Late Night Music Part 60....................."I Wanna Do It Like Hans Solo"

One of the biggest headline makers in music has always been when an artist goes on their own from a successful band. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes the band is on a break, sometimes it's the artist who needs a break. Sometimes it's the fact that they are wanting to stiff the band, and sometimes the band is sick of them. However, it's always kinda cool to see what happens and what it sounds like when they break free from the band that they are known for being in. No matter what genre the band is in, it never gets old to see the plight of artists who go solo. Also, I am glad I can finally tag Ricky Ross again, welcome back to normal land!

In order to be eligible for this category, the artist had to be a prominent member of a band with a somewhat big name band and also been somewhat recognizeable prior to their solo release. Bonus points if the song was their first release after leaving the band. Also receiving votes in this category were "Let Me Ride" by Dr. Dre, "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You" by Sting, "Smooth by Rob Thomas (with Carlos Santana), and "I Got My Mind Set On You" by George Harrison.

"Let My Love Open The Door"- Pete Townshend. After years of being the "other guy" in The Who behind Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend released his solo debut album "Empty Glass" which was a metaphor of what his life seemed like at the time. While the album is deeply personal, this catchy tune became Townshend's signature solo song and his biggest solo hit. Please notice future Big Country bassist Tony Butler in the video with his catchy background hook he sings. Bonus points for days.

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

"Oh Sherrie"- Steve Perry. In 1984, Journey and Steve Perry were on top of the world as the #1 arena rock group in the world. So, in order to boost his already growing popularity, Steve Perry released 1984's "Street Talk" (which was kinda funny because when I think of street cred the last person I think of is Steve Perry- anyway). The album was a huge success producing 4 Billboard Top 40 singles, and this video features real life inspiration (and Perry's then girlfriend) Sherrie Swafford. While this song remains Perry's biggest solo song, I have a hard time believing that the other members of Journey weren't turned off by his solo effort, as he left the group for good in 1996 after their brief reunion from the group that disbanded in 1987. The acapella opening lines of this song are sung live and not lip synched like most other music videos- I always thought that was kinda cool.

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

"Her Eyes"- Pat Monahan. I have to admit, before I saw Train live in 2004 at Southern Miss, I never thought much of Train of Pat Monahan either for that matter. However, I was very impressed with the show and with Monahan's poise and showmanship- was actually a really good show. After the success of their fourth album "For Me, It's You" in 2006, Train took a break from recording. During this time, Pat Monahan released his first and only solo album "Last Of Seven" which featured this hit which had moderate success on the charts. Please tell me if this song reminds you at all of Train's debut single "Meet Virginia"- a song about a girl you really shouldn't like but you do anyway? Come on, Pat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0GVoqsJr_s

"California Girls"- David Lee Roth. In 1984, in one of the biggest "screw you" moves of all time, David Lee Roth left Van Halen after their blockbuster album "1984", and what was called a bitter divorce by pretty much everyone in the industry, left his former band in a lurch. In 1986, he released his debut album "Eat 'Em And Smile"- which is a clear jab at his former band. However, just to get solo material out very quickly, he released a 1985 EP of all cover songs entitled "Crazy From The Heat" which contained his lead single and former Beach Boys hit (COVER SONG!!!!). The video and song in itself should have spelled doom for Roth as it just shows how egotistical and childish he really is. Despite his fans from VH, I think most the fans liked the BAND, and not him, and after mild success in the late 80's, Roth faded into oblivion before crawling back to Van Halen with his tail between his legs now serving as their lead singer once again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmbhfI8f_Ek

"Ex-Factor"- Lauryn Hill. Lauryn Hill is one of those people who has done tons with so little. Her original band, The Fugees, released just two albums, 1994's "Blunted On Reality" and the 1996 mega album "The Score", which is considered by some, including me, to be one of the best hip hop albums ever recorded. The combo of her, Pras, and Wyclef Jean was very interesting but really worked. In 1998, Lauryn released one of the biggest albums of the decade, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill", which included this single released around Christmas of 1998. I have always been amazed on how Lauryn could write a song like this while she was involved in a very loving and serious relationship with Ziggy Marley. Most of the time, songs like this are written when someone is hurting. I remember buying this album right before a long bus ride to Colorado on a ski trip and listening to it literally the whole way there and back. What a great song, great album, and great video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE-bnWqLqxE

"Glamorous"- Fergie. Childhood bubblegum star and former "Kids Incorporated" sweetheart, and former lead singer of Lou Pearlman's Wild Orchid, Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson made music industry earthquakes when she joined hip hop group the Black Eyed Peas in 2001 after the dismissal of Kim Hill. Her first album with the group, "Elephunk" proved to be the group's biggest which spawned their hits "Where Is The Love?" and "Let's Get It Started". They followed up with 2005's "Monkey Business" which also proved to be a worldwide hit with Fergie's own prostitution ad/video with their song "My Humps". While Black Eyed Peas took a break, Fergie released her first solo album "The Duchess" in 2006 which included this song which includes Ludacris. I will always remember this song because of the little girls dancing around at summer camp to this song and going the "Fergie" dance. All kinds of bonus points for the appearance of Alfonso Ribeiro in the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0SyUgw98tE

"New York Minute"- Don Henley. In 1979, the Eagles broke up one of the biggest rock bands of all time and claimed that "Hell Would Freeze Over" before they got back together. All of them embarked on solo careers, with Don Henley really only making any real splashes. He made a huge splash with his third album, 1989's "The End of The Innocence". This song was never really a big hit, but has always been a favorite of mine. Every time I listen to this song, I wish a cool, epic video would have been made for it, especially for a song coming out at the peak of MTV's video era. Great live version here- even better than the Eagles live version from 1994.

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

"Sweet Escape"- Gwen Stefani. Ok, I know I hate No Doubt, but I love when a solo artist does something completely different than what they did with their band. Plus, it's amazing how hot Gwen Stefani looks when she's not in a trashy band like No Doubt. I think Gwen Stefani should have been recording hip-hop all along, because while this song has a pop twist, it's more her style. This video cracks me up- bonus points for Akon, seeing how he wins the award for "Most Time Spent Behind Bars Claimed While Still Recording Music". Kind of an appropriate theme in the video for him wouldn't you say?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0lf_fE3HwA

"In The Air Tonight"- Phil Collins. In 1980, Genesis had just released their biggest album to that point "Duke". However, the constant touring and new found success had taken a toll on Phil Collins then wife, Andrea. In response to his impending divorce, Phil Collins took a leave of absence from Genesis to write and record his first solo album "Face Value" which deals with this feelings about his failed marriage. The lead song and lead single from the album is not only one of the most famous songs of the 80's, it remains Phil Collins most famous song ever. Despite it's urban legends about its meaning, the song is about how Collins felt after his divorce was final. The video shown here, is not only one of the early dark videos, it was one of the most requested videos in the early days of MTV. I've always thought how cool it was that this song was so popular in hip-hop circles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcZdJmdIM6U

