David Bowie: Modern Love (1983)

This might be Bowie's most infectious song. He claims Little Richard inspired the song about the battle between God and man. Nile Rodgers produced and played guitar and Stevie Ray Vaughan played lead guitar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hDbpF4Mvkw

David Bowie: Blackstar (2015)

Originally, "Blackstar" was supposed to run over 11 minutes, but iTunes refused to release anything over 10. So, Bowie cut it down to just under 10 minutes. The music video is an amazing homage to Bowie's career.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kszLwBaC4Sw

David Bowie: Lazarus (2016)

David Bowie is suffering from terminal cancer when he filmed this video. Like Johnny Cash's "Hurt", "Lazarus" is a goodbye to fans. At the same time, this song explains the dying process to the audience. Bowie's composure at the end of life is simply amazing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-JqH1M4Ya8

Top 25 songs of 1997 part 1

In my opinion...or at least my faves.

21. Lakini's Juice- Live

22. Superman's Dead- Our Lady Peace

23. The Difference- The Wallflowers

24. Rattlesnake- Live



25. I'm Afraid of Americans- David Bowie

David Bowie: Let's Dance (1983)

Bowie exited the seventies with the realization that he needed money. He spent the decade

creating, but not earning like other stars. Let's Dance was his response. The

song and album were monster hits. On a side note, the work featured a little

known Austin, Texas guitarist named Stevie Ray Vaughan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4d7Wp9kKjA

Nirvana: The Man Who Sold the World (1994)

David Bowie originally recorded "The Man Who Sold the World" in 1970. Nirvana covered the song during their unplugged performance for MTV in 1993. Bowie loved the Nirvana version, which made him realize for the first time his impact in America. Kids today now compliment Bowie for covering Nirvana when he plays the song. Bowie generally responds with a heartfelt "fuck you."

Nirvana:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fregObNcHC8



Bowie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSH--SJKVQQ

Top 10 Songs of 2013

Here are the best songs, as picked by me, for 2013....

1. Sirens- Pearl Jam
2. The Next Day- David Bowie
3. The Anarchist- Rush
4. Super Collider- Megadeth
5. Neil Diamond- Freedom Song
6. Mind Your Manners- Pearl Jam
7. Valentine's Day- David Bowi
8. Ordinary Love- U2
9. Radioactive-Imagine Dragons
10. Cut Me Some Slack- Nirvana w/Paul McCartney

David Bowie: Changes (1972)

David Bowie spent his entire career reinventing himself. As a result, “Changes” is something of a theme song for the crooner. The song truly introduced Bowie to Americans and was the last song he ever sang live prior to his retirement (although he has since released new material).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl3vxEudif8

David Bowie: Valentine's Day (2013)

 

David Bowie’s latest. Notice his eyes. I have never noticed that before…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4R8HTIgHUU

David Bowie: The Next Day (2013)

David Bowie angers the Catholic League with this ditty starring Gary Oldman.  Bowie steps on every religious convention here.

http://www.vevo.com/watch/david-bowie/the-next-day/USRV31300003

Queen: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2001

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/queen/bio/

Official Site: http://www.queenonline.com/

Queen formed in 1970. Originally, they were influenced by Prog Rock and hard rock. They changed their name from Smile to Queen when Freddie Mercury joined. They released their first album in 1973.

Keep Yourself Alive (1973): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JofwEB9g1zg

They truly began to sound like Queen with their third album, Sheer Heart Attack.

Killer Queen (1974): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAf2S6ij2gk

Then, a masterpiece off of A Night At The Opera

Bohemian Rhapsody (1975): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ

By the mid-70s, they were one of the most innovative bands in the world.

Somebody to Love (1976): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pMM4iwC-ag

Tie Your Mother Down (1977): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvB2MnIIdMw

We Are The Champions/We Will Rock You (1977): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY

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

Fat Bottomed Girls (1978):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMnjF1O4eH0

Crazy Little Thing Called Love (1979): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yziGiVua0Dg

Another One Bites the Dust (1980): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY0WxgSXdEE

They did the soundtrack to Flash Gordon. The soundtrack was better than the film…

Flash (1980): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfmrHTdXgK4

They worked with David Bowie…

Under Pressure (1981): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a01QQZyl-_I

And continued to score hits…

Radio Ga-Ga (1984): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t63_HRwdAgk

I Want to Break Free (1984): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRdo7WXTVoM

Hammer to Fall (1984): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU5LMG3WFBw.

