Middle Aged Dummies - Artist - Round 5 - #3's have been posted. Link in OP. (29 Viewers)

[Pip's Invitation]

Round 8 - Free Man In Paris - Neil Diamond

Written by Joni Mitchell. From Wikipedia:

The song is about music agent/promoter David Geffen, a close friend of Mitchell in the early 1970s, and describes Geffen during a trip the two made to Paris with Robbie Robertson and Dominique Robertson. While Geffen is never mentioned by name, Mitchell describes how he works hard creating hits and launching careers but can find some peace while vacationing in Paris. Mitchell sings "I was a free man in Paris. I felt unfettered and alive. Nobody calling me up for favors. No one's future to decide."

This appears on ND's album I'm Glad You're Here With Me Tonight (1977).

I attended a Phish show where they covered this.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#8 - Otis Redding - Mr. Pitiful​

- YouTube

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Mr. Pitiful

Otis Redding · The Very Best of Otis Redding · Song · 1992

open.spotify.com

Comments sometimes from Wikipedia

JML Rank - #13
Krista4 Rank - #10 to 14
Uruk-Hai Rank - #8
Album - The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads
Recorded - December 1964
Is this a Cover? - No
Songwriter - Steve Cropper and Otis Redding
Notable Covers - Chris Farlowe, Phil Flowers, Beverley Simmons, Etta James, Delbert Mclinton and Ron Dels, Andrew Strong, Taj Mahal, The Rolling Stones, Carl Douglas
Comments - From wiki

The song was written by guitarist Steve Cropper and singer Otis Redding, his first collaboration with Cropper, as a response to a statement made by radio disc jockey Moohah Williams, when he nicknamed Redding as "Mr. Pitiful", because of sounding pitiful when singing ballads. Cropper heard this and had the idea to write a song with that name when taking a shower. Cropper then asked Redding in a car how he felt about this idea, and soon after they recorded the song in about 10 minutes.

More from songfacts
Songs like "Pain In My Heart" and "That's What My Heart Needs" earned Otis Redding a reputation as a man on the mend. Moohah Williams, a popular disc jockey at the Memphis radio station WDIA, took to calling Redding "Mr. Pitiful" in response. Redding's producer, Steve Cropper, got the idea to build a song around the concept, so they did, with Redding singing in persona as a downcast man constantly nursing a broken heart. In reality, Redding was quite the opposite: married since 1961, he was greatly admired and usually quite cheerful.

Next Up - Another cover, brilliant done by two different fantastic artists. Let the debate about who sung it better begin.

 

[Eephus]

Our holiday plans were very modest this year. Mrs. Eephus and I planned to snuggle on the couch and watch old movies with our tranquilized, stressed-out dog hiding between us. But her mom ended up in the hospital with some respiratory issues so I'm over at Grammy's house taking care of Papa instead. Lou will have to find someone else to stroke his chest.

Lou would really hate it over here because this neighborhood is fireworks central. At least at our house the fireworks are a few blocks away but over here there have been folks blowing them off a block away on both sides and it's not even dark yet.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

Our holiday plans were very modest this year. Mrs. Eephus and I planned to snuggle on the couch and watch old movies with our tranquilized, stressed-out dog hiding between us. But her mom ended up in the hospital with some respiratory issues so I'm over at Grammy's house taking care of Papa instead. Lou will have to find someone else to stroke his chest.

Lou would really hate it over here because this neighborhood is fireworks central. At least at our house the fireworks are a few blocks away but over here there have been folks blowing them off a block away on both sides and it's not even dark yet.

Best wishes to your MIL. Hope she recovers quickly.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

On the way home from family festivities, SiriusXM's Deep Tracks channel played "She Comes in Colors" (my #11) and The Move's cover of "Stephanie Knows Who" (my #20). I have rarely ever heard Love on the radio.

 

[Eephus]

Fireworks are nuts over here

 

[Pip's Invitation]

8. Orange Skies
Album: Da Capo (1966)
Writer: Bryan MacLean

Did Bryan MacLean and Arthur Lee invent twee pop?

"Orange Skies," the second track of Da Capo and the only song on the album written solely by MacLean, is about as blissed-out as it gets. Anchored by Tjay Cantrelli's flute and featuring one of the best uses of Lee's then-new "acid Mathis" voice (the band attempted the song with MacLean singing but decided Lee's voice was better suited to it), "Orange Skies" is one of the most carefree, summer-vibes songs you'll ever hear. And the lyrics make it obvious that this did not come from the tormented mind of Lee.

Orange skies
Carnivals and cotton candy and you
And I love you, too
You know I do

Nightingale
Prettier than anything in the world
And I love you, too
You know I do

Yeah, you make me happy
Laughing, glad, and full of glee
And you don't have to try, girl
For you it comes so naturally
Right here in my arms

MacLean said that it was the first song he ever wrote, in 1965 when he was a roadie for the Byrds, and that he based it on Roger McGuinn's guitar solo in "The Bells of Rhymney." Lead guitarist John Echols said that the original arrangement with MacLean singing was "much too choppy and show-tune-ish" and was reworked many times before taking on the jazzy arrangement that ended up on Da Capo. Even that version had a contentious recording process, as Echols said "they kept threatening to call Herbie Mann in because Tjay could not get this part right simply because we were out of tune ... we tuned up to this harpsichord and the harpsichord was off ... They thought it was his fault."

Two demo versions of "Orange Skies" were released in 1997 on ifyoubelievein, a collection of MacLean's demos for Elektra when he was trying to launch a solo career. The song has also been covered by MacLean's half-sister Maria McKee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZvv_tM5Vp4

"Orange Skies" was the B-side to "Stephanie Knows Who" (my #20) and then to "She Comes in Colors" (my #11) after the "Stephanie" single was withdrawn. It should have been an A-side; maybe it wasn't due to band politics? The song did gain airplay in LA, and Echols believes it might have been a hit if the band had better promotion from Elektra.

