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Sunday, February 21, 2016
Late Night Music Daytona 500 Edition Part 193......."I'm Proud To Be An American"
I guess I just was feeling patriotic today. Can you believe I’ve never done one of these lists?
In order to be considered for this list, some form of a reference to the United States had to be made in the title or the song itself. Also receiving votes in this category were: “American Idiot” by Green Day, “White America” by Eminem, “Kids In America” by Kim Wilde, and “American Life” by Madonna. “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen received no votes. He sucks.
“Party In The U.S.A.”- Miley Cyrus.And we start this list off with the party songs of all party songs. This pop anthem established the former Hannah Montana turned whore as a grown up artist when this single from her 2009 album The Time Of Our Lives shot to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. I can actually remember us turning this song up during closing at Applebees in Madison because it was so dang catchy. But at the same time, this song was obviously manufactured, as Cyrus herself said she didn’t get most of the references in the song. Sadly enough, this song won’t be going anywhere any time soon, as it’s guilty pleasure status continues to grow by the day with the hilarious uses of this song continuing to become vast.
“America”- Simon and Garfunkel.This reminiscent song about Paul Simon’s 1964 transcontinental road trip with his then girlfriend made its first appearance on the Simon and Garfunkel’s critically acclaimed 1968 album Bookends. Always a fan and critical favorite, it was released as a single for the first time in 1972 to promote the duo’s Greatest Hits album where it only peaked at #97 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite this, the song still ranks as one of the band’s most famous and one of the best songs of the 1960’s. I always thought this song would be super cool if it had a sort of “riding on a train” music video. All of the American references would make it pretty spectacular.
“America”- Neil Diamond.You can rest assured that this will more than likely be crooner Neil Diamond’s one and only appearance on this publication. This anthem from the 1981 “movie” “The Jazz Singer” marked Diamond’s acting debut, and is considered one of the worst movies of all time, as it bombed financially and won the first ever Golden Rasberry Award for Worst Picture. Despite this, the soundtrack was enormously successful, with this single being one of Diamond’s biggest hits when it peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Neil Diamond has always been one of those guys that seemed like a really nice guy who just knew the right people I guess. The cheesy factor of his entire career is completely off of the charts. At least we got this catchy song with the unintentionally hilarious video.
“American Girl”- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers would begin the career of a lifetime in 1976 when this amazingly awesome track was included on their self-titled debut album. Still a staple at his live shows including his memorable Super Bowl 42 Halftime Show, this song has always been quite popular despite never reaching the Billboard Hot 100. The memorable opening guitar riff is considered by many as one of the best of all time. This song was a glimpse of what was coming up for this amazing band which has gone on to be one of the highest selling bands of all time.
“American Boy”- Estelle featuring Kanye West.Well since we included the American Girl, we had to keep it fair by including the American Boy too. This breakout 2008 single from British diva Estelle shot to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in support of her album Shine. This song was co written with Estelle with John Legend and the Black Eyed Peas will.i.am. This interesting video and catchy song went on to win the Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration despite featuring the world’s largest butthole in Kanye West. Estelle has gone to have a respectable career and has made a couple of appearances at Jackson’s R&B Fest in support of her critically acclaimed follow up album All Of Me and her most recent album, True Romance. Estelle is one of the most diverse artists to come out of the UK in the last few years, and she continues to perform and appear in the most random places with a recent appearance on “Celebrity Game Night” on NBC.
“American Pie”- Don McLean.Talk about a one hit wonder for the ages! Don McLean actually had two other tracks reach the Top 15 of the Billboard Hot 100, but I guarantee you don’t know them, because I didn’t either. However, this 1971 title track from his #1 album show to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and made Don McLean a rock legend and household name with this very interesting memorial song written for the tragic deaths of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens who were all killed in the same plane crash in 1959. The song is written from a first person perspective, as McLean even describes the actual feeling he had when he delivered newspapers the morning after the tragic event. However, McLean revealed in 2015 when he auctioned off the original manuscript of the lyrics that the song also included a feeling of “things going in the wrong direction” and said that the lyrics reference Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and the death of Meredith Hunter at the 1969 Altamont Free Concert.
“Living In America”- James Brown.This swan song of James Brown’s illustrious career took the world by storm when it was included on the soundtrack of and in this memorable scene from Sylvester Stallone’s 1985 “Rocky IV”. This single would go on to peak at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, being Brown’s last hit, as he only appeared on the chart one more time. This song would also prove to be Brown’s last Grammy Award when it got the nod for Best Male R&B performance in 1986. This song was also included on his 1986 album Gravity. This song was perfect for the “Rocky” theme as it showed the underlying tone of the Soviet/American relations and showed the patriotism portrayed by Carl Weathers as former World Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed. Despite the match’s sad ending, this song will always serve as the backdrop of one of the greatest scenes in sports movie history.
