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

[kupcho1]

In the spirit of sharing bonus tracks, here's Colin Meloy doing Dracula's Daughter.
His intro:

And I know mostly on these sorts of shows and in any show really, everybody just wants to, you know, the band onstage wants to exhibit the best effort, the best songs that they've written. So I think it's fair that you should also do the worst songs that you've written. Just to give people the sense and the balance. So, tonight I'm going to play you the worst song I ever wrote. And it's bad to the core. I mean it's... I mean you know right away. I don't know how I got past the first two chords. I mean the fact that I even put pen to paper is really terrifying. Makes one want to retire and become a college professor or something. It's that sort of thing that shakes the very foundation of your being.

He's not kidding around.

 

[plinko]

In the spirit of sharing bonus tracks, here's Colin Meloy doing Dracula's Daughter.
His intro:

And I know mostly on these sorts of shows and in any show really, everybody just wants to, you know, the band onstage wants to exhibit the best effort, the best songs that they've written. So I think it's fair that you should also do the worst songs that you've written. Just to give people the sense and the balance. So, tonight I'm going to play you the worst song I ever wrote. And it's bad to the core. I mean it's... I mean you know right away. I don't know how I got past the first two chords. I mean the fact that I even put pen to paper is really terrifying. Makes one want to retire and become a college professor or something. It's that sort of thing that shakes the very foundation of your being.

He's not kidding around.

I bet those solo shows were great

 

[Charlie Steiner]

Any Major Dude Will Tell You is one of Steely Dan's best ballads, boasting a great melody. An interesting thing about Fagen is that he hated being frontman and never wanted to be lead singer -- but the songs he and Becker wrote didn't really work with anyone else's voice, so he resigned himself to it. In the '70s he hated touring because venue PA systems were not good enough to get the songs across the way he wanted them to, and because he didn't like being perceived as the bandleader, so in 1974 he and Becker brought Royce Jones and Michael McDonald into the touring band to take on some of the vocal duties. Jones sang this one on that tour. (In the '90s and onward, Fagen has been much more comfortable onstage as frontman and lead singer. It's probably helped that venue PA systems are better and he can have whoever he wants from the jazz world in the touring band.)

I saw them just a handful of years ago, after Becker's death, but it was really fun and the thing that came across the most was Fagen's joy of just being out there doing it

I picked this song because I don't need to be in any specific frame of mind to enjoy it. Fagen and Steely Dan are one of the few artists/groups that I never skip on my Spotify playlist.

Didn't have much of a write-up for this one, and @Yo Mama stole my thunder a little a couple rounds ago by including the song 'Squonk', making Fagen's reference in this song not quite as obscure.

Also, @plinko I wanted to circle back to your weed now being legal in MD comment. TBH, even though I don't partake of it myself, I'm hoping it smells better than whatever skunky crap everyone in my neighborhood has been using up til now.

 

[plinko]

I probably have some contact highs to look forward to, just being out in the neighborhood

 

[simey]

How were the Barenakeds??

They were a good time. It's fun to see a band that is having a great time on stage. They have great personalities, and did some fun banter and skit like stuff throughout the show. They sounded great, although my sister thought one their voices sounded a bit hoarse. I couldn't tell. He sounded like he does on records. They did a nice tribute to their fellow Canadian Gordon Lightfoot by singing and playing piano to "If You Could Read My Mind." They didn't play the whole song, but did about half of it. I mentioned yesterday that I only knew a couple songs from them, but I recognized at least 5 during the show. The last song they did before their encore was "Rock of Ages" by Def Leppard. They rocked it! The drummer sang it up front on stage, and one of the others took over on drums. Five for Fighting opened for them, and Del Amitri opened for them. Everything was pushed back about an hour due to the storm that came through earlier, and something about they had to lower the stage roof to protect the equipment. I'm glad it stormed earlier to cool things down, and the storm was before we got there.

 

[plinko]

How were the Barenakeds??

They were a good time. It's fun to see a band that is having a great time on stage. They have great personalities, and did some fun banter and skit like stuff throughout the show. They sounded great, although my sister thought one their voices sounded a bit hoarse. I couldn't tell. He sounded like he does on records. They did a nice tribute to their fellow Canadian Gordon Lightfoot by singing and playing piano to "If You Could Read My Mind." They didn't play the whole song, but did about half of it. I mentioned yesterday that I only knew a couple songs from them, but I recognized at least 5 during the show. The last song they did before their encore was "Rock of Ages" by Def Leppard. They rocked it! The drummer sang it up front on stage, and one of the others took over on drums. Five for Fighting opened for them, and Del Amitri opened for them. Everything was pushed back about an hour due to the storm that came through earlier, and something about they had to lower the stage roof to protect the equipment. I'm glad it stormed earlier to cool things down, and it was before we got there.

