Middle Aged Dummies - Artist - Round 5 - #2's have been posted. Link in OP. (53 Viewers)

[Charlie Steiner]

2. Forget Me Not (Bad English, 1989)

*Editor's note: In my hurry to post my write-up about the previous song, Best of What I Got, it was written by Waite, Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon, and had its moment in the sun, as it was used over the closing credits of Tango and Cash.

Forget Me Not was written by Waite and Cain, along with professional songwriter/producer Mark Spiro. It was released as a single but failed to chart.

When the album came out, this song was the standout to me.

 

[Tau837]

Eric Clapton #2

Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight

"Wonderful Tonight" is a ballad written by Clapton and included on his 1977 album "Slowhand." It is a soft, romantic song that has become one of Clapton's most iconic tracks, known for its tender lyrics, gentle guitar work, and emotional depth. The song was inspired by Pattie Boyd, his girffriend at the time, who later became his wife. It peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978.

Clapton wrote the song for Boyd while waiting for her to get ready to attend Paul and Linda McCartney's annual Buddy Holly party. Boyd was taking a long time to get ready, and Clapton, feeling impatient, started to write the lyrics, which are a simple but heartfelt expression of admiration and love for her. The song captures a moment of genuine affection, and its simplicity and beauty have made it a timeless love song.

The lyrics focus on a moment of appreciation for a loved one. The song describes Clapton’s thoughts as he watches Boyd get ready, marveling at how beautiful she is. It’s a reflection on the joy of love and the way simple moments can become precious memories. For this reason, this became a favorite song for my wife and me, since I have always seen her the same way.

The guitar playing is subtle, gentle, and melodic, providing a soft backdrop to the lyrics. Clapton's use of chord progressions and fingerpicking gives the song a warm, acoustic feel, enhancing its romantic tone. The guitar solo toward the middle of the song is one of Clapton’s most tasteful and simple solos. It’s melodic, slow, and emotional, using slow bends and smooth vibrato to perfectly match the song’s mood.

For the countdown, I chose the live version from Clapton's "24 Nights" album. It features a more acoustic-oriented arrangement, with cleaner, softer tones from the guitar, allowing for the emotional quality of the song to shine through. The acoustic elements make the performance feel more intimate and personal, fitting the theme of the song.

The song's lyrical simplicity is one of its greatest strengths. It’s not a complicated song, but it captures the essence of a genuine, heartfelt moment. While the song is deeply personal, it also has a universal quality. The feelings of love, admiration, and appreciation it expresses are ones that nearly everyone can relate to, making it a timeless classic.

 

[Yo Mama]

Eric Clapton #2

Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight

"Wonderful Tonight" is a ballad written by Clapton and included on his 1977 album "Slowhand." It is a soft, romantic song that has become one of Clapton's most iconic tracks, known for its tender lyrics, gentle guitar work, and emotional depth. The song was inspired by Pattie Boyd, his girffriend at the time, who later became his wife. It peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978.

Clapton wrote the song for Boyd while waiting for her to get ready to attend Paul and Linda McCartney's annual Buddy Holly party. Boyd was taking a long time to get ready, and Clapton, feeling impatient, started to write the lyrics, which are a simple but heartfelt expression of admiration and love for her. The song captures a moment of genuine affection, and its simplicity and beauty have made it a timeless love song.

The lyrics focus on a moment of appreciation for a loved one. The song describes Clapton’s thoughts as he watches Boyd get ready, marveling at how beautiful she is. It’s a reflection on the joy of love and the way simple moments can become precious memories. For this reason, this became a favorite song for my wife and me, since I have always seen her the same way.

The guitar playing is subtle, gentle, and melodic, providing a soft backdrop to the lyrics. Clapton's use of chord progressions and fingerpicking gives the song a warm, acoustic feel, enhancing its romantic tone. The guitar solo toward the middle of the song is one of Clapton’s most tasteful and simple solos. It’s melodic, slow, and emotional, using slow bends and smooth vibrato to perfectly match the song’s mood.

For the countdown, I chose the live version from Clapton's "24 Nights" album. It features a more acoustic-oriented arrangement, with cleaner, softer tones from the guitar, allowing for the emotional quality of the song to shine through. The acoustic elements make the performance feel more intimate and personal, fitting the theme of the song.

The song's lyrical simplicity is one of its greatest strengths. It’s not a complicated song, but it captures the essence of a genuine, heartfelt moment. While the song is deeply personal, it also has a universal quality. The feelings of love, admiration, and appreciation it expresses are ones that nearly everyone can relate to, making it a timeless classic.

This was the song for our first dance at my wedding. I wanted it to be I Need Love by LL Cool J, but my wife thankfully won that debate.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#2 - Otis Redding - Try a Little Tenderness​

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Try a Little Tenderness

Otis Redding · Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul · Song · 1966

open.spotify.com

Comments sometimes from Wikipedia

JML Rank - #4
Krista4 Rank - #4
Uruk-Hai Rank - #3
Album - Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul, or simply Dictionary of Soul
Recorded - Sep 13 1966
Is this a Cover? - Yes
Songwriter - Jimmy Campbell, Reginald Connelly, Harry M. Woods
Notable Covers - Bing Crosby 1933, Frank Sinatra 1946, Milton Berle 1957, Sammy Davis Jr 1958, Frankie Avalon 1959, Jacki Wilson 1961, Aretha Franklin 1962, Sam Cooke 1964, Percy Sledge 1966, Tom Jones 1970, Rod Stewart 1988, The Commitments 1991,

Comments - From wiki
The second single on this album, "Try a Little Tenderness", was written by English songwriter duo Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly, and American Tin Pan Alley songwriter Harry M. Woods in the early 30s, but it was not until February 1933 when bandleader and clarinetist Ted Lewis' version became a hit. The first version by a black artist was by Aretha Franklin, who recorded it in 1962 for her The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin.[5] Two years later, Sam Cooke recorded it as a part of a medley alongside Tin Pan Alley standard "For Sentimental Reasons" and "You Send Me" on his At The Copa. According to Cropper, Redding listened to the latter two songs but rearranged it with the help of pianist Hayes. Examples of what the latter arranged and introduced were the tree-part, contrapuntal horn line in the first seconds, which was inspired by Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" strings, and the cymbal break in the peak, which Hayes later featured on his "Theme from Shaft".[5]The song was recorded on September 13 and released on November 14, 1966, charting at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number 4 on the Hot R&B chart. Parts of the song were later mixed in the Grammy Award-winning "Otis" by hip-hop artists Jay-Z and Kanye West.

In the 1991 Irish film, The Commitments, the band performs the song in the style of Otis Redding. The version by The Commitments reached No. 13 in the Irish chart.[10]

In 2015, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Next Up - Only one left. What will it be?