“American Saturday Night”- Brad Paisley. This title track of Brad Paisley’s 2009 album originally reached the Billboard Country Charts just due to unsolicited radio play. The guitar prowess of Paisley is shown in a huge way with this sentimental single about the average American family. After the release of the album, this song was officially released as a single and peaked at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Tracks Chart. Brad Paisley has always been super underrated in his ability to not only play a sick guitar, but to tell a real story and be funny all at the same time. This song and video is no different.
“American Woman”- Lenny Kravitz.I have to admit, I got sick of this song when it first came out. This cover of the 1970 The Guess Who classic was originally recorded for the soundtrack of the 1999 Mike Myers comedy “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me”, and was later included on Lenny Kravitz’s re-issue of this 1998 album 5. With heavy video play on MTV (when they still showed videos) and VH1, this song peaked at #49 on the Billboard Hot 100, but shot to #2 on the Canadian Singles Chart. This song would go on to win Lenny a Grammy at the 2000 Awards when it won for Best Male Rock Performance. Lenny Kravitz is also similar to Brad Paisley in that he is super underrated as a guitar player. This track and video show that while he has soul, he can still rock. I guess it’s the black and white in him.
“We’re An American Band”- Grand Funk Railroad.This autobiographical single and title track from Grand Funk Railroad’s 1973 album became one of their best known songs when it became their first ever #1 hit when it hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of 1973. The title track was apparently influenced by the band arguing with British band Humble Pie in a bar after a gig over the superiority of British or American music. Finally, drummer Don Brewer stood up and proclaimed “We’re an American band!”. The rest is history.
“Surfin’ USA”- Beach Boys. This title track from the Beach Boys 1963 was instrumental in shaping the early days of rock n’ roll and developing the “California Sound” that helped shape the youth of the 1960’s. However, despite this song peaking at #3 on Billboard Hot 100 and the Beach Boys being one of the greatest bands ever, this song is completely false. First of all, how can it be really be “Surfing USA” when the only places named in the song are in California, Hawaii, or even Australia? Should be more like “Surfin Pacific”, but hey, that’s just me.
“Philadelphia Freedom”- Elton John.I cheated on this one, but who cares. Elton John makes some TV history here when he became just the 3rd white artist to appear on the popular TV show “Soul Train” seen here in 1975. Not only this, he was one of the very few artists to actually sing a live track rather than lip sync. This standalone single written in part for Billie Jean King’s World Team Tennis team Philadelphia Freedoms, has since become an Elton John concert staple as well as a patriotic American song, as the single was released just in time for the American bicentennial.
“Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)”- Toby Keith.In 2001, country superstar was deeply moved by the death of his father as well as the events of September 11, 2001. In response to both events, Toby Keith wrote this song that was included on his 2002 album Unleashed. Met with critical acclaim and heavy airplay, it peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Chart the week of July 4 and peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100, easily Keith’s biggest hit on that chart.
Late Night Music President's Day Edition Part 192......"More 80's Hair Ballads"
I am seriously feeling it lately- and I have been meaning to do this list for a while. Don’t you love how some genres just get stuck in your head and you can’t get enough of it? Yep, happened to me.
Only power ballads from the 1980’s that were not included on the first list were considered for this list. Also receiving votes in this category were: “Love Bites” by Def Leppard, “Don’t Know What You Got Til It’s Gone” by Cinderella, and “Harden My Heart” by Quarterflash.
“Something To Believe In”- Poison. I kinda cheated on this one, but we’ll just say 1990 was still the 1980’s because Poison was still big- that makes it the 80’s right? This single from Poison’s last big album Flesh and Blood featured this hit that peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 making it one of Poison’s biggest and last hits. This song was dedicated to the memory of Bret Michael’s bodyguard and best friend James Kimo Maano. In an interesting move by the video’s director inserted footage of Maano in the video and in view of Michaels provoking the genuine emotional delivery seen near the end of the video. Apparently, Poison had nothing else to believe in as this was their final major hit of a highly successful peak.
