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

[Zegras11]

The Cure

Juxtatarot

In Between Days In Between Days - 2006 Remaster The Cure · The Head on the Door (Deluxed Edition) · Song · 1985 open.spotify.com

Top 3 for me...

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Brian Setzer - Mystery Train

Oh, no! A cover! Run!

Originally writen and recorded by Junior Parker in 1953. Also covered by Elvis.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Sweet​

#9 - Fever of Love​

- 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.

m.youtube.com

Producer - Sweet
Writer - Sweet
Chart Positions - UK - Did Not Chart, Australia - Did Not Chart, Germany #9, US - Did Not Chart
Album - Off the Record
Year - 1977
Lead Vocal - Brian Connolly
Steve Priest Vocal - Lead Chip Ins with “I’ve Got You Under My Skin. You are my adrenaline” x 3

Notes - By now the band was in free fall. Songs werent charting, except in the ultra loyal countries like Germany and Sweden. Internal issues, primarily focused around Brian Connolly, his health and substance issues. Andy Scott dominating the running of the band was also bubbling under as an issue for Steve Priest and Mick Tucker.

Lost Angels was chosen as the lead single for the new album and tanked. It was their first single to miss the top 10 in Germany since Alexander Graham Bell. The band were confident that the follow up, this track, would rectify all issues and were disheartened when it flopped too. At least it got them back into the top 10 in Germany.

In desperation the band recorded an ad hoc song called Stairway to the Stars, released it as a single and threw it on the US LP. Didnt work. That song is average

Priest, or Uncle Bill as Simey refers to him lol, and Tucker had a reputation with media and TV shows for being prickly customers. Arseholes to be blunt. Its why in several of their videos, you can see that when a closeup of Priest is warranted, the cameraman focuses anywhere else.
In this video we see the band looking all fetching. Priest with his long red hair and NY Giants top, Andy with his scarf, Brian in his Tokyo Hilton tight white T Shirt and tight white jeans and Mick being Mick.
This song has all the classic Chinny Chap hit parts, except the lyrics. Which lack flair and a narrative here. The band harmonies, musicianship, Steve Priest chip ins and rock attitude shine through though.

This was the track I liked most that I had not heard before. By a considerable margin. Ive played it to death. Love it.

Next Up - The most covered of Sweet songs, especially by Glam Rockers of the 80s.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Chvrches​

#9 - Graffiti​

- 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.

m.youtube.com

Producer - Mac, Ice Mike
Writer - Iain Cook Martin Doherty Lauren Mayberry, Greg Kurstin
Album - Love is Dead
Year - 2018

Notes - This was chosen as the track to open their third album, Love is Dead. Not chosen as a single though, but it is worthy.
Such a sweet video, again not featuring the band, belying the lyrics in the song. Almost sounds like a suicide pact.

Here is Lauren talking about the track

“Speaking about the meaning behind the track, frontwoman Lauren Mayberry references the classic ode to childhood friendship Rob Reiner’s Stand By Me and explains it’s a about “growing up and realising things aren’t going to be the way you thought they would be.”

Next Up - A duet of sorts that won a few awards. One of the more recent numbers

 

[-OZ-]

Blue October

-OZ-

Blue Skies Blue Skies Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupBlue Skies · Blue OctoberApproaching Normalâ A Motown Records release; â 2009 UMG Recordings, Inc.Released on: 20... www.youtube.com

From their 2009, approaching normal.
During an interview with the music webzine Playback:Stl, Justin described the song "Blue Skies" as being one of the few happy songs he has written, saying, "There's nothing negative about it. It's all about beauty. It's really, really pretty and really, really happy, but it's going to be rocked out so crazy that people will kind of forget that it's a lovey lovey, dovey song."

In his book, crazy making, Justin describes Blue Skies: "After the birth of our daughter my life had a different sky when I walked outside. Everday was blue even if a tornado fell down above me... It was beautiful.... 'Daddy is always just fine'. Just know that I love you Blue."
Yes, his first daughter’s name is Blue.

(Coincidentally, this week, Wednesday, we celebrate our 25th anniversary and 7 years since we picked up our daughter from China.)

So, I've broken every bone
And fought through what felt never ending
I thought my head was made of sadness
But my heart is mending
I scream at sunsets
Give applause to what I can't control
Then somehow laugh at how the moon divides an ocean solar
I wanna be that ocean
I want to shine like that
I want to smile so big my daughter jumps into my lap
And I wanna tell her daddies fine and always plans to be
Then take her in my arms
This is what we'll always see
Blue skies
Calling on blue skies
Never take them away boys
Don't take them away
Cause' I'll never stop lovin' my

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Sweet​

#9 - Fever of Love​

- 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.

m.youtube.com

Producer - Sweet
Writer - Sweet
Chart Positions - UK - Did Not Chart, Australia - Did Not Chart, Germany #9, US - Did Not Chart
Album - Off the Record
Year - 1977
Lead Vocal - Brian Connolly
Steve Priest Vocal - Lead Chip Ins with “I’ve Got You Under My Skin. You are my adrenaline” x 3

Notes - By now the band was in free fall. Songs werent charting, except in the ultra loyal countries like Germany and Sweden. Internal issues, primarily focused around Brian Connolly, his health and substance issues. Andy Scott dominating the running of the band was also bubbling under as an issue for Steve Priest and Mick Tucker.

Lost Angels was chosen as the lead single for the new album and tanked. It was their first single to miss the top 10 in Germany since Alexander Graham Bell. The band were confident that the follow up, this track, would rectify all issues and were disheartened when it flopped too. At least it got them back into the top 10 in Germany.

