Late Night Music New Year's Edition Part 171........."It's a Livin' Thing"

I can't believe I thought of another one to write before new years. I can't believe I never thought of this one before. I can't believe how common of a word "thing" is in music. Way to be creative guys.

In order to be considered in this category, the SONG TITLE had to have the word "THING" in it. Also receiving votes in this category was "In Thing Thang" by Tyga, "Love Don't Cost A Thing" by Jennifer Lopez, "Sure Thing" by Miguel, and "A Thing For Me" by Metronomy. NOT RECEIVING VOTES was "The Furthest Thing" by Drake and "Wild Thing" by Sam Kinnison.

"I Believe In A Thing Called Love"- The Darkness. Is there a better karaoke song ever? This glam rock anthem took the world by storm on The Darkness' 2003 debut album Permission to Land where it went to #2 on the British Singles Chart and #35 on the Billboard Rock Chart. In what looks like an opening to "Mystery Science Theater 3000" meets "30,000 Leagues Under the Sea", this very weird video was specifically designed to premiere in the United States and launch Justin Hawkins and his flamboyant David Lee Roth-esque style into the United States market. I always felt bad for the rest of the band in The Darkness, because I know the lead singer is the most well known guy, but I've seen very few front men steal the show like Hawkins does. In fact, him leaving the band in 2006 actually led to a breakup before the band reunited in 2011 fueled by the Samsung Commercial that aired during Super Bowl 46.

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

"I Don't Want To Miss A Thing"- Aerosmith. This 1998 power ballad put Aerosmith back in the mainstream when it was featured as the main theme from the Bruce Willis/Ben Affleck blockbuster "Armageddon". The single surprisingly became Aerosmith's first ever #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and was yet another major hit for long time songstress Diane Warren. The song was also nominated for Best Original Song at the 1999 Academy Awards. I have to admit, I do love this song, and I really like the movie, but I honestly it was outdone by the very similar "Deep Impact" earlier the same year. Not that "Armageddon" wasn't a good movie, I just think it was very media driven and outlandishly unrealistic, even more so than "Deep Impact" (which made history as the first ever movie to feature a black President, when Morgan Freeman portrayed the President of the United States). However, Aerosmith definitely continued to get their groove back with this song, capping what was almost a tale of two careers after their late 80's-mid 90's resurgence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo_0UXRY_rY

"Every Good Thing"- The Afters. Great live performance here on K-Love radio by Dallas based band The Afters. This single was released earlier this year and was featured on their latest album Life Is Beautiful. This single went on to peak at #2 on the Billboard Hot Christian Song Charts. This very catchy song sounds drastically more different than The Afters early days which included the hit "Beautiful Love" which received heavy airplay on MTV as the theme song to their hit show "8th and Ocean". Nonetheless, the Afters are an upbeat positive group that can always seem to make you feel better about your day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skdO_sUlf0A

"The Hardest Thing"- 98 Degrees. This single from 98 Degrees 1998 critically acclaimed sophomore album 98 Degrees and Rising peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced the world to Nick Lachey even more than they already were. This ode to adultery guilt saw heavy airplay on TRL and tried to sell the group's hot front man as an actual boxer. I always was and still am a huge fan of 98 Degrees just due to their great blend and true musicianship, but they provide me with comedy as well. Nick's younger brother Drew is a true good guy and from what I can tell, one of the nicest guys in music. However, he always has the whole "holy hell I can't believe I'm in a famous boy band" look on his face. It kinda reminds me of Kareem Rush having the "holy hell I can't believe I'm starting with 4 Hall of Famers" look on his face when he was playing for the Lakers with Karl Malone, Gary Payton, Shaq, and Kobe.

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

"Livin' Thing"- ELO. Jeff Lynne and ELO released this guilty pleasure classic in 1976 from their record A New World Record. This catchy but seemingly pointless tune went to #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on the British Singles Chart. It was later named by Q Magazine in the United Kingdom as the #1 guilty pleasure of all time. In my Georgia Blue days, this song was on heavy rotation on the restaurant playlist and I'd always find myself singing a long. I watch this video and realize that while it's 1976, I can't ever picture a time when the style of these musicians would have been trendy. Jeff Lynne is one of the coolest songwriters ever, but ridiculous look in this video makes me question his masculinity. Also, I've listened to this song 3 times now in a row, and I still have no idea what it is when they are talking about a "livin' thing".

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

"One Thing"- One Direction. One Direction took the world by storm in 2011 when these former "X Factor" finalists were put in a boy band that featured bubble gum pop verses with power choruses. This third single from their debut album Up All Night went to #39 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #9 on the British Singles Chart. The album went on to sale over 5 million copies worldwide and go to #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. One Direction seems talented enough, but I absolutely their hairstyles. I get mad just looking at Harry- how can women like such a ridiculous hairstyle? Despite my objections, it looks like One Direction is here to stay as shown by their recent Pepsi commercial with Drew Brees.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1xs_xPb46M

"The Best Thing (That Never Happened)"- We Are In The Crowd. What is it about me and awesome rock bands with bad female lead singers? These rockers from Poughkeepsie, New York released this video to support their upcoming album Weird Kids. Lead singer Taylor Jardine is super hot and has a Hayley Williams/Cassadee Pope/Kelly Clarkson-esque sound to go along with her super exotic look. Bands with a female lead singer that hot at least make a small splash on the mainstream market at some point or another. I really want a woman like Taylor Jardine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFqtasnu7y8