Their Live Aid performance was voted best live performance ever:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQsM6u0a038

And they continued…

From Highlander:

Who Wants to Live Forever (1986): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L8-FTvSVxs

I Want It All (1989): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pm4fQRl72k

The Show Must Go On (1991): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSkx34M3XtY

Until Freddie got sick…

…he died on November 24, 1991

Concert For Freddie (1992): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-xq7dHTFYo

Queen released their final album with Mercury in 1995.

Heaven for Everyone (1995): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKhFJcBztB4

Brian May and Roger Taylor later teamed with Paul Rodgers. They toured from 2005-09.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHD1sbqzxt4

In 2011, they announced an album with Mercury demos.

David Bowie: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1996

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/david-bowie/bio/

Official Site:

http://www.davidbowie.com/

David Bowie's career began in the early 60s, but he did achieve notoriety until he used the space program for inspiration.

Liza Jane w/the King Bees (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNNfqh-iJXs

Space Oddity (1969):

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

Changes (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl3vxEudif8

In 1972, he created the andogynous Ziggy Stardust character to serve as an alterego.

Starman (1972):

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

Ziggy Stardust (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8sdsW93ThQ

Suffragette City (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLnPd7lzT4g

The Jean Genie (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLbi6y4ktgc

Life on Mars? (1973):

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

Rebel Rebel (1974):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa6bI_95G9I

Rock n Roll Suicide (1974):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jg4ekLG9Zo

Diamond Dogs (1974):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36lWAcY9IXE

In 1975, Bowie killed Ziggy (Rock n Roll Suicide) and changed up.

Young Americans (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScVi_L817ec

Fame (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-_30HA7rec

Golden Years (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd2clb5T8JA

In 1977, he began work on the Berlin Trilogy...changing up once more.

Sound and Vision (1977):

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

Heroes (1977):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgcc5V9Hu3g

Boys Keep Swinging (1979):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwTlbs51v2M

During the 80s, he achieved his greatest commercial success.

Ashes to Ashes (1980):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMThz7eQ6K0

Fashion (1980):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA27aQZCQMk

Under Pressure w/Queen (1981):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtrEN-YKLBM

Cat People (1982):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1O4iZOt23Q

Let's Dance (1983):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyVjdQXNs9s

China Girl (1983):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_8IXx4tsus

Modern Love (1983):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hDbpF4Mvkw

Blue Jean (1984):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTYvjrM6djo

For Live Aid:

Dancing in the Street w/Mick Jagger (1985):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y-x2fWKbmo

Day-in Day Out (1987):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-u10bLJ0PY

Then, he decided to be a part of a group (Tin Machine)

Tin Machine (1989):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6CbGRze5zU

Throughout the 90s and 00s, he continued to do his own thing.

Real Cool World (1992):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcLRR0ONyU0

The Hearts Filthy Lesson (1995):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe6uWzwQ1FE

I Can't Read (1997):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COj5BWnxd9U

Thursday's Child (1999):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S227FFNwl8

The concert for New York (2001):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdo5f_ozf6E

Rebel Never Gets Old (2004):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueCQpsGw7aE

Arnold Layne w/David Gilmour (2006):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K499HpGF46E

Bowie also appeared in a number of films including Labrynth, The Last Temptation of Christ, Twin Peaks, and Zoolander.

He is now in retirement.




　
　

Martha and the Vandellas: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1995

Rock Hall Bio: 

http://rockhall.com/inductees/martha-and-the-vandellas/bio/

Barry Gordy signed Martha and the Vandellas in 1962. It did not take long for the group to hit it big.

Heat Wave (1963):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCpDMQf5o9s&feature=related

Dancing in the Street (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b5HXZRQFss

Nowhere to Run (1965):

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

I’m Ready for Love (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9ZKJjN5IeY

Jimmy Mack (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbOu3XZraWg

Honey Chile (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxhO-qZIrJc

Around this time, Gordy began focusing almost exclusively on The Supremes and Diana Ross. As a result, the quality of material sent to the Vandellas suffered. Infighting made the troubles worsen.

Baby Don’t Leave Me (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4UKsuBXJsM

　
Motown moved to Los Angeles and Reeves did not want to go. She negotiated out of Motown Records and signed with MCA. She received critical acclaim for her first solo album, but fell into alcohol abuse. She sobered in 1977 and became a born-again Christian. She served as a Detroit city councilwoman from 2005-2009.

“Dancing in the Streets” was later covered by Van Halen and Mick Jagger and David Bowie.

