Another very late blog, but definitely newsworthy.
When I started doing this blog back in August 2010, it was pretty much to feature new artists in the alternative, pop and other genres, with a mix of new songs by classic acts. But, I never would have believed that both the Rolling Stones and The Beatles would reside on my SNS 100---in November of 2023 no less.
But that is what is happening. The two principal acts of the original 1960's British Invasion are indeed on my chart. The Stones' new single, "Angry" moves into the top 10 this week. While that, of course is a big accomplishment for a band that has been around over 60 years, in a sense, it isn't really unusual. While that band is down to two original members, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and another member who has been with the band for almost 50 years, Ronnie Wood, they have been consistently active in one way or another, with their touring and occasional recording. And it was just three years ago that their pandemic-themed song, "Living In A Ghost Town", hit the #1 spot on the SNS 100.
 |
| "Now and Then", the "new" song by The Beatles, taken from a John Lennon demo from 1977, have the Top Debut at #39. |
But it's the Top Debut this week that is making news. That would be the #39 entry of "Now And Then", by The Beatles. Yes, the "Fab Four", with a "new" song, which also has the top spot on the iTunes chart as well.
But wait a minute! John Lennon and George Harrison have passed, in 1980 and 2001, respectively. And yes, while many bands are still active even with just one member alive and/or still performing, it really wouldn't be fair for works by the surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to perform as The Beatles. It's not the same.
Of course, "Now and Then" isn't really a new song, but one that was recorded by John Lennon in the 1977 with just him and his piano onto to a cassette tape. The band had broken up in 1970, thus anything done by its members would qualify as being in their solo careers, post break-up.
But the story of "Now and Then" goes back to the early 1990's, when Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, gave permission to Paul, George and Ringo for the rights to a few Lennon demos, sent to them via that cassette tape. Among them were "Free As a Bird", "Real Love", and "Now and Then". A fourth song, "Grow Old With Me" was also included but the surviving three saw it unfit to use. The three surviving members were starting a three-volume "Anthology" project with various outtakes and unreleased gems. They had the idea to take Lennon's demo songs and dress them up with the other three's work to create a complete song. Jeff Lynne, of Electric Light Orchestra fame, and who had worked with Harrison on his Cloud Nine solo album as well as partnering in The Traveling Wilburys, produced the new tracks.
"Free As a Bird" was released as a "new" Beatles single in 1995, and peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and made my year-end list that year at #28. Still, it was strange to see a Beatles single on the chart among the hip-hop, alternative, smooth R&B and others on that chart, and it had a short chart life compared to the Mariah Careys, Boyz II Men and similar artists. There were concerns and complaints that because of the rawness and crudeness of John's vocals, in contrast with the clear vocals of McCartney, that it wasn't a balanced work.
In early 1996, the second Anthology volume was released, which contained "Real Love". That one peaked at #11 on the Hot 100. The contrast between John's vocals and the other three's input was a little better but not much.
That came to a head when the third Anthology volume was being prepared. "Now and Then" was supposed to be included here, but the roughness of the demo was just too much to try and improve. In fact, Harrison, although contributing his portion in the song, stated that this was just "rubbish", and the plan was scuttled.
During the next twenty years, there were reports that McCartney and Starr would still work on "Now and Then" and release it. Since Harrison died in 2001, it was just Paul and Ringo left. By 2020, there was very much advanced technology available, which motivated McCartney to take another crack at the project. Thanks to AI, he was able to separate Lennon's vocals from the piano (impossible to do with a cassette tape) and to enhance John's voice to make it louder and clearer, avoiding the issues with the prior demos. This new technology had been recently used on other Fab Four projects including a new version of the Revolver album, and the recent documentary Get Back. Giles Martin, the son of famed Beatles producer George Martin, helmed the production chores.
Live input from McCartney and Starr, but a guitar passage from Harrison from back in the mid-1990's (assisted by a new slide guitar section by McCartney in the style of Harrison) was added, and the song became finished. It was released on November 2, later in the blog tracking week to make it to the #39 position on the SNS 100. It also landed on the Triple-A chart. As for the Hot 100 it's too soon to tell where it will wind up. The chart dated November 11 only includes sales and airplay action up to November 2, and it Bubbled Under at #105 with just one day of sales, so the November 18 chart would be the telltale sign.
"Now and Then", indicated as the "final" Beatles single, was released with an enhanced version of the band's FIRST ever single, "Love Me Do". "Now and Then" has been added as the final song on the 1967-1970, aka the "Blue Album", after "The Long and Winding Road", while "Love Me Do", in its new production replaces the old version on the "Red Album" (1962-1966).
Of course, critical opinion has varied on "Now and Then". While many say it's a good song, it's far short of what you'd expect from The Beatles. I love it, and perhaps even better than "The Long and Winding Road", and because it's decades later, it's a somber tearjerker, and a great ending to the greatest band of all time. In my opinion, it's perfectly done, the production is top notch.