 

[Uruk-Hai]

For simey and Uruk:

Please Mom and Dad, stop fighting:

Article in Slate asks why so many people hate Billy Joel and reviews his new doc

https://archive.is/LCzHw

Money quote:

“McCartney gushes that Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” is the one song he most wishes he’d written, an admission that made me wonder if he could have used more time to think.”

I don't expect someone who hates him to write an objective piece, but I will check out the documentary after both parts are out.

I told Uruk before this started that I'm not a Billy Joel super fan, but I am a fan of his music and very familiar with it, especially his 70s and early 80s stuff, and I was considering doing him in the MAD, because he (Uruk) can't stand him. I also told Uruk there would be a no thumper rule, so he could say what he wanted. Anyway, I was hoping Uruk aka Billy Hai, would start to like BJ a little better, but I don't think that has become a reality. I tried! It has been interesting for me learning more about BJ the musician and person when looking up what he said about his songs, life, and stuff like that. I listened to his music a lot in the 70s and early 80s, and I enjoy revisiting it sometimes in my adult years, but I never realized the depth of his talent until doing this. He was the sole writer of his music and lyrics, and he had a knack for pumping out some great melodies. I think he has earned and deserved the numerous accolades he has gotten in his lifetime regarding his music. He mastered his craft, and he made a lot of people happy singing along and making memories to his tunes. They were all in the mood for a melody, and he got them feelin' alright.

I think I said a thousand or so pages back in this thread that - at this point - I'm mostly running jive when it comes to Billy Joel. I'm too old and broken up to spend much energy on a bit, though I tried to manufacture it for the first dozen or so songs simey listed. I got called mean-spirited by one poster and then the news came out about Joel's health condition, so I just bowed out of commenting on them.

I understand why people buy his records. Let's leave it at that.

 

[rockaction]

For simey and Uruk:

Please Mom and Dad, stop fighting:

Article in Slate asks why so many people hate Billy Joel and reviews his new doc

https://archive.is/LCzHw

Money quote:

“McCartney gushes that Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” is the one song he most wishes he’d written, an admission that made me wonder if he could have used more time to think.”

I don't expect someone who hates him to write an objective piece, but I will check out the documentary after both parts are out.

I told Uruk before this started that I'm not a Billy Joel super fan, but I am a fan of his music and very familiar with it, especially his 70s and early 80s stuff, and I was considering doing him in the MAD, because he (Uruk) can't stand him. I also told Uruk there would be a no thumper rule, so he could say what he wanted. Anyway, I was hoping Uruk aka Billy Hai, would start to like BJ a little better, but I don't think that has become a reality. I tried! It has been interesting for me learning more about BJ the musician and person when looking up what he said about his songs, life, and stuff like that. I listened to his music a lot in the 70s and early 80s, and I enjoy revisiting it sometimes in my adult years, but I never realized the depth of his talent until doing this. He was the sole writer of his music and lyrics, and he had a knack for pumping out some great melodies. I think he has earned and deserved the numerous accolades he has gotten in his lifetime regarding his music. He mastered his craft, and he made a lot of people happy singing along and making memories to his tunes. They were all in the mood for a melody, and he got them feelin' alright.

I think I said a thousand or so pages back in this thread that - at this point - I'm mostly running jive when it comes to Billy Joel. I'm too old and broken up to spend much energy on a bit, though I tried to manufacture it for the first dozen or so songs simey listed. I got called mean-spirited by one poster and then the news came out about Joel's health condition, so I just bowed out of commenting on them.

I understand why people buy his records. Let's leave it at that.

Like I said, just kidding.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

#2 - Otis Redding - Try a Little Tenderness​

- YouTube

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Try a Little Tenderness

Otis Redding · Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul · Song · 1966

open.spotify.com

Comments sometimes from Wikipedia

JML Rank - #4
Krista4 Rank - #4
Uruk-Hai Rank - #3
Album - Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul, or simply Dictionary of Soul
Recorded - Sep 13 1966
Is this a Cover? - Yes
Songwriter - Jimmy Campbell, Reginald Connelly, Harry M. Woods
Notable Covers - Bing Crosby 1933, Frank Sinatra 1946, Milton Berle 1957, Sammy Davis Jr 1958, Frankie Avalon 1959, Jacki Wilson 1961, Aretha Franklin 1962, Sam Cooke 1964, Percy Sledge 1966, Tom Jones 1970, Rod Stewart 1988, The Commitments 1991,

Comments - From wiki
The second single on this album, "Try a Little Tenderness", was written by English songwriter duo Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly, and American Tin Pan Alley songwriter Harry M. Woods in the early 30s, but it was not until February 1933 when bandleader and clarinetist Ted Lewis' version became a hit. The first version by a black artist was by Aretha Franklin, who recorded it in 1962 for her The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin.[5] Two years later, Sam Cooke recorded it as a part of a medley alongside Tin Pan Alley standard "For Sentimental Reasons" and "You Send Me" on his At The Copa. According to Cropper, Redding listened to the latter two songs but rearranged it with the help of pianist Hayes. Examples of what the latter arranged and introduced were the tree-part, contrapuntal horn line in the first seconds, which was inspired by Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" strings, and the cymbal break in the peak, which Hayes later featured on his "Theme from Shaft".[5]The song was recorded on September 13 and released on November 14, 1966, charting at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number 4 on the Hot R&B chart. Parts of the song were later mixed in the Grammy Award-winning "Otis" by hip-hop artists Jay-Z and Kanye West.

In the 1991 Irish film, The Commitments, the band performs the song in the style of Otis Redding. The version by The Commitments reached No. 13 in the Irish chart.[10]

In 2015, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Next Up - Only one left. What will it be?

I bet if you asked 100 people who know this record if it was a cover, 99 would say "no".

 

[Uruk-Hai]

For simey and Uruk:

Please Mom and Dad, stop fighting:

Article in Slate asks why so many people hate Billy Joel and reviews his new doc

https://archive.is/LCzHw

Money quote:

“McCartney gushes that Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” is the one song he most wishes he’d written, an admission that made me wonder if he could have used more time to think.”

I don't expect someone who hates him to write an objective piece, but I will check out the documentary after both parts are out.

I told Uruk before this started that I'm not a Billy Joel super fan, but I am a fan of his music and very familiar with it, especially his 70s and early 80s stuff, and I was considering doing him in the MAD, because he (Uruk) can't stand him. I also told Uruk there would be a no thumper rule, so he could say what he wanted. Anyway, I was hoping Uruk aka Billy Hai, would start to like BJ a little better, but I don't think that has become a reality. I tried! It has been interesting for me learning more about BJ the musician and person when looking up what he said about his songs, life, and stuff like that. I listened to his music a lot in the 70s and early 80s, and I enjoy revisiting it sometimes in my adult years, but I never realized the depth of his talent until doing this. He was the sole writer of his music and lyrics, and he had a knack for pumping out some great melodies. I think he has earned and deserved the numerous accolades he has gotten in his lifetime regarding his music. He mastered his craft, and he made a lot of people happy singing along and making memories to his tunes. They were all in the mood for a melody, and he got them feelin' alright.

