Tag / Slaughter

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iTunes Top 200 Artists: #181-188

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, punk, rock, and hip-hop.  We have three performers making their debut on the list this week.

#188: Bowling For Soup
iTunes stats: 61 plays
Previous ranking: NR

Formed in Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1994, the band makes their debut appearance on this chart thanks for two versions, one from the studio and one live on the Adam Carolla Show, of the Phineas and Ferb theme song.

#188: Chicago
iTunes stats: 61 plays
Previous ranking: #188

The ten-time Grammy nominees, who named themselves Chicago Transit Authority in 1968 and shortened to its current version the following year, show up on the list on the strength of three tracks, two from the early 1970s and one from the mid-80s.

#188: Coolio
iTunes stats: 61 plays
Previous ranking: #178

The 1996 Grammy winner for Best Rap Solo Performance, who passed away in 2022, parlayed his two hits into just twelve new listens over the past five years.

#184: Bad Religion
iTunes stats: 62 plays
Previous ranking: #182

The punk rock band from LA, who I saw open for Pearl Jam at Soldier Field back in 1995, add fourteen new plays to the two songs in my collection.

#184: Bloodhound Gang
iTunes stats: 62 plays
Previous ranking: #164

The band known for humorous and off-beat, satirical lyrics, formed in Pennsylvania in 1992, picked up only nine new listens, which resulted in a 20-spot fall in the charts.

#184: Sarah McLachlan
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Yet Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 12

33 years ago, during my sophomore year of high school, I put together the first of what would eventually 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.  Today, we revisit those mix tapes for the fourth time and see how, or if, the soundtrack of my youth still resonates in today’s digital world and how much has changed over the past four years.

Both Def Leppard and Guns ‘N Roses make their final appearance on this entry.  By 1993, alternative music had taken over the rock world and these two stalwarts from the 80s were holding on in similar ways: both had released long-awaited albums during my senior year of high school and both followed those up quickly with either an album of covers (GnR) or a compilation of B-sides (Def Leppard).  Both made their first appearance, back to back, on Volume 5 and each ended up with seven tracks overall on these tapes.

From this point on, there are no more entries from 80s rock bands.  No more Poison.  No more Bon Jovi.  No more Slaughter or Great White.  And no more Def Leppard or Guns ‘N Roses.  Following volume 12, which covers the summer of 1993 and into the fall and my sophomore year of college, my tastes turned towards the alternative, with hip hop and the occasional pure pop song still making an appearance.

Side A

10,000 Maniacs – Because The Night
iTunes stats: 34 plays, most recently on 7/5/2022

The Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith written hit, from the group’s MTV Unplugged appearance which was Natalie Merchant’s swan song with the group, picked up just four plays over the past four years.

Cracker – Low
iTunes stats: 38 plays, most recently on 2/26/2022

The first single from Kerosene Hat, which reached #3 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, picked up six listens in the last four years.

Def Leppard – Miss You In A Heartbeat
iTunes stats: 10 plays, most recently on 3/1/2022

Just four new plays for the final US top 40 hit for the band, which peaked at #39 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Cher w/ Beavis & Butthead – I Got You Babe
iTunes stats: 38 plays, most recently on 7/9/2022

Cher’s threesome with the animated duo, from the hit film Beavis & Butthead Do America, earned a small four play increase over these past four years.

Guns N’ Roses – Estranged
iTunes stats: 17 plays, most recently on 9/8/2022

The nearly 9 1/2 minute opus, which hit #16 on the Mainstream Rock chart, picked up five new listens over the past four years.

Lemonheads – Into Your Arms
iTunes stats: 29 plays, most recently on 12/23/2021

The only Lemonheads track to appear on the Billboard chart, peaking at #67, the tune added ten additional plays over the last four years.

Side B

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Yet Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 6

33 years ago, during my sophomore year of high school, I put together the first of what would eventually 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.  Today, we revisit those mix tapes for the fourth time and see how, or if, the soundtrack of my youth still resonates in today’s digital world and how much has changed over the past four years.

