Late Night Music NFL Draft Edition Part 134........"That's The Way We Became The Brady Bunch"

It's always cool when musical families record together, to me it's even cooler when bands have a family name, but aren't family. Don't know why I think that. Some of these bands do that, but some of these actually have the patience to work with their siblings.

In order to receive votes in this category the BAND NAME had to feature some member of the family, no matter how distant. Bands that are families were disqualified, as this was not a musical families list. Therefore, Kings of Leon, The Cowsills, The Moffats, The Jets Hanson, and others were all disqualified. Also receiving votes in this category were "Elektrobank" by The Chemical Brothers, "Classic" by Uncle O featuring Young Steff, and "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" by Father MC.

"I And Love And You"- Avett Brothers. This lead off title track from the North Carolina country folk band The Avett Brothers 2009 major label debut album captures the true talent that this band possesses. The album was a huge success peaking at #16 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. The video for the song was released as the first of a 13 chapter video series the band released to accompany the album. I would also say that the Avett Brothers have to be the leader of "wow I just discovered....." facebook statuses out there. I've yet to meet someone who really listened to them that instantly become hooked.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqZZlL0l5Uk

"Champagne High"- Sister Hazel. I still get mad thinking about how Sister Hazel is one of those bands that is so good and been right on the brink of awesome but still can't get over that hump and get that big push to put them at the pinnacle. This Gainesville, Florida band is one of my all time favorites, despite being largely overlooked their entire careers. After the success of their 1997 album Somewhere More Familiar, they followed up with this lead single and first big budget video from their third album Fortress. Despite heavy airplay early and a small push from MTV and VH1, the single never really caught on. My guess is that everyone was so used to Sister Hazel's happy songs that they weren't ready for a change of mood in this somber "drunk guy at his ex girlfriend's wedding" song. Still a great concept and a great song despite what everyone says. Ken Block is definitely underrated as a song writer.  

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

"I'm So Excited"- Pointer Sisters. Insert your "Saved by the Bell" joke here. I DEFINITELY smell a bonus video! This song was a weird music release as it was the title track of the Pointer Sisters 1982 album, and peaked at #30 on the Billboard Hot 100, but was re-released in 1984 on the album Break Out, with the video seen here accompanying it here. Fresh off the follow up success of "Jump (For My Love)", this version peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the most famous songs of the 80's despite the horrific dancing by the waiters in the video.  

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

"California Dreamin" - Mamas and the Papas. This groundbreaking 1965 single was included on the Mamas and the Papas 1966 debut album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Your Ears and became one of the most popular songs of the year despite being one of the first songs by a "psychedelic" group to ever land on the charts peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1965. The Mamas and the Papas are without a doubt one of the strangest groups in music history, and this pretty good video mashup does a pretty good job showing their different styles that helped make them one of the most popular groups of the 60's.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN3GbF9Bx6E

"Follow Me"- Uncle Kracker. This karaoke favorite is a great song by an otherwise mediocre artist. The single off of his 2001 album Double Wide reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and etched him into history with one of the most redundant songs ever. Also, for some odd reason, Sugar Ray front man Mark McGrath appears in the video, but of course appears no where in the audio for the song. That one always struck me as strange. But then again, we're talking about Uncle Kracker. Also, despite popular opinion, the fat guy peeing in the beginning is NOT Cee-Lo Green. 

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

"We're Not Gonna Take It"- Twisted Sister. This 1984 rebellion anthem from Twisted Sister's album Stay Hungry will be remembered as being one of the most famous videos of the early MTV days, and was partially responsible for the famous Senate Hearing by the Parent Resource Center that began putting Parental Advisory warnings on albums later that year. This song peaked at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100, and despite a strong fan following, was Twisted Sister's only top 40 hit.  

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

"For The Love Of You" - Isley Brothers. This song off of the Isley Brothers 1975 #1 album The Heat Is On, wasn't ever supposed to go public. Rudolph Isley wrote the song as poem to his wife, but the song was re-written by his brothers and released as this single. The widely popular song with fans went on to peak at #22 on the Billboard Pop Chart. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kd2sOqbIcaM

"Minute By Minute" - Doobie Brothers. I LOVE THIS SONG! This very underrated and seemingly forgotten Doobie Brothers song is without a doubt my favorite. This title track to their 1978 smash album peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for the Grammy for Song Of The Year, but lost to their own "What A Fool Believes". This song and the subsequent album were important in marking the Doobie Brothers drastic change from a country sound to an almost funk/soul sound. I can't think of many other artists that have seen so much success in both genres. 

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

"Pushin' Inside Of You" - Sons of Funk. Master P thought so much of these guys that he let them release one album in 1998 that included this single. Interestingly enough, the only reason I even thought of this song was because of Master P's "movie" I Got The Hook Up. Actually pretty hilarious flick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrXnrefQ83I

"Last Resort" - Papa Roach. This debut single from Papa Roach's major label debut 2000 album Infest has always been a favorite of mine. The song peaked at #57 on the Billboard Hot 100, but was #1 on the Modern Rock Tracks Chart. The video shot here was actually genius, as the attitudes shown by the fans was actually meant to show their inside feelings, emphasizing the fact that many people show different feelings on the outside than they actually feel. It is really forgotten, but this song is playing in the car during a funny scene of the Ethan Hawke/Denzel Washington movie Training Day when Alonzo and Jake pull over the car with the hippy white kids.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFM1jAGKfHM