"Maybe I'm Amazed"- Paul McCartney. This song has always been really special to me. However, not for the reason you might think. When seeing Paul McCartney in concert in New Orleans in 2002, McCartney had a beautiful speech about his late wife, Linda, who everyone knew he had a beautiful relationship with. He then recognized his then wife, Heather Mills. He then started this beautiful song, got 3 chords in and said AND I QUOTE "oh sh-t, that's wrong" and started the song over. Even the great Paul McCartney is human. Paul actually wrote this song in 1969 while the Beatles were still together and had originally intended for it to be a Beatles song. However, at the time he wrote it, he knew the Beatles were close to breaking up (which they would a year later, but for all practicality, they did in August 1969), and this song was about the comfort that Linda offered him during his depression over the group's impending break up. Still, for my money, Paul's best solo song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm2YyVZBL8U

"One Woman Man"- Dave Hollister. In 1994, Dave Hollister put a little known R&B quartet from New York City called BLACKStreet on the map with their self titled debut album and with hits like "Before I Let You Go" and "Babi Me Mine". However, with their new found success, Dave Hollister left Blackstreet in 1995 to start his own solo career. He found pretty good success with his first release "Ghetto Hymns" but he really hit the mark with his phenomenal album "Chicago '85: The Movie". The Top 10 album has been a favorite of mine for a long time, and it featured this song as it's hit single. Please notice that every woman that is around Dave Hollister in this video has a rear end the size of Texas- does that guy have a preference or what? Good lord!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7eDvlsU5Y

"Senorita"- Justin Timberlake. I gotta give JT props, the guy is a great actor, especially more so in his post- N'Sync days, the guys just bleeds hip-hop and R&B while he's on the stage. With 2002's "Justified" he put forth this image more so with the hip hop group The Neptunes producing (and with group member Pharrell Williams on drums and backing vocals on this video). However, with the airing of first episode of "Punk'd" featuring the punking of Timberlake, he showed that deep inside, he is a dorky white guy that is far from the hard image he portrays on stage- ain't gonna knock the talent. Never been a huge JT fan, but I've always liked this song. The ending hook is just so cool!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJHYDkvRB2Y

"Halo"- Beyonce. Good lord, I love Beyonce! Michael Ealy is a cool guy, and I think an up and coming good actor, but you have to admit you know that even he got excited about being so lovey-dovey with Beyonce- who wouldn't be? It should be a crime for a woman to be this sexy!

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

"Walk Away From Love"- David Ruffin. David Ruffin was kicked out of the Temptations in 1968, but quickly caught on as a successful solo artist, by 1975, his luck had run out (along with his body weight.......and his cocaine) and his "swan song" of sorts was this top 10 hit shown here he performed on "American Bandstand". I actually get upset when I see David Ruffin because I think about despite being successful in his life, he could have done so much more and could be remembered as a great Mississippian instead of a crackhead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pFT18a3VwQ

"Wild One"- Darius Rucker. One of the things that has always upset me about Darius Rucker is how he is dissed as "too white" for the African American community and being called an "Uncle Tom" by others. However, if they listened to his 2002 album "Back To Then", which is entirely R&B, they would see that Darius Rucker is truly just a musical plethora of talent. In 1992, Rucker's mother passed away, and he wanted to honor her with an album of music she grew up listening to. The lead single and biggest hit from the album, "Wild One" is one of my favorite R&B songs ever. Just goes to show that a truly great artist can sing rock, soul, and now country as he has begun his career as a country singer with the release of the album "Learn To Live", how appropriate because people should learn to live with the fact that Darius Rucker follows his heart and takes himself to where the music leads it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gMvgMq-2CM

BONUS VIDEO- Darius Rucker- "Come Back Song"- his newest single.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMQXpBB3H6U

Darius Rucker's "Back To Then"

Yes I can see YOUR Halo!

One of the best albums ever made

Late Night Music Part 59 Back To School Edition...................."Yee Haw!"

Some of the roughest toughest most macho guys in American history have always been known to be cowboys. They were rugged and worked in some of the toughest and dangerous conditions ever all while barely making enough to make ends meet. Because of this, someone being called a "cowboy" has always been a compliment of toughness and rebellion. While often associated with country music, the cowboy image has reached across genres, and has created some cool songs, and created some ridiculous songs. I also published this one at an earlier hour so all of you kids can get to bed at an earlier hour- I don't wanna interfere with the back to school days.

In order to be considered in this category, the SONG TITLE must have the word "Cowboy" in it. Also receiving votes in this category were "Asphalt Cowboy" by Jason Aldean, "Cowboy Way" by Paul Bogart, and "100% Cowboy" by Jason Meadows.

"Cowboys Like Us"- George Strait. I was quite upset to find that there was no video for this song despite reaching #2 on the charts in 2003. George Strait actually wrote this song about a motorcycle trip he took with some friends, and if you listen to the lyrics "we ride out on steel horses", you could figure this out. The video clip here is quite amusing because you almost don't recognize George without his cowboy hat on. Even the biggest country stars ever at least had it off sometimes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR5LK52k8dE

"Cowboy"- Kid Rock. In 1998, Kid Rock went from being relatively anonymous to superstar with his album "Devil Without a Cause". Even though he was into being a rapper, the song showed that Kid Rock was already transitioning to southern rock/country music. This song is a perfect example about how much Nickelback sucks, because if you listen to the lyrics, you will hear that this is basically a much earlier version of "Rock Star" by Nickelback, just with a country/western twist. Bonus points for the cameo of the late Gary Coleman in the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glb2U6y-GdU

"Cowboy Take Me Away"- Dixie Chicks. In 1999, the Dixie Chicks were the hottest group in country music after their release of "Wide Open Spaces", they followed it up with "Fly". The second single from the album was "Cowboy Take Me Away". Now I love this song, but the video just seems like a drug trip to me- Natalie Maines has admitted to using "medicinal marijuana". Yes, she is a good singer, but the difference between the hotness of group members in the Dixie Chicks is on a cataclysmic scale. I am almost tempted to not put this video on here just because Natalie Maines outfit is so digusting. While the rest of the group is hot, I have a hard time watching her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hntXAO_Rq7c

"Where Have All The Cowboys Gone?"- Paula Cole. I honestly think the reason this song was so successful (and the video for that matter) was because Paula Cole simply used music and nothing crazy in either one (an also on much of the album "This Fire"). This song is hilariously simple and true, as it shows the progression of male/female relationships from the early days in American history. However, Paula Cole, with flying colors wins the Late Night Music Award for the "Strangest Person in Music". She has been known to date rappers and actually carries herself as an African American because she was "a black woman in a previous life". Hey, you can't make that stuff up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPR108kwNo4

