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5 Heartbreaking Songs

Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, tagged , , , , , , , , , on April 13, 2023| 1 Comment »

Ronan – Taylor Swift:  Created in the era when Swift’s compositions were more heartfelt than attitude filled, this song is based on the true story of a 4yr old boy (Ronan) who succumbed to cancer.  It is written, and sung from the perspective of the young mother he left behind.

What if I’m standing in your closet trying to talk to you?
What if I kept the hand-me-downs you won’t grow into?
And what if I really thought some miracle would see us through?
What if the miracle was even getting one moment with you?

Come on baby with me, we’re gonna fly away from here
Come on baby with me, we’re gonna fly away from here
You were my best four years

Jungleland – Bruce Springsteen:  In the midst of this nine-and-a-half-minute rock opera, Springsteen includes a moment of personal tragedy, where we watch as the last flicker of hope for a better tomorrow is extinguished.

Beneath the city two hearts beat
Soul engines running through a night so tender
In a bedroom locked in whispers
Of soft refusal and then surrender
In the tunnels uptown the Rat’s own dream guns him down
As shots echo down them hallways in the night
No one watches when the ambulance pulls away
Or as the girl shuts out the bedroom light

Promises – Randy Travis:  This tale of broken promises is made all the more poignant by the fact it comes forth in the voice of the man who is perpetuating the emotional carnage.  As clearly as he sees the virtue in his girl’s heart, he also sees the inevitability of both his own failure, and of her eventual departure.  It is a devastatingly honest portrait of the treason within.

Once again, she’ll reassure me.
And I believe her love will cure me,
and I’ll fall asleep with tears on my face.
And I know she’s just a woman,
and her love can’t last forever.
And someday soon, I know
she’ll leave without a trace.

For, broken promises will tear her dreams apart.
Just token promises will someday
break her heart,
and for the last time, she’ll hold me
when I cry, and while I’m sleeping…
she’ll quietly say goodbye…

Diary – Bread:  What begins as a seemingly sweet discovery of unexpressed love takes a subversive turn when the narrator suddenly realizes that he is not the object of her affection.  Perhaps even more bittersweet, is his vow to wish nothing but the best for her anyway.

I found her diary underneath a tree
And started reading about me
The words began to stick and tears to flow
Her meaning now was clear to see
The love she’d waited for
was someone else not me
Wouldn’t you know it
She wouldn’t show it

And as I go through my life
I will wish for her his wife
All the sweet things she can find
All the sweet things they can find

At Seventeen – Janis Ian:  This brutally honest depiction of the struggles that accompany adolescence is as emotionally raw as anything to ever come across the airwaves.

To those of us who know the pain
Of valentines that never came
And those whose names were never called
When choosing sides for basketball
It was long ago and far away
The world was younger than today
And dreams were all they gave for free
To ugly duckling girls like me

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10 Surprising Collaborations

Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 13, 2023| Leave a Comment »

