We’ve arrived at day two of my personal Top 25 David Bowie, covering numbers 20-16. Let’s get to some incredible music, shall we?
20. “Under Pressure” from Queen album Hot Space (1982), released in 1981 as a duet with Bowie and Queen
19. “The Jean Genie” from Aladdin Sane (1973)
18. “Modern Love” from Let’s Dance (1983)
17. “Aladdin Sane” from Aladdin Sane (1973)
16. “Ashes to Ashes” from Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) (1980)
I’ll cover numbers 15-11 tomorrow!
I’ve always been a massive fan of the eclectic genius that was David Bowie. In the last few weeks since his death, I’ve found myself listening to his music more and more and even discovering some gems I wasn’t aware of. It got me to create this here five part blog series where I count down my personal favorite 25 songs by this brilliant artist. And here we go:
25. “Golden Years” from Station to Station (1976)
24. “I’m Afraid of Americans” from Earthling (1997)
23. “Station to Station” from Station to Station (1976)
22. “Lazarus” from Blackstar (2016)
21: “The Man Who Sold the World” from The Man Who Sold the World (1970)
I’ll be back tomorrow with numbers 20-16!
We’re back at it again with my second edition of my now weekly post where I simply post ten songs I’m digging nowadays. For the first post last week, I gave you ten David Bowie lesser known cuts that I felt are worth a listen.
This Sunday (and for most of them I imagine), we move onto just a random sampling of stuff I love… and I how you dig to — because we all need great music in our lives, don’t we?
And in honor of some truly sad news this week…
And now for a new feature on the blog that I’ll try to post weekly on every Sunday. The concept is simple – I’m giving you ten songs to listen to for your musical enjoyment. Those who know me obviously know I’m a huge movie buff, but I’m also a major music lover.
For this initial post, I cannot help but make some track suggestions from the great David Bowie. Most of us know his many hits but for this evening, I’m selecting ten that perhaps you don’t know. Do yourself a favor and do what I’ve found myself doing this week – just select a Bowie album and let it rip. It’s worth it to truly appreciate his one of a kind genius.
Here we go:
“Always Crashing in the Same Car” from Low (1977)
“Win” from Young Americans (1975)
“Beauty and the Beast” from Heroes (1977)
“Word on a Wing” from Station to Station (1976)
“Dirty Boys” from The Next Day (2013)
“New Killer Star” from Reality (2003)
“DJ” from Lodger (1979)
“Everything’s Alright” from Pinups (1973)
“No Control” from Outside (1995)
“I Can’t Give Everything Away” from Blackstar (2016)
And there you have it – DJ Todd shall return next weekend!
For a hip hop fan like myself, I recognize that I’m lucky to have grown up in what I consider the golden age of the genre: the early to middle portion of the 1990s. It was a time of Wu Tang Clan and the Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. It’s when Outkast and Jay Z and Nas started their careers. It’s also the unforgettable era of Death Row Records – with its notorious co-founder Suge Knight. It is, of course, the label that gave us Snoop Doggy Dogg and Tha Dogg Pound. Most notably, it’s other founder is Dr. Dre, the beat maker behind legendary rap group N.W.A. That rap quintet will be the subject of Straight Outta Compton, out August 14th. The pic is already generating positive buzz.
Speaking of positive buzz, the first release on the Death Row label was The Chronic, released in late 1992. It is a Dre solo album, though none of his works actually are. It featured a smorgasbord of guest stars that Dre allowed to shine – Snoop, Kurupt, Daz, Nate Dogg, Lady of Rage and more. It gave us classics like “Ain’t Nuthin But a G Thang”, “Dre Day”, “Let Me Ride” and more. The funk drenched gangsta rap epic is often called the finest rap album of all time. I don’t disagree.
Flash forward to 1999. Dre had left Death Row three years prior amid issues with Suge and formed new label Aftermath. The long wait between Dre albums had been made easier with his production work in between – on Snoop’s brilliant debut Doggystyle, Pac’s All Eyez on Me album and others. Chronic 2001 came in late 1999 with a difficult charge to keep – holding up compared to his first “solo” work. It did. Chronic 2001 was another masterpiece, complete with assists from Dre’s new protégés Eminem and Xzhibit, as well as Snoop. Singles like “Still DRE”, “Forgot About Dre”, and “What’s the Difference?” tore up the charts.
