When it rains, it pours as a big week for music-related items, including the Super Bowl halftime show, two male artists in trouble, the latest Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame nominations, and the passing of two significant music figures, so let's get it started.
I have pretty much stopped, in recent years, blogging about the many television programs which feature only pop, country, and hip-hop stars, as if they are the only ones who exist. True, these people are "popular" but "popular" isn't always better. That would extend to awards shows (like The Grammys and AMA's) as well as the Super Bowl halftime shows.
And especially this year, what with a majority of us staying home and not partaking in any activities, waiting out the second wave of COVID-19. In fact, this year's Super Bowl (where Tom Brady proved he can win without Bill Belachick) was the first time since 1989 that I watched it upstairs by myself, after decades of going to parties and gatherings, where, admittedly, it was more about the social interaction rather than the game itself. So this year, I half-heartedly got into it, despite myself not really following football too much the last couple of years. For many, it really wasn't about the game anyway, but rather the commercials and the "extravagant" halftime show.
The Weeknd headlined this year's Super Bowl halftime show. |
This year, it was Canadian singer The Weeknd performing, and unlike recent years, he was the lone performer, amid a sea of choir singers and dancers wearing bandaged white masks. I'm not going to sit here and critique the show (which did have mixed to good reviews) as I only halfheartedly paid attention to the visuals. And to be honest, the halftime shows in recent years, along with the commercials, for that matter, have become a bore fest; you can only deal with sensationalism for so long (and that extends into other avenues of pop culture and social media).
While the critics generally approved of the performance, posts by my friends were vicious. Nobody, not one person who posted actually liked the show, and some---even musicians---never even heard of The Weeknd, who has been at the top of the pop charts the last several years. With me, you've seen one extravaganza, you've seen them all, so I'm not going to dispute their opinions.
What I will dispute, however, is the credentials of The Weeknd himself. As a pop star, and especially with the decade-long trend of uninspired, sparse, drum-machine, producer oriented pap, it's easy to throw The Weeknd in with the rest of banality. But it shouldn't really be the case. Although I'm not really versed with his music, what I had seen of him, is that's he's pretty good. The songs are melodic, fully produced, and contain emotion, aspects lacking in today's pop music.
A few years back when I was reviewing an awards show, I was impressed with The Weeknd's performance and I would consider adding a song by him. But to date, I have only added three recordings by the star, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, two featuring French electronic duo Daft Punk, and one with pop star Ariana Grande: "Starboy" only peaked here at #86, while "I Feel It Coming" did only slightly better at #51, both in 2017. However, "Love Me Harder", a 2015 duet with Grande, reached #7 on my blog playlist. And while the choreography bored me, I did like the music. While for me it will never compete with some of my favorite indie and alternative artists; like Miley Cyrus, he is sort of a bright light in a sea of banal pop and hip-hop artists who mistakenly gets thrown in with the worst of the lot. Because of this, I added his most recent single "Save Your Tears", it's the second highest debut this week, coming in at #77.
Of course, the Facebook posts were brutal; one of them, however really got to me: There was a meme showing a picture of The Weeknd performing on the left side, with the caption "Because of this....", and the album cover of Rubber Soul by The Beatles on the right, captioned "....I listen to this". This, of course, sends the message that music created fifty-five years ago (and in the ensuing decades) is much better than what's out there now. While I will certainly not dispute it by a longshot, it's pretty much a knock and insult on current rock bands, who, aside from being totally ignored by the social media, pop radio and press, have also been left behind by those fans who think the genre ended around 1995 (or 1980, 1975, etc....pick one). Fans of rock pretty much just sit there and let hip-hop and sparse pop run right over them. And myself, fighting a strong current to blog about these bands and indie artists getting resistance from my friends (only one person liked my blog last week, and only when I bring up classic artists do I get any reaction, which soon will be the "death knell" for me spending hours on this) when I post what's going on in music these days.
The Weeknd isn't a "saving grace", but he's damn good, much better than much of his contemporaries. Spare the halftime show and all the sensationalism and listen to a song or two of his.
