iTunes Top 100: #96 – 118

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My latest desktop computer arrived in late 2007, at which point I transitioned all of my music off of my laptop.  2 iPods, 2 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, it is now time to look at digital music with the Top 100 songs that I’ve listened to as of 6/2/2013, according to iTunes.  Today we look at the 23 songs tied for #96 with 15 overall plays.

#96: Aerosmith – Dude (Looks Like A Lady)

This 1987 hit from Aerosmith also appeared on Volume 2 of my mix tapes, and has been listened to twice since then.

iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 7/25/2012

#96: The Beatles – Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da

Recorded for the White Album in 1968, the song didn’t chart in the US until 1976.

iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 4/27/2013

#96: The Beatles – A Hard Day’s Night

From 1964, the song is the title track to both the album and the movie.

iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 4/27/2013

#96: Bloodhound Gang – Bad Touch

Ranked at No. 49 on the list of the 100 Worst Songs Ever released in 2010 by AOL Radio.

iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 3/19/2013

#96: The Cast Of Buffy The Vampire Slayer – The Parking Ticket

Writer and producer Marti Noxon protests a parking ticket through song from the musical episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 11/1/2012

#96: Coolio featuring LV – Gangsta’s Paradise

This 1995 hit from Coolio also appeared on Volume 19 of my mix tapes, and has been listened to four times since then.

iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 5/31/2013

#96: Digital Underground – The Humpty Dance

This 1990 smash climbed all the way to #11 on the pop charts, #7 on the R&B charts, and #1 on the Billboard Rap Singles chart.

iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 4/27/2013

#96: Dr. Dre – Keep Their Heads Ringin’

This 1995 hit from the Friday soundtrack also appeared on Volume 17 of my mix tapes, and has been listened to three times since then.

iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 3/13/2013

#96: Dr. Dre – Forgot About Dre

Winner of the Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 2001 Grammy Awards.

iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 10/8/2012

#96: Elvis Presley – An American Trilogy

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.

iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 5/8/2013

#96: Foo Fighters – Best Of You

This live version was recorded over the course of three shows in late August, 2006 at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles.

iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 6/11/2012

#96: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – Big Girls Don’t Cry

Spent 5 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1962.

iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 3/25/2012

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Mix Tape Monday – Workout

After my tape deck crapped out in 1997, I was stuck listening to either the radio or full albums in whatever order the artist intended. That all changed in 2001, when the new-fangled MP3 technology got combined with my new CD burner.

In addition to the occasional series of CDs I had burned in order to keep abreast of new music, I had created a bunch of genre-specific mixes that could be used both in the car and at the gym. This week we will take a look at the first disc created specifically for working out.  The selection is mostly European dance music which has a good beat intended to keep me moving.  Sadly, I can’t say how well it worked.  So, without further ado, I bring you Workout, volume 1.

The SKLF – 3 AM Eternal

Numerous versions of the song were released as singles between 1989 and 1992, with the January 1991 acid house pop version of the song becoming an international top ten hit single, reaching #5 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

iTunes stats: 1 play, on 3/30/2011

Information Society – What’s On Your Mind

The dance/freestyle/synthpop hit, which went straight to No. 1 on the dance chart and spent 39 weeks on the chart and would peak at #3 on the Hot 100 pop chart, included vocal samples of Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy from the Star Trek episodes Errand of Mercy and I, Mudd, respectively.

iTunes stats: 1 play, on 1/27/2009

2 Unlimited – Get Ready For This

The single from the Dutch Eurodance group worked its way up to #38 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart only three after its original release.

iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 1/4/2011

Snap! – Rhythm Is A Dancer

The single from the German Eurodance project shot to #1 in Germany, the UK, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium and peaked at #5 in the US.

iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 7/16/2012

Real McCoy – Another Night

The German Eurodance group found worldwide fame when this single shot to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1994.

iTunes stats: 3 plays, most recently on 10/16/2012

Alice Deejay – Better Off Alone

The Dutch Eurodance group launched their career in July 1999 with this single, reaching #3 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play and #27 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 8/22/2012

Garbage – Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go) (Howie B Remix)

This remix of the hit song was included on the Japanese single.

iTunes stats: Never played

Cathy Dennis featuring D-Mob – C’mon And Get My Love

The sing is regarded as an underground classic in the dance music field.

iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 9/7/2011

Continue reading →

Mix Tape Monday – Rap

After my tape deck crapped out in 1997, I was stuck listening to either the radio or full albums in whatever order the artist intended. That all changed in 2001, when the new-fangled MP3 technology got combined with my new CD burner.