  1. Eric Burdon & War:  Eric Burdon rose to fame in the early to mid-1960s as the lead singer of the British Invasion band, The Animals (House of the Rising Sun, It’s My Life…).  And though their sound was solidly rooted in rhythm and blues, few could have forecast his re-emergence in 1970, fronting the California Funk band, War.  Their classic, “Spill the Wine” was an unprecedented stew of funk, psychedelia, and beat poetry.  Over fifty years later, it still defies categorization.
  2. Bing Crosby & David Bowie:  The contrast between 1940s Crooner, Bing Crosby, and 70s Glam Rocker, David Bowie couldn’t have been more dramatic, and it remains unclear who thought their collaboration might be a good idea.  Even less likely, was the selection of a children’s Christmas song as the vehicle for their duet.  None the less, their medley of Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth created a memorable moment, when two iconic artists from differing generations came together in a completely unexpected way.  Crosby would pass away in the weeks that followed their session.
  3. Carly Simon & Mick Jagger:  Though Jagger’s backup vocals on the Simon classic, “You’re So Vain” aren’t substantial, they are memorable.  And given his iconic counterculture status during the 1971 recording, his participation as a backup singer for the Pop Chanteuse seemed highly unlikely.
  4. Michael Jackson & Eddie Van Halen:  Despite the huge success of the Jackson 5, Michael’s four solo projects for the Motown label were far less celebrated.  That all changed in 1979, as Jackson switched to the Epic label, and worked with Producer, Quincy Jones, on his breakthrough album, “Off the Wall”.  It was Jones who suggested the inclusion of a “rocker” for the follow-up album, and when they approached Eddie Van Halen, he happily jumped in.  The resulting, “Beat It” sold over 8 million singles, while the “Thriller” album went on to sell over 50 million units, making this one of the most successful songs of all-time.
  5. Aerosmith & Run DMC:  It’s hard to remember that there was once a time when the Rock and Hip-Hop worlds didn’t substantially intersect, but this was the song that most prominently broke down that barrier.  At the time of it’s release, such a collaboration was unthinkable, but within a few short years, the air waves were filled with rap/rock tunes.
  6. Johnny Cash & Rick Rubin:  Rick Rubin made his name in the 1980s, as the cofounder of Def Jam Records, and as a Producer of Hip-Hop artists like LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys and Run DMC.  Later in the decade he went on to produce numerous Hard Rock / Heavy Metal bands as well.  But it was his collaboration with the legendary Country artist, Johnny Cash that ultimately caught everyone off guard.  While it may have seemed like a mismatch on paper, the records they created indicate otherwise.
  7. Stevie Nicks & Prince:  On the heels of the wildly successful Fleetwood Mac album, “Rumours”, Stevie Nicks launched her solo career in 1981 with the multi-platinum album, “Bella Donna”.  And as she prepared for her follow-up record (1983s “Wild at Heart”), she found inspiration in the form of the Prince classic, “Little Red Corvette”.  Borrowing from both the melody and sound, she created the foundation of her hit single, “Stand Back”.  Though it was a marked change from her grittier rock/folk sound, it proved to be equally successful.  In acknowledgement of her source material, she split the songwriter credits with Prince, and even managed to get him to play some keyboards on the track.
  8. Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole:  On the surface, there is nothing unusual about a father-daughter duet, especially when both are successful artists, but what makes this collaboration so unique is that it took place 25 years after the father’s death.  Natalie Cole was only 15 years old when her father, Nat King Cole passed away from lung cancer (1965), but thanks to the marvels of modern technology, their duet on “Unforgettable” resulted in the 1991 Grammys for Song, Record and Album of the Year.
  9. Kanye West, Rihanna & Paul McCartney:  This unlikely partnership (i.e. FourFive Seconds) began as a songwriting collaboration between West and McCartney, and further evolved with West’s involvement in the production of Rihanna’s album.  Though a bit of a departure for all three artists, it proved to be highly successful.  Ironically, many younger fans had no idea who Paul McCartney was.
  10. Lil NAS X & Billy Ray Cyrus:  The melding of Country music with Rap music hasn’t necessarily been a winning combination, so there wasn’t much reason to believe that a little-known rapper, and a largely forgotten country singer would do much to change that.  But “Old Town Road” went on to become one of the most successful singles of all time.

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5 Favorite Singers

Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, tagged , , , , , , , , , on March 14, 2023| Leave a Comment »

I’m not making a case that these are the five “greatest singers of all-time”, but they are amongst my all-time favorites.

5.  Peter Gabriel: 

Peter Gabriel’s vocals are certainly distinctive, and while he doesn’t possess what would be considered a traditionally great voice, his ability to effectively convey a wide range of emotions is uncanny.  Frequently his vocal performances are evocative and compelling.  Listen to “Biko”, “In Your Eyes”, “Red Rain”, “Don’t Give Up” (w/Kate Bush), “Blood of Eden”, “Secret World”…. 