Glad you had fun. When I saw them, Howard Jones opened, it sounds like I win that particular battle but you got Rock of Ages!

(I honestly can't remember vm about the show I went to, it was at Pier Six on the Bmore harbor and I had been drinking all day)

 

[KarmaPolice]

Lol. Was this Queen song in Iron Eagle?

I’m my mind Iron Eagle is this song and some kid just flying around

Meaning you ignore 95% of the movie, which shows your intelligence.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Lol. Was this Queen song in Iron Eagle?

Fried Chicken?

No, One Vision.

 

[plinko]

Lol. Was this Queen song in Iron Eagle?

I’m my mind Iron Eagle is this song and some kid just flying around

Meaning you ignore 95% of the movie, which shows your intelligence.

Love my LGJr., but "An Officer And A Gentleman" is a much more watchable film

 

[plinko]

I posted this last year in the hair metal thread but here it is again. More bonus material, and even worse than Colin Meloy's tossoff, here is godawful "supergroup" King Kobra's godawful video for their godawful Iron Eagle theme song.

Much like Britt Daniel slumming it with ... , somehow they got Lou on board!

 

[rockaction]

Much like Britt Daniel slumming it with ...

Slumming it with who?

I'm curious.

 

[Scoresman]

20 - Sigur Ros - Brennistein (Brimstone) - Kveikur - 2013

Sigur Ros gets darker and heavier with this track. This song features a distorted synth-bass line and thundering, layered drums. I once read and agree that this whole record sounds like it was recorded in a blacksmith.

A lot of fans consider this Sigur Ros' "Idioteque", not that it sounds like it, but the change of sound to layered drums and the synths remind you of the sharp turn Radiohead made when their sound went more electronic.

Link to lyrics

 

[simey]

Had to make an avatar change because the pic made me laugh, didn't think the music nerds or Mr. Mascis would mind.

I was wondering if it was Dr. Rupert Fluffenstein that had passed. I know how much you loved your persian pal. I hope he is enjoying some catnip edibles on the other side of Rainbow Bridge.

 

[tuffnutt]

20.
Tomorrow Tomorrow- Elliott Smith
from X/O Album

I got static in my head
The reflected sound of
to go to where it led
But it didn't lead to anything

While Smith’s reputation as a brilliant lyricist is well documented, it also bears repeating that he was a phenomenal guitarist, and “Tomorrow Tomorrow” features arguably his most amazing performance. it's pretty mesmerizing and really really well written. the guitar work is flawless and an absolute work of genius. Anyone who plays guitar can tell you how hard that finger picking is. Its also a ridiculous step up in terms of complexity compared to his earlier stuff. Elliott is really flexing his ability and showing what he can do on this one.

 

[plinko]

Much like Britt Daniel slumming it with ...

Slumming it with who?

I'm curious.

ToD

 

[Pip's Invitation]

20. Women Don't Want to Love Me
Album: Chicago VII (1974)
Writer: Robert Lamm
Lead vocals: Peter Cetera
Released as a single? No

This is one of the band's funkiest tracks, with Robert Lamm's clavinet and Terry Kath's wah-wah guitar driving the song masterfully. The vocal melody is also outstanding, especially the way Peter Cetera's voice soars on "by and by," "and you grow" and "of this man." And of course there's another amazing guitar solo -- with great counterpoint by the horns -- before the song ends with a thrilling horns-and-piano coda.
A theme of Lamm and Lee Loughnane's 2021 interview with Dan Rather was the toll the band's constant recording and touring took on their personal lives. Lamm had two failed marriages before a successful third one ("I was an idiot," he said) and Loughnane had four failed marriages (and said that, despite good relationships with his children, his trumpet has been the only constant in his life). This song tackles those sentiments head on:
Woman don't want to love me
She hates the telephone
'Cause lovin gets complicated
Singing with the band
The point is simply stated
I'm gonna fix this situation
With the final liberation
Of this man
Live version from 1974: https://youtu.be/UcP-2PGsjjw?t=1453
Leonid and Friends version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-qknbJpvQg

At #19, a song that begins with a blast of power chords and goes on to reference Howdy Doody.

Love this song. I mean, this is Chicago's version of a Stevie Wonder record - right? Wonder wouldn't have written these lyrics, but the groove is him.

Yes. Wonder was clearly a big influence on the band, particularly Robert Lamm and James Pankow, who each wrote several songs that were clearly inspired by him.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I probably have some contact highs to look forward to, just being out in the neighborhood

My town's first dispensary is opening soon. Will be interesting to see how that changes the smell of everything.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Had to make an avatar change because the pic made me laugh, didn't think the music nerds or Mr. Mascis would mind.