"Midnight Rider"- Allman Brothers Band. Now I have to admit, this is one band I never cared for. This song featured on their album Idlewild South, was surprisingly never released as a single, despite being overwhelmingly their most popular song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7A2acBVENA

"Year 3000"- Jonas Brothers. I swear you guys are gonna believe me one day when I say Nick Jonas is actually a really good musician and dang good front man. This cover of the British band's Busted hit with slightly cleaned up lyrics proved to be the Jonas Brothers first top 40 hit from their album It's Time when it peaked at #31 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2006. Hollywood Records had just signed the band and had made it a point to market the band to a wider audience. In this video Joe Jonas wins the award "the guy who looks like he's trying way too hard more than anyone else ever". Man, he's hard to watch. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1ecxLIw5_U

"Baby You Are"- Uncle Sam. This song from Uncle Sam's debut and only album was really good. Why was this guy never bigger? Despite this video, this single failed to chart. He actually did this song in his abbreviated set when I saw him open for Boyz II Men.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIk62fkqUzw

"We Are Family"- Sister Sledge. This 1979 end of disco era hit was the title track for Sister Sledge's 1979 album and went to #1 on the Billboard R & B charts and became soundtrack gold, as it's been featured in movies such as the Bird Cage and The Full Monty. That same year, the song gained momentum by being the official theme song of the World Series Champion Pittsburgh Pirates (wow, when's the last time you heard someone even think about saying that?!).  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8lEhb9Hotk

"The Cave"- Mumford and Sons. Talk about another underrated group! This British band made huge waves with their 2009 debut album Sigh No More which was released in the United States in 2010. This second American single for the group peaked at #27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and featured this widely entertaining video shot in the Goa state of India near the Arabian Sea and was nominated for Song Of The Year and Record Of The Year at the 2011 Grammys, but happened to come up short due to fellow Brit Adele. Mumford and Sons is another one of those groups that people are shocked to find out is awesome when they listen to them, but then again most people are afraid to listen to anything that isn't on a top 40 channel. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMO4xdOS5jY

BONUS VIDEOS- "Sister Golden Hair"- America

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p9ebuNbR3M

"Sister Christian"- Night Ranger

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z92bmlcmyq0

"Son Of A Preacher Man"- Dusty Springfield

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

"The Saved By The Bell Video". You knew it was coming!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bflYjF90t7c
Mumford and Sons
Avett Brothers
Pointer Sisters

Late Night Music Part 133......"I'll Go Find More Cover Songs If You Cover Me"

One day you guys will realize how much I love cover songs.

Also receiving votes in this category were "Heartless" by Melanie Fiona originally by Kanye West, "If I Ain't Got You" by Maroon 5 originally by Alicia Keys, and "Jamie" by Dashboard Confessional originally by Weezer.

"Use Somebody"- Craig David (originally by Kings Of Leon). So what in the world happened to Craig David? 10 years ago, this dude was on top of the world with "Fill Me In" and "Walking Away" off of his super popular debut album Born To Do It, but has been pretty quiet since in the United States keeping his steady following in the UK. This is a surprising pick for him, as even this type of acoustic soul wasn't really his style at the start of his career. Really impressive off-genre cover of a song that's deceptively hard to sing. On a side note, the guitar player in this video, Kwame Yeboah, is quite possibly the darkest person I've ever seen in my life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TdzmhH48i4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnhXHvRoUd0

"I Believe In A Thing Called Love"- Lemar (originally by the Darkness). So please tell me how this guy isn't even heard of in the United States? British neo soul artist gets super bonus points for putting Marvin Gaye at the beginning and K-Ci and JoJo in the middle of this spectacular of the British glam rock anthem and karaoke classic by The Darkness. This recording was included on the live album Radio 1 Live Lounge, which I've come to find out is the equivalent of AOL Sessions or MTV Unplugged in the United Kingdom television, and included a compilation album of some of those songs. Awesome voice here and a genius pick for an off-genre cover. Would love for The Darkness to release another really cool song soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFYv6gSqimE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRYNYb30nxU

"Rolling In The Deep"- Linkin Park (originally by Adele). I keep getting more and more impressed with Linkin Park's effort to become more musically diverse, and Chester Bennington proves he has balls pulling this Adele classic off here. This performance was actually from the iTunes Festival in 2011. I like the piano-only format, but I would have liked to have seen Linkin Park come out in their full band and just shred this song! I could see why they would shy away from it though, as this 2012 Grammy winner for Record of the Year would be kind of hard to top. Just for good measure, I included her Grammy performance of the song with this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHtwZ07N1ic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ckIulg1DfQ

"Man In The Mirror"- James Morrison (originally by Michael Jackson). It takes a brave person to cover Michael Jackson. This acoustic version of the MJ classic appears on the deluxe version of British singer James Morrisons' 2008 album Songs For You, Truth For Me. While I think it was one of MJ's better songs, I also think it's probably his easiest to pull off. For example, what about the version on Glee earlier this year? I smell a bonus video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XaTT68NCho
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9Nh84lfvW0

"Umbrella"- Train (originally by Rihanna). Train is the perfect band to cover this song. Pat Monahan just has a voice that fits this song. This cover was included on the deluxe edition of Train's 2008 album Save Me, San Francisco. Pretty awesome stripped down acoustic performance here from a SiriusXM radio live recording. I'm just begging Pat Monahan to stop looking like he put his hand in a toaster, but hey whatever works. Train is one of the better live bands out there, as I also saw them cover Aerosmith's "Dream On" when I saw them live in 2004 in Hattiesburg. One of the best concerts I ever saw, possibly only topped by Elton John and Paul McCartney.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmGHIq730IE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvBfHwUxHIk

"We Found Love"- Coldplay (originally by Rihanna). Another Rihanna song here by one of the best bands on the planet, and by an admitted Rihanna fanatic in Coldplay front man Chris Martin. As evidenced by their awesome duet "Princess Of China", we already know the music chemistry they have. I'm pretty impressed with this effort here from Live Lounge, now let's see Rihanna do "Fix You" or "Yellow". Bonus points for the bell going off in the middle of the song and Chris Martin not missing a beat despite laughing in the microphone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igMoAFDj2-Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg00YEETFzg

"Hey, Soul Sister"- Angel Taylor (originally by Train). The biggest travesty of this season of The Voice is that Angel Taylor didn't win. She's already got an album out, been featured on VH1's "You Oughta Know: Artists On The Rise", and even had a music video shown on all the major channels. So why is she is "trying out?". Just another example of how much crap "reality" TV really is. She shows why she's a queen in this awesome impromptu cover of Train's "Hey, Soul Sister", one of my favorite songs. What an amazing woman- I love her kinda crooked smile to go along with that amazing voice. By the way, I really love Train.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab5Rs4z4ZMk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVpv8-5XWOI

"Halo"- Sam Tsui (originally by Beyonce). I could have picked any Sam Tsui cover and been equally impressed, but I really just wanted to look at my guy Michael Ealy be obsessed with Beyonce in a music video. That's awesome even if it IS a music video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2KVPoBcYR0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnVUHWCynig

"Teenage Dream"- Boyce Avenue (originally by Katy Perry). Boyce Avenue might be the best cover band on the planet right now, despite their major label debut album All We Have Left released in 2010 contained all original material. These brothers from Sarasota, Florida due a solid version of this pop song, and I'm gonna say better than Katy Perry- but that's not too hard. I really like a band that can turn so many different genre songs and turn them into solid piano acoustic tracks that still sound so much like the original, and in Boyce Avenue's case, often better than the original. Interesting fact- Boyce Avenue is the second most searched for band on youtube behind Linkin Park. Not bad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAUMU3QQE6w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE

"In My Head"- Hey Monday (originally by Jason Derulo). Jason Derulo sucks. He gets by on his looks and he's riding the hype of other similar artists like Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, and Trey Songz. This cover by Hey Monday is exponentially better. Hey Monday is one of the most underrated bands out there with Cassadee Pope being one of the best lead singers out there right now. Hey Monday is scarily similar to Paramore, but just as awesome. I was glad to see their song "Candles" be featured on Glee last year. Dang, I smell another bonus video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2BAPt58zrc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyG1FG3H6rY

"Run"- Leona Lewis (originally by Snow Patrol). I actually featured both of these in the same list recently, and how could you not? This is the best song on this list as far as an awesome cover, and the Snow Patrol original version is an unreal rock ballad, but can an angel do this song better than Leona Lewis? This song gives me chills every time I hear her do it. Unreal live performance from The X Factor in UK here. Take notice, Leona Lewis actually sneezes on stage TWICE in the middle of the song and still kills this song. That is freaking amazing. This was released as a single by Leona on her debut album Spirit and at the time was the fastest selling digital download song in United Kingdom history, and the single peaked at #1 on the British Singles Chart and #81 on the Billboard Hot 100 despite not having much of a presence in the US. The Snow Patrol version itself was also a huge hit peaking at #5 on the British Singles Chart from their 2004 album The Final Straw.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTf3M9GsvaI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOBs8dU4Pb8

"No One's Gonna Love You"- Cee-Lo Green (originally by Band of Horses). Talk about an odd couple here. Cee-Lo covered Band Of Horses song from their album Cease To Begin on his Grammy nominated album The Lady Killer. In a very ironic twist, Band of Horses was so grateful for the cover that they covered the Cee-Lo song "Georgia" on their own Grammy nominated album Infinite Arms in 2010. I smell another bonus video. I never thought much of Cee-Lo as more than a sideshow act with a big mouth, but you have to respect him tackling a cover of a genre that's not even close to his and doing it so well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnBh0HnFlNw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuZo7pLnL7c

"Piano In the Dark"- Nina (originally by Brenda Russell). Nina is one of the biggest acts in the Phillipines, and featured this 1988 Brenda Russell on her album Live! in 2004. I'm kinda torn on these two as both songs are pretty solid. Brenda Russell's version has always been a guilty pleasure of mine, but the stripped down live version Nina does is so powerful. I've been a fan of Nina ever since I heard this song. I just can't understand why the people are sitting BEHIND the band in the video. I guess that's an Asian television thing. Another thing- Brenda Russell and Nina have amazing smiles! I know that seems weird, but both of them have that amazing angelic feature about them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt4Bp7Uvn4o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNeyF1khFA8

"Could Not Ask For More"- Sara Evans (originally by Edwin McCain). I wanna do this song karaoke so bad. Just 2 years after Edwin McCain hit #37 on the Billboard Hot 100 with this song off of his 1999 album Messenger, Sara Evans hit #35 and #2 on the Billboard Country Charts with this cover from her album Born To Fly. Sara Evans isn't the best looking woman alive, and I think that hurts her as far as recognition in the country genre that tends to be more blond friendly, but there's no doubt she's one of the best singers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EVd_zghQXA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPXRJkla7fI

BONUS VIDEOS- "Candles"- Hey Monday. Great song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC4RSkm2vj0

"Hey, Soul Sister"- From Glee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcPpw8hK_jw

"Georgia"- Band of Horses cover of the Cee-Lo song and the Cee-Lo original. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkYB3BniHEs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NipEsSQmh6w
Hey Monday
Leona Lewis
Boyce Avenue

Late Night Music Stanley Cup/NBA Playoffs Edition Part 132........."I Don't Give You What You Want, I Give You What You NEED"

I just thought you guys needed this. See what I did there?

