Middle Aged Dummies!! Artists #1's have been posted!! (2 Viewers)

[KarmaPolice]

I think this demographic is absolutely going to love the artist I have queued up. Lol.

I think we could largely joke about this with just about any subgenre, and we have been fine so far. I don't think it's a mystery just about all of us like mainstream rock, mostly from the 60s-90s. As you get farther from that core you are going to lose more and more drafters, that just the way it works. Prog, Metal, rap, country, reggae, international, on and on - there are going to be people who either don't listen to it or just flat out don't like it.

Like I said, I am diving into some newer metal next time around. I don't expect everybody to love it, but I am going to try my best to make a case for any type of music fan. I'm not doing Cannibal Corpse or anything ( @krista4 - I got your message and left them for you ) and I think if people got through and liked stuff like Clutch or harder AIC they will be able to get through at least 20 of these songs and the main core of my playlist.

 

[Don Quixote]

I think this demographic is absolutely going to love the artist I have queued up. Lol.

I think we could largely joke about this with just about any subgenre, and we have been fine so far. I don't think it's a mystery just about all of us like mainstream rock, mostly from the 60s-90s. As you get farther from that core you are going to lose more and more drafters, that just the way it works. Prog, Metal, rap, country, reggae, international, on and on - there are going to be people who either don't listen to it or just flat out don't like it.

Like I said, I am diving into some newer metal next time around. I don't expect everybody to love it, but I am going to try my best to make a case for any type of music fan. I'm not doing Cannibal Corpse or anything ( @krista4 - I got your message and left them for you ) and I think if people got through and liked stuff like Clutch or harder AIC they will be able to get through at least 20 of these songs and the main core of my playlist.

Yeah, I think that it is going to be the case with just about any artist. Had some say tough to get into Jorge Ben with the Portuguese. Others have said that they will make his music more of a part of their mix. That is what I was expecting going in. If I’ve succeeded in the latter for any, will consider it worthwhile.

I think similar mixed reactions are going to go for just about any artist, as long as someone does not decide to do their favorite 31 songs by Pinkfong or something.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Yeah, nothing is in stone. I was just sort of agreeing with KP's point that it would be nice to count down an artist that the group actually likes and not jam stuff down people's throat that they don't like, don't get, or don't care about.

It was an affirmation until Pip made a funny yet accurate observation. Then it was probably untoward to have mentioned it. Spilled milk knows no glass, though, and I'd still need to listen to some stuff I wasn't enamored of the first time around, so nothing is in stone. Carry on!

I blame being on my phone today instead of the desktop for not thinking down the line about what reaction and who would know and who it would affect. I tend to do better seated and with a comfort level where I am actually thinking straight.

I hope we weren't taking the piss out of your artist or playlist at all.

IMO at the end of the day we are all MUSIC fans. I think after decades of doing these things we've earned each others' trust and had enough great discoveries in unexpected places that we largely will embrace whatever people throw in the mix. Because of that, I also think we know how far to push the boundries too. Like my joking example - no matter who is presenting it, Cannibal Corpse is not going to go over well with the group. But I've been suprised at even non-metal fan's embrace and reactions to bands from System of a Down to Deftones to Opeth in these playlists. Sometimes I am a tough nut to crack for artists and bands, and I've been liking some country more and have added way more tunes from artists like Elton and The Kinks, who I had largely written off. I can't think of much that wouldn't be liked by half the participants or appreciated by all.

 

[rockaction]

I hope we weren't taking the piss out of your artist or playlist at all.

Not in the least. I was hoping I didn’t impose by laughing about Pip being pretty much right. Just funny, and no sweat about the subsequent discussion. I didn’t take it in a piss-take way even one iota.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I hope we weren't taking the piss out of your artist or playlist at all.

Not in the least. I was hoping I didn’t impose by laughing about Pip being pretty much right. Just funny, and no sweat about the subsequent discussion. I didn’t take it in a piss-take way even one iota.

I wasn't thinking that route when you posted that. I thought maybe you had some harder punk in mind.

 

[rockaction]

I wasn't thinking that route when you posted that. I thought maybe you had some harder punk in mind.

I had a thought today about one HC/punk band but didn’t give it more than a passing thought. I could see where that would be a consideration given it’s me and my professed predilection towards punk rock. But, I’m aging. And it’s hard to get great punk bands with over 31 songs total, never mind 31 from a selection. The Ramones, maybe. Other than that, it’s tough. The Buzzcocks, also very maybe. Green Day is an anomaly.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Will say to others that take a metal artist at your own risk. I am bringing the high heat and hyperbole.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I wasn't thinking that route when you posted that. I thought maybe you had some harder punk in mind.

I had a thought today about one HC/punk band but didn’t give it more than a passing thought. I could see where that would be a consideration given it’s me and my professed predilection towards punk rock. But, I’m aging. And it’s hard to get great punk bands with over 31 songs total, never mind 31 from a selection. The Ramones, maybe. Other than that, it’s tough. The Buzzcocks, also very maybe. Green Day is an anomaly.

I was thinking today how many of these we realistically have in us because of this. At least the format of artist/playlist if we are doing 45+ each time. I could be wrong, as I have about 10 solid ones that I would be happy doing if they haven't been done by somebody else.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

I think this demographic is absolutely going to love the artist I have queued up. Lol.

I think we could largely joke about this with just about any subgenre, and we have been fine so far. I don't think it's a mystery just about all of us like mainstream rock, mostly from the 60s-90s. As you get farther from that core you are going to lose more and more drafters, that just the way it works. Prog, Metal, rap, country, reggae, international, on and on - there are going to be people who either don't listen to it or just flat out don't like it.

Like I said, I am diving into some newer metal next time around. I don't expect everybody to love it, but I am going to try my best to make a case for any type of music fan. I'm not doing Cannibal Corpse or anything ( @krista4 - I got your message and left them for you ) and I think if people got through and liked stuff like Clutch or harder AIC they will be able to get through at least 20 of these songs and the main core of my playlist.

Yeah, I think that it is going to be the case with just about any artist. Had some say tough to get into Jorge Ben with the Portuguese. Others have said that they will make his music more of a part of their mix. That is what I was expecting going in. If I’ve succeeded in the latter for any, will consider it worthwhile.

I think similar mixed reactions are going to go for just about any artist, as long as someone does not decide to do their favorite 31 songs by Pinkfong or something.

