February 4, 2019January 5, 2019 by admin

Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 4

20 years ago, during my sophomore year of high school, I put together the first of what would become a nearly 20 volume collection of mix tapes, containing my favorite songs that I had gathered either from the radio, a cassette tape, or (eventually) CD. We last looked back at all 20 volumes three years ago to see which of my “favorite” songs still resonated in today’s digital world. Today, we revisit those mix tapes and see how, or if, things have changed in the past 3 years.

Volume 4 places us smack dab in the middle of my junior year of high school, from late 1990 and into 1991, and, s quite possibly, the worst entry in this series. Judging solely from this tape, you would have no idea that Nirvana’s Nevermind would be released later this year.

Side A

Damn Yankees – High Enough

Peaking at #3 on the Billboard charts, the one big hit from the supergroup featuring right-wing douchenozzle Ted Nugent added only 4 new plays and hasn’t shown up in rotation in over a year.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
3 plays	6 plays	10 plays, most recently on 11/21/2017

Sweet Sensation – If Wishes Came True

The #25 hit of 1990 added 8 additional listens over the past 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
2 plays	5 plays	13 plays, most recently on 8/17/2018

Poison – Fallen Angel

Poison’s hit from 1988, the only single from Open Up and Say… Ahh! to not crack the top 10, got 9 additional listens over the past 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
11 plays	13 plays	22 plays, most recently on 12/3/2018

Simpsons – Do The Bartman

The first single from the animated TV family, which went to #1 in 5 countries but wasn’t officially released as a single in the US, added 7 new listens over the last 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
0 plays	1 play	8 plays, most recently on 11/19/2018

Roxette – The Look

Ranked as the #17 single of 1989, the hit for the Swedish duo gained a mere 3 new spins over the past 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
1 play	8 plays	11 plays, most recently on 7/10/2018

Poison – I Won’t Forget You

The fourth single from Poison’s debut album, originally taped off a mixtape I “borrowed” from my friend Mike’s sister, tripled its output over the past 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
1 play	3 plays	9 plays, most recently on 9/6/2018

Side B

Continue reading →

January 21, 2019January 5, 2019 by admin

Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 3

Volume 3 picks up in mid-summer 1990 and takes us through late 1990 and into my junior year of high school. Featuring another steady stream of hair metal, with small selections of pop, rap, R&B, and dance thrown in for good measure, volume 3 also overlaps with the start of my relationship with my first “real” girlfriend.

Side A

2 Live Crew – Banned In The USA

The first song (as I recall) recorded off of B96, this protest anthem from 2 Live Crew, recorded after their previous album was declared obscene by a federal judge, increased its play total by 7 over the past 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
6 plays	8 plays	15 plays, most recently on 8/22/2018

Poison – Unskinny Bop

The first single from Flesh & Blood , which peaked at #3 on the Billboard charts, managed to earn 3 additional plays since last time we did this check.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
4 plays	8 plays	11 plays, most recently on 12/4/2018

Poison – Nothin’ But A Good Time

Most likely originally recorded from The Blaze, the debut single from Poison’s previous album and arguably their second biggest hit, picked up an impressive 11 new listens over the past 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
6 plays	6 plays	17 plays, most recently on 10/1/2018

MC Hammer – Have You Seen Her

The unlikely cover of the 1971 hit by The Chi-Lites doubled up its number of plays over the past 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
2 plays	4 plays	8 plays, most recently on 10/27/2017

Cheap Trick – Can’t Stop Fallin’ Into Love

Cheap Trick’s last single to hit the top 40, the first release from their 11th studio album, which became “our song” between me and my first girlfriend, had a healthy increase of 6 listens over the last few years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
10 plays	14 plays	20 plays, most recently on 11/8/2018

Nelson – (Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection

Matthew and Gunnar’s big hit, which topped the Billboard charts, nearly tripled its play total since 2015.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
1 plays	4 plays	11 plays, most recently on 11/19/2018

Warrant – Cherry Pie

Thanks to prodding from The Adam Carolla Show, Warrant’s strip club anthem increased by 14 listens over the past 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
8 plays	17 plays	31 plays, most recently on 12/3/2018

Johnny Gill – Rub You The Right Way

The solo debut from the New Edition alumnus, ranked as the 23rd biggest hit of 1990, picked up 6 additional plats in the last 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
7 plays	10 plays	16 plays, most recently on 4/12/2018

Side B

Continue reading →

January 14, 2019January 5, 2019 by admin

Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 2

Volume 2 picks up in early 1990 and takes us through early summer, book-ended by Roxette hits and featuring another steady stream of hair metal and pop, with a little rap and R&B thrown in for flavor.