BRUCE AND MORGAN: Two male singers, one a rising country star, and one a legendary singer/songwriter from the Garden State, found themselves in hot water this past week. Let's start with "The Boss", Jersey's own Bruce Springsteen. One of the most talked about commercials during the Super Bowl was a Jeep commercial featuring Springsteen driving a Jeep talking about "the middle", a common ground with hopes of uniting a bitterly divided America (despite Bruce, who is a liberal and outspoken about politics, perhaps contributing to fanning those flames, according to many on the right). The spot did hit home to many people, although, like The Weeknd mentioned above, much of the posts were negative (but a few positive ones as well).
But just a few days later, TMZ reported that Springsteen, back in November, had been arrested for driving while intoxicated in New Jersey's Sandy Hook (which is part of the federal Gateway National Recreation Area). While reports on how severe he has been drinking have been varied (he was seen doing a shot of tequila with some nearby fans in the park, and he had been measured at .02 blood alcohol level, just a quarter of the state's legal limit), the situation was enough for Jeep to pull the commercial, at least for the time being. Reports say that Bruce was cooperative in the investigation. There is no word on how serious this is, but, like many other things, negatively was rampant through my news feed about the situation.
Springsteen's most recent album, Letter to You, released in 2020, debuted and peaked at #2, and spawned a #1 single on Billboard's Triple-A chart with the title track, which also peaked on my blog list at #42 last fall. A second single, "Ghosts", moves 29-20 on the Triple-A listing in its second week. In addition, he is also featured on the track "Chinatown" by the Bergenfield New Jersey band Bleachers which is #15 on that chart.
And then we have Morgan Wallen, who is one of the hottest country stars these days, who last week pretty much put his foot in his mouth, also because of alcohol, and possibly his career hanging in the balance. Wallen, whose "7 Summers" peaked at #6 on the Hot 100 and #21 on my blog last year, and currently on my list with "More Than My Hometown", rising 37-31 on the SNS 100 this week, reportedly was shouting obscenities and racial slurs, including the "n-word" that was captured via video by a next-door neighbor in front of his home in his drunken state, to his friends. While Wallen apologized and regretted his actions, his record company, nonetheless suspended him in definitely. And while his record sales spiked last week (he has the #1 album in the country with the perhaps aptly-named set Dangerous: The Double Album), he is suffering a backlash from the industry and being suspended from any awards shows and recognition.
Artists dropped for controversial actions are nothing new. Just last month, Ariel Pink, currently in my top five with "Crybaby", was dropped by his label for being one of the protesters at the Capitol building in support of then-President Trump, despite him not being one of those who broke into the building. And last year, Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg's former label dropped his band Avi Buffalo's two albums after he was accused of rape and sexual misconduct by a bandmate. But in both Zahner-Isenberg's and Pink's cases, they weren't a high profile act; Wallen's popularity has never been greater.
With the increase in social awareness and tolerance, especially in the past decade, why someone still resorts to using any type of racial slur is mind boggling; pop culture has been littered over the past several decades with those who obviously weren't thinking before they spoke. Many of their careers have been permanently derailed, such as Roseanne Barr's. Perhaps an example should be made out of them. It's not the first time Wallen has been in trouble. He was drunk last year in a similar situation, and a few months back, during a concert, he performed without following the COVID-19 restrictions; that cost him a gig on Saturday Night Live, which was rescheduled a few weeks later, and now this incident.
But, on the other hand, he did apologize, and advised his fans that it's not okay to say those things. He accepted invitations from various black organizations to join in discussions, he was willing to atone for his mistake and do the right thing Does he get a reprieve for that? Much of the iHeartRadio group's stations dropped his music, and although sales initially picked up, with the withdrawal of his label's support, that may freefall as well.. Streaming services like Spotify apparently have also stopped offering his music. The question for me, is should I drop "More Than My Hometown" from my playlist? He is one of just two country singers on my chart this week, the other being Blake Shelton's "Happy Anywhere" at #21. It will be interesting to see how this story develops in subsequent weeks. But keep in mind, unlike Zahner-Isenberg, who abused another person, Wallen didn't even physically hurt anyone. He is learning his lesson and is owning up to what he did. Perhaps he needs to control facets of his life (he was also accused of drunkenness' outside a Nashville bar last year). Perhaps tolerance and sensitivity training is needed, but to destroy a man's career with loads of talent over one mistake is just wrong. I will keep "More Than My Hometown" on my list as a protest in itself, at least for now. I don't condone his actions, far from it, but this is an example of why I don't stream (or listen to the radio for that matter), rather download and play these lists on my iTunes and iPod. Hopefully Wallen will learn a valuable lesson from this.