4.  Burton Cummings:

Easily one of the most underrated vocalists of the rock era, this blue eyed soul powerhouse teamed with fellow Canadian Randy Bachman to create a host of memorable songs in the band the Guess Who.  Their ongoing lack of recognition from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is further evidence of that organizations prodigious ineptitude. Checkout “These Eyes”, “Undone”, “No Time”, “Share the Land”, “No Sugar Tonight”, “American Woman”…  

3.  Ann Wilson:

Arguably the greatest female voice in rock history, Ann Wilson has created a catalogue of memorable vocal performances. Even when Heart’s music veered toward the pop-rock lane, Wilson’s singing remained an impressive centerpiece.  Listen to “Magic Man”, “How Deep it Goes”, “Crazy On You”, “Barracuda”, “Sylvan Song”, “Nada One”, “Rock and Roll (Live)”, “Alone”…

2.  Karen Carpenter:

There is no doubt that Richard Carpenter’s musical acumen was a huge part of the group’s success in the 1970’s, but it is those same arrangements / production elements that make their catalog sound so out of date today.  Even so, the transcendent quality of Karen Carpenter’s voice remains a timeless pop music treasure.   Listen to “Superstar”, “Ticket to Ride”, “Yesterday Once More”, “Rainy Days and Mondays”, “We’ve Only Just Begun”…

1.  Steve Perry:

Although dismissed by critics for their pop sound, Journey consistently created well produced, and highly listenable records.  Whatever they may have lacked in edginess, they more than made up for with virtuoso musicianship, and the impassioned vocals of singer Steve Perry.  Decades later, Perry is widely held as on the greatest vocalists of all-time.  Check out “Lights”, “Patiently”, “Walks Like a Lady (Live)”, “Still They Ride”, “Separate Ways”, “Send Her My Love”, “Faithfully”, “When You Love a Woman”…

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5 Favorite Singers

Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, tagged , , , , , on February 14, 2023| Leave a Comment »

I’m not making a case that these are the five “greatest singers of all-time”, but they are amongst my all-time favorites.

5.  Peter Gabriel: 

Peter Gabriel’s vocals are certainly distinctive, and while he doesn’t possess what would be considered a traditionally great voice, his ability to effectively convey a wide range of emotions is uncanny.  Frequently his vocal performances are evocative and compelling.  Listen to “Biko”, “In Your Eyes”, “Red Rain”, “Don’t Give Up” (w/Kate Bush), “Blood of Eden”, “Secret World”…. 

4.  Burton Cummings:

Easily one of the most underrated vocalists of the rock era, this blue eyed soul powerhouse teamed with fellow Canadian Randy Bachman to create a host of memorable songs in the band the Guess Who.  Their ongoing lack of recognition from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is further evidence of that organizations prodigious ineptitude. Checkout “These Eyes”, “Undone”, “No Time”, “Share the Land”, “No Sugar Tonight”, “American Woman”…  

3.  Ann Wilson:

Arguably the greatest female voice in rock history, Ann Wilson has created a catalogue of memorable vocal performances. Even when Heart’s music veered toward the pop-rock lane, Wilson’s singing remained an impressive centerpiece.  Listen to “Magic Man”, “How Deep it Goes”, “Crazy On You”, “Barracuda”, “Sylvan Song”, “Nada One”, “Rock and Roll (Live)”, “Alone”…

2.  Karen Carpenter:

There is no doubt that Richard Carpenter’s musical acumen was a huge part of the group’s success in the 1970’s, but it is those same arrangements / production elements that make their catalog sound so out of date today.  Even so, the transcendent quality of Karen Carpenter’s voice remains a timeless pop music treasure.   Listen to “Superstar”, “Ticket to Ride”, “Yesterday Once More”, “Rainy Days and Mondays”, “We’ve Only Just Begun”…

1.  Steve Perry:

Although dismissed by critics for their pop sound, Journey consistently created well produced, and highly listenable records.  Whatever they may have lacked in edginess, they more than made up for with virtuoso musicianship, and the impassioned vocals of singer Steve Perry.  Decades later, Perry is widely held as on the greatest vocalists of all-time.  Check out “Lights”, “Patiently”, “Walks Like a Lady (Live)”, “Still They Ride”, “Separate Ways”, “Send Her My Love”, “Faithfully”, “When You Love a Woman”…

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10 Album Cuts

Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 1, 2022| 1 Comment »

I was fortunate to grow up in the era of the Album Oriented Rock (AOR) radio format, which allowed DJ’s to play songs that weren’t necessarily released as singles.  This provided access to a treasure trove of great music that I wouldn’t have otherwise heard.  In the digital download era, listening to an entire album of music is almost unheard of, so that makes the concept of an album cut even more obscure.  Here are a few of my all-time favorite album cuts, which doesn’t include what is arguably the greatest album cut ever, “Stairway to Heaven”.

