962. Fat by Weird Al Yankovic (1988)

Weird Al parodied Michael Jackson's "Beat It" with "Eat It." A couple years later, he returned to the theme of eating when he parodied MJ again with "Fat." Al's video copied Jackson's video for "Bad" and even won a Grammy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2mU6USTBRE&ob=av2e

963. Burning Heart by Survivor (1985)

Survivor provided the iconic "Eye of the Tiger" for Rocky III. They returned with "Burning Heart" for Rocky IV. The movie and song centered on Cold War tensions between the Soviets and the United States. The Cold War theme dates the movie considerably, but the film remains a pop culture phenomenon for thirty and forty something men. "Burning Heart" peaked at #2 on the charts in early 1986.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL3lJfpenAc

964. Shadows of the Night by Pat Benatar (1982)

The video for "Shadows of the Night" got banned in Germany for its World War II action. In the video, Benatar plays a Rosie the Riveter and imagines going on an undercover mission for the Allies. Why was it banned? It has swatikas...apparently the Star Trek episode "Patterns of Force" is banned for the same reason.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66aqcOsnP2E

All About Tonight by Blake Shelton

Sick of the Great Recession? Well party! That's Blake Shelton's advice!

#1 this week on the Country Charts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znyAB7WOvkA

965. Tuesday Afternoon by the Moody Blues (1968)

Listeners may recognize this Moody Blues song from a commercial, narrated by Morgan Freeman, pushing aquarium visits and debit card usage. The song originally appeared on the album Days of the Future Passed. "Tuesday Afternoon" represented the first part of the album. The second part was "(Evening) Time to Get Away."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEWbmt0LrgQ&ob=av2n

966. Boom! Boom! by John Lee Hooker (1962)

Hooker's blues classic influenced an entire generation of British rockers. The song became a hit in Britain at a time when the rock n roll crowd worshiped American blues. The Animals covered "Boom! Boom!" in 1965 introducing the song to American audiences.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSnQ0bdHW0s

967. Journey to the Center of Your Mind by the Amboy Dukes (1968)

Ted Nugent and the Amboy Dukes capitalized on the late sixties psychedelic trend with "Journey to the Center of Your Mind." This is a great example of rock music of the period and appears on the group's second album. The band helped influence heavy metal and hard rock. Ted Nugent went on to become one of the biggest rock stars during the seventies.

Check out a young Nugent on the guitar in this clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN2VNFpiGWo

968. Texarkana by R.E.M. (1991)

R.E.M. never released "Texarkana" as a single, but it still managed to chart. Mike Mills wrote the song and provided lead vocals. Texarkana is a town on the border of Texas and Arkansas. I don't know whether the song is about the town or not. Either way, the song itself is quite haunting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP--MxYzTuo

"Fuck You" by Cee Lo

This is becoming quite the internet sensation. Mixing Motown with Hip Hop is genius.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk_zLhKIE24

969. So Far Away by Dire Straits (1985)

"So Far Away" is on Dire Straits monster album Brothers in Arms. Mark Knofler's understated guitar carries the song and sets the dim mood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcnP5CjOy1Y

970. Stayin' Alive by The Bee Gees (1977)

It's hard to imagine how popular the Bee Gees were in 1977-78. They were bigger than anything we've seen in the last 15 years or so. Stayin' Alive became one of their signature songs. It's the perfect example of the right song at the right time with the right movie. The film Saturday Night Fever is a cultural milepost for the baby boomers and the Bee Gees did the soundtrack. The group became something of a joke when people revolted against disco, but are now respected songwriters. In a bizarre twist, Ozzy covered "Stayin' Alive" in 2005.

