Talk about an influential artist. This guy influenced the Beatles, who of course influenced every other band that ever existed (not really, but it seems like it). And he did this without even reaching the age of 23, when he died in the infamous plane crash mentioned in the song "American Pie" by Don McLean that killed other musicians such as the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens. Today when we hear the term "rock 'n roll" we think of heavy rockers who look tough. To think that one of the originators of this genre looked the way Buddy Holly did, with a clean-cut look, suit and tie, complete with black-rimmed glasses. Yet it is true, and he remains one of the biggest influences in rock history. When you listen to early Beatles albums like Please Please Me, you can easily pick out the Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry influence.
Holly's biggest hits were "That'll Be the Day" and "Peggy Sue", but he had many other great songs such as a great version of the constantly covered blues hit "Not Fade Away" (also covered by the Grateful Dead and the Rolling Stones). With his young, upbeat voice and blues-oriented music, Buddy Holly is the number 95 greatest artist of all-time.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
NUMBER 96: The Guess Who
First off, I'd like to apologize for the over-a-month-long wait for this blogpost for those of you who read this blog. Now, back to the top 100 countdown.
The Guess Who just barely crack the top 100 at 96 on this list, and they represent the first Canadians to crack it. Led by Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman, the Guess Who produced timeless songs, including two that have become increasingly popular in recent times due to being used in movies, "American Woman" and "These Eyes". "American Woman" was used in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, although the version in the film was done by Lenny Kravitz (who does not make this top 100 list), and "These Eyes" played a major role in Superbad.
However, The Guess Who had many other great hits in the United States, my favorite being "No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature", a great rock song from 1970's American Woman album. Yes, it is one of those great songs where you get two for the price of one. The story behind this one is rather interesting. Randy Bachman, lead guitarist, wrote a song "No Sugar Tonight", and while it got rave reviews from the band, they were told it was too short. So, the band decided to use another song that had already been written by Burton Cummings, "New Mother Nature", which they decided to add-on to "No Sugar Tonight", which made for one of the best "suites" in rock history. Add this on to other classics such as "Share the Land" and "Undun", and you get a fantastic rock band.
After the band had a rather nasty split, Cummings went on to a solo career that was mainly successful in Canada, and Randy Bachman went on to form the successful band Bachman-Turner Overdrive. The Guess Who are the number 96 best artist of all-time. Next up, number 95.
The Guess Who just barely crack the top 100 at 96 on this list, and they represent the first Canadians to crack it. Led by Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman, the Guess Who produced timeless songs, including two that have become increasingly popular in recent times due to being used in movies, "American Woman" and "These Eyes". "American Woman" was used in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, although the version in the film was done by Lenny Kravitz (who does not make this top 100 list), and "These Eyes" played a major role in Superbad.
However, The Guess Who had many other great hits in the United States, my favorite being "No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature", a great rock song from 1970's American Woman album. Yes, it is one of those great songs where you get two for the price of one. The story behind this one is rather interesting. Randy Bachman, lead guitarist, wrote a song "No Sugar Tonight", and while it got rave reviews from the band, they were told it was too short. So, the band decided to use another song that had already been written by Burton Cummings, "New Mother Nature", which they decided to add-on to "No Sugar Tonight", which made for one of the best "suites" in rock history. Add this on to other classics such as "Share the Land" and "Undun", and you get a fantastic rock band.
After the band had a rather nasty split, Cummings went on to a solo career that was mainly successful in Canada, and Randy Bachman went on to form the successful band Bachman-Turner Overdrive. The Guess Who are the number 96 best artist of all-time. Next up, number 95.
Monday, July 20, 2009
NUMBER 97: The Velvet Underground
Lou Reed, John Cale, and Nico are some of the more popular members of The Velvet Underground, a band who never made it huge commercially, yet were one of the most influential bands ever. They were considered a big influence to the punk rock and alternative rock genres. Their debut album, The Velvet Underground and Nico (1967), and their fourth studio album Loaded (1970) are two classics by this band, where their most famous songs have come from. From their debut, "Heroin" was their most popular song, and then from Loaded, "Sweet Jane" and "Rock & Roll" are two classics.
For me, I didn't really know about The Velvet Underground until I started listening to Lou Reed, who went on to a very popular solo career (although not good enough to make my top 100, sorry). Lou Reed has done one of my favorite songs ever, his live version of "Dirty Blvd." Check that out, but this isn't about Lou, this is about his first big band. The Velvet Underground were so groundbreaking for their time. They strayed from the psychedelic rock of the mid-60's, and created music that could have actually been written today by a number of alternative rock and indie rock bands. A band way before their time, The Velvet Underground will stand as one of the most influential bands ever. Next up, number 96.
