Mix Tape Monday – March 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.

So, we skip ahead to 2005 with this entry.  Perhaps nothing interesting happened in music in 2004.  Along with a couple of television theme songs, we have new music from Snoop Dogg, Tegan and Sara, and Garbage.

Letters To Cleo – Here And Now

The biggest hit for the Boston based band.

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

Creedence Clearwater Revival – Fortunate Son

As President Bush’s second term gets under way, this song suddenly became relevant again.

iTunes stats: 4 plays, most recently on 8/1/2011

Andy Partridge – I Wonder Why The Wonderfalls

The theme song to the short-lived Fox show Wonderfalls.

iTunes stats: 10 plays, most recently on 5/19/2012

Nazareth – Love Hurts

The staple of classic rock stations in the late 80s and early 90s.

iTunes stats: 3 plays, most recently on 8/10/2011

Snoop Dogg – Drop It Like It’s Hot

The first song from Snoop Dogg that I’ve liked since his debut album.

iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 3/16/2012

AC/DC – For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)

I suppose we have Artie Lange and the Howard Stern Show to thank for the inclusion of this classic.

iTunes stats: 1 play, on 7/30/2012

Ludacris – Get Back

The latest release from the Champaign-born rapper.

iTunes stats: 12 plays, most recently on 1/4/2013

Black Eyed Peas – Let’s Get It Started

The PC version of the ubiquitous hit that introduced the Black Eyed Peas to a mainstream audience.

iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 10/2/2011

The Dandy Warhols – We Used To Be Friends

The theme song to the wonderful Veronica Mars program.

iTunes stats: 20 plays, most recently on 1/2/2013

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Mix Tape Monday – March 2003

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.

March of 2003 looks to have a lot of cover songs, along with the latest hits from Kelly Osbourne, Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, and the White Stripes.

Mariah Carey – Bringing On The Heartbreak

For a minute there, I thought I could get in to this remake of the old Def Leppard hit.

iTunes stats: Never played

The Donnas – Take It Off

The one big hit for the girl group.

iTunes stats: 13 plays, most recently on 5/30/2012

Foo Fighters – Times Like These

The latest from the Foo Fighters had both an electric and acoustic version.

iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 1/4/2013

David Lee Roth – California Girls

After leaving Van Halen, David Lee Roth thought becoming a cheesy Vegas lounge act was the way to go.

iTunes stats: 7 plays, most recently on 3/30/2012

Tatu – All The Things You Said

Nothing says pop music hit like lesbian Russian teenagers.

iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 8/10/2011

Tegan And Sara – I Hear Noises

My first introduction to Tegan and Sara.  I own all of their albums after this and have since seen them in concert.

iTunes stats: 20 plays, most recently on 9/21/2011

Bif Naked – We’re Not Gonna Take It

A cover of the Twisted Sister hit from the Ready To Rumble soundtrack.

iTunes stats: Never played

Sixpence None The Richer – Don’t Dream It’s Over

A cover of the old Crowded House hit.

iTunes stats: Never played

Johnny Cash – Personal Jesus

A bizarre cover of the Depeche Mode hit by the Man in Black.

iTunes stats: 1 play, on 5/19/2009

Kelly Osbourne – Shut Up

The first release from Kelly’s ill-fated album meant to capitalize on the success of The Osbournes.

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

Carl Douglas – Kung Fu Fighting

The 70s ode to martial arts.

iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 3/21/2012

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Mix Tape Monday Roundup

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.

Last week, we finished up the last of the 20 volumes.  The 287 songs from 144 different bands or performers have been played an average of just over 5 times each, according to my iTunes stats. Let’s take one final look back at the bands and songs that made up my youth.

Most Played Song

25 – Veruca Salt – Seether

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

18 – The Breeders – Cannonball

18 – Cher with Beavis and Butthead – I’ve Got You Babe

17 – Great White – Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Most Represented Band

11 – Poison

10 – Aerosmith

10 – Pearl Jam

7 – Def Leppard

7 – Guns N’ Roses

Most Played Tape

Continue reading →

Mix Tape Monday – Volume 15

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 15 takes us into through the summer of 1994 and into the fall and my junior year of college. The song selection is, again, mostly alternative with some west coast gangsta rap.

Side A

Frente! – Labour Of Love

The hit from Marvin! The Album was recorded via Chicago’s new rock alternative, Q101.

iTunes stats: 10 plays, most recently on 4/20/2012

Mazzy Star – Fade Into You

The mesmerizing tune from Hope Sandoval and company was taped off WKQX Chicago.

iTunes stats: 9 plays, most recently on 5/11/2012

Nirvana – Verse Chorus Verse

The posthumous B-side from the trio from Seattle was, again, obtained from Q101.

iTunes stats: 9 plays, most recently on 6/1/2012

Warren G – This D.J.

The follow up to Regulate was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: Never played

Cracker – Eurotrash Girl

The hidden track was taped off Q101.

iTunes stats: 10 plays, most recently on 9/1/2011

Stone Temple Pilots – Interstate Love Song

STP’s latest was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: 1 play, on 10/3/2010

Gin Blossoms – Allison Road

The Gin Blossoms latest was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: 7 plays, most recently on 3/19/2012

Weezer – Undone (The Sweater Song)

The debut hit from Weezer was taped off Q101.

iTunes stats: 9 plays, most recently on 5/3/2012

Side B

Continue reading →

Mix Tape Monday – Volume 13

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 13 takes us into late spring of 1994 and my the end of my sophomore year of college. The song selection is now mostly completely alternative, with just one or two hip-hop hits to go along with it., with a little pop and Aerosmith on the side.

Side A

Alice In Chains – No Excuses

The Alice in Chains hit was taped off the radio, possibly 93.5 KHY, Lafayette’s rock station.

iTunes stats: 3 plays, most recently on 5/6/2012

Smashing Pumpkins – Disarm

The follow up to Today was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 8/1/2011

Counting Crows – Mr. Jones

The debut smash for the Counting Crows was taped off 96.5, WAZY.

iTunes stats: Never played

The Cranberries – Dreams

The Cranberries big hit was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: 7 plays, most recently on 9/13/2011

Jodeci – Cry For You

The Jodeci hit was taped off the radio with no indication of what station.

iTunes stats: Never played

Julianna Hatfield Three – Spin The Bottle

The hit from Reality Bites was taped off the radio courtesy of Q101.

iTunes stats: 10 plays, most recently on 10/9/2011

Aerosmith – Dueces Are Wild

Aerosmith’s contribution to the Beavis and Butthead album was taped off the radio, again with no identifying bumpers or DJs.

iTunes stats: 4 plays, most recently on 10/9/2011

Gin Blossoms – Mrs. Rita

The minor Gin Blossoms hit was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: 1 play, on 8/30/2011

Continue reading →

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 →