SNS 100: Meanwhile, Fall Out Boy logs a fifth week at the top with their much-maligned cover of Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire". That ties "Got It Right (The First Time)" by Rick Stickland and Lesa Hudson for the longest reign at #1 this year. The song just beats out Starbuck's "On the Sand" which nonetheless advances 4-2. Dropping a notch each are SZA's "Snooze" and Black Pumas' "More Than A Love Song". Pepper moves up a notch to #5 with "Get Me Ready".
Lots of entries in both the Top 10 and Top 20. Four new entries in the 7 to 10 positions, headed by Roselle Park's Charlotte Sessions' "Should I Be The Man" (13-7), the aforementioned Stones' "Angry" (12-8), Deer Tick's "Forgiving Ties" (11-9) and "Desire" by Cannons (15-10). New to the Top 20 are the Impact winner, Carolina Blue Dots' "Under the Moonlight" (23-15), Orbis Max's "I Think It Was Over" (29-16), while Christina Cooper Black, Beabadoobee, and Doja Cat also make impressive moves in the region.
Other movers further down include Everybody Loves an Outlaw's "I See Red" (38-22), Blonde Redhead's 'Snowman" (49-37) and last week's Top Debut (and this week's Mover), Winnetka Bowling League's "Breakfast For Dinner" (60-46).
NEWBIES: Aside from The Beatles, entering the chart this week include Iration's follow-up to the #1 "Daytrippin'", "Last Night", (not the Morgan Wallen song), which features Maxi Priest of "Close to You" (not the Carpenters song) and "Wild World" (yes, the Cat Stevens song) fame. Priest is also a reggae artist of Jamaican descent, so the collaboration is an awesome one. A nice laid-back reggae beat starts it off, with awesome vocals. Should be another winner.
With Orbis Max once again rolling up the chart, the other Internet band, Einsteins Dad debuts with "Rolling Indie", from the outfits latest album Red is Blue. The track was recommended to me by leader Steve Shouse. Regulars Richard Bradley and Mario Licata return, and it appears that Kev Zad has replaced Daniele Silvestri on the drums. It was another instrumental, "Here To Home" that landed Shouse and company their first blog chart topper. This one has a different texture, with great guitar work and vaguely reminiscent of some of David F. Porfirio's work. It's an easy-going song but one worth listening to.
Speaking of Orbis Max, the co-vocalist on that band's huge blog hit, "R U OK", Lisa Mychols, debuts with her regular band The High Frequencies, with "Eleven". While "R U OK" was very sentimental, "Eleven" is an awesome hard rocker, with Ms. Mychols with a tough vocal that couldn't be more different than the Orbis song.
U2 is back with "Atomic City". The band, which has been noted for changing styles over the year, seems to still be relevant, and the track is top 5 on Triple-A and Top 20 on the Alternative chart. Say what you want about Bono and company, but this is a nice bouncy rock song and has potential. It echos back to some of the classics of the past. The quartet hasn't had a big blog hit (its best was "Invisible", #24 in 2014). The chorus sounds a bit like Blondie's "Call Me" which is a nice way to sound, but the song is more than that.
Brittany Howard steps out from Alabama Shakes with her solo effort "What Now". Don't expect a blues outing; this is a funky chugger that doesn't let up at all. Difference and distinctive enough from her work with the Shakes. Mitski returns with "My Love Mine All Mine". This one is a change of pace, an ambience-filled ballad that sounds a bit like Molly Burch at times or a female John Lennon. Dreamy enough and should equal her #3 blog hit from last year, "The Only Heartbreaker".
David Kushner has his first blog song with "Daylight". With a deep and somber voice accompanied by piano and ambience, could make some noise. The song sounds a bit like Hozier which should enhance its chances. It's already #8 on the Alternative chart. Finally, we have The Maine, a band from......Arizona (and the band Phoenix is from France...go figure). The band has been around since 2007. The song is "Blame" which sounds at times like R.E.M.'s "It's the End of the World As We Know It", and other times it's not. Could click.
Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100 Playlist
October 29, 2023
|
This Week |
Last Week |
ARTIST-Title |
Weeks on List |
|
1 |
1 |
NUMBER ONE:  Album: So Much (for) Stardust (Deluxe Edition) (5 Weeks at #1) |
10 |
|
2 |
4 |
9 |
|
|
3 |
2 |
15 |
|
|
4 |
3 |
8 |
|
|
5 |
6 |
10 |
|
|
6 |
5 |
14 |
|
|
7 |
13 |
8 |
|
|
8 |
12 |
6 |
|
|
9 |
11 |
9 |
|
|
10 |
15 |
8 |
|
|
11 |
7 |
13 |
|
|
12 |
8 |
11 |
|
|
13 |
9 |
18 |
|
|
14 |
18 |
9 |
|
|
15 |
23 |
TOP 20 IMPACT OF THE WEEK:  Album: Those Summer Days |
4 |
|
16 |
29 |
3 |
|
|
17 |
20 |
11 |
|
|
18 |
25 |
5 |
|
|
19 |
27 |
6 |
|
|
20 |
26 |
7 |
|
|
21 |
24 |
12 |
|
|
22 |
38 |
3 |
|
|
23 |
14 |
Gary Lowder and Smokin' Hot ft.