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

971. Mama by Genesis (1983)

Mama is about a young man's longing for a specific prostitute. The song is remembered for Phil Collins psychotic laugh. Had it come out a century earlier, it would have been Jack the Ripper's song. In fact, Magnum P.I. used the song in an episode about a serial killer that targeted prostitutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZcLlp1BUew

972. Mesopotamia by The B52s (1982)

A fun look at ancient history from the B-52s. Fred Schneider admits he isn't a student of ancient history in the lyrics. The backing vocals almost feel what Mesopotamia might have felt like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7B5W4VGa_U&p=12C668769172F6AE&playnext=1&index=5

973. Just What I Needed by the Cars (1978)

This song has made a comeback lately as it appears in television commercials. Bassist Benjamin Orr provided lead vocals. Orr passed away in 2000 from Pancreatic Cancer.

At one point, The Cars were huge. This performance is from Live Aid.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCXkAN28urU

974. Mannish Boy by Muddy Waters (1955)

Muddy Waters decided to answer Bo Diddley's "I'm a Man" (which was an answer to "Hoochie Coochie Man") with "Mannish Boy." Younger listeners may remember the song from Goodfellas.

This version is from the Montreux Jazz Festival:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAe6w_r0Vaw

975. Maybellene- Chuck Berry (1955)

Maybellene, with a little help from payola, made rock n roll popular in America. The genre dominated music, with a little disco diversion, until the 1990s. The song is also a great example of the use of the double entendre. Rock has used the automobile to represent sex from its earliest days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y3-NSalpKI

976. Empire by Queensryche (1990)

Written in response to drug violence, "Empire" takes a bleak look at the drug war. In this vision, society falls into chaos leading to empire. About 2/3 of the way through, they play fast and loose with some spending figures which slows things down and takes away from the vibe before getting back to the darkness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN9qdgdFrZY&feature=av2e

977. Street of Dreams by Rainbow (1983)

I thought this song was slightly older than 1983. It came from the same period as Stone Cold and you can hear it. The video was banned from MTV for a time. Personally, I really like the lyrics and the song's vibe. The character is longing for a lost love, but it sounds like they've been apart for a century.

Best Line: Something’s come over me and I don’t know what to feel


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyXZnQ9jj7U

978. Midnight Special by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)

Midnight Special was written in the twenties and popularized by Lead Belly in the thirties. It's been covered by artists ranging from Buckwheat Zydeco to ABBA. The most famous modern version comes from Creedence. I remember singing this at a Buckwheat Zydeco show in Mt. Pleasant one fine winter.

Best Line: You better not gamble, there, you better not fight, at all
Or the sheriff will grab ya and the boys will bring you down.
The next thing you know, boy, Oh! You're prison bound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrj5Kxdzouc

The Catalyst by Linkin Park

#1 on the rock charts.  Eminem and Rhianna remain #1 on Hot 100.

This song starts out like U2's "Where The Streets Have No Name." When they broke, I never thought Linkin Park would last. Guess I was wrong!

979. Your Song by Elton John (1970)

Hard to believe, but this was a B-Side. The A-Side? Take Me To The Pilot. Both got significant airplay. John Lennon called it the best thing since the Beatles.

Best Line: If I was a sculptor, but then again, no

Or a man who makes potions in a travelling show
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTa8U0Wa0q8

980. Bye Bye Love by the Everly Brothers (1957)

Although considered a rock classic, the Everly Brothers hit #1 on the Country charts with Bye Bye Love in 1957. George Harrison recorded an interesting cover that included Eric Clapton and Patti Boyd on backing vocals. Boyd divorced Harrison and left him for Clapton. For me, it's interesting that such an up tempo song could have such depressing lyrics.

Best Line: Bye, bye love, bye, bye happiness Hello loneliness, I think I'm a-gonna cry

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

981. Sister Golden Hair by America (1975)

#1 Song from 1975. It's bittersweet and remains a radio favorite to this day.

