Pink Floyd: Hey You (1979)

In The Wall, the protangonist, Pink, realizes he made a mistake by secluding himself from society. "Hey You" represents his attempt to reconnect with people. At the end of the song, he gives up.

The song also evokes Cold War imagery of a person trapped between the two Berlins, screaming for help, while neither side is willing to risk saving him. In 1962, 18-year-old Peter Fechter attempted to breach the Berlin Wall and escape to freedom. The guards shot him and left him to die. Westerners feared rescuing individuals such as Fechter for fear of setting of World War III. The last person murdered by East Germans for attempting to escape was Chris Gueffroy in 1989.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndYEdGd8Gs4

Chris Young: Tomorrow

#1 country is Chris Young's "Tomorrow."

#1 song of the week is Party Rock Anthem (again)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETVjll5eR88&ob=av2e

Bruce Springsteen: The Ballad of Jesse James (2006)

"The Ballad of Jesse James" dates to at least 1924 when Bascom Lamar Lunsford recorded the folk song. It has been covered several times since then. Bruce Springsteen recorded his version in 2006. The piece transforms Jesse James into a family man and Robin Hood figure cut down in his prime by a coward. Interesting that a cold blooded killer should be transformed by the culture into a tragic hero.

The Ramblin' Riversiders version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuKSFl6h0VU

Bruce Springsteen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX0xOgygfS4&feature=related

The Beatles: Across the Universe (1969)

"Across the Universe" first appeared on the charity album No One's Gonna Change Our World, which featured songs from The Hollies, Lulu, the Bee Gees, and others. The song later appeared on Let It Be.  The opening line "words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup" came to John Lennon after listening to his ex-wife Cynthia prattle on about something. He turned that moment into a song. The song later helped inspire a film of the same name that featured Beatles songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj-4t9drUlM

Bryan Adams: Can't Stop This Thing We Started (1991)

"Can't Stop..." is an example of Bryan Adams work before turning adult contemporary. The song peaked at #2 on the charts following the success of his ballad "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You." Although a huge monster hit, Adams shifted to ballads and away from his garage rock sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP4Nnek6DCo&ob=av2e

Marcy Playground: Sex and Candy (1997)

"Sex and Candy" is a clever laid back alt rock song from the post grunge era. Also, it was a fun night club song for a time. The title derives from John Wozniak's college days. His roomate apparently ushered the line one night and Wozniak ran with it.
Just what is disco lemonade anyway?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KT-r2vHeMM&ob=av2e

Foo Fighters: Walk

#1 this week on the rock charts. The Foos have dominated the rock charts this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PkcfQtibmU

Amy Winehouse: Rehab (2006)

Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUmZp8pR1uc&ob=av2n

Another member of the "27" club.

Elvis Presley: Mystery Train (1955)

Junior Parker and Sam Phillips penned "Mystery Train" in 1953. Little Junior recorded it, but no one remembers this version. Elvis covered it in 1955 and this version is now one of the all-time classics.  Since Elvis, the song has been recorded by acts ranging from Chet Atkins to UFO.

Little Junior:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfQ4N_jYUUg

Elvis:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_eE0NPArEY

Megadeth: Trust (1997)

"Trust" is about a relationship that failed over trust issues. The song was nominated for a Grammy and a Spanish version was released for Latin America. The video received extension MTV airplay before Music Television stopped playing music.

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

Alice in Chains: I Stay Away (1994)

The song can't decide whether its sweet and soft or hard edged. It's schizophrenic and reminds me of a mid-90s summer. The puppets used in the video reside in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODTv9Lt5WYs

Elvis Costello: (What's So Funny 'bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding (1979)

Nick Lowe wrote and recorded "Peace, Love, and Understanding" in 1974. However, the Elvis Costello version is the one people remember. In fact, Rolling Stone named the Costello version from 1979 as one of the greatest songs of all time. Lowe produced the Costello track, which the pair released as a b-side. The surprise hit became a last minute addition to Elvis' album Armed Forces.

Elvis:

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

Nick Lowe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7txCdLCP9U

The Band: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (1969)

Canadian Robbie Robertson wrote a sad Civil War tale from the Confederate perspective. The war is nearing its end and the South decimated. The Union army is tearing up railroad tracks and has destroyed the crops. People are starving and many young men will never return. The song evokes extreme sadness and extreme hopelessness in the South that still exists to some extent to this day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMHyovwX7JM

If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away by Justin Moore

Party Rock Anthem remains #1 on the pop charts. Rope has been #1 forever on the rock charts.