In order to receive votes in this category,the SONG TITLE had to have the word "NEED" in it. Yes "NEEDS" was acceptable. Also receiving votes in this category were "I Need A Life" by Born Ruffians, "I Need A Doctor" by Eminem and Dr. Dre, "All I Need" by Clams Casino. NOT RECEIVING VOTES was "I Need a Girl" by P Diddy featuring Usher and Loon. Do I really need to explain why? Also, "I Need A Girl" by Trey Songz will not be featured.......EVER!

"Need U Bad"- Jazmine Sullivan. This debut album from her first album Fearless quickly established Jazmine Sullivan as a very talented new mainstay on the female R & B circuit, and showed her diversity with the neo-soul/reggae combo of this song. That combo powered with the backing of hip/hop mogul Missy Elliott (who co wrote the song with Sullivan) on the track and video helped this song shoot to #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and peak at #37 on the Billboard Hot 100. Maybe it's just me, but Jazmine Sullivan really looks like Tia and Tamara. Maybe it's the eyes. I really like the retro feel of this video, as it really makes me think I'm watching a Bob Marley video from the late 1970's. Very well done in my opinion. Jazmine Sullivan really needs a push. Since Lauryn Hill is too lazy to make any records, she is gonna be the closest thing to that sound we're gonna get.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiFqIVQNM4I

"All I Need"- Jack Wagner. Bonus points right off the bat for having a clip from the classic TV Show Solid Gold. That was my favorite show as a kid! In 1984, Jack Wagner was a national superstar known for his role as Frisco Jones on the daytime smash soap opera General Hospital. In 1984, he released his debut album with this title track that shot all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Jack Wagner one of the most unusual one hit wonders of all time, despite releasing 4 other albums. Jack Wagner would go on to a very successful TV and Broadway career, but this embarassingly cheesy song will forever be his mark on the music world, despite it's catchiness. Quick question about this performance- is he even playing the guitar? Can you even hear a guitar track on this song?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn8E9rrBt7s

"All The Man That I Need"- Whitney Houston. This smash hit for Whitney Houston was actually originally recorded by Linda Clifford in 1982, peaking at #45 when it was covered by the girl group Sister Sledge. But, the third time around, it was included on Houston's 1990 album "I'm Your Baby Tonight" and peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, right after her impressive #1 singles streak of the late 80's. I love how her videos were simple, but still really good. This look for her was my favorite of her career. Whitney would go on to do an unbelievable performance of this song on Saturday Night Live in 1991. I smell a bonus video...........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WH1Ma50QUk

"Need You Now"- Lady Antebellum. Lady Antebellum established themselves as household names when they released this debut single and title track to their second 2010 album. Before they were done, this song racked up Song Of The Year and Record Of The Year Grammys in 2011 and peaked out at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album also won Best Country Album and was nominated for Album Of The Year. Maybe it's just me, but I've never thought of Lady Antebellum as a country band. Just because they have steel guitars and are on a country label doesn't make them country does it? Labels can be so stupid in the music industry. My question is why does Dave Haywood get to be the happy one in the video? I mean we all know you never let him sing, but do you have to make it blatantly obvious that you are showing him favoritism? Anyway, Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley are a FANTASTIC combo and one of the best duet combos ever, and yes I'm including Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. No one else in music has a more natural duet, stage, and camera chemistry than them right now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM213aMKTHg

"You Need Love Like I Do"- Heather Small and Tom Jones. Cool song, but why does every freaking video make it look like you're flying all around Tom Jones? The guy needs a new look! This British duo put on a pretty good duet in 2000 on Small's debut solo album "Proud", with this song peaking at #24 on the British Singles Chart. Before her solo career, Small was the lead singer for the Manchester band M People. Ok, I can't watch this video any more- I'm dizzy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOZdIUXp2MU

"I Need Your Help"- Deitrick Haddon. This super soulful single from this gospel singer/pastor from Detroit released this single on his 2008 album Revealed. Although he's a largely known on a regional following, Revealed featured guest appearances from Mary Mary and Ruben Studdard. This video here featured his real life wife and gospel singer Damita Haddon. Really cool song here. He reminds me of Tye Tribbett in a way, but he's so soulful, it almost doesn't even seem like gospel.