  • Scenes From an Italian Restaurant – Billy Joel

This dizzying ode to “Brenda and Eddie” contains all of the best elements of Billy’s classic recordings rolled into one song.  Coming from Joel’s breakout album, “The Stanger”, it stands comfortably amongst his best work.

  • Hitch a Ride – Boston

Taken from Boston’s remarkable debut album, this laid back rocker features some spectacular guitar work from Tom Scholz, and manages to stand out on a record full of standout tracks.

  • Shoot High, Aim Low – Yes

Die hard Yes fans often bemoan the success of the band’s revised lineup from the 1980’s, but I would argue that they were still making thoroughly original, and compelling music throughout those years.  This track combines the best of those different lineups, with its shared lead vocals, it’s weaved aural landscape, and some typically dazzling musicianship.  It is a great example of what made this band so memorable.

  • Bitter Creek – The Eagles

At the time the Eagles first formed, Bernie Leadon was arguably their most accomplished member, based on his time with the critically acclaimed, “Flying Burrito Brothers” and his work with Linda Ronstadt.  An exceptional string player, and able vocalist, his decidedly country bent was a significant part of the band’s early sound.  He both penned and sang this haunting tune from the band’s sophomore release, “Desperado”.  But as the team of Henley/Frey emerged, and the band’s sound developed more of a rock edge, Leadon’s influence steadily diminished, until he eventually left the group after the completion of the “One of These Nights” album.

  • Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding – Elton John

At the time of this medley’s 1973 release, Elton, his band, and his songwriter partnership with Bernie Taupin, were all at their peak.  This epic pairing starts off the classic double-album, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” with a bang, and along with “Candle in the Wind” and “Bennie and the Jets” forms one of the greatest albums sides of all-time.

  • Toulouse Street – The Doobie Brothers

Though Tom Johnston was generally regarded as the bands lead singer, Patrick Simmons frequently sang his individual compositions, including the notable hits “Black Water” and “Jesus is Just Alright”.  On this darkly beautiful cut, the vocal harmonies, layers of acoustic guitars, and a lone flute weave together to create an ominous atmosphere akin to a late-night walk, down an unlit alley, somewhere in the forgotten edges of the French Quarter.  

  • Sister Moon – Sting

By the release of Sting’s second solo album, “Nothing Like the Sun”, he had become one of the most popular artists on the planet.  Only a few years removed from the Police’s spectacular, “Synchronicity”, and fresh on the heels of the triple platinum success of, “The Dream of the Blue Turtles”, his voice was all over the radio (and MTV) on both Band Aid’s “Don’t They Know It’s Christmas?”, and the Dire Straits smash hit, “Money for Nothing”.  This second record was by degrees more nuanced and complex than the first, which forecast the pioneering spirit that would ultimately come to define Sting’s solo career.  This straight jazz/blues tune was a throwback to a bygone era, and demonstrated the rapidly expanding range of his artistry.

  • Telegraph Road – Dire Straits

This sprawling fourteen minute opus demonstrates everything that made Dire Straits worthy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  The writing, arrangement, production, and musical performance are nothing short of spectacular.   Like the movie soundtrack work done by frontman Mark Knopfler, this song creates a sweeping musical backdrop for a world weary tale of trying to pioneer a better future.  Though not their most commercially successful record, it may well be the bands most fully realized recording.

  • Nutshell – Alice in Chains

On the heels of the triple platinum success of their 1992 album, “Dirt”, Alice in Chains booked a few days in the studio to write and record some acoustic material.  Within a week, they emerged with seven songs that were eventually released as an EP (1994s – “Jar of Flies”).  Stripping the band of its thundering arena rock sound, allowed their raw artistry to emerge.  This track highlights both singer Layne Staley, and guitarist Jerry Cantrell, at the peak of their powers.    