#1 country this week: Justin Moore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55GAUgjpDQA

Muddy Waters: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1987

His life and career in links.

The Official Muddy Waters:

http://www.muddywaters.com/

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/muddy-waters/bio/

Born in Mississippi in 1913. Although, he sometimes claimed 1915. He played in the mud as a child leading to his stage name.

1940: Moved to Chicago and was introduced to juke joints and cheap booze.

Country Blues (1941):

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

I Feel Like Going Home (1948):

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

I Can’t Be Satisfied (1948):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSF-T5gwdxU

Waters’ label, Aristocrat, changed it’s name to Chess Records after the twin 1948 hits.

Rollin’ Stone (1950) influenced Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, and Keith Richards and provided a name for their band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_vsvX2qiLM

I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man (1954):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ4NFsw4bOU

I Just Wanna Make Love to You (1954): Written by Willie Dixon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnlvHP1AXPo

Mannish Boy (1955):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS2QQNDHQGk

Got My Mojo Working (1956):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hEYwk0bypY

You Shook Me (1962):

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

Muddy Waters deeply influenced British Rock n Roll. Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Steve Winwood are just some acts Waters impacted.

With the Band (1976):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQzZhkn0h98

Mean Old Frisco Blues (1979):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFqB4ly4-64

In 1981, he performed at ChicagoFest in a now legendary performance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtOy0-Ebn2A

His last performance was in 1982 with Eric Clapton. He died in 1983.

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

Smokey Robinson: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1987

His life and career in links.

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/smokey-robinson/bio/

Official Site:

http://www.smokeyrobinson.com/

The Miracles Official Site:

http://theoriginalmiracles.net/

Smokey met Berry Gordy in 1958 and entered the music business.

Got a Job (1958):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ7GltNmDbg

Shop Around (1960): Motown’s First #1 hit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjy8HqrcYys

You Really Got A Hold of Me (1962):

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

While with the Miracles, Smokey wrote for other artists scoring hits for Mary Wells, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and Marvin Gaye.

My Guy (Mary Wells):

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

Ooh Baby Baby (1965): Written in the middle of a concert while on stage

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

The Tracks of My Tears (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coh7n6dYj5Y

Going to a Go-Go (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Tfm70dL5s

I Second That Emotion (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI_0tQdEA5k

Tears of a Clown (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2kxlZDOHeQ

In 1972, Smokey left the Miracles.

Sweet Harmony (1973): Dedicated to the Miracles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOuuCMXqU3w

Baby That’s Backatcha (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdZcklpO2X8

Cruisin’ (1979):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlzY6cWpoMQ

Being With You (1981):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkqlUaC-wPs

Smokey battled cocaine addiction in the mid-eighties. He re-emerged in 1987.

Just To See Her (1987):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5bvjUrVObk

One Heartbeat (1987):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A39xfn3K_Ps

Everything You Touch (1990):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFdogwFOoW4

In 2009, he released Time Flies When You’re Having Fun, which he produced himself.

Tears Of A Clown (Live at Daryl’s House): 2009:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbHMK-fNlYw

Love Bath (2010):

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

Roy Orbison: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1987

His life and career in links.

Rock Hall Bio: 

 http://rockhall.com/inductees/roy-orbison/bio/

Official Site:

http://www.royorbison.com/us/home

Ooby Dooby (1956):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-ijEWj2xmg

He did not hit it big until the sixties.

Only the Lonely (1960):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2whGEvy13Ag

Running Scared (1961):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH-AafkQPEo

Crying (1961):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l-AxZIdq4E&feature=related

In Dreams (1963):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbxsmcT7GOk

It’s Over (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMc263klrMQ

Pretty Woman (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdmS9wCHhSU&feature=related

1966: His wife died in a car accident.

1968: His house burned down killing his two oldest sons.

He struggled following these tragedies. He experienced a major comeback in the late eighties.

Crying w/K.D. Lang (1987):

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

You Got It (1988):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpgtbcP8-ig

The Traveling Wilburies:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8s9dmuAKvU

Died: December 6, 1988:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0tKoTLHx98

Ricky Nelson: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1987

Ricky Nelson's life and career in links.

