From the 1960's until roughly 1998, I could recognize a tune, identify the artist, and even tell what year it came from. But after that, I was perplexed. Songs used to remind me of events of the day, vacations I've taken, and places I've went. Come 2005 they still did, except they were the same songs from decades prior. There was absolutely no way I could relate a current song to an event I was participating in. Much of the reason, I deduced, was that I listened the radio a whole lot during the time span I mentioned, and was disenchanted with since so I stopped listening. After that, it was a matter to looking at the industry charts (Billboard or Radio and Records), for example, then hearing a download of the song, and deciding whether to buy it or pass on it. Except for oldies and classic rock stations, I don't think I tuned into any new Alternative rock stations (not that there were any around here anyway), except down the shore (G-Rock) or in ski country (WEQX). I was basically my own DJ. Thus the songs out around that time never were etched in my mind like they used to back in the days where transistor radios on the beach were tuned in to that latest "superhit" song on WABC.
I started listening to my CDs of the previous few months and realized there are some great songs. What if I created my own chart based on my preferences, create a corresponding playlist on my iPOD, and since I have a captive audience on Facebook, publish a note so friends could see it? And each week, I'd add or drop several songs in my portible radio station. Thus my SoundRaves idea was born.
It was the week of August 23, 2010 that I published my first top 20. I had a master list of current songs that went into the 30's, but the 20 songs were the 'official' ones on my playlist. The first number 1 (which would hang on for three more weeks) was "Tighten Up" by Akron-based The Black Keys. The first top 20 was an eclectic mix of Alternative rock (Stone Temple Pilots, Hockey, Locksley), the current pop (Lady Gaga, LaRoux, V V Brown), singer-songwriters (Neko Case, Sheryl Crow) and even a new song by a classic rock artists (Bachman & Turner). Also on the list, at #5 was by a local artist whom we had the pleasure of meeting (and her parents as well), Rachel Allyn.
I made sure I updated the list week after week. Soon I realized that there were too many songs to just contain in a top 20, so I expanded it to 100 positions soon enough. I now had two iPOD playlists, one for the current top 20, another for the current top 100 (enabling the top songs to be heard more often...just like in the golden days of AM top 40 radio!). I published my surveys, as well as info on new music as a Facebook note every week, and at the end of the year, of course, my year end top 100 which was much easier to compile. At the advise of a friend, I moved this to a blog, as it gave me a better opportunity to explore my thoughts on what was out there, along with an easier way to transport my chart, grid and all, which I couldn't have done on Facebook.
During my experiences, I discovered a lot of artists which I could never have done otherwise. Instead of names, they became experience. Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros come immediately to mind, ditto Florence and the Machine. Obscure bands like the 22-20's and Delta Spirit, band that have been out there for years, but now able to explore closer (Guster, Wilco, The Decemberists). Indie bands recommended by friends (Avi Buffalo, The Drums and many others); and I also predicted songs that became huge hits months after ("Rolling in the Deep", "Pumped Up Kicks").
As for records? The most weeks at #1 was 5, set by "What's In It For?", a song recommended by Brian Sniatkowski, who runs his "Song of the Week" once or twice per seven days, he is a primary source of ideas of which stuff to add. The Avi Buffalo song debuted on my chart at #21 which is also a record. It lasted for 32 weeks, a record which was just broken by Adele's "Rolling...", which is now in week 37. Arcade Fire holds the records for most songs to hit my chart, 5, all from their Grammy-winning album "The Suburbs". Adele and Rachel Allyn both have had three #1 songs, with Plan B right behind with two.
I have tried to give exposure to new up-and-coming artists. Aside from Rachel, two twins, Omnia and Leila have been given a look. The latter's "Hush Little Baby" was my #1 for a week; while the former is expected to release her debut EP next month. My nephew's band, the Massachusetts-based Downtown Crossing, the local metal band Dark Sacrament (featuring two co-workers) have also hit the upper regions of my chart.
These song and others have been with me through our fall road trip to Ohio, a couple of ski weekends, and most recently Lake George on July 4th weekend. And certain songs will now be identified with those events. And upon creating my blog in April, I've shared various thoughts.
So, what's the future like? Well, as much as I like to keep it going, I'm going to have to cut back. What was once a couple of hours, now takes two days to do. Effective next week, I will cut down on the first portion of my weekly blog. It is taking up too much time, time which should be devoted elsewhere, and not enough people are viewing it to justify it. During the first month, there were routinely over 100 views; last week netted only 10. And, with a few exceptions, no comments on the music. If there is something of a musical realm to share, such as a concert, I will cover it. My top 100 will continue each week until at the end of the year (at least), with comments on new and coming songs and artists.
