Curio Cabinet / Song Curio
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
These songs were both about dolls, but neither one was playing around at the 96th Academy Awards. Oscar night saw a showdown between two songs from 2023’s Barbie: I’m Just Ken and What Was I Made For?, both of which were nominated for Best Original Song. Both tunes explore the tribulations of what it means to be a doll: the first, performed by Ryan Gosling, is a purposefully cheesy romp in which Ken, Barbie’s ever-present male companion, opines about his second-best status. The second, performed by Billie Eilish, is a haunting, poignant ballad about finding one’s place in the world while being constantly commodified. Both songs were performed with great gusto at the Academy Awards, but Eilish, along with her songwriter brother, Finneas O'Connell, ultimately won the night. The win makes Eilish the youngest person ever to have won two Oscars. Of course, both songs represent different facets of the film from which they come, and all of Barbie’s stars, including Gosling, celebrated the victory. Ken has to be used to playing second fiddle by now.
These songs were both about dolls, but neither one was playing around at the 96th Academy Awards. Oscar night saw a showdown between two songs from 2023’s Barbie: I’m Just Ken and What Was I Made For?, both of which were nominated for Best Original Song. Both tunes explore the tribulations of what it means to be a doll: the first, performed by Ryan Gosling, is a purposefully cheesy romp in which Ken, Barbie’s ever-present male companion, opines about his second-best status. The second, performed by Billie Eilish, is a haunting, poignant ballad about finding one’s place in the world while being constantly commodified. Both songs were performed with great gusto at the Academy Awards, but Eilish, along with her songwriter brother, Finneas O'Connell, ultimately won the night. The win makes Eilish the youngest person ever to have won two Oscars. Of course, both songs represent different facets of the film from which they come, and all of Barbie’s stars, including Gosling, celebrated the victory. Ken has to be used to playing second fiddle by now.
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
When things get litigious in musicland, they get really litigious. Fans of 1970s pop-rock duo Hall and Oates are probably aware of their recent falling out, which culminated in Daryl Hall getting a restraining order against John Oates to prevent Oates from selling a share of their joint business. But even diehard fans may not know that this isn’t the first time Hall and Oates have been at the forefront of legal drama. Despite the pair’s famously upbeat musical catalog, which includes hits like 1980’s You Make My Dreams Come True, a bouncy, poppy earworm featuring a chorus of “ooo-oos”, Hall and Oates have always been a bit litigious. In fact, on this day in 2015, the pair were in the middle of a lawsuit they had brought against cereal maker Early Bird Foods & Co. for naming one of their granola bars “Haulin' Oates.” While Early Bird did agree to change the name of their granola, it didn’t work out entirely in the band’s favor, as the name was changed to “Kiss My Oats.” Hey, we’re all fans of upbeat pop…can’t we just learn to get along?
When things get litigious in musicland, they get really litigious. Fans of 1970s pop-rock duo Hall and Oates are probably aware of their recent falling out, which culminated in Daryl Hall getting a restraining order against John Oates to prevent Oates from selling a share of their joint business. But even diehard fans may not know that this isn’t the first time Hall and Oates have been at the forefront of legal drama. Despite the pair’s famously upbeat musical catalog, which includes hits like 1980’s You Make My Dreams Come True, a bouncy, poppy earworm featuring a chorus of “ooo-oos”, Hall and Oates have always been a bit litigious. In fact, on this day in 2015, the pair were in the middle of a lawsuit they had brought against cereal maker Early Bird Foods & Co. for naming one of their granola bars “Haulin' Oates.” While Early Bird did agree to change the name of their granola, it didn’t work out entirely in the band’s favor, as the name was changed to “Kiss My Oats.” Hey, we’re all fans of upbeat pop…can’t we just learn to get along?
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
Which song is better, the original or the cover? Sometimes, it depends where you’re from! On this day in 1964, British singer Cilla Black was just beginning to enjoy what would turn into a three-week run at the top of the UK Singles chart with her cover of Anyone Who Had a Heart. The song had originally been performed by American singer Dionne Warwick, whose version was a hit in the U.S. and several other countries…but the UK had their own preferences. Black’s version of the dramatic, soaring ballad leaned into its over-the-top orchestral instrumentation, making it sound like a number from a stage musical. Warwick’s version had been more grounded, but British hearts want what they want. Black also had a backstory that gave her plenty of British-style street cred—she used to work as a hat-check girl at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, where the Beatles often played. In 1963, she sang for John Lennon, who praised her voice. But she truly rose to prominence during the Merseybeat era, a musical movement centered around Liverpool’s River Mersey area. By 1968, she was the host of her own variety show. It sure beats checking hats!