There are several documented live performances of "Orange Skies" between 1967 and 1978, and it has been performed pretty regularly since 1989, including at both my shows. It continues to be performed by The Love Band with Echols, including at their shows this spring.

MacLean demo version from ifyoubelievein (this sounds like David Crosby crossed with Ren Faire music): https://youtu.be/auRmonzH1Yw?t=320

Live version from "England" in 1970 (appears on The Blue Thumb Recordings): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTYQWT_o4GE

Live version from LA in 1978 with MacLean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syyi3l0xYew

Live version from Santa Monica, CA in 1990 (krista warning: saxophone): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwbwgYLMWws

Live version from Liverpool in 1992 with Michael Head's Shack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0p4bDBjtqw

Live version from Odense, Denmark in 1996 (appears on Coming Through to You: The Live Recordings (1970-2004)): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEytNkTOKlU

Live version from London in 2003 (appears on The Forever Changes Concert): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umqza0oxq8U

The Love Band with Echols live in London in 2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2oqP0VYi4A

At #7, my highest-ranked song that is not from any of the first three Love albums.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Nikki Sixx has come along way from Girls Girls Girls. This is my 2nd pick from Sixx:A.M.'s 2011, This is Gonna Hurt, Nikki's side project. I'm giving it pretty high praise at this spot. Had John been involved with The Heroin Diaries from 2007, I would have picked two more 6ams.

Lies of the Beautiful People is a statement against superficial beauty standards and the cruelty involved. 25 years after just about the most craven praise of superficial beauty (Girlsx3) Nikki's wised up. The lyrics praise inner beauty and warn against the lies of People Magazine's most beautiful people (released the song the same week as that edition).

John has writing credits under his real name, Lowery. There's speculation he's doing some of the riffing, but it's just speculation. DJ Ashba is the guitarist here. The solo is definitely DJ. Likely more accurate speculation is by 2011 John and Nikki were close friends. Nikki showed John his lyrics. John wrote the music. John had done that for about 25 artists by then.

Lies of the Beautiful People

Again from an interview, Nikki reminds John he offered to let him contribute lyrics if he had any ideas. John reminded Nikki of his answer: "Um, I dunno. Boobs?" Guess John was the superficial one there. Two upcoming picks do feature John 5 lyrics and make up for his lack of playing on this one. His limits as a lyricist on full display along with his limitlessness with that tele.

I feel a bit sad that John 5 is the very last artist on the albums list, since you submitted last and he was your 1 pointer. I’ve really grown to like the guy. I’ve been listening to a lot to his collaborations with Ace Frehley recently. I still may do Ace in our next artist countdown and that’s solely because of your John 5 list making me explore further on the Ace cover albums that he does with John (and others) and then revisited more of his catalogue.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Our holiday plans were very modest this year. Mrs. Eephus and I planned to snuggle on the couch and watch old movies with our tranquilized, stressed-out dog hiding between us. But her mom ended up in the hospital with some respiratory issues so I'm over at Grammy's house taking care of Papa instead. Lou will have to find someone else to stroke his chest.

Lou would really hate it over here because this neighborhood is fireworks central. At least at our house the fireworks are a few blocks away but over here there have been folks blowing them off a block away on both sides and it's not even dark yet.

Best of luck to your family.

 

[Chaos34]

I feel a bit sad that John 5 is the very last artist on the albums list

If. you. only. knew. the anguish I had with great guitar player albums that didn't make it. John got the spot through recency bias. The list is 20+. Trying to play the thing myself made me fascinated to the point of fetishizing virtuosos. I don't believe in even attempting to rank them, though I secretly think Shawn Lane kinda probably maybe who the hll knows could outplay any of them. Clapton is phenomenal. So is John. They're on a list of more than a thousand virtuosos. I couldn't list that many. I'm just sure there are that many. If I was a sap, I'd shed a tear for the 20+ that couldn't come with me to my 70 album island.

I love that you really like John. So do I. More than most. Remember my kid guessed he was who I picked for this. No one knows me better, but he wasn't an easy pick on a list limited to 70. This exercise here helped him, and the Sinner album I chose being so new also helped, and a song coming in my top ten also helped, but sheesh, no Chet/Knopfler, no Roy Clark, no Guthrie Govan, no Segovia... the list is endless. John is just one of the gang.

And yup, I wasn't just being positive about a pick praising Ace's covers, all of them. Those were a great discovery on this journey. And that goes to why I picked John. Being a big enough fan that my kid could guess I went with him here doesn't include me kind of losing track of him during the Zombie years. Around 2012 I checked out. So this was me discovering an artist I already knew much better than most. Kinda cool trip for me.

 

[Chaos34]

Fireworks are nuts over here

My kid's best friend's parents have a fun tradition. They have an empty piece of desert just across the county line overlooking our little city. They drag a trailer out there and set up an outdoor kitchen. Invite the most eclectic crowd of desert dwellers you could imagine. Turn up the music. Cook up a storm. Watch the city's show from a distance. Light off some mortars and it's just a fun and somewhat weird 4th experience. Lots of kids running around. Some scientists from the Navy base. Some druggies. Buncha girls in their mid-20s. Buncha dirt bike guys. Some soccer moms and dads. Some grandparents. I've skipped it for a few years, but this was a kick. And my daughter's 10 month old werewolf loved the fireworks!?!? A handfull of other dogs cowered under the trailer or up against their owners. Not Jaeger. He celebrated the fireworks. Even chased them down like a retriever. Had us all laughing.