“I Want To Know What Love Is”- Foreigner. Now this is how you make a power ballad! When I was 11 years old, I convinced my mom to take me to see these guys at Rapids on the Reservoir (which is torn down now but actually about a mile from my current residence), and I God bless her, we saw an amazing show even though she had had enough towards the end, and we missed this amazing song which is probably their best known of a stellar career catalog. This 1984 smash hit from their album Agent Provocateur became their one and only #1 hit when it shot to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. This powerful ballad features the New Jersey Mass Choir in both the video and the track adding to the soulfulness that Lou Gramm always brought with him when recording these songs. The background tracks also featured Jennifer Holliday from Broadway fame as well as New Zealand pop group Thompson Twins (I guarantee you that might be the most random fact of all time!). Any how, Foreigner used this song as an exclamation point on a career of a lifetime, as they are one of the best selling bands of all time. Mariah Carey has a pretty solid cover of this song. I smell a bonus video.
“Faithfully”- Journey. One of my all time favorites! I have done this song karaoke many times at many venues, and while I’ll never come close to the passion shown by Steve Perry, this is absolutely, without a doubt, one of the most emotional songs of the 1980’s as evidenced in this “inside look” of behind the scenes of their 1983 tour in support of their smash album Frontiers. Despite this song only peaking at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, it remains easily one of the most recognizable songs of the 1980’s and Journey’s biggest hit behind “Don’t Stop Believing”. Watching this video, you see how this song captures all the arena rock nuances that make the perfect power ballad. Interestingly enough, I have only heard one version of this song that was even in the same ballpark as the original, and it’s in the bonus videos below. I also realize that Arnel Pineda is a very talented lead singer, but no one, and I mean no one sang this song like Steve Perry.
“Amanda”- Boston. The story behind “Amanda” is almost as amazing as the song itself. Being Boston’s only #1 hit, it was oddly released a whole 6 years after it was recorded and a whopping 8 years after their last studio album when it topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986 from the band’s very controversial album Third Stage. Ending a bitter lawsuit with CBS Records, Boston finally returned with a vengeance when this power ballad pinned by lead singer Tom Scholz hit the airwaves. Despite an abbreviated career marred by their very public lawsuit, Boston remains a huge draw with this song always being in the rotation.
“Heaven”- Warrant. In 1989, Jani Lane and Warrant were holding on with all their might to the Glam Rock Era when their debut album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich broke into the mainstream with this power ballad peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, interestingly kept out of #1 by Milli Vanilli’s “Girl, I’m Gonna Miss You”- so, by default, you can call this Warrant’s only #1 hit because Milli Vanilli cheated. This video featuring Scottish Model Tracy Allan made Jani Lane one of the biggest pimps of the universe when he absolutely slayed this power ballad. Warrant would enjoy moderate success for a few more years, but with the death of Lane in 2011, this song will never ever come close to this amazing original rendition.
“These Dreams”- Heart. Here is one that kind of sneaks through the cracks. This 1986 power ballad was a product of the much publicized Bernie Taupin-Elton John hiatus that the two mutually agreed to to “take a break”. Taupin famously wrote this song for Heart’s 1986 album self-titled album with British musician Martin Page who would go on to record one of the most annoying songs ever, “In The House of Stone and Light” (you’ll see below- the dude actually sounds like he’s saying “lop a poop in my eye”). Anyway, this song and album gave Heart a shot in the arm and a career catapult that shot them back into the mainstream after a brief fall from the top after a very successful start in the 70’s and early part of the 80’s. This song would become their first #1 song when it peaked at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. This is still one of my biggest guilty pleasure songs of all time. Heart still plays this song rather regularly live, and it’s still just as good as day one. I smell a bonus video
“The Flame”- Cheap Trick. Cheap Trick was another band that needed a shot in the arm from a dormant career in 1988. This song and the 1988 album Lap of Luxury would provide that when this song became the groups one and only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and their first top 10 in 9 years. Initially resistant to the new sound, lead singer Rick Nielsen apparently took the tape out of the tapedeck and smashed it with his boot the first time he heard this song. Even after recording it, the band was hesitant to play it live as they felt it was a “sellout” move. Thankfully, the band eventually came around and continues to play this power ballad classic still to this day.I’m a Cheap Trick fan, and I still think this is their best song.
“When I See You Smile”- Bad English. This song has the enviable distinction of being the only song on this list to be covered by 1990’s R&B flash in the pan singer Uncle Sam (saw him live!). Much like Warrant, Bad English was riding the end of the Glam Rock era in 1989 when this song shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in support of their self-titled debut album. A super group reunification of the 1970’s group, the Babys, this group brought together John Waite with Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain for a brief but memorable reunion that included this #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit. I really like this song, and it’s perfect for this list, but if you see this video, you realize that Bad English was way too old to still be trying to be glam rockers in 1989.