Which song is better, the original or the cover? Sometimes, it depends where you’re from! On this day in 1964, British singer Cilla Black was just beginning to enjoy what would turn into a three-week run at the top of the UK Singles chart with her cover of Anyone Who Had a Heart. The song had originally been performed by American singer Dionne Warwick, whose version was a hit in the U.S. and several other countries…but the UK had their own preferences. Black’s version of the dramatic, soaring ballad leaned into its over-the-top orchestral instrumentation, making it sound like a number from a stage musical. Warwick’s version had been more grounded, but British hearts want what they want. Black also had a backstory that gave her plenty of British-style street cred—she used to work as a hat-check girl at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, where the Beatles often played. In 1963, she sang for John Lennon, who praised her voice. But she truly rose to prominence during the Merseybeat era, a musical movement centered around Liverpool’s River Mersey area. By 1968, she was the host of her own variety show. It sure beats checking hats!
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
This song was written for a good time, not a long time! In February of 1970, The Plastic Ono Band released Instant Karma in the UK just ten days after the song was written, making it one of the fastest-released songs in modern music history. The song's vocals had been recorded in just 24 hours. The band, which was formed by John Lennon and Yoko Ono and included a roster of other rotating musicians, was created for the express purpose of musical experimentation, so members were used to working on unusual music with unconventional timelines. Besides its ultra-fast release, Instant Karma also boasted a cheerful sound complete with a danceable beat punctuated by handclaps. This is likely due to the fact that Lennon left much of the song’s final arrangement to Phil Spector, and told him to give it a 1950s sound. Despite its title, the song isn’t actually about someone getting their comeuppance. Rather, its lyrics focus on peace and positivity, encouraging listeners to connect with others and telling them that they shine “like the moon and the stars and the sun.” Upon its international release, the song quickly became a Ton Ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Impressive for something whipped up on such a tight timeframe.
This song was written for a good time, not a long time! In February of 1970, The Plastic Ono Band released Instant Karma in the UK just ten days after the song was written, making it one of the fastest-released songs in modern music history. The song's vocals had been recorded in just 24 hours. The band, which was formed by John Lennon and Yoko Ono and included a roster of other rotating musicians, was created for the express purpose of musical experimentation, so members were used to working on unusual music with unconventional timelines. Besides its ultra-fast release, Instant Karma also boasted a cheerful sound complete with a danceable beat punctuated by handclaps. This is likely due to the fact that Lennon left much of the song’s final arrangement to Phil Spector, and told him to give it a 1950s sound. Despite its title, the song isn’t actually about someone getting their comeuppance. Rather, its lyrics focus on peace and positivity, encouraging listeners to connect with others and telling them that they shine “like the moon and the stars and the sun.” Upon its international release, the song quickly became a Ton Ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Impressive for something whipped up on such a tight timeframe.
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
It's a boastful song with surprisingly humble origins. 1978’s Sultans of Swing, by British rock band Dire Straits, was a breakout hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100. The song features famously funky and lackadaisical guitar riffs and lyrics about a ragtag-yet-extremely-talented London band. Yet, the song’s real-life inspiration was anything but inspiring. Mark Knopfler, who wrote all the songs on Dire Straits’ first, self-titled album, came up with the song’s title after watching a mediocre band play in a small bar in the British town of Ipswich. At the end of their show, the band said goodnight and reminded the small crowd of their name: the Sultans of Swing. In an interview years later, Knopfler said, “...there was something really funny about it to me because Sultans, they absolutely weren't. You know they were rather tired little blokes in pullovers.” Of course, Knopfler’s song painted a much more flattering picture of the band, and helped propel Dire Straits to superstardom. Their first album went double-platinum in both the U.S. and the U.K., thanks in large part to Sultans of Swing. Not bad for a song that got its start in a small town bar.
It's a boastful song with surprisingly humble origins. 1978’s Sultans of Swing, by British rock band Dire Straits, was a breakout hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100. The song features famously funky and lackadaisical guitar riffs and lyrics about a ragtag-yet-extremely-talented London band. Yet, the song’s real-life inspiration was anything but inspiring. Mark Knopfler, who wrote all the songs on Dire Straits’ first, self-titled album, came up with the song’s title after watching a mediocre band play in a small bar in the British town of Ipswich. At the end of their show, the band said goodnight and reminded the small crowd of their name: the Sultans of Swing. In an interview years later, Knopfler said, “...there was something really funny about it to me because Sultans, they absolutely weren't. You know they were rather tired little blokes in pullovers.” Of course, Knopfler’s song painted a much more flattering picture of the band, and helped propel Dire Straits to superstardom. Their first album went double-platinum in both the U.S. and the U.K., thanks in large part to Sultans of Swing. Not bad for a song that got its start in a small town bar.