 

[tuffnutt]

Smashing Pumpkins #8

Song: Mayonaise
Album: Siamese Dream

Summary:
In 2012, Rolling Stone readers voted "Mayonaise" as their favourite song in the band's catalogue. In 2021, Kerrang ranked the song as the band's fourth best.

In typical Corgan fashion, there are multiple stories on how the song was titled: One was that he got the title after he looked in his refrigerator. Another from an interview with a Colombian radio station was that the name stands for the phonetics of "My Own Eyes". Later, Corgan admitted that previous explanations for the song title were inside jokes and disclosed the true story. The band visited Japan in 1992 while touring Gish and noticed that the record company had mistranslated a lyric from Gish into a fan booklet as "mayonnaise seas". The band thought this was funny and used "Mayonaise" as a temporary song title when recording Siamese Dream and it eventually stuck.

Rumor has it that the iconic feedback came from a cheap guitar Corgan bought, which, whenever he stopped playing it, created the sound, which was eventually incorporated into the recording.

No more promise no more sorrow
No longer will I follow
Can anybody hear me
I just want to be me
When I can, I will

My #1

 

[tuffnutt]

8.

Cape Canaveral- Conor Oberst
from Self Titled album (2008)

The first song on his first solo album. This is, in my opinion, Oberst at his absolute best lyrically. A song about beginning again. About thinking differently about yourself. About boyhood memories melting together with old man regrets. Lastly, it’s a song about a father giving advice to his son as they watch a rocket launch. "You Taught me victory is sweet even in the cheap seats"... words to live by.

 

[Yambag]

8s (got quite a few listens in over this holiday weekend)

Known
Metallica: ...And Justice For All

Caught My Attention
John Waite: Laydown
Golden Smog: To Call My Own
Caro Emerald: Liquid Lunch
Neil Diamond: Free Man In Paris
Luna: Friendly Advice
Doobie Brothers: Rockin' Down The High
John 5: Lies Of The Beautiful People
Waterboys: The Return of Pan

 

[Mt. Man]

I decided to give the #8s their own day. And hey, I’m back on pace!

Selected Favorites:
To Call My Own - Golden Smog
Lies of the Beautiful People - Sixx A.M. (/John 5)
Friendly Advice - Luna
Meant to Be - City and Colour
Liquid Lunch - Caro Emerald
Stone Cold Fever - Humble Pie (/Steve Marriott)
Laydown - John Waite
Outstanding - The GAP Band
Orange Skies - Love

Small spotlight:

I was sort of saving the Doobie Brothers for a specific song (or two, in case the first is #1). But it’s hard to ignore how we’ve been in the thick of greatness from them, with more to come. So let me go with “Rockin’ Down the Highway”, a song that’s excellent whether you’re on the highway or just sitting at home.

 

[Charlie Steiner]

8. Laydown (Mask of Smiles, 1985)

Not much to say about this one since it was never released as a single, other than John wrote this by himself. It's here because to me it has a certain something that says 'John Waite' and could appear on any album he's attached to. It's the epitome of his work and the undefinable something that separates hits from also-rans.

 

[Zegras11]

Paging @KarmaPolice

 

[KarmaPolice]

Paging @KarmaPolice

I will do it quick after work. Sorry all- i got my days mixed up.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Paging @KarmaPolice

I will do it quick after work. Sorry all- i got my days mixed up.

Friday did seem like a Saturday.

 

[-OZ-]

긴 꿈을 꾸게 해, 이 방은 작은 heaven
춤을 추곤 해 실컷 어지러울 만큼
Oh, my, oh, my God
한 칸 더 채우고 있어
잘 봐, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven
You make me feel like 11

New to me added to likes
Natalie’s party
May 22 2002
Tramp - At least I think this version is new to me
Ultra honesty
She comes in colors
Harder than stone
United provinces of India

Favorite - contenders circles in the sand, missing you and white room, but the winner is just alright with me

 

[KarmaPolice]

Playlist sent to zegras.

 

[Ilov80s]

긴 꿈을 꾸게 해, 이 방은 작은 heaven
춤을 추곤 해 실컷 어지러울 만큼
Oh, my, oh, my God
한 칸 더 채우고 있어
잘 봐, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven
You make me feel like 11

I couldn't have said it better myself

 

[zamboni]

긴 꿈을 꾸게 해, 이 방은 작은 heaven
춤을 추곤 해 실컷 어지러울 만큼
Oh, my, oh, my God
한 칸 더 채우고 있어
잘 봐, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven
You make me feel like 11

I couldn't have said it better myself

I missed the fact that Styx was one of the artists in this round.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

긴 꿈을 꾸게 해, 이 방은 작은 heaven
춤을 추곤 해 실컷 어지러울 만큼
Oh, my, oh, my God
한 칸 더 채우고 있어
잘 봐, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven
You make me feel like 11

I couldn't have said it better myself

I missed the fact that Styx was one of the artists in this round.

What?

 

[Pip's Invitation]

긴 꿈을 꾸게 해, 이 방은 작은 heaven
춤을 추곤 해 실컷 어지러울 만큼
Oh, my, oh, my God
한 칸 더 채우고 있어
잘 봐, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven
You make me feel like 11

I couldn't have said it better myself

I missed the fact that Styx was one of the artists in this round.

What?

I presume this is some sort of reference to "Mr. Roboto".

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

긴 꿈을 꾸게 해, 이 방은 작은 heaven
춤을 추곤 해 실컷 어지러울 만큼
Oh, my, oh, my God
한 칸 더 채우고 있어
잘 봐, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven
You make me feel like 11

I couldn't have said it better myself

I missed the fact that Styx was one of the artists in this round.