In addition to the occassional series of CDs I had burned in order to keep abreast of new music, I had created a bunch of genre-specific mixes that could be used both in the car and at the gym. This week we will take a look at the first disc covering the world of rap and hip hop music, both current at the time and spanning back to the 1980s.  I now bring you Rap, volume 1.

Eve featuring Gwen Stefani – Let Me Blow Your Mind

The team-up won the first Grammy Award Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and took home the 2001 MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video.

iTunes stats: 10 plays, most recently on 9/21/2012

2Pac – Keep Ya Head Up

The song, considered by many to be one of the deepest rap songs ever made, topped the U.S. Rap chart, the Hip Hop/R&B chart and the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 8/16/2011

Maestro – Table Dance

An ode to the black man having a good time at the local gentleman’s club.

iTunes stats: 3 plays, most recently on 9/1/2011

Cypress Hill – Insane In The Brain

The song, a diss song aimed at Chubb Rock, was a surprise crossover hit, reaching #19 on the Billboard Hot 100.

iTunes stats: Never played

Afroman – Because I Got High

Picked out of obscurity by Kevin Smith for inclusion on the Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back soundtrack

iTunes stats: 10 plays, most recently on 7/30/2012

NWA – Fuck Tha Police

Ranked #417 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, despite not having been released as a single.

iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 10/23/2012

Warren G – Regulate

The breakout single for both Warren G and Nate Dogg, the track appears on both the soundtrack to the film Above the Rim and Warren G.’s debut album.

iTunes stats: 16 plays, most recently on 1/28/2013

Biz Markie – Just A Friend

Ranked 81st on VH1’s 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders in 2000, and later as number 100 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop in 2008.

iTunes stats: 7 plays, most recently on 4/1/2012

Continue reading →

Mix Tape Monday – Undated

After my tape deck crapped out in 1997, I was stuck listening to either the radio or full albums in whatever order the artist intended. That all changed in 2001, when the new-fangled MP3 technology got combined with my new CD burner.

From what I can tell, this undated CD was from the lost year of 2004.  In addition to songs that were released in 2004, we also have an ode to former White Sox infielder Willie Harris, which I believe was popular at the ballpark back in 04.

The Muffs – Everywhere I Go

You may recognize this song from a popular Fruitopia commercial.

iTunes stats: 10 plays, most recently on 5/11/2012

J. J. Abrams – Alias theme

This is currently my ring tone for people I work with.

iTunes stats: 10 plays, most recently on 8/21/2012

Avril Lavigne – Don’t Tell Me

The first single from Lavigne’s second album.

iTunes stats: 1 plays, on 8/8/2008

Green Day – American Idiot

Nominated for 4 Grammys, this was Green Day’s first song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.

iTunes stats: 12 plays, most recently on 1/11/2013

Avril Lavigne – My Happy Ending

The second single from Lavigne’s second album.

iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 8/27/2009

Ashlee Simpson – Pieces Of Me

The debut single from Jessica’s little sister.

iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 9/16/2012

Sweet – Little Willy

The 1972 hit was reintroduced to White Sox fans whenever Willie Harris would do something worthwhile/

iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 11/9/2012

K’s Choice – Something’s Wrong

An album track from K’s Choice’s second album.

iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 1/2/2013

Nitty – Nasty Girl

Features a sample from the Archie’s hit Sugar, Sugar.

iTunes stats: Never played

Snoop Dogg – What’s My Name

The first single from Snoop’s solo debut.

iTunes stats: 9 plays, most recently on 10/8/2012

Continue reading →

Mix Tape Monday – Volume 17

Between 1989, my sophomore year of high school, and 1995, my fourth year of college, I put together 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. I thought it would be a fun exercise to look back at all 20 volumes and which of my “favorite” songs I still listen to today.