For me, I didn't really know about The Velvet Underground until I started listening to Lou Reed, who went on to a very popular solo career (although not good enough to make my top 100, sorry). Lou Reed has done one of my favorite songs ever, his live version of "Dirty Blvd." Check that out, but this isn't about Lou, this is about his first big band. The Velvet Underground were so groundbreaking for their time. They strayed from the psychedelic rock of the mid-60's, and created music that could have actually been written today by a number of alternative rock and indie rock bands. A band way before their time, The Velvet Underground will stand as one of the most influential bands ever. Next up, number 96.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
NUMBER 98: The Ramones
At number 98 is a band that is considered to have created the punk rock genre of music. Founded by Joey, Johnny, and Dee Dee Ramone (not their real last names) in 1974, the Ramones first got on the airwaves when they signed with Sire Records in 1975, after having performed around 100 times at clubs such as CBGB, which is famous for producing such bands as Talking Heads (who will be on this list at some point) and Blondie (sorry, Blondie), along with many other punk bands. Their first album, Ramones, did not get major success, although it did produce what is now probably their most well-known track, "Blitzkrieg Bop." Other songs of theirs which I could listen to over and over again are "I Wanna Be Sedated," "The KKK Took My Baby Away," and "Sheena is a Punk Rocker." While they never gained major success in terms of album sales, there is no doubt that this band had a major influence on music. Their simple, but hard, punk rock style has been copied by many. The Ramones are the number 98 best artist of all time. Next up, number 97.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
NUMBER 99: Squeeze
Yes, folks. Squeeze makes the cut for the top 100. A band who is known as a "one-hit wonder," with their hit being "Tempted." Other songs such as "Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)," "Up the Junction," and "Annie Get Your Gun" are up there as my favorite songs by Squeeze. The two primary members of this band, who formed in 1974 and broke up in 1982, were Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook. If you have not heard any Squeeze check them out. They are definitely an acquired taste, with their New Wave sound, however the unique-to-Squeeze sound of two vocals, one high, one low, has been an influence on many bands. So take a listen to a little known New Wave artist who might just be what you're looking for. If not, there are still 98 artists to go on the countdown of the top 100 artists of all time.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
NUMBER 100: The Byrds
I have neglected this blog, and I feel bad. People "follow" it, and they have gotten two shitty posts since the end of March. So now I'm going to try to keep up and write a lot, and here's how to motivate myself. Recently, I made a list of my top 100 artists (musicians), and to make it a less worthless list, I'm going to write 100 blogposts about these 100 artists, from 100 to number 1. Starting it off, at the number 100 greatest artist of all time (of course, this list is my opinion) are The Byrds.
The Byrds are one of those bands who do not get enough credit in today's world. I don't think I have ever given them enough credit myself. But when I was making my top 100 list, I told myself that this band had to be in there, even if it was at the number 100 spot. The Byrds were a band compared to The Beatles, sometimes said to be The "American Beatles." I would not go that far, however. First off, The Byrds never got nearly as big as The Beatles (then again, name five bands who have). Second, The Byrds were a very folk-based band, as opposed to the Beatles strict pop/rock combo. In fact, when the first members of The Byrds got together, they were strictly a folk band, and had never played rock 'n roll before. They had to learn how to be a good rock band, and they were very successful. The members of the band led pretty successful musical careers as well; their most successful were David Crosby (Crosby, Stills, and Nash/and Young), who was a part of the early version of The Byrds, and Roger McGuinn, who was a part of the last few versions of The Byrds, before they split.
Their most popular songs were not fully written by themselves: "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "My Back Pages", both written by Bob Dylan, are two of their more popular songs. "Turn Turn Turn" takes its lyrics from the bible, and the music to it was originally written by Pete Seeger. However, there are many other songs this band did, and it's unfortunate that they get lost in all that's played on the radio today. Rarely do you hear this band on the radio, and when you do, it's the three songs mentioned above. My personal favorite song of theirs is "So You Wanna Be a Rock 'n Roll Star," but certainly they had plenty of great songs. I personally like their version of Jackson Browne's "Jamaica Say You Will," which is on their Live At Royal Albert Hall 1971.
I hope you go out and listen to The Byrds. An influential, early folk-rock band that found great success in the 1960's. The Byrds are the number 100 greatest artist of all time.