I was wondering if it was Dr. Rupert Fluffenstein that had passed. I know how much you loved your persian pal. I hope he is enjoying some catnip edibles on the other side of Rainbow Bridge.

Very impressed at this pull. Easily my favorite pet I've had, and it was clear I was his human from jump.

I put off telling my daughter until this morning, some for her, but I also needed a day because I know the questions and blunt statements were coming. Of course she destroys me during the game with this exchange:

Dad, do you think Ripper's soul is watching us from heaven?
Yes, I like to believe that, honey.
She puts her hand on my shoulder and says - I know he misses you.

Very sweet, empathetic girl, but damn did that get me.

 

[Mt. Man]

Some selected (‘random’) #20s

Tomorrow Tomorrow - Elliott Smith. Starts slow and subdued, picking up parts along the way. Somewhere between when the vocals merge and the guitar gets more prominent, I’m hooked.

Champagne problems - Taylor Swift. A different style from what I’d expect from Taylor, though maybe that’s me not paying attention? By 2/3rds in I was kind of bopping along. You know, in that manly and M-A Dummy way.

Any Major Dude Will Tell You - Steely Dan (/Donald Fagen). Instantly 70s, and I mean that as a good thing. Smooth as silk, and optimistic. Plus the promised squonk!

Tonight, Tonight, Tonight - Genesis. Honestly? It’s been a good while since I’ve heard anything but the radio version of half this length. So it was good to remind myself of the full scope of this song.

Change It - Stevie Ray Vaughn. Another song that’s faded behind other entries from SRV, but not forgotten. Enjoy it all of course, but the middle part connects with me the most.

Everything Hits At Once - Spoon. Smooth music and confidently strong vocals. There’s a very old-school (dare I say ‘classic’) rock feel to this song, and… random mellotron?

Isn’t She Lovely? - Stevie Wonder. Well-known, and well appreciated. I wonder if I’d have put this higher, but then again, I know (or at least suspect) what’s ahead.

–
Man, some big hitters this round! Dirty Deeds. My oh My. Good cover of Just a Little. Groooooose! And his hair was perfect.
Lots of new-to-me songs that should get a second listen. The Stranglers, Bauhaus, deadmau5, to name a few
Adding The Tragically Hip (hanging out next to Doves) to the list of bands I’m going to try to stop mentioning for basically every song.
Gee, that bass player on the Heart song sounds familiar. I wonder where I’ve heard him. >.>

 

[Zegras11]

Taylor Swift

Jpalmer

champagne problems champagne problems Taylor Swift · evermore · Song · 2020 open.spotify.com

Never listened to TSwift until I started working with @Jpalmer . Really like this one.

 

[Don Quixote]

Currently sitting on Waikiki Beach with a view of Diamond Head, wondering if 8:30am is too early for a Mai Tai (though I’ve been up for about six hours, as still on eastern time).

As I’m on vacation in Hawaii for the next couple of weeks, probably won’t be able to follow along to the lists. Will have some catching up to do when back.

Some more cuica today for Muppet torture fans (hi, @Waldorf ).

 

[rockaction]

Currently sitting on Waikiki Beach with a view of Diamond Head

Wow. That's excellent. Hawaii was home of the best trip I ever took.

Have some of this to set the mood.

Diamond Head

Love that song.

 

[Yo Mama]

#20 Genesis - Tonight, Tonight, Tonight

Album - Invisible Touch
Year - 1986

As already mentioned, the album version is way better than the radio single, which basically turned this into another Phil Collins single.

The more I listened to this in preparation for my rankings and after as I was thinking about comments / writeups, the more I remembered how overplayed this got and made me think I should have had it lower in my rankings.

I wanted to include something from this album due to how prominent it was at the time and since I went to see this tour three times. Tonight x3 was the easy choice for me due the more gritty musicality and the passion in Phil’s vocals.

 

[otb_lifer]

... always loved this vid version of #20 from Slade

faces for radio, sure ... but i loved that this lot got their time in the early 80s EMPTY-V sun after knocking around and paying the dues earlier in their career.

a truly awesome tune - go get 'em, fellas

 

[Raging weasel]

Fell behind due to the semi holiday weekend.
I knew 9 of the 21's and then recognized Midnight Cruiser when it came on.
This playlist was the best yet for me, liked almost everything! Don't have time for a long post so just some random shout outs.
The Things I Regret- loved this,best yet!
Restless Heart Syndrome - wow, this song is awesome
Oh Thank You Great Spirit - thanks indeed!! Loved this and their best yet. Nice psychedelic sound with a awesome outro
46 Days- loved the groove, best yet
Flower of Blood- best yet

 

[MAC_32]

Taylor Swift

Jpalmer

champagne problems champagne problems Taylor Swift · evermore · Song · 2020 open.spotify.com

Never listened to TSwift until I started working with @Jpalmer . Really like this one.