What?

I presume this is some sort of reference to "Mr. Roboto".

 

[zamboni]

긴 꿈을 꾸게 해, 이 방은 작은 heaven
춤을 추곤 해 실컷 어지러울 만큼
Oh, my, oh, my God
한 칸 더 채우고 있어
잘 봐, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven
You make me feel like 11

I couldn't have said it better myself

I missed the fact that Styx was one of the artists in this round.

What?

I presume this is some sort of reference to "Mr. Roboto".

Thank you very much

 

[Zegras11]

7's PLAYLIST

[td]Belinda Carlise[/td][td]Zegras11[/td][td]Head Over Heels

Head Over Heels

The Go-Go's · Greatest · Song · 1990

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]Michael Head[/td][td]Eephus[/td][td]Shack -- Cup of Tea

Cup of Tea

Shack · The Corner of Miles and Gil · Song · 2006

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]People Under the Stairs[/td][td]KarmaPolice[/td][td]Step In

Step In

People Under The Stairs · Stepfather (Remastered) · Song · 2006

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]John Waite[/td][td]Charlie Steiner[/td][td]Lust for Life

Lust For Life

John Waite · Mask Of Smiles · Song · 1985

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]Golden Smog[/td][td]Dr. Octopus[/td][td]Yesterday Cried

To Call My Own

Golden Smog · Weird Tales · Song · 1998

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]The GAP Band/Charlie Wilson[/td][td]Don Quixote[/td][td]Yearning for Your Love - The GAP Band

- 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

Yearning For Your Love

The Gap Band · The Gap Band III · Song · 1980

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]The English Beat Family Tree[/td][td]Yo Mama[/td][td]Twist & Crawl

Twist & Crawl - 2012 Remaster

The English Beat · I Just Can’t Stop It (2012 Remaster) · Song · 1980

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]Caroline Esmeralda van der Leeuw[/td][td]-OZ_[/td][td]That man

That Man

Caro Emerald · Deleted Scenes From The Cutting Room Floor · Song · 2010

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]Neil Diamond[/td][td]Mrs. Rannous[/td][td]Lament in D Minor/Dance Of The Sabres

Lament In D Minor / Dance Of The Sabres

Neil Diamond · I'm Glad You're Here With Me Tonight · Song · 1977

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]Steve Marriott[/td][td]zamboni[/td][td]"Itchycoo Park" – Small Faces

Itchycoo Park - 2012 Remaster

Small Faces · Greatest Hits - The Immediate Years 1967-1969 · Song · 2014

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]Conor Oberst[/td][td]Tuffnutt[/td][td]First Day of My Life

- 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

[/td] [td]Smashing Pumpkins[/td][td]Yambag[/td][td]Thru The Eyes of Ruby

Thru The Eyes Of Ruby - Remastered 2012

The Smashing Pumpkins · Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness (Deluxe Edition) · Song · 1995

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]Otis Redding[/td][td]John Maddens Lunchbox[/td][td]A Change Is Gonna Come

- 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

A Change Is Gonna Come

Otis Redding · Soul Manifesto: 1964-1970 · Song · 2015

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]Meat Loaf[/td][td]snellman[/td][td]Rock And Roll Dreams Come Through https://open.spotify.com/track/452fSzvkB2A8FHVI4JKK2S?si=1a2aa98c4dc14320[/td]

 

[Zegras11]

[td]Hugh Dillon[/td][td]Mister CIA[/td][td]Tangled

- 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

[/td] [td]Luna[/td][td]landrys hat[/td][td]Superfreaky Memories

Superfreaky Memories

Luna · The Days of Our Nights · Song · 1999

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]Metallica[/td][td]Mt. Man[/td][td]Seek & Destroy

Seek & Destroy (Remastered)

Metallica · Kill 'Em All (Remastered) · Song · 1983

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]The Doobie Brothers[/td][td]New Binky The Doormat[/td][td]It Keeps You Runnin'

- 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

[/td] [td]Billy Joel[/td][td]simey[/td][td]Say Goodbye to Hollywood - Live at Milwaukee Arena, 1980

Say Goodbye to Hollywood - Live at Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, WI - July 1980

Billy Joel · Songs In the Attic · Song · 1981

open.spotify.com

- 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

[/td] [td]Arthur Lee and Love[/td][td]Pip's Invitation[/td][td]August

August

Love · Four Sail (Expanded Edition) · Song · 1969

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]Beck[/td][td]KarmaPolice[/td][td]I Think I'm In Love

Think I'm In Love

Beck · The Information · Song · 2006

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]John 5[/td][td]Chaos34[/td][td]Noche Acosador - John 5

Noche Acosador

John 5 · God Told Me to · Song · 2012

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]City and Colour[/td][td]MrsKarmaPolice[/td][td]Two Coins

Two Coins

City and Colour · The Hurry and the Harm · Song · 2013

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]The Waterboys[/td][td]Ilov80s[/td][td]December

December - 2002 Remaster

The Waterboys · The Waterboys · Song · 1983

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]Eric Clapton[/td][td]Tau837[/td][td]Sunshine of Your Love

- 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

[/td] [td]Ferry Corsten[/td][td]titusbramble[/td][td]Rank 1 - Awakening (Ferry Corsten Remix)

Awakening - Ferry Corsten Remix

Rank 1, Ferry Corsten · Awakening · Song · 2001

open.spotify.com

[/td] [td]Cornershop[/td][td]The Dreaded Marco[/td][td]What Did The Hippie Have In His Bag

What Did the Hippie Have In His Bag?

