Dad bands

[pickinatit]

LOL. Yet another person naming the era when THEY were young as THE superior era for music. How many times are people going to keep proving my point in this thread? I'm not as old as you. I love music from the 60s. But I love the 50s, 70s and 80s just as much. Actually, I probably like all those decades MORE than I do music from the 60s. So which decade was the best?

That doesn't prove your point. That's kind of a straw man argument because we can't help it if the "golden age" of rock and roll coincided with OUR youth.

[Vito Corleone]

You say 'audience first' is just one part of the equation, and yet you say popularity wins. You say set list isn't the whole thing, but all things being equal, the dance band wins? It is not hard to see the conflict, here.

 

 

Because you're leaving out a LOT of what I've said. I've explained my position already. If you like, I'll go back and cut and paste what I've already said for you.

[Vito Corleone]

That doesn't prove your point. That's kind of a straw man argument because we can't help it if the "golden age" of rock and roll coincided with OUR youth.

It didn't. The golden age coincided with MY youth.

[Vito Corleone]

The pony cars torched the mid 60's Impalas, Chevelles, Tempests, etc, then the rounder '70 Camaro and later Firebirds torched the earlier pony cars. My buddy bought a '66 Impala for $300 in 1975. My dad had a couple of early 60's Caprice convertibles in turquoise that were just stunning cars but seemed like horseless carriages when he got his '65 Mustang. I bought a 1968 Mustang in 1979 for $300, and picked up a 1967 Rally Sport Camaro Convertible for $600 in 1980.

 

 

Yeah. Whoever came up with the classic car analogy hit it pretty spot on. I think many people have this idea that cars like the Mustang were loved when they came out and continued to be highly valued and revered continuously. They weren't. There was a period when they were 10-15 years old when they were just old cars that weren't even worth the money it would take to keep them running. It wasn't until they got older that they became "classics".

 

Pop songs tend to be the same way.

[StratGuy22]

This is really the crux of the whole matter. The reason why music from our youth sounds "better" to us is that we associate it with the emotional experiences we were having at the time. For most people, they have their first really intense, adult (or adolescent) emotional experiences during the ages of about 15-25, i.e. as teens and young adults. Even if we have strong emotional experiences later (marriage, children, etc) it can't match the impact of the first time we felt emotions on that level. So the point is, we enjoy music not only for its own intrinsic qualities, but for the way it provides a direct, emotional connection for days gone by. For those who were alive in the 60s, there's no question that our society and our culture was undergoing a huge upheaval, the shockwaves of which are still being felt today. It was incredibly powerful to me, second-hand as a small child (circa 1967-74) and I can only imagine what it must have felt like to a young adult. So it's no surprise, then, that the music that we associate with that exceptional time has exceptional levels of emotional resonance. It doesn't really matter whether a song like "Satisfaction" is inherently better than "Don't You Want Me Baby" because "Satisfaction", for the people who lived through that time period, has this huge accumulation of cultural baggage that makes the actual song almost irrelevant. (I said almost.) Add to that the fact that the 60s represented at time when the dominant forms of pop music were undergoing a period of intense experimentation, which brings in the factor of "This is the first time they did this". First fuzz tone. Widespread use of studio techniques. First electric power trios. First Marshall amps. All that adds another level of importance/relevance to the music for those who heard it "in order". I'm not really expecting to change anybody's mind, and I don't think this supports anybody's contention that the music from any particular period was inherently "better" than the rest (except the Beatles and Coltrane ) but I just wanted to throw out some food for thought, since this topic is apparently far from dead.

 

 

Yup, and since the 60's music has no emotional connection with me (born in 69) I find it boring as {censored}. If people weren't so high at the time, half the music wouldn't have flown. Late 80's hair metal was cheesy, but we knew it was cheesy and didn't read too much into it. I'd still rather play Unskinny Bop, over anything from the 60's.