Van Halen:

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

Mick Jagger and David Bowie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y-x2fWKbmo

John Lennon: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1994

Rock Hall Bio:
 http://rockhall.com/inductees/john-lennon/bio/

Official Site:

www.johnlennon.com

John Lennon lost his mother when he was 17. He had no contact with his dad until his Beatles’ years. In 1957, he formed the Quarrymen, which evolved into the Beatles. The Beatles became the biggest band ever to walk the Earth giving them freedom to produce what they wanted. During the band’s latter years, Lennon branched out.

He filmed an anti-war movie in 1967:

How I Won the War:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=logjz5y2Ots

He performed at The Rolling Stones Rock n Roll Circus (1968):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvKkH0Vwxug&feature=related

Lennon released three experimental albums before the Beatle’s broke up.

In 1969, he and Yoko put on a number of bed-ins for peace.

Give Peace A Chance (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkZC7sqImaM

Cold Turkey (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEnNEIVR9EM

Instant Karma (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqP3wT5lpa4

After the Beatles’ breakup, Lennon went solo. In 1970, he underwent Primal Therapy to deal with his childhood traumas.

Mother (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkOoZDK7Rz8

Power to the People (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtvlBS4PMF0

Working Class Hero (1971):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njG7p6CSbCU

Imagine (1971):

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

Lennon feuded with former mate Paul McCartney…

How Do You Sleep (1971):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK7CLXHSr1M

…while preaching peace.

Happy Xmas (War is Over):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN4Uu0OlmTg

　
In 1972, John and Yoko hosted the Mike Douglas Show for a week.

Mind Games (1973):

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

During an 18-month stretch, he experienced his so-called “lost weekend” with May Pang. He later returned to Yoko.

Whatever Gets You Through the Night (1974):

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

#9 Dream (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGFvlnCq-ts

During this period, he collaborated with Elton John, Mick Jagger and David Bowie. He co-wrote “Fame” with Bowie.

Lennon retired in 1975 to help raise his son Sean.

In 1976, he was granted permanent residency in the U.S. after a four year battle with immigration. Also in 1976, Saturday Night Live offered the Beatles $3000 cash if they would reunite. Lennon and McCartney were watching the show at the same time and almost drove to the studio.

Lennon returned to the studio and released his final studio album in 1980.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-F3MJjcRkc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yeiu7A41Tlw&feature=related


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

　

Starting Over (1980):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utc09QGs-3c

On December 8, 1980, John Lennon was shot and killed by a deranged fan.

Woman (1981):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-x1FsvOAz4


Watching the Wheels (1981):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da69-pu_pqc

Nobody Told Me (1984):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_0di2IL440

867. Dancing in the Street by Martha and the Vandellas (1964)

If Motown has a signature song, this is it. "Dancing in the Street" captures a moment and mood of both Motown records and early sixties optimism. For a brief moment, the song was given a political tone as some decided to turn it into a civil rights anthem in the aftermath of several inner city riots. In 1985, David Bowie and Mick Jagger cut a version of the sixties hit for the Live Aid charity concert. The pair performed the song together in 1986 for the Prince's Trust Concert.

Martha and the Vandellas:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdvITn5cAVc

David Bowie and Mick Jagger:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G4jnaznUoQ

872. Ashes to Ashes by David Bowie (1980)

"Ashes to Ashes" helped David Bowie wrap "up the seventies." The song reflects Bowie's experiences throughout the decade and features an appearance from Major Tom. While looking back at the previous decade, Bowie's video looked ahead to the golden age of MTV. Bowie was a natural to the video music medium as "Ashes to Ashes" demonstrates.

Note to younger readers: Once upon a time, MTV played music...

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMThz7eQ6K0

901. Rocket Man by Elton John (1972)

In the early seventies, Apollo missions had become routine. "Rocket Man" recounts how space travel had gone from unique and exciting to as mundane as a 9-5 desk job. John's astronaut regrets leaving his home and family and explores the loneliness of his chosen occupation. Despite covering similar themes as David Bowie's "Space Oddity", the song may never have been written had Bernie Taupin not looked up in the sky one day and witnessed a plane flying off in the distance.

A video influenced by the space program:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GAKOLOnfV4

With stills of Elton John:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LX7WrHCaUA

Live in 1976:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2hu2EwCm-k&feature=related

992. Californication by the Red Hot Chili Peppers (2000)

A lot of pop culture references in this one. The RHCP reference David Bowie, Kurt Cobain, Star Wars, Star Trek, the moon landing conspiracy theory, and Dorothy Stratten. It also examines the dark side of Hollywood with references to porn, fake boobs, plastic surgery, and the self destructive nature of many artists.

Best Line: Destruction leads to a very rough road but it also breeds creation.