Side A

Roxette – Dangerous

Originally recorded from American Top 40, the fifth and final single from Roxette’s second album added 5 listens to its play total over the past 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
7 plays	12 plays	17 plays, most recently on 12/18/2018

Skid Row – Youth Gone Wild

The first release from Skid Row, which peaked at #99 on the Billboard charts, picked up 5 new plays over the past 4+ years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
4 plays	8 plays	13 plays, most recently on 10/3/2018

Biz Markie – Just A Friend

Ranked #81 on VH1s list of Greatest One Hit Wonders, Biz Markie’s smash more than doubled its listens over the past 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
6 plays	12 plays	25 plays, most recently on 11/8/2018

Mötley Crüe – Without You

Peaking at #8 on the Billboard charts, the ballad, said to be about drummer Tommy Lee’s relationship with Heather Locklear, picked up 6 additional spins since 2015.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
10 plays	11 plays	17 plays, most recently on 11/26/2018

Aerosmith – What It Takes

Aerosmtih returns to my charts with this smash hit, which peaked at #9 on the charts and picked up a mere 3 plays over the last 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
8 plays	12 plays	15 plays, most recently on 8/14/2018

MC Hammer – U Can’t Touch This

The first rap song to be nominated for the Record of the Year Grammy, MC Hammer’s signature tune more than doubled its play total over the past 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
3 plays	6 plays	13 plays, most recently on 12/15/2018

Aerosmith – Rag Doll

A 1988 hit from Aerosmith, which makes an appearance on this tape thanks to my absconding my friend Scott’s cassette of their previous album, also more than doubled its play total in the last 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
3 plays	6 plays	13 plays, most recently on 10/2/2018

Side B

Continue reading →

January 7, 2019January 4, 2019 by admin

Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 1

Volume 1, again, was started in 1989 when I was a sophomore and stretches to early 1990. It features a steady stream of hair metal, with a smattering of pop, rap and dance, with a morning zoo radio bit thrown in for good measure.

Side A

Warrant – Heaven

The biggest hit from Warrant, which I most likely originally recorded from Z95, peaked at #2 on the Billboard charts. It has more than doubled its number of plays over the last 3 years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
3 plays	6 plays	13 plays, most recently on 12/4/2018

Young MC – Bust A Move

One of the first tunes I bought on cassingle, this one hit wonder won the Grammy for Best Rap Performance in 1990. It had another impressive increase, gaining 6 plays since 2015.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
13 plays	20 plays	26 plays, most recently on 9/17/2018

New Kids Got Run Over By A Reindeer

Thanks to YouTube, I just finally tracked down this parody song that I originally heard on the Welch & Woody morning show on Z95. I may even listen to it next Christmas.

Bon Jovi – You Give Love A Bad Name

Originally written by Desmond Child for Bonnie Tyler, the song was rewritten and became the first single from Bon Jovi’s third album in 1986. After a dry spell between 2012 and 2015, it has more than doubled in the 3 years since.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
5 plays	6 plays	14 plays, most recently on 12/11/2018

B-52s – Love Shack

I’m still hoping to acquire the full version of the song on MP3, which I had originally taped off the radio. In spite of that, I’ve more than tripled the number of listens over the last three years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
2 plays	3 plays	13 plays, most recently on 10/2/2018

Paula Abdul – The Way That You Love Me

After stalling out on the Billboard charts on its original release in 1988, the song, along with a video by future Academy Award nominee David Fincher, was re-released the following year, making it up to #3. Despite barely hearing the song for years, it’s added 7 new plays in the past three years.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
0 plays	1 play	8 plays, most recently on 11/6/2018

Richard Marx – Right Here Waiting

The #1 hit, the third consecutive for Marx, was the second single from his second album. After a dry spell between 2012 and 2015, it has more than tripled in the 3 years since.

**iTunes Stats**
2012	2015	2019
1 play	3 plays	10 plays, most recently on 12/12/2018

Side B

Continue reading →

June 11, 2018April 16, 2018 by admin

Top 200 Albums – #1 – 10

Nearly 4 years ago, we first counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library. Since that time, I’ve successfully managed to migrate my music collection to a new PC with the stats intact. So, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through January 1, 2018.

We finish things off today with the final batch of 10 albums, ranked between #1 and 10, including 4 comedy albums, 4 compilations, 1 greatest hits package, and 1 bootleg live performance.

#10: Patton Oswalt – Werewolves and Lollipops
iTunes stats: 213 plays
Previous Ranking: 13

This total for Patton Oswalt’s standup set would be significantly higher if I were to ever sync my old iPhone 4s again.

#9: The Lonely Island – Incredibad
iTunes stats: 218 plays
Previous Ranking: 3

7 tracks from the groups debut album, most of which originated as digital shorts on SNL, did not rack up the listens and suffers a large drop.