Cornershop · Urban Turban · Song · 2012

open.spotify.com

[/td]

 

[Mister CIA]

[td]Belinda Carlise[/td][td]Zegras11[/td][td]Head Over Heels

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#7 - Otis Redding - A Change is Gonna Come​

- 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

A Change Is Gonna Come

Otis Redding · Soul Manifesto: 1964-1970 · Song · 2015

open.spotify.com

Comments sometimes from Wikipedia

JML Rank - #11
Krista4 Rank - #3
Uruk-Hai Rank - #12
Album - Otis Blue
Recorded - July 9–10, 1965
Is this a Cover? - Yes
Songwriter - Sam Cooke
Notable Covers - Many Covers.
The stars who have are the Supremes, The Righteous Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Butler, Three Dog Night, The Band, Bobby Womack, George Benson, The Blues Brothers, Billy Preston, Billy Bragg, Luther Vandross, Tina Turner, Neville Brothers, Al Green, Fugees etc

Comments - Sam Cooke was so moved by Bob Dylans Blowin in the Wind, as with Martin Luther Kings I Have A Dream speech. The answer was this song.
He performed the song on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
From wiki
Cooke elected not to perform "A Change Is Gonna Come" again in his lifetime, both because of the complexity of the arrangement and because of the ominous nature of the song.[10] When shown to his protégé Bobby Womack, he responded that it sounds "like death." Cooke responded in return, "Man, that's kind of how it sounds like to me. That's why I'm never going to play it in public." Womack clarified his thoughts, that it wasn't deathly, but rather "spooky," but Cooke never performed the song again.[10]

In December, "A Change Is Gonna Come" was prepared for single release, with the verse and chorus preceding the bridge ("I go to the movies...") deleted for radio airplay.[19] The civil rights movement picked up on "A Change Is Gonna Come" with near immediacy.[10] On December 11, 1964, two weeks before the song was released, Sam Cooke was fatally shot at a Los Angeles motel.[20] Cash Boxdescribed the single as "a moving, string-filled ‘message’ tune."

Next Up - I think some of us have heard of the next one.

 

[Chaos34]

Noche Acosador. Um, where to start? My most listened to John 5, I think. It's an acoustic instrumental that caused me to argue with AI, which insists it's a metal shred. John released it as a single in 2011 and featured it on 2012's solo album, God Told Me To. This was his 6th solo album, and like the others, I played it and played it. This is also where I checked out and lost track of John for over a decade. John posted the tabs with notes and a video teaching how to play it. Uh huh. I've been impressed with many amateur covers tho.

I have multiple playlists for acoustic guitar instrumentals. Contemporary, classical, jazz, Spanish, flamenco, miscellaneous, etc. I used to let them run in my office 24/7 to mask my tinnitus. This song made most of them. John likes genre-bending and here he starts with some surfy/spaghetti Spanish guitar and takes it from there. I put it at #10 as the first song on my list. A few more listens moved it up. In his instructional video he references techniques he learned studying Roy Clark. He's fast but not as fast as Roy and this one isn't about speed anyway. Just an impressive and tasteful display of a few guitar styles layered over a couple tracks and well, songwriting is obviously a strength for John. I guess there's some metal shredding here, but it's a Spanish guitar western swing to me.

Noche Acosador

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Round 7 - Lament in D Minor/Dance Of The Sabres - Neil Diamond

I understand that D minor is the saddest key of all. This is also from the album I'm Glad You're With Me Here Tonight (1977).

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

The next three Cornershop songs on the playlist are from their 2012 album, Urban Turban. This is a collection of singles, most with guest vocalists as Tjinder Singh likes to employ. Unlike the last album on which the guest vocalist was the same woman for all of the songs, there are different singers for each of these songs, with Singh only taking the lead on the opening track.

Twenty-one years. That’s how long Tjinder Singh and Ben Ayres have been plying their funked-up trade under the Cornershop banner for. And in that time the duo have never once felt the need to fit into the vicissitudes of grunge, brit-pop, trip-hop, grime, nu-rave, chillwave and any other poorly-coined micro-genre that signified the sound of the moment. How many 21-year olds can say that?
It’s an admirable gameplan. Many pious acts has wilted in the face of a dime and a chart topper, but for the most part Cornershop have managed to pitch it their own way. Yet, a discernible lack of airplay and column inches since that hit means few outside beard-stroking cliques have had the chance to wiggle their rumpus to the mighty 'Lessons Learned from Rocky I to Rocky III' or bust out a fictitious slap bass to 'Good ****’s endemic indie-an (Indie + Indian?) pop.
But it matters little to messers Singh and Ayres. They’ve kept quietly shipping gold-plated (if not gold-selling) records like the phenomenal Handcream For a Generation; like the extraordinary Cornershop and the Double ‘O’ Groove of; and like the still-growing Judy Sucks A Lemon For Breakfast. Each one is a hot-trot of experimental funk-folk-hip-hop fusion that pushes whatever boundaries these two foremen want to push, whenever they want to push them (there was a seven year gap between albums five and six). As the football chant of the moment goes: They’re Cornershop, they do what they want. And they do.
The pairing’s latest slab of plastic, Urban Turban, won’t come as much surprise to hardened ‘shop afiianados. Of the record’s 12 cuts, half have been released as part of the band’s The Singhles Club, a rag-tag collection of outtakes and collaborations issued sparingly across the last couple of years. It’s hardly a congruous listen, then, but it’s consistent with the quirky, off-kilter pretentions that signify any rewarding Cornershop jaunt on your stereo.
Delicious opener ‘What Did the Hippie Have in His Bag?’ is the most Cornershop of Cornershop cuts. Built around a big, bendable bassline and simplistic beat, the track’s sunshine melody is tied together by the unison of Singh’s smooth tones and the chirpy harmonies of a school choir. Sadly this good-time chirrup is the last time we hear Singh take the lead until the same number is reprised down the end of the line, a move which is partially to the record’s detriment.
Yet, amidst these transgressions exists joyously-coined numbers that showcase Cornershop at their most inventive. ‘Who’s Gonna Lite It Up’s fuzzy guitar and boggy percussion snarl into an acid-dropping throb.
It’s safe to say Singh and Ayres have lost none of their ability to surprise. And nowhere more so than in the Velvet’s-esque glare of the divine ‘Something Makes You Feel Like’. Sauntering to the hiss and fizz of a languid guitar line, vocalist SoKo wheezes: “Forget your pills for your tummy, for you head, you can’t sleep, you're depressed, you feel weak. Do you bleed? No. So stop your whining…”. Lyrically, it’s as apathetic as Cornershop have ever been, but musically it's the most evocative four minutes of their career.
After 21 years, it’s hard to believe Tjinder Singh and Ben Ayres are still capable of producing moments as vivid and relevant as these. But, like an awkward young adult who refuses to join in with the hip crowds, Cornershop have proven they are no ordinary British band. Age, it appears, is treating them well.