I like the fact that we are out of our comfort zone with some of these artists.
I am listening to stuff I would never have checked out myself.
Some is uncomfortable to listen to, but thats the point
Always a revelation or two worth it for each artist. Even on artists i have really struggled with.

As for choices appealing to the group, I could pick my fave synth pop artists, but understand they arent as easy to get through for others
The Stranglers were chosen for their wide variety of styles and songs.
Next go round I will go with the same theory, an artist i love that has some kind of crossover appeal.
If others go with a synth death country metal artist, great. Bring it on.

 

[Mister CIA]

I'm struggling to hone in on my next selection. There's a guy who lead a pretty influential 90s band, and then went on to have a stellar solo career (well, it was a band too, but his name was in front of the band's name on the albums); but there's a third part to his body of work where he took a back seat to another guy, a guy who wrote some of the greatest songs of this century, and this second guy fully deserves to stand on his own too.

EDIT: Pretty sure it will be door #3.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

I'm struggling to hone in on my next selection. There's a guy who lead a pretty influential 90s band, and then went on to have a stellar solo career (well, it was a band too, but his name was in front of the band's name on the albums); but there's a third part to his body of work where he took a back seat to another guy, a guy who wrote some of the greatest songs of this century, and this second guy fully deserves to stand on his own too.

EDIT: Pretty sure it will be door #3.

I have a pretty good guess who you’re referring to and I’ve been thinking about both the first guy and the second guy for the next 31. Leaning toward the 2nd.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

I'm struggling to hone in on my next selection. There's a guy who lead a pretty influential 90s band, and then went on to have a stellar solo career (well, it was a band too, but his name was in front of the band's name on the albums); but there's a third part to his body of work where he took a back seat to another guy, a guy who wrote some of the greatest songs of this century, and this second guy fully deserves to stand on his own too.

EDIT: Pretty sure it will be door #3.

I have a pretty good guess who you’re referring to and I’ve been thinking about both the first guy and the second guy for the next 31. Leaning toward the 2nd.

And with your edit, I see you are too.

We may need to wrestle off or flip a coin or draw straws.

 

[Mister CIA]

I'm struggling to hone in on my next selection. There's a guy who lead a pretty influential 90s band, and then went on to have a stellar solo career (well, it was a band too, but his name was in front of the band's name on the albums); but there's a third part to his body of work where he took a back seat to another guy, a guy who wrote some of the greatest songs of this century, and this second guy fully deserves to stand on his own too.

EDIT: Pretty sure it will be door #3.

I have a pretty good guess who you’re referring to and I’ve been thinking about both the first guy and the second guy for the next 31. Leaning toward the 2nd.

Oh man, what is the draft order?

 

[Tau837]

I finally listened to the #10 playlist.

Excluding my own song, I already knew that I liked these songs:

• SRV - Crossfire
• Queen - We Will Rock You

Once I listened to it, I realized I knew and liked this song, just didn't remember it by name:

• Stevie Wonder - Sir Duke - I'm not a big Stevie fan, but this song is great

On first listen to this playlist, these were the unfamiliar songs I liked the best:

• Brandi Carlile - Looking Out
• Modest Mouse - Polar Opposites
• Decemberists - The Rake's Song
• Kinks - Do It Again - surprised I don't remember hearing this song before
• Daft Punk - Television Rules the Nation / Crescendolls
• Taylor Swift - I Bet You Think About Me
• Ryan Adams - Oh My Sweet Carolina
• Slade - My Oh My
• Frank Black - Everything Is New
• Dinosaur Jr. - Pick Me Up
• Doves - Here It Comes
• Spoon - My Mathematical Mind
• deadmau5, Wolfgang Gartner - Animal Rights

IMO this is/was the strongest playlist yet.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Random thoughts on some of the known-to-me songs from #6:

The Want of a Nail is one of Todd's best and might be considered his last "great" song. The arrangement is top-notch and Bobby Womack's contributions are golden.
De Doo Doo Doo, De Da Da Da is one of the Police's best songs and kind of complex despite the simple title.
Can-Utility and the Coastliners is a favorite Genesis of mine -- especially the guitar-and-mellotron passage that begins the coda.
Couldn't Stand the Weather is one of my favorite SRV -- it's a gritty shuffle.
Let It Dive is a favorite from TOD's Worlds Apart album. One of Conrad Keely's best vocals.
Waterloo Sunset is gorgeous and one of Ray Davies' best songs.
Jacob's Ladder is a favorite Rush song of mine. The prog elements are astounding, but subtle. The drive of the song never suffers.
Doctor Wu is a highlight from Steely Dan's Katy Lied album and has a great sax solo by jazz legend Phil Woods. This of course means nothing to Krista.
Master Blaster (Jammin') may not be Stevie's greatest technical accomplishment but I bop along to it every time it comes on.
The Squirming Coil played a big role in getting me into Phish. I bought their third album, A Picture of Nectar, the only one in print at the time, because I read a description of the band in a New York Times article about the upcoming first HORDE tour. It said they blended blues-rock improvisation with jazz and prog. A Picture of Nectar doesn't really have anything too proggy on it, so while I liked the album, I was a little confused. A few months later, I got their second album, Lawn Boy, when it was reissued. When I put it on, the first track was The Squirming Coil and I was like, "oh THAT's what they were talking about." And I investigated further from there. I put The Squirming Coil on the Keyboard Warrior playlist for GP4. The Genesis song that most influenced it is my #1 Genesis and I think it is Yo Mama's as well.
Turn to Stone is a fluid rocker with the orchestral elements blended in seamlessly. It's one of my favorite ELO tunes.
Rooster may be my #1 AIC. It is utterly gripping.
Radio Ga Ga is as good as an example as any of Freddie Mercury's charisma.
El Condor Pasa presages Paul Simon's future fascination with "world music".
I mainly know the Wilson sisters' attempt at Battle of Evermore through the Heart (not Heart) track on the Singles soundtrack, but I'm happy to hear them tackle it anytime.

I know Border Song and Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner by title but I forget what they sound like.

 

[Don Quixote]

I was thinking today how many of these we realistically have in us because of this. At least the format of artist/playlist if we are doing 45+ each time. I could be wrong, as I have about 10 solid ones that I would be happy doing if they haven't been done by somebody else.