#8: Various Artists – Living In The 90’s
iTunes stats: 224 plays
Previous Ranking: 22

A whopping 22 songs, from bands like The Proclaimers, EMF, and Roxette, make up the total for this compilation of early 90s hits.

#7: Garfunkel and Oates – Slippery When Moist
iTunes stats: 236 plays
Previous Ranking: 10

The entire album, which I got thanks to High 5 iTunes gift cards, added well over 100 listens since last time around.

#6: George Carlin – Complaints and Grievances
iTunes stats: 239 plays
Previous Ranking: N/A

The highest ranking debut is this 2001 comedy album, taped shortly after 9/11.

Continue reading →

March 19, 2018March 31, 2018 by admin

Top 200 Albums – #120 – 129

We continue things with the next batch of 10 albums that rank between #120 and 129, including 4 studio recordings, 3 compilations, 2 greatest hit packages, and 1 live performance from a marching band.

#129: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – Very Best Of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
iTunes stats: 58 plays
Previous Ranking: 100

21 new listens to the four tunes from this particular greatest hits package caused a bit of a drop.

#129: Various Artists – On The Edge
iTunes stats: 58 plays
Previous Ranking: 139

This compilation, featuring 80s alternative hits from the likes of The Smiths, Love & Rockets, and Michael Penn, had 5 different tunes make up its total.

#127: Various Artists – Billboard Top Rock & Roll Hits: 1970
iTunes stats: 59 plays
Previous Ranking: 164

This compilation of the biggest hits of 1970 by bands that would allow themselves to be on such a compilation, like Ides of March or the Partridge Family, has 7 tunes making up its total.

#127: Liz Phair – Whitechocolatespaceegg
iTunes stats: 59 plays
Previous Ranking: 112

10 different songs make up this total for this third studio album by the one-time indie darling.

#125: Nirvana – In Utero
iTunes stats: 60 plays
Previous Ranking: 112

The last studio album from Nirvana uses 4 different tracks to make up this total.

Continue reading →

February 5, 2018February 4, 2018 by admin

Top 200 Albums – #179 – 190

Music
Adam Eaton, Barenaked Ladies, Billboard, Clueless, Dazed And Confused, Fruitopia, Guns N' Roses, Hole, iTunes, Jill Sobule, Kevan Smith, Montell Jordan, Smoking Popes, Soundgarden, The Muffs, Tori Amos, White Sox
1 Comment

We continue things with the next batch of 10 albums that rank between #179 and 190, including 6 studio recordings, 3 compilations, and 1 live recording.

#190: Various Artists – Billboard Top Hits 1988
iTunes stats: 42 plays
Previous Ranking: N/A

5 tracks from this compilation of the biggest hits of 1988 allow it to make its debut on the list.

#188: Tori Amos – Under The Pink
iTunes stats: 43 plays
Previous Ranking: 172

Tori makes her debut on the chart with her second solo album, thanks to its 2 hits.

#188: Montell Jordan – This Is How We Do It
iTunes stats: 43 plays
Previous Ranking: N/A

A single tune, used as the walkup music by former White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton, puts Montell Jordan on the list.

#182: Various Artists – Dazed And Confused
iTunes stats: 44 plays
Previous Ranking: 181

The soundtrack to the movie about high school in the 70s gets on the charts on the backs of 4 entries.

#182: Soundgarden – Superunknown
iTunes stats: 44 plays
Previous Ranking: N/A

4 tracks from the hit album from the Seattle group allow it to make its debut, thanks in part to White Sox catcher Kevan Smith.

Continue reading →

March 27, 2017March 4, 2017 by admin

iTunes Top 200 Artists: #91-97

Music
Arrested Development, Beach Boys, Billboard, Bono, iTunes, Jewel, Neil Diamond, Oasis, Oblivion, Roxette, Salt-N-Pepa, Smash Mouth, U2
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3 years ago, we first counted down the then Top 100 artists in my iTunes library. Since that time, I’ve successfully managed to migrate my music collection to a new PC with the stats intact. So, I figured it was time to take another look, expanding out the field to the top 200 artists, based on number of plays from late 2007 through January 1, 2017.

We break in to the second half of the list today with a diverse mix of musical genres.

#97: Smash Mouth
iTunes stats: 46 plays
Previous ranking: #72

A scant 13 new listens over the past 3 years led to a 25 spot drop for the NorCal band.

#97: Oblivion
iTunes stats: 46 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

The local punk band, fronted by a co-worker, uses the 10 tracks from their final album to make up this total.

#97: Oasis
iTunes stats: 46 plays
Previous ranking: #84

The British band, who at one point claimed to be bigger than Jesus, drop 13 slots thanks to 18 new listens to their 3 songs.