I think I said a thousand or so pages back in this thread that - at this point - I'm mostly running jive when it comes to Billy Joel. I'm too old and broken up to spend much energy on a bit, though I tried to manufacture it for the first dozen or so songs simey listed. I got called mean-spirited by one poster and then the news came out about Joel's health condition, so I just bowed out of commenting on them.

I understand why people buy his records. Let's leave it at that.

Like I said, just kidding.

No worries here, my friend. It's all good. I just was a little stung by another poster who didn't understand what I was doing.

 

[KarmaPolice]

#2 - Otis Redding - Try a Little Tenderness​

- YouTube

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Try a Little Tenderness

Otis Redding · Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul · Song · 1966

open.spotify.com

Comments sometimes from Wikipedia

JML Rank - #4
Krista4 Rank - #4
Uruk-Hai Rank - #3
Album - Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul, or simply Dictionary of Soul
Recorded - Sep 13 1966
Is this a Cover? - Yes
Songwriter - Jimmy Campbell, Reginald Connelly, Harry M. Woods
Notable Covers - Bing Crosby 1933, Frank Sinatra 1946, Milton Berle 1957, Sammy Davis Jr 1958, Frankie Avalon 1959, Jacki Wilson 1961, Aretha Franklin 1962, Sam Cooke 1964, Percy Sledge 1966, Tom Jones 1970, Rod Stewart 1988, The Commitments 1991,

Comments - From wiki
The second single on this album, "Try a Little Tenderness", was written by English songwriter duo Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly, and American Tin Pan Alley songwriter Harry M. Woods in the early 30s, but it was not until February 1933 when bandleader and clarinetist Ted Lewis' version became a hit. The first version by a black artist was by Aretha Franklin, who recorded it in 1962 for her The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin.[5] Two years later, Sam Cooke recorded it as a part of a medley alongside Tin Pan Alley standard "For Sentimental Reasons" and "You Send Me" on his At The Copa. According to Cropper, Redding listened to the latter two songs but rearranged it with the help of pianist Hayes. Examples of what the latter arranged and introduced were the tree-part, contrapuntal horn line in the first seconds, which was inspired by Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" strings, and the cymbal break in the peak, which Hayes later featured on his "Theme from Shaft".[5]The song was recorded on September 13 and released on November 14, 1966, charting at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number 4 on the Hot R&B chart. Parts of the song were later mixed in the Grammy Award-winning "Otis" by hip-hop artists Jay-Z and Kanye West.

In the 1991 Irish film, The Commitments, the band performs the song in the style of Otis Redding. The version by The Commitments reached No. 13 in the Irish chart.[10]

In 2015, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Next Up - Only one left. What will it be?

I bet if you asked 100 people who know this record if it was a cover, 99 would say "no".

At this point i just assume 1/2 the songs from the 60s and earlier are covers or written by others.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#2 - Otis Redding - Try a Little Tenderness​

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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Try a Little Tenderness

Otis Redding · Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul · Song · 1966

open.spotify.com

Comments sometimes from Wikipedia

JML Rank - #4
Krista4 Rank - #4
Uruk-Hai Rank - #3
Album - Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul, or simply Dictionary of Soul
Recorded - Sep 13 1966
Is this a Cover? - Yes
Songwriter - Jimmy Campbell, Reginald Connelly, Harry M. Woods
Notable Covers - Bing Crosby 1933, Frank Sinatra 1946, Milton Berle 1957, Sammy Davis Jr 1958, Frankie Avalon 1959, Jacki Wilson 1961, Aretha Franklin 1962, Sam Cooke 1964, Percy Sledge 1966, Tom Jones 1970, Rod Stewart 1988, The Commitments 1991,

Comments - From wiki
The second single on this album, "Try a Little Tenderness", was written by English songwriter duo Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly, and American Tin Pan Alley songwriter Harry M. Woods in the early 30s, but it was not until February 1933 when bandleader and clarinetist Ted Lewis' version became a hit. The first version by a black artist was by Aretha Franklin, who recorded it in 1962 for her The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin.[5] Two years later, Sam Cooke recorded it as a part of a medley alongside Tin Pan Alley standard "For Sentimental Reasons" and "You Send Me" on his At The Copa. According to Cropper, Redding listened to the latter two songs but rearranged it with the help of pianist Hayes. Examples of what the latter arranged and introduced were the tree-part, contrapuntal horn line in the first seconds, which was inspired by Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" strings, and the cymbal break in the peak, which Hayes later featured on his "Theme from Shaft".[5]The song was recorded on September 13 and released on November 14, 1966, charting at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number 4 on the Hot R&B chart. Parts of the song were later mixed in the Grammy Award-winning "Otis" by hip-hop artists Jay-Z and Kanye West.

In the 1991 Irish film, The Commitments, the band performs the song in the style of Otis Redding. The version by The Commitments reached No. 13 in the Irish chart.[10]

In 2015, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Next Up - Only one left. What will it be?

I bet if you asked 100 people who know this record if it was a cover, 99 would say "no".

What shocked me is it was written in the 30s and recorded by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr etc
Then it got rearranged and made to sound like this.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

#2 - Otis Redding - Try a Little Tenderness​

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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Try a Little Tenderness

Otis Redding · Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul · Song · 1966

open.spotify.com

Comments sometimes from Wikipedia

JML Rank - #4
Krista4 Rank - #4
Uruk-Hai Rank - #3
Album - Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul, or simply Dictionary of Soul
Recorded - Sep 13 1966
Is this a Cover? - Yes
Songwriter - Jimmy Campbell, Reginald Connelly, Harry M. Woods
Notable Covers - Bing Crosby 1933, Frank Sinatra 1946, Milton Berle 1957, Sammy Davis Jr 1958, Frankie Avalon 1959, Jacki Wilson 1961, Aretha Franklin 1962, Sam Cooke 1964, Percy Sledge 1966, Tom Jones 1970, Rod Stewart 1988, The Commitments 1991,

Comments - From wiki
The second single on this album, "Try a Little Tenderness", was written by English songwriter duo Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly, and American Tin Pan Alley songwriter Harry M. Woods in the early 30s, but it was not until February 1933 when bandleader and clarinetist Ted Lewis' version became a hit. The first version by a black artist was by Aretha Franklin, who recorded it in 1962 for her The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin.[5] Two years later, Sam Cooke recorded it as a part of a medley alongside Tin Pan Alley standard "For Sentimental Reasons" and "You Send Me" on his At The Copa. According to Cropper, Redding listened to the latter two songs but rearranged it with the help of pianist Hayes. Examples of what the latter arranged and introduced were the tree-part, contrapuntal horn line in the first seconds, which was inspired by Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" strings, and the cymbal break in the peak, which Hayes later featured on his "Theme from Shaft".[5]The song was recorded on September 13 and released on November 14, 1966, charting at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number 4 on the Hot R&B chart. Parts of the song were later mixed in the Grammy Award-winning "Otis" by hip-hop artists Jay-Z and Kanye West.

