The band hails from Louisville, Kentucky and has released albums since 1999. Several of their albums hit the Top 10 on the Billboard album chart. They've hit the top 10 on my blog playlist several times over the almost 12 years I've done this. They have even hit #1 on Billboard's alternative airplay chart with "Feel You". But today marks the band's first SNS number one song, as "In Color" sneaks into the top spot. The seven-minute bluesy jam, which harkens back to the likes of "Stairway to Heaven" as well as more recent songs like The Black Keys' "Weight of Love", just hit me by surprise. Perhaps because of the length, the song didn't make the alternative or Triple-A lists. And the first two tracks off of their ninth self-titled album, "Regularly Scheduled Programing" (#77), and "Love Love Love" (#33) made little noise here. It took a third track from the album to score at the top of the blog list.
My Morning Jacket, which replaces Deb Browning and Six Piece Suits' "Take Me By the Hand" at the top spot, just narrowly fends off another Deb Browning song, "3 More Minutes", which itself moves up to #2. "Take..." is #3. It should be a battle next week between Deb and My Morning Jacket, but don't discount Harry Styles' "As It Was", which moves to #5 this week. The song is still #1 on the Hot 100 for a seventh week, and also tops the pop and Hot AC lists. But the song also debuts on the alternative chart, and is top 20 at Triple-A. This is shaping up to be an across-the-board smash. The alternative and Triple-A positions are significant because many thought Styles' smash "Watermelon Sugar" should have been played on those formats; several speculated that since he was a member of the boy band One Direction, it cost him any sort of rock plays. "Watermelon Sugar" reached #4 on the Hot 100 and #6 here on SNS.
Another "My" group, New Jersey's My Chemical Romance reaches the top 10 as does The War on Drugs. It's the first top ten for My Chem, and the third for The War on Drugs.
BEACH INVASION CONTINUES: The story with the second ten, is the continuation of Carolina beach music on the list. Three more songs enter the top 20, spearheaded by The Main Event's cover of "Poor Side of Town", which features Sharon Hyler, garnering the Impact honors in a 23-11 move. If it moves into the top 10 next week, it will be the fifth remake of a sixties song to do so, and the second in eight months. Lesa Hudson, whose "Sunny Days" holds at #6 for a third week, has another top 20 as "Breathless" enters, as well as Terri Gore's "Summer's Gonna Last". Don Dixon, Jerry Powell & the Carnival Band, and Rick Strickland continue to bullet in that region, giving beach music nine entries in the top 20 this week.
LONG HILL RUNNIN': The biggest mover into the top 20, however, is the 35 year old "Running Up That Hill" by Kate Bush. The song retreats slightly on the Hot 100 dropping to #5 there, switching places with Lizzo's "About Damn Time" (38-30 here). But the song is advancing on many format charts, including alternative, Triple-A, and Hot AC (the Top Debut there), indicating that the song will be around for quite awhile. Here, the song moves 40-17 and grabs the Mover award.
 |
| Fitz and the Tantrums have the Top Debut with "Sway". The band has 12 number one blog hits, the most by any act. |
POP GO THE TANTRUMS: This band is the most successful ever on SNS, with 12 number ones, 8 other top 10's and three other top 20 songs, and this week they return with "Sway", the Top Debut at #46. I've talked a lot about this band over the years, which started out as a neo-soulful outfit, blowing me away with songs like "MoneyGrabber" which harkens back to soul/R&B circa 1970. Their debut album Picking Up the Pieces yielded that song and the title track as blog toppers, as well as four other top 20's. Then came More Than Just a Dream, which leaned a bit more pop but still had that soulful edge. Five songs from that album hit #1 one of only two albums to accomplish that (the other being ScreenAge's DNR, which did the trick last year). Two songs also hit #1 alternative, and one album cut, "6AM", which peaked at #3 here, stayed on the SNS 100 for a record 71 weeks.
