Late Night Music Part 95.........."I'm Covered In Cover Songs"

You guys know how much I love cover songs, and I haven't done a cover song entry in a while. You know I couldn't resist much longer.

In order to receive votes in this category, the song had to be a cover that was recorded on an a studio or live album by another band. Tribute albums were completely disqualified unless the version appeared on another album (see "I Wanna Be Sedated" for an example of this rule). Also receiving votes in this category were "Back In The High Life Again" by Warren Zevon (originally by Steve Winwood), "California Girls" by David Lee Roth (originally by The Beach Boys), "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley (originally by Leonard Cohen), "Hard To Handle" by The Black Crowes (originally by Otis Redding), "Jolene" by the White Stripes (originally Dolly Parton) . NOT RECEIVING VOTES is "People Get Ready" by Alicia Keys and Lyfe Jennings originally by Curtis Mayfield. He will never appear on this list.

"All Along The Watchtower"- Jimi Hendrix (originally by Bob Dylan). Here is one people forget that Jimi actually covered. Kinda surprising by a guy who wrote some of the best rock songs of all time in just a few short years in the business. This cover of Bob Dylan's 1967 song appeared on Hendrix's 1968 album "Electric Ladyland" and became his only top 20 hit in the United Kingdom. Surprisingly, Hendrix spent more time recording and overdubbing this song than any of his others. In fact, he did it so much that bass player Noel Redding actually quit the band because of this song. Bob Dylan later said that this cover was so great that it was "overwhelming".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIhtafqZvy8

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

"Big Yellow Taxi"- Counting Crows feat. Vanessa Carlton (originally by Joni Mitchell). This song was actually covered by Amy Grant first, but did you really think I was gonna put her on here? This song was written by our Canadian friend Joni Mitchell while she was in Hawaii and saw a parking lot as far as the eye could see outside of her hotel room and thought it was a shame for such a big parking lot to take up so much space in paradise. The Counting Crows version featuring Vanessa Carlton was actually more successful on the charts than Mitchell's (which actually only peaked at #67), peaking at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was included on the soundtrack for the 2002 movie "Two Weeks Notice" starring Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock, but another version was originally featured as a hidden track on their album "Hard Candy", but it did not feature Vanessa Carlton.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvtJPs8IDgU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlNZN94_u-s

"Dedicated To The One I Love"- The Temprees (originally by "5" Royales). I was torn on this one. I really like the Mamas and the Papas version, but how often are we really gonna talk about the Temprees? The Temprees were a mildly successful band from Memphis and released this single on the album of the same name in 1972. I feel great that I gave these guys another 5 minutes of fame. However, all joking aside, while I always have loved the Mamas and the Papas, I seriously like this version best.

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-ponMaR-2E

"Drift Away"- Uncle Kracker (originally by Dobie Gray). Usually I would tell Uncle Kracker to literally "drift away", but this song is too good to pass up, even for him. Dobie Gray scored his only major hit with this song in 1973. 30 years later, Uncle Kracker released it on his album "No Stranger To Shame" and in a real class act, featured Dobie Gray on the song and in the video. I always like to see newer artists pay homage to older guys who paved the way, or in this case, recorded the song that put them on the top. Irony though about this song. They sing about "rock n' roll", but isn't this more of a country song? I'm just sayin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A69BertdSt4

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

"I Can't Get No Satisfaction"- Otis Redding (originally by The Rolling Stones). This just shows that even in the middle of the civil rights era of the 1960's the Rolling Stones were second to the Beatles as the biggest act on the planet. Otis Redding was an outspoken artist for African American rights, and I'm sure riffled some feathers by recording and performing this song, but this version is pretty slamming. Redding himself admitted that he didn't know all the words to this song because he couldn't understand Mick Jagger (I say the same thing myself all the time), so he made up the parts he didn't know. This version as also featured on his 1965 album "Otis Blue". However, in respect to the Stones, Redding featured horns playing the guitar riff. The irony of this is that the original song that the Stones wrote had intended for this very same thing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYSFEfeC3Ro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPFCiN5yMuU

"I Wanna Be Sedated"- The Offspring (originally by The Ramones). I don't know if I should be ashamed or proud that the Ramones have finally made their first appearance on "Late Night Music". Despite their unreal suckage, this is a pretty catchy song, so I've always thought. The Offspring version was featured on the Ramones tribute album "We're A Happy Family", but as pictured here, was also featured in the film and on the soundtrack for the movie "Idle Hands". Sadly enough, this is probably the best part of the movie. At least we get to see Jessica Alba, right?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV3-qRvuJaw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQeo3OfuEDM

"I Will Survive"- Cake (Originally by Gloria Gaynor). I hate the Gloria Gaynor version of this song. I guess it's kinda like "I Will Always Love You"- you just get sick of it. This version was featured on Cake's 1996 album "Fashion Nugget" and was publicly panned by Gloria Gaynor due to John McCrea changing the lyrics to include profanity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=596qaxm-u4o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBR2G-iI3-I

"Landslide"- Smashing Pumpkins (originally by Fleetwood Mac). Sorry, I couldn't do the Dixie Chicks again. This rare version was released in 1993 as the B-Side of Smashing Pumpkins single "Disarm" (funny they had a double acoustic release....anyway). It was later featured on their 1994 album of B-Sides, "Pisces Iscariot". Billy Corgan I think does a fantastic job singing this song and surprisingly enough I think his voice is perfect for it. I'll even go out on a limb and say I like this one better than the Dixie Chicks version. This one just seems more personal, which is the way Stevie Nicks intended it to be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yoh6G_11cKw

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

"Hey Ya!"- Obadiah Parker (Originally by Outkast). You know how much I love acoustic hip-hop covers! My ultimate favorite! This internet sensation by Arizona acoustic group Obadiah Parker was released in 2009 on iTunes on their live album "The Tip Jar Vol. 1" and has received rave reviews, including from Andre 3000 himself. It's funny how you don't realize how some hip-hop songs can work in an acoustic form until you actually hear it. I could cross off something on my bucket list if I could karaoke to this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c745E7T_Wvg

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

"Heartless"- The Fray (Originally by Kanye West). Score for another hip-hop cover! Not long after Kanye West's version of this song peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2008, the Fray released a live version of the song that was featured on their 2009 album "Live From Soho" and later on a re-release deluxe edition of their self titled second album. The studio version peaked at #79 on the charts, and featured this super cool video. Bonus points for the heart. I've never liked Kanye, and you all know this, but the lyrics are amazing in this song, and I love the way this video portrays what this song is really trying to convey.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBTdJHkAr5A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co0tTeuUVhU

"Oh Girl"- Paul Young (Originally by The Chi-Lites). Paul Young I guess had to be known as someone other than a crappy British singer who only had one hit and then tried to take over "Do They Know It's Christmas" when he tried to have soul with this 1990 attempt at covering the Chi-Lites 1972 hit. This version from this album "Other Voices" kept Paul Young from being a one hit wonder (I guess) as it reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, but thank God we haven't heard Paul Young sing anything else. He is one of the most overrated singers ever to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sTnsos3T0k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sstY_MI3skE

"Amazed"- Boyz II Men (Originally by Lonestar). I love Boyz II Men. This song came out actually after their on entry in "Late Night Music", as this version was featured on their album "Love". This live version from the "Second Cup Cafe" segment of "The Early Show" on CBS, features a pretty good live version of this song. I think it shows Boyz II Men's true musical diversity by being able to cover a country song and doing it a lot like the original while still keeping their own style. Man these guys are awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cbGbrhvrho