In both Springsteen's and Wallen's cases, it goes to show you that being a high-profile celebrity figure carries a downside to it. While I think Springsteen's situation will blow over, I'm not sure about Morgan Wallen. Stay tuned.
Mary Wilson, the only constant member of legendary Motown girl-group The Supremes, passed away at age 76. |
SUPREME LOSS: Last week, Mary Wilson, who was a member of the most successful girl group of the 1960's, Motown's The Supremes, passed away, in her sleep, at age 75. The Supremes had 12 number one songs between 1964 and 1969. And while lead singer Diana Ross became the star and face of the group, leaving to embark on international fame as a solo star, Wilson was the group's heart and soul, being also an original member and keeping her profile up through the 1970's long after Ms. Ross left, until the group broke up in 1977. And it was Ms. Wilson that pretty much single-handed kept their legacy alive since then (Florence Ballard, the other original member thru the hit-making years, left the group in 1967 and died a few years later). Mary Wilson also was a best-selling author, motivational speaker, and performed for years in Las Vegas. She was also an ambassador for various causes as well. She was one of the contestants on Dancing With the Stars in 2019, and continued to record up until her death.
R.I.P Mary Wilson
Jazz pianist great Chick Corea passed away at age 79. |
RETURN TO FOREVER HEAVEN: We also lost Jazz legend Chick Corea. Corea came to prominence in the 1960's as a pianist in Miles Davis' band, before stepping out on his own and fronting the successful outfit Return to Forever, in the 1970's. Return to Forever, for which another excellent musician emerged, bassist Stanley Clarke, was noted for his fusion of jazz and Latin sounds. After Return to Forever, he recorded many solo outings and often formed other groups, such as the Chick Corea Elektric Band in the 1980's. He was also a composer and drifted towards classical music later in his career. Fusion albums such as 2006's Ultimate Adventure would net him a Grammy. In fact, he won 23 such awards and was nominated 60 times between 1976 and 2020. Corea, who grew up in Massachusetts and lived in Tampa Bay, Florida, died of cancer. He was 79. And, if you're wondering if he is related to local blog fave and Hounds of Winter leader Tom Corea, that is a good possibility, as Tom had indicated as such, although he never met Chick Corea in person.
HALL OF SHHHH: Finally, the nominations for the latest induction to the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame are in. And, like the Super Bowl halftime show, I really don't normally care, but since this comes at a time during the week where everything else is happening, heck I may as well throw it in. Unfortunately, once again, the nominees sound more like a popular music Hall of Fame than one covering rock. It's mind boggling how something can seem so out of touch. Before I continue, here are the nominees for 2021:
- Mary J. Blige
- Kate Bush
- Devo
- Foo Fighters
- The Go-Go's
- Iron Maiden
- Jay-Z
- Chaka Khan
- Carole King
- Fela Kuti
- LL Cool J
- New York Dolls
- Rage Against The Machine
- Todd Rundgren
- Tina Turner
- Dionne Warwick
So, here we go again. What defines "Rock and Roll"? You once again have to be scratching your head at some of these selections. While some are legit, and even a few long time coming, some don't even make sense.
For example, take Mary J. Blige. Great, accomplished R&B singer with many hits from the 1990's. Apparently since people like Whitney Houston are in, it's logical that Blige be, too. And while I share the fact that rock 'n' roll in the first place was derived from Rhythm and Blues, by 1992 that influence more affected old-school rap and hip-hop rather than a ballad in the R&B genre. A pop music hall selection for sure, but to be honest, Blige doesn't belong, although she had inducted Nina Simone a few years back, so your guess is as good as mine.
