Browsing: Music

A Brief History On March 27, 1998, the little blue pill known as Viagra was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States, giving aphrodisiacs such as “Spanish Flies” a run for their money.  This prescription drug to defeat male impotence quickly went mainstream and, along with the other erectile dysfunction drugs Cialis and Levitra, remains a hot commodity to this day.  Thanks to pharmacology, all these newly virile men can take their restored vitality to their local strip clubs and admire the beautiful dancers with confidence.  While there, they can reflect on the music being…

A Brief History We are talking rock and roll here, not ballads, soft rock or crossover songs.  These songs are ones that are usually not listed near the top of the “All Time” lists you find, although they may be found lower down.  These are songs that we believe deserve consideration for listing within the top ranks of history’s greatest rock songs.  What do you think?  Do you have favorites that are often slighted?  Let us know which songs you would have nominated for this list. Digging Deeper 10. “Surrender,” Cheap Trick, 1978. Ranking a baffling #471 on the Rolling…

A Brief History Our radio waves and video channels are often assaulted by hit songs that are anything but upbeat, exciting or rollicking.  Some of these songs are either tear jerkers or so sickeningly sweet you want to gag when you hear them.  Some are just hokey girlie songs (no problem if you like them, as long as you are a girl), while others belong in a fairy tale.  Here we list 10 of the worst offenders, and, of course, since they were hit songs we realize there will be outraged defenders of each one.  Feel free to vent and…

A Brief History On March 7, 1994, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that song parodies are “fair use” and that the original artist or writer of the song cannot prevent the parody from being recorded and aired. This settled any disputes, and the likes of “Weird Al” Yankovic were given a green light to continue amusing the public.  Earlier this year, we featured lists of great novelty songs (including parodies), and today we feature 10 more such great hits that amuse and entertain us.  Thank you, Supreme Court! Digging Deeper 10. “Pretty Woman,” 2 Live Crew, 1992. A parody…

A Brief History On March 3, 1951, music history was made when the first song deemed to be “rock and roll” was recorded.  Called “Rocket 88,”  the lively song was recorded by Chess Records at Sam Phillip’s studio in Memphis and is credited to Jackie Brenston and the Delta Cats who were actually Ike Turners’s band, the Kings of Rhythm.  In fact, the song was written by Brenston and Turner, though Turner was not originally credited.  Digging Deeper Based on the 1947 hit “Cadillac Boogie” and influenced by the instrumental hits “Rocket 88 Boogie” parts 1 and 2,” “Rocket 88” was also about the popular Oldsmobile model,  the…