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FREESong CurioFree2 CQ
Sometimes all it takes for a song to catch on is an equally catchy dance! During this month in 1982, Massachusetts-based rock band The J. Geils Band was enjoying two simultaneous musical achievements. Their playfully-scandalous tune, Centerfold, had just become a number one hit while, at the same time, their song Freeze Frame was also climbing the charts. While the latter peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, it is arguably the band’s best remembered song. This is not only thanks to its earworm tune but its extreme danceability. While its beat isn’t as strong as most danceable songs (the song focuses more on synthesizer than on drums) the lyrics in its chorus naturally gave rise to an oddly specific dance. Namely, people would bop to the beat until the words “freeze frame”, at which point they would strike a pose and freeze in place. It may be simple and somewhat silly, but it was enough to help Freeze Frame become a rock sensation. Play it at a wedding and see if people don’t strike a pose!
Sometimes all it takes for a song to catch on is an equally catchy dance! During this month in 1982, Massachusetts-based rock band The J. Geils Band was enjoying two simultaneous musical achievements. Their playfully-scandalous tune, Centerfold, had just become a number one hit while, at the same time, their song Freeze Frame was also climbing the charts. While the latter peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, it is arguably the band’s best remembered song. This is not only thanks to its earworm tune but its extreme danceability. While its beat isn’t as strong as most danceable songs (the song focuses more on synthesizer than on drums) the lyrics in its chorus naturally gave rise to an oddly specific dance. Namely, people would bop to the beat until the words “freeze frame”, at which point they would strike a pose and freeze in place. It may be simple and somewhat silly, but it was enough to help Freeze Frame become a rock sensation. Play it at a wedding and see if people don’t strike a pose!
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FREEPiano Song CurioFree2 CQ
Plenty of studio musicians work in Nashville, but few had the legendary reputation of Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins, who passed away on this day in 2022 at the age of 84. Blinded at the age of three due to a knife accident, Robbins poured his heart and soul into his art, eventually becoming one of the most celebrated keyboardists in Music City. Known for his boisterous, improvisational style, Robbins first made his mark on the industry after playing for George Jones’ White Lightning, a playful, jumpy country tune about moonshining. Although it took Jones around 83 takes to get the song right (due to his real-life habit of drinking while recording) Robbins remained inexhaustible. His keyboard added colorful, braggadocious life to the track, and soon he became a go-to studio musician for country greats like Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton. Robbins even went on to work with folk legend Bob Dylan. Not bad for a guy with “pig” for a nickname!
Plenty of studio musicians work in Nashville, but few had the legendary reputation of Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins, who passed away on this day in 2022 at the age of 84. Blinded at the age of three due to a knife accident, Robbins poured his heart and soul into his art, eventually becoming one of the most celebrated keyboardists in Music City. Known for his boisterous, improvisational style, Robbins first made his mark on the industry after playing for George Jones’ White Lightning, a playful, jumpy country tune about moonshining. Although it took Jones around 83 takes to get the song right (due to his real-life habit of drinking while recording) Robbins remained inexhaustible. His keyboard added colorful, braggadocious life to the track, and soon he became a go-to studio musician for country greats like Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton. Robbins even went on to work with folk legend Bob Dylan. Not bad for a guy with “pig” for a nickname!
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FREESong CurioFree2 CQ
In 1984’s Footloose, a teenage protagonist played by Kevin Bacon moves to a small town only to discover that the local government has outlawed dancing. The movie was possibly based on a real-life scenario that played out on this day in 1956 in Cleveland, Ohio, when the city banned anyone underage from dancing unless they were accompanied by an adult. While the ban didn’t last, we got a great movie—and a great signature song of the same name—out of it a few decades later! Kenny Loggins was a natural choice to write (alongside co-writer Dean Pitchford) and sing the movie’s accompanying song, since he had also co-written, sang, and made a hit out of 1980’s I’m Alright for the movie Caddyshack. Footloose proved to be just as big of a hit; the bouncy, relentlessly upbeat soft-rock bop topped the Billboard charts for three weeks straight upon its release. The song’s most unlikely source of inspiration? Paul Simon. It was the folk singer’s 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover that inspired Loggins and Pitchford to list rhyming names in their lyrics, like “Whoa, Milo” and “Please, Louise.” Regardless of genre, great musical minds think alike!