In the 1991 Irish film, The Commitments, the band performs the song in the style of Otis Redding. The version by The Commitments reached No. 13 in the Irish chart.[10]

In 2015, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Next Up - Only one left. What will it be?

I bet if you asked 100 people who know this record if it was a cover, 99 would say "no".

At this point i just assume 1/2 the songs from the 60s and earlier are covers or written by others.

No offense, but that's a horrible assumption.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#2 - Otis Redding - Try a Little Tenderness​

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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Try a Little Tenderness

Otis Redding · Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul · Song · 1966

open.spotify.com

Comments sometimes from Wikipedia

JML Rank - #4
Krista4 Rank - #4
Uruk-Hai Rank - #3
Album - Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul, or simply Dictionary of Soul
Recorded - Sep 13 1966
Is this a Cover? - Yes
Songwriter - Jimmy Campbell, Reginald Connelly, Harry M. Woods
Notable Covers - Bing Crosby 1933, Frank Sinatra 1946, Milton Berle 1957, Sammy Davis Jr 1958, Frankie Avalon 1959, Jacki Wilson 1961, Aretha Franklin 1962, Sam Cooke 1964, Percy Sledge 1966, Tom Jones 1970, Rod Stewart 1988, The Commitments 1991,

Comments - From wiki
The second single on this album, "Try a Little Tenderness", was written by English songwriter duo Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly, and American Tin Pan Alley songwriter Harry M. Woods in the early 30s, but it was not until February 1933 when bandleader and clarinetist Ted Lewis' version became a hit. The first version by a black artist was by Aretha Franklin, who recorded it in 1962 for her The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin.[5] Two years later, Sam Cooke recorded it as a part of a medley alongside Tin Pan Alley standard "For Sentimental Reasons" and "You Send Me" on his At The Copa. According to Cropper, Redding listened to the latter two songs but rearranged it with the help of pianist Hayes. Examples of what the latter arranged and introduced were the tree-part, contrapuntal horn line in the first seconds, which was inspired by Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" strings, and the cymbal break in the peak, which Hayes later featured on his "Theme from Shaft".[5]The song was recorded on September 13 and released on November 14, 1966, charting at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number 4 on the Hot R&B chart. Parts of the song were later mixed in the Grammy Award-winning "Otis" by hip-hop artists Jay-Z and Kanye West.

In the 1991 Irish film, The Commitments, the band performs the song in the style of Otis Redding. The version by The Commitments reached No. 13 in the Irish chart.[10]

In 2015, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Next Up - Only one left. What will it be?

I bet if you asked 100 people who know this record if it was a cover, 99 would say "no".

At this point i just assume 1/2 the songs from the 60s and earlier are covers or written by others.

Stax and a whole bunch of labels would have their songwriting teams and then get their roster artists to try them out. They released whatever version sounded best to them.
Some artists took a shine to the songs and released them as well anyway.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

#2 - Otis Redding - Try a Little Tenderness​

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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Try a Little Tenderness

Otis Redding · Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul · Song · 1966

open.spotify.com

Comments sometimes from Wikipedia

JML Rank - #4
Krista4 Rank - #4
Uruk-Hai Rank - #3
Album - Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul, or simply Dictionary of Soul
Recorded - Sep 13 1966
Is this a Cover? - Yes
Songwriter - Jimmy Campbell, Reginald Connelly, Harry M. Woods
Notable Covers - Bing Crosby 1933, Frank Sinatra 1946, Milton Berle 1957, Sammy Davis Jr 1958, Frankie Avalon 1959, Jacki Wilson 1961, Aretha Franklin 1962, Sam Cooke 1964, Percy Sledge 1966, Tom Jones 1970, Rod Stewart 1988, The Commitments 1991,

Comments - From wiki
The second single on this album, "Try a Little Tenderness", was written by English songwriter duo Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly, and American Tin Pan Alley songwriter Harry M. Woods in the early 30s, but it was not until February 1933 when bandleader and clarinetist Ted Lewis' version became a hit. The first version by a black artist was by Aretha Franklin, who recorded it in 1962 for her The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin.[5] Two years later, Sam Cooke recorded it as a part of a medley alongside Tin Pan Alley standard "For Sentimental Reasons" and "You Send Me" on his At The Copa. According to Cropper, Redding listened to the latter two songs but rearranged it with the help of pianist Hayes. Examples of what the latter arranged and introduced were the tree-part, contrapuntal horn line in the first seconds, which was inspired by Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" strings, and the cymbal break in the peak, which Hayes later featured on his "Theme from Shaft".[5]The song was recorded on September 13 and released on November 14, 1966, charting at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number 4 on the Hot R&B chart. Parts of the song were later mixed in the Grammy Award-winning "Otis" by hip-hop artists Jay-Z and Kanye West.

In the 1991 Irish film, The Commitments, the band performs the song in the style of Otis Redding. The version by The Commitments reached No. 13 in the Irish chart.[10]

In 2015, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Next Up - Only one left. What will it be?

I bet if you asked 100 people who know this record if it was a cover, 99 would say "no".

At this point i just assume 1/2 the songs from the 60s and earlier are covers or written by others.

Stax and a whole bunch of labels would have their songwriting teams and then get their roster artists to try them out. They released whatever version sounded best to them.
Some artists took a shine to the songs and released them as well anyway.