But perhaps because Top 40 wasn't playing them, their third, self titled album, skewed more in a pop direction with the gimmicky "HandClap" the first single. Rock airplay decreased, but the band garnered more Hot AC play. Still, four songs from that album hit my top spot. All the Feels, their last album, released in 2019, garnered another blog #1, "123456", another similar poppy record. While the lyrics, as the album title suggests, are more emotional, they were set to a pop and EDM beat. Fitz (Michael Fitzpatrick) then released a solo song, "Head Up High", which reached #8 here and top 20 on the Hot AC chart, in 2020.
So, how is "Sway"?. Well, if you're a fan of the band's first two soul-filled albums, you're out of luck. If you like "HandClap" and "123456", well, "Sway" is up your alley. It's sugary pop, with mainly synth beats. It's catchy like their last two albums. Perhaps, the band is delivering another attempt to get lightning in a bottle, a status afforded recent rock bands like Glass Animals, Panic! at the Disco or Portugal. The Man., with an unlikely Hot 100 hit.
I'm sort of disappointed in their direction, especially given the plethora of beach music bands invading my list of late, a genre that also harkens back to the era of pure soul music. The band is currently touring with St. Paul and the Broken Bones (more on them later); recent dates included the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, and up in Rochester NY. My friends Chris Furlong and Patty Potter, who recently moved up there from Jersey, caught them in concert. While they were blown away by St. Paul, they were disappointed in the Tantrums' musical direction, seemingly becoming pure pop. The band has not used guitars for several years now, and Chris mentioned it was mostly synthesizers now, with the soul completely gone. He loved St. Paul, a band that I've followed for seven years (and two blog #1's--there are 14 blog toppers in that bill)...that band has a bit of soul and blues to it.
So, back to my thoughts on "Sway". Well, it's Top Debut position at #46 might tell the story. It's sugary pop, it's rhythmic....but it works. It's not the reason why I followed this band in the first place, but Fitzpatrick, with his voice, could sing the phone book and still be palatable. I've always been a sucker for pop music done at least with brains (i.e. not sparse, autotuned crap). It's an upbeat song, and the band in the video seems to be having a very good time. While rock airplay is probably off the table, this might do well on the Hot AC (Adult Top 40) chart. Will it hit #1 here? That all depends on future listens, but it does have a valid chance.
Fitz and the Tantrums will be in New York City at Summer Stage in Central Park on August 4. It appears, in this portion of the tour, however that Andy Grammer will be the opening act.
 |
| The Carolina Coast Band, featuring Rhonda McDaniel, lead the beach music releases this week with "The Thing About You" |
"Sway" heads a list of eight debuts this week. The second highest entry is another beach music song and group, "The Thing About You" by The Carolina Coast Band at #58. One listen to this song, which features Rhonda McDaniel on vocals, you'll know that songs like this are the reason why I got into beach music in the first place. Soulful, good times and upbeat vibe emanates from this one. This one has a sound that rises above many of the others. Any song that brings chills to you has to be awesome. This song should be Top Ten in no time. Beach music is currently hot on the SNS 100, this one will keep the momentum going.
The band formed in 2013 from several bands in the upstate of South Carolina, including member of an outfit called the Out-of-Towners Band. The members have combined over ninety years of experience. Ms. McDaniel joined the band in 2017 and she has been a Carolina Beach Music Association (CBMA) vocalist of the year.
Among the other debuts, I had mentioned St. Paul and the Broken Bones. I had pretty much forgotten about them, but with the visibility of touring with Fitz and the Tantrums, I added their recent single "Minotaur". I am glad I "rediscovered" them. This one is a slow, blues and soul infused song with the organ punctuating the delivery. This is one on a par, if not exceeding, their #1's "Call Me" (2014), and "Apollo" (2018), and a personal favorite "Like a Mighty River" (2015). Like the recent Curtis Harding and My Morning Jacket songs, I'll probably be alone on this one, but that's the reason why I have this blog chart, right?
