This is the fifth song in my Throwback Thursday series, in which we'll progressively head back in the history of popular music. This week's song was the number one song in America on this day in 1996.
In the mid-90s, a new dance craze swept the world. The dance required sixteen counts to complete and primarily centered around hand and arm movements (but you could get into it with your hips too). Simple, catchy and not overly suggestive, the Macarena was - and still is - a staple of dance parties everywhere.
Behind the dance was our second Latin-themed song in as many Throwback Thursdays. The Los Del Rio hit reached number one on the Billboard chart in August of 1996 and remained there 14 weeks through the middle of November. At the end of the year, Macarena earned the honor of the best song of 1996.
Enjoy the mid-90s fashion.
As someone who has two left feet, the Macarena has always been one of my favorite dances. Growing up I would do the Macarena dance to most songs, for the mere fact that I can't dance at all. Thank you, Los Del Rio, for giving me my signature 16-count move.
Next week: 1995
30 October 2014
23 October 2014
Song of the Day: October 23, 2014
This is the second song in my Throwback Thursday series, in which we'll progressively head back in the history of popular music. This week's song was the number one song in America on this day in 1999.
One of the biggest musical acts at the turn of the century was Carlos Santana. First bursting onto the scene in the late '60s, Santana and his eponymous band had spent the '80s and '90s in decline and hiatus. Santana, inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, then released a breakout album in 1999 which included two songs that would become among the band's greatest hits.
Santana teamed up with Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas for the debut single from their new album Supernatural, titled "Smooth". On October 23, 1999 Smooth, which was written by Thomas, became the number one song on the Billboard chart - a spot the song did not relinquish until January of 2000. After spending nearly three months as the hottest song in America, Smooth went triple-platinum and won three Grammy awards.
Smooth is highly infectious, with a summer fiesta feel. The percussion, horns and guitar playing blend perfectly. Thomas's unique vocal style adds a distinct flavor to this hit unlike any other song released in the last 20 years. Fifty years from now, we will still see this song as a classic hit and quite possibly as the song that defined the late '90s.
Next week: 1996
One of the biggest musical acts at the turn of the century was Carlos Santana. First bursting onto the scene in the late '60s, Santana and his eponymous band had spent the '80s and '90s in decline and hiatus. Santana, inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, then released a breakout album in 1999 which included two songs that would become among the band's greatest hits.
Santana teamed up with Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas for the debut single from their new album Supernatural, titled "Smooth". On October 23, 1999 Smooth, which was written by Thomas, became the number one song on the Billboard chart - a spot the song did not relinquish until January of 2000. After spending nearly three months as the hottest song in America, Smooth went triple-platinum and won three Grammy awards.
Smooth is highly infectious, with a summer fiesta feel. The percussion, horns and guitar playing blend perfectly. Thomas's unique vocal style adds a distinct flavor to this hit unlike any other song released in the last 20 years. Fifty years from now, we will still see this song as a classic hit and quite possibly as the song that defined the late '90s.
Next week: 1996
22 October 2014
Song of the Day: October 22, 2014
The second edition of Pentatonix Wednesday features the band's cover of the Clean Bandit hit "Rather Be".
Rather Be is a fantastic song to begin with and it is an absolute joy to hear Kirstie singing the lead in this cover. The cover is not much different feel-wise than the original, but Kevin's beatboxing gives it a small twist. It's an average cover by Pentatonix standards, but still one you can jam to for hours on end.
Next Pentatonix Wednesday: White Winter Hymn
Next Pentatonix Wednesday: White Winter Hymn
18 October 2014
Song of the Day - October 18, 2014
One of the better songs on the radio that isn't being overplayed yet is "Cool Kids" by Echosmith. It's in the digital/indie/alternative pop genre blur that I've been getting into recently (think Ellie Goulding, but slightly more laid-back) and it has a relatable message about trying to fit in with the "it" crowd. Cool Kids is a wonderful jam with a unique sound.
Enter the Gardiner Sisters, of whom I am in constant awe.