Volume 6 takes us through the end of high school, through the summer, and into the beginning of my freshman year of college.  That summer, my sister and I made our first trip to Texas to visit our dad.  He had moved at least two years before and I guess thought it would be a good idea to see us.  Since I was trying to get ready to leave for college, I only stayed for one week while my sister stayed for two.  I don’t remember much about my time there.  We went to the old book depository where Lee Harvey Oswald shot JFK.  We walked to a comic book store, where I found that some states charge sales tax on back issue purchases.  Aside from that, the trip holds no particular memory.

In the years since, visits have become fewer and farther between.  I last went to Texas in 2005.  His last trip to Illinois for a visit was 2006 and, if you include funerals, he hasn’t been here since 2010.  The last time I saw him was 2018, after he had moved to Arizona and he came to see me while I was in town for spring training.

Sadly, this is not the original version of volume 6, which was lost after being borrowed by my sister for a party.

Side A

Genesis – I Can’t Dance
iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 12/7/2021

The second single from the 14th studio album from Genesis, which received a 1993 Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group, notched a mere two in the past four years.

Ugly Kid Joe – Everything About You
iTunes stats: 24 plays, most recently on 9/25/2019

Hitting #9 on the Billboard charts, the first hit for the California-based band was last heard before months before the pandemic even started, adding just two spins.

Joe Public – Live and Learn
iTunes stats: 17 plays, most recently on 2/8/2022

Ranked 16th on complex.com’s list of the best new jack swing songs of all time, the tune managed to add five new plays since our last check.

Boyz II Men – Please Don’t Go
iTunes stats: 11 plays, most recently on 7/22/2019

Just three additional plays for the final single from Cooleyhighharmony, which failed to crack the top 40 and hasn’t been heard since nearly eight months prior to COVID lockdowns started.

Def Leppard – Make Love Like A Man
iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 2/27/2022

The second single from Adrenalize, and the first video with new guitarist Vivian Campbell, added four plays over the past four years.

Guns N’ Roses – Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door
iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 3/15/2022

The Bob Dylan cover has picked up eleven new listens since 2015.

Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Under The Bridge
iTunes stats: 20 plays, most recently on 7/22/2022

The first appearance of “alternative” music on these collections, which became the 8th biggest single of 1992, nearly doubled its play total with nine new plays.

Side B

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Yet Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 5

33 years ago, during my sophomore year of high school, I put together the first of what would eventually 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. Today, we revisit those mix tapes for the fourth time and see how, or if, the soundtrack of my youth still resonates in today’s digital world and how much has changed over the past four years.

I got my first CD player, and my first CD, for Christmas in 1991.  My sister and I were going to Florida to celebrate Christmas with the grandparents, so we celebrated at home early.  In order to enjoy my new gift while I was gone, I added two songs from that CD, Poison’s Swallow This Live, to this collection.

My CD collection grew slowly, being a poor high school student.  When I left for college that next August, I had added five CDs to the collection: Def Leppard’s Adrenalize, the so-called Black Album from Metallica, Use Your Illusion II by Guns N’ Roses, Boyz II Men’s Motownphilly, and C.M.B. from Color Me Badd.  In college, things started to grow more quickly and, once I got out of college and had some real disposable income, things went a little crazy.  I have CDs where not only is there not a song on there that I like, but there isn’t even a song that I know.

That slowed down a bit as technology advanced, replacing physical media with digital downloads and, eventually, streaming.  I can count on one hand the number of CDs I’ve bought in the last eight years.  The question now is what do I do with 30+ years’ worth of CDs that are never used?  Everything is ripped to my computer and the only CD player I have now is that computer.  Plus, I could use the space that a cabinet full of untouched CDs is taking up in the office.  Something to consider as I remake my workspace now that I am a full-time remote worker.

