Tag / Nirvana

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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

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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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Top 200 Albums – #101 – 109

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 wrap up the first half with the next batch of 10 albums ranked between #101 and 109, including 6 studio recordings, 2 live performances, and 2 greatest hit packages.

#109: Eminem – The Eminem Show
iTunes stats: 65 plays
Previous Ranking: 74

The fourth studio album from Eminem uses 5 tracks to make up this total.

#109: The Beatles – Abbey Road
iTunes stats: 65 plays
Previous Ranking: 100

7 songs make up this total for the remastered version of the last Beatles album ever recorded.

#108: Bush – Sixteen Stone
iTunes stats: 66 plays
Previous Ranking: 80

5 tracks from Bush’s debut album place it on the list, with only 24 additional plays.

#106: Offspring – Smash
iTunes stats: 67 plays
Previous Ranking: 100

4 tunes, and an increase of 30 listens, from this debut album from the California punk band make up this total.

#106: Cracker – Kerosene Hat
iTunes stats: 67 plays
Previous Ranking: 80

The second album from the Georgia rockers makes the list thanks to 3 songs.

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Top 200 Albums – #120 – 129

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 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.

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iTunes Top 200 Artists: #11-20

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.

In our penultimate trip through the chart, we crack the top 20 and hit some of the more popular bands and musicians on my phone..

#20: Nirvana
iTunes stats: 211 plays
Previous ranking: #20

97 new listens to the same 19 songs from the grunge masters enable them to stay even at #20.

#19: Bon Jovi
iTunes stats: 214 plays
Previous ranking: #21

The boys from New Jersey have racked up 101 new listens, including 5 new songs, to raise 2 slots in the rankings.

#18: Eminem
iTunes stats: 215 plays
Previous ranking: #14

The same 16 tunes provided only 79 new listens, causing the Detroit rapper to fall 4 slots from 3 years ago.

#17: Elvis Presley
iTunes stats: 226 plays
Previous ranking: #27

One additional song, plus a trip to Graceland, helped the King of Rock & Roll more than double his total from 3 years ago and leap 10 spots in the rankings.

#16: Poison
iTunes stats: 243 plays
Previous ranking: #13

30 tracks, 2 more than 3 years ago, accounted for their 99 additional listens, causing the quintessential glam rock band to drop 3 slots.

#15: Def Leppard
iTunes stats: 255 plays
Previous ranking: #15

The troubled band from Sheffield used 36 songs to increase their total by 122, enabling them to retain their ranking from 3 years ago.

#14: The Lonely Island
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iTunes Top 200 Artists: #179-185

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.

Today, we look at the remaining 6 bands tied for 185th with 25 plays apiece before starting with the first 4 bands tied for 179th, with 26.  Again, these are all new entries to the list from the original 2013 edition.

#179: PJ Harvey
iTunes stats: 26 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

The 90s indie darling has a completely even split between 2 songs to make up this total.

#179: Soundgarden
iTunes stats: 26 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

5 different tracks from the bastions of Seattle’s alternative scene place them pretty low on the list.

#179: The B-52’s
iTunes stats: 26 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

The Georgia-based band has 3 songs that make up this total.

#179: The Wonders
iTunes stats: 26 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

The imaginary band from the hit 1996 film That Thing You Do! uses their one hit to make their way on to the chart.

#185: Cardigans
iTunes stats: 25 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

The Swedish band, who I saw live in 2004, make the list thanks to 3 tunes.

#185: Darling Violetta
iTunes stats: 25 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

The outfit responsible for the theme song to Angel rides that track to this spot on the chart.

#185: Firehouse
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iTunes Top 200: #21 – 30

itunes_image3 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 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..

FooFighters#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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iTunes Top 200: #141

itunes_image3 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 continue today with the next grouping of songs tied for 141st place with 18 plays apiece since late 2007.

#141: TLC – Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg
iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 9/14/2015
Previous ranking: Unranked

The debut single from the girl group peaked at #6 on the Billboard charts back in 1992.