In 1984’s Footloose, a teenage protagonist played by Kevin Bacon moves to a small town only to discover that the local government has outlawed dancing. The movie was possibly based on a real-life scenario that played out on this day in 1956 in Cleveland, Ohio, when the city banned anyone underage from dancing unless they were accompanied by an adult. While the ban didn’t last, we got a great movie—and a great signature song of the same name—out of it a few decades later! Kenny Loggins was a natural choice to write (alongside co-writer Dean Pitchford) and sing the movie’s accompanying song, since he had also co-written, sang, and made a hit out of 1980’s I’m Alright for the movie Caddyshack. Footloose proved to be just as big of a hit; the bouncy, relentlessly upbeat soft-rock bop topped the Billboard charts for three weeks straight upon its release. The song’s most unlikely source of inspiration? Paul Simon. It was the folk singer’s 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover that inspired Loggins and Pitchford to list rhyming names in their lyrics, like “Whoa, Milo” and “Please, Louise.” Regardless of genre, great musical minds think alike!
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FREEMusic Song CurioFree2 CQ
As their name implies, The Killers aren’t a band that’s known for touching tributes or poignant lyrics. Yet their most enduring hit, Mr. Brightside, is famously one of their saddest songs. On this day in 2005, The Killers’ debut album, Hot Fuss, had just begun a two-week stint atop the UK album chart. For many, Mr. Brightside was the album’s standout track. While it boasts the same echoey vocals and distorted, indie-rock sound as most of The Killers’ other songs, Mr. Brightside tells the sad story of a man walking into a bar to find his girlfriend there with another guy. The song is actually based on a true story, as The Killers’ lead singer, Brandon Flowers, wrote it to soothe his pain after he discovered his then-girlfriend cheating at a Las Vegas bar. The catharsis paid off, as it has remained so popular that it was named “Song of the Decade” by UK radio stations Absolute Radio and XFM, and remains the most streamed song on Spotify from the 2000s. Not bad for a track from a debut album.
As their name implies, The Killers aren’t a band that’s known for touching tributes or poignant lyrics. Yet their most enduring hit, Mr. Brightside, is famously one of their saddest songs. On this day in 2005, The Killers’ debut album, Hot Fuss, had just begun a two-week stint atop the UK album chart. For many, Mr. Brightside was the album’s standout track. While it boasts the same echoey vocals and distorted, indie-rock sound as most of The Killers’ other songs, Mr. Brightside tells the sad story of a man walking into a bar to find his girlfriend there with another guy. The song is actually based on a true story, as The Killers’ lead singer, Brandon Flowers, wrote it to soothe his pain after he discovered his then-girlfriend cheating at a Las Vegas bar. The catharsis paid off, as it has remained so popular that it was named “Song of the Decade” by UK radio stations Absolute Radio and XFM, and remains the most streamed song on Spotify from the 2000s. Not bad for a track from a debut album.
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
Rock music isn’t all heavy guitar and repetitive lyrics. On this day in 2002, Irish rock singer and songwriter David McWilliams passed away. Though his career was short, lasting only from the late-60s to the mid-70s, his musical contributions greatly impacted Ireland’s at-the-time evolving rock scene. His best known song, The Days Of Pearly Spencer is not your usual rock fare. It’s a heartfelt song about the struggles of a homeless man, and it was written based on McWilliams’ own experiences with a homeless friend in Ballymena, a town in Northern Ireland. McWilliams’ empathy for those who were struggling helped the song strike a nerve with the public. Unfortunately for McWilliams, the song was banned by the BBC upon its release—not because of its content, but because McWilliams had connections with several Irish pirate radio stations. These were stations that operated without a license and were popular in Ireland at the time due to a lack of radio infrastructure. Luckily, the song still gained notoriety thanks to its unusual sound featuring distorted vocals and megaphones, though it didn’t officially become a hit until it was covered by British singer Marc Almond 25 years later. Better late than never.
Rock music isn’t all heavy guitar and repetitive lyrics. On this day in 2002, Irish rock singer and songwriter David McWilliams passed away. Though his career was short, lasting only from the late-60s to the mid-70s, his musical contributions greatly impacted Ireland’s at-the-time evolving rock scene. His best known song, The Days Of Pearly Spencer is not your usual rock fare. It’s a heartfelt song about the struggles of a homeless man, and it was written based on McWilliams’ own experiences with a homeless friend in Ballymena, a town in Northern Ireland. McWilliams’ empathy for those who were struggling helped the song strike a nerve with the public. Unfortunately for McWilliams, the song was banned by the BBC upon its release—not because of its content, but because McWilliams had connections with several Irish pirate radio stations. These were stations that operated without a license and were popular in Ireland at the time due to a lack of radio infrastructure. Luckily, the song still gained notoriety thanks to its unusual sound featuring distorted vocals and megaphones, though it didn’t officially become a hit until it was covered by British singer Marc Almond 25 years later. Better late than never.
