Tag / Dion & The Belmonts

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iTunes Top 200 Artists: #120-129

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 artists in my iTunes library, featuring the songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which performers still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to artists, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2026.

We continue today with our next batch of ten artists, covering the genres of pop, alternative rock, and rap, stretching from the 1950s through 90s.

#129: The Lemonheads
iTunes stats: 83 plays
Previous ranking: #125

Formed in Boston in 1986, Evan Dando and crew added 17 additional plays to the three tracks in my collection from their 90s heyday.

#129: Dion & The Belmonts
iTunes stats: 83 plays
Previous ranking: #120

Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2000, the 50s stars from the Bronx added fifteen new plays, dropping nine spots on the chart.

#124: Styx
iTunes stats: 85 plays
Previous ranking: #137

The group, formed in Chicago in 1972, saw a 39% increase thanks to 24 new listens over these past five years to the three tracks in my collection.

#124: The Go-Go’s
iTunes stats: 85 plays
Previous ranking: #133

The seminal female new wave band, who came out of the LA punk scene of the late 1970s, added 23 additional listens to the four tracks in my collection.

#124: The Presidents of the United States of America
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Top 200 Albums: #71 – 80

We last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.

We continue our countdown today with the next batch of ten albums that I have listened to the most over the last 15 years, with a strong concentration on the 60s, 80s, and 90s.

#80: Various Artists – Rock N’ Roll Era: 1961
iTunes stats: 138 plays
Previous Ranking: 90

Seven tunes, from artists like Del Shannon, Dion & The Belmonts, and Ben E. King, added 62 listens for this Time Life compilation.

#79: Snoop Dogg – Doggystyle
iTunes stats: 140 plays
Previous Ranking: 66

A 43% increase for the 1993 solo debut from the rapper from Long Beach.

#77: Pearl Jam – Contra
iTunes stats: 141 plays
Previous Ranking: 73

This bootleg album, which contains numerous live performances including the band’s 1992 MTV Unplugged appearance, adds 55 new plays to the eight different tracks in my collection.

#77: Various Artists – Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion
iTunes stats: 141 plays
Previous Ranking: 98

The first soundtrack to the Lisa Kudrow/Mira Sorvino comedy uses eight different 80s tracks, from artists like Tears For Fears, Culture Club, and The Go-Go’s, to rise 21 spots on the chart thanks to a 95% increase to its previous mark.

#76: No Doubt – Tragic Kingdom
iTunes stats: 142 plays
Previous Ranking: 89

An 84% increase for six of the songs from the band’s third studio album and major label debut.

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Top 200 Albums: #171 – 177

itunes_imageWe last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.

We continue today with the next batch of ten albums that I have listened to the most over the last 15 years, including two compilations, one greatest hits package, two remastered albums from one of the greatest bands of all time, and nine entries from the 90s.

#177: The Beatles – Rubber Soul
iTunes stats: 72 plays
Previous Ranking: NR

Released in 1965, this sixth studio album from the Beatles, behind four of the 14 tracks, makes its debut after adding 33 additional listens over the past four years.

#177: Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik
iTunes stats: 72 plays
Previous Ranking: NR

The Chili Peppers climb on to the chart thanks to four singles from their 1991 breakthrough release, which increased its listens by more than 85%.

#177: Various Artists – Rock ‘n’ Roll Era: 1962
iTunes stats: 72 plays
Previous Ranking: 196

This entry in the Time Life series, featuring tracks by Dion & The Belmonts, The Beach Boys, and The Drifters, among others, added 32 additional plays to jump up 19 slots.

#177: Run DMC – Ultimate Run DMC
iTunes stats: 72 plays
Previous Ranking: 192

Four tracks from this collection of the seminal rap group’s greatest hits saw 31 new listens over the past four years.

#175: The Beatles – Beatles For Sale
iTunes stats: 73 plays
Previous Ranking: 179

Only three of the fourteen tunes from this remastered version of the Beatles fourth studio album make up this total, which would be higher if I hadn’t deleted the original versions outright.

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iTunes Top 200 Artists: #120-128

It’s been 4 years since we last counted down the Top 200 artists in my iTunes library.  Since my iTunes stats are still intact, across multiple PCs, iPods, iPads, and iPhones, I figured it was time to take another look at the artists that have entertained me the most based on number of plays from late 2007 through January 1, 2021.

We continue today with our next batch of 10 artists, the 3 tied for 128th place, 3 tied for 125th, 3 tied for 122nd, and the first of 2 tied for 120th.  We have a single newcomer making their debut this week, who kicks things off.

#128: Madonna
iTunes stats: 64 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

Certified as the best-selling female recording artist of all time by Guinness World Records, Madonna makes an impressive debut after adding 43 new listens, the highest total to date.

#128: Lenny Kravitz
iTunes stats: 64 plays
Previous ranking: #152

The son of TV’s Roxie Roker more than doubles his previous total for the 4 tracks in my collection.