In desperation the band recorded an ad hoc song called Stairway to the Stars, released it as a single and threw it on the US LP. Didnt work. That song is average

Priest, or Uncle Bill as Simey refers to him lol, and Tucker had a reputation with media and TV shows for being prickly customers. Arseholes to be blunt. Its why in several of their videos, you can see that when a closeup of Priest is warranted, the cameraman focuses anywhere else.
In this video we see the band looking all fetching. Priest with his long red hair and NY Giants top, Andy with his scarf, Brian in his Tokyo Hilton tight white T Shirt and tight white jeans and Mick being Mick.
This song has all the classic Chinny Chap hit parts, except the lyrics. Which lack flair and a narrative here. The band harmonies, musicianship, Steve Priest chip ins and rock attitude shine through though.

This was the track I liked most that I had not heard before. By a considerable margin. Ive played it to death. Love it.

Next Up - The most covered of Sweet songs, especially by Glam Rockers of the 80s.

I've heard this before, but I don't know where. I'm pretty sure I didn't have the album. Did it get ANY airplay in the U.S.?

 

[Uruk-Hai]

#9' - "Reasons"

In the year 2075, some kid is gonna ask his mom "who was Philip Bailey?" and she'll drop the needle on this song.

This is the PBS to end all PBS', as far as his rep goes. Everyone knows this song. I had friends who listened to nothing but Van Halen, AC/DC, and KISS......and they knew it. It wasn't their biggest hit, but has somehow become, IMO, the one besides "September" that most people will mention if you bring up this band.

Lyrically, it's not what many think it is. The first verse sounds like your typical "two people meet, sparks fly, and they're together" song. But, if you listen to the rest of it, the singer is having regrets the moment he wakes up the next morning. It doesn't sound like there's a happy ending. I wish he spell out what the damned "Reasons" ARE, though.

Anyway, Bailey ****ing kills it to the point where it doesn't even matter what he's saying. It's an all-time great performance by an all-time great singer.

Up next, a record that may have sold more copies than any other EWF song when it was current.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Sweet​

#9 - Fever of Love​

- 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.

m.youtube.com

Producer - Sweet
Writer - Sweet
Chart Positions - UK - Did Not Chart, Australia - Did Not Chart, Germany #9, US - Did Not Chart
Album - Off the Record
Year - 1977
Lead Vocal - Brian Connolly
Steve Priest Vocal - Lead Chip Ins with “I’ve Got You Under My Skin. You are my adrenaline” x 3

Notes - By now the band was in free fall. Songs werent charting, except in the ultra loyal countries like Germany and Sweden. Internal issues, primarily focused around Brian Connolly, his health and substance issues. Andy Scott dominating the running of the band was also bubbling under as an issue for Steve Priest and Mick Tucker.

Lost Angels was chosen as the lead single for the new album and tanked. It was their first single to miss the top 10 in Germany since Alexander Graham Bell. The band were confident that the follow up, this track, would rectify all issues and were disheartened when it flopped too. At least it got them back into the top 10 in Germany.

In desperation the band recorded an ad hoc song called Stairway to the Stars, released it as a single and threw it on the US LP. Didnt work. That song is average

Priest, or Uncle Bill as Simey refers to him lol, and Tucker had a reputation with media and TV shows for being prickly customers. Arseholes to be blunt. Its why in several of their videos, you can see that when a closeup of Priest is warranted, the cameraman focuses anywhere else.
In this video we see the band looking all fetching. Priest with his long red hair and NY Giants top, Andy with his scarf, Brian in his Tokyo Hilton tight white T Shirt and tight white jeans and Mick being Mick.
This song has all the classic Chinny Chap hit parts, except the lyrics. Which lack flair and a narrative here. The band harmonies, musicianship, Steve Priest chip ins and rock attitude shine through though.

This was the track I liked most that I had not heard before. By a considerable margin. Ive played it to death. Love it.

Next Up - The most covered of Sweet songs, especially by Glam Rockers of the 80s.

I've heard this before, but I don't know where. I'm pretty sure I didn't have the album. Did it get ANY airplay in the U.S.?

I’m sure it would have got some. Charts for individual states would help identify where.
Maybe its on a compilation somewhere, but ive run through 3 different varieties of best ofs and it wasnt on any.
Lost Angels and third single Stairway to the Stars are.
Lost Angels would have got more airplay though as lead single and Funk it Up as the fourth single was the only one on this LP to chart nationally.

 

[Charlie Steiner]

9. Take Your Chances (Moving Mountains, 1985)

After The Present album, Justin Hayward released the solo album Moving Mountains. Take Your Chances is the second track.

I didn't find much about this album's backstory, so I'm not sure what prompted him to make it; I would have thought touring with the Moodies and promoting their material would have taken up all his time. Regardless, he had the time, the songs and the means to do this solo project. Reviews range from 'a personal throwback to Days of Future Passed' to 'very dated 80's' album. I almost feel like I should apologize for choosing it on my list over other 'better' Moody Blues songs. I won't, though, because like my other M-AD lists, I went with the songs that have more personal relevance.

I found this album a couple of years after its release and was still in my 'absorbing all things Moody Blues' phase. While none of the songs charted, the album did reach #78 in the UK. I think I liked this one because of where I was in life at the time: early 20s, single and feeling like I was quite the catch, even though no one else seemed to agree.

 

[kupcho1]

Belle and Sebastian

kupcho1

There's Too Much Love There's Too Much Love Belle and Sebastian · Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant · Song · 2000 open.spotify.com

OK, so when I make a mistake I own it. I did a double take when I saw There's Too Much Love as my #9 song. Don't get me wrong, it's a fine song, but probably should have been ranked 29th, not 9th. (I'm going to leave it where it is when I post the playlist.)

Anyway, another thing I like about Belle and Sebastian is the cover art. I find it very reminiscent of the Smiths.

