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
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
posted by General 5A Pigott at 7:28 PM
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