#128: The Presidents Of The United States Of America
iTunes stats: 64 plays
Previous ranking: #145

Three songs from the band’s debut album doubled their listens to move 17 spots up the chart.

#125: The Lemonheads
iTunes stats: 66 plays
Previous ranking: #116

Evan Dando and crew add 28 additional plays to the 3 tracks in my collection from their 90s heyday.

#125: Rancid
iTunes stats: 66 plays
Previous ranking: #113

The punk band drops 12 slots after picking up a 69% increase in plays over the last 4 years.

#125: Me First And The Gimme Gimmes
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Top 200 Albums – #79 – 90

itunes_imageNearly 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 continue up the second half with the next batch of 10 albums ranked between #79 and 90, including 4 studio recordings, 3 comedy albums, and 3 compilations.

#90: Various Artists – Rock N’ Roll Era: 1961
iTunes stats: 76 plays
Previous Ranking: 152

7 tunes, from artists like Del Shannon, Dion & The Belmonts, and Ben E. King, are part of this Time Life compilation.

#89: No Doubt – Tragic Kingdom
iTunes stats: 77 plays
Previous Ranking: 92

6 songs from the band’s breakthrough effort make up its total.

#88: Weezer – Weezer
iTunes stats: 78 plays
Previous Ranking: 77

4 tunes from Weezer’s debut, known as the Blue Album, place it on the list.

#85: The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
iTunes stats: 79 plays
Previous Ranking: 50

The remastered version of this Beatles’ classic makes the list thanks to 20 new listens across 5 different songs.

#85: Various Artists – Monsters Of Rock
iTunes stats: 79 plays
Previous Ranking: 74

This compilation of 80s hair bands, like White Lion, Winger, and Firehouse, makes up this total thanks to 8 different tracks.

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Top 200 Albums – #91 – 98

itunes_imageNearly 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 start the second half with the next batch of 10 albums ranked between #91 and 98, including 4 studio recordings, 3 compilations, 2 comedy albums, and 1 live performance.

#98: Pearl Jam – Ten

iTunes stats: 72 plays
Previous Ranking: 70

The debut album from Pearl Jam places on the list on the backs of 6 different tracks.

#98: Various Artists – Romy And Michele’s High School Reunion
iTunes stats: 72 plays
Previous Ranking: 92

The first soundtrack to the Lisa Kudrow/Mira Sorvino comedy uses 8 different 80s tracks to make up this total, nearly double its previous mark.

#98: Def Leppard – Vault (Limited Live CD)
iTunes stats: 72 plays
Previous Ranking: 107

The import version of Def Leppard’s first greatest hits compilation contained this additional live disc, of which 9 tracks make up this total.

#94: The Beatles – Help
iTunes stats: 74 plays
Previous Ranking: 60

The remastered version of this classic album uses 5 tunes to make up its total.

#94: Patton Oswalt – Tragedy Plus Comedy Equals Time
iTunes stats: 74 plays
Previous Ranking: N/A

A strong debut from another of Patton Oswalt’s comedy albums.

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iTunes Top 200 Artists: #139-150

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 continue today with having completed 1/4 of the top 200, with our first returning artist who has suffered a large fall down the list.

#150: P.M. Dawn
iTunes stats: 31 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

The trip-hop duo makes the list thanks to contributions from 3 of their hit singles.

#145: The Presidents of the United States of America
iTunes stats: 32 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

The debut album from the band contributes their 3 songs that make up their total.

#145: LL Cool J
iTunes stats: 32 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

3 tracks from the New York rapper cum Hollywood icon make up his total.

#145: Led Zeppelin
iTunes stats: 32 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

The quintessential rock band of the 1970s make the chart based on the total from 3 songs.

#145: Ice Cube
iTunes stats: 32 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

The gangsta rap maestro uses 2 solo tracks to make up this total.

#145: Cher
iTunes stats: 32 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

Only 2 tracks, including a duet (triet?)with Beavis and Butt-head, place Cher on the chart.

#139: The White Stripes
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Top 200 Albums – #149 – 157

itunes_imageMy latest desktop computer arrived in late 2007, at which point I transitioned all of my music off of my laptop. 2 iPods, 3 iPhones, and an iPad later, that computer is still my main repository of music, with iTunes updating its stats every time I listen to something.

Having already gone through cassette tapes and CDs, and digital music, it’s time to roll everything up with the Top 200 albums whose songs I’ve listened to as of September 2014, according to iTunes. Today we continue climbing up the list, looking at the 6 albums tied for 152nd with 27 listens and the 3 albums tied for 149th with 28 listens.

#149: Def Leppard – Vault: Def Leppard’s Greatest Hits
iTunes stats: 28 plays
This collection of the Sheffield band’s greatest hits used 4 tunes to score this high on the list.