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FREESong CurioFree2 CQ
It seems that Old Blue Eyes can still bring the house down. Frank Sinatra recently made history as, 25 years after his death, the crooner re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 with his rendition of Jingle Bells. As of December 23, the song made it all the way to 20 on the chart, officially becoming Sinatra’s fourth Top 20 hit, and the first one to reach that spot since 1967. Though it’s a much-covered Christmas classic, there’s no denying that Sinatra’s Jingle Bells brought something different to the table. The rendition is most famous for its chorus of backup singers, who chime in throughout the track with lines like “I love those j-i-n-g-l-e bells!” as Sinatra does his characteristically swaggery thing. Unlike some holiday songs, Sinatra’s Jingle Bells never starts to drag or lose its steam, remaining lively to the very end. With Christmas being a famously nostalgic holiday, maybe it's not too surprising that people in 2023 are looking to enjoy a bit of vintage fun with the king of crooners.
It seems that Old Blue Eyes can still bring the house down. Frank Sinatra recently made history as, 25 years after his death, the crooner re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 with his rendition of Jingle Bells. As of December 23, the song made it all the way to 20 on the chart, officially becoming Sinatra’s fourth Top 20 hit, and the first one to reach that spot since 1967. Though it’s a much-covered Christmas classic, there’s no denying that Sinatra’s Jingle Bells brought something different to the table. The rendition is most famous for its chorus of backup singers, who chime in throughout the track with lines like “I love those j-i-n-g-l-e bells!” as Sinatra does his characteristically swaggery thing. Unlike some holiday songs, Sinatra’s Jingle Bells never starts to drag or lose its steam, remaining lively to the very end. With Christmas being a famously nostalgic holiday, maybe it's not too surprising that people in 2023 are looking to enjoy a bit of vintage fun with the king of crooners.
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
This is one melancholy rock anthem. On this day in 1994, Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers played the first of a three-night concert series at the Astoria in London. It was the last time that songwriter and guitarist Richey Edwards, one of the band's most crucial members, would play live before he mysteriously disappeared in February of 1995. Edwards vanished after checking out of a London hotel that he and the rest of the band were staying in, on their way to a U.S. tour. His empty car was discovered nearby, but Edwards himself remains missing to this day. The band’s next studio album, 1996’s Everything Must Go, utilized lyrics and soundbites that Edwards left behind. Enola is one of the album’s most melancholy songs, with lyrics about loneliness and grief. Even the song’s title is “alone” spelled backwards. Yet, in the style of classic pop punk, the song’s beat and instrumentation are harsh, fast, and steady. Although other band members deny that the song (or any on the album) were direct tributes to Edwards, Enola makes it clear that his disappearance left a mark musically and emotionally.
This is one melancholy rock anthem. On this day in 1994, Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers played the first of a three-night concert series at the Astoria in London. It was the last time that songwriter and guitarist Richey Edwards, one of the band's most crucial members, would play live before he mysteriously disappeared in February of 1995. Edwards vanished after checking out of a London hotel that he and the rest of the band were staying in, on their way to a U.S. tour. His empty car was discovered nearby, but Edwards himself remains missing to this day. The band’s next studio album, 1996’s Everything Must Go, utilized lyrics and soundbites that Edwards left behind. Enola is one of the album’s most melancholy songs, with lyrics about loneliness and grief. Even the song’s title is “alone” spelled backwards. Yet, in the style of classic pop punk, the song’s beat and instrumentation are harsh, fast, and steady. Although other band members deny that the song (or any on the album) were direct tributes to Edwards, Enola makes it clear that his disappearance left a mark musically and emotionally.
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FREESong CurioFree2 CQ
It may not sound like a sci-fi song, but Belinda Carlisles’ pop hit Heaven is a Place on Earth, which topped the Billboard charts on this day in 1987, ended up becoming the soundtrack to one of the most beloved science fiction moments of the mid-2000s. The song was written specifically for Carlisle after her vocal group, the Go-Go’s, broke up. There was a lot of figurative and literal power behind the hit—it was written by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley, both of whom had worked with some of the era’s biggest stars. The song’s famous, swelling, choral-style vocals were performed by none other than Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and The Papas, among others. Carlisle’s velvety voice helped propel the song to number one, and it, in turn, helped make her a household name. But among younger listeners, it’s famous for a different reason. In 2016, the hit Netflix series Black Mirror included an episode about a digital afterlife with Heaven is a Place on Earth as its unofficial theme song. The episode won two Emmy awards and caused a surge of interest in the song. Who said sci-fi couldn’t be poppy?