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/ricky-nelson/bio/

Official Site:

 http://www.rickynelson.com/

He began in show business on the Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet on the radio in 1949. Three years later, it moved to TV:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-qk4FMTkKo

The show ran from 1952-1966.

During the fifties, Ricky was influenced by Carl Perkins and decided to try music.

1957:

A Teenager’s Romance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_awf9C4rSgc

I’m Walkin’ (Fats Domino cover):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP4UOSiA75A

1958:

Stood Up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE455KVZswY

Poor Little Fool: (His first #1):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hrwJvdPtwI

Lonesome Town:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4iBMbwdxPQ

In 1959, he starred with Dean Martin and John Wayne in Rio Bravo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IpEnsdXwFM

Nelson continued to score hits. His next #1 was in 1961.

Travelin’ Man:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0janfcZ8LUw&feature=related

Hello, Mary Lou:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLkCWT2neuI&feature=related

1962:

Young World:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCioEY-Anio

1963:

For You:

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

Nelson remained prolific, but music changed making it difficult for him to chart. He transitioned to country-rock making him a pioneer in the genre. His next big hit came in 1972. “Garden Party” was written after he was booed off stage for not performing his older songs.

Garden Party:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAHR7_VZdRw&NR=1

Nelson imploded after Garden Party. He fought with his record label and his band quit. He never scored a major hit again.

In 1985, he died in a plane crash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YZxYAB2Wcg

　

Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1987

The influential songwriter's career and lives in links.

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/jerry-leiber-and-mike-stoller/bio/

Official Website:
http://www.leiberstoller.com/

They are among the most influential songwriters in history.

Here is a sample of their work:

There Goes My Baby (The Drifters):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noFS4_oEakI

Hound Dog (Big Mama Thornton):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_nNNIYTy9g

Kansas City (Wilbert Harrison):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5toLrXoJyQ

Yakety Yak (The Coasters):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtTC3pGBjs4

Stand By Me (Ben E. King):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbg7YoXiKn0

Jailhouse Rock (Elvis):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpzV_0l5ILI

Love Potion No. 9 (The Clovers):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA6wySeeb6I

On Broadway (George Benson):

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

In 2011, American Idol had their contestants cover Leiber and Stoller works. Both men are alive as of July 2011.
　

Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO

#1 this week...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ6zr6kCPj8

Jackie Wilson: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1987

His life and career in links.

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/jackie-wilson/bio/

Reet Petite (1957):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ3-NnNx6Zs

Lonely Teardrops (1958): His breakthrough and signature:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nEfuE8Pw4U

1959:

That’s Why (I Love You So):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRL6ebkVwr4

I’ll Be Satisfied:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBLT1kDaj2c

You Better Know It:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhFkg3HZ5XU

1960:

A Woman A Lover A Friend:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIGkygiv8RA

Night:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_ctJX8qmfM

Alone At Last:

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

Baby Workout (1963):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJVcgP9ve-c

(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJQKR0GwOoE

During a benefit concert in 1975, Wilson collapsed and entered into a coma never to awake. He died in 1984.

Hank Williams Sr: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1987

His life and career in links.

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/hank-williams/bio/

1937: Hank began playing his guitar outside a radio station. He occasionally performed on air leading to a flood of requests for the “singing kids.”

1939: Dropped out of school to concentrate on music.

In 1947, he scored his first hit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Lza3NVH6Ig

I’m a Long Gone Daddy (1948):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtpe6_2nCts

Lovesick Blues (1949) made him a superstar:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xu71i89xvs

June 11, 1949: Makes his debut at the Grand Ole Opry.

Long Gone Lonesome Blues (1949):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JczEyQHBLEw

Why Don’t You Love Me? (1950):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S_LSHg053c

Cold Cold Heart (1951):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn2e4Dhod7M

Hey Good Lookin’ (1951):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95aP0OWx4jY

Honkey Tonk Blues (1952):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9faWxHeDWkY

Jambalaya (1952):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnKOVPXhlnE

Hank Williams Sr. died on January 1, 1953. He was 29.

I’ll Never Get Out of this World Alive (1952):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19vApPwWqh8

He continued to score hits after his death. Williams' storytelling influenced Chuck Berry.