"Cowboy Casanova"- Carrie Underwood. Hate this song, just love me some Carrie Underwood!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM7NQQ0Lfu4

"Should've Been A Cowboy"- Toby Keith. Toby Keith is one of the most comical people to witness when it comes to early looks in their career because he just looks absolutely ridiculous. Similar to Tim McGraw, he's one of those guys who should keep a cowboy hat on at all times. I mean, the guy already looks like the Joker with that big smile, and the mullet he is sporting here just makes him look more ridiculous. I realize it is 1993 and it's country music, but is all of that really necessary? Bonus points for the cowboy clips in the video. I love seeing people "live out their dreams".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIq1LvzSLsk

"Rhinestone Cowboy"- Glen Campbell. Wow, for a song I've always been a closet fan of (and even karaoked on more than one occasion), this video keeps the streak of ridiculous videos going with this hit from Glen Campbell. The funny thing is that Glen Campbell was coming off a stretch of unbelievable success over the last decade in 1975 and he records a song about "making it"? Always thought that was funny. However, the guy did date Tanya Tucker not long after this so something must have worked. In all seriousness, Glen Campbell has a great story of overcoming drug addiction to better his life, he just made some ridiculous videos along the way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atHY8rDBhtI

"My Cowboy"- Jessie James. I have recently come across Jessie James and she has almost immediately shot to the top of the "she could be a future Mrs. Pigott" list with no signs of dropping any time soon. Simply put, there is no other woman with the exception of maybe Carrie Underwood that could pull off this song and make it so sexy. As I hear her say what she wants from a guy to be "her cowboy", I don't think I'd have any problem living up to that, especially seeing her dance around like that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-dzl0XcDRo

"Ghetto Cowboy"- Mo Thugs Family. This song wins the award for the most ridiculous song on this list, and I would even venture to say, one of the most ridiculous songs ever. The Mo Thugs family was an "all star rap super group" which was headed up by Layzie Bone and Krayzie Bone from Bone Thugs N Harmony as a side project. This song here actually went to #1 on the Billboard Rap Charts in 1998 (yes I am not making that up). I have no idea what inspired this song, or why they even chose to record it. However, one of the biggest misunderstandings is that there were actually no black cowboys. If you look at American history, up to 30% of all of the Cowboys of the 1800's were black (and actually another 30-40% were Mexican). Ok, enough of the history lesson, this video is still stupid, but I can't help but like it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIDZnifqkX8

"Cowboys From Hell"- Pantera. I think that's what they are saying- good luck.

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

"The Cowboy In Me"- Tim McGraw. Like I said, when Tim McGraw has that hat on, he just looks so cool. The reason he's cool is because I could be dressed the exact same way with the same hat and I would look ridiculous. The simple fact that he can be so cool while wearing the same stuff makes him super cool. However, as I previously mentioned, you take that hat off of him, and even dress him up like a normal guy (see "Friday Night Lights" or "The Blind Side"), and Tim McGraw almost instantaneously loses his cool points. Great song here though. One of my Tim McGraw favorites.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QDwep13uJA

the ultimate cowboy

she "used to be black"

see what I mean?

Late Night Music Part 58..................."Leave The Light On, I'm Scare of The Dark, Boss"

Growing up, some of us were (and some of you still are, even though you won't admit it) scared of the dark. We were always worried about what scary stuff could come jumping out of the dark to eat us. I still remember the cave tours of Dunbar Cave in Clarksville with my summer camp kids and being in the darkness of the cave and holding my hand literally 2 inches from my face and not being able to see it. Just shows that while darkness is simple (just take away the lights), it is also very powerful. That is why it has been used by so many artists to describe so many emotions and changes in life and has led to some really good music from all genres.

In order to be considered in this category, the SONG TITLE had to feature the word "dark" somewhere in it. Also receiving votes in this category were "Darkness" by Third Eye Blind, "Keep It Dark" by Genesis, "Smoke Rings In The Dark" by Gary Allan. NOT RECEIVING VOTES was "Dancing In The Dark" by Bruce Springsteen.

"Coming Out Of the Dark"- Gloria Estefan. Most people forget about the near fatal traffic accident that almost took the life of Gloria Estefan in 1990. Almost a year later, she made her return to television at the 1991 American Music Awards (I actually remember watching and I HATE that there is no good video of that performance!). This song, off of her comeback album "Into The Light" was written by Estefan's husband, Emilio, while flying on a helicopter on the way to New York City to see Gloria in the hospital as the sun came up over the NYC skyline after he had been travelling all night. I have never been a big Gloria Estefan fan, but I really admire her commitment to rehab from a serious injury, as she has two titanium rods that are in her spine that were placed there to repair her broken back. The fact she is still able to perform and tour is amazing. Also, let me add I have no idea what the light guy at the beginning of this video adds to anything. I seriously don't see why he's even in this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptZy85HWWvc

"Piano In The Dark"- Nina. Most people know the Brenda Russell version from 1987, which is a solid song, but you know my affection for cover songs, and I wanted to introduce everyone to one of the biggest stars in the world who isn't big in the United States yet. Nina is a Filipino singer who made a live album in 2005 recorded at a small piano bar in Manila which features many American hits which she covers, including this one. I was instantly hooked on Nina just because she can give covers her own style while not taking away from the original song. I think Asian artists get a bad rap sometimes because of their perceived inability to record songs in an "American" style, but Nina really shows she has soul in this song and all of her other songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt4Bp7Uvn4o

"Whispers In The Dark"- Skillet. I have just recently in the last few months gotten familiar with Skillet, and I'm serious, I had no idea until a couple of weeks ago that they were a Christian band. Another misconception is that Christian bands don't "rock as hard" as mainstream rock bands. That is false, as the guitar solo at about the 2:10 point in this song is as rocking as it gets. This song, off of their 2006 album "Comatose" apparently is written from the perspective of God talking to someone saying they'll never be alone and how he literally "whispers in the dark".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8WhAfZphQQ

"Into The Dark"- Ben Lee.This Australian goober released this song on his 2005 album "Awake Is The New Sleep". I admit this is a pretty catchy tune, but this video is frighteningly nerdy to the point if you wonder if the female "fans" in the video are sincere are just simply being paid. And maybe it's just me, but does anyone see elements of Jack Johnson, Josh Kelley, and John Mayer in this video? So much for originality.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNH-BR_lGDY

"I Will Follow You Into The Dark"- Death Cab For Cutie. When Ben Gibbard recorded this song for his 2006 album "Plans", he surprisingly wrote it for his close friends that he knew he would have for the rest of his life. He apparently thought it was strange that he had never lost anyone close in his life, and he admitted he became "obsessed with death and the afterlife" and had to prepare himself for losses (even though he was 29 at the time). This song is really cool in that he really shows his loyalty, but why make such a silly video? Some people have funny ways of conveying emotions. Great song though, I think a good show of Death Cab For Cutie's diversity, and I have to admit I love the falling off the bed clip in the video.