It may not sound like a sci-fi song, but Belinda Carlisles’ pop hit Heaven is a Place on Earth, which topped the Billboard charts on this day in 1987, ended up becoming the soundtrack to one of the most beloved science fiction moments of the mid-2000s. The song was written specifically for Carlisle after her vocal group, the Go-Go’s, broke up. There was a lot of figurative and literal power behind the hit—it was written by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley, both of whom had worked with some of the era’s biggest stars. The song’s famous, swelling, choral-style vocals were performed by none other than Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and The Papas, among others. Carlisle’s velvety voice helped propel the song to number one, and it, in turn, helped make her a household name. But among younger listeners, it’s famous for a different reason. In 2016, the hit Netflix series Black Mirror included an episode about a digital afterlife with Heaven is a Place on Earth as its unofficial theme song. The episode won two Emmy awards and caused a surge of interest in the song. Who said sci-fi couldn’t be poppy?
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
This movie owed it all to its soundtrack! In November of 1987, (I've Had) The Time of My Life, from the hit film Dirty Dancing, was topping the Billboard Hot 100. The movie was tailored around the song to the point that some lyrics were featured in the movie’s tagline and on official posters. That makes sense, considering that the song’s three writers, Franke Previte, John DeNicola, and Donald Markowitz, were hired to write it specifically for the film. Previte provided the vocals for the song’s demo alongside singer Rachele Cappelli, and the movie’s climactic final scene was actually filmed first, using that demo. Eventually, though, the vocals were replaced with the voices of Jennifer Warnes and Bill Medley, of the Righteous Brothers. Previte could hardly be upset, though, as the song was an instant hit, owing partially to its unusual structure. The writers based its format on Donna Summers’ Last Dance. It begins with a slow chorus, in half-time, before chugging into a danceable-but-bare-bones verse, then building to a bold, towering crescendo of a second chorus. It’s a tune that seems built for the silver screen…because it was.
This movie owed it all to its soundtrack! In November of 1987, (I've Had) The Time of My Life, from the hit film Dirty Dancing, was topping the Billboard Hot 100. The movie was tailored around the song to the point that some lyrics were featured in the movie’s tagline and on official posters. That makes sense, considering that the song’s three writers, Franke Previte, John DeNicola, and Donald Markowitz, were hired to write it specifically for the film. Previte provided the vocals for the song’s demo alongside singer Rachele Cappelli, and the movie’s climactic final scene was actually filmed first, using that demo. Eventually, though, the vocals were replaced with the voices of Jennifer Warnes and Bill Medley, of the Righteous Brothers. Previte could hardly be upset, though, as the song was an instant hit, owing partially to its unusual structure. The writers based its format on Donna Summers’ Last Dance. It begins with a slow chorus, in half-time, before chugging into a danceable-but-bare-bones verse, then building to a bold, towering crescendo of a second chorus. It’s a tune that seems built for the silver screen…because it was.
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FREEDance Song CurioFree2 CQ
It’s nearly Turkey Day; what better time to do the mashed potato? This fun, simple dance is a variation of the twist that took the U.S. by storm in the early 1960s. While it could be performed to any upbeat song, plenty of musicians got to work recording tunes specifically meant to go with the dance. Chief among them was Dee Dee Sharp’s 1962 recording of Mashed Potato Time. Its lyrics even offered a fictional origin story for the dance (supposedly it was thought up “a long time ago” by a guy named “Sloppy Joe.”) The upbeat tune bears a strong melodic resemblance to another song that was popular at the time: 1961’s Please Mr. Postman by The Marvelettes. In fact, the two songs are practically identical except for their lyrics. Funnily, though, Mashed Potato Time fully leans into the similarity, referencing Please Mr. Postman by name and encouraging listeners to dance the mashed potato to it as well. Hey, if mashed potatoes can’t bring everyone together, what can?
It’s nearly Turkey Day; what better time to do the mashed potato? This fun, simple dance is a variation of the twist that took the U.S. by storm in the early 1960s. While it could be performed to any upbeat song, plenty of musicians got to work recording tunes specifically meant to go with the dance. Chief among them was Dee Dee Sharp’s 1962 recording of Mashed Potato Time. Its lyrics even offered a fictional origin story for the dance (supposedly it was thought up “a long time ago” by a guy named “Sloppy Joe.”) The upbeat tune bears a strong melodic resemblance to another song that was popular at the time: 1961’s Please Mr. Postman by The Marvelettes. In fact, the two songs are practically identical except for their lyrics. Funnily, though, Mashed Potato Time fully leans into the similarity, referencing Please Mr. Postman by name and encouraging listeners to dance the mashed potato to it as well. Hey, if mashed potatoes can’t bring everyone together, what can?