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-skFgrV59A

"Our Love"- Mary J Blige (Originally by Natalie Cole). I think Mary J. Blige always ends up being on these lists. But seriously, can you blame me? This song was originally a hit for Natalie Cole in 1977, but was featured on Mary's 1997 album "Share My World" and is the last track on the album, closing out a landmark R & B album (and Mary's last album as a crackhead, but this claim is disputed). Mary J might be the best "cover song" artist ever because no other artist can keep the song so original while adding so much passion and soul (especially in this case, in an already passionate soulful song). I'm gonna go ahead and say this version is better than Natalie Cole's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLR1PgqJxJs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkD6wgdggyk

"Back At One"- Mark Wills (Originally by Brian McKnight). Mark Wills hit #2 on the country charts with the 2000 cover of Brian McKnight's smash hit of the previous year which was featured on his album "Permanently". Mark Wills is one of the better country cover artists, as he's covered a few non country songs now and made them into pretty good versions- I gotta respect that. Obviously he doesn't have the voice of Brian McKnight, but I still like this version and I like the way he didn't get carried away with it. He kept it simple not trying to outdo Brian McKnight vocally (if that's possible).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY-Iy65JpXo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NZCu6exrIY

BONUS VIDEO- "Interstate Love Song" - Hootie and the Blowfish (originally by Stone Temple Pilots). This live version was featured on the short lived TNT show "Hard Rock Cafe" and is an unreal cover version of the Stone Temple Pilots classic hit. Please don't ever tell me again that Hootie and The Blowfish isn't a real rock band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NZCu6exrIY

Had to show a picture, because I can pretty much guarantee we won't see them again

The Fray

Mary J. Blige

Late Night Music Part 94.........."More Country"

Nothing clever here. Honestly, I had taken so long to write this one just because my headphones were screwing up and it was hard to hear the songs as I was writing, but I took one for the team here. Ok, I have now done two country lists in the last 7. Now please stop asking me to do country lists. I like country music, but it's probably my least favorite genre. These are some of my favorite country songs. But hey, at least this list gives us some smoking hot women!

It's obvious what it took to get on this list. In a rare occurrence, all songs receiving votes appear on this list.

"Love's Looking For You"- Miranda Lambert. Luckily, I don't have to say much about this video just because Miranda Lambert tells you the story behind it herself. This song, as she says, is included on her 2005 debut album "Kerosene". Every time I hear this song I get chills- this song is really incredible. Also, I am now officially naming Miranda Lambert the hottest female in Country Music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjOvY4f-USo

"Free"- Zac Brown Band. This performance from "The Late Show With David Letterman" gets bonus points right out of the gate for violin player Jimmy De Martini's Atlanta Hawks shirt. However, Zac Brown, as usual, looks like a hobo. This song was the last single off of their 2008 smash album "The Foundation", which was released nearly 2 years after the album first came out. This single gave a great segue to their live album "Pass The Jar", and their next studio album "You Get What You Give". I think this song and especially this performance show how good of a guitar player Zac Brown really is as well as how good his voice is. Despite looking like crap, the man is made talented.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzn9JnJbfUo

"It Won't Be Like This For Long"- Darius Rucker. Darius Rucker gets diversity bonus points for his diverse music he's released. First, we all know his work with Hootie and The Blowfish, and then his R & B album "Back To Then" (which I have featured before), and this country debut album in 2008 "Learn To Live". Despite this song being a tad bit stereotypical, I think it's a pretty good song, and I love Darius Rucker's voice. Also, like most of his solo material, it's pretty reminiscent. This song topped the country charts, and peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5zCaRaJ-kE

"Alcohol"- Brad Paisley. People have alot of mixed views on Brad Paisley, but I'm telling you, the guy is a heck of a guitar player. This song, always one of my Waffle House jukebox favorites, gives a great change of pace from the soft ballads Brad Paisley is known for, and I have to admit, it pretty dang funny. This song from his 2005 album "Time Well Wasted" peaked at #4 on the country charts and #28 on the Billboard Hot 100. I would also like to point out that I have never, ever, not once, seen Brad Paisley without a cowboy hat on. Watching this video again just now, I'm reminded of the genius and creativity of the songwriting. As I said before, Brad Paisley usually writes great ballads that are anything but silly, but this one here is just once in a lifetime hilarious. Take some time to watch this video and remember the times in your life that someone you know did something stupid like the idiots in the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3zkkLckeyM

"Must Be Doing Something Right"- Billy Currington. This karaoke favorite of mine peaked at #1 on the country charts in 2005 and was featured on Billy Currington's second album "Doin' Something Right". This is a fantastic song, and is always one that brings people to dance whenever it's sang. However, I just really don't like Billy Currington. To top it off, he has a perfect a Derek Sheppard-esque 5 o'clock shadow that I could never in my wildest imagination pull off. Asshole.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbQfE2Oi6Wo

"Why Don't We Just Dance?"- Josh Turner. Here is another guy who seriously makes me sick, but at least he has some good songs. I remember seeing Josh Turner at the Grand Ole Opry in 2009 and it was seriously one of the best performances I've seen. I just can't get over how crazy the women go over this guy. It's like he's in a freaking boy band or something. Like Currington, he also has a ridiculously perfect 5 o'clock shadow that looks so good you almost think it's fake. This song from his latest album "Haywire" peaked at #1 on the country charts, and is his highest charting song ever on the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at #36 in 2009. This video is super cool and I'm glad to finally find some white folks who can dance in a music video more than one genre and not make a fool of themselves. My dream is to one day sing this song karaoke- what a cool song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH1Z9DEDqpk

"Take Me There"- Rascal Flatts. I've always questioned Rascal Flatts "country" credentials because they are from Columbus, Ohio, but I'll let them slide. This song was the lead single from the 2007 smash album "Still Feels Good", which kept Rascal Flatts as the top country group of the 2000's after the huge success of their previous two albums "Me And My Gang" and "Feels Like Today". This song, written by Kenny Chesney, actually cracked the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at #19. Also, watching this video makes me again question the band's "country" credentials just because I feel like I'm watching a cross between "One Tree Hill" and "Baywatch". Rascal Flatts sometimes seems like they are trying too hard to cross over. Also, let me say that Gary LeVox may have a good voice,but he may be the biggest goob lead singer in music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuL0SJiAOcM

"Jesus Take The Wheel"- Carrie Underwood. Wow, I may have to take back my statement back about Miranda Lambert I made earlier, because this one is close. This song off of Carrie's Underwood much awaited post "American Idol" 2005 album "Some Hearts", was actually her second single, but her first big hit. It went to #1 on the Country Charts, #4 on the Christian Charts, and #20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Interesting fact about this song is that it is the #1 country song ringtone ever downloaded for cell phones and is the only country song to ever surpass 1 million downloads. I just sing this song when I ride anywhere with my grandparents and they are driving.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lydBPm2KRaU

"Redneck Yacht Club"- Craig Morgan. Yes! Another artist I saw live at the Grand Ole Opry in 2009. When I see this video and hear this song, I just think about my friends in Stewart County, Tennessee and their floating bar on Kentucky Lake. I promise I'm not judging. The video was actually shot on Percy Priest Lake near Nashville. Craig Morgan has always seemed like he'd be cool to hang out with. Craig Morgan shows his diversity with this song, as it followed up his family friendly hit "That's What I Love About Sunday". Something for everyone, that's his motto.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI7Ghu1FpnQ