I could dance all night like I'm a soul boy
But you know I'd rather drag myself across the dance floor
I feel like dancing on my own
Where no one knows me, and where I
Can cause offence just by the way I look

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Weekend ketchup on the 10 & 9 lists:

The Bazaar - The Tea Party
Peppermint Twist - The Sweet
The Warmth Of The Sun - The Beach Boys
Not To Touch The Earth - The Doors
There's Too Much Love - Belle and Sebastian
Dancing Days - Stone Temple Pilots
Mystery Train - Brian Setzer
Pusherman - Curtis Mayfield
In Between Days - The Cure
Neon Nights - Black Sabbath

 

[Yambag]

9's PLAYLIST

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams

Yambag

Look Around Look Around The Slambovian Circus Of Dreams · A Very Unusual Head · Song · 2022 open.spotify.com

From an interview with Joziah: People often compare you to David Bowie and Syd Barrett. ‘Look Around’ also seems to have a nod to The Beatles’ ‘Dear Prudence’. Are they formative influences and which other artists inspire the group? Yeah I spent time in the basements of Bowie’s insane asylums around the ‘All the Madmen’ period and hung on by a thread during Syd’s Madcap Laughs period; I was seeing and talking to a lot of ghosts back in those days and their dances through those realms gave me some assurance that I was okay. So much of my stuff is influenced by the British Invasion in America; Beatles, Kinks, Zombies were the fodder for my band when I was 13 or so. Later, bands like Incredible String Band and Fairport’s ‘Liege and Leaf’ album added to the palette.

 

[simey]

London Homesick Blues

This song was written by Gary P. Nunn, and it was first recorded and released by Jerry Jeff (and the Lost Gonzo Band) on his 1973 album Viva Terlingua! Nunn sings lead on the song. Jerry Jeff heard Nunn tinkering around with the song outside during the day when they were in Luckenbach to record Viva. JJ liked what he had heard earlier, and he asked Nunn during their live recording to do the song and sing lead on it. As Nunn tells it, "He sprung it on me in the show. On Saturday night of that week, we threw a concert and charged $1.00 a head. That’s the sign on the cover of the Viva Terlingua! LP. The place was packed to the max. Late in that show, Jerry Jeff looked over at me and said, “do that song you were singing under the trees this afternoon." The first time we’d ever done it was that live recording. The crowd went nuts! The tape was rolling. The rest is history! I’ve always been very appreciative of having that opportunity. It was a career-maker for me. One of the great lessons that I learned form Jerry Jeff was that you don’t have to be blind to other people’s material."

It would be a huge song for Nunn, and Austin City Limits used it as their theme song from 1977 to 2004 (seasons 2-29).

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

It would be a huge song for Nunn, and Austin City Limits used it as their theme song from 1977 to 2004 (seasons 2-29).

I wondered why it seemed familiar.

 

[Tau837]

Dave Matthews

Tau837

Warehouse Warehouse Provided to YouTube by RCA/LegacyWarehouse · Dave Matthews BandUnder the Table and Dreaming (Expanded Edition)â 1994 RCA Records, a division of Sony Music En... www.youtube.com

"Warehouse" is a song featured on the 1994 DMB album, "Under the Table and Dreaming". The song encapsulates many of the elements that make the band unique: a blend of rock, jazz, and folk influences, introspective lyrics, and a dynamic live presence.

The lyrics delve into themes of self-discovery, fear, longing, and liberation. The song's narrative is somewhat abstract, but it revolves around the idea of breaking free from the constraints of fear and uncertainty. The "warehouse" in the song can be interpreted as a metaphor for a place or state of mind where fears and insecurities are stored or hidden away.

The song opens with a sense of hesitation and introspection, as the narrator contemplates their fears and the barriers they face: "So I'm leaving... This warehouse frightens me / Has me tied up in knots, can't rest for a moment." As the song progresses, there's a shift towards a more liberating and cathartic tone, with the narrator expressing a desire to escape these confines and embrace life more fully: "That's our blood down there, seems poured from the hands of angels / But trickle into the ground, leaves the warehouse so bare and empty." This imagery evokes a sense of loss and renewal, as if leaving behind the "warehouse" is a necessary step toward finding freedom and fulfillment.

In a 1999 interview with Acoustic Guitar magazine, Dave discussed the song in the context of his songwriting process, saying that "Warehouse" deals with "the idea of fear, and how it can cripple you, but if you get past it, there’s something else on the other side."

"Warehouse" is notable for its intricate musical arrangement, which includes a dynamic blend of acoustic guitar, violin, saxophone, and drums. The song is characterized by its shifting tempos and rhythms, moving from quiet, reflective passages to more upbeat, energetic sections. This ebb and flow of energy is a hallmark of the band's style, making "Warehouse" a standout track in their repertoire.

The song often features an extended instrumental introduction in live performances, where the band gradually builds up the tension before launching into the main melody. This introduction, known as the "Woo" intro due to the audience's enthusiastic "Woo!" shouts, has become a signature element of the song during concerts. DMB has played the song 1,069 times live in concert, and there are 81 live releases.

I linked the studio version in the playlist. Here are a couple excellent live versions:

• Live at Red Rocks 1995
• Live at Luther College 1996 (Dave and Tim)
• Live at Central Park 2003

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

ryan Ferry/Roxy Music

BinkytheDoormat

More Than This - 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

First repeat song?

wut?

 

[KarmaPolice]

ryan Ferry/Roxy Music

BinkytheDoormat

More Than This - 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

First repeat song?

wut?

First repeat song??

 

[Yo Mama]

STP #9 - Dancing Days
Albums - Encomium: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin (1995), and Purple (bonus track on 2019 re-mastered version of album)

STP recorded this for a Led Zeppelin tribute album and ultimately got thrown in as a bonus track for Purple when the re-master was released.