That is part of my struggle with my next artist. Feel like if you asked me my “VBD” where I could bring some good value to these lists, it would be Brazil, or Nigeria or Ghana. I’ve got a number of artists in mind where I could bring to do a kick-*** playlist of about a dozen songs, but not sure I get to 31 deep that folks must listen to from any one particular artist after JBJ (or at least the novelty does not wear quickly wear off, as JBJ has a bit of a uniquely diverse catalog). Maybe continued listening will convince me otherwise, or someone else will take on an artist there.

 

[Mister CIA]

I'm struggling to hone in on my next selection. There's a guy who lead a pretty influential 90s band, and then went on to have a stellar solo career (well, it was a band too, but his name was in front of the band's name on the albums); but there's a third part to his body of work where he took a back seat to another guy, a guy who wrote some of the greatest songs of this century, and this second guy fully deserves to stand on his own too.

EDIT: Pretty sure it will be door #3.

I have a pretty good guess who you’re referring to and I’ve been thinking about both the first guy and the second guy for the next 31. Leaning toward the 2nd.

Confirmed.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Update on how Higgins' Rush list compares with Ghost Rider's Rush top 50 countdown thus far:

Double Agent -- Higgins #31, Ghost Rider #29
Open Secrets -- Higgins #30, Ghost Rider not ranked
Ghost of a Chance -- Higgins #29, Ghost Rider #37
Witch Hunt -- Higgins #28, Ghost Rider #28 (BINGO!)
The Pass -- Higgins #27, Ghost Rider #21
The Spirit of Radio -- Higgins #26, Ghost Rider #8
Closer to the Heart -- Higgins #25, Ghost Rider #23
Lakeside Park -- Higgins #24, Ghost Rider not ranked
Finding My Way -- Higgins #23, Ghost Rider not ranked
Between the Wheels -- Higgins #22, Ghost Rider #27
The Weapon -- Higgins #21, Ghost Rider #33
Middletown Dreams -- Higgins #20, Ghost Rider #31
Losing It -- Higgins #19, Ghost Rider not ranked
Working Man -- Higgins #18, Ghost Rider not ranked (very controversially)
Red Sector A -- Higgins #17, Ghost Rider #18
Tom Sawyer -- Higgins #16, Ghost Rider #7
The Camera Eye -- Higgins #15, Ghost Rider #35
Cold Fire -- Higgins #14, Ghost Rider #25
Territories -- Higgins #13, Ghost Rider #14
Analog Kid -- Higgins #12, Ghost Rider #42
Limelight -- Higgins #11, Ghost Rider #20
The Trees -- Higgins #10, Ghost Rider #11
Anthem -- Higgins #9, Ghost Rider #39
New World Man -- Higgins #8, Ghost Rider not ranked
Xanadu -- Higgins #7, Ghost Rider #3
Jacob's Ladder -- Higgins #6, Ghost Rider #5

In the last 5 selections we have had three that are very close and two that are far apart.

Four of GR's top 10 have shown up, which means at least one of GR's top 10 is not on Higgins' list. So far Higgins has one top 10, New World Man, that was not in GR's top 50.

GR was pretty explicit about how he didn't much care for the first three Rush albums, especially the Peart-less first one, so that explains the discrepancies with Lakeside Park, Finding My Way, Working Man and Anthem. I have no idea how to explain GR not having New World Man in the top 50.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

New-to-me songs from #7 I liked include:

Grace Cathedral Hill
Contact
Question... ?
Antonio Carlos Jobim
Something Better Change
Rising Son
Loaded
Caught by the River
Something in the Night -- aside from the WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHs at the beginning and end, I think this is one of Springsteen's best.
The Dark Canuck

I had heard Nightrider before but didn't remember it. Another highlight from mid-70s ELO.

Tonight is my last night on Cape Cod. Tomorrow I'll be in the car all day heading back to NJ. I'll have to catch up on #6 and #5 during the week.

 

[krista4]

I like the fact that we are out of our comfort zone with some of these artists.
I am listening to stuff I would never have checked out myself.
Some is uncomfortable to listen to, but thats the point
Always a revelation or two worth it for each artist. Even on artists i have really struggled with.

 

[Mister CIA]

Update on how Higgins' Rush list compares with Ghost Rider's Rush top 50 countdown thus far:

Double Agent -- Higgins #31, Ghost Rider #29
Open Secrets -- Higgins #30, Ghost Rider not ranked
Ghost of a Chance -- Higgins #29, Ghost Rider #37
Witch Hunt -- Higgins #28, Ghost Rider #28 (BINGO!)
The Pass -- Higgins #27, Ghost Rider #21
The Spirit of Radio -- Higgins #26, Ghost Rider #8
Closer to the Heart -- Higgins #25, Ghost Rider #23
Lakeside Park -- Higgins #24, Ghost Rider not ranked
Finding My Way -- Higgins #23, Ghost Rider not ranked
Between the Wheels -- Higgins #22, Ghost Rider #27
The Weapon -- Higgins #21, Ghost Rider #33
Middletown Dreams -- Higgins #20, Ghost Rider #31
Losing It -- Higgins #19, Ghost Rider not ranked
Working Man -- Higgins #18, Ghost Rider not ranked (very controversially)
Red Sector A -- Higgins #17, Ghost Rider #18
Tom Sawyer -- Higgins #16, Ghost Rider #7
The Camera Eye -- Higgins #15, Ghost Rider #35
Cold Fire -- Higgins #14, Ghost Rider #25
Territories -- Higgins #13, Ghost Rider #14
Analog Kid -- Higgins #12, Ghost Rider #42
Limelight -- Higgins #11, Ghost Rider #20
The Trees -- Higgins #10, Ghost Rider #11
Anthem -- Higgins #9, Ghost Rider #39
New World Man -- Higgins #8, Ghost Rider not ranked
Xanadu -- Higgins #7, Ghost Rider #3
Jacob's Ladder -- Higgins #6, Ghost Rider #5

In the last 5 selections we have had three that are very close and two that are far apart.

Four of GR's top 10 have shown up, which means at least one of GR's top 10 is not on Higgins' list. So far Higgins has one top 10, New World Man, that was not in GR's top 50.

GR was pretty explicit about how he didn't much care for the first three Rush albums, especially the Peart-less first one, so that explains the discrepancies with Lakeside Park, Finding My Way, Working Man and Anthem. I have no idea how to explain GR not having New World Man in the top 50.

A+ effort on your part.

 

[krista4]

- After the intro that was reminiscent of someone passing a kidney stone, I fully enjoyed Bruce Springsteen's "Something in the Light" and am ready to declare it one of his best.