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

"Morning After Dark"- Timbaland ft. Nelly Furtado and SoShy. I have to laugh because Timbaland wrote and recorded this song because he saw the "Twilight" movies and wanted to make a song about vampires. I think he took it a little bit too far with his "vampire faces" in the video- c'mon man! Prior to this song, I had never heard of SoShy, but I love the addition of Nelly Furtado, but when you're that sexy you can do no wrong in my book. I kinda like how Timbaland is back making good solo songs and not just collaborating with other artists on their records. Bonus points for the vampire faces.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25LBTSUEU0A

"Dark Side Of The Sun"- Tokio Hotel. I really am starting to like Tokio Hotel alot, as our German friends seem to get different with each album. However, I am not convinced that Bill Kaulitz isn't gay- Devon, what do you think? I watch this video and I think I'm watching a cross between Prince and Adam Lambert that dresses like Madonna. All joking aside, Tokio Hotel seems like they put on a great show, I'd love to see them live.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndEeA-cMxWw

"Crawling In The Dark"- Hoobastank. Before Hoobastank became the soft hit radio band of 2004 with "The Reason", they released their debut self titled album along with their debut single and first track from that album, "Crawling In the Dark". While it never got the airplay of "The Reason", this song is still "The Reason" (no pun intended) that they built such a strong fan base prior to 2003. However, if you watch the video, you will see how Doug Robb will enter the exclusive club of "guy who really doesn't look like he is a lead singer of a rock band" (right up there with Benjamin Burnley of Breaking Benjamin).

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

BONUS VIDEO- "Piano In The Dark"- John Tesh and Gerald Albright. A solid jazz version of "Piano In The Dark" with John Tesh on piano and Gerald Albright on saxophone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1Hnv-LBYrk

Nina Live

Tokio Hotel- Devon, are they gay?

like I was really putting Timbaland on here over her

Late Night Music Part 57................."I Won't Tell 'Em Your Name"

So many times listening to music we'll hear a name in a song and wonder "who are they talking about?". The truth is, alot of times, the singer/songwriter doesn't even know! Alot of times, a name in a song is just a character in a story, but other times, these names are deeply personal and have made for some of the deepest music ever written, but also some of the funniest songs ever written. On a separate note, I am amazed at the amount of artists making their "Late Night Music" debuts on this list.

In order to be considered for this list, the SONG TITLE had to have a proper name in it (so "Mr. Telephone Man" would not be acceptable, neither would "Mr. Big Stuff"). Also receiving votes in this category were "Bad Bad Leroy Brown" by Jim Croce, "Jesse" by Janis Ian, "Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog" by Three Dog Night, "Lola" by the Kinks, and "Rosealia" by Better Than Ezra.

"Beth"- Kiss. In 1976, while not receiving mainstream success and awards, Kiss was one of the biggest cult following rock bands in the world. When their much anticipated fourth studio album "Destroyer" came out along with the lead single "Detroit Rock City", few people expected that the B SIDE of that single would prove more popular and wind up being the band's highest charting song ever and one of only 2 Billboard Top 10 hits. Sung by drummer (at the time) Peter Criss, it is the only Kiss song ever recorded that features no instrumental performance by any band member. The song was later released as an A Side single a few months later, and even though the song was always hated by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, it still remains one of the most requested Kiss songs at all of their concerts. Despite numerous stories, it is still debatable as to "Beth" actually was. Bonus points for the orchestra wearing Kiss face makeup.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbtO_Ayjw0M

"Carrie"- Europe. I'm glad our big hair friends from Sweden are able to join us again after a pretty long hiatus from "Late Night Music". While this was a good song in the dying days of hair band power ballads, no one knows who Carrie was, but I always find myself tickled to death that a group from European can sing English without sounding European. Despite their hit "The Final Countdown" being a staple at arenas across America in sporting events, "Carrie" remains Europe's highest charting song ever in the United States, peaking at #3 in 1987.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umCF6go6YAs

"Annie's Song"- John Denver. Only a guy like me can segue from Europe to John Denver with such ease. While our previous two songs have foggy meanings, John Denver said that he wrote this song for his then wife while skiing in Aspen, Colorado. You can say what you want about John Denver being goofy, corny, or cheesy, and before his untimely death in 1997, I might have thought the same thing, but there is no doubt the passion in the man's music and voice. Absolutely beautiful song here. Bonus points for the name "Annie" never being stated in the lyrics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkGS263lGsQ

"Adam's Song"- Blink 182. In 2000, Blink 182 had burst into mainstream success with their third album "Enema Of The State", and despite being known for silliness and toilet humor, this song dealing with depression and the seriousness of a teenage suicide note, Blink 182 really showed their "serious" side with this final single from that album. I like this song, and I like the fact that the video isn't depressing, but Mark Hoppus just looks so serious when he sings, even on the goofy songs. Bonus points for the reference to Nirvana in this song- who ever can figure it out gets to name my next topic no matter how stupid it is.

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

"Layla"- Derek and The Dominoes. Few people how many bands Eric Clapton was ever in, but one song everyone knows he played was "Layla", which is actually a song about Clapton being in love with George Harrison's wife Pattie Boyd. Eric Clapton recorded with the Beatles in 1968's "The White Album" on the song by Harrison "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", even though he is uncredited on the album, which is where he first met Boyd. To add to the drama, Boyd and Harrison divorced in 1974, and Clapton and Boyd were then married in 1979 only to divorce in 1989. The song "Beautiful Tonight" is also written about Pattie Boyd. Great live performance here from Clapton's 1999 concert in Madison Square Garden. Just goes to show that even at his age you can still rock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX5USg8_1gA

"Mary Go Round"- Musiq Soulchild. Ok, the first song of the list that wasn't released as a single, but for the real fans of Musiq's debut album "Aijuswanaseing", the realness of this song is something you can't help but love. I remember buying this album in college and playing it to death. This was always my favorite song on this album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JJ9l8wROKQ

"Tyrone"- Erykah Badu. I am glad I finally found an excuse to feature this song and video on "Late Night Music". One of the funniest, realest, and soulful R & B songs of the 1990's was on Badu's double platinum album "Live" and featured this song about her triflin' boyfriend and his stupid free loading friend Tyrone. Every time I hear this song I can't help but swing a little bit, I always laugh, but I can't ever be a fan of Erykah's outfit in this one. I know she's a beautiful woman, but I am just not feeling it. Oh well, who cares, great song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVSIPHQdQT0