  • Landslide – Fleetwood Mac

Though written before Stevie Nicks was actually a member of the band, this classic tune first appeared on 1975s “Fleetwood Mac” album.  Almost 50 years later, most die-hard fans still consider it to be her signature song.  Given that Nicks is enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as both a member of the band, and as a solo act, that is no small accolade.

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5 Favorite Guitar Players

Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, tagged , , , , , , , on March 30, 2021| Leave a Comment »

I’m not making a case that these are the five “greatest guitarists of all-time”, but they are my all-time favorites.

5.  Larry Carlton: 

Though Larry is a Jazz music legend, I am most familiar with his work with Steely Dan, which is nothing short of spectacular.  His fills are always tasteful, generally warm, and frequently remarkable.  Listen to the solo on “Kid Charlemagne” or his work on “Aja”, both by Steely Dan. 

4.  Stevie Ray Vaughan:

In his short but brilliant career, Vaughan created a catalog of memorable blues rock music that both paid homage to the classics and forged its own path forward.  His fluid playing woven into a raw vocal style created beautifully textured songs that stick to your soul.  Checkout his playing on “Riviera Paradise”.  

3.  Mark Knopfler:

Dire Straits was by no means a guitar driven band, but Mark Knopfler’s distinctive playing style was at the heart of their best music.  He was never showy or much on guitar solos, but his virtuosity was undeniable.  Checkout “Private Investigations” and/or “Telegraph Road”.

2.  Carlos Santana:

It is tempting to say Carlos is my all-time favorite.  His playing style is all his own, and it adds a savory tang to everything it touches.  It’s hard to pick a favorite, but “Europa” is a great place to start.

1.  Jimmy Page:

What makes Page standout for me is his ability to seamlessly shift from blues, to rock, to folk.  The sheer variety of his catalog is astounding.  Again, hard to pick just one, but “Since I’ve Been Loving You” jumps to my mind.

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10 Underrated Classics

Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 30, 2021| 2 Comments »

  1. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd:  Though “Dark Side of the Moon”, and “The Wall” are undoubtedly the groups most iconic albums, die-hard fans often rank “Wish You Were Here” above them as the band’s finest work. 
  2. Aja – Steely Dan:  Despite being generally revered by Rock critics, Steely Dan’s albums are rarely mentioned amongst the all-time greats.  Arguably, “Aja” stands out as being one of the bands most cohesive projects.  Decades later, it sounds even better than when it was first released.
  3. Reggatta de Blanc – The Police:  While “Outlandos d’Amour” was a great introduction to this talented trio, it was “Reggatta de Blanc” which provided the first glimpse of the band’s spectacular potential.  It was a leap forward in style, songwriting, musicianship and production.
  4. Frontiers – Journey:  On the heels of the phenomenally successful “Escape” album, the band released this gem, which combined the best of that previous record with a heavier, more rock based sound.  While the former could be considered a pop record, with some rock underpinnings, the later was more of a rock record, with pop sensibilities.
  5. Bad Company – Bad Company: Formed from the remains of successful bands, “Free”, “Mott the Hoople” and “King Crimson”, Bad Company came out firing on all cylinders for their debut record.  Though this album contained numerous rock radio staples (e.g. Bad Company, Can’t Get Enough, Ready for Love, Movin’ On) and featured one of rock music’s best vocalists (Paul Rodgers), it is rarely acknowledged amongst rock’s elite records.
  6. In Utero – Nirvana:  There is no denying the massive impact the bands, “Nevermind” album had on the music industry, but in some ways that story has obscured the brilliance of their latter work.  With “In Utero” the band began to show its range, both musically and emotionally.  Tragically, their story was cut short before we got to see how far they could take it.
  7. One of These Nights – The Eagles:  The extraordinary success of 1976’s “Hotel California” didn’t exactly come out of nowhere.  1975’s “One of These Nights” was a number one album, featuring three top ten smashes, “One of These Nights”, “Take it to the Limit” and “Lyin’ Eyes”, which were each sung by a different lead vocalist.  Few records or groups have ever managed such a feat.
  8. Pieces of Eight – Styx:  The dynamic tension between Dennis DeYoung’s over the top pension for musical theater, and Tommy Shaw/James Young’s hard rock dreams came into perfect balance for the album, “The Grand Illusion” and on its breakout single, “Come Sail Away”.  But on the follow-up record, “Pieces of Eight” it was the duo of Shaw & Young who got to be the rock band they’d always wanted to be.  Unfortunately, the phenomenal success of the single, “Babe” from their next album, “Cornerstone” brought DeYoung back to the forefront, and marked the beginning of the end of the band’s straight ahead rock sound.
  9. Love Over Gold – Dire Straits:  Though it was not their best selling or highest charting album, “Love Over Gold” may be the band’s most artistically ambitious work.  The plaintive “Love Over Gold”, the haunting “Private Investigations”, and the sprawling, “Telegraph Road” create a soundscape that rivals the film scores that Mark Knopfler would eventually become famous for.
  10. Houses of the Holy – Led Zeppelin:  Though Led Zeppelin I, II & IV are most often featured on critics “best of” lists, “Houses of the Holy” features some of the bands strongest and most original work (e.g. The Rain Song, No Quarter, Over the Hills and Far Away, D’yer Mak’er).

