Late Night Music Part 136........"I Only Have Eyes For You"

I can't stop scratching my itchy eye! That's pretty much why I thought of this one.

Obviously, to receive votes in this category, the SONG TITLE had to feature the word "eyes". Also receiving votes in this category were "In Your Eyes" by Kylie Minogue, "World In My Eyes" by Depeche Mode, and "Her Eyes Say Yes" by Hit The Lights.

"I Only Have Eyes For You"- Art Garfunkel. This Flamingos cover from Garfunkel's 1975 second solo album Breakaway peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became his first #1 hit in the United Kingdom. Art Garfunkel had an amazing voice, he just looked ridiculous. He must have given Bozo his idea for his haircut. Breakaway would go on to be Garfunkel's really only successful solo album, and it ironically included a song with ex-bandmate Paul Simon, and included appearances by Toni Tenille (why is she on so many albums?), Graham Nash, and Stephen Bishop. This song was covered by tons of artists including Billie Holliday who put up another great rendition, but this is to me by far the best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrl3T8MaX8E

"Angel Eyes"- Jeff Healey Band. Another cover of a 1940's classic song, which was first recorded in 1947 by Herb Jeffries is a rather unknown gem by the Canadian band Jeff Healey Band. Most of you remember his appearance as the house band in the 1989 Patrick Swayze film Road House, and recording the movie's soundtrack. However, this single from their 1988 album See The Light was a hit in Canada, which led to the album being nominated for the Juno Award for Album Of The Year, and peaking at #22 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Jeff Healey was an unreal blues guitar player, and this is a fantastic cover of this song. I never am amazed enough about how much talent a disabled person can have.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kag0TsZzxpw

"Open Your Eyes"- Alter Bridge. When Creed broke up in 2003, they quickly reformed without Scott Stapp and replaced him with lead singer Myles Kennedy, and were basically Creed with a new lead singer and released their debut album One Day Remains in 2004 with this as the lead single. Despite heavy marketing (including being featured in the 2005 MLB All Star Game Weekend), the track failed to capture the success Creed had peaking at #2 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Charts and failing to crack the Billboard Hot 100. Alter Bridge will forever be known though for singing WWE Superstar Edge's theme song, "Metalingus".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3UjH2GD0iY

"Beautiful Eyes"- Taylor Swift. This title track from her 2008 EP was marked at Taylor Swift's "transitional album" to pop music, and was not heavily promoted. Despite this, the album somehow climbed to the top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart peaking at #9. This video was made exclusively for the accompanying DVD for the EP and was never released onto mainstream television. Bonus points for the midget.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKgUxcQnL4I

"Brown Eyes"- Andy Davis. This Baton Rouge native turns in an impressive track here with a pretty clever video to go along with it. This video reminds me so much of the movie The Lake House. This track from his album Let The Woman is super catchy and reminds me of a Randy Newman/Ben Folds piano pop song. For more on Andy Davis, check out www.andydavisonline.com.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5_bBlfFv50

"Brown Eyes"- Destiny's Child. This track from their 2001 album Survivor gets stuck in my head all the time! Despite the success of the album, this track was never released as a single, but is always a fan favorite. I love when people say Beyonce isn't an awesome singer, and then I just point them to this song. Destiny's Child had a much better blend with this trio than I think they did with their original quartet. I really wish they'd get back together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTnPF8zizWo

"Angel Eyes"- Paulini. Another great cover of this song by Australian pop singer and former Australian Idol contestant Paulini, off of her 2004 debut album One Determined Heart. This lead single debuted at #1 on the Australian charts. The talent of Paulini proves my point that just like it's American counterpart, all of the "Idol" shows are completely rigged and the most talented person never wins. Paulini did not win, and came out with a #1 single right out of the gate- so tell me how she wasn't the most talented person? Bonus points for Paulini being of Fijian decent- that's pretty hot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ylYCimN63U

"Don't Close Your Eyes"- Kix. Not only did these guys have a terrible band name, they did their best to try to impersonate Axl Rose. With Kix's one and only Billboard Hot 100 hit in 1988, this was easily their signature song featured on their album Blow My Fuse. To make it worse, the album cover wants to be a Def Leppard album cover so bad it's not even funny. Why could no one be original in the 80's?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcEu47mR43U