 

[Yambag]

Smashing Pumpkins #7

Song: Thru The Eyes of Ruby
Album: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

Summary: Regarded by hardcore fans as a top 5 track and some put it as the best track on Mellon Collie (on some day's, it is my #1 overall Pumpkins song). Many, including myself, describe this as the essential Smashing Pumpkins song and often chosen as the one song fans tell others to listen to if they want to know what the band is all about. This is another very complex song that contains approximately 70 guitar tracks and much like Porcelina, is a great track to listen to with headphones. We will hear more about Ruby, and June (from Mayonaise) coming up...

To the revelations of fresh faced youth
No one will come to save you
So speak your peace in the murmurs drawn
But youth is wasted on the young

 

[tuffnutt]

Smashing Pumpkins #7

Song: Thru The Eyes of Ruby
Album: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

Summary: Regarded by hardcore fans as a top 5 track and some put it as the best track on Mellon Collie (on some day's, it is my #1 overall Pumpkins song). Many, including myself, describe this as the essential Smashing Pumpkins song and often chosen as the one song fans tell others to listen to if they want to know what the band is all about. This is another very complex song that contains approximately 70 guitar tracks and much like Porcelina, is a great track to listen to with headphones. We will hear more about Ruby, and June (from Mayonaise) coming up...

To the revelations of fresh faced youth
No one will come to save you
So speak your peace in the murmurs drawn
But youth is wasted on the young

I had at #10. Quintessential Pumpkins.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Smashing Pumpkins #7

Song: Thru The Eyes of Ruby
Album: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

Summary: Regarded by hardcore fans as a top 5 track and some put it as the best track on Mellon Collie (on some day's, it is my #1 overall Pumpkins song). Many, including myself, describe this as the essential Smashing Pumpkins song and often chosen as the one song fans tell others to listen to if they want to know what the band is all about. This is another very complex song that contains approximately 70 guitar tracks and much like Porcelina, is a great track to listen to with headphones. We will hear more about Ruby, and June (from Mayonaise) coming up...

To the revelations of fresh faced youth
No one will come to save you
So speak your peace in the murmurs drawn
But youth is wasted on the young

Loved seeing this one on the playlist! This is another of my favorites on the album.

My 2 favorite from Gish and my 2 favorites from Siamese are still out there. You have 6 songs left, bud.... It seems we have similar leans but our 31 would have looked a bit different. My top 15 would be something like 4 from Gish, 3 from Siamese, 3 from Mellon, 2 from Pisces, 1 Machina, 1 from a movie soundtrack, and a newer tune.

 

[tuffnutt]

7.

First Day of My life- Bright Eyes
from I'm Awake, It's Morning (2005)

one of Bright Eyes most well known songs and probably their biggest "hit" It made it to 37 on the UK charts and Pitchfork magazine lists it at 266 of top 500 tracks of the 2000s. In the Bright Eyes catalog, "First Day Of My Life" stands out as one of the warmest songs Conor Oberst has ever written... dare I say even optimistic.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

7. August
Album: Four Sail (1969)

In my opinion, the first track that most people would have heard from the post-Forever Changes Hendrix-inspired lineup of Love is the best one.

"August" kicks off Four Sail, the first album released by Arthur Lee after he dissolved the Forever Changes lineup, with a blast of soaring guitars and pattering drums, signaling that the sweet sounds displayed on the previous album are being replaced with something much more intense.

After the opening blast, we get some almost countryish interplay from Lee and Jay Donnellan's guitars and two verses where Lee acknowledges the dark state of his mind but resolves to try to see the bright side of things.

I said August is all that I know
It's with me where ever I go
It's with me when I need a friend
It brings me good weather
It keeps me together
It picks me up when I'm down

Good evenings, I love you, I do
I'll share all my dinings with you
But I can't help from wondering why?
You are so good to me
You do good things for me
You pick me up when I'm down

There is no bridge or chorus. Instead, for the second half of the song, we get first-rate jamming from Lee, Donnellan, bassist Frank Fayad and (especially) drummer George Suranovich that fulfills Lee's dream of sounding like a US-based Jimi Hendrix Experience. If you like hard-cooking psychedelic rock -- and I do -- then this is for you.

I included "August" in my 1969 countdown. Some of what I said there:

When Arthur Lee dissolved the Forever Changes version of Love, he had visions of big sounds in his head and needed musicians talented enough to play them. This track is where his vision was most fully realized, and it's the best example of Lee blending his style with that of his friend Jimi Hendrix. The guitars and drums are absolutely majestic.

