908. Night On Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky (1886)

Mussorgsky composed "Night On Bald Mountain" as a theme for a witches' Sabbath. The original version of the song was finished in 1867. He reworked it into a more popular version in 1886. This version appears in Disney's Fantasia.  When I was in elementary school (think 1970s), my music teacher (when they had music) played this piece and created a spooky slideshow to go along with it. Whenever, I hear the work, I think of 2nd grade and evil bird creatures pecking at some guy's feet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCEDfZgDPS8

909. If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To) (2009)

Weezer created a fifties style town known as "Weezerville" to promote 2009's "If You're Wondering if I Want You To (I Want You To)." The video features a fifties vixen (Cloverfield's Odette Yustman) that unintentionally injures the band members through her total disregard for their feelings. It's Pleasantville meets Mommy Dearest meets Chevy Chase's version of Gerald Ford.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDIzMGh94vo

910. I'm Waiting for the Man by the Velvet Underground (1967)

"I'm waiting for my man, $26 in my hand." During an age of peace, love, and politics, the Velvet Underground went in a different direction. Many of their songs involved the dirty side of drug use. In this piece, the main character is going downtown to score some heroin. There is even a minor confrontation with a black character denoting the schism between suburban whites and urban blacks. There is nothing glamorous or exciting about the drug culture here. Instead, this is an honest look at a junkie coming to get his fix for the day.


Lou Reed and John Cale live:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rhiqI6PlTo

Studio version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hugY9CwhfzE

Song of the Day: World Series Edition

In honor of the 2010 World Series...

For the Texas Rangers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffo2Oqt8bIM&feature=related

For the SF Giants:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB2tYYYlwMc

911. I've Got You Under My Skin by Frank Sinatra (1956)

Cole Porter wrote "I've Got You Under My Skin" in 1936. It appeared in the musical Born to Dance that year. Sinatra adapted the song for himself in 1946, but it did not become fully Sinatra-ized until he recorded it a decade later with a band. Since '56, the song has been associated with Sinatra and is considered one of his signature works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab4VD_ll3h0

The Four Seasons scored a top 10 hit covering it in 1966.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnaeZTE7Pdo

The song re-emerged in the nineties as a duet between Sinatra and Bono from U2.

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

912. The Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden (1982)

Inspired by the Omen II, "The Number of the Beast" is perhaps Iron Maiden's biggest hit. They incorporated the Omen, the Book of Revelations, and a poem by Tam O'Shanter to frighten critics in America and abroad. The song repeats the number "666" several times which freaked out the Tipper Gores of the world and resulted in Chile banning the song. Even the video brought controversy. The band edited out Eddie after people complained about his frightening nature.

Happy Halloween!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrSiIqCpxB8

913. Authority Song by John Mellencamp (1984)

Inspired by Bobby Fuller's "I Fought the Law," Mellencamp espouses his own version of rebellion. It's classic Mellencamp in its uncompromising nature. The video expands this character trait with Mellencamp in a boxing ring. The song hit #15 in 1984.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsEwK69LXjQ&ob=av3e

House Rules by Christian Kane

The latest single from Christian Kane.  Kane is known for his roles on Angel and Leverage as well as his country music. This particular song is more rock n roll than today's rock and closer to what country is meant to be than what country has become.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebg9v6paopc

914. Spoonful by Howlin Wolf (1960)

"Spoonful" is based on two songs from the twenties. Charlie Patton recorded "A Spoonful Blues" in 1929. Patton's work was based on Papa Charlie Jackson's "All I Want is a Spoonful" from 1925. Willie Dixon took those influences and created "Spoonful" which Wolf recorded. It's one chord and Howlin Wolf. No one has ever sounded as bad ass as Howlin' Wolf.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyfgb9sDT1I

915. Seven Wonders by Fleetwood Mac (1987)

Fleetwood Mac's second single from the Tango in the Night album hit #19 on the charts (#2 on the rock charts). The song ties the ancient seven wonders to the protangonist's personal history.  Stevie Nicks provides lead vocals..."If I live to see the seven wonders..."



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b4F_ppjnKU&ob=av2e

916. Sad Songs Say So Much by Elton John (1984)

Sometimes you just need to listen to old sad songs. "Sad Songs" hit #5 in the summer of 1984. Although not as popular as some of John's other eighties work, it takes me back to that particular summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X23v5_K7cXk

917. Low by Cracker (1994)

Cracker scored with "Low" in 1994. The song was released during Grunge's peak and is laced with drug references. I am not quite sure what the song is about. It sounds like a love song, but it could be about an overdose. Any song that can somehow fit junkie cosmonauts into the mix is worth checking out...