"Sexy Little Thing"- Chickenfoot. I love super groups! This Van Halen/Red Hot Chili Peppers mesh of talent released this single on their 2009 debut self-titled album helped the album go to #4 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums and this single peak at #40 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks. I always liked Sammy Hagar and the poor guy was set up to fail. Michael Anthony is also one of the best bass players ever. Adding current Chili Peppers guitarist Chad Smith and legendary guitar player Joe Satriani makes one heck of a side project ya know? I always laugh when I think about David Lee Roth talking about Sammy Hagar saying "he'll have to go on tour singing all of my songs, but I'll never have to sing one of his".....woops .

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

"Don't Owe You A Thang"- Gary Clark, Jr. Man talk about one of the most talent and underrated guitar players on the planet! This first ever single release by Clark was included on this 2010 debut self-titled EP. His muffled guitar sound a long with smooth vocals built him a huge following and led to his first major label release in 2012, Blak and Blu, which peaked at #6 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. It's good to see a pure guitar player obviously influenced by Mississippi blues artists like B.B. King and Muddy Waters. This guy reminds me so much of Eric Clapton its unreal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECbgzgvfG4Y

"Best Thing I Never Had"- Beyonce. Beyonce looks beyond amazing in this video. I think she just wanted to tease all of her male fans. I can't imagine her looking any more sexy. This follow up to her famous song "Irreplaceable" went to #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 when it was included on her 2011 album 4. My question every time I see this song or hear this video is who in the world would cheat on Beyonce in the first place? I don't think Jay-Z could possibly be that stupid. This song also makes me wonder if this song was actually written for anyone in her past that was stupid enough to lose her. I bet he hates himself right now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHp2KgyQUFk

"The Nicest Thing"- Kate Nash. This catchy tune was included on British singer/songwriter Kate Nash's 2007 album Made of Bricks. While not released as a single, this artistic gem helped the album go to #1 in her native UK and #36 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Kate Nash kinda reminds me of a Adele/Lisa Loeb/Sara McLachlan all thrown together with a thick British accent. She's almost like a male Ed Sheeran. This live performance from Abbey Road Studios in London shows her raw talent and very underrated guitar playing for a female. This is one of those emotional anthems that just makes you get completely into the music on a spiritual level. What an amazing piece.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruQ0O44CB38

"The Sweetest Thing"- U2. I always credit my good friend Matt Kilgore for getting me more into U2 during the one semester we lived together at Mississippi College. This super catchy song which was originally a B-Side to U2's 1987 smash single "Where The Streets Have No Name". This re-recorded version was released as a standalone single which was featured on their 1998 compilation album The Best of 1980-1990. This very entertaining video features Bono's wife Ali Hewson. Despite the success of the album and the semi heavy rotation of this rather entertaining video, this single only peaked at #63 on the Billboard Hot 100. This single would begin a rather huge 3 year span for U2 which saw their 2000 album All That You Can't Leave Behind become the first single in Grammy History to produce two Record of the Year Grammys when it won back to back years for "Beautiful Day" and "Walk On".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WybiA263bw

"Doo Wop (That Thing)"- Lauryn Hill. Man what a great album! I played this album to DEATH in 1999 all the way to Colorado and back. This autobiographical debut solo album of Lauryn Hill off of her smash debut album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill became just the tenth single in history to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 when it did so in the summer of 1998. This very creative video did a great job of foreshadowing what the neo soul movement was about to become in the United States. Despite her immense talent, Hill has yet to release another studio album, with her only subsequent album being her MTV Unplugged album relased in 2002. I realize she has a family, but I also don't understand why she doesn't use her talent to give us more great music. Her reclusiveness should end, because the end result would only be greatness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6QKqFPRZSA

"Nuttin' But A G Thang"- Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. This 1992 single/video took the world by storm and introduced the world to Death Row Records, former N.W.A. member Dr. Dre and the soon to be famous then unheard of Snoop Dogg. This debut single from Dre's smash album The Chronic peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and began a revolution of hip hop music that would carry over for several years in the 90's. This landmark album in hip hop music would go on to shape and influence the hip hop culture of the United States for years to come.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qkP8SvHvaU

"Wild Thing"- Tone Loc. Whatever. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=387ZDGSKVSg

"No Such Thing"- John Mayer. This rebellious response to high school counselors became John Mayer's breakout hit when it became his debut single off of his 2002 debut album Room For Squares. Peaking at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100, it would become one of his highest charting songs as well. Despite his subsequent international fame, Room For Squares remains Mayer's best selling album to date as well as his fan's favorite.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1W2UddURXI

"Sweetest Thing"- The Rifles. This strange but interesting song was included on the Rifles' 2011 album Freedom Run. This psychedelic video met their true indie rock sound which makes them one of London's biggest acts. Lead singer Joel Stoker also does a really good job of sounding a lot like John Lennon. For some reason, when I see this video, I think about the boat scene in the movie "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". This song reminds me a lot of Sherwood which uses heavy influence from the Beach Boys in their harmonies. I like to see rock bands incorporate that into rock and roll guitar parts.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnaY7U3JOSI

