For the next day 10 days, my little movie blog is going be celebrating the world of music much more than normal. In particular, a certain artist named Prince Rogers Nelson. April 21st will mark one year since his passing.
Those who know me know that Prince is my favorite musician and is so by a mile. I saw the man 14 times in concert, am very familiar with his entire discography, and look at him as an inspiration of being uniquely yourself in life.
I don’t know what all content will be generated over the next few days on the blog as I reflect on his life and work, but I began today by simply giving you five deeper Prince cuts. These are either unreleased tracks or songs from albums that didn’t receive as much attention.
On Christmas Day – the world lost another musical icon in 2016 when George Michael passed at age 53. I’ve been a huge fan of the singer for whole life and I wanted to provide my personal Top 25 list of my favorite GM tunes. The listing also includes songs from his work in Wham! prior to him going solo in 1987. I did make the choice not to include covers. However, check out his covers of Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” and Queen’s “Somebody to Love” in particular.
For those not intimately familiar with this brilliant singer’s work, I urge you to explore your Apple Music or other streaming service to appreciate just how remarkable he was. And these 25 songs represent a solid start.
RIP George Michael.
25. “Monkey” from Faith (1987)
24. “Spinning the Wheel” from Older (1996)
23. “Outside” from Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael (1998)
22. “Fantasy” – B-Side Single (1990)
21. “Move On” from Older (1996)
20. “Amazing” from Patience (2004)
19. “I’m Your Man” from Music from the Edge of Heaven (1986)
18. “I Want Your Sex” from Faith (1987)
17. “Too Funky” from Red Hot + Dance Compilation (1992)
16. “A Different Corner” from Music from the Edge of Heaven (1986)
15. “The Edge of Heaven” from Music from the Edge of Heaven (1986)
14. “Hard Day” from Faith (1987)
13. “One More Try” from Faith (1987)
12. “Freedom” from Make It Big (1984)
11. “Kissing a Fool” from Faith (1987)
10. “Father Figure” from Faith (1987)
9. “Last Christmas” from Music from the Edge of Heaven (1986)
8. “Praying for Time” from Listen Without Prejudice (1990)
7. “Wake Me Up Before You Go -Go” from Make It Big (1984)
There’s a well known thing in Hollywood referred to as The Black List, a compilation of screenplays that have yet to be produced. Executives in the film industry vote on which ones that they think are the best. Since the inception of the list in 2005, some that have made it on there eventually became awards worthy material. This includes eventual Best Picture winners SlumdogMillionaire, TheKing’sSpeech, Argo, and Spotlight. There’s Best Picture nominees like Babel, Juno, AmericanHustle, TheWolfofWallStreet, Whiplash, AmericanSniper and TheRevenant. We have hit movies of all genres including Superbad, TheFighter, TheHangover, Arrival, and JohnWick.
The 2016 Black List was released today and the pic that received the most votes caught my eye. It’s BlondAmbition, a biopic about Madonna that’s set in the 1980s as she was a struggling artist in NYC before becoming the world’s most famous Material Girl. Elyse Hollander is the screenwriter and it’s probably safe to assume this will be on the silver screen in relatively short order.
A well made Madonna biopic (paging Damien Chazelle to direct) could be quite a sight to behold. And, of course, it got me thinking. Who should play her? There’s always the option of casting an unknown. After all, taking on the role of music’s most successful female artist might work better with a performer unfamiliar to our eyes.
Yet one name in particular entered my mind when I read the news today: Chloe Grace Moretz. I think she could pull it off. Even if the film took a couple of years to get off the ground, she’s only 19 right now and would certainly fit the age appropriate timing of that are in its subject’s life. I also thought of Greta Gerwig and she could be interesting, but she’s in her early 30s and Madonna would be in her early to mid 20s here. It could still work though.
What say you? What other actresses could potentially do justice to Madge?
This Sunday, I will see one of the most controversial and lauded and loved and hated artists of the 21st century in concert – Kanye West. As a music lover and hip hop fan, there are few rappers and producers that have been more influential, exciting and sometimes frustrating. Musically, I agree with his own assessment that he’s a genius.