This was the song in the last countdown that slapped me across the face and told me I needed to pay attention to her.

 

[plinko]

Currently sitting on Waikiki Beach with a view of Diamond Head, wondering if 8:30am is too early for a Mai Tai (though I’ve been up for about six hours, as still on eastern time).

As I’m on vacation in Hawaii for the next couple of weeks, probably won’t be able to follow along to the lists. Will have some catching up to do when back.

Some more cuica today for Muppet torture fans (hi, @Waldorf ).

I noticed that, I am getting into the cuica now, I feel like a new man

 

[MAC_32]

Green Day	MAC_32	Horseshoes & Hand Grenades Horseshoes and Handgrenades Green Day · 21st Century Breakdown · Song · 2009 open.spotify.com

Sequencing has always been a big deal for me. Given how Green Day puts together their records I think it is with them too. They frequently combine 2 songs into 1 track and they went A LOT further a couple of times on American Idiot. I mention this because while most of this list was built so similar sounds aren't stacked on top of each other I intentionally veered with this 3 song sequence. @Galileo mentioned earlier how on this play list Green Day is always a smack across the face following Sigur Ros and the band did it to themselves halfway through track 2 of this 3 track sequence. That ferocious ending right into the opening rif of hand grenades? I'M NOT ****ING AROUND!!!

 

[plinko]

MAD artist alert, I randomly heard The Stranglers at the mini golf course.

Where are you again? Hell, CA, Pop. 4?

(That's a joke for plinko)

Missed this Jizzy Pearl zinger while stressing about my Worlds Apart selections

I've been thinking about my options in the hair metal genre, for potentially next go-round but I really don't think there's anybody who would be worth the pain I'd be putting you all through.

 

[krista4]

My posting format for this has started to bore me. Actually listening to the playlists is getting a little same-y, and my posts have reflected that. No one really needs to know that I added another Decemberists, ..., Spoon, or Blur song to my favorites. So now I'm just going to post a few comments each time about whatever, rather than listing all the stuff that made my new-to-me favorites and awarding medals. Random comments, random shots.

#21s:

Look at that, I added another Decemberists, ..., Spoon, and Blur song to my favorites.

"The Things I Forgot" was my favorite yet from Brandi Carlile. +1 on "Scared" by The Tragically Hip, which was my biggest wow of the day.

"Superstition" was the overall #1 song in the US Middle-Aged Dummy countdown, and SRV's cover was a great listen!

"The Village Green Preservation Society" is somewhere between #3 and #5 on my list of favorite Kinks song.

"Midnite Cruiser" is the best Steely Dan song I've heard. Thumper thumper thumper.

"Restless Heart Syndrome" - another left turn on the Green Day playlist, which I loved. Strings!

Whoever in Chicago is singing "Oh, Thank You Great Spirit" sounds like Jimi Hendrix with his vocal on this song.

I don't know if I already knew "When Will You Come Back Home" by Ryan Adams, but I should have.

Am I really becoming a Phish fan?! "46 Days" was another winner for me; I especially liked the bass part.

The Clutch song was my favorite from them since the #31 song.

OH and I discussed Dinosaur Jr. last night because he's a big fan and I told him KP selected them in this countdown. He wanted me to ask if you're a Mascis or a Barlow guy. Oh yeah, also I really liked "Plans."

Wasn't paying attention and had no idea I was listening to Foo Fighters on "What If I Do?" What a lovely change of pace.

The keyboard part on Heart's "Raised on You" was a lot of fun.

Though "Homeward Bound" is my personal favorite, I could make a good argument that "The Only Living Boy in New York" is S&G's best song. But I won't because I need to move on to the #20s!

 

[Tau837]

I finally had a chance to listen to the #23 playlist.

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

• SRV - Empty Arms
  • But I was expecting this version, which I like MUCH better than the one in the playlist... was the one in the playlist the actual choice of @Sullie ?
• AC/DC - Girls Got Rhythm
• Heart - Never

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

• Chicago - Free

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

• Modest Mouse - Heart Cooks Brain
• ...And You Will Know... - Wasted State Of Mind
• Doves - Sea Song

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Whoever in Chicago is singing "Oh, Thank You Great Spirit" sounds like Jimi Hendrix with his vocal on this song.