Motown was (in)famous for doing this.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Bing Crosby - Try a Little Tenderness

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m.youtube.com

My fave youtube comment
“I kept waiting for the part where he says "gotta gotta nanana gotta try a little tenderness"

 

[KarmaPolice]

#2 - Otis Redding - Try a Little Tenderness​

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

m.youtube.com

Try a Little Tenderness

Otis Redding · Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul · Song · 1966

open.spotify.com

Comments sometimes from Wikipedia

JML Rank - #4
Krista4 Rank - #4
Uruk-Hai Rank - #3
Album - Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul, or simply Dictionary of Soul
Recorded - Sep 13 1966
Is this a Cover? - Yes
Songwriter - Jimmy Campbell, Reginald Connelly, Harry M. Woods
Notable Covers - Bing Crosby 1933, Frank Sinatra 1946, Milton Berle 1957, Sammy Davis Jr 1958, Frankie Avalon 1959, Jacki Wilson 1961, Aretha Franklin 1962, Sam Cooke 1964, Percy Sledge 1966, Tom Jones 1970, Rod Stewart 1988, The Commitments 1991,

Comments - From wiki
The second single on this album, "Try a Little Tenderness", was written by English songwriter duo Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly, and American Tin Pan Alley songwriter Harry M. Woods in the early 30s, but it was not until February 1933 when bandleader and clarinetist Ted Lewis' version became a hit. The first version by a black artist was by Aretha Franklin, who recorded it in 1962 for her The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin.[5] Two years later, Sam Cooke recorded it as a part of a medley alongside Tin Pan Alley standard "For Sentimental Reasons" and "You Send Me" on his At The Copa. According to Cropper, Redding listened to the latter two songs but rearranged it with the help of pianist Hayes. Examples of what the latter arranged and introduced were the tree-part, contrapuntal horn line in the first seconds, which was inspired by Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" strings, and the cymbal break in the peak, which Hayes later featured on his "Theme from Shaft".[5]The song was recorded on September 13 and released on November 14, 1966, charting at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number 4 on the Hot R&B chart. Parts of the song were later mixed in the Grammy Award-winning "Otis" by hip-hop artists Jay-Z and Kanye West.

In the 1991 Irish film, The Commitments, the band performs the song in the style of Otis Redding. The version by The Commitments reached No. 13 in the Irish chart.[10]

In 2015, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Next Up - Only one left. What will it be?

I bet if you asked 100 people who know this record if it was a cover, 99 would say "no".

At this point i just assume 1/2 the songs from the 60s and earlier are covers or written by others.

No offense, but that's a horrible assumption.

Probably. Less disappointed that way though.

 

[Charlie Steiner]

Best listened to on a quadraphonic blaubunkt.

 

[simey]

Also, I know the deal between you and Uruk. I was following a bit. I was just joshing.

I knew you were kidding with the mom and dad stuff, but I wasn't sure if you knew why I chose BJ for this MAD. I've gotten used to my avatar, but I got used to Jerry Jeff and Ray, too. Billy has big eyes. My best friend in junior high/high school had big eyes like him, and when she would sleep at night they never closed completely, and it would look like she was peeking through her eyes.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

For simey and Uruk:

Please Mom and Dad, stop fighting:

Article in Slate asks why so many people hate Billy Joel and reviews his new doc

https://archive.is/LCzHw

Money quote:

“McCartney gushes that Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” is the one song he most wishes he’d written, an admission that made me wonder if he could have used more time to think.”

The author should let us know the next time Paul McCartney gives him a major compliment.

 

[Eephus]

Save It For Later

This was the band’s most popular and most financially successful song. It’s been tons of movies - Kingpin, Big Daddy, Funny People, Hot Tub Time Machine, Spider-Man Homecoming, 200 Cigarettes (Harvey Danger cover version), and a bunch more. Eddie Vedder has a great cover that was used in an episode The Bear.

The Harvey Danger cover version sent me down a YouTube rabbit hole. The especially chintzy 90s snare was worthwhile because it sent me off searching for 200 Cigarettes. It's one of those movies with very complicated soundtrack licensing issues so it's never been available for streaming as far as I can remember. I found a 720p print of the full movie on YouTube of all places. It's been up for six days and probably won't be available for long.

It's not a good movie but it's still kind of a hoot to watch. What can you say about a movie that starts with Dave Chappelle, Courtney Love and Paul Rudd in the same taxi?

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

 

[Pip's Invitation]

The English Beat Family Tree #2

Save It For Later

Or as the cheeky like to call it: Save It, Fellator

Artist - The English Beat
Album - Special Beat Service (1982)

This and my #1 are basically 1a and 1b in my rankings. While this song has more of a timeless sound, the other was more era-defining for me, which is why it got the ultimate edge for #1.

Love this song - hard to not feel good just hearing the upbeat tune. So good it even inspired a semi-recent FFA thread to honor its greatness.

This was the band’s most popular and most financially successful song. It’s been tons of movies - Kingpin, Big Daddy, Funny People, Hot Tub Time Machine, Spider-Man Homecoming, 200 Cigarettes (Harvey Danger cover version), and a bunch more. Eddie Vedder has a great cover that was used in an episode The Bear.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

It’s also one of Pete Townshend’s favorite songs. He even reached out to Dave Wakeling once to figure out the unique chords for the song - according to Dave: “I thought it was somebody making a joke. I picked up very sarcastically, 'Oh, hello Pete.' And he said, 'Oh, hello Dave, this is Peter Townshend here and I’m sitting with David Gilmour, and we're trying to work out your song 'Save It for Later,' but we can’t work out the tuning.' They presumed it was DADGAD as well, and couldn’t make it work, and so I had to explain that I’d made a mistake and it was not DADGAD, it was DADAAD. And he laughed and said, 'Oh, thank heavens for that! We've been breaking our fingers trying to get our hands around these chords.'"

Wakeling was invited to the show where the Townshend version made its live debut and got to meet Pete afterward.

 

[Mt. Man]

Fortunately I had time to really appreciate the #3s before falling too far behind:

Selected Favorites:
The Great Suburban Showdown - Billy Joel
Tiger Lily - Luna
Early In The Morning - The GAP Band
Tenderness - General Public (/The Beat)
Our Lips Are Sealed - The Go-gos (/Belinda Carlisle)
Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad - Meat Loaf
You In The Sky - The Waterboys
I’ve Been Loving You So Long - Otis Redding
Cure for This - Golden Smog
Best of What I Got - Bad English (/John Waite)
Mixed Bizness - Beck

Small spotlight:

While not exactly in my wheelhouse, there’s been a bit from the (produced by) Ferry Corsten playlist that just missed, along with the ones I featured. “Ligaya” has a bit of a buildup to it, or at least the middle section to the end is what I enjoyed most.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Eric Clapton #2

Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight

"Wonderful Tonight" is a ballad written by Clapton and included on his 1977 album "Slowhand." It is a soft, romantic song that has become one of Clapton's most iconic tracks, known for its tender lyrics, gentle guitar work, and emotional depth. The song was inspired by Pattie Boyd, his girffriend at the time, who later became his wife. It peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978.

Clapton wrote the song for Boyd while waiting for her to get ready to attend Paul and Linda McCartney's annual Buddy Holly party. Boyd was taking a long time to get ready, and Clapton, feeling impatient, started to write the lyrics, which are a simple but heartfelt expression of admiration and love for her. The song captures a moment of genuine affection, and its simplicity and beauty have made it a timeless love song.

The lyrics focus on a moment of appreciation for a loved one. The song describes Clapton’s thoughts as he watches Boyd get ready, marveling at how beautiful she is. It’s a reflection on the joy of love and the way simple moments can become precious memories. For this reason, this became a favorite song for my wife and me, since I have always seen her the same way.

