Late Night Music Mother's Day Edition Part 176........."The Motherload"

I know I'm late here, but I found it interesting that I have never done a "mother" list before. Mothers are a super important part of everyone's life, and they can be just as important to these artists making a classic song.

Obviously, in order to be considered for this list, the SONG TITLE had to feature the word "Mom", "Mother" or any form of it. All songs receiving votes were included in this list.

"Mother"- Danzig. New Jersey heavy metal masters Danzig released this single as their debut single on their self-titled 1988 album along with this controversial video, which was actually banned by MTV for some time (when MTV actually stilled showed videos) for the chicken sacrifice near the end of the video. In 1993, this song was re-released and remixed and became Danzig's highest charting single ever when it peaked at #43 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was bands like Danzig that first pushed the envelope for mainstream heavy metal when the 80's was dance and electro pop heavy. This sound was mirrored in bands like Metallica and was a great prelude for the grunge era that came a mere 5 years later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ3xkWuP3Ck

"Stacy's Mom"- Fountains of Wayne. Rachel Hunter will never stop being hot! This summer hit for Fountains of Wayne in 2003 in support of their album Welcome Interstate Managers put Fountains of Wayne in the mainstream and made this song one of the most downloaded songs in the early days of iTunes. This song peaked at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reminded all of us how fine Rachel Hunter is. How in the blue heck did Rod Stewart ever let her go? Wow! Fountains of Wayne just looks like the guys in college who never go to class but always seem to stick around semester after semester. This song was an obvious rip off of The Cars "Just What I Needed" as the intros sound nearly identical. Chris Collingwood said that this song was a "tribute" to The Cars and that the intro "just sounded right". So right that I still can't tell the two apart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZLfasMPOU4

"Your Mother Should Know"- The Beatles. This Beatles dance number was featured in their 1967 TV Movie/U.S. Album Magical Mystery Tour. According to Paul McCartney, he wrote this song specifically for the movie/album and wanted to make a "dance production" made evident by the matching tuxes in the video. In a twist of irony, Paul McCartney's carnation is black in the video, while all the others are red. This was one of the early "Paul Is Dead" signs that was rumored around the music world. With the Beatles not touring since 1966 in support of Revolver, fans were literally limited to performances like this to see the Beatles, so in the pre-internet and TMZ days, rumors like that could be easily started. Even as a Beatles fanatic, I have to admit that this movie wasn't their best work, and the accompanying soundtrack was very lackluster even for the Beatles standards. This has, however always been a favorite of mine being the gem of the soundtrack (along with "I Am The Walrus").

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

"Bad Motherf----r"- Biting Elbows. I'll just let you read the title to this one. This Russian rock band provided what I believe at least, one of the coolest videos I have ever seen. Think "The Matrix" meets every Chuck Norris movie meets Call of Duty. I mean this dude lives up to the song title. The interesting thing about this song is that while I could peg this easily as a European band, I would have never guessed Russian- this sound just screams German or maybe French. I guess Russia IS capable of giving us decent rock music. I see this video and it makes me think that the Beastie Boys should have had more of this in their "Sabotage" video......I smell a bonus video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rgox84KE7iY

"Mama"- My Chemical Romance. I can't remember I actually two New Jersey bands in the same list? What is the world coming to? This catchy tune was included on their 2006 album The Black Parade and remains a staple at their live performances and remains a fan favorite, which helped propel the rock opera concept album to #2 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This song features some sick guitar licks by Ray Toro. I've never been overly into My Chemical Romance despite their obvious talent, but their recent breakup has me wanting a comeback album. Why do I always do that?

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

"Dear Mama"- 2Pac. 2Pac solidified his status as America's favorite convict when this single shot to #9 on his #1 album Me Against The World while he was incarcerated. This gave him the record of being the first person ever to have a #1 album behind bars. This explains his not being present in the video. People still think I'm crazy, but there is no doubt that 2Pac is easily the best rapper of all time. While I can't relate or even understand half of this stuff he's talking about, but his cleverness in writing is unmatched by writers of almost any genre. I am always conflicted when it comes to 2Pac, he seemed like a decent enough smart guy, but I always wonder what he could have done had he stayed more positive in his music, even like this song. This song would go on to be one of the most influential rap songs of all time inspiring artists like a young Eminem and Snoop Dogg saying that the song "helped learn to be more introspective, because no other rapper did that".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb1ZvUDvLDY