"Landslide"- Dixie Chicks. COVER SONG ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!! A huge one too. Most of the time when someone attempts to cover Fleetwood Mac, especially a Stevie Nicks song, I would tell them to try doing something else. (if any of you have ever listened to the "Rumours" "tribute album" that was made in 1997, you would see why I would say that- may have been the worst album ever made. The sad part is some of my favorite groups took part on the album, but the covers just didn't do justice. In fact, that's the only time I've ever called into a radio station in my life and complained about the music- it was seriously that bad. However, this song from Fleetwood Mac's self-titled 1975 album, was covered by the Dixie Chicks on their 2002 album "Home". It went to #2 on the country charts and peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Most people know the story of the song- Stevie Nicks wrote the song while visiting Aspen, Colorado and looking at the mountains caused her to reflect on her life. Also, I think if the Dixie Chicks had not been caught up in their political controversy over desparing remarks made about then President George W. Bush, this song may have been even bigger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4_wXPZ1Bnk

"Happy Endings"- Lee Brice. The first of the "unknowns" on the list. This song was actually only released a single by Lee Brice in 2007 and peaked at #32 on the country charts. It was originally meant to be released on an album called "Picture Of Me", but it was never released. Lee Brice just recently released his first album "Love Like Crazy" this past year in which the title track peaked at #3 on the country charts. I've always really liked this song though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UkELRZOv1I

"Tonight I Wanna Cry"- Keith Urban. Ok, I honestly admit that I had no earthly idea that Keith Urban was Australian until I was doing research for this list. Call me stupid, but I honestly had no idea. Keith Urban, while super talented, is another singer that I absolutely "hate" just because he looks so perfect. I wish I could have hair that cool with a half beard to go along with it. Seriously ladies, you have no idea how hard those are to come by. This song closed out the singles from this 2004 worldwide smash album "Be Here" and hit #2 on the country charts. Ok, I have to stop watching- Keith Urban takes the cake on making me sick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Czb5P_pw8Fc

"Breathe"- Taylor Swift featuring Colbie Caillat. I always really liked this song, but I had no idea that it was one of my faves Colbie Caillat singing in the background and who also co-wrote the song. I could SO see her as a country singer. A lot of you have stated your hatred for Taylor Swift, and yes I know she's annoying, but man everything she touches is gold- you can't blame her for knowing how to turn out hits. Despite this song's rave reviews and great sound, it only peaked at #87 on the charts before falling off after just one week. However, it's presence gave Swift the unreal honor of having 6 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time! Which at the time tied her with Miley Cyrus. However.....get ready.......Swift later shattered this record by having ELEVEN songs on the charts at the same time in 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnXrfksTjZ8

"Last Dollar (Fly Away)"- Tim McGraw. Please keep your hat on, Tim McGraw. Everyone who saw "Friday Night Lights" agrees. This song lead off Tim McGraw's much awaited 2007 album "Let It Go", which saw him return to the charts for the first time in 3 years. This song is actually written by "Big" Kenny Alpin from Big and Rich, who wrote this song after a disastrous night of gambling in Las Vegas on New Year's Eve 2002. I could see that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyFwMd_a6JI

"I Run To You"- Lady Antebellum. These guys have overtaken Rascal Flatts as the top act in country music. This song and this band are simply amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs38lKxmtI4

"You Lie"- The Band Perry. But these guys are not far behind....you are looking at the future of country music here. The Band Perry is a freaking good band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCwLsXZnFl4

Miranda Lambert

Carrie Underwood

Two beautiful women, and now abunch of hobos

Late Night Music Part 93........."Certain As The Sun, Rising In The East"

After doing the space thing, I promised one on the sun, so why keep you waiting? It's amazing how popular the sun is when it comes to song writing. Also, sorry this one is coming out in the middle of the day (at 10:32 AM no less!), I was kind of interrupted trying to write this one Thursday night.

In order to receive votes in this category, the song title had to feature the word "sun". Also receiving votes in this category were "Always The Sun" by Richard Durand, "In The Sun" by She And Him, "In The Valley Of The Dying Sun" by House of Heroes, "When The Sun Goes Down" by Arctic Monkeys, and "Waiting For The Sun" by The Doors. Sorry, just never that big of a fan.

"Music Of The Sun"- Rihanna. Man I really seem to be finding alot of these unofficial user made videos lately. This title track from Rihanna's 2005 debut album was never released as a single, but probably should have been. This song obviously shows a different style of what Rihanna would be known to record as an artist. This song shows a glimpse of the album that was filled with alot of Rihanna's Caribbean roots. This song, despite a salsa/reggae feel was co-written by ballad master Dianne Warren.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32DZy0Ls0p0

"Away From The Sun"- 3 Doors Down. This title track from 3 Doors Down 2002 album was released in early 2004 and despite a poor showing on the charts, has always been one of my favorite 3 Doors Down songs. Despite being a "hard rock" band, I think 3 Doors Down and Brad Arnold are made to sing power ballads like this one. They just seem more natural to me on songs like this. I love how this video is super real and deals with real issues. This is also the only 3 Doors Down video I've ever seen that hasn't featured the band at any point.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDK5qGlLT8s

"Darkside Of The Sun"- Tokio Hotel. I love this song! This song from Tokio Hotel's 2009 album "Humanoid" features clips from Tokio Hotel's 2009 World Tour. I've featured this song before, but I did not know that this one of the only songs from Tokio Hotel that is actually only available in English, as almost all of their songs are recorded in English and German, as the band hails from Madgeburg, Germany. This video was also the first video containing 100% live track rather than studio music from Tokio Hotel, which is surprising if you look at the amount of videos they made, including being nominated for several MTV and MTV Europe Video Music Awards in 2008 and 2009.

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

"Staring At The Sun"- The Offspring. 1998's "Americana" is one of my all time favorite albums. I listened to The Offpsring so much in high school to get pumped up for football games. This song was a great lead in to "Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)" as well. I would always play this song right before walking on the field because it was super short and it work me into a frenzy. Surprisingly enough, I just realized that this is the first time I've ever featured The Offspring on "Late Night Music"- sorry about that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuIY6ib91S4

"Walking On The Sun"- Smashmouth. Yes! Another 90's rock song. This lead single from Smash Mouth's 1997 debut album "Fush Yu Mang" hit #2 on the charts, and does nothing but make fun of the Generation X view of the hippie movement. The song was actually written during the 1992 L.A. Riots, and was meant to show a ironic view of the suburbanization of America. I love the drum part of this song, and Steve Harwell is a great example of how a fat guy can be a cool front man, but those capri pants he's wearing are super ridiculous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQj--Kjn0z8

"Morning Sun"- Robbie Williams. This song from Robbie Williams' 2010 album "Reality Killed The Video Star", was the official charity single for BBC's Sport Relief. Despite this, it was the first single Robbie Williams has ever had to not crack the UK Top 40. I'm kinda puzzled by this just due to the big budget video combined with the star power he still carries in England. In a selfish ironic twist, this song was originally meant to be a tribute to Michael Jackson, but Robbie Williams later said it was about himself. I still don't know how you get that far off track on that one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ0dGvcsotg

"Seasons In The Sun"- Terry Jacks. I think we have now found an award for the worst hair of the 1970's. If there was ever any wonder as to why Terry Jacks was a one hit wonder, look no further than this video. This song was actually an adaption of a French song of the same name by Jacques Brel. However, the English version is a little bit more serious than the French version which shows sarcasm about an unfaithful wife. Not surprisingly though, this song was Terry Jacks' only "season in the sun", as this song became a worldwide #1 hit in 1974, but he never charted above #68 in the US again, but did have three more top 10 songs in his native Canada.......but do those really count?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I3gc-EAh-s

"Black Hole Sun"- Soundgarden. This was another one of those bands that it was "cool" to like in 6th and 7th grade. No one knew any members of the band or anything about their smash album other than the fact that it was called "Superunknown". But hey, just look at these guys- how can not be cool? I remember when MTV still showed music videos this video literally being played seemingly once an hour, which was ironic because the song topped out at #24 on the charts, but had to be the most played video of the summer of 1994.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mbBbFH9fAg