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

"I Need Some Fine Wine and You, You Need To Be Nicer"- The Cardigans. I LOVE THE CARDIGANS! This song from their 2005 album Super Extra Gravity peaked at #3 in Sweden and and #59 on the British Singles Chart. I don't care what any of you say, Nina Persson looks like Kirsten Dunst. I'm sorry, I'm not backing down from this one. Why do I get so into Scandinavian bands? I think a trip might be needed. Seriously, no not really. Yeah seriously.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUBb4P2clO0

"I Don't Need A Man"- Pussycat Dolls. Nicole Scherzinger. That is all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBsEF7Qx09o

"I Need You Now"- Smokie Norful. I really hate when people say that gospel artists can't be soulful. Smokie Norful is a perfect example of how this stereotype is completely false. This jazz saxophone gospel anthem is the song he's most well known for and burst him onto the scene in 2002 with this debut title track from his debut album. This single actually peaked at #96 on the Billboard Hot 100, while the album would win Best Gospel Album at the Dove Awards and reached #1 on the Billboard Gospel Albums Chart. Love this video, just would like to have seen the saxophone player. Maybe that's just me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJpWjv7UGqE

"Need"- Wax. Wow, just changing gears a tad bit on this one. After being an internet sensation, Wax signed his very distinct style with Def Jam Records in March 2011. This track from his second Def Jam album "Eviction Notice" is freaking hilarious, and in typical Wax fashion, features a hilarious video to go along with it. You know, Eminem got old in a hurry- is this guy the next big white rapper?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0Vp-RhB6fw

"I Need Something"- Newton Faulkner. This debut single from British singer Newton Faulkner's debut album Hand Built By Robots, failed to make the splash on the charts that the album and subsequent singles did, but is a very solid song. With so many bands from England coming over with experimental sounds, Newton Faulkner almost sounds American. To me, he sounds like a guy who would go on American Idol. Yes, I like his music, but I will go on record again saying that white people should never have dreadlocks...........ever. This song would fail to crack the top 100 on the British Singles Charts, but the album would peak at #5 in the UK.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4_Jz5XnzO8

"I Need A Girl"- Taeyang. YES! I love this song! This former member of the Korean boy band Big Bang literally made a bang with this solo single featuring the rapper G Dragon with this 2010 single off of his album Solar (a play on his boy band name "Sol"). This single peaked at #4 in Korea. In fact, Taeyang and this song were so cool, they released another version of the song which even included another video, with this one known as the "dance version".....I smell a bonus video. Ok, I admit the English translation words in this song are beyond stupid, but he's a really good singer, and it's good to see an Asian be able to shred some R&B with some real soul and charisma and not ass clowns like Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, and Jason DeRulo............and anyone else who claims to have "talent".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuuiBjL09KY

"We Don't Need Another Hero"- Tina Turner. Why do we torture ourselves with this? In 1985, Mel Gibson just had to make a third installment of the Mad Max series with Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. This awful sequel actually featured Tina Turner as Aunty Entity, and they felt the need to have her record a ballad to go along with this already surreally weird and disturbing movie. Tina Turner is a great artist, but I just don't get the career choice she made with this one. This song somehow peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and actually won her the 1985 VMA for Best Female Video.............yeah I'm scratching my head too. Yes, that was for a song that actually features the lyrics "beyond the thunderdome". Thankfully, despite box office success, we never saw any more Mad Max movies after this one, even though Mel Gibson has definitely hinted that it's a possibility. I really hope he's joking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1FPK5-Rm38

"Need Your Love"- Ella. I think I just found the hottest Romanian woman ever. Holy crap. This Romanian starlet makes even me wanna get up and dance! This song is featured on her latest album Suddenly. Suddenly, I'm obsessed with Ella.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzq85LMzZNk

"I Need You"- New Kids On The Block. This Donnie Wahlberg sung ballad from NKOTB's 1989 album Hangin' Tough was always one of my favorites. I mean, one of my favorites when I was a kid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6EDK_uJEnc

"All You Need Is Love"- The Beatles. Duh..........was this one even a debate? Featured on their 1967 studio album Magical Mystery Tour, this worldwide live performance for BBC's Our World, which was the first ever worldwide live broadcast of any kind, was viewed by an estimated 400 people when the Beatles debuted this song June 25, 1967. Obviously, this song went to #1 in basically every country. Except maybe Greece.........Paul said they were never big there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4p8qxGbpOk

BONUS VIDEOS- "All The Man That I Need"- Whitney Houston's memorable SNL performance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOl9onNx6rA

"I Need A Girl"- Taeyang's "other version". Eh, not as impressed with this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWq4evFjYrU

"Just Dance"- Lady Gaga. I have no idea why.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Abk1jAONjw
The Cardigans
Tia and Tamara's 3rd sister?
#dreadlockfail

Late Night Music Part 131........."More Odd Duet Couples"

It's been 117 entries since my "Odd Couples" list a few years ago, so I figured I'd follow it up with another tribute to some of the oddest duet couples of all time. Besides cover songs, I think weird duets are my favorite thing in music. It's the unicorn of music, they are rare, but when you see them, you NEVER forget them.

In a rare "Late Night Music" feat, all songs receiving votes in this category were included.

"Peaceful World"- John Mellencamp and India Arie. This theme song for the 2001 IRL season actually premiered during the 2001 Indianapolis 500 on ABC, also heavily promoting the Mellencamp album Cuttin' Heads. I absolutely love this song and discovered it by accident, as for some reason it was on my iTunes, even though I don't remember downloading it. I love India Arie paired with anyone because she is just so talented as a musician. I think this song shows that she can rock, and it shows that John Mellencamp has a little more soul than we give him credit for. Pretty good video here, but I wish it wasn't so dark. This song did well on some minor charts, but only peaked at #104 on the Billboard Hot 100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PL28-RVO0_E

"Don't You Want To Stay"- Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson. This awesome song from Aldean's 2010 album My Kinda Party and Clarkson's 2011 album Stronger. Every time I hear this song, I think Kelly Clarkson should ditch her pop and go full time to country because this is a strange combo because of their styles, but their voices blend perfectly. I've seen them do this song together a few times, and they have such an amazing chemistry- how do artists do that? This song peaked at #31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard Country Charts. Really good performance here from the CMA Awards, maybe even a little bit better than their memorable Grammy Performance this past year.