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

RS Mag's Top 500 Songs #31-50

31. Stairway to Heaven: Led Zeppelin- Stairway begins in the middle ages and contains words inspired by a book about Celtic Britain and then transforms into a stadium rock epic as it continually builds to its crescendo 8 minutes later.

32. Sympathy for the Devil: The Rolling Stones- Anastasia did scream in vain…Mick was right!

33. River Deep-Mountain High: Ike and Tina Turner- Overrated if you ask me…

34. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling: The Righteous Brothers- You can tell this is a Phil Spector produced song about 1 note into it…

35. Light My Fire: The Doors- This made the Doors stars, but they had to cut the 7 minute song down to 3.

36. One: U2- U2 drops their 80s self righteousness for irony. Written as the band was falling apart…it helped bring them back together.

37. No Woman, No Cry: Bob Marley- Probably the greatest Reggae song of all time.

38. Gimme Shelter: The Rolling Stones- Rape, Murder…it’s just a shot away. Allegedly inspired by rioting in the U.S.

39. That’ll Be the Day: Buddy Holly- Inspired by a John Wayne phrase in The Searchers,

40. Dancing in the Street: Martha and the Vandellas- Wonder what Martha is doing now?

41. The Weight: The Band- Robbie Robertson wrote about the impossibility of sainthood.

42. Waterloo Sunset: The Kinks- Not about Napoleon; it’s about a guy that does not feel he needs friends.

43. Tutti-Frutti: Little Richard- Always thought this was about a sandwich or ice cream or something.

44. Georgia on my Mind: Ray Charles- A cab driver convinced Charles to record this.

45. Heartbreak Hotel: Elvis Presley- a song about suicide?

46. Heroes: David Bowie- Bowie opened the 911 tribute concert with this.

47. All Along the Watch Tower: The Jimi Hendrix Experience- and Hendrix made it howl…

48. Bridge Over Troubled Water: Simon and Garfunkel- Friendship done at an epic level.

49. Hotel California: The Eagles- The Eagles take on Los Angeles hedonism.

50. The Tracks of My Tears: Smokey Robinson and the Miracles- Pete Townsend was inspired to write “Substitute” after hearing this song.

RS Magazine's Top 500 Songs #116-140

116. Honkey Tonk Women: The Rolling Stones- Nothing screams strip club like Honkey Tonk Women.

117. Take Me To The River: Al Green- Later covered by the Talking Heads

118. Crazy in Love: Bouncy- Broke Bouncy as a superstar

119. Shout: The Isley Brothers- Pistons games in the late 80s played this.

120. Go Your Own Way: Fleetwood Mac- Song defines a generation. The first one to witness a 50% divorce rate and the disillusionment of the 70s.

121. I Want You Back: Jackson 5- Opened Motown to funk.

122. Stand By Me: Ben E. King- This song was played on my HS bus every day when I was in the 10th grade.

123. The House of the Rising Sun: The Animals- One of the all time riffs…reminds me of Casino nowadays.

124. It’s a Man….World: James Brown- James Brown telling the sisters!

125. Jumpin’ Jack Flash: The Rolling Stones- Here’s another I thought would be top 100.

126. Will You Love Me Tomorrow: The Shirelles- A bit risqué for the time. Shows that being clever is better than being blunt.

127. Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Big Joe Turner- Raunchy lyrics changed for the Bill Haley version.

128. Changes: David Bowie- The song defines youth…and Bowie himself.

129. Rock and Roll Music: Chuck Berry- One of the all-time classics.

130. Born to Be Wild: Steppenwolf- Easy Rider!

131. Maggie May: Rod Stewart- Over rated!

132. With or Without You: U2- I thought this might have kicked off the Top 100. Guess I was wrong…not that U2 is underrepresented here. They have 8 songs in the top 500.

133. Who Do You Love?: Bo Diddley- People probably know the George Thorogood version better. Also covered by the Doors.

134. Won’t Get Fooled Again: The Who- Pete Townsend ripping on his own generation.

135. In the Midnight Hour: Wilson Pickett- They pushed the second beat and held back the 4th making this quite unique. Of course, it would have been unique with Pickett anyway.

136. While My Guitar Gently Weeps: The Beatles- with Clapton on guitar…George brought him in hoping he could get the lads to behave.

137. Your Song: Elton John: John Lennon loved this song.

138. Eleanor Rigby: The Beatles- We reviewed this song and its meaning in 8th grade English.

139. Family Affair: Sly and the Family Stone- Sly got in trouble with the Black Panthers for having whites in his group. He told them to deal with it.

140. I Saw Her Standing There: The Beatles- Nowadays, when Paul sings the opening line, it’s a bit creepy.