And then… The music stopped. Sort of. While rap’s most ingenious producer kept putting out hits from Eminem works to Mary J. Blige’s “Family Affair” to 50 Cent’s anthem “In Da Club”, the music community kept waiting for Dre’s promised album Detox. And waiting. And waiting.
Detox was announced as his first final solo album. Official word of its eventual release was first discussed in 2001. Known as an extreme perfectionist, fans just assumed he was taking his time. A lot of time. Finally it late 2010, it seemed Dre’s long gestating project was finally coming to fruition. A first single featuring Snoop – “Kush” – was put out. A follow up track “I Need a Doctor” with Eminem quickly followed. And then radio silence again.
In recent years, Dre has been known more for his successful line of headphones that’s made him a billionaire. The hope of a new album with his name on it seemed unlikely at best. And then… some news broke over the weekend from the Doctor himself. He has made a brand spanking new album called Compton – The Soundtrack, inspired by the film out in two weeks. It features, among others, previous collaborators like Snoop, Ice Cube, and Eminem. And after 16 years of anticipation – Dre casually announced that it’ll be out Friday. As in THIS Friday, August 7th!! For hip hop lovers, it’s tough to properly describe how exciting this news is.
I’ll sort of try. The first two Chronic albums are essentially the rap version of the first two Godfather movies. They’re untouchable and pretty much perfect master works that hold up as well today as when they were released. For many who proclaimed hip hop a fad and “not real music”, Dre provided a prescription of stunning production that made their argument tougher to make. The Godfather comparison is not one I would make lightly, but the comparison is deserved.
And the news that we are at last getting another album from this certified genius was music to my ears. We shall learn Friday if it’s worth the wait. The Godfather comparisons continue. Sixteen years passed between the release of part II and the much lesser received Part III. It will be coincidentally be the same passage of time between Chronic 2001 and Compton. I am hopeful the Doc has some more wonderful work left in him. Frankly, he rarely disappoints. Therefore, I will be his willing patient on August 7. Friday, to be sure, will be Dre Day.
Yesterday on the blog – I took you through an 80s nostalgia trip giving you Billboard’s Top 10 Summer Songs of 1985.
https://toddmthatcher.com/2015/07/07/top-ten-summer-music-hits-of-1985-a-look-back/
This evening, it’s time to turn that nostalgic dial to the 1990s as I recount the ten biggest summer hits from 20 years ago. As I did with the previous post, I’ll offer my rating of said summer hit on a scale of 1 (disaster) to 10 (epic summer jam) and answer the all important question: is it on my iTunes?
Let’s take a trip down mid 90s lane, shall we?
10. “Run-Around” by Blues Traveler
Truth be told, I’m not a huge Blues Traveler fan, but John Popper can sure rock the harmonica. I prefer “Hook” to this track – but their breakthrough hit is undeniably catchy.
My Rating: 7
Is It On My iTunes? No
9. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Nicki French
This dance remake version of Bonnie Tyler’s 1983 mega hit was a track I pretty much forgot about. It’s perfectly serviceable but it certainly doesn’t match the far superior original.
My Rating: 6
Is It On My iTunes? No
8. “I Can Love You Like That” by All-4-One
The R&B foursome is best known for “I Swear”, but this ballad hit it big as well. In hindsight, it doesn’t approach the quality of the aforementioned hit but it’s decent.
My Rating: 6 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? No
7. “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?” by Bryan Adams
He was in the top ten in 1985 with “Heaven” and Canadian singer Adams appears again with this ballad from the Don Juan DeMarco soundtrack. It wasn’t quite the smash hit that his Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves inspired “Everything I Do” was four summer earlier, but it’s a very solid ballad.
My Rating: 7 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? No
6. “Boombastic” by Shaggy
This reggae infused jam gave Shaggy his first international hit and it’s a memorable one.
My Rating: 9
Is It On My iTunes? Yes (finally!)