"Island In The Sun"- Weezer. I've always been cracked up by these guys. This song featured on their SECOND self-titled album in 2001 (also known as "The Green Album") gets a huge hats off for being a karaoke favorite of Jay Money and Leeboy. The song was picked as a single to have a lighter mood than their previous dark single, "Hash Pipe". This video, known as the "Animals" video was directed by Spike Jonze after the record company and TV networks hated their original video which featured the band playing at a Mexican wedding. This is also Weezer's biggest hit outside of the United States, where it actually reached #7 in Australia and #31 in England.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C3zgYW_FAM

"Sleeping Sun"- Nightwish. Nightwish is a band from Finland, and they really remind me alot of Evanescence. Originally on their 1998 album "Oceanborn", a new video and recording were made for their 2005 greatest hits compilation "Highest Hopes".This video was actually lead singer Tarja Turunen's final appearance with the band, as she was replaced by Annette Olzon in 2007. Despite being popular mainly in their native Finland and France, the last two Nightwish albums have actually charted in the United States. They have also had #1 singles in Hungary and Spain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjd-VLB82FA

"Soak Up The Sun"- Sheryl Crow. This is one of my all time favorite songs to sing along to, and I tell ya, this song was on my constant soundtrack in college. This song was the lead single from Sheryl Crow's 2002 album "C'mon C'mon" and topped out at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was Sheryl Crow's biggest hit since "All I Wanna Do". Sorry, I had to stop writing for a second- Sheryl Crow was so hot in this video. How could Lance Armstrong walk away from that?

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

"Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"- Elton John. Long before his "comeback" single with George Michael, this song was a smash hit on Elton John's 1974 album "Caribou". Like with "Rocket Man", I found some user made video with the original version of the song, because none of Elton John's live performances, as great as they are, can compare to the original, which reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Bernie Taupin and Elton John wrote this song in early 1974 to talk about how they each dealt with recent rejections in their life, and is one of the many deeply personal songs Elton had of that era. I still get chills every time I hear this song. Interesting fact is that Beach Boys Carl Wilson and Bruce Johnston along with "Tenille" from Captain and Tenille sing background vocals on this track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbssEkbV96A

"Locking Up The Sun"- Poets Of The Fall. Wow, this is a first. Another band from Finland. This song from their 2006 album "Carnival of Rust" reached #3 in Finland. If you muted this video and knew nothing about the band, I think it would be pretty easy to figure out that they were from a Scandinavian country- I'm just sayin'. Seriously, you have a guy put spikes through a heart, and then you act like that big of a goob? Like Nightwish, Poets Of The Fall are pretty well known around certain European countries, but have never even released an album in the United States. Bonus points for the wrestling ring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iap7PpYNcXQ

BONUS VIDEOS- "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"- Elton John and George Michael. Elton John came out of obscurity to make this his "comeback" single in 1991 before releasing his much awaited album "The One" in 1992. Recorded live at Wembley Arena, no one in the crowd knew Elton John would make an appearance. Still probably, to me, the best live recorded single ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsKqMNDoR4o

"Seasons In The Sun"- Westlife. There's a reason this one was left off........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdv83MFJd7U

"Beauty And The Beast"- Peabo Bryson and Celine Dion. Sorry, it inspired the title.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgYEJHJXFB4

Nightwish

You can never convince me that this hair was in style

I love this woman

Late Night Music Part 92........"The Final Frontier"

I'm still bitter about not being able to see the freaking eclipse a few months back because of the clouds. When I looked up in the sky tonight and could finally see the stars, this idea popped into my head and I started wondering about songs written about outer space. Every time I really sit back and look at the sky I'm seriously amazed on how big it really is and wish I had the smarts to be an astronomer. Without a doubt, the coolest field in the world. I could literally talk about how much I love astronomy all night, but I'll get on to the list.

To be considered for this list, the SONG TITLE had to feature something in outer space other than the sun. The sun will have its own list later. However, this would not include 30 Seconds To Mars, A Rocket To The Moon, or The Rocket Summer because none of their songs would qualify even though their band names would. "New Moon On Monday" by Duran Duran, "Desert Moon" by Dennis DeYoung, "Space" by Hootie and The Blowfish, "Stars" by Janis Ian, "Man On The Moon" by R.E.M., "Stars" by Firevision, "The Killing Moon" by Echo And The Bunnymen, and "Satellite" by P.O.D.

"Shooting Star"- Bad Company. If I'm not mistaken, this is one of the best rock bands of the 70's first appearance on "Late Night Music". Kinda surprising, but at least I picked their best song to debut them with. This song from their 1975 second album "Straight Shooter" was based on the lives of Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Janis Joplin. Also, surprisingly enough, while this song is included on basically every Bad Company compilation set and is still their fan favorite song, it was never released as a single. Two cool facts about Bad Company are that the band chose their name after seeing the 1972 Jeff Bridges movie "Bad Company" and thought it would be a cool name for a band. Jeff Bridges is pretty cool, so I can't blame them on that one. Also, the obvious is that Bad Company has got to be one of the few bands to record a song with the same name of the band AND it be a hit. That's when you know you're awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD2BwwGE9uo

"Shooting Star"- Harry Chapin. Great footage here from what has to be one Harry Chapin's last concerts in 1981 from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (been there!). This song was included on his well known and most famous 1974 album "Verities and Balderdash". This song was written about his grandparents, and despite it never being a hit, or even a single, it remained a fan favorite, and was an inspirational song to other artists, as it was covered by Pat Benatar at the Harry Chapin tribute concert in 1987. I smell a bonus video.

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

"Shoot The Moon"- Norah Jones. Man, this may be unprecedented, but the first 3 songs of this entry are all non-single album only songs. In 2002, Norah Jones burst onto the scene in a big way with her critically acclaimed multi award winning album "Come Away With Me". However, 10 million copies later, this song has always been my favorite song on the album, and has always been my favorite Norah Jones song. I always have to thank La'Tesha Smith for getting me into Norah Jones, and this was one of the first songs I ever heard from her, and it's always meant alot to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StbH6yIAGak

"Rocket Man"- Elton John. I found a few live versions of this song, but they just don't do the original justice. This song off of his 1972 album "Honky Chateau" has been said to have been (according to Bernie Taupin and Elton John) written as a sequel to David Bowie's "Space Oddity", but some reports also say it was written when Bernie Taupin spotted a shooting star shortly after reading the Ray Bradbury short story "The Rocket Man" from his 1951 "The Illustrated Man". Despite being one of his most well known songs, "Rocket Man" peaked at only #6 on the US charts despite "Honky Chateau" being a #1 album. This song is actually pretty difficult to sing, and I think that's why the quality of the recent live performances of this song aren't as good as the original.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LX7WrHCaUA

"Rocket"- Smashing Pumpkins. Smashing Pumpkins 1993 album "Siamese Dream" is still to me one of the best rock albums ever made. Not only is it an awesome album, Billy Corgan wasn't looking like an absolute idiot with a bald head yet. Also, I think James Iha still being in the band had a big deal to do with it too. Despite this song rocking hard like the rest of the album, it's also a really inspirational song and Billy Corgan even said that he wanted people to "be themselves" after listening to this song. Bonus points also for D'Arcy Wretzky still being in the band at this point. She looks like Gwen Stefani to me in a weird way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PtJu61fQ3Y