Volume 5 takes us from the end of my junior year of high school, through the summer, and all the way to spring of my senior year, from mid 1991 through early 1992, and once again features a healthy dose of hair metal and pop.

Side A

Firehouse – Don’t Treat Me Bad
iTunes stats: 21 plays, most recently on 11/12/2021

Peaking at #19 on the Billboard charts, the first hit from Firehouse picked up nine new listens over the past four years.

Color Me Badd – I Wanna Sex You Up
iTunes stats: 19 plays, most recently on 12/12/2021

Featured on the soundtrack for New Jack City, the first single from the R&B boy band, which I had on cassingle, added five new spins since 2019.

Boyz II Men – Motownphilly
iTunes stats: 26 plays, most recently on 8/20/2021

The debut release from the Philadelphia crooners, which hit #3 on the Billboard charts, had a healthy seven play increase since last we checked.

Mötley Crüe – Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
iTunes stats: 43 plays, most recently on 9/27/2022

The fourth single off of Dr. Feelgood, originally recorded off 103.5 The Blaze, gets a nice thirteen listen increase thanks to its use at Guaranteed Rate Field after strikeouts from White Sox pitchers.

Slaughter – Fly To The Angels
iTunes stats: 19 plays, most recently on 11/4/2021

Six new plays for the second single from the band’s debut album, which peaked at #19 on the Billboard charts.

Boyz II Men – It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye
iTunes stats: 62 plays, most recently on 12/31/2021

Originally written for the 70s film Cooley High, the cover, originally recorded off the radio from Hot 94.7, saw a fourteen-spin increase over the past four years when you count both the radio and album versions.

Salt-N-Pepa – Let’s Talk About Sex
iTunes stats: 25 plays, most recently on 7/22/2022

The tune, nominated for the 1992 Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group Grammy, increased its play total by eight since 2019.

Side B

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Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 6

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 6 takes us through the end of high school, through the summer, and into the beginning of my freshman year of college.  Sadly, this is not the original version of volume 6, which was lost after being borrowed by my sister for a party.  The steady stream of hair metal and pop starts to become overtaken by alternative and hip-hop.

Side A

Genesis – I Can’t Dance

The second single from the 14th studio album from Genesis, which received a 1993 Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group, nearly doubled its number of listens in the past 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
2 plays 7 plays 13 plays, most recently on 8/6/2018 

Ugly Kid Joe – Everything About You

Hitting #9 on the Billboard charts, the first hit for the California band  put together a decent increase of 16 spins over the last 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
3 plays 6 plays 22 plays, most recently on 9/17/2018 

Joe Public – Live and Learn

Ranked 16th on complex.com’s list of the best new jack swing songs of all time, the tune managed to double its plays since our last check.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
3 plays 6 plays 12 plays, most recently on 9/5/2018 

Boyz II Men – Please Don’t Go

The final single from Cooleyhighharmony, which failed to crack the top 40, finally got a listen or 8 over the past 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
0 plays 0 plays 8 plays, most recently on 8/3/2018 

Def Leppard – Make Love Like A Man

The second single from Adrenalize, and the first video with new guitarist Vivian Campbell, nearly managed to double its plays over the past 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
3 plays 6 plays 11 plays, most recently on 8/30/2018 

Guns N’ Roses – Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door

After going over 3 years without hearing the Bob Dylan cover, it picked up 5 new listens in the past 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
7 plays 7 plays 12 plays, most recently on 9/1/2018 

Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Under The Bridge

The first appearance of “alternative” music on these collections, which became the 8th biggest single of 1992, nearly doubled its play total.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
3 plays 6 plays 11 plays, most recently on 12/14/2018 

Side B

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by admin

Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 5

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 5 takes us from the end of my junior year of high school, through the summer, and all the way to spring of my senior year, from mid 1991 through early 1992, and once again features a healthy dose of hair metal and pop.  It also covers the acquisition of my first CD player, a Christmas gift in 1991.