It got some decent airplay here in LA initially and now I hear it all the time on XM (Lithium). First time I heard it though was live at one of their concerts (don’t remember which one, my memory from back then is foggy at best).

I love this cover and would have ranked it highly on my MAD covers list if I wasn’t so lazy and actually submitted some rankings.

 

[Yo Mama]

@KarmaPolice - Scott Weiland actually wrote Dancing Days in kindergarten and performed it tiny-desk style with his buddies from chorus at the school’s spring talent show using castanets, wood blocks, and a recorder. They came in second place to the vice-principal’s daughter who played a lackadaisical Carpenter’s song on the harpsichord but benefitted from nepotism to win the IHOP gift certificate.

Based on their success, Led Zeppelin got word of the incredible performance and ultimately stole the material for their own (as they were often known to do).

Hence, not a cover.

 

[KarmaPolice]

 

[Pip's Invitation]

#9' - "Reasons"

In the year 2075, some kid is gonna ask his mom "who was Philip Bailey?" and she'll drop the needle on this song.

This is the PBS to end all PBS', as far as his rep goes. Everyone knows this song. I had friends who listened to nothing but Van Halen, AC/DC, and KISS......and they knew it. It wasn't their biggest hit, but has somehow become, IMO, the one besides "September" that most people will mention if you bring up this band.

Lyrically, it's not what many think it is. The first verse sounds like your typical "two people meet, sparks fly, and they're together" song. But, if you listen to the rest of it, the singer is having regrets the moment he wakes up the next morning. It doesn't sound like there's a happy ending. I wish he spell out what the damned "Reasons" ARE, though.

Anyway, Bailey ****ing kills it to the point where it doesn't even matter what he's saying. It's an all-time great performance by an all-time great singer.

Up next, a record that may have sold more copies than any other EWF song when it was current.

Of course everyone knew it. Despite the lyrics, this is baby-making music.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

9. Ain't That Peculiar
Album: Fanny Hill (1972)
Writers: Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, Bobby Rodgers and Marv Tarplin
Lead vocals: June Millington

Ain't That Peculiar was written by Smokey Robinson and some members of The Miracles, but they didn't keep it for themselves. Instead, they gave it to Marvin Gaye, and the song about someone who can't get over their ex became his biggest hit (#1 R&B and #8 pop) to that point (fall 1965).

Fanny's version, which appeared on Fanny Hill in early 1972 but had been in their live sets since at least September 1971, is starkly different from Gaye's from the getgo. It opens with the band playing a bunch of different percussion instruments setting a Latin-style beat, over which June Millington plays an attention-grabbing slide guitar line. These are reprised to great effect in the middle of the song. The bouncy piano and harmonies on the verses are the main ties to the Gaye arrangement, but otherwise the song has a harder edge than the original, befitting its narrator, who is pretty unhinged if you pay attention to the lyrics closely. This is especially apparent on the Beat-Club version, where June's slide playing is turned up to 11.

Ain't That Peculiar is the most obvious manifestation of June Millington's love of Motown. It was a major element of the band's sound before it got signed, and continued to be part of the mix afterward, though it became a source of tension after Nickey Barclay joined, because she hated Motown and preferred Stax. In fact, this was not the first time the band reworked a Motown song to incorporate some of their other influences; another example is coming.

Ain't That Peculiar became Fanny's second charting single, hitting #85 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is their most popular track on Spotify, with more than 2 million listens (no other track has more than 1 million). While there is very little surviving evidence of setlists from the '70s, this song appears the most in their setlist.fm database, with documented performances ranging from late 1971 to early 1974, as well as at the 2023 reunion shows.

This is June Millington's highest-ranking solo lead vocal. Her sister Jean takes the lion's share of the lead vocals from here on out.

Beat-Club version: https://open.spotify.com/track/4lOUxBES4XgNRsd7bklFpn?si=b2caf70db5fc4fcc
Live in Philadelphia 1973 (appears on box set; was their set closer): https://open.spotify.com/track/1oeCjtvKgJV5ENOLPbBk37?si=1784a49d15624edd
Live on WSIU-TV (Carbondale, IL) in 1972: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDH6TSJDhxg&t=588s
Live in LA in 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vv6FTUY3rk
Here's an interesting find. This is a recording from the guy who ran the TV/radio/audiovisual programs of the Presbyterian Church in 1972. He plays the first half of Ain't That Peculiar, then conducts a brief interview with Jean Millington (very few interviews with the band from when they were active exist) and proselytizes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSKJFRM54X4.

Original: https://open.spotify.com/track/1yyJNEU2gWG6QiJkhPwrde?si=4cf35d45007e4062

At #8, a song with the same sentiment as Rich Girl, 5 years earlier.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

9. Ain't That Peculiar
Album: Fanny Hill (1972)
Writers: Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, Bobby Rodgers and Marv Tarplin
Lead vocals: June Millington

Ain't That Peculiar was written by Smokey Robinson and some members of The Miracles, but they didn't keep it for themselves. Instead, they gave it to Marvin Gaye, and the song about someone who can't get over their ex became his biggest hit (#1 R&B and #8 pop) to that point (fall 1965).

Fanny's version, which appeared on Fanny Hill in early 1972 but had been in their live sets since at least September 1971, is starkly different from Gaye's from the getgo. It opens with the band playing a bunch of different percussion instruments setting a Latin-style beat, over which June Millington plays an attention-grabbing slide guitar line. These are reprised to great effect in the middle of the song. The bouncy piano and harmonies on the verses are the main ties to the Gaye arrangement, but otherwise the song has a harder edge than the original, befitting its narrator, who is pretty unhinged if you pay attention to the lyrics closely. This is especially apparent on the Beat-Club version, where June's slide playing is turned up to 11.