The guitar playing is subtle, gentle, and melodic, providing a soft backdrop to the lyrics. Clapton's use of chord progressions and fingerpicking gives the song a warm, acoustic feel, enhancing its romantic tone. The guitar solo toward the middle of the song is one of Clapton’s most tasteful and simple solos. It’s melodic, slow, and emotional, using slow bends and smooth vibrato to perfectly match the song’s mood.

For the countdown, I chose the live version from Clapton's "24 Nights" album. It features a more acoustic-oriented arrangement, with cleaner, softer tones from the guitar, allowing for the emotional quality of the song to shine through. The acoustic elements make the performance feel more intimate and personal, fitting the theme of the song.

The song's lyrical simplicity is one of its greatest strengths. It’s not a complicated song, but it captures the essence of a genuine, heartfelt moment. While the song is deeply personal, it also has a universal quality. The feelings of love, admiration, and appreciation it expresses are ones that nearly everyone can relate to, making it a timeless classic.

This was the song for our first dance at my wedding. I wanted it to be I Need Love by LL Cool J, but my wife thankfully won that debate.

Wives are weird like that. Mine wouldn't let ours be Cetera's Glory of Love.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Eric Clapton #2

Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight

"Wonderful Tonight" is a ballad written by Clapton and included on his 1977 album "Slowhand." It is a soft, romantic song that has become one of Clapton's most iconic tracks, known for its tender lyrics, gentle guitar work, and emotional depth. The song was inspired by Pattie Boyd, his girffriend at the time, who later became his wife. It peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978.

Clapton wrote the song for Boyd while waiting for her to get ready to attend Paul and Linda McCartney's annual Buddy Holly party. Boyd was taking a long time to get ready, and Clapton, feeling impatient, started to write the lyrics, which are a simple but heartfelt expression of admiration and love for her. The song captures a moment of genuine affection, and its simplicity and beauty have made it a timeless love song.

The lyrics focus on a moment of appreciation for a loved one. The song describes Clapton’s thoughts as he watches Boyd get ready, marveling at how beautiful she is. It’s a reflection on the joy of love and the way simple moments can become precious memories. For this reason, this became a favorite song for my wife and me, since I have always seen her the same way.

The guitar playing is subtle, gentle, and melodic, providing a soft backdrop to the lyrics. Clapton's use of chord progressions and fingerpicking gives the song a warm, acoustic feel, enhancing its romantic tone. The guitar solo toward the middle of the song is one of Clapton’s most tasteful and simple solos. It’s melodic, slow, and emotional, using slow bends and smooth vibrato to perfectly match the song’s mood.

For the countdown, I chose the live version from Clapton's "24 Nights" album. It features a more acoustic-oriented arrangement, with cleaner, softer tones from the guitar, allowing for the emotional quality of the song to shine through. The acoustic elements make the performance feel more intimate and personal, fitting the theme of the song.

The song's lyrical simplicity is one of its greatest strengths. It’s not a complicated song, but it captures the essence of a genuine, heartfelt moment. While the song is deeply personal, it also has a universal quality. The feelings of love, admiration, and appreciation it expresses are ones that nearly everyone can relate to, making it a timeless classic.

This was the song for our first dance at my wedding. I wanted it to be I Need Love by LL Cool J, but my wife thankfully won that debate.

Wives are weird like that. Mine wouldn't let ours be Cetera's Glory of Love.

Weird or wicked smaht? That would have been the last song you ever heard. Ugh.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

2. Alone Again Or
Album: Forever Changes (1967)
Writer: Bryan MacLean
Lead vocals: Arthur Lee and Bryan MacLean

If you have heard only one song by Love, it's probably "Alone Again Or," the first track and only single from Forever Changes. Even though the vigorous acoustic strumming, shivering strings and trumpet solos were only employed by Arthur Lee and co. on this album, this song exemplifies what most people believe the Love sound to be. Yes, this song is probably the reason why Michael Head loves trumpet solos.

The song, originally titled "Alone Again," was written by Bryan MacLean for Love's debut album but not completed until the Forever Changes sessions. As Lee did with his songs, MacLean worked with arranger David Angel to come up with the horn and string parts that give the song its distinctive character. The music was inspired by Prokofiev's "Lieutenant Kije Suite" and the lyrics were inspired by a day where MacLean waited for his girlfriend to show up and she never did.

Yeah, said it's all right
I won't forget
All the times I've waited patiently for you
And you'll do just what you choose to do
And I will be alone again tonight my dear

Yeah, I heard a funny thing
Somebody said to me
You know that I could be in love with almost everyone
I think that people are
The greatest fun
And I will be alone again tonight my dear

(trumpet solo, repeat second verse)

"That was the happiest I ever was with anything we ever did as a band - the orchestral arrangement of that song," MacLean told music journalist Barney Hoskyns.

However, Lee and producer Bruce Botnick thought MacLean's vocal was weak, and moved Lee's unison vocal up higher in the mix. Lee also added "Or" to the title to make it more mysterious. Legend has it that MacLean listened to Forever Changes only once because he was so furious about the vocal mix on "Alone Again Or."

"Arthur wasn't even at the studio when we recorded 'Alone Again'," lead guitarist John Echols wrote on Facebook in 2023. "When he heard everyone saying what a great song it was, and how great Bryan's voice sounded, Arthur became jealous and decided to feature his voice on a record he had absolutely nothing to do with. To make matters worse, Arthur changed the title of Bryan's song. That was basically the beginning of the end for the group." Indeed, MacLean quit the group to pursue a solo career before Lee dissolved the Forever Changes lineup.

An edited version of "Alone Again Or" was released as a single concurrently with the album and failed to crack the Billboard Hot 100, though it was more successful in California, and when re-released in 1970 did slightly better at #99. Both single and album did better on the U.K. charts, as was typical for Love from 1967 on. Over the years the song has come to be recognized as a masterpiece, being named to the 2004 and 2010 versions of the Rolling Stone Garbage List, as well as the 2014 version of the NME Garbage List. "Alone Again Or" is the most-streamed Love song on Spotify, with more than 55 million listens.

The song got a visibility boost in 1987 when a cover by The Damned hit #27 on the UK singles chart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYVDN27CrOo, and in 1996 when it was used in the movies Bottle Rocket and Sleepers. It has also been covered by, among others, Calexico https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZkkbFUB-x0, UFO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXaP1ssixCc and Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYi-gDL0HH8.

There are no documented live performances of "Alone Again Or" before 1974, but it has been played consistently enough since then that it has the most known live performances of any Love song. It was played at both of my shows and I encourage you to check out the stellar performance on Later with Jools Holland in 2003 (linked below). It continues to be performed by The Love Band with Echols, including at their shows this spring.

