Tag / Ramones

by admin

iTunes Top 200 Artists: #129-138

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 a large mix of genres and decades, from pop to punk, hip hop to new jack swing, and everything in between.

#138: Hootie & the Blowfish
iTunes stats: 80 plays
Previous ranking: #154

The group, formed in Columbia, South Carolina in 1986, saw a 25-play increase spread across the five songs in my collection.

#138: Katy Perry
iTunes stats: 80 plays
Previous ranking: #143

Five tracks from the pop singer, who embarrassed herself last year following a Blue Origin flight into “space,” accounted for 21 new listens.

#138: Ramones
iTunes stats: 80 plays
Previous ranking: #131

The New York-based punk rock pioneers increased their total by 27% thanks to 17 new plays over the past five years.

#134: The Police
iTunes stats: 81 plays
Previous ranking: #133

The English band, led by Sting until their 1984 breakup, added 19 new plays.

#134: Color Me Badd
Continue reading →

by admin

iTunes Top 200 Artists: #131-140

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 remaining 1 tied for 140th place, 3 tied for137th, 4 tied for 133rd, and the 2 tied for 131st.  Our newcomers are back, with 2 artists making their debut this week.

#140: 2Pac
iTunes stats: 60 plays
Previous ranking: #129

The slain rapper, whose murder remains unsolved after 24 years, picked up 26 new listens while dropping 11 spots.

#137: Lily Allen
iTunes stats: 61 plays
Previous ranking: #129

The English chartreuse, who played a funny part in my roadtrip to Disney World back in 2016, falls 8 spots despite 27 new plays for the 27 songs in my collection, although only 3 of those songs make up her total.

#137: Ice Cube
iTunes stats: 61 plays
Previous ranking: #145

A 29 play increase for the former NWA rapper who went from Fuck Tha Police to trying to curry favor with the Trump administration.

#137: Styx
iTunes stats: 61 plays
Previous ranking: #113

A 24 spot drop for the local outfit, who, thanks to the departure of Chris Sale from the White Sox, no longer get played as often.

#133: Led Zeppelin
iTunes stats: 62 plays
Previous ranking: #145

The quintessential rock band of the 1970s and noted musical thieves move up 12 spots thanks to 30 new listens, a 94% increase.

#133: The Police
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by admin

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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by admin

Tuesday Morning Workout

With today’s day off of work, I decided to brave the elements and head out for a quick walk around the neighborhood.  Here are the tunes that accompanied me.

You Shook Me All Night Long (Live) AC/DC Private Parts: The Album 9/3/2013 10:46 AM
I Wanna Be Sedated The Offspring We’re A Happy Family: A Tribute To The Ramones 9/3/2013 10:48 AM
American Pie Don McLean The Best Of Don Mclean 9/3/2013 10:57 AM
Moneytalks AC/DC AC/DC Live 9/3/2013 11:01 AM
Achy Breaky Heart Billy Ray Cyrus Some Gave All 9/3/2013 11:05 AM
I Quit Hepburn Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Album 9/3/2013 11:09 AM
Champagne Supernova Oasis (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? 9/3/2013 11:16 AM
by jim

Mix Tape Monday – May 2005

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.

This was the last CD of psudeo-new music that I burned.  Fall of 2005 was consumed with other activities and that Christmas, I got a Sirius satellite radio, at which point I pretty much stopped using the CD player in the car.  In fact, the CDs that were in the 5 disc changer at the time stayed there untouched for so long that, when I tried to put in something different, the new discs wouldn’t work.

Tom Petty – I Won’t Back Down

I just now realized that this was from Tom Petty’s solo album and was not a Heartbreakers track.

iTunes stats: 8 plays, most recently on 8/6/2011

Foo Fighters – Best Of You

The latest from the Foo Fighters was the first single from In Your Honor.

iTunes stats: 13 plays, most recently on 3/29/2012

Black Eyed Peas – Don’t Phunk With My Heart

The less successful follow up to the monster hit Let’s Get It Started.

iTunes stats: Never played

Def Leppard – No Matter What

A cover of the old Badfinger song done as a bonus track for their latest best-of release.

iTunes stats: 4 plays, most recently on 9/28/2012

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – Summertime

The Grammy winner for Best Rap single of 1991.

iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 6/26/2012

Ramones – Blitzkreig Bop

The debut single for the seminal American punk band.

iTunes stats: 1 plays, on 7/30/2012

Terror Squad – Lean Back

Spent three weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 charts in August of 2004.

iTunes stats: 7 plays, most recently on 8/4/2011

Weezer – Beverly Hills

The latest single from Weezer was the first from their fifth album.

iTunes stats: 8 plays, most recently on 10/11/2012

The McCoys – Hang On Sloopy

This is the official rock song of the state of Ohio.

iTunes stats: 12 plays, most recently on 11/19/2012

Usher – Yeah!

Usher’s monster hit spent 12 weeks stop the Billboard Hot 100 in 2004 and was the #1 song of the year.

iTunes stats: 12 plays, most recently on 10/23/2012

Continue reading →

by admin

Mix Tape Monday – May 2001

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.

This CD was burned in May of 2001 and features new music from Weezer, The Go-Go’s, and American Hi-Fi, along with older songs that interested me at the time for one reason or another.

The Five Blobs – Beware Of The Blob

This old 50s tune was re-popularized by the new midday show on WCKG hosted by Buzz Kilman and Wendy Snyder.

iTunes stats: 3 plays, most recently on 5/11/2012

The Ramones – Spider-Man Theme

The seminal punk band covered the theme from the 60s Spider-Man cartoon for a mid-90s compilation.

iTunes stats: 1 play, on 7/30/2012

American Hi-Fi – Flavor Of The Week

The one hit from the band that has seemingly become the touring band for Miley Cyrus.

iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 6/13/2012

Smoking Popes – I Need You Around

The local alt band had a hit with this tune from the Clueless soundtrack.

iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 8/9/2011

Len – Steal My Sunshine

Another one hit wonder, this tune was originally included on the Go soundtrack.

iTunes stats: 7 plays, most recently on 8/19/2011

Jodeci – Lately

The unplugged version of the old Stevie Wonder hit from technically the first band I ever saw perform live.

iTunes stats: 12 plays, most recently on 9/21/2012

Isaac Hayes – Theme From Shaft

The song was back in vogue in 2001 thanks to the Shaft remake the previous year and Hayes increased profile thanks to his role as Chef on South Park.

iTunes stats: 10 plays, most recently on 7/16/2012

Snap! – Rhythm Is A Dancer

I’ve always been fond of this early 90s dance hit.

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

Mallrats Clip

Funny stuff from the mind of Kevin Smith which I have never imported into iTunes.

Wheatus – Teenage Dirtbag

The minor hit from the Loser soundtrack was a massive hit in Australia, becoming the #2 selling single of 2000.

iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 12/1/2010

Continue reading →

by admin

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 →

by jim

Retro Playlist – 2004

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

Here are the songs I last listened to in 2004.

Spider-Man The Ramones December 1995 2/13/2004 6:18 PM
Fight For Your Right The Beastie Boys Licensed To Ill 2/14/2004 9:05 AM
Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) (Edit) Jay-Z Now That’s What I Call Music! Vol. 2 2/26/2004 5:22 PM
X-Files Theme Mark Snow The X-Files: Songs In The Key Of X 3/6/2004 7:41 AM
My Favourite Game Cardigans Gran Turismo 3/28/2004 11:43 AM
How Soon Is Now? Love Spit Love The Craft 5/9/2004 3:40 PM
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