"My Mother Said"- Anneke Van Giersbergen. Man what an awesome song here! This Dutch songstress strikes gold in this piano ballad. This Sara Bareilles-esque sound makes this single a perfect fit for her 2013 album Drive. I always am mesmerized by European artists who sing, write and record in English. I would like to have a conversation with a European and see if English music more marketable overseas. No matter what language this song is in, this is a fine piece of writing, playing, and singing. I have a feeling I'll be hearing some more of her very soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3PXLFJAnv8

"What Your Mother Taught You"- Kingsfoil. This Pennsylvania band features former "Malcolm In the Middle" star Frankie Muniz on drums, and his talents are evident on this track from their 2012 album A Beating Heart is a Bleeding Heart. Maybe it's just me, but I think it's cool when people who used to be stars are able to take backseats while still playing a critical role. How many TV stars who played the lead role would be ok with just being the drummer? No matter who the drummer is, this track is pretty awesome and I appreciate the fact that Kingsfoil doesn't use a former child star to get attention- kudos to Frankie Muniz for being able to do something he really loves away from acting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-BkEDEWl3k

"Mama"- Genesis. This 1983 title track to Genesis experimental album makes an unforgettable entrance with this ode to prostitute shopping which surprisingly is Genesis most successful single on the British Singles Chart ever when it peaked at #4. Despite it's British success, it only peaked at #73 on the Billboard Hot 100. I'm a big fan of Phil Collins, but this was just so different from what I was used to with these guys. I guess every artist has to explore different avenues and instruments sometimes. No matter how weird it sounds. I mean Neil Young did a techno album remember?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1LOWEufAH0

"Mother"- Blondie. After being the disco god of the 70's Blondie embarked on a "comeback" of sorts in the 90's that has continued to today. Debbie Harry and her band of merry men put together this solid single from their 2011 album Panic of Girls. If you pay attention you'll see a cameo by one of my favorites, the B-52's Kate Pierson (I smell a bonus video). Blondie is a good example of a group that changed with the times staying true to their old self, but also adjusting to the musical era of the times. Their songwriting doesn't have to change, but let's be glad they aren't still playing disco.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlbhL-S4BHw

"Hey Mama"- Mat Kearney. Mat Kearney is the winner of the imaginary award for "The Celebrity I Literally Got Less Than a Foot From But Never Met". I almost ran into him after his Austin Peay homecoming concert where he was signing autographs for adoring female fans outside of the famed "Red Barn" on Austin Peay's campus. Those were the days, wait no they weren't- what am I talking about? Anyway, this single helped his 2011 album Young Love peak at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and #1 on the Billboard Top Christians Album Chart. This Nashville inspired/twist of reggae sound really put Kearney back on both the mainstream/Christian music landscape with several songs from this album being used on "Grey's Anatomy", which seems to be the right of passage these days for artists. The funny thing watching this video is that he seems a lot taller than he really is in real life. He joins a short list of celebrities I've actually seen in person that are exponentially smaller in person.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9qUMr6feOI

"Does Your Mother Know"- Abba. In 1979, Abba was riding the very last of the dance/disco wave when they released their album Voulez-Vous. You can see their transition begin a tad in this single, but it would be the last of the sound that made them face of European dance music in the mid-late 70's. This song hit #1 in several countries in Europe and peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100. The funny thing to me about Abba is that I'm always expecting the real group to come out. It's almost like the real group is a stand in group as a joke. No one in Abba looks like a musician. Hell, they don't even look like real Swedes! I demand to see some ID! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkL7Fkigfn8

"Mama Lover"- Serebro. This is without a doubt the first time I've ever featured TWO Russian groups on the same list. Russian girl band Serebro hits a solid title track to their 2010 album with this catchy tune (another English song by a European group) that peaked at #8 on the Russian Singles Chart and helped the accompanying album reach platinum status in Europe. This song also was the band's first real American exposure when it peaked at #38 on the Billboard Club Chart. I just finished watching this video and all I can hope for is that they weren't really driving while they were filming.