 

But alas, we play to older people with money (45+ in age) and they eat that 70's {censored} up with a spoon and a smile.

 

 

 

 

But the important part, is the price is always right, and I have fun spoon feeding them their dreck.

 

 

[pickinatit]

It didn't. The golden age coincided with MY youth.

Touche

[SeniorBlues]

We've talked about songs that other artists from other eras and genres want to cover. It would be interesting to see major acts from each era draw songs out of a hat and see what they could do outside their comfort zone. Might tell you about the bands, the songs, and other "intangibles" that some of us consider really important . . . or not.

[VinylMan]

Well this thread has really diverted from the OP initial post. My comments:

First the OP initial post was disparaging. He mocked and ridiculed not only their age by calling them a DAD BAND and what they were playing, but also had to gratuitously mention how they looked personally and how they dressed and did not mention their talent. So for him to come back in later posts with the "Where did I say they........" response to his obvious attacks is complete bull.

All he had to say was why don't older bands play current music? Of course there's a pretty obvious and logical reason why and actually clearly dumb to even have to ask. Certainly not worth creating a thread over so he had to just make a bunch of disparaging remarks for no apparent reason other than to share his personal dislikes with all here.

So in his shallow little world acts and artists from the 50's, 60's and 70's that are still touring and playing exactly what they played in their heyday to appreciative crowds should be playing more current stuff. And of course it is also relevant in his little mind to note also that these guys now have grey hair, thinning hair and in some cases no hair. All very relevant you know but of course he wasn't being disparaging.

Here's why pal: It's because they are a COVER BAND and cover bands cover certain types of music. Yes some want to be the great everymen who cover 50 years of music but most are specific to one or two or possibly three decades. So you happened to see a cover band covering a specific period/era. WOW. What a revelation! But great genius that you are you use that simple event to somehow ignore the OBVIOUS and show and share your profound ignorance by stating why doesn't a 60's act play current music.

I work and live in a region where acts performing music from the 50's through 70's are plentiful, talented, consistently booked and decently paid. I know there are plenty of other regions throughout this country where that is also true. So other than to take cheap shots at older players still out there gigging your thread had no other purpose. So your false attempts to hide the obvious are really laughable.

[Vito Corleone]

We've talked about songs that other artists from other eras and genres want to cover. It would be interesting to see major acts from each era draw songs out of a hat and see what they could do outside their comfort zone. Might tell you about the bands, the songs, and other "intangibles" that some of us consider really important . . . or not.

 

 

It seems to me that most "major acts" get around to covering oddball songs at some point in their career. Whether out of boredom, or to try and prove a point, or because they want to acknowledge THEIR own personal "golden age" or whatever.

 

Drawing them out of a hat though? Sounds like it might be a good idea for a reality TV show maybe.

[SeniorBlues]

 

It seems to me that most "major acts" get around to covering oddball songs at some point in their career. Whether out of boredom, or to try and prove a point, or because they want to acknowledge THEIR own personal "golden age" or whatever. Drawing them out of a hat though? Sounds like it might be a good idea for a reality TV show maybe.

 

 

That was exactly the point. My daughter's a dancer, so I watch "So You Think You Can Dance". The deal here is that you don't get to pick the styles you have a week to work on. The really talented ones can learn all kinds of moves, but a lot of the kids who may be really talented at one thing get busted when their lack of training and talent is revealed.

 

I've talked about songs that others want to cover, but what would happen if you had to cover something that you've never dealt with before? . . . and I'm talking about both working stiffs and "rockstars" who might not look so good outside their "roots" genre.

 

That assumes that versatility is recognized as having value. Maybe; maybe not. But I think it would unquestionably reveal some of the limited genres for what they are if others can cover it, but the originators are lost when they step outside.

 

Yeah, I know. They'll do it THEIR way, but it does give you more of a basis for some objective analysis.