Alternate mix: https://open.spotify.com/track/71eKgOaDKtK8l8EAzW2Ycy?si=ef0a866e23614b14

Mono single remix (bonus track on deluxe edition and on Alternate Mix and Outtakes version of album): https://open.spotify.com/track/1ylgRdxmhjc5LeZskmkJFN?si=6e9b7470ed5b4847

Live version from LA in 1978 with MacLean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noLNiNi3fQo

Live version from Liverpool in 1992 with Michael Head's Shack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFQfHKFIB0o

1992 Lee performance in an Amsterdam record store called Forever Changes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77NwmF1L7Ho

1992 Lee solo acoustic recording in an Amsterdam studio (appears on Coming Through to You: The Live Recordings (1970-2004)): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI8GLLg9Fpo

MacLean demo released on ifyoubelievein in 1997: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uoQ-SHKlZw

Live version from the Roskilde Festival in 2002 (appears on Coming Through to You: The Live Recordings (1970-2004)): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFFqSDjMbkM

Live version from London in 2003 (appears on The Forever Changes Concert): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiofBK6LwYc

Live version from the Glastonbury Festival in 2003: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpb7qiEMLy8

Live version on Later with Jules Holland in 2003: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdPLlxoT_as

Live version from the Glastonbury Festival in 2004: https://youtu.be/GJlbMpZgEKE?t=313

Live version from Exeter, UK in 2004: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03mOXO8caBQ

Live version from Falls Church, VA in 2004: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEn_t35Qohs

Studio re-recording in 2004 (with electric guitar solo instead of trumpet solo). Will we see this on Lee's final record due later this year?: https://youtu.be/m10V4-me7Xo?t=342

The Love Band with Echols live in Leeds in 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Wx-Hyb165c

At #1, young Pip checked out Love on a whim and this is the song that persuaded him to dig deeper.

 

[rockaction]

I encourage you to check out the stellar performance on Later with Jools Holland in 2003 (linked below).

Magic words. Will do.

eta* good stuff

 

[rockaction]

Eric Clapton #2

Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight

"Wonderful Tonight" is a ballad written by Clapton and included on his 1977 album "Slowhand." It is a soft, romantic song that has become one of Clapton's most iconic tracks, known for its tender lyrics, gentle guitar work, and emotional depth. The song was inspired by Pattie Boyd, his girffriend at the time, who later became his wife. It peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978.

Clapton wrote the song for Boyd while waiting for her to get ready to attend Paul and Linda McCartney's annual Buddy Holly party. Boyd was taking a long time to get ready, and Clapton, feeling impatient, started to write the lyrics, which are a simple but heartfelt expression of admiration and love for her. The song captures a moment of genuine affection, and its simplicity and beauty have made it a timeless love song.

The lyrics focus on a moment of appreciation for a loved one. The song describes Clapton’s thoughts as he watches Boyd get ready, marveling at how beautiful she is. It’s a reflection on the joy of love and the way simple moments can become precious memories. For this reason, this became a favorite song for my wife and me, since I have always seen her the same way.

The guitar playing is subtle, gentle, and melodic, providing a soft backdrop to the lyrics. Clapton's use of chord progressions and fingerpicking gives the song a warm, acoustic feel, enhancing its romantic tone. The guitar solo toward the middle of the song is one of Clapton’s most tasteful and simple solos. It’s melodic, slow, and emotional, using slow bends and smooth vibrato to perfectly match the song’s mood.

For the countdown, I chose the live version from Clapton's "24 Nights" album. It features a more acoustic-oriented arrangement, with cleaner, softer tones from the guitar, allowing for the emotional quality of the song to shine through. The acoustic elements make the performance feel more intimate and personal, fitting the theme of the song.

The song's lyrical simplicity is one of its greatest strengths. It’s not a complicated song, but it captures the essence of a genuine, heartfelt moment. While the song is deeply personal, it also has a universal quality. The feelings of love, admiration, and appreciation it expresses are ones that nearly everyone can relate to, making it a timeless classic.

This was the song for our first dance at my wedding. I wanted it to be I Need Love by LL Cool J, but my wife thankfully won that debate.

So freaking wrong. You have to get your game face on (Bobby Knight, anyone?) and set a tone (what am I using an indefinite article for? Shows weakness. Make it “the” tone) for your wedding reception. Otherwise everyone’s just there for the free booze and cake.

 

[Mt. Man]

MA-D Round 5: Metallica
#2: Master of Puppets
Album: Master of Puppets (1986)

(Youtube version) Master of Puppets (Remastered)
(S&M version ) Metallica - Master of Puppets (S&M) [HD]
(live version2) Metallica - Master of Puppets live Seattle 1989 (HD)

Master, master
Where's the dreams that I've been after?
Master, master
You promised only lies
Laughter, laughter
All I hear or see is laughter
Laughter, laughter
Laughing at my cries

—
Let’s start with the previous tease. For those not in the know, during the 4th season of Stranger Things, Eddie Munson performs (well, “performs”) “Master of Puppets”. Though that’s all I’ll say about it since, you know, spoiler territory. As for the other part? Well, it’s not much of a secret that this is a song about drug addiction. Lyrics like the above and “Taste me you will see / More is all you need / You're dedicated to / How I'm killing you” make that crystal clear.

Musically, this is a song that’s identifiable just from its first four notes. The guitar work is off the charts here. Right from the start through the whole song. Hammett provides a fantastic solo here, right up there in a long list of his best work. I'm tempted to break down the song bit by bit, but it'll just let those who haven't heard it experience it for themselves.

One live version was easy, as I had to include the S&M version. It’s hard not to stick with the original, but the orchestra definitely adds another layer, and the crowd’s fully into it. The other is just as notable (to me) for the “To Live is To Die” intro as the main song.

—

Next on the countdown, hmm, #31 was “Hit the Lights”. If only I could find a phrase that means the end of a show.

 

[rockaction]

Next on the countdown, hmm, #31 was “Hit the Lights”. If only I could find a phrase that means the end of a show.

Encore?

Encore

JAY-Z · The Black Album · Song · 2003

open.spotify.com

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Round 6 - You Don't Bring Me Flowers - Neil Diamond
This song was written by ND and Alan and Marilyn Bergman. Alan Bergman died July 17. (Marilyn died in 2022.) The husband and wife team won four Emmys, three oscars, and two Grammys.

The Way We Were

The Way We Were

Barbra Streisand · The Way We Were · Song · 1974

open.spotify.com

It Might Be You

It Might Be You

Stephen Bishop · Best of Bish · Song · 2022

open.spotify.com

Good Times theme

RIP

 

[KarmaPolice]

Eric Clapton #2

Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight

"Wonderful Tonight" is a ballad written by Clapton and included on his 1977 album "Slowhand." It is a soft, romantic song that has become one of Clapton's most iconic tracks, known for its tender lyrics, gentle guitar work, and emotional depth. The song was inspired by Pattie Boyd, his girffriend at the time, who later became his wife. It peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978.