"Satellite"- Dave Matthews Band. In 1994, DMB released their album "Under The Table and Dreaming" with this being the final single released. Much of this album was dedicated to Dave Matthews' sister who was murdered in 1994, so this song, like most of the others, is very reminiscent. Bonus points for Carter Beauford singing background vocals and rocking the Atlanta Braves gear- I had no idea he sang background vocals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PtJu61fQ3Y

"Talking To The Moon"- Bruno Mars. I've featured this song before, but not this video. I really like this song, and wish Bruno Mars had a video for it. The user videos for this song are horrible!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md08GtsHJ9g

"Moon River"- Andrea Ross. With all due respect to the late great Perry Como, this version right here is quite possibly the best I've ever heard. This girl has one heck of a voice, and the Andrew Lloyd Webber product from Broadway I think will very soon be recording some multi platinum albums after she wins a few Tony Awards. When Ross released this single and album of the same name in 2007 she was 16! This is AFTER she portrayed Gabriel Montez in the stage production of "High School Musical". Wow, she can't even buy beer yet and she's already destined for stardom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwBjRnK5m5I

"Full Moon"- Brandy. Never been a huge Brandy fan despite her being from Mississippi. However, this was always my favorite song by her, and I really loved the remix that was featured on the "NBA Live" video game series. This song, from her 2002 "comeback" album of the same name failed to capture the success from 1998's "Never Say Never", and this video was panned because Brandy doesn't dance in it (she was 6 months pregnant- and I think they do a great job hiding it!), and some critics questioned the release of the video for that very reason.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgZz4L1UmxE

"To The Moon And Back"- Savage Garden. Why did I even put this song here? I guess I wanted to see what Devon would say. I've tried listening to these guys so many times just due to their immense popularity, but I just can't do it. This song sucks. Darren Hayes just tries too hard and I feel like he's propositioning me for sexual favors when he sings into the camera. Also, I hate the whole "everyone else is oblvious to the singer" theme in the video- very played out....even in 1998.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCm6gRHINqA

"Written In The Stars"- Elton John and LeAnn Rimes. I'm waving the "can't be in the same list twice rule" for Elton John because he's that awesome and because this song is a duet. This song from Elton John and Tim Rice's concept album "soundtrack" to the musical "Aida" featured all of the songs from the upcoming play covered by various artists from several genres including this one by Elton John and LeAnn Rimes (one of 4 Elton John would have on the album- the others being with Janet Jackson, one with Lulu, and another with "Aida" stars Heather Headley and Shari Rene Scott). Despite the worldwide success of the musical, this song was the only single released from the soundtrack album and peaked at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1Rwv4iAqIQ

"Earth Song"- Michael Jackson. Ok yes I love Michael Jackson, and yes, his 1995 album "HIStory" was freaking awesome. However, this song was super played out before it even hit the radio and television. Michael Jackson was a sincere humanitarian, but like Eminem does all the time, you can't make music about the same social/personal issues over and over and over and over again. It gets old in a hurry. However, on a positive note, this video would make Al "I invented the internet" Gore proud. If this song was anyone but Michael Jackson it would quite possibly be the worst song ever. He pulls it off just because he was a great performer, but I hate this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAi3VTSdTxU

"Shoot Down The Stars"- Gym Class Heroes. My heroes- no pun intended.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZa1MRZEu1I

BONUS VIDEOS-

"Shooting Star"- Pat Benatar. From the Harry Chapin tribute concert in Carnegie Hall (ALSO been there!) in 1987.

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

"Like We Used To"- A Rocket To The Moon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US46cHVj0-M

"Brat Pack"- The Rocket Summer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNqO5wV7dOs

"The Kill"- 30 Seconds To Mars

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

"Just The Way You Are"- Bruno Mars

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

Bruno Mars

Smashing Pumpkins before Billy Corgan turned into a goblin

Thanks La'Tesha

Late Night Music Part 91........."R & B Duets"

I'm just in another R & B mood. If there's one thing I love more than cover songs, it's duets. I just love to see two great artists come together for an epic song for a movie soundtrack. I also love to see a superstar team up with an up and coming act to get their name out. I also love to see an artist on the cusp of stardom crossover with a duet to get their name out across the world. It's really crazy what one little song can do. We'll see in this list how since the 1960's R&B duets have been some of the best songs any of us know.

In order to be considered for this list, the song had to be an R&B song (not necessarily by R&B artists) that is sung by TWO people. This would disqualify "One Sweet Day", "Heartbreak Hotel", and "The Best Man I Can Be". "Count On Me" by Whitney Houston and CeCe Winans (simply because it's from "Waiting To Exhale")- there is no way I can cross the line that far into girl power....but yes I love the song, "You're All I Need To Get By" by Kenny Lattimore and Chante Moore, and "Someone To Love" by Babyface and Jon B.

"Ain't No Mountain High Enough"- Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Seeing this video of this 1967 Motown hit is really in a way, bitter sweet. Every time I think about Tammi Terrell I get a little choked up. As tragic as Marvin Gaye's life wound up being, it was not near as tragic as Tammi Terrell's. Not only did she die of a brain tumor at age 24 (in Marvin Gaye's arms on stage in Philadelphia no less- most people say he never really got over that), she was in an abusive relationship with Temptations front man David Ruffin, which some say was so violent it may have contributed to her death. As sad as he life wound up being, this song with Marvin Gaye was her first of many great ones they had and was included on their first joint album "United". Of all the songs on this list and all duets ever made, this might be for my money the best one ever made. The chemistry these two had has NEVER been recreated by any artist- period. Show me another and I'll call you a liar.

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

"Love Will Find A Way"- Heather Headley and Kenny Lattimore. Ok, I know I passed up an entire album (2003's "Things That Lovers Do") with his wife Chante' Moore for this song with former Broadway megastar Heather Headley from "The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride", which was released direct-to-video in 1998. At the time of the recording, Heather Headley was still relatively new on the scene and had just finished up her role as Nala on the Broadway version of "The Lion King". This was before her career-defining and Tony Award winning role in the other Elton John production, "Aida". By this time, Kenny Lattimore, was already a somewhat established star. I've always really liked this song and this arrangement. I'd like to see these two do some more songs together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kVyLZBF1FE

"Reunited"- Peaches and Herb. Ok, so I kinda cheated on this one. Peaches and Herb were a duet group, but the song fits all the rules right? However, Peaches and Herb has always cracked me up, because while Herb is "Herb"''s real name. "Peaches" is actually Linda Greene, and there have been 5 other "Peaches", just with Greene being the most successful. While Peaches and Herb was always a moderately successful group, this #1 hit from their 1978 album "2 Hot" is easily their biggest one. A few things to observe from this pretty good rendition from "American Bandstand". First of all, Herb is doing his Captain Kangaroo impression with that suit. Also, Linda Greene was a fox- seriously just look at those long legs! But women, please tell me what was ever stylish about that crap in her hair. She was a beautiful woman, but we never really saw how pretty she actually was.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98G-nBJCW3g

"We Can't Be Friends"- Deborah Cox and R.L.. Canadian Deborah Cox made a small splash in the late 90's with a few big singles including this with very odd partner R.L. from the group Next. Deborah Cox had a squeaky clean image with her first album and with the huge success of her #2 single "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here", which holds the record for most consecutive weeks spent at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, while. Her album "One Wish" was really starting to get big when this duet came out and peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999. R.L. was riding the wave of his group Next's #1 single "Too Close" from their album "Rated Next" and were without a doubt the most explicit group I've seen perform live when I saw them open for Boyz II Men in 1998. I think was looking to cross over to a broader R & B audience. However, despite their initial success, Next never amounted to much more after their first album, but Deborah Cox's image was changed with her next album being called "The Morning After"- dang did R.L. corrupt her that much? Deborah Cox would go on to take Heather Headley's place in "Aida" on Broadway. I'm glad I never did this song with anyone, it seemed like everyone in high school wanted to sing this dang song in the talent show. Bonus points for the "Boomerang" soundtrack appearance in the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01yPbUXnJZk