5. “Water Runs Dry” by Boyz II Men
The group had already had massive hits off their II album such as “I’ll Make Love to You” and “On Bended Knee”. This is another infectious power ballad from the singers that ruled that genre in the mid 90s.
My Rating: 9
Is It On My iTunes? Yes
4. “Kiss from a Rose” by Seal
From the Batman Forever soundtrack (the summer’s biggest hit) came Seal’s powerful signature tune.
My Rating: 9 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? No (but it should be)
3. “One More Chance” by The Notorious B.I.G.
With a vocal assist from his wife Faith Evans on the chorus, this is a classic mashup of hip hop and R&B that stands as one of Biggie’s triumphs.
My Rating: 9 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? Yes
2. “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)” by Monica
The young singer’s first single is still her bestselling solo track and it’s a Dallas Austin produced dandy.
My Rating: 9 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? No (but it will be)
1. “Waterfalls” by TLC
Considered the group’s signature tune, “Waterfalls” ruled the summer airwaves 20 years with its harmonies climaxing with the late Left Eye’s rap verse. I would honestly rank a couple of other TLC songs higher than this for personal preference, but it’s not difficult to see why this became so huge.
My Rating: 9
Is It On My iTunes? Yes
And there you have it, folks! The summer songs of 20 years ago. I’ll have my post up recounting the season’s hits of 2005 up tomorrow. Until then…
And now for something completely new on this here blog!
For the last three summers, I’ve pontificated on the Top Ten Summer Hits of seasons that came 20 and 10 years before. I just posted my retrospective of 1995 films yesterday on the site and I’ll have my post regarding 2005 up on Friday or over the weekend.
This got me thinking. About this midpoint of summer, many of us wonder what the true song of the summer is. Good thing Billboard keeps track of such items of curiosity and it allows us to delve back 30 years and then 20 years and then 10 years.
Therefore, today’s post will travel back in time to 1985 to give you the Top Ten Summer Music Hits of 1985, along with my quick takes on them and the all important question: is it on my iTunes?
I’ll follow up tomorrow with the top summer jams and ballads of 1995 and on Thursday with 2005. For now, it’s time for some 80s nostalgia and I’ll rate each track (my personal opinion of course) on a scale of 1 (awful) to 10 (summer hit masterpiece).
10. “Never Surrender” by Corey Hart
The first single of Mr. Hart’s second album is one of those cheesy 80s ballads with an even more gloriously cheesy video to accompany it. I had actually forgotten about this song and it frankly didn’t leave much of an impression. Truth be told, when I think of Corey, I think of his first hit single the year prior… in which he wore his sunglasses. At night.
My Rating: 4
Is It On My iTunes? No
9. “Heaven” by Bryan Adams
Our second Canadian solo singer on this list after Mr. Hart is Mr. Bryan Adams and one of his signature tunes. The raspy voiced crooner fares much better here than Mr. Hart. The track would be covered with success sixteen years later by DJ Sammy in a sped up dance hall version.
My Rating: 7 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? No
8. “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion” by John Parr
OK, now we’re talking. The title track for Joel Schumacher’s Brat Pack hit is a guilty pleasure if there ever was one and I’m not ashamed to admit I quite dig it. Mr. Parr is English by the way, so our streak of American artists so far is 0-3.
My Rating: 9
Is It On My iTunes? Yes
7. “Raspeberry Beret” by Prince and the Revolution
America in the form of Minneapolis and its funky little genius finally appears with the first single off Prince’s Around the World in a Day album, which followed his massive Purple Rain juggernaut. This tune sounds more 60s influenced than anything that had come before on the Purple One’s resume and it’s an infectious groove that still holds up today, like pretty much everything he’s done. It misses a 10 only in comparison to some of his other masterworks.
My Rating: 9 and a half
Is It On My iTunes? Yes
**NO VIDEO as Prince doesn’t allow his material on YouTube
6. “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” by Sting
This jazzy and reggae tinged jam marks the first solo release of Sting’s career after the breakup of The Police. It’s a rock solid beginning to one heckuva output over the next three decades.
My Rating: 8
Is It On My iTunes? Yes
5. “Sussudio” by Phil Collins
The first single of his No Jacket Required album, I’m still not sure what this song is about but there are some catchy horns. This has never been one of my favorite tracks from an artist I like tremendously, but it’s still fairly decent.