Terry Kath

 

[KarmaPolice]

My posting format for this has started to bore me. Actually listening to the playlists is getting a little same-y, and my posts have reflected that. No one really needs to know that I added another Decemberists, ..., Spoon, or Blur song to my favorites. So now I'm just going to post a few comments each time about whatever, rather than listing all the stuff that made my new-to-me favorites and awarding medals. Random comments, random shots.

#21s:

Look at that, I added another Decemberists, ..., Spoon, and Blur song to my favorites.

"The Things I Forgot" was my favorite yet from Brandi Carlile. +1 on "Scared" by The Tragically Hip, which was my biggest wow of the day.

"Superstition" was the overall #1 song in the US Middle-Aged Dummy countdown, and SRV's cover was a great listen!

"The Village Green Preservation Society" is somewhere between #3 and #5 on my list of favorite Kinks song.

"Midnite Cruiser" is the best Steely Dan song I've heard. Thumper thumper thumper.

"Restless Heart Syndrome" - another left turn on the Green Day playlist, which I loved. Strings!

Whoever in Chicago is singing "Oh, Thank You Great Spirit" sounds like Jimi Hendrix with his vocal on this song.

I don't know if I already knew "When Will You Come Back Home" by Ryan Adams, but I should have.

Am I really becoming a Phish fan?! "46 Days" was another winner for me; I especially liked the bass part.

The Clutch song was my favorite from them since the #31 song.

OH and I discussed Dinosaur Jr. last night because he's a big fan and I told him KP selected them in this countdown. He wanted me to ask if you're a Mascis or a Barlow guy. Oh yeah, also I really liked "Plans."

Wasn't paying attention and had no idea I was listening to Foo Fighters on "What If I Do?" What a lovely change of pace.

The keyboard part on Heart's "Raised on You" was a lot of fun.

Though "Homeward Bound" is my personal favorite, I could make a good argument that "The Only Living Boy in New York" is S&G's best song. But I won't because I need to move on to the #20s!

@krista4 - Mascis, 100%. Partly this adventure started because I was thinking about if I could play guitar what I would want to sound like or play, and the answer was Dinosaur Jr. The guitar is what pulled me in initially and still pulls me in. Also, before this deep dive I couldn't have told you 100% which albums Barlow was on. I plan on doing a Sebadoh deep dive soon, as I also probably couldn't name you a song of theirs either. Being a bassist, is his answer the opposite?

If I remember right, you were one of the "dino curious" people. Have you mostly been enjoying it? - I think I remember you mentioning Forget the Swan, now Plans, and I think one others, so it seems you've at least liked a few and also different eras.

 

[rockaction]

I can't speak deeply about both bands, but I'd put Sebadoh's best songs from the nineties right up there and surpassing Dino Jr.'s output in the same era.

Now, that doesn't mean I'm a Barlow guy -- okay, I am -- I mean it doesn't make me a Barlow guy at the expense of taking anything away from Mascis's guitar god status which he has rightfully earned. I just think when separate, Sebadoh was responsible for more memorable songs, I guess. Dino was still great and I haven't done that deep nineties dive of theirs, but neither have I for Sebadoh, really.

Brand New Love, Skull > Puke + Cry, The Wagon, etc.

And that's an unsolicited opinion. Heh.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Random thoughts on some of the #20s I didn't know from the top part of the playlist:

I remember liking something from the Africa Brasil album that DQ posted in the worldwide countdown. I like Xica Da Silva too (assuming it's not the same song).

Dark Center of the Universe is a monster. More controlled chaos from Modest Mouse.

The drums are the best part of Contra Mundum.

Horseshoes and Handgrenades hits hard. Not f***ing around, indeed.

Interstate is one of my favorite Big Thief songs so far. It's breathy but it slams in its own way.

 

[Doug B]

... always loved this vid version of #20 from Slade

faces for radio, sure ... but i loved that this lot got their time in the early 80s EMPTY-V sun after knocking around and paying the dues earlier in their career.

a truly awesome tune - go get 'em, fellas

Before I go digging too deep in the rabbit hole before bed:

“My Oh My” was in a movie. Can’t remember if it was Slade’s version or someone else covering it. Ring any bells?

 

[Sullie]

I finally had a chance to listen to the #23 playlist.