Something in the Night -- aside from the WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHs at the beginning and end, I think this is one of Springsteen's best.

 

[Mister CIA]

Doing skirt steak/chimichurri/tortas tomorrow. Making refrieds from scratch with freshly rendered bacon fat.

Whatcha got?

 

[Scoresman]

Doing skirt steak/chimichurri/tortas tomorrow. Making refrieds from scratch with freshly rendered bacon fat.

Whatcha got?

When we have people visit which has been the case often recently, I go all out.

- Two loaves of my sourdough bread.
- Homemade english muffins.
- Roasted marinara over spaghetti, with my garlic bread recipe.
- My wife and I hate the mexican food here in Portland since moving here, so we make our own. Mission style burritos with carne asada, carnitas, fresh tomatillo salsa, and pico de gallo.

This was done this past week.

 

[Mister CIA]

Doing skirt steak/chimichurri/tortas tomorrow. Making refrieds from scratch with freshly rendered bacon fat.

Whatcha got?

When we have people visit which has been the case often recently, I go all out.

- Two loaves of my sourdough bread.
- Homemade english muffins.
- Roasted marinara over spaghetti, with my garlic bread recipe.
- My wife and I hate the mexican food here in Portland since moving here, so we make our own. Mission style burritos with carne asada, carnitas, fresh tomatillo salsa, and pico de gallo.

This was done this past week.

Got over my fear of googling "Mission style." Sounds awesome.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

A few favorites from the 7s:

Hello It's Me------ I've been waiting for this one. 1979. My parents used to drive us north from Olympia to Lake Stevens on many Friday nights to visit aunt/uncle/cousins for the weekend. We'd make the 2.5 hour drive back late on Sunday. They'd play the soft rock FM station all the way, me in the back seat of the Buick. I called them my Sunday night songs. I hated most of them. This is one that I learned to love. My #1 Todd song.

Invisible Sun - one of my favorites by the Police

Mary - another song from Big Thief that somehow slipped through the cracks for me.

Antonio Carlos Jobim - big fan of this song. Glad you're including some Heatmiser in your playlist.

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is - another song that reminds me of my parents. I'm sure the next 6 will as well.

America the Beautiful - damn, how we need this gorgeous rendition of this song from Ray right now.

 

[Mister CIA]

Loving me some Chicago Transit Authority.

 

[Tau837]

I finally listened to the #9 playlist.

Excluding my own song, I already knew that I liked these songs:

• Police - Roxanne
• SRV - Cold Shot - possibly my favorite SRV song
• Kinks - Come Dancing
• Alice In Chains - I Stay Away

Once I listened to them, I realized I knew and liked these songs, just didn't remember them by name:

• Green Day - Brain Stew
• Chicago - Call on Me

On first listen to this playlist, these were the unfamiliar songs I liked the best:

• Taylor Swift - All Too Well
• Doves - Black And White Town

Not nearly as good as the #10 playlist for my taste, but still good.

 

[Raging weasel]

Doing skirt steak/chimichurri/tortas tomorrow. Making refrieds from scratch with freshly rendered bacon fat.

Whatcha got?

Not sure but wish I had your address

 

[Mister CIA]

A song liked by 100%: Ride Captain Ride

 

[krista4]

Not nearly as good as the #10 playlist for my taste, but still good.

The #10s were my favorites so far, too.

 

[krista4]

Started my day off with Phish, as I am wont to do. Actually I did enjoy "The Squirming Coil" very much.

Other highlights from the second half of the #6s:

Mehhhhh, nevermind. I'm sleepy and bummed out. I wavered on booking the place for tomorrow night, and now it's not available. This is a resort about 45 minutes away that we go to semi-frequently, but the prices for their cottages on the water have gone insanely high. I know everything is more expensive now, but we're talking about a nearly 50% hike since five months ago. I hemmed and hawed and then decided to pull the trigger anyway, and POOF. Gone. I really was surprised there were any available a few days ago anyway.

I'm not sure we'll do a #5 listening party because I'm trying to avoid my neighbors, and listening parties really are best when conducted outside overlooking the Olympic mountains. Maybe we could do it inside for a while and then move outside around 7 when it will be safe to see the neighbors.

Anyway, here are some new-to-mes I liked from the second half of the 6s: "Calistan" by Frank Black; "Ocean in the Way" by Dinosaur Jr.; "Go Back" by Damon Albarn (I think not actually new to me but not something I've heard a lot); "Outside" by Foo Fighters (my fave from then in a while); and "Wheat Kings" by The Tragically Hip.

 

[Eephus]

6. Doctor Wu is the third song from the album Katy Lied to appear on my list.

I had a Dr. Wu as a Statistics professor in college. He pronounced statistics as sahtisk. I wish I'd paid more attention because it's one of the more useful classes I took in school.

6.
No Name # 5- Elliott Smith...

The Decemberists
#6 The Crane Wife 3

You guys missed the numbers schtick by 1 and 3 respectively

# 6- Daft Punk - Derezzed (Tron: Legacy OST)

One of the great things about Daft Punk is they leave me only a few moments to gush about vocals that particularly mean something to me, involving all of you in my own emo world. This lack of lyrics and emoting is a blessing.

So is brevity. This one clocks in at about 1:45-2:00, depending on whether you're watching the video version or listening to it on Spotify. It gets in, gets out, and doesn't leave you time to rave, but to shake it for only a minute. No editors needed for this one.

I was just getting into the groove and it stopped.

My favorite Iris DeMent, in addition to the stuff with John Prine, were the songs she did with Nanci Griffith and Emmylou Harris. My favorite. Of course, anything anyone sings with Emmylou is going to be the best.

It's different from most of her other stuff but I love "Wasteland of the Free", an uncharacteristically rockin' protest song.

Wasteland of the Free

Provided to YouTube by Redeye WorldwideWasteland of the Free · Iris DeMentThe Way I Should℗ Songs of Iris (ASCAP)Released on: 2017-06-28Artist: Iris DeMentCo...

www.youtube.com

- I swear I've never heard "Master Blaster" from Stevie before.

6. Saturday in the Park
Album: Chicago V (1972)
Writer: Robert Lamm

This came up on shuffle today just as Lou and I were cresting the hill in Alamo Square Park, the place with the iconic view of the SF skyline over the six identical Victorian houses. It was a sunny Saturday and the hill was packed with locals and tourists. I didn't wish it was the 4th of July because Lou hates fireworks but the vibe of the song was immaculate.

