Late Night Music Thunderstorm Edition Part 38........................."Rain"

While it storms outside in Clarksville, we have to take this time to think about the songs that made us hope for rain. It also makes me think about the times growing up when my grandparents would want to sit on the porch and "watch the rain". This was always fine with me because it meant that much less time with farm chores to do. So, while it pours outside, get comfortable, listen to the rain fall, and enjoy these songs that made us glad work would be cancelled..................sometimes.

Also receiving votes in this category was "Rain" by Creed (I left them off Devon), "Summer Rain" by Carl Thomas, and "I Wish It Would Rain Down" by Phil Collins.

Damien Horne- "Rain". One of my favorite artists that continues to be on the up and up. Once I saw this guy live I was instantly hooked. This live performance from the Rutledge in Nashville seriously doesn't do Damien Horne justice. His lyrical, musical, and creative abilities are addictive. Damien Horne is destined for great things, and this song will be one of the ones that gets him there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Tf22hmHmGg

SWV- "Rain". SWV had a few things against them in the early 90's. For one, they had to compete with super R/B groups like TLC for the top of the chart. Also, they had a confusing name- think about it- does "SWV" roll off the tongue like "TLC"? Once you figured out it stood for "Sisters With Voices" you were upset that they weren't sisters. Also, they had the "unfortunate" problem of having their debut album "It's About Time" getting played to death with songs like "Weak" (great song) and "Right Here/Human Nature" so expectations were high. By the time 1997 rolled around, SWV was on their 3rd studio album "Release Some Tension" and were caught in a bottleneck at the top of the female R/B mountain. However, "Rain" snuck in the top 20, and would be their last hit single released around Christmas of 1997. Tamara Johnson (Taj) would go on to marry NFL star Eddie George, and for those of you who remember would also go on to be a castaway on "Survivor: Tocantins".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY7UG3BFilA

New Edition- "Can You Stand The Rain?". Ok, I have to just say that Devon looks like Ralph Tresvant- sorry dude, it's true. This single from 1989's "Heartbreak" was the first album with Johnny Gill and the second album without former lead man Bobby Brown. New Edition to me was always underrated because they went from the bubble gum "Candy Girl" and "Mr. Telephone Man" to a newer, more mature, soul feel. (I smell a "Late Night Music") Great irony in the video and in the song about New Edition overcoming the perception that they were finished. However, they should have considered a name change- seriously, after you boot a lead singer and have 5 albums, can you still be a "New" Edition? Something to think about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7flrKMGfwjw

Prince- "Purple Rain". Ok, I'll admit it I have never seen this movie. Honestly, it's quite difficult to find Prince music anywhere just because he is so funny about where his music is released. This song really needs no introduction as it has always been one of his biggest signature songs. Like I said, I have never seen the movie, but this scene from the movie, even though I am unaware of the story around it, seems quite disturbing just by the faces of the people in the crowd which seem to be almost scared that Prince is about to sing. Are they zombies?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJfhGL0F6LE

Guns and Roses- "November Rain". Haven't talked about this one in a while, but this video, which at the time was the 5th most expensive music video ever made, will always be a classic, and it doesn't hurt that it features former Victoria's Secret model Stephanie Seymour. I was never a really big Guns 'n Roses fan, but you gotta give Axl Rose mad props for this video for the simple fact that it's obvious he was trying to capture the feel of other "marathon" classic rock songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Stairway to Heaven", and "Dream On". The irony of the whole thing is that Axl Rose said it took him over 8 years to write the song, but Slash wrote the guitar solo the first time he ever heard the song. Sounds like Axl should have asked for help sooner.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay4pbwnOK2I

The Temptations- "I Wish It Would Rain". Always my favorite Temptations song, and was in a way, appropriate for David Ruffin's last hit with the group to be this song (his second to last single with the group), as Dennis Edwards became the lead singer a mere months later. It's ironic because the "rain" David Ruffin sings about in this song would soon come when he was fired from the Temptations. Most people don't know or remember that David Ruffin is actually from Mississippi.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-es4Q8AJaU