1953:

Kaw-Liga:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FY7RWJAtJQ

Take These Chains from My Heart:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yyt6b-1T1Q

Your Cheatin’ Heart (the b-side to Kaw-Liga):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hubUNqQLjN8

T Bone Walker: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1987

His life and career in links.

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/t-bone-walker/bio/

His real name: Aaron Thibeaux Walker

Wichita Falls Blues (1929):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpXJBXS_fiY

Mean Old World (1942):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSOYOFQgVMs

Call It Stormy Monday (1947):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVR8lg1YLuc

He did not slow down until the 1960s. He died in 1975.

T-Bone influenced: Chuck Berry, B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, and the Allman Brothers.

The Allman Brothers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gDhR1R3S0s

Eddie Cochran: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1987

Eddie Cochran

His life and career in links.

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/eddie-cochran/bio/

Cochran embodied teenage frustration in the 50s.

Sitting in the Balcony (1957):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjprGzfm7QY

Jeannie Jeannie Jeannie (1958):

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

Summertime Blues (1958): (his signature hit)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeWC59FJqGc

C’mon Everybody (1958):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyU5bsfRdpE

Teenage Heaven (1959):

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fj6eDoGmxBM

Somethin’ Else (1959):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgQg4ze1_KU

Eddie Cochran died at the age of 21 in 1960 in a car accident.

He influenced: The Clash, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Tom Petty, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Dion, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and…

The Who:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5gBaCusDeY

Sid Vicious:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UofaK7qBOCk&feature=grec_index

Clyde McPhatter: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1987

His life and career in links:

Rock Hall Bio:
http://rockhall.com/inductees/clyde-mcphatter/bio/

In 1950, he won Amateur Night at the Apollo in Harlem and was drafted into Bill Ward and the Dominoes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHq1A8DwW18

He left the Dominoes and was recruited by Ahmet Ertegun to form a new group, which became the Drifters.

Money Honey (1953):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHgFs4Oxuc4

He stayed with the Drifters until late 1954, when he was drafted into the army. Afterward, McPhatter worked solo.

Love Has Joined Us Together w/Ruth Brown (1955):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKXHiwG1itA

Treasure of Love (1956):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lETG3uLUV9I

His biggest hit was “A Lover’s Question” from 1958:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzYZtuFpbLY

Lover Please (1962) was his last Top 10 hit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPcNdOSw5ZA

After 1962, the music industry changed too much for McPhatter. He moved to England, but returned to the U.S. in 1970 on the revival circuit.

He died in 1972 from heart, liver, and kidney disease caused by alcohol abuse. Clyde McPhatter was bitter at the end. He claimed that he had “no fans.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rraVe77RDL4

Give Me Everything by Pitbull

#1 this week...Adele is finally dethroned. Was Pitbull a member of Right Said Fred?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPo5wWmKEaI

Carl Perkins: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1987

His life and career in links.

Rock Hall Bio:http://rockhall.com/inductees/carl-perkins/bio/

History of Rock:http://www.history-of-rock.com/perkins.htm

Movie Magg (one of his first Sun Records singles): 1954http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc1O29mBYl8

1955:

Gone, Gone, Gone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrhZKavICNU

Blue Suede Shoes (1956): Perkins hits it big! His signature hit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79CJON8fv6c

Honey Don’t:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBx_D42opkI

In 1956, Perkins was in a terrible car wreck which broke his neck. His drummer found him face down in a ditch of water and pulled him out to save him from drowning. Perkins returned to recording later that year.

The Million Dollar Quartet (1956):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFpxQOd5tHA



Glad All Over (1957):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0ZsN9AlxN4

　

Matchbox (1957):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPARnAjxd2Q&feature=related

Your True Love (1957):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hBnszf1zMY

Perkins moved to Columbia in 1958 and continued recording. In the sixties, he played Vegas, toured with Chuck Berry, and continued to write and record.

Restless (1969):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2SLUMFn3ps

He fought a protracted legal battle with Sam Phillips over the royalties to his own songs.

Get It w/Paul McCartney (1982):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3fle7MKfJM

Class of ‘55 (1987):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG6jeC2ptgE

Perkins continued to record and perform. His last album featured John Fogerty, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, and Bono.

He died in 1998.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4tAn88vRZk