 

[Mister CIA]

Calistan, unplugged.

 

[Tau837]

I finally listened to the #8 playlist.

Excluding my own song, I already knew that I liked these songs:

• SRV - Voodoo Child (Slight Return) - awesome
• Kinks - Sunny Afternoon
• Rush - New World Man
• Green Day - Holiday
• Alice In Chains - Man in the Box
• Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody - my #1 Queen song, despite how much it has been overplayed
• AC/DC - Who Made Who
• Heart - Heartless
• Elton John - Tiny Dancer - my #2 EJ song... love the scene in Almost Famous

Once I listened to them, I realized I knew and liked these songs, just didn't remember them by name:

• Chicago - Feelin' Stronger Every Day
• Blur - Song 2

On first listen to this playlist, these were the unfamiliar songs I liked the best:

• Brandi Carlile - Every Time I Hear That Song
• Taylor Swift - Maroon
• Doves - The Man Who Told Everything

Not surprising there were more songs I already knew and liked as we approach the end of the countdown. Great playlist!

 

[Eephus]

Damon Albarn song #6

Tony Allen feat. Damon Albarn - "Go Back" from Film of Life (2014)

For an artist who's leaned so heavily on guest artists in Gorillaz, Albarn has done very few guest shots himself. My favorite is this collaboration with Nigerian drummer Tony Allen who was a member of two of Damon's other outfits.

"Go Back" sits in a middle ground between the melodic The Good, The Bad and The Queen and the jam-based sound of Rocket Juice & the Moon. Allen's playing was constricted by the sound Albarn wanted for The Good, The Bad and The Queen but on this solo number, Allen is able to swing with the bass player. The Afrobeat horns add a nice flavor to the slinky groove.

I'm not going to second guess myself for ranking it so highly.

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/track/1GcFxbll8l5Vv9y7nrRHJ0

 

[Yo Mama]

Had a few drinks so I forgot all the witty comments I was going to make about the 6s, so this is the best I can do.

Loved the new to me songs from Decembrists (although maybe this was the one from the Bear), Albarn and the all-defense guy that used to play for the Grizzlies, Doves, Prodigy, and Heart.

Is the JBJ from a commercial maybe?

Oh hey, Brandi Carlisle is on my tv right now (SNL).

The Phish song totally sounds like a Genesis song.

The Bauhaus song totally sounds like a Bowie song.

Known to me greats from Rush, Police, Kinks, ELO, AC/DC, Chicago, Stevie W, Spoon, S&G, and Elton.

I remembered more than I thought.

 

[Zegras11]