[SLScott86]

 

Forget about the 40 years comparison. Take a look at the top 100 hits of a year like say...1971 or 1972. Compare that to a top 100 hits of any of the past 5 years. Tell me how, relatively speaking, you think the recent hits will hold up. 1. Joy to the World, Three Dog Night 2. Maggie May/Find a Reason to Believe, Rod Stewart 3. It's Too Late/I Feel the Earth Move, Carole King 4. One Bad Apple, Osmonds 5. How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?, Bee Gees 6. Indian Reservation, Raiders 7. Go Away Little Girl, Donny Osmond 8. Take Me Home, Country Roads, John Denver 9. Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me), Temptations 10. Knock Three Times, Dawn 11. Me and Bobby McGee, Janis Joplin 12. Tired of Being Alone, Al Green 13. Want Ads, Honey Cone 14. Smiling Faces Sometimes, Undisputed Truth 15. Treat Her Like a Lady, Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose 16. You've Got a Friend, James Taylor 17. Mr. Big Stuff, Jean Knight 18. Brown Sugar, Rolling Stones 19. Do You Know What I Mean, Lee Michaels 20. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Joan Baez 21. What's Going On, Marvin Gaye 22. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey, Paul McCartney 23. Ain't No Sunshine, Bill Withers 24. Signs, Five Man Electrical Band 25. She's a Lady, Tom Jones 26. Superstar, Murray Head and The Trinidad Singers 27. I Found Someone Of My Own, Free Movement 28. Amos Moses, Jerry Reed 29. Temptation Eyes, The Grass Roots 30. Superstar, Carpenters 31. My Sweet Lord / Isn't It a Pity, George Harrison 32. Sweet and Innocent, Donny Osmond 33. Put Your Hand In the Hand, Ocean 34. Chick-A-Boom, Daddy Dewdrop 35. For All We Know, Carpenters 36. Help Me Make It Through the Night, Sammi Smith 37. Rainy Days and Mondays, Carpenters 38. If You Could Read My Mind, Gordon Lightfoot 39. Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves, Cher 40. Never Can Say Goodbye, Jackson 5 41. Rose Garden, Lynn Anderson 42. Don't Pull Your Love, Hamilton, Joe Frank and Reynolds 43. It Don't Come Easy, Ringo Starr 44. Mr. Bojangles, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band 45. I Love You for All Seasons, Fuzz 46. Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get, Dramatics 47. That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be, Carly Simon 48. If You Really Love Me, Stevie Wonder 49. Spanish Harlem, Aretha Franklin 50. I Don't Know How to Love Him, Helen Reddy 51. Yo-Yo, Osmonds 52. Bridge Over Troubled Water, Aretha Franklin 53. Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted, Partridge Family 54. Draggin' the Line, Tommy James 55. Proud Mary, Ike and Tina Turner 56. Beginnings/Color My World, Chicago 57. Stay Awhile, Bells 58. Sweet City Woman, Stampeders 59. Me and You and a Dog Named Boo, Lobo 60. Another Day/Oh Woman, Oh Why, Paul McCartney 61. If, Bread 62. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), Marvin Gaye 63. One Toke Over the Line, Brewer and Shipley 64. She's Not Just Another Woman, 8th Day 65. Bring the Boys Home, Freda Payne 66. I Just Want to Celebrate, Rare Earth 67. Never Ending Song of Love, Delaney and Bonnie and Friends 68. Easy Loving, Freddy Hart 69. Liar, Three Dog Night 70. Stick-up, Honey Cone 71. Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep, Mac and Katie Kissoon 72. (Where Do I Begin) Love Story, Andy Williams 73. Wild World, Cat Stevens 74. When You're Hot, You're Hot, Jerry Reed 75. Funky Nassau, Beginning Of The End 76. If Not for You, Olivia Newton-John 77. Groove Me, King Floyd 78. Watching Scotty Grow, Bobby Goldsboro 79. Woodstock, Matthews' Southern Comfort 80. Amazing Grace, Judy Collins 81. I Hear You Knocking, Dave Edmunds 82. Lonely Days, Bee Gees 83. Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again, Fortunes 84. Won't Get Fooled Again, Who 85. Trapped By a Thing Called Love, Denise Lasalle 86. Mama's Pearl, Jackson 5 87. Timothy, Buoys 88. I Woke Up In Love This Morning, Partridge Family 89. Theme from "Shaft", Isaac Hayes 90. If I Were Your Woman, Gladys Knight and The Pips 91. I Am... I Said, Neil Diamond 92. Wedding Song (There Is Love), Paul Stookey 93. Don't Knock My Love, Pt. 1, Wilson Pickett 94. Love Her Madly, The Doors 95. Here Comes the Sun, Richie Havens 96. Sweet Mary, Wadsworth Mansion 97. Right On the Tip of My Tongue, Brenda and The Tabulations 98. One Less Bell to Answer, Fifth Dimension 99. Riders On the Storm, The Doors 100. It's Impossible, Perry Como You can argue with some of the songs I emboldened, sure. But you could argue that some of the songs I didn't embolden should have been. And I recognize that my prejudices are at play here too (I'm 57). But I don't see how it can be argued that as many of the top 100 hits of say 2008 will still be playing regularly on the radio fourty years from now (assuming as if all things would be equal as far as media is concerned) as there is from just that one year of "back in the day" Look at some other years too. I just picked 1971 because it was my junior to senior years in high school.