SOUNDRAVES 100: Wilco stays at the top for a second week with "I Might", but mounting a challenge is "Picking Up the Pieces" by Fitz and the Tantrums. For the first time, there are no new entries in the Top 20; hence the impact award goes to the biggest mover within that top echelon, that that is The Kooks' "Junk of the Heart" (17-12). These twenty songs are the strongest and most likeable I've seen all year.
Two debuts of note, both from established artists on my chart. Rachel Allyn is back yet again, with her new single "Lovely Lily". This one, written by her, is a mid tempo ballad inspired no doubt by a character from the previous Harry Potter movie. She sings with some soul, but all within her country background. She performed at Six Flags this week as the winner of Thunder 106's "House Band" contest, she opened for country superstars Thompson Square. "Lovely Lily" comes in at #51, making it three songs on the SoundRaves 100 this week: "Say Hello to Goodbye" drops from 4 to 11; while "Gettin' By" is still hanging in at #85 in its 32nd week.
The other biggie is the new Florence + the Machine offering, "What the Water Gave Me", from an upcoming second album to be announced. Florence Welch definitely milked the previous effort, 2009's Lungs, with the hits "Kiss With A Fist" (on my 2009 year end list), "Dog Days Are Over" (#1 earlier this year), and "You Got the Love" (peaked at five, now at 17). This one is a little slower, but just as soulful as their most recent songs.
The SoundRaves 100 for week of August 22, 2011.
This Week | Last Week | ARTIST-Title | Weeks on List |
1 | 1 |  WILCO "I Might" Album: The Whole Love (2 weeks at #1) | 5 |
2 | 7 | Fitz and the Tantrums - Pickin' Up the Pieces | 4 |
3 | 2 | Plan B- Love Goes Down | 9 |
4 | 6 | Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie | 6 |
5 | 3 | Katy Perry - Last Friday Night | 11 |
6 | 5 | Fleet Foxes - Grown Ocean | 15 |
7 | 8 | Avi Buffalo - How Come | 9 |
8 | 9 | Best Coast - Something In The Way | 10 |
9 | 10 | Brilliant Colors - How Much Younger | 7 |
10 | 12 | Lykke Li - Rich Kids Blues | 5 |
11 | 11 | Los Lonely Boys - 16 Monkeys | 6 |
12 | 17 | TOP 20 IMPACT OF THE WEEK:  THE KOOKS "Junk of the Heart (Happy)" Album: Junk of the Heart | 7 |
13 | 4 | Rachel Allyn - Say Hello To Goodbye | 13 |
14 | 14 | Fitz and the Tantrums - Don't Gotta Work It Out | 5 |
15 | 13 | Adele - Set Fire To the Rain | 8 |
16 | 18 | Maroon 5 f. Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger | 6 |
17 | 16 | Florence + the Machine - You Got the Love | 15 |
18 | 19 | Foster the People - Helena Beat | 7 |
19 | 15 | Fitz and the Tantrums - Dear Mr. President | 11 |
20 | 20 | We Are Augustines - Chapel Song | 10 |
22 | 31 | SuperHeavy - Miracle Worker | 5 |
23 | 36 | The Antlers - Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out | 4 |
24 | 35 | The Jayhawks - She Walks In So Many Ways | 4 |
25 | 39 | Michelle Branch - Loud Music | 7 |
26 | 30 | Zac Brown Band f Jimmy Buffet - Knee Deep | 16 |
27 | 27 | Cee Lo Green - Bright Lights, Bigger City | 8 |
28 | 52 | Bush - The Sound of Winter | 3 |
29 | 22 | Portugal the Man - Got It All | 11 |
30 | 26 | Adele - Rolling In the Deep | 37 |
31 | 46 | PJ Harvey - Let England Shake | 6 |
32 | 24 | The Black Keys - Everlasting Light | 11 |
33 | 41 | Scotty McCreery - I Love You This Big | 13 |
34 | 33 | Generationals - Ten Twenty Ten | 8 |