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
It’s a hard rock song about…a beauty pageant? In 1977, American rock band Styx released their seventh studio album, The Grand Illusion, which included one oddball song masterminded by lead guitarist James Young. Born on this day in 1949, Young was known for writing songs with a classic, hard-rock edge, (unlike Dennis DeYoung, who created some of the bands more conceptual, synth-heavy songs, like Mr. Roboto.) That was certainly the case with Young’s Miss America, a song which seems to skewer the world of beauty pageants and the harmful mental effects they sometimes have on contestants. The song’s biting lyrics are emphasized by Young’s punchy, driving guitar riffs. However, the song isn’t completely what it seems. Young actually wrote it as a tribute to his wife, Susie, who suffered from long term health problems. Susie struggled to appear healthy and “normal” in public, making it seem to Young that part of her life was a painful show. The beauty pageant in this song may be just a metaphor, but it’s still pretty unusual to find a hard rock song about long term, marital devotion. Rock on!
It’s a hard rock song about…a beauty pageant? In 1977, American rock band Styx released their seventh studio album, The Grand Illusion, which included one oddball song masterminded by lead guitarist James Young. Born on this day in 1949, Young was known for writing songs with a classic, hard-rock edge, (unlike Dennis DeYoung, who created some of the bands more conceptual, synth-heavy songs, like Mr. Roboto.) That was certainly the case with Young’s Miss America, a song which seems to skewer the world of beauty pageants and the harmful mental effects they sometimes have on contestants. The song’s biting lyrics are emphasized by Young’s punchy, driving guitar riffs. However, the song isn’t completely what it seems. Young actually wrote it as a tribute to his wife, Susie, who suffered from long term health problems. Susie struggled to appear healthy and “normal” in public, making it seem to Young that part of her life was a painful show. The beauty pageant in this song may be just a metaphor, but it’s still pretty unusual to find a hard rock song about long term, marital devotion. Rock on!
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FREEMusic Song CurioFree2 CQ
Buy some clothes, hit up the food court…enjoy a concert! Back in the 1980s, malls weren’t just a place to buy things—they were social hotspots and teens’ preferred hangout spaces. That made them a great location for all sorts of exhibitions, including live concerts. One singer grew especially famous for her mall concerts: Tiffany. In 1987, at just 15 years old, she became the youngest artist to top the Billboard Hot 100, a title previously held by none other than Michael Jackson. Her big hit was I Think We’re Alone Now, a song originally recorded in 1967, but with playful lyrics and a poppy sound perfectly suited for a teenage girl. As for how she ended up playing in malls, Tiffany once explained in an interview, “The label didn’t really know what to do with me. They put me in clubs and I was 16 and it wasn’t working because I wasn’t even old enough to be in a club…It was my A&R guy over at MCA Records who was at the mall with his kids one day and looked around and said, ‘What about singing in a mall?’” The concerts eventually became iconic, and rocketed Tiffany to fame. Radical, dude!
Buy some clothes, hit up the food court…enjoy a concert! Back in the 1980s, malls weren’t just a place to buy things—they were social hotspots and teens’ preferred hangout spaces. That made them a great location for all sorts of exhibitions, including live concerts. One singer grew especially famous for her mall concerts: Tiffany. In 1987, at just 15 years old, she became the youngest artist to top the Billboard Hot 100, a title previously held by none other than Michael Jackson. Her big hit was I Think We’re Alone Now, a song originally recorded in 1967, but with playful lyrics and a poppy sound perfectly suited for a teenage girl. As for how she ended up playing in malls, Tiffany once explained in an interview, “The label didn’t really know what to do with me. They put me in clubs and I was 16 and it wasn’t working because I wasn’t even old enough to be in a club…It was my A&R guy over at MCA Records who was at the mall with his kids one day and looked around and said, ‘What about singing in a mall?’” The concerts eventually became iconic, and rocketed Tiffany to fame. Radical, dude!
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
This viral jam will send shivers down your spine! Chances are, you’ve heard some rendition of Spooky Scary Skeletons this Halloween season. The song has become social media’s go-to spooky soundtrack, playing in the background of many a Halloween-themed TikTok video. Yet, the song is far from new. It was created in 1996 (before many TikTokers were born) by American musician Andrew Gold. Gold had a storied yet eclectic career, both as a studio musician and as a headliner, with two top-40 soft rock hits to his name. Gold’s reason for creating a song about dancing skeletons with xylophones meant to imitate the sound of clacking bones? He just really liked Halloween. The song was part of his Halloween Howls album, the liner notes of which stated, “...it’s very hard to find any tapes or CDs of Halloween music. In fact, there’s mostly just scary sound effects available and very few songs. So, I fixed that, and you’re holding it now.” While younger generations mainly know Gold as a musical king of Halloween, older listeners will probably remember him best for a very different song: The Golden Girls theme song, Thank You For Being A Friend. Now that’s versatility!