 

 

Few of those bolded songs are dance-oriented, which is what pop music has increasingly become. This really is an apples to oranges comparison. Riders on the Storm isn't danceable. But that's fine, because that wasn't the goal. And vice versa. Of course people in bands are going to be drawn to the more traditional musicianship and songwriting of that era.

[jimiv]

Does anybody remember what the OP was about?

[SeniorBlues]

 

Riders on the Storm isn't danceable.

 

 

Depends how you play it.

 

[video=youtube;DYxWF-A2zq4]

 

And that's really what the OP SHOULD have been about. What is the value of songs of any given era to your venue?

[Vito Corleone]

I've talked about songs that others want to cover, but what would happen if you had to cover something that you've never dealt with before? . . . and I'm talking about both working stiffs and "rockstars" who might not look so good outside their "roots" genre. That assumes that versatility is recognized as having value. Maybe; maybe not. But I think it would unquestionably reveal some of the limited genres for what they are if others can cover it, but the originators are lost when they step outside. Yeah, I know. They'll do it THEIR way, but it does give you more of a basis for some objective analysis.

 

 

Perhaps. I suppose it would expose limitations on both ends. If a country band can't find anything good to do with a Clash song, would that be seen as a limitation of that band or of that song/genre?

 

Unless you're getting into some really esoteric stuff, most pop music--be it rock, country, R&B, punk, heavy metal or even most jazz---is blues-based 4/4 music at it's core. And the more simplistic the song, the easier it is to translate into various genres. There are probably far more successful ways to play "Respect" than there are "Deacon Blues". Does that make either the better song? What does it say about a heavy metal band who either could or couldn't do much of anything with either song? It might be an entertaining exercise to watch and/or participate in, but I'm not sure what the results would actually tell us about anything.

 

One of things I enjoy about the current band I play with is we offer special requests as part of our gig package. This most often means cheezy ballads for weddings, but the songs we get thrown at us have run the gamut from traditional Irish folk tunes to jazz standards to Metallica songs. We have to learn 3 modern country ballads for a wedding this Saturday. So the challenge is (usually) fun. But we aren't exactly all seasoned session musicians who can sight read off a chart either. It often pushes our limits but hopefully in a good way. I can't imagine we are anything but BETTER musicians at the end of it all. We've yet to find a song we COULDN'T successfully play.

[Vito Corleone]

Riders on the Storm isn't danceable.