In honor of Sunday’s concert, here are my personal top 25 Kanye tracks from his eight album discography that began in 2004 with The College Dropout and currently ends with this year’s The Life of Pablo.
When the greatest bands are mentioned in general conversation – many of the obvious pop up. The Beatles. The Stones. Zeppelin. And those are three of my absolute favorites, make no mistake about it.
Yet there’s another one that doesn’t get mentioned as often and in this blogger’s mind, they really should. I give you the absolute genius of Electric Light Orchestra, Jeff Lynne’s exquisite group of pop/rock perfection that has given us gem after gem. For a number of years now, they’ve easily maintained a place in my top 5 favorite bands.
They’ve been on my mind lately after touring the United States for the first time in several years. ELO (as they’re commonly referred to) played three nights at the Hollywood Bowl last weekend and play two shows at Radio City Music Hall tonight and Sunday.
For those unfamiliar with their sound — their amazing sound with the greatest strings section in the history of rock and roll — I give you my personal top 16 (for 2016, you know? ELO songs of all time. And it was not easy getting it to just 16…
16. “Can’t Get It Out of My Head” from Eldorado (1974)
15. “The Lights Go Down” from from Time (1981)
14. “Confusion” from Discovery (1979)
13. “Don’t Bring Me Down” from Discovery (1979)
12. “Sweet Talkin’ Woman” from Out of the Blue (1977)
11. “All Over the World” from Xanadu (1980)
10. “Telephone Line” from A New World Record (1976)
9. “Livin’ Thing” from from A New World Record (1976)
8. “Wild West Hero” from Out of the Blue (1977)
7. “The Diary of Horace Wimp” from Discovery (1979)
Today on the blog, we look at the top ten tracks that were monopolizing the airwaves ten summers ago. Last week, I gave you the top tunes from 1996 and two weeks ago – from 1986. You can read those posts here:
As I did with the previous posts, I’ll rate the song on a scale of 1 (summer bummer) to 10 (seasonal masterpiece) and answer the most important query: is it on my iTunes?
Let’s get to it!
10. “Snap Yo Fingers” by Lil Jon feat. E-40 and Sean P.
The middle of the previous decade was heavily dominated by club bangers when it came to hip hop. “Snap Yo Fingers” is basically, well, another one with Lil Jon’s signature shouts and a solid assist from Bay Area legend E-40. For what it is, it’s decent.
My Rating: 6
Is It On My iTunes? No
9. “Over My Head (Cable Car)” by The Fray
I’ll be totally honest here. I completely forgot about this song – the debut single from the Colorado based rock group. Verdict? Pretty good, though it probably says something that I forgot its existence.
My Rating: 6
Is It On My iTunes? No
8. “Unfaithful” by Rihanna
Written by Ne-Yo , this slow track from Rihanna’s second album shows off her fine vocals. It’s not at the very top of her slow tempo ballads, but it’s memorable.
My Rating: 8
Is It On My iTunes? Yes
7. “Buttons” by The Pussycat Dolls feat. Snoop Dogg
With an assist from The Doggfather, The Pussycat Dolls had a smash hit here. It’s no “Don’t Cha”, but it’s catchy.
My Rating: 7 and a half
Is It On My iTunes: Yes
6. “Ridin'” by Chamillionaire feat. Krayzie Bone
The Houston rapper had a phenomenon with the most smooth ditty ever about the issue of racial profiling. I’ll give it a 7 and a half. It might deserve more, but it really wore out of its welcome.
My Rating: 7 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? No (but it would’ve been in 2006)
5. “It’s Goin’ Down” by Yung Joc
Atlanta rapper Joc had a club smash here. Like “Snap Yo Fingers”, it belongs in that danceable, yet easily forgettable sub genre of hip hop.
My Rating: 5 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? No
4. “Me & U” by Cassie
Bad Boy artist Cassie had her only major hit here with this club friendly and pleasing track. No more, no less.
