Scenes 'n' Soundwaves: Rihanna's Super Bowl Performance--Too Over the Top?; Pop n' Roll HOF Noms (SNS week of 2/12/2023)

LIFTING US UP?: Once upon a time, there was a big football game called the Super Bowl. It pits the champions of each pro football conference against each other in order to determine who wins the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Along the way, it became a national event in which house and bar parties abound, not bad when you realize it's held on a Sunday, when most people have to work the next day.

The large audiences for the game, on television in particular were record breaking, causing sponsors to place commercials during the game, which became a premium, and the ad agencies stepped up their game. People who weren't even into football would watch for the commercials alone which were much talked-about, and there have been many clever ones over the years.

Rihanna performs at the Super Bowl LVII half-time show at State Farm Stadium in Arizona.

But then it got to the point where these commercials were straining too hard to top prior years' ones, and pretty much became over the top, to the point where people didn't really care as much (well, at least I didn't). And then there's the halftime show.

Originally a glorified marching band show with groups like "Up With People", they started shifting to popular musical acts, especially when the powers that be realized that viewers would turn the channel during halftime as these networks would do alternative programming.....I remember the Fox network would put on a special edition of In Living Color, MTV would do Celebrity Deathmatch, and others would program things much more exciting than what was at the game. Hence, we had popular pop, rock and hip-hop acts taking precedence during halftime.

And, like those commercials, these shows tried to outdo prior ones, and the actual music would wind up being secondary to the choreography, to the point where it would overshadow the original purpose, be it to sell a product, in the ads case, or to hear the talents of whoever performed the halftime show.

And therein lies the problem with this year's edition, featuring pop and EDM star Rihanna.

I first want to start out saying that I like Rihanna. She is one of the better pop singers to emerge during the 21st century. She has 11 number one songs on Billboard. I first heard of her when her second single, "S.O.S.", which heavily samples "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell became her first chart topper, and then later, "Umbrella" was very catchy. "Russian Roulette" made it to #78 on my Top 100 of 2009, and she's had twelve blog entries, three of them hitting my top 20, two with Eminem, and her bluesy "Love on the Brain" which hit #1 on my blog in 2016. Artists like Drake and Paul McCartney have been featured on her songs.

So when it was announced that Rihanna was picked to perform at the halftime show, and the reaction from friends was completely negative, I felt so out of place. I felt as if whatever I wrote in my blog was completely ignored (and it was, as the two people who originally commented are not readers of it); still I felt "dissed".

Well, give them an award for their foresight, and even the postings from friends AFTER the show were overwhelmingly negative. No one at all liked the show, at least those that I know.

And they were right.

Yes, Rihanna is talented, but as I mentioned above, the halftime show has become all too much of a "spectacle" and not enough musical show. And as a result, her performance suffered. With platforms in mid-air (supported by wires stemming from the roof of the enclosed stadium), one of which featured Rihanna, along with hundreds of dancers, pretty much took away from any merit in her performance. While mainstream media will no doubt give her accolades, I was unimpressed. Forget the fact that among her medley didn't include my favorite, "Love on the Brain" (largely because it's a slow bluesy number that's against all the other songs she put in her medley), however, only two of my favorites, "Only Girl in the World", and "Umbrella" were performed. As for the others, meh (after all, not EVERY Rihanna song I like). But her performance suffered, and I'm sure standing on a platform hanging from the ceiling, surrounded by dancers, too many lights, and of course, the noisy crowd just screamed at you and detracted from the talents she has.

So, yes, I was disappointed as much as my other Facebook friends who tuned in. I'm sure much of the hate from many of them simply comes from the fact that her music came out after 1987, rather than her artistic merits. I just couldn't get into what she was singing. Blame the event, blame the venue if you must, but it wasn't the right way to view her artistry and showmanship.

Without a doubt, however, I'm sure in next week's Billboard Hot 100, her songs will sharply rise. Actually, her most recent single, "Life Me Up" moves 25 to 20 this week on the SNS 100, which is actually her blog follow-up to the aforementioned #1 "Love on the Brain".