Side A

Firehouse – Don’t Treat Me Bad

Peaking at #19 on the Billboard charts, the first hit from Firehouse picked up 7 new listens over the past 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
3 plays 5 plays 12 plays, most recently on 12/2/2018 

Color Me Badd – I Wanna Sex You Up

Featured on the soundtrack for New Jack City, the first single from the R&B boy band nearly tripled its spins over the past 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
2 plays 5 plays 14 plays, most recently on 9/3/2018 

Boyz II Men – Motownphilly

The debut release from the Philadelphia crooners, which hit #3 on the Billboard charts, had a healthy 15 play increase since last we checked.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
1 plays 4 plays 19 plays, most recently on 11/8/2018 

Mötley Crüe – Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)

The fourth single off of Dr. Feelgood, originally recorded off 103.5 The Blaze, gets a nice 8 listen increase to keep it in the running for one of the most listened to songs.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
18 plays 22 plays 30 plays, most recently on 9/1/2018 

Slaughter – Fly To The Angels

The second single from the band’s debut album, which peaked at #19 on the Billboard charts, more than doubled its plays in the last 3 years..

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
4 plays 6 plays 13 plays, most recently on 8/21/2018 

Boyz II Men – It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye

A cover of song originally written for the film Cooley High, the song saw a 20 spin increase over the past 3 years, covering both the radio and album versions of the tune.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
17 plays 28 plays 48 plays, most recently on 12/18/2018 

Salt-N-Pepa – Let’s Talk About Sex

Nominated for the 1992 Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group Grammy, the tune nearly doubled its output over the past 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
3 plays 9 plays 17 plays, most recently on 10/20/2018 

Side B

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Tax Prep Soundtrack

After work tonight, I headed off to get my taxes done.  Here are the tunes that got me from the office to the, well, office.

 

Come On Eileen Dexys Midnight Runner Too-Rye-Ay 2/12/2016 3:51 PM
Molly Sponge Rotting Pinata 2/12/2016 3:55 PM
Cat Scratch Fever Ted Nugent Private Parts: The Album 2/12/2016 3:59 PM
Sk8er Boi Avril Lavigne Live Acoustic EP 2/12/2016 4:02 PM
Feels Good Tony! Toni! Toné! Tony! Toni! Toné! Hits 2/12/2016 4:07 PM
The Long And Winding Road The Beatles Let It Be… Naked 2/12/2016 4:11 PM
Shut Your Mouth Garbage One Mile High…Live 2/12/2016 4:16 PM
Hit The Road Jack Ray Charles Genius & Soul: The 50th Anniversary Collection 2/12/2016 4:18 PM
Cherub Rock Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream 2/12/2016 4:23 PM
Superfloss Mexican Cheerleader Mexican Cheerleader 2/12/2016 4:26 PM
The Limits of Dancing Patton Oswalt Finest Hour 2/12/2016 4:27 PM
Stairway To Heaven Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin IV 2/12/2016 4:35 PM
Iris Goo Goo Dolls City Of Angels 2/12/2016 6:37 PM
Fly To The Angels Slaughter Stick It To Ya 2/12/2016 6:43 PM
Don’t Let Me Down The Beatles (With Billy Preston) Past Masters, Vol. 2 [2009 Stereo Remaster] 2/12/2016 6:46 PM
Rebirth Of Slick (Cool Like Dat) Digable Planets Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space) 2/12/2016 6:50 PM
“We’re Here, We’re Queer…!” Patton Oswalt Feelin’ Kinda Patton 2/12/2016 6:51 PM
I Love You Always Forever Donna Lewis The Absolute Hits 2/12/2016 6:55 PM
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Mix Tape Monday – Volume 6 Revisited

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 6 takes us through the end of high school, through the summer, and into the beginning of my freshman year of college.  Sadly, this is not the original version of volume 6, which was lost after being borrowed by my sister for a party.  The steady stream of hair metal and pop starts to become overtaken by alternative and hip-hop.