Madonna- "Rain". I love when an artist releases a single that is completely different from the other recent singles from their latest album (See R Kelly). "Rain" is a perfect example of this. In 1992, Madonna (in her Dave Chappelle Racial Draft "Whore" Stage) released her provocative and very controversial album "Erotica". Easily her most racy album up to that date and since that date, and it featured singles like "Erotica" and "Deeper and Deeper". When "Rain" came out, it was the kind of ballad everyone had known Madonna for, and also gave a great glimpse into her future sound which would be so big in the mid 90's (before her NEXT transformation with "Ray of Light"). This song SO belongs on "Bedtime Stories". In my opinion, this video is without a doubt the hottest the Madonna ever looked- SUPER sexy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCvZpjN9QL0

Lea Michele (Rachel Berry)- "Don't Rain On My Parade". I had to include this song from the Fall Finale of "Glee". This rendition of the Barbara Streisand classic from "Funny Girl" is nothing short of incredible. If you don't watch "Glee", start. You'll thank me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaibFcU3tEs

Milli Vanilli- "Blame It On The Rain". You know you saw it coming. Rob Pilatus really looks like he's singing here. Too bad we didn't know ahead of time that they were never singing in the first place.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwrL9MV6jSk

BONUS VIDEO- "She Can Play" by Damien Horne. This is the theme song for the ACC Women's Basketball Tournament. I'm telling you- watch out for Damien Horne!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB8VTw3TfHo

super hot

they look grown up right?

wait a minute! you mean they aren't really sisters?!

Late Night Music Part 37......................"Scattered, Smothered, Covered, and Beatled"

Most of you know my fondness for cover songs. However, what about when an artist goes for the "Holy Grail" of covers? What if you go for the gold and cover a Beatles song? It's pretty obvious where I hold the Fab Four as far as musical folklore and inspiration, as I have gone as far as to call them "the four most influential human beings to ever walk the face of the earth".....other than Jesus. The Beatles, as you will see, have reached across many music barriers and have had all kinds of artist pay homage to them in different genres and different eras. I think it's interesting how most Beatle cover songs aren't even released as singles, I think, just due to the tough comparison of "being as good as the original", so most of these are simply "album fillers". Obviously, in order to qualify for this list the song had to be by the BEATLES (not by any post Beatle acts or side projects). Also receving votes in this category were "It Won't Be Long" by Franz Ferdinand, "Get Back" by Billy Preston, and "Yesterday" by Donny Hathaway.

"Got To Get You Into My Life"- Earth Wind and Fire. This gem from the cinema "blockbuster" "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" is a valiant attempt to save the movie from ultimate suckage. Earth, Wind, and Fire do a great job covering this 1966 "Revolver" hit that is arranged perfect to fit with the horns always used by EWF. Most people don't know that this song is 100%, completely, and only about marijuana. Paul McCartney said this himself in his autobiography "Many Years From Now". Funny how you hear so many people call this a "love song" once you know the facts about it, But, I guess it still could be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBBN0T5PYXY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3MkEC_YS6A

"Dear Prudence"- Alanis Morrissette. One of the lesser known songs from "The White Album" that was actually written about Mia Farrow's sister Prudence who constantly stayed in her room meditating while the Beatles were in India in 1968. This is a great effort by Alanis Morrissette- however I have no idea what awards show this is where she is introduced by Dustin Hoffman. Whoever can tell me when and where this was gets to request my next list.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeGgT5XEnxs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-2lMstw6qs

"Something"- Musiq Soulchild. He's making alot of appearances on "Late Night Music" lately- interesting. This track from his sophomore album "Juslisen" from 2002 is a perfect example of how diverse the Beatles music can truly be. Great video of the Beatles and their wives also- Paul said that "Something" was probably his favorite Beatles song ever recorded. Also, while one of their last singles, it was the only A-side single of the Beatles ever written by George Harrison.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VeLFunSQ20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzkhOmKVW08

"Yesterday"- Boyz II Men. Great way to close out their 1994 sophomore album "II". "Yesterday" has been covered more than any other Beatles song. This is the best of all of those cover versions. The key to making this song awesome is keeping it simple just like Paul did in 1965.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgtByWlBSdA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONXp-vpE9eU

"Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds"- Elton John. Ok a few myths and facts about this song. First of all, it is NOT about LSD or drug use like so many people speculate. Growing up in elementary school, Julian Lennon had a friend named Lucy that he always talked about. One day he brought home a drawing and when John asked him what it was he simply said "Lucy in the sky..........with diamonds". The rest of the song is about a dream John Lennon had. Elton John recorded this version in 1974 with a deal that if the song reached #1 John Lennon would appear live with him on stage. Most of you know the rest of the story- the song reached #1 and John Lennon appeared live on stage in one of his last public appearances with Elton John on Thanksgiving Day in Madison Square Garden. Oh yeah, on the recording, John Lennon is playing guitar and singing background vocals. Might be the best on this list.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SZ6J6fjw9w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDl0qPfkSRw

"If I Fell"- Maroon 5. Adam Levine grows on me more everyday. Once again, a good Beatles cover that is made simple rather than over analyzed. Good change of pace for Adam Levine- his acoustic stuff might be where he is best suited instead of his complex Maroon 5 stuff. I love this song montage in "A Hard Day's Night". The Beatles look so nonchalant playing this song in the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyOFVX_W29M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYKSeYuOvps

"Getting Better"- Gomez. VERY underrated Beatles song from "Sergeant Pepper", and one of Paul's best songs. The version by Gomez was made famous on the Phillips TV commercials in 2001.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VKDfWJsjnA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk0dBZ1meio

"Across the Universe"- Fiona Apple. Fiona Apple is one of the brave souls to actually record a Beatles song and release it as a single. Odd video here, strangely enough, I think it's pretty appropriate because I always thought it was a weird song. One of John's more intimate efforts before his Plastic Ono Band days of the 70's, but I still don't know what "Ja Guru Dei Ba" means. (If those are the words). Of course, this one is for you Michelle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gLWTtlMwo4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN9n1bAahg4

"Don't Let Me Down"- Stereophonics. One of the better Beatles songs (along with Day Tripper and Hey Jude) that was never released on a studio LP, this 1969 song was the B-Side of "Get Back". Never a big stereophonics fan, but a surprisingly solid effort by them. Bonus points for the Spanish subtitles. I love the way they try to almost imitate the Beatles without making a mockery of the song. Threw in the "rooftop concert" version of the song as seen in the film "Let It Be".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0E2UnYjEeg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lwzzln1WIk

"Come Together"- Aerosmith. Best Beatles cover ever.................perio

d.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klvWtrtIRyI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcQGtigeadM

Across the Universe

these guys were "Boyz II Beatles" in 1994

It's not a drug song!

Late Night Music Part 36...................."I Can Call You Betty, and Betty When You Call Me You Can Call Me Al"

Sometimes you don't want people to know your name. Maybe it's stupid, maybe it's not catchy, maybe if you're an entertainer it's TOO common. Sometimes a musician needs a new identity on paper to go along with their musical identity. I even think I'd have a stage name if I was a singer maybe just be known as................oh yeah, The General. Seriously, think about it- which sounds cooler? "Man Greg Pigott's new track is BANGING!" or "The General's new track is BANGING!". See? I rest my case. Tonight's entry celebrates those musicians who have a cool stage name, which makes their (well sometimes) music cooler. In order to qualify for this list, you had to be a SOLO artist. Also, your stage name had to not have any part of your real name in it. Also, your stage name could not be your current legal name (please see below for examples).

Also receiving votes in this category were "Pony" by Ginuwine, "Please Don't Leave Me" by Pink, "Incomplete" by Sisqo. NOT receiving votes due to real names are Seal, Sade, and Eagle Eye Cherry (look it up- I didn't believe it either). Also NOT receiving votes in this category due to legally changing their names to stage names are Dido and Elton John.

A Fine Frenzy- "Almost Lover", or Alison Sudol as she's legally known. This song has been used on more "passionate really awesome holy crap the whole shape of the series is changing" kiss scenes on TV than I can count. I really like this song and alot of her other songs, but am I the only one who thinks she looks either high or sadistic all the time?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsWsasqIoyk&feature=fvst

Sting- "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You". Gordon Summer, as whom he was affectionately known by his students in England while he was teaching before pursuing his music career with The Police and then as a solo artist has one of his better solo songs here from his 1993 album "Ten Summoner's Tales". I really like the fact that it's an upbeat yet sad love song- not alot of those. However, he took the whole "medieval theme" of the album a little bit over the line in this video. I think he went for the Geoffery Chaucer look here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84SQrvVssfs