HALL OF SHAME: I figured I'd at least offer my takes on this year's nominations, although at this point in time, the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame is some sort of joke. And it was pretty much more of the same with the 2023 noms.

Kate Bush
Sheryl Crow
Missy Elliott
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
Cyndi Lauper
George Michael
Willie Nelson
Rage Against the Machine
Soundgarden
The Spinners
A Tribe Called Quest
The White Stripes
Warren Zevon

At this point in time, do I really need to explain why much of these acts aren't considered "rock" when many of these other genres have already been inducted? Who am I to say some of these acts aren't deserving when many others of their ilk are already in. Thus, I will not comment on Missy Elliott or A Tribe Called Quest as to whether they should be in or not. Likewise, even Willie Nelson which seemed far-fetched until Dolly Parton got in last year, should be questioned.

Then again, what exactly is "rock and roll"? Is it not the same as "rock"? Does "rock and roll" actually mean contemporary pop music over the years, be it disco, hip-hop, pure pop? It reminds me of the lyrics of the 1974 number one pop song by Helen Reddy, "Angie Baby": "You live your life from the songs you hear on the rock 'n' roll radio". I'm sure the "special lady" Angie in the song wasn't listening to an album rock station in the song.

The purists no doubt will agree with Iron Maiden and Soundgarden, although I wonder if Maiden's contemporaries Judas Priest, which got in as part of a bizarre "sideman" award last year, will be Maiden's fate this year.

I do have favorites that I hope get in this year. I was a fan of New Order, although I wasn't too aware of Joy Division, in which they evolved from, but being a synth-pop fan of the late 80's, I knew enough of New Order's music. Some would say that both Cyndi Lauper and George Michael are too pop. Ms. Lauper, however, is deserving, even if you rigidly confine her credentials to rock-oriented music (listen to "Change of Heart" hit from her True Colors album and you'll know what I mean). And don't forget, she fronted the punkish rock band Blue Angel as well, so she belongs.

I also am rooting for Sheryl Crow, although I'm sure the "metal purists" will complain about her induction, but she is an awesome artist; then there are The White Stripes, the first of the 2000's-era "neo-garage" bands to be nominated. The duo's first album came out in 1998, thus are eligible for the first time. The rap on them is that they're "too new" and should wait until artists who have been waiting forever to get in. And I see Kate Bush has been nominated for the third year in a row. While I had complained two years ago that she isn't deserving largely because of my ignorance of all her U.K. success in the late 1970's and 1980s, thanks to her "Running Up That Hill" being revived due to Stranger Things (and a #1 blog hit and Billboard Top 3), it should be academic that she gets in.

The Spinners? If you consider the classic Motown groups that are in, then these guys are deserving (not to mention that this quintet were once with that label, although most of their success came on Atlantic in the 1970's. I will let fans of Warren Zevon, whose one big hit, "Werewolves of London", is what he is known for (okay, the title track from his album Excitable Boy merits consideration as well....and while we're at it, "Sentimental Hygiene" made my year-end list of 1987), determine if that is hall worthy.

And again, no rock bands with Blacks....where is Fishbone, Living Colour, Lenny Kravitz and Bad Brains? Is it just easier to just go the hip-hop route because those performers are more "well known?".

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is probably only good for music discussion, because it really shouldn't have any merit on who is worthy or not. The museum, which I had visited in 2010 is worth going to, however.

GOT IT RIGHT FOR A SECOND TIME: Rick Strickland and Lesa Hudson's "Got it Right (The First Time)" continues at #1 on the SNS 100 for a second week, lengthening its lead in the process. The song is rapidly climbing the beach music charts, including a #2 at 94.9 The Surf and #4 on Pat Gwinn's Beach Music Countdown. Stephen Sanchez's "Until I Found You" moves back up to #2, but drops down to #35 on the Billboard Hot 100. Miley Cyrus' "Flowers" moves up to #3 and remains on top of the Hot 100. Also strong is Bubba D. Liverance's "Ti Ta Ti Ta Ti Ta Ta" despite holding at #4. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs get its third SNS top 10--and first in almost ten years--with "Burning". Carly Pearce's 'What He Didn't Do", with the Impact award, and the aforementioned Rihanna song are the two new entities in the top 20. The Arcs' "Eyez", last week's Top Debut, grabs the Mover award in a 47-25 gain.