#5's PLAYLIST

		#5 -
Todd Rundgren	New Binky the Doormat	We Gotta Get You A Woman - YouTube Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen. www.youtube.com
Jorge Ben Jor	Don Quixote	País Tropical - YouTube Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen. youtu.be
Brandi Carlile	JB Breakfast Club	the Joke - By the Way, I Forgive You The Joke Brandi Carlile · Song · 2018 open.spotify.com
The Police	Zegras11	Don't Stand So Close To Me Don't Stand So Close To Me The Police · Song · 1980 open.spotify.com
Modest Mouse	The Dreaded Marco	Talking **** About A Pretty Sunset Modern Mouse - Talkin' Shit About a Pretty Sunset Talkin' **** About a Pretty SunsetModest MouseLong DriveOh... noose, tied myself in, tied myself too tightLooking kind of anxious in your cross armed stanceL... www.youtube.com
Genesis	Yo Mama	The Musical Box The Musical Box Genesis · Song · 1971 open.spotify.com
Stevie Ray Vaughan	Sullie	Riviera Paradise (Live From Austin City Limits - 1983) Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - Riviera Paradise (Live From Austin, TX) Stevie Ray Vaughan performing "Riviera Paradise" live in Austin, TXListen to Stevie Ray Vaughan: https://StevieRayVaughan.lnk.to/listenYDSubscribe to Stevie ... www.youtube.com
The Decemberists	kupcho1	The Sporting Life The Sporting Life The Decemberists · Song · 2005 open.spotify.com The Decemberists - The Sporting Life (from Picaresque) Get the album on iTunes: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/picaresque/313249629?mt=1&app=music&at=1000l3gn"The Sporting Life" from the Picaresque album. ... youtu.be
...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead	plinko	All St. Day The Secret Of Elena's Tomb EP (2003) All St. Day ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead · Song · 2003 open.spotify.com
The Kinks	Galileo	Lola (1970 - Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part 1) Lola - 2014 Remastered Version The Kinks · Song · 2014 open.spotify.com
Rush	higgins	La Villa Strangiato Rush - La Villa Strangiato [Exit Stage Left... LIVE HQ] From the live album Exit Stage Left... (1981)Mercury – 822 551-2Progressive Rock / PsychedelicLyrics:Patchy patchy kikhelekhZaydie v'kayfn shikhelekhBubie v... www.youtube.com
Sigur Rós	Scoresman	Varúð (Caution) - Valtari - 2012 Varúð Sigur Rós · Song · 2012 open.spotify.com
Donald Fagen	Charlie Steiner	Don't Take Me Alive Don't Take Me Alive Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupDon't Take Me Alive · Steely DanThe Royal Scam℗ 1976 Geffen RecordsReleased on: 1976-01-01Producer: Gary KatzAsso... www.youtube.com
Green Day	MAC_32	Minority Minority - BBC Live Session Green Day · BBC Sessions (Live) · Song · 2021 open.spotify.com
Big Thief	Ilov80s	Simulation Swarm Simulation Swarm Big Thief · Song · 2022 open.spotify.com
Daft Punk	rockaction	Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger Daft Punk - Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger (Official Video) Random Access Memories (10th Anniversary Edition) out now: https://daftpunk.lnk.to/RAM10sOfficial Music Video for “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger”, taken f... youtu.be
Taylor Swift	Jpalmer	The Great War The Great War Taylor Swift · Song · 2022 open.spotify.com
Elliott Smith	Tuffnutt	Miss Misery Elliott Smith "Miss Misery" Elliott Smith's Miss Misery Directors cut with no Good Will Hunting stuff. Directed by Ross Harris www.youtube.com
Chicago	Pip's Invitation	Just You 'N' Me Just You 'N' Me - 2002 Remaster Chicago · Song · 1973 open.spotify.com
The Stranglers	John Maddens Lunchbox	(Get a) Grip (On Yourself) The Stranglers - (Get A) Grip (On Yourself) Promo Video 1977. m.youtube.com
Ryan Adams	Dr. Octopus	When The Stars Go Blue When The Stars Go Blue Ryan Adams · Song · 2001 open.spotify.com
Stevie Wonder	Uruk-Hai	Signed Sealed Delivered Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupSigned, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) · Stevie WonderSigned, Sealed And Delivered℗ A Motown Records Release; ℗ 19... www.youtube.com
Slade	Mrs. Rannous	Cheap 'n' Nasty Luv Slade - The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome - Cheap 'n' Nasty Luv Purchase Everything Slade: https://slade.tmstor.es/Slade were unstoppable throughout the seventies becoming one of Europe's biggest bands, releasing 6 smash ... www.youtube.com
Phish	shuke	You Enjoy Myself You Enjoy Myself Phish · Junta · Song · 1989 open.spotify.com
Electgric Light Orchestra (ELO)	jwb	Dreaming of 4000 Dreaming of 4000 Electric Light Orchestra · On the Third Day · Song · 1973 open.spotify.com
Frank Black	Mister CIA	Bullett Bullet Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesBullet · Frank Black And The CatholicsDog in the Sand℗ 2001 Cooking VinylReleased on: 2006-09-11Auto-generated ... www.youtube.com
Clutch	Raging Weasel	Cypress Grove Cypress Grove Clutch · Song · 2011 open.spotify.com
Dinosaur Jr.	KarmaPolice	They Always Come They Always come Provided to YouTube by BWSCD, Inc.They Always come · Dinosaur Jr.Bug℗ 1988 Dinosaur Jr. IncReleased on: 1988-10-31Auto-generated by YouTube. www.youtube.com
Warren Zevon	worrierking	My Ride's Here My Ride's Here Warren Zevon · Song · 2002 open.spotify.com Described by Zevon co-conspirator Jorge Calderon as "The happiest song ever written about being dead." Best Lyric: I was staying at the Westin I was playing to a draw When in walked Charlton Heston With the Tablets of the Law He said, "It's still the Greatest Story" I said, "Man, I'd like to stay But I'm bound for glory I'm on my way"
Alice in Chains	Mt. Man	Heaven Beside You Alice In Chains Artist · 7.4M monthly listeners. open.spotify.com
Queen	snellman	Under Pressure Under Pressure Queen, David Bowie · Song · 1982 open.spotify.com
AC/DC	falguy	Can I Sit Next To You Girl Can I Sit Next to You Girl AC/DC · Song · 1976 open.spotify.com
The Hold Stead	scorchy	Most People Are DJs Most People Are DJs The Hold Steady · Song · 2004 open.spotify.com
Damon Albarn	Eephus	Gorillaz --- On Melancholy Hill Gorillaz - On Melancholy Hill (Official Video) Follow Gorillaz online:http://gorillaz.com http://facebook.com/Gorillazhttp://twitter.com/GorillazBandhttps://instagram.com/gorillazMusic video by Gorillaz p... www.youtube.com
Ray Charles	simey	Ray Charles - A fool for you Ray Charles - A fool for you www.youtube.com A Fool for You Ray Charles · Song · 2007 open.spotify.com
Doves	landrys hat	Kingdom of Rust Kingdom Of Rust Doves · Song · 2009 open.spotify.com
Spoon	Hov34	Held Spoon - "Held" (Official Audio) 'Held comes from the album, ‘Lucifer on the Sofa,’ out now. Order/stream the album now: https://spoon.ffm.to/lots Connect with Spoon: https://www.spoontheba... www.youtube.com
Foo Fighters	Just Win Baby	Times Like These Times Like These Foo Fighters · One By One (Expanded Edition) · Song · 2002 open.spotify.com
Simon & Garfunkel	zamboni	"The Boxer" Simon & Garfunkel - The Boxer (Audio) “The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel Listen to Simon & Garfunkel: https://SimonAndGarfunkel.lnk.to/listenYD Subscribe to the official Simon & Garfunkel YouTube C... www.youtube.com
Bruce Springsteen	DrIanMalcolm	Spirit in the Night Bruce Springsteen - Spirit In The Night (Original) Studio VersionLyrics:Crazy Janey and her mission man were back in the alley tradin' hands`long came Wild Billy with his friend G-man all duded up for Saturda... www.youtube.com
The Prodigy	titusbramble	Firestarter Firestarter The Prodigy · Song · 1997 open.spotify.com
Bauhaus	otb_lifer	Lagartija Nick Lagartija Nick Bauhaus · Song · 1983 open.spotify.com
Heart	Doug B	Crazy on You Crazy On You Heart · Song · 1975 open.spotify.com
The Tragically Hip	Northern Voice	Grace, Too Grace, Too The Tragically Hip · Song · 1994 open.spotify.com
deadmau5	zazale	I Remember I Remember deadmau5 · Song · 2008 open.spotify.com
Elton John	timschochet	Amoreena Elton John - Amoreena (Live in New York 1970) Check out the new remastered version: https://youtu.be/v0o29Jq-rmg17th of November 1970Recorded at A&R Recording Studios, New York, for a live radio broadcas... www.youtube.com

 

[Uruk-Hai]

#5 "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)"

Lol at every other record released in 1970.

The closest Motown ever got to copying the Stax sound. Given the record label, the high-end is brought way forward in the mix but this is gut-bucket Southern funk in style. Steve Cropper and Al Jackson should have sued for royalties because that guitar/drum combo is straight out of Memphis (as are the horns). This is the Stevie Wonder song Otis Redding would have covered.

Stevie was 19 or 20 years old when he recorded this. It may well be his greatest vocal performance, just because he's running through about six different octaves and sounds good in all of them. His voice would deepen after this - in some ways it would grow richer, but not as wild as he was here.

The album this record came from is the last of his "Formula Motown" LPs, but it's really good, and it's quirkier than anything his labelmates were doing at the time. It's worth checking out.

Peter Frampton did a cover of "Signed......." a few years later that needed a heaping dose of Viagra.