"I'm Your Angel"- R Kelly and Celine Dion. Ok, I didn't say BOTH performers had to be R & B artists, just simply an R & B song. Anyway, I haven't featured this one in a while, but like I said before, this song, featured on R Kelly's epic 1998 double album "R" and on Celine Dion's Christmas album was a smash hit, and I've always thought was a great song. I am surprised to see how great their voices sound together, and I think they both deserve a little more credit than we like to give them, because you all know how I feel about Celine Dion's music, and R Kelly's flip flop of "genres" has always been much maligned by me. I've always thought it was funny that there was very little footage of Celine Dion and R Kelly actually together in the video and wondered if there was any unspoken undertone on that note. The appearance of R Kelly's newborn son also brings up some interesting questions that I know you all are thinking about right about now. Enough of the pedophile jokes- enjoy the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXWKgpAW3ag

"If I Ain't Got You"- Alicia Keys and Usher. I HATE HATE HATE HATE that this version of Alicia Key's song from her "Diary of Alicia Keys" album wasn't a bigger hit, as I did hear it on the radio a few times. However, the duet version was primarily released overseas and never alot of United States airplay. My only thought on that is how lucky the international market was to get to hear such a great version.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p7TZKEZpwI

"I Used To Love Him"- Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige. I still remember buying this CD shortly before going to Colorado on a church ski trip in early 1999 and playing it to death! "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" remains one of the best albums ever made....period. This was also a good preview, in my opinion, of the good things to come from Mary J. Blige as her album "Mary" was released about a year later. I think this song would have been a good single just because it would have made for an awesome video, and Hill was already breaking the bank on videos at the time with "Doo Wop" and "Everything Is Everything" both being pretty expensive, so it would have been interesting to see what happened.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVz9VewVo7Y

"Chocolate High"- Musiq Soulchild and India Arie. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this song! Not only are they a great musical duo, they are a FANTASTIC on screen duo. I really wish their relationship would have worked out because we'd have one of the best musical partnerships ever. This song from her 2009 album "Testimony Vol. 2: Love and Politics" shows that while she's complex and diverse, India Arie can really have fun. Musiq Soulchild just looks like he just woke up for this video (that might be the intention), but he just doesn't look all there. I still think he's awesome though, he just looks like a woodchuck.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F8R-vBB4O4

"The Closer I Get To You"- Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack. Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway actually recorded quite a few duets towards the end of Hathaway's life in 1979, but none were as famous as this one that peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was featured on Flacks 1977 album "Blue Lights In The Basement". Donny Hathaway is another artist that had a life ended WAY too soon. It makes me mad just to think about how famous that guy would have been.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T7NLqMGEck

"Your Precious Love"- Erykah Badu and D'Angelo. Ok, in order to keep from having Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye on here twice, I put this cover version done by Erykah Badu and D'Angelo. This song was actually first featured on the 1996 soundtrack to the spoof comedy movie "High School High" and was later featured on D'Angelo's greatest hits album. Erykah Badu brings it on this song. Man, she is awesome!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHZyY9H4mAk

"Endless Love"- Lionel Richie and Diana Ross. All I can say about this one is that this song, without a doubt, hold the record for largest amount of awesomeness difference between a great song and sucky movie. I still laugh thinking about how big this song was for a movie that is probably the worst movie I've ever seen. Also, I know it was the "style" at the time, but Lionel Richie's hair is horrible in this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnfwnOp6uek

"Slow Jam"- Monica and Usher. Here is another song with Usher I wish was released as a single. This duet with Monica was first featured on the soundtrack for the movie "Soul Food", but was also later included on his album "My Way".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq0S39fHRJc

"After All Is Said and Done"- Beyonce and Marc Nelson. I love this song, and I REALLY love this video. I love the video because we only see pictures of Beyonce and none of Marc Nelson, one of the biggest idiots in music history. This song was included on the soundtrack to the movie "The Best Man" (one of my favorite ever), and is included in the movie at one of the climatic scenes. Absolutely beautiful song. This song kinda gave everyone the idea that it wouldn't be long before Beyonce would be a solo artist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8pOoBqiLYo

"Same Script, Different Cast"- Whitney Houston and Deborah Cox. Kinda cool user made video here, because this song, despite being released a single in 2000 as a new track on Whitney Houston's greatest hits album, never had a video made for it. I'm gonna go out on a proverbial limb and say that it was because Whitney was strung out and would have looked horrendous on camera. Laugh if you want, but I guarantee you that's why. Think about it. You release a freaking DOUBLE album as a greatest hit album, get a rising star to sing a duet with you to push the album and you DONT record a video? What other reason is there for this? Think about it and let me know if you have a better idea. That being said, this is a really cool song and I always really liked it. Interesting note- Deborah Cox has NEVER been featured on "Late Night Music", but has scored 2 songs in one entry tonight- not bad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVh0_DQtwyU

"Love Is"- Vanessa Williams and Brian McKnight. This 1993 #3 hit was released on the soundtrack for the TV series "Beverly Hills 90210" and was featured on the air for the spinoff series "Melrose Place". Vanessa Williams was already and established star, but this was Brian McKnight's breakthrough single and was a great lead in to his self titled 1994 album. I wish they would have recorded another duet, as these two have two of the best voices in music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz9gpxsgaj0

"Tonight I Celebrate My Love My You"- Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson. I'm sorry, I don't know why I even included this one. Anytime a guy knows a Peabo Bryson song his status as a man goes out the window. Peabo Bryson has a good voice, but he is just so dang CHEESY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQpgB9KcBSg

"I Hate That I Love You"- Ne-Yo and Rihanna. I hate Ne-Yo, but I'm in love with Rihanna.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMOOr7GEkj8

"Thank God I Found You"- Mariah Carey and Joe (and I guess 98 Degrees). Ok, I'm gonna allow this one because 98 Degrees really doesn't even sing. They are just there for the chorus and for appearance. This song was featured as the closing track for Mariah's 1999 album "Rainbow" and helped make Joe an international face before the release of his 2000 album "My Name Is Joe". I like this song, but I can't take this crowd seriously. As is the case with most "live" videos, the crowd just always seems so fabricated. This one might be the worst.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KVxjQUCyn0

"When You Believe"- Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. This song from "'Prince Of Egypt" still gives me chills every time I hear it. What a powerful song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxIN79n4jVo

BONUS VIDEOS- "The Closer I Get To You"- Beyonce and Luther Vandross. Too great to not include. This cover was featured on Luther's 2004 final album "Dance With My Father" and on Beyonce's debut solo album "Dangerously In Love".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4PMSjUbg88

"The Best Man I Can Be"- Genuwine, Case, Tyrese, and R.L. Too awesome also to not include. Was included as the theme to the 2000 movie "The Best Man".

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

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

That hair is a force to be reckoned with

Roberta Flack and the late Donny Hathaway

Late Night Music Part 90.....More "90's R & B"

Being that this is a landmark entry, I have to honor one of the finest decades of music with one of my favorite genres ever, and also to add another piece to one of my earliest and most "famous" entries. With the rise of the music videos in the mid 90's (and its eventual decline just a few years later) 90's R & B found a mainstream audience it had before lacked just due to the heavy airplay on cable networks. This led to some artists finding their most successful eras during this time. Several new labels including Island, Motown, and Jive all came to life or back from the dead in this era and have since gone on to sign and record some of the biggest names in music. So without any further ado, on to tonight's list.