This viral jam will send shivers down your spine! Chances are, you’ve heard some rendition of Spooky Scary Skeletons this Halloween season. The song has become social media’s go-to spooky soundtrack, playing in the background of many a Halloween-themed TikTok video. Yet, the song is far from new. It was created in 1996 (before many TikTokers were born) by American musician Andrew Gold. Gold had a storied yet eclectic career, both as a studio musician and as a headliner, with two top-40 soft rock hits to his name. Gold’s reason for creating a song about dancing skeletons with xylophones meant to imitate the sound of clacking bones? He just really liked Halloween. The song was part of his Halloween Howls album, the liner notes of which stated, “...it’s very hard to find any tapes or CDs of Halloween music. In fact, there’s mostly just scary sound effects available and very few songs. So, I fixed that, and you’re holding it now.” While younger generations mainly know Gold as a musical king of Halloween, older listeners will probably remember him best for a very different song: The Golden Girls theme song, Thank You For Being A Friend. Now that’s versatility!
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
In honor of the late, great Dale Griffin, who was born on this day in 1948, we’re spinning some tunes from the band he was part of for more than a decade: Mott the Hoople. After forming in the 1970s, the band struggled to find commercial success…but they did gain one very famous fan: David Bowie. In fact, Bowie loved Mott the Hoople’s unique brand of glam rock so much that, when he heard that they were on the verge of splitting up in 1971, he leapt into action. He presented Mott the Hoople with a song that he had originally written for his own upcoming album: All the Young Dudes. He then secured the band some recording time in the middle of the night at a studio in London, since their own record label was unwilling to give them time. Bowie even produced the song himself, decking out the warbly, space-age track with background vocals, distorted guitar riffs, and hand-claps. Today, All the Young Dudes remains one of Mott the Hoople’s best-remembered songs. Most importantly, the band stayed together until 1980, making Bowie’s intervention a success. Never underestimate a superfan!
In honor of the late, great Dale Griffin, who was born on this day in 1948, we’re spinning some tunes from the band he was part of for more than a decade: Mott the Hoople. After forming in the 1970s, the band struggled to find commercial success…but they did gain one very famous fan: David Bowie. In fact, Bowie loved Mott the Hoople’s unique brand of glam rock so much that, when he heard that they were on the verge of splitting up in 1971, he leapt into action. He presented Mott the Hoople with a song that he had originally written for his own upcoming album: All the Young Dudes. He then secured the band some recording time in the middle of the night at a studio in London, since their own record label was unwilling to give them time. Bowie even produced the song himself, decking out the warbly, space-age track with background vocals, distorted guitar riffs, and hand-claps. Today, All the Young Dudes remains one of Mott the Hoople’s best-remembered songs. Most importantly, the band stayed together until 1980, making Bowie’s intervention a success. Never underestimate a superfan!
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
O Canada, we rock on for thee! On this day in 2017, the world lost one of its greatest rockers: Canada’s Gord Downie, of The Tragically Hip. Downie was known for writing songs with a distinctly Canadian flare, incorporating the country’s politics and history into his lyrics, which helped propel nine of The Tragically Hip’s albums to number one on the Canadian charts. One of the best examples of Downie’s Canada-centric songwriting is Three Pistols, a hard-driving rock jam with surprisingly spooky lyrics. The song is focused on the Canadian ghost story of Tom Thomson, a painter whose body was mysteriously found in a Quebec lake, and whose ghost is still said to haunt the area. Rather than being performed in a minor key for a melancholy feel, however, Three Pistols has a classic rock sound, complete with a steady beat and swelling, distorted guitars. Still, in honor of Downie, we just might add this one to our Halloween-party playlist.
O Canada, we rock on for thee! On this day in 2017, the world lost one of its greatest rockers: Canada’s Gord Downie, of The Tragically Hip. Downie was known for writing songs with a distinctly Canadian flare, incorporating the country’s politics and history into his lyrics, which helped propel nine of The Tragically Hip’s albums to number one on the Canadian charts. One of the best examples of Downie’s Canada-centric songwriting is Three Pistols, a hard-driving rock jam with surprisingly spooky lyrics. The song is focused on the Canadian ghost story of Tom Thomson, a painter whose body was mysteriously found in a Quebec lake, and whose ghost is still said to haunt the area. Rather than being performed in a minor key for a melancholy feel, however, Three Pistols has a classic rock sound, complete with a steady beat and swelling, distorted guitars. Still, in honor of Downie, we just might add this one to our Halloween-party playlist.