My Rating: 6 and a half
Is It On My iTunes: Yes (mostly because I own his greatest hits)
4. “A View to a Kill” by Duran Duran
The English boy band gave us this theme song to the final Roger Moore 007 picture and it’s a beauty, unlike the movie. One of the all time best Bond themes and my favorite track on this list.
My Rating: 10
Is It On My iTunes? Yes
3. “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News
Another movie connection here as Huey Lewis (and his news friends) had their first #1 hit with this track from the Back to the Future soundtrack. It’s a supremely pleasant power ballad that’ll leave you smiling, as so much of Huey’s music did.
My Rating: 8
Is It On My iTunes? No
2. “Everytime You Go Away” by Paul Young
If this sounds like a Hall and Oates song, it’s because Daryl Hall wrote it and gave it to Mr. Young, who turned it into a #1 single. It would be used two years later in the closing scene of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. It’s solid, though I don’t love it.
My Rating: 7
Is It On My iTunes? No
1. “Shout” by Tears for Fears
The band’s signature tune ranks highest on the list of 1985 summer anthems. And it is indeed truly an anthem – a big sounding song that gave the group its largest hit. And it’s easy to sing along to in the chorus when you let it all out…
My Rating: 9
Is It On My iTunes: No
And there you have it my friends! I’ll have 1995 up tomorrow…
Well we started from the bottom, but now we’re here – at the top ten of my personal favorite hip hop singles of the 1990s decade! It’s been a lot of fun recounting the fabulous hits of the decade that saw hip hop move from what some thought was a fad to a phenomenon that is here to stay. If you missed any of my previous eight posts covering numbers 90-11, you can find ’em here:
https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/10/23/top-90-hip-hop-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-90-81/
https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/10/24/top-90-hip-hop-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-80-71/
https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/10/25/top-90-hip-hop-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-70-61/
https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/10/26/top-90-hip-hop-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-60-51/
https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/10/27/top-90-hip-hop-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-50-41/
https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/10/28/top-90-hip-hop-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-40-31/
https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/10/30/top-90-hip-hop-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-30-21/
https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/10/31/top-90-hip-hop-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-20-11/
And now – the Top Ten!!
10. “My Name Is” by Eminem (1999)
Slim Shady burst onto the hip hop scene with his first amazing single with production work from Dr. Dre. He would dominate the following decade, but this is where it all started.
9. “Jump Around” by House of Pain (1992)
With production by DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill, Everlast and company had a smash hit with this party starter.
8. “O.P.P.” by Naughty by Nature (1991)
We still may not know what it really stands for, but Naughty by Nature gave us their true classic with their first single off their self-titled debut album.
7. “It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube (1993)
Mr. Cube had a classic with this lyrically brilliant cut about a typical day in the life of a rapper.
6. “Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
The debut single from his iconic Ready to Die debut album, “Juicy” announced the presence of a rap god that we lost too soon.
5. “California Love” by 2Pac featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman (1996)
Much like Biggie, we also lost the unforgettable 2Pac soon. “California Love” was the smash hit first single off All Eyez on Me with production from Dre and a terrific Road Warrior inspired music video.
4. “Mama Said Knock You Out” by LL Cool J (1991)
He’d been here for years with some in the rap community doubting him, but LL Cool J gave us this hard hitting and magnificent cut that serves as his signature track.
3. “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” by Geto Boys (1991)
The highest charting single from this innovative Houston rap group, “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” is flat out brilliant.
2. “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need To Get By (Razor Sharp Mix)” by Method Man featuring Mary J. Blige (1995)
A remix of a track off his Tical album, Wu-Tang member Method Man teamed with Mary J. Blige and producer RZA to come up with an unforgettable take on the Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell 1968 hit.
1. “‘Nuthin but a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg (1992)
The 1990s decade was in many ways dominated by Death Row and Dr. Dre. This first single off The Chronic (the album of the 1990s in hip hop) with Dre and Snoop trading rhymes earns its rightful place atop the best singles.