Volume 17 picks up in early 1995 and the second semester of my junior year and takes us into early summer.  At this point, it is nearly all alternative, with just one hip-hop breakthrough.

Side A

Hole – Asking For It

The latest from Courtney Love and company was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 2/7/2011

Cranberries – Twenty One

The latest from the Irish lads and lass was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: Never played

Veruca Salt – Number One Blind

The latest from Chicago’s indie darlings was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: 7 plays, most recently on 5/1/2012

Stone Temple Pilots – Unglued

The latest from STP was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: 9 plays, most recently on 8/19/2011

Pearl Jam – Better Man

The latest from the grunge superstars was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: 4 plays, most recently on 5/19/2012

Nirvana – Where Did You Sleep Last Night

The posthumous unplugged hit for the Seattle rockers was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 4/23/2012

Weezer – No One Else

Weezer’s latest was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: 7 plays, most recently on 5/23/2012

Offspring – What Happened To You?

The Offspring’s latest was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: 8 plays, most recently on 3/31/2012

Side B

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Mix Tape Tuesday – Volume 11

Between 1989, my sophomore year of high school, and 1995, my fourth year of college, I put together 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. I thought it would be a fun exercise to look back at all 20 volumes and which of my “favorite” songs I still listen to today.

Volume 11 takes us late into 1993 and my sophomore year of college.  It features mostly alternative and hip-hop hits, with a little pop and Aerosmith on the side.

Side A

Shai – Baby I’m Yours

The follow up hit for Shai was taped off the radio, most likely B96.

iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 7/5/2011

Tears For Fears – Break It Down Again

The comeback hit for the 80s sensation was taped off the radio, most likely Lafayette’s hit music station, 96.5 WAZY.

iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 5/1/2012

Bell Biv Devoe – Something In Your Eyes

The non-hit from the second BBD album was taped of the CD.

iTunes stats: Never played

4 Non Blondes – Spaceman

The minor follow up hit to What’s Up was taped off the radio, WAZY to be exact.

iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 5/19/2012

Pearl Jam – Go

The first hit from Pearl Jam’s second album was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 12/28/2010

Nirvana – Heart-Shaped Box

The first hit from Pearl Nirvana’s second album was taped off the radio, likely Q101.

iTunes stats: 4 plays, most recently on 9/19/2011

Radiohead – Stop Whispering

The follow up to the smash Creep was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: 1 play, on 8/31/2008

Side B

Continue reading →

A Week Of Working Out Music

A week’s worth of workout music, that may have been posted individually had the website been up and available.

Tuesday

I Kissed A Girl Jill Sobule 90’s Style (Disc 1) 12/13/2011 8:33 AM
Hard To Explain The Strokes Is This It? 12/13/2011 8:37 AM
A Song For You Mexican Cheerleader Kings And Kings’ Hoots 12/13/2011 8:39 AM
Ruby Soho Rancid …And Out Come The Wolves 12/13/2011 8:42 AM
Big Bang Baby Stone Temple Pilots Tiny Music…Songs From The Vatican Gift Shop 12/13/2011 8:45 AM
Blue Suede Shoes Elvis Presley 2nd To None 12/13/2011 8:47 AM
Bizarre Love Triangle Frente! Marvin The Album 12/13/2011 8:50 AM
We Didn’t Do It Tegan and Sara So Jealous 12/13/2011 8:53 AM
Free Bird Lynyrd Skynyrd 20th Century Masters – The Milliennium Collection: The Best of Lynyrd Skynyrd 12/13/2011 9:03 AM
Wicked Garden Stone Temple Pilots Core 12/13/2011 9:07 AM
Alias Theme J.J. Abrams Alias Original Television Soundtrack 12/13/2011 9:09 AM
Drop It Like It’s Hot (Dirty) Snoop Dogg, featuring Pharrell R & G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece 12/13/2011 9:13 AM
It Was A Good Day Ice Cube The Predator 12/13/2011 9:18 AM
Celebration Kool & The Gang 12/13/2011 9:21 AM
Dope Nose Weezer Maladroit 12/13/2011 9:24 AM
Get Back The Beatles (With Billy Preston) Past Masters, Vol. 2 [2009 Stereo Remaster] 12/13/2011 9:27
Every Little Step Bobby Brown Don’t Be Cruel 12/13/2011 9:31 AM
Misery The Beatles Please Please Me [2009 Stereo Remaster] 12/13/2011 9:33 AM
All the Things She Said t.A.T.u. 200 KM/H in the Wrong Lane 12/13/2011 9:37 AM
“Are You A Man Or A Muppet?” Amy Adams The Muppets Soundtrack 12/13/2011 9:37 AM
Don’t Let Me Down The Beatles Let It Be… Naked 12/13/2011 9:40 AM