Clapton wrote the song for Boyd while waiting for her to get ready to attend Paul and Linda McCartney's annual Buddy Holly party. Boyd was taking a long time to get ready, and Clapton, feeling impatient, started to write the lyrics, which are a simple but heartfelt expression of admiration and love for her. The song captures a moment of genuine affection, and its simplicity and beauty have made it a timeless love song.

The lyrics focus on a moment of appreciation for a loved one. The song describes Clapton’s thoughts as he watches Boyd get ready, marveling at how beautiful she is. It’s a reflection on the joy of love and the way simple moments can become precious memories. For this reason, this became a favorite song for my wife and me, since I have always seen her the same way.

The guitar playing is subtle, gentle, and melodic, providing a soft backdrop to the lyrics. Clapton's use of chord progressions and fingerpicking gives the song a warm, acoustic feel, enhancing its romantic tone. The guitar solo toward the middle of the song is one of Clapton’s most tasteful and simple solos. It’s melodic, slow, and emotional, using slow bends and smooth vibrato to perfectly match the song’s mood.

For the countdown, I chose the live version from Clapton's "24 Nights" album. It features a more acoustic-oriented arrangement, with cleaner, softer tones from the guitar, allowing for the emotional quality of the song to shine through. The acoustic elements make the performance feel more intimate and personal, fitting the theme of the song.

The song's lyrical simplicity is one of its greatest strengths. It’s not a complicated song, but it captures the essence of a genuine, heartfelt moment. While the song is deeply personal, it also has a universal quality. The feelings of love, admiration, and appreciation it expresses are ones that nearly everyone can relate to, making it a timeless classic.

This was the song for our first dance at my wedding. I wanted it to be I Need Love by LL Cool J, but my wife thankfully won that debate.

Wives are weird like that. Mine wouldn't let ours be Cetera's Glory of Love.

Weird or wicked smaht? That would have been the last song you ever heard. Ugh.

It would have been hella romantic when all the wedding guests whipped out their Okinawan hand drums!

 

[zamboni]

Round 6 - You Don't Bring Me Flowers - Neil Diamond
This song was written by ND and Alan and Marilyn Bergman. Alan Bergman died July 17. (Marilyn died in 2022.) The husband and wife team won four Emmys, three oscars, and two Grammys.

The Way We Were

The Way We Were

Barbra Streisand · The Way We Were · Song · 1974

open.spotify.com

It Might Be You

It Might Be You

Stephen Bishop · Best of Bish · Song · 2022

open.spotify.com

Good Times theme

RIP

Ain't we lucky we had 'em.

 

[KarmaPolice]

#2: PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS - DRINKING AND JIVIN'

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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Not really my 2nd favorite song, but I still love this song and it never fails to put a smile on my face. It was also one of the last songs they made before their last album, so I thought this was a fitting spot to put this B-side. I also wanted to end the playlist with some fun songs, since that is the main thrust of their personalities and music - have fun and chill with family and friends. We aren't here for a long time, so embrace it (very much a hint to the final song). Just a fun summer song perfect for a road trip.

Black folks barbecuin', Latinos are kickin' balls
It's a four mile hike to find a hidden waterfall
Baby this is America, my American dream
I went the whole day and didn't see a cellphone screen
And as we sat on some boat still warm from the day's sun
I put a Navajo rug around her shoulders and said, hun
Can you feel it?


Bag of full grass, and we misbehavin'
Hangin' with a hippy chick and she don't be shavin'
Got the Sugar Hill grill hangin' round the campfire
Here comes Thes One with the dude with big tires
We homies for hire, we pump up the jam
Enough beer to fill up the Hoover Dam
They say 'dammnnnn' The P is still killin' it,
The homie found some big game and we grillin' it


Dammit, that means the end is near and I have to stop dragging my feet and finally relisten to a Thes interview and watch a concert that he put on after Double passed. He made an instrumental album (I have heard him say he won't rap again) that was a tribute to Double in 2023. I was crying listening to the interview the first time, so I can imagine what this show is going to do. The things we do for our MAD31 research....

NEXT: what kind of rapper watches HGTV?

 

[KarmaPolice]

BECK

ALBUM #2: ODELAY
SONG: SISSYNECK

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

Such a fantastic album top to bottom, and definitely one of my favorites from the 90s. I had a handful of songs on this playlist, and I didn't even get to hits like The New Pollution and Where It's At or other personal favorites like Novacane and Hotwax. I've always loved the groove on Sissyneck and it's always been one of my favorites on the album.

Matchsticks strike when I'm riding my bike to the depot
'Cause everybody knows my name at the recreation center
If I could only find a nickel I would pay myself off tonight
'Cause nobody knows when the good times have passed out cold


NEXT: it was probably no secret what my #1 album is, but maybe there are enough good songs left that the song might be slightly unpredictable.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Smashing Pumpkins #2

Song: Soma
Album: Siamese Dream

Summary: On most days this is #1 for me. Simply put, I find it one of the most beautiful songs ever and it is also the song I played the most when going through a bout of depression in college. Corgan says the song "is based on the idea that a romantic relationship is almost the same as opium: it slowly puts you to sleep, it soothes you, and gives you the illusion of sureness and security." It was also acknowledged that this song was inspired by Corgan's break-up with his ex-wife, Chris Fabian. Soma has received strong accolades including being rated 24th in Rolling Stone's "The 25 Coolest Guitar Solos" and placed 41st in NME's "50 Greatest Guitar Solos" list.

Fun Facts: R.E.M.’s Mike Mills guests on piano and the song is said to have up to 40 overdubbed guitar tracks.

I'm all by myself
As I've always felt
I'll betray myself
To anyone, lost, anyone but you

Outstanding! Not enough s for this pick and Drown. I remember earlier in the countdown you hinted that you had a favorite that might be off the radar and I wondered if you liked Soma as much as I do based on other picks and interactions. This is my favorite from the album. I remember being in HS and laying on the floor in my bedroom and listening to this one over and over. I do have a Pumpkins 31 made (well, 42), but I didn't bother to rank them. Scanning my list, I think my top 10 would for sure include Soma, Drown, Porecelina, Snail, Rhinoceros, Hummer, Stand Inside Your Love, and that one song you didn't have on your Mellon Collie playlist. We have a ton of crossover, and I am really glad you tackled Billy and the Pumpkins. Sometimes in my listening I focus too much on whole careers, but this reminded me how much I love the early stuff and how important they were for shaping my music tastes.