iTunes Top 100: #1 – 10

itunes_imageMy 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 top 10 songs, all of which are featured on my White Sox playlist that gets used driving home from victories.

#1: Klaus Badelt – He’s a Pirate

Was used as the background music for the White Sox pregame intro video until this season.

iTunes stats: 127 plays, most recently on 5/26/2013

#2: Gordon Beckham Intro

The Outfield’s hit “Your Love” featuring Gene Honda introducing the then rookie third baseman.

iTunes stats: 115 plays, most recently on 5/26/2013

#3: Captain Stubby & the Buccaneers – Let’s Go-Go-Go White Sox

Dating from 1959, the song was resurrected during the 2005 season for an inter-league matchup against the Dodgers, the White Sox opponent in the 1959 World Series.

iTunes stats: 114 plays, most recently on 5/26/2013

#4: AC/DC – Thunderstruck

The song has been used as the White Sox take the field since 2004.

iTunes stats: 110 plays, most recently on 5/26/2013

#5: Steam – Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye

The number one hit from 1969 enjoyed a second life when White Sox organist Nancy Faust started playing it as a taunt whenever the White Sox would hit a home run or chase the opposing team’s pitcher in 1977.

iTunes stats: 107 plays, most recently on 5/26/2013

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iTunes Top 100: #11 – 20

itunes_image 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 the first half of the top 20.

#11: Harry Caray – Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Recorded in the mid-1970s, the Hall of Fame broadcaster leads a Comiskey Park crowd during the 7th inning stretch.

iTunes stats: 60 plays, most recently on 5/26/2013

#12: The Lonely Island – I’m On A Boat (ft. T-Pain)

The song, which debuted as a digital short on Saturday Night Live, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

iTunes stats: 57 plays, most recently on 1/28/2013

#13: The Outfield – Your Love

The at-bat music for White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham.

iTunes stats: 55 plays, most recently on 5/26/2013

#14: The Lonely Island – Natalie’s Rap (ft. Natalie Portman & Chris Parnell)

The second digital short from The Lonely Island featured Natalie Portman playing against type as a lewd gangsta.

iTunes stats: 47 plays, most recently on 1/16/2013

#15: Metallica – Harvester Of Sorrow

The at-bat music for White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko.

iTunes stats: 41 plays, most recently on 4/7/2013

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iTunes Top 100: #21 – 29

itunes_imageMy 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 9 songs from #21 through #29.

#21: The Crystal Method – Bones Theme

The theme song to the FOX staple.

iTunes stats: 30 plays, most recently on 3/29/2013

#21: Foo Fighters – My Hero

A live version from their concert in London’s Hyde Park.

iTunes stats: 30 plays, most recently on 3/23/2013

#23: Foo Fighters – Everlong

A live version from their concert in London’s Hyde Park.

iTunes stats: 28 plays, most recently on 8/22/2012

#24: Barenaked Ladies – If I Had $1,000,000

Recorded live at Chicago’s Metro theater.

iTunes stats: 27 plays, most recently on 4/25/2013

#24: Katy Perry – I Kissed A Girl

Ranked #66 for the decade of the 2000s by Billboard magazine.

iTunes stats: 27 plays, most recently on 4/17/2013

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iTunes Top 100: #30 – 40

itunes_imageMy 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 11 songs that take up spots 30 – 40, with between 25 and 21 plays.

#30: The Cast Of Buffy The Vampire Slayer – I’ve Got A Theory/Bunnies/If We’re Together

A plot moving tune that features most of the main cast.

iTunes stats: 25 plays, most recently on 4/28/2013

#30: Foo Fighters – All My Life

A live version of the song from the Live in Hyde Park bootleg.

iTunes stats: 25 plays, most recently on 2/6/2013

#32: Blossom Theme

The catchy theme song from the 90s pantheon to weird teenage girls being themselves.

iTunes stats: 24 plays, most recently on 3/10/2013

#33: Foo Fighters – Everlong

The album version from their second studio release.

iTunes stats: 23 plays, most recently on 3/22/2013

#33: Foo Fighters – Best Of You

A live version of the song from the Live in Hyde Park bootleg.

iTunes stats: 23 plays, most recently on 11/18/2012

#33: The Office Theme

The theme song from the hit NBC comedy that came to a close this spring.

iTunes stats: 23 plays, most recently on 5/15/2013

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iTunes Top 100: #41 – 57

itunes_imageMy 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 17 songs tied for #41 and #54 with 19 and 20 overall plays.