"Crazy Little Thing Called Love"- Queen. This 1979 1950's sounding song by Queen on their album The Game went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor, the band wrote this song as a tribute to Elvis Presley who had a huge influence on the band. Despite that, this song sounds more rockabilly than anything, and also shows that Queen had a strong desire to dabble in other genres other than their arena rock sound they were so known for prior to this time. I really think if Freddie Mercury had not gotten sick he would have been known as one of the most experimental artists of all time.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE34cSvZCd8

"Liquid"- Jars Of Clay. Ok, I cheated a little bit, but this song has the word "thing" in it so many times I counted it. This sophomore single from Illinois Christian garage band Jars of Clay from their 1995 debut album helped make Jars of Clay a household name when it became one of the very few Christian album to achieve platinum status. This single went to #1 on the CCM Rock Charts and achieved mainstream radio airplay making Jars of Clay really the first Christian rock band to achieve true crossover success when their videos were getting played on MTV and VH1. Jars of Clay is a band I'd really like to see live, and I think their songwriting and musicianship is extremely underrated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfPLg2q-7e0

BONUS VIDEOS- "Ex-Factor"- Lauryn Hill

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

"Flood"- Jars of Clay

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

"Mr. Blue Sky"- ELO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98P-gu_vMRc

"Never Be What You Want"- We Are In The Crowd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29y9O6JoVQk

"Amazing"- Aerosmith

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

"Funky Cold Medina"- Tone Loc

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

Aerosmith

U2

Kate Nash

We Are In The Crowd

Jars of Clay

Late Night Music Holidays Edition Part 170...."Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word"

As the clock strikes midnight on Christmas, let's be sorry that I couldn't think of a better topic for a Christmas list. LOL, I crack myself up. Enjoy the list everyone, and Merry Christmas.

In order to be considered for this category, the SONG TITLE had to have the word "sorry" or "apology" in it. Also receiving votes in this category were "Apology" by Alesandra, "Sorry" by Sleeping With Sirens, and "Tired of Being Sorry" by Enrique Iglesias.

"Apologies"- Grace Potter and The Nocturnals. What an amazing song to start this list out with! This Vermont indie folk rock band took the music world by storm when this song was included on their 2007 major label debut album This Is Somewhere. This great live performance really capture the soul and chemistry of the band which has given them a huge following in the United States. The popularity of the band led to This Is Somewhere peaking at #1 on the Billboard US Heatseekers Albums Chart. The passion behind their music like this song makes Grace Potter one of the most talented female artists out there today. The band's small town beginnings really shows in her songwriting. She has the whole Janis Joplin "girl from the small town ready for the big time" attitude. Can't get enough of this song!

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

"Sorry Seems To Be Hardest Word"- Elton John. In 1976, Elton John was arguably the hottest act on the planet, and he was currently a streak of #1 Albums that has still yet to be broken. When Blue Moves was released on my birthday in 1976 as a double album (his 2nd in 3 years with Goodbye Yellowbrick Road), it was a stark contrast from his usual style, as the experimental concept album included styles and themes that were never tackled by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. This single went to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, and remains one of EJ's most performed songs, and was his song of choice when he gave a memorable performance on "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson". This song has also been a very popular song to cover from other artists, and it still featured in several movies, most notably being "Rush Hour 3". More on that later.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3nScN89Klo

"All Apologies"- Nirvana. This great performance from Nirvana's famous Christmas 1993 "MTV Unplugged" concert is a great stripped down version of their single earlier in the year from their final studio album In Utero. The Kurt Cobain written single (which was written as a direct dedication to his then wife Courtney Love) peaked at #32 on the British Singles Chart, and #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay Chart. The single was released as a double A side with "Pennyroyal Tea", but gained more airplay on American radio due to it being included on this widely popular TV special/album as well as Cobain's death in April 1994. Due to an increased demand for the song, Nirvana used this performance as the video for the song since the band did not film a video for the single's release. In a nearly unheard of accomplishment at the time, Nirvana recorded their entire "Unplugged" set of 14 songs in just one take, with the addition of the cello to this song really bringing out Nirvana's diversity as a band despite their reputation as a "garage" band. Absolutely one of the talented bands of all time- no question.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWmkuH1k7uA

"Sorry"- Art of Dying. This Vancouver band did itself well with its latest single from their album Vices and Virtues. This single peaked at #19 on the Canadian Rock Charts and #20 on the Billboard Rock Charts. These guys sound a lot like Daughtry or Hinder, but have a great mix of vocals and guitar licks. The guitar solo at around 2:40 is absolutely sick! Let's just hope that Art of Dying doesn't turn out to be like fellow Western Canadian "rockers" Nickelback. Don't buy the hype guys!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyvyJ6SGhp4

"Sorry"- Buckcherry. This single from Anaheim, California rockers Buckcherry was included as the final single from their 2007 comeback album 15. Written as an apology to his wife, lead singer Josh Todd poured his heart into this song which became the band's biggest hit when it peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2007. This is ironic in the fact that the band never had any intention of releasing the song as a single, and it was only due to airplay in the United States that the song was released. I just laugh at how this song is included on the track right before "Crazy Bitch" on the same album. One of the funniest cases of musical irony ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OhVwUPK6cY