Bridger Warlick - Picture of You |
13 |
|
24 |
32 |
6 |
|
|
25 |
16 |
13 |
|
|
26 |
10 |
14 |
|
|
27 |
17 |
10 |
|
|
28 |
19 |
12 |
|
|
29 |
21 |
23 |
|
|
30 |
31 |
17 |
|
|
31 |
33 |
8 |
|
|
32 |
41 |
6 |
|
|
33 |
30 |
9 |
|
|
34 |
34 |
16 |
|
|
35 |
37 |
10 |
|
|
36 |
28 |
16 |
|
|
37 |
49 |
4 |
|
|
38 |
36 |
7 |
|
|
39 |
--- |
TOP DEBUT:  Album: 1967-1970 (Deluxe Edition) |
1 |
|
40 |
45 |
5 |
|
|
41 |
22 |
10 |
|
|
42 |
39 |
30 |
|
|
43 |
46 |
7 |
|
|
44 |
35 |
20 |
|
|
45 |
40 |
11 |
|
|
46 |
60 |
MOVER OF THE WEEK:  (Single Only) |
2 |
|
47 |
48 |
7 |
|
|
48 |
56 |
4 |
|
|
49 |
52 |
7 |
|
|
50 |
55 |
7 |
|
|
51 |
44 |
9 |
|
|
52 |
43 |
Marlisa Kay Small and Jerry
Thomas West - Love Really Hurts Without You● |
25 |
|
53 |
63 |
3 |
|
|
54 |
54 |
32 |
|
|
55 |
42 |
Sir Prize and the Twomorrow
Knightz - Automatic Satin Circus |
17 |
|
56 |
53 |
19 |
|
|
57 |
51 |
22 |
|
|
58 |
68 |
3 |
|
|
59 |
58 |
8 |
|
|
60 |
59 |
6 |
|
|
61 |
47 |
14 |
|
|
62 |
50 |
13 |
|
|
63 |
62 |
4 |
|
|
64 |
66 |
5 |
|
|
65 |
70 |
3 |
|
|
66 |
64 |
8 |
|
|
67 |
65 |
5 |
|
|
68 |
57 |
26 |
|
|
69 |
74 |
16 |
|
|
70 |
83 |
3 |
|
|
71 |
86 |
2 |
|
|
72 |
67 |
8 |
|
|
73 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
74 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
75 |
61 |
18 |
|
|
76 |
77 |
4 |
|
|
77 |
92 |
2 |
|
|
78 |
95 |
2 |
|
|
79 |
96 |
2 |
|
|
80 |
85 |
3 |
|
|
81 |
90 |
2 |
|
|
82 |
72 |
22 |
|
|
83 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
84 |
87 |
4 |
|
|
85 |
69 |
17 |
|
|
86 |
88 |
4 |
|
|
87 |
94 |
3 |
|
|
88 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
89 |
71 |
10 |
|
|
90 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
91 |
75 |
7 |
|
|
92 |
81 |
7 |
|
|
93 |
89 |
John Cafferty and the Beaver
Brown Band - Send A Little Message To You |
3 |
|
94 |
76 |
16 |
|
|
95 |
84 |
The Main Event Band ft. Sharon
Woodruff - Love Makes The World Go Round |
26 |
|
96 |
97 |
2 |
|
|
97 |
78 |
19 |
|
|
98 |
100 |
2 |
|
|
99 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
100 |
80 |
11 |
Tremors:
101. David Kushner, "Daylight"
102. The Maine, "Blame"
103. Death Cab For Cutie, "An Arrow In the Wall"
Tremors:
Songs which have steady or increasing points but not enough to chart on the SNS
100.
▲Song garnered most plays
on Spotify, for the month, with a
superscript following the symbol if most played for multiple months ● Song
among top 5 most plays on Spotify.
Awards given during the last blog of each month. To qualify, the song must be currently or
have peaked in the top 40.
Songs
on the SNS 100 are included on the following public Spotify playlists
Scenes
‘n’ Soundwaves Top 40: Contains songs in positions 1-40 on the SNS
100
Scenes
Up and Coming: Songs below #40 that are moving up the chart.
Scenes
Recurrents: Songs which have
dropped below the top 40 but are still on the SNS 100
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