Then there's Kate Bush. Great singer-songwriter from Kent, England. Yes, she had a hit with "Running Up That Hill", in 1985 (recently covered by Meg Myers, a #4 blog hit in 2019), but, aside from a few more low charters and mediocre-selling albums, Hall of Fame material? Hardly. Granted, record sales shouldn't alone determine an artist's greatness, but to be nominated before more deserving artists? Probably not. Then again, similar artists like Bonnie Raitt are in, so who knows.
Devo is probably remembered by those strictly in the pop field as "one-hit wonders" with 1980's "Whip It", but actually was one of the ground-breaking new wave acts. Their quirky cover of the Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction" is a gem, and they had a few other memorable songs. I'm pretty much on the fence with this one; I guess they wanted a representative of the New Wave era. They were influential but perhaps not enough so I would pass on this one for now.
Foo Fighters would be a logical choice to get in. While others may balk only because they're relatively new (the band's first album came out in 1995), the outfit, led by Dave Grohl, was a direct descendant of Nirvana which is in. The only hesitation about Foo Fighters would be that none of their early albums were critical masterpieces; that they had pretty much gotten a free pass only because of their Nirvana associations. But later albums were more acclaimed. While I wish the band's contemporaries like Beck, and Weezer would garner a nomination, this post-grunge era has to start somewhere, and the Fighters seem like a good start.
Speaking of New Wave, there are the Go-Go's. While they weren't the first all-female rock band (anyone remember the early 1970's band called Fanny? And of course The Runaways?). While it would be nice if those bands got in, it was the Go-Go's that proved the distaffs of rock can have much success. "Our Lips are Sealed", "Vacation", and "Head Over Heels" are just three of their hits, and they paved the way for other bands such as The Bangles. This should be a no brainer that they should get in.
I am not a "metal-head" but if you're talking about that genre, then Iron Maiden is a must. While we think of metal in the 1980's of the "hair" variety, there were some serious metal exponents in that decade as well, such as AC/DC, Metallica, Judas Priest and many others. Both AC/DC and Metallica are in, Priest was nominated last year but didn't get in. I guess here, it's a debate of which band was more important, Iron Maiden or Judas Priest. If it's Priest, then probably not.
Then there's Jay-Z and LL Cool J. It's always a hot topic when it comes to rap music and hip-hop in general. The barrier had long been broken with Run-DMC, Beastie Boys and Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, proponents of the "old-school rap" (But where is Kurtis Blow?) Then more recently, the "gangsta era" was inducted with N.W.A., Public Enemy, Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur. Now we're getting into another era with Jay-Z. We seem to be getting off the rock rails when we mention these artists, but at this point in the game, if all of the above got in, then I'm sure Jay-Z will as well. But is it "rock and roll"? You decide. As for LL Cool J, I'm surprised he hasn't gotten in yet as many of his late 80's contemporaries are in. At this point, may as well.
Chaka Khan is a mystery of sorts. I like Chaka, but especially as the lead singer of Rufus. Rufus and Chaka were nominated a couple years back, and I thought they should get in, having the right mix of funk and solo (and I think "funk" is a very viable rock and roll subgenre). But Chaka solo? She had a couple of big solo hits but is it enough to get her in? I'd vote for her and Rufus together, and while solo she might be more deserving then, say, Mary J Blige, I'm going to say no, until she gets in with Rufus.
Legendary performer and songwriter finally gets nominated. Her 1971 release Tapestry is among the most influential albums of all time. |
Carole King. What took them so long?. Yes, she's in as an influential songwriter, having wrote a multitude of hits for other artists. But she also had a very successful singing career. Tapestry is one of the all time best sellers and a watermark of the era. So why the hell isn't she in yet? She HAS to get there this time.
I have no idea who Fela Kuti is, so I can't comment on this. Apparently he is from Nigeria and has had a good career with afro-centric rhythms. But is it rock 'n' roll?
Then there are the New York Dolls, no doubt influenced by the Velvet Underground, The Stooges and MC5, combining the early exponents of alternative with the prevalent at the time glam rock. The band featured David Johannsen, later of Buster Poindexter. They put out two acclaimed albums but really didn't land a true hit. I would pass on them.