"Apologize"- OneRepublic featuring Timbaland. This 2006 single put OneRepublic on the map as it's debut single when it went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was included on their critically acclaimed debut album Dreaming Out Loud. This slightly remixed version which included rapper Timbaland gave the band crossover credibility immediately. That diverse audience helped make the band one of the biggest acts on the planet throughout the end of the decade. In a surprise though, despite the song never reaching the #1 spot, it stayed in the top 10 for 25 weeks, the longest in 7 years at the time. I've never been a huge OneRepublic fan, but the lyrics and music combo of this song is absolutely fantastic. The diversity of cover versions of this song has also been widespread. More on that later. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSM3w1v-A_Y

"Sorry"- Ciara. This 2012 standalone single for Ciara is super hot and is a cool video. Ciara has got to be one of the hottest women in music. However, this single and video really didn't catch on as it peaked at just #42 on the Billboard R & B Charts and #22 on the Billboard Bubbling Under 100 Chart. After the success of her first 3 albums, Ciara has really struggled to catch back on to the mainstream, which is really puzzling to me. She has an amazing voice and is an absolutely amazing dancer. Future also became one of the most coveted guys in America when he announced his engagement to Ciara earlier this year. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DLA8Be7P9w

"Hard To Say I'm Sorry"- Chicago. In 1982, Chicago went from one of the coolest rock bands of the 70's, to the super sappy Peter Cetera led crybabies of the 1980's. This first splash for the band in 1982 from their album Chicago 16 went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, but featured mainly session musicians, and three members of the band Toto singing and playing on the track. So does it even count as a Chicago song? The morphing as a band has always been one of the most astonishing to me. While a great band, the change in their sound just to stay in the mainstream has got to be one of the about faces in music history. I would like Chicago a lot more if they would have stayed true to their original sound. Peter Cetera would go on to ride the newfound reborn success of the band to one of the cheesiest solo careers ever.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo9QxYpMbTU

"Sorry Sorry"- Super Junior. Yes! K Pop! The 9 member (yes 9 member) Korean boy band Super Junior released this single as the title track of their 2009 comeback album. The single would go on one of Asia's biggest hits that year going to #1 in Korea, China, Thailand, and Taiwan. Watch this video and tell me that American acts like Madonna don't have a huge impact in the Asian music market. This video just screams Madonna to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6QA3m58DQw

"I'm Sorry"- Beast. In a "Late Night Music" first, I am having back to back K-Pop songs in a non-Asian list! This 2013 single from Beast's album Hard To Love, How To Love shows the unreal popularity of this band in Asia. The band released a Japanese version of this album in October of this year where it was met with just as much acclaim. This single peaked at #4 on the Korea Charts and #11 on the Billboard K-Pop Charts in the United States. This video which shows various concerts of the band is really baffling. I am fascinated by Asian music/entertainment's mix of Korean and English. Why is that done? 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J06ptq4OVbA

"Sorry"- Madonna. After Madonna gave up her "whore" mentality in late 90's, she went into a dance craze into the 2000's. This song from her 2006 album Confessions On A Dance Floor. This single went to the top 10 in virtually every country that has a chart..........except for the United States, where it peaked at #58 on the Billboard Hot 100, but went to #1 on the Dance Chart, and surprisingly went to #1 on the British Singles Chart. In this very 80's-esque video, Madonna looks more glamorous than she ever did in her slut days. I think she's aged gracefully while still staying true to her original image and sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2qbC2CO5uA

"Feeling Sorry"- Paramore. Talk about a band I would die to see live! This song from the band's 2009 critically acclaimed album Brand New Eyes is one of their better songs, but was not released as a single. Hayley Williams owns this song like she always does. I don't understand how she arranges her songs so well to show off the bands talents as well as show off her unreal voice! I'll always be a Paramore fan, but this last album with drummer Zac Farro and brother and lead guitarist/songwriter Josh Farro will be remembered as the last effort of their "classic" lineup. This song flows so well and then has an ending that leaves you begging for more. Few people can do that like her.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33qg6OujZJc

"Apologize"- Luke Bryan. Just when you thought you'd heard the last of OneRepublic. This country version of OneRepublic's hit was included on Luke Bryan's 2009 album Doin' My Thing, which went to #6 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. OneRepublic always calls them a "genre-less" band, and the ease that this song was transitioned to a country style I think proves that point.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV4VMZR-qko

"Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word"- Mary J. Blige. This track by Mary J. Blige in 2004 was included on the soundtrack of the romantic comedy "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason". While not released as a single, it solidified my belief of Mary J. Blige being THE MOST diverse female artist ever. She has covered (in no order) U2, Journey, Led Zeppelin, Elton John (who she recorded a duet with as well). Name one other artist who's done that....didn't think so. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RLpzPsI17o

BONUS VIDEOS- "Cage The Songbird"- Elton John.

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

"Stairway To Heaven"- Mary J. Blige.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8ZJVZ9eHNI

"The Only Exception"- Paramore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J7J_IWUhls

"Wherever You Are"- One Ok Rock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qpDuLysZ1Y

"Storytime"- Nightwish.

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

"Smells Like Teen Spirit"- Nirvana.

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

Nirvana

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Elton John

Paramore

MJB!

Late Night Music Finals Edition Part 169......"Ready, Set, Go!"