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

"Mama Said Knock You Out"- LL Cool J. Remember when LL Cool J was a rapper? Yeah me either. Just kidding! This 1990 title track to LL Cool J's comeback album is considered to be one of the best early hip hop albums ever made. In doing so, he took this single all the way to #1 on the Billboard Rap Charts and #17 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to LL Cool J, the inspiration for this song came from a discussion with his grandmother where he said he was thinking of changing his image because gangsta rap was becoming the way to make a bigger name for yourself in rap music. According to LL Cool J, his grandmother said "just knock them out" and the catchy hook to this song was born. I've always liked LL Cool J, but it makes me immensely jealous that the dude is STILL chiseled like he was in this video today 24 years later. That's insane.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vimZj8HW0Kg

"A Song For Mama"- Boyz II Men. Don't worry I didn't forget this one. This hit single from the movie "Soul Food" and Boyz II Men's 1997 album Evolution. This Babyface penned slow jam (I did NOT know he wrote this song until right now!) peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard R & B Chart proving to be Boyz II Men's last top 10 hit on the Hot 100. In fact, Boyz II Men would only taste the chart one more time with 1999's "I Will Get There". However, the success of this song helped the album reach #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart (also something they would never do again). Oh yeah, I smell a bonus video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tap90z44WR8

BONUS VIDEOS- "I Will Get There"- Boyz II Men.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY5QgpgrJP0

"Roam"- The B-52's.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNwC0sp-uA4

"Heart of Glass"- Blondie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGU_4-5RaxU

"Sabotage"- Beastie Boys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5rRZdiu1UE

"Feel Alive"- Anneke Van Giersbergen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2FPxUROlPA

"Baby, You're A Rich Man"- The Beatles

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

Magical Mystery Tour

Anneke Van Giersbergen

Boyz II Men

Fountains Of Wayne

Serebro

Late Night Music State Tests Edition Part 175......"We're Getting In Free, But There's Still A Cover Charge"

One of these days, you guys are going to realize how much I really love cover songs. It's gonna be a long week, so I decided to go ahead and knock out a list tonight so I can not worry about it tomorrow.

In order to be considered for this list, the song had to be a cover song and could not have been on any previous cover song lists. All songs receiving votes were included on this list.

"Like A Virgin"- Amos Lee (Originally by Madonna). This latest single from Amos Lee made its debut on last week's episode of "Grey's Anatomy" (which seems to be the new way to release never heard before singles) and does a great job of adding an unreal twist of soul to this Madonna mega hit which was the title track to her 1984 sophomore album that literally took the world by storm. Amos Lee adds his Philadelphia roots with his college experience at the University of South Carolina to be a southern soul folk artist with a East Coast twist. His distinct voice and soothing soul makes him a great candidate to cover this 80's teen classic that went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. I'm interested to see if this cover will be the lead single for a new Amos Lee album that will be a follow up to Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers of Song. Amos Lee was a regular on the rotation when I worked at Sprint, and he's a great singer to get you through a stressful work shift. This was a great song to start this list off, and I'm really looking forward to this track being on iTunes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyaOivxqcdE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHW5RVvg2v4

"You Get What You Give"- Bethany (Originally by New Radicals). Even though New Radicals were a one hit wonder, this mega hit from my high school days is done spectacularly by Filipino band Bethany. This one hit wonder peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is done in a similar but stylish way by Bethany here. This awesome cover is also unfortunately not on iTunes- what's going on here? Bethany is influenced by some of my favorite bands ever and that heavy American influence is definitely present on this song and all of their tracks. The more I discover solid Asian acts, the more I think I need to have "Artists of Asia Part 2". I always am intrigued by foreign artists recording in English especially covering American bands. I love foreign music, but is American music the best? Sure makes it seem that way. I have a feeling I'll be way more into Bethany soon as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS5tsmQtbhk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL7-CKirWZE

"Everybody Wants To Rule The World"- Aron Wright (Originally by Tears for Fears). It's always great to see a mellow twist on a Brit Pop 80's classic, especially one was goofy as Tears for Fears. They were an 80's duo that was so bad they were good. This 1985 single from the Tears for Fears album Songs From The Big Chair. This solid cover from Nashville indie artist Aron Wright is spectacular for capturing the soul of Tears for Fears while really capturing the raw emotion that comes from this actually rather sad song. This standalone single was released earlier this year and is currently available on iTunes. The more I listen to this song, the more I think that this song was actually meant for Aron Wright to sing all along. Like a few others from this list, this song also premiered on an episode of "Grey's Anatomy", which seems to be the hangout for cover songs nowadays. I hope the mainstream exposure for Aron Wright will get him a major label album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APnzHoGdRi4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST86JM1RPl0