"Mr. Wendal"- Arrested Development. Another case of a group that it was "cool" to like in 5th grade. I remember how cool I thought people who had this CD were in 1992 when this song was played (at exhaustion) on the radio all over the country. While most of us 11 year olds just thought they were cool looking or cool sounding, this song was actually written about the plight of homeless people in the United States and is a plea to everyone not treat them differently just because of their appearance or their circumstances, but of course I was too stupid to realize this at the time. Dionne Farris almost seems like a distant cousin in this video- she is almost nowhere to be found. I like her alot more as a solo artist. Anyway, like most of the "thought it was cool" groups of the early 90's, Arrested Development soon faded into oblivion, but at least they left us with this video to watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyDjRd0Tjss

"Mr. Jones"- Counting Crows. Ok, here is another group that was similar as far "cool" to like, but the Crows seemed to have just a LITTLE bit more of a successful career, at least on the mainstream level wouldn't you say? Back when MTV still showed videos, I remember seeing this video so much I almost had it memorized frame by frame, and I am still annoyed to this day at how much Adam Duritz swings his hair around. Like so many other songs on this list, no one seems to know who Mr. Jones is, while one claim (seriously) is that the song is about Adam Duritz's genitalia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oqAU5VxFWs

"Amanda"- Boston. This song was an anomaly for several reasons. First of all, the song sounds nothing like Boston ever wrote or recorded, even for their album "Third Stage" which was a huge change with it being released in 1986 (8 years after their previous album), but also because the song was the band's only #1 hit, and is the only song in the "MTV age" to reach #1 on the Billboard charts without having a music video made for it. If you really think about the power of the music video at the time, that is seriously quite an accomplishment. Pretty good live performance here, just a little dark. A weird thing about this song also is that it was the FIRST track on the album, very rare for a rock band to do so with a ballad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpp19QS_SEk

"Sweet Baby James"- James Taylor. Ok, I just learned something, while it may be his signature song, "Sweet Baby James" was never released as a single by James Taylor. It was, however the title and first track of his second album released in 1970. That album was later nominated for the Grammy for Album of the Year, and catapulted James Taylor to worldwide famous status. I wish I could find his performance of this song that he did on Jay Leno's "final" "The Tonight Show". James Taylor might be the best one man band show you can find. Again, this is another great artist making his "Late Night Music" debut. Great performance from the BBC in 1970 here. I'm taking away points for the hair though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2EZUw2mvjs

"Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey"- Paul McCartney. This one was a slam dunk. When the Beatles broke up, Paul rushed the release of "McCartney" which was mainly songs that the Beatles had declined to record. After a vacation with his wife, Paul came back and put forth his best effort for 1971's "Ram" (the only album he ever made that he credited to himself and his wife Linda), which featured this famous song about his real life Uncle that he had upset as a child, while according to Paul, Admiral Halsey represents American General William "Bull" Halsey. Either way, this is one of Paul's sillier songs, but one he was definitely proud of. It was never said, but I am guessing that the use of sound effects on this song was a way of getting back at John Lennon who scratched sound effects constantly from Beatles songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekhV4GyTW-Y

"Capri"- Colbie Caillat. I'm gonna end this one with my favorite song from this list. Colbie Caillat had this song on her debut album "Coco" and is about her friend who became unexpectedly pregnant. I can't watch this one without getting chills. What an incredible song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bEvY6SyEvM

BONUS VIDEO- "Name"- Goo Goo Dolls. Oh, why not? They inspired the title!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHaBc0sLwE0

One of Kiss's most famous album covers

Colbie Caillat's "Coco"

You were cool if you had this CD in 5th grade

Late Night Music Part 56....................."Musical Movie Scenes Part 2"

Ok, I know it's been a few weeks since I had something really original, and I know I've done "Musical Movie Scenes" a while a go (actually was "Late Night Music" Part 3, and to date, is the only entry without a single comment.....clears throat). Anyway, something I always wanted to focus more on was the musical aspect of the movies, which often crosses paths with the music industry and features some great musical performances on the big screen. Also, PLEASE RELAX I WILL BE MAKING A PART 3! PLEASE DO NOT FREAK OUT IF ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE SONGS IS LEFT OFF OF THIS LIST!

In order to be considered in this category the song had to be PART OF THE PLOT OF THE MOVIE for example, "She's Like The Wind" from "Dirty Dancing" would not be considered because it is simply a soundtrack song, no characters from the movie sing it. The song could be sung by the actual actor or pre recorded and lip synched, as long as the character is the one singing the song. Also receiving votes in this category were "Sooner Or Later" performed my Madonna as "Breathless Mahoney" in the movie "Dick Tracy", "We Haven't Finished Yet" performed by Robert Townsend and Tressa Thomas in "The Five Heartbeats", and "Never Had a Friend Like Me" performed by Robin Williams in "Aladdin".

"Man of Constant Sorrow"- "O Brother Where Art Thou". I have always been intrigued by this movie. Not only because of his almost confusing storyline (based on the Homer's "The Odyssey"), or because of the fact that it was filmed near and around my hometown in Mississippi, but just by the fact that it is so dang creative. I would recommend anyone that appreciates good artistic works to see this film just due to the fact that the writing and acting are phenomenal. In the movie, George Clooney (as Ulysses Everett McGill), leads his crew of escaped convicts and Tommy, the guitar player who "sold his soul to the devil in order to play the guitar", and record this song in a radio station in rural Mississippi just to make some money. They call themselves the "Soggy Bottom Boys", and the song quickly becomes a hit all around the state.

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

"Heart Is a House For Love"- "The Five Heartbeats". In 1991, Robert Townsend was one of the hottest writers in Hollywood and came out with the script for "The Five Heartbeats". Loosely based on the real life story of the Dells, it tells the story of a Motown-esque group's rise to fame in the 1960's. Absolutely one of my favorite movies. The scene here is the group, still relatively new playing at an Apollo style theater in New York City. The crowd is hostile, and Duck (Robert Townsend) isn't allowed to play the piano on his own songs due to the "house rules" of the house piano player having to play all music. What follows is a classic scene. Every time I watch this movie, I think Harry J. Lennix looks more and more like Barack Obama.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqUay9wtsCk

"A Whole New World"- "Aladdin". In the early 90's, Disney was hot after the super mega blockbuster "The Little Mermaid" rounded out the 80's returning the Disney animated musicals to the forefront of American entertainment, and to make expectations higher, the previous year's "Beauty And The Beast" became the first animated film in the history of movies to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture (and only 2009's "Up" has been nominated since). So, in 1992, "Aladdin" came out with some catchy tunes, an all star cast, and pretty good overall film. Seen here is the signature song from the movie, which takes place as Aladdin (who has temporarily wished himself to be "Prince Ali" is wooing Princess Jasmine for her hand in marriage. This song was later recorded by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle (see "Late Night Music- That's What Friends Are For"). Always one of my favorite songs to sing, I'll always remember singing this song with Holly Jones in 2000.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVxUUotm1P4