I've spent all semester telling students to "Go" chase their dreams and their goals, so why not make a list about it? I actually more to choose from with this list than just about any other one I've ever done. Who would have thought it?

In order to receive votes in this category, the SONG TITLE had to have some form of the word "Go" in it. Also receiving votes was "The Show Must Go On" by Famous Last Words, "All Lips Go Blue" by HIM, "Go The Distance" by Emma Blackery, "Let's Go" by Ashley Allen and "Go Get It" by T.I. NOT RECEIVING VOTES was "I Wanna Go" by Britney Spears and "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion.

"Let Her Go"- Passenger. This song about appreciating the little things in life put British singer/songwriter Passenger on the map earlier this year when it was released off his third studio album All The Little Lights, where it had international success peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100. This video accompanying the single does a great job capturing Passenger's dedicated fan base and his love of performing. The first time I heard this song I thought it was The Lumineers, then it sounded like Ed Sheeran, but the more I hear it the more I really get a sense for Passenger's one of a kind sound. The success of this video and song helped put All The Little Lights at #28 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBumgq5yVrA

"Go"- Hanson. This 2007 single from the all grown up Hanson and their album The Walk saw success in the UK when it peaked at #44 on the British Singles Chart. It also became the first single by the band ever sung by youngest brother Zac, who is also the primary songwriter for the track (who also ironically, shares my birthday of October 22- look it up). I think most of you wouldn't be laughing so hard had Hanson had not been a bubblegum kid group in the 90's (I know I say that a lot). They are a legitimate talent as a band and have to had to fight harder than they should have to just to prove they are a good "grown up" band by starting their own label, 3CG Records. Hanson, even when they are waning in popularity always seem to make interesting graphic videos that really make you think. This one is no different. The irony and artistic quality of this video is really something to behold. These guys are seriously one talented family.

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

"Go Your Own Way"- Fleetwood Mac. This fantastic live performance was captured on Fleetwood Mac's live reunion album/concert tour The Dance released in 1997. 20 years prior in January of 1977, the single became the bands first top 10 single in the United States when it peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 off of the band's iconic album Rumours. I never understood how Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks could write songs about each other, play them, record them, and perform them like it was no big deal. That either shows unbelievable professionalism or just plain craziness. Throughout this whole concert, Stevie and Lindsey look at each other constantly almost like they are saying "yeah I wrote this song about you". I think this performance also shows the true talent as a band that Fleetwood Mac still has even today. Even the biggest haters of mainstream pop agree that Lindsey Buckingham has to one of the best guitar players ever. I would also like to add that I have his autograph on an LP of Rumours. Mick Fleetwood also has a style all his own on the drums. This is one band that I would love to see live despite the departure of Christine McVie. I just can't see how you can see them and not have a great time. I also like to think that the campaign of Bill Clinton was indirectly responsible for this reunion seeing how he brought the band back together during his first Presidential campaign when he used "Don't Stop" as his theme song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPbcGSI4P2g

"Here It Goes Again"- OK Go. This Grammy and VMA award winning video put OK Go on the map in 2006 when this single from their album Oh No peaked at #38 on the Billboard Hot 100. This elaborate treadmill dance routine remains one of the most watched videos in youtube history and and was named one of the greatest music videos of all time by Time Magazine. More amazingly, the band does the dance nearly flawless in one continuous take (there is supposedly no editing done in the final copy of the video), that took 17 tries to perfect by the band. In another ironic twist, bassist Tim Norwind rather than lead singer Damian Kulash lip syncs the lyrics in the video. For what reason? None is really given. That being said, this is without a doubt one of the coolest things on the internet and is a super catchy song that kinda reminds me of The Strokes, Elefant, with a little touch of Panic! At The Disco....more on them later.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTAAsCNK7RA

"Ways To Go"- Grouplove. This very strange single from Grouplove's 2013 album Spreading Rumours really shows Grouplove's talent and strangeness all in one. This single peaked at #120 on the Billboard Charts and had this very interesting video to accompany it. I am taking a wild guess that this song has something to do with North Korea just by judging by the resemblance of the fat Asian kid in the video to Kim Jong-Un, but then again, it could be about PSY. Do it Gangnam Style! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGvHnDeS12o

"Let It Go"- Demi Lovato. This Disney soundtrack ballad for their new movie "Frozen" was included on the original motion picture soundtrack by the newest of the "Glee" kids Demi Lovato. According to the producers of the film, they hand chose Lovato to do the song just because of her personal circumstances of the last few years. Her new adult look has got her looking like a real diva rather than a Disney Channel teeny bopper.