Six debuts this week, five of them by women or women-fronted bands. The Top Debut honors go to Tennis, and lead singer Alaina Moore, with "Let's Make a Mistake Tonight", following their "One Night With the Valet", currently at #6, both songs from the duo's new Pollen set. Another emotional indie-pop confection that is Tennis' specialty and should net them another blog hit. In the same style, sort of, is Caroline Rose's "Miami", rather folky and emotional, which should top the recent "Love/Lover/Friend" and put her back into her #1 blog hit "Jeannie Becomes a Mom" territory.

Another great song, and another new to SNS is "Say It Now", by Hannah Jadagu. This was recommended to me via Spotify because I liked Say She She. Well, this is another dynamic song. The song is on the legendary Sub Pop label which is still putting out great music thirty years after grunge. Ms. Jadagu has been described as "bedroom pop", supposedly because these songs are recorded in the bedroom. But great lo-fi production nonetheless, and I see this as a big blog hit, in a year that so far has had some great music. Arlo Parks delivers an emotional performance over a rather standard rhythmic section, but she does wonders with it, with "Weightless". Should definitely outperform the mid-charting "Softly". Wrapping up the debuts by women is "High Five" by Abby Sage. another blog newcomer with a soothing, ambience-filled sound which grows on you.

Finally, we have Starbuck, who made a comeback last year with the Top 3, "You're the Reason". The "band"...really the band's original leader Bruce Blackman....debuts with "I Love Doing Nothing". While different from "You're the Reason", this is still a good beach music song that even has Jimmy Buffett vibes to it. The moonlight still feels right for Mr. Blackman, for sure.

Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100 Playlist

February 12, 2023

This Week	Last Week	ARTIST-Title	Weeks on List
1	1	NUMBER ONE: RICK STRICKLAND and LESA HUDSON "Got it Right (The First Time)" (Single Only) (2 Weeks at #1)	4
2	3	Stephen Sanchez - Until I Found You	5
3	5	Miley Cyrus - Flowers	5
4	4	Rev. Bubba D. Liverance and the Cornhole Prophets - Ti Ta Ti Ta Ti Ta Ta	5
5	2	Say She She - Trouble	13
6	8	Tennis - One Night With the Valet	7
7	7	Blake Shelton - No Body	17
8	9	Deb Browning and Six Piece Suits - It Don't Get Better Than This	15
9	6	Local Natives - Just Before the Morning	11
10	14	Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Burning	4
11	12	Danielle Ponder - The Only Way Out	10
12	17	Ria Mae - The Old Me	5
13	10	King Tappa - 9 To 5	12
14	11	Sharon Van Etten - Mistakes	29
15	18	Young the Giant - The Walk Home	10
16	20	Lainey Wilson - Heart Like a Truck	10
17	16	The Weeknd - Die For You	15
18	15	Jennifer Cintron - Run	18
19	28	TOP 20 IMPACT OF THE WEEK: CARLY PEARCE "What He Didn't Do" Album: 29: Written in Stone	5
20	25	Rihanna - Lift Me Up	13
21	13	Maneskin - The Loneliest	12
22	19	Alvvays - Easy On Your Own	17
23	22	Deb Browning - 3 More Minutes●	36
24	30	The Heavy Heavy - Miles and Miles	4
25	47	MOVER OF THE WEEK: THE ARCS "Eyez" Album: Electrophonic Chronic	2
26	29	Dave Guetta and Bebe Rexha - I'm Good (Blue)	9
27	41	Gary Lowder and Smokin' Hot - Don't Let Her Go	3
28	21	Taylor Swift - Anti- Hero	13
29	43	Avril Lavigne ft. YUNGBLUD - I'm A Mess	3
30	27	Carolina Dreamers - Hey Girl Hey Boy	19
31	34	Juliet Callahan - Spotlight	5
32	38	K.Flay - It's Been So Long	5
33	24	Rick Strickland - You're the One For Me	16
34	26	Steve Lacy - Bad Habit	20
35	46	Tim Izzard - Walk the Walk	3
36	23	Giant Rooks - Morning Blue	11
37	31	Carolina Coast Band ft Rhonda McDaniel - The Thing About You●	30
38	54	Wet Leg - Angelica	2
39	39	Blink-182 - Edging	11
40	32	Keith Urban - Texas Time	13
41	42	Rosa Linn - Snap	5
42	55	I-42 Band - Atlantic Beach Days	3
43	60	Jenna Ren - Fools Gold	2
44	40	Elton John and Britney Spears -Hold Me Closer	18
45	50	Ava Max - Million Dollar Baby	4
46	49	The Moss - Insomnia	5
47	51	Meghan Trainor - Made You Look	4
48	33	Juliet Callahan - Burning	22
49	35	Santigold - Shake	10
50	48	Harry Styles - As It Was●	40
51	36	Starbuck -You're the Reason	19
52	53	Pink - Never Not Gonna Dance Again	11
53	37	Wet Leg - Wet Dream	15
54	45	Carolina Blue Dots - Cruzin' Down the Boulevard●	22
55	---	TOP DEBUT: TENNIS "Let's Make a Mistake Tonight" Album: Pollen	1
56	64	Sylvia Johns Ritchie - Lovin' My Blues Away	3
57	72	Death Cab For Cutie - Pepper	2
58	71	Donna Missal - Insecure	2
59	59	Lady Gaga- Bloody Mary	4
60	44	Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Drummer	7
61	63	The Heaterz - Don't Fault Me Baby	4
62	65	Carolina Blue Dots - New Shoes, Let's Go Dancing	3
63	69	Selena Gomez - My Mind and Me	4
64	75	Beyonce - Cuff It	4
65	76	Cigarettes After Sex - Pistol	2
66	78	Carolina Dreamers - Sugar Pie Baby	2
67	---	Caroline Rose - Miami	1
68	52	beabadoobee - 10:36	9
69	56	Mitski - Should've Been Me	14
70	74	Hozier - Swan Upon Leda	3
71	---	Hannah Jadagu - Say It Now	1
72	---	Arlo Parks - Weightless	1
73	57	Randy Clay Band - Carolina Night	18
74	68	Cole Swindell - She Had Me at Heads Carolina	16
75	---	Starbuck - I Love Doing Nothing	1
76	67	Rubblebucket - Geometry	5
77	---	Abby Sage - High Five	1
78	61	Doyle Wood and Sylvia Johns Ritchie - Not Tonight (I Have a Heartache)	20
79	73	Luke Combs - The Kind of Love We Make	15
80	79	Dijon - Many Times	3
81	80	Phoenix - Winter Solstice	3
82	66	Sam Hunt - 23	35
83	83	The Driver Era - Malibu	2
84	58	Caroline Rose - Love/Lover/Friend	9
85	70	Ryan Chatelain - Static	18
86	62	Taylor Swift ft. Lana Del Rey - Snow on the Beach	9
87	77	The Black Keys - It Ain't Over●	29
88	81	Scooter Lee - Shama Lama Ding Dong	15
89	84	OneRepublic - I Ain't Worried	22
90	86	Lesa Hudson - Breathless●	36
91	82	Lovelytheband - Sail Away	18
92	85	Wayne Free - Tequila On Ice	31
93	87	Steve Shouse - Back to 69	19
94	88	Deb Browning - Here Comes Amazon	11
95	94	Elizabeth Chan - Merry Merry	10
96	96	Deb Browning - All Over the World	9
97	90	The Holiday Band - Big Bad Batch of the Blues	12
98	95	Too Much Sylvia - It Still is Christmas	6
99	97	Lindsey Sterling - Joy to the World	9
100	98	Lauren Spencer Smith - Single on the 25th	8