#41: The Beatles – Can’t Buy Me Love

Had the biggest jump to number one (from #27) until Billboard began using SoundScan for their charts.

iTunes stats: 20 plays, most recently on 4/29/2013

#41: The Cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Where Do We Go From Here?

The last tune following the defeat of the dancing demon Sweet.

iTunes stats: 20 plays, most recently on 4/27/2013

#41: The Cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer – End Credits (Broom Dance/Grr Argh)

Broadway-ified version of the end theme of the show.

iTunes stats: 20 plays, most recently on 2/15/2013

#41: Divinyls – I Touch Myself

The only US hit for the Australian band which formed in 1980.

iTunes stats: 20 plays, most recently on 4/26/2013

#41: Eminem – Lose Yourself

Written during the filming of the movie in which it appeared, 8 Mile.

iTunes stats: 20 plays, most recently on 2/25/2013

#41: Foo Fighters – Monkey Wrench

The live version from their 2006 show in London’s Hyde Park.

iTunes stats: 20 plays, most recently on 3/13/2012

#41: Foo Fighters – My Hero

The live version from their live acoustic album released in 2006.

iTunes stats: 20 plays, most recently on 3/26/2013

#41: Motley Crue – Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)

This hit from the former glam band also appeared on Volume 5 of my mix tapes, and has been listened to twice since then.

iTunes stats: 20 plays, most recently on 3/14/2013

#41: Nerf Herder – Buffy Theme

The theme song from the hit television show.

iTunes stats: 20 plays, most recently on 10/31/2012

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iTunes Top 100: #58 – 69

itunes_imageMy 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 12 songs tied for #58 with 18 overall plays.

#58: AC/DC – Back In Black

Written as a tribute to former lead singer Bon Scott, who had died during the songwriting for the album.

iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 7/14/2012

#58: The Beatles – Magical Mystery Tour

The only theme song to a Beatles film to not be released as a single.

iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 5/15/2013

#58: The Beatles – Getting Better

The initial idea for the song’s title came from a phrase often spoken by Jimmie Nicol, the group’s stand-in drummer for the Australian leg of a 1964 tour.

iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 3/23/2013

#58: Bell Biv DeVoe – Do Me!

This followup hit from the former members of New Edition also appeared on Tape 1 of my mix tapes, and has been listened to three times since then.

iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 3/29/2013

#58: Cher with Beavis and Butthead – I Got You Babe

This remake featuring the cartoon duo also appeared on Volume 12 of my mix tapes, and has been listened to once since then.

iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 7/9/2012

#58: Eminem – Bitch Please II

The first song to feature both Eminem and Snoop Dogg.

iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 4/17/2013

#58: Garbage – Only Happy When It Rains (live)

A live version of the hit from their debut album that appeared as a B-side on the Shut Your Mouth single.

iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 3/29/2013

#58: Great White – Once Bitten Twice Shy

This one big hit from the band best known for a fire also appeared on Volume 4 of my mix tapes, and has been listened to twice since then.

iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 9/6/2012

#58: Me First and the Gimme Gimmes – Rainbow Connection

A punk cover of the quintessential Muppets hit.

iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 11/23/2011

#58: Mexican Cheerleader – Chickyn

From the second album by the local punk band.

iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 9/28/2012

#58: Tegan and Sara – Umbrella (Rihanna Cover)

The Canadian darlings cover the Rihanna hit live in concert.

iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 12/18/2012

#58: 2Pac and Dr. Dre – California Love

2Pac got out of jail and teamed up with Dr. Dre when he joined Death Row Records.

iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 1/28/2013

iTunes Top 100: #70 – 75

itunes_imageMy 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 6 songs tied for #70 with 17 overall plays.