Best Line: Well I tried to make it Sunday, but I got so damn depressed
Then I set my sights on Monday and I got myself undressed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzUQZw3wfro

982. Steppin' Out With My Baby by Tony Bennett (1993)

Tony Bennett experienced an amazing comeback after releasing this Irving Berlin standard. Gen X loved it and he ended up on MTV Unplugged in 1994. The original version appeared in the 1948 movie Eastern Parade starring Fred Astaire. 

Best Line: If I seem to scintillate

It's because I've got a date

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St0HZCdPVx8

983. Monkey Gone To Heaven by the Pixies (1989)

The Pixies mix environmentalism with Hebrew Numerology to create one of the most original songs ever conceived. Reminds me of college. At one point, I heard it on the local radio station everyday.

Best Line: Everything is gonna burn


We all take turns

I’ll get mine, too

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHVKndMZIwI&feature=related

984. Get Up, Stand Up by Bob Marley (1973)

Fittingly, Get Up, Stand Up was the last song Marley performed before his death. It is interesting that the Reggae crowd often delve into politics and revolution considering their reputation as marijuana users. You'd think they would be too mellow to revolt!

Best Line: I know you don't know

What life is really worth.
It's not all that glitters is gold;
'Alf the story has never been told:
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLYOOezs3DA

California Gurls by Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dog

Eminem and Rihanna are #1 again this week on the Hot 100. Katy Perry is #1 this week on the Pop Charts with this ode to the Beach Boys. Speaking of which, there was a dustup this week. Apparently, the Beach Boys record label wants to sue Perry over the rights to this song. Brian Wilson and Mike Love do not support the suit.

Perry really does not have a great singing voice, but she picks stuff that is catchy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwE-SLnLkqY&feature=av2e

Info on the potential lawsuit: http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/beach_boys_vs_katy_gurls_PP7YxCik3Vv329HgOWvkJM

985. Queer by Garbage (1995)

Queer is trippy and edgy. It broke Garbage and was promoted with a very disturbing video. For me, it's one of those songs that immediately takes me back to a certain place and time. In this instance, 1995 and college.

Best Line: You learn to love the pain you feel


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxQdVTjEMF4

986. Knocking At Your Back Door by Deep Purple (1984)

Any song that can fit a samurai, aristocracy, and diplomacy into the lyrics is just too cool for words.

Best Line: Sweet Lucy was a dancer

But none of us would chance her
Because she was a Samurai

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7GERh0sQzY&feature=av2e

987. World Leader Pretend by R.E.M. (1988)

When I first heard the song, I thought this was a critique of the Reagan Administration. After listening to the lyrics, and the metaphors, it became clear that it is about inner turmoil and conflict.

Best Line: "This is my mistake. Let me make it good."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KCxfG32Gts

988. By The Way by the Red Hot Chili Peppers (2002)

By The Way features a creepy video in which Anthony is kidnapped by a crazy cabbie. Luckily it happened in 2002 and not 1992 as Anthony is able to text Flea and John for help! They rescue him, but the cycle begins anew as Chad signals the same taxi for a ride.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnfyjwChuNU&feature=avmsc2

989. The Difference by The Wallflowers (1997)

Reminds me of the old days at the Lockeroom Saloon...


Best Line: And maybe sometimes old men die with little boy faces



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qSAMtomFvk&feature=avmsc2

990. Peace Sells by Megadeth (1986)

Old MTV viewers may recognize the bass line at the beginning of the song...MTV News used it for years. The song itself is Dave Mustaine's attempt to refute negative stereotypes about metal fans.

Best Line: What do you mean, "I don't support your system"?
I go to court when I have to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KDO_yCYcuU

991. Susie Q by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968)

Dale Hawkins recorded the original "Susie Q" in 1957. It has been covered multiple times by artists such as Phish, The Velvet Underground, The Everly Brothers, The Rolling Stones, and even Linda McCartney. However, the most famous version came from John Fogerty and CCR.

Best Line: Well, say that you'll be true, and never leave me blue, Susie Q.


CCR:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mxaA-bJ35s

Dale Hawkins:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vzBznukA60