"Be Our Guest"- "Beauty And The Beast". Speaking of the devil! This song sung by Vermiere, voice by the late Jerry Orbach (who you may remember as Detective Lennie Briscoe on "Law And Order") and Mrs. Potts, voiced by Angela Lansbury as the members of the Beast's castle try desperately to impress Belle in order to make her fall in love with the Beast and turn him back into a prince. Might be my favorite Disney musical scene here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC8xcagMcTY

"So Long, Farewell"- "The Sound of Music". For those of you who are fans of this classic film, I'm sure I will get some booing on my choice of music for this film. However, this is still my favorite song from this 1965 film. The Von Trapp children entertain the guests of their father by performing a "good night" number that Julie Andrews (Maria), their governess (I guess a fancy word for "nanny") has taught them. Very entertaining scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEIzyhu5txE

"And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going"- "Dreamgirls". I have to admit, this is the one film on this list I have NOT seen. However, this performance from Jennifer Hudson in 2006, basically won her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, in what was her film debut. Seriously, it just goes to show you how stupid "American Idol" is when a performer like that can't win.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ViWltu0PJk

"You're Gonna Lose That Girl"- "Help!". On the heels of their first motion picture "A Hard Day's Night" in 1964, the Beatles came together the following year for their first motion picture in color, which had a working title of "Eight Arms To Hold You". In the scene here, the Beatles are recording their album, but Ringo is kidnapped at the end for his ring, which he does not know is a sacrificial ring that belongs to a Eastern cult and is needed to make sacrifices to their goddess. Even though Ringo agrees to give it back, it's stuck on his finger, and what follows, while not great acting, was pretty funny and of course features some great music. This is without a doubt my favorite song on that album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLD5SVctBrw

"White Christmas"- "Holiday Inn". Few people know that the famous Christmas song made famous by Bing Crosby in 1942 wasn't even from a "Christmas Movie", as "Holiday Inn" was released in the summer of 1942 with all of the film's music being written by Irving Berlin, and featuring Fred Astaire starring alongside Bing Crosby. The film follows the musical group through various holidays as they perform songs for their guests at the "Holiday Inn". The funniest part about this video, is while Bing Crosby was an outstanding singer, it is obvious he has no idea how to play the piano and is doing an awful job hiding that fact.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Mjb4yLMeK8

"Somewhere Out There"- "An American Tail". I still remember going to see this movie in the theater in 1986 being 5 years old and singing along with this scene. The main character, Feifel Mousekewitz, has been separated from his family after immigrating from Russia to America in order to flee the evil cats of Russia. Feifel sings this song in a distant duet with his sister Tanya. The song was later recorded by Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVr2eOBmo_U).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRjb8sMjYu8

"Dueling Banjos"- "Deliverance". I had the great opportunity to raft down the Chatooga River on the Georgia/South Carolina border where this movie was filmed in 2000, and I'd be lying if I wasn't a little bit spooked. One of the best films of the 1970's, Deliverance is the story of 4 friends taking a canoeing trip for the weekend. It featured Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, and Ned Beatty in his film debut. This scene near the beginning of the movie features Ronny Cox (Drew) playing with a local mentally handicapped boy who is obviously a musical savant. In the background, Burt Reynolds is trying to arrange their cars to be driven to nearby Aintry, Georgia so they can pick them up after their trip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tqxzWdKKu8

"Getting To Know You"- "The King and I". This is the only song ever featured on "Late Night Music" that was introduced to me not through popular culture, but through my elementary school music classes who sang this song.................at exhaustion. I seriously sang this song 20000 times in Mrs. Lee's music class as it was one of her favorite songs. To any of you who was ever in my elementary school class, I'm sure you remember. This 1956 musical features the story of a British school teacher (Anna Leonowens played by Deborah Kerr) being hired by the King of Siam (Yul Brenner) to teach his many children. After a rocky start with the children, Anna sings "Getting To Know You" with the children to show them how much she was learning to love them. I have to admit, I still love this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aVbJhg23Ao

"Hakuna Matata"- "The Lion King". This song, written by Elton John for the 1994 Disney Blockbuster (by the way, the period between 1989 and 1999 is without a doubt the best period of Disney movies ever) is not only catchy, it's very positive. In the movie, Simba's father Mufasa, the King of the Lions, has been killed and Simba has been forced to runaway from home to save his own life. He teams up with Timon and Pumba who teach him that life is all about "Hakuna Matata"....no worries.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejEVczA8PLU

"Cryin"- "Be Cool". I remember going to see this movie at the theater in Baton Rouge in 2005 and was blown away by this performance by Christina Milian (playing up and coming pop superstar Linda Moon) and the real life Aerosmith. Booked by her new agent/manager John Travolta, Linda is a down and out lounge singer looking for her big break, and boy did she make the most of it with this unreal performance. This movie is actually quite hilarious and features Vince Vaughn, Cedric The Entertainer, Andre 3000, and the Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. In this video, Christina Milian is so sexy you almost forget how ugly Steven Tyler is.........almost.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V44eHaCbd3Y

BONUS VIDEO- "Best Of My Love"- "Be Cool"

Opening sequence after the prologue of "Be Cool"- Christina Milian lights up the stage here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5foVjR6koQ

Be Cool

Aladdin

The Five Heartbeats starring Barack Obama

O Brother, Where Art Thou? Filmed in Madison County, Mississippi

Late Night Music Part 55........."When I Go To The Bathroom I Always Sit On Elton's John"

Even though we like to make fun of our parents for being dorky, nosy, and going to bed after "Wheel of Fortune", I have always been glad that my parents really enjoyed good music. One of the main artists I got into growing up because of them was without a doubt Elton John. I liked the fact that I didn't just get the "radio" version of Elton John either- I got the albums, the B-sides, and the forgotten songs that showed just how great Elton John was. As I grew older, I got more into him and have found his music nothing short of mesmerizing with his partnership with Bernie Taupin being one of the best combos in the history of music. I also think it's encouraging because as great as Elton John was, he was never able to write lyrics. Just goes to show that even the most talented individuals aren't perfect- they are human. I also have really liked the fact that Elton has been able to stick around for so long even with all of this problems in the 1980's- true case of longevity. While this list does contain a few songs that were released as singles (obviously that didn't do well on the charts), this list is songs that are completely new to the casual Elton John fan. However, only one song per album is allowed.