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

"Let's Go"- Stuck In The Sound. Sometimes a song and video are just beyond brilliant. That's all I can say about this song and video by French band Stuck In The Sound. This song from their 2012 album Pursuit has 1990's grunge feel to it and has one of the most interesting and entertaining videos I've ever seen. It almost makes me think of David Bowie's "Space Oddity". I always like when foreign bands sing in English, which Stuck In The Sound apparently does on a regular basis. This song was not released as a single by the band, but remains one of their more popular songs among their fans across Europe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52Gg9CqhbP8

"Go Gentle"- Robbie Williams. I still can't get over the fact that I was once a mere 2 feet from this guy. I've never seen more amazing hair in my life. Oh, to be born with great hair genes. This big band feeling latest single from Williams album Swings Both Ways has this parade type video filmed in downtown Los Angeles. It's always interesting to see guys with a boy band background try a new genre even if they have had success as a solo artist already. I could hear this song and never know that it was Robbie Williams singing despite having a very distinctive voice. This is seriously unlike anything he's ever done. Is it just me, or does Robbie Williams look a lot like Mark Salling (Puck) from "Glee"? Maybe it's the hair.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3OWZaIpEDk

"Let Me Go"- Avril Lavigne featuring Chad Kroeger. I realize Lavigne and Kroeger are married, but did you have to include Nickelback on this one? I seriously almost disqualified it for that reason. Avril Lavigne is just so dang powerful and enchanting it is unreal. Her talent and diversity as an artist is unmatched by any female. This latest single from her self-titled album released earlier this year saw much success in her native Canada, while only peaking at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100. The look Lavigne has in this video seems to work better for her if you ask me. I like her music looking crazy, but she looks way better with this elegant look.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU_U21W3pYk

"Where Did The Party Go?"- Fall Out Boy. This single off of Fall Out Boy's comeback album Save Rock and Roll was released just last week. Watching this video makes me think I'm watching an episode of one of my favorite TV shows ever "Revolution". I must add that the unreal weight loss of lead singer Patrick Stump is freaking amazing. His new look goes great with the new reinvented sound of Fall Out Boy which is way more pop than what they were known for before their four year hiatus. This video is interesting because a frantic hospital is the last place I'd think of if I was trying to pick a place for a "party". So where did the party go? My question is rather "why was there in the hospital in the first place?".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9hESWfeXG0

"Second Go"- Lights. This is actually the second time I've featured this little cute Canadian sparkplug. This single from her 2010 debut album The Listening peaked at #54 in Canada. This very interesting video, which reportedly was shot in only one take, was the first video she had that did not incorporate a space theme. She reminds me a lot of Tiffany and Debbie Gibson and other 80's artists with her use of keyboards and a techno sound. Seems to be a growing trend with the Canadian indie artists.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPLRkyGU3cM

"Go To Hell"- Go Radio. This Tallahassee band was so good! Led by former Mayday Parade lead singer Jason Lancaster, this single was included on Go Radio's second and final 2012 album Close The Distance. With yet another parade video, this video and single helped the album peak at #54 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Go Radio joins the list of other indie bands I get really into at the end of their run which kill the chance of me ever seeing them live. I wonder what we would have done before the invention of the internet and iTunes.  

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

"Ready To Go"- Panic! At The Disco. This closing credit song to the 2011 movie "The Smurfs" was included on PITD's album Vices and Virtues. This Las Vegas band is usually the master of having songs without the song title in the lyrics, but makes up for all those times with a repetitive chorus in this song. They also broke their trend of silly videos with this raw look at a live performance from the band..........well except for the dude playing cello in his underwear. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xDf-_8KvGM

"Here I Go Again"- Whitesnake. This 1982 staple of British hair band Whitesnake put Tawny Kitaen in the hearts of teenage boys everywhere and Whitesnake at the top of the charts when this single went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 off of Whitesnake's album Saints and Sinners, but this version released in the United States in 1987, was actually of the band's self-titled album and easily became their biggest hit as a band. Tawny Kitaen would go on to be married to California Angels fireballer Chuck Finley, briefly becoming one of the hottest sports wives in a America. Maybe it's just me, but I always think of Will Ferrell working on his car in "Old School" listening to this song when I hear it. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3MXiTeH_Pg

"Go Rest High On That Mountain"- Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Ricky Scaggs. Shifting gears just a tad bit, Vince Gill wrote this song in honor of his late brother Bob and included it on his 1995 album When Love Finds You. Though the song only peaked at #14 on the Billboard Country Music Chart, the song still won the CMA Award for Song of the Year in 1996 and remains one of Vince Gill's most popular songs. This incredible live performance from GMA's TV special "Grand Ole Opry at Carnegie Hall" is quite remarkable. What a thrill to perform in such an amazing hall for music history. My only question is why Alison Krauss is carrying a violin (or is it a "fiddle") that is never played? All jokes aside, this is one of country music's greatest songs ever and has a great blend with a phenomenal trio with a blend that seems all too natural. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3MXiTeH_Pg

"Let It Go"- Wiz Khalifa featuring Akon. I like the Akon hook on this song. The blend on this song from Khalifa's 2012 album O.N.I.F.C. which heavily features Khalifa's hometown of Pittsburgh. I'm usually not a huge fan of the modern rap out there, but Wiz Khalifa's diverse upbringing in North Dakota, Japan, and Germany I think really influenced his diversity as an artist and makes him better than most rappers out there today, at least the ones in the mainstream.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJn-EHd7VeU

"Ready To Go"- Republica. Talk about making a career just from getting your songs played in NBA games.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgffRW1fKDk

"Don't Let Go"- En Vogue. This girl power theme song from the 1996 crime motion picture "Set It Off" proved to be En Vogue's last gasp and last major hit when it peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. This proved to be Dawn Robinson's swan song, as she left the group almost immediately after the release of this song to form to short lived supergroup Lucy Pearl. The success of the single led the group to include it on their Dawn Robinson-less 1997 album EV3. En Vogue was another great 90's R & B girl group who had a similar sound, but not other girl group had better seductive choreography. Those dance moves are so sexy! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSb5Sd_FCJ4

BONUS VIDEOS- "Tender"- Stuck In The Sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkbCw7oVkw0

"That Green Gentleman"- Panic! At The Disco.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f3K2sEHuIM

"Skyscrapers"- OK Go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb4lgOiHBZo

"Think About Me"- Fleetwood Mac.