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10 Completely Great Albums

Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 30, 2021| Leave a Comment »

In this era of digital downloads, the concept of a record album is somewhat lost.  Also referred to as an LP (long-playing), an album normally contained 10-12 songs, split into two sides.  Generally, you needed to like at least 3 songs on an album to justify paying the extra money as opposed to simply buying the single.  If you found a record with 5 or 6 good songs, it was a real treat. Since they were played on record players, having to switch between tracks was not at all convenient, so finding a record that had a side that could be played all the way through was a rare and beautiful thing.  Ultimately, the most exceptional experience was the album that didn’t have 1 song you wanted to skip (i.e. two sides that could be played all the way through).  The 10 records listed below fall in that category.  

  1. Tapestry – Carole King:  Includes classics, It’s Too Late, I Feel the Earth Move, So Far Away, You’ve Got a Friend, Will You Love Me Tomorrow?, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, and great album tracks like Smackwater Jack and Beautiful.
  2. Boston – Boston:  Includes classics, More than a Feeling, Piece of Mind, Foreplay/Long Time, Rock & Roll Band, and great album cuts like Hitch a Ride and Smokin’.  Their second album, Don’t Look Back was similarly complete.
  3. Dreamboat Annie – Heart:  Includes classics, Magic Man, Crazy On You, Dreamboat Annie, and great album cuts like How Deep it Goes and Soul of the Sea.
  4. Crosby, Stills & Nash – Crosby, Stills & Nash:  Includes classics, Suite Judy Blue Eyes, Wooden Ships, Marrakesh Express, Helplessly Hoping, Long Time Gone, and great album cuts like Guinevere, and Lady of the Island.
  5. Joshua Tree – U2:  Includes classics, With or Without You, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, Where the Streets Have No Name, Bullet the Blue Sky, and great album cuts like, Red Hill Mining Town and Running to Stand Still.  Their albums, War and Under a Blood Red Sky were similarly complete.
  6. Hotel California – The Eagles:  Includes the classics, Hotel California, New Kid in Town, Life in the Fast Lane and great album cuts like Victim of Love and Wasted Time.
  7. Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd:  Includes classics, Money, Us and Them, Time, and great albums cuts like, Breathe and Brain Damage.  Their albums, Wish You Were Here and The Wall were similarly complete.
  8. Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin:  Includes classics, Rock and Roll, Black Dog, Stairway to Heaven, and great album cuts like, When the Levee Breaks and Going to California.  Their albums, Led Zep I, II, III and Houses of the Holy were all similarly complete.
  9. Escape – Journey:  Includes classics, Don’t Stop Believin’, Who’s Crying Now, Open Arms, Still They Ride, and great album cuts like, Stone in Love and Mother, Father,  Their follow up album, Frontiers was similarly complete.
  10. Rumours – Fleetwood Mac:  Includes classics, Don’t Stop, You Make Loving Fun, Go Your Own Way, Dreams, Gold Dust Woman, The Chain and great album cuts like Songbird and Second Hand News.  Their eponymous album from 1975 was similarly complete.