 

 

It's also one of the worst {censored}ing songs of all-time. If it wasn't a Doors song, it would probably be right up there with "Timothy" by the Buoys. In fact, I personally think The Doors represent the very worst of the 1960's: a band of average-to-poor players with a singer who couldn't really sing his way out of a paper bag, but he had a ton of charisma even though it was mostly based around the drug-culture. The only time I really enjoy listening to any songs by the Doors is when I'm really {censored}ed up. Otherwise, they have zero appeal to me.

 

Anyone who loves The Doors but is baffled by the appeal of Gangsta Rap (or vice versa) is someone is so caught up in their own cultural connections to the music that they can't see the forest for the trees.

 

There. I said it. Flame on.

 

I DO like THIS version though:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNLz7rxLlJ4

[StratGuy22]

The Doors.

 

 

The only good thing about Morrison, is that he's dead.

 

 

[Agitator]

 

It's also one of the worst {censored}ing songs of all-time. If it wasn't a Doors song, it would probably be right up there with "Timothy" by the Buoys. In fact, I personally think The Doors represent the very worst of the 1960's: a band of average-to-poor players with a singer who couldn't really sing his way out of a paper bag, but he had a ton of charisma even though it was mostly based around the drug-culture. The only time I really enjoy listening to any songs by the Doors is when I'm really {censored}ed up. Otherwise, they have zero appeal to me.

 

 

Ha ha ha. I agree 100% about the Doors, and have heard that apparently to the hipsters of their day, they were disdained as the "corporate sell-out" acid rock band of the day.

 

But be that as it may, I still have a soft spot in my heart for a handful of their songs, including "Riders on the Storm" (must be my age?).

[3shiftgtr]

Because you're leaving out a LOT of what I've said. I've explained my position already. If you like, I'll go back and cut and paste what I've already said for you.

C'mon man....you think I can't read? No need to condescend. We've had many good discussions around here. I'm not stupid....well.....don't ask my wife.

You explained yourself, but it doesn't add up. Your conclusions don't fit with your reasons. In many posts around here you have come down HARD on anyone who tries to do anything that they like. It's always 'audience first' as your REASONING; your position. If your gonna do it for yourself, stay in the basement. Here, you cut slack....why? I'm pointing out that your reasoning, while well thought out and sensible, comes up with conflicted conclusions. Having a hard time seeing that?

And I agree that there is no need to re hash the reasons for your statements...I read them....just tell my why they do or do not conflict....which for some reason you aren't willing to do. Your reasons don't deal with the fact that their conclusions and p.o.v. CONFLICT with each other....

It's like someone who makes it a point to let everyone know that they always keep a tidy house for these reasons. Then when a friend comes over and there is a messy room and the friend says "I thought you kept a tidy house." the tidy guy responds with the reasons he keeps a tidy house.....

[Vito Corleone]

But be that as it may, I still have a soft spot in my heart for a handful of their songs, including "Riders on the Storm" (must be my age?).

 

 

Oh, I like some of their songs too: "Hello I Love You", "Love Me Two Times", "Touch Me". But most usually when I'm {censored}ed up. I like them in the same way I like "Gin and Juice" by Snoop Dogg. They make me want to slam down a couple of shots and get on stage and act like an idiot. The older I get the more I try to avoid those impulses, though.

[Vito Corleone]

And I agree that there is no need to re hash the reasons for your statements...I read them....just tell my why they do or do not conflict....which for some reason you aren't willing to do. Your reasons don't deal with the fact that their conclusions and p.o.v. CONFLICT with each other....

 

 

What you have said is that my statement that "for a GREAT band songlist is secondary" conflicts with my statements about putting "audience first" and "the band that plays the most dancable songs wins". (Actually I think that's how you worded that last statement. I'm not sure what my original wording was.)

 

None of these statements contradict or conflict for these reasons:

 

1) you left out the parts where I talked about how most bands AREN'T great. So yes, all other things being equal like, say, two middling bands battling it out on the danceclub circuit, the setlist with the most dancable and recognizable songs would win.