#70: The Cast of Buffy The Vampire Slayer – Something To Sing About

Another entry from the Buffy musical episode.

iTunes stats: 17 plays, most recently on 1/2/2013

#70: Eminem – Cleaning Out My Closet

Peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and became one of the highest-charting singles of Eminem’s career.

iTunes stats: 17 plays, most recently on 5/16/2013

#70: Hole – Celebrity Skin

Hole’s most commercially successful single, being the only one to reach #1 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.

iTunes stats: 17 plays, most recently on 6/17/2012

#70: Van Halen – Jump

For years, the song was used as the intro music as the Chicago Cubs took the field at their home games.

iTunes stats: 17 plays, most recently on 10/2/2012

#70: Warren G – Regulate

This debut hit from Dr. Dre’s step-brother also appeared on Volume 14 of my mix tapes, and has been listened to three times since then.

iTunes stats: 17 plays, most recently on 3/29/2013

#70: Young MC – Bust A Move

This Grammy winning hit also appeared on Volume 1 of my mix tapes, and has been listened to four times since then.

iTunes stats: 17 plays, most recently on 2/21/2013

iTunes Top 100: #76 – 95

itunes_image

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 20 songs tied for #76 with 16 overall plays.

#76: The Beatles – Eight Days A Week

Although it was a huge American hit, the group did not think highly of the song and they never performed it live.

iTunes stats: 16 plays, most recently on 8/14/2012

#76: The Beatles – Paperback Writer

The single went to the number one spot in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, West Germany, Australia, New Zealand and Norway.

iTunes stats: 16 plays, most recently on 5/20/2013

#76: Bell Biv Devoe – Poison

This 1990 hit from New Edition spin-off also appeared on Volume 2 of my mix tapes, and has been listened to three times since then.

iTunes stats: 16 plays, most recently on 5/16/2013

#76: The Cast Of Buffy The Vampire Slayer – Overture/Going Through The Motions

Performed by series star Sarah Michelle Gellar at the beginning of the musical episode in season 6.

iTunes stats: 16 plays, most recently on 4/28/2013

#76: The Cast Of Buffy The Vampire Slayer – Under Your Spell

Amber Benson performs the song which writer Joss Whedon called “pornography” and “probably the dirtiest lyric I’ve ever written, but also very, very beautiful”.

iTunes stats: 16 plays, most recently on 4/28/2013

#76: The Cast Of Buffy The Vampire Slayer – Standing

Performed by Anthony Stewart Head as a ballad to Buffy that she does not hear, unlike the songs revealing truths elsewhere in the episode.

iTunes stats: 16 plays, most recently on 5/15/2013

#76: Cracker – Teen Angst (What The World Needs Now)

Charted at number 1 on the US Modern Rock Tracks, arguably breaking Cracker into the mainstream.

iTunes stats: 16 plays, most recently on 11/9/2012

#76: Darling Violetta – Angel Main Theme

The band performed 2 songs in a third season episode of Buffy before being tasked to perform the theme to the spin-off.

iTunes stats: 16 plays, most recently on 5/16/2013

#76: Dr. Dre Feat RBX And Snoop Dogg – Let Me Ride

This 1994 Grammy Award winner for Best Rap Solo Performance also appeared on Volume 11 of my mix tapes, and has been listened to twice since then.

iTunes stats: 16 plays, most recently on 2/5/2013

#76: Foo Fighters – Monkey Wrench

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

iTunes stats: 16 plays, most recently on 4/24/2012

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iTunes Top 100: #96 – 118

itunes_image

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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52 Books in 52 Weeks – 2013 Edition

It’s hard to believe, but it is time to start year four of the goal to read a book a week for the entire year, totaling 52 books in 52 weeks.  In year one, I only made it to 8 books.  Year two doubled that total.  Last year, thanks to the inclusion of graphic novels, I managed to improve again, finishing with 24, which was still short of the ultimate goal.  Judging by my totals thus far, I’m predicting 32 books for this year, since I seem to be going up by 8 every year.

I’m going to give it another shot this year.  I got a few new books for laying around, so I’ve got a pile to start with.  As a reminder, the rules I am using are:

  • You can count a book as read as long as you have completed the book in 2012 and at least 50% of that reading takes place in 2012
  • Any book counts as long as you’re not embarrassed to count it.
  • Poetry collections do indeed count.
  • Re-reading a book is okay as long as it isn’t done this year. (Reading Twilight twice in 2010 only counts as 1 read)
  • Audiobooks also count.

Thanks to my new iPad and the Kindle app, eBooks will be part of the equation this year, and my first book of the year may end up being the Screech autobiography by Dustin Diamond that I picked up electronically for $0.99.  There is also a new Brad Meltzer novel coming out in a few weeks that I’d like to get my hands on.