"Eye Of The Tiger"- Survivor. How can this song not get you pumped up? Bonus points for being in the repertoire of the LSU Golden Band From Tiger Land. Go to Death Valley and you'll hear this song played in a great arrangement. In 1982, Survivor was asked by Sylvester Stallone to write this song (which became the title track of their 1982 album) for his upcoming movie Rocky III for the theme song for the movie because Stallone was unable to obtain rights to use Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust". Maybe it's just me, but this was a much better bet seeing how it was part of the freaking plot. The training montage this song was used during in the movie is one of my all time favorite movie scenes. I smell a bonus video. Obviously, fueled by the popularity of the movie, this song peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, my all time favorite fact about Survivor is that lead singer Gary Bickler left the band due to voice problems after this album and was replaced by Jimi Jamison who would later record the theme song to Baywatch. I seriously smell a bonus video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btPJPFnesV4

"Give Me Your Eyes"- Brandon Heath. Brandon Heath is easily one of the hottest young artist on the contemporary Christian genre. This single from his album What If We. Took home 3 Dove Awards and was nominated for a Grammy Award for best gospel song. It would also peak at #1 on the R&R Christian Chart and #2 on the Billboard Bubbling Under 100 Chart. The album would also peak at #73 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, it was also nominated for the Grammy for Best Gospel Album. This video makes me watch because you know how much I love reverse videos. This song also has the distinction for the second most played song on Christian radio in 2008.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY

"Look At Those Eyes"- Alexz Johnson. This super cool and mysterious single was included on Canadian singer Alexz Johnson's 2010 debut album Voodoo. Alexz Johnson has such a mature voice for such a young singer and has a soulful touch that's rarely seen in Canadian artists. While this was the debut album for Johnson, she had already had a very successful career on Canadian television appearing on such series as Instant Star.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YtKrL6ScXA

"My Father's Eyes"- Eric Clapton. I love this song! I love how Eric Clapton can just jump around from genre to genre and still be awesome. After taking a 9 year hiatus from original material, he released this lead track from his 1998 rock album Pilgrim, would not only be a huge hit, but would also win him the Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. This deeply personal song is part of what Clapton called "his saddest album ever", and in 2004, he announced that he was retiring this song as well as "Tears In Heaven" from live performances- I guess as his way of putting both of those memories to rest for good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IigRv6B763k

"Star In My Eyes"- Gowe featuring Erin Kim. Wow! What a track! This track by these 2 Seattle-based Christian artists is super awesome. Gowe (Gifted On West East) is a better rapper than most of the crap that we have on the radio today, and Erin Kim's voice....wow! I think we give Asian Americans too much of a stereotypical stigma a lot and this track does a great job of proving otherwise. It kills me that talented artists like this go undiscovered and we get stuck with crap like Nicki Minaj.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTPPn9DyDfc

"In Your Eyes"- Shaya. Has to be the first time I've ever had an artist from Greece featured on here. This single from her 2011 debut album Resurrection. I watch this video and I can't help but think that Shaya is trying to capture the taboo-ness of Madonna. What you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8clQidYb2rs

"Bette Davis Eyes"- Kim Carnes. I had to go there. This unbelievably bad song and one hit for Kim Carnes was enough to get her featured on "We Are The World". Funny how music works sometimes huh? This single from her 1981 album Mistaken Identity not only shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it won the 1982 Grammy Award for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year. I'm sorry, I didn't make that up. After this song, Carnes cracked the top 15 only one more time. No surprise there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPOIS5taqA8

"Blue Eyes"- Elton John. This rare non-Bernie Taupin Elton John ballad (with lyrics by Gary Osborne) was the single that saved his forgettable 1982 album Jump Up!. It was obvious that was Elton was on a huge decline in the 80's, but this single peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, and remains one of his most loved songs, and I still think one his best piano pieces he ever wrote. I would also have to argue that this video is without a doubt one of the most ridiculous looks Elton John ever had. Seriously, that was bad even for 1982. I just thought to myself- it was really pathetic how bad Elton's career got between 1982 and 1987, but most artists would kill for 6 years that successful. That just goes to to show the standard that Elton John had set in the 70's and early 80's. I'm so glad he's still one of the best artists ever and still in my opinion, one of the best performers out there. I'm so glad I get to see him live in September.

