Category / Music

by admin

iTunes Top 200: #6

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It has now been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library, featuring he songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which older songs still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2025.

We continue this week with the two tracks tied for sixth on this countdown with 152 plays apiece, both of which have ties to the local ballclub and neither of which would classify as a traditional song.

#7: sox05_montage
iTunes stats: 152 plays, most recently on 8/28/2024
Previous ranking: #6

In 2005, the White Sox won their first division title since 2000, their first ALDS and ALCS ever, and, finally, their first World Series championship since 1917.  This track contains radio highlights from John Rooney and Ed Farmer, courtesy of the team’s flagship ESPN 1000, of the entire 2005 season, starting with a 1-0 victory over Cleveland at US Cellular Field and culminating in a 1-0 victory against the Astros in Houston to give the White Sox their first championship in 88 years.  It featured on my White Sox victory playlists for the next decade, finally dropping off in 2015.

#6: Gordon Beckham Intro
iTunes stats: 152 plays, most recently on 6/27/2024
Previous ranking: #6

Drafted by the White Sox as the eighth overall pick in 2008, Gordon Beckham made a splash when he first broke into the Major Leagues in 2009.  He used The Outfield’s hit Your Love as his walkup song, which was not part of my collection at the time.  This recording, featuring Gene Honda introducing the former White Sox infielder as he came up to the plate, was a part of my White Sox victory playlist until I was able to track down a copy of the real thing.

by admin

iTunes Top 200: #8

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It has now been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library, featuring he songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which older songs still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2025.

Today, we continue with our in-depth look into each song in the top ten.  Two songs have tied for the eighth most listened to song in my library, with 144 plays since my stats began in late 2007.  Both have ties to the baseball team on the south side of Chicago and the various playlists I have made for them over the years.

#8: Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’
iTunes stats: 144 plays, most recently on 8/27/2024
Previous ranking: #8

Originally released in October of 1981 as the second single off the band’s Escape album, the song peaked at #9 on the Hot 100 and quickly became one of the band’s signature hits.  The song got a second life in the 2000s, starting locally after it became the rallying cry for the 2005 White Sox when A.J. Pierzynski and teammates heard it being sung in a bar in Baltimore.  Steve Perry, who was the band’s lead singer when the song was recorded, was on the field following Game 4 celebrating with the team and sang the song at the rally back in Chicago two days later.  It finally dropped off my White Sox victory playlist starting with the 2015 season.

In 2007, it appeared in the final episode of The Sopranos, which led to a surge in digital downloads of the song.  In 2012, it became the best-selling digital track from the 20th century, and it surpassed 7,000,000 downloads by 2017.  In 2021, the song inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

#8: Icona Pop – I Love It (Feat. Charli XCX)
iTunes stats: 144 plays, most recently on 9/28/2024
Previous ranking: #14

Featuring vocals from British singer Charli XCX, the song by the Swedish synth-pop duo became their first US hit, peaking at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2013 following an appearance of the HBO show Girls.  The song was written by Charli XCX after the group’s producer sent her two of the duo’s beats, but she knew she couldn’t release it on her own due to the difference in sound.

Over the last decade, the song has been played often at the former Guaranteed Rate Field both to pump up the crowd and for between inning highlight packages.  It’s inclusion on recent entries of my White Sox victory playlist has led to its rising total.

by admin

iTunes Top 200: #10

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It has now been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library, featuring he songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which older songs still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2025.

Today, we enter the top ten, where we will go more in depth into each song.  The tenth most listened to song in my library, with 137 plays since my stats began in late 2007, was featured on many of my White Sox playlists, celebrating their World Series Championship in 2005.

#10: Queen – We Are The Champions
iTunes stats: 137 plays, most recently on 9/15/2024
Previous ranking: #9

We Are the Champions was released in 1977, coming from the group’s sixth studio album News of the World.  Written with audience participation in mind and usually played back-to-back with its B-side, We Will Rock You, it peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the late 70s.  In 2005, it was voted as the world’s favorite song in a poll by Sony Ericsson.

Also in 2005, It made its way back into my world thanks to the White Sox winning their first World Series championship in 88 years.  For the next decade, the song was included in my victory playlist, bringing up the end following a collection of highlights from that championship season.  I hope to include it once again someday, but the fellows on the South Side do not seem to be as keen on making that happen.

by admin

iTunes Top 200: #11 – 19

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It has now been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library, featuring he songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which older songs still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2025.

With the top of the charts in sight, we continue this week with songs ranking from 19th place with 65 plays, breaking past the century mark, and finishing with the one track with 114 plays, good enough for 11th place since my stats began in late 2007.

#19: Metallica – Harvester of Sorrow
iTunes stats: 65 plays, most recently on 11/5/2024
Previous ranking: #19

Released as the first single from the band’s fourth studio album, it was used as the at-bat music for former White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko for the majority of his career and thus featured on most of my victory playlists leading up to his retirement.