 

[JB Breakfast Club]

I mentioned my wedding song was written by Ryan Adams. It's today's song, covered as a duet by the Corrs and Bono:

U2 Bono & The Coors When the stars go blue

Bono & The Coors Top! ;Dhttps://www.youtube.com/user/lucasroxgames

youtu.be

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#5 - The Stranglers - (Get a) Grip (On Yourself)

The Stranglers - (Get A) Grip (On Yourself)

Promo Video 1977.

m.youtube.com

Year - 1977 and 1989
Album - Rattus Norvegicus
UK Chart position - #44 in 1977 and #33 in 1989 as Grip 89
Vocals - Hugh Cornwell
Key Lyric - Suffering convictions on a two-way stretch inside
The air in here is pretty thin, I think I'll go outside
Committed for insanity and crimes against the soul
The worst crime that I ever did was play some rock 'n roll
But the money's no good
Just get a grip on yourself

Interesting Points
1- Their debut single is punkish in attitude, but has saxophone, weird keyboard bits and a big instrumental section in the middle

2- Originally entering the charts at #44, it was primed for a big jump in the chart . Projected to reach #15 on week 2 on midweek projections, it instead dropped. It was revealed that there was a clerical error at the chart compilers and the sales for Grip were assigned to another artist starting with S, ruining any momentum as it was on track to reach top 5. Missing out on a Top of the Pops appearance was devastating for a new band. The band and label were furious and ensured their next single did not suffer a similar fate. All suspected sabotage within the music industry.

3- Like with Always the Sun, an eff up led to a release for a greatest hits compilation. At this stage of their career the band were struggling to stay together and their new material wasnt up to scratch. To buy time, the Peaches greatest hits compilation was released with Grip 89 leading it off

4- A rare Stranglers song with Saxophone. The saxophonist was a coal miner named Eric Clarke, who finished a shift at the mine, got on a train, recorded his bit and went back home.

5- The first line in the lyric refers to not having enough money to buy a Morry Thou. A morry thou is a beat up old Morris 1000 car. The british attempt to compete with the Volkswagen Beetle

Summary to date
Year
1977 - 12
1978 - 5
1979 - 2
1980 - 0
1981 - 1
1982 - 1
1983 - 0
1984 - 3
1985 - 0
1986 - 1
1987 - 0
1988 - 2
1989 - 1
1990 onwards - 2

Where to find
Rattus Norvegicus - 8/9
No More Heroes -3/11
Black and White - 2/12
The Raven - 2/11
The Gospel According to the Meninblack - 0/10
La Folie - 1/11
Feline - 0/9
Aural Sculpture - 3/11
Dreamtime - 1/10
All Live and All of the Night - 2/13
10 - 1/10
1991 onwards - 0
B Sides - 1
Greatest Hits - 3
Standalone Single - 3

Running Vocal Count
Hugh Cornwell - 17
Jean-Jacques Burnel - 10
Other - 0

Rundown
#31 - Walk on By
#30 - Ugly
#29 - All Day and All of the Night
#28 - Meninblack
#27 - Goodbye Toulouse
#26 - Princess of the Streets
#25 - Sweden (All Quiet on the Eastern Front)
#24 - Duchess
#23 - Sometimes
#22 - La Folie
#21 - North Winds
#20 - No Mercy
#19 - 5 Minutes
#18 - Strange Little Girl
#17 - Shut Up
#16 - Bitching
#15 - Bring on the Nubiles
#14 - 96 Tears
#13 - Down in the Sewer
#12 - Hanging Around
#11 - Straighten Out
#10 - Nice ‘N’ Sleazy
#9 - London Lady
#8 - Always the Sun
#7 - Something Better Change
#6 - Skin Deep
#5 - (Get a) Grip (On Yourself)

Next, one of their biggest hits. As it should be at this stage. Well with one exception

 

[Ilov80s]

You believe, I believe too
That you are the river of light
Who I love, that I cling to
In the belly of the empty night

 

[Galileo]

#5 Lola (1970 - Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part 1)

Lola - 2014 Remastered Version

The Kinks · Lola vs. Powerman and the Moneygoround, Pt. One + Percy (Super Deluxe) · Song · 2014

open.spotify.com

This is, perhaps, the most iconic and well known Kinks song. I have seen different stories about its inspiration including incidents described about Ray, about Mick Avory, and/or about Robert Wace, the band’s manager. Ray did say he did some research with drag queens while writing the lyrics. While controversial in subject matter, Ray intentionally crafted the lyrics to be a bit ambiguous. Ray would later say “It really doesn’t matter what sex Lola is, I think she’s alright.” The subject matter of this song paved the way for the likes of Lou Reed and David Bowie to incorporate gender fluidity in their work.

This song was written with the intention of being a hit. Ray wanted a catchy tune that people could sing along to, and he realized he got it when hearing his 2 yr old daughter singing the chorus. The album itself is a concept piece about trying to make it in the music industry. The tracks prior to Lola are all pre-fame struggle oriented. The track immediately following Lola is Top of Pops (didn’t miss my list by much) about having a hit song and becoming a star. Seems like a well planned set up. In the context of the album, the song could be taken as a metaphor for the music industry which looks enticing but isn’t necessarily what it seems to be.

One last fun fact on a bit of a personal note, I lost my innocence with this song playing in the background. Too much information?

Bonus Track: Lola Instrumental with a slightly different vibe to it from the 1971 album and movie soundtrack, Percy:

Lola - Instrumental

The Kinks · Percy (Deluxe) · Song · 1971

open.spotify.com

I met her in a club down in old Soho
Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like Coca Cola
C-O-L-A Cola
She walked up to me and she asked me to dance
I asked her her name and in a dark brown voice she said, "Lola"
L-O-L-A Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola

Well, I'm not the world's most physical guy
But when she squeezed me tight she nearly broke my spine
Oh my Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola
Well, I'm not dumb but I can't understand
Why she walked like a woman but talked like a man
Oh my Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola

Well, we drank champagne and danced all night
Under electric candlelight
She picked me up and sat me on her knee
She said, "Little boy, won't you come home with me?"
Well, I'm not the world's most passionate guy
But when I looked in her eyes
Well, I almost fell for my Lola
Lo lo lo lo Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola
Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola

I pushed her away
I walked to the door
I fell to the floor
I got down on my knees
Then I looked at her, and she at me
Well, that's the way that I want it to stay
And I always want it to be that way for my Lola
Lo lo lo lo Lola
Girls will be boys, and boys will be girls
It's a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world
Except for Lola
Lo lo lo lo Lola

Well, I'd left home just a week before
And I'd never ever kissed a woman before
But Lola smiled and took me by the hand
She said, "Little boy, gonna make you a man"
Well, I'm not the world's most masculine man
But I know what I am and I'm glad I'm a man
And so is Lola
Lo lo lo lo Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola

Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola
Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola
Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola
Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola
Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola

 

[kupcho1]

Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like Coca Cola

I swear I've heard a version where the lyric is cherry Cola. Am I out of my mind? Or was there an interlude where Coke was suing the Kinks?