Five For Fighting- "World". Most people think it's a band, but it's actually the stage name for John Ondrasnik. A huge hockey fan, he took his name for the amount of penalty minutes a player receives for fighting in a hockey game. Just a little bit more catchy than his real name ya think? This song didn't have the same commercial success of his other songs, but it's always been my favorite of his.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JDY1KvoQYk&feature=fvst

Ice Cube- "Today Was a Good Day". I had to throw in Ice Cube just because it's funny to see how his persona has changed from his days with NWA, his solo rap career, and now his acting career where he has made many family-friendly movies in addition to his action/drama roles. I don't know why, but I've always been a really big fan of this song. Always makes me bob my head ya know? Seriously though, could all of that awesome stuff really happen to someone in one day?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4UqMyldS7Q

The Artist Formerly Known As Prince- "Betcha By Golly Wow". This one was tough because Prince's actual first name is Prince. However, this song was released under the "Love Symbol" therefore qualifying him for this list. Loopholes my dear friends, loopholes. I love this Stylistics cover from his 1996 album "Emancipation", but this is near creepy with the kids and all. What is he trying to get across to us? WOW.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzYChY7X2wQ

MC Hammer- "You Can't Touch This". You know you love it! I seriously want a pair of those pants. I always remember thinking how weak this video was for such a popular song. I don't know, just seemed like a let down. Best part of this song...........sampling of "Super Freak".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otCpCn0l4Wo

Meatloaf- "I Would Do Anything For Love". Someone please tell me........what is "that"? Anyway, never been a big Meatloaf fan- why does he even call himself that? It's obvious he likes to eat, maybe he should throw in a haircut while he's at it (he's actually a vegetarian). Interesting and hilarious fact about this video. The woman in the video is model Dana Patrick who lip syncs the verse. On the album, the female is credited simply as "Mrs. Loud" and is British singer Lorraine Crosby. Patrick was offered several recording deals after the video, the record companies were very upset to hear that she is actually a terrible singer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GNhdQRbXhc

Musiq Soulchild- "Teachme". Or as his friends call him, Taalib Johnson, has been a neo-soul superstar since the 2000's came upon us. This song off of his 4th album "Luvanmusiq", quickly became my favorite song (other than of course his duet with India Arie "Chocolate High"). I love how real this song and this video is. Very deep- take a listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y91jtjvN3NQ

Babyface- "Every Time I Close My Eyes". Kenneth Edmonds scored a huge hit with this song in 1996. Mariah Carey on the background vocals. A remix with Kenny G on saxophone was also released of this song. Babyface always looks like he is scared of something in his videos. Also, why is he NEVER with the girl in his videos? I am kind of upset because Babyface is a left handed guitar player and it doesn't show it in this video. Anyway- really good song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbrSO81KhBY

Macy Gray- "I Try". Here's one that may take you by surprise. With her real name being Natalie McIntyre, Macy Gray uses the name of one of the dad's friends growing up as her stage name. I once heard her say in an interview that "Macy Gray just had one of those names that everyone said with the first and last name- like we are all going to Macy Gray's house". The fact that I know that and remember that is pretty sad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsTk2xp0nvY

BONUS VIDEO-

Paul Simon- "You Can Call Me Al"

No reason just like it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULjCSK0oOlI

the "unpronounceable symbol"

I bet you didn't know......

Not a band, just a guy

Late Night Music Part 35..................."Acoustically Speaking"

Acoustic versions can be really good or really scary. When you strip a song down to take away the electronic power chords, and big beat sometimes you're left with just a singer and a few chords, and if you're lucky some congas. Acoustic versions over the years have given us a chance to see a different side of some of our favorite acts and given us a chance to learn more about their true musical talents, and still in some cases a chance to finally learn the words!

In order to qualify for this list, the artist that made the song famous had to be the one re-recording/performing the song differently from it's original form. Also, the song couldn't be an acoustic song already. Already receiving votes in this category was "Yellow" by Coldplay, "Cold" by Crossfade, and "Lips of an Angel" by Hinder. I've thrown in both versions of each song just for good measure if you don't know the original.