#149: Various Artists – Friends-Music From The T.V. Series
iTunes stats: 28 plays
This soundtrack compilation, released following the smash first season of the television show, has 7 songs, from the likes of Joni Mitchell, The Pretenders, and, of course, The Rembrandts, to make up its total.

#149: Various Artists – Monster Ballads, Vol. 2
iTunes stats: 28 plays
5 songs from this collection of ballads, performed by rock bands like Warrant and Cinderella, place it on the chart.

#152: George Carlin – Life Is Worth Losing
iTunes stats: 27 plays
Another comedy album by George Carlin takes its place on this list.

#152: Cracker – Cracker
iTunes stats: 27 plays
Only 2 songs from Cracker’s debut album make up this total.

#152: Various Artists – Rock N’ Roll Era: 1961
iTunes stats: 27 plays
7 tunes, from artists like Del Shannon, Dion & The Belmonts, and Ben E. King, are part of this Time Life compilation.

#152: Various Artists – Mallrats
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Goodbye, iPhone 4S – Music Edition

A little more than a week ago, I upgraded my phone from the iPhone 4S to the newly released iPhone 5S.  The biggest difference, aside from a slightly bigger screen, is the jump from 3G (or 4G, if you believe AT&T’s hype) to LTE.  I had the 4S for a little under 2 years, and in that time, we traveled the world together (well, at least going back to the UK) and have listened to a lot of podcasts and music. Here is every song (all 2079 of them) I’ve listened to on the phone, with some (ok, very little) bonus commentary.  Godspeed.

 

Let’s Go-Go-Go White Sox Captain Stubby and the Buccaneers 33
He’s a Pirate Klaus Badelt Pirates of the Caribbean (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture) 32
Take Me Out To The Ballgame Harry Caray 31
Thunderstruck AC/DC The Razors Edge 31
Gordon Beckham Intro 29
Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye Steam Billboard’s Top Rock ‘n’ Roll Hits: 1969 29
Don’t Stop Believin’ Journey Journey’s Greatest Hits 27
sox05_montage 27
We Are The Champions Queen Queen: Greatest Hits I & II 27
Your Love The Outfield Play Deep 27
2008 White Sox Central Division Champs Montage Chris Tannehill WSCR 670 The Score 25
Take Me Out To The Ballgame Nancy Faust 25
Harvester Of Sorrow Metallica …And Justice For All 20

You would hope that these numbers would have been higher, but this past season’s miserable performance by the White Sox has put the songs on their playlist out of mind more often than not.

Cannonball The Breeders The First 1000 Years- Rock 19
Man Or Muppet Jason Segel The Muppets 15
It’s Time For Our Song Miss Piggy The Muppets 14
Get Out There And Help Those Guys Jason Segel The Muppets 13
Main Title LOST Soundtrack LOST Soundtrack 13
Are You A Man Or A Muppet? Amy Adams The Muppets 12
How Charming, A Finale Uncle Deadly The Muppets 12
I’m On A Boat (ft. T-Pain) The Lonely Island Incredibad 12
Down At The Ole Barbershop Kermit The Muppets 11
Me and Drugs David Cross Bigger and Blackerer 11
The Antichrist Howard Stern Private Parts: The Album 11
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Monday’s Commute

It’s been about 3 months since we’ve taken a look at the playlist that got me through a commute.  Monday’s got off to a late start and took nearly 2 hours, though some of that time was spent waiting for the good folks at Papa John’s to cook my dinner for the evening.

Raspberry Swirl Tori Amos From The Choirgirl Hotel 8/19/2013 5:26 PM
Spoonman Soundgarden Superunknown 8/19/2013 5:31 PM
Hash Pipe Weezer Weezer (Green Album) 8/19/2013 5:34 PM
Trippin’ On A Hole In A Paper Heart Stone Temple Pilots Tiny Music…Songs From The Vatican Gift Shop 8/19/2013 5:37 PM
Pinch Me Barenaked Ladies All Their Greatest Hits 1991-2001 8/19/2013 5:42 PM
Black Velvet Alannah Myles 90’s Style (Disc 1) 8/19/2013 5:47 PM
It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday Boyz II Men Cooleyhighharmony 8/19/2013 5:50 PM
The Blob The Five Blobs Halloween Hits 8/19/2013 5:52 PM
Celebrate You Veruca Salt American Thighs 8/19/2013 5:57 PM
Unskinny Bop Poison Swallow This Live 8/19/2013 6:01 PM
Getting Better The Beatles Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band [2009 Stereo Remaster] 8/19/2013 6:04 PM
Malibu Hole Celebrity Skin 8/19/2013 6:07 PM
Walk Through The Fire The Cast Of Buffy The Vampire Slayer Once More, With Feeling 8/19/2013 6:11 PM
Dick In A Box (ft. Justin Timberlake) The Lonely Island Incredibad 8/19/2013 6:14 PM
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