Rage Against the Machine was a leading exponent of mid to late 1990's Rap Metal or Rap Rock. Not really a big fan of the genre, although they had some memorable songs and several friends were into them. Again, similar to Foo Fighters, many think they're too "new" to be indicted, but the genre was viable in that era so they should be at least considered.
Todd Rundgren was nominated a couple years back, and here he is again. While not as viable as his contemporaries of that era, he had has a formidable career. Starting with the Nazz, then some solo work with hits such as "I Saw the Light" and "Hello It's Me", then onwards to the hard rock Utopia, he is accomplished. But probably even more so, he made a mark as a producer, doing the honors for acts such as Grand Funk Railroad, Meat Loaf, Badfinger and the aforementioned New York Dolls. Definitely well deserved resume.
Tina Turner, like Dave Grohl, is already in the hall as half of Ike & Tina Turner, but here she is as a solo act. While perhaps, many do not consider her a rocker, she is definitely deserving. Her journey has taken her through rock and roll in many ways, starting from her role as the Acid Queen in the film version of The Who's Tommy, and then her 1980's hits should solidify her induction. A no brainer.
And finally, Dionne Warwick. Jersey girl from East Orange. I love Dionne and her many hits such as "Walk on By", "I Say A Little Prayer", "Don't Make Me Over" and "Do You Know the Way to San Jose", as well as her 1980's comeback with "Heartbreaker" and "That's What Friends are For". But she is more known as a MOR/Easy Listening balladeer which is probably further from rock and roll as you're going to get. I know her cousin is Whitney Houston and she's in, but I respectfully don't think Ms. Warwick is deserving of a Hall nod.
One more thought. I know we live in a diverse world and the list of nominees is very diverse. I don't advocate an induction class of just lily-white people, especially since the roots of rock and roll are immersed in black music. But, is including the likes of Mary J Blige, Dionne Warwick and such at the expense of rock-oriented artists like, say Living Colour, Lenny Kravitz or Fishbone justifiable? It's pretty much like saying that in say, 2035 would Drake get in before Gary Clark, Jr? Food for thought.
CURRENTLY: I am pretty much out of breath, so just a few words on the current SNS 100. Jade Bird's "Headstart" garners a second week at the top, still gaining a few points, and now with a decent-sized lead as both Elise Farnsworth's "Pixie Dust" and Bakar's "1st Time" (still the Triple-A #1) lose points. There is a big logjam in positions 2 thru 5 as Emily MacMahon's "Only Us" and Ariel Pink's "Crybaby" move up to 3 and 5 respectively although one point separates the four positions. And not far behind is Tinkers Lane's "Honey Honey" (9-6). And not that far behind are some big movers: Aaron Frazer's 'Over You" (15-10), Bryan Hansen Band's "Waiting For Tomorrow" (24-15), David F. Porfirio's "That Night On Bergenline Avenue" (31-14, Impact award), Frances Forever's 'Space Girl" (34-17), Surfer Blood's "Parkland (Into the Silence)" (33-22) and finally the Mover of the Week, Kings of Leon's "The Bandit" (44-28). After that, things calm down a bit.
"Headstart" is still a catchy tune for me, especially in the chorus and bridge, so it's a good bet that Jade Bird will maintain the top; however if she falters, it looks like "Only Us" has a legit shot. "Crybaby" is a bit too maudlin to make a run at the very top, but we'll see. And "Honey Honey" is definitely in contention in coming weeks as well.
Six new entries this week, headed by The Beths "Mars, The God of War". It's a power-pop, new wave-ish jaunt that this New Zealand band is noted for. nice guitar work on it The Weeknd's "Save Your Tears" is next, followed by another pop artist, Taylor Swift, with her first non holiday outing on my list in some time. That song, "Coney Island" features alt band The National, and is actually on some alternative and Triple-A. Interesting that Ms. Swift has appeared on a few charts that her recent work would suggest otherwise, I believe she has a song on the country chart (where she began) as well. While "Coney Island" has elements of her recent pop work, it's actually has influences of her fine, earlier works she trade vocals with the National's Matthew Berninger. Has a chance. Also added are the latest from New York City artist Two Feet, South African producer Black Coffee and New Englander Nothing Nowhere.
Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100 Playlist
February 7, 2021
This Week |
Last
Week |
ARTIST-Title |
Weeks
on List |
1 |
1 |
NUMBER ONE: (Single Only) (2 weeks at #1) |
12 |
2 |
2 |
12 |
|
3 |
4 |
6 |
|
4 |
3 |
13 |
|
5 |
6 |
5 |
|
6 |
9 |
6 |
|
7 |
8 |
8 |
|
8 |
5 |
11 |
|
9 |
7 |
8 |
|
10 |
15 |
5 |
|
11 |
11 |
9 |
|
12 |
12 |
17 |
|
13 |
14 |
11 |
|
14 |
31 |
TOP 20 IMPACT OF THE WEEK: "That Night on Bergenline Avenue" (Single Only) |
3 |
15 |
24 |
4 |
|
16 |
19 |
6 |
|
17 |
34 |
3 |
|
18 |
10 |
13 |
|
19 |
18 |
10 |
|
20 |
13 |
12 |
|
21 |
21 |
7 |
|
22 |
33 |
5 |
|
23 |
17 |
21 |
|
24 |
22 |
9 |
|
25 |
20 |
12 |
|
26 |
16 |
14 |
|
27 |
30 |
6 |
|
28 |
44 |
OVER OF THE WEEK: Album: When You See Yourself |
3 |
29 |
32 |
6 |
|
30 |
25 |
16 |
|
31 |
37 |
7 |
|
32 |
29 |
13 |
|
33 |
23 |
14 |
|
34 |
27 |
15 |
|
35 |
42 |
5 |
|
36 |
47 |
4 |
|
37 |
36 |
29 |
|
38 |
28 |
15 |
|
39 |
26 |
" (Single Only)13 |
|
40 |
51 |
3 |
|
41 |
45 |
15 |
|
42 |
43 |
6 |
|
43 |
57 |
4 |
|
44 |
39 |
22 |
|
45 |
46 |
9 |
|
46 |
52 |
4 |
|
47 |
35 |
12 |
|
48 |
50 |
5 |
|
49 |
38 |
23 |
|
50 |
55 |
5 |
|
51 |
60 |
3 |
|
52 |
74 |
2 |
|
53 |
56 |
5 |
|
54 |
76 |
2 |
|
55 |
62 |
4 |
|
56 |
40 |
13 |
|
57 |
59 |
5 |
|
58 |
69 |
3 |
|
59 |
48 |
16 |
|
60 |
41 |
12 |
|
61 |
49 |
10 |
|
62 |
71 |
3 |
|
63 |
61 |
18 |
|
64 |
66 |
6 |
|
65 |
67 |
10 |
|
66 |
54 |
18 |
|
67 |
75 |
3 |
|
68 |
58 |
19 |
|
69 |
84 |
2 |
|
70 |
82 |
2 |
|
71 |
86 |
2 |
|
72 |
--- |
TOP DEBUT: Album: Jump Rope Gazers |
1 |
73 |
53 |
11 |
|
74 |
63 |
20 |
|
75 |
73 |
4 |
|
76 |
80 |
3 |
|
77 |
--- |
1 |
|
78 |
88 |
2 |
|
79 |
--- |
1 |
|
80 |
64 |
22 |
|
81 |
65 |
21 |
|
82 |
--- |
1 |
|
83 |
81 |
12 |
|
84 |
--- |
Black Coffee ft. Maxine Ashley and Sun El Musician - You Need Me |
1 |
85 |
77 |
27 |
|
86 |
78 |
38 |
|
87 |
87 |
3 |
|
88 |
70 |
18 |
|
89 |
--- |
1 |
|
90 |
68 |
17 |
|
91 |
85 |
22 |
|
92 |
89 |
2 |
|
93 |
79 |
6 |
|
94 |
72 |
Christina Alessi & the Toll Collectors - Where the River Flows |
15 |
95 |
83 |
5 |
|
96 |
90 |
11 |
|
97 |
91 |
23 |
|
98 |
92 |
25 |
|
99 |
93 |
23 |
|
100 |
94 |
32 |
|
Songs with the greatest increase in
favorite points over the prior week. ●
Songs with
25 or more plays on iTunes/iPods ▲ Songs with 50 or more plays.
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