And there you have it, friends! My work is done here. Hopefully, at the least, this list gave you some iTunes fodder or reminded you just how great certain tracks were back in the day. Until next time…
The Top 20 has arrived in my personal Top 90 hip hop singles of the great 1990s decade! Please feel free to peruse my other entries by scrolling through the blog or clicking the Music tab to review numbers 90-21. We’ll get to the Top 10 tomorrow (!), but here are the fabulous tracks comprising nos. 20-11:
20. “Tha Crossroads” by Bone Thugs n Harmony (1996)
The Cleveland rap group’s tribute to their founder, Eazy-E, was a soulful summer anthem of 1996.
19. “Now That We Found Love” by Heavy D and the Boyz featuring Aaron Hall (1991)
This Teddy Riley produced dance hit marked a career highlight from the late Heavy D… and his Boyz.
18. “Scenario” by A Tribe Called Quest (1992)
The brilliant hip hop group had their best known track with this banger that featured an amazing verse from one Busta Rhymes.
17. “Regulate” by Warren G. featuring Nate Dogg (1994)
Fantastically sampling Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin'”, Warren G and Nate Dogg burst onto the west coast scene with this classic from the Above the Rim soundtrack.
16. “Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G. (1997)
The first single off 1997’s Life After Death found Biggie rapping over a sample from Herb Alpert’s groovy “Rise”.
15. “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” by Busta Rhymes (1997)
Mr. Rhymes has given us plenty of terrific rap tunes, but this first single of his When Disaster Strikes album is his finest hour.
14. “Hard Knock Life” by Jay-Z (1998)
Shawn Carter is one of the few MC’s alive who could take a sample from Annie and make it relevant to his music. And did he ever!
13. “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” by Missy Elliot (1997)
Our first taste of the incredible collaboration between Missy and producer Timbaland, this is an impossibly infectious groove from the best female rapper we’ve likely ever seen.
12. “So What’cha Want” by the Beastie Boys (1992)
So many unforgettable tracks, yet the Boys second single from their Check Your Head project is perfect.
11. “What’s My Name?” by Snoop Dogg (1993)
Mix Dre’s production with Snoop’s natural flow and this first single from his debut smash Doggystyle has everything you’d want.
Top Ten tomorrow, friends! Until then…
We’re into the Top 30 of my personal top 90 hip hop singles of the 90s decades! If you’ve missed any of the entries covering numbers 90-31, you can peruse them by clicking the Music tab on the blog or simply scrolling through.
Let’s bring it:
30. “Big Poppa” by The Notorious B.I.G. (1995)
One of Biggie’s signature tunes from his Ready to Die debut album, this gave the brilliant rapper his most prominent nickname.
29. “Bring the Pain” by Method Man (1994)
One of the stars of Wu-Tang Clan, this was Meth’s first single from his acclaimed Tical album.
28. “Insane in the Brain” by Cypress Hill (1993)
Cops come and try to snatch Cypress Hill’s crops (likely marijuana) in the group’s best known hit.
27. “Fu-Gee-La” by Fugees (1996)
The lead single from Wyclef, Lauryn, and Pras’s landmark album The Score.
26. “The Choice Is Yours” by Black Sheep (1991)
Engine engine… number 9… Black Sheep had an amazingly catchy smash with this release.
25. “The Humpty Dance” by Digital Underground (1990)
Digital Underground released their signature tune that memorably described lead rapper Shock G’s proclivity to do things at Burger King that didn’t involve typical menu ordering.
24. “Triumph” by Wu-Tang Clan (1997)
The RZA led hip hop super group showcased the talents of all its rappers on the first single off their Wu-Tang Forever album.
23. “Rosa Parks” by Outkast (1998)
The lead single off Aquemini offered one of the most commercial and catchy tracks from Andre 3000 and Big Boi.
22. “Can’t Truss It” by Public Enemy (1991)
Many PE fanatics might rank other songs higher, but this has always remained my personal favorite track from the iconic group.
21. “Deep Cover” by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg (1992)
The world got its first taste of the Dre/Snoop combo in this title song from a 1992 Laurence Fishburne crime thriller. Rap would never be the same.
And that’ll do it for now! We’ll enter the top 20 tomorrow…
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