Also receiving votes in this category were "Sukiyaki" by 4 p.m.", "Last Night" by Az Yet, "Shorty (Keep Playin' With My Mind)" by Imajin, "For You" by Kenny Lattimore, "I Miss You" by Aaron Hall, "Where I Wanna Be" by Donnell Jones, and "Too Close" by Next. "Down Low" by R Kelly was originally on the list, but was disqualified for being the most incredibly lame video in the history of music. As of I've said numerous times, NOT RECEIVING votes was "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston. Do I really have to explain why? Also, due to them already receiving their own lists, Mary J. Blige and Boyz II Men were not featured on this list- they are in a class of their own.

"What Kind Of Man Would I Be"- Mint Condition. I think this is one alot of people forgot about. Mint Condition was always one of those groups that were never quite as popular as the others, but still sound really good. This was my favorite song by them, but I seemed to forget what they looked like, and then I remembered why they weren't as popular...I'm just saying. With that being said, this song from their 1996 album "The Definition of A Band" went on to be the second of their 2 Billboard Hot 100 Top 20 songs peaking at #17. Bonus points for Michelle Thomas, seen her just 2 years before her death. I have to admit that's pretty impressive seeing how she had a role on one of the top TV shows in the country at that time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORva1mGyyJ0

"5 Steps"- Dru Hill. Just for all of you haters out there please pay attention. Woody is singing the first verse. Please stop saying her never sang. Just because he doesn't have rainbow hair and prance around like Sisqo doesn't mean he never sings! This final single from their 1996 self titled debut album sadly enough never charted, but it is still one of the favorite among fans. Then I watch the video and see Sisqo in Rec Specs and a Michigan basketball jersey and I have an idea of why this song never got any bigger on the charts. That look explains it all.

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

"I'd Die Without You"- P.M. Dawn. In 1992, Eddie Murphy's "Boomerang" upset nearly everyone at the theater after being much hyped by the media. However, the soundtrack remains one of the best soundtrack albums ever, and it includes this song that peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1992. P.M. Dawn also put the track on his 1993 release "The Bliss Album...?". P.M. Dawn always appeared to be a talented guy, but he just reminds me of a guy trying to be Prince that gained way too much weight along the way.

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

"Bedtime"- Usher. I have dreams of being Usher in this video. Watch it and you'll see why. Included on his 1997 album "My Way", this has always been my favorite Usher song. However, when I watch this video I almost want to change my mind because I know if I sang the same song I wouldn't get the same response. He always made me jealous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3TH8xpEmTA

"Get Gone"- Ideal. These guys had their 15 minutes of fame.........and literally got gone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPCsH6XiZ_I

"Careless Whispers"- Tamia. I REALLY wish there was a video to this song. Not only is it a great version of the Wham! hit (COVER SONG ALERT!), it is just a phenomenal job of singing. Most people know that Tamia is married to NBA star Grant Hill, but most people don't know she is actually Canadian. It really doesn't matter, she's still, to me, one of the top 10 best looking singers of all time. Period. I smell a bonus video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIU3d-t3EQE

"Weak"- SWV. Oh Yes! SWV burst onto the scene in 1992 with their album "It's About Time" with this single being released in 1993. Not only did the song give the group their only #1 hit, it is also the shortest song in terms in number of letters/characters in the title and artist to ever be #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This video also introduced the world to the beautiful Tamara Johnson-George. She would later be a castaway on "Survivor:Tocantins", and also is married to former NFL superstar Eddie George. I'm literally shocked that this song has gone this long without ever appearing one of my lists. Great song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6qiV2nS6Js

"Stay"- Destiny's Child. This song from 1999's "The Writing's On The Wall" has always been one of my favorite just because I heard it so much in Brazil. For some reason this song was widely popular there. I always wondered that. I never wondered why Destiny's Child was so popular though, do you really want me to tell you again how much I love Beyonce?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dAvU8qCfP4

"Reunion"- Maxwell. Before being the neo-soul superstar that he is today, Maxwell debuted with this 1996 album "Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite" which peaked at a modest #37 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. This song was included on that album, and it gave us a glimpse of not only what the future held for all of us Maxwell fans, but for the future of R & B music. Maxwell was really before his time. Still, to me, one of the coolest guys in music. What an amazing voice.

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

"Before You Walk Out Of My Life"- Monica. I can't think of this song without thinking about my dear friend Latrica McCool dancing around my living room in Hattiesburg singing this song while we were studying. I don't think I ever met a female that didn't love this song now that I think about it. I have to admit that when 1995's "Miss Thang" came out, I grew sick of Monica very quickly just because if I heard "Don't Take It Personal" one more time I was going to scream. Always hated that song. However, this song quickly changed my mind about Monica. This song peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, while hitting #1 on the R & B charts, as did "Don't Take It Personal". That feat made Monica the youngest person in music history to have their first two single reach #1 on the R & B charts, being 14 years old at the time. I can't believe that- she sounds GROWN!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXtmQCE4MlE

"My First Night With You"- Mya. I love this song, but I hate this video but have to laugh hysterically at it. First of all, please forgive me if you are offended, but I have a huge problem with both parents in this video being black. Mya is obviously and outspokenly biracial with two great parents. Why in the world would you not want to represent that in the video? Shame on the video producers on that one, sorry had to get that in. Now, the reason I laugh so hard is because her overbearing father is played by none other than Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, who is probably best known as playing the overbearing Joseph Jackson in the famous TV Miniseries "The Jackson: An American Dream". If you ever have about 4 free hours and it's on Vh1, please watch if you haven't. It's a pretty good movie, but I promise it will make this video 3000x funnier. This song off of Mya's self titled debut album peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100. One other minor problem with the video. When this video was released in 1999, Mya was 20 years old. Why do we have her playing the part of a 15/16 year old going on her first date? Just a question. Sorry to be Debbie Downer on that one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0qoxlVYyTU

"One In A Million"- Aaliyah. This title track from Aaliyah's 1996 album of the same name was released in 1997, and very surprisingly, never even charted on any of the major charts. However, it still received a fair amount of radio play due to the popularity of the video seen here. Ginuwine being in the video may have had a little bit to do with that, but if you notice, his music is nowhere to be found on this list........I'm just saying. I really hate it when I think about Aaliyah passing away. She had an incredible body and was so sexy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKbWF1jwMhE

"Already Missing You"- Eddie and Gerald Levert. This song from their 1995 album "Father and Son" was always my favorite by the Leverts. It peaked at #7 on the Billboard R & B charts, and was only one of 3 duets the father/son duo had to ever hit the charts. I'd really liked to see Eddie Levert with the O'Jay's sometime.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9xDNmPn9SA

"You"- Jesse Powell. Jesse Powell is another one of those guys that thankfully was a one hit wonder. This song from his 1998 album "Bout It" was anything but that, but is still a great soul ballad. It peaked at #15 on the Billboard R & B charts, how appropriate, as this song brought Jesse Powell his 15 minutes of fame. Also, I don't care what he says, but I'm convinced that Jesse Powell is gay. What you think Devon?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47ZUUOfDmLk

"I Don't Ever Want To See You Again"- Uncle Sam. I actually saw him in concert and remember him doing this song. This video is terrible- I almost didn't put it on here.

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

"My Boo". Ghost Town DJ's. Sorry, I had to go there. Another one hit wonder to end this list. My question is simply did anyone actually see what these ladies even look like? This song was released as a single on Jermaine Dupri's "So So Def All Stars", but we never saw who the artsits were. The only person who appears in the video who has anything to do with the song is Jermaine Dupri himself. Very strange.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZdMFB4BhrQ

BONUS VIDEOS- "So Into You"- Fabolos featuring Tamia. Have to have her on here. Grant Hill is so lucky!