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

"Angel Eyes"- Love And Theft. No, this isn't another version of the same song! This current single off of their upcoming sophomore self-titled album has reached as high as #98 on the Billboard Hot 100, and currently sits at #20 on the Billboard Country Chart. I really like their sound, and I like the direction that country music has gone in lately. These guys really remind me of Rascal Flats or Sugarland.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOvyymFaFs4

"Her Eyes"- Pat Monahan. I'm so glad Train got back together, because despite this being a pretty good song that was heavily promoted along with his solo album Last Of Seven, it failed to have much of an impact, only peaking at #110 on the Billboard Charts in 2007, but peaked at #9 on the dreaded Adult Contemporary Chart. I really liked Pat Monahan live, and he's a very underrated front man, but I get so mad at him because all of his song are too high to sing karaoke, but they still tease me as being singable. Although, doesn't this song remind you a lot of "Meet Virginia"?

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

"If I Had Eyes"- Jack Johnson. This lead single from Jack Johnson's 2008 album Sleep Through The Static peaked at #47 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is a rare heavy electric guitar song with a heavy blues feel from the guy known for his acoustic surfer songs. It's always great to see great artist evolve in their music and use different styles from album to album. This change led to the album peaking at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Jack Johnson is one guy who I'd love to see live. One of the most unappreciated singers ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZcOJgdC9R0

"Open Up Your Eyes"- Tonic. Man Tonic was awesome, in 9th grade, you weren't cool unless you had their hit album Lemon Parade, with this song being the lead single from their platinum debut album. I never understood how Tonic was always "working on an album" (kinda like Third Eye Blind), and only released 3 albums in their first 10 years together. Emerson Hart is a solid front man and Tonic has some of the best guitar riffs of their era. I'm glad their back together, but after their latest album being released in 2010, I wonder how long it will be before we hear from them again.

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

"Through My Eyes"- Scott James. Amazing song by this British singer written for autism awareness. I'll let this song do the talking.

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

BONUS VIDEOS- "I'll Be Ready"- Jimi Jamison. From Baywatch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbGTpHJl7ew

"Eye Of The Tiger"- the awesome scene from Rocky III.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_ab6hZUfy0

"Earth And Venus"- Andy Davis. Another great track from Andy Davis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzWGgPl4WYk

"I Wonder"- Gowe featuring Erin Kim. Another great track from the same duo.

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

"Metalingus"- Alter Bridge. Great WWE theme song 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-I8ALlYxdY
Tonic
Andy Davis
Creed minus Scott Stapp, I mean Alter Bridge

Late Night Music Part 135........"Whatever You Do, Don't Put The Blame On You"

Sometimes, it's just fun to point the finger somewhere else. What happens when musicians write songs about pointing the blame somewhere else? Who needs taking responsibility when songs about blaming someone are so much fun?

In order to receive votes in this category, the SONG TITLE had to have the word "blame" in it somewhere. Also receiving votes in this category were "We're All To Blame" by Sum 41, "Blame The Vain" by Dwight Yoakam, "Blame It On Your Heart" by Patty Loveless, "Sorry, Blame It On Me" by Akon, and "Share The Blame" by Futures End.

"Blame It On You"- Gathania. Why do I love Scandinavian artists so much? This Swedish starlet made waves in 2007 when she finished 4th on Swedish Idol, and soon signed with EMI Records, who released this as her second single in Sweden, where it peaked at #38. Despite releasing 3 singles, Gathania has yet to release a full length album. Honestly, I can't figure out why- she's better than most of the crap we see on the American version of the show, and seems to look great on camera- isn't that all fans care about anyway? I love her voice and I love the fact that she doesn't look like your stereotypical Scandinavian.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gnTWeTP4jY

"Blame It On Me"- Chrisette Michele. I'm not gonna lie, every time I hear this song it does things to me. This track from her #1 album Epiphany is probably my favorite break up song of all time. The song, which peaked at #28 on the Billboard R&B Charts, is excellent not just because of the song itself, but because of the fact that you can relate it to so many things in your life. This song could represent so many things, and I guess that's why I love it so much. Excellent performance from The Late Show With David Letterman here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx_k25XoiN8

"Blame It On The Rain"- Milli Vanilli. You know it was coming. However, if there was ever more evidence that music fans cared largely about image, I tell you to look only at Milli Vanilli. Milli Vanilli won a Grammy in 1990, only to lose it in their now infamous lip synching scandal. Now my question is that if the studio musicians who made those records had been the people in the videos, would the popularity of Milli Vanilli been even close to how high it got in the late 80's? Yeah, I thought so. Luckily, for Fabrice Morvan, he's doing pretty well and was always a really talented guy. I smell a bonus video. This single from Girl, You Know It's True would prove to be Milli Vanilli's last #1 single as it climbed to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1989.