Ain't That Peculiar is the most obvious manifestation of June Millington's love of Motown. It was a major element of the band's sound before it got signed, and continued to be part of the mix afterward, though it became a source of tension after Nickey Barclay joined, because she hated Motown and preferred Stax. In fact, this was not the first time the band reworked a Motown song to incorporate some of their other influences; another example is coming.

Ain't That Peculiar became Fanny's second charting single, hitting #85 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is their most popular track on Spotify, with more than 2 million listens (no other track has more than 1 million). While there is very little surviving evidence of setlists from the '70s, this song appears the most in their setlist.fm database, with documented performances ranging from late 1971 to early 1974, as well as at the 2023 reunion shows.

This is June Millington's highest-ranking solo lead vocal. Her sister Jean takes the lion's share of the lead vocals from here on out.

Beat-Club version: https://open.spotify.com/track/4lOUxBES4XgNRsd7bklFpn?si=b2caf70db5fc4fcc
Live in Philadelphia 1973 (appears on box set; was their set closer): https://open.spotify.com/track/1oeCjtvKgJV5ENOLPbBk37?si=1784a49d15624edd
Live on WSIU-TV (Carbondale, IL) in 1972: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDH6TSJDhxg&t=588s
Live in LA in 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vv6FTUY3rk
Here's an interesting find. This is a recording from the guy who ran the TV/radio/audiovisual programs of the Presbyterian Church in 1972. He plays the first half of Ain't That Peculiar, then conducts a brief interview with Jean Millington (very few interviews with the band from when they were active exist) and proselytizes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSKJFRM54X4.

Original: https://open.spotify.com/track/1yyJNEU2gWG6QiJkhPwrde?si=4cf35d45007e4062

At #8, a song with the same sentiment as Rich Girl, 5 years earlier.

Gaye's version is the hardest "rocking" song Motown put out in the early 60s (probably why it's covered so often). But that piano line - straight out of church - is what makes it. I've seen a lot of bar bands cover this and leave the keys out, and it always seems a letdown to me (well, they also don't have Marvin Gaye singing it so most were doomed from the start). Fanny keeps that keyboard in - at least on the WSIU youtube video you posted - and do it proud.

In regards to the bolded, I fall on the Stax side too. But it's a close call. I've thought about doing a "battle of the songs" thread between the two labels here, but figured no one would give a damn and it would turn into a tim thread where I'm just doing it for myself

 

[Pip's Invitation]

9. Ain't That Peculiar
Album: Fanny Hill (1972)
Writers: Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, Bobby Rodgers and Marv Tarplin
Lead vocals: June Millington

Ain't That Peculiar was written by Smokey Robinson and some members of The Miracles, but they didn't keep it for themselves. Instead, they gave it to Marvin Gaye, and the song about someone who can't get over their ex became his biggest hit (#1 R&B and #8 pop) to that point (fall 1965).

Fanny's version, which appeared on Fanny Hill in early 1972 but had been in their live sets since at least September 1971, is starkly different from Gaye's from the getgo. It opens with the band playing a bunch of different percussion instruments setting a Latin-style beat, over which June Millington plays an attention-grabbing slide guitar line. These are reprised to great effect in the middle of the song. The bouncy piano and harmonies on the verses are the main ties to the Gaye arrangement, but otherwise the song has a harder edge than the original, befitting its narrator, who is pretty unhinged if you pay attention to the lyrics closely. This is especially apparent on the Beat-Club version, where June's slide playing is turned up to 11.

Ain't That Peculiar is the most obvious manifestation of June Millington's love of Motown. It was a major element of the band's sound before it got signed, and continued to be part of the mix afterward, though it became a source of tension after Nickey Barclay joined, because she hated Motown and preferred Stax. In fact, this was not the first time the band reworked a Motown song to incorporate some of their other influences; another example is coming.

Ain't That Peculiar became Fanny's second charting single, hitting #85 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is their most popular track on Spotify, with more than 2 million listens (no other track has more than 1 million). While there is very little surviving evidence of setlists from the '70s, this song appears the most in their setlist.fm database, with documented performances ranging from late 1971 to early 1974, as well as at the 2023 reunion shows.

This is June Millington's highest-ranking solo lead vocal. Her sister Jean takes the lion's share of the lead vocals from here on out.

Beat-Club version: https://open.spotify.com/track/4lOUxBES4XgNRsd7bklFpn?si=b2caf70db5fc4fcc
Live in Philadelphia 1973 (appears on box set; was their set closer): https://open.spotify.com/track/1oeCjtvKgJV5ENOLPbBk37?si=1784a49d15624edd
Live on WSIU-TV (Carbondale, IL) in 1972: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDH6TSJDhxg&t=588s
Live in LA in 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vv6FTUY3rk
Here's an interesting find. This is a recording from the guy who ran the TV/radio/audiovisual programs of the Presbyterian Church in 1972. He plays the first half of Ain't That Peculiar, then conducts a brief interview with Jean Millington (very few interviews with the band from when they were active exist) and proselytizes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSKJFRM54X4.

Original: https://open.spotify.com/track/1yyJNEU2gWG6QiJkhPwrde?si=4cf35d45007e4062

At #8, a song with the same sentiment as Rich Girl, 5 years earlier.

Gaye's version is the hardest "rocking" song Motown put out in the early 60s (probably why it's covered so often). But that piano line - straight out of church - is what makes it. I've seen a lot of bar bands cover this and leave the keys out, and it always seems a letdown to me (well, they also don't have Marvin Gaye singing it so most were doomed from the start). Fanny keeps that keyboard in - at least on the WSIU youtube video you posted - and do it proud.