I first discovered this beautiful trio (they have a few younger sisters who join in sometimes) in a Peter Hollens YouTube video featuring three of my favorite things on this planet: A capella music, song mashups and Pirates of the Caribbean. Now Hailey, Allie and Mandi are among my all-time favorite musicians because of their harmonies and simple musical style (not simple as in easy, of course, but they don't often use more than a guitar and some light percussion). If you want more introduction to my not-yet-famous celebrity crushes, look here.
This week, the Gardiner Sisters released an acoustic version of the Echosmith hit, and it sounds almost like a completely new song. I think it's already one of my favorite Gardiner Sisters covers to date. Have a listen and fall almost in deeply in love as I am:
Every reason I love these girls and their music is evident in the video. The harmonies are beautiful, and each sister's personality shines through as usual. I did find several things that make this better than most Gardiner Sisters covers.
Enter the Gardiner Sisters, of whom I am in constant awe.
I first discovered this beautiful trio (they have a few younger sisters who join in sometimes) in a Peter Hollens YouTube video featuring three of my favorite things on this planet: A capella music, song mashups and Pirates of the Caribbean. Now Hailey, Allie and Mandi are among my all-time favorite musicians because of their harmonies and simple musical style (not simple as in easy, of course, but they don't often use more than a guitar and some light percussion). If you want more introduction to my not-yet-famous celebrity crushes, look here.
This week, the Gardiner Sisters released an acoustic version of the Echosmith hit, and it sounds almost like a completely new song. I think it's already one of my favorite Gardiner Sisters covers to date. Have a listen and fall almost in deeply in love as I am:
Every reason I love these girls and their music is evident in the video. The harmonies are beautiful, and each sister's personality shines through as usual. I did find several things that make this better than most Gardiner Sisters covers.
- The pink highlights in their hair are a subtle tribute to Breast Cancer Research Funding Month.
- It feels like they reinvented this song more than they've done most of their other covers. This gives it a uniquely Gardiner sound.
- Vocally, each girl has her own special moments. Recently, it's felt like Hailey's had a majority of the leads so it's nice to see Allie and Mandi share the lead this time.*
- I love watching all three dance along to the bouncing beat of the song. It adds a delightful aesthetic touch to the overall experience of the cover.
- I am a huge fan of Mandi's shirt.
- My favorite moment, musically, is from about 1:20-1:25.
Obviously, I could go on forever about this outstanding trio. Instead of doing that, I'll direct you back to the video so you can listen over and over.
*The "Hailey gets more leads" thing is far from a complaint, because if I absolutely had to pick a favorite Gardiner Sister, I'm not choosing against the one who is my age and the only person I'd expect to beat me 50% of the time in the Pirates of the Caribbean topic in QuizUp.
17 October 2014
Song of the Day: October 17, 2014
This would typically be my Throwback Thursday post, but I've got a job now - THIS IS GOOD NEWS. - so I'm turning this post into Flashback Friday for this week. The year is 2001.
In 2001, a young songstress named Alicia Keys burst onto the scene with her debut single, "Fallin'". The soulful ballad first hit the top of the Billboard chart in August, spending three weeks as the number one song in America before being ousted from the spot by Jennifer Lopez's "I'm Real." Keys took the top spot back from Lopez for another three weeks in October, and Fallin' ended 2001 as the second biggest song of the year. The single went gold in the United States and platinum in both Switzerland and Australia. To date it is Keys's third most successful single.
Fallin' includes a powerfully soulful vocal from Keys, backed by the sweet harmonies that are typical of a vintage R&B ballad. It is inescapably easy to hear the pain of a love-torn person depicted through the lyrics and Keys's own piano accompaniment. I mentioned in my last Song of the Day my belief that music is the best conveyor of emotion. Fallin' is one of my primary exhibitions of this theory.
I've said all I need to about the musicality of this song - hopefully allowing the song to speak for itself - but I believe we all need to take a moment to point out the blatant early-'00s fashion within the video. I'll point out a few of my favorites:
Ultimately, this video is the stuff of Buzzfeed legend. Enjoy, and then go check out 21 reasons Ryan Gosling is better than your man (because that's pretty much Buzzfeed in a nutshell, right?).