Also receiving votes in this category were "Chameleon", "Club At The End of the Street", "Salvation", "This Song Has No Title", "Blues For Baby And Me" and "The Ballad of Danny Bailey (1909-1934)"

"Cage The Songbird". In 1976, Elton was nearing the end of this biggest era ever of worldwide dominance of the music scene, but had one more dark, more serious album in him with that year's release of "Blue Moves", which is one of his true fan's favorite albums just due to the experimental nature of the album. Other songs on this album that were considered were "Tonight", "Theme from a non-existent TV Series", "One Horse Town", and "Boogie Pilgrim". George Michael would later do a phenomenal version of "Tonight" (actually, here it is- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pvsOme30T8) for the "Two Rooms" tribute album. However, "Cage The Songbird" has always been my favorite on this album. The song is a fictional account of the final hours and eventual suicide of former French super star musician Edith Piaf. The odd part about the fictional story is that Piaf actually died of liver cancer in 1963. Many people compared this song to "Candle In The Wind", but as you can see, it is much more dark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgQPyLXRyX0

"One More Arrow". Most people have read the much publicized fall in the early-mid 80's EJ had due to health issues and drug/alcohol problems as well as his short hiatus from Bernie Taupin. However, in the summer of 1983, Bernie Taupin returned and EJ released his one 80's gem album "Too Low For Zero", which featured the super mega hit "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" which featured Stevie Wonder. One of my favorite albums ever, it closes with this great piano song that tributes a friend who has passed on. Very good live version here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCfPA88WElk

"Come Down In Time". Elton really burst onto the scene in 1970 for a follow up from his "debut" album (we'll talk about that in a minute) with "Tumbleweed Connection", with almost a country feel. Some of his better lesser known songs like "Where To Now St. Peter?", "Ballad of a Well Known Gun", "My Father's Gun", and "Country Comfort" made this album incredible. However, the one real non "country" feel song on the album, "Come Down In Time" has always been very special to me. The song is Bernie Taupin's own account of growing up with a stuttering problem and trying to meet women. Elton arranged it perfectly. Also, Sting did a phenomenal cover also on the "Two Rooms" album- here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG6MMbjxUkM).

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

"High Flying Bird". In 1972, EJ was one of the biggest, if not the biggest solo act in the world. His 1972 multi platinum album "Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player" took the world by storm with singles like "Daniel", "Crocodile Rock", "Elderberry Wine", and "Teacher, I Need You". Honestly though, none of those compare with "Blues For Baby And Me", which would have been a slam dunk had it not been for probably my favorite Elton John song of all time, "High Flying Bird". Here it is performed live at Elton John's 60th birthday concert in Madison Square Garden. It simply does not get any better than this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV0_LMJ7msI

"We All Fall In Love Sometimes/Curtains". After the success of 1973's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", which many people consider Elton John's greatest album ever, he wanted to match that success in 1975 with immediately releasing "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" right after his "Greatest Hits" album. One of the famous things about "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" was the opening "segue" of "Funeral For A Friend" and "Love Lies Bleeding", which are counted as one song. EJ did the opposite by ending "Captain Fantastic" with a segue that became a cult favorite. Great live version of it here. Opening piano part might be his best of all his ballads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQBWYfsCeC4

"Razor Face". I have to admit that the first time I heard this song was on the soundtrack of the movie "Moonlight Mile" (which featured alot of Elton John music), and I have to admit was one of the most disappointing movies of the last 10 years, but nonetheless, I really liked the song that was included on the 1971 album "Madman Across the Water". Here is a live version from around that time. Most people don't know it, but this song is about an old gay male who has returned to town looking for a young boyfriend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlWkOL4Fuq4

"Ticking". Closing song off of EJ's 1974 album "Caribou", while it was a good album (included "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"), I always thought of it as a "filler" album. Some EJ fans disagree. However, the album ended with this surprisingly sinister and dark song about a mass murderer who is killed by police- one of EJ's sadder songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxQl5LKSi64

"White Lady White Powder". Live performance from his very famous free concert in Central Park in 1980. This song was included on the 1980 album "21 at 33" (one of my favorites), and the studio version had the members of the Eagles Don Henley, Glen Frey, and Joe Walsh singing background vocals. I guess "Hell Froze Over" for them to do that song seeing how they broke up the year before.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqaWuz0fzEg

"Healing Hands". In 1989, Elton had hit rock bottom, and in all honesty looked like complete crap. It was almost sad to see. However, his 1989 album "Sleeping With The Past" did make a little bit of noise with his first ever British #1 single "Sacrifice" coming off the album. The album also included one of my favorite EJ songs to listen to in the car just because it's fun to sing along to. I didn't even realize a video was made for this song.

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

"The Scaffold". In 1969 Elton John recorded his "debut" album "Empty Sky" but it was independently released and had limited availability before being re-released in 1975 by MCA Records. Most people think 1970's "Elton John" was his debut album, and while it was his MAJOR LABEL debut, EJ was no stranger to a recording studio at that point. Alot of the songs on this album are pretty "Hendrix-esque" but this ballad snuck it's way on to the list.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldSMwts2usg

"If The River Can Bend". I had the pleasure of seeing this song performed live in November 1997 when I saw Elton John live at the Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee- man what a great show! As Bette Weir knows by now, my parents unwittingly bought me tickets for the concert not realizing it was the same weekend as our big Gulf Coast choral competition. We made up this big story about my grandparents anniversary celebration, and nonetheless I was excused from the competition, got my A, and still saw Elton John. Thanks for not killing me Bette. This song from "The Big Picture" is another of Elton's "gospel" songs that he spreads from album to album. This song was incredible live- the video really doesn't do it justice. The funny thing is that I, like most fans really enjoyed "The Big Picture" but Bernie Taupin said it is his least favorite album ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjTZAGp5hM8

"Someday Out Of The Blue". The fact that I actually sat in the theater alone and watched this movie in 1999 really makes some people worry about me. Yes, I paid money to go and see Dreamworks "The Road To El Dorado", and as you can imagine, I didn't have a date. In fact, I was the oldest person in the theater who was not a parent. To make matters worse, the movie really wasn't that good, but I always liked this song. I think the movie not doing well kinda thwarted this song being bigger than it should have been. Bonus points for Elton John being a cartoon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1R_xDJVKMw

"I've Seen That Movie Too". Those of you who have been my facebook friend a while should know that I've used this song on more than one occasion as my status. Still, for my money, one of the best songs Elton ever sang, and without a doubt my favorite song on "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". I know alot of people who should listen to this song, as many women I've met in my life could use it's advice.

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

BONUS VIDEO- "Roy Rogers". I know I said only one song per album, but this one is too great to pass up. Some of the best lyrics Elton ever sang are in this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJurH2LG1XI

The Tumbleweed Connection

Madman Across The Water

Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Caribou

Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy

Blue Moves

21 at 33

Too Low For Zero

Sleeping With The Past

The Big Picture

The Road To El Dorado

Late Night Music Part 54................"R.I.P. Michael Jackson"

In the recent one year anniversary of the passing of Michael Jackson, I thought it only appropriate to take a look back at the musical career of one of the most influential, talented, and charismatic artists to ever grace a stage. I'll begin with the Jackson's 1978 album "Destiny" (their second album after leaving Motown- as great as the Motown-era Jackson 5 was, that's another post for another day, plus I like to think of those "solo albums" of Michael's in the early 70's as never really happening.