 

2) there are many ways to put "audience first" besides just in song choice. I've probably posted about how it isn't about the song choice, it's about how the band SELLS the song that is important at least 100 times in this forum. I know I post way too much around here and most of what I post probably (rightfully) gets ignored, but I'm surprised you've missed those comments.

[Vito Corleone]

Does anybody remember what the OP was about?

Was it worth remembering?

[StratGuy22]

 

Forget about the 40 years comparison. Take a look at the top 100 hits of a year like say...1971 or 1972. Compare that to a top 100 hits of any of the past 5 years. Tell me how, relatively speaking, you think the recent hits will hold up. 1. Joy to the World, Three Dog Night 2. Maggie May/Find a Reason to Believe, Rod Stewart 3. It's Too Late/I Feel the Earth Move, Carole King 4. One Bad Apple, Osmonds 5. How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?, Bee Gees 6. Indian Reservation, Raiders 7. Go Away Little Girl, Donny Osmond 8. Take Me Home, Country Roads, John Denver 9. Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me), Temptations 10. Knock Three Times, Dawn 11. Me and Bobby McGee, Janis Joplin 12. Tired of Being Alone, Al Green 13. Want Ads, Honey Cone 14. Smiling Faces Sometimes, Undisputed Truth 15. Treat Her Like a Lady, Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose 16. You've Got a Friend, James Taylor 17. Mr. Big Stuff, Jean Knight 18. Brown Sugar, Rolling Stones 19. Do You Know What I Mean, Lee Michaels 20. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Joan Baez 21. What's Going On, Marvin Gaye 22. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey, Paul McCartney 23. Ain't No Sunshine, Bill Withers 24. Signs, Five Man Electrical Band 25. She's a Lady, Tom Jones 26. Superstar, Murray Head and The Trinidad Singers 27. I Found Someone Of My Own, Free Movement 28. Amos Moses, Jerry Reed 29. Temptation Eyes, The Grass Roots 30. Superstar, Carpenters 31. My Sweet Lord / Isn't It a Pity, George Harrison 32. Sweet and Innocent, Donny Osmond 33. Put Your Hand In the Hand, Ocean 34. Chick-A-Boom, Daddy Dewdrop 35. For All We Know, Carpenters 36. Help Me Make It Through the Night, Sammi Smith 37. Rainy Days and Mondays, Carpenters 38. If You Could Read My Mind, Gordon Lightfoot 39. Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves, Cher 40. Never Can Say Goodbye, Jackson 5 41. Rose Garden, Lynn Anderson 42. Don't Pull Your Love, Hamilton, Joe Frank and Reynolds 43. It Don't Come Easy, Ringo Starr 44. Mr. Bojangles, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band 45. I Love You for All Seasons, Fuzz 46. Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get, Dramatics 47. That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be, Carly Simon 48. If You Really Love Me, Stevie Wonder 49. Spanish Harlem, Aretha Franklin 50. I Don't Know How to Love Him, Helen Reddy 51. Yo-Yo, Osmonds 52. Bridge Over Troubled Water, Aretha Franklin 53. Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted, Partridge Family 54. Draggin' the Line, Tommy James 55. Proud Mary, Ike and Tina Turner 56. Beginnings/Color My World, Chicago 57. Stay Awhile, Bells 58. Sweet City Woman, Stampeders 59. Me and You and a Dog Named Boo, Lobo 60. Another Day/Oh Woman, Oh Why, Paul McCartney 61. If, Bread 62. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), Marvin Gaye 63. One Toke Over the Line, Brewer and Shipley 64. She's Not Just Another Woman, 8th Day 65. Bring the Boys Home, Freda Payne 66. I Just Want to Celebrate, Rare Earth 67. Never Ending Song of Love, Delaney and Bonnie and Friends 68. Easy Loving, Freddy Hart 69. Liar, Three Dog Night 70. Stick-up, Honey Cone 71. Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep, Mac and Katie Kissoon 72. (Where Do I Begin) Love Story, Andy Williams 73. Wild World, Cat Stevens 74. When You're Hot, You're Hot, Jerry Reed 75. Funky Nassau, Beginning Of The End 76. If Not for You, Olivia Newton-John 77. Groove Me, King Floyd 78. Watching Scotty Grow, Bobby Goldsboro 79. Woodstock, Matthews' Southern Comfort 80. Amazing Grace, Judy Collins 81. I Hear You Knocking, Dave Edmunds 82. Lonely Days, Bee Gees 83. Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again, Fortunes 84. Won't Get Fooled Again, Who 85. Trapped By a Thing Called Love, Denise Lasalle 86. Mama's Pearl, Jackson 5 87. Timothy, Buoys 88. I Woke Up In Love This Morning, Partridge Family 89. Theme from "Shaft", Isaac Hayes 90. If I Were Your Woman, Gladys Knight and The Pips 91. I Am... I Said, Neil Diamond 92. Wedding Song (There Is Love), Paul Stookey 93. Don't Knock My Love, Pt. 1, Wilson Pickett 94. Love Her Madly, The Doors 95. Here Comes the Sun, Richie Havens 96. Sweet Mary, Wadsworth Mansion 97. Right On the Tip of My Tongue, Brenda and The Tabulations 98. One Less Bell to Answer, Fifth Dimension 99. Riders On the Storm, The Doors 100. It's Impossible, Perry Como You can argue with some of the songs I emboldened, sure. But you could argue that some of the songs I didn't embolden should have been. And I recognize that my prejudices are at play here too (I'm 57). But I don't see how it can be argued that as many of the top 100 hits of say 2008 will still be playing regularly on the radio fourty years from now (assuming as if all things would be equal as far as media is concerned) as there is from just that one year of "back in the day" Look at some other years too. I just picked 1971 because it was my junior to senior years in high school.