Yellowcard- "Only One". Ok I started out this list with my favorite one. Yellowcard has always been a band I liked, but always flown under the radar despite their huge "Madden" hit "Way Away" - also used in probably one of the most famous scenes of the "Real World/Road Rules Challenge" in which they performed live. These guys out of Jacksonville score an acoustic gem with this performance from AOL sessions. Ryan Key is a better singer than people give him credit for. One of the few rock bands with a violin in the lineup.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch8Ect0KHzg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJLkcPhVi9w

Dashboard Confessional- "Stolen". Another up and coming band that has quickly become one of my favorites. I love this version as well, and honestly, I never noticed until just now that Chris Carraba was so tatted up. Good Lord! Let me add, that that makes 2 straight rock bands with a violin in the lineup. Won't find that every day. Both groups from Florida as well (DC is from Boca Raton). I love how Dashboard completely ditches their drummer for their session (as did Yellowcard). And people thought the bass player always had it worst.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68dLRzG3Sh4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j82FBbgpUy4

Eric Clapton- "Layla". Probably the most famous acoustic version ever off of Eric Clapton's 1993 live album from MTV's "Unplugged". This song also wins the award for the most different from the original. This proves that 1- Eric Clapton is amazing (and has a true blues music roots), 2- just about any song no matter how rocking it is can be transformed into an acoustic gem. Just for clarification, even though "Layla" was originally recorded by Derek and the Dominoes in 1971, Eric Clapton still gets a pass because he was the lead singer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj8xjLQ9ofI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th3ycKQV_4k

30 Seconds to Mars- "The Kill". I have to admit that this one surprised me. I mean for starters, Jared Leto looks like he could kick my a--. The guy just exudes badassness- seriously just look at him. I have long been skeptical, but this song is a perfect example of how underrated some hard rock front men are as singers. They are written off as "yellers" instead of singers, and alot of times we just picture them as clowns. Great use of string section here and a perfect example of how a stripped down acoustic version can help you learn the words. Bonus points for strings and for being on "Guitar Hero".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHfOi_RUqCE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPIKNbvMuFg

Nirvana- "Come As You Are". Another very famous recording from 1993's "Nirvana Unplugged Live in New York". Everyone forgets that Dave Grohl was originally the drummer for Nirvana. While this is a great performance (and very different from most "Unplugged" performances if you followed the series), Pat Smear looks really confused in my opinion. Why was he even on stage. Very ironic that the Foo Fighters, which would form a little over a year later after Cobain's death, have half of their original members on stage for this performance in Grohl and Smear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T0ySNQNE58
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vabnZ9-ex7o

Avril Lavigne- "Complicated". I have to admit that I was surprised this one wound up here. Avril shows that she can take time from being a complete crazy b---- and can actually sing pretty good. Yes, I said it, an Avril Lavigne video is really good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjOD4pJ7TJQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGXYAJoDWCk

Third Eye Blind- "Blinded". One of my favorite bands ever, and in my opinion, one of the better rock bands that can go acoustic. Their songs are just that versatile. One of the last appearances of Arian Salazar before leaving the band is in this video. While I love him, Stephan Jenkins looks gayer and gayer every time I see him. Also, how can someone so awesome have so much trouble singing sometimes? Bonus points for being Third Eye Blind AND "blinded".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO8Q3ts5a9g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ4b1gLcCfY

Creed- "Overcome". Scott Stapp............amazing. I am so glad Creed is back together. I LOVE how they can change gears so well. However, I really wish Scott Phillips would cut his hair. Another Florida band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4T6Y0HFU3A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ocxkmdadPE

Breaking Benjamin- "So Cold". Another case of a hard rock group with a good singer flying under the radar. Best job of the entire list of stripping down their song enough to understand the lyrics yet still have an instrumental feel with a solid emphasis on the band. Lead singer Benjamin Burnley wins the award for the "Guy who least looks like a guy who would front a hard rock band". Sorry, no vote, I'm giving it to him. After seeing his Transformers shirt, it's a slam dunk. Love the single conga drum part.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJb_p7Gib0Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTiGlNDnOtE

Puddle of Mudd- "Blurry". I always liked this song but never really high on the band. Oh well, I'll throw it in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIHSUJr5jeM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJJsoquu70o

Ladies and Gentlemen, your winner

Jared Leto makes these guys look even goofier

Pat Smear is the man!