In 2001, a young songstress named Alicia Keys burst onto the scene with her debut single, "Fallin'". The soulful ballad first hit the top of the Billboard chart in August, spending three weeks as the number one song in America before being ousted from the spot by Jennifer Lopez's "I'm Real." Keys took the top spot back from Lopez for another three weeks in October, and Fallin' ended 2001 as the second biggest song of the year. The single went gold in the United States and platinum in both Switzerland and Australia. To date it is Keys's third most successful single.
Fallin' includes a powerfully soulful vocal from Keys, backed by the sweet harmonies that are typical of a vintage R&B ballad. It is inescapably easy to hear the pain of a love-torn person depicted through the lyrics and Keys's own piano accompaniment. I mentioned in my last Song of the Day my belief that music is the best conveyor of emotion. Fallin' is one of my primary exhibitions of this theory.
I've said all I need to about the musicality of this song - hopefully allowing the song to speak for itself - but I believe we all need to take a moment to point out the blatant early-'00s fashion within the video. I'll point out a few of my favorites:
- The hairdo.
- Hoop earrings.
- The trench coat. Particularly the trench coat.
| Everything about this outfit. |
Ultimately, this video is the stuff of Buzzfeed legend. Enjoy, and then go check out 21 reasons Ryan Gosling is better than your man (because that's pretty much Buzzfeed in a nutshell, right?).
Next week: 1999
15 October 2014
Song of the Day: October 15, 2014
The second edition of Pentatonix Wednesday features the sixth track from PTX Vol. 3, "Papaoutai".
Fresh off their world tour, Pentatonix strived to give PTX 3 a more global feel. Nowhere in the album is this desire more evident than in their cover of Stromae's Papaoutai. Entirely in French, I don't understand a single word of the song. However, the beat is insanely infectious and you will be hooked after just one listen, no matter what language(s) you speak. In fact, it is perhaps my favorite cover on the album.
This is a rare Pentatonix cover with instruments added. Beatboxer Kevin Olusola brings out his cello for Papaoutai, and "dubstep violinist" Lindsey Stirling joins the band with her unique violin sound. The strings add a unique sound to the song - the original has much more of a digital feel.
Next Pentatonix Wednesday: Rather Be
Fresh off their world tour, Pentatonix strived to give PTX 3 a more global feel. Nowhere in the album is this desire more evident than in their cover of Stromae's Papaoutai. Entirely in French, I don't understand a single word of the song. However, the beat is insanely infectious and you will be hooked after just one listen, no matter what language(s) you speak. In fact, it is perhaps my favorite cover on the album.
This is a rare Pentatonix cover with instruments added. Beatboxer Kevin Olusola brings out his cello for Papaoutai, and "dubstep violinist" Lindsey Stirling joins the band with her unique violin sound. The strings add a unique sound to the song - the original has much more of a digital feel.
Next Pentatonix Wednesday: Rather Be
14 October 2014
Song of the Day: October 14, 2014
One of my favorite YouTubers is Peter Hollens. First and foremost, his music is entirely vocal with little to no added computer effects. Secondly, his voice is basically that of an angel. Last, and almost as important as the first, he never forgets his fans and supporters - at the end of every video he always says "you are the reason I get to make music," which is just about the coolest thing a musician can say to the people that love his craft.
This morning (after taking some time out last night to interact with his Twitter followers while editing the video - like I said, the man involves his fans), Peter released a new song to his YouTube channel. The original song, titled "Ashland's Song", depicts the thoughts and feelings associated with becoming a father for the first time. I've long been a proponent of the idea that music is the best conveyor of music, and Peter's thoughts and emotions are very evident in this piece:
I really can't relate to this song (yet), but I thought it was high time to give one of my favorite musical artists a CUBS shoutout. So here's to you, Peter. I'm looking forward to the day five to 10 years down the road when your son begins making beautiful music with you.