#19: The Lonely Island – Natalie’s Rap (ft. Natalie Portman & Chris Parnell)
iTunes stats: 65 plays, most recently on 11/1/2022
Previous ranking: #17

A slight drop for the second digital short from The Lonely Island, which featured Natalie Portman playing against type as a lewd gangsta.

#18: Foo Fighters – My Hero
iTunes stats: 67 plays, most recently on 9/30/2024
Previous ranking: #19

The highest-ranking tune from the Foo Fighters, up one spot from five years ago, is this live version from their previously mentioned concert in London’s Hyde Park.

#16: P.O.D. – Boom
iTunes stats: 94 plays, most recently on 9/25/2022
Previous ranking: #12

The entrance song for former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks, it made a number of appearances on my early victory playlists.

#16: Blues Brothers – Sweet Home Chicago
iTunes stats: 94 plays, most recently on 9/15/2024
Previous ranking: #170

Getting added to my White Sox victory playlist helped make this classic jump up the chart. Continue reading →

by admin

iTunes Top 200: #19 – 27

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It has now been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library, featuring he songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which older songs still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2025.

With the top of the charts in sight, we continue this week with songs ranking from 27th place with 56 plays up to those with 65 plays apiece, good enough for 19th place since my stats began in late 2007.

#27: Veruca Salt – Seether
iTunes stats: 56 plays, most recently on 2/5/2024
Previous ranking: #29

The group’s debut single was ranked as the 10th greatest grunge song of all time by Paste magazine in 2014.

#27: Garbage – Bad Boyfriend
iTunes stats: 56 plays, most recently on 10/26/2022
Previous ranking: #23

This lead track from the band’s fourth album features Dave Grohl, of Foo Fighters and Nirvana fame, on drums.

#27: Foo Fighters – Monkey Wrench
iTunes stats: 56 plays, most recently on 10/28/2024
Previous ranking: #36

The first single from the band’s second album, chronicling the disintegration of singer/song writer Dave Grohl’s four-year marriage to Jennifer Youngblood.

#27: Barenaked Ladies – If I Had $1,000,000
iTunes stats: 56 plays, most recently on 2/5/2023
Previous ranking: #23

This live version of the song was recorded at Chicago’s own Metro theatre.

#26: The Cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer – The Mustard
iTunes stats: 57 plays, most recently on 2/5/2023
Previous ranking: #22

A short interlude from the musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer about the joys of dry cleaning.

Continue reading →

by admin

iTunes Top 200: #31 – 38

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It has now been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library, featuring he songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which older songs still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2025.

We continue this week with the two remaining songs tied for 89th place with 42 plays and begin the first batch of tunes with 43 plays apiece, good enough for 77th place since my stats began in late 2007.

#38: 10,000 Maniacs – These Are Days
iTunes stats: 52 plays, most recently on 8/12/2024
Previous ranking: #51

The lead single from the band’s fifth studio album, it topped Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks chart in November of 1992.

#38: Metallica – Wherever I May Roam
iTunes stats: 52 plays, most recently on 2/26/2024
Previous ranking: #47

Used by former White Sox closer David Robertson as his entry music during his stint with the club, which got it added to some editions of my White Sox victory playlist.

#38: Foo Fighters – All My Life
iTunes stats: 52 plays, most recently on 8/1/2024
Previous ranking: #28

Only three new plays for this live version of the song from the Live in Hyde Park bootleg.

#34: Taylor Swift – Bad Blood
iTunes stats: 53 plays, most recently on 2/12/2024
Previous ranking: #60

Swift’s fourth #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, it was one of many walkup songs used by Anthony Rizzo during the 2016 season, earning it a place on my Cubs victory playlist.

#34: Katy Perry – I Kissed a Girl
iTunes stats: 53 plays, most recently on 8/17/2024
Previous ranking: #33

Perry’s debut single, it was ranked as the 66th top song for the decade of the 2000s by Billboard magazine.

Continue reading →

by admin

iTunes Top 200: #41 – 50

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It has now been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library, featuring he songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which older songs still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2025.

We start the final quarter of this chart with the one remaining song tied for 50th place with 49 plays through the four tracks with 51 plays apiece, good enough for 41st place since my stats began in late 2007.

#50: The Beatles – Helter Skelter
iTunes stats: 49 plays, most recently on 8/15/2024
Previous ranking: #51

Considered by music historians as a key influence in the development of heavy metal, the song has added nine new plays over the past five years.

#45: The Lonely Island – Lazy Sunday (ft. Chris Parnell)
iTunes stats: 50 plays, most recently on 10/18/2024
Previous ranking: #29

A bit of a drop down the charts for the original SNL digital short that put the Lonely Island on the pop culture map and defined the phrase “viral video”.

#45: Foo Fighters – Everlong
iTunes stats: 50 plays, most recently on 3/29/2024
Previous ranking: #33

Recorded live in London’s Hyde Park, the song added five additional listens over these past five years.