ETA: a quick search turned up the fact that it was the BBC, not Coke, that forced Ray's hand. Apparently they used to have a policy against songs with commercial references.

 

[kupcho1]

The Decemberists
#5 The Sporting Life

I've seen some crazy theories about what this song actually means, but it's quite simple. It's about YMCA soccer. (At least that's what someone said they heard Meloy say at a concert. )

It's an autobiographical look at young Colin who ended up on a good youth soccer team (12-1 at this point), but wasn't very good. To make matters worse, he feels his father was looking to him to "fulfill all his old athletic aspirations." And he loses his girlfriend to the captain of the other team.

I fell on the playing field
The work of an errant heel
The din of the crowd and the loud commotion
Went deafening silent and stopped in motion
The season was almost done
We'd managed it 12 to 1
So far I had known no humiliation
In front of my friends and close relations

There's my father looking on
And there's my girlfriend arm in arm
With the captain of the other team
And all of this is clear to me
They condescend and fix on me a frown
How they love the sporting life

And father had had such hopes
For a son who would take the ropes
And fulfill all his old athletic aspirations
But apparently now there's some complications
But while I am lying here
Trying to fight the tears
I'll prove to the crowd that I come out stronger
Though I think I might lie here a little longer

There's my coach he's looking down
The disappointment in his knitted brow
"I should've known," he thinks again
"I never should have put him in"
He turns and loads the lemonade away
And breathes in deep
The sporting life
The sporting life
The sporting life
How he loves

There's my father looking on
And there's my girlfriend arm in arm
With the captain of the other team
And all of this is clear to me
They condescend and fix on me a frown
How they love the sporting life

 

[Galileo]

Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like Coca Cola

I swear I've heard a version where the lyric is cherry Cola. Am I out of my mind? Or was there an interlude where Coke was suing the Kinks?

You are not crazy. The original was Coca Cola. However, the BBC banned the song from being played as they felt it was advertising. I am not aware of any lawsuits from the Coca Cola company. Anyway, the BBC ban forced The Kinks to re-record the song with the generic cherry cola lyric.

 

[Don Quixote]

Jorge Ben Jor

Don Quixote

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

For those who have commented that Jorge Ben songs might be good to add to the mix while sitting outside by the pool, this one should qualify for that. One of his most famous anthems. Pais Tropical = Tropical Country. It’s a celebration of Brazil and Carnival. I‘ve said previously that I enjoy a good call and response, and this song has that.

Moro num país tropical, abençoado por Deus
E bonito por natureza, mas que beleza
Em fevereiro (em fevereiro)
Tem carnaval (tem carnaval)…

I live in a tropical country blessed by God
And beautiful by nature, what a beauty
In February (in February)
It has carnival (it has carnival)…

Jorge Ben Jor - País Tropical lyrics + English translation

Translation of 'País Tropical' by Jorge Ben Jor from Portuguese to E

lyricstranslate.com

 

[zamboni]

Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like Coca Cola

I swear I've heard a version where the lyric is cherry Cola. Am I out of my mind?

You may be thinking of the live One From The Road version in which Ray says “cherry cola”.

Alright, this is the disco version…

 

[rockaction]

#5 Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk (Discovery)

A Tale Of Two Stardoms

"Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" was Daft Punk's fourth single off of their second album, Discovery. It rides a sample of the song "Cola Bottle Baby" by a funk musician named Edwin Birdsong in a gritty, chopped-up way with vocoder vocals over the beat.

It was a success, but not because of song qua song. Its performance on the charts, including the dance charts, was actually more tepid than other tracks from the album it was off of. The real impact of this song was felt because Kanye West chose to make it the centerpiece of his song "Stronger," which used a heavy sample of the song and propelled Daft Punk to God-like status of dance clubs not just in Europe but in the States as well, where he introduced Daft to an entire audience of listeners and dance club goers who otherwise would not likely have heard of Daft, or if they had heard of them, might have treated them with more curiosity than immersion and reckless abandon.

Kanye West - Stronger

Kanye's track, off of the album Graduation, completed Kanye's school trilogy and cemented his role as chief cultural importer of all things Parisian and worldly including, apparently, cocaine. While Daft would ride their newfound popularity to world-wide fame and a release of Alive 2007, where the live version of "Harder..." would win a Grammy, Kanye would eventually ride his newfound mega-stardom into a pile of cocaine and a Kardashian. While Daft Punk reveled in similar excesses -- as far as musical palettes go for cocaine -- and found success with a different kind of coke-fueled music than Kanye, namely, yacht rock, which was featured on their 2013 album Random Access Memories, an album that won them another Grammy for Best Record in 2013. Kanye, on the other hand, would ride his cocaine-fueled musical output into what many consider his finest efforts, the undoubtably abrasive My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010) and Yeezus (2013), the latter of which was so compressed and grating it agitated and confused fans and some critics alike. There was really no middle ground with Yeezus and you either loved it or didn't.

And we know the end result of each artist's excesses. One band sits triumphant among all the free-and-easy discotheque-goers of the world, the other sits as an unfortunate exhibit of mental health issues gone untreated.

But the original song is here in all its glory. Enjoy!

eta* Seriously, one would be remiss if one didn't point out just how huge Kanye West was in 2007 in both overground and underground culture. It is not revisionism nor overstatement to list Daft Punk as slight coattail riders. Of course they were. Graduation was a seismic accomplishment, with guest stars as diverse as Coldplay's Chris Martin to Daft Punk to samples from friend of countdown Donald Fagen to guests by John Mayer to Jay-Z to Lil' Wayne to T-Pain to others. Pretty much everybody wanted to be on a track with Kanye or to be sampled by him. He was just that big.

Graduation (album) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like Coca Cola

I swear I've heard a version where the lyric is cherry Cola. Am I out of my mind? Or was there an interlude where Coke was suing the Kinks?

You are not crazy. The original was Coca Cola. However, the BBC banned the song from being played as they felt it was advertising. I am not aware of any lawsuits from the Coca Cola company. Anyway, the BBC ban forced The Kinks to re-record the song with the generic cherry cola lyric.

The live version says “cherry cola” also.