#97: Arrested Development
iTunes stats: 46 plays
Previous ranking: #80

The Atlanta-based new age rap band drops 17 slots thanks to 16 new listens to their 3 songs in the past 3 years.

#96: Jewel
iTunes stats: 47 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

The chanteuse debuts on the chart thanks to 8 different tracks.

#95: Roxette
iTunes stats: 48 plays
Previous ranking: #88

The Swedish duo drop 7 spots despite 21 additional listens to their 5 tunes.

#94: The Beach Boys
Continue reading →

June 13, 2016January 17, 2016 by admin

iTunes Top 200: #1 – 10

itunes_image 3 years ago, we first counted down the then Top 100 songs in my iTunes library. Since that time, I’ve successfully managed to migrate my music collection to a new PC with the stats intact. So, I figured it was time to take another look, expanding out the field to the top 200 songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2016.

We wrap things up today with the top 10, which includes only 1 new song since we first looked at the top 100 3 years ago. The remaining 9, all of which are, or were, part of my White Sox victory playlists, have simply moved around in order, including a surprising tie for the top spot.

#10: Harry Caray – Take Me Out To The Ballgame
iTunes stats: 17 plays, most recently on 9/30/2015
Previous ranking: #11

Moving up one spot into the top 10 is this mid-1970s recording of the Hall of Fame broadcaster, along with organist Nancy Faust, leading the Comiskey Park crowd during the 7th inning stretch.

#9: 2008 White Sox Central Division Champs Montage
iTunes stats: 106 plays, most recently on 5/12/2015
Previous ranking: #9

Radio highlights, courtesy of The Score, of the 2008 White Sox season, culminating in the team’s Division Series loss to the Rays.

#8: Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’
iTunes stats: 115 plays, most recently on 7/19/2015
Previous ranking: #8

The rallying cry for the 2005 White Sox after A. J. Pierzynski and teammates heard it being sung in a bar in Baltimore, it finally dropped off my playlist for the 2015 season.

Sox Win #7: Queen – We Are The Champions
iTunes stats: 120 plays, most recently on 7/19/2015
Previous ranking: #7

Reaching #4 on the Billboard charts in the late 70s, the song made it on to my White Sox playlist following their 2005 World Series championship.

#6: sox05_montage
iTunes stats: 126 plays, most recently on 10/24/2015
Previous ranking: #6

Radio highlights, courtesy of ESPN 1000, of the 2005 White Sox season, culminating in the team’s first World Series title since 1917.

#5: Gordon Beckham Intro
iTunes stats: 139 plays, most recently on 5/18/2015
Previous ranking: #2

The Outfield’s hit Your Love featuring Gene Honda introducing the former White Sox third baseman.

#4: Steam – Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye
Continue reading →

May 30, 2016January 17, 2016 by admin

iTunes Top 200: #21 – 30

Music
Barenaked Ladies, Billboard, Blossom, Dandy Warhols, Dave Grohl, Dr. John, Foo Fighters, FOX, Garbage, iTunes, Katy Perry, Metro, Nirvana, The Crystal Method, Veronica Mars
2 Comments

We continue today with the 10 songs that comprise #s 21-30, with plays throughout the 30s, four of which come from the same band and another three are television show theme songs.

#30: Foo Fighters – Everlong
iTunes stats: 31 plays, most recently on 10/23/2015
Previous ranking: #36

A live version of the band’s biggest hit, from their Skin and Bones album.

#29: Garbage – Bad Boyfriend
iTunes stats: 32 plays, most recently on 10/17/2015
Previous ranking: #27

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

#27: Dr. John – My Opinionation
iTunes stats: 33 plays, most recently on 11/7/2015
Previous ranking: #32

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

#27: Katy Perry – I Kissed A Girl
iTunes stats: 33 plays, most recently on 10/27/2015
Previous ranking: #24

A small drop for the song ranked #66 for the decade of the 2000s by Billboard magazine..

#25: Foo Fighters – Everlong
iTunes stats: 35 plays, most recently on 10/30/2015
Previous ranking: #23

The second version of the song to make the countdown this week, this one being a live version from the band’s concert in London’s Hyde Park.

#25: The Crystal Method – Bones Theme
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Learning Turkey

Dropping steaming piles of wisdom

Tag / Billboard

Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 4

Side A

Side B

Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 3

Side A

Side B

Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 2

Side A

Side B

Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 1

Side A

Side B

Top 200 Albums – #1 – 10

Top 200 Albums – #120 – 129

Top 200 Albums – #179 – 190

iTunes Top 200 Artists: #91-97

iTunes Top 200: #1 – 10

iTunes Top 200: #21 – 30