Next is Metric, with "All Comes Crashing". The Canadian band is no stranger to my blog, garnering a #1 with 2012's "Youth Without Youth", as well as my #1 song of 2009, "Help I'm Alive". The band delivers their first album in four years, Formentera, due in early July. This one alternates between a light rock sound and a more rocking chorus, and Emily Haynes as usual, is in fine vocal form.
Back to beach music, it's hard to pick a Cat 5 Band single as they have so many releases out there. While I had added "Drive" a few weeks ago, "Want You In My Life" seems to be the song of choice on many lists, so I decided to go with this one. A little slower tempo, but the vocal is excellent and of course soulful (Are you getting the impression with most of these adds this week, that I prefer soulful songs?) .
Next up is Lucius, with "Dance Around It". While the band has been known in recent years for being featured on many artists' songs, this one, in turn has two heavyweights featured: Brandi Carlile and Sheryl Crow. A more lightweight pop beat but the two guests blend in nicely with the rest of the band. While I prefer earlier stuff like "Hey Doreen", this one could catch on.
Post Malone is a successful pop and hip-hop artist and as such, hasn't made my blog chart at all, but when a slew of songs debuted last week on the Hot 100 that included "Love/Hate Letter To Alcohol" featuring blog faves Fleet Foxes, well, I had to take notice, especially with the unlikely pairing. The song has the Fleets stamp all over it, and it is a successful melding of both acts' styles. The Foxes have been faves for 13 years, thus Malone could be coat tailing up the chart. Thanks to Post Malone, this is the first time that the Fleets have been on the big chart.
Finally, we have the French group Phoenix. noted for songs like "1901", "Lisztomania" and their 2013 blog #1, "Trying to Be Cool". "Alpa Zulu" takes a few listens to get used to, but the potential is there, and it is already charting on alternative.
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| Metuchen's Sarah Teti, performed an acoustic set at the Gladstone Tavern, then joined the local rock band Jivestock at a club in Metuchen. |
SARAH SMILE: Finally, I want to mention my friend Sarah Teti, who my wife and I saw play for the first time this past Friday at the Gladstone Tavern, a bar/restaurant in Peapack & Gladstone, NJ about a half hour from my house. She played several acoustic sets there. Sarah, then billed as Sarah Jean had released a couple of albums with local studio outfit The Hounds of Winter, circa 2009-2011, and scored three blog hits, including the #3 "Hometown" from 2011. She had stopped recording and performing for a while, as she started a family with her husband, but during the last couple of years, she got back out there performing once again. While she mainly does covers, she started writing again, completing one original song. One hopes she can do a full album again.
While I enjoyed her music (we caught two sets at the Gladstone Tavern), what caused me to really take notice was that apparently later the same night, she performed a song on stage with a local rock band Jivestock, at a club Hailey's in her current hometown of Metuchen, proving she is, indeed versatile in her music.
Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100 Playlist
June 19, 2022 (Week ending June 25)
|
This
Week |
Last
Week |
ARTIST-Title |
Weeks
on List |
|
1 |
2 |
NUMBER ONE:  "In Color" Album: My Morning Jacket |
10 |
|
2 |
3 |
7 |
|
|
3 |
1 |
14 |
|
|
4 |
4 |
11 |
|
|
5 |
7 |
11 |
|
|
6 |
6 |
10 |
|
|
7 |
5 |
11 |
|
|
8 |
12 |
5 |
|
|
9 |
13 |
7 |
|
|
10 |
11 |
10 |
|
|
11 |
23 |
TOP 20 IMPACT OF THE WEEK:  THE MAIN EVENT BAND featuring SHARON HYLER (Single Only) |
4 |
|
12 |
8 |
15 |
|
|
13 |
17 |
Jerry Powell and The Carnival Band ft. Dave Sandy - Merry-Go-Round |
6 |
|
14 |
14 |
10 |
|
|
15 |
20 |
13 |
|
|
16 |
19 |
7 |
|
|
17 |
40 |
MOVER OF THE WEEK:  Albums: Hounds of Love / Stranger Things:Music From the Original Netflix Series, Season 4 |
2 |
|
18 |
25 |
7 |
|
|
19 |
9 |
12 |
|
|
20 |
27 |
5 |
|
|
21 |
16 |
14 |
|
|
22 |
10 |
9 |
|
|
23 |
15 |
21 |
|
|
24 |
18 |
14 |
|
|
25 |
28 |
7 |
|
|
26 |
29 |
18 |
|
|
27 |
35 |
4 |
|
|
28 |
21 |
16 |
|
|
29 |
30 |
27 |
|
|
30 |
38 |
3 |
|
|
31 |
33 |
9 |
|
|
32 |
22 |
12 |
|
|
33 |
42 |
4 |
|
|
34 |
24 |
17 |
|
|
35 |
26 |
15 |
|
|
36 |
32 |
15 |
|
|
37 |
37 |
7 |
|
|
38 |
43 |
5 |
|
|
39 |
36 |
12 |
|
|
40 |
41 |
11 |
|
|
41 |
39 |
15 |
|
|
42 |
31 |
16 |
|
|
43 |
46 |
5 |
|
|
44 |
63 |
2 |
|
|
45 |
47 |
6 |
|
|
46 |
--- |
TOP DEBUT:  "Sway" (Single Only) |
1 |
|
47 |
54 |
5 |
|
|
48 |
45 |
9 |
|
|
49 |
34 |
10 |
|
|
50 |
70 |
2 |
|
|
51 |
53 |
6 |
|
|
52 |
58 |
4 |
|
|
53 |
59 |
4 |
|
|
54 |
51 |
10 |
|
|
55 |
60 |
4 |
|
|
56 |
65 |
4 |
|
|
57 |
44 |
8 |
|
|
58 |
--- |
Carolina Coast Band ft Rhonda McDaniel - The Thing About You |
1 |
|
59 |
62 |
12 |
|
|
60 |
74 |
Winnetka Bowling League & The Knocks - I Like
to Hide in the Bathroom at Parties |
3 |
|
61 |
49 |
24 |
|
|
62 |
64 |
6 |
|
|
63 |
80 |
3 |
|
|
64 |
48 |
21 |
|
|
65 |
76 |
3 |
|
|
66 |
78 |
5 |
|
|
67 |
87 |
3 |
|
|
68 |
52 |
14 |
|
|
69 |
83 |
4 |
|
|
70 |
50 |
16 |
|
|
71 |
73 |
6 |
|
|
72 |
97 |
2 |
|
|
73 |
86 |
3 |
|
|
74 |
82 |
19 |
|
|
75 |
56 |
8 |
|
|
76 |
57 |
6 |
|
|
77 |
77 |
41 |
|
|
78 |
55 |
9 |
|
|
79 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
80 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
81 |
90 |
5 |
|
|
82 |
68 |
16 |
|
|
83 |
96 |
3 |
|
|
84 |
100 |
2 |
|
|
85 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
86 |
61 |
11 |
|
|
87 |
67 |
7 |
|
|
88 |
69 |
6 |
|
|
89 |
81 |
8 |
|
|
90 |
98 |
3 |
|
|
91 |
---- |
1 |
|
|
92 |
79 |
20 |
|
|
93 |
99 |
2 |
|
|
94 |
66 |
13 |
|
|
95 |
89 |
20 |
|
|
96 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
97 |
72 |
15 |
|
|
98 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
99 |
71 |
14 |
|
|
100 |
88 |
17 |
Tremors:
101. Delbert McClinton - "One Scotch, One Burbon, One Beer"
102. Chicago, "If This is Goodbye"
|
|
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.
TREMORS: Songs which have steady or increasing points but not enough to chart on the SNS 100.