In regards to the bolded, I fall on the Stax side too. But it's a close call. I've thought about doing a "battle of the songs" thread between the two labels here, but figured no one would give a damn and it would turn into a tim thread where I'm just doing it for myself

Krista would care, but IIRC she is strongly pro-Stax.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

#9' - "Reasons"

In the year 2075, some kid is gonna ask his mom "who was Philip Bailey?" and she'll drop the needle on this song.

This is the PBS to end all PBS', as far as his rep goes. Everyone knows this song. I had friends who listened to nothing but Van Halen, AC/DC, and KISS......and they knew it. It wasn't their biggest hit, but has somehow become, IMO, the one besides "September" that most people will mention if you bring up this band.

Lyrically, it's not what many think it is. The first verse sounds like your typical "two people meet, sparks fly, and they're together" song. But, if you listen to the rest of it, the singer is having regrets the moment he wakes up the next morning. It doesn't sound like there's a happy ending. I wish he spell out what the damned "Reasons" ARE, though.

Anyway, Bailey ****ing kills it to the point where it doesn't even matter what he's saying. It's an all-time great performance by an all-time great singer.

Up next, a record that may have sold more copies than any other EWF song when it was current.

Of course everyone knew it. Despite the lyrics, this is baby-making music.

I didn't. I'm not sure I've ever heard it before.

 

[Charlie Steiner]

Record haul from the 9s:

Ain't That Peculiar - Fanny
Fire in the Head - The Tea Party
Fever of Love - Sweet
Mystery Train (live) - Brian Setzer Orchestra
Rest of it - Strand of Oaks
Into Dust - Mazzy Star
In Between Days - The Cure (another forgotten favorite)
People Are Strange - The Doors
Reasons - Earth, Wind and Fire
Watch Song - Shellac
Tonite - April Wine

Wanted to add Pusher Man, but heard the n-word at the beginning and it wouldn't go well for me to be caught singing along with the volume up.

 

[KarmaPolice]

#9 GREY MATTER

- 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

That driving synth is so great. I fell for how that works in with the guitars and how angry and chaotic Elfman gets with the vocals. We are at the point in the playlist where I start to second guess my rankings on some of these, but just listening to it now as I post I think it lingers a bit too long which I am guessing held it out of the next wave. Also 8-6 seem to have more distinct guitars or bass and solos I like more. But as I said before the reason I love Nothing to Fear as an album so much is that fantastic blend of 80s sound with the weird, dark lyrics and themes. This is definitely a great example of that.

They tackle very similar themes later in the 80s on the Boi-Ngo album with New Generation. It's a song I like more now after more listens, but still a bit outside making the playlist. If anybody is interested in a bonus comparison:

New Generation

Song · Oingo Boingo · 1987

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

This weeks trio will feature a "live" B-side, and two more from my favorite 2 albums. My top 5 has variety though: 2 more from Dead Man's, and one each from Nothing to Fear, Only a Lad, and Good for Your Soul.

 

[tuffnutt]

9.
Passing Afternoon- Iron and Wine
from Our Endless Numbered Day(2004)

There are things that drift away like our endless, numbered days

Passing Afternoon is the closing track to Our Endless Numbered Days. In fact, the album title comes from a lyric in this song. The song is about trying to appreciate the tiniest moments in our fleeting lives. Sam writes about the tendency of time to quietly slip by us, and instead of choosing to mark moments of high drama, he assumes the role of a narrator thinking of the simple mundane moments of a former lover that has since moved on, using the seasons to paint a picture. The song is a daydream of the narrator, imagining the life of a former lover, and wondering if occasionally she still thinks of him. Honestly some of Beam's best lyrical work IMO.

 

[falguy]

Round 10

My Favorites from this round

Jump Rope - Blue October - I feel like I have added half of their songs to my favourites. That’s impressive.
Another Sunny Day - Belle and Sebastian. Another group whose songs I have, for the most part, enjoyed.
Sitting at the Wheel - Moody Blues.
Give You my Loving - Mazzy Star.
The Warmth of the Sun - Beach Boys. Beautiful song.
In A Different Light - Bangles. Fun uptempo tune by the ladies.
Lovesong - The Cure. Nice use of the organ ( I think that’s an organ)

April Wine - Bad Side of the Moon. It’s a cover, but it’s not like the original was well known, either. I particularly like the bass line on this one.

 

[MAC_32]

That might've been the best round yet.

The 9's

Medal Stand
Gold DMB- Warehouse, not #1 but definitely a top 5 DMB'er, starting to think some of mine may not make the cut too!
Silver STP- Dancing Days, always will be one of the greatest covers I've ever heard
Bronze Fanny- Ain't That Peculiar, that slide
Honorable Mention1 So many under represented heartsmashes- Curtis Mayfield, Mitski, Strand of Oaks, Mazzy Star, Albini, Dio, April Wine...what a round. Oaks medal stand snub may have been the biggest one yet.
Honorable Mention2 Had no idea that was the Beach Boys til I alt-tab'd over to heartsmash

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

Book keeping purposes, need to circle back to the 10's and 13's.

 

[Yambag]

9's Thoughts From Slambovia:

Known: STP, Roxy Music, DMB, Priest, Cure, Doors

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

5 Standouts
Strand of Oaks: Rest of It
Beach Boys: It's About Time
Hoffs/Bangles: Something That You Said
Destroyer: Dream Lover
Dio/Sabbath: Neon Knights

 

[zamboni]

Honorable Mention2 Had no idea that was the Beach Boys til I alt-tab'd over to heartsmash

I didn't get a chance to do a writeup, but "It's About Time" about as rocking as the Beach Boys got. One of the relatively rare songs that had Dennis Wilson's fingerprints all over it. Like many other drummers in big time bands, he didn't contribute a lot of songs, but when he did, they were often quite good.