“I Remember You”- Skid Row. Skid Row was yet another band that rode the end of the hair wave in 1989 when their self-titled debut album put them briefly on top of the music world. This power ballad carried into 1990 and shot to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 while being called the “#1 prom song of 1990”. After a much anticipated follow up album, Skid Row faded just as quick as they popped up, giving us a memorable brief hair band. Sebastian Bach is a more than capable singer, but this video just gives me the feeling that he really doesn’t need to be there.
“Sister Christian”- Night Ranger. In 1982, Night Ranger joined the power ballad party with this very eerie video shot at San Rafael High School in California. (seriously, am I the only person creeped out by this???) This single from their album Midnight Madness easily became their biggest hit when it peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Drummer Kelly Keagy wrote and sang the song, which he wrote for his sister, Christian. He had just visited his family in Portland, Oregon, and was blown away about his 10 years younger than him sister was growing up so fast. I guess he can thank her forever for making his band relevant again.
“Can’t Fight This Feeling”- REO Speedwagon. I almost didn’t count this one, but I realized that I have never included REO Speedwagon on any of my lists! Wait, is that a good thing or a bad thing? Lead singer Kevin Cronin hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the second time with this single from the band’s album Wheels Are Turnin’, with the group’s only other #1 hit being another power ballad “Keep On Lovin’ You”- does that even count? Anyway, this super cheesy song became a high school hit and kept REO Speedwagon relevant for a little while longer than we would have liked.
“Eternal Flame”- The Bangles. Ok, now we can talk about the super sexy Susanna Hoffs! The Bangles had the swan song of all swan songs with this classic single from their 1988 album Everything. This classic power ballad of all power ballad shot to #1 in 1989 becoming the band’s last trip to the top 10 and really their last gasp before breaking up later that year. Ironically enough, this song blocked “Girl You Know It’s True” by Milli Vanilli from reaching the top spot of the charts. How about that for karma? The super sexy Susanna Hoffs absolutely stole the show in this video with her raw emotion she wrote this song with showing through and through. Apparently inspired by the eternal flame on the grave of Elvis at his home in Memphis, and Hoffs called it “The Byrds meet the Beatles”. I can actually see that. The Bangles are still one of the most underrated bands of all time and will forever live on through everyone’s favorite residents of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, The Gilmore Girls.
Late Night Music Super Bowl 50 Edition Part 191........"I'm Alive!"
I figured with it being the night of the biggest game of the year, what a better time to make my grand return? I promise, I’m still alive. See what I did there?
In order to receive votes in this category, the SONG TITLE had to have the word “Alive” in it. In a rare occurrence, all songs receiving votes in this category were included.
“Alive”- Sia.This leadoff song on my first list of 2016 features an artist I actually saw perform in Miami with Flo Rida at Wrestlemania 28. This Australian songstress recorded this song to be the debut single for her 2016 album This Is Acting. After it debuted at #56 on the Billboard Hot 100, Sia revealed that this song was written by her with Adele for her mega album 25, but was rejected at the last minute. The was written about Adele’s life from her perspective. After the song was rejected by Rihanna, Sia made it her powerful single with this very interesting video. I feel like I’m watching a kid imitate Morpheus in “The Matrix”. All I need is the hands saying “come here”.
“Alive”- Krewella.Before Kris “Rain Man” Trindl left Krewella in 2014, he made his mark with this banging single for Chicago’s very own Krewella’s 2013 debut album Get Wet. The single went on to peak at #32 on he Billboard Hot 100 and helped established Krewella as two hot chicks who could actually sing. I look at these hot chicks and all I think is Wild Orchid- hey, don’t judge me. I’ve always been interested in techno music like this, and I’m glad to see that it’s legitimately making a comeback.
“Alive”- Empire of the Sun.Speaking of techno, this Australian techno duo made a huge mark with this video game/movie/commercial anthem from their 2013 sophomore album Ice On The Dune. Besides being features on the EA Game FIFA 14, this song was featured in several American movies and peaked at #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs Chart. This critically acclaimed video was filmed in Northern California at Bryce Canyon National Park. I think the costumes are pretty appropriate as well because it seems like I’m watching the movie “Dune”- anyone else think so?
“Good To Be Alive”- Andy Grammer.LA’s own Andy Grammer followed up his out of nowhere smash hit “Honey I’m Good” with this catchy single from his 2014 album Magazines and Novels when it peaked at #62 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2015. This song and video just keeps me pulling in so many different directions, that I have to listen to it twice just to catch everything he’s doing and talking about. As goofy as this guy is, there is no doubting this guy can sing like a freaking champ! I like the different tones and genres apparent in this super catchy song. Just not a huge fan of the costumes.