My Rating: 6 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? No
3. “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley
Who knew a collabo between Danger Mouse and CeeLo Green would mark one of the most fantastic pop creations in years? It might have been overplayed, but this song is a masterpiece.
My Rating: 10
Is It On My iTunes? Yes
2. “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean
Columbian singer/dancer Shakira had her largest hit (and her best) with this instantly dance-worthy creation with an assist from Wyclef.
My Rating: 9
Is It On My iTunes? Yes
“Promiscuous” by Nelly Furtado
Timbaland was at the top of his game in 2006 and it shows with his production here on Furtado this groovy Furtado song.
My Rating: 9 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? Yes
And there you have it! This list will return next summer with 1987, 1997, and 2007…
As I do in the summer on this sweet blog o’ mine, we take you back 30 years and 20 years and 10 years recounting the top ten summer hits of those years. Last week, we kicked it off with the jams of 1986… they’re here if you didn’t catch it…
This week – it’s 1996 and the songs that were playing on your fancy car CD player (or if you were like me, portable CD player into your tape deck) during those hot months some two decades ago. As with the previous entry, you’ll get track my rating to 0 (total summer bummer) to 10 (hot summer fire) and whether or not said track populates my iTunes.
Let’s get to it!
10. “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis
This Welsh singer and one-hit wonder had this poppy concoction that got stuck in all our heads. Catchy? Yes. Eventually annoying? Kind of. Sorta forgettable? Little bit.
My Rating: 6 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? No
9. “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
Produced by David Foster and penned by Diane Warren, this is one of Ms. Dion’s most well-known power ballads and for good reason. Her vocals are soaring, as ever. This was actually a giant hit in the spring of 1996 from the soundtrack to the Robert Redford/Michelle Pfeiffer weepie Up Close and Personal and its staying power bled over to the summer months.
My Rating: 8
Is It On My iTunes? No
8. “Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey
Now we’re talking! Mariah’s had tons of pop gems, but this Jermaine Dupri produced track from her Daydream album has always rivaled “Fantasy” as my very favorite. It’s just a fantastically constructed song that represents the best of 90s R&B.
My Rating: 10
Is It On My iTunes: Yes (doo-doo-doo…)
7. “Twisted” by Keith Sweat
Mr. Sweat experienced a major career resurgence in the mid-90s and “Twisted” is the memorable and silky slow jam that kicked it off.
My Rating: 8 and a half
Is It On My iTunes: Yes
6. “C’Mon Ride It (The Train)” by Quad City DJ’s
One of the highlights of the jock jam craze of the decade, Florida group Quad City DJ’s capitalized in a huge way with this track. Built for sporting events, weddings, and looking stupid dancing in your car, it’s undeniably stays with you.
My Rating: 8
Is It On My iTunes? No
5. “How Do U Want It” by 2Pac featuring K-Ci & JoJo
With an assist on the chorus from Jodeci’s K-Ci & JoJo, “How Do U Want It” was 2Pac’s mainstream R&B tinged rap smash that hit it big the summer before his untimely passing. It’s not one of my very top songs from his magnificent All Eyez on Me album, but it’s still pretty great.
My Rating: 9
Is It On My iTunes? Yes
4. “Give Me One Reason” by Tracy Chapman
Eight years after her hit “Fast Car”, Tracy Chapman released the biggest song of her career with this – a perfectly pleasant bluesy ditty.
My Rating: 7 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? No
3. “Tha Crossroads” by Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
The Cleveland rappers rose up to new heights with their rapid fire yet touching tribute to their founder, Eazy-E. Total classic.
My Rating: 10
Is It On My iTunes? Yes
2. “You’re Makin’ Me High” by Toni Braxton
The lead single off her second album, this mid-tempo track from producer extraordinaire Babyface represents Braxton at her best.
My Rating: 9
Is It On My iTunes: Yes
“Macarena” by Los Del Rio
If you’re old enough to remember the summer of ’96, this was undeniably the track you heard the most. It set off a dance craze that had Presidential candidates, soccer moms, your Grandma, and everyone else doing it. I’ll give credit to this Spanish duo for catching lightning in a bottle… even if, like the rest of the world’s population, I thought it got really tiresome eventually.