This morning (after taking some time out last night to interact with his Twitter followers while editing the video - like I said, the man involves his fans), Peter released a new song to his YouTube channel. The original song, titled "Ashland's Song", depicts the thoughts and feelings associated with becoming a father for the first time. I've long been a proponent of the idea that music is the best conveyor of music, and Peter's thoughts and emotions are very evident in this piece:
I really can't relate to this song (yet), but I thought it was high time to give one of my favorite musical artists a CUBS shoutout. So here's to you, Peter. I'm looking forward to the day five to 10 years down the road when your son begins making beautiful music with you.
09 October 2014
Song of the Day: October 9, 2014
This is the second song in my Throwback Thursday series, in which we'll progressively head back in the history of popular music. This week's song was the number one song in America on this day in 2003.
Long before the Beyonce-mania of today, the Queen Bey was one of the world's most successful pop stars. In fact, I prefer 2003 Beyonce to today's Beyonce. In the fall of 2003, the former Destiny's Child leading lady had her second Hot 100 number one of the year (Beyonce was on top of the chart a combined 17 weeks in '03) with "Baby Boy". Baby Boy has a distinct Eastern feel and features Jamaican dancehall sensation Sean Paul. Bey dances her way through the music video, which was less acclaimed than her previous single Crazy In Love.
Shadowed, perhaps, by the enormous commercial success of Beyonce's breakthrough solo single Crazy In Love, Baby Boy nonetheless spent one week longer as the top song in America. Today, it is just as catchy as ever.
Next week: 2001
Long before the Beyonce-mania of today, the Queen Bey was one of the world's most successful pop stars. In fact, I prefer 2003 Beyonce to today's Beyonce. In the fall of 2003, the former Destiny's Child leading lady had her second Hot 100 number one of the year (Beyonce was on top of the chart a combined 17 weeks in '03) with "Baby Boy". Baby Boy has a distinct Eastern feel and features Jamaican dancehall sensation Sean Paul. Bey dances her way through the music video, which was less acclaimed than her previous single Crazy In Love.
Shadowed, perhaps, by the enormous commercial success of Beyonce's breakthrough solo single Crazy In Love, Baby Boy nonetheless spent one week longer as the top song in America. Today, it is just as catchy as ever.
Next week: 2001
02 October 2014
Song of the Day: October 2, 2014
Starting today, I am beginning a Throwback Thursday series. We'll progressively head back in the history of popular music, beginning with this day in 2006.
In the mid-2000s, Justin Timberlake was a shell of both his former and future selves, writing and singing music but to less acclaim than his days heading up every teenage girl's favorite band in the early '00s. His first solo album, Justified, is retrospectively one of my two favorite Timberlake albums; it earned the former *NSYNCer four Grammy nominations and went triple-platinum. By 2006, three years had passed since Justified and the world's most prominent recent memory of Timberlake was the infamous NippleGate incident with Janet Jackson.
Enter FutureSex/LoveSounds and the massive hit "SexyBack".
The message is quite clear: Justin Timberlake is still sexy, and he is back in the public spotlight. Timberlake has called the song a risk, but that risk paid off. SexyBack was the first - and longest-running - of two FS/LS singles to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100; the megahit spent seven weeks atop the charts in September and October.
For years, I've jokingly claimed that SexyBack is my theme song. Even eight years after its release, it's one of my go-to jams. Here's the video:
Next week: 2003
In the mid-2000s, Justin Timberlake was a shell of both his former and future selves, writing and singing music but to less acclaim than his days heading up every teenage girl's favorite band in the early '00s. His first solo album, Justified, is retrospectively one of my two favorite Timberlake albums; it earned the former *NSYNCer four Grammy nominations and went triple-platinum. By 2006, three years had passed since Justified and the world's most prominent recent memory of Timberlake was the infamous NippleGate incident with Janet Jackson.
Enter FutureSex/LoveSounds and the massive hit "SexyBack".
The message is quite clear: Justin Timberlake is still sexy, and he is back in the public spotlight. Timberlake has called the song a risk, but that risk paid off. SexyBack was the first - and longest-running - of two FS/LS singles to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100; the megahit spent seven weeks atop the charts in September and October.
For years, I've jokingly claimed that SexyBack is my theme song. Even eight years after its release, it's one of my go-to jams. Here's the video:
Next week: 2003
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