Next up, number 99
(Please feel free to complain about my list)
The Byrds are one of those bands who do not get enough credit in today's world. I don't think I have ever given them enough credit myself. But when I was making my top 100 list, I told myself that this band had to be in there, even if it was at the number 100 spot. The Byrds were a band compared to The Beatles, sometimes said to be The "American Beatles." I would not go that far, however. First off, The Byrds never got nearly as big as The Beatles (then again, name five bands who have). Second, The Byrds were a very folk-based band, as opposed to the Beatles strict pop/rock combo. In fact, when the first members of The Byrds got together, they were strictly a folk band, and had never played rock 'n roll before. They had to learn how to be a good rock band, and they were very successful. The members of the band led pretty successful musical careers as well; their most successful were David Crosby (Crosby, Stills, and Nash/and Young), who was a part of the early version of The Byrds, and Roger McGuinn, who was a part of the last few versions of The Byrds, before they split.
Their most popular songs were not fully written by themselves: "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "My Back Pages", both written by Bob Dylan, are two of their more popular songs. "Turn Turn Turn" takes its lyrics from the bible, and the music to it was originally written by Pete Seeger. However, there are many other songs this band did, and it's unfortunate that they get lost in all that's played on the radio today. Rarely do you hear this band on the radio, and when you do, it's the three songs mentioned above. My personal favorite song of theirs is "So You Wanna Be a Rock 'n Roll Star," but certainly they had plenty of great songs. I personally like their version of Jackson Browne's "Jamaica Say You Will," which is on their Live At Royal Albert Hall 1971.
I hope you go out and listen to The Byrds. An influential, early folk-rock band that found great success in the 1960's. The Byrds are the number 100 greatest artist of all time.
Next up, number 99
(Please feel free to complain about my list)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
The Orioles...
First off, I realize I haven't written a blog entry for a while, so I'm sorry to all five of you who have read it (which is more than my prediction of zero people reading it). But I decided to write now because I have a complaint.
The Baltimore Orioles. I have followed this team ever since I was born, growing up on Cal, Brady, Moose (before he went to the yankees), and others. The O's haven't made it to the postseason since 1997, and are in their second, and hopefully successful this time, rebuilding stage since then. The Orioles major league pitching has not gotten any better since 1998, but the offense this year is great. With one of the best lineups in baseball, featuring Brian Roberts, Adam Jones, and Nick Markakis, there is nothing to dislike about their lineup. The pitching, however, has always been a concern. This year is no different. Jeremy Guthrie is a solid pitcher, but wouldn't be an ace on most teams. Koji Uehara is an excellent pickup, but he's already 34 years old. The rest of the rotation is mediocre or worse. Alfredo Simon is already injured, bringing Brad Bergesen into the rotation. Mark Hendrickson is an aging veteran, who has had two starts, one of which was quality, the other not so good due to a multitude of unearned runs. Adam Eaton has been terrible, giving up six runs in four innings in his latest outing. The bullpen, which everyone has been boasting about, has not been as good as advertised. Part of this is due to the fact that the starting pitching can't get through five innings on any given day.
Now if you're a baseball fan, you're wondering why i'm complaining. This is to be expected, right? The Orioles have a nice group of pitchers in the minors, who should be ready to pitch next season or the season after next (Jake Arrieta, Chris Tillman, Brian Matusz). We knew the pitching would struggle this season. Why is it bugging me early on that the pitching is one of the worst in the majors through twelve games (6-6 record)? Because the poor pitching has at least held up for the Orioles in past seasons for a couple of months. We are already witnessing the collapse of the Orioles rotation, something that usually doesn't happen until at least the end of May. In Guthrie's last start against the Red Sox, he couldn't hold an early 7-0 lead, and the Orioles lost 10-8. Eaton has had two rough starts. And the bullpen has pitched plenty of innings, which is part of the reason why they have allowed a seemingly high number of runs through 12 games.
The Orioles offense is stellar, only recently having a bit of a slump (losing 6-4 yesterday, and then 2-1 today, which is annoying because Uehara had such a good start today, arguably the best start of any Orioles pitcher this season). The O's got off to a good start, 6-2, winning their first three series. However, in the third game of each of these series, they lost by a large margin. In fact the Orioles two days ago were 6-0 in games where they allowed single-digit runs, and 0-4 in games they allowed double-digits (11-2, 11-3, 19-6, 10-8). How is our offense supposed to win us games if every other game our pitching is giving up 10+ runs?