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

"The Prayer"- Angie Stone and Josh Groban. I've ALWAYS loved this version. Josh Groban sounds like a freaking opera singer, and Angie Stone is one of the most underrated neo soul artists of all time, but can hang with this song. I'm also gonna say that she does this song better than Celine Dion, who recorded it with Groban in 2008. By the way, I HATE Celine Dion! Despite the fact the original version was actually Dion and Andrea Bocelli in 1999 (a version which was nominated an Oscar for the film The Quest For Camelot), but this one from Josh Groban's DVD Josh Groban in Concert is SO much better. I love how people say neo soul artists aren't good musicians. This duet is perfect proof of a neo soul artist who can sing choral music, and sing in Italian no less.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaU-kvuD-so

"Bridge Over Troubled Water"- Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli. Speaking of Andrea Bocelli, he's featured here my all time favorite off-genre duet artist ever. This unreal performance from 2010 Grammy Awards was given to raise awareness for Haiti Relief after the earthquake of 2010. This version was also released as a single that actually went to #75 on the Billboard Hot 100. I love the contrasting styles of this song, and I'm telling you, this version is better than the original. I don't know who thought of pairing these two, but it was absolutely genius. This will always be one of my favorite live performances ever.

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

"Don't Go Breaking My Heart"- Elton John and Kiki Dee. Elton John may have been just trying to get Kiki Dee's career started with this very random duet from 1976. Surprisingly, despite reaching #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and British Singles Charts, Elton would not have another #1 single in the UK until 1990's "Sacrifice", which was his first ever as a solo artist. However, this video always cracks me up because even though Elton was not officially "out of the closet" yet, only a gay man could get away with this much groping of a woman during a song and get away with it. I guess Kiki knew his secret already. Despite not being included on any album, this duet was recorded during the Blue Moves sessions, which was widely known as Elton's first "concept album". As a "concept" single, this single was supposedly written to match the flavor of a Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell duet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kS6-kWxPvk

"Broken"- Seether and Amy Lee. This duet by surprising couple Amy Lee and Shaun Morgan was recorded for the soundtrack for the 2004 movie The Punisher and peaked at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is much different from the original version which does not feature Lee on Seether's album Disclaimer. I guess Evanescence and Seether are similar bands, but Amy Lee is just so weird, she's an odd couple when she's paired up with anyone. She's so hot though!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPC2Fp7IT7o

"Airplanes"- B.o.B. and Hayley Williams. B.O.B. made a splash with this second single from his debut album B.O.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray when he pulled Hayley Williams of Paramore to team up on this song. Needless to say, Paramore music sounds NOTHING like this song, but was a genius match, as the song shot to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced Hayley Williams to a whole new audience. My favorite fact about this song is that Williams and B.O.B. never met in person until the day they first performed it live together at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. Their studio and video pieces were filmed and recorded completely separate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn6-c223DUU

"Maybe I'm Amazed"- Dave Grohl and Nora Jones. Dave Grohl and Nora Jones are so freaking awesome, that only they could pull off a McCartney classic like this. Even though this was featured during the Kennedy Center Honors Paul McCartney concert, this is a interesting duo nonetheless. I love Norah Jones look here- I wish she'd keep it. I also love how Dave Grohl adds his guitar licks on a very piano prominent song. I love when artists cover songs and keep it a lot like the original, but add their own flavor to it, like these two did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB9RgYcte_A

"Chances Are"- Bob Seger and Martina McBride. I may be reaching on this one, but Bob Seger has never struck me as a country singer. This song from the soundtrack of Hope Floats has always been a favorite of mine. Despite the success of the movie and the heavy push of the video, the song only peaked at #23 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart. Martina McBride is so awesome though- she's one of the most under appreciated hot women in music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl7LdevJ71c

"Princess Of China"- Rihanna and Coldplay. OMG this song is amazing.This song from Coldplay's 2011 album Mylo Xyloto. Was written by Chris Martin with him hoping all along that Rihanna would perform with the band, and he admittedly was shocked when she agreed. Coldplay is one of the best bands in the world, but Rihanna is gonna make anybody more awesome just by her voice and her body. Wow, I love this woman! I also love how Coldplay's music is so pulsating that it stands out probably more than any other band I can think of. This song peaked at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100, and led to a great performance at this year's Grammys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k12kmlVJ3i4

"California King Bed"- Jennifer Nettles and Rihanna. Speaking of Rihanna, she can be rock and she can obviously be country. This performance from the 2011 ACM Awards with Sugarland lead singer Jennifer Nettles was a very strange duet combo and was actually the first ever live performance of the song which was featured on Rihanna's 2011 album Loud. Why they chose to do it like this is very confusing, but at least we got this great video out of it. Despite this, this was a great mix and these two singers complement each other throughout the entire song, with a great build up throughout the entire song. This song would go on to peak at #37 on the Billboard Hot 100. I am seriously not digging Rihanna's dress here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcmhlT-j6jw