Honorable Mentions:  The Police (Synchronicity), Van Halen (Debut & 1984), Bruce Springsteen (Born to Run), The Beatles (Abbey Road, Sgt. Peppers), Metallica (Black Album), Steely Dan (Aja), Styx (Grand Illusion, Pieces of Eight), AC/DC (Back in Black), Rush (Moving Pictures), Peter Gabriel (So), Elton John (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road), Def Leppard (Pyromania, Hysteria)

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Hit Songs that Hurt Their Artists Credibility

Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, Lists, tagged , , , , , , , , , on August 19, 2020| Leave a Comment »

  • Babe – Styx: The release of the 1979 album “Cornerstone” came on the heels of the multiplatinum success of 1977’s, “The Grand Illusion” and 1978’s, “Pieces of Eight”. By that time, Styx had firmly established themselves as AOR and Arena Rock favorites. But things took a dramatic turn when its first single rocketed up the charts. Longtime fans were stunned by this frothy pop confection, and disappointed in the light weight sound of the album as a whole. Though it ushered in an era of Top 40 chart success for the group, their reputation as a rock band was forever diminished.
  • Ebony and Ivory – Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder: Given their stellar musical achievements, it was hard not to be excited by the idea of these two powerhouse performers coming together. Yet, despite the best of intentions, and the undeniably positive lyrical message, it was hard not to be disappointed with the results. Undoubtedly a career lowlight for both of them.
  • Abracadabra – Steve Miller Band: Steve Miller entered the 1980’s on a roll. After earning a solid reputation as a blues guitarist in the late1960’s, he found chart success throughout the 1970’s (e.g. The Joker, Fly Like an Eagle, Book of Dreams) with his own brand of good time rock and roll. But his first release of the new decade, 1982’s “Abracadabra” had a markedly different sound; and while the MTV generation seemed drawn to the new look, it was a turn that many from his old fan-base couldn’t make.
  • Muskrat Love – America: Expectations for America’s third album (1973”s “Hat Trick”) were high, as the band looked to build on a resume that already included two hit albums, three top ten singles, and a Grammy award. But when this quaint ode to rodent romance failed to resonate with fans, the album quickly faded as well. Though the band rebounded the following year with another hit album (“Holiday”) and two more top ten singles (“Tin Man” & “Lonely People”), this song stands out as one of the few missteps in the groups early career. Ironically, just a few years later, the Captain and Tennille took their version of this tune all the way to the Top Ten.
  • We Built City – Starship: With the departure of two key members of the original group (guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bass player Jack Casady), band co-founder, Paul Kantner reimagined Jefferson Airplane, birthing Jefferson Starship in its place. Along with the changes in personnel came a reworked California rock sound, which largely abandoned the group’s Psychedelic roots. After years of success, the band weathered another significant change with the departure of lead singer, Marty Balin and the addition of singer, Mickey Thomas. Once again, the sound changed, this time to a more modern, straight forward rock style (e.g. “Jane”, “Find Your Way Back”…). By the early 1980’s Kantner had grown weary from battles over the band’s artistic direction, and quit the group. Legal proceedings necessitated that the band’s name once again be changed, eschewing any reference to “Jefferson”. “Starship” essentially looked like the same band, but the new music was pure pop. Though this record was a huge hit, it signaled the end of whatever credibility the group had in the rock community.
  • Keep On Loving You – REO Speedwagon: Throughout the 1970’s REO toured the country, building a passionate fan base with their energetic live shows. The enthusiastic audience response to the band’s music can clearly be heard on 1977’s live album, “You Get What You Play For”. As the decade ended, AOR staples like “157 Riverside Avenue”, “Riding the Storm Out”, “Roll With the Changes” and “Time For Me to Fly” had earned them a reputation as a hard rocking outfit from the Midwest. But the phenomenal success of 1980’s “Hi-Infidelity” changed all of that. Though it contained a few rock songs, they were overshadowed by the remarkable popularity of the pop ballads, most especially this #1 smash hit. And while their live shows retained some of their foundational qualities, the band’s legacy has become tied to Prom/Wedding themes like “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling”.
  • Just Between You and Me – April Wine: Like previously mentioned bands Styx, and REO Speedwagon, April Wine spent years cultivating a following, first in Canada and then in the US. Relentless touring eventually earned them opening slots with acts like the Rolling Stones, Styx and RUSH. And when rock radio took notice of the 1978 track, “Roller”, they finally broke through in the US market. 1979’s album, “Harder…Faster”, breakout track, “I Like to Rock” and a high profile tour with Nazareth, all pushed them further into the rock stratosphere. Their 1981 follow-up, “The Nature of the Beast” was also a platinum seller, but the immense popularity of the single, “Just Between You and Me” seemed to put the band in a different light, and the building momentum seemed to quickly dissolve. Though they continued to record and tour, their name soon faded from rock radio’s vocabulary.
  • The Girl Is Mine – Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson: This playful ditty (and its accompanying video) certainly didn’t harm anyone, but it was well below the standards set by both of these mega talents.
  • Touch of Grey – The Grateful Dead: Though their place in rock history is secure, the top ten single, “Touch of Grey” is a chapter that many “Dead-Heads” would like to forget. For those not familiar with the band or its music, it had to make them wonder what all the fuss was about.