"Ordinary World"- Joy Williams (Originally by Duran Duran). Former Christian solo artist and one half of Nashville folk duo The Civil Wars Joy Williams relased this standalone single and cover of 1993 Duran Duran smash this year and made it available on iTunes. This single went to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 for Duran Duran from their self-titled album more commonly called "The Wedding Album" and has been covered frequently (surprisingly by several Christian bands including christian rock band Red). The Civil Wars probably aren't going anywhere, but it's great to see such a talented artist tackle a huge hit and do it so well. In another "Grey's Anatomy" debut, this previously unreleased single was originally recorded in 2010 but was given a great christening on the hit show. This track has a touch of Tori Amos and Jewel, but also has a touch of Joy Williams signature sound. What a great cover!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h09XFa49lM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDLiVwpv89s

"We Built This City"- Biffy Clyro (Originally by Starship). This Bernie Taupin written song is a perfect example of a song that's so bad it's classic. This cheese fest took its hokey catchy tune all the way to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a guilty pleasure for everyone in the world. In the category of "it's so horrible its awesome", Scottish band Biffy Clyro does an awesome version of this song recorded live here on the BBC Show "Radio 1 Live Lounge". I'd love to see them do a whole album there, as it would show off their chemistry and musicianship that's made them one of the biggest acts in Europe. The funny thing is that even though Biffy Clyro is ten times a better band than Starship, this cover still can't be bad enough to be better than the original. How much craziness is that? Also, is it just me or does bassist James Johnston look like a doppelganger of "Modern Family" star Jesse Tyler Ferguson? I'm thinking they should be twins. More on a Biffy Clyro cover in a minute......I smell a bonus video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV9LyqtwziA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1b8AhIsSYQ

"Holiday"- Capital Cities (Originally by Madonna). Capital Cities and Madonna are both taking part in "Late Night Music" firsts right here. Madonna is the first artists to be covered twice on the same list, and Capital Cities are the first band to appear as a coverer and a coveree (I think I totally just made those words up right there score!). This smash single from Madonna's 1983 self-titled debut album went to #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped Madonna become a household name almost immediately. This 2011 standalone single by Capital Cities was not included on their debut album In A Tidal Wave of Mystery, but has been a staple at their live performances ever since. The album, surprisingly DID include the Prince cover "Nothing Compares 2 U"....I smell a bonus video. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcruBy7iU_w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X7RyGBq2E8

"Fame"- Mree (Originally by Irene Cara). Irene Cara made her living off of movies and themes from those movies including a leading role in the original "Sparkle" and having the super hit from the movie "Flashdance", but in between was this 1980 movie theme from the movie that inspired the TV show of the same name. Irene Cara took this single to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and New Jersey songstress Mree did a solid rendition of this song here (sorry, another "Grey's Anatomy" debut) that completely takes this song in a new direction. This song almost has a Ella Fitzgerald meets Norah Jones feel that you would never guess would ever go with this dance cult classic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrQkEviYJ3g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2jh7N7Fldk

"Africa"- Howie Day (Originally by Toto). Howie Day is a guy that has immense talent that has to get out of his own way. The guy is just oozing with talent and has got to find a way to keep his personal life out of the media and focus on making great songs like this one here. He's only released 2 albums in the last 13 years, and none since 2009. This super awesome acoustic cover is done flawlessly and gives an interesting twist to the 1982 Toto classic that climbed to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the smash album Toto IV. While I've always thought this song was catchy but stupid, leaving me with no freaking idea of what this song is even about. But Howie Day keeps is that way while still keeping the songs awesomeness with his trademark licks here. He should seriously try this more often.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpxPf4v0LL8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTQbiNvZqaY

"Private Eyes"- Sleeping At Last (Originally by Hall and Oates). Okay I promise this is the last "Grey's Anatomy" debut. Illinois singer/songwriter Ryan O'Neal is the sole member of this group that has been getting mad airplay on Grey's Anatomy lately. This solid cover of the 1981 Hall and Oates title track captures the power of the stalkerish lyrics that put the single at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This standalone single is available on iTunes and is one of several cover songs that Sleeping At Last has recorded lately. Seems to be something that suits him, and judging from the quality of this track, I'd have to agree.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj1vimmMZEE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anLfoy2XsFw