 

 

Not being from that era, I recognize 10 songs from that list. Again, because of no emotional ties, 90% of the songs are considered unknown to me.

 

 

Not quite the goldmine of a year, but 10% is still respectable.

[vanlatte]

Jeebus, lot of stuff to read here. Thankfully most of it is by regulars who always say the same thing so it's easy to skim

 

 

Did I say they shouldn't be out there? Or "LOL look at the old people on stage"? They can do whatever they want. But they also COULD play some newer stuff. I mean, it's allowed. I was wondering if there was anything interesting behind that kind of decision, but apparently everyone thinks the reason was "They didn't feel like it." So, nothing to see here, I guess.

 

How would a bunch of random people on the internet have any idea what motivates some band that you saw?

[Vito Corleone]

Not quite the goldmine of a year, but 10% is still respectable.

I was 10 years old in 1971. I know probably 90-95% of those songs. My personal favorites are the R&B tunes on the list: Al Green, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, Cornelius Bros & Sister Rose... What is interesting is how much dreck there is on that list though. A lot of Osmonds, "Put Your Hand In The Hand", "Chick A Boom" and bubblegum crap like that. And Andy Williams and Perry Como were still cranking out hits with schmaltzy dreck like "Love Story" and "It's Impossible". "Watching Scotty Grow" by Bobby Goldsboro??? Helen {censored}ing Reddy doing that horrible song from "Jesus Christ Superstar"?? Gag with me a shovel.

But, still, a lot of good songs there--- but in 50-60-70 years time, after all the people who grew up with those songs are dead and gone, are there going to be any greater number of memorable songs from that year than there will be from 1951 or 1991? I doubt it.

[Vito Corleone]

Jeebus, lot of stuff to read here. Thankfully most of it is by regulars who always say the same thing so it's easy to skim

Why does my left ear suddenly feel 30 degrees warmer???