music - 1 silver
Mitski - 1 silver
Steve Albini - 1 silver
Stray Cats - 1 bronze
Sweet - 1 bronze
EWF- 1 bronze
Oh yeah!!!

Did you do a 16s ranking?

Unrelated, probably going to jump around a bit with the medal stand at least through labor day. Haven't been keeping pace over weekends and now I have 4 long ones in a row, probably with a healthy dosage of Pirate Flag as theme music. One way or another I'll try to make sure I'm caught up by the end of the month, but if anyone notices I skipped any (in this case the 16's and 17's- listening to the 15's right now) it's intentional.
DOES NO ONE READ HIS POSTS? :laugh:
Even I caught that one. A little bit of that is because I was joking a bit with the kid today that my attitude on the MADs has shifted. Me at the start: Whatever man, it's all cool. Just groove on some tunes and whatever floats your boat. Me now that Mac is giving out medals and I got to the medal stand

LINK

I pay attention to all the mac posts now. :lol:
I’m jonesing for medals now that Olympics are over
 
@Uruk-Hai @Pip's Invitation I saw Earth, Wind, & Fire and Chicago last night. They were both great and a lot of fun. On a couple Chicago songs the horns overpowered the vocals, but it wasn't like that on the other songs. I know the Chicago sap songs are not popular amongst the Dummies, but they were popular with some of the people that were at the show. When a Chicago sap song was played, fans would raise their phones above their heads with the flashlight on acting as a candle or Bic lighter, and they would sway their hands to the music. 😀 The venue was packed, and it's easy to see why these two bands do shows together. EWF went first, and then Chicago, and then both bands played together for the final 6 songs (3 by EWF and 3 by Chicago). The last two songs were "Got To Get You Into My Life" and "25 or 6 to 4." 🎺🎷🎺🎷
 
@Uruk-Hai @Pip's Invitation I saw Earth, Wind, & Fire and Chicago last night. They were both great and a lot of fun. On a couple Chicago songs the horns overpowered the vocals, but it wasn't like that on the other songs. I know the Chicago sap songs are not popular amongst the Dummies, but they were popular with some of the people that were at the show. When a Chicago sap song was played, fans would raise their phones above their heads with the flashlight on acting as a candle or Bic lighter, and they would sway their hands to the music. 😀 The venue was packed, and it's easy to see why these two bands do shows together. EWF went first, and then Chicago, and then both bands played together for the final 6 songs (3 by EWF and 3 by Chicago). The last two songs were "Got To Get You Into My Life" and "25 or 6 to 4." 🎺🎷🎺🎷
Those bands dovetail nicely with each other. Hell, they did in their primes. They do a lot of similar things.

Glad you had fun!
 

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