 

[Mt. Man]

—
Ronnie James Dio #9
Artist: Black Sabbath
Song: Neon Knights (off Heaven and Hell, 1980)

(music video) Black Sabbath - Neon Knights (Official Music Video)
(live version) Black Sabbath - Neon Knights Live In N.Y. 1980

Circles and rings, dragons and kings
Weaving a charm and a spell
Blessed by the night, holy and bright
Called by the toll of the bell

This is the type of song that grabs you right from the beginning. The hard-charging drums, the smooth guitar licks and, yes, that powerful voice of Ronnie James Dio starting high-energy and rarely tapering off. This has become one of better known and loved songs for both Dio and Black Sabbath.

Not bad for a song that almost didn’t make it. This was the last song written for the album, penned and recorded in January for the album’s release in 1980. At the time, it was seen more as a song to fill out the time of the first side of the album, thus partially explaining its runtime being under four minutes.

–
Next on the countdown, it’s not a blessing and it’s not quite “Rains”, but it is down in Africa.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

—
Ronnie James Dio #9
Artist: Black Sabbath
Song: Neon Knights (off Heaven and Hell, 1980)

(music video) Black Sabbath - Neon Knights (Official Music Video)
(live version) Black Sabbath - Neon Knights Live In N.Y. 1980

Circles and rings, dragons and kings
Weaving a charm and a spell
Blessed by the night, holy and bright
Called by the toll of the bell

This is the type of song that grabs you right from the beginning. The hard-charging drums, the smooth guitar licks and, yes, that powerful voice of Ronnie James Dio starting high-energy and rarely tapering off. This has become one of better known and loved songs for both Dio and Black Sabbath.

Not bad for a song that almost didn’t make it. This was the last song written for the album, penned and recorded in January for the album’s release in 1980. At the time, it was seen more as a song to fill out the time of the first side of the album, thus partially explaining its runtime being under four minutes.

–
Next on the countdown, it’s not a blessing and it’s not quite “Rains”, but it is down in Africa.

This song still melts faces. I bought this album on, IIRC, on 8 track when it came out. Loved pretty much the whole thing.

 

[Scoresman]

The Tea Party - #9 Fire in the Head​

Now that sandwich ranking and Fantasy draft are pretty much ending, I can start doing writeups again. It also helps that we're starting to get to their better stuff.

Fire in the Head is the opening track from probably their best album, The Edges of Twilight. This one features a broken Mellotron and lyrically is influenced by Tom Cowan's book "Fire in the Head". I just think it's a pretty good banger.

 

[falguy]

Round #9

Interesting round. Typically I've added a few from the first 8 artists. In this case I didn't have my first new favorite until...

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams with Look Around

also
Dancing Days by STP - a staple
Roxy Music's More Than This - another staple
Into Dust - Mazzy Star. So simple with the basic acoustic guitar but still loved it
No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem - another good one by Kenny C.
YOu've Got Another Thing Coming. I'm not a big JP fan but would have expected this in the top 5, at least.
People Are Strange - The Doors.

The only new-to-me's that I added were Look Around and Into Dust.

April Wine - Tonite. Firstly, I love the bass in this one, it really sticks out to me. Even above the guitar.
It's an interesting song as it feels like it's 2 songs blended together. You have the first 1:16, then a jam while showing off their musicianship until 2:30, then transition via a solo back to the original. Just a cool song, IMO.

Still need to go back and do the 12's

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

whoa ...

would have NEVER guessed that was Springsteen.

 

[Eephus]

I'm finally almost caught up so I can post a couple of write-ups.

Strand of Oaks #10 - Cry - Alt Version (2018)

Tim Showalter isn't the best singer, songwriter or guitar player in this thread. And he's certainly isn't one of the most successful. But the reason I picked Strand of Oaks and have enjoyed writing him up is that he's an artist whose music is always a reflection of what's going on with him personally.

"Cry" is another song that comes out of the Showalters' complicated relationship. It's perhaps the saddest and most desperate song he's ever recorded. This is a demo that eventually found release on the Harder Love outtakes compilation. The version on the album strips down the arrangement to just falsetto howling over stark piano chords with some barely audible phone conversation between Sue and Tim tacked on the end. It's almost too painful to listen to and I think the demo is better and more fully realized.

Cry - Alt Version

Song · Strand of Oaks · 2018

open.spotify.com

 

[zamboni]

whoa ...

would have NEVER guessed that was Springsteen.

Indeed, although he does have that same taking a dump facial expression he had in the “We Are The World” video (among others).

 

[Eephus]

Strand of Oaks #9 - Rest of It (2017)

A few weeks back during the Olympics, Strand of Oaks posted an old picture to his socials. It was of a younger, more crazed looking version of Tim with a real gold medal from the London games slung around his neck. He captioned it GOLD MEDAL FOR PARTYING - 2014-2019.

"Rest of It" sits somewhere in the middle of his wildest years. It's the rockinest song on his rockinest record and reminds me a bit of The Replacements in all their trash and splendor. I've probably put this one too high but it got stuck in my head during the ranking process.

You were my reason
To get wasted
My looks and charms are fading
Some people say, I've been kinda losing it
Baby don't run away, you can get the rest of it

Rest of It

Strand of Oaks · Hard Love · Song · 2017

open.spotify.com

 

[Zegras11]

ndeed, although he does have that same taking a dump facial expression he had in the “We Are The World” video (among others).

I thought he was giving birth in many of his songs

 

[Yo Mama]

Strand of Oaks #9 - Rest of It (2017)

A few weeks back during the Olympics, Strand of Oaks posted an old picture to his socials. It was of a younger, more crazed looking version of Tim with a real gold medal from the London games slung around his neck. He captioned it GOLD MEDAL FOR PARTYING - 2014-2019.