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

• SRV - Empty Arms
  • But I was expecting this version, which I like MUCH better than the one in the playlist... was the one in the playlist the actual choice of @Sullie ?
• AC/DC - Girls Got Rhythm
• Heart - Never

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

• Chicago - Free

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

• Modest Mouse - Heart Cooks Brain
• ...And You Will Know... - Wasted State Of Mind
• Doves - Sea Song

D'oh! So, when we first submitted I thought it said "don't include song titles/etc." b/c it would be automagically picked up. Then I got a message saying "hey dummy, you didn't include song titles" (J/K - he did not say that, just the bit about please add song title) so I was frantically deleting/adding/editing my selections plus I reshuffled my selections a bit and it looks like I copy/pasted the other version which I didn't mean to include. I have to say though, honestly, I still really enjoy the slower version, it's not like it's "zomg that version sucks" it's just different. And you know, in a way I'm glad, not much SRV love here, I was beginning to think poor Stevie was being skipped by everyone.

 

[krista4]

My posting format for this has started to bore me. Actually listening to the playlists is getting a little same-y, and my posts have reflected that. No one really needs to know that I added another Decemberists, ..., Spoon, or Blur song to my favorites. So now I'm just going to post a few comments each time about whatever, rather than listing all the stuff that made my new-to-me favorites and awarding medals. Random comments, random shots.

#21s:

Look at that, I added another Decemberists, ..., Spoon, and Blur song to my favorites.

"The Things I Forgot" was my favorite yet from Brandi Carlile. +1 on "Scared" by The Tragically Hip, which was my biggest wow of the day.

"Superstition" was the overall #1 song in the US Middle-Aged Dummy countdown, and SRV's cover was a great listen!

"The Village Green Preservation Society" is somewhere between #3 and #5 on my list of favorite Kinks song.

"Midnite Cruiser" is the best Steely Dan song I've heard. Thumper thumper thumper.

"Restless Heart Syndrome" - another left turn on the Green Day playlist, which I loved. Strings!

Whoever in Chicago is singing "Oh, Thank You Great Spirit" sounds like Jimi Hendrix with his vocal on this song.

I don't know if I already knew "When Will You Come Back Home" by Ryan Adams, but I should have.

Am I really becoming a Phish fan?! "46 Days" was another winner for me; I especially liked the bass part.

The Clutch song was my favorite from them since the #31 song.

OH and I discussed Dinosaur Jr. last night because he's a big fan and I told him KP selected them in this countdown. He wanted me to ask if you're a Mascis or a Barlow guy. Oh yeah, also I really liked "Plans."

Wasn't paying attention and had no idea I was listening to Foo Fighters on "What If I Do?" What a lovely change of pace.

The keyboard part on Heart's "Raised on You" was a lot of fun.

Though "Homeward Bound" is my personal favorite, I could make a good argument that "The Only Living Boy in New York" is S&G's best song. But I won't because I need to move on to the #20s!

@krista4 - Mascis, 100% Partly this adventure started because I was thinking about if I could play guitar what I would want to sound like or play, and the answer was Dinosaur Jr. The guitar is what pulled me in initially and still pulls me in. Also, before this deep dive I couldn't have told you 100% which albums Barlow was on. I plan on doing a Sebadoh deep dive soon, as I also probably couldn't name you a song of theirs either. Being a bassist, is his answer the opposite?

If I remember right, you were one of the "dino curious" people. Have you mostly been enjoying it? - I think I remember you mentioning Forget the Swan, now Plans, and I think one others, so it seems you've at least liked a few and also different eras.

I was Dinosaur-curious for sure, though in part because I liked them already many years ago but didn't dive deep or keep up. I owned Without A Sound and Bug way back when, so I remember the songs from those. I've added Garden, Forget the Swan, and Plans to my new-to-me-favorites playlist.

OH said it was a close call but he thinks he's a Barlow guy. Mostly he just thought they shouldn't have toured so much, because they hated each other and could have stayed together more if they weren't in a van traveling in close quarters all the time.

 

[otb_lifer]

CROWDS

big Petey vocal flex here - ranging from vulnerable to anguished to scornful to contemptuous to ... victorious. naked and spewing out there, 'cept for that creepy arse toy-ish pianerr, which lends it's own menace by running opposite tone of the lyric delivery.

long thought to be a screed against the factions of their fanbase that:
a) treated them to the punk tradition of gobbing at their early gigs (you will spit on me/you will make me spit) ... tales of one particular show where the gobbing were so outta control that Murph launched the mic stand quite successfully - took out a coupla yobs with frightening aplomb.

(HEY, they were post-punk ... leave the saliva salutes for Sham, or something)

and, b) wanted to keep them pigeonholed by rejecting material that weren't spooky enough, ergo displaying their fickleness at the live shows, and subsequently abandoning the group (and when the Judas hour arrives/and like the Jesus jews you epitomize/i'll still be here as strong as you/and i'll walk away/in spite of you).

yeah ... lotta sarcastic grandiosity chugging out of ol' Murph - he were nothing if not awash in messianic zeal up in this session - good on Danny & Dave for the sparse arrangement, which works brilliantly here - they stood back and let Pete GO.

i sing you my demented songs/for you and your stimulations ...