The Orioles need a pitcher who can eat up innings. Guthrie hasn't been able to do that so far, despite going 2-1. Finally, Uehara did that today, going seven strong innings, but the Orioles lost. The O's are on a four-game losing streak at 6-6, heading into the final game of a four-game series at Fenway. The Orioles can finish the series off well tomorrow by avoiding the four-game sweep. That will put them in a good spot after the first four series of the year: 7-6 and coming back home to play a three game series against the White Sox. OR they will get swept by the red sox, embarrassed on the road with a five game losing streak, and come back home under .500 for the first time this season. 7-6 and 6-7 may not seem like a big difference, but it is a big difference for a team who is trying to stay in the AL East race for as long as they can before their pitching gets even worse (believe it or not, that is possible).
Sorry to sound so bitter in my second blog, however this is the first O's season in a while that I have actually been upset with the O's pitching. Usually the problems are to be expected. It's too early in the season, however, for our pitching to be blowing games. Let's hope that they can turn it around. If not, can't wait to see Arrieta, Tillman, and Matusz in 2010 or 2011!
The Baltimore Orioles. I have followed this team ever since I was born, growing up on Cal, Brady, Moose (before he went to the yankees), and others. The O's haven't made it to the postseason since 1997, and are in their second, and hopefully successful this time, rebuilding stage since then. The Orioles major league pitching has not gotten any better since 1998, but the offense this year is great. With one of the best lineups in baseball, featuring Brian Roberts, Adam Jones, and Nick Markakis, there is nothing to dislike about their lineup. The pitching, however, has always been a concern. This year is no different. Jeremy Guthrie is a solid pitcher, but wouldn't be an ace on most teams. Koji Uehara is an excellent pickup, but he's already 34 years old. The rest of the rotation is mediocre or worse. Alfredo Simon is already injured, bringing Brad Bergesen into the rotation. Mark Hendrickson is an aging veteran, who has had two starts, one of which was quality, the other not so good due to a multitude of unearned runs. Adam Eaton has been terrible, giving up six runs in four innings in his latest outing. The bullpen, which everyone has been boasting about, has not been as good as advertised. Part of this is due to the fact that the starting pitching can't get through five innings on any given day.
Now if you're a baseball fan, you're wondering why i'm complaining. This is to be expected, right? The Orioles have a nice group of pitchers in the minors, who should be ready to pitch next season or the season after next (Jake Arrieta, Chris Tillman, Brian Matusz). We knew the pitching would struggle this season. Why is it bugging me early on that the pitching is one of the worst in the majors through twelve games (6-6 record)? Because the poor pitching has at least held up for the Orioles in past seasons for a couple of months. We are already witnessing the collapse of the Orioles rotation, something that usually doesn't happen until at least the end of May. In Guthrie's last start against the Red Sox, he couldn't hold an early 7-0 lead, and the Orioles lost 10-8. Eaton has had two rough starts. And the bullpen has pitched plenty of innings, which is part of the reason why they have allowed a seemingly high number of runs through 12 games.
The Orioles offense is stellar, only recently having a bit of a slump (losing 6-4 yesterday, and then 2-1 today, which is annoying because Uehara had such a good start today, arguably the best start of any Orioles pitcher this season). The O's got off to a good start, 6-2, winning their first three series. However, in the third game of each of these series, they lost by a large margin. In fact the Orioles two days ago were 6-0 in games where they allowed single-digit runs, and 0-4 in games they allowed double-digits (11-2, 11-3, 19-6, 10-8). How is our offense supposed to win us games if every other game our pitching is giving up 10+ runs?
The Orioles need a pitcher who can eat up innings. Guthrie hasn't been able to do that so far, despite going 2-1. Finally, Uehara did that today, going seven strong innings, but the Orioles lost. The O's are on a four-game losing streak at 6-6, heading into the final game of a four-game series at Fenway. The Orioles can finish the series off well tomorrow by avoiding the four-game sweep. That will put them in a good spot after the first four series of the year: 7-6 and coming back home to play a three game series against the White Sox. OR they will get swept by the red sox, embarrassed on the road with a five game losing streak, and come back home under .500 for the first time this season. 7-6 and 6-7 may not seem like a big difference, but it is a big difference for a team who is trying to stay in the AL East race for as long as they can before their pitching gets even worse (believe it or not, that is possible).
Sorry to sound so bitter in my second blog, however this is the first O's season in a while that I have actually been upset with the O's pitching. Usually the problems are to be expected. It's too early in the season, however, for our pitching to be blowing games. Let's hope that they can turn it around. If not, can't wait to see Arrieta, Tillman, and Matusz in 2010 or 2011!
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