#45: Elvis Presley – An American Trilogy
iTunes stats: 50 plays, most recently on 10/21/2024
Previous ranking: #60

A medley of three 19th century songs: Dixie, a blackface minstrel song that became the unofficial anthem of the Confederacy since the Civil War; All My Trials, originally a Bahamian lullaby, but closely related to African American spirituals; and The Battle Hymn of the Republic, the marching song of the Union Army during the Civil War.

#45: Dr. Dre Feat. Snoop Dogg – Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang
iTunes stats: 50 plays, most recently on 3/20/2024
Previous ranking: #43

The first single from Dr. Dre’s solo debut, which reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was named the hip-hop song of the decade by XXL magazine.

Continue reading →

by admin

iTunes Top 200: #50 – 60

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It has now been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library, featuring he songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which older songs still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2025.

Today we wrap up the third quarter of our list, jumping from the final song tied for 60th place with 46 plays all the way up to the first group of tunes with 49 plays apiece, good enough for 50th place since my stats began in late 2007.

#60: Bell Biv DeVoe – Do Me!
iTunes stats: 46 plays, most recently on 11/9/2023
Previous ranking: #41

A mere three new listens for this second single from the former New Edition members, which reached #3 on the Billboard charts.

#57: Weezer – Hash Pipe
iTunes stats: 47 plays, most recently on 6/26/2024
Previous ranking: #51

This first single from the band’s long awaited comeback album in 2001 peaked at #24 on the Mainstream Rock chart.

#57: Toad the Wet Sprocket – Walk on the Ocean
iTunes stats: 47 plays, most recently on 10/28/2024
Previous ranking: #56

Reaching #18 on the Hot 100, the song was written following a vacation singer Glen Phillips took to Orcas Island.

#57: Sir Mix-A-Lot – Baby Got Back
iTunes stats: 47 plays, most recently on 7/24/2024
Previous ranking: #43

The classic ode to large backsides sat atop the Hot 100 for five weeks in the summer of 1992.

#54: Garbage – Only Happy When It Rains
iTunes stats: 48 plays, most recently on 3/2/2024
Previous ranking: #68

A live version of the 1995 hit from the band’s One Mile High… Live video.

Continue reading →

by admin

iTunes Top 200: #60

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It has now been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library, featuring he songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which older songs still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2025.

We continue this week with the first ten songs tied for 60th place with 46 plays since my stats began in late 2007.

#60: Weird Al Yankovic – White & Nerdy
iTunes stats: 46 plays, most recently on 6/21/2024
Previous ranking: #47

A parody of the song Ridin’ by Chamillionaire and Krayzie Bone, which became Weird Al’s first ever top ten hit.

#60: Dr. John – My Opinionation
iTunes stats: 46 plays, most recently on 11/4/2023
Previous ranking: #36

The theme song to Blossom, the 90s pantheon to weird teenage girls being themselves.

#60: Motley Crue – Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
iTunes stats: 46 plays, most recently on 12/19/2023
Previous ranking: #125

The fourth single from the band’s fifth studio album, it reached #19 on the Billboard Hot 100.

#60: The Lonely Island – Shy Ronnie 2: Ronnie & Clyde (feat. Rihanna)
iTunes stats: 46 plays, most recently on 6/26/2024
Previous ranking: #68

A track from the comedy group’s second album, it earned them a Creative Arts Emmy Award nomination.

#60: Ice Cube – It Was a Good Day
iTunes stats: 46 plays, most recently on 11/27/2024
Previous ranking: #89

Peaking at #15, it remains the highest-charting single of Ice Cube’s career.

Continue reading →

by admin

iTunes Top 200: #71 – 77

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It has now been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library, featuring he songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which older songs still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2025.

We continue this week with the four remaining songs tied for 77th place with 43 plays, the four tunes tied for 73rd place with 44 plays, and, finally, the two tracks with 45 plays apiece, good enough for 71st place since my stats began in late 2007.

#77: The Crystal Method – Bones Theme
iTunes stats: 43 plays, most recently on 11/27/2019
Previous ranking: #41

An original composition by the group for the long running FOX show, it has gone unheard in more than five years.

#77: The Cranberries – Zombie
iTunes stats: 43 plays, most recently on 2/7/2024
Previous ranking: #125

Written about the IRA bombing in Warrington in 1993, the first single from the Cranberries sophomore effort jumped nearly 50 spots on the rankings.

#77: The Cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer – I’ve Got A Theory/Bunnies/If We’re Together
iTunes stats: 43 plays, most recently on 8/31/2024
Previous ranking: #60

This entry from Once More With Feeling, where we learn the truth behind the evil that is bunnies, added five new plays over the previous five years.

#77: Bad Religion – Infected
iTunes stats: 43 plays, most recently on 8/31/2024
Previous ranking: #98

The third single from the band’s eighth studio album, it peaked at #27 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks chart.

#73: Foo Fighters – Breakout (Live)
iTunes stats: 44 plays, most recently on 6/6/2024
Previous ranking: #60

This live version from the group’s 2006 show in London’s Hyde Park picked up six new plays since 2020.

Continue reading →