#141: Republica – Drop Dead Gorgeous
iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 9/7/2015
Previous ranking: Unranked

The third single from the British band’s debut album.

#141: Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit
iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 12/23/2014
Previous ranking: Unranked

The first single from the band’s second album, it ushered in the grunge era and instantly brought to an end the reign of the hair bands.

#141: The Muffs – Kids In America
iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 9/12/2015
Previous ranking: Unranked

A cover of the Kim Wilde hit featured in the film Clueless.

#141: Green Jelly – Three Little Pigs
iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 11/7/2015
Previous ranking: Unranked

This comedy metal song somehow reached #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of 1993.

#141: Garbage – Wild Horses (Live)
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Mix Tape Monday Revisited – Volume 19

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. Three years ago, we looked back at all 20 volumes and which of my “favorite” songs I still listened to. Today, we revisit those mix tapes and see how things have changed in the last 3 years.

Volume 19 stretches from late summer 1995 and into the fall semester of the first of my two senior years of college.  Again, it mostly features what was considered alternative music, with Coolio interjecting some street flavor for good measure.

Side A

Tripping Daisy – I Got A Girl

The one hit for Tripping Daisy managed to double its number of plays in the last 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 3 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 7/22/2015

Foo Fighters – This Is A Call

The debut for Dave Grohl’s new venture earned a relatively paltry 4 additional plays in the past 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 13 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 17 plays, most recently on 4/2/2015

Pearl Jam – Whipping

The final appearance of Pearl Jam, which I barely even recall, picked up 2 listens in the past 3 years, none in nearly 2.

2012 iTunes stats: Never played

2015 iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 9/7/2013

Hootie and the Blowfish – Only Wanna Be With You

Hootie’s ode to, among other things, the Miami Dolphins added 3 new listens in the past 3 years, despite not having been heard in over a year.

2012 iTunes stats: 2 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 6/8/2014

Elastica – Stutter

The follow up from Elastica picked up 2 listens in the past 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: Never played

2015 iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 2/10/2015

Cranberries – Ridiculous Thoughts

2 listens for the latest from the Cranberries in the last 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: Never played

2015 iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 6/2/2015

Green Day – J.A.R.

3 new listens for Green Day’s contribution to the Angus soundtrack.

2012 iTunes stats: 7 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 10 plays, most recently on 5/8/2015

Alanis Morissette – Hand In My Pocket

The second release from the juggernaut that was Jagged Little Pill tripled its number of listens in the past 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 3 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 9 plays, most recently on 1/15/2015

Side B

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Mix Tape Monday Revisited – 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.  Three years ago, we looked back at all 20 volumes and which of my “favorite” songs I still listened to. Today, we revisit those mix tapes and see how things have changed in the last 3 years.

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

One of three Hole songs to feature a contribution from Kurt Cobain, the latest from Courtney Love and company doubled its play total, despite not being heard in 2 1/2 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 2 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 4 plays, most recently on 10/11/2012

Cranberries – Twenty One

The minor hit from the band’s second album added its only play in the last 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: Never played

2015 iTunes stats: 1 play, on 8/25/2014

Veruca Salt – Number One Blind

The follow up single to Seether added a paltry 2 listens over the past 3 years, most recently over 2 years ago.

2012 iTunes stats: 7 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 9 plays, most recently on 5/1/2013

Stone Temple Pilots – Unglued

4 new plays for the latest from STP in the last 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 9 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 13 plays, most recently on 6/26/2015

Pearl Jam – Better Man

The biggest hit from the grunge superstars’ 3rd album added a paltry 2 listens over the past 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 4 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 6/23/2015

Nirvana – Where Did You Sleep Last Night

Only 1 new listen for the posthumous unplugged hit from the Seattle rockers.

2012 iTunes stats: 2 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 3 plays, most recently on 3/18/2015

Weezer – No One Else

Weezer’s latest picked up 3 new listens over the past 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 7 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 10 plays, most recently on 3/10/2015

Offspring – What Happened To You?

The final offering from Offspring’s debut album added 4 additional plays in the last 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 8 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 12 plays, most recently on 4/14/2015

Side B

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