 

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10 Bands that Shared the Lead Vocals

Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 19, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Most rock bands have one primary singer. Though other members might contribute background vocals, harmonies, or an off-beat album track, it’s somewhat unusual to see different vocalists in the lead role, on a consistent basis.  There are some bands that consistently featured two lead singers (e.g. Cream – Bruce/Clapton, Simon and Garfunkel, Styx – DeYoung/Shaw, The Cars – Ocasek/Orr), but few who exceeded that.  Even more uncommon is to see a band have a string of hit songs, featuring different lead vocalists.  The bands listed below have done just that.

  1. Chicago (Robert Lamm – “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Terry Kath – “Colour My World”, Peter Cetera – “25 or 6 to 4”)
  2. The Doobie Brothers (Tom Johnston – “China Grove”, Patrick Simmons – “Black Water”, Michael McDonald – “Takin’ It to the Streets”)
  3. Pink Floyd (Roger Waters – “Another Brick in the Wall”, David Gilmour – “Money”, Richard Wright – some lead vocals on “Time”, Syd Barrett – “Astronomy Domine”)
  4. The Monkees (Micky Dolenz- “Last Train to Clarksville”, Davy Jones – “Daydream Believer”, Michael Nesmith – “Listen to the Band”)
  5. Jefferson Airplane/Starship (Grace Slick – “White Rabbit”, Marty Balin – “Miracles”, Mickey Thomas – “Jane”) Founding member Paul Kantner also sang lead on many of the groups popular album cuts.
  6. The Mama’s and the Papa’s (Though they almost always sang as an ensemble, you can find some lead vocals, like John Phillips – “Creeque Alley”, Denny Doherty – “California Dreaming”, Michelle Phillips – “Dedicated to the One I Love”, Cass Elliot – “Dream a Little Dream of Me”)
  7. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (Stephen Stills – “Woodstock”, Graham Nash – “Our House”, David Crosby – “Wooden Ships”, Neil Young – “Helpless”)
  8. Fleetwood Mac (Stevie Nicks – “Dreams”, Christie McVie – “You Make Loving Fun”, Lindsey Buckingham – “Go Your Own Way”, Peter Green – “Black Magic Woman”)
  9. The Eagles (Don Henley – “Hotel California”, Glenn Frey – “Tequila Sunrise”, Randy Meisner – “Take It to the Limit”, Joe Walsh – “In the City”, Timothy B. Schmit – “I Can’t Tell You Why”)
  10. The Beatles (Paul McCartney – “Yesterday”, John Lennon – “All You Need is Love”, George Harrison – “Something”, Ringo Starr – “Yellow Submarine”)

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