"Irreplaceable"- Sugarland and Beyonce. Wow, Sugarland is getting some face time here tonight. This performance from the 2007 American Music Awards is a rare cover song with the original artist singing along. Very clever idea to do a country version of this song, and great addition of Beyonce (I mean seriously, when is adding Beyonce ever a bad idea?), but she still stays with the theme of the song. I love Beyonce, but I'm gonna go ahead and say I like this song better as a country song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XTXHvae10o

"You And I"- Lady Gaga and Sugarland. Wow Sugarland has broken a "Late Night Music" record by appearing 3 times, but could you really leave this one out from the Grammy Nomination Concert? This an awesome song, and Lady Gaga despite her unreal weirdness is an unreal performer. This song from her 2011 album Born This Way. Went on to peak at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwlIdI_nr2E

"Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)"- George Michael and Aretha Franklin. If anyone can find this video, you'll get bonus points. This duet was featured on Aretha Franklin's 1987 album Aretha, and went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Aretha is another one of those artists who can sing anything with anyone, and while I've never been a huge fan, her diversity and talent is undeniable. George Michael has always been great in his own right and these two great voices made a really good song here.

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

"Undo It/Walk This Way"- Carrie Underwood and Steven Tyler. Great performance here from the 2010 ACM Awards with Steven Tyler literally coming out of nowhere- where did he come from? I love how he carries the whole mic stand out. This song from Carrie Underwood's album Play On peaked at #1 on the Billboard Country Charts and #23 on the Billboard Hot 100. Steven Tyler never struck me as a country guy, but I don't really think this

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

"Cryin"- Aerosmith and Christina Milian. Ok, so this is my favorite song on this list. My question is why this song was never released as a single. This unreal duet of Aerosmith's 1993 smash hit from Get A Grip is featured here with the Christina Milian character Linda Moon in the 2005 movie Be Cool. I don't know why Christinia Milian hasn't had more of a career, because she's unreal singer, and is SUPER HOT. Anything to keep us from having to focus on Steven Tyler. I have no idea where or when they filmed this song, but what an amazing concert surprise to get to see this song done live.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVqi1n7wX-U

BONUS VIDEOS- "Cryin'"- Aerosmith. Original version from 1993

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfNmyxV2Ncw

"You And I"- Lady Gaga. Original version from Gaga.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9YMU0WeBwU

"Irreplaceable"- Beyonce. R & B or country song? You be the judge.

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

Wow 3 times on here tonight!

Rihanna

really wish I could find this video

Late Night Music Part 130........."Live!"

I got creative with this list. People say I've seen "everyone" live. Well, why not have a list honoring the artists I've had the privilege of seeing perform in person.

In order to receive votes in this category, I had to have SEEN THE ARTIST PERFORM AT LEAST ONE SONG IN PERSON. Even if it was a guest appearance or an opening act, it still counts. Also receiving votes were "Right Thurr" by Chingy, "Never Gonna Be As Big As Jesus" by Audio Adrenaline, "I'm So There" by Brittni Black, "Too Close" by Next, "That's The Night That The Lights Went Out In Georgia" by Reba McEntire, "Two Sparrows In A Hurricane" by Tanya Tucker, and "Money In The Bank" by John Anderson.

"Cold As Ice"- Foreigner. I thought I was so cool when I saw Foreigner in the summer of 1992 at Rapids on the Reservoir water park while they were touring to promote their 1991 album Unusual Heat. I was 11. This song was included on their self-titled debut album.

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

"Cadillac On 22's"- David Banner. I actually saw David Banner live at the 2004 Jubilee Jam. I still have no idea what this song is talking about, but I suppose I'll give him bonus points because the song is about Mississippi. Probably worst video acting ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U61JP4KkFKc

"Another Time Another Place"- Wayne Watson and Sandi Patty. Wow, just a small change of gears. This TV performance from "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson" in 1990 promoting this album and title track of Sandi Patty's was huge on several fronts. Not only was it the first time a Christian act was brought onto network television, as far as I know, it was "The Tonight Show" only Christian music guest until Relient K performed in 2004. This great performance was a huge turning point for both artists. While Sandi Patty remained successful for a few more years, her career was rocked by a adultery scandal and subsequent divorce. While Wayne Watson was already a successful artist, his career skyrocketed for the rest of the decade. I actually saw these two perform this song together in Jackson the next year, and then had the privilege of meeting Wayne Watson in 1996. Without a doubt one of the most underrated musicians in music history of any genre. Funny how Johnny doesn't even mention him here. I guess he was getting old.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0swvVO_NjU

"Higher"- Creed. Saw Creed in one of their last shows before breaking up in 2001 in Tupelo. They are a much different band live than they are on TV. Big hats off to Jay Money for talking me into this one. One of the most awesome pyrotechnic and multimedia displays I've ever seen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J16lInLZRms

"Keep It Between Us"- Kelly Rowland. I'm reaching on this one, but I definitely saw Kelly Rowland come out and do "Nowhere To Run" with Kevin Eubank and the Tonight Show Band on my visit to "The Tonight Show" when Katie Couric hosted. More on that one later. This is her newest single- not a bad video either. I'm glad to see she's still got it going on. Without a doubt one of the skinniest women I've ever seen in person.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNZkI2yWi5w

"Friends In High Places"- Larnelle Harris. Saw him live twice. Once in Jackson and once at Mississippi College. May be the best gospel voice ever. He can really do things with his voice that no other singer can. This song was on his 1990 album I Can Begin Again.