Side A

Genesis – I Can’t Dance

The last hit for Genesis has more than tripled its number of listens in the past 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 2 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 7 plays, most recently on 4/12/2015

Ugly Kid Joe – Everything About You

The first hit for the band who came up a few years too late has put together a decent increase over the last 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 8 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 8/7/2014

Joe Public – Live and Learn

The one hit for the so-called new jack swing group managed to double its plays since our last check.

2012 iTunes stats: 4 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 8 plays, most recently on 4/2/2015

Boyz II Men – Please Don’t Go

I still haven’t listened to the final release from Cooleyhighharmony.

2012 iTunes stats: Never Played

2015 iTunes stats: Never Played

Def Leppard – Make Love Like A Man

The second hit from Adrenalize also managed to double its plays over the past 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 4 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 8 plays, most recently on 8/16/2014

Guns N’ Roses – Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door

Somehow, I haven’t listened to this song at all over the past 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 7 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 7 plays, most recently on 3/31/2012

Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Under The Bridge

The mainstream breakthrough hit for the Chilli Peppers, and the first appearance of “alternative” music, has had a healthy increase.

2012 iTunes stats: 2 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 1/10/2015

Side B

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by admin

Mix Tape Monday – Volume 5 Revisited

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 5 takes us from the end of my junior year of high school, through the summer, and all the way to spring of my senior year, from mid 1991 through early 1992, and once again features a healthy dose of hair metal and pop.  It also includes the appearance of my first CD player, a Christmas gift in 1991.

Side A

Firehouse – Don’t Treat Me Bad

I haven’t listened to the first hit from Firehouse in nearly 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 3 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 7/11/2012

Color Me Badd – I Wanna Sex You Up

The first hit for ths so-called R&B boy band had a decent increase over the past 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 2 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 3/10/2015

Boyz II Men – Motownphilly

The debut hit from Philadelphia crooners had a healthy 3 play increase since last we checked.

2012 iTunes stats: 1 play

2015 iTunes stats: 4 plays, most recently on 2/14/2015

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

The last hit off of Dr. Feelgood gets a nice increase to keep it in the running for most listened to song.

2012 iTunes stats: 18 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 22 plays, most recently on 2/6/2011

Slaughter – Fly To The Angels

It’s been almost 2 years since I heard the big ballad from the hair band.

2012 iTunes stats: 4 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 5/21/2013

Boyz II Men – It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye

Big increases for both versions of the cover song originally written for the film Cooley High.

2012 iTunes stats (Radio version): 11 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 3/14/2014

2012 iTunes stats (Album version): 6 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 13 plays, most recently on 4/3/2015

Salt-N-Pepa – Let’s Talk About Sex

A big three fold increase for the first ladies of rap.

2012 iTunes stats: 3 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 9 plays, most recently on 4/14/2015

Side B

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It’s Off To Work I Go

Monday had me chained to a chair doing mindless, repetitive work all day, so I pulled out my phone and listened to some tunes.  This list is the music that got me through the drudgery of that day.

You Shook Me All Night Long AC/DC Back In Black 2/10/2014 10:53 AM
Baby One More Time Travis 2/10/2014 10:57 AM
Hand In My Pocket Alanis Morissette Jagged Little Pill 2/10/2014 11:00 AM
Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon Urge Overkill Pulp Fiction OST 2/10/2014 11:04 AM
In Your Eyes Peter Gabriel So 2/10/2014 11:16 AM
All Apologies Nirvana MTV Unplugged in New York Rock 2/10/2014 11:20 AM
Our Party Mexican Cheerleader Mexican Cheerleader 2/10/2014 11:22 AM
If You Dont Know Me by Now Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes The 70s Love Collection 2/10/2014 11:26 AM
Girls & Boys Blur The Best Of (Disc 1) 2/10/2014 11:30 AM
Crazy Seal Crazy 2/10/2014 11:36 AM
You Suck The Murmurs The Murmurs 2/10/2014 11:39 AM
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