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

"No One Is To Blame"- Howard Jones. I've always had a weird love for this song, because I've always been a closest fan of Howard Jones, and this song to me at least, is completely different than anything else he recorded. The song actually was originally very different and showed Jones' techno roots, and was featured on his 1985 album Dream Into Action but with the urging of Phil Collins, the song was made more "radio friendly", with Collins playing the drums and singing backing vocals. The single was re-released in its new form off of his 1986 album One To One and proved to be his biggest American hit peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. This video just looks like every other video from the 80's........with us having no idea what's going on. Oh yeah, this song sets the world record for most metaphors used in one song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2V3SNrkpp0

"Blame It"- Jamie Foxx featuring T-Pain. This single from Jamie Foxx's second studio album Intuition. Went on to win the duo the Grammy for best R&B/Rap Collaboration, and the single became the longest running #1 song in the history of the Billboard R&B Chart, and went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song is ok, but I've never been a fan of songs well artists use the studio to distort their voice this much (which explains why I think T-Pain is so overrated). Jamie Foxx is no doubt one of the most talented people in music/films, but this song just doesn't do it for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfjtpp90lu8

"Blame It On The Girls"- Mika. British singer Mika actually makes his second appearance with this song. This final single from his 2009 album The Boy Who Knew Too Much is surprisingly catchy, and despite being heavily promoted, it failed to chart in the US and only peaked at #72 on the British Singles Chart. Interesting fact though is that this song actually peaked at #1 in Japan. Mika is super dorky, but super brilliant at the same time. His music is nothing short of brilliant, and at least he can make videos that aren't carbon copies of other ones we see from so many other British artists.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF_w7oaBHNo

"Love To Blame"- Apoptygma Berzerk. Another Scandinavian band! This Norwegian synth band included this song on their 2005 album You And Me Against The World. I like this song, but this video scares the jeepers out of me. Good grief I feel like I'm watching a horror movie. Sick guitar riff in this song, great addition to an otherwise synth heavy song. I also like how they have a choir as background vocals in such a dark song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6z5q2r73vc

"Love's To Blame"- For King and Country. This Australian Christian duo formerly known as "Joel and Luke" and brothers of Christian artist Rebecca St. James made huge waves with this song featured on the soundtrack of the TV show The Vampire Diaries. This song from their debut album Crave has an amazing sound! What a great track! Crave peaked at #4 on the Billboard Christian Albums Charts and #128 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. I think I'm gonna spend the rest of the night finding more of these guys songs. It's rare to find this kind of vocal blend in the rock genre.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VntgkyUzNT8

"Blame It On The Weatherman"- B*Witched. I didn't know they had girl groups in Ireland, but apparently I was wrong. This single from B*Witched 1998 self-titled debut album somehow climbed to #1 on the British Singles Chart- really? This song was also included on the 2003 soundtrack to the TV Show Charmed, a year after the band broke up. This group had a pretty good vocal blend, but this song is just so stupid. Surprisingly enough, this single gave B*Witched the distinction of being the only group in UK history to have their first 4 singles go to #1 on the British Singles Chart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNf0ZEbU1JU

"Blame It On The Boogie"- The Jacksons. In 1978, the Jacksons, who could no longer go by the Jackson 5 due to their contract dispute with Motown, finally released an album in which they had complete artistic control. Their third album for Epic Records, Destiny, was also their best selling non-Motown album before the release of Triumph in 1980 (I just can't count Victory for obvious reasons). This lead single from the album would only peak at #54 on the Billboard Hot 100, but would go to #3 on the Billboard R&B Charts, and always remained one of the Jacksons' most famous songs. Also, I know that afros were stylish in 1978, but these are all the way out of control. I love this song, but this video just makes me freaking dizzy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkBS4zUjJZo

BONUS VIDEOS- "Girl You Know It's True"- Fab Morvan. I'm telling you this guy was freaking good! I never understood why Frankie Farian wouldn't let him sing for real.

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

"The Plumbing Song"- "Weird" Al Yankovic. Weird Al's Milli Vanilli inspired parody on his 1993 album Off The Deep End.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Td334mO1_Q

"Good To Sea"- Pinback. Just because it's stuck in my head.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h9QFXviJ2E

Apoptygma Berzerk
For King And Country
Mika