35 | 38 | Arcade Fire - Month of May | 15 |
36 | 45 | Yacht - Dystopia | 9 |
37 | 23 | My Morning Jacket - Holdin' On to Black Metal | 14 |
38 | 48 | Kenny Chesney f. Grace Potter - You & Tequila | 12 |
39 | 49 | Lenny Kravitz - Stand | 7 |
40 | 51 | Trevor Hall - Brand New Day | 5 |
41 | 25 | Train - Save Me San Francisco | 16 |
42 | 37 | Adele - Rumour Has It | 18 |
43 | 28 | Foo Fighters - Walk | 11 |
44 | 32 | Coldplay - Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall | 12 |
45 | 34 | Lady Gaga - The Edge of Glory | 11 |
46 | 43 | Gomez - Options | 13 |
47 | 77 | MOVER OF THE WEEK:  ANNA CALVI "Blackout" Album: Anna Calvi | 2 |
48 | 40 | Sleeper Agent - Get It Daddy | 9 |
49 | 62 | Death Cab For Cutie - Stay Young Go Dancing | 3 |
50 | 29 | Neon Trees - Your Surrender | 18 |
51 | 44 | KT Tunstall - Glamour Puss | 9 |
52 | 57 | Jason Aldean - Dirt Road Anthem | 4 |
53 | 59 | Holy Ghost! - Do It Again | 4 |
54 | ---- | TOP DEBUT:  RACHEL ALLYN "Lovely Lily" (Single Only) | 1 |
55 | 47 | Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi-Two Against One | 20 |
56 | 50 | Beastie Boys - Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win | 7 |
57 | 55 | Arctic Monkeys - Don't Sit Down 'Cause I Moved Your Chair | 13 |
58 | 67 | The Airborne Toxic Event - All I Ever Wanted | 3 |
59 | 53 | The Lonely Forest - We Sing In Time | 10 |
60 | 54 | Adele - Someone Like You | 18 |
61 | 42 | The Strokes - Taken For A Fool | 15 |
62 | 84 | The Big Troubles - Bite Yr Tongue | 2 |
63 | 65 | Incubus - Promises, Promises | 6 |
64 | 58 | Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks | 31 |
65 | 68 | The Band Perry - If I Die Young | 8 |
66 | 81 | Haley Reinhart - House of the Rising Sun | 2 |
67 | 64 | Goo Goo Dolls - All That You Are | 7 |
68 | ---- | Florence + the Machine - What the Water Gave Me | 1 |
69 | 73 | Grouplove - Colours | 5 |
70 | 56 | Kate Voegele - Heart In Chains | 15 |
71 | 60 | Lykke Li - Get Some | 15 |
72 | 88 | Macy Gray - Kissed It | 2 |
73 | 70 | Colbie Calliat - Brighter Than the Sun | 7 |
74 | 78 | The Rosebuds - Second Bird of Paradise | 3 |
75 | 63 | Brett Dennon - Comeback Kid | 11 |
76 | 76 | Mutemath - Blood Pressure | 3 |
77 | 61 | Ray Lamontagne & the Pariah Dogs - Repo Man | 14 |
78 | 69 | Young the Giant - Cough Syrup | 8 |
79 | 72 | The Decemberists - Calamity Song | 5 |
80 | 87 | Surfer Blood- Swim | 3 |
81 | 91 | Lady Antebellum - Just A Kiss | 2 |
82 | 86 | O.A.R.- Heaven | 4 |
83 | 92 | Alter Bridge - Ghost of Days Gone By | 3 |
84 | 66 | The Raveonettes - Apparitions | 13 |
85 | 74 | Rachel Allyn - Gettin' By | 32 |
86 | 90 | The Mountain Goats - Estate Sale Sign | 3 |
87 | ---- | Evanescence - What You Want | 1 |
88 | ---- | The Drums - Money | 1 |
89 | 96 | Mister Heavenly - Mister Heavenly | 2 |
90 | 71 | Paramore - Monster | 12 |
91 | ---- | Lauren Alaina - Like My Mother Does | 1 |
92 | 75 | Linkin Park - Iridescent | 10 |
93 | 80 | The Head and the Heart - Lost In My Mind | 9 |
94 | 95 | Jane's Addiction - Irresistable Force | 2 |
95 | ---- | Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside - I Swear | 1 |
96 | 82 | Kings of Leon - Back Down South | 11 |
97 | 94 | Gym Class Heroes f. Adam Levine - Stereo Hearts | 3 |
98 | ---- | Cults - Go Outside | 1 |
99 | 83 | Drive-By Truckers - Everybody Needs Love | 17 |
100 | 99 | Kopecky Family Band - Howlin' At the Moon | 3 |
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