There are several documented live performances of "August" between 1969 and 1975. I was there for what happened next.

I went to see Arthur Lee and Love for the first of two nights at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC on August 10, 2002, during Lee's first tour since his release from prison. The members of Baby Lemonade served as "Love" for the night, as they would until Lee's death, and then afterwards as first Love Revisited and now The Love Band. Toward the end of the show, Lee said "these guys came to me and said they had learned this song. I haven't tried to play it since 1975, but I learned the words again and we're going to try it now." And they launched in to the first live performance of "August" in 27 years. My friend (the one who named his record store after Forever Changes) and I had our jaws on the floor the whole time.

"August" appeared regularly in setlists after that until Lee's death, and has been occasionally performed by The Love Band since then, most recently in 2023.

Arthur Lee's original mix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-wUzmEHkp4

Live version from Copenhagen in 1970: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmTkBB5yxr0

Live version from London in 1970 (appears on Coming Through to You: The Live Recordings (1970-2004)): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzsYe1m-FsI

Live version from "England" in 1970 (appears on The Blue Thumb Recordings): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzu9ZOXrUmI

Live version from London in 2003 (appears on The Forever Changes Concert): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgJlKDAn7Mk

Partial live version from LA in 2004: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBOB3cKBkws

At #6, the song whose lyrics inspired the title of the 1994 Love tribute album.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I will just combine the selections since I am 1 behind:

PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS

#8: THE L.A. SONG

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#7: STEP IN

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The L.A. Song is my favorite of their odes to their hometown. I love the vibes and beat, but also that great mix of specific places and references that crack me up (My roots go deep like turbo Nerf). With Step In we get more of those funny references with nods to Married With Children and other gems. It is such a fun song.

With these two songs, we close out the songs from the O.S.T. and Stepfather albums. What I would like to stress is that if you have liked even 1/2 the songs I've thrown out there so far from these two, these albums are top to bottom greatness and there are a few other songs I didn't talk about that you would like. We throw out random thoughts in threads like best stretch of albums by an artist, and now I would add these guys to the list. I know I am fan now and like all the albums, but if I am being serious and critical I would still suggest their run of albums of: OST, Stepfather, Fun DMC, Carried Away, and Highlighter to be as good of a run as I have listened to regardless of genre, but especially in the genre.

NEXT: we close out Fun DMC with a perfect summer song.

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

긴 꿈을 꾸게 해, 이 방은 작은 heaven
춤을 추곤 해 실컷 어지러울 만큼
Oh, my, oh, my God
한 칸 더 채우고 있어
잘 봐, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven
You make me feel like 11

I couldn't have said it better myself

I missed the fact that Styx was one of the artists in this round.

What?

I presume this is some sort of reference to "Mr. Roboto".

I was thought he might be going for "Kimono My House"

 

[KarmaPolice]

BECK

ALBUM #8: MORNING PHASE
SONG: MORNING

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ALBUM #7: THE INFORMATION
SONG: THINK I'M IN LOVE

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Maybe I am underrating Morning Phase, but at the very least I feel strongly about the top 6 and these would be flip flopped. Morning was the #1 song on the playlist most of the time before I went ranking order. The other song in contention is the #1 song now this way, so it worked out. I love the softer side of Beck a little more than the other phases, and I think Morning is a beautiful song. I went with The Information at #7 over Morning Phase because there were more songs on the playlist and in contention for the 31. Morning Phase overall feels like Sea Change-lite, so I don't have a pull towards the rest of the album after the two songs that ended up in my 31. Think I'm In Love is another favorite. All the songs in the top 8 would have been in the top 10 anyway, maybe slighly reshuffled. ETA: probably with Debra and Heart is a Drum replacing my #9 and #10 on the countdown.

NEXT: an album you all might think I am underrating.

 

[Ilov80s]

As our Waterboys playlist weaves it's way to the end, we have a little 2 song detour where we go to the origins of the band for 2 songs from their debut album. A reminder of their earily Big Music days.

 

[Tau837]

Eric Clapton #7

Cream - Sunshine of Your Love

"Sunshine of Your Love" is a 1967 song by Cream. With elements of hard rock and psychedelia, it is one of Cream's best known and most popular songs. Cream bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce based it on a distinctive bass riff he developed after attending a Jimi Hendrix concert. Guitarist/vocalist Eric Clapton and lyricist Pete Brown later contributed to the song and drummer Ginger Baker plays a distinctive tom-tom drum rhythm. The song is sung as a duet with Bruce and Clapton trading the lead from line to line. The song peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1968.

The song lyrics speak of a deep longing for the comfort and warmth of someone the narrator loves, and the idea of finally being with that person after a period of waiting. The metaphor of "sunshine" suggests the feeling of being in the light or finding joy in someone else’s presence.

Clapton's guitar riff is one of the most recognizable and influential in rock music. Clapton’s use of a fuzz pedal to create a rich, overdriven tone was groundbreaking for its time, and it became a defining element of the psychedelic rock era. Clapton's solos in this song are masterpieces of blues guitar, blending blues techniques and emotional depth into a seamless performance. His mid-song solo is iconic and easily one of the most recognizable solos in his catalog, and perhaps in rock history.

While the song fits within the psychedelic rock movement, it is also deeply rooted in the blues. Clapton, Bruce, and Baker fused their love for blues with the growing psychedelic music scene, creating a unique hybrid that would influence generations of musicians. Its influence can be seen across multiple genres, from blues and hard rock to alternative and indie rock. It is one of Cream's defining songs and remains an essential part of Clapton’s legacy.