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

"Lego House"- Ed Sheeran.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4BLVznuWnU

"Stay"- Mayday Parade.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAfNjdcgp4E

OK Go

Stuck In The Sound

Demi Lovato

En Vogue

Fall Out Boy

Go Radio

Late Night Music Thanksgiving Edition Part 168..........."I'm All In"

Let's be thankful for ALL the things we have in life- see what I did there? I can't believe I've never done this list before. Tons to choose from in this category. Happy thanksgiving everyone.

In order to be considered for this list, the SONG TITLE had to have the word "All" in it. Also receiving votes in this category were "I Want It All" by Kat Graham, "Seen It All" by Jake Bugg, "All I Want" by Kodaline, "I Want It All" by Queen, "All The Above" by Maino featuring T-Pain. NOT RECEIVING ANY VOTES was "All Me" by Drake.

"All Of Me"- John Legend. This latest John Legend single from his 2013 album Love In The Future had the unreal honor of premiering during the season finale of the 9th season of "Grey's Anatomy" even before it was available on iTunes. This unreal piano ballad was written for Legend's fiancee and now wife, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Chrissy Teigen, who is also featured in this video which includes actual footage of their wedding in Italy. John Legend is one of those guys who has quietly hung around over the last few years, and always delivers in a big way when he comes up again. He just seems so effortless and natural when sitting at a piano, and this video is a great example of that. Despite that, his vocal talents are highlighted more in this song than any other he has had probably since "Ordinary People". This single peaked at #66 on the Billboard Hot 100.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=450p7goxZqg

"You Got It All"- The Jets. One of my favorite bands ever! The ever talented Wolfgramm family from Minnesota has always been one of my favorites not only because of their great songs, but because of the positive things they stand for as well as being so humble to fans and peers alike. I am still amazed how so many talented children could come out of one family despite a couple of the siblings being adopted. Despite that, I still don't get the theme of this video at all. I wonder if the Jets even did? This Rupert Holmes pinned song (the artist who made the "Pina Colada" song famous) from their 1985 debut self-titled album climbed to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and made the beautiful future breast cancer survivor Elizabeth Wolfgramm at just 12 years old, a pop icon. Despite her young age, she owns the song and admitted herself that she had to imagine singing the song to a puppy because at 12 years old she had no idea how to sing about love to a man. As is it custom, I usually say at this point that the mother of the Wolfgramm children did her best to turn her uterus into a clown car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVB7RTGLaGA

"All Along the Watchtower"- Jimi Hendrix Experience. This Bob Dylan from Hendrix's 1968 #1 album Electric Ladyland proved to be his biggest ever hit in the United States when it climbed to #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. With the success of this single and its supporting album, it's easy to speculate about the success that was upcoming for Jimi Hendrix prior to his untimely death in 1970. His talent and charisma just oozes all over this song that even Bob Dylan himself said took him by surprise by its finished product. This song was also fueled by the Vietnam War protests that were all over the United States at this time. See "Forrest Gump" for more on that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJV81mdj1ic

"All Or Nothing"- O-Town. In one of the greatest instances of musical irony, O-Town was exactly all or nothing when this song was their highest charting, and last entrance onto the charts when this song from their self-titled 2001 album hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. These Lou Pearlman manufactured robots had risen to fame from the ABC reality show "Making the Band", which chronicled their formation and early performances. I never got why Lou Pearlman in all his wisdom chose to have a band name representing a city that only he came from and none of the band members did. I guess that shows why his time eventually ran out in the entertainment industry. These guys were talented and had decent chemistry as a group, but the boy band wave had died by 2002 and money hungry production companies had shoved these guys down our throats to the point we were sick of it. You can't blame these guys- they just wanted to be famous. Also, at the end of the day, they had some smoking hot women in their videos, just saying.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG8IkUoZ6j0

"All For Love"- Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart, and Sting. Fresh off of his mega worldwide success of "Everything I Do" from the 1992 Kevin Costner movie "Robin Hood Prince of Thieves", Disney enlisted the talents of Bryan Adams to write the anthem to their 1993 blockbuster "The Three Musketeers". This time, he brought Rod Stewart and Sting along to help him sing another movie song that climbed to #1 when it hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts in early 1994. I thought this movie was super stupid despite a great cast, but I've always been a fan of this song, and would like to have seen these guys do an encore of some sort. I like when you bring together random artists and have them mesh together on a song like this. I miss when movies did this. Whatever happened to good movie soundtracks? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofA3URC1wyk

"All For You"- Sister Hazel. Why was everyone always so down on Sister Hazel? This 1997 single from their major label debut album ...Somewhere More Familiar peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was included in the Jennifer Lopez/Matthew McConaughey romantic comedy "The Wedding Planner". Ken Block was always one of my favorite lead singers just because he looks like a regular guy, but Sister Hazel just never caught on like I hoped despite me always being a huge fan. Maybe it was their constant use of harmony like Blues Traveler. Sister Hazel hung around for a few more years with solid follow albums Fortress, Chasing Daylight, and Lift, but they soon just were another Florida rock band. I actually tried to buy one of their CDs once at a music store in Clarksville, TN and the manager said "why would we have them? we only sell people who sell in here". Ouch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f46ulX6uwGc