My Rating: 6
Is It On My iTunes: No
And that will do it for now. Next week… 2006 where we will be ridin’ dirty and seeing if our hips lie…
On this here blog, we have some summer traditions now. One of them will be a look back at the movies that dominated (and didn’t dominate) the box office from 20 years ago in 1996 and 10 years ago in 2006. Those posts will be coming to the site soon.
However, before we get to that… let’s get to bumping some music in here, shall we? As I did last summer, let’s recount the top ten summer music singles from 30 years ago, 20 years ago, and a decade ago according to the Billboard charts. With each track, we can take a trip down memory lane and I’ll give you my thoughts on each song and, most importantly, whether it’s on my iTunes.
I’ll rate each track (my personal opinion of course) on a scale of 1 (awful) to 10 (summer hit masterpiece).
We begin today with the summer of 1986!
10. “Mad About You” by Belinda Carlisle
You may have just seen Ms. Carlisle rocking out with her group The Go-Go’s on the Billboard Music Awards, but “Mad About You” was her first solo success after the band broke up over three decades ago. It’s a perfectly reasonable summer ditty that gave her a pretty solid start on her own, though it’s not particularly memorable.
My Rating: 6 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? No
9. “Venus” by Bananarama
As for girl groups that weren’t broken up in 1986, Bananarama had their signature tune with the dance hit “Venus” and it’s easy to see why. A remake of a #1 1970 hit, it’s catchy as hell and still receives plenty of airplay.
My Rating: 8
Is It On My iTunes? No
8. “Holding Back The Years” by Simply Red
From their debut album, this soulful ballad remains the group’s largest hit and it features fine vocals from front man Mick Hucknall.
My Rating: 8
Is It On My iTunes: No
7. “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood”
Winwood’s first #1 hit, it’s got Nile Rodgers on rhythm guitar and Chaka Khan doing backing vocals. As summer songs should be, it’s built for belting out with the top down when no one is hopefully looking.
My Rating: 8 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? No
6. “On My Own” by Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald
Patti and Michael could sing the phone book and it would be riveting. This is the biggest hit of both of their careers in this Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager production. They’ve both had much better tracks, but those voices!
My Rating: 7
Is It On My iTunes: Yes, thanks to McDonald’s greatest hits
5. “Invisible Touch” by Genesis
The first single off their album that bared the same name, “Invisible Touch” is Genesis’s highest selling song. They’ve had better as well, but this is undeniably catchy stuff with some seriously sinister synthesizers.
My Rating: 8 and a half
Is It On My iTunes: Yes
4. “There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry)” by Billy Ocean
Mr. Ocean has had plenty of memorable hits, but I’ll be honest in that I’d kinda forgotten this one. It’s perfectly passable, but it is a little forgettable in a way that “Caribbean Queen” is not.
My Rating: 6
Is It On My iTunes: No
3. “Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel
Now we’re talking! This signature tune from former Genesis front man Gabriel has an iconic video and is just a total jam. Love those horns.
My Rating: 10
Is It On My iTunes: Yes
2. “Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera
Chicago lead singer Cetera had his first solo smash with this single from The Karate Kid Part II soundtrack. The David Foster produced ballad is schmaltzy as hell, but it’s also the definition of that song you’ll belt when no one is watching.
My Rating: 8 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? Yes
“Papa Don’t Preach” by Madonna
Coming on the heels of her classic ballad “Live To Tell”, this track continued Madonna’s musical growth in the mid 80s with edgy lyrics dealing with pregnancy and abortion wrapped up in a groovy pop blanket.
It has been a tremendous joy to compile my Top 100 personal favorite songs by Prince. The best way to remember and honor this incredible genius is to press play… And there’s so much to appreciate, dance to, and inspire you. Here’s my top ten:
10. “Little Red Corvette”‘from 1999 (1982)
9. “Sign O The Times” from Sign O The Times (1987)
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