 

[kupcho1]

From the #20s Slade's My Oh My added to 1973 - The gangster of love

I have no idea why Slade is a big gaping whole in my musical history. They're right up my alley, particularly for what I was listening to at the time. My Oh My is vaguely familiar, but still.
Anyway, tip of the cap to @Mrs. Rannous for choosing them.

 

[kupcho1]

I really like Narayan by The Prodigy. So much so that I went and listened to the album its on.
I think it is by far the best song on the album (which includes yesterday's song by them and one I'm pretty sure is forthcoming - no spotlighting!!!).

Thanks to @titusbramble by voluminous 1997 playlist (1997 - We don't care about no government warnings) is all the way up to 26 songs! (As point of reference, 2023 already has 78 songs. Remember: void.)

27 songs now with Dinosaur Jr.'s Never Bought It! Thanks @KarmaPolice

Playlists are beefing up thanks to all of you who chose artists that either fell into my music void, or I had unwittingly ignored (e.g., the Prodigy, Phish, T. Swift, JBJ, Elliot Smith, Sugar Rios, Stranglers, Tragically Hip, Bauhaus, Brandi Carlile, AIC )! You're doing great work!

 

[simey]

And you know, in a way I'm glad, not much SRV love here, I was beginning to think poor Stevie was being skipped by everyone.

Stevie Ray was on Austin City Limits Sunday morning (12:00 am).

 

[Mt. Man]

And you know, in a way I'm glad, not much SRV love here, I was beginning to think poor Stevie was being skipped by everyone.

SRV (along with a handful of other artists) is one I know extremely well. If I don't say anything about a selection, it's fair to assume that I at minimum liked it. Also, veryl ikely that I've heard the song before, multiple times.

 

[simey]

Playlist #21 and #20 scattered thoughts

Just A Little - Sounds like it came out of the 60s to me.
Flower of Blood and Interstate - Both good
The Last Hour
Arms and Hearts - Chips Ahoy - I like both of these from THS.
Plans - Good stuff. I like Never Bought It too.
Gravity Rides Everything - Musically they sound different to me from song to song. I like Dark Center of the Universe too.
Restless Heart Syndrome - I was waiting for them to unleash themselves and they didn't. They saved it for Horseshoes and Handgrenades. Both are good.
Jackhammer Our Names - I like their slow stuff (especially Gone Cold).
Mike's Song - Love that groovy guitar
Next to You - I've already mentioned So Lonely being my favorite.
Scared - Fireworks -
Untitled #6 - E-bow - When my grandmother was dying, all the family was around her in her room. She had the death rattle and we knew she would pass at any time. I made her a playlist of gospel songs (her favorites), and whispered in her ear that I loved her and to let go. At first nothing would come out of my mouth. I couldn't get the words out, cause I was so emotional. I finally got the words to come out, and I put my phone to her ear so she could hear her gospel. In my being, the feeling that washed through me felt like Untitled #6.
Raise Hell - Foot stomper!
Midnite Cruiser - Another good one off of CBAT.
Don't Bring Me Down - I think I had this 45
Crowds - This song sorta reminds me of Ray's "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'." The music sounds tender, and then you listen to the lyrics, and they aren't tender thoughts. I also like yesterday's song Silent Hedges.
Almost Forgot Myself - Good stuff.
My Babe - Everything Hits at Once - They are consistently good.
What If I Do? - I never knew Grohl lived in NC. I like this.
The Only Living Boy in NYC - S&G 4 ever
Isn't She Lovely - Isn't it lovely.
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap - Bon Scott had an odd voice, but it matched great with their music.
Spitfire - I need an emoji with a dragon spitting out fire. I like this.
Xica Da Silva - I like the backup singers in this.
Superstition- Cool cover by SRV.
A Dream Goes On Forever - I like Todd's voice in this one.
Contra Mundum - ... Has different sides to them. You can't judge their sound by one song.
Werewolves of London - I love the piano riff in this song.
Beetlebum - Good stuff
There Might Be Coffee - Reminds me of a dark cold dance club with strobe lights going and people dancing.
Crescendolls - Good energy.
Red Giant - They have a distinct sound no matter who the singer is.
Oldest Story in The World - Nice older song by them (as in late in their career).
I'm In Love With My Car -
I also like Ripples, Middletown Dreams, Darlington County, and both songs from Chicago, The Decemberists, Elton, Ryan Adams, The Kinks, Slade, Swift and The Stranglers. The End.