"All My Life"- K-Ci and Jo Jo. In 1997, K-Ci and JoJo "took a break" from Jodeci to record their debut duo album Love Always, with this single being its lead single in 1998. This single shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the duo two Grammy nominations at the 1999 awards ceremony. The popularity of this song tied a Billboard record previously held by the Beatles when this single debuted at #15 before jumping to #1 the next week- a jump of 14 spots. While this song was still at its peak, I saw K-Ci and JoJo open for Boyz II Men by closing a fantastic set with a great rendition of this song. During that performance K-Ci Hailey made the proclamation that "Jodeci ain't going nowhere!". Yeah bud, still waiting for that reunion.

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

"Calling All Angels"- Train. Train came back onto the scene after a brief hiatus in 2003 with their much anticipated album My Private Nation with this lead single peaking at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100. Train opened a great performance at USM my senior year with this song as well. I was the first person to admit that I wasn't a huge Train fan until I saw them live. That performance that night made me a believer. This single earned Train two Grammy nominations in 2004 as well. Pat Monahan is just one of those guys that is so distinctive, and surprisingly extremely hard to emulate. I have forever retired Train from my karaoke repertoire just due to the songs being too high to sing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaG9SDxwPBg

"Mr. Know It All"- Kelly Clarkson. Why is Kelly Clarkson such a guilty pleasure? I hate including "American Idol" participants, but she is so good its seriously not fair. How someone did not discover her talent prior to her being on "American Idol" is beyond me. This single which peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 fit right in with the powerful woman theme of her 2011 album Stronger. In another great musical irony, I honestly didn't know much about Kelly Clarkson until she became featured in my "Guilty Pleasures" features of this series.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C_oNMH0GTk

"All Star"- Smash Mouth. I really expected Smash Mouth to get even bigger after the wide success of this song from their 1999 hit album Astro Lounge went to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. This super catchy song went on to be featured in the movies "Mystery Men" (as seen from the video), and "Rat Race". It was also heavily used by the "Shrek" franchise (which probably led to the band being featured in the first movie's version of "I'm A Believer") and by the NBA All-Star weekend festivities. Smash Mouth has always been a great party band, but when you look at them and had to guess their band name, I'd have to say that "Smash Mouth" is probably the last thing I'd think of just looking at these guys. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_jWHffIx5E

"All Night Long"- Lionel Richie. Lionel Richie is easy to laugh at. Just look at his hair, and just watch him try to be "Carribbean" in this song, but at the same time, you have to appreciate the guy's obvious diversity. However, even for the 1980's, he had some of the cheesiest videos ever made. This 1983 hit from his album Can't Slow Down peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and gave old people everywhere an idea of what a real "party" is. I understand that the early 1980's was all about "unity", but I have no idea what to make of all these random themes just popping up all over the place. Ok, I can't watch anymore- the leather pants are too much for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqAvFx3NxUM

"All About Us"- He Is We featuring Owl City. This duo from Tacoma, Washington added the musical stylings of Owl City in this solid track from their 2010 album My Forever. Owl City seems to always add a lot to whatever song/genre he sings or plays on. That guy is super talented and he really complements this song to the point that you forget he's a guest artist because he really seems like another member of the band. He Is We has had some lineup changes due to health issues the last few years, but is still one of the Pacific Northwest's best kept secrets. I'd like to see them have another album in the near future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7Gf2SOmz5Q

"All About Tonight"- Pixie Lott. I forget about Pixie Lott way too much because we don't ever get enough of her in the United States. This debut single from her much anticipated 2011 follow up album Young Foolish Happy peaked at #1 on the British Singles Chart. Pixie Lott reminds me a lot of Amy Winehouse. I see Pixie Lott making a big American splash soon because everything she touches in the UK seriously turns to gold. She's rock and roll enough to fall into the pop star category, and still cutting edge enough to stand out. I'm really curious as to what she has in store for us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swcULf1ATyU

"All In"- Lifehouse. My favorite band with Howie Mandell as a band member! This is a great song by one of my favorite bands in the world. Lifehouse just is so distinctive in so many ways. This song from their 2010 album Smoke and Mirrors did not get heavy US airplay, but charted at #26 on the Billboard Christian Charts, and remains a staple in many stores and restaurants on the house mix, I have heard this song at more than one job I've had in the last few years. I'm glad Lifehouse is sticking around with a still sizeable fan base, as they never get the credit I feel they deserve in so many levels. This is one band I'd love to see live, as nearly all of their videos seems to have some sort of live performance feel to it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1odkjJCA10c

BONUS VIDEOS- "Crush On You"- The Jets.

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

"Everything"- Lifehouse.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pfWKDS5chk

"Broken Arrow"- Pixie Lott.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVnvikQpEig

"Save Room"- John Legend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOmnGzAKLvg

"Hey, Soul Sister"- Train.

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

"Lately"- Jodeci.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-6dhte1Tys

John Legend

Pixie Lott

Train

K-Ci and JoJo

He Is We