"Blame It On The Boogie". As I mentioned, the Jacksons were fresh off of their divorce with Motown Records in 1978 and had left Jermaine Jackson and their old band name at Motown to go for a more disco/funk sound with their album "Destiny". Is it just me, or does Randy Jackson look really excited to finally be let in the group? Even though he had been in the group 2 years at this point, he still looks like a kid in the candy store. This would be the last time we would ever see Michael Jackson with an afro.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjW1iq4IO2k

"Don't Stop Til You Get Enough". Michael followed up "Destiny" with his own post-Motown solo album "Off The Wall" in 1979 and this smash lead single. Long before Chris Tucker's rendition in "Rush Hour 2" 21 years later, Michael made tuxedos with really big bow ties cool with this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrPTDU40hO4

"Can You Feel It". Fresh off of his success with "Off The Wall", Mike returned to the Jacksons to record 1980's "Triumph" and it's groundbreaking video for their hit single "Can You Feel It". While it was groundbreaking in special effects, they were still pretty primitive on audio, because as you can see, it is very difficult to actually hear the MUSIC! Bonus points for looking like an episode of "He-Man And The Masters of The Universe", but taking more away for the future boy band 3T (the sons of Tito Jackson) appearing in the video as extras.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW1fXL3s7bk

"Billie Jean". Sick of making bad videos with his brothers, Michael teamed up with Quincy Jones to make 1982's "Thriller", which is still to this day, the most popular album in music history. The video for the second single "Billie Jean" was groundbreaking in the fact that it made MJ one of the first solo black artists to be heavily featured on the newly formed MTV.

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

"Beat It". After the success of "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" (which will not be featured just because it scared the ever loving crap out of me), MJ showed his street cred with the gang related "Beat It" even though I feel more like I'm watching "West Side Story" rather than a Michael Jackson video. Rumor has it that Epic Records hired actual gang members to be in the video, but with those dance moves, I highly doubt that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym0hZG-zNOk

"Say Say Say". In 1983, Michael teamed up with famous former Beatle Paul McCartney on his album "Pipes of Peace" for this hit and unbelievably gay inuendo video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLEhh_XpJ-0

"Torture". After the success of "Thriller", Michael reunited with his brothers (including Jermaine) for an all 6 Jackson album called "Victory". A world tour would follow "The Victory Tour", but before the tour, videos like this were made. Michael and Jermaine are definitely singing on the track, but good luck finding a non wax manequin of either one in the video. Yes, they both appeared on tour, but how bad did Randy, Tito, Marlon, and Jackie probably feel right here? Anything to make money right?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4bgjXPdczw

"We Are The World". After an exhausting world tour, Michael was asked to take part in a charity single with Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie. Michael agreed only if he could write the song (which he did). You know the song and the video, but how nice of Michael to bring his brothers along and let them stand in the corner and sing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne7fPpxAnuM

"Man In The Mirror". In 1987, Michael went on his first solo world tour ever. While it shattered numerous world records for attendance and revenue, it set the world on fire as well. Pictured in the video is the famous 125,000 person show in Liverpool at Aintree Race Course. Great performance, but is it really worth all that screaming? "Man In The Mirror" was released in early 1988 and pole vaulted "Bad" into another hemisphere.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9lq8oaK5Mw

"Smooth Criminal". In 1988, MJ released a film of short films featuring music videos from his 1987 follow up to Thriller, "Bad". For some reason, Michael really like gang related videos. Here we see him again. Still, I ask again, who in the world is Annie?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-WVpQ0ZG8Q

"Leave Me Alone". Also from "Moonwalker", MJ has a song here about the media bothering him constantly. I'm not sure how many of these "Headlines" in the video are real, but some make me laugh- just shows that even Michael Jackson could poke fun at himself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crbFmpezO4A

"Black or White". In 1991, Michael Jackson world premiered his new video with new friend and overnight celebrity Maculay Culkin who had become a household name due to the success of the "Home Alone" films. I love this song, and this video is super cool. However, while he may have been a worldwide icon and the most talented person in music ever, Michael also proved that he was, without a doubt, strange.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2AitTPI5U0

"Jam". I never cared for this song, but this video having Michael Jordan in it and getting a 3 network premiere in 1992 made a bad song shoot up the charts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbHI1yI1Ndk

"Remember The Time". By 1992, many people thought Michael had lost his "black fan base". To respond, the video for "Remember the Time" featured Magic Johnson, Eddie Murphy, Iman, and the Pharcyde and featured a lengthy world premiere special on BET.

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

"Heal The World". As 1993 got underway, Michael had his biggest performance yet- the Halftime Show of Super Bowl 27. (Most of you remember this at the Leon Lett game). This one performance marked the only time in Super Bowl history that more people watched the Halftime Show than the actual game, with halftime viewership topping out at around 135 million people. MJ closed a out of this world performance with "Heal The World", and then we suffered through 30 minutes of bad football.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Drc6gARRBT8

"Will You Be There". Michael closed out his "Dangerous Era" with the hit song from the movie "Free Willy" which I would have to say probably put about 20% of the butts in the seats for the movie. Michael Madsen and Lori Petty can thank Michael Jackson for actually getting people to come see them act, because why would anyone really want to anyway?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iTcKR4_dTg

"You Are Not Alone". Probably my favorite MJ song ever, but this look is my least favorite he ever had.......I wanna scrape out my retinas with an apple peeler! YIKES! I'm also begging Lisa Marie to put a shirt on. In 1995, Michael released "HIStory" as a greatest hits/new material album with a tour to complement it. He also was involved with his very public marriage to Elvis Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie, who as I mentioned, is in the video.

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

"Scream". Michael's duet with his sister Janet was their only time to ever be featured on a duet together despite both of their worldwide successes. While the song went to #1 on the charts, I'm always baffled at the music video. The music video is 4:46 long, and cost over $7 million to make, making it the most expensive music video ever made, and it's not even close! Full length movies have been made for FAR less.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P4A1K4lXDo

"You Rock My World". In 2001, MJ released his last album "Invicible" and featured a music video with Chris Tucker (who had now been known for his karaoke scene in Rush Hour 2), Michael Madsen (like I said, grateful to Mike), Marlon Brando, and model Catherine Halaby. While he had a video released for the song "Cry", this would be the last time Michael Jackson would appear in a music video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4tpuu-Up90

Bonus Videos-

Michael poked a little fun at himself with a cameo in the 2002 film "Men In Black 2"

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

Spike Lee also paid homage in this video of his single to be released with his planned tour that was cancelled due to his death. "This Is It"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFebSiaY9vU

This Is It

Destiny

Off The Wall

Triumph

Thriller

Victory

Bad

Dangerous

HIStory

Invincible