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

"Lightning Crashes"- Live. Saw these guys the same night I saw David Banner in Jackson. John Lassiter still does not believe that the word "placenta" is in the lyrics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsJ4O-nSveg

"God Gave Me You"- Dave Barnes. Saw Dave Barnes last Christmas in Memphis (check out my facebook album). This song was recently recorded by Blake Shelton, but Dave Barnes version is SO much better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hQK6GIrpYU

"Live Forever"- Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors. Drew Holcomb was the co-headliner with Dave Barnes that night and I heard him do this song live and was blown away. He actually wrote this song for his family, and he performed it live for the first time for them that night. At least that's what I think he said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUf4FEiimwg

"Wasting My Time"- Default. These guys opened for Creed that night in Tupelo. Great song that defined a very quick career.

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

"Stay Fly"- Three 6 Mafia. I have to admit, I actually met these guys. I was backstage when they gave the Austin Peay homecoming concert in 2008.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBjzAdpZzf0

"Hello, Goodbye"- Paul McCartney. Saw him live for my 21st birthday! I actually saw this set with this song open up this tour in 2002 in New Orleans as part of Paul's "Back In The USA" tour, which was released with a live album. Can't beat this guy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyxVXf4o5FE

"Somebody's Hero"- Damien Horne. I hate that I only saw Damien Horne live twice in Nashville, as he may be the best cross-genre artist I've ever heard. He recently was featured on ESPN during the coverage of the ACC Women's Basketball Tournament. I really hope he has more great success to come.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyonlbHD2xo

"I Don't Ever Wanna See You Again"- Uncle Sam. Ok, I take back what I said about the worst video acting ever. I saw Uncle Sam open for Boyz II Men in Jackson 1998, and while this was a good song, and he was an underrated singer. He really needs to learn some new dance moves. Uncle Sam had some talent, but this would prove to be his only hit.

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

"Lifetime"- Better Than Ezra. BTE has the record for most times seen live with 4. Most of you already know about their memorable birthday performance I saw in 2005 (see "Sometimes It's More Than A Game"). This was one of their songs that was so awesome it was recorded twice AND released twice as a single.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ2QT88m_nk

"Drops of Jupiter"- Train. I admit I was never that big of a Train fan before I saw them live in 2004 at Southern Miss. Great show that night........one that Better Than Ezra opened.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xf-Lesrkuc

"All These Years"- Mac McAnally. I've seen Mac McAnally twice. You probably know some of his songs, he just rarely records them, or much less charts with them. This was always my favorite by him, and his version is exponentially better than Sawyer Brown's that reached the Country charts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__l81lN6JaY

"All My Life"- K-Ci and Jo Jo. The night I saw Boyz II Men in Jackson, K-Ci and Jo Jo freaking stole the show, really on the heels of this single, which at the time, was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. One of the best live show groups out there in my opinion.

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

"Let Me In"- Steadyfall. I saw these guys do a set at the Cumberland Jam in Clarksville in 2006. Very awesome live.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIrEH9x3qts

"End Of The Road"- Boyz II Men. Back before Boyz II Men was playing the sideshow tent at the State Fair and still had 4 members, they had one last headliner World Tour in 1998 that stopped in Jackson. Very difficult music to perform live, and while it was a good show, it definitely wasn't great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDKO6XYXioc

"You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone"- Brooks and Dunn. I sometimes I forget I actually saw these guys open for Reba McEntire in Tupelo in 1996. Easily my favorite song by them.

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

"Speak To Me"- Mason Douglas. Of all the artists I saw in Nashville, Mason Douglas is without a doubt my favorite. This song of his is seriously underrated, and one of his best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVSppvI8ySk

"Right Where You Wanted Me"- Jamie Floyd. I saw Jamie Floyd do this song live 3 times and it still would never be enough. Every time I heard it I was overwhelmed. Bonus points for mentioning Mississippi in the first line.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNbmR5ftX7I

"Long Black Train"- Josh Turner. Saw him at the Grand Ole Opry in 2009. Can't get over how this guy looks perfect all the time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyRZTAmcW7c

"That's What I Love About Sunday"- Craig Morgan. Saw him at the same Grand Ole Opry show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm3aCyRD3Vg

"Someone Saved My Life Tonight"- Elton John. Saw Elton John in my infamous "lying about my grandparents anniversary" in order to get out of choir contest in Memphis's Pyramid in 1997. He was riding the heels of The Big Picture and did 3 songs from it that night. Unforgettable show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIvKDs7cSN4

"So Nice To Be Loved"- Darnell Levine. I saw Darnell Levine open for Damien Horne once in Nashville and was completely blown away. This guy is another great cross-genre artist that really needs to be on your playlist.

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

"Love Will Keep Us Alive"- The Eagles. Me and Lassiter made the trek up to Tupelo one night in 2001 to catch the Eagles. We may have set the world record for air guitar that night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Df82nmQut8

"Testify To Love"- Avalon. I actually did these guys lights when I saw them perform at First Baptist Church in 2000. I love this song, and they still close every show with it.

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

"Feel"- Robbie Williams. Bonus points to me for being in the audience on this one. See if you can find me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP0d5lmzJqs

"Secrets"- David Jennings. I've said it once, and I'll say it again. David Jennings is the MAN!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDLoi4yzntY

BONUS VIDEO- "Goodbye Woman"- Mason Douglas. Another great song from Mason Douglas. Bonus points for this song getting dedicated "to the General" during one his live performances.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47Vc_UlK0mQ

Paul McCartney's "Back In The US"

Elton John's "The Big Picture"

Mason Douglas