"Sister Christian"- Travis Marsh (Originally by Night Ranger). Up and coming country artist Travis Marsh covers one of our favorite 80's hokey singles by our favorite drummer lead singer group Night Ranger. Night Ranger's 1984 version peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Travis Marsh adds a country twist to this song that I never would have guessed, but does it on a stellar level. I'd like to see more country artists tackle power ballads like this. I'm seriously blown away! I'd also like to add that despite the seriously obvious low budget, this video is very well done. I'd like to see this guy get a solid band behind him and he'd really take off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZulOddP0fWM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z92bmlcmyq0

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody"- Bootstraps (Originally by Whitney Houston). Los Angeles rock band Bootstraps put an interesting twist on this Whitney Houston classic that shows her true diversity as a musician that could really reach all genres. The late Whitney Houston I think would more than approve of this solid cover of her #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit from her 1987 album Whitney. Bootstraps are still a relatively new band just releasing their first album this February and its available on iTunes. When you slow down dance hits like this one, you really get to pay attention to the lyrics, and you see that this song was actually quite depressing we just danced to it because that's the way Whitney sang it. It's amazing how many songs are written out of sadness but the actual sadness of the song isn't realized for the simple fact that the song is a fast tempo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4Ed2_bfnFo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGygGUfSwrs

"Surrender"- Velvet Revolver (Originally by Cheap Trick). This Cheap Trick 1978 classic was put on the B-Side of supergroup Velvet Revolver's 2004 single "Fall to Pieces" off of their album Contraband. This cover version really shows the blending of Guns N' Roses and Stone Temple Pilots that made Velvet Revolver so cool together. This surprisingly never made it to mainstream radio, despite "Fall To Pieces" only peaking at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100. Interestingly enough, the Cheap Trick version only peaked at #62 on the Billboard Hot 100 when it became their first hit in 1978, but I think the Velvet Revolver version could have out done that one.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbCA4CAhiyE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th370QmFtk8

"Safe and Sound"- Kina Grannis, Zedanya, Max and Kurt Schneider (Originally by Capital Cities). I love this song so much! This song stays stuck in my head just from the heavy TV and radio airplay from this Capital Cities signature song that peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2011. This cover featuring Youtube extraodinaire Kurt Schneider with the help of up and coming starlet Kina Grannis (along with a very noticeable product placement sponsorship from Coca Cola) really makes this song just as fun as the original. Grannis is on the verge of stardom especially after her appearance during Super Bowl XLIII. Kurt Schneider keeps blowing my mind on how he can find talented artists to blend so well together on the most random of songs. This one isn't any different.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG3oBe2ArDA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47dtFZ8CFo8

"Video Killed The Radio Star"- Various Artists (Originally by The Buggles). This song was infamously the first song ever played on MTV in 1981. In 1979, this song put the Buggles on the map when it went to #40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in support of their album The Age Of Plastic. This cover version is a collaborative effort of several Los Angeles area indie artists and was put together by the Pivot TV Network. The artists in this video are Run River North, Goldspot, London Thor, Far and Away, Musical Mammal, and Rainbow Jackson. Maybe it's just me, but I LOVE this cover! I wish I could find a way to download this. Yet another 80's classic cult classic that can be played awesome in any genre.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlqzwQkZ-oE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8h5OEivJdA

"Mirrors"- Boyce Avenue and Fifth Harmony (Originally by Justin Timberlake). I love this song! This Miami pop ensemble features a union of Cuban American band Boyce Avenue and Miami girl group and former "X Factor" contestants Fifth Harmony. This spectacular cover of one of my favorite songs of the last year from Justin Timberlake's The 20/20 Experience album last year is knocked out of the park! While the JT original version peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, this became a youtube and iTunes hit and helped solidify Boyce Avenue as one of the premiere cover bands in the United States. Fifth Harmony is also a solid listen and awesome to look at, I just hope the girl group fame window hasn't passed them by.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvEZUbzqqyM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuZE_IRwLNI

BONUS VIDEOS- "November Rain"- Amos Lee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4917jIhqcuI

"Nothing Compares 2 U"- Capital Cities

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_qAtnDKL4M

"Get Lucky"- Biffy Clyro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3n5Ufmu7d0

"Make Love In This Club"- Boyce Avenue

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

"Wagon Wheel"- Darius Rucker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvKyBcCDOB4

Amos Lee

Joy Williams

Bethany

Biffy Clyro featuring Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Mree