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

918. Bring the Noise by Public Enemy and Anthrax (1991)

Public Enemy released "Bring the Noise" in 1987. Anthrax thought the two bands should collaborate on a remake. Eventually, Chuck D. relented and a classic was born.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBA-xi8WuCU

Memories by Weezer (2010)

Here is the latest from Weezer....with some help from Jackass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5Fq3U_FjYc&ob=av2n

919. Stand Back by Stevie Nicks (1983)

Stevie Nicks was listening to "Little Red Corvette" and that propelled her creativity. She quickly recorded a demo and called Prince. He came to the studio and played the synthesizers on the track. The song is now a staple at her solo gigs as well as Fleetwood Mac shows.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdJ-i23OiJU

Scarlett video w/commentary:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC5YWPTCNEQ&ob=av2n

Live:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-fxOS658H4

920. Follow You Down by the Gin Blossoms (1996)

Gin Blossoms are a band that take me back to a specific time and place. Music has that ability! This track was a double-A side and lasted 46 weeks on the charts. The other side? "Til I Hear It From You." If they are already forever damned, then why not follow someone all the way down?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LuH0ywYVQc&ob=av2e

Baseball Playoff Song of the Day: The ALCS Version Jay Z vs. Chuck Norris

For the New York Yankees:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UjsXo9l6I8

For the Texas Rangers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vBeV1FNcGE&feature=related

Baseball Playoff Song of the Day Tony Bennett vs. Elton John

In honor of the Phillies and Giants...a playoff version of the song of the day...


Philadelphia Freedom:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55eQvRVzebQ

I Left My Heart in San Francisco:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_FI5tqMt9s

921. Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue (1985)

It may not seem like it, but Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home" marks an important change in the music industry. Although not the first power ballad, its success led other hard rock and metal bands to write their own ballads. After this release, bands tended to release harder edged songs followed by a power ballad. The idea was to gain credibility with a male audience and then show a sensitive side to expand the audience. The original version of "Home Sweet Home" received extensive MTV play, but peaked at only #89 on the charts. The band re-released the song in 1991 and that version reached #37.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbRfYDP5P28

922. Joey by Concrete Blonde (1990)

The song is about being in love with an alcoholic and is autobiographical. Concrete Blonde singer Johnette Napolitano wrote it about Wall of Voodoo band member Marc Moreland. Moreland died of liver failure in 2003.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap5vXJi-cgc&ob=av2e

Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars

#1 this week. Typical pop song.

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

923. Peter Gunn Theme by Jeff Beck (1958, 2009)

Henry Mancini wrote this clasic rock-jazz standard for the television series of the same name. It's considered one of the greatest television themes of all time and has been covered multiple times most notably by Jeff Beck.

Jeff Beck:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00UJ1Bb-Txg

Original from TV:

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

Art of Noise and Duane Eddy from 1986:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH33RIfi2KI

924. We Gotta Get Out Of This Place by The Animals (1965)

"We Gotta Get Out Of This Place" struck a chord with soldiers in Vietnam. It became one of the most requested songs on Armed Forces Radio. The Animals' version seems to refer to the sludge of industrial England as opposed to Vietnam, but the sentiments are the same. The song features unique bass work and an organ that ventures from subdued apathy to screeching desperation and anger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUpBSvN1a50

925. 1812 Overture by Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky (1880)

Americans might believe the 1812 Overture is about Andrew Jackson at New Orleans. However, it's another historical conflict which serves as the backdrop. Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812 and captured Moscow. However, the Tsarist forces refused to be lulled into battle and torched the countryside and city to deny the French supplies. With winter fast approaching, the French emperor abandoned Moscow and made the long trek back to Paris. The French suffered over 90% casualties during the invasion and retreat. Only 30-40,000 of Napoleon's original force of 500,000 escaped. Tchaikovsky's work is famous for its use of canon and has become a pop culture sensation in its own right.

Parts 1 and 2:

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW4C2h3lPac&feature=related

926. Monday Morning by Fleetwood Mac (1975)

Lindsey Buckingham's character is being drive crazy by a lover that can't decide if she loves him or wants out. The song is pretty upbeat for someone losing his mind.

Live Version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wce-6-66UYA

Studio Version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV8k9JQ_OWI

927. Someday Never Comes by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1972)

John Fogerty writes from the point of view of a young child. His father goes away and explains that someday he will understand. Well, someday never comes. The song is autobiographical as Fogerty is writing about his experiences during his parents divorce. I always thought it was about a soldier going off to Vietnam and having to say goodbye to his 4 year old.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwNuQulK6N0

928. De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da by the Police (1980)

Sting was curious about why people were attracted to simple songs such as "Da Doo Ron Run" and "Do Wah Diddy," so he wrote one himself. Despite the title, this song is far from simple. Sting calls this "An articulate song about being inarticulate." It's about word manipulation by politicians and others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v2GDbEmjGE&ob=av3e

929. Wild Boys by Duran Duran (1984)

"Wild Boys" was inspired by the 1971 novel The Wild Boys: A Book of the Dead. Duran Duran's video director suggested the band create a soundtrack for the book and Simon Le Bon took it from there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M43wsiNBwmo&ob=av2n

930. O Fortuna by Carl Orff (1936)

German composer Carl Orff's "O Fortuna" has become a staple of western popular culture. It's been used in Excalibur, Detroit Rock City, and The Doors. The New England Patriots and Milwaukee Brewers have incorporated it into their games. Orff himself was a Nazi favorite. However, he also had ties to the resistance movement. The true level of Orff's complicity with or opposition to Nazi Germany is a matter of great debate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDsffEtoF9A

931. As Tears Go By by Marianne Faithfull (1964)

It is a myth that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote "As Tears Go By" as a response to Paul McCartney's "Yesterday." However, this is one of Jagger-Richards first original songs as the Rolling Stones branched out from a blues cover band. Marianne Faithfull scored a major hit with the song in 1964. The Stones manager forwarded the song to her since they weren't known for ballads. Following Faithfull's success, the Rolling Stones recorded their own version in 1965.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhPPJ5dolxU&feature=related