“Alive”- P.O.D.- In 2001, San Diego Christian Metal group P.O.D. made a splash with their triple platinum album Satellite when this song filled with positivity became an anthem of the September 11 attacks. The heavy radio play and this heavily rotated video on TRL made POD a household name and put them at #41 on Billboard Hot 100 while this single peaked at #2 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks Chart. This song would also get a VMA and Grammy nomination at the 2002 ceremonies. I love Marcos Curiel’s guitar rips in this song. One of the most underrated guitar players on the planet, and a huge ambassador for hispanic musicians.
“When We Come Alive”- Switchfoot.With another San Diego Christian rock band coming up next, Switchfoot included this single on their 2014 album and documentary film, Fading West. This video was included to promote the album which peaked at #6 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts. This single peaked at #9 on the Billboard Christian Rock Tracks Chart and was written by renowned song writer Drew Pearson. The guitar blend of Switchfoot is one of my favorite to listen to with Jon Foreman’s awesome vocals. This is a band I would really like to see live. Does anyone have problems like I do telling the Foreman brothers apart?
“Alive”- Atrium.One of the coolest things about writing this blog is getting to discover bands like this. This band Atrium is from Charlotte, North Carolina and this song is included on their current album The Tide which is now available on iTunes. Lead singer Emily Allen really reminds me of Lacey Sturm from Flyleaf and Dawn Michele from Fireflight. This band has a great blend of both guitar and vocals, and absolutely owns this video! Check out Atrium on facebook, twitter, or instagram.
“Here I Am Alive”- Yellowcard.Here is another band I am absolutely crazy about! Jacksonville, Florida’s Yellowcard steals the show again with this song from their 2012 album Southern Air. This song co-written by lead singer Ryan Key with Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy also features Tay Jardine from We Are The In Crowd. The slightly changed sound helped Southern Air peak at #10 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart despite it being the last appearance by the band’s long time drummer and founding member Longineu Parsons.
“Buried Alive”- Avenged Sevenfold.The pride of Huntington Beach, California added yet another great album to their catalog with 2010’s Nightmare. This single with the video directed by Rob Zombie makes for a great song to close out a era for a great band. This single peaked at #10 on the Billboard Rock Songs Chart and added a ton of more amazing guitar riffs from a true great metal band.
“Stayin’ Alive”- Bee Gees.You knew this one was coming. This disco classic and mega hit from the 1977 blockbuster and Academy Award winning film “Saturday Night Fever” turned the already super popular Bee Gees into a household name as they became one of the biggest acts of the late 70’s. This single would go on to peak at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and become one of the biggest hits of all time. This song would go on to spawn a 1983 sequel written by Sylvester Stallone also starring John Travolta which would again feature this song in the closing credits. But again, let’s act like that movie didn’t happen.
“Wanted Dead Or Alive”- Bon Jovi.In 1987, Jon Bon Jovi was so inspired by the Bob Seger hit “Turn The Page” so much that he wrote this rock anthem that he himself even called it “Bon Jovi’s anthem”. This mega hit with the killer guitar intro from the band’s mega album Slippery When Wet peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, and became one of the best known power ballads of all time. This video, filmed live in Denver, Colorado (home of the Super Bowl 50 Champions) really captures the live performance of this song which was really the song that captured the mainstream public into Bon Jovi’s already growing fanbase.
“Alive”- Kehlani featuring Coucheron.Oakland diva Kehlani made a splash after her appearance on “America’s Got Talent” in 2013. In 2015, she released her debut album You Should Be Here which included this smooth soul anthem featuring hip hop DJ Coucheron. This princess has a voice of an angel combining soul with a taste of techno all while making an electric video in which she burns up the screen. This combination helped this album peak at #36 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart while also being nominated for Best Contemporary Urban Album at the 2015 Grammy Awards.
“Alive”- Storm The Sky.These relatively unknown rockers from Melbourne, Australia live up to their name when they set this track on fire from their 2015 debut album Permanence Out Now. This another up and coming band that is just now making even a small mark in the United States. Check out Storm The Sky on facebook, twitter, and bands in town.
“Still Alive”- Lisa Miskovsky.Swedish diva Lisa Miskovsky made a splash with this great single from the soundtrack of the Playstation 3/XBOX 360 action adventure game “Mirror’s Edge”. The standalone single went to #29 in her native Sweden and included this very interesting video that is unlike most Scandinavian videos we see on this blog. I still have a burning question though- why do all Scandinavian artists record in English and then almost never release records in the United States? Just a thought.