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

"As We Lay"- Kelly Price. This one just missed the requirements by a few months. This was when Def Soul was at the forefront of music for a short time. Great song here. Bonus points for the appearance by Shirley Murdock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytx8eYYgJyw

"Someone To Love"- Ruff Endz. Also missed out by a few months. I love this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VJZgJ8oEdw

Dru Hill

Aaliyah- One In A Million

Had to do it

Late Night Music Part 89........"More Musical Families"

Well, it's been a little over 2 years and 87 entries since I wrote the first "Musical Families" entry on here. I figured it was time to revisit one of my favorite musical enigmas. I look at family groups the same way I look at cover songs. I don't know what's so cool about them, but I just know I can't get enough of them. I better get to this list before you all start to worry about me.

In order to receive votes in this category, the ENTIRE band had to be related by blood or marriage. This would disqualify New Kids On The Block and The Dixie Chicks. Also receiving votes in this category were "Fly (The Angel Song)" by the Wilkinsons, "Close To You" by BeBe and CeCe Winans, "Love Will Keep Us Together" by Captain and Tenille, "I'm Gonna Be" by The Proclaimers and "Solid" by Ashford and Simpson.

"If I Die Young"- The Band Perry. I'm so glad I have an excuse to put this song on here! This is one of the best country songs in quite some time. These siblings from Mobile have a superstardom written all over them, as their debut self titled album shot to #2 on the charts, with this song hitting #1 on the country charts and hitting #19 on the Billboard Hot 100. I've watched this video quite a few times now, and I keep thinking that the guy she is chasing looks alot like a grown up Haley Joel Osment. Don't these guys make you proud to be a Perry, Matt? Let me also add that I'm taking away bonus points for bass player Reid Perry's hair- horrendous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NJqUN9TClM

"Use Somebody"- Kings of Leon. Before you jump me for putting on their "radio" song, let me add that this was the first KOL song I ever heard. I had heard people in Tennessee talk about them, but I never really got a chance to listen to them until I heard this song. I think this song may have been one of the ones they wrote "before they knew how to play instruments" as Nathan Followill put it. The more I see these guys and listen to them, I think they'd be alot of fun just to hang out with.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnhXHvRoUd0

"Too Much Heaven"- The Bee Gees. In 1979 the Bee Gees were riding high on the success of "Saturday Night Fever" and were considered to be the hottest act in the world at the time. Their much anticipated follow up album "Spirits Having Flown" quickly shot to the top of the charts and sold 35 MILLION copies worldwide. This song, which went to #1 is famous for featuring the horn section from the band Chicago on it (who were actually next door in the studio recording "Hot Streets" at the time). This, however, is just another plain jane Bee Gees video. I guess the Gibb brothers wanted to show off their amazing hair and wanted that to always be the focus. I realize that music videos weren't exactly at the forefront of entertainment at the time, but to be one of the most famous groups of all time and to always make videos this bad is pretty ridiculous. If you've seen one Bee Gees video you've seen them all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nREV8bQJ1MA

"Heaven"- Los Lonely Boys. The Garza brothers from San Angelo, Texas struck gold with their second single ever off of their major label debut self titled album. When it was released in 2004, it quickly climbed to #16 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song is really good, and I'd like to see these guys have a few more hits. I've seen them perform a few times on TV, most notably with Santana. Bonus points for the drummer's real name actually being Ringo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvkzoqQ5Oak

"Midnight Train To Georgia"- Gladys Knight and The Pips. Most people forget that Gladys Knight was backed up by her brother and 2 cousins during her peak in the 1970's. After leaving Motown Records in 1973, they released their first album with Buddah Records "Imagination" later that same year. The song went on to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the 1974 Grammy for Best R&B Group Performance. Gladys Knight always had one of the best voices in music and this song still remains to this day one of her staples at her shows and her signature song. However, the dancing done by the Pips in the background might be some of the best for entertainment I've ever seen in my life. I still don't know how they didn't run into each other. Really good live performance here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v78-ftcqpNw

"Summer Breeze"- Isley Brothers. The Isley Brothers from Soul Train in 1973 covering the Seals and Croft song (COVER SONG ALERT!). I'm not gonna say much about this except for the fact that no one should have ever told Ronald Isley to leave his shirt unbuttoned. I just threw up in my mouth.

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

"Last Night's Letter"- K-Ci and JoJo. Bonus points right off the bat for filming this video in New York Harbor and for the video not being all edited later with the World Trade Center being taken out. Great view of the Twin Towers here. I am so glad I got to see K-Ci and JoJo live in 1998, as it not only was a spectacular performance, but I got to hear some of their lesser known songs, like this one. They had recently broken away from Jodeci and released their first album as a brother duo "Love Always" and this "title track" never received the airplay that "All My Life" received despite being released as a single 6 months before, but is still a great song. If I'm not mistaken, at the time of the concert, I believe "All My Life" was the #1 song in the country on the Billboard Hot 100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8tHc_b_5w4

"Steal My Sunshine"- Len. This Canadian sibling duo quickly jumped on and off the charts with legendary one hit wonder status with this 1999 summer time hit. Len has always been pretty popular in Canada, and while this song is pretty fun, I can't figure out why. This song was recorded for their album "You Can't Stop the Bum Rush", but my question is "what bumrush?". I still can't figure out what this song is about. Bonus points for filming actual motorcycle riding with no helmets- pretty stupid, but pretty cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1fzJ_AYajA

"Crush On You"- The Jets. Ah, our old friends the Wolfgramm family known as the Jets. I still can't help but laugh at these Tongan/Mormon/Minnesota siblings who, as I said before, had a decent career, but also managed to turn their mother's womb into a clown car in the process (this family has 17 kids!). The Jets literally flew onto the scene (no pun intended) with noise in 1985 with their self titled debut album and this song being the second single released and hitting #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. I watch this video and I wonder if all the members are actually playing instruments- watch for yourself- do they really need two keyboardists and two percussionists? Hmmmmm kinda makes you wonder huh? Bonus points for the super 80's clothes, but negative points for the dancing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy10rRJ0Cuk

"Rhythm of The Night"- DeBarge. Devon, I need your help on this one. You already know what I wanna ask. How in the world is El DeBarge not gay looking like that? Anyway, this title track for DeBarge's 1985 Motown release not only jumpstarted the career of songwriter Diane Warren, but this song was also featured in the movie "The Last Dragon". Yeah I never saw it either. This song was easily DeBarge's biggest hit as it reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985. I see this video and not only do I get reminded of Lionel Richie for some reason, I also think about the Dave Chappelle skit with "Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Stories" where the guys who looked the most like women GOT all the women in the 80's. This video is a perfect example of that. All joking aside, El DeBarge recently was released from prison and is now outspoken against drug abuse, which led to his legal problems.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAQSZhazYk8

"I'll Be There"- The Jackson 5. Like I would ever leave off the Jackson 5 on this list. This great live performance from "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, and Forever" is still to me one of the best performances Michael Jackson ever gave. Incredible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBEr1_Mgr4Y

BONUS VIDEOS- "I'll Be There"- another great version from 2001 in New York City.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3OJYDBZzvc

"Summer Breeze"- Seals and Crofts. The original.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPLfDBcu_U0

"You Got It All"- The Jets. Can't get enough of this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe5rg05ZQNs

"Teenage Dream"- Katy Perry. No reason, just because.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE

Best sibling group ever. Period.

The Band Perry and one ridiculous haircut

K-Ci and JoJo in their debut as a duo