 

[simey]

Say Goodbye To Hollywood

Billy wrote this song for his 1976 album Turnstiles. He wrote the song as a goodbye to his life in L.A., and as a tribute to Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes, and their "Wall of Sound" song "Be My Baby." He loved that record, and said he even tried to borrow Ronnie's vibrato on his song. She covered the tune in 1977 with the E Street Band. I chose the live version from his Songs in the Attic album, which is my favorite version of the song. I love the energy in it. The live version was released as a single from the Songs in the Attic album in 1981. He rarely sings it live, because he says it shreds his vocals, but he was able to pull it off well in this 1980 performance in Milwaukee.

So many faces in and out of my life
Some will last, some will just be now and then
Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes
I'm afraid it's time for goodbye again

Say goodbye to Hollywood
Say goodbye, my baby
Say goodbye to Hollywood
Say goodbye, my baby

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Round 7 - Lament in D Minor/Dance Of The Sabres - Neil Diamond

I understand that D minor is the saddest key of all. This is also from the album I'm Glad You're With Me Here Tonight (1977).

Edit: I should have mentioned that the Lament part was written by Richard Bennett, a guitarist and a longtime member of ND's band. he's worked with a metric ton of musicians.

 

[Yambag]

Smashing Pumpkins #7

Song: Thru The Eyes of Ruby
Album: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

Summary: Regarded by hardcore fans as a top 5 track and some put it as the best track on Mellon Collie (on some day's, it is my #1 overall Pumpkins song). Many, including myself, describe this as the essential Smashing Pumpkins song and often chosen as the one song fans tell others to listen to if they want to know what the band is all about. This is another very complex song that contains approximately 70 guitar tracks and much like Porcelina, is a great track to listen to with headphones. We will hear more about Ruby, and June (from Mayonaise) coming up...

To the revelations of fresh faced youth
No one will come to save you
So speak your peace in the murmurs drawn
But youth is wasted on the young

Loved seeing this one on the playlist! This is another of my favorites on the album.

My 2 favorite from Gish and my 2 favorites from Siamese are still out there. You have 6 songs left, bud.... It seems we have similar leans but our 31 would have looked a bit different. My top 15 would be something like 4 from Gish, 3 from Siamese, 3 from Mellon, 2 from Pisces, 1 Machina, 1 from a movie soundtrack, and a newer tune.

There will definitely be some difference in the top 6 and top 15. Most you can probably guess based on our previous dialogue. When #1 is listed, I have a post prepared for biggest snubs which I think will hit a few of yours.

 

[Charlie Steiner]

7. Lust for Life (Mask of Smiles, 1985)

John's video for Every Step of the Way begins with him and his band rehearsing this song.

Lust for Life was co-written by John McCurry, who has worked with a wide range of acts, including MAD alum Chicago. He is featured in the video above; he's the guitar player with the bright red hair.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

7.

Song: Yesterday Cried
Album: Down By The Old Mainstream
Songwriter: Kraig Johnson
Smog Lineup:

Kraig Johnson – lead vocals, guitar
Jeff Tweedy – guitar
Gary Louris – background vocals, guitar
Dan Murphy – background, guitar
Marc Perlman – bass
Noah Levy – drums


Kraig Johnson, of Run Wetsy Run, was the lone member of the Smog that I was not familiar with before purchasing the Down By The Old Mainstream CD, but his songs quickly became some of my favorites. So soulful.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

#7 - Otis Redding - A Change is Gonna Come​

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A Change Is Gonna Come

Otis Redding · Soul Manifesto: 1964-1970 · Song · 2015

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Comments sometimes from Wikipedia

JML Rank - #11
Krista4 Rank - #3
Uruk-Hai Rank - #12
Album - Otis Blue
Recorded - July 9–10, 1965
Is this a Cover? - Yes
Songwriter - Sam Cooke
Notable Covers - Many Covers.
The stars who have are the Supremes, The Righteous Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Butler, Three Dog Night, The Band, Bobby Womack, George Benson, The Blues Brothers, Billy Preston, Billy Bragg, Luther Vandross, Tina Turner, Neville Brothers, Al Green, Fugees etc

Comments - Sam Cooke was so moved by Bob Dylans Blowin in the Wind, as with Martin Luther Kings I Have A Dream speech. The answer was this song.
He performed the song on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
From wiki
Cooke elected not to perform "A Change Is Gonna Come" again in his lifetime, both because of the complexity of the arrangement and because of the ominous nature of the song.[10] When shown to his protégé Bobby Womack, he responded that it sounds "like death." Cooke responded in return, "Man, that's kind of how it sounds like to me. That's why I'm never going to play it in public." Womack clarified his thoughts, that it wasn't deathly, but rather "spooky," but Cooke never performed the song again.[10]

In December, "A Change Is Gonna Come" was prepared for single release, with the verse and chorus preceding the bridge ("I go to the movies...") deleted for radio airplay.[19] The civil rights movement picked up on "A Change Is Gonna Come" with near immediacy.[10] On December 11, 1964, two weeks before the song was released, Sam Cooke was fatally shot at a Los Angeles motel.[20] Cash Boxdescribed the single as "a moving, string-filled ‘message’ tune."

Next Up - I think some of us have heard of the next one.

Cooke took a real chance writing/recording this when he did. I think most of white America saw Sam Cooke as kind of a latter-day Nat Cole. It was different with black record buyers. But even the most self-deluded listener couldn't fool themselves into thinking this song was about anything other that what it was. Cooke was fed up with what he read in the newspapers and saw on the TV news. And he wrote this song, put it on wax, and gave one of the most majestic performances in recorded music history. Would've been interesting to see where Cooke may have gone if he hadn't died.

JML asked in his teaser for this one which version would be voted the best. I'd take Cooke's, but Redding's is magnificent.