Wednesday Continue reading →

Goodbye, iPhone 3G – Music Edition

As I wait for tomorrow’s delivery of my new iPhone 4S, it is time to say goodbye to the 3G that has been my trusty companion for nearly the past 3 1/2 years.  We’ve traveled the world together (well, at least Canada and the UK) and have listened to a lot of music.  Here is every song (all 1597 of them) I’ve listened to on the phone, with some (ok, very little) bonus commentary!

He’s a Pirate Klaus Badelt Pirates of the Caribbean (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture) 100
Gordon Beckham Intro 91
Let’s Go-Go-Go White Sox Captain Stubby and the Buccaneers 87
Thunderstruck AC/DC The Razors Edge 84
Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye Steam Billboard’s Top Rock ‘n’ Roll Hits: 1969 83
sox05_montage 75
We Are The Champions Queen Queen: Greatest Hits I & II 73
Boom P.O.D. Satellite 70
Don’t Stop Believin’ Journey Journey’s Greatest Hits 69
2008 White Sox Central Division Champs Montage Chris Tannehill WSCR 670 The Score 65

No surprise that the top 10 are all part of (or were part of) my White Sox victory playlist.  This gets played on the way home from every White Sox winner, plus the occassional ride to a game.  Continue reading →

Retro Playlist – December 2007

I recently came across my old, second generation iPod.  40 gigs of tiny, black and white screened goodness.

Here are the songs I listened to on it, from December 2007.

American Nice Mexican Cheerleader Kings And Kings’ Hoots 12/8/2007 10:32 AM
Mary, Mary Run-D.M.C. Ultimate Run DMC 12/8/2007 10:35 AM
Boom P.O.D. 12/8/2007 10:38 AM
The Girl I Knew Somewhere The Monkees The Monkees Greatest Hits 12/8/2007 10:42 AM
Good Better Than Ezra Deluxe 12/8/2007 10:45 AM
When I Grow Up Garbage Version 2.0 12/8/2007 10:49 AM
Dare Stan Bush The Transformers: The Movie 12/8/2007 10:53 AM
Then He Kissed Me The Crystals 12/8/2007 10:55 AM
The Kids Ruined Rock Mexican Cheerleader Mexican Cheerleader 12/8/2007 10:59 AM
Magical Mystery Tour The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour 12/8/2007 11:02 AM
Continue reading →

Retro (Un)Playlist

I recently came across my old, second generation iPod.  40 gigs of tiny, black and white screened goodness.

Here are the songs that never got played over nearly 4 years worth of listening, in iTunes alphabetical order.

Dude (Looks Like A Lady) Aerosmith O, Yeah! Ultimate Aerosmith Hits (Disc 1)
Thank U Alanis Morissette Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie
Flavor Of The Weak American Hi-Fi American Hi-Fi
Little Bastard Ass Ponys Electric Rock Music
California Girls The Beach Boys The Greatest Hits – Volume 1
Twist And Shout The Beatles Please Please Me
Can’t Buy Me Love The Beatles 1
Help! The Beatles 1
Mony Mony Billy Idol Greatest Hits
Continue reading →