 

[falguy]

#20 Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap)

Great tune but I don’t have much to say about it. Great beat. Great lyrics. Love the “ha….ha… has” in the second verse and how the backing vocals were used throughout.

Released in North America right after Back in Black but recorded about 5 years earlier in 1976. The record company wanted to get something else out quickly after the incredible success of Back in Black even though it featured the original singer (Bon). Was a bit confusing for new fans like me. It’s a great album, chock full of great music.

Up until now I have 10 Bon Scott records and 3 from Brian Johnson. As mentioned initially these are not in ranked order but the ratio is about right for my complete list.

Will be slowing it down a bit for my next entry with bluesy tune that highlights the playing of the Rhythm section - Malcolm, Cliff, and Phil shine.

Album breakdown
0 74 Jailbreak
2 High Voltage
1 Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
3 Let There Be Rock
2 PowerAge
2 Highway To Hell
1 Back in Black
1 For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)
1 Flick of the Switch
0 Fly On The Wall
0 Who Made Who
0 Blow Up Your Video
0 The Razor’s Edge
0 BallBreaker
0 Stiff Upper Lip
0 Black Ice
0 Rock or Bust
0 Power Up

 

[falguy]

Been a busy long weekend so starting to fall behind. Hopefully will have a chance the next few days to check out the 21s and 20s.

 

[Zegras11]

Likely to post next list Tuesday am. Will be out for the night.

 

[krista4]

Been a busy long weekend so starting to fall behind.

I couldn't figure this out but just learned Canada Day is July 1. Seems like something I should have known. Happy belated!

 

[Yo Mama]

Round #20s thoughts

- Jorge Ben Joe - really enjoyed this, my favorite of his so far

- Brandi Carlisle - I’m no expert, but this totally sounds like a Melissa Etheridge song to me. Great powerful vocals.

- Modest Mouse - I’ve really liked the past couple songs from them, great stuff

- Kinks - really cool, fun tune

- Rush - it’s been a while since I’ve listened to Signals. This really brought me back - nice choice.

- Sigur Ros - Still ethereal, but more dark and edgy in this one. I liked this.

- Steely Dan - Squonk!

- Big Thief - I really liked this - I also like a truck!

- Chicago - Great song - I keep getting blown away with the range and quality of their old stuff.

- Elliott Smith - really liked this song. Great new to me artist.

- Stevie Wonder - just a vocal masterclass. I can’t see anyone else coming close to giving this song justice.

- Slade - I didn’t give comments on the 21s, but that Slade song was a great change of pace for them. Loved it.

- Phish - totally lost myself in this one. Great jam.

- Gorillaz - keep finding myself really enjoying everything from them so far.

- The Prodigy - definitely did some Poppin’ and lockin’ to this one. Only a projected visit to urgent care kept me from throwing in some floor work. So awesome!

- Heart - nice rocking’ throwback in this “newer” song by them.

- Top 5-10 songs for me from Police, ELO, AC/DC, and Foos

Other excellent stuff all around! So glad I joined on this!

 

[scorchy]

My posting format for this has started to bore me. Actually listening to the playlists is getting a little same-y, and my posts have reflected that. No one really needs to know that I added another Decemberists, ..., Spoon, or Blur song to my favorites. So now I'm just going to post a few comments each time about whatever, rather than listing all the stuff that made my new-to-me favorites and awarding medals. Random comments, random shots.

Thanks for writing so kindly what I've been feeling the last week. I've really enjoyed this whole exercise, not just because I've gotten to hear so much new-to-me (or forgotten-to-me) great music but also because it helped me connect even deeper with my own favorite band. I'm really looking forward to deep diving into something else for next go-round. But I also feel perpetually behind and struggling to find something interesting or insightful to add. In other words, pardon me for following your lead on this.

The Police/So Lonely - I hate to say that for the last 20 years or so, the Police have been an instant skip when I hear them on the radio. Oversaturation I guess given that they fit into so many different SiriusXM channels. So Lonely is one of the few exceptions and I can't really explain why - just makes me want to crank it up.

Frank Black/Los Angeles - I was a huge fan of the first few Pixies records back in high school but they lost me with Trompe Le Monde and were absolutely awful when I saw them open for U2 in '92 so I kind of lost track (except for The Breeders' debut album Pod which I love to this day). The Frank Black entries have been a revelation for me though even if I haven't commented on all of them. I remember hearing Los Angeles on the radio when it came out and liking it but never followed up with the record. My mistake.

Bauhaus/Crowds - Thank you, thank you, thank you, OTB. There are a few songs (aside from the most obvious) that I was hoping you would include and Crowds was at the top of the list. Used it as the "last call" song more than a few times over at Club Hell - makes for one dark singalong.