"Rest of It" sits somewhere in the middle of his wildest years. It's the rockinest song on his rockinest record and reminds me a bit of The Replacements in all their trash and splendor. I've probably put this one too high but it got stuck in my head during the ranking process.

You were my reason
To get wasted
My looks and charms are fading
Some people say, I've been kinda losing it
Baby don't run away, you can get the rest of it

Rest of It

Strand of Oaks · Hard Love · Song · 2017

open.spotify.com

This song reminded me a bit of either The Alarm or The Replacements (edit, just reread and saw the Replacements comparison above).

 

[Eephus]

Strand of Oaks #9 - Rest of It (2017)

A few weeks back during the Olympics, Strand of Oaks posted an old picture to his socials. It was of a younger, more crazed looking version of Tim with a real gold medal from the London games slung around his neck. He captioned it GOLD MEDAL FOR PARTYING - 2014-2019.

"Rest of It" sits somewhere in the middle of his wildest years. It's the rockinest song on his rockinest record and reminds me a bit of The Replacements in all their trash and splendor. I've probably put this one too high but it got stuck in my head during the ranking process.

You were my reason
To get wasted
My looks and charms are fading
Some people say, I've been kinda losing it
Baby don't run away, you can get the rest of it

Rest of It

Strand of Oaks · Hard Love · Song · 2017

open.spotify.com

This song reminded me a bit of either The Alarm or The Replacements (edit, just reread and saw the Replacements comparison above).

He's covered "Alex Chilton" in concert (but not in German)

- 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

 

[Leroy Hoard]

ndeed, although he does have that same taking a dump facial expression he had in the “We Are The World” video (among others).

I thought he was giving birth in many of his songs

So Born In The USA was really about him giving birth.

 

[KarmaPolice]

That might've been the best round yet.

The 9's

Medal Stand
Gold DMB- Warehouse, not #1 but definitely a top 5 DMB'er, starting to think some of mine may not make the cut too!
Silver STP- Dancing Days, always will be one of the greatest covers I've ever heard
Bronze Fanny- Ain't That Peculiar, that slide
Honorable Mention1 So many under represented heartsmashes- Curtis Mayfield, Mitski, Strand of Oaks, Mazzy Star, Albini, Dio, April Wine...what a round. Oaks medal stand snub may have been the biggest one yet.
Honorable Mention2 Had no idea that was the Beach Boys til I alt-tab'd over to heartsmash

I am starting to think Yo Mama was lying to me.

 

[Yo Mama]

That might've been the best round yet.

The 9's

Medal Stand
Gold DMB- Warehouse, not #1 but definitely a top 5 DMB'er, starting to think some of mine may not make the cut too!
Silver STP- Dancing Days, always will be one of the greatest covers I've ever heard
Bronze Fanny- Ain't That Peculiar, that slide
Honorable Mention1 So many under represented heartsmashes- Curtis Mayfield, Mitski, Strand of Oaks, Mazzy Star, Albini, Dio, April Wine...what a round. Oaks medal stand snub may have been the biggest one yet.
Honorable Mention2 Had no idea that was the Beach Boys til I alt-tab'd over to heartsmash

I am starting to think Yo Mama was lying to me.

Never!

 

[simey]

10 mentions for list 9. I like much more than these, but I'm keeping it short tonight.

- "More Than This" is one of my favorite pop rock songs of the 80s. His vocals just float with the music. So great.
- "You've Got Another Thing Coming" is one of my favorite metal songs. Is it hard rock or heavy metal?
- I love the xylophone on "Grey Matter." All three songs just listed are from 1982.
- Let's stay in the 80s with "In Between Days." This song and album remind me of college, and so does the album art.
- "Rest of It" is a rockin' noisy tune.
- Dig dat bass in "Watch Song."
- I find peace in "Into Dust."
- I like that slide on "Ain't That Peculiar."
- Sweet's harmonies are sweet on "Fever of Love."
- Closing this out with some more 80s. Black Sabbath puts the pedal to heavy metal in "Neon Nights.

 

[Mt. Man]

Into the single digits, starting with the naughty #9s. Well, not all naughty, but listener discretion is definitely advised for a few of the songs. Besides, you know, any excuse for a Schoolhouse Rock reference. That said, it was another great listen, to be sure!

Selected (and shuffled) #9s:
Blue Skies - Blue October
Pusherman - Curtis Mayfield
Fatal Shore - Andrew Bird
Reasons - Earth, Wind & Fire
No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems - Kenny Chesney
There’s Too Much Love - Belle and Sebastian
People Are Strange - The Doors. Probably my #1 from them.
You’ve Got Another Thing Coming - Judas Priest. It had to be tempting to put this higher, but I get why it’s not.
Into Dust - Mazzy Star
It’s About Time - The Beach Boys
Look Around - Slambovian Circus of Dreams
In Between Days - The Cure

Shuffle Adventures:
Hmm. I had a couple of candidates here. But let me go with Mitski’s captivating “Bug Like an Angel” that was followed by Sweet’s “Fever of Love”. The latter even mentions neon nights, if presumably without the “K”.

 

[-OZ-]

Added https://open.spotify.com/playlist/74xeu3u32SnORrXJ7IphSd?si=qc3bwCWcTXSBRNnc4FjIkw&pi=u-C7IEUsdGSn6Y

It might just be a mood thing, 9s didn’t hit quite as well as others have recently.

Known likes
Warehouse
No No
People are strange
In between days
You’ve got another thing coming

Unknown likes
Graffiti
More than this (great cover!)

 

[Eephus]

I'm feelin' so great
I'm feelin' so great
It's great to catch up
Right befoooore number eight